At last they all pulled and pushed him into the sitting-room, where the
mother immediately threw herself on the couch again; then the others
questioned him, making him tell them how he had fared, whence he came,
and many other particulars.

He was no longer hungry, but Senora Petra insisted upon his seating
himself near her couch and eating a capon, while he told his story.

Every face expressed sympathy, approval, pity, and at last Coello said:

"Remain here, Navarrete. The king longs for Moor, and you will be as
safe with us, as if you were in Abraham's lap. We have plenty for you to
do. You come to me as opportunely, as if you had dropped from the skies.
I was just going to write to Venice for an assistant. Holy Jacob!
You can't stay so, but thanks to the Madonna and Moor, you are not poor.
We have ample means, my young sir. Donna Sophonisba gave me a hundred
zechins for you; they are lying in yonder chest, and thank Heaven,
haven't grown impatient by waiting. They are at your disposal. Your
master, my master, the noble master of all portrait-painters, our beloved
Moor arranged it. You won't go about the streets in this way any longer.
Look, Isabella; this sleeve is hanging by two strings, and the elbow is
peering out of the window. Such a dress is airy enough, certainly. Take
him to the tailor's at once, Sanchez, Oliverio, or..... but no, no;
we'll all stay together to-day. Herrera is coming from the Escurial.
You will endure the dress for the sake of the wearer, won't you, ladies?
Besides, who is to choose the velvet and cut for this young dandy?
He always wore something unusual. I can still see the master's smile,
provoked by some of the lad's new contrivances in puffs and slashes. It
is pleasant to have you here, my boy! I ought to slay a calf, as the