z 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 character
and knew what she was capable of doing. To reason with her was out
of the question; to beg was useless; to deceive her worse. There was
no other remedy than to challenge.

"But what can I do?" he said to himself, as he was walking alone. "If
he receives me harshly? If I meet his wife? Who would want to be
my second? The curate? Captain Tiago? Cursed be the hour in which I
gave ear to her advice! What will this senorita say about me? Now I
am sorry to have been secretary to all the ministers."

The good Linares was in this sad soliloquy when Father Salvi
arrived. The Franciscan was certainly thinner and paler than usual,
but his eyes shone with a peculiar light and a strange smile was seen
on his lips.

"Senor Linares, all alone?" saluted the priest and directed his steps
to the sala, through the half open door of which notes of the piano
were heard.

Linares restrained a smile.

"And Don Santiago?" added the curate.

Captain Tiago presented himself at that moment, kissed the curate's
hand, took the Father's hat and cane and smiled like one who had
been blessed.

"Well, well!" said the curate, going into the sala, followed by
Linares and Captain Tiago. "I have good news from Manila which you
will all enjoy. I have received letters from Manila which confirm the
one 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. She
half rose to her feet at this remark, but her strength failed her and
she 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 the
curate. "At first, I judged him bad--he is