Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-02-06

Shark"
Some days after his visit to the cottage, Nopole-
on said, when dressing. that he should return to his
pupil, and perform his promise. he found the
young girl at home she had learned since his ab-
sence the name her benefacior and much moved
not so much by his past grandeur as by his recent
calam:ties, entreated him to accept the hospitality
Of her humble cottage. She then brought him figs
and water from the spring of the river valley.
"Sire," she said to Napoleon, 81 have waited at
home for you since you were last here, and have
consequently not been able to procure wine for you,
as your bounty will now enable me to DO"
"And if you had" said the Emperor, al should
have scoided you well. When come to see You |
wish nothing better than this water, which is ex
celleni On this condition, am but an old soldier,
as your father was, and the old soldier who is not
satisfied with figs and water is no soldier at ALL"
Fros, that day Ma poleon did not visit the valley
without calling at the cottage Of Henrietta. On
these occasions she presented him with magnif-
cent bouquet, especially prepared for him, and after
friendly chat with her, he would continue his ride,
familiarly discoursng with those who accompanied
him. on the great and excellent qualities which this
young English girl possessed. In the following
year Napoleon began TO suffer from the attacks of
the malady which afterwards proved fatal. Hen
retta not receiving visits from her benefactor, went
10 inquire after his health and after having left the
customary bouquet with one Of his attendants re-
turned home very disconsoate. One fine day short
ly afterwards as she sitting in her garden, she
heard the sound Of an approaching carriage, and
running quickly To the gate, she found herself in the
presence Of Nap lsun. As soon as she beheld him,
her face assumed an expression Of great sadness.
"You find me much changed do you not, my
- 1,I ,,;J bo in fai nj
Eyes, sire, ] do indeed but hope that you will
soon be restored 10 health"
81 much doubt it," he said, Struggling his shoul-
ders with an air of ncreduliiy. "Never,heless,f
much wished to pay you visit to-day TO see you
and your flowers again"
He then slowly descended from the carriage and
leaning on the arm Of Bertrand he reached the cot
tage. When he was seated, he observed
"Gve me cup Of water from the spring my dear
Henrietta that will perhaps cool the fever which
consumes me here" (laying his hand on his slde.)
The young girl hastened to fetch some. When
Napoleon had partaken Of it his counlenance, TIL
then contracted, became serene.
"Thanks thanks my dear friend" said he
'',his water has eased my sufferings little. If
had taken it sooner perhaps L" added he,
raising his eyes to heaven "5ut now it's Too lae."
"Ah !" replied Henrietta, affecting gaiety of
manner, 81 am so happy that this water does you
good. ! will bring you some every day; it will
perhaps cure you" -
"No, my dear child, it will be useless now-all
is over. fear this will be the last visit shall make
here. There is settled grief here, which is con-
suming me, (the Emperor touched his side.) and as
may never see yon again wish TO leave you
souvenir of me. What shall give you2"
At these words the young girl could contain her
self no longer, but bursting into heartfelt tears, fell at
the feet of the EmPeror crying,
"YUur blessing, sir!
Napoleon rose and blessed her with becoming
gravity for he always had respect for the creed Of
o,hers. From that day Henrietta did not fail TO
visit Longwood regularly. She carried water from
the spring and her customary bouquet, but always
returned dsconsolate: for each day she received the
most alarming accounts Of the health Of the Empe-
ror.
Al the commencement of May, 1921, when the
sun shone more brightly than unsual Henrietta was
informed that the Emperor was much better, that
his reason was restored. She arrived at Longwood,
but alas the reality was the reverse of her hopes.
She found every one in CONSERVATION This time,
fearing he was dying, and wishing to see him once
again. she desired to be admitted to his presence.
She was told he was too i'll, and that it was imp0s
sibls. Her supplicatons and entreaiies prevailed,
and she was admitted to his chamber.
1t was at the moment Napoleon, surrounded by
his faithful friends and lying on his death bed, re-
quesed them TO place the bust of his son before him.
He then babe an afectionate farewell to his friends
and the French people, whom he had loved so well.
His arms then contracted with convusions, his eyes
became fixed, while he easped, 'France-my son!"
Then all was silent. Napoleon ceased to live.
AT these words the flowers which the young girl
had bought dropped from her trembling hands; she
fell on her knees by the bedside; then making an
effort she seized and tried TO press the hand Of Ma
poleon TO her lips, but Immediately her head fell
back, her mouth dscolored, her eyes fixed, aad she
sank on the floor, buried in that sleep which knows
no waking. Henrietta was dead
SINGULAR FREAK OF NATURE.-~Ihe fable of l.