he transferred the individual to his charge, saying hastily "I recommend this gentleman to you." The second officer, misunderstanding the intention of the words and the tone in which they were pronounced, took the unfortunate Russian for an incendiary, and had him shot. "HOUSEHOLD WORDS." Bother. A word in great use when a stupid visitor has called, or a dress has not come home or the hair will not curl, or the pen will not write, or the shoe will not come on, or any other little domestic annoyance. ing or our thoughts? Do we arise (to the more 99 66 I can swear "Well, well," returned the Justice," "Who are you?" asked a long legged Connecticutite, of a rather over-bearing conductor on the New Haven railroad. "I am the conductor of these cars." Wall, I swow! if that ain't a poorty go! Yeou a conductor of other folks, and don't know how to conduct yourself. A MODEL VIRTUOSO. WITH the exception of the few nobles who frequented Madame de la Popeliniere's circle, the great majority were indifferent to the arts, which which they vainly affected to partronise. The Marechal d'Estress, who possessed one of the finest Two English tourists having arrived at Boston collections of antiques in France, never know the value of the treasures he spent vast sums to accu- during the snow season, ordered a sleigh, having mulate. Having once heard that a bust of Alexan-heard of such a thing in a general way, without "Will der, said to be by Praxiteles, had been bought at being conversant with the particulars of it. a sale a few years before, by an unknown Parisian you have one buffalo or two?" asked the ostler.— amateur, he commissioned one of his agents to dis"Why," says the cockney, looking a little frightDucky.-A term of endearment, applied indis- cover and purchase it, if possible. After researches, ened, "we'll have only one the first time, as we're the bust was found in his own gallery, where it lay not used to driving them." criminately when a favor is to be asked. forgotten and covered with dust. Fiddlestick.-A word strongly expressive of contempt. It crushes all reply. When a lady once says Fiddlestick," he must be a bold man who ventures to say another word. Fiddle-de.dee.-The same as "Fiddlestick," only a degree milder. Indeed!-An ejaculation, "strongly recommended for family use." It implies doubt, a contemptuous denial, a gentle refusal, and gaves an infinity of useless explanation. Much may be said with that word "indeed!" It all depends upon the way in which it is pronounced. Delicious.-A word that, coming from a young lady's lips, conveys the highest possible amount of praise. It is applied equally to Mario's singing, Gunter's ices, Houbigant's gloves, Frank Stone's pictures, Ferrari's dancing, and means perfection in each instance. EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. A KITTEN should always be kept where there are children; when they are tired of pulling its tail, they can put it into their father's boots. A box of colors is also a source of great amusement, affording them an opportunity of daubing their faces, It is and of appearing in illuminated pinafores. well to let them know where the preserves and pickles are kept, so when going after the jam, they Dumpy.—Unhappy, miserable. Any one who may get a bit of capsicum. On wet days they has a cold or is disagreeable, or has been disap-should be allowed to put pease in the piano, and thump the key with their drum-sticks. Train pointed, or has received bad news, or heard an unthem to pull gentleman's whisksrs and wipe their pleasant truth, is said to look "Dumpy." hands on ladies' dresses. Spooney.-A young man who cannot dance or talk, or talks no better than he dances, or, vice A young man who wears clogs and mittens, and sings sentimental songs with a lisp, and has turned-down collars, and a miniature which he always carries in his waistcoat pocket, on the side nearest his heart, would take rank in household es versa. timation as a spooney."-Punch. EQUALITY. AFRAID IT WOULD SNAP. A LITTLE boy was sent up stairs by his mother to get a satchel that hung behind a ward-robe. The boy returned without the required article, upon which his mother asked: "Couldn't you find it ?" ROTHSCHILD is forced to content himself with the same sky as the poor newspaper writer, and the great banker cannot order a private sunset or add one ray to the magnificence of the night. The The same kind of blood WHAT female recluse is that whose name, read same air swells all lungs fills all veins. Each one possesses, really, only his backwards and forwards, is the same? Nun. own thoughts and his own senses. Soul and body What lady-like designation is that which is spelt All backwards and forwards the same? Madam.these are all the property which a man owns. that is valuable in this world is to be had for noth-What lady's name is that which is spelt, backwards ing. Genius, beauty and love are not