Evenings with Prince Cambacrs, Second Consul, Arch-Chancellor of the Empire,

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838 edition. Excerpt: ...by the calm composure of the person who sustained these reverses, and who appeared to be quite unmoved by them. Would he not at last withdraw from the spot? I desired it as anxiously as if he had been my own father. The idea, in fact, occurred to his mind, for a moment; he showed a disposition to rise; my heart expanded with delight! He paused, sat down again, and filled me with disappointment. This apparent indifference soon vanished; he dived into one of his pockets, and his features became contracted on drawing out two or three notes of five hundred francs each, one of which he laid, with a trembling hand, on the table, to make a stake. He lost! He had previously been playing at double or quits on this occasion he was more cautious; four times he tried his luck; but it still proved adverse to him. How frightful was the glance which he silently cast at us! That glance, meeting mine, made me shudder, for I fancied I beheld death pictured in his looks. By a sudden resolution, he tore himself away from the fatal table, and retired with a faltering step, overpowered by his excited feelings. He will, no doubt, I said, put an end to his existence. The desire of rescuing him from despair compelled me to follow him; but he had the start of me by some seconds. I lost a few more in putting on my great coat and hat. At last, I rushed to the staircase. Alas! my promptitude proved more tardy than the impatience of his despair. I had reached the last flight whea the report of a pistol, proceeding from the Rue de Valois, Ma 134 Suicide. made me start. A loud outcry was heard, and several persons, who rushed forward, beheld the lifeless remains of Count de------, a man of eminent qualities as a father, a husband, a military officer, or a citizen, but a...