And he signed it, "Napoleon."
He handed the paper silently to Piétri.
"Sire," he said, after reading it, "who does your majesty destine to be the successor of Monsieur Drouyn de Lhuys?"
"Moustiers knows the state of affairs in Berlin well," said the emperor; "prepare a letter to him beforehand, to inquire if he will undertake the guidance of foreign affairs."
Piétri bowed.
"One thing more," said Napoleon, "let Hansen come to me early to-morrow morning, we will make one more effort."
"At your majesty's command."
"What do you think of Madame Moreau?" asked the emperor, who had already turned towards the door leading to his private apartments, as he paused for a moment. "How could she know that episode of my youth?" he whispered in a low voice.
"Sire," replied Piétri, "it is difficult to say."
"'There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy,'" said Napoleon in perfect English; and with a friendly nod he dismissed his secretary.