influence of General Bonaparte, and the cajoleries of the president
of the directorate.

He had made an accurate assessment of Lefebvre, for on the 18th
Brumaire, he placed himself and all his troops under the command of
General Bonaparte, to march against the Directorate and the
Councillors, to throw down the established government and create the
Consulate. This action made him, later, one of the Emperor's
greatest favourites. He was made a marshal, Duke of Danzig and
senator and was showered with riches.

I have rapidly outlined these events, because they explain some of
the reasons which led my father to Italy: a move which had such a
profound effect on his destiny and mine.

Chap. 6.

After handing over his command to General Lefebvre, my father
returned to his house in the Faubourg St. Honoré and busied himself
with preparations for his departure to Italy.

A man's destiny is often influenced by the smallest of events. My
father and mother were very friendly with M. Barairon, the director of
registration, and one day, when they were going to dine with him,
they took me along. The talk was of my father's coming departure,
and the progress of my two younger brothers. At last, M. Barairon
asked, "And Marcellin, what are you going to make of him?" "A
sailor," replied my father, "Captain Sibille has agreed to take him
with him to Toulon." Then the good Mme. Barairon, towards whom I have
always felt the warmest gratitude, observed to my father that the