The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-12-22
The Cavalry officer.

lures as coHuecteu Win the history OF tu'
officers who served under the captain
He was quick to observe merit, ant
4 prompt to reward it, and this was wha
made his followers so devoted to him
and so anxious to distinguish themselve:
BY prowcss in battle, and strict soldierly
conduct in the emperor's service.
Colonel Eugene Meryille was an at
tache of Napoleon's staff. He was a
soldier, in the true sense of the word
devoted to his profession, and brave as a
lion. Though very handsome, and Of
fine bearing, he was of humble birth-a
mere child in the camp, and had follow
ed the drum and b1gle from boyhood.-
Every step in the line of promotion had
been won by the stroke Of his 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 off,
GERS, loved him like brother, and taught
him all that his own good taste and nat
ural instinct had not led him to acquire
before.
It was the carnival season in Paris and
Merville found himself at the masked ball
in the French Opera House. Better "a
dapted in his taste to the field than the
boudoir he firts but little with the gay
figures that cover the floor, and joins but
seldom in the giddy waltz. But at last,
while standing thoughtfully, and regard
ing the assembled throng with vacant
eye, bis attention was suddenly arrested
by the appearance of person in white
satin domino the universal elegance of
whose figure, manner and bearing con-
vinced all that her face and mind must
be equal to her person in grace and love-
illness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the
manner of the white domino that rather
repulsed the idea of 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
Merville offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards
off the danger. 1t was delightful mo-
ment; the lady spoke purest French, was
witty, fanciful and captivating.
'Ah! lady, pray raise the mask, and re.
veal to me the charms of features thai
must accompany so sweet voice and sc
graceful form as you possess.
you would, perhaps, be disappointed.
NO, l am sure not
'Are you so ueyy con6dent!
yes. I feel that you are beautiful
1t cannot be otherwise
Don't be too sure of that said tht
domino. Have you never heard of th'
Irish poet Moore's story of the veilet
prophet Of Khorassan-how when he dis
closed his countenance, its hideous aspec
killed his beloved one! How do yo1
know that / shall not turn out veile'
prophet of Khorassan!'
'Ah, lady, your every word convince
me to the contrary replied the enrap
tured soldier, whose heart began to fee
as it had never felt before; he was al
ready in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, bu
permits him to hand her to her carriage
though he throws himself upon his Heetes
horse, be is unable to overtake her.
The young French Colonel become
moody; he has lost his heart and know
not what to do. He wanders hither an
thither, shuns his former places of amuse
ment, avoids his military companions
and in short is miserable as lover ca
well be, thus disappointed. One nigh
just after he had left bis hotel, on foot,
figure mufied- to the very ears stoppe
him.
well, monsieur, what would you wit
meD asked the soldier.
you would know the name of the whit
dominoi' was the reply.
Il would indeedv replied the Office
hastily. How can it be done!'
Follow me-
ITO the end Of the world if it will brlr
me to her.
But you must be blindfolded.'
very we'll
Step into this vehicle