Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1852-07-30
VOL. XXXVH.-WhOle No. 1855.

lists who crowded the studies of The great
masters, and as time went on. honor and
wealth seemed waiting for him, but not
happiness.
The kind old painter with whom he
had spent SO many happy years, had a
fair Young daughter whom he had loved
long and silently, happy that he could be
near one SO good and beautiful. He never
thought of asking more till 4 fellow stu
dent, possessed of wealth and rank, comcly
in person, and courtly in manner, sough.
her hand, and then only when he feared it
was TOO late did he gain courage to plead
his love so well and earnestly, that the old
painter could not refuse to leave the choice
10 his daughter.
Tell me truly, Madeline he said,
winch will bring the most happiness, the
pOmp and show of a countess, or an hum
bic painters home, subject TO all the care
and sorrow poverty brings Wealth or
Ioye-tew maidens would pause and yet
It's hard choice-both so noble and
cOmely, | wonder not at your indGcIsiOn.
The image Of the pale young painter
came often to the girls heart, all his silent
acts of kindness, his humble, seli-denying
life, and most of all, his deep and earnest
love for herself-and the gay, gallant
Count, was forgotten. \ flower from
Guido was more highly priced than all the
costly gifts her Tiled suitor laid at her feet;
but she knew her father longed to sec her
the wife of some high born lord; his own
life had been darkened by hours of power
ty and sorrow, and he fondIy hoped to
spare her that pain which he had borne
unmurmurlngly. SO with I daughters
selt-denyiDg love, she answered.
Father, as painters daughter, my life
has been one Of perfect happiness; why
not as wife, The Count loves the beau
tGul art only as means Of gaining honor,
and even that love will soon pass away,
and some trtling thing succeed it. Guido
is poor, and his art is his all. know the
deep, earnest love he bears Tor all that is
great and good; beauty and purity he
wOrships with a true painters steadlasl
ness, and while he humbly tolls for bread,
the noble genius which lies hidden now
will awake, and, haIIowed by such pur-
pose, will bring him honor and wealth.
But | am young, father, and the world is
new TO NE e; judge as your own wise love
counscls, and by that judgment will |
abide
'SeEors, said the old painter, when he
Joined the rivals, who together sought 10
learn their fate, 'my daughter leaves the
choice 10 me, and as 4 father, | would ask
what You would give up to win her love 2
More than life, liberty. wealth, or hon
or replied the Count, with d glance at his
humble rival, who possessed SO lille to
sacrifice.
And you, Guido said the old man.
The bright blood mounted to the pale
face, and the clear light glowed deeper in
his dark eye, rs he answered with a low
sad voice
/ would give up that which is more
precious than life or Iiberty-that for
/ which would toll and suffer long years
lhat for which | would most gladly give
the little OF honor, wealth or happiness
that | possess; all these were trihes, use
less and vain, if that one thing we've not
! gained
And this is what asked the wonder
ing painter.
Your daughters happiness is more to
me than all the earth can offer. Let her
! bestow her love where she Will! and God
/ protect him who Is so blest as to possess
/ it. My deepest, truest 10y will be the
! knowledge OF her own. Cold and selfish
were the hearts that did not find pure hap
! plness III the Joy Of those they truly love.
! It is enough hear my decision -
( Three weeks hence is the Carnival; he
who before that time has painted a pie
ture the most perfect in grace and beauty
Of form, design and coloring, 10 him will
/ give my daughter
And as the two rivals turned away. his
eye rested proudly on Guido, as he whis-
Pered, with a smile, lie is worthy Of her,
and will succeed.
The hours went by, and rumors of the
strange trial between the rival painters
were rife through the city. Many were
the wondering thoughts of the people; gay
Jests went round, and happy visions of
fame from the hand of the painters filed
many fair lady's heart.
The beautiful Madeline sat alone, and
strove to Danish the thoughts that would
come bringing a picture that she would not
look upon; and SO the time went on, the
days were spent, and the Carnival was in
progress.
Gallery after gallery filled, and still the
crowd poured on till the dim old halls
were brilliant with the fair and noble Of
the gay city; the sunlight stole softly in
through the richly stained windows, throw
ing strange, bright hues, on the old pic
lures within, and the air was heavy with
the fragrance of the flowers twined round