"THE REGENTA" "CHAPTER ONE" "The heroic city was having a nap." "Vetesta, that most noble and loyal city, court once long ago... was digesting its stew and its boiled bacon... and resting, dreaming... listening to the familiar drone of the bell... high in the graceful tower of the Holy Basilica." "Anita!" "Anita!" "When you read you're miles away." "Visita is here." "Look." "What a day!" "I haven't stopped since eight this morning." "I have no idea how Cuervo and the children are." "Come on, it's late." "She's in Heaven with a book in her hands." "Have you told Don Fermin you want to confess?" "I didn't know I had to." "Well, I don't know if you'll get to see him then." "He's not going to sit there in case you show up." "Maybe Don Cayetano has spoken to him." "Infallibility!" "Terrible, but valiant dogma!" "A formidable challenge of faith... surrounded by the disbelief of a century which laughs." "It is like being in the circus... among wild beasts, and to call them, incite them." "Good!" "So it must be." "A theological adventure... similar to those of Alexander the Great at war... or Columbus at sea." "Very well, son." "That's the Fermo I like." " Mother, I haven't finished." " Go on, my son, go on." "The long awaited event of the Catholic world... the definition of the papal infallibility dogma... finally arrived on that glorious and memorable day..." "July 18th 1870." "Thus solemnly proving... the doctrine of the IV Constantinople Council..." ""Prima salus est rectae fidei regulam custodire"... and declares and defines that the Roman Pope..." ""quum ex cathedra loquitur"... fully enjoys "per assistentiam divinam"... that infallibility... that the Divine Redeemer... has wanted to provide his Church with." "Perfect, now I'm going upstairs." "Don't be late for supper, I always forget the time." "Don't worry, mother." "Teresina, prepare my new cassock." "I'm going out." "Yes, master." "Immediately." "My dear Don Fermin, I thought you were never coming!" " Good afternoon, Obdulia." " You have really neglected me!" "When are you to hear me?" "Do you want me to beg?" "I don't want you to beg, madam." "I'll send word to you soon." "But if you are in a hurry, I suggest you go to Don Custodio." "He will be delighted." "You may still catch him." "I just saw him in his confessional." "It's not the same, Don Fermin." "The sacrament is the same no matter who is the confessor." "Hurry up, Celedonio." "It seems there have been petticoats around." "And if my nose doesn't deceive me I'd dare say... that a widow I know, and a very beautiful one at that... is the one who has perfumed this place." "And I'm afraid those skirts were pressed tight... around her statuesque body." "Obdulia and I are great friends." "She's an epicure." "She doesn't believe in the sixth." "It's late for the choir, Don Cayetano." "Come on, go!" "Don't wait for me, I have to speak to Don Fermin." "I have fresh news for you, Don Restituto." "You know who was waiting to confess to Don Fermin?" "The Regenta in person." "Yes, I have seen the Archpriest has his little secrets... with his dearest Canon." "And meanwhile, we've got to wait here." "Don Cayetano dodders." "He's tired of the sins of the best known ladies in Vetusta... and he passes them on to his favorite pupil." "And now it's the Regenta's turn!" "Maybe... or perhaps it was the Regenta's initiative... on learning of Don Cayetano's resignation... to choose the Canon theological personally." "Anita is very complex, she wants to bring romance into religion." "And though nobody suspects it, she's very unhappy." "You must have heard about her father, Don Carlos Ozores." "Yes, I've heard something." "Don Carlos left the Army for physics and mathematics... and for many love affairs, till he married an Italian modiste... who died giving birth to Anita." "When she died, Don Carlos hired a governess to educate the girl... who, according to Ana, was a real hag." "When her father died, Anita was ill and came to Vetusta." "And she married Don Victor, who could be her father." "Or her grandfather." "But the difference was not so marked." "Ana was thinking of becoming a nun." "Shocking!" "I stopped her." "Quintanar had just come to the city as a Magistrate." "As he was very nice and polite, and handsome..." "Anita liked him immediately." "It's up to you, Don Fermin." "The Regenta is not like the other ladies." "She's tenacious." "She seems meek and wild, but she isn't." "I mean, she obeys but she always protests inwardly." "Don Victor is how God made him." "And as we're not going to look for a lover for her... it would be best if you got along." " Are