The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-08-16
WI i s & ell n m G O uls.
From the Olive Branch
A SCENE AT FONTAINnLEAJ

woman from Lyons. tWhat il her business with
me'' Some po,ition,' answered DR.. Merville, the
officer.
Show her into our presence said he.
Tho officer soon reappeared, with lady leaning
upon his arm, whose faco, much as could be
scanned through the thick folds Of q veil, was
very beautiful. She trembled as she approache d
the door.
'Mademoseo, whispered her guide, kindly
pressing her hand, 'tnke courage, but answer
promp lily whatever question the Emperor propo-
ses. He detes:s hesta lion.' Then ushering
her into the spacious apartment, he bowed and re>
tired.
The trembling girl perceiving Napoleon on
whom her ondest hopes depended, forgot herse If
and her timidiy; she thought only Of anothcr.-
Throwing herself at the ieet of Napoleon, she OK
claimed in avoice choked with emotion, mercy!
Sire, sue for mercy and pardon She could ar
tculate more.
Josephine stepped from Der partial concealment,
and approaching the ground, contributed by
her symPaihizing words Of encouragement to re.
store the courage Of the young petitioner, than
even the Emperor by the graciousness of his man
ner as he babe her arise. Your petition, Made.
moiselle, said he.
Henrete Armand (for that was her nanle,l look
ed imploringly al the Emperor and exclaimed 'Ah'
Sire, ask pardon for Louis Deamarre, who is con
demned TO be shot tomorrow. grant him your
royal pardon
A cloud gath cred on the brow OF Napoleon as ho
interrupted her wih-'A deserter, Madetnoiselle;
ne has twice deserted. No; he must be inado an
example for tie remainder of the regiment.
sBut, the cause OF his deseriion cried Henr iette
in agony The compelled to join the ar my
against his will.
sWhut the causes OF lis desertion?' inter
rupted Napoleon.
1.-TWO eks snce,' answered Iienriette, she
received news that on only renal ming parent, his
mother, Sire, her death bed and longed day
and night to behol her again. Louis knew
that relieve or release from his post impossible.
His mind was filed with thought, that she
might close her eyes forever, ere they rested on n
she loved fondIy.
fDid she die?' asked tho Empcress with interest.
mo, madame replied Henre,tc. sshe at las,
recovered But hardly had Louis received her
blessing, been folded in her arms ere he was torn
from her grasp by the officers OF justice and drag
ged hither.--Oh! must he die? Mercy, Sire, be-
seech you
sMademoiseIle,' said Napoleon, apparently
soltened, ihis was the second offence: name the
first, you omitted that
st was SAID IIenriette, hestating and coloring
it was--that he heard to marry Conrad
Ferrant, whom detest as much as he does, added
lIenriolte with naivielte.
'Are you his sister, that he feels great in>
terest in your fate? asked the Emperor.
Oh! no Site said Henrietta, her lovely cheek
assuming still deeper hue OF the roso, am only
his cousin,
'Ah, only his cousin, repeated Napoleon ,ganc-
ing al Josephine with half suppressed smile.
ooh Sire! cried Henriette, 'recollect the anguish
of his widowed mother when she reflects that the
affection of her son for her is the cause of his
death. what she continued 'can do to save
him?' and the poor girl, forgetting the presence Of
royalty, burst into tears. The kind hearted Jose.
prime glanced at the Emperor, with eyes express
sive OF pity and sympathy, she noticed the work.
ings Of his face, and felt at once that it was very
unceI: tain whether Louis Delam ARE was shot the
next morning.
Napoleon approached the weeping GIRL she
hastily looked up and dlied her tears. 'Alademoi-
selle,' said he, swould you give your life for his'
Would you die could Louis Delamarre be restored
to life, liberty and his mother?
sHenriette started back, deadly pale, looked fix
edly at the Emperor a moment, then turning away
she buried her face in her hands. Alter silence
of some moments Henne;te looked up, an air OF
fixed determination rested upon her face, am
willing, said she in a very low calm voice.
Napoleon looked at her in surprise, as if he had
not anticipated ready answer TO his prop osal,
Il will see you again. said he; Sin the mean time
accept such apartments for your accommodation as
shall direct
AS soon as the door closed upon the fair petit
toner, Napoleon walked to the window against
which Josephine leaning, and SAID see
how it is, Louis Delamarre is the lover OF this
young girl. True to woman's nature she has
braved difficulty and danger to beg for his release
slow strong must be tho love she bears for him.,
said the Empress
sAh. returned he, Il have mind TO subject this