Page:Helen Leah Reed - Napoleons young neighbour.djvu/34

14 "I did not see General Bonaparte," replied the father, pausing to see the effect of his words on the children. Then, as he noted their expression of disappointment, he quickly added: "But I saw some of the others, some of his suite."

"Oh, tell us about it!"

"There is little to tell. After paying my respects to Sir George Cockburn, I was introduced to Madame Bertrand and Madame Montholon, and then to the rest of Napoleon's suite."

"What were they like?" asked one of the girls eagerly, as if she expected her father to describe a group of strange beings.

"Like any travellers, my child, who had had a long voyage, from the effects of which they were anxious to rest."

"Oh, I wish you had seen Napoleon!"

"I am likely to see him soon, and you may, also, as he is to land to-night."

At this news the children were silent. To have Napoleon on the island was not a pleasant prospect. They were not so sure now that they cared to see him.

"But where will he live, papa, when he