Milkman
Chapter XVII
Home Life
We were all tired when we reached home. The Angelus bell was sounding from the high white tower of the Iglesia. Every one stood still, bowed, made the holy sign, and then said a quiet prayer.
After a late dinner, Fil and Filippa as usual kissed the hands of their parents, bowed to them, and retired.
I thought how dutiful a custom this was, and I recalled how, in my own country, too many rude, selfish children, full of conceit, have little respect for their parents, and really attempt to order their elders around. The Filipino boy seems to know his place, as a boy.
The grander Philippine houses, on the second floor, have a large hall called the “caida” (ca ē′da). Here every one meets to enjoy the feasts or music. The kitchen and the bath-house are small separate buildings in the yard, or “azotea” (a tho tai′a). Every one must bathe once a day at least.