The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-01-18

bood-by to earthly things. 1 can almost hear
f ssr voice ~, in yours thank you, my young
He let his chin fall for q moment thought
i,ully on his breast; then, passing his hand
hastily over his forehead and laying aside his
palette he asked:
your VISIT" -
"senor, I should like to become a great
paW1ntSes," answered Esteban. promptly.
youths large, dark eyes. His mien became
| more and more thoughtful and serious. Aftcr
Pa9se, he asked, in q GLOW, measured tone:
studio-.to become my pupil :"
~ 10 Tor that, that have come all the long
way to Madrid, senior. Oh, will be industri-
ons Will work hard from morning till night,
gress as no one ever made before!"
You are very selfconfdent"
a% Since have this
1 shoald make rapid progress"
enthusiasm. If you do half you seem to think
this piece of coal Ego to the empty canvas, Oh
| the easel yonder."
Esteban obeyed.
this chrs %s Ssad you make rough sketch
Eeteban's heart was in His throat, but his
hand was steady. He fixed his eye for few
with bold, unerring strokes, to make it's coun-
serieit on the virgin canvas before him
Scarcely = quarter of an hour had elapsed
when he finished.
Velasquez was silent, and looked long, long
at the sketch, as at some strange phenomenon.
cloud, for moment, darkened his brow, but
1t was almost immediately dispelled by
expression the kindliness of which could not
be mistaken.
"You are richly endowed, my son." said he,
IN tone that betrayed deep emotion. "What
"Bartolome Esteban Murillo"
well, Murillo, You must work, and that very
dimatgen1iy; too. You have great deal to learn"
so long as you show yourself worthy and
can teach you"
e Senior, you will be satisfied with me,
"We shall see. Pull the bell, please there,
at the right of the chimney"
Esteoan did 30, and. in response, the servant
who had announced him entered the door,
lsldro," said VelasqueZ, I" this young gen.
tleman here will occupy the corner room ad-
joining my sleeping apartment you will see
that It is made ready for him Immediately,
and, further, you and the others will look upon
him as my friend and guest"
The valet bowed.
his protege.
Esteban blushed, and hesitated
Ah, l see how the matter stands.-Isidro,
have some dinner prepared for the gentleman,
and remember that shall hold YOU RESPONSE
BILE if. long you remain with us, he wants
Tor auythln2.-Whenever you Eave any COM
mands. address yourself to this fellow, Este
looks"
Esteban seized Veasquezs hand, aud was
thanks.
"comradew said velasquez, good-natur-
edIy no scenes, if you please II You think
you owe me any thanks, show it by keeping
your promises. All else is superfiuous"
Esteban bowed, and endeavored to conceal
his emotion, but, in spite of him, his ewes
hiied with tears of joy and gratitude.
For the moment, the wisest thing you can
90, Is to put yourself in the hands Of Isidro,"
Esteban.
When he was alone, velasquez walked to and
ITO lor some minutes in deep meditation, then
Behind those dark fiery eyes, there Is
genius of high order, or misiudge him.
' gaalasquez, Valasquez! look to your laurels
I fear the day may come when he will eclipse
i ms master; but-be it so, be it 50! Could 1
nave ever looked an honorable man in the face
mad refused to receive him 7"
week after week and month after month
passed. Murillo was at his work early and |
late, and Felasquez did all in his power to helm |
him forward. He took him to the Escuriai,
and obtained for him permission to study the |
there, at his leisure.
There have been few more talented and ex-
perienced masters than Velasquez, and never
perhaps, mas there been an apter pupil than
was Bartoleme Esteban Murillo. His progress
surpassed even his own sanguine expectations
he seemed to absorb knowledge of his art. |
learning in every school, and improving upon
of his own. ''!i0
Aud now, he was fully conscious of his
great powers, as the goal of his youthful am
OltiGn had been attained, Esteban longed, after
Seville. ~ LID ooSr
~, Beatrice! Beatrice Had she not been, during
me whole term of anxious exertion, his guids
ng star, his guardian angel, the source From,
x Taaca he had drawn fresh energy many a
weary hour Had he not had her ever before
ais eyes as the prize which alone would con-
, ent him And his mother-ho had written to
ler very frequently, and had supplied her With
nipple means to obtain every material comfort:
'ns now, that he felt sufi ciently advanced in
lis art to go on perfectiug himself unaided bv
;; master mast he longed to have her share his
seville! Seville! The cry became daily
ouoer and less easily resisted. In vain his :
numerous friends and admirers tried 20 dis {
oa fhs him. Inn in vain yeasqeuz promised him,
vne sings name, the most honorable and /
1crative position within his gift; but Muriilo =
wi nGt to toa be- turned p; from purpose
eVoted master, to whom he owed SO much Of
10 art-treasures that he had 30 dilieentiv :,
NJ 4 |