"Did you see the fireworks ?" she asked.
"No, little friend, I had to go with the Captain-General." "Well, that's a shame! The curate was with us and told us stories of the damned--can you imagine it!--to fill us with fear so that we might not enjoy ourselves--can you imagine it!" The curate arose and approached Don Filipo, with whom he began an animated conversation.

The former spoke in a nervous manner, the latter in a low, measured voice.
"I'm sorry that I can't please your Reverence," said Don Filipo, "but Senor Ibarra is one of the heaviest contributors and has a right to be here as long as he doesn't disturb the peace." "But isn't it disturbing the peace to scandalize good Christians?
It's letting a wolf enter the fold.

You will answer for this to God and the authorities!" "I always answer for the actions that spring from my own will, Padre," replied Don Filipo with a slight bow.

"But my little authority does not empower me to mix in religious affairs.

Those who wish to avoid contact with him need not talk to him.