Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1854-10-19


reward it, and this it was that made his fol-
lowers so devoted to hila, and SO anxious to
Distinguish themselves by prowess in battle,
and strict soldierly conduct 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-deyoted to his p-o-
fession. and brave as lion. Though very
handsome, and of fine bearing, he was of
humble birth--a mere child of the camp, and
had followed the drum and bugle from boy
hood. Every stcp-i the line of promotion
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 Emper9l's own eye
Murat that prince Of cavalry officers, loved
him like a 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 in Paris, and
young Merville found himself at the masked
ball in the French Opera House. Better
/ adapted in his taste to the field than the bou-
doir, he hirts but littlo with the gay figures
that cover the floor and Joins but seldom in
/ the gddy waltz. But at last, while standing
/ thoughtfully, and regarding the assembled eye
his attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance of person in white satin domi-
no, the universal elegance 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 50 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 tim, 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 as
sisted, the lady would have materially suffer
ed. 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 purcst French
was witty, fanciful, and captivating
All lady, pray raise that mask, and re-
veal to me the charms of feature that must
accompany so sweet a,vocc and SO graceful
+ form as you possess
You would perhaps be disappointed.
NO, am sure not"
Are you so very confident ?"
Yes. 1 feel thar you are beautiful, 1t
cannot be otherwise
Don't be too sure of that said the do
mino '.Have you never heard of the Irish
poet Moore's story of the yelled prophet Kho-
rassan-how, when he disclosed his .counte-
nance, its hidcous aspect killed his beloved
one How 90 you know that 1 shall not turn
out veiled prophet of Khorassan -
''Ah, lady, your every word convinces me
to the contrary" replied the enrapturcd
soldier, whose heart began to feel as it had
never felt before-he was already in love.
She oludes his efforts at discovery, but per-
mits him to hand her to her carriage, which
drives off in the darkness, and though he
throws himself upon his feetest 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 and thitber, shuns
his former places of amusement, avoids his
military companions; and in short is miser-
able as a lover can well be, thus disappointed
One night, just after he had left his hotel on
foot, figure muffled to the very ears stopped
him
well, monsieur, what would you with
ma?' asked the soldier.
You wonId know the name of the white
domino y was the reply.
Il would indeed"' replied the officer, has
tily. .'How can it be done?'
'.Follow me-"
To the end of the earth if it viii bring
me to her"
but YOU must be blindfolded.
very we'll.
''step into this vehicle"
Il am at your command"
And away ratified the young soldier and
his strange companion
This may be trick" reasoned Eugene
Meryille, but have no fear of personal vio-
lence. am armed with this trusty sabre,
and can take care of myself"
But there was no cause for fear, since he
soon found the vehicle had stopped, and he
was led blindfolded into house When the