Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1852-07-15
THE CAVALRY OFFICER.

Inc perlUd oil Napole0ns career,
when at lis zenith. is full of romantic adj
ventures as connected with the history
of the officers who served under the great
captain. He was quick to observe mer-
it. and prompt TO reward it, aud ,his il
was that made his followers so devoted
TO him. aud SO anxious 10 distinguish
themselves by prowlss in battl +, and
strict soldierly conduct in the Emperor's $
service. .-..r. ... ..m..-.
Col. Eugene Merville was an attache
of Napoleon's staff. He was soldier
in the true sense of the word-tlev voted
to his profession, and brave as a lon.-
Though very handsome, and of fine bear
ing, he was Of humble birth-a mere
child OF the camp, aud had followed the
drum and bugle from boyhood Every
step in the line of promotion had been
won by the stroke of the sabre; and his
promotion from major of cavalry was
for gallant deed which transpired 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
aud natural instinct had not led him to
acquire before. .
1t was the carnival season in Paris,
aud young Nerville found himself at the
masked ball in the French Opera House.
Better adapted in his taste to the field
than the boudoir, he flirts but li,tle with
the gay figures that cover the floor. and
joins bu, seldom in the giddy waltz -
But at last, while standing ihough,fully.
and regarding the assembled ,hrong with
vacant eye, his attention was suddenly
aroused by the appearance of person
in a white satin domino, the universal
elegance of whose figure, manner aud
bearing convinced all that her face and
mind must be equal to her person in
grace and loveliness.
Though in SO mixed an assembly,
still there was dignity and reserve in
the manner of the white domino that ra-
,her repulsed the idea of familiar ad-
dress, and il 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. Eu-
gene Mervlle offers his arm. and with
his broad shoulders and stout frame
wards off the danger. l, was delight
full moment; the lady spoke the purest
French. was witty, fanciful and cap,iva
Ting.
"Ah! lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms of feature that
must accompany so sweet voice and so
graceful form as you possess"
"You would perhaps, be disappoin-
ted."
mo, am sure not"
"Are you so Uery confident
"Yes. ! feel that you are beautiful.
1t cannot be otherwise"
"Don't be too sure of that" said the
domino. slave you never heard OF the
Irish poet Moore's story of the veiled
prophet of Khorassan-how when he
disclosed his countenance, its hideous
aspect killed his beloved one? How do
you know that | shall not turn out veil.
e6 prophet OF Khorassan!"
"Ah, lady, your every word convinces
me to the contrary replied the enrap-
tured soldier, whose heart began to feel
as il had never felt before; he was already
in love.
She eluGes his efforts at discovery,
but permits him to hand her to her car
riage, which drives off in the darkness,
and though he throws himself upon his
fleetest 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 aud
,hither. shuns his former places OF "a
musement, avoids his military compan
ions; and in short is miserable as a low
er can well be, thus disappointed. One
night just after he had lef. his hotel, on
foot, figure mufiled to the very ears
stopped him.
swell, monsieur, what would you
with met" asked the soldier.
"You would know the name of the
white domino!" was the reply.
81 would indeed!" replied the officer
hastily. "How can it be done!"
"Follow me-"
"To the end of.he earth if it will bring
ma IN her -