EL FILIBUSTERISMO

XV. SENOR PASTA

CHAPTER XV

SEÑOR PASTA

Isagani presented himself in the house of the lawyer, one of the

most talented minds in Manila, whom the friars consulted in their

great difficulties. The youth had to wait some time on account of the

numerous clients, but at last his turn came and he entered the office,

or _bufete_, as it is generally called in the Philippines. The lawyer

received him with a slight cough, looking down furtively at his feet,

but he did not rise or offer a seat, as he went on writing. This gave

Isagani an opportunity for observation and careful study of the lawyer,

who had aged greatly. His hair was gray and his baldness extended

over nearly the whole crown of his head. His countenance was sour

and austere.

There was complete silence in the study, except for the whispers of the

clerks and understudies who were at work in an adjoining room. Their

pens scratched as though quarreling with the paper.

At length the lawyer finished what he was writing, laid down his pen,

raised his head, and, recognizing the youth, let his face light up

with a smile as he extended his hand affectionately.

"Welcome, young man! But sit down, and excuse me, for I didn't know

that it was you. How is your uncle?"

Isagani took courage, believing that his case would get on well. He

related briefly what had been done, the while studying the effect of

his words. Señor Pasta listened impassively at first and, although

he was informed of the efforts of the students, pretended ignorance,

as if to show that he had nothing to do with such childish matters,

but when he began to suspect what was wanted of him and heard mention

of the Vice-Rector, friars, the Captain-General, a project, and so on,

his face slowly darkened and he finally exclaimed, "This is the land

of projects! But go on, go on!"

Isagani was not yet discouraged. He spoke of the manner in which a

decision was to be reached and concluded with an expression of the

confidence which the young men entertained that he, Señor Pasta,

would _intercede_ in their behalf in case Don Custodio should consult

him, as was to be expected. He did not dare to say would _advise_,

deterred by the wry face the lawyer put on.

But Señor Pasta had already formed his resolution, and it was not

to mix at all in the affair, either as consulter or consulted. He

was familiar with what had occurred at Los Baños, he knew that there

existed two factions, and that Padre Irene was not the only champion