The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-10-06
Vol. vi.

leon glancing at Josephine with - hall
suppressed smile. ''e - .s,'''ls 4. .'s..
20. sire," cried IIenriette, "recollect
the anguish of his widowed mother, when
she recollects that the affection Of her son
for her is the cause ofhis death. "What,"
she continued, scan do to save him?''
and the poor girl, forgetting the presence
Of royalty, burst into tears. The kind
hearted Josephine glanced at the emperor
with eyes expressive of pity and sympa-
thy. She noticed the workings Of his face,
and felt at once it was very uncertain
whether Louis Delamarre was to be shot
the next morning. ata 81 y # 20
Napoleon approached the weeping girl.
She hastily looked up and dried her tears.
"Mademoiselle," !" said he, "would you
give your life for hisl would you die could
Louis Delamarre be restored to life, liber
ty, and his mother?" ~ W. ~ =
Henriette started back, deadly pale,
looked fxedly at the emperor for a moment,
then turning away, she buried her face in
her hands.
After silence Of some minutes, Hen
riette looked up; an air Of fixed determi-
nation rested upon her face. 81 am will
ing,'' she said in very low voice.. Ma
poleon looked at her in surprise, as if he
had not anticipated SO ready an answer to
his proposal. 81 will see you again. -
said he, sin the meantime accept such
apartments for your accommodation as
shall direct"
As soon as the door closed on the fair
petitioner, Napoleon walked to the wind
ow against which Josephine was leaning,
and said:-'sI see how it is, Louis Della
MARIE is the lover of this young girl
True to woman's nature, she has braved
difficulty and danger to beg for his re-
| lease"
"How strong must be the love she bears
for him." said the empress.
"Ah!" returned he, 81 have mind to
subject the same love to severer test
Much | doubt whether she will give her
life for him. Nevertheless, | will see."
"Sure," cried Josephine, "you are moi
serious. Louis certainly can be pardon
ed without the death of Henriette.'
Napoleon drew nearer the window, and
they conversed in low voice.
Henriette stood alone in magnificent
apartment. Hours passed unobserved, so
intensely was she absorbed in reverie; a
small folded paper was tightly grasped in
her small hand. On it were traced these
words: H aaa
"a deserter is condemned by the law OF
the army to suffer death. If you wish
Delamarre restored to liberty, the means
are in your power. Ere day dawns he
may be on his way to join his mother,
whom he so much loves"
"Ah!" murmured Henriette, edo not /
love him tool" Pressing her hands upon
her heart, as if to still its tumultuous beat
ing, she paced the apartment. The door
opened and the Chevalier de Merville en-
tered. He paused ere he articulated,
"Mademoiselle."
81 am ready" replied Henriette, "my
decision is made." n
De Merville appeared to comprehend
the import of her words. He looked upon
her in reverence as well as admiration:
she stood with the high resolve impressed
on her beautiful brow. ''Follow me
mademoiselle," said he. They traversed
long corridors and numerous suits of SUI
perb apartments, and descending stair
case, quickly reached an outer court
communication with the guard house.
Entering this, Henriette was ushered into
a small apartment, where she was soon
left to herself. Ulp5.! a8
On chair was flung a uniform of the
regiment to which Louis belonged. On a
table lay large plumed cap. Henriette
comprehended all in moment Quickly
habiting herselfin the uniform, she stood
before the mirror, and gathering up her
beautiful brown tresses in knot, placed
the cap upon her head. She almost utter
ed q cry ofjoy at the success other trans
formation. She knew that she was to be
led to the fatal ground at the mornings
dawn. The bullet which would have
struck Louis, would pierce her to the heart
but she shrunk not back. Love triumphed
over the timid woman's nature. "Louis'
mother will bless me in her heart" she
whispered. "Louis will never forget me.
All, often has he sworn that he loved me
better than all things beside" 20 Drawing
lock Of raven hair from her bosom, she
pressed it to her lips and then breathed a
prayer to heaven. 7isG lalaYaeai oil
Morning dawned. The sound of foot.
men aroused Henriette. She started up
grasped the band Of hair, awaiting the
summons. The door opened, two soldiers
entered, repeating the name Of Louis De-
lamarre; they suddenly led her forth to die.
The soldiers. whose bullets were to pierce
the heart Of Louis, had taken their stand,
and only waited the word Of command
from the emperor, who was stationed at
the window commanding view of the
whole scene. .otf piN k r. eia
40" "cried Josephine, who stood by him,
but concealed by the window drapery
from the view of those below, 80, sire, II