The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1869-09-29
1da: 81 II hog 3fthers Retired and simt
pla iH het stasteas her mind instructive.

tded -by heE 4sthers Retired and sim
Ple i1 hen tastea, her, mind instructive
lyssohght the ublitne lin tho works o.
! niastars iast and arts She M excellad Id, pain
tirg sapd her 5gspius had snreated {
world ofs her own, n TttHeS dali,
coptYmplatignss or the production
EofiShe best masters, which !ndorn-
ed TIE galleries of hsr fatbsr.
skaus sroneso, Guido, Rubens wore
of the number of her frienda and she
vowed them eternal gratitude, for the
light their talents hoJ shed on her
solitude.
The habits aad manners of Lucy
! contsasted strongly, with those Of her
c56hd6panio,s, who had been 'Kabituatod
II, ,.mow independence and liberty.
tGentR and timid to excess, she scarce
to answer the sportive
(and often misoheivous sallies of her
companions. e. Tho largo clock. in the
saloon chimed the hour Of ten; all
eyes werc directed to it, and several
voices exclaimed, "Hc's very late "
just as a domestic announced the
painter, Van Dyck. The announce
ment caused q general agitation
among the smiling group. Each one
changed her position on her velvet
scat, rearranged her dress, and, com
posing her countcnance, 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 ad
miration at finding himself in the
midst Of this brilliant circle.
The old Duchess, supposing tho
young painters embarrassment to be
caused by her own imposing appear
ance, to encourage him, addressed
him in these words: II am told that
you havo talent, young man."
"Those who have 80 informed yor
| do me too much honor, madam
doubtless they judge mo by my inten
tions, but I have, rs yet, produced
nothing worthy of attention"
There was as much confidence anC
noble pridei in the reply of the paint,
er rs there had been arrogance ant
impcrtinencc in the address of tho
noble dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spil
it of her country, was shocked at tn,
insolent tone of tho Duchess, ant
now blushed with pleasure at th
reply Of VanDyck. As her soft eye
rested approvingly on his face, h
understood her feelings, and thanlle,
hor, by a look, for her generous sym
"Well, we shall see:;,.,i .Her ,Majost!
wishes to.renew the ornaments of he
chapel, SO you will be fully employed
A residence will be assigned you il
yonder monastery. There you Wi
copy undisturbed. In summer, also
| you shnll have a fit residence, beside
| q pension from Government. This,
think, :. is paying an artist prett.
weil."r!: -" .ss.,i '.e.;;'sG
cart can not be. paid for, my lad
| Duchess, and if I possessed the tn
ents to' which I aspire, the favo
which you boast could not purchas
them"
1 = ssThis is5all very well; you ar
1 proud and we are noble; but never
theless, those honors are. conditions
you will be chosen painter to tn
Queen if you succeed in gaining tn
prize which is.!ofersa for tho mos
perfect head Of The Madonna"
"Ah, madams if the patronage {
Her gMa5esty j offered ME only o
these cdndtiohs, Near It.shall nc
obtain it's 8: IL
,"And why not?"
"Becanse I shall not gain the prize,
. replied he, with on expression:of sac
ness, WHICH Vas instantly reflected o
the face of Lucy:
"Why do you refuse this honor-d
j. you fear to fail?"
saNo, madam; but how shall I rel
..tresent, as she. should be represented
: the mother of the Saviour? Whor
shall I find utoaef9'
s &C. fAs:he pronounced these words, hi
-t.eyes rested on. the angelic face {
tLucy.c -. :, ~ - '.'.S.;'-s-.~& > -,
F*%-sI have hitherto sought id vain th
combination Of mildncss, sweetnes.