Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1843-06-24
Vol. a.

steps he had often followed with the most
respectful devotion. But never had he
ventured to address her, for she was far
above him in rank, and the poor, unknown
artist believed it necessary to earn fame
and fortune ere he could hope for the
smiles of the high-born and beautiful
Marie.
This was the reason why he had sighed
for glory, and summoned resolution to
seek it at almost any cost For this he had
toiled over his picture; for this he had left
his father-land and repaired to Paris. And
now he found himself among strangers,
without money, without a shelter, and
without bread.
Whilst he remained in the gallery sadly
musing on the events of his past life, or
thinking despondingly of the future, a
crowd began gradually to fill the saloon,
and the people gathered in groups before
the "Rachel" Of Leckmann, "The Fighting
Bulp of Barcassat, or the sometimes grave,
sometimes gay picture of Bard. At this
time the young artist fastened from the
room, for he feared that the scorn of the
visitors for his production, or their severe
criticisms upon it would destroy his last
and dearest consolation-the frail belief in
his talent-and he felt that the loss of this
belief would be more terrible than death
He sought refuge in the Gallery of An
tiquities. There, overcome by the fatigue
and cold he had endured the preceding
night, and exhausted by hunger and anx-
iety, he sunk upon the first resting place
he found. This was bench placed near
glass case which contained Egyptian An
tiquities. Whilst seated there, and gazing
abstractedly at the curious objects around
him, his head gradually sunk upon his
breast, and he fell into an uneasy kind Of
slumber. The measured steps of watch
man who paced slowly through the vast
apartment; echoed solemnly around, and
mingled with the sleeper's troubled dreams.
The artist had unknowingly rested his
arm on the glass case behind him. Sud-
denly it yielded and broke under the
weight that pressed it. Imagine the feel
ings of the poor youth when, awaking
with a start of surprise, he became con-
scious of what had happened.
"The sentry will discover this ruin and
demand the price of the broken glass. He
will detain me if l attempt to escape, and,
alas ! have not even the small sum neces-
sary to pay for the damage have done.
What shall ! do! What will be the con-
sequences of this unlocked for msfortune?"
Whilst these thoughts passed through
his mind, the youth feigned sleep, and
dared not withdraw his arm, although a
u bit of glass, or some other object, pricked
: his elbow, and caused him considerable
. pain. "If some miracle does not extricate
T. me from this unpleasant difficulty" thought
u he, II am undone. Oh! that possessed
- some talsman that would give me power
to remove this formidable sentry from his
y post, until had time to ESCAPED"
v Scarcely had he formed this desire
;. when the footsteps of the Waterman grew
: fainter, and then died away in the distance
% The artist opened his eyes, and with un.
speakable pleasure found himself alone
= To leap up, dart rapidly from the room
>, and mingle with the crowd, was but the
= work of moment. Then, quite surprised
-, at his good fortune, and breathess from thu
10 effects of his hasty flight, he paused to com
pose his thoughts. What was his Joy, oil
looking around, to behold a great Grove
e collected before his picture.
"A "Can it be-" thought he, shat the mis-
fortunes which have so long pursued mi
are to cease? Can it be that some of thes
'. :: people are going TO purchase my picture
u No; it is folly to think so. Because
~ have had the good fortune to escape fror
% % one unpleasant situation, l surely need nc
10 hope TO extricate myself from all. Alas!
10 have not talisman; without that"
- He was interrupted in these thoughts b.
~ two persons advancing from the group an
" approaching the place where he stoo'
~ One was a dignifed looking old man, an
=, the other young gentleman well know
- for his immense fortune and his passionat
- love for the arts.
10 "Charles" said the elder of the two, SIT
of me purchase this picture. You owe n
of this proof of affection. have but sho
t;me lonDer IN live and you arc nv on