Chapter 8, In Which I Speak of a Small Red Flower Summary

As the years go by, the master paints many portraits of the king and powerful courtiers, including the Duke of Olivares. Although Master is always courteous, it is clear he feels real affection for the king, but not the duke. The normally shy and reserved king often talks intimately to the painter during his sittings. One day the painter pleases the king when he says, "Your Majesty was not made by God to converse, but to listen, with affection and paternal care to his subjects."

Various apprentices come and go over the years. Juan listens to each lesson carefully and applies it to his own secret painting. One apprentice, Juan Bautista del Mazo, is a vain, handsome young man. Paquita has grown into a beautiful...