NAPOLEON. I-- (swallowing his spleen) I apologize.

LADY (coolly). Thanks. (With forced politeness he offers her the
packet across the table. She retreats a step out of its reach and
says) But don't you want to know whether the Austrians are at
Mantua or Peschiera?

NAPOLEON. I have already told you that I can conquer my enemies
without the aid of spies, madame.

LADY. And the letter! don't you want to read that?

NAPOLEON. You have said that it is not addressed to me. I am not
in the habit of reading other people's letters. (He again offers
the packet.)

LADY. In that case there can be no objection to your keeping it.
All I wanted was to prevent your reading it. (Cheerfully.) Good
afternoon, General. (She turns coolly towards the inner door.)

NAPOLEON (furiously flinging the packet on the couch). Heaven
grant me patience! (He goes up determinedly and places himself
before the door.) Have you any sense of personal danger? Or are
you one of those women who like to be beaten black and blue?

LADY. Thank you, General: I have no doubt the sensation is very
voluptuous; but I had rather not. I simply want to go home:
that's all. I was wicked enough to steal your despatches; but you
have got them back; and you have forgiven me, because (delicately
reproducing his rhetorical cadence) you are as generous to the