Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1880-04-01
Marie, the Pauper.

During the "Reign of Terror" in
France, there were many deeds of dar-
ing performed, even by women. and
many noble examples of affection exhib-
ited
The very streets of Paris were del
uged with human blood, but near the
guillotine it ran in gushing torrents.
One dark morning an unusual number
of the aristocraey had been marched
forth, and countless heads rolled from
the block.
A gaping multitude stood by, and
with shouts rent the air as the aristoe-
racy was thus butehered.
Among the assembled multitude that
dreary morning, were two females. One
of them was plainly clad, while cloak
was thrown around her, with which she
kept her features nearly concealed.
But a close observation would betray
the fact that the woman had been weep
ing.
Her eyes were iniamed and rcd, and
she gazed eagerly on the platform, while
a shudder passed over her frame as each
stroke of the glittering knife severed
the head from the body of some one
who had been unfortunate enough to
fall under the ban of the leaders. .sf1
The face of the woman was very beau
tiful, and she was syOung-certainly not
more than sixteen or eighteen years Of
age.
The other female was quite in char
acter. Her face was fair, but there
was brazen expression about it. She
was clad in rags, and as each head fell
she would dance, and in various ways
express her delight, and then exclaim:
"There falls another aristoerat who
refused me charity when l humbly sued
himp E. ;.es.,L
Each expression would create laugh
from those who heard her. But every
thoughtful person must wonder how
one SO young could have become so de-
praved. M
The first female watched this creature
for few moments, and then. pressing
her hand upon the shoulder of the
wretch, whispered:
would you like to become rich at
Once?"
The female in rags turned about with
a look of surprise, and then replied:
"Of course / would
Follow me and you shall be-"
Enough. Lead on"
1t was with considerable difficulty
the females extracted themselves from
the crowd; but they did so at length, and
then the first female asked ofthe other:
what shall 1 call you?"
"Oh! I'm called Pauper Marie"
"YOu live by begging?"
"Yes, but what's your name, and what
do you want?"
my name is Marie, the same as your
own"
Are you an aristocrat?"
at does not matter. If you know
where we can find room, lead me to it
and you shall have gold.r
The pauper led the way into narrow
and filthy street, and then down into a
cellar, and into dark and filthy room.
The other female could not but feel
a sickening sensation creep over her,
but she recovered herself. After con-
templating for time the apartment and
what it contained, she asked:
"Are you well known i'm Paris ?"
"Yes, everybody knows Marie the
Pauper."
"Are you known to Robespierres If
so. want to make a bargain with you"
Il am. What do you wish?"
"You see my clothing is better than
your own, and wish to exchange with
you. 1 want you to consent to remain
here, and not show yourself at all for a
short time. or until come to you again.
As recompense for aiding me win
give you thousand francs, and when !
come back will give you 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.
The girl appeared little puzzled, and
asked:
"What are you going to do with my
dressp"
Il want to put it on and go where I
first met you" .t..,..,.,.,
"0h, / understand now. You want to
see the chopping go ON, and you are
afiaia you will be taken for an aristo-
cratit you wear that dress. You want
to represent me-"