The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1865-09-05

Emperor'S heart is ever open to you
It was to see his dying mother, and after
every other means had failed p
Still the Empress shook her head. "It
Il is hard case" che said, "but it will be
useless for me to attempt to obtain his
pardon"
As Josephine said this, stihed moan
escaped from the poor girls lips, the con.
vulsive grasp upon her robe relaxed, and
she lay stiIl and pale at her feet.
Alarmed, the Empress beckoned che
gendarnle to approach.
nshe has fainted," he said, as he bent
o7ar her. sand no wonder; she has
walked from the village of L full
eight leagues, since the break of day"
"Do you know herr"
ayes, Madame; she is Marie DuVal,
the betrothed of Henri Laferve, who is to
be shot tomorrow morning for desertion."
nPoor child p said the Empress, COM
passionalely. "Tako her away, good
Jenna" she added, as the girl began to
show signs of consciousness, "and see
that she has rest and refreshment, and if
she be sufficiently recovered, bring her an
hour hence to my private apartment" :"
The Empress passed along, but the
kind hearted soldier noticed, with feel
ling of satisfaction, that she held closely
in her hand the little roll of paper, while
her eountenance had thoughtful aspect
Napoleon was seated alone at the table
covered with papers and maps. A eou-
rier had just left him, who was evidently
the bearer of good news, for his coqnte-
nance had pleased, almost exultant look
The door opened, and Josephine en-
tered.
She paused moment upon the thresh-
old, giving his countenance a furtiye
look, whose ever varying mood she had
learned SO well to read.
"Weicome, my good Josephine" said
the Emperor, holding out his hand to her.
Josephine saw that this was propi-
tlous moment, and playfully sinking
down upon enc knee, she kissed his hand,
saying:
! II nave p6tltIoDj sire.
Napoleon took the paper she held out
: to him, but as he understood its purport,
the smile died from his lip, and he handed
; it back to her, saying:
t "If it was for any other ofense, it
should be granted; but as it is, it is i'm
a possible"
"But there are extenuatiug circum.
: stances in this case,"" pleaded Josephine !;
] the poor fellow had just received news
! that his mother was at the pointof death"
! 'That was no excuse. The soldier has
: no mother save France, he owes his first
: duty to her !"
"Ah, if you could only see his betroshed
wife, sire, know your heart would re-
lent. She has travelled on foot from the
: village of L since daybreak, to plead
! for her lovers life. Poor girl I fear
: that she will not survive itw
. The Emperor shrugged his shoulders.
ave must try 20 console her." he said,
: dryly; "by seeing if we cannot grant her
another husband"
"She would never accept one !" said
Josephine, with indignant emphasis
= "She would sooner die with her lover !"
: Napoleon again shrugged his shoulders
T and took a pinch of snuff.
"My doar friend; such things may be
| found in romances; but not in real life.
: I'll wager most anything you like that
5 she would much prefer living with some
young, eood-Ioukins man, and which I
5 should fnd little difficulty in persuading
t her to do"
Josephine whispered few words in
her royal husbands ear:
r 'Let it be so" he said, smiling. Sand
: nOH suffer your young protege to be sum-
E uoned, and I 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 out at lis feet
t Then bidding her rise, he said gravely,
} but kindly, fer be was touched By the
artless beauty of the suppliant, no less
D than by her uafeigned sorrow:
"I am sorry, my daughter, that | can
! not grant your petition. But 1 will pro.
: vide you with another lover, and bestOw
upon you bridal dowry beside which
: will do just as well, if not batter"
] "Surely you jest, sire" said the young
girl, casting upon him look of soTrow
0 full surprise. "No one can take Henri's
J, place in my heart. For the loyo of
!. mercy, spare his life !"
+. "He has committed an unpardonable
s offence" was the stern reply; "the pen
G atty of which is death. He must die !!
Unless, indeed" he added, in lower
tone, "some substitute be found to suffer
In lis stead"
Marie caught eagerly at the hope con.