Pagina 296 de 3800

And the prince began explaining all the blunders which, according

to him, Bonaparte had made in his campaigns and even in politics.

His son made no rejoinder, but it was evident that whatever

arguments were presented he was as little able as his father to

change his opinion. He listened, refraining from a reply, and

involuntarily wondered how this old man, living alone in the

country for so many years, could know and discuss so minutely and

acutely all the recent European military and political events.

"You think I'm an old man and don't understand the present state

of affairs?" concluded his father. "But it troubles me. I don't

sleep at night. Come now, where has this great commander of yours

shown his skill?" he concluded.

"That would take too long to tell," answered the son.

"Well, then go off to your Buonaparte! Mademoiselle Bourienne,

here's another admirer of that powder-monkey emperor of yours,"

he exclaimed in excellent French.

"You know, Prince, I am not a Bonapartist!"