At that moment, steps were heard and Ibarra appeared, followed by Aunt Isabel. His presence on the scene produced a varied effect. He saluted Captain Tiago affably, the latter not knowing whether to smile or to weep; to Linares he bowed profoundly. Father Salví arose and extended his hand to him so affectionately that Ibarra could not suppress a look of surprise.
“Do not think it strange,” said Father Salví. “I was just paying you a compliment.”
Ibarra thanked him and approached Sinang.
“Where have you been all day?” she asked, with a childish laugh. “We have been asking each other, ‘Where could this soul redeemed from purgatory have gone?’ Each one of us gave a different answer.”
“And will you not tell what you said?”
“No, that is a secret; but I will surely tell you in private. Now tell us where you have been so that we can see who has been able to guess it.”
“No, that also is a secret; but I will tell you alone, if the señores will permit.”
“Certainly, certainly!” said Father Salví.
Sinang took Crisostomo to one end of the hall. She was very happy with the idea of knowing a secret.
“Tell me, my little friend,” said Ibarra, “Is Maria angry with me?”