‘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.’

CHAPTER XIV

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.’