hand.)

LIEUTENANT (bending gallantly to kiss it). Oh, madam, not the
lea-- (Checking himself and looking at it.) You have your
brother's hand. And the same sort of ring.

LADY (sweetly). We are twins.

LIEUTENANT. That accounts for it. (He kisses her hand.) A
thousand pardons. I didn't mind about the despatches at all:
that's more the General's affair than mine: it was the abuse of
my confidence through the better side of my nature. (Taking his
cap, gloves, and whip from the table and going.) You'll excuse my
leaving you, General, I hope. Very sorry, I'm sure. (He talks
himself out of the room. Giuseppe follows him and shuts the
door.)

NAPOLEON (looking after them with concentrated irritation).
Idiot! (The Strange Lady smiles sympathetically. He comes
frowning down the room between the table and the fireplace, all
his awkwardness gone now that he is alone with her.)

LADY. How can I thank you, General, for your protection?

NAPOLEON (turning on her suddenly). My despatches: come! (He puts
out his hand for them.)

LADY. General! (She involuntarily puts her hands on her fichu as
if to protect something there.)