The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-07-15

grasp upon The robe relaxed, and she Law still
and pale at her feet
Alarmed, the Empress beckoned the o.n.
darme to approach.
She has tainted,' he said, as he bent over
her. And no wonder; she has walked from
the village of L., full eight leagues, since
the break of day.
DO you know her?
Yes, Madame; she is Marie Duyal. the
betrothed Of Henri Laferve. who is to be
shot tomorrow morning for desertion.'
Poor child said the Empress, compass.
slonately. Take her away, good Jean,' she
added, as the girl began to show signs of
Consciousness, and see that she has rest and
retreshment, and if she be sufficiently recov-
cred bring her an hour hence to nv private
apartment
The Empress passed along, but the kind
hearted soldier noticed, with feeling of sat-
lstactlon, that she held closely in her hand
the little roll of paper, while her countenance
had thoughtful aspect.
Napoleon was seated alone at a table coy-
cred with papers and maps. courier had
just left him, who was evidently the bearer
of good news, for his countenance had a
pleased, almost exultant look.
The door opened, and Josephine entered.
She paused moment on the threshold,
giving his countenance furtive look, whose
every varying mood she had learned so well
to read.
Welcome, my good Josephine,' said the
Emperor, holding out his hand to her.
Josephine Saw that this was a propitious
moment, and playfuly sinking down upon
one knee, she kissed his hand, saying:
i Rave petition, sire
Napoleon took the paper she held out to
hun, but as he understood its purport, tie
snli l. \ rom his lip. and he handed it
at" =" .,, saying:
II ~ !or any other offence, it should
be sran"eu; bat as it is, it is impossible.'
But lh,r are exteLuating circumstances
IN this Case, pleaded Josephine the poor
fellow had just received news that his motD-
er was at the point of death
That was no excuse. The soldier has no
mother save France he owes his first duty
to her."
'Ah, Hyou could only see his betrothed
wife, sire, know your heart would relent
She travelled on foot from the village Of
l. since daybreak, to plead for her lovers S
life. Poor girl. fear that she will not sur
vive it y
The Emperor shrugged his shoulders.
We must Try to console her. he said, dry
ly. Sesing We cannot grant her petition,
we must do the next best thing, get her an
other husband
She would never accept one" said Jose
paine, with indignant emphasis. She would
sooner die with her lover"
Napoleon again shrugged his shoulders,
and took pinch of snuff.
| My dear friend, such things may be
found in romances, but not in real life. III
wager most anything you like that she would
much prefer living with some young, good
looking man, and which | think | should
find little difficulty in persuading her to do.
! Josephine whispered few words in her
royal husbands ear
Let it be so,' he said, smiling. And
now suffer your young protege to be sum-
moned, and will soon put the truth OF my
assertion to the proof.
The Emperor listened attentively to the
touching plea, broken by tears and sobs,
that Marie poured at his feet. Then bidding
her rise, he said gravely, but kindly, for he
was touched by the artless beauty of the sup
plant, no less than by her unfeigned sorrow {:
i am sorry, my daughter, that | cannot
grant your petition. But l will provide you
with another lover, and bestow upon you a
bridal dowry beside which will do Just as
we'll, if not better.
Surely you jest, sire, said the young girl,
casting upon him glance of sorrowtul sur
prise. No one can take Henri's place in
my heart For the love of mercy, spare his
| life
He has committed an objectionable Of
fence was thu stern reply; the penalty OF
which is death. He must die. Unless, in
deed, he added, in lower tone, some sub
S;it'.te be found to suffer in his stead
Malie caught eagerly at the hope convey
rd by these last words. Again she threw
herse' up'n her knees, bathing the Empe-
ro' 5 a..r irh her tears.
80. ,our majesty indeed accept sub
! So t. > ~ Exclaimed. Let me take his
.lacc ,,, a: ii suffer for him ?
Whit, vruid you take his place to.mor-
ron, and hr shot in his stead p inquired NJ
poI.or, !o,king st, adily into her face.
II theie is 10 other way to save his life,
wlll."sly, gladly, sire" was the fervent re-
! sponse.
The Emperor's stern, impossible face gave
no token Of the feelings that filled his heart,
as he looked upon the countenance of the
speaker, every feature of which was instinct
with the tervor of her heroic soul.
! IL YOU desire il certainly be said after