New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1886-09-22
FAIR ROsAMoND.
BY H. MARIA GEORGE.

insshoneinto the studio OF Ralph sey-
mour, where he sat at his easel before
a picture, touching here and there with
marvellous skill the canvas that grew
into greater beauty with each stroke
of The artists brush. He was grand
looking as Greek demigod, this strug-
Cling young artist who was lust be-
ginning to meet praise and recogni-
ton, tall and OF regal grace, with a
face like Raphael lit up by pair Of
great gray eyes which held a world full
OF genius.
There was another occupant in the
room-a beautiful, magnificently
formed woman, dressed in silk and
velvet and fine laces-st woman roval
as a queen, with rich, dark hair a,
proud, impassioned face, and eager,
dark eyes that seemed to hide a GER
tam WEAKNESS under all their flashing
brilliancy. With one hand large and
fair as that OF a Juno supporting her
head, she halt reclined in sumptuous
fautueil, gazing thoughtfully at the
young artist and his work. S. alb
sorbed was her contemplation that
she could scarcely be seen to breathe
under her tight bodice.
The painting, though but half COM
pleted, gave promise Of being master.
piece. 1t was subject ofgenre- Queen
Eleanor and fair Rosamond-but free
from the commonplace treatment
with which such subjects are usually
represented. The color throughout
was grave and subdued, chaste and
cool. The conception was strong.
The scene, an arbor in a luxurious
garden, with the turrets and battle
ments OF a castle in the background.
The local English concomitants of the
twelfth century were given with strict
fidelity to truth. OF course the main
interest couverged upon the forms
and faces OF the two rivals.
Ralph had represented the provin-
cial queen with all the majesty OF a
pythoness, decked in the gorgeous
robes of state, standing half in the
shadow OF the vine-clad, rose powered
arbor. Her dark, naughty features
We're thus rendered the darker and
sterner. Her mouth showed unfalter-
ing firmness and noble scorn, her eyes
watchfulness and sadness-the sorrow
of g. private grief for a wrong done by
a beloved friend. Yet there was no
sign of remorse in the majestic features
nor ofpity, either. He had seen fit to
depict her without the usual adjuncts
OF a poison-cup and a dagger. 1t
needed not these vulgar symptoms to
show that she was the injured and
vengeful queen.
The figure of Rosamond, the fair
Saxon beauty who stole the heart of
the great Henry from his rightful
spouse, was only in outline; the face
was wholly shadowless.
The artist turned at length, with an
action 'betokening impotence, to his
beautiful and admiring visitor.
II never can paint that face" he
said, despairingly; "never, Miss Will
mot, thepicture will remain unfinish-
ed-another example of the vanity of
human wishes, the folly of vaunting
ambition that overleaps ITSELF"
"Fie, Mr.. Seymour" returned the
dark beauty, whose face was almost
a counterpart OF the lovely Southern
countenance of Queen Eleanor on the
canvas, '"have courage. You have
succeeded admirably so far. 1t is a
grand painting. which only the daring
and great genius would have attempt
led. [ think you will complete it,
':Not sat present; | have not the
power" he said, rising and stepping
back tostudy his creation. II shall
try, a landscape next, and let this rest
at least a while. If only knew OF a
face could modelnow, but alas! there
can be none that approaches my
ideal"
II do not know-perhaps I car, aid
lyou," observed Miss Wilmot after a
moments thought. II have a friend
'of that very type Of beauty-sapphire
women: and aform like "a young Venus,
IA perfect Saxon Rowena. She is poor,
and of:course proud, bs1t I think she
will be glad to come"
The artist walked toward her with
an abrupt motion, one hand pressed
upon his forehead, the pther stretch
led. out to: his friend.
81 owe you so much aalready." he;
ssaid, 1aand if the obligation is increas-;
sed how shall ever repay you? You;
lhaveIbeen a friand indeed, dear Miss
AVilmot, a helpGll friend &lways; and
NOW for my Eleanor to aind me a.
Rosamond that were sseking too
much"
He spoke the aast with a certain
playful badinage; but smile as she
1aalsht, 'the.stately beauty flashed till
her cheeks were rosy red
4SNou owe me nothing; it has been a
pleasure ITO help deserving genius.
And Queen Eleanor IS too proud to
fear the smiles of fair Rosamand. It
will be no 1trouble 4 assure you. l
Hxy1N L 4. =. 4