"At your command, sire."
"And," asked the emperor, "do you know where General Türr is at this moment?"
"With the army in Italy," replied Piétri; "but I can ascertain precisely immediately."
"Write to him," said the emperor. "No," interrupting himself, "send a confidential person. I want to beg him to come here at once."
Piétri bowed.
"Through him," said the emperor, speaking half to himself, "I shall keep my hand a little in Turin and Pesth; that may be important."
"Has your majesty any other commands?" asked Piétri.
"No, I thank you," said the emperor; and his private secretary withdrew. Napoleon leant back comfortably in his arm-chair, and carefully rolling a fresh cigarette, smoked thick clouds, lost in deep thought.