New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-24

But some police reports. perhaps had put the
matter in false light. At any rate, no matter
how early Meneval reached he cabinet, he found
the Emperor before him, and ne was frequently
asked for when he happened to be away. 1t
looked, he thought. as If the Emperor were
trying to get together as many causes for COM
plant as possible so as to have all the more
right to rage freely when the humor took him.
The explosion, which took place in the nick
of time, was brought about by parcel which
had sent off by courier. and which for some
reason other was not puuctually delivered at
its address. One day, on my arrival at the
cabinet husser told me that the Emperor had
asked for me In an excited tone Of voice. Just
the husser was going away the Emperor
made his appearance. lie addressed me In very
animated way. and with anger which seemed
rather felgned than real. reproached me for my
neglect OF MS cabinet, adding that paid no at
tention at all. that / was constantly absent,
that absolutely neglected his affairs. and that
an important dispatch had been lost by my fault
Then without waiting 10 hear any explanation
from me ne went OUT 10 cail the courier ana
shouted ont 10 him all that mis- anger couu sug-
gest on the subject Then returning he brusque-
~ opened all the packets which were on his writ
ing table. He told me that he did not wish me to
open his letters in future. and that. without
having any doubts Of my loyalty. he should not
be able trust himself to my vigilance. All this
was said and done with 10 much volubility and
precipitation that I was unable to get In a
single word had never before seen him In sucn
a state Of excitement After this scene he went
off TO his levee and thence TO breakfast, and did
not show himself again. few minutes before
dnner-time I was summoned into the little draw
.ng-roOm which adjOined his cabinet, where
found him working with the Secretary or state
Napoleon rose on my entrance ana approached
me with n calm and composed air. In the
presence Of the Minister he gave me a really
paterna lecture. speaking 10 me Of the confidence
which he had placed IN me. Of my duties. OF the
honor attaching to their right fuihlment, or my
future, Of all the good he wished me. and so on
speaking to me with 90 much kindness that,
although had made up my mind to listen to him
c0ldly I could not help feeling very much
touched. He told me that II was necessary that
I should cease my ab-ences. because he would
have 70 work all the week AS matter OF fact
he came 10 his cabinet IN the evening. remaining
there a quarter OF an hour before calling me;
When 7 came in to his summons ne received
me in the most cordial manner possible calling
me his Dear MenevalOt dear little Meneval-
n term Of friendship which ne often used toward
me- made no further allusiOn TO the grievances or
the day and tried to make me forget them
There ended this quarrel. which was never re-
newed during the long years which Providence
destined me still TO pass with him. ] never
ceased 10 find him good. patient and indulgent
in his treatment Of me. had occasion after
ward. do not remember in whss connection. to
allude to this scene. MY dear Meneva,,' he
said. ":here are circumstances IN Whlch u Is
necessary for me to put my confidence in quar-
antlne."
Thenceforward. as a rule. Napoleon opened his
own letters But the description Of this unpleas-
ant experience reveals more than one curious
phase in the most puzzng character Of modern
times Neither the editor nor the translator OF
M6nevars memoirs has mscaculated his deep
interest an interest which does not depend
on literary style but on the substance Of what IS
related Whoever reads this volume will wait
with Impotence for the remainder.