Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-05-25
How Van Dyke Won His Wife.


looms at St. James was assembled a group
of young and lovely girls, whose delicate
fingers were buslly engaged in different
kinds OF ornamental needle work, which,
under their skillful arrangement, formed
bouquets which riyallcd nature in thebril-
liancy of their colors and accuracy of
their 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 Duchess daily, the chief of the
ladies of honor.
Among the blooming group, the young
est, 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, Of which
the skirt, open in front, disclosed an I'M
derskirt Of white satin; the sleeves came
just below the elbow and coquettishly
disclosed the hand and arm of the most
dazzling wilderness. A plated tucker
encircled her graceful neck, on which
hung chain to which was attached a
large cross, and the luxuriant hair,
simply parted on the forehead and con-
fined by large scarf, completed he1
costume
This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families of Scotland
Her father, Lord Ruthven to princely
fortune claimed a pedigree Of which he
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English Court on her appointment
to post in the Queens household, there
to complete the education which had been
carefully guided by her father. Retired
and simple in her tastes, her mind. in
/ stinctively sought the sublime in
the works Of nature and art. She ex.
celled 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 Veroncse, Guido
and Rubens were Of the number of he1
friends, and she vowed them eternal graf
itude for the light their talents shed on hel
solitude.
The habits and manners Of Lucy con
trasted strongly with those of her com
panions, who had been habituated to NOR,
independence and liberty. Gentle ant
more timid to excess, she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and otter
mischievous sallies of her companions.
The large clock in the saloon chimet
the hour Of ten. All eyes were directed
to it, and several voices exclaimed: Gle
very latc!'' just as domestic announced
"the painter, Van Dyck.'
The announcement caused genera
agitation among the smiling group. Each
one changed her position on her velve
seat rearranged her dress and composing
her countenance sought give additions
grace to her aspect. The young pupil o
Rubens, albeit accustomed to the spiri
of beauty, could not suppress murmu
Of admiration at finding himself in th
1 midst of this brilliant circle.
| The old Duchess, supposing the younI
painters embarrassment to be caused b.
her own imposing appearance, to encoul
age him addressed him in these words
II am told that you have talent, youn}
man.
"Those who have so informed you d.
me too much honor, madame. Doubles
they judge'me by my intentions; but
/ have as yet produced nothing worthy o
attention
There was as much confidence an,
noble pride in the reply Of the painter a
there had been arrogance and imperti
nence in the address of the noble dame.
4 Lucy, who possessed the high spirit Q
her country, was shocked at the insolen
tone Of the Duchess. and now blushc
with pleasure at the reply Of Van DycA
AS her soft eyes rested approvingly on hi
face he understood her feelings, an
thanked her by look for her generou
. sympathy
DWELL. we'll, we shall see Her Males
ty wishes to renew the ornaments Of he
chapel; SO you will be fully employed
A residence will be assigned you in yor
der monastery, where you will copy ur
disturbed. In summer. also, you sha
have fit residence, besides pensio
from the government. This, think,
paying an artist pretty WE'LL
cart cannot be paid for, my lady Dr.
chess, and if purchase the talents t
which I aspire, the favors which 70
boast could not purchase them'
"This is all very well-you arc prou
and we are noble, but, nevertheless, thos
: honors are conditional. You will b
chosen painter to the queen if you sui
!. coed in gaining the prize which is otfere
> for the most perfect head Of the Mado1
nan
"Ah! madam, if the patronage of hi
majesty is offered me only on those col
ditions | shall not obtain it.
"And why not?"
Because shall not gain the prize
replied he, with an expression Of sadnes
which was instantly reflected on the fae
!. Of Lucy.
"Why do you refuse this honor? 9
you fear to fail9''
ono, madam; but how shall represe1
! az sha sho,,1d no ranreannfpd tho moth.