New Orleans Republican., 1873-04-20
lers of the tall oaerter away up among the

ders of the tall oarrter away up among the
fiery torches.
Behold the priestess of liberty - he cried
turning to his followers. "On, citizens;
chase away the priests and install the priest
ees in her new temple
They forced open the iron door and Marie
Jeanne made her triumphal entry into the
dim. solemn church. But the crowd entered
too, and soon every corner of the grand old
pile was laid bare to the sacrilegiOus torch
light. Suddenly the leader stopped and set
Marie Jeanne carefully down upon one OF
the side altars. Sit here, little one he
said, we are going te find the wicked
priests. But | will come back for thee alter
ward. Wait here, petite"
The crowd swept by her and out at the
rear door in frutless search after the hated
priests, who had long ago taken themselves
ot1, with wisdom aforethOught. And the
little priestess was left alone to cry herself
to sleep on the cold marble if she could, to
wonder why mamma did not come to kiss
her, ts call Louise in an agony of terror. 30
see horrible faces looking at her from out of
the darkness, and to say little bits eff baby
prayers to the child Jesns. ] don't know
whether these tiny prayers were heard or
not, but do know that. when by-and-by &
dear, good. kind hearted pussy, just az
troubled at being left III fine dark az the
child herself. jumped up beside her and
began series of consGatory purrs. Marie
Jeanne was cOmforted and went fast asleep
with the cat for d pillow. Her fur wa. So
nice and soft. She was just like the I::l.
girls own dear Mimi at home.
So these two solitary creatures ciuns {,
each other the whole nj ,hc through for
warmth and companionship. But when the
grey dawn began to creep through the beSu-
utui purple and scarlet windows, Marie
Jeanne woke up and wondered where the
tall man could be who had promised to come
back for her. She was 80 hungry; THE
poor eat, she is hungry too said the little
girl 20 herself. heroically determined 10: ~
t!ink OF her own misery.
But pussy began making her toilette and
then all Marie Jeannes dainty little French
instincts Of neatness crowded upon her and
her courage gave way before the miserable
prospect 0! 10 bre * fast aud an INV washed
face.
20, my face isn't clean she sobbed. ~
know it isn''. Ivan. Louise 10 wash IL q.
Louise. The great tears ran down her
ms. and rolled Oft into the cats grey fur
just then au officer oil the Kings guard
appeared at the door. followed by a troop
OF men. lie had been sent 10 shield the
church from further sacrilege. As he en-
tered he caught sight of the pathetic little
group enthroned upon the altar Marie
Jeanne with her face buried in the WARM
grsy breast
"A child here" be thought. Poor little
thing. 1t must have parsed rather all un.
comfortable night
Marrie Jeanne raised her head as re ap
preached and smiled Il smile OF recognition.
I'm 40 glad thou art come, dear Papa Du-
pont." she cried joyfuiiy: I'm SO hungry"
"Pauyre petite cherie.' said Colonel Du-
pont. eOmpassionately, How did'st thou
come here, my little grlf did not think
the las: time told thee about the Lost
Babes in the Woods that thou wOuld'st
ever act like those stupid children. ] shall
tell thee no more stories 20 turn thy foolish
little head, Marie Jeanne. But where are
thy father and mother. and why art thou
here all aone}'
Marie Jeanne related the history of her
adventures as well as she could. and ended
it with a sob. and, Il want 20 GO home
"pauvre mignonne.' said the Old soldier.
taking her in his arms, ives. che shall 60
home with me TO pay Wit to Godmamma
Dupont. and the dear gedmamna vii! have
breakfast ready for her, and some bou bOus.
too, pei haps. Who knowsF
Bat the dear cat, said Marie Jeanne.
smiling through her tears, ".he must 60.
too. She was 40 warm in the right
''Ot course abe -hall co." was the good
natured answer, and fhe child was made
thoroughly happy all in a moment.
Ger standing near. and then, with Marie
Jeanne on his shoulder aud the gray cat
under his arm, he sailed forth 20 deposit
his pr c0us burden at last in the lap o.
good Madame Dupont.
When Marie Jeanne had been duly ca
reseed and comuiserated. when her spirits
had been revived with breakfast and un-
limited ben hons. he went forth once more,
thi. time in order to telegraph 20 the child's
parents that their little daughter was in
safe hands, for lie knew just how anxious
they would be when they should hear OF
the terrible excitement of the past light.
On the way he stopped at the police office.
Have you any intelligence of the fate Of
a woman named Louise Martigny among
those who have disappeared since yester-
dayt" he asked uf the chief official.
Here is the book of entries; you may see
for yourself" was the answer.
Colonel Dupont took the book and ran
through the first few pages carelessly. "Ah,
cried he suddenly. this must be she, the
mad bonHc What an end - Then he
read aiouG:
Early this morning the corpses Of man
and woman were found together upon the
steps Of the Church OF St. Roche. The
man. " hO had pistol wound in the throat.
had been dead some time, and the woman
had evidently been trampled to death in at
tempting to drag his body from under the
feet of the crowd that entered the building
last night. Names unknown"
'Humph," commenced the soldier, shrug.
ging his shoulders cynicaily, "iU is very
strange that people Will not learn to stay
s.t home in times of danger. must tell
my little friend to provide herself with an
other nurse. Poor little on.: it is mercy
hat the good God tool. better care of her
last night than that crazy woman did. or
otherwise there would liza, been u sad story
to greet Jean Dantier with when he came
home TO look for HE little daughter. But
never mind. Thanks to the great Power
that .mooths the path. of little children,
thou art safe, ny little one. and long mayest
thou live 20 be d blessing 10 thine old god.
c "