The orator ended the final clauses of his sermon always with those words, gustate et videte, gustate et videte. When he ended by expressing his wish that all might have eternal glory, he was pale with weariness. Drops of perspiration rolled down his wide brow. He had uttered the last part of his discourse with growing agitation and enthusiasm which he succeeded in communicating to his hearers. Maria, after her first fit of weeping, remained comforted and almost happy. Genoveva whispered in her ear while the priest was descending from the pulpit,—
"Señorita, I just saw Don César in the congregation."
The young girl's face changed slightly. The crowd began to dissolve, spreading out over the whole area of the church. The majority of the people crowded tumultuously to the door, struggling to get out. After some difficulty Maria and Genoveva succeeded in reaching the portico, and started on their homeward way. But the Señorita de Elorza kept frequently turning her head. An elderly gentleman, tall, slender, and pale, with goatee and long white mustachios, dressed in black from head to foot, was following them at a considerable distance. As they entered the arcade of a narrow and lonely street, the caballero hastened his steps, and the two women lingered for him, so that very soon they were together. The caballero turned to Maria and said in a low voice,—
"Señorita, last night I returned from where you know."
"I have prayed God to bring you back in safety, Don César."
"Thanks, thanks.[11] Have you finished embroidering the banner?"
"Yes, señor!"
"And the flannel hearts?"
"Those also."
"That is good, señorita; I shall not forget your diligence and enthusiasm."