The Social Cancer, by José Rizal - Home

CHAPTER VII 53
the day for commemorating the dead."
Maria Clara silently fixed her large dreamy eyes upon him for a few moments and then, picking some flowers,
she said with emotion, "Go, I won't detain you longer! In a few days we shall see each other again. Lay these
flowers on the tomb of your parents."
A few moments later the youth descended the stairway accompanied by Capitan Tiago and Aunt Isabel, while
Maria Clara shut herself up in the oratory.
"Please tell Andeng to get the house ready, as Maria and Isabel are coming. A pleasant journey!" said Capitan
Tiago as Ibarra stepped into the carriage, which at once started in the direction of the plaza of San Gabriel.
Afterwards, by way of consolation, her father said to Maria Clara, who was weeping beside an image of the
Virgin, "Come, light two candles worth two reals each, one to St. Roch, [45] and one to St. Raphael, the
protector of travelers. Light the lamp of Our Lady of Peace and Prosperous Voyages, since there are so many
tulisanes. It's better to spend four reals for wax and six cuartos for oil now than to pay a big ransom later."