Chapter 10, In Which I Confess Summary

The apprentices come and go. After Paquita's marriage, Master often sends them to her husband, Juan Bautista. No doubt, Don Diego is thinking that the young people, now parents of a baby girl, can use the money. One day, however, a new apprentice arrives. His is Bertolomy Esteban Murillo of Seville. Murillo is a broad, lively fellow with a round face. Velbzquez is impressed that the young man paints angels and saints from live models. Murillo says that he paints what is holy in each person.

Murillo soon befriends Juan, calling him "Juan amigo" instead of the diminutive Juanico, as everyone else does. Despite his lighthearted joviality, Murillo is a deeply religious man and a daily communicant. When he learns Juan no longer receives communion, Murillo wants to know why. Juan admits that he is...