The Argosy — page 130: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

116 Two Days in the Life of the late Emperor, “We would offer to your Majesty’s acceptance a silver fish,” replied the spokeswoman by right, a portly, black-eyed dame, the “ queen” of the fishmarket, producing a pretty silver fish inclosed in a net of gold wire and green silk. The Emperor graciously accepted the offering. “What next?” he continued, good-humouredly, finding he was not released. ‘We hold another custom in Dunkerque, sire,” said the bold dame. ‘‘ Before you can leave the circle, you must embrace me. When your uncle, the Great Napoleon, was here, he followed it. I had the honour of a kiss from him, and I must have the same from you.” What could the Emperor do? He behaved asa gallant emperor ought, and laughingly gave the kiss, amidst the cheers and roars of the multitude around. ‘‘ That is not all yet,” proceeded the gratified dame. ‘‘ We wish to see your beautiful Empress. We have a second fish for her. Will your Majesty courteously give the orders for our admission to her at the sous-préfecture P ” The Emperor hesitated ; remembering, probably, the fatigue of his wife; but it was only for a moment: and he said the Empress would be happy to comply with their wishes. So away the pécheuses started to the sous-préfecture. The Emperor then went to the Belvedere and the ramparts, and gazed abroad. At the magnificent harbour with its rich freight, the ships rocking about as if they were riding at anchor; at the fine old town behind it; and at the roaring sea, extending so far away into the distance, the waves running mountains high. Not a vessel was to be seen at sea. The Cherbourg fleet, signalled to approach the previous evening, was unable to obey, and had been driven towards the Downs. The “Reine Hortense” alone was at her post: she had arnved before the boisterous weather set in. But the fish-ladies had, ere this, found their way to the sous-pré- fecture, and demanded to see the Empress. ‘“‘ Impossible !” replied one in authonity ; ‘‘ you can’t see the Empress. And, besides, her Majesty is fatigued, and is lying down.” ‘S We are to see her,” retorted the spokeswoman. ‘ You cannot act against the orders of the Emperor.” How long the dispute would have held out is uncertain ; but the Emperor drove up, and confirmed the women’s statement. ‘“¢ Ail these !” cried a renowned general, looking at the thirty women in dismay. “They will fnghten the Impératrice. Could not three or four of them enter, as a deputation from the rest ?” ‘¢We don’t understand anything about your deputations,” interrupted the indignant ladies ; “we have come to see our sovereign, with his Majesty’s permission, and we mean to see her.” And, elbowing their way right and left, through generals, officers, préfets, anaoria 7? oto) (CO) in —_)