“‘Who is in waiting here?’”
“‘I am, please your Majesty,’ said I, bowing deeply, as I started from my seat.
“‘And where is the Admiral Truguet? Why was he not admitted?’
“‘Not present, your Majesty,’ said I, trembling with fear.
“‘Hold there, young fellow; not so fast. Here he is.’
“‘Ah, Truguet, mon ami!’ cried the Emperor, placing both hands on the old fellow’s shoulders, ‘how long have you been in waiting?’
“‘Two hours and a half,’ said he, producing in evidence a watch like a saucer.
“‘What, two hours and a half, and I not know it!’
“‘No matter; I am always happy to serve your Majesty. But if that fine fellow had not told me that you were going to ask me to dinner—’
“‘He! He said so, did he?’ said Napoleon, turning on me a glance like a wild beast. ‘Yes, Truguet, so I am; you shall dine with me to-day. And you, sir,’ said he, dropping his voice to a whisper, as he came closer towards me,—‘and you have dared to speak thus? Call in a guard there. Capitaine, put this person under arrest; he is disgraced. He is no longer page of the palace. Out of my presence! away, sir!’