you waiting for the Canon?" " Yes." "We want to confess." "Not today." "The Canon is not sitting this afternoon." " I told you." " You're right, it was imprudent." "Come on, let's go for a walk in the park." " Who were they?" " Doña Visita and the Regenta." "The Regenta?" "But, why aren't you running?" "No, don't run." "They're gone." "I told them you were not sitting." "Doña Visita wanted to go and took Doña Ana away." "They'd been waiting at least an hour." "What will that angel think?" "Did they say anything?" "Doña Ana was silent." "Doña Visita seemed annoyed at something she'd told the Regenta." "I think they went for a walk, Doña Visita spoke of the park." "To the park!" " To the park!" " But, Don Cayetano..." "No arguing." "Anita doesn't deserve to be offended." "But, I knew nothing." "I want to talk to my dear friend." "Come on, to the park!" "God bless you, ladies!" "Bless my soul!" "What fine weather!" "It seems winter is never coming to Vetusta!" "Well, here they are." "The Canon and the Regenta... who from now on will have to agree on many things." "I wash my hands." "Ana and I were in the Cathedral this afternoon... but we couldn't see you." "I would've seen you with pleasure." "The moment we heard we came to look for you." "I've already told Don Fermin how much I care for you." "Thank you very much, Don Cayetano." "Tell me when is best for you." "Tomorrow after choir, I'll wait for you in my Chapel." "As you are changing confessors... you should make a general confession." ""If you have eaten meat..."" ""The places you have been..."" "What a stupid life!" ""The places I have been..."" " Are you cold?" " Not now." "Are you afraid?" "I'm never afraid." "Let's pretend we're married." "Yes, I'll be mother." "I don't have one." "I live with my governess, she's called "Miss" and "Doña Camila"." " And have you got a father?" " He's abroad, killing Moors." "But he loves me a lot... and sends me dresses and money, and everything." " How are mothers?" " They kiss a lot." " And do they sing too?" " Yes." "But I'm too big for that." " Did you sleep with him?" " Yes, but it was an accident." "We only wanted to look at the moon and tell stories." "What a scandal!" "Like mother, like daughter!" "It's a mortal sin, and you have to confess." "Tomorrow I'll write to your father about you." "And to your aunts." "Yes, to your aunts too... so that everyone in Vetusta knows how you are." "We did nothing." "You'd better shut up, we've had enough for today." "All night long looking for the young lady!" "In October you'll go to the nun's boarding school." "Petra!" "Petra!" "Petra!" "Petra!" " Madam is calling." " I know." "It's another attack." "Ana, what is the matter?" "What's wrong, my child?" "Oh, Quintanar, it's the usual attack." "I cannot see, sparks are bursting in my eyelids and head." "Look, my hands are cold and heavy as if they weren't my own." "I'll bring some linden tea, madam." "Sit down, talk to me." "You see?" "You're weeping, that's a good sign." "The tempest of nerves is dissipated in water." "The attack has been averted." "Yes, I feel better." "Quintanar, I feel so lonely." "I love you very much, I need you." " You are the mother I did not have." " All right." "Don't get nervous." "Thank you, Petra." "You're so good!" "All right, I'm going to go." "I feel very sleepy." "Wouldn't you like to have a child, Victor?" " With all my heart!" " You and I always together!" " Of course, my child." " I love you very much." "I know, I love you too." "But now you'll obey your husband and sleep." "You're right, I feel tired." "I shall go to sleep." "Good night, my dove." "What's wrong?" "Is she worse?" "Is not that, my girl." "Call me when you hear the barks... you know, Don Tomas." "And don't let madam know, she doesn't like me to go so early." "Don't worry, sir." "As soon as Don Tomas barks..." "I'll go and call you." "Anything else?" "No." "Now go to bed, you are very lightly clad and it's cold." " What a night!" " Didn't you sleep well?" "Anita was ill." "Another of her attacks." "But the worst was to come." "Once she recovered, I couldn't get her to go to sleep." "If she knew her husband tricked her and goes out two hours early!" "When I was able to go to bed I could not go to sleep... and I read Calderon's "The Physician of his Own Honor"..." "Honor, what a great subject!" "I'll tell you something... if my wife was capable of being so fickle as to deserve punishment..." "I would have her bled to death." "Come on, Quintanar!" "To tell the truth, I have my theory about adultery." "The best thing would be to marry only "in articulo mortis"." "On the