Then he went to his writing-table, seated himself and wrote. His hand hurried over the paper; sometimes he looked up as if seeking for a word, then he wrote again, filling one page after another. When he had finished he called Piétri. "Make me a copy of this," said the emperor, holding out the written sheets; "yet," he added, "read it first and tell me what you think of it." Piétri read slowly and attentively, whilst the emperor made a cigarette, lighted it at the taper always burning on his table, and then walked leisurely up and down the room, from time to time casting a look of enquiry at his secretary's countenance. When he saw that he had finished reading he said: "Well, have you any remark to make?" "Sire," said Piétri, "your majesty will not then act?" "Perhaps it is better to wait," said the emperor. "But this programme," said Piétri,--"for, what your majesty has just sketched out is a political programme for the future--accepts the alterations in Germany." "Accepts them," said the emperor; and half speaking to himself he added, "to accept is not to acknowledge--to accept indicates a fictitious position which we permit to continue as long as we will." "I admire, as I have often done before, the dexterity with which your majesty chooses your words," said Piétri. "But," he proceeded, "this theory of nonintervention, this declaration that the three portions into which Germany is dividing completely reassure us as to the interests of France, will not accord with the views of M. Drouyn de Lhuys. I do not believe he will accept this programme without discussion." The emperor looked steadfastly at his secretary. "I cannot compel him to do so," he then said. "And your majesty is firmly determined to abide by this programme." "Firmly determined?" said the emperor, thoughtfully. "How difficult it is to decide at such a time. Do you know, Piétri," he said, as he laid his hand upon his shoulder, "determination is something that hurts my nerves; I do not know fear,--danger makes me cold and calm; but I am always thankful to those who compel me by an impulse to do what is needful to be done. Make me the copy,--I will drive out." CHAPTER XXIV. THE EMPRESS CHARLOTTE. Monsieur Piétri finished his business with Napoleon the next morning, and rose to withdraw to his own room. The emperor looked down gravely. "I must visit the Empress Charlotte," he said in a low tone. "The poor empress! she is indeed to be pitied," remarked Piétri.