bought and and forwards the same? Eve. What time is that sold. You may buy a rich bracelet, but not a well-which, spelt backwards and forwards is the same? turned arm on which to wear it-a pearl necklace, Noon. What portion of a young lady's dress is. but not a pearly throat with which it shall vic. The that which, spelt backwards and forwards, is the richest banker on earth would vainly offer a fortune same? Bib. to be able to write a verse like Byron. One comes into the world naked and goes out naked. The difference in the fineness of a bit of linen for a shroud is not much. Man a handful of clay which turns rapidly back again to dust, and which is compelled to relapse into the nothingness of sleep," to get strength again on the morrow. In this life, so partaken by annihilation, what is there that is real? Is it our sleeping or our waking-our dream 46 DID you ever see a young lady who had white teeth, to put her hand over them when she laughed? The Rural Repository. SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1850. DOCT. GOODRICH'S MEDICINES. THE Medicines of the late DOCT. GOODRICH, may be had at E. P. L. ELMER'S Book Store, N. J. CADY'S Oyster Saloon and H. H. CRANDALL'S Drug and Chemical Store; also at the Rural Repository Office. 11 MARRIAGES. In this city, at Christ Church, on the 25th ult. by the Rev. Henry Edwards, Mr. Edward Dayton, Jr. of New-York to Miss Sarah Barnard, of this city. On the 25th inst. by the Rev. H. Darling. Mr. T. N. Blake, of New Orleans, to Miss Mary Bessac, of this city. On the 4th ult. at Christ Church by the Rev Henry Edwards, Mr. Benjamin E. Plass of Greenport, to Miss Dorothy Weeks, of Taghkanic. On the 23d ult. nt the same place. by the same, Mr. William I. Peake, to Miss B. E. Purcell, both of this city. On the 25tk uit. by the same, Mr George F. Green, to On the 13th ult, by the Ira C. Boice, at the Parsonage. Mr. DEATHS. MANY years ago, in Connecticut, a certain Jus- daughter of Peter Hoffman, Eq. of Claverack. tice was called upon to liberate a worthless debtor, by receiving his oath that he was not worth £5. Well, Johnny," said the Justice, as he entered, can you swear that you are not worth five pounds, He died of Cholera while on a journey from Nashville, and neyer will be ?” “Why," answered the other, Tenn. to his relatives and friends who deeply mourn his loss. I can swear rather chagrined at the question, At Greene, Chenango Co. Charles E. Barnard, aged 58 that I am not worth that amount at present." years, a native of this city. www BOUND VOLUMES. We now offer to the Public, at the lowest possible reduced prices, any of the following Volumes. viz: Vols 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, and 25 handsomely done up in Pamphlet style, with Cloth Backs, and thick Colored Paper sides; one side printed with Title Page, the other with beautiful Engravings. These will be furnished for 624 Cents single, Eleven Copies for $5.00. They will last nearly as long as those bound, and as they are trimmed a size larger it will not injure them for future binding Also the same Volumes half bound in a very neat and tasteful style with Leather Backs and Colored Paper sides, with Printed Title Page, &c. for 75 Cents single, or Nine Copies for $5.00. Also the same volumes half bound. in a neat, substantial and durable manner, with Leather Backs and Corners. Marble Paper sides and Lettered on the Back, for $1,00 single, or Seven Copies for $5.00. The Postage on the Stitched Volumes, will be about 16 Cents; the Half Bound, 182 Cents to any part of the United States. We have also on hand any of the Volumes above mentioned bound in Double Volumes (two Vols. in one ) for $2,00 single or Three Double Volumes for $4.50. These are bound in the neatest and most substantial manner. Postage about 40 Cts. each to any part of the United States. NOTICE. The Medicines of the late DOCT. GOODRICH. may be had at E. P. L. ELMER'S Book Store, N J. CADY'S Oyster Saloon and H. H. CRANDALL'S Drug and Chemical Store; also at the Run! Repository Office. DOCT. GOODRICH'S VEGETABLE OR BOTANIC MEDICINES, Prepared according to the Reformed or American Practice as adopted by the most Celebrated Botanic Physicians. The Botanic or Vegetable system of Medicine heals disease with remedies more in conformity with the intentions of nature and re-establishes health without destroying the source of life: If," says a respectable physician, "all the sick relieved and cured by the Reformed or Vegetable Practice could be assembled together, a fair statement of their cases and continuance of their diseases made out, I am convinced the world would be amazed at the multitude and the results; and at the victory obtained over sickness and death so signal and triumphant." And may I not with propriety ada, could all those who have been made the dupes of the Mercurial Practice be assembled together, and a fair statement of their