Are there many matters to be got through with ?" All now gave their attention.

That was the day for joining battle over the question of instruction in Castilian, for which purpose Padre Sibyla and Padre Irene had been there several days.

It was known that the former, as Vice-Rector, was opposed to the project and that the latter supported it, and his activity was in turn supported by the Countess.
"What is there, what is there ?" asked his Excellency impatiently.
"The petition about sporting arms," replied the secretary with a stifled yawn.
"Forbidden!" "Pardon, General," said the high official gravely, "your Excellency will permit me to invite your attention to the fact that the use of sporting arms is permitted in all the countries of the world." The General shrugged his shoulders and remarked dryly, "We are not imitating any nation in the world." Between his Excellency and the high official there was always a difference of opinion, so it was sufficient that the latter offer any suggestion whatsoever to have the former remain stubborn.
The high official tried another tack.

"Sporting arms can harm only rats and chickens.

They'll say--" "But are we chickens ?" interrupted the General, again shrugging his shoulders.