"I am pleased," said he, giving him a light tap on the shoulder; "I have seen to-day for the first time how one may be a good Spaniard without ceasing to be a good Filipino. What a pity that this Ibarra some day or other----but call the alcalde." The judge at once presented himself. "Senor alcalde," said the general, "to avoid a repetition of scenes like those of which you were a spectator to-day--scenes, I deplore, because they reflect upon the Government and upon all Spaniards--I recommend the Senor Ibarra to your utmost care and consideration." The alcalde perceived the reprimand and lowered his eyes. Captain Tiago presented himself, stiff and unnatural. "Don Santiago," the general said affectionately, "a moment ago I congratulated you upon having a daughter like the Senorita de los Santos. Now I make you my compliments upon your future son-in-law. The most virtuous of daughters is worthy of the first citizen of the Philippines. May I know the day of the wedding?" "Senor----" stammered Captain Tiago, wiping drops of sweat from his brow. "Then nothing is settled, I see. If witnesses are lacking, it will give me the greatest pleasure to be one of them." "Yes, senor," said Captain Tiago, with a smile to stir compassion. Ibarra had gone off almost running to find Maria Clara. He had so much to talk over with her. Through a door he heard the murmur of girls' voices. He knocked. "Who is there?" asked Maria. "I." The voices were hushed, but the door did not open. "It's I. May I come in?" demanded Crisostomo, his heart beginning to beat violently. The silence continued. After some moments, light foot-steps approached the door, and the voice of Sinang said through the keyhole: "Crisostomo, we're going to the theatre to-night. Write what you have to say to Maria Clara." "What does that mean?" said Ibarra to himself as he slowly left the door. XXXII. THE PROCESSION. That evening, in the light of countless lanterns, to the sound of bells and of continuous detonations, the procession started for the fourth time. The captain-general, who had set out on foot, accompanied by his two aides-de-camp, Captain Tiago, the alcalde, the alferez, and Ibarra, and preceded by the guards, to open a passage, was to view the procession from the house of the gobernadorcillo. This functionary had built a platform for the recitation of a loa, a religious poem in honor of the patron saint. Ibarra would gladly have renounced the hearing of this composition, but His Excellency had ordered his attendance, and Crisostomo must console himself with the thought of seeing his fiancee at the theatre.