Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-03-05
Almost an Empress.

N'j N'"PN'SNh Doh"P"AsS, "hNSA hiS
wing, he took great liking and an
intense admiration for him, and felt
sure that he would one day be great
man.
In order to succeed, however, Bar
ras believed that he should have mon
ey, and resolved to find for him rich
wife.
For some reason he pitched upon a
woman for the position, who, though
very handsome, was no longer young.
She was an actress known as Mile.
Montansier, though she had been mar
ried and was widow. 1t is said Of
her that she knew all the arts of the
toilet to perfection, and did not "look
forty" but she was actually sixty
years of age. Napoleon was but %,
hut Barras selected him for this lady's
husband.
Accordingly, having notified both
of his intention, praised the wit and
veracity of Mademoiselle to the young
officer, he told the lady plainly that
she could buy with her wealth, hus-
band who could give her the high po-
sition he was sure to attain.
How far his foresight went one can
not ascertain. lie gave supper for
the purpose of introducing them, and
arranged that Bonaparte should take
the lady to the table, and sit beside
her during the meal, enjoining him to
make himself agreeable for once in
his life to lady.
This, however, was entirely out Of
Napolean's usual line. His manners
with the fair sex were those of a bear.
He could talk to men when he had
something to say, but he had nothing
to say to girl. Had he desired to
WOO, he would have done it in rough
fashion enough. His place was in the
camp or on the field and in saloon,
among flowers and music and charm
ing women and men of gallantry, he
assuredly was not in his element.
At that time he desired money be-
yond all things, and perhaps he did
his best to be agreeable. He did not
succeed, however. Soon Barras saw
that the lady had her back to Napo-
lean and was talking to another man,
one of those gallant Frenchmen who
do not recognize the fact that wo-
man is growing old until she confesses
it herself, when he, being obliged to
admit it, protests that age is but an
added charm.
At distance, and in the candle
light, mademoiselle was yet lovely.
"Confound Napoleon he could not
do BETTER" muttered Barras, as the
future emperor leaned back in his
chair with wide undisguised yawn.
"Why does he not put out his hand
for the million that might be his ?"
When it became possible he deliv-
cred IA lecture to his protege.
Napoleon" he said, "wealth means
everything to you. l have influence
with Mile. Montansier offer at once
a faint heart never won fair lady"
"Shejs old enough to be my grand
mother" said Napoleon. However,
| do not care for women they are all
alike, and money would be worth hav-
ing, even with an old girl tackled to
it. I'll propose. l can't make love,
but I'll say: 'Mademoiselle, will you
marry me p"
"That is good, honest, soldiery
fashion, at least" said Barras. "And
see, she is very handsome still"
Napoleon shrugged his shoulders,
but half an hour after this, Barras, to
his JOY, saw the two sitting in a cor
ner together. He drew his guests
away, according the two all the priva-
cy to be desired at such delicate
Ijuncture.
Shortly afterward he saw Mademoi-
selle beckoning him with her fan.
She was alone.
81 have sent your Bonaparte for a
glass of wine." she said. Call him
of, cant you? / am bored to death.
He is the most dreadful little brute,
and he is going to propose to me-
"Very well. Don't refuse him. He
is to be very great man yet," said
Barras.
"With my money said Madem-
oiselle. "He has worse manners than
any peasant ever met. / should
like to whip him and shut him up in
Che cellar for bad boy. Oh, how
can you make such dreadful even.
ing for me? Why don't you ask your
Napoleon Bonaparte to meet few
bears2 They would have suited each
other"
But Napoleon was coming back,
and Barras still hoped, until, turning,
he saw near him Bonaparte in his ia.
vorite attitude, his arms folded, his
chin sunk upon them.
"Well, then, what has happened ?"
he asked, expecting to hear q gloomy