Really, Sire, unless they put me on the throne I cannot see how I can better my position.' 'No, I think I have you pretty safe,' said Napoleon, looking hard at him with thoughtful eyes.

'By the way, Talleyrand, you must either marry Madame Grand or get rid of her, for I cannot have a scandal about the Court.' 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.