The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-01

Tbore was unusual stir in the Exhibition
room Variegated groups passed to and fro
IN the galleries some, curious and superficial,
Looked transiently on the walls hung with the
1T works of the new master some giving
Judgment aloud prematurely, or repeating af.
ter Others but displaying little true interest or
taste for the art Only here and there might
he seen one absorbed in the contemplation OF
a peculiarly successful representation, forget
ting all the surrounding ones. To these be-
lonSed Erika, who had come with Globen
once more before her journey which she
thought she had fully concluded on and stood
beside Seraphine, before Mlller's Madonna
She knew that the young painter was the
brother of the preacher, the fire of whose elo-
ouence had so wonderfully animated her.
All, how proud must be the mother of these
two sons how happy said She turning to
Count Sternhof who had come up to the group.
"Do you know if she is still living and where
she resides?"
Stemhof blushed "No,n answered he, {" |
am not initiated in the circumstances of the
family, who are so happy as to excite your in
terest'
The woman is to be envied,D continued
Erika, without needing Sternhof "What en-
thusiasm there must be in the possession of
such children She has demand on the graft
tude of the world"
VERY many mothers of such talented men
are so simple" said Seraphine, "that they do
not know how to value their WORTH
Still would like their simplicity their un-
assuming pretensions would seem so much the
more engaging" affirmed Erika.
At this moment two persons came into the
81 ~. Il
the arm of a Young. handsome man-and Stern
hof as well as Erika felt electrically moved.
THAT is he" sounded in the soul of the maiden,
who remained immovable by the frame to
which the new Corners were approaching
Sternhof withdrew few steps. He felt that
his mother had discovered him, and feared some
imprudence on her part Gladly would he have
secreted himself in the adjoining hall, but he
had TO remain as the protector of the young
ladies' while the Minister'S lady wandered on
with her nephew, who this day had good rea-
son to be unusually complaisant and attentive
Erka knew not whether the strangers had
gone over, or remained standing She had not
looked about, when the voice, that still sounded
like music in her ears was heard near her
There, dear mother, here they have placed
Edmund's painting" said Adrian to Mrs Null,
Ter
She had noticed Baler. who had turned aside
to speak to Seraphine, and she sought to con-
ceal her emotion in consequence of this acct
dental meeting, by appearing to he taken up
with the sightot her sons greatly admired paint,
ing and Erika, who was DESTROYS OF an &C.
quantance with the artists mother, turned to-
wards her and looked so full of sympathy into
her face that Mrs Muller, unlimited asked il
she also felt herself spoken to by this devou'
cOuntenance
:" ! bow before the artist who produced it. y
was the answer
Adrian cast an observant look on Erika. II
seemed as if he had seen the face once before,
and suddenly it occurred to him that those
were the same eyes that in church read him
words from the soul, and whose gances rested
on him like sunlight. Who might she be. this
admirably magnificent appearance? Erika
read the query in his manner
81 wish, as soon as it shall please him, to be
acquainted with one who whether poet artist,
or other man, has so affected me, that would
offer him my thanks He has so attracted me
that desire 20 become known to him. Alas,
fear such wish will remain unfulflled, since
the most distinguished men are the most re-
rioslty too oft annoy them" observed Erika
My son, for am the mother of the young
artist is shy and reserved yet without pride or
presumption
Because perhaps he fears the wounds which
praise itself inflicts on the artist" said Erika
who can realize the acute feelings of an art
lists soul!n
call that man peculiarly happy, to whom
nature has given an indication where his eff
forts are to be exerted; to whom she has i'm
parted decided talent, and withal has obvi-
ated any error on his part" said Adrian, join
ing IN the conversation. 81 might even assert
.hat such a gift is dormant in every man, and
'iiat with many there requires only an occa-
SION 70 call 1t forth. Wherefore the artist owes
two-ioid thanks to nature and the circumstan-
ces IN which he is born, for the gift and the
consciousness Of it,
GU believe, then. in an equal distribution
OF talents, and that our own weakness and use.
lessness lie in wrong application and want OF
acknowledge" asked Erika.
Or IN a wrong state of lifeo answered
ADRIAN. How many if born in another
pace, IN different situation, would have per.
formed things great and glorious; whereas, in
.he,r confined sphere of action they are com
Pened 70 labor against their inclination Spe
cl"ily 90 we find this the case with artists, who
IN thelr struggles with poverty and unkind
a'age' nave oft carried distinguishing talents
to the grave,n
baler noticed with embarrassment that Fri.
ka spun out the conversation with his brother
Tue Unread OF which was not soon likely to be
proKen as she tarried long in his mothers com.
pahy' In the presence Of the latter, she show
ed remarkable restlessness Her desire Ia
speak to him conhcted with the fear of incur
ring his displeasure and as he seemed cold and
Indifferent, she believed she read i'm his behay.
lolr signal for similar strangeness, and CON-
PEELED herself to strict submission Seraphine
ielt like Baler, and was equally reserved. The
company We're now standing before a vast
painting, An assembly of criminals in church. .
The expressions in their hardened, cunning
passon-distracted features, at the discourse Of
the preacher, were displayed with master
strokes
Erka's looks met those of Adrian. @What
q Triumph to rescue these lost souls. and lead
'nem back TO goodness
:, But what grief to have knocked in vain at
l"v rr closed feelings, and to see the words Of
drs. uashed to pieces on the coat Of mail of OBJ
and "s conversation again turned on the art,
entity witn spoke disparagingly of it, apbar-
signed -, :" uewecating opposition, rs if he de-
and w;st - cehsnre the mastery performance,
worlJ I''ned TO have the art banished from the
artist - 20 remove its turpitude, and Danish the
more l he kingdom Of ridcule, and never
tom "urt his eyes with their labored imita-
aud tha an. and Mrs Muller partially assented
NE NE conference became more animated
WIN, nen ! reflect what pain and delight
naa, ambitious hopes and bitter disappoint,
tha These works enkindle in the breast Of
with ,S said Erika "and compare them
'"e needless censures and arrogant judg.