last day on Earth." "I do not get it." "It's very simple." "When one of the spouses dies... the Church and the State, upon declaration of the parties... would be able to sentence "this was a marriage"." "Anything else is to prejudge the matter." "It has its sense." "Of course, that would avoid adultery." "But in your case there is not the least possibility." "I know very well how admired and respected is Anita." "To say her name is to say the perfect married woman." "I know it is absurd, but even so..." "I'd have her bled to death." "That is very well in plays, but in real life what a husband should do... is to prosecute the seducer in the courts... and to put his wife into a convent." "That is really absurd!" "Should it happen... my atrocities would be worthy of Calderonian verses." "Coming, sir." " What did you want, master?" " I did not call you." " I thought you had..." " No, no." "What is the time?" "Ten past eight." " My mother...?" " She is asleep." "She came in late last night." "She's doing the shop accounts." "Very well." "Bring me my breakfast." "Have I got mass this morning?" "No." "You've so much in your head, what would you do without me!" "He is placed on the altar." "and every man that has been... bitten by the serpent... may his guilt cure." "For in this sacrament... that gives to es health and life..." "He is placed on the altar... and every man that has been... bitten by the serpent... may his guilt cure." "For in this sacrament that gives es..." "Is the noise bothering you?" "My work today is very important." "If you don't mind, come back later when I have gone." "It was all so long ago!" "You were my first love." "My first serious love... the first who made me unwise... jumping from a balcony to run away from home." "My father was furious!" "Yes, but you married Cuervo." "You preferred him to me." "Come on, don't lie." "We know each other well." "You've really fallen this time." "I don't know what you mean." "You look so languid." "Before you go on, I must tell you that you're utterly wrong." "But I'll tell you something." "It's not going to be easy." "You know what they say, "the Regenta is impregnable"." "Who knows... a married woman sins less than an unmarried one who sins... because the married one doesn't compromise herself." "And don't I know it." "It's hard to accept that she, even if she is the Regenta... can resist Alvaro Mesia's love." "My dear, I'm not in love." "It's just a whim." "She's lovely, Alvarin, lovely." " I swear she is." " Anyone can see that." "You can't see everything." "If you could see her when she's having one of her attacks." "How she writhes about on her bed!" "How she laughs!" "Her eyes fill with tears... and from her throat come such sounds... such cries, such underground laments." "She sighs so!" "She cringes and she hugs the pillow so!" "You'd think she has nightmares and was dying of love." " But you'll have to work for it." " Maybe not." " She's swallowed the hook." " Do you think so?" "You've been a long time thinking it over." " Who said so?" " These." "Yes?" "And how do you know how she feels?" "Nosy!" "And he says he isn't in love!" "In love?" "Naturally I want to know how she feels..." " for my calculations." " Look, if they speak of you... she turns pale or red... she goes dumb and changes the subject when she recovers." "She thinks nobody's watching her, but I watch her." "Just out of curiosity, of course." " For what's it to me?" " Aren't you her close friend?" "She's only close to whatever's going on inside her head." "It's one of her little weaknesses." "Unless she tells everything to the Canon." "She's got all mystical again." "But she's in love, Alvarico, do not doubt it." "At night when I go to bed..." "I feel a sinful sensuality... and I confess I like to abandon myself to it." "It is then that I have bad thoughts." "My daughter, of your personal things... of your sins, we are not prepared to talk." "I need facts." "First, I need to know the woman." "Where should I begin?" "Your memories, what you feel when you think about your life." "My mother died when I was born." "I have always wanted to have a mother and to be a mother." "When I was a child I felt pity for myself." "When I was ten years old I ran away... and spent the night with a boy in a boat." "That memory has never left me." "I have never really known if I sinned then." "Those scruples are due to your sensitiveness." "All that happened long ago and it was only innocent playing." "I was convinced it was a sin... and I accepted the punishment without question." "I should probably confess to pride." "So, did she come?" "An