In imagination I fancy myself in the midst of the august Roman senate, _senatus populusque romanus_, as was said in those happy days which, unfortunately for humanity, will nevermore return.

I propose to the _Patres Conscripti_, as the learned Cicero would say if he were in my place, I propose, in view of the short time left, and time is money as Solomon said, that concerning this important matter each one set forth his opinion clearly, briefly, and simply." Satisfied with himself and flattered by the attention in the hall, the orator took his seat, not without first casting a glance of superiority toward Ibarra, who was seated in a corner, and a significant look at his friends as if to say, "Aha! Haven't I spoken well ?" His friends reflected both of these expressions by staring at the youths as though to make them die of envy.
"Now any one may speak who wishes that--ahem!" began the gobernadorcillo, but a repetition of the cough and sighs cut short the phrase.
To judge from the silence, no one wished to consider himself called upon as one of the Conscript Fathers, since no one rose.

Then Don Filipo seized the opportunity and rose to speak.

The conservatives winked and made significant signs to each other.
"I rise, gentlemen, to present my estimate of expenses for the fiesta," he began.

"We can't allow it," commented a consumptive old man, who was an irreconcilable conservative.
"We'll vote against it," corroborated others.