With the money left over we can begin the erection of a small building for a schoolhouse, since we can't wait until God Himself comes down and builds one for us, and it is a sad state of affairs that while we have a fine cockpit our children study almost in the curate's stable.

Such are the outlines of my plan; the details can be worked out by all." A murmur of pleasure ran through the hall, as nearly every one agreed with the youth.
Some few muttered, "Innovations! Innovations! When we were young--" "Let's adopt it for the time being and humiliate that fellow," said others, indicating Don Filipo.
When silence was restored all were agreed.

There was lacking only the approval of the gobernadorcillo.

That worthy official was perspiring and fidgeting about.

He rubbed his hand over his forehead and was at length able to stammer out in a weak voice: "I also agree, but--ahem!" Every one in the hall listened in silence.
"But what ?" asked Capitan Basilio.
"Very agreeable," repeated the gobernadorcillo, "that is to say--I don't agree--I mean--yes, but--" Here he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.