noon
`` I thought , '' said the general , as he leaned on his hand , and muttered half aloud , `` that I had conceived a plan which must bring happiness with it . But , however , one part of my design is accomplished : she is my heir ; the daughter of my own loved Marie is the child of my adoption , and for this I have reason to feel grateful . The cheerless feeling of a deathbed where not one mourns for the dying haunts me no longer , and I feel not as one deserted and alone . To-morrow I go to wish her adieu ; and we are to be at the Tuileries by noon . The Emperor holds a levée , and our final orders will then be given . '' The old general rallied at the last few words he spoke , and pressing my hand affectionately , wished me goodnight , and withdrew ; while I , with a mind confused and stunned , sat thinking over the melancholy story he had related , and sorrowing over the misfortunes of one whose lot in life had been far sadder than my own . Some minutes before noon we entered the Place du Carrousel , now thronged with equipages and led horses .