Daily Republican., 1879-09-05
HOW He WON HIS WIFE.

different kinds OF ornamental needle
work, which, under their skillful ar
rangsmsnt, 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 chatteripg and busy
fingers employed the time while wait
ing for her rising. The ouly grave
person in the assembly was the Dowa
ger Duchess d. Abby, the chief Of the
ladies of honor.
Among the blooming group the
youngest was remarkable for 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 undsrdress Of white
satin; the sleeves came just below the
elbow and coquettishly disclosed the
arm and hand Of the most dazzling
whitsness. A plated tucker encirclsd
her graceful neck, on which hung q
chain, to which was attached large
cross, and the luxuriant hair, simply
parted on the forehead and confined
by large scarf, completed her Co.'S
tune.
This was the daughter Of one Of the
most illustrious families of Scotland.
Her father, Lord Ruthven, united to
princsly fortune q pedigree Of which
he was more proud than Of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English Court on her appoint
msnt to post in the Queer's 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 sublime in the works Of nature and
art. She excelled in painting, and her
genius had created world Of her own
in the daily contemplation Of the pro-
ductions Of the best masters, which
adorned the galleries; of her father. Paul
Fsronsss, Guido, Rubsns we're of the
number Of her friends, and she vowed
them eternal gratitude for the light
their talents shed on her solitude.
The habits and manners Of Lucy
contrasted strongly with those of her
companions, who had been habituated
to more Independence and liberty. Gen.
tie and timid to excess she scarcely
attempted to answer the positive and
often mischievous sallies of her COM
panions.
The large clock in the saloon chimed
the hour of 10. All eyes were direct
ed to ii, and several voices exclaimed !:
"He's very late !" just as q domestic
announced "the painter Van Dyck."
The announcement caused general
agitation among the smiling group.
bach one changed her position on her
velvet seat, rearranged her dress and
composing her countenance sought to
give additional grace to her aspect. The
young pupil Of Rubens, albeit accus-
toned to the spirit Of beauty, could not
suppress q murmur Of admiration At
finding himself in the midst Of the bril-
liant circle.
The old Duchess, ,supposing the young
painter's embarrassment to be caused
by her own imposing appearance, to
encourage him, and addressed him in
these words: " l am told that you have
talent, young man."
"Thoss who have SO informed you do
me too much honor, madam. Doubt
less, they judge me by my intentions
but 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 i'm
partinence in the address Of the noble
dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit
of her country, was also shocked at the
insolent tone OF the Duchess, and now
blushed with pleasure at the reply Of
Van Dyck. As her soft eyes rested
approvingly on his face he understood
her feelings, and thanked her by look
for her generous sympathy.
swell, we'll, we shall see. Her Ma
iesty 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, be-
sides a PENSION from the Government.
This, think, is paying an artist pretty
WE'LL"
"Art cannot be paid for, my Lady
Duchess, and if purchased the talents
to which aspire, the favors which you
boast could not purchase them." :,
"rhis is all very well-you are proud
and ". are noble, but nevertheless
those honors are conditional. You Will
b, chosen painter to the Queen If you
succeed In gaining the prize which Is
.ff-red for the mes: perfect head OF the
Madonna. !.
"Ah madam, if the patronage OF
Her Majesty is offered me only on
,ho-e conditions l shall not OBTAIN
it,
"And why not!" -,
| "l-cause shall not gain the prize,
r.pli.d he, with an expression OF sad
ness which was instantly reflected on
the face of Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honor Do
YOU fear to fail ~
"No, madam; but how shall repre-
ssut az she should be represented ths
mother of the Saviourl Where shall l
find a nlodelY" a.
As he pronounced these words MS
ewes rested on the angelic face OF Lucy.
M have hitherto sought in vain the
combination Of nildness, sweetness ana
oapdor which should characterize the
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