The Merry Past 



counter with the enemy next day, her horse, upon 

 which Duhem rode, was killed by them, which terri- 

 fied him so much that he demanded and obtained 

 the command of another division. 



After the peace with Austria, at Luneville, she 

 went with her husband to Paris, and was introduced 

 by General Murat to Bonaparte, who ordered a sabre, 

 as a mark of honour, to be given her, which entitled 

 her to number among newly created members of the 

 Legion of Honour. Her commission, certificates, 

 and numerous other papers, proved the truth of 

 her assertion, and that she minimised, rather than 

 exaggerated, her military exploits. That she was 

 much beloved by the troops was evident during the 

 whole journey. Pickets of the 15th Dragoons were 

 quartered in every place where the diligence changed 

 horses ; they all spoke of her courage, generosity, 

 and humanity with the enthusiasm of sincerity and 

 gratitude. They would have narrated many traits, 

 illustrating what they said, but her modesty pre- 

 vented them. They never ceased to exclaim, as 

 long as she was in sight, " O^, la brave et bonne jemme I " 



When at Lyons she went to the play, dressed in 

 her regimentals. General Duhem was then Governor 

 of that city. Owing her a grudge, he sent his aide-de- 

 camp to her box, asking her how she had dared to 

 appear at the theatre without first informing the 

 Governor of her arrival. " Tell your General," 

 said she, " that I am no longer in the service, and 

 that I shall be much obliged to him to settle with me, 

 on the other side of Pont Morant, for the horse he 



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