The Rich Hill tribune., 1903-09-03
THE MASKED MAIDEN
Br cLAHENcE L. Lower.


times party Of young women visited
the cantonmenf, thereby varying the
monotony a trife. Our colonel was q
hard man, who rarely granted a fur
Tough. /, young lieutenant. in com
mon with my brother officers, in con-
sequence, regarded our existence a.
E waste Of life.
This vas before the outbreak Of the
Sepoy rebellion. In 81 our regiment
was ordered to India. Our contem-
plated departure was regarded Joy
fully by the younger fry Of the Off
GERS. The evening before we en-
barked a masked ball was given. at
which all officers were invited. and,
needless 10 say, attended in a variety
Of costumes. Father Sullivan. our
chaplain, holding the rank of captain,
was included in the invitation, but
sent a note Of regret, saying his cloth
forbade his attendance and winding
up with a short homily on the van
titles Of the world.
]. Con Cosiigan, then lieutenant,
and my chum. Charlie Connor. Of
course, were there. he in a pink and 1
in black domino. A motley throng
in all imaginary costumes. colors and
masks Charlie and / were jOstled
hithcr and thither in the maze. Soon
We became separated and found my
self standing alone in little cleared
space, looking helplessly about.
\ passing court fool hat me a blow
on the head with a bladder filed vith
dried peas Turning to resent the
liberty saw a clown in baggy panta-
Icons and ehalked face, whiTling mad
ly round and round toward me. clasp
ing tightly maid Of buxom figure in
abbreviated skirts. On they came,
straight for me. When only a short
distance separated us the clown, by
accident or design, stumbled and fell,
releasing his partner, who spun like a
teciotum right into my arms with
such force that our feet shot from
under US and We both sa, down on The
looT hard.
"Whoo-eo!" shrieked the maiden.
"lt's kilt Iami'
As quickly As my domino ould sd-
nit / was on my feet, helping her TO
arise and pouring forth = string Of
apologies. She vas not hurt and
seemed little confused by our awk-
ward introduction. Without deign-
ing a glance at the clown she whis-
Percd:
~Ooch! don't spologizc, captain,
dear. Sure, it's glad am we've met.
That clumsy cloSn--trothl twas an
appropriate choice Of a costume hes
made--can go without q partner for
all ot me. Ishall spend the time Nith
you"
Aud linking her arm in mine the
unknown led me away.
The clown, who by this time had
also regained his feet, viewed her de-
Parlure and then philosophically
turned away.
My eOnduetress led me TO an al
cove, whence We could obtain view
Of the scene in the ballroom and at
the same time converse in compare
tive privacy, where, seating herself,
che made room for me at her side, and
] sai down with beating heart. There
was an air Of mystery about her that
led me 20 imagine was about 10 par
ucipatc in some Wild romance.
Captain" she began, coyly hiding
her masked feaiurcsbchind her fan
"cap,ain--ior BY all appearance your
rank Is no less
Right, madam" hastily inter
rup,ed--which was false, for / was
but a lieutenant.
"Alas!" she sighed, "what weight
Of woe is minel Do not think me un-
maidenly OF bold when tell you that
] have long sought you amid the
ihrong of merrymakers. who.
intent but on the pursuit Of
the butterfly Of pleasure, sus-
pcct not that there should be in their
midst one whose heart is breaking
with grief, and who, should II be
known she were here, would be lost
beyond redemption! My tale will en-
list your sympathies, and, / trust,
your add o, say am not mistaken
when believe you to be one willing
10 assist maiden in Distress"
Her appeal impressed and flattered
me and fastened TO reply;
"Tell me, madam, what Il is you
require Of me and rest assured will
spare no effort in your behalf!"
"Ah, bat men are such cruel de-
ceiyenr affirmed she, hesitating.
"Nol al, I trust" l gently insin-
uated "lour heart has done credit
20 your head in seeking ms add"
"Nou are kindp she murmured.