. They exchanged no salutations, but their looks were eloquent.

The Alcalde, on the contrary, when the friars had disappeared,
greeted the young man and extended his hand to him in a familiar
way. But the arrival of the adjutant, who was looking for Ibarra,
did not give them an opportunity to converse.

Ibarra was dressed in deep mourning. He presented himself in a calm
manner, and bowed profoundly, despite the fact that the sight of the
friars had not seemed a good omen for him.

The Governor General advanced a few steps. "It gives me great
satisfaction to shake your hand. Grant me your entire confidence."

"Senor ... such kindness...!"

"Your surprise offends me. It indicates that you did not expect a
good reception from me. That is doubting my justice!"

"A friendly reception, senor, for an insignificant subject like myself,
is not justice, it is a favor."

"Well, well!" said His Excellency, sitting down and pointing out a
seat for Ibarra. "Let us speak frankly. I am very much pleased with
your action and I have already proposed to His Majesty's Government
that they grant you an insignia for your philanthropic intention of
erecting a school.... If you had asked me, I would have attended the
ceremony with a great deal of pleasure and perhaps the unpleasantness
would have been avoided."

"My idea of erecting a school seems to me so insignificant," replied
the young man, "that I did not think it an occasion worthy of taking
the attention of Your Excellency from your many duties and cares. Then,
too, it was my duty to first address the highest authority of the
province."

His Excellency made a bow of satisfaction and adopting a still more
intimate manner, continued:

"In regard to the unpleasantness which you have had with Father
Damaso, have no fear nor regret. I will not touch a hair of your head
while I govern these Islands. And in regard to the excommunication,
I will speak to the Archbishop, for it is necessary for us to adapt
ourselves to circumstances. Here, we cannot laugh about these things
in public as we do in Spain or in cultured Europe. Nevertheless, be
more prudent in the future. You have put yourself in opposition to
the religious corporations, which, on account of your position and
wealth, need to be respected. But I will protect you, because I like
good sons, I like to see a person respect the honor of his father. I,
too, love my father, and as sure as there is a God, I know what I
would ha