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Napoleon was a great admirer of Talma; he said he was the truest actor to nature that ever trod the boards. He was on very intimate and familiar footing with him. I told him I had heard he took lessons from Talma how he was to sit on his throne. He said he had been often asked if such had been the case, and that he one day mentioned the report to the great actor, at the same time remarking to him, "C'est un signe que je m'y tions bien." He often spoke of Mademoiselle Georges, whom he represented as being very talented, and transcendently beautiful.

One morning, after having been to a ball, and being consequently very tired, I tried in vain, during one of my Longwood promenades, to find where the emperor had hid himself. I was told he was superintending a ditch which was forming for him, that he might have a walk free from molestation. Thither I bent my steps, and discovered Napoleon contemplating the work, with arms folded.