The First Cloud In Capitan Tiago's house reigned no less disorder than in the people's imagination.

Maria Clara did nothing but weep and would not listen to the consoling words of her aunt and of Andeng, her foster-sister.

Her father had forbidden her to speak to Ibarra until the priests should absolve him from the excommunication.

Capitan Tiago himself, in the midst of his preparations for receiving the Captain-General properly, had been summoned to the convento.
"Don't cry, daughter," said Aunt Isabel, as she polished the bright plates of the mirrors with a piece of chamois.

"They'll withdraw the excommunication, they'll write now to the Pope, and we'll make a big poor-offering.