"General," I said, "do you remember March the 14th, 1815?"
"March the 14th, 1815?" repeated the general, trying to search his memory. "I remember it well! it is a date of great importance in my life. March 14th, 1815, was the day my brother and I were arrested after our attempt on la Fère.... Yes, I recall March 14th, 1815."
"Do you recollect passing through a little town called Villers-Cotterets?"
"Before or after my arrest?"
"After, General: you were in a carriage, seated between two policemen; your brother followed you in a second carriage, and one of your aides-de-camp was in a third. Six or eight other policemen accompanied you."
"Oh! I remember it perfectly, and this proves it: a woman climbed on to the step of my carriage and spat in my face."
"That was so, General; your memory is good."
"Oh! do you suppose one forgets things like that?"
"No, General, I do not say such things are easily forgotten.... May I ask you if you remember something else?"