New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1885-02-04
A LEGEND.

Many years ago, in the little town Of
bort, in Germany, were two large, un-
painted, strengthening old houses
standing directly opposite each other.
One was the home Of the aged Hermann
Dusseldorf and his gentle daughter,
Bertha, who was the pride of the vii.
lage, and her fathers only solace, her
cheerful presence lighting up the dark
old house like ray of sunshine.
The neighboring dwelling was occu-
pied by one Jacques Lambert, paint
er by profession. He was an Italian
by birth, very retiring in his manner,
making few friends and seemingly car
ing for none His only companion was
a poor, half-witted lad, sPaul Laroni.
whom he employed in the character of
. servant.
The two had come into the place to-
gether several years before and imme-
diately taken up their residence in the
old house, but no one knew anything
of their previous history. unless it might
be Hermann Dusseldorf and his lovely
daughter. For, strange to say, Bertha
Dusseldorf, the belle Of the whole vii
lage, who had seen rich barons at her
feet, loved the dark, stern man better
than all her other suitors, and was his
affianced bride; while he in turn wor-
SHIPPED her with all the tierceness of his
1tal an nature.
Many times in the day did her pres
ence brighten his lonely studio and her
light form linger beside him, watching
his skillful fingers as the beauteous
creations grew beneath them or gazed
on the almost angelic beauty OF the
poor natural as he sat at his masters
feet.
About this time came news of a great
exhibition to be held at the neighboring
city of Antwerp, where he who produce
ed the best representation of the .'Death
and sufferings Of Our Saviour to be-
placed in the cathedral, should receive
a prize of great value. Some of the
best artists Of the day were engaged in
the contest, and great would be the
honor to the victor.
Jacques Lambert determined to win
the prize. Closely he allied himself to
the task; late in the night his lamp
was seen burning through the win.
dow of his studio, and early in the
morning he might be found at his
work.
But as day by day passed, each one
bringing nearer the exhibition, he be-
came almost despairing; for as yet he
had been unable to create on the can
vas no countenonce he deemed a wor-
thy likeness to our Saviour. He grew
pale and haggard, and in vain poor
Bertha strove to win him from the
project. One day as she stood by his
side looking down at Paul, as he sat
gazing up into her face with his beauti-
full eyes, his long golden curls falling
on each side of face of almost woman
~ sweetness and perfect innocence, she
suddenly exclaimed, Take Paul for q
modelr'
Quickly Jacques glanced at the face
OF the unfortunate, and wildly exclaim.
ing, ''Why did I not think of that N.Y.
selfp" he fell back in his chair for mo-
ment motionless. His fierce looks quite
terrifedsthe mild Bertha; sbut soon re-
covering he addressed her in his usual
manner
'And | must send you away from
me, cara MIA" he murmured, softly.
''Your sweet eyes come between me
and my work, and have so much to
be done.''
She pressed her soft lips to his fore
head, and quietly stole away.
After this he came in every day for
moment, to see her, but always bade
her not to come to him until his picture
was finished; for nothing must now
disturb him from his work.