The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-08-23
THE DAILY DISPATCH
THE MYSTERIOUS LADY.

sereo unaer the great captain. He wns
!olck 10 observe merit, and prompt to reward
II, anu ,his u was that made his followers so
ueso'ea 10 MN, and so anxious TO distinguish
1l:I .n1uiseNes oy pro" ess in battle, and strict
soldIerly conc uct in the Emperor-s service
Colonel Eugene Merville was an at,acbe os
Napoleon's staff. He was soldier in ,he ,rno
sense OF the word-devoted to his profession
as brave as lion. Though very handsome
and Of fine bearing, he was of humble bir,h|
a mere child Of the camp, and had followed
the drum and bugle from boyhood. Every
step in the way of promotion had been won by
the stroke of the sabre; and his promotion from
Major of cavalry was for gallant deed which
uanspired on the battle field, beneath the EN-.
peror's own eye. Murat that prince of fcavalry
officers, loved him like a brother, and taught
him all that his own good taste and natural
instinct had not led him TO acquire before.
Ii was the Carnival season at Paris, and
Merville found himself at the French Opera
House. Better adapted in his tastes to the
field than the boudoir, he hirts but little with
the gay figures that cover the floor, and joins
but seldom in the giddy waltz. But at last,
while standing thoughtfully, and regarding
the assembled thrOng with vacant eye, his
attention was suddenly aroused by the appear
ance of person in white satin domino, the
universal elegance OF whose figure, manner
and bearing, convinced all that her face and
mind must be equal to her person in grace and
loy eliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still there
was dignity and reserve in the manner Of
the white domino that rather repulsed the idea
of familiar address, and it was some time
before the young soldier found courage to
speak 10 her.
Some alarm being given, there was a violent
rush of the 1hrOng towards the door, where,
unless assisted, the lady would have materially
suffered. Eugene Merville offers his arm, and
with his broad shoulders and STOUT frame,
wards off the danger. Ii was delightful MT
ment; the lady spoke the purest French, was
witty, fancifui and captivating.
'Ah, lady, pray raise that mask, and reveal
to me the charms of feature that must accom-
pany sweeta voice and so graceful form
us you possess.
You would, perhaps, be Disappointed
NO, am sure notn
Are you so rery conhdentr
Yes, feel that you are beautiful. itcannot
be otherwise
Don't be too sure of that said the domino.
Have you never heard of tie Irish poet Moore's
story OF the veiled Prophet of khonssan-
how. when he disclosed his countenance, its
hldeOus aspect killed his beloved one? How
do you know that | shall not turn out q yeied
Prophet of khorasoan?'
'Ah, lady, your every word convinces ME
to the contrary replied the enraptured soldier,
whose heart began to feel as it had never felt
before: he was already in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, but per
mils him to hand her to her carriage, which
drives of in the darkness, and though he
throws himself upon his fieetest horse, he is
unable to overtake her.
The young French Colonel becomes moody;
he has lost his heart and knows not what to
do. He wanders hilher and ,hither, shuns his
former places of amusement, avoids his mill.
tary companions, and i. in short, is miserable as
a lover can be, thus disappointed. One night,
just after he had left his hotel, on foot figure,
muffled to the very ears, stopped him.
We'll, monsieur, what would you with met
asked the soldier.
You would know the name of the white do.
minor was the reply.
Il would, indeed replied the officer, hastily.
How can il be done?'
Follow me-
'To the end of the eaIth if it will bring me
to her.
But you must be blindfolded.'
Very WE'LL
Step into this vehicle
Il am at your command.'
And away rattled the youthful soldier and
his strange companion. This may be q trick
of personal violence. | am armed with this
frusty sabre, ard l can take care Of myself
But there was no cause for fear, since he soon
found the vehicle stopped, and he was led
bliDdiold into the house. When the bandage
was removed from his eyes, he found himself
in richly furnished boudoir, and before him
stood the domino, just ne met her at the
masked ball. To fall upon his knees and tell
her how much he had thought of her since
a.
left her, that he loved her devotedly, was as
natural as to breathe, and he did so most gal
antly and sincerely.
Shall believe all you say 2
Lady, let me prove it by any test you may
put upon me-
Know, then, that the feelings you ayow are
mutual. Nay, unloose your arm from my
waist. | have something more to say
Talk on forever, lady Your voice is music
to my heart and ears
Would you marry me, knowing 10 more of
me than you now do|
Yes, if you were TO 60 to the very altar
masked! he replied.
Then will test you
'How, lady?'
For one year be faithful TO the love you have
professed, and will bs yours-as truly as
Heaven shall spare my liie.'
oh, cruel suspense!
you demur?
'Nay, lady, l shall fulfil your Injunction as
| promised
III, at the expiration of year, you DO not
hear from me, then the contract shall be null
and void. Take this haJ ring she coniin-
ued. and when supply The broken portion,
will be yours
He kissed the little emblem, swore again
and again TO be faithful. and pressing her
hand 10 his lips, bade her adieu. He was
conducted away as mys'eriously as he had
been brought lhther, nor could he by any
possib means discover where he had been;
his companion rejecting all bribes, and even
refusing to answ er the simplest questions.
Months roll on. Colonel aiersiile IS true 10
his vow, and happy in the anticipation OF love.
Suddenly he was ordered on an embassy 10
Vienna the gayest Of all the European eapi-
| tails, about the time that Napoleon IS planning
to marry The Arch Duchess, Mana LOUISA
The young Colonel is handsome, manly aha
already disting ushed in arms, and becomes al
once a great iayorite at court, every ehef' Pc
ing made by the women 10 capnyaie MN, ou'
in vain; he is constant and true TO his vow'
But his bear, was not made OF stone; the
,nE Ten. .taW