The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1850-05-21

tering this, Henriette was ushered by her
guide into a small untenanted room, where
she was soon left to herself. She looked
around On chair was flung uniform OF
the regiment to which Louis belonged. On
table lay plumed cap. Henriette compre-
hended it in moment. Quickly habIting
herself in the uniform, she stood before the
small mirror. and gathering up her beautiful
brown tresses in a knot, placed the cap upon
her head. She almost uttered cry OF Joy
at the success of her transformation. A lit
tie below the statue Of Louis, the cap added
to her height, while its long black plume
sweeping over her face. eheCtually concealed
it from view. She knew that he was to be
led to the fatal ground at the morrow's dawn.
The bullet which would have struck Louis to
the earth would pierce her heart but she
shrunk not back. Love triumphed over the
timd woman's nature Louis mother will
bless me IN her heart she whispered. Louis
himself will never forget me! All, often has
he sworn that he loved me better than all
things else besides Drawing lock ofraven
hair from her bosom. she pressed it 10 her
lips, then breathed a prayer 10 Heaven.
Morning dawned. The sound of footsteps
aroused Henriette, She started up, grasping
the band of hair. awaitiTg the summons
The door opened, and the two soldiers enter
ed; repeating the name of Louis Delamarre
they silently led her forth to die. The large
courtyard even at this eariy hour, was filled
with soldiers, the comrades of Louis, assem-
bled to witness the pun shment OF deseI ton.
Henrette calmly took her place on the spot
assigned to her. her face bent toward the
ground. No one suspected she was ether
than Louis Delamarre the deserter. But he
was yet in a distant part OF the guard house,
happily ignorant OF what was transpring, ig-
norant of the devotedness Of her he loved so
well. The soldiers, whose bullets were in
tended to pierce the heart Of Louis, had taken
: their proper distances. and only awaited the
word of command from the Emperor, who
!, was stationed at window commanding "a
view of the whole scene.
Obi! cried Josephine, who stood by him,
but concei led by the window drapery from
the view of those below. OH Sire. lean en-
dure it no longer; it seems so much like dread
full reality. Mark The devoted girl No
shrinking back. She is calmly awaiting the
fatal moment'
'Stopr cried the Emperor from the win
dow Louis Delamarre is pardoned! / re-
woke his sentence
A loud burst of applause from the lips OF
the soldiers followed this announcement. No
one but loved and respected their comrade.-
The next moment, ere they could press round
, to congratulate the supposed Louis, De Mer-
rette back to the cell, whence she had emerg-
ed but few moments before.
o Resume your dress again, Mademoiselle,
; hurriedly whispered he. Lose no time
i The Emperor wishes to see you. will re-
turn soon.'
: Henrlette was like one in a dream; but q
= CLEAN of delicious hope thrilled her soul, She
: fit the dawnings of happiness break upor
i her heart De Merville re-appeared and lee
: her 10 the audience room of the Emperor
!, and as the door swung open, she behed Louis
" An exclamation of JOY burst from the lips o
=, each, as they rushed into each others arms
, Napoleon stepped forward-Louis Della
r. marre,' said he, you have Just heard from lii5
. lips the tale of this lovely girls courage anC
devotion. Do you love ner as she deservee2
i could die FOR her, answered Louis, proud
y ly.
= = Well, WE'LL cried the Emperor, this severe
test ofthe lore Of one will suffice. So dutiiu
- a son, so faithful lover, will doubtless make
T the best of husbands. You Lieut. Lou.
81 Delamarre, are discharged from your regi
\ ment. Return to " ur native valley with
Henrette as your bride.'