A day or two before sailing Betsy and Jane went over to Longwood to say farewell to Napoleon. They found him in the billiard-room, as usual, surrounded by books. There was sadness in his voice as he talked about their departure.
"I hope your mother's health will soon be restored," he said. "Give her my kindest regards and best wishes for the journey. Soon you will be sailing away towards England, leaving me to die on this miserable rock. Look at those dreadful mountains—they are my prison walls. You will soon hear that the Emperor Napoleon is dead."
At these melancholy words the emotional Betsy burst into tears and Jane's eyes grew moist. Betsy sobbed as if her heart would break, and Napoleon, greatly moved, tried to comfort her. Betsy felt for her handkerchief, only to find that she had left it in her side-saddle pocket. So Napoleon, holding his own toward her, said, "Take it, and keep it in remembrance of this sad day."
The sisters went the rounds of Longwood, bidding good-bye to all that was dear to them. Later they dined with Napoleon, but Betsy was still so overcome with grief that she could hardly swallow.
"Take some bonbons," said Napoleon kindly.
"I cannot," she cried. "My throat has a swelling, and I cannot eat!"
When at last they were ready to go, the Emperor embraced the two sisters with great affection.
"Do not forget me!" he said. "I thank you for your kindness and friendship, and all my happy hours in your society."
The two sisters could hardly reply.
"Mees Betsee," he added, after a moment's pause, "what would you like to have in remembrance?"