The Van Buren press., 1873-09-16

ly as he had been brough. thither; nor
could he by any possible means discover
where he had been, his companion re-
jectng all bribes. and even refusing to
answer the simplest questions.
Months roll on. Colonel Merville is
tue to his vow. and happy in the antic-
ipation Of love. Suddenly he was order
ed on an embassy to Vienna, the gayest
Of all the European capitals, about tho
time that Nnpolean was planning to mar
ry the Archduchess Marh Louisa The
young colonel is handsome, manly, and
already distinguished in arms, and be-
comes at once great favsrite at court,
every effort being made by the women to
captivate him-but in vain; he is cen
slant and true to his VOW.
But his heart is not made of atone 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 young Baroness
Caroline Von Waldrof, and in spite Of
his VOWS she captivates him, and ho Sc
cretIy curses the engagement he had so
blndly made at Paris She seems to
wonder at what she believes to be his de-
votion-- and yet the distance he main
tains The truth was, that his sense OF
honor was so great that, though he felt
he loved the young baroness. and even
she returned his affection, still he had
given his word and il was sacred
The satin domino is no longer the ideal
Of his heart, but assumes the most repnl
sive form in his imagination, and be.
comes, in place of bis good angel, his
evil genius
We'll time rolls on; he is to return in
fen days-it is once more the carnival
season; and in Vienna, too, that gay
city. He joins in the festivities % 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?
~ come, Colonel Eugene Merville. to
held you to your promise, she said,
laying her hand lightly upon his arm
- Is this reality, or dream ?" asked
the amazed soldier
Come, follow me, and you shall see
that it is a reality, continued the mask,
IL will. +"
Hayeyeu been faithful to ysur prom
Use y asked the domino, as they retired
into saloon.
Most truly in act; but, alas, I fear
not in heart,
Indeed "
at is too true, lady, that have seen
and loved another; though my VOW to
Yen has ssRt ss)i, me fsar CS'ssG 80 to her"
keep my secret p
Most religiously.
"It is the Baroness Won Waldrofr, he
said with sigh
And YOU really love herf'
Alas only too dearly" said the
soldier sadly.
Nevertheless. must hold you to
your p0mise Here is the other half Of
he ring can you produce its mate p
"here il is, said Eugene Merrillo
"Thca /, too, keep my promise y said
he domino, raising her mask, and show
ng to MS as,onished view the face Of the |
Baroness Won Waldrof!"
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 him her wealth, title and every
hing.
They were married with great pomp
md accompanied the archduchessto Par
IS. Napoleon. to crown the happiness of
his favorite, made him ct once general
Of division --Engiish Paper.