Smyrna times., 1871-02-08
.MiSceI Tia u e o us.
The Masked Lady.


1t was the Carnival season in Paris, and Col |
onel Eugene MerviIle, an aItache of the great
Napoleon staff, who had won his way to dis !
tlnctlOn with his own sabre, found himself at
the masked bail in the French Opera House. |
Better adapted III his taste to the field than
the bOudOr, he flirtsbut little with the gay fig.
ures that cover the floor, and joins but seldom
i'll the giddy waltz. But at last, while standing
thOughtully, aud regarding the assembled
thrOng With vacant eye, his attention was
| suddenly aroused by the appearance of per
son in white satin domino, the universal ele-
gance of whose figure, manner and bearing
convinced all that her face and mind must be
equal to her person in grace and Oveliness.
Though In so mixed an assembly, still there
was dignity and reserve in the manner OF the
white domino that rather repused 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 violent
rush, OF the throng towards the door where,
unless, assisted the lady would have material
y suffered. Eugene Meryllle offers his arm,
and with his broad shoulders aud stout frame
5 wards Oft the danger. 1t was a delightful mo
e ment; the lad. spoke the purest French, was
witty, fsncliu aud captivating.
" All lady, pray raise that mask and re-
veal to me the charms of feature that must &C
: company so sweet voice and so graceful q
e form as you possess
= You would, perhaps, be disappointed.
NO. L am sure not.
" Are you so rery ConGdent?"
Yes. feel that you are beautiful. L
cannot be otherwise.
" Don't be too sure of that" said the domi
no. = Have you never heard Of the Irish poe
/, Moore's story OF the yelled prophet OF Khoras
4 oan-hOw, when he disclosed his countenance
y Its hideOus aspect killed his beloved oDe2 HOY
do you know that | shall not turn out veIle
prophet Of Khorassan?"
All, lady, your every word couvinces IN
to the contrary" replied the enraptured sol
dier, whose heart began TO feel MS It had neve
felt before ; he was already in love.
; She eludes his efforts al dis overy but PEI
DIX mits him to hand her to her carriage, whic
drives of in the darkness, aud he throws hin
relf upon his Heetest horse, he is unable |
overtake her.
:. The Young French colonel becomes moody
" he has lost his heart aud knows not what
" do. He wanders hither and thither, shuns
ed former places of amusement, avoids his mil
cal tary comp mons, and, in short, is miserable
a lover can well be, thus disappointed. Or
H. night, just after he had left the hotel on foo
a figure, mufied to the very ears, stopped hiI
well, mOsieur, what would you with me
asked the soldier.
. You would know the name of the viii
domlnoY was the reply.
I" would, indeed, replied the officer hs
. tiy. " How can it be dOne?"
Follow me.
To the end of the earth, if it will bring
to her."
:. But you must be blindfolded."
> "Very well"
~ "Step into this vehicle"
am at your command"
t.. And away ratified the youthful soldier a
his strange companion. This may be
trick, reasoned Eugene Merville, "b but | ha
no fear of personal violence am armed W
this trusty s1b:e, and can take cafe OF mysel
But there was no cause for fear, since he sC
found the vehicle stopped and he was
blindfolded into the house. When the ba
very age was removed from his eyes, he found h
k be self in richly furnished boudOir, and bel
Il 20 him stood the domino. inst as he mot be,
y the masked ball. TO fall upon his knees
IN. tell her how much he had thought of
AAsss since their separation, that his thoughts
never left her, that he loved her devotedly
natural as to breathe, and he did so most
n lantly and sincerely.
49, Shall | believe all you say?'
liza Lady, let me prove it by any test you
, very put upon me"
licher KNOW then, that the feelings you a VOW
very mutual Nay. unloose your arm from
.c.,. waist | have something more to say"
,Is,ns "Talk on for ever, lady Your voic
!. music to my heart and ears"
I'D for Would you marry me knowing no moi
lice. me than you now do p
Eyes. if you were to 20 to the very
maskedi u he replied.
I'M "Then will test you.
"How, lady?"
"For one year be faithful to the love
,.n Rave professed, and will be yours-as
s'8 as heaven shall spare my ife."
tiles OF 90 cruel suspense IL
: "You demur."
Del. ''Nay, lady, ] shall fulfill your injunc
- as promised"
D, for IF at the expiration OF one year you d
hear from me, then the contract shall bo