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.

'Look at the faces of the Emperor's sisters.' I was shocked when I followed his direction to see the malignant glances with which these two beautiful women were following the Empress as she walked about the room.