Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1872-04-05
ed king had disappeared. Ruv Gomez

ed king had disappeared. Ruy Gomez
escorted the painter to spacious apart
ment. situated in remote part of the city.
There he discovered painting materials
canvas, easels. pencils and colors ready
prepared for his use. That night. and
for many nights following Philip arrived
punctually at nine o'clock; if detained over
night he came very early in the morning.
The portrait was executed with such finish
and fine coloring that the king, who was
a good judge of art, pronounced it mas
terpiece. About a week before it was
finished Philip informed his new protege
that he had mentioned him to His Catho;
lie Majesty, who appointed the following
day. at noon, for the purpose of becoming
acquainted with the new artist, and also
to fix an hour for his sitting for portrait
of his royal self. I will not venture to
describe the feeling of joy with which
Coelio heard this news, or bis vision oil
future glory, eliminating in brilliant
marriage with Dona Estafania.
Punctually at the stroke of midday,
Coelio found himself, with beating heart.
in the presence of the King of Spain. 1t
would have been impossible for him to
have recognized the aged Don Paez in the
stately sovereign who stood before him.
Philip was at this time in the bloom OF
youth, as Titan has presented him to US.
So slenderly, yet so we'll proportioned. that
although he was not above the middle
height. he appeared tall. His hair and
beard were exceedingly fair, his brow
broad and intellectual. his eyes blue, clear
and penetrating and his expression majes-
tic and commanding. He wore suit OF
black velvet slashed with satin, and upon
his head black cap with feathers. Be-
meath his ruff OF fine lace hung upon his
breast the gorgeous collar of the Fleece
of Gold.
''Sanchez Coelio," he said, in some
what stern tone, ''we hear from our good
servant, Don Paez, that you are an artist
of some skill. 1t is our purpose that you
paint our portrait.
Your majesty" said Coclio, bowing
low.
"Silence! interrupt US not. This pic
ture must be finished by the day of St.
Philip, our holy patron. There wants
three weeks to the time"
Your majesty" again broke in Coelio.
'.Speak not until we have said our say.
We intend to be painted in the character
Of our holy patron, st. Philip, and will
take our first sitting this very day. What
is it you would say to us?"
This much, your majesty, and no
more. | cannot undertake the task to
paint your majesty's picture by St. Philips
day, because | cannot begin it for at least
a week, although it is the greatest honor
and ambition of my life to serve your ma
jesty in this matter"
Our servant Don Paez, assures US,
that you paint with marvellous rapidity."
Save your majesty!-I have promis-
ed to finish the likeness Of the Senor Don
Paez by the festival of his daughter. He
saved my life, and has paid me in advance
on condition it is finished by that day. I
fill it,
'Sir Coelio," said the king, assuming
u terrible aspect, ''Know that we have
some reason to suspect that you are an
impostor, and have deceived our most
worthy servant Paez. There are those
within who know you better than you
think for"
"Let them appear p exclaimed Sanchez
Coelio. with impetuous indignation, ''Let
them appear do not fear them, whoever
they may be. Never has lie passed my
lips; never have [ committed an action
for which | need blush-never but once,
and then was driven by want and mise
ry to seek to free myself from life which
had become an intolerable burden Your
servant, Don Paez, saved me. impose
upon him? No! I would die first
Bring forward those who know me better
than [ think for; and then, King Philip,
truth shall put calumny to the blush
The king struck three times heavily up
on the floor with bis sword Suddenly the
door opened, and who should appear be-
fore the astonished Sanchez Coelio, but
the Marquis of Mariavalle, leading in
Dono Estafania!
The young lover stood like one under
spell. Presently he opened wide his
arms, and folded them again, pressing the
beautiful and faithful Estafania to his
heart. He led her to the king, who draw
ing from beneath his cloak the gray beard
and locks of his disguise. held them up
before the astonished painter.
philip ofSpain and Don Paez are one
and the same. Mary Sanchez Coelio,
whom Don Paez has learned to love, be
ever true to Philip. Marquis of Maria
vale, we ask of you the hand of your
daughter, Dona Estafauia, for our court
painter, and beloved friend, Don Alfonzo
Sanchez de Coelio.'
THAT which the king asks, subject
may not deny" answered the old courtier,
bowling low before his sovereign.
God bless you. Sanchez" said Philip.
as he placed the hand of Estafania in that
of Coelio, May you both be as happy
as I''-here he lowered his voice, ,-''as |
am wretched. ."-The Aldine for april.
~A wise man has said :-''Though
man without money is poor. man with
nothing but money is still poorer"