True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-08-06

AS SOOu aS In6 uOOr WaS eluScu upUh
the fair petitioner, Napoleon walked TO
the window, against which Josephine was
leaning, and said,
Il see how it is Louis Delamarre is
the lover Of this young girl. True to
woman's nature, she has braved difficult
ties and danger to beg for his release
How strong must be the love she
bears for him, said the Empress.
'Ah"! returned be, ! have mind 10
subject this love TO a severe test. Much
doubt whether she will give her life for
him. Nevertheless, ] will see.'
Sure,' cried Josephine, you are not
serious? Louis certainly can be pardon.
ed without the death of Henriette.'
Napoleon drew her near the window,
and they conversed in low voice.
Henriet,e stood alone in magnificent
apartment. Hours passed unobserved,
so intensely was she absorbed in reverie !;
small folded paper was tightly grasped
in her small hand. On it were traced
the following words: ".. w
"A deserter is condemned by the laws
Of the army 10 suffer death. If you wish
D ella MARIE restored 10 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 Heniretle, do not l
love him too . .+. s- -"
Pressing her hands upon her heart, as
if too still its tumuituous beating, she
paced the apartment. The door opened,
and the Chevalier de Merville entered.
He paused ere he ariiculated, ,...
Mademoiselle.'
/ am ready replied Henriette my
decision is made . ...
! De Merville appeared to comprehend
the import Of her words. He looked
upon her wit. reverence as well as admi
ration, as she stood with the high resolve
impressed upon her beautiful brow.
Follow me, Mademoiselle,' said he
They traversed long corridors, and nu
merous suits Of superb apartments, ant
descending a staircase, quickly reached
an outer court communicating with thu
guard-house. Entering this, Henriettt
was ushered by her guide into small
apartment, where she was soon left L
herself. .... ..- .....
On chair was hung a uniform of the
regiment to which Louis belonged. Or
a table lay large plumed cap. Henri
ette comprehended all in a moment
Quickly babi,ing herself in the uniform,
she stood before the mirror, and gather
ing up her beautiful brown tresses in q
knot, placed the cap on her head. Sht
almost uttered cry Of joy at the success
of her transformation. She knew thai
she was to be led to the fatal ground al
the mornings dawn. The bullet which
would have struck Louis 10 the heart, wal
to be the messenger Of death TO her own
but she shrank not back. Love triumph
ed over the timid woman's nature.
'Louis's mother will bless me in he
heart she whispered. Louis himsel
will never forget me. And often has h,
sworn that he loved me better than al
else beside
Drawing lock Of raven hair from he
bosom, she pressed i. to her lips, AM
then bresthed prayer to heaven.
Morning dawned. The sound Of foot
men aroused Henriette. She started up
grasped the band Of hair, awaiting tn,
summons. The door opened and tw'
soldiers entered repeating the name Q
Louis Delamarre, they suddenly led he
forth to die. The soldiers whose bullet
were to pierce the heart Of Louis, had ia
ken their stand, and only awaited tn
word Of command from the Emperor
( who was stationed at the window, com
manding view Of the whole scene.
o., cried Josephine, who stood b,
! him, but consealed by the window dra
perry from the view Of those below--'C
Sire, eau endure Is no longer It seem
! too much like dreadful reality. Mar
+ the devoted girl No shrinking back
/. See, she seems calmly::awaiting the fat
, onset -e 81
} .Stop!' said the Emperor from III
window, ,'Louis Delamarre is pardoned
I revoke his sentence 49,. i,
Fl A loud burst Of applause from the lip
} Of the soldiers followed this announcemer
! Not one of them but loved and respecte
) their comrade. The next moment or
they could press around to congratulate
! the supposed Louis. De Merville ha
r eagerly drawn the bewildered Henrieti
through the crowd. back to the cell, froI
which she had emerged but a few mir
utes before. fs ~
S Resume your dress again Mademo
selle loose no time-the Emperor wish
!, es TO see you. / will return SOON
] Henrlette was like one in dream, bu
+ a CLEAN Of delicious hope thrilled he
soul !; she felt the dawnings Of happines
: break upon her heart. Soon again n
: suming her pretty rustic hsbiliments. D
Merville reappeared, and once again sh
!. trod the audiance-room Of the Emperor
5 Lifting her eyes from the ground as Il
\ lofty door swung open, she beheld Louil
An exclamation Of Joy burst from the liz
3 Of both, as regardless Of others they fusl
\ ~ ;ntn anrh rkharn apran