It became particularly animated toward the end of the evening when the rewards bestowed by the Emperor were mentioned.

"You know N-- N-- received a snuffbox with the portrait last year?" said "the man of profound intellect.

" "Why shouldn't S-- S-- get the same distinction?" "Pardon me! A snuffbox with the Emperor's portrait is a reward but not a distinction," said the diplomatist--"a gift, rather.

" "There are precedents, I may mention Schwarzenberg.