The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1873-10-25
TRIED AND TRUE.

Better adapted in his tastes to the field
than the boudoir, he firts but little
with the gay figures that cover the
floor and joins but seldom in the waltz.
But at last, while standing thought.
fully and regarding the assembled
throng with a vacant eye, his attention
was suddenly aroused by the appear
ance of a person in a white domino,
the universal elegance of whose figure,
manner, and bearing convinced all that
her face and mind must be equal to hel
person III grace and loneliness.
Though in 50 mixed an assembly,
still there was reserve and dignity in
| the manner of the white domino that
rather repulsed the idea of familiar
address, and it was sometime before
the young soldier had the courage to
speak to her.
| Some alarm being given, there was a
violent rush OF the throng towards the
door; where, unless assisted, the lady
would have materially suffered. Eu-
gene Mervllle offers his arm, and with
his broad shoulders and stout frame
wards off the danger. 1t was delight
full moment the lady spoke the prrest
French, was witty, fanciful, and capt.
waiting.
"Ah! lady, pray raise that mas
and reveal to me the charms of feature
that must accompany SO sweet voice
and so graceful form as you possess p
" You would, perhaps, be dsa-
pointed"
| " No, L am sure not.
" Are you so very confident 2"
g Yes. | feel that you are beautiful
it cannot be otherwise.
Don't be too sure ofthat," said the
domino. "Have you never heard of the
Irish poet Moore's story OF the yelled
prophit of Khorasan-how, when he had
disclosed his countenance, it's hideous
| aspect killed his beloved one. How dc
yon know that / shall turn ont a yelled
prophet of Kborasan 2"
| All, lady, your every VOID con
vlnces me to the contrary, replied the
enraptured soldier, whose heart had
] began to feel as it never felt before; he
was in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery :
! but permits HIM to hand her to the
carriage, which drives off in the dark
ness, and though he throws himself
upon his swiftest horse, he is unable to
overtake her.
The young French colonel becomes
moody: he las lost his heart, and
knows not what to do. He wanders
h1ther and thither, shuns his former
place OF amusement, avoids his mill
| tary companions, aud, in short, is mis-
cradle as a lover can well be thus dis
appointed. One night, just after he
had left his hotel on foot, figure.
muided up to the very ears, stopped
| him.
Well, monsieur, what would you
with me 2" asked the soldier.
"Iou would know the name of the
white domino 2" was the reply.
9 would, indeed" replied the off
Ger hastily. How can it be done 90
"Follow me-"
$ To the end of the earth. if it will
bring me to her."
"But you must be blindfolded.
Very well"
Step into this vehicle
6 am at your command"
And away ratified the youthful sol
der and his strange companion. "This
may be trick" reasoned Euoena
Melville, "but I have no fear of ner-
sonal violence. [ am armed with this
trusty sabre, and can take care of NV
self. But there was no cause for fear
since he soon found the vehicle stop.
aud he was led, blindfolded into the
house. When the bandage was remoy
ed from his eyes, he found himself in
richly furnished boudoir, and before
him stood the white domino Just as he
met her at the masked ball. To fall
upon his knees and tell her how much
he thought of her since their separa-
ton, that his thoughts had never left
her, that he loved her devotedlv, was
as natural as to breathe, and he did SO
CALAMITY and sincerely"
''Shall | believe all you say o.
Lady, let me prove it by any test
you may put upon me-
Know, then, that the feelings YOU
avow are mutual. Nay, unloose your
arm from my waist | have something
more to say"
Talk on forever, lady, Your voice
Is music to my heart and ears"
Would you marry me, knowing
no more of me than you now do ?"
Yes, If you were to go to the very
altar masked !" he replied
"Then l will test you"
How, lady 2"
"For one year be faithful to the love
you have prefessed, and | will be
yours-as truly as heaven shall spare
my life y
ooh, cruel suspense ~
You demur2"
Nay, lady, [ shall fulfil your in
functions as | promised"
If at the expiration of year Won
do not hear from me, then the con-
tract shall be null and void. Take
this half ring" she continued, "and
when l supply the broken portion 1
will be yours"
He kissed the little emblem. swore
again and again to be faithful, and
pressing her hand to his lips babe
her adleu.
He was conducted away as mvste.
riously as he had been brought thith-
er; nor could he by any possible
mean discover where he had been, his
companions rejecting all brides, and
even refusing to answer the simplest
questions.
Months roll on. Colonel Merville is
true to his VOW, and happy in the an |
ticipation of love. Suddenly he was