aloes. In the middle of the room was a large oval table covered with
green cloth and littered with a number of letters and papers. A raised
writing-desk was at one side of the table, and behind it in a green
morocco chair with curved arms there sat the Emperor. A number of
officials were standing round the walls, but he took no notice of them.
In his hand he had a small penknife, with which he whittled the wooden
knob at the end of his chair. He glanced up as we entered, and shook
his head coldly at de Meneval.

'I have had to wait for you, Monsieur de Meneval,' said he. 'I cannot
remember that I ever waited for my late secretary de Bourrienne.
That is enough! No excuses! Take this report which I have written in
your absence, and make a copy of it.'

Poor de Meneval took the paper with a shaking hand, and carried it to
the little side table which was reserved for his use. Napoleon rose
and paced slowly up and down the room with his hands behind his back,
and his big round head stooping a little forwards. It was certainly as
well that he had a secretary, for I observed that in writing this single
document he had spattered the whole place with ink, and it was obvious
that he had twice used his white kerseymere knee-breeches as a
pen-wiper. As for me, I stood quietly beside Roustem at the door, and
he took not the slightest notice of my presence.

'Well,' he cried presently, 'is it ready, de Meneval? We have something
more to do.'

The secretary half turned in his chair, and his face was more agitated
than ever.