Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-08-17

u
peculiar one, different from the black and
white usually worn. 1t wa, a gilt one,
beautifully chased and in the corner OF
the forehead contained u small silver star.
1t was the mask of the unknown, who
had once saved his life. His strange nf-
fection for her suddenly returned, and
forgetting his anxiety about Maria, he
hastened to her side and soon led her to
the dance. She conyetsed freely with
him, though evidently in an assumed
tone. Still he thought at times that her
voice was strangely familiar.
After the dance the Mask excused her.
self for moment and retired to an ante
room. Eastace waited for some .me
patiently for her to appear, but at length
a thought struck him, and he hastily en-
tered. The only occupant was Creek
Fisher Girl, whose features were hidden
by white silk mask.
Ny good girl said he, "csn you
tell me which way little French Shep-
erdess took 2"
Senior De Leon seems to take
strange interest in that mysterious Max
of his" was the somewhat bitter reply.
MARIA - exclaimed Eustace, aston
ished, you here %
Ays ; you might have found me soon
er had not your eyes been dazzled by the
gilt Mask"
II assure you, Maria. that searched
earnestly for you"
at is Of little consequence, she re-
piled, codly. II must gouow. shall
be happy to hear your excuse. mt some
future period NJ present adois ~ and
she was gone ere he could reply.
Eustsce sat down, feeling very misora-
bic. His conduct was sort Of mystery,
even to himself. While he felt that he
loved Maria RS well as man ever loved
womsn, yet oRce in tho presence Of the
Mask and he had eyes or ears for none
else. He came to the conclusion that lie
was the most fckle and false Of his sex
and while in this enviabe state ef mind
he sought his hat and cloak and left the
saloon.
| As he was about to leave the room
hand was laid upon his arm, and turning,
he beheid the gilt Mssk-this time COW
ering the features of the same boy who
once before saved his life. The Mask
thrust note into his hand and then dis
appeared in the crowd. The note ran as
follows
If the Senor is really anxious to solve
the mystery of ore he pretends to cnrc for
he sha be grati1el Let him call TO
morrow at the old Palais dc Ro. aod he
will then discover who is THE MA-K."
Eustace ro-rcad the note, and MS he was
driven home he determined be would
fhthom the mystery which encircied the
Mask. Accordingly the next morning
found him at The appointed locality. lie
was conducted by very ancient hou,o-
keeper to n houdoir. the fittings Of which,
although rich, were old and faded. Hero
the house keeper loft him 10 Announce
his coming, and for some time he re-
mained alone. At length he heard
light football, and the page who had PIE
served him entered. Eustaco seized The
little hnnd of the pretended boy and press
ed it to his lip.
'' At last | am to know thy secret, fair
lady ~
Stop moment, Senior. Before re
call my countenance wilt thou give thy
word that thou lowest but me ?"
The tones of the lady were evidently
assumed.
A ming led look of shame and pain
over clouded the courtcnance of the
young man as he replied
Senorta, feel that you will despi.e
me, but cannot give youthe pledge you
require. While in your presence | feel
as though madly in love with you. Yet
| experience tho same feelings toward my
betrothed, Maria Del Monte. Truly |
feel that nm the faitbless Of men.
and am unworthy of the love of either of
YOU"
You have at least one vrlde, Senor-
you are candid"
" Well your answer; am still doom-
ed to ignorance ~
You shall learn in few moments
for the present excuse me-"
She left tho room, and TO- few mo
ments Eustace remained brooding moodi-
ly. He heard not the ligh: step that an
preached until he was startled by voice
which thrilled every vein.
Well, Senor De Leon, do you recog
nze me now ~
Maria ~ he exclaimed. starting 10
his feet.
Nay, the gilt Mask ~ was the reply,
ir the old assumed tones.
Eustace gazod moment doubtfully,
then replied:
A" see the whole scheme, Maria. You
cannot deceive me longer. | can now
understand my strange attachment for
the Mask"
The next moment the blushing girl was
clasped to his arms.
A little explanation soon cleared the
mystery. Maria had spent the Winter
with hel aunt, who lived nenr Seville. :
She frequently spent days in the town
with her friend Blanche La Media. who
was really good hearted girl. 1t was
she who had PEI suaded Maria to adopt
the Mask. The warming note and rescue
WAS morely little plot of the girls to
win the young mans gratitude. His sud
den departure frustrated their plans and
compelled Maria's hasty return home.
Marie's father was cognzant to the plot,