The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1860-01-20
Fate of the Mysterious Beauty

Wnlcn Will pr0DaDly grow plack IN tue
dust long before even his fragile tinte
have faded-to give to those who are
parting with the one nearest and dearest
to their hearts, some shadow of their
visible presence-this in the task of the
Painter.
Many have been the glad, and many
the sorrowful occasions upon which my
pencil has been summoned; one or two of
the scenes it is my purpose to lay before
the reader, in colors not bright, perhaps,
but true.
Years have passed since one morning
in the early season, l was aroused from
my labors in my studio by the arrival Of
visitor, He was young, and there was
in his air that which indicated the union
of high birth and mental superiority
His manner was elegant, and yet it was
not without touch of embarrassment
have called" said he, "in the hope
in the belief that it is possible for an
artist to take likeness from-from mem
ory-should there be a dislike to sit
ting"
have been able to do so," replied
], a little surprised at his marked con
fusion.
"If you would do it for me, should be
more grateful than you can imagine-bub
the circumstances are peculiar, and am
fearful you may. y.refuse; but" added he,
and his eyes filling with tears proclaimed
his emotion-"my happiness-my only
chance of happiness is in your hands, |
am about to leave England for years, and
would wish to continue unknown to
you but there is a
lady-one in whom my very existence is
bound up--we have been brought up
together, but we must be separated. You
shall see her and if you will give me n
sketch, however slight"
For moment he covered his face with
his hands | promised ready com
rliance with his wishes, if he would in
struct me how to proceed. 1t was ar
ranged that l was to 60 with him that
night to the opera-that should see the
arbitress of his fate--the keeper of his
hearts treasure. Zone glance at her
features" he said, twill be my best
excuse" 1t would have been impossible
for me to hesitate long, for his passionate
entreaties would have prevailed upon
far less sensitive nature than mine.
To the opera l went with him that
night and in all the dazzling circle around,
there was not one whose beauty could for
moment compare with that of the young
and exquisite face that was to remember
Who that had ever seen it could forget
it.
My companion entered her box, and
the change that came over her bright
cheek told its own tale, whilst the aid Of
cold politeness with which the lady of
stately aud matronly appearance who was
by her side, greeted his approach, showed
that it was by stealth alone he could ever
hope to win even the dim imperfectly,
pictured remembrance of. that glorious
face.
Once more | went to gaze upon it, and
with a throbbing heart | sketched her
matchless features | had caught the smile
with which she welcomed him, and when
| placed it before my stranger guest, !
thought that in the folly of his young
love, he would have worshipped the hand
that gave consolation to his exile.
4 Months passed by, when l received
request from Lord R, that would
paint miniature of his young "fancee'
! of course complied, and at the hour
appointed for the sitting, his lordship en-.
tered the room, q lady leaning on his arm;
the same, aye, the same fair creature
whom had already sketched for another
With cold and evident reluctance she
allowed him to lead her to seat. Beau
tiful as she still was, a shadow seemed to
have passed over her. Sorrow had been
in the depths of those blue eyes, and had
stolen away the lustre and the light that
were native to them; whilst, for the glad
ness ofyouth which had seen in them
before, there was settled expression OF
dispair. read in that face fearful
story
Thenext day was informed that Lady
Louisa G. was too unwell to resume
her sitting. l heard, at the same time
that it was cher fathers wilr' that she
should become the bride, of Lord R.
A short time after, saw their nnion
announced in the papers
The next spring found me still sur
rounded by the impliuents Of the art ]
love, when enc evening received hur-
ried note from cord RI, requesting
my Immediate p xesslce at the house in
--Street I
! went, and in most agitated man.
ner did he beg of me to take likeness
of his beautiful his dying wife,
Shocked beyond expression, / accom-
panied him to the drawing room; and
there, extended on couch, was laid the
wreck Of the young girl had seen but
one little year before, in all the "pride
and prodigality'' of beauty
The glorious eyes were sunk and dim;
the exquisite features sharpened by the
hand Of death; the dark hair thrown back
in the impatience of sickness She
welcomed me with faint smile but met
her husbands anxious eye with an ex-
pression-which was not love.
sat down to my sad task, and had
scarcely commenced when a domestic
brought in card. The pale cheek Of
Lady R. flushed deeply, as she trem,
blingly exclaimed, 'Let him come in
MY love" interrupted Lord R,
"you are not well enough to see strar
gers"
Strangers We were brought uJ
together" whispered the dying creature
The door flew Open, and the visitor en-