hour!" "An hour!" "General confession, as you may see." "Shocking!" "Praying was my only comfort..." "I spoke to the Virgin." "But that made me nervous... and my head ached so much that I cried." "Neither were your aspirations to find God before you knew him... pure piety... nor the disdain with which they were maltreated, prudent." "If, my daughter... you bathe in a river... and you find a tiny nugget of gold not worth a peseta... would you think you were a millionaire?" "That would be absurd, of course." "But would you cast it away in disdain... forgetting completely the bit of gold you found?" "But, go on, my daughter." "Go on." "That melancholic feeling has often returned." "Above all after my father died... when I realised I was alone in the world." "It was then I came to Vetusta." "But my aunts looked at me as if I were queer fish." "They talked about my mother behind my back." "One afternoon, I heard them say that... a sailor had abused my innocence when I was young... and that I was probably following in my mother's footsteps." "I decided then that I had to leave that house." "I met Quintanar... and I married." "Over an hour and half." "She must be telling him her family's sins since Adam." "Come on." "I don't feel I have confessed, but will you absolve me?" "I have spoken with words I had never used before... but there are still so many things, so many doubts." "My daughter..." "This sad history of yours deserves much thought." "You have a noble soul, but you are unwell." "I can't understand how anyone can speak ill of confession." "The soul, like the body, has its own therapy and hygiene." "The confessor must be regarded as a spiritual father... an elder brother of the soul... for unburdening sorrows, talking of desires... reassuring hopes and dissipating doubts." "If our religion didn't order this, common sense would." "Religion is reason... from the highest dogma to the least important detail." "Salvation is a business." "The great business of life." "Amen." "With these same eyes I saw the canon and the Regenta..." " speaking in the park." " It's true, I also saw them." "He was with the Archpriest, and she was with Visitacion." "What's more, the canon blushed." "I know more than the lot of you." "The Archpriest has asked Anita to change confessors because Mesia... is making passes at the Regenta." "That's going too far!" "It's permissible to gossip, to chat idly, but not so much." "I'll let that about the canon pass... but to bring the Regenta into it!" "You are most imprudent." "I'm not saying she is responding to the passes... but that Alvaro is making them, which is quite different." "Come now!" "The Regenta is too much!" "You must admit that Alvaro is quite a man... with every precaution... and knows a lot of what they call Political Economy." "Rubbish!" "I don't believe in Political Economy... but as for that lady's honesty, I'll stick my neck out!" " I'm serious..." " I am quite sure of it." "There is something between Mesia and the Regenta." "The young Marquis told me and he's very close to Mesia." "Petra!" "Let's go for a walk." "I don't want to be shut up at home." " As you like, madam." " Let's go." " Good afternoon, Doña Paula." " To the point, Campillo." "It's not important..." "Come on Campillo, I'm very busy and I can't waste my time." "This afternoon your son heard the Regenta's confession." "I knew that." "The Archdeacon and Don Custodio were also there." "The confession lasted two and a half hours." "The Archdeacon said he'd go tonight to Visitacion's gathering... and just in case..." "That's all I needed." "The Brigadier's wife is back!" "Pardon?" "Nothing." "It's my affair." "Campillo, you did well." "Teresina!" "Open the door of the shop, and make sure nobody's passing." "You're lying." "I don't believe it!" "I don't care if that Don Juan is president of the Liberal Party... he can go and knock elsewhere." "The Regenta is an impregnable fortress." "And I'll maintain that anywhere!" "If you don't want to believe it stay ignorant." "Anywhere!" "Do you hear?" "And that about Don Juan, why don't you tell Mesia to his face?" "Neither Mesia, nor Messiah!" "Anyone would think Don Alvaro ate live babies... and that every woman opened her legs to him!" "Besides, he's past his prime." "I'm not saying that back then... in times of iniquity, thanks to the Revolution... he might not have had the odd affair... but to believe all they say... is ridiculous!" "Here comes our president." "Why don't you repeat to his face what you just said?" " Don Alvaro." " Hello." " Good afternoon, everyone." " Nice to see you, Don Alvaro." " Good