Year: 1859

his profession, and brave as a lion. Tho
very handsome aud Of fine bearing, he
was Of humble birth--a mere child of the
camp, and had followed the drum and
bugle from boyhood Every step in the
line of promotion had been won by the
stroke of his sabre, and his promotion
from major of the cavalry was for the
gallant deed which transpired on the
battle field beneath the Emperor's own
eye. Murat, the Prince of cavalry ofic-
ers, loved him like brother, and taught
him all that bis own good taste and natu-
raj instinct had led him to acquire 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 to the boudoir, he firts but little
with the gay figures that cover the floor,
and joins but seldom in the giddy waltz.
But, at last, while standing thoughtfnlly.
and regarding the assembled throng with
vacant eye, his attention was suddenly
aroused by the appearance of person in
a white satin dominoe, the universal ele.
gance of whose figure, manner and bear
ing, convinced all that her face and mind
must be equal to her person in loveliness.


Though in so mixed an assembly, still
there was dignity and reserve in the
manner Of the white dominoe that rather
repulsed the idea of familiar address, and
twas some time before the young soldier
found courage to speak to her.


Some alarm being given. there was a
violent rush Of the throng towards the
door, where, unless assisted, the lady
would have materially suffered. Eugene
Merville offers his arm, and with his
broad shoulders and stout frame wards
off the danger. 1t was delightful mo-
ment; the lady spoke the purest French,
and was witty, fanciful and captivating.


'Ah! pray raise that mask, and reveal
to me the charms Of feature that must
accompany such a sweet voice and so
graceful form as you possess


You would perhaps be disappointed


No, am sure not


ARE you so very confdent?'


Yes, | feel that you are beautiful. 1t
cannot be otherwise


Don't be too sure of that, said the do
minoe. Have You ever heard of the
Irish Poet Moore's story of the veiled
prophet of Khorassan-how, when he
disclosed his countenance, its hideous as
pect killed his beloved one? How do you
know that l shall not turn out yelled
prophet of Khorassan p


'Ah, lady, your very word convinces me
to the contrary replied the enraptured
soldier, whose heart begun 10 feel as 1t
had never felt before; he was already in
love.


She elGded his efforts at discovery, but
permits him 10 hand her to her carriage,
which drives of in the darkness, and
though he throws himself upon his feet
est horse, he is unable 10 oyertake her.


The young French colonel becomes
moody, he has lost his heart and knows
not how to do He wanders hither and
thither, shuns former places of amuse-
ment, avoids his military companions, and
in short is miserable as lover welf can
be, thus disappointed.


One night, just as he had left his hotel,
on foot, figure mufled to the very ears,
stopped him.


'Well, monsieur, what would you with
me 3 asked the soldier.


You would know the name of the
white domInoe, was the reply.


i would indeed ? replied the officer
hastily. 'How can it be done?'


Follow me-


To the end of the earth. if it will
bring me to her,


'But you must be blindfolded.'


very we'll


Step into this vehicle


i am at your command


And away ratified the young soldier and
his strange companion. This may be
trick, reasoned Eugene Merville, 'but |
have no fear of personal violence. / am
armed with this trusty sabre, and can
take care of myself.


But there was no cause for fear, since
he soon found the vehicle stopped, and he
was led blindfolded into the house. When
the bandage was removed from his eyes,
he found himself in a richly furnished
boudoir, and before him stood the domi-
noe, just as he had met her at the mask
ed bail. To fall upon his knees, and tell
her how much he thought of her since
their separation, was as natural as to
breathe, and he did so most gallantly and
sincerely.


Shall | believe all you say?'


Let me prove it by any test you may
put upon me-


Know, then the feelings you avow are
mutual. Nay. unloose your arm from
my waist, / have something moe to say


Talk on forever, lady. Your voice is
music in my ears.


Would you marry me, knowing Of me
than you do now!'


IF you were to go to the altar masked
be replied.


Then l win test you.'


How, lady?'


For one year be faithful to the love
you have professed, and will be yours
as truly as Heaven shall spare my life 2


o, cruel, cruel suspense.


you demur?'


Nay, lady. shall fulill your injunc-
tions, as l promised


III. AZ the exniratjon Of q year, Won do