The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-07-26
For the National Era.
| { ON ARD WRAY.
A ROMANCE OF MODERN HISTORY.

by The author Of The Chronicles of the Bast" Tbs En-
6Gs'y''" The Y1s Log" Philip of Lseia," &c.
CHAP. XXIX-Conclnded.
But the Corporal is SO bewildered, he cannot
utter word. He stands gazing doubtingly at
the Prince, making a perceptibly violent effort
to check rising sob and restrain falling tear
His wife, not less astounded, looks from the
Prince to her husband, and from her husband
to the Prince, unable all at once to realize the
extent of their good fortune.
Approach" resumes the Prince, in a YET
kinder tone, addressing the Corporal, who, with
true military instinct, promptly obeys. "For
thy wounds thou hast right-an honest right
to that badge of honor which the Emperor in
tended should be worn only by honest men
Resolve it at my hands, Colonel 1t never
adorned the breast of worthier man or of q
Drawer soldier"
Whilst he was speaking, the Prince detach
ed from his own breast small gold cross o.
the Legion of Honor, set in brilliants, and at
tached it to the button-hole of the new-made
Coloners coat. Trompette, yet unable to speak
seized the Princes hand, and carried it to his
lips, sobbing audibly.
otis too much, It's too much Vire Napo
leon! Vioe PEmpereur!" exclaims Madame
Trompette; and, without more ado or ceremony
she precipitated herself upon the Prince, ant
Selling his other hand, discharged upon it, il
quick succession, volley of Enthusiastically 70
bust kisses.
Enough thanks, my friends, enough" sale
the Prince, in voice somewhat husky and
tremulous. "These are rewards to which thy
services, Colonel, Justly entitled thee. But
have yet my own debt to discharge -
"Pray, pray don't, Prince" calculated the
Colonel. ~ am more than satisfied. No more
no more"
II claim the privilege of rewarding those
who have served me-" remarked the Prince
"If thou wilt call at the Office of the Minister
of War, thou wilt find a sum of twenty thou
sand francs awaiting thee, as arrears of pay
Thou wilt draw them in the name of Colone
Trompette. / regret, Madame" he continued
turning now to the Colonels wife, from whose
grasp he had succeeded in disengaging his
hand, "that for services such as yours the
country has made no provision. But if there
NC any laNOT you uSolIS, Will EcdullI grant II
if it be in my power. Speak, Madame"
bling Justify, Gall this stiles me, you see.
can't believe I'm a Colonel and decorated
Why, it's enough to drive one mad with joy
I'm quite satisfied for myself thought, per
haps, some little place, quite humble, you know
was in store for US; but Colonel, decorated, and
twenty thousand francs in handl SuperlOtte!-
tits too much. TiUe rEmpereur!"
"Then can do nothing for you at present
eh?" inquired the Prince.
For me, no! please your Imperial Majesty
for though you're only Prince President car
see the Empire coming" responds Madame
Trompette. That's as sure as the Judgment
For myself I ask nothing, but only for brave
old trooper, who, like myself, served the EN-
pire, and has merited well of the country"
"Ah!" calculated the Prince, "of whom
do you speak?"
dwell, you see, SIRE" resumed Madame
Trompette, persisting still in addressing the
Prince as though he were already what in
her heart she wished him to be, A." you see
that poor Madame Flammeche had the misfor
tune to marry her sixth husband out of the
army. She lost all the others in the field. It's
only tailor, and it must NEEDLE with politics
and make itself Republican and Socialist Sc
it gets into trouble; it joins secret society
and the police, that knows everything, drops
upon the conspirators very suddenly, and ar
rests Flammeche, along with ever so many
more. So my old comrade, you see, sire, is il
a state of desolation; and now you have asked
whether you could do me any favor, l hope
your Majesty will pardon me, sire, for asking
your Majesty to give her husband his liberty
Il know of the case" answered the Prince
writing down the name; ~ will see that your
friends husband is restored to liberty. From
what hear of him, he is not dangerous char
acter, eh 2"
Dangerous, sire ?" calculated Madame
Trompette, abiding to Monsieur Flammech,
as aneutral object; ait hasn't any malice, til
only foolish"
"Good, good,' replied the Prince. at i.
an affair settled. On your account, Madame
l pardon him."
Madame Trompette was about to express hel
gratitude in somewhat demonstrative man
ner, but was checked by wave of the hant
on the part of the Prince.
Colonel" he said, changing the subject
"you will be placed on the retired list. A
your age, and after so many years of active
service, you have right to repose"
"Eh, Prince, but l am good for ten cam
paigns yet" responded the old soldier. 81
only ask to die in the service of the nephew O.
my Emperor"
"Well, well,' replied the Prince, "shoulG
events render it necessary to enrol on the lists
for active service veterans like yourself, Colonel
l will take care you have your turn. For the
present, enjoy your well-earned honors and
your pension. Au reroir, my friends"
The Prince extended his hand once more tc
the Colonel, who pressed it again and again tc
his lips, reiterating his expressions of gratitude
for the marks of favor bestowed upon him
nor was his wife sparing of her thanks, though
she expressed them with more reserve, in def
erence to the air of gravity which the Prince
had assumed towards them.
Before you leave" he said, addressing her
but speaking to them both, "let me reques,
you will be more guarded, before others, in your
references to what you may regard as a certain
event. l mean, my friends, that l am simply
President of the Republic, and that for you to
speak of an Empire and an Emperor is, to say
the least, imprudent, and may compromise
YOU"
Your pardon, Prince, if my heart and
wishes have carried me too far" replied Ma.
dame Trompette, with much earnestness. "We
will be more discreet, but that won't prevent
me from believing that the Empire is On its
way"
$50 you think to yourself, my good Madame,
there will be no great harm done. Au recoir,
and be discreet"
The Colonel and his lady quit the Princes
cabinet with a stately air. The officer in wait
ing bows them out deferentially, for his eye has
lighted upon the cross of honor sparkling on
the breast of the visiter, which he has recog-
missed as lately belonging to the Prince. Their
departure creates quite sensation; and many
are the conjectures wherefore so great mark
OF distinction has been conferred on the vete-
ran trooper. But Madame's triumph is not
complete till they pass the sentries and the sol
diers IN the courtyard, who salute her husband
and carry arms, as he passes* In the exube-