New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1852-09-20
THE WHITE SATIN DOMINO,

The period of Napoleon's career, when at its
zenith, is full of romantic adventures, as CON
nected with the history Of the officers who served
under the great captain. He was quick to OBJ
serve merit, 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 soldierly conduct
in the Emperor service.
Colonel Eugene Merville was an attache Of
Napoleon's staff. He was soldier in the true
sense of the word-devoted to his profession, as
brave as q lion. Though very handsome, and
Of fine bearing, he was of humble birtll-a mere
child of the camp, and had followed the drum
and the bugle from boyhood. Every step in the
way Of promotion had been won by the stroke
Of his sabre; and his promotion from Major of
cavalry was for q gallant deed which transpired
Oh 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.
1t was the Carnival season at Paris, and Mer-
vile found himself at the French Opera House.
Better adapted in his taste to the field than the
boudoir, he frts 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 a vacant eye, his attention was
suddenly aroused by the appearance of person
in 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 loveliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still there
was 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 violent
rush OF the throng 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. 1t was q delightful moment /;
the lady spoke the purest French, was witty,
fanciful and captivating.
All, lady, pray raise that mask, and reveal
to me the charms Of feature that must accom-
pany SO sweet voice and SO graceful form as
you possess
You would, perhaps, be disappointed
No, I'm sure not!'
+" Are you very confident % ,-
Yes, feel that you are B1Eutiful 1t car
not be otherwise
Don't be too sure of that said the domino
Have you never heard of the Irish poet Moore's
story of the yelled prophet of Khorassan-how,
when he disclosed his countenance it's hideous
aspect killed his beloved one' How do you
know that | shall not turn out a yelled prophet
of Khorassan 2''
All, lady, your every word convinces me to
the contrary replied the enraptured soldier,
whose heart began to feel as it had never done
before; he was already 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 he throws him
self upon his tleetest horse he is unable to over
take her
The young French colonel becomes moody; he
has lost his heart, and knows not what to do
He wanders hither and thither, 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, figure,
mutfied to the very eyes, stopped him,
Well, monsieur, what would you with me %
asked the soldier.
&c You would know the name of the white dom
ino ," 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 blindfolded.'
every well.''
"Step into this vehiole.'
And away ratified the youthful soldier and
his strange companion. ''This may be o trick -
reasoned Eugene Merville, ss but have no fear
Of personal violence. lam armed with this trus-
ty 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 fur
nished boudoir, and before him stood the domino,
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 devotedly, was as natural as to breathe, and
he did so most gallantly and sincerely.
"shall believe all you say -
Lady, let me prove it by any test you may
put upon me-"
{" Know, then, that the feelings you avow are
mutual. Nay, unloose your arm from my waist,
l have something more to say
"Talk on forever, lady! Your voice is music
to my heart and ears
Would you marry me, knowing no more Of
me than you now do? -
''Yes, if you were to go to the very altal
masked!" he replied.
''Then 1 will test you''
'sHow, Lady,"
'sFor one year be faithful to the love yor
have professed, and I will be yours-as truly as
Heaven shall spare my life
'slf at the expiration of year you do no
hear from me, then the contract shall be null
and void. Take the half ring" she continued
'' and when supply the broken portion, vii
be yours
He kissed the little emblem, swore again anc
again to be faithful, and pressing her hand t.
his lips, bade her adieu. He was conducted
away as mysteriously as he had been brough
thither, nor could he, by any possible means
discover where he had been; his companion re
iecting all bribes, and even refusing to answe
the simplest questions.
Months rolled On. Col. Ierville is true t.
his VOW, and happy in the anticipation of love
Suddenly he was ordered on an embassy t,
Vienna, the gayest of all the European capitals
about the time that Napoleon is planning t.
marry the Arch Duchess, Maria Louisa Th
young Colonel is handsome, manly, and alread,
distinguished in arms, and becomes at once {
great favorite at court, every effort being made
by the women to captivate him, but in vain; hi
| is constant and true to his vow.
| But his heart was not made of stone til,
very fact that he had entertained such tender
feelings for the white domino had, doubtless
made him more susceptible than before
At last he met the young Baroness, Carolin
Won Woldof, and in spite Of his vows, she capt.
Yates him, and he secretly curses the engage
ment he had so blindiy made at Paris. Sh
seems to wonder at what appears to be his deyo
| ton: and vet the distance he 1naintainsi TIL