Nothing more is
said until the lieutenant arrives followed by Giuseppe, who
stands modestly in attendance at the table. The lieutenant,
without cap, sword or gloves, and much improved in temper and
spirits by his meal, chooses the Lady's side of the room, and
waits, much at his ease, for Napoleon to begin.)
NAPOLEON. Lieutenant.
LIEUTENANT (encouragingly). General.
NAPOLEON. I cannot persuade this lady to give me much
information; but there can be no doubt that the man who tricked
you out of your charge was, as she admitted to you, her brother.
LIEUTENANT (triumphantly). What did I tell you, General! What did
I tell you!
NAPOLEON. You must find that man. Your honor is at stake; and the
fate of the campaign, the destiny of France, of Europe, of
humanity, perhaps, may depend on the information those despatches
contain.
LIEUTENANT. Yes, I suppose they really are rather serious (as if
this had hardly occurred to him before).
NAPOLEON (energetically). They are so serious, sir, that if you
do not recover them, you will be degraded in the presence of your
regiment.
LIEUTENANT.
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