The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-09-01
QUEEN HoRTENsE's DIAMOND NECK
LACE ,@.. ~.

One morning in the month of June, 1906,
the Empress Josephine's Jeweller was shown
into a little apartment in the Tuileries, in
which Napoleon was seated alone at break
fast.
"The Necklace must be of very super
ior kind" -nid Napoleon, addressing the jew
eller. do not care about the price. Never
theless, shall have the jewels examined by
competent Judge. Not that doubt your
honesty, M. Foucier. but beGyssa, penecl
connoisseur. As soon as the necklace is
finished, bring it to me and be sure that you
show it to nobody. You understand"
Is Perfectly, sire. But should be very
glad if your Majesty would grant me a little
more time, SO that l may be enabled to match
the stones perfectly, one with another. Choice
diamonds are very rare at present---
and they have greatly risen in price,"
At these words, the Emperor looked the
jeweler full in the face, and rising from his
chair, said
"What do you mean, Foucerl You know
that since the campaign Of Germany, you and
your brethren are absolutely overstocked with
Jewels. | know it to be a fact. that the
French jewellers have purchased all the dia-
monds offered for sale by the petty princes Of
the Confederation who have been ruined by
rebelling against me. Go to Bapts or Mel
lerio. They have literally heaps Of diamonds"
"Sire, hope shall not be under the ne
cessity of applying to any one. The fact is,
that have now at home a superb assortment
of diamonds, which purchased for his ma
iesty the King of Prussia, who has commits
stoned me to -"
THAT is your business, sir, not mine, .
hastily interrupted the Emperor. But recol-
lect Foucier," added he, darling sardonic
glance at the jeweller, I" that when you work
for me, you are not serving the King of Prus-
STA. -- Well, well, l suppose l may
depend on you. Do your best. and prove to
your brethren beyond the Rhine, that we can
surpass them in your calling as well as in all
other things"
AT sign given by Napoleon, the jeweller
bowed for the last time, and left the apart
ment.
In about week after, Foucier presented to
the Emperor the most magnificent diamond
necklace imaginable. The pattern, the Jew
els, the workmanship of the mountain, all
were perfect. 1t was quite chef dGurre.-
Even Josephine's incompatible ec,1n con-
tanned no ornament that could equal it. Ma.
poeon had it valued, and it was declared to
be worth 100000 francs. This was not more
than the price demanded by Foucier, and ac-
cordingly, the Emperor was perfectly satisfied
About this time June, 1906, the Dutch PEG.
pie had seated on the throne OF Holland
Prince Louis Bonaparte, one OF Napoleons
younger brothers.
On the day on which the Dutch Ambassa,
dor presented the Crown of Holland to Ma
poleon, with the request that he would place Il
on his brothers. head, all the French Cour
was assembled at St, Cloud. Louis and Hor'
tense had arrived that morning from ST. Leu
Napoleon gave orders that the ceremony
should take place n.the Sale du frone; ant
il was performed with extraordinary pomT
and spendor. The Emperor, who was II
charming spirits, announced to the Dutch En-
voys, that on the following day their King ant
Queen would depart for Holland. In tn
evening, Hortense was Informed that the I'm
peror wished to speak to her in his cabinet
and the usher, when he threw open the ioid
ing doors, announced for the first time, HE
majesty the Queen Of Holland
Hortense," said the Emperor, "you ar
called to rule over a brave and good people
If you and your husband conduct yourselse
wisely, the Orange Family, with their Of