but with a frank look and a stout heart we shall extend our hands
to one another, and commerce, industry, agriculture, the sciences,
will develop under the mantle of liberty, with wise and just laws,
as in prosperous England." [53]

Paulita smiled dubiously and shook her head. "Dreams, dreams!" she
sighed. "I've heard it said that you have many enemies. Aunt says
that this country must always be enslaved."

"Because your aunt is a fool, because she can't live without
slaves! When she hasn't them she dreams of them in the future, and if
they are not obtainable she forces them into her imagination. True
it is that we have enemies, that there will be a struggle, but we
shall conquer. The old system may convert the ruins of its castle
into formless barricades, but we will take them singing hymns of
liberty, in the light of the eyes of you women, to the applause
of your lovely hands. But do not be uneasy--the struggle will be a
pacific one. Enough that you spur us to zeal, that you awake in us
noble and elevated thoughts and encourage us to constancy, to heroism,
with your affection for our reward."

Paulita preserved her enigmatic smile and seemed thoughtful, as she
gazed toward the river, patting her cheek lightly with her fan. "But
if you accomplish nothing?" she asked abstractedly.

The question hurt Isagani. He fixed his eyes on his sweetheart,
caught her lightly by the hand, and began: "Listen, if we accomplish
nothing--"

He paused in doubt, then resumed: "You know how I love you, how I