'And will He be there? Do you expect it? Well, we shall see. Only mark you my words. I say Messer Leonardo will never finish the Cenacolo; never paint the Judas, nor the Christ! For, see you, my friend, one may do much by mathematics and by experiments in science; but not everything. More is needed. There is a limit which he, with all his learning, can never pass.'
They left the monastery and moved towards the Castello di Porta Giovia. Boltraffio was long silent, then he said:—
'In one point, Cesare, you certainly are in error. The Judas exists already; I have seen it.'
'When? Where?'
'Just now—in the convent. He showed me the drawing.'
'You?'
Cesare stared, then said slowly, and as if by an effort.
'How was it? Good?'
Giovanni nodded; and Cesare after this kept silence.