“‘We want to see La Malmaison.’
“‘Impossible!’ replied the porter.
“‘What do you mean, impossible?’
“‘I have orders.’
“‘From whom?’
“‘From her Majesty Queen Christine, to whom the château belongs at present.’
“‘But monsieur here is a stranger who has come expressly to visit the place.’
“‘Impossible!’
“‘Well,’ exclaimed M. Odilon Barrot, ‘it’s funny that this door should be closed to the Emperor’s nephew!’
“The porter started and threw his cap on the ground. He was an old soldier, to whom the post had been granted as a pension.