cases and the mode of treatment to which they were subjected made out, I am constrained to think that very few would present sound and healthy constitutions. The world would be astonished at the multitudes with Exfoliated Bones, Ulcerated Gums, Carious Teeth, Swollen Tongues, Scrofulous Nodes. Feted Breath. Mercurial Eruptions, &c. Another Physician says. "I have one objection to the Botanic or Vegetable Practice it destroys disease to soon. It gives me opportunity to make a bill" Perhaps this is an objectionbut a good one for the public. Any Person can tell when a Medicine gives them ease, as well as a Physician; and if they only know the name and dose of the medicine, and the nature of the disease, it is sufficient to perpetuate the fact. no These Medicines are prepared from the result of long experience and grent research, and the materials have been collected from a great variety of sources. I have availed myself of all the information worth preserving, contained in every botanical publication which has issued from the press of this country, and the improvements I have made myself, after having been for a number of years engaged in connection with my Father. one of the oldest Botanic Physicians in Massachusetts, and obtained a thorough knowledge of the Reformed or American Practice. (of which I can show atisfactory credentials.) wish to inform the Public generally, that I have opened an Office in connection with another person. for the sale of Botanic Medicines of all kinds, (not one boasted Dostrum for all disenses,) but Medicines peculiarly adapted by nature for the cure of every curable disease, prepared and put up by myself in Bottles and Papers, with full printed directions for use, and warranted of the very best quality, among which are the following: SYRUPS.-The Vegetable Purifying or Alterative, Bowel Complaint and Vegetable Anti-Mercurial Syrups. CORDIALS.-Dysentery and Cholera Cordial, 3 kinds; Children's and The Mother's Relief or Female Cordials. ELIXIRS & TINCTURES.-German Anti-Bilious and Anti-Dyspeptic Elixir; Asthmatic or Anti-Spasmodic and Tonic Tinctures. COMPOUNDS & BITTERS.-Diorectic and Aromatic Compounds; Restorative, Tonic and Compound Bitters DROPS & BALSAMS-Carminative, Anthelmintic. Vermifuge. Diuretic Sudorific. Magic Toothache und Hot Drops; Pulmonary, Hungarian and Cough Balsams; Anti-Spasmo dic. Expectorant and German Cough Drops. LINIMENTS & SALVES.-Nerve und Rheumatic Liniments; Healing and Yellow Salves. OINTMENTS & PLASTERS.-Vegetable, Green and Discutient Ointments; Strengthening, Adhesive and Irritating Plasters. POULTICE & POWDERS -Compound Ulmus Poultice; Composition, Emetic and Cough Powders. VEGETABLE PILLS.--Anti- Bilious, Anti-Dyspeptic, Hepatic or Liver, Cough, Nervous, Stimulating and Female Pills. ESSENCES &c.-Wintergreen, Anise, Lemon, Clover, Cinnamon, Peppermint and Hemlock Essences; Spirits of Camphor, Custor Oil and all kinds of Crude and Pulverized ROOTS and HERBS by the ounce or pound. NOOK A Semi-monthly Journal, Embellished with Engravings. ONE DOLLAR PER ANNUM. VOLUME XXVI. TALES Translated for the Odd Fellow. W. B. STODDARD, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. tles. In a short time the royal carriage was seen to enter the parade, surrounded by the military of the king's household, preceded by two footmen with long canes, and by a file of body guards in their coats of red velvet laced with silver. By one of those elegant arrangements which Louis 14th so well understood, scarcely had the guards reached the gates of the hotel, when, returning their swords to their scabbards, they dismounted from their horses, and ranged themselves on each side of the avenue. Monsieur de Bretenil," thus had Louis spoken that morning to one of the captains of his guards, "a king of France has no need of an escort, when he is surrounded by his soldiers." PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. NUMBER 23. words, "the kindness of your majesty leaves nothing for your faithful soldiers to desire." At this time the Marquis de Grancey approach. ing the king, said to him respectfully, "Sire, enjoy your own work! Formerly the defenders of France had no asylum. The illustrious ancestors of your majesty granted to their services and to their infirmities only a hospital. Now thanks to you, sire, we have a palace; want and distress need no longer be the portion of those who have shed their blood in the service of your majesty.