"Which of Your Reverences is Father Dámaso?" asked His Excellency unexpectedly, without having them sit down, or even asking about their health, and without addressing them with any of those courteous phrases which are customary with such high personages. "Father Dámaso is not among us, señor," replied Father Sibyla, rather dryly. "Your Excellency's servant lies ill in bed," added Father Salví meekly. "After having the pleasure of saluting you and of inquiring about the health of Your Excellency, as befits all the good servants of the King and all persons of good education, we also come in the name of the respectful servant of Your Excellency who has the misfortune...." "Oh," interrupted the Governor General, as he turned a chair around on one leg and smiled nervously. "If all the servants of My Excellency were like His Reverence Father Dámaso, I would prefer to serve My Excellency myself." The Reverences did not know how to respond to this interruption. "Take a seat, Your Reverences!" he added after a short pause, softening his tone a little. Captain Tiago came in dressed in a frock coat and walking on tip-toes. He was leading Maria Clara by the hand. The young maiden was trembling when she entered, but notwithstanding she made a graceful and ceremonious bow. "Is this your daughter?" asked the Governor General, somewhat surprised. "And Your Excellency's, my General," replied Captain Tiago seriously. [14] The Alcalde and the adjutants opened wide their eyes, but His Excellency did not lose his gravity. He extended his hand to the young maiden and said to her affably: "Happy are the fathers who have daughters like you, señorita. They have spoken to me about you with respect and consideration.... I have desired to see you and to thank you for your pretty deed of to-day. I am informed of all, and when I write to His Majesty's Government I will not forget your generous conduct. In the meantime, señorita, allow me in the name of His Majesty the King whom I represent here and who loves to see peace and tranquillity among his subjects, and in my own name, that of a father who also has daughters of your age, allow me to extend to you most sincere thanks and propose your name for some mark of recognition." "Señor ..." replied Maria Clara, trembling. His Excellency guessed what she wanted to say, and replied: "It is well enough, señorita, that you are satisfied in your own conscience with the mere esteem of your own people. The testimony of one's people is the highest reward and we ought not to ask more. But, however, I will not let pass this excellent opportunity to show you that, if justice knows how to punish, she also knows how to reward and is not always blind." "Señor Don Juan Crisostomo awaits Your Excellency's orders," announced the adjutant in a loud voice. Maria Clara trembled.