Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-11-23
The White Satin Domino.

The White Satin Domino.
The period Of Napoleon's career
when at its zenith, IS full Of romantic
adventures as connected with the his
tory of the officers lives that served
under The great captain. He was quick
10 observe merit aud prompt to reward
il. and this was what made his fol-
lowers so devoted to him, and 80
anxious 10 distinguish themselves by
prowess in battle, ard strict soldierly
conduct in the Emperor's service.
Colenel Eugene Merville was an at
tsche of Napoleon's staff. He was a
soldier IN the true sense of the word
devoted to his profession, and brave as
a lion. Though very handsome, and OF
6ne bearing, he was Of humble birth-a
mere child OF The camp, and had fol-
lowed the drum and bugle from boy
hood. Every step in the line OF promo
ton bad been won by the stroke of bis
sabre; aud his last promotion from
maior of calvary was for gallant deed
which transpired on the battlefield be-
meath the Emperor's Own eye. Murat,
that prince Of cavalry officers. loved
him like a brother, and taught him all
that his own good taste aud natural in-
stnct had not led him 10 acquire before.
Itwas the carnival season in Paris,
and young Merville found himself at
the masked ball in the French Opera
House. Better adapted IN his taste to
the field than The boudoir, he Airts but
little with the figures that cover the
floor, and Joins but seldom in the glddy
waltz. But at last, while standing
thoughtfully, and regarding the Assem-
bled throng with vacant eye, his at
tention was suddenly aroused by ap-
pearauce Of person in white satin
domino, the universal elegance Of whose
figure, manner and bearing convinced
all that her face and mind must be
equal TO her person in grace and lowell
ness.
Though III SO mixed an assembly,
still these was a dignity and reserve in
the manner OF the white domino that
rather repulsed the idea Of familiar adj
dress, and it was some time before the
youeg soldier found courage to sraak to
Der. Some alarm being giyen, there
was a violent rush OF the throng to-
ward the door, where, unless assisted,
the lady would have materially suffered.
Eugene Melville offered his arm. aud
with his broad shoulders and stout frame
warded off the danger. 1t was de-
l,phtiul moment; the lady spoke the
puresL French; was witty, fanciiul aud
captivating.
'Ah! lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal to me the charms of feature that
must accompany 80 sweet voice. and
30 graceful form as you possess
You would perhaps be dssappolnt-
ed
No, am sure not
Are YOU so very confident p
Yes. teel that you are beautiful
1t canOt lie otherwise
DON'T be too sure Of that said The
domino. Have you never heard OF the
Irish poet Moore's vciled proph'
ct of KhorassaR-how, when he dis
closed his countenance, is LldeOus as
pect killed his beloved Ont? How dc
Won know that shall not turn out
veiled prophet Of Khorassanf'
'Ah, lady, your every word cOnVlnc'
es me 10 the contrary replied the en-
raptured soldier whose heart began t
feel as it had meyer felt before; he wa
already in love.
She eluded his efforts at discovery
but permitted him to hand her to hel
carriage, which Idrove eff in the dark
ness, and though be threw himself upol
his fieetest horse, he was unable Il
ovcrtake her.
The young French colonel becam'
moody: he had lost his heart, and krc'
not what to DO. He wandered hlthe
and tLither, shuuned his former place
of amusement, avoided bis militar
companions; and in short, was as mis-
erablo as lever could well be, thu
disappoinled. One night, just att
| be had left his hotel on foot, a hgur
unified to the very ears stopped him.
'Well, mosieur, what would 20
| with me!' ask the soldier.
! you would know the name oi tn
white dOmino?' was The reply
| Il would, indeed, replied the Office
Hastily. 'How can it be doae?'
| Follow me-
To the end Of the earth, If 1t WI
bring me to her,
| But you must be blindiolded.'
Very we'll
Step into this vehicle
Il am at your command.
| And away ratified the young soldl'
and his strange companion.
This may be trick reasoned Et
ueAe Merville; 'out l have no fear
nersonal violence. 1 am armed wi
this trusty sabre, and can take care
myself
But there was no cause for fear, SIM
lhe soon found the vehicle stopped al
H. led blindfelded into hous