Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-03-27
HOW VAN DYCK WON HIS WIFE.
New York Graphic.


saloons at St. James was assembled a
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 ri
vailed 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 wait
ing for her rising. The only grave per-
son in the assembly was the Dowager
Duchess daily, the chief of the ladies
honor.
Among the blooming group the
youngest was remarkable for sim plicity
of dress and the quiet modesty Of her
whole appearance. Her attire was a
dress Of black velvet closed to the threat,
but OF which the skirt, open in front,
disclosed an underdress Of white satin !;
the sleeves came just below the elbow
and cOquettishly disclosed an arm and
hand Of the most dazzling Wilderness. A
plated tucker encircled her graceful
neck, on which hung Il chain, to which
was attached large cross. and the lux
- A'1iiV l1HtIls olAIIDIJ JdIltI vi TIC iOi0-
head, and confined by a large scarf,
completed her costume.
This was the daughter of one of the
most illustriOus families of Scotland
Her father, Lord Rutven, united to
princeiy 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 a post in the Queens house
hold, there to complete the education
which had been carefully guarded 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 gen.
Jus had created a world of her own in
the daily contemplation of the produc-
tons of the best masters. which adorned
the galleries of her father. Paul Yer
onese, Guido, Rubens were of the
number of her friends, and she vowed
them eternal gratitude for the light
their talents shed on her solitude.
The habits and manner of Lucy con-
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 COM
panions.
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 a 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-
;ustomed to the spirit OF beauty, could
not suppress q murmur of admiration
at finding himself in the midst of this
brilliant circle.
The old Duchess, surprising the young
alnterS embarrassment to be caused
by her own imposing appearance, to en-,
courage him addressed him in these
words: 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
rs 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 oil
Van Dyck. As her soft eyes rested APP
provlngly on his face he understood hel
feelings, and thanked her by look fol
her generous sympathy.
''Well, well, we shall see. Her Mai
esty 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 II purchased the talents
to which aspire, the favors which you
boast could not purchase them"
This is all very well-you are proud
and we are noble. but, nevertheless
those honors are conditional. You viii
be chosen painter>to the Queen if you
succeed in gaining the prize which is
offered for the most perfect head of the
Madonna"
"Ah! madam, if the patronage Of
Her Majesty is offered me only on those
conditions | shall not obtain it."
"And why not?"
Because | 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 honor? Dc
you fear to fail?"
mo, madam; but how shall | repre-
sent as she should be represented the
mother of the Saviour? Where shall ]
find a model?,' AS he pronounced
these words his eyes rested on the an.
gelic face of Lucy. Il have hitherto
sought in vain the com animation of mild.
ness, sweetness and candor which should
characterize the Queen of Heaven"
The fire of genius which Illuminated