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.
'If it please you, Sire--' he stammered.
'Well, well, what is the matter now ?' 'If it please you, Sire, I find some little difficulty in reading what you have written.' 'Tut, tut, sir.

You see what the report is about.' 'Yes, Sire, it is about forage for the cavalry horses.' Napoleon smiled, and the action made his face look quite boyish.
'You remind me of Cambaceres, de Meneval.

When I wrote him an account of the battle of Marengo, he thought that my letter was a rough plan of the engagement.

It is incredible how much difficulty you appear to have in reading what I write.