The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-01-04

puiSht hio tiOtiCt, OuCs was vi uCf ucdtl
bed, and longed day and night to behold
her son again. Louis knew that discharge
or release from his post was Impossible. His
mind was filled with one thought that she
might close her eyes forever, ere they res.
ted on son she loved so fondly.
Did she die 2 asked the Empress with
interest.
mo madame replied Henriette, she al
last recovered. But hardly had Louis re.
ceived her blessing, been folded in her arms
ere he was torn from her grasp by the off.
GERS of justice and dragged hitber.-Oh
must he die -? Mercy, Sire, beseech YOU
Mademoiselle,' said he Napoleon appa.
rently softened, this was the second offence:
name the first, you omitted that
1t was, said Henrietta, hesitating and
coloring-it was-that he heard was 10
marry Conrad Ferrant, whom | detest as
much as he Does added Henriette with
naipette.
'Are you his sister, that he feels so great
an interest in your fate 2 asked the Empe.
ror.
sOh no Sire = said Henriette, her lovely
cheek assuming still deeper hue of the
rose, | am only his cousin
'Ah, only his cousin repeated Napoleon,
glancing at Josephine with halfsuppress-
ed 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 con-
tinued can do to save him 2 and the poor
girl, forgetting the presence of royalty,
burst into tears. The kind hearted Jose
phine glanced at the Emperor, with eyes
expressive of pity and sympathy, she noti-
ced the workings of his face, and felt at
once that it was very uncertain whether
Louis Deamarre was shot the next NOR
ming.
Napoleon approached the weeping girl,
she hastily looked up and dried her tears
Mademoiselle,' said he, would you give
your life for his Would you die could Lou
is Deamarrie be restored to life, liberty and
his motherl'
'Henriette started back, deadly pale,
looked fixedly at the Emperor moment,
then turning away she buried her face in
her hands. After silence of some mo-
ments Henriette looked up, an air of fixed
determination rested upon her face, Il am
,cilling,' said she in very low calm voice.
| Napoleon looked at her in surprises las if he
had not anticipated so ready an answer to
his proposal, Il will see you again said he !;
IN the mean time accept such apartments
for your accommodation as shall direct.
As soon as the door closed upon the fair
petitioner, Napoleon walked to the window
against which Josephine was leaning. and
said-'I see how it is, Louis Delamarre is
the lover of this young girl. True to wo-
mans nature she has braved difficulty and
danger to beg for his release
How strong must be the love she bears
for him. said the Empress.
'Ah,' returned he, Il have mind to sub
ject this same love to a severe test. Much
| doubt whether she will give her life for
him. Nevertheless l will see.
Sure cried Josephine, you are not Sc.
rioHs. Louis certainly can be pardoned
without the death of Henrietta
Napoleon drew her nearer the window
and conversed in low voice.
Henriette stood alone in a magnificent
apartment. Hours had passed away unob-
served, so intensely was she absorbed in re.
vcrie. A small folded paper was tightly
grasped in one small hand. On it were
traced these words, "A deserter is condem-
ned by the laws of the army to suffer death.
If you wish Louis Delamarre restored to
liberty the means are in your power. Ere
morn dawns he may be on his way TO join
his mother, whom he so much loves"
sAh,' murmured Henriette, do not love
him toor Pressing her hands upon her
heart as if to still its tumutuous beatings,
she paced the apartment. The door open
ed, and the Chevalier de Merville entered.
He paused ere he articulated Mademoi-
selle'
Il am ready replied the high minded
Henriette, my decision is made
De Merville appeared to comprehend the
import of her words. He looked upon her
in reverence as well as admiration as she
stood with the high resolve impressed with
her beautiful brow. Follow me, Made
moiselle,' said he. They traversed long
corridors and numerous suites of superb a
partments, and descending a staircase,
quickly reached an outer court communl.
eating with the guard-house. Entering
this, Henrette was ushered by her guide in
to small apartment where she was soon
left TO herself. On a chair was flung uni.
form ofthe regiment to which Louis belong.
ed. On table lay large plumed cap
Henriette comprehended all in a moment
Quickly habitating herself in the uniform,
she stood before the small mirror, and gath
ering up her beautiful brown tresses IN a
knot placed the cap upon her head. She
almost uttered cry of joy at the success
of her Transformation. She knew that she
was to be led to the fatal ground at the NOR
ning's dawn. The bullet which would have
struck Louis to the earth, would pierce her
heart, but she shrunk not back. Love tri-
umphed over the timid woman's nature
Louis mother will bless me in her heart,s she !
whispered. Louis, himself will never for
get me All, often has he sworn that he
loved me better than all things else beside, I