“Fidel, were your father and mother married?” he asked in kinder tones.
“I do not know, Padre. Only a few people in Guamocó can afford to pay to be married. The men and women live together, perhaps for all time, perhaps for only a few months. If a man wishes to leave his woman and live with another, he does so. If there are children, the woman always has to keep and care for them.”
“And could you leave Jacinta if you wished, and live with another woman?”
“Yes, Padre.”
“And she would have to lake care of your children?”
“Yes.”
“And all because you are not married?”
“I think so, Padre.”
“Hombre! But that will do, Fidel.”