Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1872-03-29

am having my portrait painted. MeI
tion my name to no one. Guard you
tongue, and never come to the palace
inquire for me; object to persons con
ing here on business. If you requir
ANYTHING ask it of Ruy Gomez he ha
orders to serve you in all things. I
night, at nine o'clock, / will be with you
Farewell"
Before Coelio could answer, the dis
guised king had disappeared. Ruy Go
mez escorted the painter to spacious
apartment, situated in remote part o
the city. There he discovered painting
materials-canvass, easels, pencils anc
colors ready prepared for his use. Tha
night, and for many nights following
Phillip 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 color.
ing that the king, who was good judge
Of art, pronounced it masterpiece
| About week before it was finished Phil.
ip informed his new protege that he had
mentioned him to His Catholic 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 sitting for portrait of his roy
al SELF | will not venture to describe
the feelings of joy with which Coelio
heard this news, or his vision of future
glory, eliminating in brilliant mar
riage with Dona Estafania.
Punctually at the stroke of mid day,
Cecilia 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 pro
portioned, that although he was not
above the middle height, he appeared
tall. His hair and beard were exceed
ingly fair, his brow broad and intellect
ual, his eyes blue, clear and penetrating
and his expression majestic and COM
manding. He wore suit of black vel
vet slashed with satin, and upon his head
black cap with feathers. Beneath his
ruff of fine lace hung upon his breast
the gorgeous collar of the Fleece Of
Gold.
"Shanchez Coelio," he said, in some
what stern tone, we hear from our good
servant, Don Paez, that you are an ar
list of some skill. 1t is our purpose that
you paint our portrait"
Your Majesty" said Coelio, bowling
low.
"Silence! interrupt us not. This
picture must be finished by the day of
St. Philip, our holy patron. There wants
bhISC WCChS W Lie tlLu6.
Your majesty" again broke in Coe-
lilo.
"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 p
This much, your majesty, and no
more. | cannot undertake the task to
paint your majesty's picture by st. Phil
ip's day, because | cannot begin it for a
week, although it is the greatest honor
and ambition of my life to serve your
majesty in this natter
Our servant, Don Paez, assures us,
that you paint with marvellous rapidity."
''Save your majesty II have prom
ised to finish the likeness of the Senior
Don Paez by the festival of his daugh.
ter. He saved my life, and has paid me
in advance on condition it is finished by
that day. have given him my prom
is must fulfill it."
Sir, Coelio," said the king, assuming
a terrible aspect. know that we have
reason to suspect that you are on impos-
tor, and have deceived our most worthy
servant Paez. There are those within
who know you better than you think
for"
Let them appearl" exclaimed San
chez Coelio, with impetuous indignation.
= Let them appear do not fear them
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 misery to seek to free myself
from life which had become an intol-
srable burden. Your servant, Don Paez,
;aved me. Impose upon him mol /
would die first. Bring forward those
sho know me better that think for -
ma then, King Philip truth shall put
,alumny to the blush"
The king struck three times heavily
Ipon the floor with his sword. Sudden
y the door opened, and who should ap-
,ear before the astonished Sanchez Coe-
10, but the Marquis eff Mariavalle, lead