a little quick-tempered. But
he knows so well how to atone for his faults afterward, that one cannot
hold any grudge against him. If it were not for Father Damaso...." And
the curate directed a quick glance at Maria Clara. She was listening
to all that was going on but without taking her eyes off the music--in
spite of the concealed pinches which Sinang gave her to express her
joy. 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 will
be arranged."

Maria Clara arose, made an excuse and retired to her room, accompanied
by 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 spiritual
father. But I believe that they will come to an understanding."

At that moment, steps were heard and Ibarra appeared, followed by
Aunt Isabel. His presence on the scene produced a varied effect. He
saluted Captain Tiago affably, the latter not knowing whether to
smile or to weep; to Linares he bowed profoundly. Father Salvi arose
and extended his hand to him so affectionately that Ibarra could not
suppress a look of surprise.

"Do not think it strange," said Father Salvi. "I was just paying you
a compliment."

Ibarra thanked him and approached Sinang.

"Where have you been all day?" she asked, with a childish laugh. "We
have been asking each other, 'Where could this soul redeemed from
purgatory 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. Now
tell us where you have been so that we can see who has been able to
guess it."

"No, that also is a secret; but I will tell you alone, if the senores
will permit."

"Certainly, certainly!" said Father Salvi.

Sinang took Crisostomo to one end of the hall. She was very happy
with 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 forget
her and then begins to cry. Captain Tiago wants her to marry that
gentleman; Father Damaso also wishes it; but she says neither yes
nor no. This morning when we were asking for you, I said: