because you have no heart, no feeling, no-- (She breaks off, and
throws herself on her knees.) Ah, General, let me go: let me go
without asking any questions. You shall have your despatches and
letters: I swear it.

NAPOLEON (holding out his hand). Yes: I am waiting for them.
(She gasps, daunted by his ruthless promptitude into despair of
moving him by cajolery; but as she looks up perplexedly at him,
it is plain that she is racking her brains for some device to
outwit him. He meets her regard inflexibly.)

LADY (rising at last with a quiet little sigh). I will get them
for you. They are in my room. (She turns to the door.)

NAPOLEON. I shall accompany you, madame.

LADY (drawing herself up with a noble air of offended delicacy).I
cannot permit you, General, to enter my chamber.

NAPOLEON. Then you shall stay here, madame, whilst I have your
chamber searched for my papers.

LADY (spitefully, openly giving up her plan). You may save
yourself the trouble. They are not there.

NAPOLEON. No: I have already told you where they are. (Pointing
to her breast.)

LADY (with pretty piteousness). General: I only want to keep one
little private letter. Only one. Let me have it.