CHAPTER XXXII
CHANGES.
The modest Linares was serious and very uneasy. He had just received aletter from Dona Victorina which, translated from the most illiterateSpanish, and omitting its many errors in spelling and punctuation,was as follows:
"Esteemed Cousin:--Within three days I want to know from you if you have killed the alferez or he you. I don't want another day to pass without this animal being punished. If this length of time passes and still you have not challenged him, I will tell Don Santiago that you never were secretary and that you never joked with Canovas or with General Martinez. I will tell Clarita that it is all a lie and I will not give you another cuarto. If you challenge him, I promise you all that you wish. If you do not challenge him, I will accept no excuses or reasons.
"Your cousin who loves you in her heart. "Victorina de los Reyes de de Espadana. "Sampalog, Monday Eve, 7 o'clock."
It was a serious matter. Linares knew Dona Victorina's characterand knew what she was capable of doing. To reason with her was outof the question; to beg was useless; to deceive her worse. There wasno other remedy than to challenge.
"But what can I do?" he said to himself, as he was walking alone. "Ifhe receives me harshly? If I meet his wife? Who would want to bemy second? The curate? Captain Tiago? Cursed be the hour in which Igave ear to her advice! What will this senorita say about me? Now Iam sorry to have been secretary to all the ministers."
The good Linares was in this sad soliloquy when Father Salviarrived. The Franciscan was certainly thinner and paler than usual,but his eyes shone with a peculiar light and a strange smile was seenon his lips.
"Senor Linares, all alone?" saluted the priest and directed his stepsto the sala, through the half open door of which notes of the pianowere heard.
Linares restrained a smile.
"And Don Santiago?" added the curate.
Captain Tiago presented himself at that moment, kissed the curate'shand, took the Father's hat and cane and smiled like one who hadbeen blessed.
"Well, well!" said the curate, going into the sala, followed byLinares and Captain Tiago. "I have good news from Manila which youwill all enjoy. I have received letters from Manila which confirm theone which Senor Ibarra brought me yesterday--so that, Don Santiago,the impediment is removed."
Maria Clara was seated at the piano between her two girl friends. Shehalf rose to her feet at this remark, but her strength failed her andshe sat down again. Linares turned pale and looked at Captain Tiago,who turned his eyes to the floor.
"This young man really seems to me a very nice fellow," continued thecurate. "At first, I judged him bad--he is a little quick-tempered. Buthe knows so well how to atone for his faults afterward, that one cannothold any grudge against him. If it were not for Father Damaso...." Andthe curate directed a quick glance at Maria Clara. She was listeningto all that was going on but without taking her eyes off the music--inspite of the concealed pinches which Sinang gave her to express herjoy. Had she been alone, she would have danced.
"Father Damaso?" asked Linares without finishing the sentence.
"Yes," continued the curate. "Father Damaso has said that as... godfather he could not permit ... but I believe that if finally,Senor Ibarra asks pardon, which I do not doubt he will do, all willbe arranged."
Maria Clara arose, made an excuse and retired to her room, accompaniedby Victoria.
"And if Father Damaso does not pardon him?" asked Captain Tiago,in a low voice.
"Then Maria Clara will see that Father Damaso is her spiritualfather. But I believe that they will come to an understanding."
At that moment, steps were heard and Ibarra appeared, followed byAunt Isabel. His presence on the scene produced a varied effect. Hesaluted Captain Tiago affably, the latter not knowing whether tosmile or to weep; to Linares he bowed profoundly. Father Salvi aroseand extended his hand to him so affectionately that Ibarra could notsuppress a look of surprise.
"Do not think it strange," said Father Salvi. "I was just paying youa compliment."
Ibarra thanked him and approached Sinang.
"Where have you been all day?" she asked, with a childish laugh. "Wehave been asking each other, 'Where could this soul redeemed frompurgatory have gone?' Each one of us gave a different answer."
"And will you not tell what you said?"
"No, that is a secret; but I will surely tell you in private. Nowtell us where you have been so that we can see who has been able toguess it."
"No, that also is a secret; but I will tell you alone, if the senoreswill permit."
"Certainly, certainly!" said Father Salvi.
Sinang took Crisostomo to one end of the hall. She was very happywith the idea of knowing a secret.
"Tell me, my little friend," said Ibarra, "Is Maria angry with me?"
"I do not know, but she says that it is better that you should forgether and then begins to cry. Captain Tiago wants her to marry thatgentleman; Father Damaso also wishes it; but she says neither yesnor no. This morning when we were asking for you, I said: 'Whatif he has gone to make love to some one else?' She replied to me:'Would to God that he had!' and then began to cry."
Ibarra was serious.
"Tell Maria that I want to speak with her alone."
"Alone?" asked Sinang, knitting her eyebrows and looking at him.
"Entirely alone, no. But so that we may not be seen by that othersenor."
"It is difficult, but don't worry. I will tell her."
"And when will I know the answer?"
"To-morrow come to the house early. Maria never wants to be alone. Wekeep her company. Victoria sleeps by her side one night, and Ithe next. To-morrow night it is my turn. But listen: What is thesecret? You are going without telling me the principal thing."
"That is true. I was in the town of Los Banos. I went up there to dosome business in cocoanut trees, since I am thinking of building afactory. Your father will be my partner."
"Nothing more than that? Give us the secret!" exclaimed Sinang in aloud voice and in the tone of a defrauded usurer. "I thought----"
"Take care. I don't want you to tell it."
"I have no desire to!" replied Sinang, sticking up her nose. "If itwere something more important, I would tell it to my friends. But tobuy cocoanuts! cocoanuts! Who is interested in cocoanuts?"
And she went away in haste to find her girl friends.
A few moments afterward, Ibarra seeing that the conversation waslagging, took leave of the gathering. Captain Tiago's expressionwas between sweet and sour; Linares was silent and observing; andthe curate, feigning to be joyful, was telling stories. None of thegirls had returned.