Page:History of the Empress Josephine (2).pdf/17

 HISTORY OF THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE. 17

agitation ; he scarcely spoke to any one, but, with arms fold- ed, continued at intervals to pace his library alone; from time to time a convulsive movement, attended with a hectic flush, passed for an instant across his features; and at table, when he raised his eye, it was only to look by stealth upon the empress with an expression of the deepest regret. The dinner was removed untouched-neither tasted a morsel ; and the only use to which Napoleon turned his knife was to strike mechanically upon the edge of his glass, which he appeared to do unconsciously, and like one whose thoughts were pain- fully pre-occupied. Every thing during this sad repast seemed to presage the impending catastrophe. The officers of the court, even, who were in attendance, stood in motionless ex- pectancy, like men who look upon a sight they feel portends evil, though what they know not; not a sound was heard beyond the noise of placing and removing the untasted viands, and the monotonous tinkling already noticed ; for the emperor spoke only once to ask a question, without giving any atten- tion to the reply. We dined together as usual," says Josephine ; " I struggled with my tears, which, notwithstand- ing every effort, overflowed from my eyes; I uttered not a single word during that sorrowful meal, and he broke silence but once, to ask an attendant about the weather. My sun- shine, I saw, had passed away; the storm burst quickly. Directly after coffee, Bonaparte dismissed every one, and I remained alone with him. The evident change in Bonaparte's domestic arrangements, which on this day first took place, seemed to indicate to Josephine that her cares were no longer indispensable to the happiness of her husband. She had risen as usual from the table with Napoleon, whom she slowly followed into the saloon, and with a handkerchief pressed upon her mouth, to restrain the sol. Ling which, though in- audible, shook her whole frame. Recovering, by an effort, her self-command, Josephine prepared to pour out the coffee, when Napoleon, advancing the page, performed the office for himself, casting upon her a regard remarked even by the attendants, and which secned to fall with stunning import, for she remained as if stupified. The emperor having drank,