'I wish all our services were as easy, Monsieur de Laval. That is
Joseph Linden, whose foot is the exact size of the Emperor's. He wears
his new boots and shoes for three days before they are given to his
master. You can see by the gold buckles that he has a pair on at the
present moment. Ah, Monsieur de Caulaincourt, will you not join us at
dinner in my tent?'

A tall, handsome man, very elegantly dressed, came across and greeted
us. 'It is rare to find you at rest, Monsieur de Meneval. I have no
very light task myself as head of the household, but I think I have more
leisure than you. Have we time for dinner before the Emperor returns?'

'Yes, yes; here is the tent, and everything ready. We can see when the
Emperor returns, and be in the room before he can reach it. This is
camp fare, Monsieur de Laval, but no doubt you will excuse it.'

For my own part I had an excellent appetite for the cutlets and the
salad, but what I relished above all was to hear the talk of my
companions, for I was full of curiosity as to everything which concerned
this singular man, whose genius had elevated him so rapidly to the
highest position in the world. The head of his household discussed him
with an extraordinary frankness.

'What do they say of him in England, Monsieur de Laval?' he asked.

'Nothing very good.'

'So I have gathered from their papers. They drive the Emperor frantic,
and yet he will insist upon reading them. I am willing to lay a wager