The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1888-06-14
FAIR R0SAM0ND.
BY n. MARIA GEORGE:

BY H. MARIA GEORGE:
The sunlight of a lovely May morn:
ineshone into 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 a Greek demigod, this strug-
Cling young artist who was just be-
ginning to meet praise and recogni-
ton, tall and of regal grace, with a
face like a 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, iilagnificently.
formed woman, dressed in silk and
velvet and fine laces-a woman royal
as q queen, with rich, dark hair, d
proud, impassioned face, and eager,
dark eyes that seemed to hide a GER
tain WEAKNESS under all their flashing
brilliancy. With one hand large and
fair as that of Juno supporting her
head, she halt reclined in sumptlous
fautueil, gazing thoughtfully at the
young artist and his work. So alb
sorbed was her contemplation that
she could scarcely be seen to breathe
,1D6or hor t1ohk (>o1;o4
The painting, though but half COM
pleted, gave promise of being a 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 conveyed 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-bowered
arbor. Her dark, naughty features
We're thus rendered the darker and
sterner. Her mouth showed unfalter.
ing hrmness and noble scorn, her eyes
watchtulness and sadness >the sorrow
OF private grief for wrong done by
beloved friend. Yet there was nc
sign of remorse in the majestic feature:
nor ofpity, either. He had seen fit to
depict her without the usual adjuncts
OF 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 oil
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 impatience, to his
beautiful and admi:ing visitor.
~ never can paint that face" he
said, despairingly; 'never, Miss Viii.
mot, the picture will remain unfinish
ed-another example of the vanity Of
human wishes, the folly of Wanting
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.
ed. | think you will complete it,"
"Not at present; 1 have not the
Power.' he said, rising and stepping
back to study his creation. II shall
try landscape next, and let this rest
at least while. If only knew of a
face could model now, but alas! there
can be none that approaches my
IDEAL"
II do not know-perhaps 1 can aid
you.' observed Miss WilmOt after q
moments thought. II have friend
OF that very type of beauty-sapphir@
eyes like stars, hair like one Of Titan
women, and a form like a young Venus
a perfect Saxon Rowena. She is poor
and OF course proud, but l think she
will be glad to come"
The artist walked toward her with
an abrupt motion, one hand pressed
upon his forehead, the other stretch
ed out to his friend.
II owe you so much already" hi
said, land if the obligation is increas
ed how shall 1 ever repay you? Yor
have been a friend indeed, dear Miss
Wilmot, a helpful friend always; anc
now for my Eleanor to find me 6
Rosamond that were asking toe
| much"
He spoke the last with g. certain
playful badinage; but smile as sh.
might, the stately beauty flushed til
her cheeks were rosy red.
"You owe me nothing; it has been &
pleasure to help deserving genius
And Queen Eleanor IS too proud te