The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-01-28
MARIE.

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-
Der 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 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 weep
ing.
Her eyes were infiamed and red, and
she gazed eagerly upon the platform,
while a 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 Is or IS years of age.
The other woman was quite different
in character. Her face was fair, but
there was q 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 himl'
Each expression of the kind would
create q laugh from those VINO heard
her, but any thoughtful person must
wonder how one SO young could have
become 70 depraved.
The first woman watched this crea-
ture for a 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
a. look of surprise, burst into a loud
laugh and then replied:
"Of course / would"
Follow me, and you shall be.
Enough. Lead On"
It 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 / call you?"
"Oh, I'm called the beggar girl Ma
rie!''
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 al aristocrat?"
1T 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 a mar
row and filthy street and then down
into a cellar and into a dark and filthy
room.
The other woman could not but feel
a sickening sensation creep owe her,
but she recovered herself. After contem-
plating for a time the apartment and
what it contained she asked:
Are you well known in Paris?"
"Yes, everybody knows Marie, the
bsggar girl"
Are you known to Robespierre? II
SO, / want to make a bargain with you.
Il am. What do You wish?''
lyon see my clothing is better than
your own, and / wish to exchange with
you. / want you to consent to remain
here, and not to show yourself at all fol
a short time, or until / come to you
again. As recompense for aiding me ]
will give you i. 900 francs, and when |
come back ! will give you i, 900 more.
As security for my return, take thi,
ring"
The lady drew a diamond ring from
her finger and gave it to, the begga1
girl. Then she handed her a purse con
tanning gold.
The girl appeared a little puzzled
and asked:
well, what are you going to do will
my dress."
want 10 put it ON and go wher,
] first met You"
"Oh, I understand now. You want t.
pee the cilopping go on, and you ar
afraid you will be taken for an aristo
crat il you wear that dress, Yeu wan
10 represent me?''
Yes. ! want to look as near like yo
~ possible.
Well. thar won't be very diflculs
Your hair and eyes and even you
mouth are like mine. Your face ID to
white, though. But you can alter tina
with d little dirt.
They exchanged dresses, and soon lth
young rich and noble Marie dc Mantle