"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 know what I should have done in your place!" Then, quickly changing the subject, he said: "They tell me you have just returned from Europe. You were in Madrid?" "Yes, senor, several months." "How happens it that you return without bringing me a letter of recommendation?" "Senor," replied Ibarra, bowing, "because, having heard there of the character of Your Excellency, I thought a letter of recommendation would not only be unnecessary, but might even offend you; the Filipinos are all recommended to you." A smile curled the lips of the old soldier, who replied slowly, as though meditating and weighing his words: