The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1879-06-21

agitation among tine smiling group
Each one changed her position on hel
velvet seat, re.arranged 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 moi
suppress murmur of admiration at
finding himself in the midst of this bril-
liant circle.
The old duchess, surprising the young
painters embarrassment to be caused by
her own imposing appearance, to encour-
age him, addressed him in these words !:
81 am told that you have talent young
man."
"Those who have 80 informed you do
me too much honor, madame. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but I
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
pertinence in the address of the noble
dame.
lucy, who possessed the high spirit of
her country, was 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.
"Well, well, we shall see. Her majesty
wishes to renew the ornaments of her
chapel; so you will be fully employed.
A residence will be ASSIGNED you in yon-
der monastery, where you will copy un-
disturbed. In summer also you snail
have fit residence, besides pension
from the government. This, I think, lis
paying an artist pretty we'll"
cart can not be paid Tor, my lady
duchess, and if ] purchase 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,
these honors are conditional. You will |
be chosen painter to the queen if you
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 con-
ditions shall not obtain it." /
"And why not7"
"Because / shall not gain the prize"
replied he, with au expression of sadness
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 i
find model7" Ashe pronounced these
words his eyes rested on the angelic face
Of Lucy. ?" j have hitherto sought in
vain the combination of mildness, sweet
ness and candor which should character
lze tire queen of heaven.
The fire of genius which illuminated
the handsome countenance of Van Dyck
elected the admiration of all observers.
"But j should imagine that there
would be no difficulty in obtaining mod.
els for painters"
"T The models which can be obtained
for hire, are beautiful, without doubt.
] have sought in vain for the dignity and
purity which have never seen united
but in a noble lady who would sdisdain
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 lady9"
"The virgin herself, madam 7" Bowling
profoundly and giving parting glance
at Lucy, he added: "If j gain the prize
you shall see me again, madam; if not,
] leave England"
He took immediate possession of his
apartments, where he could at the same
time paint his madonna and copy the
frescoes for the chapel. With his mind
iullof the celestial lace he had just seen,
he seized his pencil and endeavored to
trace her lineaments. But the extreme
sensibility 80 useful to art when time
has claimed it was now his chief obstacle.
he felt too deeply to succeed in express.
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