“Would you believe, my dear friend, that the persons to whom I made these candid protestations laughed at my credulity?  They told me that after the conversation in which the Emperor had so cordially pressed my hand.  I had scarcely taken leave of him when he was heard to say that I had made a great display of my learning to him, and that he had humoured me like a child.  He wished to inspire me with full confidence so as to put me off my guard; and I know for a certainty that he had the design of arresting me.

“But,” pursued Bernadotte, “in spite of the feeling of animosity which I know the Emperor has cherished against me since the 18th Brumaire, I do not think, when once I shall be in Sweden, that he will wish to have any differences with the Swedish Government.  I must tell you, also be has given me 2,000,000 francs in exchange for my principality of Ponte-Corvo.  Half the sum has been already paid, which will be very useful to me in defraying the expenses of my journey and installation.  When I was about to step into my carriage to set off, an individual, whom you must excuse me naming, came to bid me farewell, and related to me a little conversation which had just taken place at the Tuileries.  Napoleon said to the individual in question, ’Well, does not the Prince regret leaving France?’—­’Certainly, Sire.’—­’As to me, I should have been very glad if he had not accepted his election.  But there is no help for it . . . .  He does not like me.’—­’Sire, I must take the liberty of saying that your Majesty labours under a mistake.  I know the differences which have existed between you and General Bernadotte for the last six years.  I know how he opposed the overthrow of the Directory; but I also know that the Prince has long been sincerely attached to you.’—­’Well, I dare say you are right.  But we have not understood each other.  It is now too late.  He has his interests and his policy, and I have mine.’”

“Such,” added the Prince, “were the Emperor’s last observations respecting me two hours before my departure.  The individual to whom I have just alluded, spoke truly, my dear Bourrienne.  I am indeed sorry to leave France; and I never should have left it but for the injustice of Bonaparte.  If ever I ascend the throne of Sweden I shall owe my crown to his ill-treatment of me; for had he not persecuted me by his animosity my condition would have sufficed for a soldier of fortune:  but we must follow our fate.”

During the three days the Prince spent with me I had many other conversations with him.  He wished me to give him my advice as to the course he should pursue with regard to the Continental system.  “I advise you,” said I, “to reject the system without hesitation.  It may be very fine in theory, but it is utterly impossible to carry it into practice, and it will, in the end, give the trade of the world to England.  It excites the dissatisfaction of our allies, who, in spite of themselves,