Meanwhile, permit me to thank you in the name of his Majesty, the King, whom I represent here and who loves _peace and tranquillity_ in his loyal subjects, and for myself, a father who has daughters of your age, and to propose a reward for you." "Sir--" answered the trembling Maria Clara.
His Excellency guessed what she wanted to say, and so continued: "It is well, senorita, that you are at peace with your conscience and content with the good opinion of your fellow-countrymen, with the faith which is its own best reward and beyond which we should not aspire.

But you must not deprive me of an opportunity to show that if Justice knows how to punish she also knows how to reward and that she is not always _blind!_" The italicized words were all spoken in a loud and significant tone.
"Senor Don Juan Crisostomo Ibarra awaits the orders of your Excellency!" announced the aide in a loud voice.
Maria Clara shuddered.
"Ah!" exclaimed the Captain-General.

"Allow me, senorita, to express my desire to see you again before leaving the town, as I still have some very important things to say to you.

Senor Alcalde, you will accompany me during the walk which I wish to take after the conference that I will hold alone with Senor Ibarra." "Your Excellency will permit us to inform you," began Padre Salvi humbly, "that Senor Ibarra is excommunicated." His Excellency cut short this speech, saying, "I am happy that I have only to regret the condition of Padre Damaso, for whom I _sincerely_ desire a _complete_ recovery, since at his age _a voyage to Spain_ on account of his health may not be very agreeable.

But that depends on him! Meanwhile, may God preserve the health of your Reverences!" "And so much depends on him," murmured Padre Salvi as they retired.