, 1865-01-13
The Fugitive.
BY NJ. J. BISHOP.


During the stormy period succeeding the days
the Revolution, while France was reeling from
its recent shocks, the events occurred which
form the subject of this brief sketch.
Recalled by the many friends still faithful to
her interest, the talented Charlotte Maria, Ouch
ess Conde, then in the bright bloom of woman
hood, the nearest scion of the royal family en-
tered again her native France. But although
many were in her favor, a numerous and pow
erfu faction, the friends of the late form of gov
ernment, were opposed to her, and after repeat
ed conflicts, in which her troops won brilliant
though temporary advantages, she was forced
to fly price set on her head, and the hopes of
throne were exchanged for the fears of fugi-
tive.
1t was not without tears that the aged Gene
raj D'Ligny, kneeled at the feet of the youhtfu
Duchess entreating herfOr the sake other friends
of France, to abandon the enterprise.
As she stood before him, her graceful figure
arrayed in a robe of azure silk, her head cover
ed with a small helmet, whose snowy plumage
contrasted finely with her dark hair, she might
well seem the Goddess of Liberty giving law to
her subjects.
"Urge me not, ttge me not, DLigny," she
cried while her flashing eyes, raven tresses and
fine features quivering with emotion, gave her
the appearance of beautiful Pythoness.
"Tell me not to leave La Belle France my
brave soldiers, my noble friends, the right-the
throne of my princely boy My arm is weak
but l am a soldiers daughter; and craven never
was motto on his shield"
Overcome at length by the arguments of her
aged counsellor, she covered her face with her
hands, while the hot tears flowed fast through
her slender fingers.
few days after the conversation above mar
rated, two females were seen wearily threading
their way through the outskirts of Versailles
Their dress that of the humblest peasants,
although the form of the elder, betrayed a grace
and elegance seldom found under that homely
garb. She appeared excessively tired while the
heavy sabots or shoes, with which she was en-
numbered, evidently were causing great pain
"Marguerite, / can proceed no farther in this
torture, she said; seating herself by the
roadside she proceeded to disencumber herself
of the ill-itting and cruel shoe, while the small
and beautiful ancle she displayed was in strong
contrast to the rest of her appearance.
'Dear LADY," said her companion, 'your foot
will betray us; have patience for another league,
and we are safe"
"Patience was over when my brave troops
disbanded, !" said the other. "But come, thou
shall see, girl, that we Bourbons bear light
heart but am all unused to treading a meas
ure on these rough roads, and am literally wa
ding through boodshed to to throne, she
added, with SMILE as she regarded her bleed
ing footsteps
Our travellers had now nearly arrived at
one of the principal squares of the city, and were
rudely iostled by an old woman, who was vain
ly endeayoring to lift heavy basket of apples
on her head. "Lend me a helping hand, lass"
said the crone, 'and the blessingo of our Lady be
on your pretty face moreover will give the an
apple, and thou help me fairly" Exerting a
strength of which her light figure gave no prom
Use, the seeming peasant laughingly placed the
basket on the head of the old woman; when with
"bless ye," she was passing on, the stranger
laid her hand upon her arm Look you mother,
she said where is my apple? / cannot lose my
guerdeon" A deep blush arose as the word so
little beftting her appearance, passed her lips.
| With courtesy she took the profered fruit as
| the old woman passed on; and while partaking
of the first food which she had tastedfor twenty
four hours, she paused to read placard which
announced that twenty thousand francs were set
as prize upon her head
| Come away, oh, come away" said her atten-
dant, blanching suddenly to ashy paleness.
"Rather your earnestness will betray us. Mar
! chioness of NJ, | shall certainly read this an
| nouncement, which concerns me so highly; IN
the meantime reflect on your own appearance,
trembling like a willow in the wind Pray, my
! dear, if you would not see my head where these
generous friends wish it, command yourself"
1t was through Drawing many dangers and
| overcoming difficulties, that the Duchess-so
we must call our peasant, reached half ruined
| chateau belonging to her estates.
| Weary and anxious, the royal fugitive endeav-
ored to sustain the spirits of the few followers
who now adhered to her fallen fortunes. Among
these were the youthful Marchioness NJ, Gene
raj Labree, the aged Ligny and young hussar
| officer belonging to the staff of the latter.
The mansion in which the party had taken
! refuge was one of those ancient chateaus now
becoming rare, with sharp angles, abrupt but
tresses and winding passages, whose construc-
tion defed all rules of architecture. The Ouch
ess had chosen this retreat on account of the fa-
cilities for escape which it afforded.
! No sooner had the little party seated them
selves around the -spread-board, than a
sound reached them which caused each to rise.
Indistinct, like the rushing of waters, at first,
until as it approached the rapid galloping OF a
! cavalcade was clearly audible.
"Fly, lady, fly !" said their attendant, as she
rushed into the apartment of the Duchess.
''We will sell our lives dearly" said the ven
erable D'Ligny, "and defend you, noble lady,
| to the last"
The Duchess rose, struck her hand to her
forehead, for a moment, as if lost in thoughts
and then casting half smile upon the only meal
! abe had seen for week. she replied;
"This is no tims TO hght my good General