afternoon." " Hello, Paquito." "Go on, Ronzal." "You'll see how Don Alvaro agrees with you." "Family morality is the best shield." "Come on, dear Ronzal, in these times of morality..." "Vice isn't encouraged in Vetusta." "I'm not saying all is virtue, but opportunities are few... and the good influence of the clergy has done a lot." "The Bishop's a saint, and the canon..." "The canon!" "Don't come to me with those stories." "The canon is probably not a mystic..." " but he's not a philanderer either." " What's that?" "Taking advantage of confession to seduce penitent ladies." "That is offensive!" "The canon is no philanderer!" "The canon's true sin is simony." "Avarice and ambition are his cardinal sins." "But, he's a wise man... perhaps the only one in Vetusta." "And an incomparably better orator than the bishop." "Don Fermin is no saint... but you shouldn't believe any of the rumors about Obdulia and him... or about him and Visitacion." "I should know!" "This is scandalous!" "You turn everything into politics." "The canon is a worthy person in every respect." " And I'm making this personal!" " Says you!" "He's the scourge of the province." "He has the Bishop besotted and the clergy under his thumb." "He's become rich in the few years he's been vicar-general." "The Palace curia isn't ecclesiastical... it's a branch of the Montes de Toledo!" "And I don't even want to talk about the confessional." "In short, he's a slippery one." "The day Spain has a more or less liberal government... he'll have to run away with his cassock between his legs!" "There is quite a lot of exaggeration in what you say." "Vox populi." "Petra, why don't you go for a walk?" "I want to be alone." "As you wish, madam." "Virtue commences by a slight effort... and the next day the effort is less demanding... and its efficacy greater because of the momentum gained... because of the inertia of goodness." "This is mechanical." "Later, when one no longer fears temptation, and is only prudent... many things which were dangerous are found to be edifying." "He who achieves a degree of strength... is uplifted by the presence of evil because of its contrast." "Leave me!" "Leave me!" "Madam is alone and I didn't tell her I was coming here." "But... what a strange woman!" "Always so cold... so calm, that she seems not to trust anyone." "And your master?" "That one?" "He's a simple soul." "A bit of a dirty old man, he looks at me sometimes... but he goes no further than that." "When he wants to compliment me... he gets so mixed up, I get lost." "She's the strange one." "Very silent, very... thoughtful..." "Either she's nothing to hide or she hides it very well." "I think she's very bored, poor thing." "It seems Church is her latest fad." "I had to wait for her for over an hour!" "She came out of confession with her face all lit up." "Petra..." "Petra!" "Petra!" "Petra!" "Petra!" "Why were you so long?" "It's almost dark." "As I saw you were lost in thought..." "I went to see my cousin Antonio at the mill." "Something's going on there..." "He's very handsome and he says he's in love with me." "And maybe I'll marry him, but when I'm older and he has money." "For now, I just go to see him, because who knows?" "I don't want to get old alone." " You're still a child!" " Yes, madam." "Hurry, it's late." "All that time with your cousin..." "My dear Frigilis, the moment this small technical problem is solved... it's going to be difficult for the foxes to get in the hen-houses." "It's solved Quintanar." "Allow me." "The trap is placed vertically, the animal touches this part... and immediately its head will be trapped... between the nape and the lower jaw.... but it doesn't die." "The criminal is caught "in fraganti."" "We stop him, but without any blood." "My dear Thomas... it will be a correctional device... it wants to correct the criminal not to destroy him." "The foxes we catch will survive." " Good evening, Ana" " Hello, Anita." "Mesia and I were expecting you this afternoon." "We haven't been out long." "At least you will allow us to accompany you." "You must get very bored in Vetusta." "Yes, sometimes." "It rains so much!" "Even when it isn't raining, you never go anywhere." "Obviously you don't notice me." "I go out often." "Madam, you would attract the attention of any man." "I've been confessing this afternoon." "I know, with the canon." "And pray tell, how do you know?" "Your friend Visitacion told me." "You know what I told her?" "That I couldn't understand why so virtuous a lady needed to confess." "There's no devil that can tempt the Regenta." "And why has that old pest Don Cayetano decided..." " to