The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-10-10

lSraelitlsh maiden cast across the
streets; and, conscious that his admira-
ton was not displeasing to her, he in
dulged 1t to its full extent Seldom
were Bertha's blue orbs lifted up; but,
compelled sometimes TO come to the
window for air and to tend her plants
the downcast eyes and timid look suit
ed the artists views for imploring the
Queen. and he Produced a touching
likeness of his gentle favorite.
Lorenzo's picture had hung up long
enough in Wilikind Mayseder'S shop
for the whole population of Munich TO
have discerned Its merits, but without
producing the effect which the artist
had so fondly anticipated. The expe-
dience of placing more attractive
subject by its side was soon apparent.
He had finished teautiful head of a
nymph, which owed its chief loveliness
TO the charms of Bertha, and this was
Speedily exhibited as a pendant TO the
former, But to Lorenzo's surprise, he
received visit from Ephraim Manassas
who, bowing and cringing after the
manner of his tribe, and protesting his
utter inability to pay like my lords, the
mobiles and princes of Bavaria, drove a
hard bargain for portrait of his dar-
ling Miriam, and invited the painter to
commence his labors Immediately
Montesecco had no objection to under
take the task, indeed, although the
sum which the haggling Jew had at
last consented TO give was scarcely sut-
ficent to cover the expense of the oil
and the canvass; yet he hailed ii as a
commencement OF patronage, however
humble. and was not aware of all the
mischief which was likely 10 ensue
from the exhibition of Ber;ha's beauty.
until, paying his diurnal visit to his
friend Mayseder's house, he saw a
splendidly dressed cavalier standing
enraptured opposite the picture, and
heard him offer the shopkeepera large
bribe to obtain from the artist the name
Of the original ef so lovely portrait.
The confident lcok and supercilious air
of this naughty noble raised Lorenzo's
ire; but, restraining his temper, and
rehec<ing that every gazer possessed
right TO ask questions concerning pic
ture purposely exposed TO public view,
he made sign of silence TO Wilikind,
whose mouth was already open to an
nounce him as limner wholly at his
lordship's service, and retired to the
back of the shop. As soon as the un-
welcome visitant had departed, Mon
tesecco charged Mayseder to assure
him that the head with which he had
been so much delighted was fancy
sketch made at Rome He then in
quired ont the character of this con-
noisseur of female beanfy.,anu ivaruoa
such history of the profligacy of the
celebra.ed Count Reichendorf, that,
utterly dismayed by the incaution which
had placed so charming an object as
Bertha before the eye of the widest
libertine in Munich, he took down the
picture, and. covering i; carefully with
his handkerchief. conveyed it in haste
to his own lodgings.
The hospitable reception which Lo-
lfenzo received from the Jews family
speedily effaced the remembrance Oi
the late unpleasant incident: but, with
all the delicacy of a lover, he immedi-
ately abandoned the subject which had
so lately occupied all his time and at.
tention. and Notwithstanding the pro.
gress already madein Esther and Aha.
suerus, it was cast aside, and the trial
of Susanna and the Elders before Dan,
iel substituted in its stead. The female
form, lest he might injure Miriam by
drawing the public attention toward:
her,. he determined should be- purely
ina ginary; but EphTaim Manassas, anc
visitor. whose conntenancs was the
4 most revolving and sinister that Lorenzo
had ever beheld, he selected for the
two acc1sers; and the economy now 81
imperative, rather than any sentimen
of personal vanity, induced him to sketch
his own handsome figure for the youth
fpl prophet Manassas gladly offeret
himself as sitter, at the price of hi
ldaughter's portrait; bnt Mordecai. ~,
ffriend, was more difficult TO deal with
he pleaded poverty, the value of hi
time and his abject necessities until h
had grasped the last haller which tn,
painter could possiblysgive.
Though still arguing the full success
Of his picture, Lorenzo's enthusiasm, an
his spirit also, considerably abated; hi
. finances were rednced to very loy
: ebb, and he feared that even the smal
, solace derived from his visits to tn
: Jews must be speedily relinquished
! the looks and actions of Miriam, thong
, her tongue was silent, told him that h
1 had made a serious impression upo
; her heart, and he was too honorable
5 wish t1engage affections which he 5e
ftthat fdm the wide difference of 1birt
3 and teIigiol he could never return.-
8 His eoE{emplatioas opposite TO Bertha
. window, also, began to be very melaI
$ choIy Though conceahng herself
h the most distant corner OF her apar
MI ment, and barricading the lattice vii
~i ~ifowers Lorenzo's inventive genius ha
g devised &he means of obtaining con
: plete view overfhe,v hole Eoprnyands !
. saw that his fair neighborW Vas often
-dtears. Once, and only once, for a Ion
sime, their eyes had met, and he thougl
+ that she looked repfoachfully at hir
h The idea that she might be jealous
ol his visits To Miriam was very deligh