The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-09-08

means discover where ne mad been, ms
companion rejecting all brides, and
even refusing to answer the simplest
questions.
Months rolled on. Colonel Merville
was true to his vow, and happy in the
anticipation of love. Suddenly he was
ordered on an embassy to Vienna, that
gayest of all European capitals, about
the time that Napoleon was planning
to marry the Archduchess Maria Lou
isa. The young colonel was handsome,
manly, and already distinguished in
arms, and became at once great IA
vorite at court, every effort being made
by the women to captivate him, but in
vain; he was constant and true to his
VOW.
But his heart was not made of stone;
the very fact that he had entertained
such tender feelings for the white DOM
inc had doubtless made him more sus-
ceptible than before. At last he met
the young Baroness Caroline Waldorf,
and in spite of his vows she captiyated
him. and he secretly cursed the engage
ment he had so blindly made in Paris.
She seemed to wonder at what she be-
lieved to be his devotion, and yet the
distance that he maintained. The truth
1Ss
that although he felt he really loved
the young baroness, and even that she
returned his affection, still he had Civ
en- his word, and it was sacred.
The satin domino was no longer the
ideal of his heart, but assumed the
most repulsive form in his imagination.
and became, in place of his good
angel. his evil genius
Well, time rolled on; he was to re-
turn in few days; it was once more
the carnival season, and in Vienna, toe,
that gay city. He joined in the festiv-
tiles of the masked ball, and what Won
der filled his brain when about the
middle of the evening the white DOM
inc stood before him, in the same white
satin dress he had seen her wear a year
before at the French Opera House in
Paris. Was it not fancyp
81 come, Colonel Eugene Merville,
to hold you to your promise she said,
laying a hand lightly upon his arm.
lis this reality or a dream?" asked
the amazed soldier.
Come, follow me, and you shall see
that it is a reality" continued the
mask, pleasantly.
81 will'
s.Have you been faithful to your
promise?" asked the domino, as they
retired to neighboring saloon.
Most truly in act, bat, alas! l fear
not in heart.'
''Indeedr'
cit is too true, lady. that have seen
and loved another, though my vcw to
you has kept me from saying SO to
her."
sAnd who is this that you thus love"
Il will be frank with you, and you
will keep my secretP''
t'Most religiously.''
cit is the Baroness Won Waldorf"
he said, with sigh.
And you really love herP''
''Alas, only too dearly" said the
soldier. sadly.
Nevertheless, L must hold you to
your promise. Here is the other half
of the ring; can you produce its mate?"
Here it is" said Eugene Merville.
Then 1, too, keep my promiser' said
the domino. raising her mask, and
face of the Baroness Won Waldorf.
''Ah, it was the sympathy of true
love that attracted me, after all!'' ex-
claimed the young soldier, as he pressed
her to his heart.
She had seen and loved him for his
manly spirit and character, and, hav-
ing found by inquiry that he was wor-
thy of her love, she had managed this
delicate intrigue, and had tested him,
and now gave to him her wealth, title,
and every thing.
They were married with great pomp,
! and accompanied the archduchess to
Paris. Napoleon, to crown the happi-
ness of his fayorite, made Colonel
Eugene Merville at once General OF
| Division.