Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1894-12-20
MARIE.

During the reign of terror" in
France there were many deeds of dar-
ing performed, even by women, and
many noble examples of affection ex-
hibited.
The very streets of Paris were delug-
ed with human blood, but near the gull
lotine it ran in gushing torrents.
One dark morning an unusual num-
ber of the aristocracy had been marched
forth, and countless heads rolled from
the block.
A gaping multitude stood by, and
with shouts rent the air as the aristoc-
racy were thus butchered.
Among the assembled multitude that
dreary morning were two women. One
of them was plainly clad, while cloak
was thrown around her, with which
she kept her features nearly concealed.
But close observation would betray
the fact that the woman had been weep
ing.
Her eyes were infamed and red, and
she gazed eagerly upon the platform,
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 beau
tiful, and she was young. certainly not
more than 16 or 18 years of age.
The other woman was quite different
in character. Her face was fair, but
there 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 ex-
claim:
"There falls another aristocrat who
refused me charity when humbly sued
to himp
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 woman watched this crea-
ture for few moments, and then press
ing her way to her side she laid her
hand upon the shoulder of the wretch
and whispered:
would you like to become rich at
once?"
The woman in rags turned about with
look Of surprise, burst into loud
laugh and then replied:
"Of course I would"
"Follow me, and you shall be-"
Enough. Lead on. d"
1t was with considerable difficulty
that the females extricated themselves
from the crowd, but they did so at
length, and then the first woman asked
of the other:
"What shall I call you?"
"Oh, I'm called the beggar girl Ma
rier'
"You live by begging?'
eyes; but what's your name, and
what do you want?''
"My name is Marie, the same as your
own"
"Are you an aristocrat?"
"It does not matter. If you know
where we can find room, lead me tc
it, and you shall have gold. "
The pauper led the way into a mar.
row and filthy street and then dowr
into cellar and into dark and filthy
room
The other woman could not but feel
sickening sensation creep over her,
but she recovered herself. After contem'
plating for time the apartment anc
what it contained she asked:
care you we'll known in Paris?"
"Yes, everybody knows Marie. ths
beggar girl. F."
"Are you known to Robespierre? /
so, I want to make bargain with you
II am. What do you wish?'
"You see my clothing is better thar
your own, and I wish to exchange with
you. want you to consent to remain
here, and not to show yourself at all fo
short time, or until I come to yoI
again. AS recompense for aiding me
will give you 1000 francs, and when
come back l will give you 1000, more
As security for my return, take thi
ring"
The lady drew a diamond ring from
her finger and gave it to the begga
girl. Then she handed her purse con
tanning gold.
The girl appeared little puzzles
and asked:
"Well, what are you going to do witt
my dress?"
II want to put it on and go wher
/ first met you"
"Oh, / understand now. You want t
see the chopping go on, and you ar
afraid you will be taken for an aristo
crat if you wear that dress You wan
to represent me?"
Yes. want to look as near like yo
as possible. F"
well, that won't be very difficult
Your hair and eyes and even you
mouth are like mine. Your face is to
white, though. But you can alter tina
with little dirt"
They exchanged dresses, and soon th
young, rich and noble Marie de Mantle
.---4-a-a-----4---