"'Just so, Sire. Then, does Your Majesty know what Gramont hurled at him?'
"'What?'
"'He said to him, "Monsieur le Duc, I forbid you to speak ill of my mistress before me."
"'Gramont goes too far,' said Napoleon with a dreamy smile.
"'That is what we all thought, including Viel-Castel, who was nevertheless delighted.'
"'Apropos of this,' said Napoleon after a silence, 'I have forgotten to ask you for news of the Countess Bielowsky.'
"'She is very well, Sire, I thank Your Majesty,'
"'And Clémentine? Still the same dear child?'
"'Always, Sire. But....'
"'It seems that M. Baroche is madly in love with her.'