Smyrna times., 1871-02-08

and void. Take this half ring" she continu-
ed, and when l supply the broken portion |
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 he by
any possible means discover where he had
been his companion rejecting all bribes, and
even refusing to answer the simplest questions
| Months roll on. Colonel Mervie is true to
his vow, and happy in the anticipation of love.
Suddenly he was ordered on an embassy to
Vienna, the gayest of all the European capi-
tails, about the time that Napoleon is planning
to marry the Archduchess Maria Louisa. The
young colonel is handsome, manly and already
distinguished in arms and becomes at once
great favOrlte at court, every effort being made
by the women to captivate him, but in vain !;
he is constant and true to his vew.
But his heart was not made of stone the
very fact that he had entertained such tender
feelings for the white domino had doubtless
made him more susceptible than before.
AT last he met the Baroness Caroline Won
Waldrott, and In spite Of his vows she capti
Yates him, and he secretly curses the engage
ment he had so blindly made in Paris She
seems to wonder at what she bell, YES to be hi
devotion and yet the distance he maintains
The truth was, that his sense of honor was 81
great, thar though he felt he really loved III
young baroness, and even that she returned
his affection, still be had given his word, AM
it was sacred.
The satin domino is no longer the ideal q
: his heart, but assumes the most repulsve forI
in his imagination, and becomes, in place
his good angel-his evil genius
Well, time rolls on he is to return in fe
l. days, II Is once more the carnival season an
| III nj rity Ho ioit -
$ festivities Of the masked ball, and wonder FL
II his brain, when about the middle Of the eve
E. ing the white domino steals before him, in Il
III same white satin dress he had seen her wear
g year before at the French Opera House
III Paris. Was il not fancy p
Y come, Colonel Eugene Mervile, to no
'u you to your promise" she said, laying h
as hand lightly upon his arm.
r 8 Is this reality or a dream2" asked {
e. amazed soldier
ng Come, follow me, and you shall see that
De is reality continued the mask, pleasantly
Il will ="
re Have you been faithful to your promise
he asked the domino, as they retired into salOt
OF Most truly in act, but alas, tear not
're heart -
to Indeed"
" 1t is too true, lady, that have seen a
ent loved another, though my VOW to you has k
re, me from saying SO to her.
al And who is this that you thus love p
M " l will be frank with you, and you will k
me my secre'?'
no Most reigiously." p"
vas g 1t i. the Baroness Won Waldroff,' he 50
with sigh.
re- And you really love herr
ac- Alas only to dearly" said the sold
sadly.
;, Nevertheless, must hold you to y
promise. Here is the other half of the ri
can you produce its mate p
Here it is, said Eugene Merville.
1t "Then too keep my promise !" said
domino, raising her mask, and showing to
mi astonished view the face OF the Baroness
poet " aldroff!
ras- "Sbe had seen and loved him for his mi
nee, spirit and character, and having found, by
low quiry that he was worthy of her love, she
lled managed this delicate intrigue, and had te
him, and now gave to him her wealth,
me aud every thing.
sol They were married with great pomp,
ever accompanied the 2rchduchess to Paris
poleon, to crown the happiness of his tavo
per made him at once general of division.
L Il