The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-12-02
THE SHOEMAKER'S DAUGHTER,
A TALE FOUNDED ON FACT.

A TALE FOUNDED ON FACT.
The Rne st. HonOre, in Paris, is one of
the longest streets in the world.
At no great distance from tho Palais
Royal, and between it ard the church of
the Oratoire, was, during the Reign Of Ter
ror. a small sllocmaker's shop. It was kept
by a. Gernan-a dry, droll. middlc-ased
man, who, during those times Of revolu-
ton and alarm, when heroic France, at
tackcd'by the.whole civilized world was
apparently perishing in death throes-ex-
piring in agonies, which were, however, to
save, to raise, and glorify it-paid little
attention to anything save his business
and his pretty little daughter.
NJ. Leopold Mayer was a selfish mana
very selfish man. So that boOtmaking
prospered, he did not care for anything
else. If the country were attacked on all
sides, foreign armies in every frontier, he
little cared. Tho only Inconvenience he
did care about was the taxes; that was un-
pleasant; but otherwise public affairs were
nothing to him. There are hundreds Of
such men everywhere; men whose native
town might be dcsolated by the plague,
and who yet would be happy if they re-
manned Notwithstanding. -
Leopold Mayer had a daughter-a very
pretty girl-about twelve years old, with
rosy checks. laughing eyes, a warm ex-
pansive heart, and character the very
opposite Of her father. She was as gencr-
GUS as he was selfish; as keen in her sym
pathies for the world as he was for his own
private busincss-she had a corner in her
heart for every one. Her mother had been
like her, having sacrificed every considera-
tion to that of pleasing her husband, who
would not be pleascd-of making happy q
man who would not be happy. NJ. Leo
pold Mayer did a very good business; aud,
it was said, had a great deal of money
somewhere; but no one knew where. 'ail
Katerina Mayer sat in her fathers shop
and took the money !; but. having plenty
Of leisure, she read, during the e y..s u
bus:::;:esssss suci books as she could end in
neighboring circulating library. German
in her nature, with o warm. bat somewhat
contemplative character. she devoared his
tory. philosophy, poetry, and the drama;
but she had her favorite author, too, and
that was tho author "Livcs OF Plutarch."
On an evening she would read out to
her father while lie smoked his pipe. to
which-likc Germans and Dutchmen--he
was great devotee. Very often, they
were joined by young officer, a lodger,
who had not long been removed from a
military school to commission in the ar
my. but who was, as yet, unattached
Paul Leblond was q young man who had
profitted by his education; and a better
guide for the girl could not well have been
found. OF course he was republican; all
young men,, not emigres. were, in those
days; and the coptagion spread; for "a
moro audaciOus little sans-calofte than was
Katerina," would ola Mayer say; 'ncycr
stepped in shoc-leafher." The Reign Of
Terror very nearly shocked her; but she
had good sense enough not to confonnd
the bold crimes Of Danton, or the atrocities
Of Marat, with the principles Of the true
friends Of freedom lies .sB5f4es sressisd
Paul Leblond and Katerina Mayer were
the very best of friends. The young girl,
so early mistress Of q house; and 90 preco-
cious in her studies, played the little wo-
man, which made the man Of twenty laugh
and declare that, were he not poor devil
of an Officer, with no other fortune save
his sword, he would carry her before the
mayor and marry her at once; at which
Katerina laughed, and bid him go aud win
the epaulettes Of a General first, and then
she might listen to him But the idea Of a
young adventurcr; without penny. talk
ing of marrying the heiress Of the richest
shoemaker in Paris, was terribly auda-
cious. Aid Paul called her an ayistocratc i;
they laughed, and tho matter ended.
About three months after the young man
received his commission, he entered the
shop Of Citizen Mayer in company with
brother officer Katerina was at the coun-
ter. Citizen Mayer was overlooking Ills
young men. s.Wen, little wife," said Paul
smiling. "Slr. saucy, pray; who are You
talkidg to ?'* replied 1Katerina, looking
hard at him and his friend. a pale, dry,
and thoughtful looking youth. 40 you,
citoycnnc." continued Paul; Il have come
to bid you adieu. We are ordered off to
the army this very day. Here, dear Kate
rina, is your fathers account, which being
paid, have to ask favor Of you." 'what
is that r. said Katcrini, with trcmulous
voice. "The fact is, Katcrina, we have
our bills paid, not one penny left. We
have our uniforms complete, but we want
u pair Of boots each. We are in the army
Of the Sambre-ef Mouse. to which the Gov
eminent, having heard their demand for
shoes and stockings, said, 1.-The Republic
has many thanks for you. but no shoes and
stockings" "Poor PAUL." said Katcrina,
turning her head towards the dark end Of
the shop. "Citizen papa" What is it9"
asked Citizen Mayer, al eanting to his
daughter. "why; papa here Is PAIL go
inf away; and here is the money he owes
YOU; and tile poar, dear young man wants
pair of boots for himself aud friend on
..rs.1;t until tho anil of tho ra,,po;. ,,, ~