"Very well."
I took up a piece of paper and wrote this rough draft of an order:—
"The military authorities of the town of Soissons are asked to hand over immediately to M. Alexandre Dumas all the powder that can be found either in the powder magazine or in the town.
"PARIS, 30 July 1830"
I presented the paper to General Gérard, who took it, read it and re-read it. Then, as though he had forgotten that I had asked him for an autograph order, he took a pen and, saying, "Since you really wish it...." he signed my order.
I let him do it, for an idea came into my head.
"Thanks, general."
"Are you really satisfied?"
"Very well satisfied."
"Then you are not hard to please."
And he returned to the drawing-room. I still held the pen, and, above his name, I wrote "Minister for War."