Great was Louise's joy; and then, like the loving, practical sister she
was, she immediately set about the young artist's outfit. Nor did she
pause until everything was in apple-pie order.
Surely God was strengthening and comforting His own. Just consider; here
was a young girl, now only sixteen years of age, who had the management
of a miller's business, was a mother and sister in one to three young
children, and, one is almost tempted to say, was also a tender, loving
wife to a drunken, incapable father.
The journey to Leyden, whither Paul was bound, was not without incident
of a somewhat romantic kind. As the vehicle in which Louise and the
future great painter sat neared Leyden, they came upon a man who lay
insensible upon the road. The tender heart of the girl was touched, and
she stopped and restored the man to consciousness, and then pressed
further assistance upon him. The grateful recipient of her kindness,
however, soon feeling strong enough, proceeded on his way alone.
The scene had not passed without a witness, though, who proved to be
none other than the eminent master-painter Van Zwanenburg, who joined
himself to the little party. But his brow darkened when he learned the
purport of the young traveller's journey, and he spoke no more for some
time, for he was a misanthrope, and, consequently, took small share in
the hopes and pleasures of others. Soon after, however, as they were
passing a forge, young Paul stopped and clapped his hands with delight
at the sight of the ruddy light cast on the faces of the workmen.
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