The native Virginian. [volume] (Orange Court House, Va.) 1867-187?, 1868-04-24
Seletft& Dale.
TEE TWO EXPRESSES.

Ol u ullc, lOlE. heuOulc, Iilc CCiCDl dtCu
painter of roses, left his home for NAL
maison, where the Empress Josephine
whom, on that very day, he was going
to present the first number OF his works.
The weather was superb. The sun
was ascending gloriously from the hori-
zon, and not cloud obscured from the
azure vault of heaven. 1t was striking
eleven as Redoute crossed the garden of
the Tuilleries, and directed his steps to-
wards the Place Concorde to take car
riage, when he saw the crowd, all at
once, hasten towards the terrace near
the water. Curious, and easily excited,
like all artists, the painter advancing
nearer.
at is the king of Rome and the en-
press" said those around him.
1t was indeed the emperor's son, then
aged five or six months, who was walk
ing, or rather carried on the terrace in
sheep admirably trained. Behind this
frail and graceful equpage walked the
empress, Maria Louisa, envelOped in an
immense blue shawl of that peculiar
shade which she preferred to all others,
and which still bears her name. Ar
rived at the grille OF the terrace, Re-
doute stopped, finding himself near a
young woman, whose pallid features,
dull look, and miserable clothing, indi-
Gated suffering and destitution. She
was holding a child in her arms.
"Poor darling" said she, speaking
low, as she caressed her infant; thou
hast neither carriage nor playthiDgs,
now. For him, abundance, pleasures,
and all the joys of childhood; for thee,
privations, trouble, and sorrow. What
has he done more than thou, this son of
king? You we're both born on the
same day, in the same hour; lam young
like his mother; love thee as she loves
him. But you have father no longer,
and'my strength diminishes every day" "
Redoute listened attentively to every
word, and then saw the young mother
furtively wipe away tear. Very live
ly effected he leaned towards her and
said,-
81 am persuaded, madame, that If
Maria Louisa knew your situation, you
would cease to suffer-"
"Ah monsieur, you are in error.-
The great have no compassion. Since
have been widow 1 have addressed
the empress many times, but never OBJ
tanned any reply" .......#
''These petitions, probably have never
reached her. Give me your address,
You shall see that l will get you ia
vorable answer"
He took out his pencil, wrote down
her address, slipped in her hand all the
money he had in his pocket. and then
hurried away. Arrived at the Place
Concorde, he looked about for car
riage, but all at once he recollected
that he had nothing to pay with, and
was at loss what to do. To return
home would occupy too much time; he
therefore resolved to proceed on foot,
and began to quicken his steps.
In the meantime Josephine had been
very much surprised not TO find Re
doute on her return from mass, and in
quired if some accident had not hap
pened to her painter of flowers. 'J ust
then his arrival was announced, and he
was introduced Immediately.
81 ought to scold you," said she,
smiling, and graciously receiving the
number Redoute presented her. ''for
you have delayed the pleasure this ad-
mirable design gives me-"
"Madame," replied Redoute, incon-
siderately, II supplicate your majesty's
pardon. l have not been able, until
nov, to have the happiness OF seeing
the king of Rome, and"
Hardly were these last words pro-
nounced when Josephine trembled.-
Redoute Immediately perceived his
blunder, and became agitated, stam-
mered, and finished by saying he knew
not what.
"Recover yourself, my dear painter
said Josephine; "I am very glad you
have seen the Emperor's son. Tell Inc,
then, all about it."
Emboldened by the benevolent toue
of the empress, Redoute reGook some
assurance and related, without omitting
anything, the reason of his being OBJ.
liged to come on foot.
sand you gave all your money to
this womanY" said Josephine, whose
charming gcountenance, sad the moment
before, now frightened all at once.
Then, before Redoutc could reply, she
continued
''But, truly, am astonished at that,
as if it were something extraordinary
for a grea. artist to have a noble
heart"
"I can assure your majesty that any
one would have done as much, the poor
mother appeared so suffering"
"Oh, if Napoleon knew it. But no,
it is not necessary he should know it.
Listen. Your proteges must be mine
also. | will go to see her, then, to-
morrow, in the greatest incognito, and
as it is just that you should have halfin
this affair, you alone shall accompany
me. l shall depend on you, then at
nine o'clock"
This time Redoute was punctual. At
nine precisely Josephine left her apart
ments, and both entered very plain
carriage. They soon arrived in Paris,
and stopped in the street OF Foar-Saint-