Friars and Filipinos Part 51

And turning to the young woman: "You want to be a nun? You shall be one. I do not want you to die."

Maria Clara took his two hands, clasped them in her own and kissed them as she knelt.

"G.o.dfather, my G.o.dfather!" she repeated.

Immediately, Father Damaso went out, sad, with drooping head and sighing.

"G.o.d, O G.o.d! Thou existeth, for Thou punisheth. But avenge Thyself on me and do not harm the innocent. Save my child!"

NOTES

[1] Street in Manila.

[2] Archbishop and author of theological works.

[3] Roof of the first story used as a veranda.

[4] Petty governor, the highest local official.

[5] Trellis work made of reeds.

[6] Local commander of the Civil Guard.

[7] A narrow canoe.

[8] A drink made of honey and ginger.

[9] A light, early breakfast.

[10] A native fruit.

[11] A Chinese gambling game.

[12] A little white, pearl-like substance sometimes found in the cacao tree, which is supposed to be a lucky omen.

[13] Little mestizos or half breeds. Used in contempt.

[14] A reply which accords with the Spanish idea of politeness but rather ludicrously used in this instance.

[15] A popular Spanish song handed down from the time of Riego's uprising in Spain.

[16] Volunteer police.

[17] A wrong p.r.o.nunciation of the Spanish Peninsula meaning Spain.

[18] A costly and rich wood like ebony.

[19] Certificate of identification required of all Filipinos under Spanish domination.

[20] Warning cry of a coachman, meaning "turn."

[21] Author here shows difficulty in establis.h.i.+ng American sovereignty over islands by military forces.

[22] A plant (Desmodium caresceus), the dry seeds of which cling to the clothing.

[23] Both words mean mistress.