The modest Linares was serious and very uneasy. He had just received a letter from Do?a Victorina which, translated from the most illiterate Spanish, and omitting its many errors in spelling and punctuation, was as follows:  
“Esteemed Cousin:—Within three days I want to know from you if you have killed the alferez or he you. I don’t want another day to pass without this animal being punished. If this length of time passes and still you have not challenged him, I will tell Don Santiago that you never were secretary and that you never joked with Canovas or with General Martinez. I will tell Clarita that it is all a lie and I will not give you another cuarto. If you challenge him, I promise you all that you wish. If you do not challenge him, I will accept no excuses or reasons.
 
“Your cousin who loves you in her heart.
”Victorina de los Reyes de de Espada?a.
“Sampalog, Monday Eve, 7 o’clock.”
 
It was a serious matter. Linares knew Do?a Victorina’s character and knew what she was capable of doing. To reason with her was out of the question; to beg was useless; to deceive her worse. There was no other remedy than to challenge.
 
“But what can I do?” he said to himself, as he was walking alone. “If he receives me harshly? If I meet his wife? Who would want to be my second? The curate? Captain Tiago? Cursed be the hour in which I gave ear to her advice! What will this se?orita say about me? Now I am sorry to have been secretary to all the ministers.” [208]
 
The good Linares was in this sad soliloquy when Father Salví arrived. The Franciscan was certainly thinner and paler than usual, but his eyes shone with a peculiar light and a strange smile was seen on his lips.
 
“Se?or Linares, all alone?” saluted the priest and directed his steps to the sala, through the half open door of which notes of the piano were heard.
 
Linares restrained a smile.
 
“And Don Santiago?” added the curate.
 
Captain Tiago presented himself at that moment, kissed the curate’s hand, took the Father’s hat and cane and smiled like one who had been blessed.
 
“Well, well!” said the curate, going into the sala, followed by Linares and Captain Tiago. “I have good news from Manila which you will all enjoy. I have received letters from Manila which confirm the one which Se?or Ibarra brought me yesterday—so that, Don Santiago, the impediment is removed.”
 
Maria Clara was seated at the piano between her two girl friends. She half rose to her feet at this remark, but her strength failed her and she sat down again. Linares turned pale and looked at Captain Tiago, who turned his eyes to the floor.
 
“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, Se?or 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. [209]
 
“And if Father............