Napoleon followed his secretary through the porte-cochère, and at the end of it walked up some high dark steps leading to a door. A small landing at the top of the first flight was lighted by a plain but elegant lamp, and a white china door-plate bore the name of Madame Moreau.
"It is the same house and the same apartment that Lenormand occupied," said Piétri, as he rang the bell near the door-plate.
The emperor looked round with great interest.
"Here then came Napoleon the First," said he, thoughtfully, "and here the crown was prophesied which he afterwards obtained."
The door opened. A young woman dressed like a Parisian housemaid appeared. The emperor pulled up the collar of his coat, and held his handkerchief before the lower part of his face.
Piétri stepped forwards and concealed him.
"Madame Moreau?" he asked.
"I do not know whether madame still receives," replied the girl; "it is very late."
"We are friends," said Piétri. "Madame will admit us."
"Walk into the salon, gentlemen; I will announce you."