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THE STRAND MAGAZINE.

all the more as we are now about to celebrate a wedding."

Taking a silver whistle, which hung from his waist, the King blew a note upon it; and in a few moments Sanchez Coello saw Professor Ottovenius enter the apartment, leading Doña Luiza by the hand, and followed by Don Reinaldo and his wife. Sanchez Coello fell on his knee before the King.

The marriage of the artist and Doña Luiza was soon after solemnised in the Royal Chapel.


King Philip manifested feelings of deep friendship towards Sanchez Coello. On his return to Spain, he brought with him his favourite artist, who, moreover, accompanied him in most of his military expeditions. Sanchez Coello several times took the portrait of Philip II., on horseback and on foot. He was covered with honours and distinctions by the most powerful crowned heads in the world, by Popes, Dukes, and Cardinals. At his table sat Grandees of Spain, and his house was the resort of the highest dignitaries of the Church and State, so that often two extensive courtyards of his residence were filled with litters, carriages, and sedan chairs. He became the most famous artist of his time, and amassed a princely fortune.