Enough illumination came through the door into the bed-chamber for their purpose--more than enough for the Emperor.

He turned his head away, lest they should see what they should see.

The two marshals bowed and stood silent.
"Well ?" said the Emperor at last, his voice unduly harsh, as if to cover emotion with its roughness, and they noticed that he did not look at them.
"Sire, the courier of the Duke of Vicenza waits for his answer," said Maret.
There was another long pause.
"Will not your majesty give way for the good of the people ?" urged Berthier.

"Give peace to France, sire.

The army is hungry----" "Am I God, messieurs, to feed thousands with a few loaves and fishes ?" cried the Emperor bitterly.
"No, Sire.