"My question is, 'Shall I succeed in my present enterprise ?'" "What an ugly question!" exclaimed Sinang.
Ibarra threw the dice and in accordance with the resulting number the page and line were sought.
"Dreams are dreams," read Albino.
Ibarra drew out the telegram and opened it with trembling hands.

"This time your book is wrong!" he exclaimed joyfully.

"Read this: 'School project approved.

Suit decided in your favor.'" "What does it mean ?" all asked.
"Didn't you say that a present is to be given to the one receiving the best answer ?" he asked in a voice shaking with emotion as he tore the telegram carefully into two pieces.
"Yes, yes!" "Well then, this is my present," he said as he gave one piece to Maria Clara.

"A school for boys and girls is to be built in the town and this school is my present." "And the other part, what does it mean ?" "It's to be given to the one who has received the worst answer." "To me, then, to me!" cried Sinang.
Ibarra gave her the other piece of the telegram and hastily withdrew.
"What does it mean ?" she asked, but the happy youth was already at a distance, returning to the game of chess.
Fray Salvi in abstracted mood approached the circle of young people.