M. Fontaine replied that the plan was very feasible, but that it would require three or four millions.

The Emperor then seemed to abandon this idea, and turning his attention to the garden of the Tuileries, perhaps in consequence of the conspiracy of General Malet,gave orders to arrange all the entrances to the palace so that the same key might serve for all the locks; “and this key,” his Majesty added, “should be put in charge of the grand marshal after the doors were closed for the night.”

A few days after this conversation with M. Fontaine, the Emperor sent to him and M. Costaz the following note, a copy of which fell into my hands.  His Majesty had that morning visited the buildings of Chaillot.

   “There is yet ample time to discuss the construction of the palace
   for the King of Rome.

   I do not wish to be led into foolish expenditures; I should like a
   palace not so large as Saint-Cloud, but larger than the Luxemburg.

I wish to be able to occupy it after the sixteenth million has been expended; then it will be a practicable affair.  But if a more expensive building is attempted, it will result like the Louvre, which has never been finished.

   The parks are first to be considered, their boundaries determined
   and inclosed.

   I wish this new palace to be somewhat handsomer than the Elysee; and
   although that cost less than eight millions, it is one of the most
   beautiful palaces of Paris.

That of the King of Rome will rank next to the Louvre, which is itself a magnificent palace.  It will be, so to speak, only a country seat for one residing in Paris, for of course the winters would be passed at the Louvre or the Tuileries.

I can with difficulty believe that Saint-Cloud cost sixteen millions.  Before inspecting the plan, I wish it to be carefully examined and discussed by the committee on buildings, so that I may have the assurance that the sum of sixteen millions will not be exceeded.  I do not wish an ideal residence, but one constructed for my own enjoyment, and not for the pleasure of the architect alone.  Finishing the Louvre will suffice for his glory; and when the plan is once adopted, I will see that it is executed.

The Elysee does not suit me, and the Tuileries is barely inhabitable.  Nothing will please me unless it is perfectly simple, and constructed according to my tastes and manner of living, for then the palace will be useful to me.  I wish it constructed in such a manner that it may be a complete ‘Sans Souci’; [Frederick the Great’s palace in the country near Berlin.] and I especially desire that it may be an agreeable palace rather than a handsome garden,—­two conditions which are incompatible.  Let there be something between a court and a garden, like the Tuileries, that from my apartments I may promenade in the garden and the park, as at Saint-Cloud, though Saint-Cloud has the inconvenience of having no park for the household.

   It is necessary also to study the location, so that my apartments
   may face north and south, in order that I may change my residence
   according to the season.