"Well, what is it?" exclaimed the emperor. "Come in."
The emperor's private chamberlain slipped softly through the half- opened door, and, on beholding the empress, be stood still without uttering a word.
"Never mind, the empress will excuse you," said Francis.
"Just tell me what you have come in for."
"Your majesty," said the chamberlain, "the French ambassador, Count Andreossi, has just arrived, and requests your majesty to grant him an audience. He says he wishes to communicate information of great importance to you."
"Why did he not apply to my minister of foreign affairs?" asked the emperor, indignantly.
"Your majesty, the ambassador begs your pardon, but he says the Emperor Napoleon gave him express orders to endeavor if possible to speak with your majesty."
"And he is already in the anteroom, and waits for an immediate audience?"
"Yes, your majesty."
"Well, then, I will receive him," said the emperor, rising. "Conduct the ambassador to the small audience-room.—Well?" asked the emperor, wonderingly, when the chamberlain did not withdraw. "You do not go? Do you wish to tell me any thing else?"