Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-01-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
NAPOLEON,s DIVORCE.

NJ dc Bousset relates The following ex-
traordinary scene that took. place in
his presence short time before the
divorce was pronounced between Ma
poleon and the Empress Josephine:
Il was on service at the Tuilleries from
Monday, November 27. That day, and
the Tuesday and Wednt- lay following
I was struck with great change in the
look Of the Empress, and the embarrass-
ed silence OF Napoleon. The only words
he spoke during dinner were to ask me
IA few brief questions, the answers to
which he appeared net to hear, On
none Of these days the dinner lasted
more than ten minutes. On Thursday,
the SOth, the storm burst. Their Ma
iesties sat down to dinner:J osephine wore
u large white bonnet, tied Under the
chin, which partly concealed her features.
l could however, perceive that she had
been weeping, and with difficulty even
then restrained her tears. She appear.
ed to me like the image of grief and des-
pair. The most profound silence reign
ed during dinner. Napoleon and the
Empress merely tasted for forms sake
what was served 10 them. The only
words uttered were these addressed 10
me by the Emperor: what kind Of
weather is il?' aud as he pronounced
them. he rose from the table and went
into the draw ing room. the Empress slow
" following him. Coffee was brought
on; when Napoleon. contrary to his usu-
nj custom, took tlle cup from the page,
and made a sign that he wished 10 be a.
lone. mediateiy Quilted the room;
but feeling anxious and alarmed, sat
down in the salon De Sc, Uice (where their
Maiest,es usually dined) on chair near
the door Of the Emperor's drawing-room
| was observing mechanically the SER
wants cltaring The table, when suddenly
I heard the Empress shrek in the most
3iolent manner. The usher of the cham
Der. surprising she had fallen into a fiji,
was on the point Of opening the door,
but prevented him. saying that the
Emperor would call for assistance if he
,houpht it necessary. was Their stan
ding near the door, when Napoleon him.
self opened it, and perceiving me. said
~ a hurried manner. Come in Bousset,
md shut the door, entered. and saw
the Empress stretched upon The carpet
and uttering the most heart-rending cries
ard means. no. shall never survive
;,r exclaimed the unfortunate woman
Nanoleon said to ME. 'Are y1u strong
enough to take up Josephine, and carry
her, BY the private staircase. to he
room. in order that she may receive ths
core and assistance that her situation
rsouires?' obeyed and raised up TIT
Princess, who supposed had fallen int
e. of Mysteries. Aided by Napoleon
+ took her in my arms; and he, takin;
one Of the lights from the table, led tn
way through a dark passage toward
a private staircase.
On coming TO The staircase, observ
al 10 Napoleon that it was too narrow t
dsscend it with tile Empress III my arm
s;thout the danser.of falling. He in
mediately called the guardian Of the por'
ss;o. who was stationed night and da
- one OF the doors Of his closet. whic
sssned upon he landing of the privat
ia;rcase. Napoleon gave him the lIgh
snd t,,ld him to 60 on before him; b
."so took Josephine by the legs. and
M. .a;s manner aided me to bring her dowr
A.oue moment. in consequence OF m
~ having got between my legs, "
s" ss ali near tumbing down together
ror,unately, however, we descende
..:.,,ent accident, and deposited our prs
49, budren upon an ottoman IN tn
e'oI ,eh.mber. The Emperor immediate
Ds's Ing for the Empress's women.-
u is the tlraning-room above stairs
WIZ 4. Empress in my arms, she cease
TOOK =. and | supposed she had fai,
her e' hut at he moment when b
ted awa ,9barrassed by my sword in Il
cane - II IN private staircase, was
mluo,s !. keen myself from falling.
bl'seo; = more closely. held the En-
clasp =, ~ arms, which were throw