The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-06-10

I'm, rnltnlesG one BIG eAoAaIneu,
with mischievous laugh; "then you have
already forgotten your inamorata and pre-
server, the mask p
Eustace blushed as ho replied
81 see you have heard of my foolish at
tachment for one whose face have never
seen. But, Maria, although was fascinated
by the air of mystery which surrounded
her, have never yet felt toward any fe-
male the same tender attachment I have
for you."
What need to further pry into the secrets
Of the young couple Suffice it that when
they separated Eustace had Marla's prom
ise that the happy day should not be far
distant; but as he rode home he was very
deeply puzzled to know how she had dis
covered his former peccadillos.
A few days after Maria took fancy to
spending few weeks in Seville. As her
will was virtually law,it was notlong ere the
De Icons and Del Monies were enseonced
in their town residences.
A few days after their arrival there was
brilliant masquerade to be given. Maria ex-
pressed a wish to attend, and Eustace
offered to accompany her; but her reply
was that her father would accompany her,
and that she would defy him to recognize
her. He declared it to be impossible, and
in return determined to disguise himself
so as to prevent detection.
"Well, the eventful night came, and
Eustace was there early. Earnestly he
searched the room with his eyes, but al
though there were pretty girls in every
disguise, he could nowhere behold the
graceful form of his beloved. 1t was late
the guests had all arrived, and Eustace
feared that something had deferred Maria
from attending. He was about to leave
the saloon when French Sheperdess, a
new arrival, brushed by him, attracting his
attention. Her mask was peculiar one,
different from the black and white usually
worn. 1t was gilt one, beautifully chased,
and in the corner of the forehead contained
small silver star. 1t was the mask of the
unknown, who had once saved his life.
His strange affection for her suddenly re,
turned, and forgetting his anxiety about
Maria, he fastened TO her side and soon
led her to the dance. She conversed freely
with him, though evidently in an assumed
tone, Still he thought at times that hel
voice was strangely familiar.
After the dance the Mask excused her.
self for moment and retired to an ante.
room. Eustace waited for some time pa
tiently for her to appear, but at length Q
thought struck him, and he hastily entered.
The only occupant was Greek Fishe,
Girl, whose features were hidden by {
white silk mask.
''My good GIRL" said he, "can you tel
me which way little French sheperdes'
took ?"
"Senor De Leon seems to take strang,
interest in that mysterious mask of his
was the somewhat bitter reply.
''Maria ?" exclaimed, Eustace, astonished
"you here ?"
"Aye; you might have found me soone'
had not your eyes been dazzled by the gil
mask"
II assure you, Maria, that searched
earnestly for you"
''It is of little consequence, she replied
coldly. II must go now. I shall be hap
py to hear your excuses at some futur'
period; at present adois" and she wa
gone ere he could reply.
Eustace sat down, feeling very miserable
His conduct was sort of mystery, even II
himself. While he felt that he loved Maria
as we'll as man ever loved woman, ye
once in the presence of the Mask ant
he had eyes or ears for none else. H
came to the conclusion that he was th
most false and tickle of his sex; and Will
in this enviable state of mind he sough
his hat and cloak and left the saloon.
AS he was about leaving the room ham
was laid upon his arm, and turning, he be
held the gilt mask-this time covering tn
features of the same boy who once befor
saved his life. The mask thrust note il
his hand and then disappeared in tt
crowd. The note ran as follows
''If the Senior is really anxious to solv
the mystery of one he pretends to care fol
he shall be gratihed. Let him call to-mor
row at the old Palais dc Roi, and he viii
then discover who is TIE MAsK."
Eustace re-read the note, and IS he wa
>. driven home he determined he woul
fathom the mystery which encircled tn
Mask. Accordingly the next mornin
found him at the appointed locality. Fl
was conducted by very ancient house
keeper to boudoir, the fittings of which
although rich, were old and faded. Her
the housekeeper left him to announce hi
coming, and for some time he RENAME
alone. At length he heard light footfal
and the page who had once preserved hi1