Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-12-15

show you that belong to her sett. |" , y
- II you please, = said Mormont. ~
a. And be listened to a complete and cor.
rect rdescriptionifroml the pink domino, OF
her ladyship's boudoir.a eThen branching
off, as If she delighted to perplex him. she
reconnted a thousand particulars of Nor
mont's life, habits, and even his thoughts,
until he was completely perplexed and
al ann entirely mystifed., =" he said at
length. 1.-THE riddieiof the sphinx was
nothing to this. You musttakeS pity and
reveal 70 me the being, the good angel.
who takes such an interest in my affairs.
I feel that you must be beautiful; step
aside with me and Gfteyourmask. j com
;ure vou bdot,,nsHsi lHs'65isloW -r51lE
..Nav ,i4II 9.dsi lsll'i9J e 'w d-usIi
"But insist..sba,s, sls@1 80 81. 81
Perhaps you may not like me as
we'll" "a :. - 5s-l5 T. i.-.
II do not fear come, /" 80 a.. " 5r-z
"Not here. not among this vulgar
crowd. !" replied the pink domino. '.But
go with me to my hotel, where there are
some friends of mine who are DESTROYS OF
the honor of making your acquaintance,
when will reveal all. When you know
us YOU will thank fortune for having
brought you here tonight" .Fg.,Tf p
.Don't accept the invitation. /" said ano-
Their voice in a low whisper-so low in
deed, that it reached only the ears Of Nor
mont.
He turned suddenly. and saw beside
him young lad, wearing his own blue
and silvery livery, but masked like him
self.
The page. as soon as he was observed,
shook his head. held up warning finger,
and then disappeared in the brilliant
crowd that surrounded them.
But, of course. Mormont paid no atten-
ton to the impertinent interference Of a
strange STRIPPING, and yielding to the i'm
pulse of his curiosity, left the ballroom
with his fair friend, and was soon seated
beside her in the carriage. He was so
fascinated by the wit and gayety of her by
his side, that he did not notice the direc-
ton the carriage took, only that the course
was very rapid. When the driver refined
up, and the footman threw open the door,
the pink domino gave her hand to Nor
NOM, sprang lightly out Of the carriage,
and then hurried him into the house, and
up dark staircase, and then ushered him
into room that was also in total dark
ness.
"Where can my lackeys be-" she pet
tishly exclaimed. "They have taken add
vantage Of my absence; but wait here fol-
a moment. and Twill quickly remedy this
neglect"
Mormont was left in darkness, but not
entirely alone. as he thought. for ligh,
hand touched his shoulder.
Mormontp' said a voice that thrilled
to his very heart.
Julie de Fontague!" exclaimed the
young man. 'You have partner in this
mystery"
ALAS, no." replied Julie. Finding
that you disregarded my warning, I got
up behind the carriage and followed you
into this house. I fear you are betrayed
If so. though unable to save you. l can al
least die with YOU"
She could say no more. Lights appear
ed, and with them three ruffanly fellows,
with long rapiers at their sides, proceeded
by the pink domino, whose face, now thai
she was unmasked. exhibited features Of
great regularity but were stamped by
the unmistakable signet of cunning and
cruelty.
/" So you arc not alone, find." she
said, glancing at Julie, who was dressed
in blue and white livery. "Who is this
boy % ~. o.,
':My page, madame" replied Mormont
with perfect GOODNESS. 'tBut pardon me
I do not recognize you, even unmasked-
Will you not give me your name, that
may associate it in my memory with the
pleasant mysteries Of this EVENING"
"You will learn that soon enough" re
piled the woman with hooking smile.
"You must excuse me now, while re
tire. these gentlemen will keep you com
pany in the meantime"
As the pink domino left the room, the
three men seated themselves. motioning
Mormont with clumsy courtesy to folio"
their example. They were'eyidently cut
throats and robbers. Mormont now bit
terly repented having left his sword a
home, for he was master of his weapon
and though against such fearful odds
could at least hope to save his life. He
thought of Julie, too, involved in the same
mortal peril, and his heart sunk withir
him. But he kept up the appearance Of
perfect GOODNESS, knowing that the slighr'
est manifestation Of distrust would be the
signal for instant assassination
"Long live the Carnival!'' he exclsim
ed gaily. "There is nothing like it fol
intrigue, and this seems to be one of the
Arabian nights entertainments"
The ruffians had never heard of the
Arabian nights. but they thumped on the
table, and roared out good" with thei
ample emphasis.
"Pray. monsieur" said one of the ruff
fans. shave you the time about you7"
eft is past midnight. replied the Count
consulting an elegant gold watch, set il
brilliants,
Z l.. - L: