Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-11-23
MISCELLANY.
A MARRIAGE ON THE EVE OF BATTLE.

BY A CAPTAIN IL THE GUARDS.
| can vouch for the truth of the following an |
ecdoe, as received it direct from one OF Napo- |
Icons best hearted and bravest Cocqs de Guerre-
Duroc, Due de Frioul.
About the middle of May, in the year 1873, the
French army occupied the Saxon village Of " Gus
chen, not far from Bautzen, in I4usuc--a locality
rendered famous in French history. Napoleon
had taken up his quarters in cottage, anh was,
at about midnight, busy with his maps, on which
he payed a sort of game at chess with pms and
colored sealing wax. Beyond the walls of his
humble dwelling was heard the note OIL busy prep
araon, for, on the morrow, the battle was TO be
fought The aspect of the emperor was perfectly
calm: his measures taken; and throwing himself
into chair he now desired only somewhat to re-
- iux ris ...Its - or,cs -irrgtrl moro
vigorously prepared for the events OF the follow
ing day.
In the midst OF these reflections Duroc entered,
his hands being full of dispatches sab, Duroc,
any news?"
- "Sire,' replied the marshal, according to your
orders, three regiments of the guard have taken
up positions on the Spree, and"
"Pooh, my dear marshall returned the empe-
ror, 81 know all that: Je items end batd'He: what
news from Paris 2"
Duroc knew the moods Of his master to nice
w. o. have received Sire letter from one OF
the loveiest creatures in Paris-and widow"
"Ahl my poor Duroc! the ladies pursue thee
everywhere
1t mot myself whom the fair widow, Mad.
anne Beaumont communicates wlth,' reIolned the
grand mareschat; Z" it is with your majesty"
".Men'
Yes Sire; she beseeches me to solicit your
Majesty to consent to her marriage with the Cap
tain Duverger."
"Duverger? Duverger? Captain Of Dragons
in the 9th regiment. All very good officer
umph decorated ELI ?"
"The same. lie is also most urgent that |
should speak on his behalf to your Majesty
60 }a ha ha really these Partisan ladies pur-
sue my officers 10 the very eve of battle. You
know Duroc, that like not that my captains
should marry particularly while they are under
thirty. AS to colonies, they may do as they like
The marshal represented that Duverger had
acted with so much true delicacy in the afiar,tlla
he was sure his Majesty would not hesitate, on
hearing the particulars, consent to the marriage
The emperor smiled and shook his head, bun
desired Duroc to tell him all about it, and draw
Jog his chair nearer TO the glowing turf fire, he
babe the marshal be seated The narrative raj
as follows:
NARRATIVE.
Two years ago, the Captain Duverger being III
Paris on his filrlongh was no mn uutrequent Wis
liant at The opera: aud one evening had ms alteh
ton riveted to one Of the LogfS, III which sat Il
in short very pretty woman. VI HE employ
ed in gazing upon the goddess OF l'Is ld"lnlry, M
perceived gentleman enter the box who behaved
20 the lady politely, but coldly aud who, alter
short lime appeared TO be Wholly engrossed h!
what was passing in box at tie opposite side o
the house. Duverger directed his eyes TO h'
same quarter, and observed u beautiful glrl who's
manner was replete with leyity, and far from re
fined engaged in tete. a tete with Partisan dand
of la premiere ctaSSe OF eXqusltisni. st ans
scene ens,ed. The gentleman whom he remark
ed in the boX Of his adoree In suddenly qultttt
il, followed by the lady herself; aud Duverge
imagining the cause, fastened into Tie lobby.
There he found the Exquisite in immediate con
,;,l ~ px1I,n had
hm-a conflict of words, and an exchange G
- cards At this juncture, Duvereers ad0Tee, BEN
II. m a fanlng state, was caught 10y HIM IN his urn
and as she recovered, after gratefully lhankln
him. she gave him her name and address, and RI
ouested he would do her The favor 10 call upon he
the following morning. He might be The mean
of obviating the misery OF u life
Duyerger was of course punctual TO his appoln
ment He found the lady in tears and she brle
Nv explained she circumstances IN which she wa
placed Her parents were ambitious, and la
forced her into hated, but wealthy marrl0g
with NJ de Beaumont. She had, however, II
solved scrupuousy 10 fulfil her duties, athoug
her heart was no party TO the engagement. AIa'
the divine happiness of mutual love was not re
served for her.
"Ha hal mon pauure Duroc que III est "a
maneSqm" mterposed the emperor. Dufoc sIii
ed smoohed down his mousiacbes, aud conilI
ued;--
She had learned to esteem the possession OF
husband, though she could neither love nor n
Epect him personally; for he had ayished his al
Iectons on the opera dancer about whom ther