The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-11-25

for his release" .,N,,..7.. ;,
! How strong must be the love she bears
| Ior him, said the empress.
I "Ahip returned he, "I have mind to
subect this same love to severe test. Much
doubt whether she will give her life for him.
Nevertheless, will see" 6Aa'N 3@
| Sire" cried Josephine, "you are not
serious. Louis certainly can be pardoned
without the death Of Henriette." "
Napoleon drew her nearer the window, and
conversed in low voice. B 3l0 @ ~,
us* y - t#0e,r
HenIiette stood alone in a magnificent
apartment. Hours passed unobserved, SO
| intensely was she absorbed in reverie. A
small folded paper was tightly grasped in her
small hand. On it were traced these words:
"A deserter is condemned by the laws of the
army to suffer death. If you wish Louis
Delamalre restored to liberty, the means arc
| in your power Ere day dawns he may bo
on his way 70 join his mother, whom he so
Emuch loves"
2~'' Ahl" murmured Henriette, F" do not Tlove
| bln t9o? Pressing her hands upon her heart,
| ~ ii 10 still its tumuItuous beating she paced
! the apartment The door opened, and Cheva-
Iicr dc Mervile entered He paused ere he
articulatcd, Mademoiselle" .a@#"
DC Mervillc appeared to comprehend the
import of her words He looked upon her in
reverence as well as admiration, as she stood
with the high resolve Impressed on her beauti-
tul brow Follow me, Mademoiselle,' said
| he They traverscd long corridors and de-
scendng staircase quickly reached a court
communicating with the guard house. En-
tcring this, Henriette was ushered by her guide
lr." small apartment, where she soon was
eE to herself - ~. ...-.4-
on chair was flung uniform of the regi-
| nent to which Louis belonged. On the table
| lay large plumcd cap. Henriette compre-
hcnded all in n moment Quickly habiting
| herself in the uniform, she stood before the
mirror, and gathering up her beautiful brown
ress@s IN Il knot, placed the cap upon her
| mead. She almost uttered cry at the success
Of her transformation. She knew that she was
| 10 be led TO the fatal ground at the mornings
dawn. The bullet which would have struck
Louis to the heart would pierce her heart,
but she shrunk not back. Love triumphed
over the timid woman's nature. Louiss
mother wall bless me in heartn she whispered,
| Louis himself win never forget mel All, often
has he swore he loved me better than all things
| besides. Drawing q lock of raven hair from
her bosom, she pressed it to her lips then
| brcathcd Il prayer to heaven.
Morning dawncd. The sound of footsteps
| aroused Henriettc. She started up, graspsd
| the band of hair, awaiting the summons The
| door opeued and two soldiers entered, re-
| peating the name Of Louis DciamaITe, they
suddenly led her forth to die The soldiers,
whose bullets were intended to pierce the
heart OF Louis had taken their stand, and only
awaited the word Of command from the EN-
| pcror, who was stationed at the window COM
| Inauding view Of the whole scene.
"Ohl" cried Josephine, who stood by him,
| but concealed by the window drapery from the
| view Of those below, I" Oh, sir, can endure it
| no longer, it seems too much like a dreadful
reality. Mark the devoted girl. No shrinking
back See, she seems calmly awaiting the
| fatal moment"
Stop, cried the Emperor from the win
| dow, Louis Delamarre is pardoned l re-
| yoke his sentence"
\ loud burst Of applause from the lips Of
| the soldiers followed this announcement Not
one of them but loved and respected their COM
Tade. The next moment, ere they could press
around to congratulate the supposed Louis, De
Mcryllc had eagerly drawn the bewildered
homiette through the crowd, back to the cell
ir m which she had emerged but few mo
ments before.
Resume your dress again, Mademoiselle," :"
hlTTedly whispered he. close no time The
| Emperor wishes to see you; I will return SOON ="
| HcnriUttG was like one in a dream. but a
cam Of delicious hope thrilled her soul she
! lc't the dawnngs of happiness break upon her
| heart Soon again rcSuming her pretty rustic
! hahi jmcnts, De Mcrvillc rcappcarcd, and once
again she trod the audience room Of the em.
pcror Lifting her eyes from the ground a.
| the lofty door swung open, she behcld Louis
| An exclamation Of joy burst from the lips Of
both, as regardless Of the presence Of others,
| chcy rushed into each others arms
Napoleon stepped forward: Louis Della
MARIE" you have just heard from my lips
ttc tale Of this lovely girls devotion and cour-
age. no you love her as she descrvesg"
81 could die for her." answered Louis
proudly.
" Wen, vel, criod the emperor, this severe
t,,t Of dnc will suffice So dutul a son, 80
"jlhlul q lower, will doubtless make the best
Of husbands You, Lieutenant Louis Della
mnr., are discharged from your regiment
Return - your native valley, with Hcnriette
as your bride"
Here" said the benevolent Josephine,
emerging from the recessed window, "here
! ave one hundred louis d'ors, rs the marriage
dowry Of IIcnrictte.''
| A charming blush suffdsed the cheek Of the
beautiful girl, rs she received the purse from
tho land Of the empress.
Long live Napoleon, exclaimed Louis, "a
| with @ heart TOO foil Of grateful emotion for
| further uttcrbuCc, he took the hand Of Hen.
ricttc, and, making graceful obeisance, quilted
! the apartment.
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