It is a subject upon which he will not listen to argument.

He has brought about some extraordinary matches in this way.

But I will speak to the Emperor before I return to Paris, and I will see what I can arrange for you.' I was still endeavouring to thank her for her sympathy and kindness when the berline rattled up the drive and pulled up at the entrance to the chateau, where the knot of scarlet footmen and the bearskins of two sentries from the Guards announced the Imperial quarters.

The Empress and her lady hurried away to prepare their toilets for the evening, and I was shown at once into the salon, in which the guests had already begun to assemble.
This was a large square room furnished as modestly as the sitting-room of a provincial gentleman would be likely to be.

The wall-paper was gloomy, and the furniture was of dark mahogany upholstered in faded blue nankeen, but there were numerous candles in candelabra upon the tables and in sconces upon the walls which gave an air of festivity even to these sombre surroundings.