The Van Buren press., 1859-10-14
9Miseellanp.
The Cavalry Officer.

Col Eugene Mervillc was aR attaclie of
Napoleon's staff. He was soldier in the
true sense of the word-devoted to his pro-
fession and brave as lion. Though verv
handsome. and of fine bearing, he was of
humble birth-a mere child of the camp.
and had followed the drum and bugle from
boyhood. Every step in the line of promo
tion had been won by the stroke of his sa-
bre =; and his promotion of major of caval-
" was for gallant deed which transpired
on the battle field beneath the Emperor's
own eye. Slurat that prince of cavalry of
icers, loved him like a brother, and taught
him all that his own good taste and natu-
raI Instinct had not led him to acquire be-
fore.
1t was the carnival season in Paris. and
young Merville found himself at the mask
ell ball in the French Opera House. Bet
ter adapted in his tastes to the field than
the boudoir, he fiirts but little with gay fig
ures that cover the floor, and joins but sell
dom in the giddy waltz. But at last while
standing thoughtfully and regarding the
assembled throng with a vacant eve, his at
tention was aroused by the appearance of
person in a white satin domino, the univer-
sal elegance of whose figure, manner and
bearing convinced all that her face and
mind must be equal to her person in grace
and ioveliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
.iuere was dignity and reserve in the man
ner of the white domino that rather repuls-
ed the idea of familiar address, and it was
some time before the young soldier found
courage to speak to her
Some alarm being given. there was a vi
olent rush of the throng toward 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, fanciful and
captivating.
''Ah lady raise that mask, and reveal
to me the charms of feature that must ac-
company so pure voice and so graceful
form as you possess
50 You would, perhaps, be disappointed" )"
g No. / am sure not
" Are you so very confident 90
''Yes, feel that you are beautiful. 1t
cannot be otherwise"
Don't be tco sure of that said the
domino. Have you never heard of the
Irish poet Moore's story of the yelled proph-
ct of Khorassan-how when he disclosed
his countenance, It's hideous aspect killed
his beloved one? How do you know that
shall not turn out a yelled prophet of kho-
rassan 81
'.Ah, lady, Your every word convinces
me to the contrary replied the cnfaptured
soldier. whose heart began to feel as it had
never felt before-he was already in love-
She eludes his efforts at discovery per-
mits him to hand her to her carriage, which
drives off in the darkness, and though he
throws himself upon his flectest horse he is
unable to overtake her.
The Young French colonel becomes moo
DIV he has lost his heart and knows not
what to do He wSnders hither and thith-
er, shuns his former places of amusement,
avoids his military companions. and, IN
short. is as miserable as lover, thus dis
appointed, can be.
One night, Just after he he had left his
hotel, on foot, figure, muffied to the ears,
stopped him.
We'll. Monsieur, what would you with
me ?" asked the soldier.
..You would know the name OF the
white domino - was the reply.
Il would, indeed ~ repted the officer,
hastily. How can it be done 80
T" Follow me-"
TO the end of the earth if it will bring
me to her.
:. But you must be blindfolded."
:" Very we'll"
"Step into this vehicle
.' / am at your command. And away
ratified the young soldier and his strange
companion. :. This may be trick, rea-
soned Eugene Mcrville, :" but l have no
fear of personal violence l am armed
with this tr.isty sabre, and can take care oi
myself" But there was no cause Tor lear
since he soon found the vehicle stopped, and
he was led blindfolded into the house
When the bandaGe was removed from ms
n ffrrn