Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-04-14
Mlsellunenus.
THE MASQUERADE BALL.
A Thrilling French Story.

The grand carnival in Paris was drawing To
close /; 1t was the last ball of the season. and
the sale de1Opera WAS crowded 10 its utmost
limits; all distinctions of rank were forgotten.
Under gallery at The further end of the
ballroom, aud screened from observation bv :,
row OF pillars. two persons in close converse
ton occu 'led Il sofa. The taller, who had
thrown his mask aside, was dressed as a stu
d"n'. lie was young man of from eighteen
to twenty years Of age, and of remarkably
progressing appearance. His dark brown
ha'r fell III curls ON his shoulder; his complex
ION was of a clear brown; and his large IazI.
eyes sparkled with animation as lie conversed
with the person at his side. This was !. tifr
ure carefully masked; but the slight graceful
form, and the small foot that peepcd from be.
heath the sable domino left no doubt as to her
Sex
The conference seemed at an end, for the
lady made an attempt to rise.
DO not leave me- said her companion, 'or,
at least, eIe yOn go, let, me gaze for one mo-
ment on your features
i dare not stay she replied We are OBJ.
served. Yonder person costumed as Diana
has been Watching you for the last half hour
AS she said this she disengaged her hand and,
mixing with the crowd, was out of sight in
moment. Ere the student could follow her.
$1,000 before
him.
The buskined goddess was curious spcci-
men OF the Grec'an costume. But the student
Immediately said. L know you Susette, al
though you have taken the trouble to change
your dress. Did you think all that flippery
would disguise you from me? 2
The goddess sna,ched off her mask, and
her black eyes sparkIed fercely as she replied.
Y our are right, Etienne, there should be no
disguise between US. Tell me, therefore. who
Was the mask that has just quilted you!'
You know as much about the subject as T.
he answered carelessly. She is stranger to
me-
Did she leave this as token BY which to
find her again 2 she said as she sna,ched a
small glove from his hand. Her color chang
ed as she looked at it. 1t was the scented
leather sought after, called peau- d. Espagne,
and embroidered with very small pearls
Is it so?' she exclaimed. Are Crisettes no
longer good enough for you, that you seek &C
quaintance among the fine court lad les |?
BE silent, you do not know what YOU are
talking about he,returned, by a sudden move.
mcnt again possessing himself of the glove, and
thrust it into his bosom.
DO you think l am to be foiled 2 she cried
BE she who she may, she shall not seduce nv
lover with inpunity.
Her jealousy increasing, she raised her
voice so high as to attract the attention of sew
eral persons near, and crowd began to COL
lect around the party.
Etienne, half mad with vexation, broke
through the throng, with the intention of leav.
ing the ball room. AS he arrived at the ,;oor.
his incognt4, gliding up TO him said softly
Gentle knight, you will not refuse to return
a lady her glove, since it was not thrown down
in defiance of you.'
Before he could answer, he saw Susette, an
preaching. Her eyes seemed to flash fire. and
strlding up to her rNal she or lsled the mask
on her face and tried to tear it eff.
EtIenne, catching her arm, prevented a rep
etltlen OF the blow; but his own passion rous-
ed, he threw her from him with force that
sent her staggering backwards.
Woman! Ire exclaimed, dare to cross nv
path again, and you shall bitterly rue the
day? saying which, and taking the black
domino under his arm, he left the ball room.
"Bon Dien" said fetkale who had forced
her way through the crowd. 1t is, Susette
Lagsrde and the student Etienue Grandiear,
her lover. .
~. NV Us #rsfa
A few weeks after the ball, inzths hopser of
family of high rank in Paris, a lady recllrle in
her boudor, her small foot rested on the Ian
OF young man, WHO nail kLeeled, half sa /.
on cushion at her feet. II is not necessary
Grandier. -' --7' % 7'3Es
The lady smiled on her lover, as, looking
anxiousy at her, he said, You saw this 10 tor,
ment me if the danger were tenfold would
brave i, were but The peril mine alone.'
But since it is not she repIied-.since to
/ receive you any longer in this house would be
lraught with danger to me as well as. to YOU
the only course that remains is, NJ. = {
10 part he answered. BE it so, but re.
member it is my life you ask. will not live
without you.'
'UngratefuI ! she exclaimed. .Had you
not interrupted me, would have told You