The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1879-10-15
HOW VAN DYCK WON HIS WIFE.

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
I rangement, formed bouquets which
rivalad 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 d'Alby, the chief of the ladies of
| hcEOr.
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 chain,
to which was attached a large cross,
and the Iuxariant 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 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 exce1led 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 Vefohese,
Guido, Rubens were of the number of
her friends, and dsshe vowed them eternal
gratitude for the light their talents 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. 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 a 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 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 |
by her own imposing appearance, to en-
courage him addressed him in these |
words: "I 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 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 imper
tinence in the address of the noble |
dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit |
of her country, was also shocked at the |
insoient 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 viii 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 |
well"
&" Art cannot be paid for my Lady |
Duchess, and, if I purchased the talents
to which I aspire, the favors which you
boast could not purchase them"
This is all very well-you are proud |
and we are noble, but, nevertheless, |
these honors are conditional. You will |
be chosen painter to the Queen if you
succeed in gaining the prize which is |
offered for the most perfect head of the |
Madonna"
All | madam, if the patronage of her |
Majesty is offered me only on those con- |
ditions shall not obtain it,"
And why not? "
Because I 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? Do |
you fear to fail?"
No, madam; but how shall I repre-
sent as she should be represented the |
mother of the Savior? Where shall l |
fnd a model?" AS he pronounced |
these words his eyes rested on Jne an
gene race of Lucy. "I have hitherto
sought II vain the combination of mild
ness, sweetness ana candor which should
characterize the Queen of Heaven"
The fire of genius which illuminated
the handsome countenance of Van
Dyck elected the admiration of all OBJ
servers.
"But I should imagine that there
would be no difficulty IN obtaining mod
els of painters"
"The models which can be obtained
for hire are beautiful, without doubt.
I have sought in vain for the dignity
and purity which J. have never seen uni
ted but in noble lady who would dis
dain to sit to poor artist.
The animated and ardent glance of
Van Dyck embarrassed Lucy; it told
her that he had at last found the object
his fancy had depicted. The Duchess,
however, had not observed it, and
asked:
"Who is this noble lady?"
"The Virgin herself. madamp Bow
inc YorofOundIv and oivino a Dartine