Hugo? Is he to be compared at all with our modern--"

This peroration was cut short by the return of Makaraig with a
despondent air and a bitter smile on his lips, carrying in his hand
a note, which he offered silently to Sandoval, who read:


"MY DOVE: Your letter has reached me late, for I have already
handed in my decision, and it has been approved. However,
as if I had guessed your wish, I have decided the matter
according to the desires of your protégés. I'll be at the
theater and wait for you after the performance.

"Your duckling,

"CUSTODINING."


"How tender the man is!" exclaimed Tadeo with emotion.

"Well?" said Sandoval. "I don't see anything wrong about this--quite
the reverse!"

"Yes," rejoined Makaraig with his bitter smile, "decided
favorably! I've just seen Padre Irene."

"What does Padre Irene say?" inquired Pecson.

"The same as Don Custodio, and the rascal still had the audacity
to congratulate me. The Commission, which has taken as its own the