Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-01-20
The Beautiful Madonna
A Legend of Van Dyck, the Painter

In one of the splendidly decorated sa.
looms at st. James was assembled a
group of young and lovely girls, whose
delicate fingers were buSily employed in
different kinds of ornamental needle
work which, under their skillful ar
rangement, formed bouquets which RI
vailed nature in the briliiancy of their
cOlors and accuracy of shades. They
were the Queens maid of honor, and be-
tween their chattering and busy fingers,
employed the time while waiting for her
rising. The only grave person in the
assembly was the Dowager Duchess D.
Abby, the chief of the ladies of honor.
Among the blooming group the young
est was remarkable for tie simplicity of
dress and the quiet modesty of her whole
appearance. Her attire WAS dress of
black velvet, closed to the throat, but of
which the skirt, open in front, disclosed
an underdress of white satin the sleeves
came just below the elbow, and cOquet-
tishly disclosed the arm and hand of the
most dazzling whiteness. A plaitled
tucker encircled her graceful heck, oil
which hung chain, to which was at
tached a large cross, and the luxuriant
hair, simply parted on the forehead and
confined by lace scarf, completed her
costume.
This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families in Scotland
Her father, Lord Ruthven, united to a
princely fortune pedigree of which he
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had recently 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 taste, her
mind instinctively sought the sublime
in the works of nature and art. She
excelled 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 gale
ries of her father. Paul Veronese, Gui-
do and Rubens were of the number of
her friends, and she vowed them eternal
gratitude for the light of their talents
had 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 Of
ten 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 veices exclaimed, Hes
very later' just as domestic announced
"the painter, Van Dyck."
The announcement caused a general
agitation among the smiling group
Each one changed her position on her
velvet scat, re-arranged her dress, and,
composing her countenance, sought to
give additional grace to her aspect. The
young pupil of Rubens; albeit accustom-
ed to the sight of beauty, could not sup
press murmur of admiration at finding
himself in the midst of this beautiful
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: 81 am told you have talent,
young man."
"ThOse who have so informed you do
me too much honor, madam. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but |
have as yet produced nothing worthy of
attention.
There was as much confidence and no.
BILE pride in the reply of the painter as
there had been arrogance and imperti-
nence in the address of the noble dame.
Lucy, who possessed the high spirit
of her country, was shocked at the inso-
lent tone of the duchess, and now blush
ed with pleasure at the reply of Van
Dyck. AS her soft eyes rested approx
ingly or his face, he understood her
feelings, and thanked her by look for
her generous sympathy.
"Well, we shall see. Her majesty
wishes to renew the ornament of heI
chapel; so you will be fully employed
A residence will be assigned you in yon.
der monastery, where you will have d
tit residence, besides pension from the
Government. This, think, is paying
an artist we'll"
Art cannot be paid fol, my Lady
Duchess, and if l possessed the talent tC
which l aspire, the favOrs which yor
| boast could not purchase them"