The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1865-12-08
CHAPTER II.

OF the pallng, and III every available
place, were crowds of spectators, eager
to view what is 50 dear tOevery French
mans heart, the pomp and circumstan-
ce of military execution; and in this
instance, rumOrs that had reached the
people, that it was not the real often
der that was to be executed, but his af-
fianced wife, who, by her own free
choice was to take his place, made the
crowd unusually large.
Circumstances indicated that it was
to be the scene of more than usual dis
play. The Emperor himself was pres
ent, attended by his staff. His tried
and faithful body-guard were drawn up
in long array, together with the whole
regiment to which the culprit belonged.
At the appointed hour, Marie made
her appearance, attended by priest,
and escorted by guard of six soldiers.
/ a murmur of mingled pity and admi-
ration ran through the crowd, as they
noted her extreme youth and beauty.
Every eye expressed sympathy, except
/ ing, indeed, the platoon of soldiers de-
/ tailed totire the fatal volley; they alone
regarded the scene with an air of in
difference.
Marie's beautiful countenance was
pale but composed, and she walked to
the fatal spot with a light, firm step.
Yet, as her eye fell upon the coffin, that
was arranged so that it would receive
her body as it fell, visible shudder
convulsed her frame. But it quickly
passed away, and her countenance re-
gained its former expression Of holy
serenity.
Closing her eyes, her lips moved a
momentin voiceless prayer; then she
signified that she was ready.
Just then one of the Emperor's aids
rode up, and beckoning to the priest,
said few words to him.
Father Godfrey Immediately return
ed to his patient. Daughter" he said,
"our good Emperor sends thee word
that if thy courage fail thee, there is,
even now, time to retract."
"Tell the Emperor ! thank him, fa-
ther," returned Marie, calmly; 'but
that it is easier for me to die for my be-
trothed than to live without him.
But bethink thee, daughter" per-
sisted the good priest, "this is a terrible
fate. Life is sweet, especially to the
young. The Emperor empowers me to
offer to thy acceptance another lover,
equal in every respect, to the one thou
wilt lose, and a bridal dowry. Rush
not from so faira prospect to 50 cruel a
/ death"
Urge me no more, holy father, ," was
the firm reply; my resolution is i'm
movable.-Neither distract with vain
and worldly thoughts the soul, that is
fixed steadfastIy upon that country it is
so soon to enter.
/ The priest drew back, and one of the
soldiers approached to bandage her
eyes.
Atfirst Marie demurred, button being
/ told that it was indispensable, quietly
submitted.
| During these proceedings profound
/ silence reigned throughout that dense
crowd of people, and when the signal
/ tofirewas given, every heart stood still;
even the rough, stern soldiers, accus-
! toned to view death i'll its most cruel
forms, involuntarily turned their eyes
away from the pitiful sight.
/ There was sharp report of musket-
ry, and when the smoke cleared away,
( it was discovered that Marie had fallen
forward upon her face.
I The Emperor, who had been pass
i've but attentive spectator Of all this,
instantly spurred his horse to the spot
where she lay.
"M0n DjeH" he exclaimed as he
threw himself hurriedly from the sad
die, "can it be that those stupid fellows
have blundered?"
"She has only tainted, sire" said
Father Godfrey, bending over her, and
laying his hand upon her wrist as he
spoke.
Yet, though the musllets We're loaded
with blank cartridges, so that not a
hairof herhead wasinjured. Forsome
minutes Marie lay as still and deathly
as though life had indeed departed.
When she unclosed her eyes, she look
ed up bewiIdered into the face that she
had never thought to see again in life.
'tMarie, my sweet angel! my sa-
Wort" exclaimed Henri; look up, our
suferings are over! The Emperorwas
but testing your love. He has pardon
ed me, and Father GOdfreyis even now
waiting to make us one"
And before Marie could hardly real
ize this happy change in her prospects,
| she was wife.
AS soon as thepriest had pronounced
the benediction, the Emperor approach
edthem. Overcome with gratitudeand
Joy, they would have knelt at his feet,
but he prevented them.
'No thanks are due to me-" he said,
addressing Henri. "You owe your life
neither to your own desserts, nor" he
added, hiseyesresting kindlyo Marie's
happy face, "to my clemency, but to