Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1870-12-21
THE BEGGAR GIRL OF PARIS.

During the Reign of Terror 10 France
there were many deeds of daring per
formed, even by women, end many sx-
nmples of affection exhibited. The very
streets of Paris were deluged with hu.
man blood, but near the guilotine it ran
in rushing torrents One dark morning
an unusual number Of the aristocracy
had been marched forth, and countlsss
heads rolled from the block. a gaping
multitude stood by. and with shouts rent
the air as the arislocfacy were thus BUTCH
cred.
Among the assembled multitude, that
dreaTy morning, were two females. One
of them was plainly clad. while a cloak
was thrown around her. with which she
kept her features nearly concealed. But
a close observation woud betray the
fact that the woman had been weeping
Her eyes were inhamed and red. and
she gazed eagerly upon the platform,
while shock of the glittsring knife sew
cred the bead from the body Of some
one who had been unfortunate enough to
fall under the ban of the two leaders,
The face of tho woman was very beautI-
IuI, and she was young certainly not
more than slxteen or eighteen years of
age.
The OF or female was quite different
in character Her face was fair, but
there WAS n brazen expression about it.
She was cIatl in rags, and rs each head
fell she would dance, and in various
ways express her delight, and then ex
claim:
There falls another aristocrat, who
refused charity when humbly sued
him!
Each expression Of the kind would
create laugh from those who heard her.
But any Thoughtful person must wonder
how one so young could have been so de
PRAYED. The frat female watched this
creature for a few moments, and then
passing her hand to her sids. she laid her
hand upon the shoulder of the wretch
and whispered:
Would you like to become rich at
oncer
The female in rags turned about with
look of surprise. burst into a loud
laugh. and then replied:
'Of course | would
Follow ne. and you shall be-
Enough. Leaf on.
Ii was with considerable difficulty that
the females extricated themselves from
the crowd; but they did 90 at length,
and then the first female askei of the
other:
What shall call youi'
oh! | am called the Beggar Girl
Marie
You live by beggingF
Yes; but what's your name, and
what do you want?
MY name is Marie, the same as your
own
Are you an aristocratf
1t does not matter. If you know
where We can find room, lead rue TO it
aud YOU shall have gold
The pauper led the way into narrow
filthy street and then down into cellar,
and into dark filthy room. The other
female could not but feel sickening
sensation creep over her. but she recov-
cred herself. After contemplating for a
time the apartment and what it contained
she asked:
'A'e you well known in Parish
Yes. Everybody knows Marie, the
Bsggar Girl
Are you known to Robespierrei If
so want TO make bargain with YOU
Il am. What do you wish?'
You see nv clothing is better than
your own, and wish to exchange with
you. want you to remain here, and
not to show yourself at all for short
time, or until | come to You again. As
a recompense for aiding me win give
you Thousand franco, and when l
come back will give you a thousand
more. As security of my return, take
this ring
The LAZY drew diamond ring from
her finger and gave it to the beggar girl.
Tben handed her a purse containing
god. The girl appeared little puzzled
and asked:
We'll What are you going to do with
my dressi'
Il want to put it on, and go where l
first met you
oh! | understand now. You want
to see tho chopping 90 on, and you are