The Van Buren press., 1874-03-17
MISCELLANY.
Tried and True.


Tried and True.
1t was the Carnival season in Paris
and Colonel Eugene Merville, an attache
Of the great Napoleon's staff, who had
won his way to distinction with his own
sabre found himself at the masked ball in
the French opera house. Better adapted
in his tastes to the field than the boudoir,
he flirts but little with the gay figures
that cover the floor and joins but seldom
in the waltz But at last, while standing
thoughtlully with vacant eye, his atten
ton was suddenly aroused by the appear
apce OF person III white domino. the
universal elegance of whose figure. man
ner. and bearing convinced all that her
face and mind must be equal to her per.
son in grace and loveiness
Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was reserve and dignity in the
manner of the white domino that rather
repulsed the idea Of II familiar address,
and it was sometime before the Young
soldier had tue 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
.;iervile offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards
off the danger. 1t was a delightful mo.
ment; the lady spoke the purest French,
was witty. fancitul, and captivating.
"Ah! lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms OF feature that
must accompany 50 sweet voice and so
graceful form as you possess.
:" You would, perhaps, be disappoint-
ed. :"
No, | am sure not.
"Are you so very confident
Yes. l feel tha, you are beautiful
it cannot be otherwise. 2"
Don't be too sure of that. said The
domino. Have you never heard Of the
Irish poet Moore's story OF the veiled
prophet OF khorasan-how, when he had
disclosed his counlenance, its hideous
aspect killed his beloved one How do
you know but that shall turn out q
yelled prophet of Khorasan ?"
"Ah, lady your every word convinccs
me to the contrary. replied the enrap.
lursd soldier. whose heart had began to
feel as it never felt before he was in love-
She cludes his efforts at discovery but
permits him To hand her to the carriage.
which drives off in the darkness, and
though he throws himself upon his swift.
est horse, he is unable to overtake her.
The young French colonel becomes
moody he has lost his heart, and knows
not what TO do. He wandsrs hither and
thither, shuns his former place of amusc.
ment; avoids his military companions,
and in short, is miserable as lover can
well be thus disappointed. One night,
just after he had left his hotel on foot,
figure mufiled up to the very ears, stopped
him.
"Well, monsieur, what would you
with me 2 asked the soldier.
You would know the name Of the
white domino p was the reply.
Il would, indeed, replied the officer
hastily. How can it be donei"
Follow me.
ITO the end of the earth, if it will
bring me to her
But you must be blindfoldcd.
"Very well. '
"Step into this vehicle.
IL am at your command.
And away ratified the youthful soldier
and his strange companion This may
be trick, " reasoned Eugene Mervillc,
!, hnt l ba IN faOr nf nar al ,,;,
| am armed with this trusty sabre, and
can take care of myself But there was
no cause for fear since he soon found
the vehicle stop; and ho was led, blind.
folded into the house. When the bandage
was removed from bis eyes, he found
a 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 separation,
that his thoughts had never left her, that
he loved her devotedly, was rs natural as
TO breathe, and BIC did SO gallantly and
"ShaIl believe all you sayI'
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, lazy! Your voice
Is music to my heart and cars. F"
Would you marry me, knowing no
more Of me than you now do ?"
Yes, il you were to so to the very
altar maskcd! he replied.
"Then will test you "
How, lady
For one year be faithful to the love
you have prolessed, and will be yours
--as truly as heaven shall spare my life.'
"Oh, cruel suspense"
"Yon demur?"
"Nay, lady, | shall fulfill your injunc-
tiOns as I promised