'
'It was very clever of Constant to tell what tune it was which the
Emperor was whistling,' said Murat, laughing. 'For my part I do not
think that he knows the difference between the "Malbrook" and the
"Marseillaise." Ah, here is the Empress--and how charming she is
looking!'
Josephine had entered, with several of her ladies in her train, and the
whole assembly rose to do her honour. The Empress was dressed in an
evening gown of rose-coloured tulle, spangled with silver stars--an
effect which might have seemed meretricious and theatrical in another
woman, but which she carried off with great grace and dignity. A little
sheaf of diamond wheat-ears rose above her head, and swayed gently as
she walked. No one could entertain more charmingly than she, for she
moved about among the people with her amiable smile, setting everybody
at their ease by her kindly natural manner, and by the conviction which
she gave them that she was thoroughly at her ease herself. 'How amiable
she is!' I exclaimed. 'Who could help loving her?'
'There is only one family which can resist her,' said de Caulaincourt,
glancing round to see that Murat was out of hearing.
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