, 1842-11-12

demolselIe," said he. They travers
Cd long corridors, and numerous suite:
OF superb apartments, and, descend
ing a staircase, quickly reached al
outer court communicating with the
guard-house, Entering this, Henri
cite was ushered by her guide into a
small apartment, where she was soon
lett to herself. On a chair was flung
a uniform Of the regiment TO which
Louis belonged. On a table Law :
large Plumed cap. Henriette c.
pretended all ina moment. Quic,s
ly habItlng herself in the uniform, she
stood before the small mirror; and.
gathering up her beautiful long tress.
es IN a knot, placed the cap upon her
head. She almost uttered a cry of
Joy at the success OF her transforma-
ton. She knew she was TO be led to
the fatal ground at the mornings
dawn. The bullet which would have
struck Louis TO the earth would
pierce her heart; but she shrunk not
back. Love triumphed over the timid
woman's nature. "Louis' mother will
bless me in her heart" she whispered.
"Louis himself will never forget me
All! often has he sworn that he loved
me better than all things beside!"
Drawing a lock of raven hair from
her bosom, she pressed it to her lips,
and then breathed a prayer to Iiea-
ven.
Morning dawned. The sound of
footsteps aroused Henrielte. She
started up, graspcd the band of hair,
awaiting the summons. The door
opened; the two soldiers entered, re.
peating the name of Louis DeImarre;
they silently led her forth to die.
The soldiers whose bullets were TO
pierce the heart of Louis. had taken
their proper places, and only awaited
the word of command from the En-.
peror, who was stationed at a window
commanding a view of the whole
scene.
"Oh" cried Josephine, who stood
by him, but concealed by the window
drapery from the view of those below;
"Oh! sire, | can endure it no longer;
it seems too much like a dreadful re-
atty. Mark the devoted g,rl. 10
shrinking back; she seems calmly a.
waiting the fatal moment"
"Stop?' cried the Emperor. "Lou-
is Delmarre is pardoned. | revoke
his sentence"
A loud burst Of applause from the
soldiers followed this announcement.
Not one Of them but loved and re-
spected their conrade. The next
moment, ere they could press around
to congratulate the supposed Louis,
De MerviIle had eagerly drawn the
bewildered HerietIe through the
crowd, back to the door of the cell
from which she had emerged but a
few moments before. Resume your
dress again, Mademoiselle," hurried
Iy whispered he. lose no time.
The Emperor wishes to sec you. !
will return SOON"
Henriette was like one in a dream;
but a CLEAN of delicious hope thrilled
her soul; she felt the dawnings of
happiness break upon her heart.
Soon again resuming her pretty rus
tic habiliments, De Mervillc realpear-
ed, and once again she trod the audi.
ence room Of the Emperor. Lifting
her eyes from the ground Us the lofty
door swung open, she beheld Louis.
An exclamation of joy burst from the
lips of both, as, regardless Of the pre-
sence of others, they rushed into each
others arms"
Napoleon stepped forward; "Del-
marre," said he, "you have just heard
from my lips the tale of this lovely
girls devotion and courage. Do you
love her as she deservesg'
81 could die for her," answered
Louis, proudly.
swell, WE'LL" said the Emperor,
"this severe test of the love of one
will suffice. So dutiful a son, so
faithful a lover, will doubtless make
the best of husbands. You, Louten-
ant Delmarre, are discharged from
your regiment. Return to your ma.
tive valley with Henriette as your
BRIDE"
Here" said the benevolent Jose
phIne. emerging from the recessed
window, ''here are one hundred louis
d'ors, as the marriage dowry of Hen
riette."
Acharming blush sufiused the cheek
Of the beautiful girl, as she received
the purse from the hand of the EN-
press.
along live NAPOLEON" exclaimed