The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-11-22
MY PARTNER ArA MAsouERADs
fExehanee.i

MY PARTNER MAsQuRRADE fExehange.l
 The following ~.raordinary story vas published by a welI-known Austrian gentleman, in several of the German pa- pers, shortly after the terrible disaster at the Ring theatre, Vienna: My name is Emil Niklas. ] came to England from Austria some ten years ago. Before left my home l was be- trothed to young lady named Bertha Ripka. Her brother, Theodore Ripka, came with me to London. He was q good fellow, and is still my closest friend. Bat though adored Bertha, and thought return to bring her to the land of my adoption, where we should live out our lives together-I and my weh beloved she was not what thought her. One day Theodore R'pks came to me, with letter tn his hand. His face was pale, he looked at me with strange ex- pression.
 "How shall tell you. Emil P he said !" Bertha, whom 1 know you love so we'll, has been false to you. Sue has married the rich retired merchant, klauber."
 From that day hated women, and believed them ali to be false and vile.
 How came to attend the masquerade ball of the London Madrigal club I scarcely know. My friend ]. s. gave me a ticket, to be sure, but have had num- bers of tickets which have not used. I think that it was because 1t was a mas querade that went. IL was splendid ball; the costumes were gorgeous the music was exquisite, and love to dance. A great deal of my old feeling returned as glided through the values or dashed through the galops
 had chosen for my partner beauti- full figure in domino of white silk and a white silk mask. As the sleeves tell back from her arms, saw that all her brace lets were chains of pearls. and pearl drops shone in the ears, whose pink tips were just visible.
 had taken the liberty possible at masquerade, and had asked her to dance without any introduction. My partner danced beautifully exactly as my little betrothed, Bertha Rlpka, used to dance. Her voice seemed to me to be like hers A strange spell fell upon me. At last l began to fancy that all the past was plotted out, and that was again in Austria, and that Bertha Ripka was my betro.hed, and we were at the great ball so we'll remembered. "I do not know your name. May call you Bertha!' asked.
 My partner laughed.
 My name is really Bertha" said she.
 "l knew it-l knew it :" cried ~
 held her more firmly. Her little chin rested on my shoulder.
 She was lighter than a fairy, sweeter than rose.
 Bertha-Bertha!7 sighed. ooh. this is sliss- We are both dead and in heaven, Berth@ When these people about us unmask, we shall see company of angels. with white wings, Bertha, my beloved. Bertha, my own!"
 She did not shrink from me as uttered these wild words; she only clung the closer, and almost believed that what said was true.
 The evening passed like dream. At last supper was announced. This was the time at which all unmaskei.
 Bertha," said, let us be quite alone WnSu fOb SuoW lC yout Id(S. AOUC here behind this screen of flowers, into this little corner, whefe no one can see us. know what face shall see-l know, know"
 The voice that answered me was very, very sad.
 .' Emil" il. said, be in no haste. When l unmask must go."
 Do not say that" answered.
 must say it, she sighed. "I must do 1t. Oh, Emil Emilw
 She laid her hand in mine, and l led her into the little nook, sheltered by 'he flowers.
 Let me unmask you," said l.
 She lifted up her face.
 took the white mask softly between my fingers and threw back the white hood. For a moment looked into her face-I swear to you into her face-the sweet, pale face of Bertha Ripka, my beloved, my betrothed of the olden time. By what magic she came there l did not ask. stopped to kiss her, and suddenly flame sprang up before my eyes. She stood before me in a light blaze and shrieked for help. saw her golden hair catch in the flames and crisp and shrivel S~hSaAiSo sOi hSAR. n (IOWu kak0SteQ. In mir1te or more some men stood holding the remnants of white domino, and laughing at me.
 Come back to your senses" they cried.s~ No great harm is done. Only domino burnt at the end ot the hall. ,
 "The lady. the ladyl' T cried. !" Bertha-where is she? saw her. She vas on fire! saw her hair burn -l-r
 My dear, sir" said a gentleman, taking my hand kindly, "I assure you no one has been hurt. This is simply a domino which some one has cast aside. A cigar-the eame of the gas-some- thing has set it sn fire. Be calm. You fancied you had set a,lady on fire. Is it not that ?"
 was calm now. knew that no human being could have been burned in that place, without the knowledge of the crowd, and apologized for myself, and