On the fourth of March, 1796, in the pretty new home at Meudon, where the Clouets now lived, Jean received a note from Bonaparte asking him to come at once to his hotel in the Rue Capucines as he had news to communicate. Naturally Jean let no grass grow under his heels in complying with this request.
He found Bonaparte pacing up and down the room as usual, but it was a very different room from the lodgings in which he had formerly existed, and for that matter, a rather different Bonaparte too, as well-groomed and handsomely garbed, as he had once been careless and ill-kempt in appearance.
"Jean," he began, "I've never told you how much I admired the way you held that gun, on the Thirteenth Vendémiaire, in spite of that leering devil above you. I suppose you thought I'd forgotten, for I really believe I haven't seen you since, affairs have been so pressing!"
"No," said Jean, "I didn't think you had forgotten!"
"Well, here's a piece of news,—I'm going to be married!"
"Oh, how splendid! May I inquire who the lady may be?"
"You may! You saw her once,—the Vicomtesse Josephine de Beauharnais!" Jean was delighted beyond words, and wished his friend the greatest happiness.
"But here's something else!" cried Bonaparte. "And this will interest you more! I've been appointed Commander-in-chief of the Army of Italy!"
"Oh, congratulations!" said Jean. "A thousand of them! I know how greatly you always wished for this position."
"But here's something else that will interest you most of all!" replied Bonaparte laughing. "I appoint you my aide-de-camp and secretary, and you will be prepared to accompany me to Nice one week from to-day. Jean, Jean! my star has risen at last, and I feel that it will shine with a brilliant light before it goes to its setting!"