The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1841-06-08

IL was touchlng 10 near such eAPossiohs VI teh-
derness issue from the greatest monarch of his time
and TO witness that act of devotion-to see that
proud spirit unbent; but il was those tears of an
guish, and the whisperngs OF that "s;ill small
voice of conscience that had hpmbIed him TO
whom kings and monarchs had humbied them
selves, and whose mighty mind aspired to the CON
quest of the world
The setting threw its parting rays over the
earth, and pierced the windows ofthc imperi-
al palace. The golden food, soften ed by the
son curtains, fell upon the charming features of the
Empress Josephine, as she In thoughtful at,i-
tude with her head resting upon her hand, on so
ia Of royal purple, the Of her chamber.
page stood near the door, carelessly humming
little ditiy; his heart as sunny as his own native
France. What contrast with thar which beat in
the bosom OF the Empress! Care weighed lily
upon her interview with Fouche she had, from the
very cause hin,ed at by the minister, dreaded
Withdrawal OF her husbands afTecons but since
tina, event her nnxeties had doubly increased, and
suspicion would take possession OF her mind A.
mounting, at times, even to jealousy Not that she
apprehended his proceeding to that extreme at
hich The willy minister had limited; no!--no per
son on earth could have persuaded her, that he,
whose joys and woes she had cheerfully shared
ensnare him with her charms and usurp that place
in his heart which she only should hold. All the
powers she possessed were exerled by josephine,
in order TO retain his love, and sometimes she fan
ced she had succee1ed for, OF late, in proportion
the of injustice he about 10 do her pre-
scented iisefto his mind, he became more than usu
! al kind and tender; but there were moments when
gloomy melancholy would settle upon her an in-
ioGn fI I'd horr n
| preaching affection.
1t in of these fits Of abstraction foreign
to her naturally cheerful nature that she sat,
have said, seemingly unconscious of all around a.
when the door opened, and Napoleon entered. He
seemed disturbed, and trouble was wildly depicted
! on his countenance. lie motoned for the page to
retire, and seated himself beside her.
"Josephine," ho said
She started from her reverie, as he pronounced
her name for buried in thought she had not OBJ
served his enirance-and bent upon him such a
look full of sweetness aud Affection that il dsorm
cd him; he could not proceed. lie arose He
folded his arms upon his breast and paced and
fro; his brow contracted, his lips compressed;
and the unquiet ,eslessness OF his piercing ewes,
betokened tho agitation he could scarce control.
He thus continued Tor some moments AT lenf III
he stopped before her, if his resolution TAX.
en- and then turning away, continued TO walk up
and down the apartment with rapid and hasiy
strides. After n short time he stopped again.
"lt must be done,'' he muttered again, "l will &c
| quaint her with il at once; delay makes it still
more difficult"
He made effort TO suppress his emotion, and
seated himse " beside her. Bur again his voice
failed him, and he could only articulate,
"Josephine prepare yourse II for sad news"
Ever 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 announced, and their majesiies pro-
| ceeded to the table. Silence prevailed throughout
the meal, and the dishes scarcely touched.
They arose from thor seats, and as they did so,
the page on duty presented ihe emperor with his
accustomed cup of coffee.-ie took j, and handed
! i, back scarcely touched. He then proccede! to
! his chamber; the empress followed.
! They seated themselves when they had entered
| and remained for some time silent. The Emperor
| at length spoke.
! "There is no use in deferrng the truth, Jose
phine," said be in uemulous voice. cit must
sooner later be made known TO yon, and sus-
\ pcnse is cruel than cer,ainty.--The interests
of France demand separate"
| "What she exclaimed, placing both hands on
| his shoulders, and gazing with an eager and en-
curing look in his face "what separate?'
eyes" he answered, "France demands the sacri
| fee" .. ....ss s...s~ o
| Her hands dropped beavily-her bosom heaved
and hot burning tears, such only as flow from a
surcharged heart gushed forth in torrents from her
eyes. -,
| 'aAnd I--Oh' -" she exclaimed, 81 who
have shared your joys and sorrows; who have
been your companion 70, years; who loved you
through veal and woe-who but VIII not up
brad you, Napoleon. Yet she who supp'ans me,
| Marie Louisa, the daughter Of tho Emperor Fran.
els, can rever love you as have done,-oI! no
She buried her face in her hands; the Emperor
remained silent.
"But," she continued, and throwing her arms a,
round his neck "you do not mean u. zen me
quick-say is it not sotbat II cannoi must moi be-
Speak, Napoleon, and tho blessing OF God rest up
on your
uAIas, II Is too true, he said his eyes sninsed
with tears Oh, how keen was The pang OF con-
&. I..st .i.l.. IL. 4, .vhh ia