The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1854-10-26
By LIEUTENANT MURRAY.

The period of Napoleon's career, when
al its zenith, is full Of romantic adventures
as connected with the history of the Off
GERS lives that served under the great cap
tain. He was quick to observe merit, and
prompt to- reward it, and thisait was that
made his followers so devoted to him, and
SO anxious to distinguish themselves by
prowess in b&ttle, and strict soldiery con-
duct in the Emperor's service.
Colonel Eugene Meryille was an attache
of Napoleon's staff He was soldier in
the true sense of the word-devoted to his
profession, and brave as lion. Though
very handsome, and Of fine bearing, he was
ofhumble birth--a mere child of the camp,
and had followed the drum and bugle from
boyhood. Every step in the line of pro-
motion had been won by the stroke of his
sabre; and his last 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 chat bis own good taste
and natural instinct had not led him 10 ac-
qaire before. '.>a
t., 1t was the carnival season in Paris, and
young Mervile found himself at the mask
ed ball in the French Opera House. Bet
ter adapted in his taste to the field than the
boudoir. he flirts but little with the gay
figures thatcover the floor, and joins but
seldom in the giddy waltz. But at last,
while standing thoughtfully, and regarding
the assembled throng with vacant eye,
his attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance ola person in a white satin do
mino, the universal elegance of whose fig
'ure, manner, and bearing, convinced all
that her face and mind must be equal to her
personin grace and loyeliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was a 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 a.
IIarm being given, there was violent rush
of the throng towards the door, where, un-
less assisted, the lady would have materl-
ally suffered. Eugene, Meryille offers his
arm, and with his broad shoulders and
stout frame wards off the danger. 1t was
delightful moment; the lady spoke the
purest French; was witty, fanciful, and
captivating.
tAhlSlady, pray raise that mask, and re-
veal to me the charms Of feature shat must
accompany SO sweet voice and so grace
full form as you possess. .-.s .aF
You would perhaps be disappointed
No, am sure not
Are you SO very confdent?'
sE'Yes. 1 feel that you are beautiful. II
cannot be otherwise t.g 10 ..f-
Don't be too sure of that said the do.
mino. Have you never heard of the Irish
poet Moore's story of the veiled prophet Of
Khorassan--how, when he disclosed his
icountenance, its hideous aspect killed his
beloved one? How do you know that
shall not turn out a yelled prophet of Kho
rassan? ssi. t.a ,f1 8. :, -
'fAh, lady, your every word convince'
me to the contrary replied the enraptur
ed soldier, whose heart began to feel al
it had never felt before-he was already il
love. S4 --
She eludes his efforts at discovery, bu
permits him to hand her to her carriage
which drives off in the darkness, and tho
he throws himself upon his feetest horse
beis unable to oyertake her: s a14