The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1879-05-29
$soris. 1ffor the e rs.ias.
||H| " NEUUl u "|
THE ARTISTS BRIDE.


looms at st. James was assembled 9
group of yourg and lovely girls, whose
delicate fingers were busily engaged in
different kinds of ornamental needle-
work, which, under their skillful arrange.
ment, formed bouquets which rivaled
nature in the brillisncy of their coIors
and accuracy of shades. They were the
queens maids OF honor, and between
their gay chstteiing and busy fingers
employed the time while waiting for her
rising. The only grave person in the
assembly was the dowsger Duchess de
Abby, the chief of the ladies' of honor.
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 blsck velvet closed to the
throat, but of which the skirt, open in
front, inclosed an underdress of white
satin; the sleeves came just below the
elbow and coquettishly disclosed the
srm and hand of the most dazzling
whiteness. A plated tucker encircled
her graceful neck, on which hung q
chsin to which was attached q large
cross, and the luxurisnt hair, simply
parted o the forehead and confled by
q large scsrj, completed her costume.
This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families of Scotland.
Her father, Lord Ruthven, to a princeIy
fortune claimed a pedigree of which be
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English court on her appointment
70 post in the queens household, there
to complete the education which had
been carefully guided by her father. Re-
tired snd 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
8 world of her osn in the daily contem-
plation 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. "a.
The habits and manners of Lucy con-
trasted strongly with those of her COM
psnions, who had been habituated to
more independence and liberty. Gentle
and timid TO excess, she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and often
mischievious ssllies OF her companions.
The large clock in the saloon chimed
the hour of ten. All eyes were directed
to it, and several voices exclaimed He's
very late!' just as sdomestic announced
% the painter, Van Dyck."
The announcement caused general
agitation among the smiling group.
Each one changed her position on her
velvet seSt, re-arranged her dress and
composing her countensnoe sought to
give additional grace to her aspect. The
young pupil of Rubens, albeit sccus-
toned to the spirit of beauty, could moi
suppress q murmur of admiration at
finding himself in the midst of this bril-
lisDt circle. ...r.
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
" 1 sm told that you have talent young |
man" ~ s..
" Those who have so informed you do
ne too much. honor, madame. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but 1
have as yet produced nothing worthy of
aft- s4s
There vss as much confidence and
noble pride in the reply of the painter
IS there had been arrogance and i'm
pertinence in the address of the noble
dame. 20 ys "a
lucy, who possessed the high spirit of
her country, was shocked at the insoleut
tone of the duchess, and now blushed
With pleasure st the reply of Van Dyck.
As her soft eyes rested spprovingly ON
bis face he understood her feelings, and
,hanked her BY look for her generous
Iympsthv.
We'll, well, we shall see. Her majesty
wishes TO renew the ornaments of her
.hapel; SO you viii be fully employed.
residence will be assigned you In yon.