Page:History of the Empress Josephine (1).pdf/18

18 returned the eup to the page, and by a sign indicated his wish to be alone, shutting with leis own hand the door of the saloon. In the dining-room, separated by this door, there remained only the count de Beaumont, chief chamberlain, who continued to walk about in silenee, and the favourite personal attendant of the emperor; both expecting some terrible event-an apprehension which was but too speedily confirmed by loud scrcams from the saloon.

We know, from Josephino's own words, What passed during this secret interview. "I watehed in the changing expression of his countenauce, that struggle which was in his soul. At length, his features settled into stern resolve. I saw that my hour was come. His whole frame trembled; he approached, and I felt a shuddering horror come over me. He took my hand, placed it upon his heart, gäzed upon me for a moment, then pronouneed these fearful words -Josephine! my excellent. Josephine! thou knowest if I have loved thee! To thee-to thee alone do I owe the only moments of happiness which I have enjoyed in this world. Josephine! my destiny overmasters my will. My dearest affections must be silent before the interests of France! 'Say no more,' I had still strength sufficient to reply: 'I was prepared for this, but the blow is not less mortal.' More I could not utter, I cannot tell what passed within me. I believe my screams were loud. I thought reason had fled! I became unconscious of every thing, and, on returning to my senses, found I had been carried to my chamber.

When Josephine thus fainted, Napoleon hastily opened the door of the saloon, and called to the two individuals who remained in the dining-room. The opening of the door allowed then to see the empress on the floor, insensible, yet still speaking in broken murmers- "Oh, no! you cannot surely do it- you would not kill me! M. de Beaumont entered on a sign from his master, and lifted in his arms the hapless Josephine, now perfectly unconscious of all that was passing. The emperor himself, taking a taper from the chimneypiece, lighted the way through a 'dark passage, whence there was a private staircase to the empress's sleeping-room.