The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1852-09-11
THE WHITE SATIN DOMINO.

lures, as COhIltCt'u Will lHt HlSiOlf Vi
the officers who served under the great
captain. He was quick to observe mer-
il, and prompt to reward it; and this it
was that made his followers so devoted
to him, and so ANXIOUS to distinguish
themselves by prowess in battle, and
strict sodierly conduct in the Emperor's
service.
Colonel Eugene Melville was an at
toche of Napoleon's staff He was a
soldier in the true sense of the word
devoted to his profession. as brave as
lion. Though very handsome, and of
fine bearing, he was of humble birth
mere child of the camp, and had fol-
lowed the drum and the bugle from
boyhood. Every step in the way of pro-
motion had been won by the stroke of
his sabre; and his promotion from Major
of cavalry was for gallant deed which
transpired on the battlefield, 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 not led him to acquire before.
It was the Carnival season at Paris,
and Melville found himselfat the French
Opera House. Better adapted in his
taste to the field than the boudoir, he
fits but little with the gay figures that
cover the floor, and Joins but seldom in
the giddy waltz. But at last, when
standing thoughtfully, and regarding the
assembled throng with d vacant eye, his
attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance ola person in a white satin
domino, the universal bearing of whose
figure, manner and bearing, convinced
all that her face and mind must be equal
to her person in grace and loneliness.
Ihough IN SO mixed an assembly, still
there was a dignity and reserve in the
manner of the familiar address, and it
was some time before the young soldier
found courage to speak to her.
Some alarm being given, there was a
violent rush of the throng towards the
door, where, unless assisted, the lady
would have materially suffered. Eugene
Alervlle offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame, wards
oil the danger. 1t was delightful mo-
neni; the lady spoke the purrst French,
was witty, tancllul and captivating.
"Ah, lady, pray raise that mask, and
, reveal to me the charms of feature that
must accompany SO sweet a voice and
50 graceful form as you possess"
You would, perhaps, be disappointed.
mo, I'm sure not!'
care you very confidently
"les, feel that you are beautiful.
1t cannot be otherwise.'
"Don't be too sure of that" said the
domino. Have you never heard OF the
Irish poet Moorc's story of the yelled
prophet of khorassan-how, when he
disclosed his conntenance, its hideous
aspect killed his beloved one ! How
do you know that shall not turn out Il
yelled prophet Of khorassanW
"Ah, lady, your every word convinccs
me to the contrary" replied the enrap.
tured soldier, whose heart began to leel
as it had never done before; he was al
ready in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, but
permits him to hand her to the carriage,
which drives off in the darkness, and
though ne throws himself upon his fleet
est 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 hither and
thlther, shuns his former companions,
and, IN short, is miserable as a lover can
be, thus disappointed. One night, Just
after he had left his hotel, on foot a
figure, mutiled to the very eyes, stopped
him.
swell, monsieur, what would you
with mel" asked the soldier.
"You would know the name of the
white domlno!" was the reply.
81 would indeed replied the officer,
hastily. "How can it be done!"
Follow me-"
"To the end of the earth, if it will
bring her to me-"
But you must be blindiolded."
every WELL"
"Step into vehicle"
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion. "This may
be trick" reasoned Eugene Melville,
"but have no fear Of personal violence.
| am armed with this trusty 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 blindfolded INTO the house. When
the bandage was removed from his eyes,
he found himself in richly furnished
boudoir, and before him stood the domi.
I no, just as he met her at the masked ball.
To fall upon his knees, and tell her how
much he had thought of her since their
separation, that his thoughts had never
! left her. and that he loved her devOtedIv