’I saw that he needed an agent who would not penetrate too deeply into his plans.

’"I have one,” said I, “who is all spurs and moustaches, with never a thought beyond women and horses.”

’"That is the man I want,” said Napoleon.  “Bring him to my private cabinet at four o’clock.”

’So, youngster, I came straight away to you at once, and mind that you do credit to the 10th Hussars.’

I was by no means flattered by the reasons which had led to my Colonel’s choice, and I must have shown as much in my face, for he roared with laughter and Talleyrand gave a dry chuckle also.

‘Just one word of advice before you go, Monsieur Gerard,’ said he:  ’you are now coming into troubled waters, and you might find a worse pilot than myself.  We have none of us any idea as to what this little affair means, and, between ourselves, it is very important for us, who have the destinies of France upon our shoulders, to keep ourselves in touch with all that goes on.  You understand me, Monsieur Gerard?’

I had not the least idea what he was driving at, but I bowed and tried to look as if it was clear to me.

‘Act very guardedly, then, and say nothing to anybody,’ said Talleyrand.  ’Colonel de Lasalle and I will not show ourselves in public with you, but we will await you here, and we will give you our advice when you have told us what has passed between the Emperor and yourself.  It is time that you started now, for the Emperor never forgives unpunctuality.’

Off I went on foot to the palace, which was only a hundred paces off.  I made my way to the ante-chamber, where Duroc, with his grand new scarlet and gold coat, was fussing about among the crowd of people who were waiting.  I heard him whisper to Monsieur de Caulaincourt that half of them were German Dukes who expected to be made Kings, and the other half German Dukes who expected to be made paupers.  Duroc, when he heard my name, showed me straight in, and I found myself in the Emperor’s presence.

I had, of course, seen him in camp a hundred times, but I had never been face to face with him before.  I have no doubt that if you had met him without knowing in the least who he was, you would simply have said that he was a sallow little fellow with a good forehead and fairly well-turned calves.  His tight white cashmere breeches and white stockings showed off his legs to advantage.  But even a stranger must have been struck by the singular look of his eyes, which could harden into an expression which would frighten a grenadier.  It is said that even Auguereau, who was a man who had never known what fear was, quailed before Napoleon’s gaze, at a time, too, when the Emperor was but an unknown soldier.  He looked mildly enough at me, however, and motioned me to remain by the door.  De Meneval was writing to his dictation, looking up at him between each sentence with his spaniel eyes.