“I should have thought him ambitious,” said Roland.
Lucien started and looked at the young man.
“You are right,” said he.
“Then,” remarked Josephine, “if he is ambitious he will not let Bonaparte seize the power.”
“Why not?”
“Because he will want it himself.”
“Yes; but he will wait till it comes to him ready-made, inasmuch as he doesn’t know how to create it, and is afraid to seize it.”
During this time Bonaparte had joined the group which had formed around Talma after dinner, as well as before. Remarkable men are always the centre of attraction.
“What are you saying, Talma?” demanded Bonaparte. “It seems to me they are listening to you very attentively.”
“Yes, but my reign is over,” replied the artist.