* Deign to receive, sire, our warmest thanks for this kindness. Day by day our prayers shall ascend to the Al. mighty, that the riches of his grace may be extended to your majesty; and if the blood which still remains in our veins can promote either your rest or your glory, it is at your order; we wish to show to those who have succeeded us, that the heart can Louis descended from his carriage, and, followed by the dauphin, the Marquis de Louvois, the minister of war, the Marshal de Luxembourg, the Duke De la Force, and some gentlemen who ac-forget age in the service of its king." At these words, an old cannoneer, who had lost companied him, he passed along the ranks of veter ans, not without addressing, to some of the soldiers a leg in the passage of the Rhine, advanced, limp. and many of the officers, those noble words whiching towards the king, and said to him with that tone of freedom so common to old soldiers. he so well knew how to suit to the occasion. "Sire, Monsieur, the governor is right; your Arrived in front of a group of banners carried by young Invalids, the king removed his hat, and, old soldiers are still ready to set an example; and stopping a moment, looked earnestly and compas-Laramce, for his own part, is ready at any time to resume his old battle-stand upon a bastion." Louis appeared touched by this proof of devo. tion; and throwing his glance along a line of soldiers which extended before him. In the unequal ranks of these victims of war, were seen soldiers of all ages; each of the glorious phases of the monarchy had there its representa. tive. These had been wounded at Fribourg or at Rocroy, those at the passage of the Rhine or at the taking of Maestrich; some had conquered at Flanders, others at Rousillon; the smallest number those who were oldest and most infirm, had assisted at the taking of Rochelle, under Cardinal Richelieu, some of them, even, at the battle of Manendal, under Turenne ; all of them seemed happy and proud of assuming, once more, the pike or the mus.sionately at the youngest soldier of the group, ket which they had borne on such important days. The multitude even, seemed to view with a feeling of religious gratitude and pleasure the officers who had commanded them upon those occasions so glorious for France and for the Great King, and who were as mutilated by wounds as themselves. Joy was painted upon every countenance, for they were expecting the arrival of Louis the 14th, who was coming to visit the old defenders of his throne; and who had written with his own hand to Marshal de Grancey, then Governor of the Invalides, that he should quit Versailles for a few hours, and come to exhibit himself to the glorious remains of his batallions. Already the cannoneers were at their posts with their matches lighted; the trumpeters awaited only the signal to sound their flourish of welcome. All eyes were fixed upon the road from the Cours-laReine-all hearts beat with impatience. At length a lancer in the king's livery, covered with dust, and waving, in the air, his cap garnished with red plumes, announced to the crowd, who pressed around the principal avenue to the Hotel, the arrival of the royal party. Upon the instant the cannon thundered, the Invalids resumed their arms, and that long line of living remnants stood silent and motionless. Then addres "Ah! well! my children," repeated he; you find yourself happy here ?” "do whose countenance bore the traces of the greatest ly. "In what battle were you wounded?" At this name the countenance of Louis, already he. Under what Marshal did you fight," added "Under Monsieur de Taillard, sire." "The houses of Taillard and Marsein," said the monarch, turning to his courtiers, " count so many fine exploits in their histories as to cause us to for. Are there not spots even upon the get that one. sun ?" The king, accompanied by Marshal de Grancey, and by a guard of honor, chosen from among the Invalids, passed through various portions of the hotel. This guard was composed of only twenty men, and of these, six walked with the assistance of wooden-legs, ten of the others had lost an arm *Till the 15th century infirm soldiers lived upon alms, sometimes even by robbing; they were received into the for"Do you find yourself happy ?" resumed the tified castles of the great lords, and employed to watch day king, addressing Maurice. "Ah!" returned Maurice, affected by these *The battle of Hochstett or Blenheim, in Germany, was fought August 13th, 1804. Engene and Marlborough gained in it a complete victory over the Elector of Bavaria, and the Marshals Taillard, and de Marsein. Taillard lost his son and was taken prisoner himself. and night upon the ramparts for their maintenance. Henry the 4th was the first who made any attempt to improve their condition, by placing in the Ursuline hospital the officers and soldiers who had been wounded in his service. Louis the 13th assigned to their use the Bicetre, which was, before that time, only a vast hospital. Louis the 14th, by an edict of 1670, decreed the erection of the Hospital des Invalides, the foundations of which were commenced the same year, and in 1674 the building, with the exception of the church and dome. men ceeded, "is it then a remembrance which cannot be effaced ?" 