Part 22 (2/2)
The act was just ending when Ibarra arrived. His presence occasioned a buzz of conversation. The attention of everybody was fixed on him and on the curate.
But the young man did not seem to be aware of it, for he greeted Maria Clara and her friends with naturalness and sat down at their side. The only one who spoke was Sinang.
”Did you see the volcano when they touched it off?” she asked.
”No, my little friend. I had to accompany the Governor General.”
”Well, that is too bad! The curate came with us and he was telling us stories about condemned people. What do you think? Doesn't he do it to make us afraid so that we cannot enjoy ourselves? How does it appear to you?”
The curate arose and approached Don Filipo, with whom he seemed to be having a lively discussion. He was speaking with animation and Don Filipo replying with moderation and in a low voice.
”I am sorry that I cannot please Your Reverence,” said the latter. ”Senor Ibarra is one of the heaviest tax-payers and has a right to sit here as long as he does not disturb the public order.”
”But is not scandalizing good Christians disturbing the public order? You let a wolf into the flock. You will be held responsible for this before G.o.d and before the authorities of the town.”
”I always hold myself responsible for acts which emanate from my own will, Father,” replied Don Filipo, slightly inclining his head. ”But my little authority does not give me power to meddle in religious affairs. Those who wish to avoid contact with him do not have to speak to him. Senor Ibarra does not force himself on any one.”
”But he affords danger. He who loves danger perishes in it.”
”I don't see any danger, Father. The Alcalde and the Governor General, my superiors, have been talking with him all the afternoon, and it is not for me to give them a lesson.”
”If you don't put him out of here, we will leave.”
”I am very, very sorry, but I cannot put any one out of here.”
The curate repented having said what he did, but now there was no alternative. He made a signal to his companion, who laboriously rose to his feet and both went out. The persons attached to the friars imitated the priests, not, however, without first glancing with hatred at Ibarra.
Murmurs and whispers increased. Then various persons approached and saluted the young man and said:
”We are with you. Take no notice of them.”
”Who are 'them'?” he asked with surprise.
”Those who have gone out in order to avoid contact with you.”
”To avoid contact with me? Contact with me?”
”Yes, they say that you are excommunicated.”
Ibarra, surprised, did not know what to say and looked around him. He saw Maria Clara, who was hiding her face behind her fan.
”But is it possible?” he exclaimed at last. ”Are we still in the darkness of the Middle Ages? So that----”
And turning to the young women and changing his tone, he said:
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