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Ch. XII.]
the Emperor Napoleon.
129

amused Bonaparte that day by my ecstacies in describing the impression the courtier-like manner and charming address of Lord Amherst had made on me. He seemed pleased at my entertaining the same idea as himself, and said, "The ambassador must have been fascinating to have impressed your youthful fancy."

From the strict surveillance exercised over the emperor, the inconveniences suffered by his suite were, on many occasions, extremely annoying, and I quote the following as an instance:—my sister and I were constantly in the habit of staying with Madame Bertrand, who kindly volunteered, during my long visits to her, to superintend my studies. Upon one occasion, at her request, I attempted to sing a little French romance, composed by Hortense Beauharnois, daughter to the empress Josephine, entitled, "Le depart des Styriens." This song had been sent to her the preceding evening by Napoleon, who was anxious to

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