66 "Well, well, you are right-do not murmur; however, we can always take a turn round the "Sire," continued the lady, in a caressing tone; triumphical arch, whilst waiting till we shall pass your majesty has accustomed all those who have under it—a little more slowly,” added he smiling. the honor of serving you to love heroes; is it sur- Then addressing the grand Marshal," Duroc, you prising then, that they should wish to visit the asy.may return to St. Cloud I shall be there myself very soon; and take Guerin with you." Napoleon, who perceived that the page was joyfully preparing to follow him, said to him, in a bitter tone, each, and all bore upon their faces their patent of nobility, in the frightful scars by which they were disfigured. A biography of these brave would have the air of a collection of fables. This one, a subaltern officer of fortune, had lost a leg in the battle of Berenger, and was with difficulty pardoned by his Colonel, the Marquis de Themines,lum which you have erected for them ?" for want of respect in pushing him from his horse "Truly, ladies," replied the monarch, still more that he might save him from being struck by the gaily, "only your presence was wanting to comshot which took off his own limb. That old cap.plete for me the happiness of this day. Accomtain of dragoons, seventy-five years of age, has on. pany me, then amongst my brave soldiers, and ly three hairs remaining upon his head, of which cause them to forget for a moment the sufferings hc, nevertheless, continues to make a queue and a of their sad existence. Alas! they could never two craped buckles over his ears. In the war with serve again even under the banners of Bellona herFrederic the Great, one of his arms being carried self." off by a ball, he cried out to a trumpeter near him, "My ring my ring! go look for my ring." It had been given to him by a lady of the Versailles. The trumpeter put the recovered ring upon the other hand; and after hastily applying a bandage to the wound, the officer urged his horse into the middle of the fight, crying, Long live the king!" He considered himself happy when, three years after, he received the cross of St. Louis. So much courage, gallantry and determination was expressed in the firm countenance and frank air of these soldiers, that the king could not but remark upon it, and retarding his steps so that all might hear him, he said aloud to the captain of his guards, 46 "We doubt, Mons. de Bretenil, if ever a king of France was surrounded by a nobler body. guard." Upon entering the church, the nave of which was not yet completed, Louis said to the minister of war, "Mons. de Louvois, see if this cannot be enlar. ged; the God of France is also the God of armies, and his temple cannot be too vast. We wish also that, under the dome, the flags taken from our enemies should be suspended. The ashes of our marshals will rest within the vaults of the church; but I wish that our royal Hotel of Invalids should be the Saint Denis of my great captains." "Sire, the orders of your majesty shall be executed," replied the minister, with a low bow. At the moment when the king came out of the chapel, a carriage, drawn by six horses, stopped in the government court, and the dauphiness accompanied by Madam de Maintenon, and the Duchesses de Chevreuse and de Roquelaure, descended from it Glory, sire, ought be the only consolation of heroes." said the favorite in a sententious tone. 66 'Glory consoles, it is true," replied the king, stifling a sigh, “ but it cannot always compensate for the loss of our best years." The royal procession quitted the hotel amidst the acclamations of the soldiers assembled under its porticoes, upon its balconies and at all its windows. The cannon saluted his departure, as they had his arrival; and the next day the cannoncers, wishing to perpetuate the memory of his visit, caused to be engraved upon the bronze of one of the rampart guns the following inscription :: "Louis the Great has, for the first time, honored with his presence his royal Hotel of Invalids. May, 9th 1705." VISIT SECOND. The first of September, 1806, at evening, Na. poleon mounted his horse, and quitted his favorite residence of St. Cloud, to take a short ride in its vicinity. Accompanied only by the grand Marshal, a page, an aid-de-camp (Rapp) and a lancer, he directed his course towards the wood of Boulogne, which he soon traversed, but, by one of those freaks which were common with him, when he had arrived at the Passy gate, instead of returning the same way, he turned to the left, and followed the avenue which led from the wood to the. Maillot door. There he stopped, and turned to Rapp, who was at his left hand according to the duty of his office, said to him. "Cannot we push on as far as the Triumphal Arch to see how the work goes on? what think you?' "And why is it, ladies," said the king, advan-main cing politely toward them, hat in hand, "that you come thus secretly to surprise us?" "Sire," returned the princess, smiling, "your