Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-09-26
TRIED AND TRUE.
u. wHITMORE,
Publisher and Proprietor.


From an English Paper.l
1t was the Carnival season in Paris,
and Colonel Eugene Merville, an attache
o. the great Napoleon's staff, who had
won his way to distinction with his own
saber, found himself at the masked ball
in the French Opera House. Better
adapted in his tastes to the field than the
boudoir, he hirts but little with the gay
figures that cover the floor and joins but
seldom in the waltz. But at last, while
standing thoughtfully and regarding the
assembled throng with vacant eye, his
attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance of person in white satin
domino, the universal elegance Of whose
figure, manner and bearing convinced
all that her face and mind must be equal
to her person in grace and loveliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was a dignity and reserve in the
manner 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 q
violent rush of the throng toward the
door, where unless assisted, the lady
would have materially suffered. Eugene
Mervlle offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards
off the danger 1t was delightful mo-
ment; the lady spoke the purest French,
was witty, fancilul and captivating.
"Ahl 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 possessY
"You would, perhaps, be disap.
pointed" !"
"No, / am sure not.
Are you so very con6dentY
"Yes. / feel that you are beautiful
it 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 Khorasan-how, when he
disclosed his countenance, its hideous
aspect killed his beloved one. How do
YOU know that | shall not turn out
yelled prophet of Khorasan2"
"Ah, lady, your every word convlnces
me to the contrary, replied the enrap-
tured soldier, whose heart had begun to
feel as it never felt before; he was in
love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, but
permits him to hand her to her carriage,
which drives of in the darkness, and
though he throws himself upon his feet
est 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 hither and
thither, shuns his former places of amuse-
ment, avoids his military companions,
and, in short, is miserable as lover
can we'll be thus disappointed. One
night, lust after he had left his hotel on
foot, a figure, muffled up to the very
ears. stopped him.
"Well, monsieur, what would you
with me-" asked the soldier.
"You would know the name OF the
white domiuo?" was the reply.
"I would, indeed" replied the officer,
hastily. How can it be dopeY
Follow me. -,
ITO the end OF the earth, ii 1t will
bring me to her.
Bat you must be blindfolded.
Very well.
"Step into this vehicle
II am at your command.
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion. Ihis
may be trick" reasoned Eugene Mer
Vile. "but | have 40 fear of personal
violence. ! am armed With this trusty
saber. and can take care OF myself.
But there was no oause for fear since he
soon found the vehicle stop; and he was
led, blindfolded, into the house. When
the bandage vas removed from his eyes
he found himself 10 q richly furnished
boudoir, and before him stood the white
domino Just as he met her ct the mssked
ball, To fall upon bis knees and tell
her how much be thought ct her since
their separation, that his thoughts bad
never left her, that he loved her deVoi.
edly, was as natural a. TO breathe, and
he did so calamity and sincerely.
"Shall believe all yon ssy7"
Lady, let me prove it BY any test you
. Know, then, that the feelings you
avow are mutual. Nay, unloose your
arm from my waist. have something
more to say.
HTalk on forever, LADY, Your voice
is music to my heart and ears.
would yOu marry me, knowing no
more Of me than you now dor
Yes, il you were 10 90 10 the very
altar Masked" be replied.
Then will test you.
How. lady3'
"For one year be faithful to the love
you have profesaed, and ] will be yours
-as true as heaven shall spare my life.
"0h, cruel suspensel
"YOu demurf
cEsy, lady, ] shall llful6ll your injane-
ION. ps ] promised.