The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-04-27
THE MASKED LADY.

1t was the Carnival season in Paris, and
Col Eugene Merv,le, an attache of the great
Napoleon's staff, who had won his way to dis
tlnctlon with his own sabre found himself at
the masked Tall in the French Opera House.
Better adapted in his taste to tie field than
the poudoir, he iirts but little with the cav
figures that cover the floor, and joins bat sell
doal in the giddy waltz. But at last, while
standing thoughtfrlly, and regarding the as
sembled throng with vacant eye, his atsen-
ton was suddenly aroused by the appearance
of person liz a white satin domino, the uni
versal elegauce.of whose figure manner. and
bearing, convinced all that her face and mind
must be equal to her person in grace and love-
illness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the man
ner OF the white domino that rather repulsed
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 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, was witty fanciful and captivating
"Ah! lady, pray raise that mask, and re-
veal to me the charms of features that must
accompany so sweet voice, and so graceful
a form as you possess
you would, perhaps, be disappointed"
"No. | am sure not"
care you SO very confident ?"
Eyes. [ feel that you are beautiful It
cannot be otherwise"
Don't be too sure of that" said the domi-
no. "Have you never heard of the Irish poet
Moore's story of the yelled prophet of Kho-
rasan-how, when he disclosed his counte-
nance, its hideous aspect killed his beloved
one? How do you know that l shall not
turn out yelled prophet of Khorasan?"
"Ah, lady, your every word convinces me
to the contrary replied the enraptured SOL
der, whose heart began to feel as it never
had before; he was already in love,
She eludes his efforts at discovery but per
mits him to hand her to her carriage, which
drives off in the darkness, and though he
throws himself upon his feetest 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 hitler and thither, shuns
his former places of amusement avoids his
military companions, and, in short, is mlser-
able as lover can we'll be, thus disappointed.
One night, just after he had left his hotel on
foot, a figure muf1ed to the very ears, stop
pad him
"Well, monsieur what would you do with
me?" asked the soldier
''You would know the name Of the white
domino 2" was the reply.
81 would indeed" replied the officer hasti-
ly. elbow can it be done"
"FolIow me-"
'To the end of the earth, if it will bring
me to herr
''But you must be blindfolded."
every we'll"
''Step into this vehicle ~
81 am at your command"
And away ratified the youthful soldier and
his strange companion. ''Ths may be a
trick" reasoned Eugene Melville; but l
have no fear of personal violence. | am
armed with this trusty sabre, aud can take
care of myself" But there was no cause for
fear, since he soon found the vehicle had
stopped, and was led, blindfolded, into the
house. When the baudage 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, aud tell her
now much he thought of her since their sep
aration, that his thoughts had never left her,
hat he loved her devotedly, was as natural
rs to breathe, and he did SO CALAMITY, and
'incereiy.
'Shs1l I believe all you say"
LADY, let me prove it by any test you may
put upon me-"