The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER XXVII 134
CHAPTER XXVII
In the Twilight
In Capitan Tiago's house also great preparations had been made. We know its owner, whose love of
ostentation and whose pride as a Manilan imposed the necessity of humiliating the provincials with his
splendor. Another reason, too, made it his duty to eclipse all others: he had his daughter Maria Clara with him,
and there was present his future son-in-law, who was attracting universal attention.
In fact one of the most serious newspapers in Manila had devoted to Ibarra an article on its front page,
entitled, "Imitate him!" heaping him with praise and giving him some advice. It had called him, "The
cultivated young gentleman and rich capitalist;" two lines further on, "The distinguished philanthropist;" in
the following paragraph, "The disciple of Minerva who had gone to the mother country to pay his respects to
the true home of the arts and sciences;" and a little further on, "The Filipino Spaniard." Capitan Tiago burned
with generous zeal to imitate him and wondered whether he ought not to erect a convento at his own expense.
Some days before there had arrived at the house where Maria Clara and Aunt Isabel were staying a profusion
of eases of European wines and food-stuffs, colossal mirrors, paintings, and Maria Clara's piano. Capitan
Tiago had arrived on the day before the fiesta and as his daughter kissed his hand, had presented her with a
beautiful locket set with diamonds and emeralds, containing a sliver from St. Peter's boat, in which Our Savior
sat during the fishing. His first interview with his future son-in-law could not have been more cordial.
Naturally, they talked about the school, and Capitan Tiago wanted it named "School of St. Francis." "Believe
me," he said, "St. Francis is a good patron. If you call it 'School of Primary Instruction,' you will gain nothing.
Who is Primary Instruction, anyhow?"
Some friends of Maria Clara came and asked her to go for a walk. "But come back quickly," said Capitan
Tiago to his daughter, when she asked his permission, "for you know that Padre Damaso, who has just
arrived, will dine with us."
Then turning to Ibarra, who had become thoughtful, he said, "You dine with us also, you'll be all alone in your
house."
"I would with the greatest pleasure, but I have to be at home in case visitors come," stammered the youth, as
he avoided the gaze of Maria Clara.
"Bring your friends along," replied Capitan Tiago heartily. "In my house there's always plenty to eat. Also, I
want you and Padre Damaso to get on good terms."
"There'll be time enough for that," answered Ibarra with a forced smile, as he prepared to accompany the girls.
They went downstairs, Maria Clara in the center between Victoria and Iday, Aunt Isabel following. The
people made way for them respectfully. Maria Clara was startling in her beauty; her pallor was all gone, and if
her eyes were still pensive, her mouth on the contrary seemed to know only smiles. With maiden friendliness
the happy young woman greeted the acquaintances of her childhood, now the admirers of her promising
youth. In less than a fortnight she had succeeded in recovering that frank confidence, that childish prattle,
which seemed to have been benumbed between the narrow walls of the nunnery. It might be said that on
leaving the cocoon the butterfly recognized all the flowers, for it seemed to be enough for her to spread her
wings for a moment and warm herself in the sun's rays to lose all the stiffness of the chrysalis. This new life
manifested itself in her whole nature. Everything she found good and beautiful, and she showed her love with
that maiden modesty which, having never been conscious of any but pure thoughts, knows not the meaning of
false blushes. While she would cover her face when she was teased, still her eyes smiled, and a light thrill
would course through her whole being.