Year: 1871




The Emperor Napoleon's life at CHS.
elhurst is thus described by one who has
the privilege Of becoming acquainted with
the social doings there: During the
forenoon all is silent in the mansion. The
Empress, after prayers, breakfasts with
the Prince Imperial, who then walks out
in the Park for short time, the rule Of
re.uming his studies in the morning be


inc broken through during the indisposi
ton of the Emperor. to whom the socie
" Of his son is the chief solace OF his ex
lie. The Prince remains with his father
during the whole process Of the toilet,
then assists at his late breakfast, which,
contrary to the custom Of the Tuileries,
is taken alone. During this time the
conversation between father and son is
maintained with interest and affection.
The boy has cheered and soothed the
bodily pain and mental agony Of the
Emperor, who Is sometimes seen to smile
as the former rscounts his experiences
of England and the English, aud offers
judgment according to his lights concern
ing toe habits Of French boys. MS com
pared with those Of England When the
Emperor leaves his own apartment, the
Prince Imperial repairs to his studies
But His Majesty declares that already the
glory Of the day is over, although he
feels the necessity Of the separation for a
while. The mornings report of the
state of Paris is still furnished by Pietri,
but is never once alluded to. Even the
Empress herself never dares to venture
an opinion on the subject She has her
own reporters, and is always prepared
for the event before it happens. What
has struck the friends Of the Imperial
family most of all, is the comparative
solitude in which each Of its members
seeks to live There is something touch
ing in the solitary walk taken by the
Emperor up and down the avenue, lean
ing on his cane, and stopping every now
and then to remove the pebbles from his
path, according to the habit Of all men
engaged in deep thought. His Majesty
has grown much fatter since his arrival
at Chiselhurst. But he walks with far
more ease than on his first arrival in
England, and now only requires the arm
OF friend to help him up the steps Of
OF the hall door Of the mansion.


A charming anecdote, worthy OF the
ancient days of chivalry, is being whis-
percd about among the higher circles in
London. IT seems that one Of our young
Catholic heroes of high life, always n
great admirer of the Empress Eugonie,
paid visit to Chiselhurst, last week,
previous to his departure for Paris.
"What can bring your Majesty from
Babylon f"--the name by which the
doomed city is always designated now by
the Ultramontane party-said the young
nobleman, as he bent low over Her Maj
esty's fair hand. :" Nothing, replied the
Empress. sadly; then suddenly correct
ing her speech, said, quietly, Yes, there
is one thing should love. Bring me q
rose from the garden Of the Tuileries J"
The young man promised to execute this
apparently easy commission, and depart.
ed in sadness. On Friday he reappeared
at Chiselhurst with n case Of purple mo-
rocco In his hand, which he revercntly
presented On bendcd knee to the Empress.
1t was the Golden Rose. gift OF the Pope
to Her Majesty, that he had brought
from the Tuileres How he had OBJ
tanned it, or through what long course Of
adventure ho had traced it to the party
willing to part with it, will never be
known, nor vet at what sacrifice it was
obtained. But great wns the JOY Of the
illustrious lady on beholdng it, and par
donable the feeling which induces her to
hope that i. will bring blessing to last
to her house ond stay the wrath of heav.
en-. 1t had always formed part of the
altar decorations ofthe chapel at the Tuil.
cries.