We must be merciful to the weakness of others, especially when that other is one of our own flesh." "Ay, son! Who do you say it to?
A thousand times I have thought this, but I was afraid of your brother.

He is like a bit of dough, but he turns into a wild beast if you speak to him of his daughter.

Even if we found her and brought her here he would not receive her; he would be as angry as if you were proposing some sacrilege to him.

He could not calmly bear her presence in the house which was that of your forefathers.

Besides, though he does not say so, he fears the scandal among the neighbours in the Claverias who know what had happened.