All the marshals bent their heads, and their countenances expressed their full approval of the Duke of Magenta's words.
Drouyn de Lhuys allowed his head to sink sorrowfully upon his breast.
The emperor fixed his eyes upon Marshal Niel without a sign of emotion.
"How long a time should you require to carry out what you have asserted to be needful?"
"Two years, sire," replied the marshal, in a calm, clear voice.
"My best wishes will accompany the marshal in his work, if your majesty deputes him to carry it out," said Count Randon, bowing to the emperor.
After a few moments of deep silence Napoleon rose.
"I thank you, gentlemen," he said, quietly, "for your opinions, and the frankness with which you have expressed them. It will make it easier to me to form a decision at this important moment. I shall see you all again to-day at dinner."
And with his own peculiar courtesy he greeted them, and returned to his cabinet alone.
He looked thoughtfully and gravely before him, and several times paced slowly up and down the room.