foist this inheritance on you?" " What inheritance?" "That woman." "The Regenta... who thinks my son has nothing better to do than speak to her." "You were two hours in the confessional." "Two hours." "It seems shorter in words." "Mother, you're unfair." "Fermo, I know what I'm saying." "You're too good." "So high and mighty, you see nothing." "Leave it." "I'll serve." "Teresina." " Yes, madam." " You were quick." "You serve, I don't feel like it." "You may go to bed now if you want." "I'll clear the table." "But listen out in case the master needs anything tonight." "Yes, madam." "Good night." "You know Gloucester and Don Custodio... will be gossiping about her confession... about it taking two hours and what she must have said..." "Tomorrow, all Vetusta will be talking about it." " They're gossiping already." " That's why I'm speaking out now." "Do you remember the brigadier's wife?" "Do you remember the trouble that slander caused?" "Fermo, I've told you a thousand times... it's not enough to be virtuous you have to seem virtuous." "But despite their whisperings I beat them all." "So far... but if something is whispered often enough..." "The bishop is all meek and mild... more of a lamb than a bishop, but..." " He eats out of my hand!" " And out of mine, too." "But if his Lordship the puppet believes... those slanderers are telling the truth, you're lost." "Don Fortunato does what I tell him to." "Don't you be so sure." "He thinks you're infallible... but the day they make him believe your scandals... that day we're lost." "But, what scandals, mother?" "You're upset." "You're imagining things." "All right, I know what I mean." "Gloucester?" "And Don Custodio." "But what have they seen?" "What vile things can they say?" "It's envy, pure envy." "Gloucester would like to confess her." "It's natural, he's likes putting on airs... and having people wonder if he seduces devout ladies or not." "He's a villain!" "He's evil." "Mother, you're exaggerating." "How could a priest be...?" "Fermo, you're a simpleton." "Don't you know they say spiteful things about us?" "Gloucester, Don Custodio, Foja and Mesia himself... with his diplomacy, devote their lives to discredit you." "They talk about what we do in the Palace... saying that before we had nothing... and now we're the bank's biggest shareholders." "They talk about your charges... saying our henchmen go around sucking up wealth like sponges... and then pour it all into our water-tank." "We sell altar-slabs." "They say you ordered new ones in all the parishes... so they'd buy them from you." "That you rob those who go to you for dispensations." "and that I collect tithes all over the diocese..." "Enough for God's sake!" "And of course, your love-affairs, how you take advantage of confession." "When we least expect it they'll sink us." "No." "They're all under my heel, I can crush them when I want." "I'm the strongest one here." "Sit down, I have not finished." "That's the only side we can present them, Fermo." "Remember the last time." " She was a loose woman." " But she tricked you." "No, mother." "What do you know about it?" "I'm repelled by those memories, the follies of youth." "But why should you fear that I might be careless again?" "At the time of the brigadier's wife I had no experience." "Solomon also fell." "Woman is omnipotent." "I should know, Fermo." "The Regenta isn't the brigadier's wife." " Nor the Queen of Sheba." " The Regenta..." "The Regenta!" "The Regenta!" "She's said to be incapable of sinning, but who knows it?" "What was she doing then for two hours in the confessional?" "Maybe it's nothing but gossip... but where there's smoke..." " I've heard it before." " Heard what?" "That Don Alvaro Mesia is in love with the Regenta." "Or, at least, that he wants to make her fall in love with him." " That's slander, mother." " Look, Fermo..." "Mesia is your enemy, although you won't believe it." "I know he is." "What's more, he's your rival... and he wants the control of the city that you have earned." "He's good-looking, like you, and bright too." "He's arrogant, a man of the world... and his love-affairs give him prestige." "He's got the wives of several Vetustan citizens on his side... and sometimes, the citizens themselves." "He's the leader of the Liberal Party... and at the same time the Marquis's right hand and head... who, by the way, leads the Conservative Party." "Everyone knows the Marquis thinks he manages his own affairs... when, really, he only obeys Mesia... who handles both Liberal and Conservative affairs." "How can you know all those things!" "Fermo, I don't rest on