The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1860-07-10
"Oh Andrea, has yonr masterpiece been

"Oh Andrea, has yonr masterpiece been
refused 2"
With almost nlal.iacal vcEcmeace, Andrea
related what had occurred.
"Your disgrace, Constanza" he added wildly,
"that shall never be! / have vowed that it
should not ! Love conqucrs ambition, and the
hope OF glory! Love is stronger than all else !
See sec thus ] put an end to tempta-
ton q
He seized heavy malet, and, with few
blows the plaster model was shattered Con-
stanza tried TO stay his arm-even Bettina
interposed, and prayed him 10 desist.-hc
needed neither! For moment he stood be-
fore the exquisite marble form; over which he
had toiIed, and hoped, and rejoiced for year.
With heart bursting cry, and the look Of an
cxecutioner, he lifted his arm-it descended,
and the lovely head rolled on the ground! The
work of destruction went rapidly on-the hand
that held the box of ointment was slnittcn-
the white arm ieI-the glorious shape was
INITIATED still the blows were repeated with
frantic force.
Neither Andrea, nor the young girl, nor her
attendant had heard the door open. 1t was
not until ashrick of terror escaped from Bettina,
that they bcheld two old men standing upon
the Threshold, mute spectators Of the scene.
One WAS the Judge who had warned Andrea,
the other was the father of Constanza!
The former fearing to trust to the soul ptors
decision, had informed his noble friend Of the
discovery he had made, and fastened with him
to Andrea's studio, at an hour too early for the
statue to have been sent TO the palace.
The Dukes just Indignation melted at the
sight of that heroic deed of sclfrenunciation.
He recognized and respected the nobility Of
spirit that nervcd the young scul ptors heart
and arln--the man he would have spurncd an
hour before WAS transformed by that noble act
| into hero-was raised to an equal.
lie strobe past the trembling Constanza, and
laid his hand on Andrca's arm, Just as it was
lifted for another blow.
Enough! l would conteG.,SS1@s,.c eG,.S1@.c What Is left
o tls aS1 ess-- Work. which my friend so
highly commcnds.'
Andreas excitement suddenly subsided-his
knees knocked togcther-a livid hue overSprcad
his conference.-the lids dropped over his
glazing eyes-he tottercd and would have
fallen, if the plying Judge had not received
him in his arms, and tcndcrly placed him in s
chair
pardon Constapza visit 10 wrath upon
her !" Andrea murmured, family.
"Shc is pardoned," answered the Duke, cx-
tcEdng his arms to receive her. The weeping
girl gratefully cluns TO his bosom, but with her
eyes fixed imploringly upon her half inscrsiblc
lover.
"Ardrca!" said tic Duke, ''youhavc achieved
greater triumph than if yourstatuc had obtain.
cd the prize; and You have won a friend whose
trust in YOU the experience of this hour proves
that YOU will never betray.
:: K Il 4 4
The Duke had not msindgcd the character
of the gifted sculptor. Not even his profound
passion for Cons'anza ever tempted lin to re-
tnrn ;'Hr ::;lles's generous confidence wirh-
trcache-.y iheagl he and Constauaa haj
often net, it WIS never again in secret, aud
A@t!.ca breatked no word OF love ito tx.
l! - s:.ss t 4~-4. s.
as :; sculptor Kept st4ady pace viii, !..S aslt!lon.
! Il lew years hc won renowl and, with it. :,
richer gucrlon r9r te Dixie bestowed upon
him the hand Of his daughter Ba. this dearest
triumph was wrought Lot Jy the ;:.lme which
crowned his genius. but ny the glorious ;ictory
he had gained over himself.
~ The leading incident Of this narrative has been
used in French drama entitled, l.. Chef D9HrTe de
L ine0nNu.