To increase the illusion of approaching maternity she became whimsical, dressed herself in colors with a profusion of flowers and ribbons, and appeared on the Escolta in a wrapper.

But oh, the disenchantment! Three months went by and the dream faded, and now, having no reason for fearing that her son would be a revolutionist, she gave up the trip.

She consulted doctors, midwives, old women, but all in vain.

Having to the great displeasure of Capitan Tiago jested about St.Pascual Bailon, she was unwilling to appeal to any saint.

For this reason a friend of her husband's remarked to her: "Believe me, senora, you are the only _strong-spirited_ person in this tiresome country." She had smiled, without knowing what _strong-spirited_ meant, but that night she asked her husband.