Chapter 11, In Which I Return to Italy Summary

After three years, Murillo returns to his native Seville to marry and to paint many religious figures. In 1649, the king sends Juan and his master to Italy again. Both Juan and Master are violently ill during a storm on the sea voyage. During the tossing of the ship, Master is flung against a wooden box, and his right hand is badly scratched. The hand soon becomes swollen and inflamed. Once ashore, Juan nurses Master back to health, and Velbzquez is exceedingly grateful. "You shall ask what you wish of this hand, Juanico," he tells the slave. Juan replies that he wants for nothing now, but hopes he may ask in the future if he needs something.

While traveling through the countryside, the two are caught in a storm. Master's hand again...