Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1890-02-15
Marie, The Pauper.

Marie, The Pauper.
During the Reign of Terror" in
France there were many deeds of
daring performed, even by women, and
many noble examples of affection ex-
| hibited.
The very streets of Paris were de-
luged with human blood, but near the
guillotine 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 gazing multitude stood by, and
with shouts rent the air as the arts
tocracy were thus butchered.
Among the assembled multitude
that 'dreary morning, were two females.
One of them was plainly clad, while a
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 weeping.
Her eyes were infamed and red,
and she gazed eagerly upon the plat
form, while shudder passed over her
frame as each shock 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.
The face of the woman was very
beautiful, and she was young certain
ly not more than sixteen or eighteen
years of age.
The other female was quite differ
ent in character. Her face was fair,
but their was a 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 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 crea-
ture for a few moments, and then,
pressing her way to her side, she laid
her hands upon the shoulders of the
wretch, and whispered
"Would you like to become rich at
once ?"
The female in rags turned about
with look of surprise, burst into
loud laugh and replied:
"Of course | would"
Follow me, and you shall be-"
Enough. Lead on
1t was with considerable difficulty
that the females extricated themselves
from the crowd; but they did so at
length, and then the first female asked
of the other:
"What shall | call you ?"
ooh I'm called Pauper Marie"
"You live by begging ?"
eyes but what's your name, and
what do you want?"
"My name is Marie, the same as
your own"
care you an aristocrat p
ut does not matter If you know
where we can find a room lead me to
it, and you shall have gold"
The pauper led the way into mar
row 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:
care you we'll known in PARISH"
eyes. Everybody knows Marie the
Pauper."
care you known to Robespierrie !
If so want to make a bargain with
you
81 am. What do you want ?"
"You see my clothing is better than
your own, and | wish to exchange
with you. | want you to consent to
remain here and not show yourself at
all for short time, or until l come to
you again. As recompense for aiding
me l will give you thousand francs,
and when | come back l 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 her purse con
tanning gold
The girl appeared a little puzzled
and asked:
"Well, what are you going to do
with my dress ?"
Il want to put it on and go where |
first met you"
ooh, ] understand now. You want
to see the chopping go on, and you are
afraid you will be taken for an aristo-
crat if you wear that dress. You want
to represent me"
! eyes, | want to look as near like you