merely the result of moderation and strength.  ‘Rest assured,’ I added, ’and repeat to your associates, that while I hold the reins of authority there will be neither chance nor salvation for those who dare to conspire against me:  How he conformed to this injunction the event has shown.  Real told me that when Moreau and Georges found themselves in the presence of Pichegru they could not come to any understanding, because Georges would not act against the Bourbons.  Well, he had a plan, but Moreau had none; he merely wished for my overthrow, without having formed any ulterior views whatever.  This showed that he was destitute of even common sense.  Apropos, Bourrienne, have you seen Corvisart?”—­“Yes, Sire.”—­“Well!” “He delivered to me the message with which you entrusted him.”—­“And Desmaisons!—­I wager that you have not spoken to him in conformity to my wishes.”—­” Sire, the estimation in which I hold Desmaisons deterred me from a course so injurious to him; for in what other light could he have considered what I should have said to him?  I have never visited at his house since the commencement of the trial.”—­“Well! well!  Be prudent and discreet, I shall not forget you.”  He then waved a very gracious salute with his hand, and withdrew into his cabinet.

The Emperor had detained me more than an hour.  On leaving the audience-chamber I passed through the outer salon, where a number of individuals were waiting; and I perceived that an observance of etiquette was fast gaining ground, though the Emperor had not yet adopted the admirable institution of Court Chamberlains.

I cannot deny that I was much gratified with my reception; besides I was beginning to be weary of an inactive life, and was anxious to obtain a place, of which I stood in great need, from the losses I had sustained and the unjust resumption which Bonaparte had made of his gifts.  Being desirous to speak of Napoleon with the strictest impartiality, I prefer drawing my conclusions from those actions in which I had no personal concern.  I shall therefore only relate here, even before giving an account of my visit to the Empress on leaving the audience-chamber, the former conduct of Napoleon towards myself and Madame de Bourrienne, which will justify the momentary alarm with which I was seized when summoned to the Tuileries, and the satisfaction I felt at my reception.  I had a proof of what Rapp said of the Emperor being in good-humour, and was flattered by the confidential manner in which he spoke to me concerning some of the great political secrets of his Government.  On seeing me come out Rapp observed, “You have had a long audience.”—­“Yes, not amiss;” and this circumstance procured for me a courtly salutation from all persons waiting in the antechamber.’