Connecticut western news., 1880-09-15
HENRIETTE.
A True Incident of Napoleon's Life
 on St. Helena.

A True Incident of Napoleon's Life
 on St. Helena.
 At Saint Helena, when the weather was favorable, Napoleon always rode out either in his carriage or on horse back, but as soon as he became familiar with the confined space allotted to him there, he often preferred exploring the secluded roads. After having finished his daily task of dictation (for one of his favorite occupations was the dicta- tion of his memoirs), and spent some hours in reading, he dressed about three o'clock, and then went out, accom- panied by General Bertrand, Monsieur Las Cases, or General Gourgaud.
 His rides were all directed to the neighboring village, which he took much pleasure in exploring, and where he found himself more free from obser- vation. Though the roads were in some places almost impossible, his taste for exploration seemed to increase rather than diminish-even the pleasure of ranging this valley was to him species of liberty. The only thing to which he had an unconquerable aversion was meeting the English sentinels, who were constantly stationed to watch him. In one of these rides he found sequestered spot in the valley, which afterward be- came to him a daily retreat for medita- tion.
 One day he discovered neat cottage among the rocks of the valley, and en- tered the garden attached to it, which was radiant with flowers and geraniums, which young girl was watering. This young girl was a brunette, and as fresh as her flowers; she had large blue eyes of most pleasing expression, and Napo- leon, always an admirer of the fair sex, was much struck with her beauty.
 ''Pray, what is your name?" he in. quired.
 Henriette, /" she replied.
 ssYour surname, I mean?''
 "Brow."
 "You seem very fond of flowers"
 "They are all my fortune, sir"
 "How is that?"
 "Every day I take my flowers to tn, town, where obtain few sous for my bouquets.
 "And your father and mother, wha do they do?"
 Alas I have neither" replied tn, young girl, with much emotion.
 No parents ?''
 "Not one am quite stranger il this island. Three years ago my father m English soldier, and my mother lief London with me for the Indies, but alas, my father died on the voyage, ant when the vessel reached this island, m, poor mother was so i'll that she coul, not proceed further, and we were lief here. She was ill for long time, an, having no resources left for our rsupport l was advised to sell flowers. A gentle man in the town, who made inquiries Q to our prospects, took pity on us, ant gave us this cottage, where my mother health improved, and where she live, nearly two years, during which we wer supported by the sale of flowers. Abou 8 year ago my poor mother had re lapse, and obtained release from al her earthly sufferings. On her death bed she recommended me to trust i Providence, and I feel pleasure i obeying her last wish"
 The young girl, having thus spoken burst into tears. During this short re cital Napoleon was much affected, an when she burst into tears, he sobbe loudly. At length he said:
 Poor chilii What sins could yo have committed that you should hay been exiled here so miserably? Singula fulfllment of destiny Like me, she Ina no country, no family--she has n mother, and IT have no child p
 After pronouncing these words, tn emperor again sobbed audibly, and hi tears flowed freely. Yes; this grea man, whon the loss of the most brilliar throne in the world affected not, wh was calm amid desolation itself, wept { the recital of this poor girl
 After 8 few moments he resumed hi customary firmness, and said to her:
 stI wish to take home with me souvenir of my visit to your cottage Gather some of your best flowers an make grand bouquet.
 Henriette quickly made the bouque and when Napoleon gave her five Lou dor for it, cried with astonishment
 "Ah, grand Dieul sir, why did yc not come sooner My poor moth would not then have died"
 "Well, we'll, my child, those are ve good ..sentiments. I will come and s you again"
 Then, blushing and regarding the fl pieces of gold, Henriette replied.
 "But, sir, can never give you Howe enough for all this money"
 1" Do not let that trouble you answered Napoleon, smiling 1T W come and fetch them"
 He then left her. When he had