e recovery, for,
at his age, a voyage to Spain in search of health would be somewhat
disagreeable. But all depends upon him. Meanwhile, God preserve the
health of your reverences!"

All retired.

"In his own case also everything depends upon him," murmured Brother
Salvi as he went out.

"We shall see who makes the earliest voyage to Spain!" added another
Franciscan.

"I shall go immediately," said Father Sibyla, in vexation.

"We, too," grumbled the Augustins.

Both parties bore it ill that for the fault of a Franciscan His
Excellency should have received them so coldly.

In the ante-chamber they encountered Ibarra, who a few hours before
had been their host. There was no exchange of greetings, but there
were eloquent looks. The alcalde, on the contrary, gave Ibarra his
hand. On the threshold Crisostomo met Maria coming out. Looks spoke
again, but very differently this time.

Though this encounter with the monks had seemed to him of bad augury,
Ibarra presented himself in the utmost calm. He bowed profoundly. The
captain-general came forward.

"It gives me the greatest satisfaction, Senor Ibarra, to take you
by the hand. I hope for your entire confidence." And he examined the
young man with evident satisfaction.

"Senor, so much kindness----"

"Your surprise shows that you did not expect a friendly reception;
that was to doubt my fairness."

"A friendly reception, senor, for an insignificant subject of His
Majesty, like myself, is not fairness, but favor."

"Well, well!" said the general, sitting down and motioning Crisostomo
to a seat. "Let us have a moment of open hearts. I am much gratified
by what you are doing, and have proposed you to the Government of
His Majesty for a decoration in recompense for your project of the
school. Had you invited me, I should have found it a pleasure to be
here for the ceremony. Perhaps I should have been able to save you an
annoyance. But as to what happened between you and Father Damaso, have
neither fear nor regrets. Not a hair of your head shall be harmed so
long as I govern the islands; and in regard to the excommunication,
I will talk with the archbishop. We must conform ourselves to our
circumstances. We cannot laugh at it here, as we might in Europe. But
be more prudent in the future. You have weighted yourself with the
religious orders, who, from their office and their wealth, must
be respected. I protect you, because I like a good son. By heaven,
I don't kn