Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1874-06-13
The Masked Lady.

The Masked Lady.
Il was the Carnival season in Paris, and
Colonel Eugene Mervile, an attachee Of the
great Napoleon's staff. who had won his way
to distinction with his own sabre. found him
self at the masked ball In the French Opera
house. Better adapted in his tastes to the field
than the parlor, he firted but little with the
gay figures that covered the floor, and joined
but seldom in the gddy waltz. But at last,
while standing thoughtfully. and regarding the
assembled throng with vacant eye, his ntten-
ton was suddenly aroused by the appearance
Of person in a white satin domino the uni
versa elegance of whose figure, manner and
bearing, convinced all that her face and mind
must be equal to her person in grace and love-
illness.
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
familiar address, and it was some time before
the young soldier found courage to speak to
her
Some alarm being given there was violent
rush of the throng toward the door where, un-
less assisted, the lady would have materially
suffered Eugene Mervile offered his arm, aud
with his broad shoulders and stout frame kept
off the danger. |. was delightful moment
the lady spoke the purest French, was witty,
fanciful and captivating.
"Ah lady, pray roisO that mask eud re-
veal to me the charms of feature that must &C
company so sweet voice aud so graceful a
form as you possess"
"You would, perhaps, be disappointed"
"No, am sure not"
Are you so very con6lent?"
Yes. feel that you arc bcautiful-it
cannot be otherwise"
Don't be too sure Of that" replied the
domino " Have you never heard of the Irish
poet Mooro's story of the vcilcd prophet Of
Khorasan-how when he disclosed his counte-
nance, its hileous aspect killed his beloved
Que How do you know that shall not turn
out veiled prophet KhOrssan2"
"Ah, lady, your every word couvnces me
to the contrary" replied the enraptured soldier
whose heart began to feel as it Lad never felt
before he was already 10 love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery brt Per
mits him to baud her to her carriage, which
drives of 10 the darkness, and he throws him
self upon his fastest horse, but he is unable to
overtake her.
The young French Colonel becomes moody
he has lost his heart, and knows not what to
do. He wauders hither and thither, shuns his
former places Of amrserrent. avoids his militia
ry companions, aud in short, is miserable as a
lover can well be, thus disappointed.
One night, Just after he had left his hotel, a
figure, mufied to the very ears. stopped him.
"Well, monsieur. what would you with me p
asked The soldier.
&" You world know the name Of the white
domino? ?" vas the reply
al woald, indeed, replied the officer, hast-
II. How can it be done ?"
Follow me-"
"To the end of tbs earth, if it win bring
me to her"
But you must lie biindfolded.
"Very we'll"
"Step into this vehicle"
al am at your command"
And away ratified the youthful soldier aud
bis companion.
"This may be trick" reasoned Eugene
Meryile "but have no fear Of personal vio-
lence. 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 stopped aud was led, blind
folded, into the house. When the bsndage was
removed from his eyes, be found himself 10 &
richly furnished boudoir, and before him stood
the white domino, JUS: as be had met her at The
masked ball To fall upon bis knees and tell
her bow much he had thought Of her siuce
their separation, tha. his thoughts had never
left her. that he loved her devotedly, was as
natural as to breathe and be did 80, CALAMITY
aud sincerely.
"Shsll believe all you say p
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, lady Your voice is
music to my ears.
Would you marry me. knowing no more
Of me than you now do ?"
"Yes, if you were to GO to tbs very altar
masked he replied.