The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1841-09-10

never wished TO see you sorrow; now
trust | shall. WATERS tale.
, lT was evening. The mass had been
) concluded in the royal chapel, and the
empress Josephine was returning TO her
apartments through the gallery that led
thereto. As she was proceeding along,
she felt touch upon her arm, and look.
ing around, discovered the form of man
beside her. He made his obeisance, and
she Immediately recognised the Counsel
Tor Fouche.
"What would Monsieur Fouche?" she
demanded.
a few moments private converse
with you if it plcases your majesty" al
the same time, pointing to the cmbrasurc
OF a window near by.
Josephine understood the motion, and
made sign that she would follow. He
led the way and when they arrived,
she demanded what he wanted
81 crave your majesty's pardon for the
liberty | have taken," said the minister
Of police respectfully, yet boldly, 'but |
wish to make communication, which,
though it may not be of the most pleasing
nature, yet demands your majcsty's most
serious attention"
"And what may it be =! speak" SAID
the empress.
"You arc aware" said the minister,
"that | am with the Emperor, and have
ample opportunity for learning his secret
wishes. | became acquainted with one
recently, which of late has much occupied
his mind, and which he would fam crafty
but for the love he bears your majesty.
1t is this: he wishes for an heir TO inner
it his title and power. Every man, you
know, feels an inherent pride in transmit
ting his name TO posterity and it is but
natural that the Emperor should feel such
a desire. | would, therefore, suggest TO
your majesty the necessity of a sacrifice,
which will add to the interest of France,
make his majesty happy, and which
would be as equally sublime as it will be
inevitable. Beg him to obtain divorce"
During this disclosure, the Empress
betrayed excessive emotion. Her mild
eyes were suil'uscd with tcars-her lips
sweIlGd; her bosom heavcd-hCr face
became deadly paIe-and the tremor that
| took possession of her frame, told how
deeply her feelings were agitaled. But
it was rs the momentary cloud that OBJ
scurcs the noon day sun; i'll ii moment it
was passed, and, with slight rcmulous
voice, she asked
"And what authority has the duke of
Orauto for holding such language!"
"None," he replied, ait is only from
a conviction of what must certainly come
to pass, and Il desire to turn your attcn-
ton to what SO nearly concerns your ma
jesty's glory and happiness, that have
dared to speak upon the subjcct-Ncyer-
theless, if have offended, | beg your
majesty's forgiveness. Permit me now
to depart
He stood silent for few minutes, as
if waiting for her assent. She waved her
hand, the political intriguer of his time
departed, conscious of having done that
which none other i'll France would have
presumed.
Josephine turned away with beating
hcart-shc reached her apartments; and
throwing herself on u sofa, gave vent to
her burdcned soul i'll a flood of tears
1t was not long before dinner was an
nounccd; but she refused to appear at
the table on plea of indispOsltlon, and
retired to her chamber.
1t was but short time afterwards that
the door Of the chamber opened, and the
Emperor entered He approached jose
phine. Her eyes were red with weeping,
and the tears yet moistcncd those bright
orbs, in defiance of her efforts to appear
calm. lie seated himself beside her, and
put his arms around her waist.
"Josephine," said he, in an affection
, ate tone, "what is the cause Of this emo
, ton ~
"Nothng," shc,answcrcd, in faulter.
ing voice and scarcely audible.
"Somcthing has occurred to bring forth
those tears. Fell me, what is it," ant
= he looked tcnderly in her face.
: 81 cannot she said, bitterly, willis
she leaned her head upon his shoulder
S and gave vent 10 another flood of tears
v "No, cannot speak those fearful words.
+, "What words, Josephine speak
C what words ;"
If The hcsitatcd aud then laltered OUT
C "That-that you--you do not love me a
c YOU used to-
lis false ~ he exclaimed,
Then why wish to be separated
&c why wish for divorce Oh, Napoleon
is it my fault that we have no children I
:, bless our union God has so willed it,
Y, and her bosom heaycd convulsiycly.
to lie started as she uttered the two fir
sentences, and compressed his lips as