Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-08-06


phine, in order to retain his love, and some-
times she fancied she had succeeded for of
late, in proportion as the sense of injustice
he was about 10 do hor presented tselfto his
mlnd, he became more than usually kind and
tender; but there were moments when gloo-
my melancholy would settle upon her an in
definable something that seemed 10 warn her
of approaching affection. -
1t was in one of those fits of abstraction
foreign to her naturally cheerful nature that
she sat, as we have said, seemingly uncon-
cions of all around, when the door opened,
and Napolean entered. lie seemed ds,ur-
bed, and trouble was wildly depicted on his
countcnancc. He mo,iomd for the page to
retire, and seated himself beside her.
Josephine = he said.
She started from her reverie, as he pro-
nounced her name-for buried in thought,
she had not observed his en,rance-and bent
upon him such look, full of sweetness and
affection, that it disarmed him; he could not
proceed. lie arose. He folded his arms
upon his breast and paced to and fro his
brow was contracted-his lips compressed:
aud the unquiet restlessness of his piercing
eyes, betokened the agitation he could hard
ly control. He thus continued for some mo-
men,s. sAtiensth he stopped before her, as
ifhiS re3Olntion was taken, and then turning
away, continaed to walk up and down the
apyffnent with rapid and hasty strides
Atiera short time he stopped again.
k.It must be DONE he mutterod again, Il
viii acquaint her with it at once delay
makes it still more difficult
lie made an effort to suppress his emotion,
and seated himself beside her. But again
his voice failed him, and he could only artc-
ulate,
Josephine, prepare yourself for sad news
Ever on the alarm, the purport of his
words seemed anticipated by her, though not
TO their full extent, and she burst into flood
of tears, scarce knowing why.
Dinner was now announced and their ma j.
estes proceeded TO the table. Silence pre-
vailed throughout the meal and the dishes
were scarcely touched. They arose from
their seats, and as they did so, the page on
duty presented the Emperor with his accus-
toned cup of coffee. He took it and hand
ed it back scarcely touched. He then pro-
ceeded to his chamber; the empress followed.
They seated themselves when they had en-
tered, and remained for some time SILENT
The Emperor at length spoke.
There is no use in dclerring the truth Jo-
sephinc, said he, in tremulous voice. 1t
must sooner or later be made known to You,
and suspense is more cruel than certainty
The interests of France demand we sepa-
rate
what y she exclaimed, placing bothhands
on his shoulders, and gazing with an eager
and inquiring look in his face, what sepa-
rate 2
YES he answered, France demands the
sacrifice
Her hands dropped heavily her bosom
heavcd-and hot burning tears, such only as
flow from surchargcd heart, gusled forth
in torrents from her eyes.
'And I-Oh God = she exclaimed, Il who
have shared your joys and sorrows; who have
been your companion for years who loved
you through veal and -who-but will
no, upbraid you, Napoleon. Yet she who
supplanls me Marie Louise, the daughter of
the Emperor Francis, can never love you as
| have done,-oh no =
She buried herface in her hands the En-
peror remained silent.
But she continued, and throwing her
arms around his neck, you do not mean it.
Tell me quick-say it Is not so-that it can
not, must not be. Speak, Napoleon, and the
blessing of God res! upon you.
'Alas it is too true,' he SAID, his eyes suC-
fused with tears. Oh how keen was the
pang of conscience that shot through his
gully heart.
True J she exclaimed, land you confirm
1t! Then Fouche was right. But will
never survive tho will never survive
it. Mon Deu Mon Dieu!'
She uttered piercing scream, and rceed
backward, for she had risen from her seat in
excitement. Napoleon caught her in his arms
andlald her gently upon the carpet. Her
agony was too deep for words, and she could
only weep and groan in bitterness of spirit.
He stepped to the door and called for Baus-
set. They raised her in their arms, and
bore her TO her chamber. Her women were
Immediately summoned, and she was resign
ed to their care. Napoleon retired, greatly
agitatcd. De Baussct followed tears also
in his eyes for Josephine, by her goodness,
won all hearts. Napoleon stopped moment
outside to listen TO her groan of anguish
He related what had occurred.
'Thc interests of France, he continued, ad-
dressing De Bausset, 'and as my dynasty
does violence TO my heart, the divorce be-
comes rigorous duty. am more afflicted
by what has happened to Josephine, because
three daysago she must have heard it from
lioriensia. The unhappy obligation which
condemns me to separate myself from her, !
deplore with all my heart, but thought she
possessed more strength of character, was
not prepared for these bursts of grief
They hurried away. Conscience, ever
faithful conscience, was already performing
its duty he felt its upbraidings. lie assay
ed to s,ille it. II was this that led him to
utter such language to De Bausset-to as.
sert that she possessed strength of character
sufficient to receive the announcement with.
out those bursts of grief. What virluous anc
afleclionate woman could receive with calm.
ness sentence ofropudiation and that toe
by the tongue Of beloved husband ! he