Chapter 6, In Which I Fall in Love Summary

The banquet to honor Rubens is an elaborate, formal affair. Juan, like the other slaves, stands behind his master at the table, ready to fulfill any request. One of the ladies in Rubens's train is attended by a dainty young African slave girl named Miri. The girl has creamy skin, huge dark eyes and long, curling dark hair. After dinner, she entertains the party with Arabic songs played on her lute. Juan falls in love with the girl at the sight of her sorrowful face while she sings. His mistress soon notices and exclaims indulgently, "Juanico is in love, I think, Diego. Love is terrible." When the master receives a note from Rubens, he sends Juan with a reply. The boy hopes to catch a glimpse of Miri while he is...