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

Two young mobiles were seated on the
piazza of palace in Seville.
"What you tell me, Eustace," said the
elder, 'is sufficiently romantic to have
originated in the brain of the Knight of
La Mancha."
"Yes; you know how have been one Of
the favored suitors of Blanche La Media,
the handsomest and widest lady in Seville.
I thought my heart was given up to
her - but the mysterious mask en-
countered at the Dukes ball charmed
me-"
Faithful Eustace !" cried his companion,
laughing. Doubtless you adore botL
show her face. IT'S hard to choose, l
fear"
'It would so appear, for yesterday I re-
ceived note warning me that l had insured
the hatred of LadH Blanche, and that I
must be on guard against assassins. Last
night, as was returning home, on passing
| uudCI tuO plltALd VI Uuc ~ fAlIIOuIC,
an assassin sprang from behind pillar,
and would undoubtedly have murdered me
had not slight, boy-like figure interposed
to ward off the blow. The cowardly villain
then fled; but when turned to thank my
deliverer she had fed"
"She?"
eyes; for, though got but a moment
ary glimpse of her, yet the shape of the
figure, and the long tresses which had
fallen from beneath the cap she wore, con-
vinced me that had been saved by wo-
man. Although the note 1 had received
was unsigned, yet it was written in deli
cate female hand. Can l doubt that my
savior and the mask are one?"
'Well, then, your course is plain. Dis
cover your inamorata, and if she is worthy
of you marry her. 1t is plain that she
loves you."
''It is impossible, the estates of the De
Icons and the Del Monies join together,
The Marquis Del Monte has daughter
Maria, said to be very beautiful; but have
not seen her for years. In early life we were
betrothed, and our marriage is newt
able"
Fernando remained buried in deep
thought for few minutes. At length he
said:
"Eustace, you must crush this strange
attachment for one whom you have never
seen. Your honor is pledged, and you
must wed this Maria Del Monte. To avoid
temptation you must quit Seville. A
months absence will efface the memory of
this unknown, who is doubtless some in
triguing adventurer. Twill accompany you
on visit to your fathers estate. Let us
leave tomorrow.
"Your counsel is hard, Fernando" said
Eustace, with emotion, "but feel it is for
the best I will even do as you say"
The next day, to the great surprise OF
the good people of Seville, the gayest
young gallants in town, Eustace De Leon
and Fernando DArtois had disappeared.
, couple of days ride, and Eustace was
once more domiciled beneath the roof OF
his forefathers to the great delight of the
old Count. The latter also cordially vel.
; coined the friend of his son. The Marquis
Del Monte called over during the morning,
and was surprised and pleased to meet
Eustace.
: After dinner Eugtace accompanied the
Marquis to visit his betrothed. The old
r gentleman, after conducting him tc
t the entrance Of her boudoir, merely
said:
"Maria, your old playmate, Eustace De
Leon" and pushing him in, retired,
4 leaving the young folks to their tete-a.
! tete.
! Maria was'engaged in embroidery wher
t she was so uneeromoniously disturbed
: She arose and bowed rather coldly to Eus
Y tace, saying:
s "a fair even, Senor."
y As Eustace gazed upon the lovely CIR
, he fell madly and desperately in love, ane
, all thoughts Of Lady Blanche and tht
u strange mask quilted his mind, as witt
trembling limbs he sank on his knees ant
) declared his passion.
t "Are you sure?" replied she, mis-
! chevously, "that you love me as much a
; you say?"
: "Can you doubt me 2" he asked.
n "But Lady Blanche La Media! Is i
4; possible that you have already forgot
i ten her That argues i'll for your con
!, stancy."
g "Pshaw, Maria know not where yo'
= learned Of my Irritation with Blanche; bu
b be assured that she is not the kind Of per
son could love-" ----.--..--------