Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-07-25

downcast eyes and embarrassed looks of the
youth to the majesty of the presence in which
he found himself, sought to remove the weight
of his trouble by courtly rpndescension and
turning towards him with a smile of sublime
patronage, and graciously nodding her head,
she exclaimed.
They say that you are possessed of some
talent, SIR
They do me too much honor who conde-
scend to say so, madam, replied the painter,
raising his eyes and looking the dowager
calmly in the face. They Judge me by my
intentions, ! fear, | have not yet produced
anything to merit so noble an encomium'
The painters voice and manner were cunti-
nent of both frmness and pride as he respond
ed to the impertinent language of the noble
dame. Mary Ruthven, proud as Scottish
woman could be, and full of sympathy for the
youth, had redeemed at the insulting tone and
manner of the duchess; and she therefore
smiled with secret pleasure as she listened to
the response Of Vandyke; and as she lifted her
beaming eyes towards him, full Of kind re-
CARDS, he caught her glance, and, compre-
hending its language, he thanked her in his
heart.
well, well, we shall sce,' said the dowa-
you to give some proof of your talent. Her
majesty wishes YOU to renew the ornaments
of her chapel, so that you will have suf-
fcient time to exemplify your skill. There
are apartments selected for you in the old mo-
nastc mansion of the Greyfriars, said the lady
with great dignity, sin which your winter la
bors can be carried on, You can see it from
this place. she continued rising and walking
with 4 stately step to the window, which she
threw open you see YOU shall be at perfect
| liberty and in solitude In summer another
mansion shall be placed at your service; and
besides all this, you shall receive a pension
from the State. | hope this is sufficient to sat-
isfy an artist
Art is sovereignty which money cannot
purchase, madam said Vandyke, quietly {;
and if might possess the talent to which
aspire, the favors of which you vaunt were not
sufficient to pay my pencils.
'All that is very well,' said the dowager,
throwing her head back in such manner as
none but dowagers can do, you are proud
and talented, and we are great; but a truce to
disputes regarding the honors pertaining to
condition. The queen shall proclaim you her
chief Il. b,,
the prize in the competition now open TO the
students of Rome for the production of the best
head of the virgin.
Alas madam said the painter modestly,
if the protection of the queen is dependent on
this condition, ! much fear | shall never Obtain
| it
And how, Mr.. Painter = inquired the lady
because that shall not gain the prize, re-
piled Vandyke, with an expression of sadness
that awakened all the gentlest sympathies in
the soul of Mary, which were Immediately re-
fected in her beaming face.
And wherefore refuse to try to gain it =
awaiting your success: but perhaps you have
not sufficient time for the enterprise.
You mistake me, madam replied the
painter, gently. Il have the will to make the
trial, and have enough of time, but how shall
| represent the Madonna as she ought TO be
represented without model,' As he spoke
these words lac cast his eyes towards Mary
Rnihven. Il have searched anxiouslv,' he
continued, 'but hitherto in vain, for a celestial
visage equal to my ideal of hers. have moi
been able 20 discover one ilumined by that
bcautifui candor of soul which beams in the
heavenly counienance, nor possessed Of that
sweet and wonderful bcnevolcnce which re-
veals IN each of her motions the indulgent sis
ter Of women
All the young women al once raised then
ewes towards NandyAe, and they were struck
with his noble and beautiful form, and his lofty
smooth and intellectual brow, which was il
lumined with The pure rays Of genius.
Indeed said the Lady ST. Adams, with ar
incredulous smile; j thought painters wer,
never at a loss for models.
Yes: wamen fair and beautiful are easily
found but one alone have | been able TO dis
cover who approached TO that ideal Of modesty
and beauty which has struck my imagination
Alas the maiden whom ] have discovered
and, who is even mpre than | could have
wished, is damsel who would not deign to
sit to poor artist.
As he finished these words he raised his
sparkling, animated eyes towards Mary Ruth
ven /; the maiden felt the mysterious influence:
Of that intelligence which beamed from his
countenance, and she trembled and hnng hel
head, while blush suffused her face and neck
All her companions had caught the stoleI
glance of the painter, and all, with feelings o.
envious despite, discovered that Mary was tn,
woman of whom the painter spoke. The aget
dowager, who had not perceived this secret in
telligence, asked of him, And who is thi
great dame. Mr.. Painter,'
"A virgin herself, madam replied Van
dyke, while his eyes sparkled with the force o
his emotions He then bowed to tho ladies' o
the court, threw last adieu to Mary, and sal,
to the dowager, 4 shall endeavor to gain tn
prize WHICH you esteem so honorable, madam
and if | do not, shall leave England,
Vandyke, in compliance with the arrange
ments that had been made, took possession o
those secluded apartments in the vicinity o
| i l.. 1