By the door was stationed a young officer in the uniform of the Fifth Regiment of the infantry of the line.

He stood quietly at attention, and was evidently there on duty.
From time to time officers, orderlies and couriers came into the room, bearing dispatches.

These were handed to the young officer and by him passed over to the Emperor.

Never since the days of Job had any man perhaps been compelled to welcome such a succession of bearers of evil tidings as Napoleon on that winter night.
The Emperor's face was pale always, but there was an ashy grayness about his pallor in that hour that marked a difference.

His face was lined and seamed, not to say haggard.