The palace and surrounding sites were packed with troops, but Gilbert managed to reach the Bulls-eye Chamber where Necker's letter passed him into the royal presence.
The doctor examined in silence the pilot given to France in stormy weather, whom he had not seen for many long years.
For the physiognomist who had studied under Lavater, the magnetiser who had read the future with Balsamo, the philosopher who had meditated with Rousseau, the traveler who had reviewed many peoples, all in this short, stout man signified degeneracy, impotence and ruin.
When Louis had read the introduction he dismissed all attendants with a wave of the hand not devoid of majesty.
"Is it true," said he, "that you are the author of the Memoirs on Administration and Politics, which much struck me? you are young for such a work?"
"I am thirty-two, but study and misfortune age a man; treat me as an old one."
"Why are you so slow to present yourself to me?"
"Because I had no need to speak to your Majesty what I could freely and easily write."
"But you ought to have been informed that I was kindly towards you," observed the monarch, suspiciously.
"Your Majesty alludes to my audacity in requesting him, in token of having read my work with gratification, to show a light in his own study window? I saw that, and was gladdened, but your Majesty offered a reward, and I want none."