Permont

A few days after the festival in the military school, a short vacation had followed, and Napoleon passed it with his friend Albert in the house of the family of Permont.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Remember what I told you on the first day, Prairial, Madame de Permont -- I had then the mental conviction of this secrecy.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Permont, the son of wealthy and distinguished parents, and the reserved, proud Napoleon Bonaparte, the son of a poor, lonely widow.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Madame de Permont; and where men even of diverging political sentiments, aristocrats and ci-devants of the first water, were to be found.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

As he entered the saloon of Madame de Permont the whole family was gathered there, and at the sight of Napoleon the two daughters, girls of six and thirteen years, broke out into loud laughter.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Napoleon allowed this to take place without contradiction, and hindered not his sister to receive from Madame de Permont the alms which he himself had so arrogantly refused.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Permont, resided in Montpellier with her husband, who was settled there, and with all the faithfulness and friendship of a Corsican, she nursed the sick husband of her Letitia.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

The days of solitude and privations were forgotten; the young, beautiful Desiree Clary, whom Bonaparte so much loved a few months ago, and the amiable Madame Permont, were also forgotten (and yet to the latter, in her loge at the theatre, as a farce between acts, he had offered his hand); all the little love-intrigues of former days were forgotten; to Josephine alone belonged his heart, her alone he loved with all the impassioned glow and depth of a first exclusive love.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

In the Permont family Napoleon was received with the same friendship and attention as in former days; Madame de Permont retained ever for the son of the friend of her youth, Letitia, a kindly smile, a genial sympathy, an intelligent appreciation of his plans and wishes; her husband manifested toward him all the interest of a parental regard; her son Albert was full of tenderness and admiration for him; and her younger daughter Laura jested and conversed with him as with a beloved brother.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843

Permont, and a strange look from his eyes met her face -- "Salicetti has destroyed my future in its dawn.

Empress Josephine An historical sketch of the days of Napoleon 1843