noon
He believed himself sure of success , and could no longer cherish anger against Isabella . She had led him back into the right path , and it would be sweet , rapturously sweet , to bear the beloved maiden tenderly and gently in his strong arms over the rough places of life . One morning , according to the agreement , he notified Coello that the Madonna was completed . The Spanish artist appeared at noon , but did not come alone , and the man , who preceded him , was no less important a personage than the king himself . With throbbing heart , unable to utter a single word , Ulrich opened the door of the studio , bowing low before the monarch , who without vouchsafing him a single glance , walked solemnly to the painting . Coello drew aside the cloth that covered it , and the sarcastic chuckle Ulrich had so often heard instantly echoed from the king 's lips ; then turning to Coello he angrily exclaimed , loud enough to be heard by the young artist : `` Scandalous ! Insulting , offensive botchwork !