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Rh his efforts were of the same mixed character as those by which he preceded their marriage. As during his courtship he sought the aid of the tailor and the dancing-master, so during the early days of his marriage he oscillated between grotesque exploits and a considerateness which in one so hard is interesting, and even a little touching.

"At Court and in society," says Fouche, "the instructions were to please the young Empress, who, without any return, had captivated Napoleon; he was quite infatuated about her. The Empress Marie Louise, his young and insignificant wife, was the object of his tenderest care. Napoleon followed her everywhere with loving looks. She saw that he was proud to show her everywhere to everybody." Madame Durand, wife of the General of that name, and principal lady-in-waiting to the Empress Marie Louise, says: "During the first three months following his marriage, the Emperor was day and night with the Empress. The most urgent business could hardly drag him away from her for a few moments." "The Emperor," says Monsieur de Champagny, "was the best husband in the world. It would be impossible for any one to display more delicate and loving attention."