The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-10-06
The Devotion Of Woman's Love.

AN INCIDENT IN THE REIGN OF NAPOLEON.
Napoleon was conversing with Josephine
when one Of his officers entered and an
nounced young woman from Lyons
"What is her business with me?''
"Some petition, answered De Merville,
the officer. ~ N1
"Show her into our presence" said he.
The officer soon re-appeared with a
lady leaning upon his arm, whose face, as
much as could be scanned through the
thick folds of a veil, was very beautiful
She trembied as she approached the door.
"Mademoiselle'' whispered her guide
kindly pressing her hand, stake courage,
but answer prompt whatever question the
emperor proposes; he detests hesitation" "
Then ushering her into the spacious apart
ment, he bowed and retired.
The trembling girl, perceiving Napole-
on, on whom her fondest hopes depended,
forgot herself and her tmidity. She
thought only of another, and throwing
herself at the feet Of Napoleon, exclaimed
with voice choked with emotion
"Mercy, sire! | sue for mercy and par
don." She could articulate no more.
Josephine stepped from her partial con-
cealment, and then approached the floor,
contributing more by her sympathising
words of encouragement to restore the
courage Of the young petitioner, than even
the emperor, by the graciousness Of his
manner, as he bade her rise. qtH9
"Your petition; Mademoiselle, said he.
Henrietta Armond (for that was her
nancy looked imploringly at the emperor,
and exclaimed:--"Ah, sire, ask pardon
for Louis Delamarre, who is condemned
to be shot tomorrow! 0, grant him your
royal pardon!",
A cloud gathered on the brow of Napo-
leon as he interrupted her with-"A de-
serter, mademoiselle, he has twice desert
ed. No, he must be made an example for
the remainder of the regiment"
"But the cause Of his desertion!" cried
IIenriette, in agonyl she was compelled
to Join the army against his will.''
"What were the causes of his desertionW
interrupted Napoleon. aHbR
"Two weeks since," answered Henri
ette, "he received news that an only re-
naming parent, a mother, sire, was on
her death bed, and longed, day and night,
to behold her son again. Louis knew
that relief or release from his post was i'm.
possible. His mind was filled with one
Thought she might not close her eyes.
forever, ere they rested on a son she loved
SO iondly." a7A3a'g re taT' gsl
g "Did she diet" asked the empress with
interest. m zlli,o'e ol,gy5 hgsI .l,.4
"No, madame, replied Henriette, ''she
at last recovered. But hardly had Louis
received her blessing, been folded in her
arms, ere he was torn ffom]her grasp by
the officers of Justice and dragged hither.
sOl must he die! Mercy, sire ! beseech
you.y .v.ta M, .,..-,1.. II
"Mademoiselle," !" said Napoleon, appa-
rently softened, ''this was the second Of;
fence; name the first--you omitted that!''
x sit was, = said Henriette, hesitating and
coloring, sit was--that he heard Lwas to
marry Conrad Ferant, whom ] detest as
much as he does,' answered Henriette,
with naipette. y ..eg,-S1 - sT~g1r
care you his sister, that he feels so great
an interest in your fatel" asked the EN-
perpr. RON nlgfriN yfnlin9 4ihifnIt
sp.sO, mo, sire, said Henriette, her love-
ly cheek assuming still deeper the hue Of
Sabe rose, II am only his cousin" 81 u