The citizen., 1914-03-20

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gave a sigh of content and always the
grand-mere patted my head softly to
hear 1t, when my father cleared his
throat and began"
There is a small thing that hap
pened when the Emperor was march
ing'-and then he was launched on
his tale"
A great hickory log fell, rolled out
toward the hearth. The carved nymphs
and shepherds seemed to frown in
disapproval at this irregularity, and
the girl in the deep chair smiled, but
the man sprang up and put the log
back in place with quick efficiency.
He stood silent by the tall mantel-
piece, deep yet in his reverie, as the
flames caught the wood again and
sparkled and spluttered.
did any of them ever see Napo-
leon-those men who talked about
him?" the girl asked.
The Frenchman turned a queer
look on her, and did not answer.
did any of your family ever see
him, Monsieur?" she asked again.
The alert figure stepped backward,
sat down again on the gilded chair
and leaned forward consideringly.
Francois nodded as if to the fire. But
yes, Mademoiselle," he said, in a whis-
per.
"Oh, tell mel" the girl cried, all in
terest. who was it? How was it?
1t couldn't be'-she hesitated-"your-
self! If you, whom l know so well,
should have seen the Emperor" She
caught deep breath of excitement
This was another Lucy Hampton from
the serious young mistress of Roanoke
House whom the country people knew
Quickly, Monsieur, tell me il it was
yourself!"
Francois turned his eyes on her
"Yes, Madamoiselle," he answered.
you have seen Napoleon!" she
SAID, and then, impetuously, "Tell me
about it," But, though he smiled al
her with that affectionate amusement
which she seemed, of all sentiments
oftenest to inspire in him, he did moi
answer.
Monsieur! you will not refuse tC
tell me when l want to know Sc
much!" she pleaded, and went on
How old were you? Did he speak tt
you? What did he say to you?"
And the Frenchman laughed as i
at dear child who was absurd
"Mademoiselle asks many questions
which shall | answer?" he demanded
and the tone to her ear was the tom
of love, and she trembled to hear it.
"Answer"-she began, and STAN
mered and flushed, and stopped.
Francois went on, little thinking
what damage he was doing with tina
unconscious charm of voice and look
1T is as Mademoiselle wishes, mos
certainly. l will even answer Ma
demoiselle's two questions at once tt
please her. 1t was when was no
quite three years old, Mademoiselle
at home in the farmhouse in the val
ley Of the Jura."
"And he spoke to you, to your owl
self? Are you sure?"
But yes, he spoke to me, Mademoi
selle."
What did he say?" The smile OF
Francois face went out and into it
place swept an intensity Of feeling
he answered solemnly: There wer
but few words, Mademoiselle, but the,
have been much to my life. The,
shall lead my life. if God pleases
those words shall lead it to the fat
which they foretold."
What were the words?" whispere'
the girl, impressed with awe.
Francois suddenly stood erect an,
stretched out his arm as II to hold
sword. "'Rise Chevalier Francoi
Beaupre, one day Marshal of Franc
under another Napoleon" he repeat
ed dramatically. Those were tn
words the Emperor said"