Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-08-17
THE GILT MASK.

Yes; you know how / have been
one of the favored suiiors Of Blanche La
Media. the hand.omest and widest lady
in Seville. thought my heart was Civ
en- up to her-but the mysterious mack
encountered at the Dukes bali charmed
me-"
" Faithful Eustace !" cried his com
panion. laughing. "Doubtless you adore
both Blanche and her rival, who refused
to show her face. IT'S hsA to choose, l
fear"
It would so appear, for yesterday |
received note warning me that l had
insured the hatred OF Lady Blanche, and
that must be o.. guard against asssssins.
Last night, as WAS returning home, on
passing under the piazza of the Marquis
D. Almonte, an ASSASSIN sprang from be-
hind a pillar, and would undoubtedly
have murdered me had not slight, boy
like figure interpcsod to ward Of the blow.
The cowsrdly visiH then fed but when
] turned to thank my deliverer, she had
fed."
"She ?n
Yes for though got but momrn
tary glimpse of her, yet the shape of the
fgure, and the long trssses which had
fallen from beneath the cap she wore,
convinced me that / had been saved by a
woman. Although the note / had re-
ceived was unsigned, yet it was written
In q delicate female hand. Can | doubt
that the savior and the mask are one %
Well, then, your course is plain.
Discover your inamorata, and if she is
worthy OF you marry her. 1t is plain
that she loves you"
1t is impossible, the estate of the De
Lsons and the Del Monies join together.
The Marquis Del Monte has daughter
Maria, said TO be very beautiful bat |
have not seen her for years. In carly
life we we're betrothed, and our marriage
10 inevitable. +"
Fernando remained buried in dsep
thonsht for minute. At length he said:
"Eustacs, you must crush this strange
attachment for one whom you have new
or seen. Your honor is pledged, and you
must wed this Maria Del Monte. To
avoid temptation you mus: quit Seville.
A months absence will eface the memo
ry of this unknown, who is doubtless some
intriguing advcnturcr. | will accompa-
ny you on visit TO your fathers estate.
Let US leave Tomorrow
Your council is hard, Fernando" ,"
said EHstsce, with emotion, "but feel
1t is for the best. will even do as you
say"
The next day, to the great surprise Of
the good people Of Seville, the gayest
young gsllants in town, Eustace DE Leon
and Fernando D'Artos had disappeared.
A couple of days ride, and Eustace
was once more domiciIed beneath The
roof OF his forefsthers, to the great de.
light of the Count. The latter aso cor
daily welcomed the friend of his son.
The Marquis De- Monte called over dur
ing the morning, and was surprised and
pleased to meet Eus:ace.
After dinner Eustace accompanied the
Marquis to visit his betrothed The old
gentleman after conducting him to the
entrance OF her boudoir, merely said !:
Maria, your old playmate, Eu.tace
De Leon,'' and pushing him in, retired,
leaving the young folks to their fete q tete.
Maria was engaged in embroidery when
shc WAS so unceremoniously disturbed
She arose and bowed rather coldly to
Eustsce, saying
A fair even, Senor."
AS Eustace gazed upon the lovely girl,
he fell madly and desperately in love,
and all thoughts of Lady Blanche and
the strange mask quilted his mind, as
with trembling limbs he sank on his
knees and declared hispasslon.
Are you sure ?" replied she mis-
chioyouSly. that you love rs much as
you say?
" Can you doubt me, ho asked.
" But Lady Blanche La Media | l. it
possible that you have already forgotten
her7 That argues iI for your constan-
cy."
Pshaw, Maria, know not where
you learned OF my Irritation with Blanche;
but be assured that she is not the kind of
person | could love"
" Well, believe you, Eustace /; but
there is still another"
Nay, there you wrong me-" said
Eustace, decidedly.
"Oh, falthless one I" shs exclaimed,
with mischievous laugh "then you
have already forgotten your inamorata
and preserver, the mask ?"
Eustaee blushed, as he replied
" see you have heard of my foolish
attachment for one whose face l have
never seen. But, Maria, although | was
fascinated Ly the air of mystery which
surrounded her, have never yet felt to-
ward any female the same tender attach.
ment have for YOU"
" What need 20 further pry into the
secrets of the young couple ?" Suffice it
that when they separated Eustace had
Maria's promise that the happy day
should not be far distant hut as he rode
home he Was very deeply puzzled to
know how she had discovered his former
psccadilos.
A few days after, Maria took fancy
TO spending few weeks in Seville. AS
her will was virtually law, it was not
long ere the De Icons and Del Monies
wero ensconced in their town residences
A few days after their arrival there
was brilliant masquerade to be given.