Memoirs of the Empress Josephine, Vol. 1 of 2

part in idle talk, in order to efface the effect of my unlucky and

easily gained reputation for cleverness.

When I left the palace and went back to my mother’s house, I associated there with many amiable women and distinguished men, whose conversation was most interesting; and I smiled to myself at the difference between their society and that of Bonaparte’s Court.

One g...