‘Good Heavens, Monsieur Talleyrand,’ he
cried, clasping and unclasping his hands. ‘Such
a misfortune! Who could have expected it?’
‘What is it, then, Constant?’
’Oh, Monsieur, I dare not intrude upon the Emperor.
And yet—And yet—The Empress
is outside, and she is coming in.’
JOSEPHINE
At this unexpected announcement Talleyrand and Berthier
looked at each other in silence, and for once the
trained features of the great diplomatist, who lived
behind a mask, betrayed the fact that he was still
capable of emotion. The spasm which passed over
them was caused, however, rather by mischievous amusement
than by consternation, while Berthier—who
had an honest affection for both Napoleon and Josephine—ran
frantically to the door as if to bar the Empress from
entering. Constant rushed towards the curtains
which screened the Emperor’s room, and then,
losing courage, although he was known to be a stout-hearted
man, he came running back to Talleyrand for advice.
It was too late now, however, for Roustem the Mameluke
had opened the door, and two ladies had entered the
room. The first was tall and graceful, with a
smiling face, and an affable though dignified manner.
She was dressed in a black velvet cloak with white
lace at the neck and sleeves, and she wore a black
hat with a curling white feather. Her companion
was shorter, with a countenance which would have been
plain had it not been for the alert expression and
large dark eyes, which gave it charm and character.
A small black terrier dog had followed them in, but
the first lady turned and handed the thin steel chain
with which she led it to the Mameluke attendant.
‘You had better keep Fortune outside, Roustem,’
said she, in a peculiarly sweet musical voice.
’The Emperor is not very fond of dogs, and
if we intrude upon his quarters we cannot do less than
consult his tastes. Good evening, Monsieur de
Talleyrand! Madame de Remusat and I have driven
all along the cliffs, and we have stopped as we passed
to know if the Emperor is coming to Pont de Briques.
But perhaps he has already started. I had expected
to find him here.’
‘His Imperial Majesty was here a short time
ago,’ said Talleyrand, bowing and rubbing his
hands.
’I hold my salon—such a salon
as Pont de Briques is capable of—this evening,
and the Emperor promised me that he would set his work
aside for once, and favour us with his presence.
I wish we could persuade him to work less, Monsieur
de Talleyrand. He has a frame of iron, but he
cannot continue in this way. These nervous attacks
come more frequently upon him. He will insist
upon doing everything, everything himself. It
is noble, but it is to be a martyr. I have no
doubt that at the present moment—but you
have not yet told me where he is, Monsieur de Talleyrand.’
‘We expect him every instant, your Majesty.’
