That kind of thing could undothe crossing of the
Alps.
New clerks stepped inand took the places of those
worn out. Oui, il faut manger, Joseph was saying with an air of greatwisdom. And now
he iscoming to see you, you the friend of liberty.
By now the entire room was listening with
ill-concealed curiosity.
It is for that reason Ifeel your message might
carry a too devastating criticism. Disembarrass me of your height, monsieur, said
Bonaparte pointingto a chair. Cambacérès, you see, is responsible for theAfrican
Company which has just been renewed.
You haveseduced the guests of the first
consul.
Besides, those who had their feet onimperial
stairways were not likely to trip over teapots. The messofficer made appreciative
noises. Nevertheless, I do not wish to rouse in youany false hopes.
Hearingthe news of the peace, the little mayor of
Nogent came to offer hiscongratulations.
One must have sugar, andit does not grow in France.
That is what the government is really about. You and Herr Nolte have had a rather
strenuous crossing of theAlps, I hear, he said. And it was the second
consulsintention to heighten that effect. Some of themthought that Bonaparte had
just arrived.
Therewas obviously no malice in it, Anthony
recognized.
He first charged France with his energy and
thenexhausted it. He leapt to his feet and swung about with the same motion. What is
the use of a power that foreverkeeps still? I did not say YOU had the face of
afanatic.
The plumes nodded and curved over his large,
beaming face likeflames.
But it is a mind insubordinate and without curb.
Vincent, de Bourrienne, and de Staël were soon engaged in talk.
Your mother lays ideas as a hen-ostrich lays eggs.
They are not the fitrepositories for power.
By now the entire room was listening with
ill-concealed curiosity. Nevertheless, I do not wish to rouse in youany false
hopes.
Is it that progress advances itself in here, mes
enfants?
Cambacérès who understands what government is
about.
All that he knew was that the quiet,
incisivequestioning went on till he felt wrung dry.
A vast imperial staircase led into the
future.
A great coach accompanied by a small escort of
cavalry camerumbling up the Paris road.
There was some comfort in making
Josephinesrelatives realize who the Bonapartes were anyway.
Beauharnais stood by at attention holding the
umbrella over hisarm.