"Do you reckon on staying long among us?"
"Yes; this last journey has fatigued me extremely. My health is in a deplorable state, and I absolutely need a few days' rest in order to regain the requisite strength to continue my ministry."
"Well, father, come with me to the hacienda; you will remain with us, and make us all truly happy."
"I am going to make that request to you, Don Miguel. I am delighted that you have thus met my wishes. If I accept your obliging offer, it is because I know I shall not incommode you."
"On the contrary, we shall be delighted to have you among us."
"Ah! I know the goodness of your heart."
"Do not make me better than I am, father: there is a spice of egotism in what I am doing."
"How so?"
"Hang it! By labouring at the education of the Indians you render an immense service to the race I have the honor of belonging to; for I, too, am an Indian."
"That is true," the priest answered with a laugh. "Come, I absolve you from the sin of egotism, in favour of the intention which makes you commit it."