llages. There Your Excellency would be able to see veritable men,
if to be a man a noble heart and simple manners are enough."

The captain-general rose and walked up and down the room.

"Senor Ibarra," he said, stopping before Crisostomo, "your education
and manner of thinking are not for this country. Sell what you own
and come with me when I go back to Europe; the climate will be better
for you."

"I shall remember all my life this kindness of Your Excellency,"
replied Ibarra, moved; "but I must live in the country where my
parents lived----"

"Where they died, you would say more justly. Believe me, I, perhaps,
know your country better than you do yourself. Ah, but I forget! You
are to marry an adorable girl, and I'm keeping you from her all this
time! Go--go to her! And that you may have more freedom, send the
father to me," he added, smiling. "Don't forget, though, that I want
your company for the promenade."

Ibarra saluted, and went out.

The general called his aide-de-camp.

"I am pleased," said he, giving him a light tap on the shoulder;
"I have seen to-day for the first time how one may be a good Spaniard
without ceasing to be a good Filipino. What a pity that this Ibarra
some day or other----but call the alcalde."

The judge at once presented himself.

"Senor alcalde," said the general, "to avoid a repetition of scenes
like those of which you were a spectator to-day--scenes, I deplore,
because they reflect upon the Government and upon all Spaniards--I
recommend the Senor Ibarra to your utmost care and consideration."

The alcalde perceived the reprimand and lowered his eyes.

Captain Tiago presented himself, stiff and unnatural.

"Don Santiago," the general said affectionately, "a moment ago I
congratulated you upon having a daughter like the Senorita de los
Santos. Now I make you my compliments upon your future son-in-law. The
most virtuous of daughters is worthy of the first citizen of the
Philippines. May I know the day of the wedding?"

"Senor----" stammered Captain Tiago, wiping drops of sweat from
his brow.

"Then nothing is settled, I see. If witnesses are lacking, it will
give me the greatest pleasure to be one of them."

"Yes, senor," said Captain Tiago, with a smile to stir compassion.

Ibarra had gone off almost running to find Maria Clara. He had so much
to talk over with her. Through a door he heard the murmur of girls'
voices. He knocked.

"Who is there?" asked Maria.

"I