Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1852-09-08
THE CAVALRY OFFICER.

as connected with the history of the off.
GERS who served under the great captain
He was quick to observe merit, and promp,
to reward it, and this it was that made his
followers SO devoted to him, and so anxious
to distinguish themselves by prowess in bat
tie, and strict soldierly conduct in the EN-.
peror's service.
Colonel Eugene MerviIle was an attsche
of Napoleon's staff. He was soldier in
the true sense of the word-devoled to his
profession, as brave as lion. Though very
handsome, and of fine bearing, he was oI
humble birlh-a mere child Of The camp
and had followed the drum and bugle from
bovhood. Every step in the way Of pro-
motion had been won by the stroke Of the
sabre: and his promotion to Major of cav
airy was for gallant deed which ,ranspir-
ed on The battle field, beneath the Emperor's
own eye. Murat, that prince of cavalry
officers, loved him like brother, and taught
him all that his own good taste and natural
instinct had no, led him to acquire.
1t was the Carnival season al Paris, and
Mervile found himself at the French Opera
House. Better adapted in his tastes to the
field than The boudoir, he tlirls but little with
The gay figures that cover the floor, and
joins but seldom in the giddy waltz. But
al last, while standing though.fuIy, and re-
garding the assembled lhrong with vacant
eye, his attention was suddenly aroused by
the appearance Of person in white satin
domino, the universal elegance of whose
figure, manner and bearing, convinced all
that her face and mind mus. be equal to her
person in grace, and loveliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was a dignity and reserve in the man
ner of the white domino that rather repuls-
ed the idea of familiar address, and it was
some time before the young soldier found
courage TO speak to her.
Some alarm was given, there was vio-
lent rush Of The .hroDg toward the door,
where, unless assisted, the lacy would have
materially suffered. Eugene Mervile offers
his arm, and with his broad shoulders and
stout frame, wards off The danger. 1t was a
delightful moment; the lady spoke the pur-
esl Fttnch, was witty, fanciful and captiva-
ting.
"Ah, lady, pray raise that mask, and re-
veal to me the charms of feature that must
accompany SO sweet voice and SO grace
iuI form as you possess"
'You would, perhaps, be disappointed"
"No. am sure notn'
care you so very con6dent?"
eyes, feel that you are beautiful. 1t
cannot be Otherwise"
Dom. be too sure of that" said the dom
mo. Have you never heard of the Irish
poet Moore's story of The veiled prophet of
Kh orassan-how when he disclosed his
coun.enance, lis hideous aspect killed his
beloved one? How do you know that !
shall not turn out veiIed prophet of Kho-
rassan?"
"Ah, lady, your every word convinces
me to the contrary" replied the enrsp'ured
soldier, whose heart began 10 feel as it had
never felt before: he was already in love.
She eIudes his efforts a. discovery, bu.
permits him to hand her TO her carriage,
which drives off in the darkness, and though
he throws himself upon his fee!ess horse,
he is unable 10 overtake her.
The young French Colonel becomes
moody; he has lost his heart and knows
no, what 10 do. He wanders hlher and
,hither; shuns his former places of amuse-
ment; avoids his military companions; and
in short, Is miserable as lover can be, thus
disappointed. One night, just after he had
left his hotel, on foot, a figure muffled to the
very ears, stopped him.
"WelI, monsieur. what would you with
me - asked the soldier.
"You would know the name of the white
domino - was the reply.
~ would, indeed" replied the officer.
hastily. ''How can it be done %
"FoIlow me.''
"To the end of the earth, if it will bring
me to her.'
':But you must be blindfolded.'
every WELL"
"Slep into this vehicle.'
81 am at your command"
And away ra.1led The youthful soldier and
his strange companion. ''Ths may be a
lrick," reasoned Eugene Mervile, 'but !
have no fear of personal violence. ! am
armed with this .rusty sabre, and can take
care of myself" But there was no cause
for fear, since he soon found the vehicle
stopped, and he was led blIndlolded 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 as he met her al the masked
ball. To fall upon his knees and tell her
how much he thought Of her since their Sc
psralion, that his thoughts had never left her,
that he loved her devoledly was as natural
as to breathe, and he did SO most gallan'Iy
and sincerely.
"Shall | believe all you say ,"
"Lady, lie. me prove it by any test you
may pu. upon me-"
"Know, then, that the feelings you avow