That's my Paris!' The Emperor listened to me patiently, and twisted his moustache.

'Your plan,' said he, 'would cost a trifle.'-- 'Not much more than the one already adopted,' answered I.At this remark, an unreserved hilarity, the cause of which I am unable to explain, lit up his serious countenance.

'Don't you think,' said he, 'that your project would ruin a great many people ?'--'Eh! What difference does it make to me ?' I cried, 'since it will ruin none but the rich ?' He began laughing again, and bid me farewell, saying, 'Colonel, you will have to remain colonel only until we make you brigadier-general!' He permitted me to press his hand a second time.

I waved an adieu to brave Leblanc, who has invited me to dine with him this evening, and I returned to my hotel to pour my joy into your sweet soul.

Oh, Clementine! hope on! You shall be happy, and I shall be great! To-morrow morning I leave for Dantzic.