Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1851-05-29
- From the Home Journal.
The Flower Girl Of St. Helena.

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At st. Helena, when the weather was
favorable, Napoleon always rode out, eli
Their IN his carriage or on horseback. but
as soon as he had become familiar with
the confned space allotted to him there,
he often preferred exploring the secluded
grounds. After having finished his dali
ly task Of diclation (for one of his favor.
lite occupations was the dictation of his
memoIrs,) and spent hours in reading, he
dressed about three o'clock and went out
accompanied by General Bertrand, Mon.
sieur Las Casas, or General Coargaud.
His rides were all directed to the neigh
boring village, which he took much plea
sure in exploring, and where he found
himself free from observation. Though
the roads were in some places almost inn.
passable. his taste for exploring seemed
to increase rather than diminish-even
the pleasure of ranging this valley was to
him species Of liberty. The only thing
to which h. had an uncommon aversion
was meeting the English sentinels. who
were constantly stationed to watch him.
In one Of these rides he found seQues>
tered spot in the valley, which afterwards
became daily retreat for meditation.
One day he discovered a neat cottage
amongst the rocks of the valley, aud en-
tered the garden attached to it, which
was radiant with flowers and geraniums,
which young girl was watching. This
young girl was brunette, and as fresh
as the flowers; she had large blue eyes.
of most pleasing expression. and Napo-
leon, always an admirer of the fair sex,
was struck with her beauty.
BRAY, what is your name ?" he in.
quired.
Henrietta" she replied.
"You seem very fond of flowers"
"They are all my fortune. SIR"
every day take my geraniums to
! the town. where get few sous for my
boquets.'
"And your father and mother-Swhat
do they do ?"
"Alas sir, I have neither" replied
the young girl with much emotion.
"No parents T.
"Not one am quite a stranger in
this land. Three years ago. my father.
an English soldier. left London with me
for the Indies; but alas my father died
on the voyage, and when the vessel reach
ed this island, my poor mother was SO III
that she could not proceed further; and
we were left here. She was i'll 70, long
time, and having no resources for our
support. was advised to sell flowers.
A gentleman in town, who made inqui.
ries as TO our prospects. took pity on US,
and gave US this cottage. where my mo-
theirs health improved. and where she
lived nearly two years, during which time
we were supported by the sale OF flow
ers. About a year ago my poor mother
had relapse, and obtained a release
from all her earthly sufferings. On her
death bed she recommended me to trust
in Providence. and l feel q pleasure in
obeying her last WISH"
The young girl having thus spoken,
burst into tears. During this short reci>
tai Napoleon was very much affected, and
she burst into tears, he sobbed loudly.
At length he said
"Poor child what sin could you have
committed that you should have been ex-
lied here so miserably? Like me, she
has no country, no family-she has no
mother. and IL have no child u
After pronouncing these words the
Emperor sobbed audibly again. and his
tears flowed freely. Yes, this great man
whom the loss of the most brilliant throne
in the world affected not-who was calm
amid desolation itself--wept at the reci-
tal of this poor girl! After few mo-
ments he assumed his customary firm
ness, and said to her
81 wish to take home with me sou.
venir Of the FIRST visit to your cottage.
Gather some of your best flowers and
make grand bouquet"
Henrietta quickly made his bouquet.
and when Napoleon gave her FIVE louis
d'ors for it, cried with astonishment--
"Ah! grand Dieu! why did you not
come sooner? My poor mother would
not then have died p
"WelL well. my child. these are very
good sentiments. I will come and see
you again"
Then blushing. and regarding the FIVE
pieces Of gold. Henrietta replied. =" But.
sir. I can never give you flowers enough
for all this money"
"Do not let that trouble you" an>
swered Napoleon. smiling, "you will
come and fetch them"
He then left her. When he gained
his companions. he informed them of his
discovery. He seemed happy 10 having
one as unfortunate as himself 70 console
and on the spot the young Henrietta aug.
mented the special nomenclature Of Long
wood. He called her ".the nymph Of
81. Helena" for amongst hi@friends Ma
pOleon hahitually baptiaed al that sur.
rounded him BY familiar Oognomen.--
slsss... AZ w.n-A ~ Al kalamA m,hiah ha