Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-01-25
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THE WHITE SATIN DOMINO.


The period of Napoleon's career, when at
its zenith, is full of romantic adventures, as
connected with the history Of the officers who
served under the great captain. He was
quick to observe 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's service.
Col. Eugene Melville was an attache of
Napoleou's staff. He was soldier in the
true senso of the vord-devoted TO bis pro-
fession, as brave as lion. Though very
handsome, and of fine bearing, be was of hum
BILE birth-a mere child of the camp-and had
followed the drum and the bugle from boy
hood. Every step in the way of promotion
bad been won by the stroke of his sabre; and
bis promotion from Major of cavrlry was for
a noble deed which TRANSFERRED on the battle
field, beneath the Emperor's own eye. Mu-
rat, 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.
IL was the Carnival season at Paris, and
Mervillc found himself at the French Opera
House. Better adapted in his taste to the
field than the boudoir, he firts but little with
the gay figures that cover the foor, and joins
but seldom in the giddy waltz. But at last
when standing thoughtfully, and regarding the
assembled throng with vacant eye, his at
tention was aroused by the appearance of a
person in white satin domino, the universal
bearing Of whose figure, manner and bearing,
convinced all that her face aud 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 be.
fore tho young soldier found courage to speak
to her.
Some alarm being given there was a vio-
lent 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 a
delightful moment the lady spoke the pu-
rest French. was witty, fahciful aud captiva-
ting.
"Ab, lady. please raise that mask and re-
veal to me the charms of feature that must
accompany so sweet voice and so graceful
form as you possess"
"You would, perhaps. be disappointed
"No, I'm sure not r
"Are you very confdent9"
'Yes, feel that you are beautiful 1t
cannot be otherwise"
Don't be too sure of that said the dom
inc, "Have you never heard of the Irish po-
ct Moore's story of the yelled prophet of
Khorassan-how, when be disclosed his coun-
tenance, its bideous aspect killed his beloved
one How do you know that | shall not
turn out yelled prophet of Khorassan r
"Ah, lady, your every word convinces me
to the contrary" replied the enraptured SOL
der, whose heart began to feel as it had never
done before be was already in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, but per-
mits him to hand her to the carriage, which
drives off in the darkness, and though be
throws himself upon bis aoetest horse, he is
unable to oyertaSe 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 as
miserable as a lover can be, thus disappoint-
ed One night just after be had lett his ho-
tel, on foot figure, mufilea to the very eyes,
stopped him