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

he had been, his companion rejecting all
brbes, and even refusing to answer the
simplest questions. :
Months roll on. Colonel Merville is
true to his vow, and happy in the anticipa'
ton of love. Suddenly he was ordered on
an embassy to Vienna, tho gayest Of all
the European capitals, about the time Ma
polean was planning to marry the Arch.
duchess Maria Louisa. The young colonel
is handsome, manly, and already distin-
guished in arms, and becomes at once q
great favorite at court, every effort being
made by the women to captivate him, but
in vain he is constant and true to his
vow.
But his heart was not made of stone
the very fact that he had entertained such
tender feelings of the white domino had
doubtless made him more susceptible than
before.
At last he met the young Baroness Car
oline Won :.Waldroff, and in spite of bis
vows she captivates him, and he secretly
curses the engagement he had so blindly
made at Paris. She seems to wonder at
what she believes his devotion; and yet
the distance he maintains! The truth was,
that his sense Of honor was so great, that
though he felt that he loved the young
baroness, and even that she returned his
affection, still he had given his word, and
it was sacred
The satin domino is no longer the idea
of his heart, but assumes the most repul-
sive form in his Imagination, and becomes,
in place of his good angel, his evil genius.
Well, time rolls on, he is to return in a
few days, it is once more the carnival sea.
son, and in Vienna, too, that gay city. He
joins in the festivities of the masked ball,
and wonder fills his brain, when about the
middle of the evening the white domino
steals before him, in the same white satin
dress he had seen her wear year before
at the French Opera House in Paris. Was
it not fancy.
Il come, Colonel Eugene Merville, to
hold you to your promise" she said, laying
her hand lightly upon his arm.
g. Is this reality or dream?" asked
the amazed soldier.
"Come, follow me, and you shall see
that it is a reality" continued the mask,
pleasantly.
Il will"
Have you been faithful to your prom.
ise?" asked the domino, as they retired
into saloon.
Most truly in act, but, alas, 1 fear not
in heartw
"Indeed ~
1T is too true, lady, that I have seen
and loved another, though my vow to you
has kept me from saying so to her."
"And who is that you thus love?"
81 will be frank with you and you will
keep my secret ?"
"Most religiously."
1T is the Baroness Won Waldroff," he
said, with sigh.
Nevertheless, I must hold you to your
promise. Here is the other half of the
ring; can you produce its mate ?"
Here it is" said Eugene Merville.
"Then l, too, keep my promised" said
the domino, raising her mask, and showing
to his astonished view the face of the Bar
oness Won Waldroff!
She had seen and loved him for his
manly spirit and character, and having
found by inquiry that he was worthy Of
her love, she had managed this delicate
intrigue, and had tested him, and now
gave to him her wealth, title, and every
thing.
They were married with great pomp,
and accompanied the Archduchess to Par
is. Napoleon to crown the happiness of
his favorite, made him at once general of
division.