It is this : he wishes for an heir to inher
it his title and power. Every man, you
know, feels an inherent pride in transmit
ting his name to posterity ; and it is but
natural that the Emperor should feel such
a desire. I would, therefore, suggest to
your majesty the necessity of a sacrifice,
which will add to the interest of France,
make his majesty happy, and which
would be as equally sublime as it will be
inevitable, lleg him to obtain a divorce."
Dining this disclosure, the Empress
betrayed excessive emotion. Her mild
eyes were sull'iised with tears her lips
swelled; her bosom heaved her face
became deadly pale and the tremor that
took possession of her frame, told how
deeply her feelings were agitated. IS til
it was as tlu! momentary cloud that ob
scures the noon day sun ; in n moment it
was passed, and, with a slight tremulous
voice, she asked :
"And what authority has tlte duke of
Otraulo for holding such language !"
".None," he replied, "it is only from
a conviction of what must certainly come
to pass, and a desire to turn your atten
tion to what so nearly concerns yout ma
jesty s gbn-y and happiness, that 1 have
dared to speak up m the subject. Never
theless, if 1 have offended, 1 beg your
majesty's -forgiveness, l'ermit me now
to depart."
He stood silent for a few minutes, as
if waiting for her assent. She waved her
hand, the political intriguer of his time
departed, conscious of having done that
which none other in France would have
presumed.
