The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-06-08
WI il > G ella IN q o W 8.
From Gruham's Magazine
THE EMPRESS JOSEPHINE.
"Adieu, my lord
never wish 10 see you sorry; now
trust shall"
Winters Tales.

II was evening The mass had been concluded
in the royal chapel, and the empress Josephine
was returning TO her apartments through the gale
ry that led thereto. AS she was proceeding along
she felt touch upon her arm, and look ing round !,
discovered the form Of another beside her. He
made his obesance, and she Immediately rec
ognized the Counsellor Fouche.
"What would Monsieur Feuche!" she demand
ed,
ga few moments private converse with you, if
il please your Majesty and, at the same time
pointing eubrasure in the window near by.
Josephine understood the motions, and made
sign ilui she should follow. He led the way; and
when they arrived she again demanded what he
| wanted.
''I crave your majesty's pardon for the liberty
have taken" said The minister of police respectful
y yet boldly, 'but | wish TO make a connlunica-
ton, which, though it may not be of the most
pleasing nature, yet demands your majesty's most
serious attention."
"And what may i, be? speak," said the En-
press.
"You are aware, began the Minister, rhat
am with the Emperor and have ample opportunity
for learning his secret wishes and desires have
become acquainted with that Of lste has much
occup pied his mind, 81 which he would faD crafty
hut for the love he bears your majesty 1t is this
he wishes for heir TO inherit his title and power.
Every man, you know, feels an inherent pride in
| transmitting his name to posterity; and it is but
natural that the Emperor should feel such desire
would therefore, suggest to your majesty the ne
cessity Of sacrifice, which will odd 10 the inter
est ofFrance, make his majesty happy, and which
| would he equally sublime as it would be inevita
| BILE. Beg him obtain divorce"
! d;,cIo tha FINN hefr ovaI ex
cessive emotion. Her mild eyes were suffused
with tears her lips swoed--her. bosom heaved--
her face dendly paIe--und the that took pos
session Of her frame told how deeply her feelings
were agtated. But il moneniary cloud
that ebscured tho monday sun; in moment il
was passed and will, slight tremulous voices she
asked:
"And VIVA, authority has the Duke Of Olranto
for holding such language?
"Nono he replied sit is only from conviction
Of what must to pass, aud desire to turn
your attention 10 what so nearly concerns your
maies,y's glory and happiness, that ! have dared
to speak on the subject. Nevertheless, if have
offended beg your majesties forgiveness Per.
nit now To depart"
He stood silent for few minutes, il waiting
for assent. She waived her hand and the political
intrigue of his time Departed conscious of having
done that which none other IN France would have
presumed
Josephine turned away with beating heart--
she reached her apartments, and throwing herself
on a sofa gave her overburthened soul in a
flood of tears. 1t was not long before dinner was
announced; but she refused To appear at The table
ON plea of indispos;lon and retired to her Gambler.
| 1t was short time afterwards that the door
of the chamber opened, and the Emperor
Iae
were red with weeping, and the tears yet mos,en-
ed those bright orb s. in defiance other efforts TO np
pear calm He seated himself beside her and put
| his arms around her waist.
"Josephine.,' said he IN afectionate tone,
"what,is the cause of this emotion?"
! "Nothing," she answered, in fatering voice,
and scarcely audible.
| s'Something has occurred to bring forth those
tears. Tell me, W hat is il? and he looked tender
| ly IN her face ~l So
| al caunot," she said, bitterly, whilst she leaned
her head upon his shoulder, and gave vent to an
other food of tears. emo, l cannot speak those
| fearful words" s.r-.s if tataa
"What words, Josephine3 speak, what words!
I She hesitated, and then fatered out, saIa.
[ "That--t that you--you do not love me as you US
cd to-"
"'Tis falset'' he exclaimed ..-,
"Then why wish to be separated! why wish for
divorce? Oh, Napoleon, is it my fault that we
have no children to bless our unionsl God has so
] willed IT," and her bosom heaved convulsvely.
He started as she uttered the two first sentences,
and compressed his lips as If to suppress the pang
! Of conviction that shot through his heart!
"Josephine,' said The Emperor tendery, some
one has been poisoning your mind with idle tales
Who has it been?'' a4 M tperatt tiee
/ She then related her interview win Fouche, I"
asked him to dismiss that minister ms penalty for
his audacty in playing with her feelings ne
s,rennously denied the communication; but reus'
ed tc DISMISS him. "
No said he, circumstances compel me TO re'ain
him though he we'll deserves my dsp'easure. boi
WHY Give credit 10 suc, sey assertions ,Josephine'
have you discovered aughtin my behavior to war
rant suspicion' No; believe me you are aui' gear