Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1878-04-12
2 a9leasaut storp,
a-------
THE UNKNOWN.

1t was in the year 1850, that couple
of persons, fine, Intellectual appearing
man, and sweet young girl, stood be-
fore the humble altar of monastery in
the environs 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 noble-looking man by
her side. He was evidently in the meri-
dian of life, she scarcely sixteen.
Still the careful observer would have
easily OWNED by unmistakable tokens
that she was bride, leaning upon her
husbands 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
companion, whose juvenile beauty was
so pleasing to behold.
1t was within the walls of the monas-
terry of the Sacred Heart. These two
had been visiting such portions as were
admissibleto the public, examining its
many valued treasures, old missals, and
illumined 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 apart
ment 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, hanging just over the altar 1t rep
resented the head of monk, with the
eye. raised toward Heaven in devout APP
peal. 1t was specimen of wonderful
artistic power, wherein the colors we're
so blended. the outline so perfect, and the
expression upon the face of one of such
heartfelt and devoutpiety, that it seemed
to be not painting. but life itself
"What is il dear p asked the young
wife, looking into her husbands enrap-
tured face.
1.-THE picture"
"Over the altar p
Gay. the head of the monk"
at is wonderful" said the wife.
ut is miraculous teeming with power
and genius" he replied, still gazing in
admiration upon the canvas.
They approached the painting still
nearer, and observed that there bad once
been name as Of the artist, affixed in
one corner, but it had been carefully
efaccd, entirely oblterated by some de-
signing 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 monk somewhat advanced
in years, but whose step was firm and
whose form was unbent. He observed
them watching the picture. and marked
the admiration upon the face Of the bus
band who now turning toward him said
THE name Of tho artist Of yonder
painting, can you give it TO met"
The monk shook his head.
ut was once upon the corner Of the
canvass. ! see but has been removed"
"True," said the friar.
"Tben you may know who be was ?"
Still he shook his head.
Such work. and the world not know
he author Of il His name should be
immortal /. who am not without fame,
,annot equal that p
"You ?" said the monk, inquiringly.
eyes. | should be more than salts
led could equal that in power aud OK
iression."
And who are you. my son"
81 am Peter Paul Rubens."
The pale face Of the monk was flushed
and the Gre Of bis eye blazcd
fresh as he gazed upon the famous mas
Ter Of art before him for a single moment
n silence. This man had right 10