Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-09-22

bullion but, above all, what music
streamed on the enchanted air from an
orchestra composed OF hundred of the
best instrumentalists in tho city And
the life, the animation of the throngs
that filed the brilliont saloon-who
shall describe it?
Ernest Won Steinberg, who looked but
for one person in that brilliant multi
tude, was 80 masked and mufiled that his
disguise was impenetrable. Therefore,
when he found the rose colored domino
at last, he hesitated not to address her.
GOOD evening, fair mask"
GOOD evening, gallant cavalier. But
how know you that am fair2"
"Were l to pronounce you the feirest
in Munich, none would dispute your
title"
Do You know me?"
"The belle of Munich hides her face
in vain," answered Ernest. "That in
imitable foot and hand arc her betray
ers."
"You may be mistaken, after all"
al cannot be, and l claim the hand"
said Ernest, "and will find employment
for that dainty foot The music sounds;
let's away to the dance"
"I believe my hand is promised al
ready" answered the fair one, $50 take
it quickly, before some one disputes the
prize with you"
The next minute they were whirling
round the vast saloon to music that
might keep dancers on their feet for
life. Anna leaned upon the shoulder OF
her partner, and he breathed in her ear
words that she could not listen to with
out thrill of pleasure.
At the conclusion of the dance
Ernest led her into side room, in
which they found themselves quite
alone.
"You persist, them" said the lady,
Gin calling me the Baroness Won Graf.
fenberg?"
"If I had doubted before, your
dancing would have convinced me. The
leader of the sylphides is known by
her step"
"Well, you have guessed right
And now, in return for my confidence,
may 1 request You to raise your mask?'
81 can refuse you nothing" said
Ernest Won Steinberg.
He raised his mask as he spoke. and
disclosed to the astonishod gaze of the
baroness the well-known features Of
King Louis % Bavaria.
"But thought you assured us that
the cavalier was Captain Ernest Won
Steinberg r. oxclaims the reader.
Let us explain. To give additional
zest and pleasure, and 'complicate the
mysteries of masquerade, the courtiers
of Louis XIV, of France, had invented
the following e1pedient: They procured
fine wax likenesses OF their friends, OF
eminent persons, and wore them under
their masks. When requested h>
clare their identity, they woulf -
the outer mask, and the inner u [SS
seen for moment, in most cases COM
pletoly deceived the spectator. It Is
easy to imagine what an indefinite field
for mystifcation this contrivance af-
forded.
Captain Ernest had friend, sculp-
tor, who had modelled q bust Of the
king, and from him he had procured a
wax mask, beautifully colored, and so
we'll executed as to deceive the eyes Of
the baroness for the moment they
rested on it. Ernest, satisfied with his
success, replaced his black velvet visor,
and continued the interview.
"Yes, baroness" whispered the dis.
guised aide-de-camp, " 1t is Louis who
stands before you-not as your king,
but as your subject, your slave-the
thrall of your beauty"
"Ah, SIRE" replied the belle of
Munich, "you are sporting with the
sensibilities Of weak woman"
"No, by heaven r. replied the false
king. 81 am incapable of that. Be.
hold me at your feet, ard hear me swear
eternal allegiance to your charms"
Rise, sire, rise |" said the baroness.
very much irritated. "we may be
seen or overheard"
Long have I thought" continued
tho false king, "that beauty such az
yours should grace throne"
ga throne !" echoed the baroness.
But you are right" he continued,
hurriedly; "this is no time OF place for
condolences like ours. Hark. the clock
is striking twelve. Will you trust to
my honor, and meet me at this hour to.
II