After having made all these preparations, Josephine drove in full gallop toward Malmaison.

The dinner, to which Bonaparte had invited gentlemen from all classes of society, was just over, and the guests were scattered, some in the drawing-rooms, and some in the garden, where Bonaparte was walking up and down in animated conversation with the secretary, Roger Ducos.

At this moment the carriage of Josephine drove into the yard; and Murat, who, with a few gentlemen, stood under the porch, hastened to offer his hand so as to help Josephine to alight.  An eye-witness who was present at this scene relates as follows: 

“‘Where is the general?’ asked Josephine, hastily, of General Murat.

" I do not know,’ was the answer; ’he is gone with Roger, but Lucien is here.’

“‘Look at once for the general!’ exclaimed Josephine, breathless, ’I must speak to him immediately.’

“I approached her and said that he was in the garden.  She ran—­she flew!  I placed myself at a window in the first story, from which I could easily see into the garden-walks.  My expectations had not deceived me.

“No sooner did Bonaparte see Josephine approach, than he left Roger Ducos and hurried to meet her.  Both then walked into a path near by.  I could see them well.  Josephine spoke with animation; the general walked on; now and then she held him back.  At last they took the path leading to the castle.  I went down to meet them on the steps near the door.

“Madame Bonaparte held her husband by the left hand.  Her animated, expressive features had a bewitching pride and softness; it was a most delightful admixture of tenderness and heroism.  Bonaparte looked around, pale and grave, but his eyes ever rested with pleasure on his wife.  She refused to enter into the large hall, and retired to her room.  Bonaparte called for Roger, and entered the saloon with him.  His guests were awaiting his arrival, to take their leave.  The carriages drove up, and the gentlemen left Malmaison to return to Paris.  Only Lucien and Murat remained with Bonaparte; Madame Bonaparte joined them as they entered the vestibule.  When she saw Murat, she exclaimed: 

“‘How, general, you still here!—­Do you not consider,’ continued she, turning to Bonaparte, ’that Murat ought to be already in Paris with Perrin?—­Away! quick! to horse, to the Rue Varennes, or I drive thither myself.’

“Murat laughed; but four minutes after he was riding at a gallop on the road to the city.  The three others returned to their rooms.  I was curious to know what was the conversation; but as I had nothing more to do in the castle, I was about leaping on my horse to ride to Paris, when I saw a detachment of infantry marching toward the castle.

“I thought it my duty to announce them to the general; he sat between his wife and his brother.  ‘How!’ cried he, as he rose up hastily.  ‘Troops?’

“‘What of them?’ answered Madame Bonaparte, smiling.  ’Your company has left you, now comes mine.  It is a rendezvous; but be comforted—­ they are not too many.’