The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-09-06

We have been told of your talent, m,
dear sir, and suppose truly she cum
manced p1troniZingly.
sHhey do me too much honor, Madam.
Those who told you this have Judged it
| by the intention: but have yet done moth
| ing TO prove their assertion correct
Van Dyck bowed as he spoke, with as
| much haughtiness as had characterized
the question Of that noble lady.
Dorothea had felt the proud blood of
her land m lntle IN her cheek during the
significant introduction of her mont ess:
ana at the painter reply, the blush deep
encd TO that of such eager qualification
! while her dark eyes weIe raised suddenly
10 his tdce-.hat the young man notic1
the kindly interest, and in his heart bless
ed her for it.
We'll, WELL continued the Duchess,
more gently, we shlll be aole TO Idge of
this for Her NJ Jesty wishes the decora-
tionS Of the chapel 10 be renewed; SO you
will have sufficient motive for exerlion.
For yoar winter studio you will be allow
ell Blaiforl House; it is an ancient mon
astery, which you can see from here; YOU
will De qulre alone there, AMI uninterrup-
ted.-And for the summer YOU will be
granted Eltheim House. think the ar
! rangement sufficiently agreeable for the re-
qulfem auts of an artist
My art is a ie al talent, Madame, that
knows no e4ull,' replied the artist proud
ly. III possess il to the height Of my
ambition the labors which you speak OF
as beyoll painters deserts will not sut-
fee to procure Materials for my work
That may be, SIR said the Duchess,
softly.-'You are proud, and we are pow
ertuI; bat, however, let me assure you
that these flyors are offered on one condi-
ton. The y Ieen nomnates you is Court
Artist, when you have won the prize Off
e;ed to the pupils of the Italian school for
the Head of the Virgin
Yes, Nadine. know it-know it too
WELL replied the yoang painter, with
half sigh. If the Queens flvor can be
obtained on this condition alone, it is not
for me. | shall not gain the prize
And why not, sir! Do YOU refuse the
honor, or is it that you have no faith in
your powers" And the eyes OF the noble
in1uisitress were bent wonderingly on the
suddenly dropping figure of the young
man.
; How is it possible, Nadine, to repre-
sent the features OF oar Lady, glorious as
they should be! have no model And
( as he spoke, he fixed his earnest glance on
the gentle face of the Scottish maiden. Il
haze sought everywhere for the beautiful
peace and holy resignation upon an earth
, ly face-and vainly.'
By the same Impulse Of enthusiasm, the
graceful heads OF the young glrls were
raised TO the despondent speaker, and for
the first time did they acknowledge the
attraction of the inspired countenance.
Nothing could exceed the brilliant glow OF
the souls sunshine on the face of Van
Dyck, and nothing could so enhance the
J beauty and expression as the shade of pen
sive thoughtfulness then mingling with it.
The Duchess was the first TO break the
spell flung round the listening group. And
vet, surely you could somewhere find d
perfect model
/ Yes, madame, among those who are
exalted as well as beautiful; and even there
/ have seen bnt one whose perfection re-
allies my vlsionlngs. Alas! she whom
have found is lost TO me; she is noble
lady, who would dlsdain to Sit 10 a pooi
artist
As he ceased, Van Dvck bent his glow,
ing gaze again on ihe young Dorothea
while the maiden's un9uiet mien alI
blLshing brow betrayed her conciousnes:
of the worlds yelled meaning; and OIL
the minds of each of the fair workmer
burst the same suspicion, Dorothea was
the noble model of the proud young pain
ter's wishes. The Grand Duchess alone
was blind TO the passing scene; and ;
greater degree of sympat y blended in he
; tone as she turned again to the artist.
: And this noble lady-who is she!'
The Vrgin herself Madame
} He arose as he spoke, and bent grace
fully and gravel, in adieu, casting glanc'
!, upon the troubled features of his pictured
: subject.
, If gain this prize, Madame. he muir
| INJURED as he passed before the Duchess
! you will see me again; if not, shal
| leave England
: According to the Queens arrangement
5 Van Dyck took possession of Blaiffor'
; House, situated opposite to the Palace
: he was TO work out his design for the of
cred prize, as well as re-decorale the chap
: ell ornaments. Hardly had he been in
, stalled in The royal studio, when his pen
cils were seized to portray the form whc
had haunted his imagination ever sine
his interview with the Duchess. Buea
2 The bright figure of the young girl rose be
: fore him, his gaze was dim and unsteady
d and his hand faltered in its task. 4 ae'