The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-09-08
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
to observe merit and prompt to reward
it, and this it was that made his follow
ers so devoted to him, and so anxious
to distinguish themselves by prowess in
battle, and strict soldierly conduct in
the Emperor S service.
Colonel Eugene Merville was an at
tache of Napoleon's staff. He was a
soldier in the true sense of the word
devoted to his profession, and brave as
o lion. Though very handsome, and
of fine bearing, he was of humble
had followed the drum and bugle from
boyhood. Every step in the line of
promotion had been won by the stroke
from major of cavalry was for a gallant
deed which TRANSFERRED on the battle
field beneath the Emperor's own eye.
Murat, that prince of cavalry Off GERS,
loved him like brother, and taught
him all that his own good taste and
natural instinct had not led him to &C
quire before.
1t was 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 fiirts but
little with the gay figures that cover
the floor, and joins but seldom in the
giddv waltz. But at last, while stand
ing thoughtfulfy, and regarding the as
sembled throng with vacant eye, his
attention was suddenly aroused by the
appearance of person in q white sat-
in domino, the universal elegance of
whose figure, manner and bearing con-
vinced all that her face and mind must
be equal to her person in grace and
loneliness.
Though in so mixed an assembly,
still there was dignity and reserve in
the manner of the white domino that
rather repulsed the idea of a familiar
address, and it was some time before
the young soldier found courage to
speak to her. Some alarm being Civ
en-, there was a violent rush of the
throng toward the door, where, unless
assisted, the lady would have material
ly suffered. Eugene Merville offered
his arm, and with his broad shoulders
and stout frame warded off the danger.
1t was delightful moment; the lady
spoke the purest French; was witty, fam
ciful and captivating.
''Ahi lady, pray raise that mask, and
reveal TO me the charms of feature that
must accompany so sweet voice and
so graceful form as you possess.
FsYou would perhaps be disappoint-
ed"
''No, am sure not
care you so very confdentP"
Eyes. feel that you are beautiful.
1t cannot be otherwise"
Don't be too sure of that" said the
domino. Have you never heard OF
the Irish poet Moores story of the
yelled prophet Khorassan-how. when
he disclosed his countenance, its hid
eous aspect killed his beloved oneP
How do you know that I shall not turn
out yelled prophet of Khorassanp''
''Ah, lady, your every word convinc'
es me to the contrary" replied the en-
raptured soldier, whose heart began tc
feel as it had never felt before; he was
already in love.
She e1uded his efforts at discovery,
bat permitted him to hand her to he1
carriage, which drove off in the dark
ness, and though he threw himself
to overtake her.
The young French colonel became
moody; he had lost his heart, ant
knew not what to do. He wandered
hither and thither, Stunned his forme
places of amusement, avoided his mill
tary companions; and, in short, was a
miserable as lover could we'll be
thus disappointed. One night, just af
ter he had left his hotel on foot,
figure muff1ed to the very ears stopped
him.
"Well, monsieur, what would yol
with meP" asked the soldier.
''You would know the name of tn
white domino?'' was the reply.
81 would, indeed" replied the of
ficer, hastily. 'tHow can it be donep
Follow me-"
ITO the end of the earth, if it vii
bring me to her."
but you must be blindfolded."
every we'll"
''Step into this vehicle"
81 am at your command"
And away ratified the young soldier
and his strange companion.
This may be trick" reasoned
Eugene Merville; 'sbut l have no fea
of personal violence. lam armed witt
this trusty sabre, and can take care o
myself"
But there was no cause for fear, since
he soon found the vehicle stopped. anc
he was led blindfolded into a house
When the bandage was removed from
his eyes, he found himself in richly
furnished boudoir, and before him stood
the domino just as he had met her q
the masked ball. To fall upon hi
knees, and tell her how much he hae
thought of her since their separation
that his thoughts had never left her
that he loved her devotedly, was a
natural as to breathe, and he did s,
most gallantly and sincerely.
Shall believe all you say?"
LADY, let me prove it by any ties
you may put unon me-"