The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-10-08

at | thought that" said he hastily, 81
- should esteem myself particularly
happy"
There was so odd difference in the
way in which he uttered the beginning
and end of this sentence--so much hurry
and passion in the first half, such debe-
rate politeness, in tue last, that started
and looked him full in the face: he was
rs smiling and impenetrable as marble
stature.
81, too, have been fortunate,' he said
after moments pause. "uave YOU seen
the new church lately built near the eas,
end Of the Haring-vliet I"
replied that | had observed it in pas.
sing, but had not been inside.
IL have been entrusted" he said, "wi,h
the superlntendence Of the interior deco
ratIons. My Conversion Of ST. pauI' is
purchased for the altar piece, and | am
now engaged i'll painting series Of tres-
Goes upon the ceiling. viii you come
IN one day and give the your opinion up
on them!"
professed myself much fattered, and
appointed 10 visit him in the church on
the following morning. lie was waiting
Tor me AT the door when | arrived, with
the heavy keys in his hand. We passed
IN, and he turned the key in the lock.
u always secure myself against intru-
ders," he said, smiling. "Peoplc will
come into the church if leave the doors
uniastened and do not choose to carry
on my art, like a sign painter, in the pres
enee Of every blockhead who chooses to
stand and stare at me-"
1t Was surprisingin what disagree.
able manner this man showed his teeth
when he smiled.
The church was decidedly handsome
building, built in that Italian style which
INITIATES the antique, and prefers grace and
magnIhcence to the digntied sancti'y Of
the Gothic order. a row of elegant Cor
'nthIan columns supported the roof at
each side OF the nave; gliding and deco
ratIve cornlceS were iavished in every d.
rect'on the gorgeous altar piece already
occupied its appointed station; und lit.
tie to the left Of the rallied spsc. where the
communicate table was to be placed, n lof.
ty scattoIdIng WIS erected, that seemed,
from where | stood, almost to come in
contact with the roof and above which
observed the yet unfinished sketch of
mastery fresco. Three or four more, al
ready completed, were stationed at reru
lar intervals, and some others were mere
y outlined in charcoal upon thei inten-
ded site.
VIII you not come up with me 2"
asked the painter when | had expressed
my admiration sufficiently "or are you
afraid Of turning giddy y
| felt somewhat disinclined TO impose
this trial on my nerves, but still
more dsinclined to confess it; so
| followed him up from flight to tlIigt Of
the frall structure without once daring to
look down.
At last we reached the summit. As |
had supposed there was not even room
enough for the artist to assume a sitting
posture, and he had to paint while lying
on his back. had no fancy to extend
myself on this lofty couch so | only lifted
my head above the level of his flooring,
looked at the tresco, and descended imme-
diately to the flight below, where wait
ed till lie rejoined me.
How dangerous it must be-" said
shuddering, "to let yourself down from
that abominable perch"
81 used to think so at first" he re.
piled "but | am now quite accustomed
to it, Fancy" said he, approaching close
to the edge Of the scatfoIdinh-" fancy fsl-
ling from this into the church below !"
Horrible !" cried !.
81 wonder how high it is from the level
Of the pavement" continued Van Roos
mnsingly; "ninety feet, dare say--per-
haps a hundred"
drew back, giddy at the thought.
No man could survive such a fall i"
said the painter, still looking over. "Any
skull would be dashed to atoms OH the
marble down there"
Pray, come away" said I, hastily :;
"my head swims at the very idea"
"Does itw said lie, turning suddenly
upon me with the voice and eye Of fiend
-" does itl Fool !" he cried as he seized
me round the body in his iron clasp
"fool, TO trust yourself here with meme
whom yon have wronged, whose life you
have blasted me, whom you crossed in
fame and in love! Down, ,wrtech down! I've
vowed TO have your blood, and my time
has come!"
II sickens me even now to recall that
desperate struggle. At the first word he
uttered, had sprung back and seized a
beam above my head he strove to tear
.ne from it--he foamed at the mouth, th g
veins rose like knots upon his forehead;
and still, though felt my wrists strained
and my fingers cruelty lacerated, still |
held on with the terrible energy Of one
who struggles for dear life. 1t lasted a
long time--at least it seem cd long to me
and the scaffolding rocked beneath oui
feet. At length saw his strength fail
ing suddenly loosed my hold, and threw