Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-06-26

tender attachment i have Tor you
What need to further pry into the Sc
crets of the young couple: Suffice it
that when they separated Eustace had
Maria's promise that the happy day
should not be far distant; but as he
rode home he was very deeply puzzled
to know how she had discovered his
former peccadillos.
A few days after Maria took fancy
TO spending a few weeks in Seville. As
her will was virtually law, il was not
long ere the De Icons and Del Monies
were ensconced in their town resi-
dences.
\ few days after their arrival there
was a brilliant masquerade TO be given.
Maria expressed wish to attend, and
Eustace offered 10 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 deter
mined TO disguise himseif so as to pre-
vent detection
tilt tNtilAlhl anu
Eustace was there early. Earnestly he
searched the room with his eyes, but
although there were pretty girls in ev-
cry disguise, he could nowhere behold
the graceful form of his beloved. 1t
was late; the guests had all arrived,
and Eustaee feared that something had
deferred Maria from attending. He
was about to leave the saloon when a
French Sheperdess, a new arrival.
brushed by him, attracting his atten-
ton. Her mask was peculiar one,
different from the black nd white usu-
ally worn. 1t was gilt one, beauti-
fully chased, and in the corner of the
forehead contained small silver star.
lt was the mask of the unknown, who
had once saved his life. His strange
affection for her suddenly returned, and
forgetting his anxiety about Maria, he
! hastened to her side and soon led her to
the dance. She conversed freely with
tone. Still he thought at times that
her voice was strangely familiar.
I After the dance the Mask excused
/ herself for a moment and retired to an
ante room. EuStace waited for some
time patiently for her to appear, but at
length a thought struck him, and he
hastily entered. The only occupant
was Greek Fisher Girl, whose features
/ l. h. Il Ill
MY good GIRL, said he, can you
tell me which way little French Shep-
/ herdess took:"
"Senor DE Leon seems TO take a
strange interest in that my ysterious mask
of his was the somewhat bitter reply.
"Maria :" exclaimed Eustace, aston
ished, you here?"
Aye; you might have found me
sooner had not your eyes been dazzled
by the gilt mask
81 assure you, Maria. that searched
earnestly for you
'.It is of little consequence, she re-
piled coldly. :" must go now. ] shall
be happy to hear your excuses at some
future period: at present adois!" and
she was gone ere he could reply.
Eustace sat down, feeling very mise
rable. His conduct was a sort of mys-
terry to himself. While he felt that be
loved Maria as well as man ever loved
woman, vet once in the presence of the
Mask and he had eyes or ears for none
else. He came to the conclusion thai
he was the most false and tickle of his
sex: and while in this enviable state OF
mind he sought his hat and cloak and
left the saloon.
As he was about leaving the room !
hand was laid upon his arm, and turn
ing, he beheld the gilt mask-this time
covering the features of the same boy
who had before saved his lite. Tn,
mask thrust a note in his hand and ther
disappeared in the crowd. The not
ran as follows:
"If the Senior is really anxious u
solve the mystery of one he pretends Il
care for, he shall be gratified. Let hin
call Tomorrow at the old Palais de Roi
and he will then discover who is
The MASK"
Eus.ace re-read the note, and as h
was driven home he determined h
would fathom the mystery which en-
circled the Mask. Accordingly th'
next morning found him at the ap
, pointed locality. He was conducted b,
: very ancient housekeeper to a bour
doir, the fittings of which, although
rich, were old and faded. Here tn
: housekeeper left him to announce hi
! coming, and for some time he remaine'
= alone. At length he heard light foot
fall, and the page who had once pre-
/ served hlm entered. Eustace seize
, the little hand of the pretended boy an
D pressed it to his lips.
|, At last | am to know thy secret
fair lady?
p "Stop a moment, Senior. Before
reveal INV eountenance wilt thou Civ
= thy word that thou lowest but me.
The tones of the lady were evidentl
7 assumed. g.
: A mingled look of shame and pai
r oyerclouded the cOuntenance of tn
Young man as he replied:
" Senorita, | feel that you Will d'
' spise me, but l cannot give you tn
\ pledge you require. While in you
o presence feel as though madly in loy
with you. Yet | experience the sam
5 feelings toward my betrothed, Mari
Del Monte. Truly feel that am III
: most faithless of men, and am unwo
h thy of the love of either of you"
.You have at least one virtue, =
nor-you are candid
"Well, your answer; am l stl
IL doomed to ignorance?"
"You shall learn in few moment
l. for the present, excuse me.
She left the room. and for fe
e moments Eustace remained broodir
n moodily. He heard not the light st'
't that approached until he was startl'
by a voice which thrilled through e
cry vein.
well, Sener De Leon do you reco