The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1893-03-04
SC0T1'S HEROINE.
FACTS ABOUT THE cR0lNAL or
THE NoVsLlsT's ReeeccA

scott HeNrd ot TER
OF all the women Sir Walter Scott
has drawn Rebecca aud Rowena aro the
best known and best beloved. The ton.
der strength of the one, the tender
sweetness of theother, the romantic story
through which they move and the por-
lection of the contrast between them
all contribute to fix them firmly in tho
hearts of all readers. IL has been said
that ReboCCa is the great uovolist's finest
character, II this is 50 il is of all tho
moro interest to us, for her prototype
was II phiadelphian, The original Of
Rebecca, the daughter of Isaac of York
was ReheCCa Gratz, born in this city in
the last century and still living after the
two great noveliSts who succeeded
Scott had been gathered to Walhalla.
stood the other day by her forgotten
grave in the little old grass grown
Jewish cemetery on Spruce street, just
south Of the Quaker meeting house,
between Eighth and Ninth streets, and
read the simple inscription on the tomb
-"Rebecca Gratz. Born March 4. 1881
Died Aug. -, 1869"
Miss Gratz was conspicuous member
of an honorable Jewish family. She
possessed in early years-indead even
to the day of her death--a singular
beauty of face and form. Her eyes
were of exquisite shape, large, black
and lustrous; her figure was graceful
and her carriage was marked by quiet
dignity Besides these attractions she
had elegant and winning manners.
Gentle, benevolent and accomplished,
Rebecca soon became the center Of a
brilliant circle of men and women
Christians and Jews. Her parents died
when she was very Young, but the Grat2
mansion, presided over by Rebecca, con-
tinued to be known far and wide for its
hospitality. One of the most intimate
friends of her brother was Washington
Irving, who was then in the early fresh
ness of his literary career, and in this
way cordial friendship and admiration
were established between the author and
Miss Gratz, which lasted as long as life.
Matilda Hoffman. who was the object
of Irving's only love, was also Rebecca's
dearest friend, many of her younger
days being passed with the Hoffmans
and other old families in New York.
During Miss Hoffman's first illness Re
becca was her constant companion, shar.
ing with the family the cares of the sick
bed and holding Matilda when she died
in her arms.
Scott and Irving met for the first time
in 1917, the American visiting Sir Walter
with letter of introduction from tho
poet Campbell. He was most cordially
received at AbbotsfOrd, and there Irving
passed several of the most delightful
days of his life listening to the many
tales, told as no one but Scott could tell
them, and rambling about the beautiful
Mills. During one of the frequent con-
between the two authors Irv-
ing spoke Of his own and Miss Hoff- |
mans friend-Rebecca Gratz, of Phila- |
1elphia. He glowingly described her !
beauty and related the story of her firm |
adherence to her religions faith under
he most trying circumstances, but par
icularly did he tell of her Jealous phi |
anthropy and loyeliness of character.
Sir Walter was very deeply impressed |
md interested and conceived the idea of |
a character like hers in one
If his novels. He was then revolving in
lis mind the story of "lvanhoe." And
N the strength of Irvings vivid descrip-
ion. he determined to introduce Jew
sh female character.
Scott composed this story during mo-
nents of intense physical pain, yet at
lines he became so interested in the
haracter Of Rebecca, for he even
dopted her name, that he rose from his
ouch and walked up and down the
DOM while he dictated the story to his
manuensis.
He finished the book in December,
8l9, and Immediately sent the first copy
} Irving In the letter accompanying
:, he asked: How do yoH like your
Does the Rebecca | have pic
lred compare well with the pattern
ivenT'
The resemblance Of the character to
lat of Miss Gratz, it is said by those
ho knew her, was closely marked.
Though the source of the character
as known to the Jewess, her modesty
ade her shrink from the publicity of
, and when pressed upon the subject
le would deftly evade the matter by
hanging the topic.
When young girl, it is said, Rebecca
ratz won the regard Of gentleman of
BOD position and wealth, but as he was
Christian the difference in their reli-
ous faith proved hopeless barrier to
leir union. She consequently never
arried. Instead she devoted her life
charitable deeds. She founded the
'phans' asylum of this city, and as /
Irly as 1911 her name appeared as an
ficer Of the female association. In 1888
mission school for Hebrew children
as started by this noble woman. At
is school prayers Of her own compost
on were used daily. Miss Gratz lived
the advanced age of eighty-eight,
hen she died universally regretted.
The ancient graveyard where her NOR
! remains repose has been closed for
trial purposes almost ever since her |,
'ath, although previous to that time /
was extensively sed.-Philadelphia
mes.
He Was Parent and Knew.