Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-08-31
Af[istElLaneous,
THE CAVALRY OFFICER.

Col. Eugene Merville was an attache OF
Napoleon's staff He was a soldier in the
true sense of the word-devoted to his pro.
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 step in the line of promotion
had heen won by the stroke OF his sabre, and
his promotion from major of cavalry was for
a gallant deed which transpired on the battle
field beneath the limperors own eye. Murat,
the 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.
It was the carnival season in Paris, and
young Merville found himself at the masked
balled in 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 floor, and joins but seldom in
the giddy waltz. But at last while standing
thourhtfully, and regarding the assembled
tbrong with vacant eye, his attention was
suddenly aroused by the appearance Of per,
son in white satin domiEoe, the universal
elegance of whose figure. manner and bearing
convinced all that her face and mind must be
equal to her person i'll lorelincss.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still there
was dignity and reserve in the manner OF
the white dominoe that rather repulseu the
IDEA of familiar address, and it was some time
before the young soldier found courage 10
speak to her.
Some alarm being given, there was vic.
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 purest
French, and was witty, fauciful and capt.,
waiting. =.
"Ah pray raise that mask and reveal to
me the charms of feature that must accompa'
ny so sweet voice and so graceful form as
you possess" ,:.o1.
No, am sure not"
"Are you % very confident" ?"
eyes, feel that you are beautiful. II
cannot be otherwise"
"Don't be too sure of that" said the doml
noe. "Have YOU never heard of the Irish
Poet Moore's story of the veiled prophet ol
Khorassan-how, when he disclosed his eoun
tenance, its hideous aspect killed his beloved
one e How do you know that l shall not
turn out yelled prophet of Khorrassan"
"Ah, lady, your every word convinces me
to the contrary" replied the enraptured sol
dier, whose heart began to feel as it had
never felt before he was already In love.
She eluded his efforts at discovery, but per
nits him to hand her to her carriage, which
drives off in the dark ness, and though he
throws himself upon his feetest horse, he Is
unable to overtake her.
The young French colonel becomes moody
he hiss lost his heart and knows not how to do
He wanders hther and thither, shuns hi:
former places of amusement, avoids his mill
tary companions, and in short is miserable as {
lover we'll can be, thus disappointed. One
NIGHT. lust after he had left his hotel, on foot
q figure mufled to the very ears, stopped him
aWell, monsieur, what would you with me 2
asked the soldier.
"You would know the name of the white
6ominoe," was the reply.
II would indeed I" replied the oficer hastl
w. @How can it be done p
"Follow me-"
"To the end of the earth, if twill bring
me to her."
"But you must be biindfolded.'
avery WE'LL
"Step into this vehicle"
81 am at your command" . -.
And away ratified the young soldier and hi:
strange companion. This may be a trick,
reasoned Eugene Merville, but I have nt
fear of personal violence. am armed witt
this trusty sabre, and can take care of my
SELF"
But there was no cause for fear, since ht
soon found the vehicle stopped, and he wa
led blindfolded into the house. When Tho
bandage was removed from his eye, he iount
himself in a richly furnished boudoir, anc
before him stood thedominoe, just as he hat
met her at the masked ball. To fall upo'
his knees, and tell her how much he though
of her since their separation, that his thought
had never left her devotedly, was as natIr;s
as to breathe, and he did SO most gallant.
and sincerely.
sShall believe all you say ?"
"Let me prove it BY any test you may pu
upon me-"
"Know, then, the feelings you avo" ar
mutual. Nay, unlooso your arm from ,s m
waist, have something more to say
"Talk on forever, lady. Your voice
music in my ears"
"Would you marry me? knowing no NOR
of me than you now do"
" If you were to go TO the altar masked,
he replied.
Then will test you"
"How, LADY,"