LIEUTENANT. You'd better go first: I don't know the way.

GIUSEPPE. You can't miss it. Besides (imploringly, laying his
hand on his sleeve), I am only a poor innkeeper; and you are a
man of family.

LIEUTENANT. There's something in that. Here: you needn't be in
such a fright. Take my arm. (Giuseppe does so.) That's the
way.(They go out, arm in arm. It is now starry night. The lady
throws the packet on the table and seats herself at her ease on
the couch enjoying the sensation of freedom from petticoats.)

LADY. Well, General: I've beaten you.

NAPOLEON (walking about). You have been guilty of indelicacy--of
unwomanliness. Do you consider that costume a proper one to wear?

LADY. It seems to me much the same as yours.

NAPOLEON. Psha! I blush for you.

LADY (naively). Yes: soldiers blush so easily! (He growls and
turns away. She looks mischievously at him, balancing the
despatches in her hand.) Wouldn't you like to read these before
they're burnt, General? You must be dying with curiosity. Take a
peep. (She throws the packet on the table, and turns her face
away from it.) I won't look.

NAPOLEON. I have no curiosity whatever, madame. But since you are
evidently burning to read them, I give you leave to do so.