He would paint a
picture of Queen Guinevere in her gay sweet youth and bright
innocent beauty--Guinevere with her lovely face and golden hair,
the white plumes waving and jewels flashing; the bright figure on
the milk-white palfrey shining in the mellow sunlight that came
through the green trees.
Lancelot should ride by her side; he could see every detail of
the picture; he knew just the noble, brave, tender face Sir
Lancelot should have; but where could he find a model for
Guinevere? Where was there a face that would realize his artist
dreams of her? The painting was half completed before he thought
of Valentine Charteris and her magnificent blonde beauty--the
very ideal of Queen Guinevere.
With renewed energy Ronald set to work. Every feature of that
perfect face was engraved upon his mind. He made sketch after
sketch, until, in its serene, sweet loveliness, Valentine's face
smiled upon him.
Chapter XI
"Queen Guinevere" was a success far beyond Ronald's dearest
hopes. Artists and amateurs, connoisseurs of all ranks and
degrees were delighted with it. The great charm of the picture
was the lovely young face.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133