g pity: "Ahem! those are bad doctrines, bad
theories, ahem! How plain it is that you are young and inexperienced
in life. Look what is happening with the inexperienced young men
who in Madrid are asking for so many reforms. They are accused of
filibusterism, many of them don't dare return here, and yet, what
are they asking for? Things holy, ancient, and recognized as quite
harmless. But there are matters that can't be explained, they're so
delicate. Let's see--I confess to you that there are other reasons
besides those expressed that might lead a sensible government to
deny systematically the wishes of the people--no--but it may happen
that we find ourselves under rulers so fatuous and ridiculous--but
there are always other reasons, even though what is asked be quite
just--different governments encounter different conditions--"

The old man hesitated, stared fixedly at Isagani, and then with a
sudden resolution made a sign with his hand as though he would dispel
some idea.

"I can guess what you mean," said Isagani, smiling sadly. "You mean
that a colonial government, for the very reason that it is imperfectly
constituted and that it is based on premises--"

"No, no, not that, no!" quickly interrupted the old lawyer, as he
sought for something among his papers. "No, I meant--but where are
my spectacles?"

"There they are," replied Isagani.

The old man put them on and pretended to look over some papers, but
seeing that the youth was waiting, he mumbled, "I wanted to tell you
something, I wanted to say--but it has slipped from my mind. You
interrupted me in your eagerness--but it was an insignificant
matter. If you only knew what a whirl my head is in, I have so much
to do!"

Isagani understood that he was being dismissed. "So," he said, rising,
"we--"

"Ah, you will do well to leave the matter in the hands of the
government, which will settle it as it sees fit. You say that the
Vice-Rector is opposed to the teaching of Castilian. Perhaps he may
be, not as to the fact but as to the form. It is said that the Rector
who is on his way will bring a project for reform in education. Wait
a while, give time a chance, apply yourself to your studies as
the examinations are near, and--_carambas!_--you who already speak
Castilian and express yourself easily, what are you bothering yourself
about? What interest have you in seeing it specially taught? Surely
Padre Florentino thinks as I do! Give him my regards."

"My unc