The Republican journal., 1873-05-29
The Masked Lady.


Is was the Carnival Season in Paris;
and Colonel Eugene Merville. an attache
OF the great Napoeon's staff, who had
won his way 10 distinction with his own
sabre. found himself at the masked ball
in the French Opera House. Better adapt
ed in his tastes to ;he field than the bou-
doir, he tlirts but little with the gay figures
that cover the floor, and joins but seldom
in the gddy waltz. But at last, while
standing thoughtfullv and regarding the
assembled throng with vacant eve, his
attention was suddenly aroused by the APP
pearance of person in a white satin
domino; the universal elegance of whose
figure, manner. and bearing, convinced
al that her face and mind must be equal
To her person in grace and loyeliness.
Though in SO mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the
manner Of the white domino that rather
repulsed the idea OF a familiar address,
and it was some time before the young
soldier found courage to speak to her.
Some alarm being given, there was a
violent rush of the throng toward the
door; where, unless assisted, the lady
would have materially suffered. Eugene
Mewille offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards off
the danger. 1t was a delightful moment;
the lady spoke the purest French, WAS
witty, tancitul, and captivating.
"Ah lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms Of feature that
must accompany so sweet a voice and so
graceful form as you possess ?''
You would, perhaps, be disappointed.
mo. | am sure not"
fare you so refy, confident ?"
Yes. feel that you are beautiful-it
cannot be Otherwise
Don't be too sure of that sad the
domino. Have YOU never heard of the
Irish poet Moore's story of the veiled
prophet ot Khorasan-how. when he dis
closed mis- countenance, its hldeous aspect
killed his beloved one ? How do YOU know
that | shall not turn ont a yelled prophet
of kboraSan 2"
All lady. Your every word convinces
me to the contrary replied the enrap-
tured soldier, whose heart began to ieel
As it had never felt before; he was already
in love.
She cludrs his efforts ut discovery; hut
permits him to hand her to her carriage,
which drives off in the darkness, and
though he throws himself upon his fleet
est horse. be is unable TO overtake her.
The vouug French colonel becomes
moody; he has lost his heart. and knows
not what to dG He wanders hither and
,hlher, Shun> his former places of amuse-
ment. avoids his military companions. and
in short. is miserable rs a lover can well
be thu disappointed. One night, Just af-
Ter he had lett his hotel ON foot. 4 liourp
nutlled to the very ears stopped him.
"Well monsieur. what would YOU with
me p asked the soldier.
You would know the name of the white
domino 9'' WIS the reply.
Il would, indeed" replied the officer.
hastily. "How can it he done 2n
"FolIow me"
Ito the end Of the earth, if if will
bring me to her"
But YOU must he blindtolded."
Very we'll"
''Step into this vehicle"
Il am at You command"
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion. ssTbis may
be 4 trick" reasoned Eugene Merville.
'.but have no fear OF personal violence.
| am armed with this trustv sabre, and
can take care of myself. But there was
no cause for fear since he soon found the
vehicle stoned; he was led blindfolded in
10 the house. When the bandage was re-
moved from his eyes, he found himself in
richly furnished boudoir, and before him
stood the white domino lust as he met her
at the masked ball. To fall upon his
knees and tell her how much he thought
of her 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. gallantly and sincerely.
'.Shall believe all YOU say ?n
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 tc
say"