The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1868-12-02

Drop mlnntc, cxclalmeu Aateria
quickly .You do not understand papa
citizen. He means that he would refuse
boots without money to strangers; but II
you a friend of Paul's he will be most hap
py-rathcr two pairs than one" IA pretty
business girl you will make :" said Citizen
Mayer, with half grnnt and half su,ile
'liut to your friend Paul and to his friend
Twill not refuse credit. NJ. Paul, do you
aud your friend choose two pairs of boots
each g." .' ~ m q. ss.fs,., 49,. 80
1--WE thank you, Citizen" replied the
sallow Young officer, while Paul patted
Mayer on the back land you shall be re-
paid"
Mayer looked rather incrcdulons, bnt he
loved his daughter, aud it was to her he
made the sacrifice Of four poirs Of boots,
which, naturally enough, the young men
chose. Then they shook hands with May
CT. Paul kissed Katerina, and then made
his friend kiss her; and, putting their pack
cts undcr their arms, went away.
Years passed. away, and the saucy girl of
S"VAsO AeAo UVSOAuO sb OCSAutih0A WOiDCu "a
three and-twenty. In all this timo not ono
word of Paul-aMl worse, said Mayer, the
Shoemaker, no news of his boots. Made
moisclle Katerina had many suitors. Per
sons in . very elevated position overlook
ed, in those democratic days, tho fact that
she was bnotmakcr's daughter, and many
sought her hand and heart. But the girl
|of twelve still lived within her, aud she
refused every offer, however brilliant. re-
naming still her fathers cashier, and aid
ing him in adding to that large fortune
which he had now invested in the French
funds. He sometimes pressed her himself
on the subject of marriage; but .Katerina
was not to be moved by any one. even her
parent. - ef2t rs I'D i42 etlyl
Things were in this state. Katerina had
just refused a colonel whom she met at q
great party, who talked to the father rather
sharply when rejected, and NJ. Mayer had
taken Katcrina to task, when, one morn
ing, they received a laconic epistIe request
ing their presence at the Office Of the Com
mander.in. Chief Of the forces Of the frst
division. - So - ..'-i -
II will not marry him." said Katerina,
quickly. ''WboY" "The officer Colonel
Peterman. Iii sure he's complained to
the CommanderinC Chief, and tbnt he is 60
ing TO threaten U.s." "But BE cannot make
you marry against your will" cried u.
Mayer. II don't know that. Since this
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte has taken
US all BY storm, papa, the sword is not apt
to yield When it wishes anything" "We
shall see, my DEAR, replied the shoemaker.
ITO begin, this request must be obeyed at
once. Make haste, girl; and put on your
fnery.'
Katerina smiled thoughtfully, and went
away, The girl expected q sermon from
the Commandet-inChief On the impertinsnca
Of The daughter OF a little shoemaker reia
sing an officer Of rank but SHE was deter.
mined to hold good. and yield to 10 threats
persuasions, or seductions. She remained
faithful to the memory Of Paul. She was
romantic she loved and wrote poetry, and
she preferred a beautiful dream to any idea
Of fortune and material happiness which
might be offered to her. ~ Z -.'''.e
In half an hour the father and daughte,
were ready and away they Went, arnf.in.
arm, on foot, to the Tuileries, where The
COMMUNICATIVE Chief Of tile army; OF Paris
had apartments. They were soon at the
palace, and we're met by the sentries, who
asked them Where they we're going: NJ.
Mayer showed his letter of invitation,
which served at once as pass; they were
admitted.
!, They entered the ante-chamber occupied
by officers Of various grades, several Of
whom rose from cards; or smoking on
benches, to greet them.
A young man; ali aide-de-camp, respect
fully addressed them, and inquired their
business. NJ. Mayer again proadced his
letter. The officer bowed profoundly. and
said he was at their service: Moving
through the crowd Of officers; lie led them
by staircase upwards, until he reached a
largo opening. He tapped gently twice,
and tile door opened. A servant in rich
livery appeared, who made way for the
party, and passing on, with the theatre of
the palace to their right, they then turned
round and entered the real Palace Of the
T!a;leries, Of which they had hitherto only
visited the wing. : 4 ~ sl'9 70 i~3''
Presently the aide-de-camp paused.
Monsieur will be kind enough 10 wait
one moment" he said, as they entered an
ante-chambcr. II viii precede you, and
return in OH Instant aWhere are NC
going 2" asked Katerina, of her father in d
whisper. II don't know, but my head be-
gins to grow dizzy, / begin to suspec. that
we must give Sdy tn circumstances.
Never r exclaimed the young girl, firmly.
"Will you walk I'M" said the aide-de-
camp, returning; and, standing with the
door in one hand and his hat in the other
NJ. Mayer and katerina sbeyed nechar,.
ically. They advanced with eyes dimmed
ny excitement, with singing in their ears
with q fainting at the heait--a do1bt-a
fear--a t3rpad-.fl,nt lnfY thotr 4 ;,,;,,,.o l.,