These German journalists, it seems, are even
more needy than ours, for they can be had for less."
"Five thousand francs," said Napoleon, musingly, "and for that sum he
sells his honor, his fealty, and his conscience! Ah, what miserable
creatures men are, after all, and how right are those who despise them!"
"Sire, will you permit me to enter and make my report?" asked Duroc,
looking in at the door.
"Come in, grand marshal. And now tell me, how is the poor princess? Has
she recovered from her swoon?"
"Yes, sire, she was still unconscious when we carried her into her
husband's room. He uttered a loud cry, rushed to her, and clasped her in
his arms. She was awakened by his kisses and his anxious and tender
ejaculations. A torrent of tears burst forth, and, encircling his neck
with her arms, she exclaimed, 'You are saved! You are mine again! the
emperor has had mercy on me!'"
"Poor woman! She was really in despair, but behaved very nobly and with
a great deal of tact, and I am pleased with her."
Talleyrand scarcely smiled, as he muttered to himself:
"Yes, the emperor is right in being pleased with her, for the poor
little lady really took the sentimental farce for a tragedy, and neither
she nor Duroc looked behind the scenes."[21]
[Footnote 21: This occurrence is strictly historical, but it is
commented upon by the French and German historians in a widely different
sense.
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