Part 5 (Pages 427-435) Summary

In 1938, when Francis is twenty-nine, the Munich Crisis takes precedence over all other news. Given the state of affairs in Germany, everyone is leaving the castle. Even Ruth has gone back to England. Saraceni gives Francis one final test. He wants Francis to paint on a grand scale in the style of the Old Masters. He gives Francis a triptych, three panels, and tells him to clean it and begin work on it.

Francis is alone in the castle. He has to decide what his masterpiece will be. This painting will be the end of his apprenticeship, and he needs to show what he believes. He decides to paint the myth of Francis Cornish. Because he is to paint in the style of the Old Masters, his theme will be contained in a triptych of the Marriage at Cana...