at three o’clock a heavy shower made every one fear for a short while that the evening might end badly.  “Afternoon shower making its obeisance,” as the proverb says; but, on the contrary, this only made the fete pleasanter, by refreshing the scorching air of August, and laying the dust which was most disagreeable.  At six o’clock the sun had reappeared, and the summer of 1811 had no softer or more agreeable evening.

All the outlines of the architecture of the Grand Trianon were ornamented with lamps of different colors.  In the gallery could be seen six hundred women, brilliant with youth and adornments; and the Empress addressed gracious words to several among them, and all were charmed by the cordial and affable manners of a young princess who had lived in France only fifteen months.

At this fete, as at all the fetes of the Empire, there were not wanting poets to sing praises of those in whose honor they were given.  There was a play which had been composed for the occasion, the author of which I remember perfectly was M. Alissan de Chazet; but I have forgotten the title.  At the end of the piece, the principal artists of the opera executed a ballet which was considered very fine.  When the play was over, their Majesties commenced a promenade in the park of the Petit-Trianon, the Emperor, hat in hand, giving his arm to the Empress, and being followed by all his court.  They first visited the Isle of Love, and found all the enchantments of fairyland and its illusions there united.  The temple, situated in the midst of the lake, was splendidly. illuminated, and the water reflected its columns of fire.  A multitude of beautiful boats furrowed this lake, which seemed on fire, manned by a swarm of Cupids, who appeared to sport with each other in the rigging.  Musicians concealed on board played melodious airs; and this harmony, at once gentle and mysterious, which seemed to spring from the bosom of the waves, added still more to the magic of the picture and the charms of the illusion.  To this spectacle succeeded scenes of another kind, taken from rural life,—­a Flemish living picture, with its pleasant-faced, jolly people, and its rustic ease; and groups of inhabitants from every province of France, giving an impression that all parts of the Empire were convened at this fete.  In fine, a wonderful variety of attractions in turn arrested the attention of their Majesties.  Arrived at the saloon of Polhymnie, they were welcomed by a charming choir, the music composed, I think, by Paer, and the words by the same M. Alissan de Chazet.  At last, after a magnificent supper, which was served in the grand gallery, their Majesties retired at one o’clock in the morning.

There was only one opinion in this immense assembly as to the grace and perfect dignity of Marie Louise.  This young princess was really charming, but with peculiarities rather than traits of character.  I recall some occurrences in her domestic life which will not be without interest to the reader.