majesty's faithful subjects were desirous of participating in a pleasure of which you made a mystery. Madame la Marquise," added she, pointing with her fan at Madame de Maintenon, "wished much to accompany you." "Sire," said the lady thus referred to, with admirable address, making, at the same time, a ceremonious obeisence; "Monsieur, I have no need of you—follow the grand Marshal and go to your studies." The page, with an air of disappointment turned his bridle and hastened after Duroc. The emperor, followed by Rapp, entered the avenue of Neuilly. A few minutes after the both passed at full gallop round the scaffolding of the monument, which was then but just begun, to the great surprise of the promenaders, and of the horsemen who were not less astonished at seeing a general officer and citizen give such free rein to their horses in place so much frequented by foot passengers. At the barrier de L'Etoile, Napoleon, moderating his speed, followed the great avenue of the Champs Elysees, and then turning to the right quickly gained the quay de Billy. Arrived in front of the Hotel des Invalids he checked his horse, and remained a moment contemplating this work of Louis 14th. The day was declining, and the last rays of the sun were reflected from the dome of the edifice which rose high, and sparkling with gold in the midst of the dark roofs of the building. "It is fine! it is fine!" said he, several times; "in truth Louis was a great king!" Then address. ing Rapp was appeared to entertain the same feeling of admirations as himself. "Hast thou never had the desire to ascend to the lantern which thou seest there below the arrow ?" he asked. "No, sire; the Marshal Semerier proposed it to me, and I refused." "And why? you are not a coward." "I believe not, sire; but I know not-roosted in that cage, one's head might turn and-my faith "Ah, well, I would not mount there myself; not, however, from prudence, but because that from thence my soldiers would appear to me too small.” "So much the more, as your majesty does not find them too large on the level ground," replied I think, sire, that your majesty would not re- Rapp, smiling. there long." Why not, monsieur ?" I wish to go and see how they are to-day," said the emperor, without appearing to notice the "It is still broad day light, and as soon as your remark of Rapp. "But I wish to go alone, and majesty should arrive there, you would be recog-without the Marshal's knowledge. Accompany nized and surrounded." me thither, and guard my horse; I shall remain but a moment.' And Napoleon resumed his 66 Recognized!" interrupted Napoleon; " by whom? Have I not on my riding coat? I am dressed like a citizen. It is yourself and the rest here who would cause me to be recognized," added he, casting a glance at the grand Marshal, who brushed with his handkerchief the dust from the Madamoiselle, the dauphi-rich embroidery of his uniform. ness has never forgotten that your majesty has formerly made her a witness of the exploits of your soldiers in the sieges of Landrecies and of Mons; and she wished to see, in peace, those whose valor she had admired in war." 46 "But sire," resumed the aid-de-camp, "this is the hour when Parisians are accustomed to walk in the wood of Boulogue; if you are once observed, you will neither be able to see what you wish, nor escape from the curious crowd by which you will Ah, Madame," interrupted the king, perceiv-be beset. Your majesty would not wish to take ing the allusion made by Mad. de Maintenon to Madamoiselle de Montespan, to whom she had suc an escort!" These last words were pronounced by the aid de-camp in a tone bordering upon reproach. looking steadily at his aid, said to him, lowering of a century ago-it was in the time of his late his eyebrows, majesty Louis 14th. I had not then married thy "What is become of the one I gave you two mother." years since?" "I have not carried it, sire, since yonr majesty reproached me with its having lost in your service twenty-four hours in one day." This allusion was so direct, that Napoleon could not avoid understanding it; but when he was in the mood, he knew well how to turn whatever was said to his own advantage; and addressing his favorite aid, he said, "Monsieur, you mistook me. I told you on the contrary, that your watch always gained twentyfour when it was necessary for my service-you do not always understand me.”. Afterwards he added, smiling, "Remain here, no one will notice you, I will rejoin you directly." Napoleon proceeded, with long strides, to the principal entrance of the Invalids. It was growing dark, but at the sight of a man wearing a military hat, boots fur. nished with silver spurs, and epauletts, the tassels of which were but imperfectly concealed by his half-buttoned riding coat, the sentinel, supposing him to be an officer of rank, allowed him to pass unchallenged, although retreat had been sounded within the Hotel. soon, "Never!