The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1850-02-11
The Emperor's Little FIower-GirI.

ed about three o'clock and went out, accompapied
by Gen. Bertrand, Monsieur Las Casas, OF Gen
Gourgaud.
His rides were all directed to the neighboring
village, which he took much pleasure in exploring,
and where he found himself free from observation.
Though the roads were in some places almost inn
passaBIe his for exploring seemed to increase
rather than diminish-even the pleasure Of ranging
this valley to him species Of liberty. The |
only thing to which he had an uncommon aversion
meeting the English sentinels, who were con-
stanty stationed to watch him. In one Of these
rides he found sequestered spot in the valley,
which afterwards became daily retreat for medi-
tation.
One day he discovered neat cottage amongst
the rocks of the valley, and entered the garden at
tached to it, which was radiant with flowers and
| geranlums, which young girl was watching.
This young girl was brunette, and as fresh as the
flowers she had large blue eyes, Of most pleasant
| expression, and Napoleon always admirer Of the
fair sex, was much struck with her beauty.
"PTay, what is your name ?" he inquired.
"Henretta,n she replied.
| You seem very fond OF flowers"
"They all my fortune, sir"
How is that?"
Every day take my geraniums to town. where
| get few sous for my bouquets"
"And your father and mother, what do they do?"
"Alas! sir, have neither" replied the young
| girl with much emotion.
No parents2"
"Not one; l am quite a stranger in this land.
London with me for the Indies; but alas. my father
died on the voyage, and when the vessel reached
this island my poor mother was so ill that she could
not proceed further, and left here. She
was i'll for long time, and having resources for
our support was advised to sell flowers. gen.
| tleman in the town, who made inquiries to
prospects, took pity US, and gave this cottage,
where my mothers health improved, and where she
lived nearly two years, during which time we were
supported by the sale of flowers. About year ago
| m had ando iued a re-
lease from all her earthly suiierings. On her death
bed she recommended me to trust in Providence,
and feel pleasure in obeying her last wish"
The young girl, having thus spoken, burst into
tears. During this short recital Napoleon very
much affected, and when she burst into tears he
sobbed loudly At length he said:
I " Poor child what sin could you have committed
that you should have been exiled here miseraby?
| Like me, she has country, no family-she has
} no mother and II have no child
After pronouncing these words, the Emperor again
sobbed audibly, and his tears flowed freely. Yes,
T this great man. whom the loss Of the most brilliant
' throne in the world affected not, who calm
amidst desolaton ITSELF wept at the recital OF this
: poor girl! After few moments he resumed his
: customary frnness, and said to herr
/ wish to take home with me a souvenir OF my
first visit to your cottage Gather Of your best
L flowers, and make grand bouquet"
% Henrietta quickly made his bouquet, and wher
Napoleon gave her five louis dors for it. cried witt
/ astonishment-
o Ah grand dieu! why did you not come sooner!
n My poor mot her would not then have dedi"
l. "Well, well, my child these are very good sen
:, iimenls. will come and you again."
e Then, blushiDg and regarding the five pieces o.
gold, Henrietta replied, But sir, can never givs
: you flowers enough for all this money"
lr '' Do not let that tronble you," answered Napo
re leon, smiling you will come and fetch them
le He then left her. When he gained his cumpan
ii ions he informed them Of his discovery HI
ct seemed happy in having one as unfortunate as him
self 10 console; and, on the spot, the young Henri
w eta augmented the special nomenclature Of Long
nd wood lie called her the nymph Of ST. Helena,
for amongst his friends Napoleon frabituaily bar
ev lized all that surrounded him by familiar cognC
en- men. Thus, the part of the island which he mo
nd frequented was called the Valley of Silence !;
he Mr.. Balcomb, with whom he stayed on his first a
I rival at st. Helena, was "Amphlryon p his col
he SIM the Major, who was about six feet high, W,
y designated as ' Mr. Admiral" when the Empsr
wro w was pleased, but when he had cause for complain
~ ~ his only title was the g Shark"
'n Some days after his visit to the cottage, Napoe,
gu said, when dressing, that he should return TO
"' pupil and perform his promise. He found the your
girl at home she had learned since his ahsen,
N ;he name Of her beneactor; and much moved, n
ne 80 much by his past grandeur by his recent c;
Die amities, enreaied him to accept the hospitality
her humble cottage. She then brought him figs an
nd water from The spring of the river valley.
I'm =" Sire" she said TO Napoleon, 4" have waitt
m at home for you since you last here and hay
N consequently not been able to procure wine for yo
sr, as your bounty will now enable rue to do"
ng And If you had, - said the Emperor " shoul
ny have scodtd you we'll When come to see you
wish nothing better than this water which is el
se celienE. On this condition, am but old sodis
al as your father was, and the old soldier Who is
mt satisfied with figs and water is no soldier at all.
,e- From that day Napoleon did not visit the vale
in without calling at the cottage of Henrietta. o
to | these occasions she presented him with magnit
he cent bouquet, especially prepared for him, and
ra | friendly chat with her he would cuntuua h
to ride, tamliarly discoursiDg with those who accon
re- panied him, the great and excellent qualiti,
nv which this young English girl possessed In ii
20 | following year Napoleon began 10 suffer from I'll
10. attacks of the malady which afterwards prove
,se fatal. Henrietta not receiving visits from he
,Iv benelactor, went to Inquire after his health; an
~ after having left the customary bouquet with on
= of his attendants, returned home very dseonsolai
"t One fine day shortly afterwards, as she was sttn
in her garden, she heard the sound of an approach
H. ing carriage, and running quickly to the gate, 81
~, found herself in the presence Of Napoleon. A
me soon she beheld him her face assumed an e.
10 preston of great sadness
ny You find me much changed, do you not, m
'"11 child Z! said he, in a faint voice.
=, Yes, sire, do, indeed, but hope that you wi
hu soon be restored TO health"
re- 81 much doubt it." he said, Struggling
shoulders with an air ofincredulity. Nevertheless
ltb much wished to pay you visit to-day, to u
and your flowers again"
ka- He then slowly descended from the carriage, al
hu- leaning the Of Bertrand he reached the
tage. When he seated he observed
" Give me cup of water from the spring, N
ian dear Henrietta, that will perhaps cool the few
her which consumes me here" laying his hand on
in sde)
ery The young girl hastened to fetch some. VIII
,ba Napoleon had partaken of it his countenance,
, then contracted, became serene.
he "Thanks thanks my kind friend" said he
In " this water has eased my sutferngs little. II
Of had taken it sooner, perhaps T. added he rais
nm his eyes to heaven " but now it is too laten
as. "Ahm replied Henrietta affecting a gayety
in manner, {. am so happy that this water does y
ned good will bring you some every day; it v
an perhaps you"
Law "No, my dear child, it will be useless now
III is over. fear this will be the last visit sh
YES make here. There is settled grief here, which
of consuming me- tthe Emperor touched his sid
her and as may never you again | wish to lei
a a you a souvenir of me. What shall l give you
his AT these words the young girl could contain h
od self no longer, but, bursting into heartfelt tears
his at the feet OF the Emperor, crying,
axe Your blessing, sire "
Napoleon and blessed her with becomi
gravity; for he always had respect for the creed
ent others. From that day Henrietta did not fail
bic visit Longwood regularly. She carried wa
a., from the spring and her customary bouquet
always returned disconsolate; for each day she
IS ceiyed the most alarming accounts Of the health
cen the Emperor.
car At the commencement of May, 1921, when