Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-02-06
NJ MISCE LII A N Y.
THE FLowER-G1RL OF ST. HELENA.

AT ST. Helena, when the weather was favorable,
Napoleon always rode out, either in his carriage or
on horseback, as soon as he had become familiar
with the confined space allotted to him there. he
often preferred exploring the secluded grounds
After having finished his daily task Of dictaton,
(for one Of his iavorite occupations was the dcta
ton of his memoirs, and spent hours in reading.
he dressed about three O'Clock, and went out, ac-
companied by General Bertrand, Monsieur Las
Casas, or General 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 i'm
passable, his taste fur exploring seemed to increase
rather than diminsh--even the pleasures Of ranging
,his valley WAS To- him species uf liberty. 1ha
only thing ~ which he had an uncommon aversion
was meeting The English sentinels, who were con-
stantly Stationed tu watch him. In one Of these
rides he found sequesered spot in the valley,
which afterwards became daily retreat for medi-
taliun.
One day he discovered neat cottrge amongst the
rocks Of the valley and entered the garden attach
ed TO it, which was radiant with flowers and gera-
niums, which young girl was watching. This
Young girl brunette, and as fresh as the flow
ers she had large blue eyes, ofa most pleasant ex-
pression, and Napoleon always an admrer Of the
fair sex, was much struck with her beauty
"Pray, what is your namel' he inquired.
"Henriet,a," she replied.
"Yuu seem very fond Of flowers"
"They are all my fortune, sir"
elbow is that2"
"Every day take my geraniums to the town,
where get few SOUS for my bouquets"
"And your father and mother, what do they do 2"
"Alas sir. have neither" replied the young
pirl with much emotion.
"No parents?"
"Not one; am quite stranger in this land
Three years ago, my father, an English solder,
left 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 i'll that
she could no, proceed further and we were left here.
She was i'll for long time, and having no resources
for our support, was advised TO sell flowers.
gentleman in The town, who made inquiries as to
our prospects, took pity on US, and gave US this cot
taqe, 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 my mother had relapse, and OBJ
tanned release from all her earthly sufferings-
On her dea,h-bed she recommended me 10 trust in
Providence, and feel a pleasure in obeying her
last wish"
The young girl having thus spoken, burst into
tears. During this short recital Napoleon was very
much affected, and when she burst into tears he
subbed loudly. Al length he said
ePoor child what sin could you have committed
that YOU should have been exiled here SO ably?
Like me, she has no cmintry, no famlly-she has
no mo,her-and IL have no child !"
Afier pronuuncing these words The Emperor again
sobbed audbly, and his tears flowed freely. Yes.
this great man. whom the luss Of the most brilliant
throne in the world affected not, who was calm a
midst desola,ion i.self ~ept at the recital Of this
Door girl! After a few moments he assumed his
customary firmness, and said to her
al wish to take home with me souvenir of my
frs, visit 10 your cottage. Gather some of your
hest f]nwers, and make grand bouquet"
Henrietta quickly made his bouquet, and when
Napoleon gave her FIVE louis dors for il, cried with
astonshment-
"Ab grand dieu why did you not come sooner
NV poor mother would not then have died ~
"Well. well, my child, these are very good Sen
timents. will come and see you again" j..
Then bushine and regarding the five pieces OF
GOLD. Henrietta feplied, "But, sir, can never give
You flowers enough for all this money"
"Do not let that trouble yuu," answered Napo-
lem. smiling. "you will come and fetch them"
He then left her. When he gained his compan-
ions he informed them of his discovery. tie seem
ed happy in having one as unfortunate as himself to
console and on The spo, the young Henrietta aug
menled the special nomenclature Of Loongwood. He
called her ",he nymph ofSt. Helena," for amongst
his friends Napoleon habitually baptized all ihat
surrounded him by familiar cognomen. mus the
part of the island which he must trequen.ed was
called "ValIey of Sience;" MIR: Bacom5; with
whom he stayed on his first arrival at St: Helena,
was "Amphy,hron )" his cousin, the Major. VINO y,
was abou, six feet high, was called the giant;
Sir George Cockburn was designated as "Mr' 40