'
I was astounded to hear so delicate and personal a matter discussed in
this public way, but this also was characteristic of the rule of this
extraordinary man, who proclaimed that he looked upon delicacy and good
taste as two of the fetters with which mediocrity attempted to cripple
genius. There was no question of private life, from the choosing of a
wife to the discarding of a mistress, that this young conqueror of
thirty-six did not claim the right of discussing and of finally
settling. Talleyrand broke once more into his benevolent but
inscrutable smile.
'I suppose that it is from early association, Sire,' said he, 'but my
instincts are to avoid marriage.'
Napoleon began to laugh.
'I forget sometimes that it is really the Bishop of Autun to whom I am
speaking,' said he. 'I think that perhaps I have interest enough with
the Pope to ask him, in return for any little attention which we gave
him at the Coronation, to show you some leniency in this matter. She is
a clever woman, this Madame Grand. I have observed that she listens
with attention.
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