Up to this point, as has already been said, the
Prince Imperial had been kept in ignorance of the
tragedy which had just occurred. But now, with the
assistance of Comte de Baillet, Governor of Namur,
Captain Duperre and Comte Clary explained to the
child all that had taken place — the Emperor a pris-
oner, the Empire overthrown, his mother on the
road to England, the German arms victorious on all
sides. The boy heard these dreadful revelations
without uttering a word. It has been said that he
gave vent to certain expressions of sorrow and re-
gret, but this is untrue. For a long time he re-
mained silent, drawing himself up proudly and stif-
fening every muscle against the cruel anguish which
oppressed him. When the time came to sit down to
table, he was pale but calm and barely touched
the food which was put before him. On leaving his
host, the Governor, the Prince thanked him most
warmly and asked how he could show his gratitude.
