The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1905-10-28
The Dutch
Painter. -
By KITE LUsy.

In the centre OF quiet village stool
sn inn, the proprietor of which was
named Fritz; nearly opposite was tie
cottage Of the village painter, rejoicing
in the odd name Of Tunder, at whose
door might be seen boards represent
Ing grotesque carcature paintings, as
signs Of his profession.
OF a truth, poor TuEder had a great
love for his art; but, sorrowfu! to re-
ate, his art had no love for him,
He was vain and conceited, as nearly
oil pretenders to excellence are, yet he
found liberal patron and an ardent
admirer in old Fritz, who carried his
patronage 50 far as to promise him his
lovely little daughter Lula in mar
Rage.
Now Lula and her good mother had
another young gentleman in their
minds eye; it was Rudolph, the hand
some young gardener and huntsman,
who loved Lula most fondly and truly,
but who failed to make an impression
on the f1inty bosom of old Fritz.
The day was fixed for Lula's mar
riage with Tunder and mother and
daughter went bristling through their
preparations with fearful eyes and
saddened hearts, which i'll befitted
bridal day.
TO give more eclat to the wedding
Fritz ordered new sign. and Tunder's
talents were called in reQuisition.
Just then young artist. who had
that day arrived from the city. offered
10 paint sign. representing the arch
duke, on very reasonable terms. Lul,
and her mother voted for the artists
sisn, and stubborn old Fritz swore
tnat Tunder alone should share the
glory with himself. At length CON-
promise was effected; botn paintings
should be done, and place over the
INN door awarded to that one which
displayed most ability.
The wedding day had arrived. and |
lunder was first in the field with his
sisn. but no one could make anything
out Of 1t.
benold!" cried the villagers, "a
miserable abortion, which represents
neither fish, flesh, nor fowl?"
What is it," asked one.
II Is q mutilated Indian from the
Rilds OF the Vest" replied his neigh
'or.
ignorant wretches!" shouted Tun-
'ef, choking with indignation. "Ye
ave eyes and see not.' so saying. he
e'zed his brush and painted under
eatn the portrait, ITO the great Leo
old" 00
onouts and groans followed the an
ouncement, not for Leopold" but for
under who had so shamefully mis-
presented him.
Inc city's artists painting was next
spiayed and produced a spontaneous
sIst OF enthusiastic applause.
never before had the people beheld
hielike and well executed a likeness
neir very popular archduke: and
2 artist, In order to escape being en-
aced to death, beat a hasty retreat
y the garden in the rear, and sat
uslngly on a bench.
10 the midst of triumph his heart
= bowed down beneath the load of
- secret sorrow that was devouring
Unhappy Rollo! A few short days
se had seen him the favorite artist
brilliant court, enjoying the repu-
on Of Raphael, and on the high
q to fame and fortune.
noble lady Of the court, and who
ward Of the archduke, had made
sep and lasting impression on his
r and he soon perceived that his
lion was returned. Jealous rivals
slanderous tongues were quickly
Eork to misrepresent his conduct
Ills generous pasfph. The noble
= OF Rollo ceuM not brook the
done to his honor, and madden
the thought OF being accused Of
ling with the lady's affections. he
J ! 49, 4E +znlf