Year: 1879




How Van Dyke Won His Wife. :


In one Of the splendidly decorated sa-
looms at St. James was assembled group
OF young and lovely girls, whose delicate
fingers were buslly engaged in different
kinds of ornamental needle work, which,
under their skillful arrangement, formed
bouquets which rivallcd nature in thebril-
liancy of their colors and accuracy Of
their shades. They were the Queens
maids of honor, and between their gay
chattering and busy fingers, employed the
time while waiting for her rising. The
only grave person in the assembly was the
Dowager Duchess d'Alby, the chief Of the
ladies of honor.


Among the blooming group, the young
est, was remarkable for simplicity of
dress and the quiet modesty Of her whole
appearance. Her attire was dress of
black velvet, closed to the throat, of which
the skirt, open in front, disclosed an un-
derskirt Of white satin; the sleeves came
just below the elbow and coquettishly
disclosed the hand and arm of the most
dazzling whiteness. A plated tucker
encircled her graceful neck, on which
hung a chain to which was attached a
large cross, and the luxuriant hair,
simply parted on the forehead and con-
fined by large scarf, completed her
costume.


This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families of Scotland.
Her father, Lord Ruthven to u princely
fortune claimed pedigree Of which he
was more proud than of his wealth.
Lucy, his daughter, had secretly arrived
at the English Court on her appointment
to post in the Queens household, there
to complete the education which had been
carefully guided by her father. Retired
and simple in her tastes, her mind in
stinctively sought the sublime in
the works Of nature and art. She cx-
celled in painting, and her genius had
created world Of her own in the daily
contemplation of the productions of the
best masters, which adorned the galleries
OF her father. Paul Veroncse, Gudio,
and Rubens were Of the number of her
friends, and she vowed them eternal graf
itude for the light their talents shed on her
solitude.


The habits and manners of Lucy con-
trasted strongly with those of her CON-
panions,wh had been habituated to more
independence and liberty. Gentle and
more timid to excess, she scarcely at
tempted to answer the sportive and often
mischievous sallies of her companions.


The large clock in the saloon chimcd
the hour Of ten. All eyes were directed
to it, and several voices exclaimed: "He's
very late" just as domestic announced
''the painter, Van Dyck."


The announcement caused a general
agitation among the smiling group. Each
one changed her position on her velvet
seat, rearranged her dress and composing
her countcnance sought to give additional
grace to her aspect. The young pupil Of
Rubens, albeit accustomed to the spirit
Of beauty, could not suppress murmur
OF admiration at finding himself in the
midst of this brilliant circle.


The old Duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused by
her own imposing appearance, to encour-
age him addressed him in these words:
II am told that you have talent, young
man,


"Those who have so informed YOU do
me too much honor, madame. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but I
have as yet produced nothing worthy Of
attention"


There was as much confidence and
noble pride in the reply of the painter as
there had been arrogance and imperti-
nence in the address of the noble dame.


Lucy, who possessed the high spirit Of
her country, was shocked at the insolent
tone Of the Duchess, and now blushcd
with pleasure at the reply of Van Dyck.
As her soft eyes rested approvingly on his
face he understood her feelings, and
thanked her by a look for her generous
sympathy.


'Well, we'll, We shall see. Her Majes-
ty wishes to renew the ornaments of her
chapel; so you will be fully employed.
A residence will be assigned you in yon-
der monastery, where you will copy un-
disturbed. In summer, also, you shall
have fit residence, besides a pension
from the government. This, I think, is
paying an artist pretty well.''


cart cannot be paid for, my lady Du-
chess, and if I purchase the talents to
which I aspire, the favors which YOU
boast could not purchase them"


''This is all very well-you are proud
and we are noble, but, nevertheless, those
honors are conditional. You will = he
chosen painter to the queen if you sue
coed in gaining the prize which is offered
for the most perfect head of the Madon-
ma"


"Ah! madam, if the patronage Of her
majesty is offered me only on those con-
ditions 1 shall not obtain it."


"And why not2"


Because shall not gain the prize"
replied he, with an expression of sadness
which was instantly reflected on the face
of Lucy.


"Why do you refuse this honor? Do
you fear to fail?''


"No, madam; but how shall represent
as she should be represented, the mother
Of the Savior2 Where shall I find a
model?" "As he pronounced these words
his eyes rested on the angelic face of
Lucy. II have hitherto sought in vain
the combination of mildness, sweetness
and candor which should characterize
the Queen Of Heaven"


The fire Of genius which illuminated
the handsome countenance of Yam Dyck
elected the admiration OF all observers.


"But I should imagine that there would
be no difficulty in obtaining models Of
painters :.


''The models which can he obtained for
hire, are beautiful without doubt. I
have sought in vain for the dignity and
purity which I have never seen united
but in a noble lady who would disdain to
sit to poor artist.''


The animated and ardent glance Of
Van Dyck embarrassed Lucy; it told her
that he had at last found the object his
fancy had depicted. The duchess, how
ever, had not observed it, and asked:


"Who is this noble lady2" .
1.-THE Virgin herself, madamv' Bow
ing profoundly and giving parting
glance at Lucy, he added: "If I gain
the prize you shall sec me again, madam;
if not, / leave England"