Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-08-27
Van Dyek's Madonna; or the Sleep
Walker.
A PSYCHOLOGICAL STORY.

looms in st. James was assembled a group
of young aud lovely girls, whose delicate
fingers were busily employed in different
kinds of ornamental needle-work which,
under their skilful arrangement, formed
boquets which rvaled nature in the bril-
liancy of their colors and accuracy of
shades. They were the Queens maids
of honor, and between their gay chatter
ing and busy fingers employed the time
while waiting for her rising. The only
grave person in the assembly was the
Dowager Duchess daily, the chief of
the ladies of honor.
Among the blooming group, the
youngest was remarkable for the simple
lily of dress and the quiet modesty of her
whole appearance. Her attire was a
dress of black velvet, closed to the
throat, but of which tie skirt, open in
front, disclosed an undertakes of white
satin; the sleeves came just below the
elbow, and coquettishly disclosed an arm
and hand of the most dazzling whiteness.
A plated tucker encircled her graceful
neck, on which hung a chain, to which
was attached large cross, and luxuriant
hair, simply parted on the forehead, end
confined behind by lace scarf, complet-
ed her costume. This was the daughter
of one of the most illustrious families of
Scotland: her father, Lord Ruthven,
united to princely fortune pedigree of
which he was more proud than ofshis
wealth. Lucy, his daughter, had secret
ly arrived at the English Court, on her
appointment TO a post in the Queens
Observation-Disclosures to complete the educa-
ton which had been carefully guided by
her father. Retired and simple ia her
tastes, her mind instinctively sought the
sublime in the works of nature aud art.
Shs excelled in painting, and her genius
had created world of her own, in the
daily CONCENTRATIONS of the production
of the best masters, which adorned the
galleries of her father. Paul Veronese,
Guido, and Rubens were of the number of
her friends, and she vowed them eternal
gratitude, for the light their talents had
shed on her solitude.
The habits and manners of Lucy con-
trasted strongly with those of her com
panions, who had been habituated to
more independence and liberty. Gentle
and tirnid TO excess, she scarcely attempt
ed to answer the sportive and often mis-
chievous sallies of her companions. The
large clock In the saloon chifned the
hour of ten; all eyes were directed to it,
and several voices exclaimed, He's very
latep Just as domestic announced the
painter, Van Dvck. The announcement
caused a general agitation among the
smiling group. Each one changed her
position on her velvet seat, rearranged
her dress, and composing her counte-
nance, sought TO give additional grace TO
her aspect. The young pupil of Rubens,
albeit accustomed to the sight of beauty,
could not suppress murmur of admira-
ton at finding himself in the midst of
this brilliant circle.
The old Duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused by
her own imposing appearance, to encour-
age him, addressed him in these words:
81 am told you have talent, young man."
"Those who have so informed you do
me too much honor, madam; doubtless
they Judge me by my intentions, but l
have as yet, produced nothing worthy
of attention"
There was much confidence and noble
pride in the reply of the painter as
there had been arrogance and imperti-
hence in the address of the noble dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit of
her country, was shocked at the insolent
lone of the Duchess, and now bushed
with pleasure at the reply of Van Dyck.
As her soft eyes rested approvingly on
his face, he understood her feelings, and
thanked her, by look, for her generous
sympathy.
"Well, we shall see. Her Majesty
wishes to renew the ornaments of her
chapel, so you will be fully employed.
A residence will be assigned you in yon-
der monastery. There you will copy
undisturbcd. In summer, also, you shall
have fit residence, besides pension
from Government This, l think, is
paying an artist pretty well.''
" Art can not be paid for, my lady
Duchess, and if 1 possessed The talents
to which | aspire, the favor which you
boast could not purchase them.
"This is all very well; you are proud
and we are noble; but, nevertheless,
those honors are conditional-you will
be chosen painter to the Queen if you
succeed in gaining the prize which is Of
fered for the most perfect head of the
Madonna"
All madam, if the patronage of Her
Majesty is offered me only on these
conditions, fear l shall not obtain it."
"And why nots"
"Because I shall not gain the prize,
replied ne, with an expression of sad
ness, which was instantly reflected on the
face of Lucy.
Why do you refuse this honor-do
you fear to faill"
"No, madam; but how shall I repre-
sent, as she should be represented, the
mother of the Saviour? Where shall l
find model"
AS he pronounced these words, his
eyes rested on the angelic face of Lucy.