I do not think that I had any particular political opinions at that time. Montbard, however, was a Republican--in fact, a future Communard--and I know that he did not appreciate his virtually enforced introduction to the so-called "Badinguet." Still, he contrived to be fairly polite, and allowed the Emperor to inspect the sketch he was making. There was to be a theatrical performance at the chateau that evening, and it had already been arranged that Montbard should witness it. On hearing, however, that it had been impossible to provide my father and myself with seats, on account of the great demand for admission on the part of local magnates and the officers of the garrison, the Emperor was good enough to say, after I had explained that my father's indisposition would prevent him from attending: "Voyons, vous pourrez bien trouver une petite place pour ce jeune homme. Il n'est pas si grand, et je suis sur que cela lui fera plaisir." M. de la Ferriere bowed, and thus it came to pass that I witnessed the performance after all, being seated on a stool behind some extremely beautiful women whose white shoulders repeatedly distracted my attention from the stage. In regard to Montbard there was some little trouble, as M. de la Ferriere did not like the appearance of his "revolutionary-looking beard," the sight of which, said he, might greatly alarm the Empress. Montbard, however, indignantly refused to shave it off, and ten months later the "revolutionary beards" were predominant, the power and the pomp of the Empire having been swept away amidst all the disasters of invasion. II THE OUTBREAK OF THE FRANCO-GERMAN WAR Napoleon's Plans for a War with Prussia--The Garde Mobile and the French Army generally--Its Armament--The "White Blouses" and the Paris Riots--The Emperor and the Elections of 1869--The Troppmann and Pierre Bonaparte Affairs--Captain the Hon. Dennis Bingham--The Ollivier Ministry--French Campaigning Plans--Frossard and Bazaine--The Negotiations with Archduke Albert and Count Vimeroati--The War forced on by Bismarck--I shout "A Berlin!"--The Imperial Guard and General Bourbaki--My Dream of seeing a War--My uncle Frank Vizetelly and his Campaigns--"The Siege of Pekin"-- Organization of the French Forces--The Information Service--I witness the departure of Napoleon III and the Imperial Prince from Saint Cloud.