West-Jersey pioneer., 1876-11-16
THE MASKED LADY.

1t was the Carnival Season in Paris and
Colonel Eugene ,Merville, an attache of the
great Napoleon's staff, who had made 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 f1irts but
little with the gay figures that cover the
floor, and joins but seldom in the giddy
waltz. But at last, while standing thought
fully, and regarding the assembled throng
with vacant eye, his attention was sud-
denly aroused by the appearance of a per-
son in white satin domino, the universal
elegance of whose figure, manner and bear
ing, convinced all that her face and mind
must be equal to her person in grace and
| loveliness.
| Though in SO mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the man
ner 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 vio-
where, unless assisted, the lady would have
materially suffered. Eugene Merville offers
his arm, and with his broad shoulders and
stout frame wards off the danger. 1t was
delightful moment; the lady spoke the
| purest French, was witty, fanciful and cap
! tivating.
"Ah! lady, pray raise that mask, and re-
| veal 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"
''No, am sure not''
care you so 0ery confident?'
Yes, feel that you are beautiful-it can
| not be otherwise
Don't be too sure of that" said the
| domino. ''Have you never heard of the
Irish poet Moore's story of the yelled
| prophet OF Khorasan-how, when he dis
| closed his countenance, its hideous aspect
killed his beloved one? How do you know
that l shall not turn out yelled prophet of
| Khorasan ?"
'Ah, lady, your every word convinces
me to the contrary" replied the enraptured
soldier, whose heart began to feel as it had
never felt before; he was already in love.
She eludes his efforts at discovery; but
permits him to hand her to her carriage,
which drives off in the darkness, and al
though he throws himself upon his feetest
| horse, he cannot overtake her.
The young French Colonel became moody,
he has lost his heart, and knows not what
to do. He wanders hither and thither, and
shuns his former places of amusement,
avoids his military companions, and in
short, is miserable as lover can we'll be
thus disappointed. One night, just after
he had left his hotel on foot, figure muf-
fled to the very ears, stopped him.
l-"Well, monsieur, what would you with
me ?'' asked the soldier
"You would know the name of the white
domino ?' was the reply.
81 would, indeed" replied the officer,
hastily. elbow can it be done?''
"Follow me-.
''To the end of the earth, if it will bring
me to her,"
.sBut you must be blindfolded."
every WE'LL"
81 am at your command"
And away IA tiled the youthful soldier and
his strange companion. s'This may be a
trick" reasoned Eugene Merville ''but
have no fear of personal violence. I 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 he was lead blindfolded into the
house. When the bandage was removed
from his eyes, he found himself in 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 had thought bf her
since their separation, that his thoughts had
never left her, that he loved her detotedly,
was as natural as to breathe; and he did SO,
gallantly and sincerely.
sShall believe all you say?"
'Lady, let me prove it by any test you
may put upon me.''
|
are mutual. Nay, unloose your arm from
my waist. I have something more to say
s.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"
eyes, if you were to go to the very altal
maskedP' he replied.
''Then l will test you
elbow, lady?''
s'For one year be faithful to the love you
have professed, and will be yours-as
truly as heaven shall spare my life.''
: ooh, cruel suspensep'
ssYou demur?"
''Nay, lady, l shall fulfill your injunctiont
as / promised
p eff, at the expiration of year, you dc
not hear from me, then the contract shall
be null and void Take this half ring, she