The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-09-07
AURORA.

'CHpU. Dup1nI calico MurHU, WHO, III
cne of the most beautiful halls of the
Prince de la Paix's palace, at Madrid, was
occupied in drawing up some military
documents. As no one answered Murat,
the prince, as they called him since his
recent ennoblement, raised his head,
glanced over tho group of officers who,
few PAGES off from him, were awaiting
his commands; and, not perceiving among
them him whom he wanted, repeated with
irritation: "Well, then, Capt. Dupin Is not
there2" Then, in the same way US an ar
ticle passes from hand to hand when
Line is formed, the name Of the aide-de-
camp went flying from mouth to mouth,
from room to room, through the vast
abode-al its doors being open, because
of the temperature, which is so warm in
May in Spain-was off on its way to find
the absentee Because Murat did not triho
with the negligent. He again applied
himself to his writing in silence, consent
ing, doubtless, to wait few minutes; but
the contraction of his eyebrows into O
wrinkle ON his forehead indicated his bad
humor.
This happened In 1903, when Napoleon's
envoy, who had easily entered Madrid,
thanks to the disturbapces in the king
dom, was awaiting the progress of events
Wllu tut btCEtO hppS VI pSihB hohiSo hAAIS
of the conquered country, and hardly
suspecting that in the hands of his mas
ter he was only pawn left there, on one
of the squares of the European chess
board, to keep the place for the emperor's
brother Joseph.
Soon was seen running, thanks to the
obliging call of his comrades, the cul-
prit, charming young man of about ~,
much beloved, an excellent soldier, but
who, however, for nearly week had ap-
peared restless, troubled; in word, quite
different from what he usually was.
Where were you. then, captain2' said
the prince, severely, on seeing him come,
agitated and slightly out of breath.
"In the palace, marshal"
"That Is not enough. You must be
here, near to me. Nevertheless, have
been taking notice of you for some days.
You are entirely changed. Your anima-
ton is gone, you have extraordinary dis
fractions. What, then, has happenedY'
Nothing, marshal, assure you"
"Indeedl You are no longer master of
yourself"
Excuse me. That is true. l have
some anxieties, for family reasons"
"And these family reasons live under
the palace roof. it appears, because people
have met you up yonder, gliding furtively
along the corridors. l do not like mys.e-
ries, captain; do you understand"
The poor officer blushed and turned
pale. Then, alarmed at the increasing
severity of the chiefs tone, fearing some
suspicion more serious than the truth
decided to make confession.
II have my child, boy of four, years
with me-" he stammered, lowering his
head.
The prince flew into passion.
"a child of that agel Why not havt
a nurse at once2 brat of boy In tn,
midst of war, when at any moment an in
surrection may burst out against thu
FrenchW
"If necessary, will send him away,
murmured the young man, in sad voice
"No; keep him, since he is here. III
could not be sent back through a countr,
ready for revolt. Let him remain, but oi
condition that never see him, under
stand and, above all, on condition tina
his presence shall not be the cause of tn
slightest breach of your duty. Tha
would be very prettyl Discipline woul'
40 on finely il each one of us drGgge'
about his progeny through campaignl"
Murat, In state of fury, turned hi
back, leaving the captain greatly excited
because he, Maurice Dupin, had not toll
all. Not only was he hiding the child 4
the upper part of the house, but tn
mother, too-poor woman come fror
France, after risking thousand dangers
: suffering thousand deaths, during
Journey in carriage under burnin
sky in an enemy's country; because sh
had wished at any cost again to see an
embrace her husband, and had been ur
able to resist the mad Drained desire fo
this reunion. Think, now, If l were t
die far from theel" she had said, wit
the unceasing cry of u poor creature o
the eve of q crisis, real or imaginary, !
which she may be overwhelmed. Th
young husband did not feel himself stron
enough to turn her away. He had SCI
tied her on the third floor of the palace
the room was not missed, and she ha
since lived in constant fright, due
Murat.
A week rolled by after the explanation
The general spoke no more on any subjec
He continued, however, to give his ordel
In short, sharp style-a sign that his di
satisfaction was not yet dispelled. Bl
one fine morning, under the influence
an unknown good humor. he sudden
took it into his head TO ask his aided
camp:
"Well; about this child9 Cannot he
seeng'
YES, indeed, marshal. l will go al
find him If you wish it."
In few minutes after the young faith
brought love of a little soldier In fu
parade uniform. A tiny sword be
against his legs, which were enclosed
red morocco boots, with gold spurs, al
on his shoulders the hussar's peliss
IS trimmed with fur In the Hungarian styl
:, completed the rich army costume of q
| ftrnn Tho aanfain fOraaaainn tbp
sooner or later. by chance or voluntaril
the prince might sec the child, had co
ceived the idea Of presenting the lit
+. fellow In the uniform most likely to tlatt
his superior. The little rascal, In fsC
had only to appear naughty and swagg,
ing--pretty enough TO eat under u
equipment-to conquer the redoubtal
chieftain. The marshal took him astri
die across his knee, called him my 20
dog" and made glorious promises to h
for his future life.
when you shall be grown up v
attach you to my personal staif. Y
shall fight at my side"
Eyes, Prince Fanfarinet," warmly
swered the future aide-de-camp.
But Murat's face turned dark. ''Pril
Fanfarinetf" Might 1t be by chance
sobriquet brought In by this innoc'
mouthY
"Why do you call me soH" he asked.
because In the fairy stories Prii
Fanfarinet Is the handsomest of all, q
you resemble him"
"Hal hal Then am greatly fatter
70 And you. how do they call youS"
W aurora"
rs "The Princess AuroraH That Is ais
name from the fairy stories. little
= Is not called by that name"
"But am not a little boyi am In
girl, disguised. Ask mamma"
Then, despite the fathers despair
signs and to Murats great delight
amuaamant the little girl. with all