Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 2).djvu/106

 "Remember, it is not given as an alms. It is the price of a portrait which you are to take of me. Take this," said the King, approaching the dim lamp placed before the shrine of the Madonna, which stood in a crevice of the wall.

Philip had drawn out his pocket-book, and on a fly-leaf written down as follows: I have received the price of a portrait, which I engage to take, of the bearer of this note.' Now sign it."

The Spaniard did as he was bidden by the King (who all the while was muffled in his cloak) and signed the paper—Sanchez Coello. They were on the point of separating, when the artist called back his unknown friend.

"Where am I to find you? You know no more than I myself where I shall lodge to-night."

"Do not make yourself anxious about that. I shall find you," replied the King.

Sanchez Coello took up the satchel containing his brushes and colours, threw it over his shoulder, and proceeded to a hostelry, where he was admitted for the night.

On the following morning he was still sleeping soundly when a servant entered his room. "Señor!" he said, "for several days I have been seeking you throughout the city. You must appear immediately before his Majesty Philip II., who has sent for you."

"The King has sent for me?" exclaimed the other, in extreme surprise.

"Yes, his Majesty in person."

"But I cannot possibly appear before a monarch in these old shabby garments."

"You must obey instantly; his Majesty does not like to be kept waiting. Come with me at once, never mind your dress!"

Sanchez Coello arose, and, hastily dressing himself, prepared to be conducted to the Palace. The poor fellow wondered what Philip II. could possibly require of him, and how in the world the great and powerful king of Spain had so much as become aware of his existence, far less that he had come to Brussels.

Philip II. was, as usual, dressed in black, and surrounded by the principal officials of his court. It was with no little confusion that Coello, passing between two lines of brilliant courtiers, reluctantly entered the regal chamber in his travel-worn clothes.

"Señor Alonso Sanchez Coello," said the King, "our well beloved sister has informed us that you were in Brussels, and she earnestly recommends you to us as her favourite painter.

"We desire to possess a mark of your