'Vice-Admiral Magon,' he cried, 'you will in future receive all orders
connected with the fleet. Admiral Bruix, you will leave Boulogne in
twenty-four hours and withdraw to Holland. Where is Lieutenant Gerard,
of the Hussars of Bercheny?'
My companion's gauntlet sprang to his busby.
'I ordered you to bring Monsieur Louis de Laval from the castle of
Grosbois.'
'He is here, Sire.'
'Good! You may retire.'
The lieutenant saluted, whisked round upon his heel, and clattered away,
whilst the Emperor's blue eyes were turned upon me. I had often heard
the phrase of eyes looking through you, but that piercing gaze did
really give one the feeling that it penetrated to one's inmost thoughts.
But the sternness had all melted out of it, and I read a great
gentleness and kindness in their expression.
'You have come to serve me, Monsieur de Laval?'
'Yes, Sire.'
'You have been some time in making up your mind.'
'I was not my own master, Sire.'
'Your father was an aristocrat?'
'Yes, Sire.'
'And a supporter of the Bourbons?'
'Yes, Sire.
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