ST. In any case, I owe him small thanks for his tardy aid, since you confess that my victory seemed certain. He is a true friend, however; he stands by those he likes, even in their absence, when, usually, friendship slumbers. BON. In that, friendship imitates its cousin--love. ST.--NERVING HERSELF FOR AN EFFORT.--By what means, General, can an ordinary woman, without literary reputation, without superior genius, be sustained in the affection of a man she loves when separated from him by distance or a period of years? Memory, reduced to recalling her charms only, becomes gradually dim, and at last forgets, especially when the lover is a great man. But when the latter has had the good fortune to meet with a strong-minded woman, one worthy of sharing his laurels, and herself enjoying a high reputation, then the distance of time and space disappears, for it is the renown of both which serves as messenger between them, and it is through the hundred mouths of fame that each receives intelligence of the other. BON. Madame, in what chapter of the work you are about to publish shall we read this brilliant passage? ST. It has been the constant illusion of my soul. BON. Ah, I understand; it is your hobby, after the manner of Sterne. So you are seeking the philosopher's stone? ST. One would think, to hear you talk, that it is impossible to find it. BON. There are two illusions in this world, though both flow from the same error; that of physical and that of moral alchemy. This idealistic philosophy leads to an abyss. ST. One, nevertheless, which wit and sagacity may illumine with the rays of genius to its inmost recesses. Do you never build castles in the air, General? Do you never go and dwell in them? Do you never dream, to charm away the monotony of life? BON. I leave dreams to sleep, and retain reason for my waking hours. ST. Then you can never be either amused or surprised! You have a scouting party stationed to watch that outpost, the imagination? BON. Wisdom counsels me to do so, and makes it my duty. ST.--AFTER A MOMENT'S REFLECTION.--General, who, in your opinion, is the greatest of women? BON. She who bears the most children.[3] Madame de Staël turned slightly pale at this reply, and said no more. The General rose, bowed, and quitted the room. Both carried away from the interview the elements of mutual dislike and food for a life-long hostility. "Doubtless," says Lacretelle, "this last question was suggested by the vanity of the inquirer." And Bonaparte, eager to deprive the lady of the tribute she expected in his reply, made answer as we have described. "Certainly," adds Lacretelle, "it was impossible to rebuff a courtesy with greater rudeness and less discernment, for Madame de Staël was one of the powers of the day."[4]