The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1851-05-29


thus cordially pressed upon them, but they
would accept i only upon one condition.
You must said they, allow US to en-
ploy this interval Of time Il. painting d fami.
y group, which shall include each member Of
your domestic circle, from the eldest to thel
youngest, This painting, when completed,
we will leave with You, as 4 slight memorial
Of our gratitude9
The blacksmith gladly accepted the offer
his wife colored with pleasure, and the chill
drcn skipped about and clappod their hands
for joy.
Next day the painters set to work The
forge was converted into an atelier, their easel
was placed opposite the furnace, and the
whole family were grouped around the anvil,
the flame which burned on the hearth casting
a ruddy glow. over the scene
Three weeks passed away; the painting
was completed, and fourth son was born to
the blacksmith. On the daywhich succeed
ed his birth, he was baptised by the name of
Antoine, and on the same joyful occasion the
picture of the family group was duly INSTALL
ed in the best parlor, and gayly decorated
with flowers, to the great admiration of the
guests who were invited to partake Of the
christening feast Gladly would these kind
hearted people have retained the young ar
lists yet longer among them, but business
called them away, and with grateful hearts
they quilted the hospitable roof.
AS they were bidding the good mother a
hearty farewell, Antoine whispered in her
ear Keep the painting we have given you,
as a remembrance of our visit. 1t is now of
but little worth, for our names are as yet I'M
known to fame; but perhaps it may one day
prove a goodinheritance for our godson."
Twenty-Five years had passed away, and
Antoine Herbclot was soldier in the king
service
Some time had elapsed since any tidings Of
the young man had reached his family, and
they were becoming very anxious tolearn his
fate, when his father one day received from
him letter, announcing that during a sea
expedition he had been carried away by Al
gerine pirates, and was now threatened with
immediate death at the lannon's mouth, i
six thousand francs were not quickly furnish
ed at hisransom.
Six thousand francs! the sale of the pa
ternal home itself would not realize the sum
the elder brother must also part with tn
little farm which he hadaequired by his mar
rage
The whole family, however, without on
} dissenting voice, agreed to make the sacrifice
and were consulting together on the step
which it would be necessary to take to az
complish this object, when Providence flu
nished them with most unexpected succor.
A young girl Of the neighborhood, name
Louise Danchet, who had long been betrotE
9 ed to the young soldier, was present whe
7 the fatal letter arrived. She was at first
& verpowered with grief and establishment; br
/ in few moments sudden thought SCENE
d to flash across her mind, and suddenly risir
: from her seat, she hastily left the house.
The spot toward which she directed h
e steps was the neighboring Chateau de Val
: which had been lately purchased BY a ri,
Il banker, to whom her brother acted in the c
n pacity Of game-keeper.
y NJ. dAmivon, who had once filed the S
n uation Of steward in the household of t
CT Prince de Cont, now assumed all the airs
81 a grand setgaeur, taking possession Of
lie castle, and was especially DESTROYS of passil
ty himself off as an enlightened amateur
r. painting.
Louise, who had been asked by her brot
e. er, a few days before, toassist him in unpac
he ing some pictures, had perceived in the corr
ee of one amongst them the signature Lol
I'd and Antoine Lenain," and had been stru
Ill by the resemblance borne by some figures
it. the group to those Of the HerbeIot family.
'r, The young artists having always retaine
tie place in the kindly remembrance Of the g
le, people of the village, Louise had frequent
he heard them spoken Of, and when the w
as, known names met her eyes in the corner
nd the canvas, it at oree occurred to her i
re- this painting, which, from the care bestoV
upon it, she concluded was greatly priced
Il II owner, must be the product Of their p
N, ellis.
to 1T was upon this thought she now acted
With breathless haste she hurried to the 9
asst teau and begged to be allowed to speak to
is d Amivon. She was introduced into the
ed ~ apartment in which hung the painting
led ecuted by the brothers Lenain
o y: 'Sir, !" said the younggirl, tinidlJy, fore
!, nus me if am making too bold with you, but
Ios you tell me whether that picture Is wort
OeS good deal?"
'u Yes, indeed it is my good girl, rep
eA- Nj. dAmivon, hut whatmakes goa feel
interest in the subject"
sue Louise hesitated for moment and {
was said: Because thought, sill, Tint if yot
,al- ,-oo+ s.,ol,a bv f. ,,o,, ~ - * -