Sugar planter. [volume] (West Baton Rouge [i.e. Port Allen, West Baton Rouge Parish, La.]) 1856-1925, 1856-11-29
/ am wiling she said, in a low.

Napoleon looked at her IN surprise, as
if he had not anticipated so ready an
answer to his proposal.
I will see you again. said he; lin the
meantime, accept such apartments for
your accommodation as l shall direct
~ As soon rs the door was closed upon
the fair petitioner, Napoleon walked to
the window, against which Josephine
was leaning, and said:
4 see now it is; Louis Delamarre is
the lover of this young girl. True to
woman's nature, she braved difficulties
and dangers to beg for his release
How strong must be the love she
bears for him. said the Empress.
'Ah = returned he, 4 have mind to
subject this love to severer test. Much
| doubt whether she will give her life for
him. Nevertheless, | will see.'
Sure cried Josephine, you are not
seriouse Louis certainly can be pardon
ed without the death Of Henriette.'
Napoleon drew near the window and
lenriette stood alone in magnificent
apartment. Hours rassed unobserved.
SO intensely was paper tightly grasped
in her small hand. On it were traced
the following words:
"A deserter is condemned by the laws
Of the army to suffer death. If yon
wish Delamarre restored to liberty, the
means are in your power. Ere day
dawns he may be on his way to see his
mother, whom he so much loves
'Ah murmured Henriette, do not l
love him too!'
Pressing her hand upon her heart, as
il tn still its tumultuous beating, she
PACED the apartment. Tie door opened
and the Chevaiier Do Mervi'Ie entered.
lie paused ere he articula,el,
'Mademo,sele.'
4 am ready replied Henriette, my
decision is made
DE Merville appeared to comprehend
the import of her words. lie looked
upon her with reverence rs we'll as ad-
mration, as she stood with the high re-
solve impressed upon her beautiful brow.
Follow me. Mademoiselle,' SAID he.
They traversed long corridors, and nu
merous suits Of superb apartments, and
descending staircase, quickly reached
an outer court communicating with the
guafd>house. Entering this, Henriette
was ushered by her guide into small
apartment, where she was soon left to
herself.
On Il chair was hung uniform Of the
regiment to which Louis belonged. On
a table lay large pIumed cap. Hem
riette comprehended ali in a moment
Quickly habiting herself in the uniform,
she stood before the mir or, and gather
ing up her beautiful brown tresses in a
knot, placed the cap on her head. She
almost uttered cry Of joy at her trans.
formation. She knew that she was 20
be led to the fatal ground n tho morn>
ing's dawn. The bullet which would
have struck Louis to the heart, was tobe
the messenger Of death to her own, but
she shrank not back. Love triumphed
over the timid woman's nature.
Louis mother will bless me in her
heart she whispered. Louis himself
will rever forget me. And often has be
sworn that lie loved me better than all
else BESIDES
Drawing lock of raven hair from ber
bosom, she pressed it to her lips, and
then breathed prayer to heaven.
Morning dawned. The sound Of foot
men aroused Henriette. She started up,
grasping the band Of HAN, awaited the
summons. The door opened and tw"
soldiers entered; repeating the name Of
Louis Delamarre, they suddenly led her
forth to die. The soldiers whose bullets
were to pierce the heart of Louis, had
taken their stand, and only awaited the
word of command from the Emperor,
who was stationed at the window com.
manding view Of the whole scene.
o. cried Josephine, who stood by
him. but concealed by the window dra
perry, from the view Of those lelow-'o,
sire, | cannot endure it no longer 1t
seems too much like dreadful reality.
Mark the devoted girl! No shrinking
back See, she seems calmly awaiting
the fatal onset
'Stop!' said the Emperor from the
window. Louis Delamarre is pardoned,
l revoke his sentence
A loud hurst Of applause from the
lips of the soldiers followed this an
nouncemeut. Not one of them but loved
and respected their comrade. The mex.
moment ere they could pass around to
congratulate the supposed Louis, De