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

anxious TO CLEAN every beuefit from nv
masters instructions. improved rapidly,
and my paintings soon excelled those of
the other five. My taste did not incline
to sacred subjects, like that Of Van Roos,
but rather to the familiar rural style OF
Bergben and Paul Potter. 1t was my
delight to wander along the rich pasture
lands, to watch the amber sunset, the
herds going home to the dairy, the lazy
wind mills, and the calm, clear waters of
the canals, scarcely ruffled by the passage
OF the public treekschuyt, (canal boat. y
In depicting scenes fthis nature
The slow canal, the yellow -blossomed vale.
Ihe wiilow'tufted bank, the gliding sail"-
| was sngulary fortunate. My master
never praised Inc by word or look but
when my father came up one day, from
Schiedam TO visit me, he drew him aside
AMI told him, in voice inaudiLle TO the
rest, that hlesser Franz would be a
credit TO the profession )" which So delight.
ed the good dis,iller, that he straightwav
took me out with him for the day, and
after giving me fifteen gold pieces, as a
icstln"ny of his satisfaction, took me to
dine with his friend the burgomastcr, Won
Gael. Ii WAS an even,ful visit for me
On that evening, first learned to love.
Few people, think, would at that time
have denred the personal attractions of
Gertrude Won Gael yet do not know
that It Was SO much her features, as her
soft voice and gentle womanly grace, that
SO completely fascinated me. Though SO
young, ste performed the Donors OF her
fathers princely table, with self possession
and good breeding. la the evening, she
sang some sweet German songs to Ler
own simple accompaniment. We talked
of books and Of poetry. found her well
read III English, French and German lit.
erstuTe. We spoke of art and she dis.
covered both judgment and enthusiasm.
AZ we took our leave al night, the bur
son'aster shook me warmly by the hand,
aud told me to come often. fancied
;hat Grrtrudc's blue eyes frightened when
lic said il, and felt the color rush quick
~ to my blow, rs bowed and thanked
him.
Franz" said my father, when we
we're once more in the street, "how Old
are youl"
Just twenty two, SIR" replied, rather
surprised ut the question.
You will not be dependant on your
brush, my boy" continued my father, as
he leaned on my arm, and looked back at
The lofty mansion We had just left. al
have been neither wastefu nor unsuccess
fu, and it will be my pride to leave you
rrspectable income at my death"
! inclined my head in silence, and won.
iered What would come next.
Burgomasler Won Gael is one O. my
Oldest friends" said my father.
~ have often heard you speak Of him,
sir" replied.
And he is rich"
$50 | should suppose"
Gertrude will have fine fortune"
said my father, rs il thinking aloud.
bowed again, but this time rather ner.
vou,ly.
"Marry her, Franz"
dropped his arm and started back.
"ST" faltered: "I-I-marry the
Frsulein von Gael !"
" And pray, sir, Why not 7" said my
father, curtly, stopping short in his walk,
and leaning both hands upon the top OF
his walking stick.
made no reply.
"Why not, siri" repeated my father,
very energeiicsly. "What could you
wish for betteri The young lady is hand
some, good tempered, educated, rich
Now, Franz, il thought you had been
such fool as to form any other attach.
ment without -
40, sir, you do me injustice |" cried.
Indeed, know no one.-bave seen no
othe, lady. But-do you think that
that she would have me, sir I"
TRY her, Franz" said my father, good
humoredly, rs he resumed my arm. al
| am not very much mistaken, the burgo
master would be as pleased as myself
and as for tue fraulcin--women are easily
won."
We had by this time, reached the door
OF the inn, where my father was to sleep
tor the night. AS he left me, his las,
words were, Fry her, Franz--,ry her."
From this time / became q frequent
visitor at the house Of the burgomaster,
Won Gael. II was a large, old fashioned
mansion, built Of red brick, and situated
upon the famous line Of houses, known as
the Boompjees. In front lay the broad
shining river, crowded with merchant yes-
sells, from whose masts futtered the flags
of oil the trading nations OF the world
Tall trees, thick with foliage, lined the
nuaya and ,ast m ,~ioaa.,. n /. l. .l....-l