noon
Those who hitherto had been so anxious to leave the hall , and thronged so eagerly round the courageous old man , now stood still , and the grand marshal walked through the opened ranks directly toward him . Every one seemed to hold his breath to listen , and even to stop the pulsations of his heart , to hear the order for Erman 's arrest . The grand marshal now stood before Erman , who had seen him coming , and advanced a step to meet him . Duroc bowed , and said in a loud voice , `` His majesty the emperor has ordered me to invite Counsellor Erman , of the supreme consistorial court , to dine with him to-morrow at noon . His majesty desires me to tell you that he is anxious to make the acquaintance of a man who is so faithful and courageous a servant of the royal family , and endowed with sufficient magnanimity and boldness to defend the absent and accused . His majesty has instructed me to assure you that , far from disapproving your conduct , he highly esteems and admires it , for the emperor knows how to appreciate every thing that is high-minded and noble . '' Napoleon was rapidly pacing his cabinet .