The Franciscan was even thinner and paler than usual, but his eyes gleamed with a strange light and his lips wore a peculiar smile.
"Senor Linares, all alone ?" was his greeting as he made his way to the sala, through the half-opened door of which floated the notes from a piano.

Linares tried to smile.
"Where is Don Santiago ?" continued the curate.
Capitan Tiago at that moment appeared, kissed the curate's hand, and relieved him of his hat and cane, smiling all the while like one of the blessed.
"Come, come!" exclaimed the curate, entering the sala, followed by Linares and Capitan Tiago, "I have good news for you all.

I've just received letters from Manila which confirm the one Senor Ibarra brought me yesterday.

So, Don Santiago, the objection is removed." Maria Clara, who was seated at the piano between her two friends, partly rose, but her strength failed her, and she fell back again.

Linares turned pale and looked at Capitan Tiago, who dropped his eyes.
"That young man seems to me to be very agreeable," continued the curate.