model school, like those
of Germany, and even better. The plans were traced by Senor R----. I
direct the work. Yes, senor, you see it is to be a palace with two
wings, one for the boys, the other for the girls. Here in the centre
will be a great garden with three fountains, and at the sides little
gardens for the children to cultivate plants. That great space you
see there is for playgrounds. It will be magnificent!" And the Senor
Juan rubbed his hands, thinking of his fame to come. Soothed by its
contemplation, he went back and forth, passing everything in review.

"That's too much wood for a crane," he said to a Mongol, who was
directing a part of the work. "The three beams that make the tripod
and the three joining them would be enough for me."

"But not for me," replied the Mongol, with a peculiar smile, "the
more ornament, the more imposing the effect. You will see! I shall
trim it, too, with wreaths and streamers. You will say in the end
that you were right to give the work into my hands, and Senor Ibarra
will have nothing left to desire."

The man smiled still, and Senor Juan laughed and threw back his head.

In truth, Ibarra's project had found an echo almost everywhere. The
curate had asked to be a patron and to bless the cornerstone, a
ceremony that was to take place the last day of the fete, and to be
one of its chief solemnities. One of the most conservative papers of
Manila had dedicated to Ibarra on its first page an article entitled,
"Imitate Him!" He was therein called "the young and rich capitalist,
already a marked man," "the distinguished philanthropist," "the Spanish
Filipino," and so forth. The students who had come from Manila for
the fete were full of admiration for Ibarra, and ready to take him
for their model. But, as almost always when we try to imitate a man
who towers above the crowd, we ape his weaknesses, if not his faults,
many of these admirers of Crisostomo's held rigorously to the tie of
his cravat, or the shape of his collar; almost all to the number of
buttons on his vest. Even Captain Tiago burned with generous emulation,
and asked himself if he ought not to build a convent.

The dark presentiments of old Tasio seemed dissipated. When Ibarra said
so to him, the old pessimist replied: "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes."

Toward evening Captain Tiago arrived from Manila, bringing Maria
Clara, in honor of the fete, a beautiful reliquary of gold, set with
emeralds and diamonds, enshri