The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-04-04
how VAN DYCK WON HIS WIFE.

In one OF the splendldly decorated
saloons at st. James was assembled
group of young and lovely girls, whose
delicate fingers were busily engaged in
different kinds of ornamental needle,
work, which, under their skillful ar
rangement, 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 Ouch.
ess daily, the chief of the ladies OF
onor.
Among the blooming group the
youngest was remarkable for simplicity
of dress and the quiet modesty of her
whole appearance. Her attire was a
dress of black velvet closed to the
throat, but of which the skirt. open in
front, disclosed an undress of white
satin; the sleeves came just below the
elbow and coquettishly disclosed the arm
and hand of the most dzzling white
ness. A plated tucker 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 confined by large
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 q 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
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 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 shed
on her solitude.
"trasted strongly with those of her COM
panions, who had been habituated to
more independence and liberty. Gentle
and timid to excess, she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and
often mischievous sallies of her compan-
ions.
The large clock in the saloon chimed
the hour of 10. All eyes were directed
to it, and several voices exclaimed !:
- He's very late!" just as domestic an
nounced, "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 countenance, sought to
give additional grace to her aspect.
The young pupil of Rubens, albeit ac-
customed to the spirit of beauty, could
not suppress murmur of admiration
ut finding himself in the midst of this
brilliant circle.
The old Duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused
by her own imposing appearance, to en-
courage him addressed him in these
words: az am told that you have tai
ent, young man."
"Those 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 imper-
thence 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 APP
provingly on his face he understood her
feelings, and thanked her by look for
her generous sympathy.
Well. well, we shall see. Her Maj
esty wishes to renew the ornaments of
her chapel; so you will be fully en-