Maria Clara slipped away on some pretext.
"Since we are talking of fiestas, allow me to invite you to the one that we are going to celebrate tomorrow.

It is to be a picnic in the woods, which we and our friends are going to hold together." "Where will it be held ?" "The young women wish to hold it by the brook in the neighboring wood, near to the old balete, so we shall rise early to avoid the sun." The priest thought a moment and then answered: "The invitation is very tempting and I accept it to prove to you that I hold no rancor against you.

But I shall have to go late, after I've attended to my duties.

Happy are you who are free, entirely free." A few moments later Ibarra left in order to look after the arrangements for the picnic on the next day.

The night was dark and in the street some one approached and saluted him respectfully.
"Who are you ?" asked Ibarra.
"Sir, you don't know my name," answered the unknown, "but I've been waiting for you two days." "For what purpose ?" "Because nowhere has any pity been shown me and they say that I'm an outlaw, sir.