, 1879-12-08
Marie the Pauper.

Marie the Pauper.
While the following contains an ac-
count of a deception of very doubtful
morality, it will be read with thrilling
interest especially by those who are fa-
miliar with French history:
During the "Reign of Terror" in
France there were many lie eds of dar
ing performed, even by women, and
many noble examples of affection ex
hibited.
The very streets of Paris we're del
aged with human blood, but near the
gaillotine it ran in gushing torrents.
One dark morning an unusual num-
Der of the aristocracy had been marched
forth, and countless heads rolled from
the block.
A gaping multitude stood by, and
with shouts rent the air as the aris.oc
iacy were thus butchered.
Among the assembled multitude that
areary morning. were two females.
One of them was plainly clad, while a
cloak was thrown around her, with
which she kept her features nearly con-
cealed.
Bat close observation would betray
the fact that the woman had been weep
ing.
Her eyes were infamed and red, and
she gazed eagerly upon the platform,
while shudder passed over her frame,
as each stroke of the glittering knife
sey cred the head from the body of
some one who had been unfortunate
60 fto Eon nd Of
srs.
The face of the woman was very
beautiful, and she was young certain
" not more than sixteen Or eighteen
years of age.
The other female was quite different
in character. Her face was fair, but
there was braZen expression about 1t.
She was clad in rags, and as each head
fell she woald dance, and in various
ways express her delight, and then ex-
claim:
"There falls another aristocrat, who
refused me charity when l humbly sued
to 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
become so depraved.
The first female watched this Great
are for few moments, and then, press,
ing her way to her side, she laid her
hand upon the shoulder Of the wretch,
and whispered
"Would you like to become rich at
0nce?"
The female in rags turned about with
. look of surprise, burst into a loud
laugh, and then replied
"Of course I would"
Follow me. and you shall be.
Enough. Lead on"
It was with considerable difficulty
the females extricated themselves from
the crowd; but they did so at length,
and then the first female asked of the
other:
"What shall I call you?"
cob! I'm called Pauper Marie"
"You live by begging?"
"Yes, but what's your name, and
shat do you want?"
"My name is Marie, the same as
your own"
''Are you an aristocrat?'
1T does not matter. If you know
where we can find a room lead NE to it
and you shall have gold"
The pauper led the way into mar
row and filthy street, and then down
into cellar, and into dark and filthy
loom.
The other female could not but feel a
sickening sensation creep over her, but
she recovered herself After contem-
plating for time the apartment a2d
what it contained abe asked:
"Are you we'll known in Paris?"
"Yes, everybody knows Marie the
Pauper."
''Are you known to Robespierre! If
so want to make bargain with you"
81 am. What do you wish?
You sac my clothing is better than
your own, and I wish to exchange with
you. I want you to consent to remain
here, and not to show yourself at all
for short time, or until come to you
again. As recompense for aiding me I
will give you thousand francs, and
when I come back I will give you a
thousand more. As security for my
return take this ring"
The lady drew diamond ring from
her finger and gave it to the pauper.
Then she handed her purse containing
gold.