Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-09-09

hospitality of her humble cottage. She then
brought him figs and water from the spring
of the valley.
"Sire," she said TO Napoleon, II have
waited at home for you since you were last
here; and have, consequently, not been a.
bic to procure wine for you, as your boun-
ty will now enable me to do"
"And if you had," said the Emperor, 81
would have scolded you well. When |
come TO see you, wish nothing better
then water, which is excellent. On this
condition will revisit you. After all, |
am but an old soldier, as your poor father
Was-and the soldier VIII is rot satisfied
with figs and water, is no soldier at all.'
From this day Napoleon did not visit the
valley without calling at the cottage of Hem
rietta. On these occasions she presented
him with magnificent boquet, especially
prepared for him, and after friendly chat
with herhe would continue his ride, fami-
liarlv discoursing with those who accompa-
MED him, on the great and excellent qualities
winch this young English girl possessed.
In the following year Napoleon began to
suffer from the attacks of the maladv which
afterwards proved fatal to him. Henrietta
not receiving the visits of her benefactor,
went to enquire after his health; and after
having lell the customary boquet with one
of his attendants, returned home very dis
consolate.-One fine day shortly afterwards
as she was sitting in her garden, she heard
the sound of an approaching carriage and
running quickly to the gate found herself
in the presence of Napoleon. As soon as
preston of great sadness.
'sYou find me much changed. do YOU not
my child - said he in faint voice.
"Yes, sire, ] do, indeed but hope that
you will SOON be restored to health.''
81 much doubt it," he said, shrugqing
his shoulders with an air of incrcdulity.
''NeverthelesS, much wished to pay YOU
visit to-day. 10 see YOU and your flowers
again."
He then slowly descended from his scarri-
age, and leaning upon the arm of Bertrand,
reached the cottage. When he was seated
he observed
'Give me a cup Of water from the spring
my dear Henrietta, that will, parhaps, cool
the fever which consumes me here" (lay-
ing his hand on his sidc.)
Iha young Girl FASTENED to fetch some.
When Napoleon had taken of it, his
countenance till then contracted, became
serene.
''Thanks thanks my dear child" said
he, '.this water has eased my sufitrings
little. If | had taken il sooner, perhaps
=" added he,
raising his eyes to heaven; ''but now it is
too late"
"Ah" replied Henrietta, affecting gai-
ETY. of manner, Il am so happy that this
water does you good I will bring you
some every day, it will, perhaps, cure you"
'.No my dear child, ii will be useless
now-all is over. l fear that this will be
the last visit shall make here. There is
a settled grief here, which is consuming
me, Ohe Emperor touched his side,) and,
as may never see You again, wish to
lravevou a souvenir of me- What shall /
give you"
At these words the young girl could con-
tain herself no longer, but bursting into
heartfelt tears, fell at the feet of the Empc-
ror, crying
Your blessing, sire.''
Napoleon arose and blessed her, with be-
coming gravity for he always had respect
for the creed Of others.
From that day Henrietta did not fail to
visit Longwood regularly. She carried
water from the spring and her customary
hoquct but always returned home disconso- |
late for each dav she received the most
accounts of the health of the En-
peror.
At the commencement Of May. 1921,
when the sun shone more brightly than u
sua, Henrietta was informed that the En-
peror was much better and that his reason
had returned.
She arrived at Longwood, but, alas, the |
reality was the reverse of her hopes. She |
found every one there in CONSERVATION. |
'phis time, fearing that he was dying, and |
wishing to see him once again, she desired
TO be admitted to his presence. She was
told that he was too ill., and that it was inn
possible. Her supplications were at first
in vain but at length her tears and entrea-
ties prevailed, and she was admitted to his
chamber.
1t was at the moment Napoleon was sur
rounded by his faithful friends, and lying
on his death-bed, had requested them to
place the bust of his son before him. He
then babe affecting farewells to his friends,
and to the French People, whom he had
loved so well. His arms then Contracted
with convulsions, his eyes became fixed,
while he gasped-"Frapce!
s.ly SON." Then
all was silent. Napoleon had ceased to
live.
AT these woris the flowers which the
young girl had brought dropped from her
trembling land she fell on her knees by
the bed side then making an effort, she
seized and tried TO press the hand of Napole-
on 20 her lips-but Immediately her'head fell
back, her mouth was discolored, her. eyes
fixed, and she sunk on the floor, buried in
that sleep which knows no waking. Henri
eta was dead" Hr