New-York tribune., 1908-07-04
Literary Nea's and Criticism.

can readily understand his infatuation for
George Indeed, Talma and George invoked for
.>apoieon the most intense artistic emotions that
he ever experienced
Mile George found in Napoleon-"The I'm
mense Man.. as she and her comrade Talma
used to call him-a true friend and wise coun-
selior She noticed but very little change in his
manner and demeanor after he became EN-
peror. One evening at the close of perform
ance OF China" the Emperor sent for her. 1t
was the first occasion which he had sum-
moned her since his coronation The faithful
Constant brought the message. Mile. George
writes: 1 at once arranged my toilette for the
ceremony and soon appeared the Tuileries in
my most elaborate dress The Emperor received
me with his usual frank good nature. and said:
heavens how beautiful you look, and what
magnlfcent gown you have on" 1 replied Can
one be too sumptuously attired, sire, when one
has the honor of being received by your
majesty. The Emperor quickly retorted:
How ridiculous. What ceremonious costume,
and what formal stilted manners! Do try and
be simple and unaffected These straight laced,
courtly, protocol ways do not at all suit you.
Be what you really are-an excellent, good
, hearted, sensible, beautiful woman, frank and
simple" The Emperor then chatted familiary
for half an hour and the interview, terminated
The minute descriptions given by Mile George
furnish some and somewhat indiscreet side
lights upon Napoleons character One evening
she appeared at the Tuleries wearing superb
crown Of white that set forth admirably
her luxuriant black hair. The Emperor, who
in a particularly merry mood. laughingly
removed the crown, placed II on his own head
and, stepping in front Of mirror, said: Just
look Georginat How pretty I with your
enormous crown! 1 seem like a fly in a bowl Of
milk" he then began to sing, and made her
sing with him. the duet in La Fausse Magic"
beginning with the words, do you remember
that fete where they wanted to see us dance?'
Another curious incident is related by Mile.
George The Emperor had asked her to pose for
her portrait. 81 will do SO, but on one condi-
tion," she said. "Ah" replied the Emperor Il
don't like conditions. But never mtnd-what is
it?" We'll, want you TO give me in exchange
portrait Of yourself She adds:
The Emperor instead Of handing me gold i1 coin
bearing his egy had IS ps s ne his wo1a oor
Trait getting sngry said I'D aPd aPdt s9s Roa
ring for Nh e nS Hs. tor appeared hn said
con5faht Psn5f fetch pair Of
added the ops 4on GOING nRen to
cut ut''7r With the scissors frightened" Il only
cut of lock Gf ha 5deeS hs2e sTe
too little ALREADY after him i'm scissors
Very we'll; cut away. but clip the hairs so that hat
thev will not be missed" l cut four or nVe
hairs You see, I kept my word; but want
more" All right clip away again, but don't cut
TOO many Of them" 1 cut off nice lock. That
is enormous" "Oh. but want sonnet hing else
insist on your giving your portrait IN ninla,
ture,'' After while the Emperor consented. and
a few days later 1 received his miniature set IN
a beautiful gold frame
The Memories Inedits" of Mile. George con-
tain many episodes written in the same light
vein. 1t is pity that they are
so short. The volume with its preface, notes
and appendix has less than three hundred pages
NJ. Cheramy promises before long to publish the
memoirs of another great actress Mile. Marie
Dorval who was one of Mile Georges most
intimate comrades and who was spoken OF as
a Venus enragee." I. l. D.