north," said Ibarra.

"You have travelled much," said the blond provincial; "which of the
European countries pleased you most?"

"After Spain, my second country, the nations that are free."

"And what struck you as most interesting, most surprising, in the
general life of nations--the genius of each, so to put it?" asked
Laruja.

Ibarra reflected.

"Before visiting a country I carefully studied its history, and,
except the different motives for national pride, there seems to
me nothing surprisingly characteristic in any nation. Given its
history, everything appears natural; each people's wealth and misery
seem in direct proportion to its freedom and its prejudices, and in
consequence, in proportion to the self-sacrifice or selfishness of
its progenitors."

"Did you discover nothing more startling than that?" demanded
the Franciscan, with a mocking laugh. "It was hardly worth while
squandering money for so slight returns. Not a schoolboy but knows
as much."

The guests eyed one another, fearful of what might follow. Ibarra,
astonished, remained silent a moment, then said quietly:

"Senores, do not wonder at these words of Brother Damaso. He was my
curate when I was a little boy, and with his reverence the years don't
count. I thank him for thus recalling the time when he was often an
honored guest at my father's table."

Brother Sibyla furtively observed the Franciscan, who was trembling
slightly. At the first possible opportunity Ibarra rose.

"You will pardon me if I excuse myself," he said. "I arrived only
a few hours ago, and have matters of importance to attend to. The
dinner is over. I drink little wine, and scarcely taste liquors." And
raising a glass as yet untouched, "Senores," he said, "Spain and the
Philippines forever!"

"You're not going!" said Santiago in amazement. "Maria Clara and her
friends will be with us in a moment. What shall I say to her?"

"That I was obliged to go," said Ibarra, "and that I'm coming early
in the morning." And he went out.

The Franciscan unburdened himself.

"You saw his arrogance," he said to the blond provincial. "These young
fellows won't take reproof from a priest. That comes of sending them
to Europe. The Government ought to prohibit it."

That night the young provincial added to his "Colonial Studies,"
this paragraph: "In the Philippines, the least important person at a
feast is he who gives it. You begin by showing your host to the door,
and all goes