Outside Talleyrand's estate, the coachman waiting for him jumped out from his seat and opened the door.
"It was a productive discussion, General Bonaparte," Talleyrand bowed his head politely.
Napoleon returned the gesture with a slight bob of his head. "We'll see each other again soon?"
Talleyrand's lips curled into a faint smile as he extended his hand toward the carriage.
"That you can guarantee, General Bonaparte," he assured him. "I have taken too much of your time and the Directory must be for your presentation."
With one last nod, Napoleon boarded the carriage.
***
Thirty minutes later, Napoleon arrived at the Tuileries Palace, the headquarters of the Directory.
Napoleon was escorted by the French guard to one of the offices where Citizen Paul Barras awaited him.
"General Bonaparte," Barras acknowledged Napoleon with a nod as he approached. "I see that you have already drawn your plan for your campaign in Egypt?"
