Page:Helen Leah Reed - Napoleons young neighbour.djvu/116

90 The boys obeyed, and to the great delight of the children the mice started off at full speed. As they watched the carriage and the scampering steeds, the children shouted and clapped their hands.

One morning Betsy stood before Napoleon with an expression of disappointment on her pretty face.

"Of course I thought you meant it."

"But you are a foolish child."

"Why shouldn't you give a ball before you leave The Briars? Not a very great one, but just large enough for me to dance at. Soon you will be away, at Longwood. I thought you promised."

"You must have known I was in fun."

At last Betsy noted a tone in the Emperor's voice that warned her to go no further.

"But since you are so disappointed," said Napoleon kindly, "you may have whatever you wish to ask of me. Dites-moi, que veux-tu que je fasse Mdlle. Betsee pour te consoler?" ["Tell me, what do you wish me to do to console you?"]

Betsy's face brightened.