“I have thought you would be pleased to gather these details from a conversation which passed between us in a low voice, while you were busy at the other end of the drawing-room, examining an atlas.  You will also perceive by this, how fortunate it is for the King of Rome to have a governess, who knows how to inspire him with such feelings of compassion, the more touching that they are seldom found in princes.  For princes in general have been accustomed to a constant flattery, which induces them to imagine that every thing in the world is for them, and that they can entirely dismiss the duty of thinking about others.  In fact the eminent qualities of Madame de Montesquiou make her worthy of the important and responsible charge you have committed to her care, and the sentiments of the prince justify the choice you have made.  Will he not be good and benevolent, who is brought up by goodness and benevolence themselves?

“I am, however, afraid that his imperial highness, notwithstanding the orders made to him by you, has spoken of this interview, which was to remain secret.  I recommended him not to open his mouth, and I assured him that if any one knew that he had come to Bagatelle it would be impossible for him to come here again.

“‘Oh, then, madame,’ replied he, ’be not alarmed, I will say nothing, for I love you; promise me, however, if I am obedient, to come soon and visit me.’

“Ah!  I assured him, that I desired this more than he did himself, and I have never spoken more truly.

“Meanwhile, I am conscious that those interviews, which fill me with extreme joy, cannot often be repeated, and I must not abuse your goodness toward me by claiming your presence too often.  The sacrifice which I make to your mental quietude is another proof of my intense desire to render you happy.  This thought will comfort me while waiting to be able to embrace my adopted son.  Do you not find this exchange of children very sweet?  As regards myself, sire, what distresses me is, that I can only give to your son this name, without being able to be useful to him!  And, again, how different is my position from that which you held toward Eugene!  The longer, the kinder you are to him, the less can I show you my gratitude!  However, I rely upon the vice-king that he will be a comfort to you, amid the sorrows which your family causes you.  If, unfortunately, what you surmise about the King of Naples were to happen, then Eugene would become still more useful to you than ever, and I dare trust he would prove worthy of you by his conduct in war as well as by his sincere devotedness to your service.

“You have now received quite a long letter from me!  The sentiment of delight in talking about our two sons has carried me away, and this sentiment will make me excusable for having so long intruded upon you.  As sorrow needs concentration, so joy needs expansion.  This, sire, explains this letter, long as a volume, and which I cannot close with-out once more expressing my deepest gratitude.