The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-06-12

xbz-MA2Y RAYMOND STIPMAN ANDREWS y
ILLUSTRATIONS or ELLSWORTH YOUNG
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gave sigh Of content and always the
grand-mere patted my head softly to
hear It, 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 q 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 IL to the fire. But
yes, Mademoiselle," he said. in whis-
per.
"Oh, tell mel" the girl cried, all In
terest. who was it? How was It?
II couldn't be"-she hesitated-"your-
self II you. whom | know so we'll,
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'll" But. though he smiled at
her with that affectionate amusement
which she seemed. of all sentiments.
oftenest to inspire in him, he did not
answer.
Monsieur! you will not refuse to
tell me when want to know so
much!" she pleaded, and went on.
How old were you? Did he speak to
you? What did he say to you?"
And the Frenchman laughed as II
at dear child who was absurd.
"Mademoiselle asks many questions
which shall I answer" he demanded.
and the tone to her ear was the tone
of love, and she trembled to hear 1t.
"Answer"-she began, and STAN
mered and flushed, and stopped.
Francois went on, little thinking
what damage he was doing with that
| unconscious charm of voice and look.
1T is as Mademoiselle wishes, most
certainly. l will even answer Ma
demoiseIle's two questions at once to
please her. 1t was when was not
quite three years old, Mademoiselle,
at home in the farmhouse in the val
ley of the Jura,"
"And he spoke to you. to your own
self? Are you sure?"
| But yes, he spoke to me- Mademoi-
selle"
| what ulu H6 say Tue SIile OIi
Francois face went out and into its
place swept an intensity of feeling;
he answered solemnly: There were
but few words. Mademoiselle. but they
have been much to my life. They
shall lead my life, If God pleases
those words shall lead 1t to the fate
which they foretold."
What were the words?" whispered
the girl, impressed with awe.
| Francois suddenly stood erect and
stretched out his arm as If to hold q
sword. Rise Chevalier Francois
Beaupre, one day Marshal of France
under another Napoleon" he repeat
i ed dramatically Those were the
words the Emperor said"