Year: 1879




looms at st. James was assembled 8
group of young and lovely girls, whose
delicate fingers were busily engaged in
, different kinds of ornamental needle
work, which, under their skillful arrange.
ment, formed bouquets which rivaled
nature in the brilliancy of their colors
and accuracy of shades. They were the
queens maids of honor, and between
their gay chatteling and busy fingers
employed the time while waiting for her
rising. The only grave person in the
assembly was the dowager Duchess de
Abby, the chief OF the ladies' of honor.


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


This was the daughter of one of the
most illustrious families of Scotland.
Her father, Lord Ruthven, to 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. Re-
tired and simple in her tastes, her mind
instinctively sought the sublime in the
works OF nature and art. She excelled
in painting, and her genius had created
a world of her own in the daily contem-
plation of the productions of the best
masters, which adorned the galleries of
her father. Paul Veronese, Guido,
Rubens, were of the number of her
friends, and she vowed them eternal
gratitude for the light their talents shed
on her solitude.


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


The large clock in the saloon chined
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 q general
agitation among the smiling group.
Each one changed her position on her
velvet seat, re.arranged her dress and
composing her countenance sought to
give additional grace to her aspect. The
young pupil of Rubens, albeit accus-
toned to the spirit Of beauty, could NOT
suppress q murmur of admiration at
finding himself in the midst of this bril-
liant circle.


The old duchess, supposing the young
painters embarrassment to be caused by
her own impoaing appearance, to encour-
age him, addressed him in these words
$ am told that You have talent young
man."
Whose who have 20 informed Won do
me too much honor, madame. Doubtless
they judge me by my intentions; but I |
have % yet produced nothing worthy of |



There was as much confidence and
noble pride In the reply Of the painter
as there had been arrogance and inn.
pertinence in the address of the noble
dame.


Lucy, who possessed the high spirit "a
her country, was shocked at the insolent
tone Of the duchess, and now blushed
with pleasure at the reply Of Van Dyck.
As her soft eyes rested approYingly on |