Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1869-09-24
VAN DYCBs MADONNA. OR THE
SLEEP WALKER.
A PSYCHOLOGICAL STORY.

In ono Of Tho splcndidiy decorated
saloons Of st. James was assembled :,
group of young and lovely girls:
whose delicate fingers wcrc busIy en-
ploycd in different kinds of ornamcn-
TIL ncedlc-worls which, und,r their
$Nillful arrangement, formed bouucts
which rivall3d nature in tho hri!ian-
cy of their colvrs and accuracy ci
shades. They %cro the Queens
maids of honor, and between their
gay chattering and busy fingers en-
ploycd tho timo whilo waiting for her
sing. The only grave person in the
assembly was tho Dowagcr Duchess
daily, the chief Of the ladies Of hon
or.
Among the blooming group, the
youngest was remarkable for the sim
plicity Of dress and the quict modcsty
of her whole appearance. Her attire
was dress of black velvet, closed TO
tho throat, but of which tho skirt.
open in 'front.' disclosed an undertakes
of white satin tho sleeves came just
below tho elbow, and coquettishly
disclosed On arm and hand of the
most dazzling whitonoss. a plated
tucker cncirclod her graceful neck, on
which hung q chain, to which was
attached a large cross, and luNnriant
hair, simply parted on the forehead,
and confined behind by q lace scarf,
completed hor costume. This was
tho daughter of ono Of the most illus
trious families Of Scotland: her faith
or, Lord Ruthvon, united to a PRINCE
ly fortune a pedigree of which he
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly ar
rived at the English Court, on her
appointment to post in the Qucon's
Observation-Disclosures to complete the edu-
cation which had been carefully gui-
ded by her father Retired and sim
pie in her tastes, her mind instructive
ly sought the sublime in the works of
nature and art. She cxcclled in pain
ting, and her genius had created n
world Of her own, in tho daily
contemplations of the production
OF the best masters, which adorn-
ed the galleries Of her f;.thor.
Paul Vcroneso, Guido, Rubcns were
oftho 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
contrasted strongly with those of her
companions, who had bocn habituatcd
to moro independence and liberty.
Gentle and timid to cxcoss, sho scarce
~ attempted to answer tho sportive
and often Mis:heivous sallies of her
companions. Tho largo clock in the
saloon .chimed tho hour CT ,cn; oil
eyes were directed to it, and several
voices exclaimed, "Hc's very late! J."
just as a domestic announced the
painter, Van Dyck. The announce
mont caused u general agitation
among t-;c smiling gro"p. Each one
changed her position on her velvet
seat, rearrangcd her dress, and, COM
pcAng her countcnancc, sought to
gi7o additional grace to her aspect.
Tho young pupil of Rubens, albeit
accustomed to the sight OF beauty,
could not suppress a E,urmur of ad-
miration at. finding himself in the
midst OF this brilliant circle.
8, The old Duchess, suppos;ng tho
young painters embarrassment to be
caused BY her own imposing appear
anee, to encourage him, addressed
him in these words: II am told that
you have talent, young man."
"Those who have go informed you
90 me. too much honor, madam !;
doubtless they judge ms by my inten-
lions, put have, as yet, produced
soothing Borthyof attention.s
There was as much confidence and
noble noble pride ds eli il & 4the ssply Of the paint
q; svtbsyei bad ebeen 9 arrogance and |
tsnpertanaAca nathes addressu d, ,the
kobly damegni. eidat',G ,.es al Il I
iasys 1hY possessed tHs, hsgh spar-
teg hsf cdHif u, y s Nh Il i kSa III thS1
peelsRt tens , of q t6s uaehsds and