It was a heavy and complicated erection, of a sumptuous and rococo style, which had cost the second Cardinal de Bourbon a fortune at the beginning of last century.

A real forest of woodwork formed the basis of the monument; the riches of the cardinal had created a prodigality of solidity and sumptuousness, and several days were required to fit together the Holy Catafalque, and not a few workmen.
Gabriel interviewed Don Antolin asking for a place on the works.

The wages were seven reals a day, which he would be able to give his brother for two weeks; and he, who had been used in former days to have his work so lavishly paid, accepted this small daily wage as a piece of unexpected good fortune.
The "Wooden Staff" was indignant.

Gabriel was ill and ought not to risk his poor health in the fatigues of this work.

What was he going to do, coughing and suffocating every moment?
How was he going to undertake the heavy work of carrying the framework and fixing it together?
The invalid tranquillised him.