ore 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. "We'll see who makes that voyage soonest!" remarked another
Franciscan.

"I shall leave at once," declared the indignant Padre Sibyla.

"And we shall go back to our province," said the Augustinians. Neither
the Dominican nor the Augustinians could endure the thought that they
had been so coldly received on a Franciscan's account.

In the hall they met Ibarra, their amphitryon of a few hours before,
but no greetings were exchanged, only looks that said many things. But
when the friars had withdrawn the alcalde greeted him familiarly,
although the entrance of the aide looking for the young man left
no time for conversation. In the doorway he met Maria Clara; their
looks also said many things but quite different from what the friars'
eyes had expressed.

Ibarra was dressed in deep mourning, but presented himself serenely
and made a profound bow, even though the visit of the friars had not
appeared to him to be a good augury. The Captain-General advanced
toward him several steps.

"I take pleasure, Senor Ibarra, in shaking your hand. Permit me to
receive you in all confidence." His Excellency examined the youth
with marked satisfaction.

"Sir, such kindness--"

"Your surprise offends me, signifying as it does that you had not
expected to be well received. That is casting a doubt on my sense
of justice!"

"A cordial reception, sir, for an insignificant subject of his Majesty
like myself is not justice but a favor."

"Good, good," exclaimed his Excellency, seating himself and waving
Ibarra to a chair. "Let us enjoy a brief period of frankness. I am
very well satisfied with your conduct and have already recommended
you to his Majesty for a decoration on account of your philanthrop