The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-05-29
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How Van Dyke Won His Wife.

How Van Dyke Won His Wife.
Inene Of the splendidly decorated sa
looms at ST. James was assembled grou
Of yonngs and lovely girls, whose dclicat
finAln were busily engaged in diffcren
kinlls of ornamental needle work, which
u4dtr their skillfal arrangement, formed
bouquets which rivallcd nature in thebril
llancy OF their colors and accuracy 0
their shades. They were the Queen
maids Of honor, and between their ga,
chattering and busy fingers, employed tn
time while waiting for her rising. Th
only grave person in the assembly was tn
Dowager Duchess d'Alby, the chief of tn
ladies of honor sf4 s.
Among the blooming group, the young
est, was remarkable for simplicity o
dress and the quiet modcsty of her who'll
appearance. Her attire was dress O.
black velvet,closed to the throat, of whicl
.the skirt, open in front, disclosed an un
derskirs7o of white satin; the rsleeves cam,
justsbelow the elbow and coquettishl,
disc hpsed the hand and arm of the mos
dazzfing whiteness. A plated tucke
encircled her graceful neck, on which
hung a chain to which was attached
large cross, and the luxuriant hair
simply parted on the forehead and con
fined by large scarf, completed he
costume
This was the daughter of one of tho
most illustrious families of Scotland
Her father, Lord Ruthven to princely
fortune claimed a pedigree ofrwhich he
was more proud than of his wealth
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English Court on her appointment
to post in the Queens household, thcrs
to complete the education which had beer
carefully guided by her father. Retired
and simple in her tastes, her mind in.
stinctively sought the sublime in
the works of nature and art She ex-
celled in painting, and her genius had
created a world Of her own in the daily
contemplation of the productions of the
best masters, which adorned the galleries
Of her father. Paul Veroncse, Guido,
and Rubens were of the number of her
friends, and she vowed them eternal graf
itude for the light their talents shed on hel
solitude.
The habits and manners of Lucy con
trasted strongly with those of her com
panions, who had been habituated to more
independence and liberty. Gentle and
more timid to excess, she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and often
mlschlevous sallies of her companions.
The large clock in the saloon chimed
tho hOlIr nf fon II n,,oo 1,-o,o ,J;,,,+,Il , Il
to it, and several voices exclaimed 5''He's
very late!' just as a domestic announced
'the painter, Van Dyck."
The announcement caused a general
agitation among the smiling group. Each
one changed her position on her velvet
seat, rcarranged her dress and composing
her countenance sought to give additional
grace to her aspect. The young pupil of
Rubens, albeit accustomed to the spirit
OF beauty, couldnot suppress a murmur
OF admiration at, finding himself in the
midst of this brilliant circle.
The old Duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused bv
her own imposing appearance, to encour-
age him addressed him in these words ::
II am told that you have talent, young
man.
"Those who have SO informed you do
NE too much honor, madame. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but l
have as yet produced nothing worthy of
attention"
There. was as much confidence and
noble pride in the reply of the painter as
there had been arrogance and imperti-
lence in the address of the noble dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit of
1er country, was shocked at the insolent
5one of the Duchess, and now blushed
with pleasure at the reply of Van Dyck.
As her soft eyes rested approvingly on his
sace he understood her feelings, and
thanked her by a look for her generous
"Well, well, we shall sec. Her Majes-
ty wishes to renew the ornaments of her
chapel; so you will be fully employed.
A residence will be assigned you in yon-
Ter monastery, where you will copy un-
disturbed. In summer, also, you shall
lave a fit residence, besides pension
rom the government. This, I think, is
paying an artist pretty we'll"
cart cannot be paid for, my lady Du-
chess, and if / purchase the talents to
which aspire, the favors which you
BOAST could not purchase Them
''This is all very well-you are proud
md we are noble, but, nevertheless, those
honors are conditional. You will be
chosen painter to the queen if you sue
;eed in gaining the prize which is offered
or the most perfect head of the Madon-
Ia"
"Ah! madam, if the patronage of her
majesty is offered me only On those CON
litions l shall not obtain it, t
'And why not2" Is, se.-...
E Because shall not gain the prize"
eplied he, with an expression of sadness
shich was instantly reflected on the face
# Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honor? Do
you fear to fail?"
"No, madam; but how shall represent
IS she should be represented, the mother
# the Savior? Where shall 1 find
nodel2" GAS he pronounced these words
lis eyes rested on the angelic face of
lucy. 81 have hitherto sought in vain
he combination of mildness. sweetness
md candor which should characterize
he Queen of Heaven
The fire of genius which illuminated
he handsome countenance of Yam Dyck
,licited the admiration OF all observers.
"But ! should imagine that there would
,e no difficulty in obtaining models of
)ainters'
"The models which can be obtained for
lire, are beautiful without doubt. I.
rave sought in vain for the dignity and
,urity which 1 have never seen united
,ut in noble lady who would disdain to
it to poor artist"
! The animated and ardent glance of
Ian Dyck embarrassed Lucy; it told her
hat he had at last found the object his
ancy had depicted. The duchess, how
yer, had not observed it, and asked:
/ "Who is thissnoble lady?" 80
''The Virgin herself, madan,p'- Bow
ng profoundly and giving a parting
dance at Lucy, he added: eff / gain
he prize you shall see me again, madam;
f not, l leave England
He took immediate possession of his
where he cAu1d at the same