The Van Buren press., 1873-09-16
MISCELLANY.
Tried and True

Tried and True
1t was the Carnival season in Paris
and Colonel Eugene Merville, an attaeht
Of the great Napoleens staff, who hse
won his way t. distinction with his owl
saber, sound him self at the masked bal
in the French opera house Better adapt
ed in his tastes to the field than The hou
doir. he lrs but little with the gay fig
ures that cover the floor and joins but
seldom in the waltz. But at last, while
standing thoughtfully and regarding the
assembled throng with a vacaat eye. his
attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance OF person in a 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 10 grace and oysliness
Though in SO mixed an assembly, still
there was a dignity and reserve in the
manner Of the white domino that father
repulsed the Idea 81 familiar address,
soldier found 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 Eugene
Mervile offers his arm. and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards
of the danger. 1t was delightful mo
ment; the lady spoke the pures; French,
was witty, faneiful, and captivating
"Ah lady. pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms OF features that
must accompany SO sweet voice and so
graceful form as you possess
You would. perhaps, be dsappoint-
ed "
No, l am sure not
"Are You so very confidsnt2"
"Yes. feel that you are beautiful
it cannot be otherwise.
"Don't be too sure of that, said the
domino ".H3yf YOU. neyer. heagfa,ess 8 II9sA
of Khorasan-how, when he dis
clssed his countcnance, its hdeous as
pect killed his beloved one. How do
YOU know that shall not turn on, veil
ed prophet Of Khorasan Z
"Ah, lady, your every word cohvinces
me to the contrary replied the earapt-
ured 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 her car
riage. which drives off in the darkness.
and though he throws himself on his
lleetost horse, he is unable 10 oyertake
her.
The Young French colonel becomes
moody; he has lost his heart, and knows
not what to do lie wanders hithor and
shuns his former places Of amuse-
nett, avoids his military companions,
and, in short, is miserable as a lover can
well be thus disappointed. One night,
lust after he had left his hotel on foot,a
figure, muIled up to the very ears, stop
ped him
"Wcll, monsieur, what would you with
me r asked the soldier
"You would know tho name of the
white domino2' p was the reply.
81 would indeed, rcplel the officer
b os.,;r "How can il b. done"
Follow me.
"ro the end Of the Garth, II it WIN
bring me to her.
:" But YOU must be blindioldcd
"Very well
Step into this vehicle
81 am at your command
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion Tins may
be trick. " reasoned Eugene Merril!e,
" but have no fear Of personal violence
am armed with this trusty sabre, and
can take care OF myself But there was
no Gauss for fear since he soon found The
vehicle stop and he was led, bhnctoid'
ed. into the house When the handage
was removed from his eyes, he found
himself in n richly furnished bondoir, and
before him stood the white domino just
as he met her at the masked bail To
fall upon his knees and tell her how much
he thought Of hor since their separation,
that his thoughts had never left her, that
he loved her devotedly, was as natural as
to breathe, and he did so gnllantly and
sincerely. "
"Lady, let me prove 1t BY any testyeu
may put upon me.
"Know, thea. 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 2
"Yes, II you wsro to 60 to the very al
tar masked y he replied
"Then will test you.
"IIow, lady2"
For one year be faithful to the love
you have professod, and | will he yours
as truly as heaven shall spare my lie.
"Oh, cruel suspense"
"You dcmuri'
NAY, lady. shall fuldll your injunc
tons as I promised.
"If at the expiration Of year you 90
not hear from me, then the contract shall
bo null and vsid. Take this half ring, "
sbe continued, "and when ! supply the
broken portion / will be yours.
He kissed tho little emblem, swore
again and again to be faithful, and pres
,ng her hand to his lips bade her adieu'