"Oh! that I could die now! Death would be welcome, for in this proud
moment I have emptied my cup of earthly joy!" [Footnote: "Memoires de
Weber," vol i., p. 45.—Memoires de Madame de Campan, vol. i., p. 127.
—Hubner, "Life of Joseph II," page 142.]
CHAPTER CXIII.
THE HOTEL TURENNE.
The host of the Hotel Turenne had punctually obeyed the orders of Count Falkenstein. He had taken every applicant for rooms, whether he came in an ignominious hackney-coach or in a magnificent carriage.
But now every room was taken, and the host, fearful of consequences, was waiting for the emperor to appear, that he might be informed of the important fact.
In ten or fifteen minutes, his imperial majesty was seen coming down the staircase, and Monsieur Louis approached, with a low bow.
"May I have the honor of speaking with Count Falkenstein?"
"Certainly," said the count. "What is it?"
"I wished to inform monsieur le comte, that my hotel is full to the garret. Should monsieur le comte, then, see a traveller leaving my door, he will know that I am not infringing his imp—his orders, I mean. I have not a single room left."
"Your hotel is popular. I congratulate you. But I am not at all surprised, for you make your visitors exceedingly comfortable."