After the first moments of effusion and questions about Carlicos and Pepa, Father Dámaso asked:
“Let’s see, what is it Carlicos wishes me to do for you?”
“I think he says something about it in the letter,” stammered Linares again.
“In the letter? Yes, that’s so! He wishes me to find you employment and a wife. Ah, the employment is easy enough, but as for the wife!—hem!—a wife——”
“Father, that is not so urgent,” said Linares, with confusion.
But Father Dámaso was walking back and forth murmuring: “A wife! A wife!” His face was no longer sad or joyful, but serious and preoccupied. From a distance Father Salvi watched the scene.
“I did not think the thing could cause me so much pain,” Father Dámaso murmured plaintively; “but of two evils choose the least!” Then approaching Linares:
“Come with me, my boy,” he said, “we will talk with Don Santiago.” Linares paled and followed the priest.