Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1874-10-30
Tried and True.

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 to
his tactics in the field than the boudoir.
he flirts but little with the gay figures
that cover the floor, and joins seldom in
the waltz. But at last, standing thought
fully and regarding the assembled throng,
with vacant eye, his attention was sud
denly aroused by the appearance of a.
person in white satin domino, the unu-A
sual elegance of whose manner and gen.
eral bearing convinced all that her face
and mind must be equal to her person
in grace and loveiiness.
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 sometime before the Young
soldier found courage to speak to her.
Some alarm being given there was a
violent rush of the throng towards the
door; wherein, unless assisted, the lsdy
would materially suffer. Eugene Mel
vile offers his arm, and with his broad
shoulders and stout arm wards off the
danger. 1t was delightful moment !;
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 so sweet a voice and so
graceful form as you possess 2"
You would, perhaps, be disappoint-
ed"
No, am sure not"
Are you SO very confident?
I" Yes, | feel that you are beautiful
it cannot be otherwise"
Don't be so 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
disclosed his countenance, its hideous as
pect killed his beloved one. How dc
you know that l shall not turn out 8
veiled prophet of Khorasan 2"
"Ah, lady, your very word convince,
me to the contrary" replied the enrap
tured soldier, whose heart had begun Il
feel as it never felt before; he was il
love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery, bu
permits him to hand her to her carriage
which drives off in the darkness, anc
though he throws himself upon his fleet
est horse he is unable to overtake her.
The young French Colonel become
moody. He has lost his heart and know
not what to do. He wanders hither ant
thither, and shuns his former places O
amusement, avoids his military compan
ions, and, in short, is miserable as ov
er can be thus disappointed.
One night just after he had left hi
hotel on foot figure, mufled up to tn,
very ears, stopped him.
Well, monsieur, what would you d,
with me ? I" asked the soldier.
You would know the name of th,
white domino 2" was the reply.
" | would indeed replied the office
hastily. How can it be done ~
Follow me-"
"To the end of the earth, if it vii
bring me to her.
But you must be blindfolded."
Very we'll"
: Step into this vehicle
am at your command"
And away ratified the youthful soldie
and his strange companion. This ma,
be a trick, reasoned Eugene Melville
but l have no fear of personal VIC
lence | am armed with my sabre, ant
; can take care of myself" But ther
was no cause tor fear as he soon founC
when the vehicle stopped and he wa
led blindfolded into the house. Whel
the bandage was removed from his eye
he found himself in nicely furnished
boudoir, and before him stood the whit
domino just as he had met her at th,
masked ball. To fall upon his knee
and tell her how much he had though
of her since their separation that hi
thoughts had never left her, and that b,
loved her devotedly, was as natural a
to breathe, and he did so gallantly ant
sincerely.
Shall believe all You say?"
Lady, let me prove it by any ties
you may put upon me-"
Know, then that the feelings yor
avow are mutual. Nay, unloose you
arm from around my waist. l hav,
something more TO say"
Talk on forever, lady your voice i,
music to my heart and ears"
Would you marry me, knowing nc
pore of me than you now do?"
Yes. if you were to go to the very
altar masked +" he replied.
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