THE FRENCH EMPEROR'S PRIVATE LIFE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 491, 13 December 1869, Page 3

THE FRENCH EMPEROR'S PRIVATE LIFE.

♦ Under the above tempting title, the Jenkins of the Gaulois gives some particulars respecting the domestic life of the Emperor and Empress when illness does not turn everything upside down. He says :— No people can be more united than the three chief inmates of the Palace de St. Cloud ; and when politics and etiquette can be laid aside, no happier father, mother, and son, can anywhere exist. The Empress and prince enter the Emperor's room as soon as Felix, the first valet-de-chambre, has let them know that his master is up— which, just now, is generally between seven and eighta.m. M. Conneau — a friend rather than a physician ; M. Conti— both a friend and a secretary ; and General Malherbe, follow soon after. The latter comes to take orders for the day, including the "bill of fare " for the breakfast and dinner. But at all times the dishes are of the simplest description, chiefly roast meats ; and whatever they are, Napoleon 111. is always content. The repasts are served exactly at the hour appointed, whether their majesties are ready or not ; and often General Malherbe has apologised for a cold dish, but the Emperor good-temperedly exclaims, " Never mind ; it is all my fault, being late." The chef is always informed if any extra guest is invited, and if an invitation is declined he alters his arrangements in accordance. On the other hand, if some one is asked to breakfast or dinner unexpectedly, nothing whatever is added to the bill under any circumstances — he has to take " pot luck." After business of the early morning is despatched, the Emperor goes out in the park to take what he calls his "little walk " — often with one or two of the persons I have mentioned. At eleven a.m. breakfast is announced, after which their majesties spend a few minutes in the drawing-room, and then separate to perform the duties of the day. They dine at seven, and talk over the incidents of the afternoon in the freest manner possible. If some officer of the household mentions an accident as having occurred to any one in bad circumstances, the Emperor at once gives orders for immediate inquiry and relief ; and thus the Emperor and Empress, without any ostentation whatever, do good in all sorts of ways. lam personally aware of cases in which the sufferer was left in ignorance of the quarter whence the relief came, not to wound his feelings or offend his political opinions.