"In this very room, sire," said Madame Moreau, rising, "only the arrangement of the furniture has been slightly changed."
"I thank you, madame," said Napoleon, "follow my horoscope, I shall be glad to hear more from you!"
And with a friendly smile, he walked to the door, which Madame Moreau opened for him, the lamp in her hand.
On the stairs he took Piétri's arm and said:
"Stay, madame, I do not wish to be recognized. I rely on your discretion. Adieu!"
The quiet-looking carriage drove quickly back to the Tuileries.
When he re-entered his cabinet, the emperor seated himself at his writing-table. Piétri stood beside him:
Napoleon wrote:
"My dear Monsieur Drouyn de Lhuys,--
"I herewith send you an explanation of the reasons which, according to my unalterable decision, render a moderate policy necessary on the part of France, with regard to recent events in Germany. I do not doubt that you will entirely share my views, and I beg you to believe in my sincere friendship."