The Marshals returned to Paris as soon as Napoleon furnished them with new powers; Caulaincourt remained at Fontainebleau.  On arriving in Paris Marshal Ney sent in his adhesion to the Provisional Government, so that when Macdonald returned to Fontainebleau to convey to Napoleon the definitive treaty of the Allies, Ney did not accompany him, and the Emperor expressed surprise and dissatisfaction at his absence.  Ney, as all his friends concur in admitting, expended his whole energy in battle, and often wanted resolution when out of the field, consequently I was not surprised to find that he joined us before some other of his comrades.  As to Macdonald, he was one of those generous spirits who may be most confidently relied on by those who have wronged them.  Napoleon experienced the truth of this.  Macdonald returned alone to Fontainebleau, and when he entered the Emperor’s chamber he found him seated in a small armchair before the fireplace.  He was dressed in a morning-gown of white dimity, and he wore his slippers without stockings.  His elbows rested on his knees and his head was supported by his hands.  He was motionless, and seemed absorbed in profound reflection.  Only two persons were in the apartment, the Duke of Bassano; who was at a little distance from the Emperor, and Caulaincourt, who was near the fireplace.  So profound was Napoleon’s reverie that he did not hear Macdonald enter, and the Duke of Vicenza was obliged to inform him of the Marshal’s presence.  “Sire,” said Caulaincourt, “the Duke of Tarantum has brought for your signature the treaty which is to be ratified to-morrow.”  The Emperor then, as if roused from a lethargic slumber, turned to Macdonald, and merely said, “Ah, Marshal! so you are here!” Napoleon’s countenance was so altered that the Marshal, struck with the change, said, as if it were involuntarily, “Is your Majesty indisposed?”—­“Yes,” answered Napoleon, “I have passed a very bad night.”

The Emperor continued seated for a moment, then rising, he took the treaty, read it without making any observation, signed it, and returned it to the Marshal, saying; “I am not now rich enough to reward these last services.”—­“Sire, interest never guided my conduct.”—­“I know that, and I now see how I have been deceived respecting you.  I also see the designs of those who prejudiced me against you.”—­“Sire, I have already told you, since 1809 I am devoted to you in life and death.”—­“I know it.  But since I cannot reward you as I would wish, let a token of remembrance, inconsiderable though it be, assure you that I shall ever bear in mind the services you have rendered me.”  Then turning to Caulaincourt Napoleon said, “Vicenza, ask for the sabre which was given me by Murad Bey in Egypt, and which I wore at the battle of Mount Thabor.”  Constant having brought the sabre, the Emperor took it from the hands of Caulaincourt and presented it to the Marshal “Here, my faithful friend,” said he, “is a reward which I believe will gratify