Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-03-05

view--then turned slowly and sadly away.
j Never did father love his daughter with
more fondness than Algini his child Eliza.
Her good was his great aim and as he was
an enthusiast in the art of the pencil, he
deemed that one Of that profession would
/, be most worthy of his child. These two
passions of his soul mingled together in such
, manner that they became but one. He
considered the canvass as a lasting monu-
ment for genius, and, that he would best
consult his daughters happiness by uniting
her to one who would be alive to all pos
terity by his works
Van Deg had therefore been selected, as
he was the boast of his country, and the
figures Of his creation wanted nothing but
motion to make them such as their originals.
Besides, he was wealthy, and would add to
the wealth of the family. Finally, his daugh-
ter was not old enough now to Judge for
herself! and though she had confessed that
she was preudiced against her proposed
husband, few years of connubial inter-
course would overcome that, and she would
ultimately be benefited.
Just as he was at this point of his rchcc-
tons on the ensuing day, lotter-carrier
entered his apartment and handed him a
answer, and had been bound by an oath
not to disclose who had commissioned him
to deliver the communication.
Algini was astonished at these words, and
as soon as the other retired, broke the seal
and read
"If the parent consulted the daughters
happiness would he not inquire from her if
she does not love anotherl | think she
does. But if Van Deg is to possess the fair
being, may be mistaken! May her mar
riage to the man of your choice not hurry
her to another world! Her obedience eau
sos her to submit, l lay claim to her afcc-
tons; but with these do not pretend to alter
your determination. You have the reputa-
ton of patronizing merit as it appears in
painting. Defer the nuptials to this day
twelve-month, and let Van Deg on that day
place his chefdRuUre on the left Of the al
tar. If the one which appears on the right
does not tell of more skilful master, |
abide the result. If it does, then it is but
fair to leave to your daughter the privilege
Of choosing her partner from the two"
The father was delighted with this pro-
posal, as it suggested trial of skill in his
favorite study. He accordingly returned
word of his acceptance of the terms, and
notified Van Deg thereof
A year passed away, during which the
lovers never met. Eliza had lost sight of
Quintin, and in answer to her inquiries con-
corning him, all she had been able to learn
was, that shortly after their last interview
he had left the city, and gone, no one knew
whittier.
The day was now arrived when she was
to become wife. Sad to her were the
kind offices of the brides maids vino assist
. ed at her toilet; yet she sustained smile up
on her face, although her soul was weighed
down by grief.
The chapel was throngcd by people anx-
ious to view the ceremony, and as the BRIDE
richly clad, was led to the altar by her faith
er the latter announced that her hand was
to be bestowed on the artist whose skill
was the most undeniable, to be determined
yelled on either side Of the altar. Van Deg
glanced triumphantly around, and, stridng
to the picture he had painted, he unCurtain-
ed it to their view.
A burst Of applause rose from the audi
ence as he did so-and well meritcd was
that cry Of appreciation.
The scene Of the piece was the chapel in
which they stood, and the whole represent
ed to the life. There was ,he priest all but
breathing, while the bride and groom and
their friends appeared as if in the full flush
of joy.
| Algini was about to speak in rapturcs Of
the performance, when suddenly the other
curtain was drawn aside, and cry Of hor-
ror burst from the multitude as they press
ed forward to behold! Van Deg gazed
breathless in wonder, and Agini uttered
wild shrek Of despair-"My daughter" 1t
was the delineation of Quintin's dream;
each countenance in the picture was easy
to recognize except that Of the youth, which
was buried in the bosom of the bride. But
ere, with wondering eyes, they had fully
scanned it all, it was thrust aside and anoth-
cr appeared in its place. This represented
lovely arbour in which Algni was, ad-
vanced to old age. dangling beautiful in
FAINT on his knee, which bore an expression
in its face of Eliza, who sat on an opposite
seat with her head resting on the bosom Of
a young man, whose arm encirclcd her
waist.
Every one was charmed and delighted
beyond measure; and as they bcheld the
youth they recognized him in moment,
and every tongue cried
THE blacksmith
BLACKSMITH no more" said Quintin, step
ping from behind the canvass, "but the ar
list, who demands his rcward'
= &c IN tbo,, tbot