He was in the midst of these doubts when the party in favor of the Government, or the Governmental party, arrived, viz., Doña Victorina, Don Tiburcio, and Linares. Doña Victorina did all the talking for the three men and for herself also. She mentioned the visits which Linares had made to the Governor General, and repeatedly brought out the benefits derived from having a relative of categoría. For some days past, she had been trying to be Andalusian by suppressing the d in all words and in changing the s to z. No one could get the idea out of her head; she would prefer to lose her front curls first. "Yes," she said, in speaking of Ibarra. "That fellow merits very well all that he is going to get. I told you so when I saw him for the first time. I told you he was a filibustero. What did the General tell you, cousin? What did he say? What news did you give him about Ibarra?" Seeing that the cousin hesitated in his reply, she went on, directing her words to Captain Tiago. "Believe me, if they convict him, as is to be hoped, it will be through my cousin." "Señora, Señora!" protested Linares. But she did not give him any time. "Oh, what a diplomat you have turned out to be! But we all know that you are the adviser of the Governor General, that he could not live without you. Ah! What a pleasure to see you, Clarita." Maria Clara seemed paler than ever, although she was now quite recovered from her illness. Sadly smiling, she approached and greeted Doña Victorina with a formal kiss. After the customary words had been exchanged, Doña went on with her false Andalusian. "We came to visit you. You have been saved by the efforts of your friends,"--looking significantly at Linares. "God has protected my father," said the girl, in a low voice. "Yes, Clarita, but the time for miracles has passed long ago. As we Spaniards say: 'Have no trust in the Virgin and save yourself by running.'" "The--th--the ot--ot--other way," said the doctor, correcting her proverbial quotation. Captain Tiago, who had not yet found opportunity to say a word, ventured to ask her, giving much attention to her reply: "So you, Doña Victorina, believe that the Virgin...?" "That is precisely what we came for, to speak to you about the Virgin," replied she, indicating Maria Clara. "We have a matter to talk over." The maiden understood that she ought to retire. She sought an excuse and went away, supporting herself on the furniture as she walked along. What was said in the conference which followed was so low and mean that we prefer to omit it. It is sufficient for us to say that when they took their leave all were happy, and that Captain Tiago afterward said to his cousin: "Isabel, send word to the restaurant that we are going to give a fiesta to-morrow. You get Maria ready to be married in a short time." Aunt Isabel looked at him, surprised.