Year: 1865

life, willingly, gladly, sire! !" was the fer
vent response.


The Emperor's stern, impossible face
gave no token Of the feelings that filled
his heart, as he looked upon the cOunte-
nance of the speaker, every feature OF
which was instinct with the fervor of her
heroic soul.


off you desire it, certainly" he said,
after moments pause. "But remember
that am not triHing with you One of
you must die You will have ample time
between now and the dawn of day to de-
eide which it shall be-"


The next morning rose clear and cloud
less At the first streaks of dawn, the
large square in front of the palace was
alive with soldiers, while outside of the
paling, and in every available place were
crowds of spectators, eager to view what
Is so dear to every Frenchman's heart, the
pomp and circumstance of military exc
cution and IN this instance, rumors that
had reached the people, that it was not
the real offender that was to be executed,
but his afEanced wife, who by her own
free choice was to take his place, made
the crowd unusually large.


Circumstances indicated that 1t vas to
be the scene of more than usual display.
The Emperor himself was present, attend
ed by his staff. His tried and faithful
body guard were drawn up in long array,
together with the whole regiment to
which the cul prit belonged


At the appointed hour, Marie made
her appearance, attended by priest, and
escorted by guard of six soldiers. A
murmur of mingled pity and admiration
ran through the crowd as they noted her
extreme youth and beauty. Every eye
expressed sympathy, excepting, indeed,
the platoon of soldiers detailed to fire the
fatal volleyJ they alone regarded the
scene with an air of Indifference.


Maries beautiful countenance was pale
but composed, and she walked to the
fatal spot with light firm step. Yet, as
her eye fell upon the coffin, that was ar
ranged SO that it would receive her body
as it fell, visible shudder eonvulsed her
frame. But it quickly passed away, and
her countenance regained its former ex
preston of holy serenity.


Closing her eyes, her lips moved few
moments in voiceless prayer, then she
signifed that she was ready.


Just then one of the Emperor's aides
rode up and beckOning to the PRIEST said
few words to him.


Father Godfrey Immediately returned
to bis patient. daughter" he said "our
good Emperor sends thee word that II thy
courage fails thee, there is, even now,
time to retract:"


"Tell the Emperor that l thank him,
father" returned Marie calmly; but that
it is easier for me to die for my betrothed
than tc live without him p


"But bethink thee, daughter" persisted
the good priest, "this is terrible fate.
Life is sweet especially TO the young.
The Emperor empowers me 10 offer to
thy acceptance another lover, equal, in
every respect, to the ore thou wilt lose,
and bridal dowry. Rush rot from SO
fair prospect to so cruel DEATH"


"Urge me no more, holy father" was
the firm reply; my resolution is immmov.
able. Neither distract by vain and
worldly thoughts the soul, that is fixed
steadfastly upon that country it is SO
soon to enter"


The priest drew back, and one of the
soldiers approached to bandage her eyes.
At first Marie demurred, but on being
told that it was Indispensable, quietly
submitted.


During these proceedings profound
silence reigned throughout that dense
crowd of people, and when the signal to
fire was given, every heart stood still
even the rough, stern soldiers accustomed
to view death in its most cruel forms,
inyolrntarily turned their eyes away from
the pitiful sight.


There was a sharp report of muskesry ;I
and when the smoke cleared away it was
discovered that Marie had fallen forward
upon her face


The Emperor, who had been passive
but attentive spectator Of all this, in.
stantly spurred his horse to the spot
where she lay.


onion Dieu !" he exclaimed, as he
threw himself hurriedly from the saddle,
"can it be that those stupid fellows have
blunderedl" !"


"Sho has only tainted, your majesty"
said father Godefroy, bending over her,
laying his hand upon her wyistas he spoke.


Yet, though the muskets were loaded
with blank cartridges, so that not hair
of her head was injured, for some min
utes Marie lay as still and deathly as
though life had indeed departed. When
she unclosed her eyes she looked up be,
wilderod into the face that she had never