The Emperor spoke, looking straight at Lorraine: "Gentlemen, we cannot disturb a woman. Pray find another house."
After a moment the officers began to back out, one by one, through the doorway. The Emperor still stood by the bed, his vague, inscrutable eyes fixed on Lorraine.
Jack moved towards the bed, trembling. The Emperor raised his colourless face.
"Monsieur—your sister? No—your wife?"
"My promised wife, sire," muttered Jack, cold with fear.
"A child," said the Emperor, softly.
With a vague gesture he stepped nearer, smoothed the coverlet, bent closer, and touched the sleeping girl's forehead with his lips. Then he stood up, gray-faced, impassive.
"I am an old man," he said, as though to himself. He looked at Jack, who now came close to him, holding out something in one hand. It was the steel box.
"For me, monsieur?" asked the Emperor.
Jack nodded. He could not speak.