North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1865-10-18
TUNKHANNOCK, PA, WEDNESDAY, OCT 49, 1865

grasp upon her robe relaxed, aud she lay
still and pale at her feet.
Alarmed, the Empress beckoned the gend.
arms 10 approach. ....". .N-
"She has tainted" he SAID. as he bent over
her. sAnd no wonder: she has walked
from the village of l., full eight leagues,
since the break of day"
"Do you know her ?"
"Yes Msdsme; she is Marie Daval the
trothed of Henri Laferve, who is to be shot
to morrow morning for desertion."
"Poor chiid!'' sari the Empress, compass
sionately. "Take her away, good Jenna"
she added, as the girl began to show signs of
Consciousness, "snd see that she has est and
refreshment, and if she be Sufficiently recov-
cred bring her an hour hence to my private
apartment"
The Empress passed along. but the kind
hearted soldier noticed, with feeling Of sat
isfaction, that she held the little roll Of paper
while her countenancc had thoughtful as
pect. ..-...
Napolean was seated alone at the table
covered with papers and maps. A 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 mument upon the thresh
hold, giving his countenance a furtive Look,
whose ever varying mood she had learned to
read.
"Welcnme, my good Josephine" said the
Emperor holding out his hanh to her.
J.,seph ne saw that this was propitous
moment, and playfuIly sinking down on one
knee, she kissed his hand, and presented him
the roll Of paper she had received from the
g,rl.
eff it was for any other offence, it should
TIC granted but as it is, it is imp ssibe." =
"But there are extenuating crcums: :ances
in this case" pleaded Josephine ''the poor
| fellow has just received news that his moth
er was just at the point of death"
"That was no excuse. The soldier has no
mother save France; he owes first duty to
her %
sAh, if you could only see bis betrothed
wife, sire. know yon wnCl6 relent. She
| travelled on foot from the village of l. -
| since aybre-k, to plead tor her overs life.
Poor girl fear that she will not survive
tn'
The Emperor shrugged his shoulders.
eve must try to con sole her." he said,
dIyly. 'Seeing We cannot grant her another
| husband. "She never would accept one !"
laid Josephine, 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 rpmances, but not in real life. I'll wag' r
most anything you like that she w"ul much
prefer living with some young, good-I ooking
man, apd which should fnd little difficulty
in persuading her to do"
Josephine whis pered a few words in her
royal husbands ear.
"Let it be So" he said smiling. "And now
| suffer your young protfge to be summoned,
and will so,n put the truth of my asser-
non to the proof"
The Emperor listened sttentively TO the
t,uchlng plea, broken by tears and sobs that
| Maria poured out at his feet. Then budding
her rise, he said gravely, but kindly, for he
was touched by The ar,less beauty of the
suppliant, no less than her unfeignei sorrow.
I am sorry, NV d4ughter, that cannot graz
your petition. But will provide You with
another love, and bestow upon yon bridal
dowry besides which will do just as we'll, if
not better"
"Surely yon jest, sire," said the young
girl, casting upon him glance Of sorruw:ul
surprise.
"No one can ia ke Henri's place in my
heart, For the love of mercy, spare his
life ="
"He has committed an unpardonable
nffrnse," was the stern reply. 1.-THE penalty
of which is death. He must die unless, in
deed" he added, in lower tons, "sorDe sub
stitute be found TO suffer in his stead"
Maria caught eagerly at the hope conveyed
by these last words. Again she threw her
self upon her knees, bathing the Emperor's
hand with her tears
"Would your majesty indeed accept sub
stitute 2" she exclaimed. Let me take hls
place, then, and suffer for Tim y
"Whai! would you take his Place to NOR
row, and be shot in his stead 2" inquired
Napoleon, Looking steadily into her face.
Tf there is no other way to save his life,
willingly, gladly, sire !'' was the fervent re-
sponse.
The Emperor's stern, impossible face gave
no token Of the feelings that filled his heart