Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-09-23
MISCELLANY Y.
NAPOLEON'S MERCY.

The following story is quoted in the papers in
proof of Bonnpartes kindly feelings To us,
implies quite the opposite. What right had he to
crafty his curiosity, by trying experiments with
the agony of a human heart What if the poor
girl had become an idiot, or maniac, under the
terrible trial
A SCENE AT FONTAlNBLEAU.
Napoleon was conversing with Josephine when
one Of the officers entered, and announced u young
woman from Lyons, What is her business with
me?" Some petition" answered De Meryo,
the officer.
"Show her into our presence said he.
The officer soon reappeared, with n lady lean
ing upon his arm, whose face, as much as could
be scanned through the thick folds of veil, was
very beautiful. She trembled as she approached
the door.
Mademoiselle," whispered her guide kindly
pressing her hand, take courage, but answer
promptly whatever question the emperor propQ
ses. He detests hesitation" Then ushering her
into the spacious apartment, he bowed and retired
The trembling girl, perceving Napoleon, on
whom her fondest hopes depended, forgot herself
and her timdty; she thought of another. Throw
ing herself at the feet OF Napoleon she exclaimed,
in a voice choked with emotion, Mercy Sire,
sue for mercy and pardon" She could arIicu-
later no more.
Josephine stepped from her partial conceal.
ment, and approaching the ground, contributed
more by her sympathizing words of encourage
ment TO restore the courage Of the young petition
er, than even the emperor, by the graciousness Of
his munner, ms he bade her arise. Your petit
ton, Mademoisee," said he.
Henriette Armand for that was her name look
ed imploringly at the emperor, and exclaimed,
"hh, sire, ask pardon for Louis Delanarre, who
is condemned to be shot oil Tomorrow Oh
grant him your royal pardon"
A cloud gathered on the brow OF Napoleon, as
he interrupted her with--"A deser,er, Madem-
oiselle; he has twice deserted. No; he must be
made an example Of for tbs remainder of the
regiment"
"But, the cause OF his desertion !" cried Hen
rielte, in agony "he was compelled 10 join the
army against his will"
What were the causes of his deserlion z" in
terrup,ed Napoleon.
1.-Two weeks SINCE" answered Henrietle, che
received news that an only remaining parent, his
mother, sire, was on her dealh-bed, and longed
day and night to behold her son again. Louis
knew that relieve or release from his post was i'm
possible. His mind was filled with one thought
that she might close her eyes forever, ere they
rested on a son she loved so loudly"
did she die ~ asked the empress, with inter
est
"No, madame" replied Henrielte; "she al
last recovered. But hardly had Louis received
her blessing, been folded in her arms, ere he wa:
torn from her grasp by the officers Of justice, and
dragged hiiher Oh must he die ? Mercy, sire
beseech you"
Mademoiselle," said Napoleon, apparent,
softened, "ihis was the second offence: name
the first; you omitted that"
1T was said llenrette, hestang and colorinl
lit was that he heard was 10 marry ConraC
Ferrnnt, whom deiest as much he does !" added
Henriette, with naiveii6.
"Are you his sister that you feel so great an in
teresI in his faie?" asked the emperor.
"Oh no, sire !" said Henrette, her lovely cheei
assuming Still leeDer the hue ol the rose al MI
only his cousin
"Ah only his cousin" repeated Napoleon
glancing at Josephine, with a halt-suppresse
smile.
"Oh, sire! cried Henretle, "recollect the an
guish of his widowed mother, when she reflect
that the affection OF her son for her is the caus
Of his death. "Wbat," she continued, "can d
to save him z" and the poor girl, forgetting I'll
presence of royalty, burst into tears. The kind
hearted Josephine glanced at the emperor, vii
eyes expressive of pity and sympathy; she motto
ed the workings Of his face, and felt ut once tht
10 was very uncertain whether Louis De'ainarr
was shot the next morning
Napoleon approached the weeping girl, sh
hastily looked up and dried her tears. MAIDEN
oiselle," said he, would you give your lie Il
his? Would you die could Louis DeIamarrs
restored to life, liberty, and his mother?"
Henrietta started back, deadly pale, looked fiS
edly al the emperor for moment, then turnn
away she buried her face in her hands. Alter
silence of some moments, Henrietta looked u
an air of fixed determination rested upon her face
"Iam pining," said she, in very low, call
voice.
Napoleon looked at her in surprise, as II he ho
not anticipated 30 ready an answer TO his Proposa
will see you again. said he sin the NEAR
time accept such apartments for your accomm'
daion as shall direct"
AZ soon as the door closed upon The fair pet