-father-never!" replied Jerome, Napoleon had heard all the conversation, and al. “Yes, colonel,” answered he, "I and my father According to his usual custom, when he wished Maurice, whom you see here, wait for the return to observe any place, Napoleon lounged through of our runaway child who does not yet come, the various courts, and passed beneath the galler-though he knows well that his grandfather needs ies with his hands crossed upon his back. Pro- his two arms in ascending to his dormitory-for found silence reigned every where, for the evening he has two, whilst I-" and he shook his empty repast was finished, and the soldiers had retired to sleeve. their dormitories; sentinels, armed with swords, walked at intervals, these also supposing that the individual who passed before them was one of the superior officers of the Hotel, did not disturb his meditations. "You are a brave man," said the emperor to him, with feeling; " your son is wrong. But why," inquired he, walking on with them, "has your father remained so long in the chapel? It is contrary to rules." "Our marshal has given permission, my colonel, that on the first of September every year, my father should spend a part of the day in repeating the prayers for the repose of the soul of that king whom he formerly served; and since I have been with him at the Hotel, I have never known him omit the performance of that sacred duty." ceive that the colonel does not resemble our former marquis ;-and with all your wrappings you will take this evening, You know that little father Costa * has forbidden your breathing the night air under penalty of taking tisan. And that rascal Cyprien has not arrived yet. Villain! he shall pay for it to-morrow." "You have probably fought in many battles ?" said Napoleon to the centenarian, gently resuming their walk, which had been for a moment interrupted; "for you must have been young when you saw Louis 14th.” "Ah! ah!" said father Maurice, coughing loudly," I was eighteen years old when I fought for the first time at Friedlingen. The year followI received my third wound at Hochstett, at the same moment as the son of Marshall de Taillard, who was a cornet in one of the red companies." Hochstett, did you say?" inquired Napoleon; "it is a long time since then. That was a battle which the French lost, though commanded by two marshals of France in person, and a Bavarian prince, I do not know what." "O yes, colonel, the Elector of Bavaria, and Marshals de Taillard and de Marsain, famous warriors in the days of his late majesty Louis 14th. Oh, I remember it still! A musket ball entered my left shoulder, and went out at my right. I fell upon the ground crying out Long live the king.' After my wound was healed, I obtained of his late majesty Louis 14th permission to cater the Inva. lids." "That was not a favor-it was but justice," said Napoleon. "I have lived about a hundred years in the Hotel. I was married here, and here I have seen many of my comrades die. There are only young people here now; but I am happy, yes, very happy, especially since my children have come here to live with me "M. Jerome," asked Napoleon, melted by the recital of this Nestor of the army," you who are the son of this brave old man, how old are you?" "I am ninety-one, colonel; I was born in 1715." "Yes," interrupted the centenarian; "he was born in the same year in which his late majesty "Of what King?" demanded Napoleon. "Louis 14th," exclaimed Napoleon, with and "Even here, in this place-he spoke to me and I answered him,” replied the old man, with pride. "You are very fortunate," resumed Napoleon, "but you must be more than a hundred years old." I shall be one hundred and twenty-one years colonel, next Candlemas.” old, These two men appeared bent by the weight of years; the elder conducted by his less aged companion, of whom he seemed to inquire something, whilst the looks of the latter were turned alter"A hundred and twenty-one years," exclaimed nately towards the entrance of the Hotel, which the astonished emperor; and passing rapidly to the was illuminated by a lantern, and upon his com-right of father Maurice, he took his arm, saying panion, whose tottering steps he guided. kindly, "lean upon me, old comrade—I will assist "Jerome," said the elder Invalid, " dost thou you." not yet see him coming ?" "Ah! colonel," said the old man, much moved, "I dare not-I know too well the respect-" 66 66 Ninety-one years!" exclaimed the emperor; you must have been a long time in service then?" Twenty-eight years, colonel, I served under the marshals de Saxe, de Soubise, de Broglie and de Contades successively; and under the prince de Conde I was at Fontenoy, Lawfeld, Rosbach, Bergen and Fribourg. At this last I lost my arin, I have been at the Hotel since 1763, nearly forty-three years. It was during the reign of Louis 15th that I served." as you see. |