Page:Helen Leah Reed - Napoleons young neighbour.djvu/119

Rh people were left to themselves for a while.The game was at an end.

"Now, Mees Betsy," exclaimed the Emperor, when he returned to the room, "you and all the other players must come and dine with me."

"But we have already dined."

"Yet you must come. Now, Navarre," said the Emperor, when they had reached the marquee, "Mees Betsy is very fond of creams. Bring some for her."

"I cannot eat them," protested Betsy.

"But you told me you were so fond of them. Come, it is not kind to refuse."

"But really I cannot eat."

"Oh, nonsense!"

Betsy made the effort, and ate half of a delicious cream.

"That is not enough. I will feed you, little bambino, I will feed you;" and with spoon in hand Napoleon actually began to feed the little girl, laughing steadily at her as he did so.

Only by running away did Betsy at last escape, and even then the Emperor called after her: