Nothing of this scene was known in Paris; and, moreover, neither my uncle nor I have ever sought to ascertain the name of the person whom the Emperor overwhelmed with such numerous and severe reproaches.

Whenever circumstances allowed, the Emperor’s habits of life were very regular, his time being almost uniformly divided as follows.  Every morning, at nine o’clock precisely, the Emperor left the imperial apartments; his exactness in observing hours was carried to an extreme, and I have sometimes seen him wait two or three moments in order that no one might be taken by surprise.  At nine o’clock his toilet was made for the whole day.  When he had reached the reception-room, the officers on duty were first admitted, and received his Majesty’s orders for their time of service.

Immediately after this, what was called the grandes entrees took place.  That is to say, personages of high rank were admitted, who had this right on account of their duties, or by the special favor of the Emperor; and I can assert that this favor was much envied.  It was granted generally to all the officers of the imperial household, even if they were not on duty; and every one remained standing, as did the Emperor also.  He made the tour of all the persons present, nearly always addressed a remark or a question to each one; and it was amusing to see afterwards, during the whole day, the proud and haughty bearing of those to whom the Emperor had spoken a little longer than to others.  This ceremony usually lasted a half-hour, and as soon as it was finished the Emperor bowed and each retired.

At half-past nine the Emperor’s breakfast was served, usually on a small mahogany stand; and this first repast commonly lasted only seven or eight minutes, though sometimes it was prolonged, and even lasted quite a long while.  This, however, was only on rare occasions, when the Emperor was in unusually good-humor, and wished to indulge in the pleasure of a conversation with men of great merit, whom he had known a long while, and who happened to be present at his breakfast.  There he was no longer the formal Emperor of the levee; he was in a manner the hero of Italy, the conqueror of Egypt, and above all the member of the Institute.  Those who came most habitually were Messieurs Monge, Berthollet, Costaz (superintendent of crown buildings), Denon, Corvisart, David, Gerard, Isabey, Talma, and Fontaine (his first architect).  How many noble thoughts, how many elevated sentiments, found vent in these conversations which the Emperor was accustomed to open by saying, “Come, Messieurs, I close the door of my cabinet.”  This was the signal, and it was truly miraculous to see his Majesty’s aptitude in putting his genius in communication with these great intellects with such diversities of talent.