Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1871-03-29
THE MASKED LADY,

IL was the Carnival Season in Paris
and Colonel Eugene MerVille, an at,
tache Of the great Napoleon's staff, who
had Won his way TO distinction with hi
own saber, found himself at the masked
ball in the French Opera House. Bet
ter adapted III his taste TO the field than
the boudoir, he fiirts but little with the
gay figures that cover the floor, and Joins
but seldom IN the giddy waltz. But al
/ last, while standing thoughtfully, and
/ regarding the assem- bled throng with q
vacant eye, his attention was suddenly
/ aroused by the appearance Of q person
| III a white satin domino, the uniform
/ 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 80 mixed an assembly, still
there was q dignity and reserve in the
manner of the white domino that rather
repulsed the idea of familiar address,
and IL was some time before the young
eoldier found courage to speak to her.
some alarm being given, there was a
violent rush of the tarong 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
of the danger. It was delightful mo-
ment; the lady spoke the purest Trench,
was witty, fanciful and captivating,
iAh! lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms Of feature that
must accompany SO sweet a voice and
SO graceful form as you possess
You would perhaps, be disappoint-
30, 1 am sure not.'
Are you go UeTy confident2'
Yes. 1 feel that you are beautiful. 1t
cannot be othewise.'
Don't be too sure of that, said the
domino. Have you never heard Of the
Irish poet Moore's story Of the yelled
prophet Of Khorasan-hoW, when he
disclosed his countenance, its hideous
aspect killed his beloved one? How do
You know that / shall not turn out q
yelled prophet of KhOrasanP
'Ah, lady, your every word ConYinceS
me to the contrary replied the enrapt-
uTed soldier, whose heart began to feel
as it had never felt before; he was al
ready in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, but
permits himto hand her to her carriage,
which drives off in the darkness, and
though he throws himself upon his
heetest 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
thither, shuns his former places of
amusement, avoids his military COM
panions, and, in short, is miserable as q
lover can well be, thus disappointed,
One night, just after he had left his ho-
tel on foot a figure, muffled TO the very
ears, stopped him.
We'll, monsieur, whatwould you with
me?' asked the soldier.
You would know the name Of the
White.domlno| was the reply.
i would, indeed, replied the officer
hastily. How can it be DONE
Follow me-
TO the end Of The earth, if it will
bring me to her
But you must be bliudfolded.'
Very WE'LL
Step into this vehicle
L am ut your command
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion. This may
be a trick, reasoned Eugene MeryilIe,
but have no fear of personal violence, |
am armed with this trusty saber, and
can take care Of myself But there was
no cause for fear, since he soon found
the vehicle stopped, and he was led, !
hlindfOlded, into the house. When the !
bandage was removed from his ewes, |
he found himself in q richly furnished !
boudoiF, and before him stood the do |
mino, just as he met her at the masked |
ball. To fall upon his knees and tell
her how much he thought of her since |
their separation, that his thoughts had |
never left her, that he loved her deyot- |
edly, was as natural as to breathe. and |
he did so, gallantly and sincerely.
Shall l believe all you say
Lady, let me prove it by any test you |
may put upon me-
Know, then, that the feelings you
aYow are mutual. Nay, unloose Your
arm from my waist, I have something |
more to say
Talk on forever, lady! Your voice is
music TO my heart and ears
Would you marry me, knowing no.
more Of me than you now dO?'
Yes, if you were to go TO the very al
tar maSkedn lie replied.
'ThenI viii test you
How, ladyP'
For one year be faithful to the love
you have protested, and I will bc yours
AS truly as heaven shall spare my
lile.j
oh, cruel suspensen
You demuT?
Nay, lady, shall fulfill your iniunc-
tons as promised
'Ii, at the expiration Of year, you do