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The Black lace Veil 1836 In my early practice I was one day called on professionally by a dashing young couple, wanting to be painted in Small - And at once commenced the sittings. The gentlemans picture was first finished - He held forth in the Exchange line on BWay near Pine. On delivery of the picture he urged me very strongly to take in part payment a ticket in the then drawing lottery. The last one he had - which I in principle declined - and the picture was promptly paid for. - The ticket was left in hand in a few days, drew the 10000 dllr prize! The good boy - did not get the reward of his virtues, but the dealer did. Shortly after the Store was closed - The bird had flown - and the ladys picture was left with face only finished on the Artists hands. And so remained many years. One day taking it in hand I painted a thin black lace veil falling from over the head a little on the face down the neck and over the shoulders - but without touching the likeness - And so exhibited it. - It received much praise - quite a novelty. Some time after its exhibition I showed it to a friend of the party whose portrait it was who was perfectly astonished - recognized it at once, and said - The gentleman whose (wife it was) for whom you painted it. Went suddenly to the Nest - became a banker and very very wealthy - later not so now - The lady is dead - And he I know would be delighted to have the picture - Will you sell it - And the price - I told him to [[strikethrough]]the[[/strikethrough]] or for the widower I would - & the price 50$- He at once drew a check for the Amt and handed it to me - Saying - The gentleman will be in here (NY.) in a few days. - Will arrive by a late evening train - and go out by the first morning - He cannot see you before 12 at night on his coming - and only for a very short time - such is his business here - If you will agree to it I will arrange to have him call at that hour on ___ day - he is sure to come & will be punctual. Show him the picture without remark - If he recognizes it as I have - then let him have it - and draw your money on the check - If he does not recognize it - say no more about it (he will understand it) and return me the check. On the night at the very moment appointed he came - Instantly - with utter astonishment recognized it - Where did I get it (had entirely forgotten the sittings for it - received it with delight and left as he came silently & alone, tho in tears - I recd "my money - [[strikethrough]]and not[[/strikethrough]] and thus ends the story - I never heard another word on the subject.