“Well, take my word for it, there are cells, and, according to the opinion of the physiologists, each cell has its own particular function; one serves for one thing, another for another. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. Now just recall that in Spain there are some thirteen millions of inhabitants who can neither read nor write. Do you follow me?”
“Certainly. Of course.”
“Very well. That cell which in educated persons is employed in attempts at understanding and thinking, is here left unemployed by thirteen millions of the population. That energy which they should expend in discussion, they waste in bestial instincts. As a consequence, crime increases, so does sexual appetite, and with the increase of sexual appetite comes an increase in the consumption of food, whereupon bread goes up.”
The baroness could not help bursting into laughter at her cousin’s explanation.
“That’s no mere fancy,” replied Horacio, “it’s the God’s honest truth.”
“Indeed I don’t doubt it, but the news strikes me funny.” Manuel, too, had to laugh.
“Where did you pick up this kid?”