Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1858-03-03
gntsresting stotgg:
NAPOLEoN'S MERCY.

Napoleon was conversinS with Josephine,
when one of his officers entered and announce"
a yourg woman from Lyons.
WWhat is her business with me!"
.Some petition" answered dc Merviie, the
officer.
The officer soon re-appeared, with lady
leaning upon his arm, whose face, as much rs
could be scanned through the thick folds OF
veil, was very beautiful. She tremb!cd as she
approached the door.
Alademoisee," whispered her guide kind
II, " take courage, but answer promptly every
question the emperor proposes; lie detcStS hesl-
tation" Then ushcring her into the Spacious
apartment, he bowed and retired.
The trembling girl, perceiving Napoleon, Oh
whom her fondest hopes depended, forget her
tirnility she thought only of another. Throw
ing herself at the feet of Napoleon she exclai,n-
ed in voice choking with emotion: Mercy,
sire sue for mercy and pardon" Sse could
articulate no more.
Josephine stepped from her partial conceal
Inert, and then approaching, contributed more
by her sympa;::iSiny words of encouragement
to restore the Courage Of the petitioner than
even the Emperor by his gracious manner, as
lie babe her rise.
"Yuur petition, MaGomoisele," said he.
Henrietta Arinend (lor that was her namc)
looked imp!oringly at the Emperor, and en-
claimed 6" Ah sire. ask pardon for Louis Del
MARE who is condemned to be sbot on to.mor-
row. Oh, grant him your royal pardon"
A cloud gathered on Napoleon's brow Us he
interrupted her with, G. descrter, Made,noi-
selle; be has twice deserted. No, he must he
made all example for the remainder of the reggl-
ment."
"But the cause of his descrtion!" !" cried
Henrietta, in agony. lie was compelled 70
ipin the army against his Will"
"What are the caGscs CE his GeSertlUn!" IN
tprrupted Napoleon.
"Two weeks since" answered Henrietta, "he
received news that an only remaining parent, a
another. sire. was on her dcath-bed. aud longed
;av and night to behold her son. Louis knew
at relief or release from his post was impoSsi-
e. lis mind was filled with one tnongat-
s!,at she might close her eyes forever, ere they
.sted on q son sue loved so fondly."
"Did sue die?" asked the Empress, with
sntercst.
"No madam" replied Henrietta, she at
st recovered. Bnt hardly had Louis re-
r,ivei her bleSslng been folded IN her arms,
re lie was t"rn from her grasp by the officer of
.,stice and dragged hther. Oh! must he die ?
Mercy, sire, beseech you"
Afadcmosellc" said Napoleon, apparently
so:tened, this is the second offence name the
first you omitted that"
.It was" said she, hes;tatins and coloring,
cit was-that he heard | was to be married to
Conrad Ferant, whom detcst as much as lie
does" answered Henrietta, with naivct".
Are YOU his sister, that lie feels so great an
interest in your fatc,n asked the Emperor
"Oh, no, SIRE" said Henrietta, her lovely
cheeks assuming still deeper hue OF tho rose,
81 am only cousin"
aAh! only cousin," repeated Napoleon,
g1ancing at Josephine with suppressed smile
"Oh, SIRE" said Henrietta, "recolect the
anguish of his widowed mother when she reco-
lects that the affection of her son for her Is the
cause of his death. What" she continued,
mcan do to save him ?" and the poor girl, for
getting the presence of royalty burst into tears.
The kindhearted Josephine glanced at the Etl-
peror with eyes expressive of pity and SYM
pathy. She noticed the workings of his face
and felt at once that it was very uncertain
whether Louis Delmarre was to be shot the
usr morning.