"This young man really seems to me a very nice fellow," continued the curate. "At first, I judged him bad--he is a little quick-tempered. But he knows so well how to atone for his faults afterward, that one cannot hold any grudge against him. If it were not for Father Dámaso...." And the curate directed a quick glance at Maria Clara. She was listening to all that was going on but without taking her eyes off the music--in spite of the concealed pinches which Sinang gave her to express her joy. Had she been alone, she would have danced. "Father Dámaso?" asked Linares without finishing the sentence. "Yes," continued the curate. "Father Dámaso has said that as ... godfather he could not permit ... but I believe that if finally, Señor Ibarra asks pardon, which I do not doubt he will do, all will be arranged." Maria Clara arose, made an excuse and retired to her room, accompanied by Victoria. "And if Father Dámaso does not pardon him?" asked Captain Tiago, in a low voice. "Then Maria Clara will see that Father Dámaso is her spiritual father. But I believe that they will come to an understanding." At that moment, steps were heard and Ibarra appeared, followed by Aunt Isabel. His presence on the scene produced a varied effect. He saluted Captain Tiago affably, the latter not knowing whether to smile or to weep; to Linares he bowed profoundly. Father Salví arose and extended his hand to him so affectionately that Ibarra could not suppress a look of surprise. "Do not think it strange," said Father Salví. "I was just paying you a compliment." Ibarra thanked him and approached Sinang. "Where have you been all day?" she asked, with a childish laugh. "We have been asking each other, 'Where could this soul redeemed from purgatory have gone?' Each one of us gave a different answer." "And will you not tell what you said?" "No, that is a secret; but I will surely tell you in private. Now tell us where you have been so that we can see who has been able to guess it." "No, that also is a secret; but I will tell you alone, if the señores will permit." "Certainly, certainly!" said Father Salví. Sinang took Crisostomo to one end of the hall. She was very happy with the idea of knowing a secret. "Tell me, my little friend," said Ibarra, "Is Maria angry with me?" "I do not know, but she says that it is better that you should forget her and then begins to cry. Captain Tiago wants her to marry that gentleman; Father Dámaso also wishes it; but she says neither yes nor no. This morning when we were asking for you, I said: 'What if he has gone to make love to some one else?' She replied to me: 'Would to God that he had!' and then began to cry." Ibarra was serious. "Tell Maria that I want to speak with her alone." "Alone?" asked Sinang, knitting her eyebrows and looking at him. "Entirely alone, no. But so that we may not be seen by that other señor." "It is difficult, but don't worry. I will tell her." "And when will I know the answer?"