title: The Bathroom
author:  Jean-Philippe Toussaint 
description: Toussaint is a genuinely funny writer . . . small erotic moments are captured perfectly . . . makes me long for more by Toussaint. (Kirkus Reviews)<br /><br />The combination of the absurd and the conscious intellect recalls such other French-language writers as Raymond Queneau in a style that is elegant, erudite, and joyously superficial. (Publishers Weekly)
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  ##### www.blackmask.com
  
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  Napoleon and the Spectre  
    
  
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  # Napoleon and the Spectre
  
  
  ### Charlotte Brontë
  
  
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  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  
  Well, as I was saying, the Emperor got into bed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Chevalier," says he to his valet, "let down those window-curtains, and shut
  the casement before you leave the room."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chevalier did as he was told, and then, taking up his candlestick, departed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In a few minutes the Emperor felt his pillow becoming rather hard, and he got
  up to shake it. As he did so a slight rustling noise was heard near the bed-
  head. His Majesty listened, but all was silent as he lay down again.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Scarcely had he settled into a peaceful attitude of repose, when he was
  disturbed by a sensation of thirst. Lifting himself on his elbow, he took a
  glass of lemonade from the small stand which was placed beside him. He
  refreshed himself by a deep draught. As he return