"He waits in the parlor." Without a word Napoleon left his school-fellows; but they looked after him with faces expressive of disapproval or disappointment.
The disagreeable impression produced by the discussion in which he had been taking part still remained with Napoleon as he entered the parlor to meet his visitor.

It was the friend of his family, Monsieur de Permon.
Napoleon, indeed, was scarce able to greet his visitor pleasantly.

But Monsieur de Permon, without appearing to notice the boy's ill-humor, greeted him pleasantly, and said,-- "Madame de Permon and I are on our way to the Academy of St.Cyr, to see your sister Eliza.

Would you not like to go with us, Napoleon?
I have permission for you to be absent" Napoleon brightened at this invitation, and gladly accepted it.

The two proceeded to the carriage, in which Madame Permon was awaiting them; and the three were soon on the road to the school of St.Cyr, in which, as I have told you, Eliza Bonaparte was a scholar.
They were ushered into the parlor, and Eliza was summoned.