"I will report your consideration to my king and his people and----" "And say to them that I long for the moment when I can measure swords with the Duke of Wellington." "And may that moment come speedily," returned Sir Gervaise.
"As for the rest," said the Emperor, turning away in high good humor, "Marteau, you have been continuously on service for two days and two nights and you are wounded----" "It is nothing." "Remain here with old Bullet-Stopper, who, true to his name, has had another touch of the enemy's lead.

General Maurice, detail a score of the weakest of your command, those slightly wounded, to whom a night's rest would be useful.

They shall remain here until the courier stops for the lady and her English friend, and then under Marteau's command rejoin me in the morning." "Very good, Sire," said General Maurice, turning away.
"I thank your Majesty," said Marteau, "for all you have done for me, and for the Comtesse d'Aumenier." "And I thank the Emperor also," said the young woman, smiling at him.
"Your Majesty's generosity almost wins me to an imperial allegiance." Napoleon laughed.
"Not even the Emperor," he said proudly, "is as black as he is painted by traitors and the English, Mademoiselle!" he bowed abruptly but not ungracefully.

"Come, gentlemen," he said, turning on his heel, "we must march.".