Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1876 — Anecdotes of Northcote. [ARTICLE]

Anecdotes of Northcote.

When Master Betty, the Young Roscius, was playing to crowded houses, Northcote painted him. William IV., then Duke of Clarence, took the young prodigy to the painter’s house, and stood watching the progress of the picture. The loose gown in which Northcote painted was principally composed of shreds and patches, and might, perchance, be half a century old; his white hair was sparingly bestowed on each side, and his cranium was entirely bald. The royal visitor, standing behind him while he painted, first gently lifted, or twitched, the collar of the gown, which Northcote resented by turning and expressing his displeasure by a frown; on which his Royal Highness, touching the Professor’s grey, locks, said: “You don’t devote much time to the toilette, I perceive.” Northcote instantly replied: “ Sir, I never allow any one to take personal liberties with me; you are the first who has ever presumed to do so, and I beg your Royal Highness tq remember that 1 am in my own house." The artist then resumed his painting; the Prince stood silent for a minute or so, then opened the door and went away. The royal carriage, however, had not arrived, and rain was falling; the Prince returned, borrowed an umbrella and departed. :. “ Dear Mr. Northcote,” said one of the ladies present, “ I fear you have offended his Royal Highness. “ Madame,” said the painter, “ I am the offended party.” 'Hie next day, about noon, Mr. Northcote was alone, when a gentle tap was heard, the studio door opened, and in walked -the Prince. “ Mr. Northcote,” he said, “I am come to return your sitter’s umbrella; I brought it myself, that I might have an opportunity of saying that yesterday I thoughtlessly took an unbecoming liberty with you, which you properly resented. lam really angry with myself, and hope you will forgive me, and think no more about it.” “And what did you say?” inquired a friend to whom the painter told the story. “Say! Why, what could Isay? I only

for him—such a Prince to worthy to be * king.” The Prince afterward. In his saflorItfce way, said of Northcote: “He’s a mighty honest, independent old fellow.” The next and last anecdote—highly characteristic of the man—carries us back to the North cote, and was pleased with him. “ What do you know of hto Royal Highness?" asked Sir Joshua. “Nothing,” answered Northcote. “Nothing, sir! why, he says he knows 'you very well.” “Pooh!” said Northcote, “that Is only his brag!"—Fortnightly Renew.