The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1879-03-27
THE BEAUTIFUL MADONNA.

group of young and lovely girls whose
delicate fingers were busily employed in
different kinds of ornamental needle
work which under their skillful arrange
ment formed bouquets which rivaled
nature in the brilliancy of their colors
and accuracy of shades. They were the
Queens maids of honor, and between
their gay chattering and busy fingers
employed the time while waiting for her
rising. The only grave person in the
assembly was the Dowager Duchess
daily, the chief of the ladies of honor
Among the blooming group the young
est was remarkable for the simplicity of
dress and the quiet modesty of her whole
appearance. Her attire was dress of
black velvet closed to the throat, but of
which the skirt, open in front, disclosed
an underdress of white satin; the sleeves
came just below the elbow and coquet-
tishly disclosed the arm and hand of
the most dazzling whiteness. A plated
tucker encircled her graceful neck, on
which hung q chain, to which was at
tached large cross, and the luxuriant
hair, simply parted on the forehead and
confined by lace scarf, completed her
costume.
This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families of Scotland.
Her father, Lord Ruthven, united TO
princely fortune pedigree of which he
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English Court on. her appoint
ment to post in the Queens house.
hold, there to complete the education
which had been carefully guided by her
father. Retired and simple in her tastes,
her mind instinctively sought the SUBJ
lime in the works of nature and art.
She excelled 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 Veronese,
Guido, Rubens, were of the 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 con-
trasted strongly with those of her COM
panions who had been habituated to
more independence and liberty. Gen
tie and timid to excess she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and often
mischievous sallies of her companions
The large clock in the saloon chimed
the hour of 10. All eyes were directed
to it and several voices exclaimed, 'sHe's
very late!" just as domestic announc-
ed the painter, Van Dyck."
The announcement caused general
agitation among the smiling group.
Each one changed her position on her
velvet. seat, rearranged her dress, and
composing her, eountenance sought to
give addhio5aaa grace to her aspect.
The young pupil of Rubens, albeit ac-
customed to the sight of beauty, could
not suppress amurmer of admiration at
finding himself in the midst of this bril-
liant circle. u 4s&E
The cid Duchess, surprising the
young painters embarrassment to be
caused by haf ewn imposing appear
ahce,te elc mirage him addressed him
i ssasss $3.50 81 Az told you have
Nxh0<E <4u nave SO informed you do
No mich honor, madam. Doubt
ldosehey judge me by my Intentions +;
but g have as yet produced nothing
worthy of attention." 9
There was as much confidence and
noble pride in the reply of the painter
as there had been arrogance and i'm
pertinence in the address of the noble
dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit
OF her country, was shocked at the in
solent tone of the Duchess and now
blushed with pleasure at the reply of
YaniD As her soft eyes rested APP
proyipglY on his face he understood her
feelings and thanked her by a look for
her generous sympathy.
Well, WELL we shall see. Her Ma
jesty wishes to renew the ornaments of
her chapel; SO you will be fully EN-.
ployed. A residence will be assigned
you In yonder monastery where you
will copy undisturbed. In summer also
you shall have fit residence, besides a
pension from the Government. This |
think is paying an artist pretty WE'LL"
cart can not be paid for, my Lady
Duchess; and if l purchased the talent
to which | aspire the favors which YOU
boast could not purchase them"
AAiS ID I'LL very WeH-yOu are proud
and we are noble, but, nevertheless,
those honors are conditional. You will
be chosen painter to the Queen if Won
succeed in gaining the prize which is Of
fered for the most perfect head of the
Madonna"
"Ah! madam, if the patronage of
her Majesty is offered me only on those
conditions / fear shall not obtain it. -
"And why not?''
"Because l shall not gain the prize"
replied he, with an expression of sad.
ness which was instantly reflected on
the face of Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honorp Do
you fear to fail?'' s.rz.s-ss
" No, madam; but how shall I rep
resent as she should be represented the
mother of the SaviorP Where shall I
find q modelP" As he pronounced these