The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1860-07-10
we must get through quickly Willie the light

eTVeS.
His tone expressed not merely impatience,
put the conviction that they could meet with
10 artistic achievement in that locality which
would require much examination, or give rise
% any prolonged discussion.
Andrea seized the crimson curtain with a
,onvulsive grasp, threw it aside, and turned
,way, that he might not see the condemning
,ountenarces Of his merciess critics. Large
lropsE,of dew started from his brow; a cold
remor ran through his frame, his heart sank
is with the pressure of leaden weight. The
loor which opened to admit those stern vlsag-
ID old men had let out his last hope. His
,nIy struggle now was to bear tia sentence of
like a man; his Oily wish That
lie interview might be quickly over.
: For few moments deep silence followed the
disclosure Of the stutuc. The stiffness was
broken by nm exclamation from the eldest OF
he visitors. Andrea turned involuntairly. The
eatures of the old man evinced violent emotion
Is with piercing, uncompromising eyes, he
ntently surveyed the marble form. 1t was
lot admiration his countcnance expressed
Ior disappointment-nor dsapproval-it was
tQSOluLC HOTTOT.
In the looks of the other two judges the
1ost casual observer could have read wonder
md delight They whispered together for a
then turned to Andrea.
1t is noble work-full of genius" excalm-
,d one of these two with enthusiasm.
81 was never more amazed ! expected no.
hing like this" calculated the ether.
ut will he admitted to the exhibition, then!
,siicd Andrea, cagarly.
Admitted" replied the judge who had first
spoken. Young man, it will win the prize!-
i not that your opinion = turning to his com
panion.
Decidedly the best thing we have seen
yct.-It will Will be the chosen master piece.
Do you not say So2" said the latter addressing
he eldest Of the partS, who still stood silently
5aacing from statue to\ Andrea with q tIQnb,S
ed gaze.
al it should be seen at the cxiibition-ycs,
Dnt-"
~, Signor!" interrupted Andrea, 81 intend
o send it thcrc-that is, if your permission
sjlI be granted"
THAT is yours" said one Of the old men,
slio had seated himself by the table, and WIS
ao-s writing. lie held out the order OF admis-
~. "Scnd the statue bctimes tomorrow
lie doors will be open by ten.''
A.ndrea extended Ills trembling hand for the
afcr-his lips moved inarticulatcly cly-the quick
.evulsion from despair to ecstacy had rendered
lin spccchless. lie was intoxicated with hap
its suJdenness caused him to suffer
Intensely. At that moment he felt that lie
;ncw what the sense Of dying with JOY must
&c.
Two Of the Judges passed out the studio.--
The eldest fingered moment behind, and
to Andrea, in a voice of command,
Remain here for short tme-I will return
i have something of Importance to say to
M 557.
: Alpdrea bowed. .sln,iing!y.
The door closed, ar.i ne threw himself upon
lis knces and gave vent to his gratitude and
yptGrc IL g.rehemcnt burst Of thanksgiving.
s',1ss..:a i ;.-ss :l', :S2 " 4'5! :i.s ::
ing thing-;,a tlo'gl. it were Co"stanza
2">clT
A step behind linn interrupted hi& rhapsody.
/ he Judge had return lis Ice was very
!gave.
Young man" he asked, abruptly, "who sat
r that statue Z"
Andrea started, but did not reply.
"Who was Your model? 2" inquired the judge
Il a still harsher tone.
Andrea hcsitatcd-then stanimered ont with
confusion, "Is it always ncedful to
,,,,1-e
.,:!ht -"
''Do not triAe with me |" rcjoincd his qucs-
ioncr, in an authoritative tone. This is no
4ral work. You had model, and that model
yas Constanza, only daughter ofthc Duke.
uufess it,
Andreas' look of CONSERVATION was an un-
answer:
1T is well that You do not attempt to deny
lss !act. The likeness is so striking that it
'oG!d be impossible for it not TO be recognized
"a glance. If this statue should appear at
IL exhibition, all who have ever bcheld Con-
ia"za will recognize it as her faithful counter
'".l lave you thought Of the consequences
& revelation! 1t will be known that she
:: here in secret; and that she sat as Your
.,ss that love tor vou could alone have
r..,d her to this imprudcnt act of devotion.
Ter ootlcss name will receive al indelihlc
';,a. Her proud father, overwhelmed by the
,Hi',r disgrace of his child, will visit his wrath
.n""Lnr in some fearful manner; possibly by
rni.hng her TO convent You will win the
'rIze, anu the road to fame and fortune will be
brown open to you. | do not attempt to con
cal from You that such will he the result ofyour
that statue but the rash girl, through
whose devotion You achieved your triumph will
c covered with obloquy!"
a thundcrbolt had fallen upon Andrea.
lardIy less white than the marble shape be-
orc him, and as powerlcss he listened to these
iorCls of doom.
81 come to warn vou," resumed the Judge
And now that you have heard that warning,
'ould test which is stronger in Il yonng mans
rcast, the desire for fame, or love for Il pure
ny, lore, for it is evident that You are
namorcd of Constanza. | read that in every
ne of Your work.
Still Andrea gave no sign.
II shall know Your answer tomorrow, by the
bsencc or presence Of the statue ut the cXhibi
ion. Reflect upon my words. ! knew Con-
tanza's father well. leave YOU to make your
ecision'
lie bowed slightly, and passed from the
oOm.
Andrea remained standing, mntcly gazing
pom the door that closed on the pitilcss oracle.
Iowly the scu ptor turned once more to the
rrbIr Mary. Ills agony could not be COM
rcsSed into speech, or even find ventin groans
was stunned, pctriGcd. His brain was on
re! y thousand trightiul phantoms passed
cforc his dazzlcd eyes! The statu" lived and