Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1873-09-26
MEMPHIS TENN FRIDAY EVENING. SEPTEMBER 96. 1878

"If at the expiration Of year you do
not hear from me, then the contract
shall be null and void. Take this hall
ring" she continued, "and when | sup.
ply the broken portion will be yours.
He kissed the little emblem, swore
again and again TO be faithful, and press
ing her hand TO his lips bade her adieu.
He was conducted away as mysttri-
ously as he had been brought thither;
nor could he by any possible means dis
cover where he had been, his companion
rejecting all bribes, and even refusing
TO answer the simplest questions.
Months roll on. Colonel Merville is
true to his vow, aud happy in the antici-
pations OF love. Suddenly he was order
ed on and embassy to Vienna, the gay
est of all the European capitals; about
the time that Napoleon was planning to
marry the Archduchess Maria Louisa
The young Colonel is handsome, manly,
and already distinguished in arms, and
becomes at once a great favorite at
court, every effort being made by the
women to captivate him-but in vain;
be is constant and true 10 his vow.
But his heart is not made.of stone;
the very fact that he had entertained
such tender feelings for the white domi.
no had doubtless made him more sus-
ceptble than before.
At last he met the young Baroness
Caroline Van Waldroff, and in spite of
his VOWS she captivates him. and he Sc
cretly curses the engagement he had SO
blindly made at Paris. She seems to
wonder at what she believes to be his
devotion-and the distance he main
taiRsl 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 it was sacred.
The satin domino is no longer the
ideal OF his heart, but assumes the most
repulsive form in his Imagination, and
becomes, in place of his good angel, his
evil genius.
Well, time rolls on; he is to return in
few days--it is once more the carni-
val season; and in Vienna, too, that
gay city. BE joins in the festivities of
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?
81 come, Colonel Eugene Merville, to
hold you to your promise" she said,
laying her hand lightly upon his arm.
i" Is this reality, or a dream~
asked the amazed soldier.
Come, follow me, and you shall see
that it is reality" continued the mask,
81 will"
Have you been faithful to your prom
asked the domino as they retired |
into a saloon.
Most truly in act; but, alas, fear
not in hearth
Indeed. "
ut is true, lady, that have seen and
owed another; though my vow to you
has kept me from saying so to her. !"
And who is it that you lover
will be frank with you, and you
will keep my secret2
Most religiously."
" 1t is the Baroness Won Waldroff, he
said with sigh.
And you really love her?
Alas only too dearly" said the sol
ler sadly.
Nevertheless, l must hold you to
your lomise. Here is the other half of
he ring; can you produce its mate2"
Here it is" said Eugene Merville.
"Then !, too, keep my promised said
he domino, raising her mask, and show
ng to his astonished view the face of the
Baroness Won Waldroffl u
She had seen and loved him for his
manly spirit and character, and having
ound by inquiry that he was worthy of
Ter love, she had managed this delicate
intrigue, and had tested him, and now
ave him her wealth, title and every
hing.
They we're married with great pomp,
md accompanied the archduchess to
Paris. Napoleon, to crown the happi-
less of his favorite, made him at once a
general of division.