The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1878-03-29
M iscOlla ne O u q.
The Unknown.
BY LIEUTENANT MURRAY.

1t was in the year 1880, that couple of
persons, a fine, intellectual appearing man,
and a sweet young girl, stood before the
humble altar of u monastery in the envi-
rons of Madrid. A young girl, we have
said, and SO she would have appeared at
first sight, for there must have been many
years between her age and that of the no.
be-looking man by her side. He was evil
IDENTIFY in the meridian of life, she scarce
ly sixteen.
Still the careful observer would have
easily OWNED by unmistakable tokens that
she was a BRIDE, leaning upon her hus-
bands arm. Very loving and tender were
the glances, not unmingled with a sort of
reverence for him by her side. He, too,
the quiet, sedate man, was very gentle,
very responsive to the youthful compan-
ion, whose juvenile beauty was SO pleasing
to behold.
1t was within the walls of the monaste-
ry of the Sacred Heart. These two had
been visiting such portions as were admis-
sibe to the public, examining its many
valued treasures, old missals, and illumin-
ed volumes centuries old. They had now
come to the public chapel, and together
they knelt for moment before the simple,
lowly altar, where hooded monk was
silently engaged in devotion.
Presently the brief devotional exercise
was finished, and once more the eyes of the
couple ranged over the antique apartment
in which the altar was erected.
Suddenly the gentleman dropped the arm
of his companion, and stood as though
entranced, gazing at picture in oil, hang
tha al tol =,
head of q monk, with the eyes raised to-
ward Heaven in devout appeal. 1t was a
specimen of wonderful artistic power,
wherein the colors were so blended, the
outline so perfect, and the expression upon
the face one of such heartfelt and devout
piety, that it seemed to be not painting,
but life itself.
"What is it, dear ~ asked the young
wife, looking into her husbands enraptur-
| ed face.
"The picture"
"Over the altar ?"
GAY, the head of the monk"
at is wonderful" said the wife.
SIT is miraculous, teeming with power
and genius" he replied, still gazing in
admiration upon the canvass.
| They approached the painting still near
er, and observed that there had once been
a name as of the artist, affixed in one cor
ner, but it had been carefully effaced, en-
tirely obliterated by some designing hand
"Helena," said the husband, Il would
give hundred ducats to know the author
of that picture"
LET us ask" she replied; "here comes
the priest again who was praying but
now"
AS she said these words, there passed
near to them a monk somewhat advanced
in years, but whose step was firm and
whose form was unbent. lie observed
them watching the picture, and marked the
admiration upon the face of the husband
who now turning toward him said:
1.-THE name of the artist of yonder paint
ing, can you give it to me 2"
The monk shook his head.
"It was once upon the corner of the can
vass, see, but has been removed"
"rrue," said the fiiar.
"Then you may know who he was9"
Still he shook his head.
"Such work, and the world not know
the author of it! His name should be i'm
not equal that p
| IOu bdltt tu6 ulOuh, lUquTluBly.
Eyes. I should be more than satisfied
could I equal that in power and expires.
sion."
"And who are you, my son ~
~ am Peter Paul Rubens."
The pale face of the monk was flushed
instantly, and the fire of his eye blazed
afresh as he gazed upon the famous mas
ter of art before him for single moment
in silence. This man had right to criti
cise for had he not himself produced thai
noble work, the descent from the Cross p
Ay, there was also 1.-THE Last Judgment
Were not Van Dyck, Jordaens, Van Thul
den, Diepenbeck and Quellyn, pupils o
this manS So thought the monk.
The friar had for single moment be
come 81 = excited, but his exultation soor
vanished.
"Who is that artist 2" repeated the grea
master.