The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-10-12
IN IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD.
Life at the Tuileries, According to n
French Jenkins.
From LIE Gaulois.l


Whatever opinion people may belong to,
they always feel interest in knowing the habits
of the sovereigns that govern them. Therefore
I think it will interest You to know some par
ticulars respecting the domestic life OF the
Emperor and Empress. when illness does not
turn everything upside down. You VIII not
find in this account any deliberate censilre nor
fiattery. | photograph what takes place; 1or
better or worse, as the case may be. Ihe day 5
work begins early at the palace; Inc Elnpe-
ror is an early riser; it often happens 'iia.
of 7 A. NJ he has been out for walk. AT
that tn matntinal hour the Empress herself
oets nm and goes into the Emperors PED,
SsoomNthe two apartments are only divided
nv the dressing-room Of Napoleon III. III
fine morning etiquette is not allowed 10 exist;
the wife enters her husbands room wltnout
being announced by an usher. !nere Is no
one between them. dooT 10 tlle riSne opems' pens,
the Empress walks in; the Emperor puts down
his cigarette, and takes few steps to meet
his wife. He has the manners of what Is
known as la cherdlerie FrdncdlSe, and none
better than he knows the courteous and win
ming ways suitable to ladies. His own wife is
naturally treated with the most affectionate re-
-spect. The Empress is often absent (dis-
trdite) In addition to the great preoccupa-
tions which may possess her, she often al al
fling in portance. In such moments her nus.
band speaks to her without her being aware Oh
it, and 1t is with unwearied patience tnat he en-
deayors to attract her attention. l nave on
twenty occasions heard the Emperor repeal
the same questions over and over again, Wllii-
out manifesting the least sign OF annoyance.
The Prince Imperialis often preseno ntS ae .liese
he reciprocates the affection lavished upon
him, and any one seeing them together would
find it possible to imagine that the family
before him is wholly removed from human am
bition and the glories of the world. The bus-
band and wife t,1oyent each other, u. e., they
say tu instead of UouS,) and call each other
Louis and Eugenie. The son kisses his papa
and mamma. Nous Sommes en- plein foyer do
nnestiQue-the domestic hearth all over. 1t Is
tea time. The Emperor, so to speak, eats his
tea instead of drinking it. He soaks roll in
his cup and then eats it. The Empress Is seat
ed next him, attired in gown without
waist, generally red or purple; her eye follows
all her husbands movements; her neck emerges
from her dress surrounded by double row OF
white lace; her hair is plainly dressed; small
slippers play about her feet, (this is textual;)
nothing can be more simple nor more graceful;
awoman is never seen to so much advantage as
In morning deShdbiue A little later, q few inti-
mates are introduced; first, NJ. COnneau, more
friend than doctor, and almost member
of the family; then n. Cont, rather stiff and
formal he is, as beflts converted Republican;
then NJ. Corvisart, who is more doctor than
o friend; then, finally, General Malherbe. The
plans for the day are discussed and settled,
barring accidents; the menus at the breakfast
and dinner are also settled and given to the
General Yet 1t should not be believed that
the Emperor runs counter to the wise precept,
and that he lives to eat instead Of eating to
live: the reverse Is the case. Whatever hap
fha
cook. The dishes are generally common, nay,
vulgar-roasts are the rule, and the made
dishes are eschewed. The dinner Is ready at
a given hour; so much the worst for their Males
ties If they are not punctual. When during
dinner General MaIherbe apologies for an
overdone joint or any other culinary failure;
the Emperor hastens to make the General ,lea
easy tNeyer mind, its all my fault. ! know
we are late.n. Only imagine, the favorite dish
is briskct of veal The rest follows suit.
Economy is the rule at the palace. When
ever guest Is unable to accept an invitation,
the fact Is notified to F. DupOis, who Is bound
to act accordingly. Per contra, If a stray
Prince arrives Unexpectedly to take pot luck,
he has to put up with what there may be for
dinner-no addition Is made TO the menu ior
his sake. The Emperor and Empress often
transact business with the steward Of their do
mains, Mr.. Eugene Tineraue. lie is young
man who has risen solely through his merits.
Il is his business to see that the Inn
perial estates produce all they can. The
Imperial farms show that he Is equal to his
mission; he has rendered productive barren
and uarshy tracts on the Landes and else,
where. On that account he is on very inti-
mate footing at the palace, and often consult
ed on questions connected with agriculture
After these receptions the Emperor lakes
walk. He is accompanied at times by NJ. Con-
ii, at others by NJ. Pietri. Occasionally a
soldier, a petitioner with griev-
ance, or petitioner for charity, is introduced,
and always graciousy received. At IL A: NJ.
the breakfast takes place, after which the En-
peror and Empress enter their saloons