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reading was finished, he remained silent, with knitted brows. “ ‘ “Well,” asked the president, “what do you say to this letter, general?” “ ‘ “I say that it is too soon after declaring myself for Louis XVIII to break my vow in behalf of the ex-emperor.” This answer was too clear to permit of any mistake as to his sentiments. “General,” said the president, “we acknowledge no King Louis XVIII , or an ex-emperor, but his majesty the emperor and king, driven from France, which is his kingdom, by violence and treason.” “ ‘ “Excuse me, gentlemen,” said the general; “you may not acknowledge Louis XVIII , but I do, as he has made me a baron and a field-marshal, and I shall never forget that for these two titles I am indebted to his happy return to France.” “ ‘ “Sir,” said the president, rising with gravity, “be careful what you say; your words clearly show us that they are deceived concerning you in the Island of Elba, and have deceived us! The communication has been made to you in consequence of the confidence placed in you, and which does you honor. Now we discover our error; a title and promotion attach you to the government we wish to overturn. We will not constrain you to help us; we enroll no one against his conscience, but we will compel you to act generously, even if you are not disposed to do so.” “ ‘ “You would call acting generously, knowing your conspiracy and not informing against you, that is what I should call becoming your accomplice. You see I am more candid than you.” ’ ”