“Yes, señor,” said Captain Tiago, with a smile to stir compassion.
Ibarra had gone off almost running to find Maria Clara. He had so much to talk over with her. Through a door he heard the murmur of girls’ voices. He knocked.
“Who is there?” asked Maria.
“I.”
The voices were hushed, but the door did not open.
“It’s I. May I come in?” demanded Crisóstomo, his heart beginning to beat violently.
The silence continued. After some moments, light foot-steps approached the door, and the voice of Sinang said through the keyhole:
“Crisóstomo, we’re going to the theatre to-night. Write what you have to say to Maria Clara.”
“What does that mean?” said Ibarra to himself as he slowly left the door.