Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1871-04-29
The Masked Lady.

way to distinction with his own saber, found
himself at the masked ball in the French
Opera House. Better adapted in his taste
to the field than to 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 thought
fully, and regarding the assembled throng
with vacant eye, his attention was sud.
denly aroused by the appearance of a per-
son in a white domino, the universal ee.
gance of whose figure, manner and bearing
convinced all that her face and mind must
be equal to her person in grace aud lowell
| ness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity aud reserve in the
manner of the white domino that rather
repulsel 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 vio-
lent rush of the throng towards the door,
where, unless assisted, the lady would have
materially suffered. Eugene Merville of.
fers his services, and with his broad shout
ders and stout frame wards off the danger
1t was delightful moment; the lady spoke
the purest French was witty, fanciful and
captivating.
All, lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms of feature that
must accompany SO sweet voice and so
graceful form as you possess"
You would, perhaps, be disappointed"
No, am sure not"
Are you so very confdent?"
Yes. feel that You are beautiful. 1t
cannot be otherwise"
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 khorassan-how. when he dis.
closed his countenance, its hideous aspect
killed his beloved one? How do you know
that | shall not turn out veilel prophet
of khorassan
All, lady, your every word convinces
me to the contrary replied the enraptur-
ed soldier, whose heart began to feel as it
had never felt before; he was already in
love.
She eludcs his efforts at discovery, but
permits him to hand her to her carriage.
which drives off in the darkness, and tho
he throws himself upon his feetcst horse,
he is unable to overtakc her.
The young French colonel becomes
moody; he has lost his heart, and knows
not what to do. lie wanders hther and
thither shuns his former places of amuse-
ment, avoids his military companions, and
in short, is as miserable as a lover can we'll
be, thus disappointed One night, just
after he had left his hotel on foot. figure,
mutfied to the very ears stopped him.
"Well, monsieur, what would you with
me 2" asked the soldier.
"You would know the name fthe white
domino?' was the reply.
IL would indeed" replied the officer.
. How can it be done"
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 yoar command"
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion "This NAV
be trick, reasoned Eugene Merville,
"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 We.
hicle stopped, aud he was led, blndfolded,
into the house. When the bandage was
removed from his eyes, he found himself
in richly furnished boudoir, and before
him stood the domino, 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 de.
votedly, was as natural as to breathe, 'and
he did so, gallantly and sincerely.
"Shall | believe all you say"
Lady, let me prove it by any test you
may put upon me-"
Know, then, that the feelings you
avow are mutual. Nay, unloose your arm
from my waist l 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 do now ?"
" Yes, IT you were to go to the very altar
masked" he replied
"Then will test you"
" How. lady?"
For one year be faithful to the love
you have professed, and will be yours
as truly as heaven shall spare my iife."
40, cruel suspense ~
"You demur?"
"Nay. lady, shall fulfill your injuuc-
tions as promised"
{" II, at the expiration of year, you do
not hear from me, then the contract shall
be null and void. Take this half ring"
she continued, and when l supply tho
broken portion l will be yours"
He kissed the little emblem, swore again
and again to be faithful, and pressing her
hand to his lips, bade her adieu.
He was conducted away as mysteriously
as he had been brought thither. nor could