He had looked forward with the utmost disgust to a long quarantine: this dread was dissipated in a moment; the deck was crowded with persons, crying aloud, "We prefer the plague to the Austrians!" His presence alone was considered as the pledge of victory.

The story of Aboukir gave new fuel to the flame of universal enthusiasm; and he landed, not so much like a general who had quitted his post without orders, as a victorious prince, who had returned to restore the lost hearts and fortunes of a people that confided only in him.

His progress towards the capital, wherever his person was recognised, bore all the appearance of a triumphal procession.

He reached his own house, in the _Rue de la Victoire_, on the 16th October.
The trembling Directory received him, when he presented himself at the Luxembourg, with every demonstration of joy and respect.

Not a question was asked as to his abandonment of his army; for all dreaded the answer which they had the best reason for anticipating.