my laurels." "Vetusta always needs a master." "And why shouldn't Mesia be making his challenge already?" "Isn't it possible that the Regenta, that holy saint... and Don Alvarito have agreed to catch you in a trap?" "If you want to be bishop... beware of the Regenta, Fermo!" "Beware of two-hour-long confessions!" "Mother..." "I know I owe everything to you." "Your instinct has always led me on the right path... but your suspicions are unfair." "The Regenta is an angel." "The rest is vile rubbish!" "Well, well!" "So it's that, is it?" ""Oh, woe is me!" "Oh, unhappy one!" "I will find out from heaven the reason you treat me thus." "What crime did I commit against you by being born?" "Though if I were born, I understand the crime I committed." "Your justice and severity has had cause enough... because the greatest crime of man is to be born." "I would only like to know... to lessen my anxiety..."" "Hello, Quintanar!" ""Why am I to be punished more?" "Were others not born?" "And if others were born, what privileges did they have... that I was denied?"" "Anita met Alvaro in the market street... and they went walking up to the Plaza Nueva." "Alone." "Paco told me." "Things are on the boil." "Anita will fall this time." "Alvaro is prepared to eat her up... though he's being a bit prudish." "After all, we're only human... and she's no different." "Well, I think she and Quintanar will always be together." "Why hasn't she come?" "She's taking communion tomorrow." "Jesus!" "Who's that?" "What's holding me?" "What is it?" "Madam, madam!" "What's this?" "Thieves!" "Thieves?" "No!" "Come, help me." "What a mess!" "Don't just stand there!" "He's a fool, yes a fool!" "So much the botanist, ornithologist, hunter... to end up by hunting me in a trap." "He thinks only of Frigilis... a man who grafted English cockerels onto Spanish ones." "I've seen it myself!" "Calm down, madam, it's giving in." "Ten years living with a couple of sleep-walkers!" " I can't take it anymore." " Madam... you've broken the new flower pots." "If it had been me, Don Victor would give me the sack." ""The rich man dreams of his wealth... that cares for him." "The poor man dreams he suffers... misery and poverty." "He who begins to do well dreams." "He who toils and seeks dreams." "He who offends and insults dreams." "And in conclusion, everyone... dreams of what they are, though none understand it." "I dream that I am here in this prison... and I dreamt that I was in a more pleasant state." "What is life?" "A frenzy." "What is life?" "An illusion... a shadow, an invention... and the greatest good is small:" "that life is but a dream... and dreams are just dreams"." "And Anita?" "Nothing could convince her." "She is a bit ill these days." "Last night she had one of her nervous attacks." "I don't know what's wrong with her." "If I may tell you the truth, her life is not healthy." "She needs to vary her brain activity." "That girl is too formal." "She needs air..." " to come and go." " I am of the same opinion... and I tell her, but it seems that everything bores her... as if she lives in her dreams." "Well then, we must help her... so she doesn't succumb to her melancholic tendencies." "My dear Quintanar, either you do something... or Anita will have another attack." "Fiddlesticks!" "Starting tomorrow I'll make sure Anita is never home." "Count on me to bring Ana out of her shell." "Ana..." "Ana." "Petra!" "Did you call, sir?" "What is all this?" "It wasn't me, sir." "Maybe the cats got in." "The cats!" "What am I being taken for?" "Poor Frigilis, he'll be so upset!" "But, who has been messing in here?" "Ana, have you seen all this?" "It was my fault." "I was going to write to Don Fermin... and I came in the dark to look for some paper." "This trap caught my arm and I was scared." "And then, what cats were you talking about?" "Why didn't you tell the truth?" " I didn't know if I should..." " What?" "You should never hide anything from your master." "Now go, there's nothing for you to do here." "I am sorry to have upset you but it was not my fault." "You shouldn't leave those things around." "The poor dear must be mad!" " Good morning." " Hello." "Madam is still dressing." "Don't worry." "I'm a friend." "Excuse me." "May I?" "Come in, you are just in time." "This button..." "Careful!" "It tickles." "I am glad that we can speak without Ana hearing." " Any news?" "Is she worse?" " No... but I am not going to tell you what happened last night." "The time to act has come." "I told you, you can count on me." "I'm at your service from morning till night." "I'll be Anita's shadow." "It's the least I can do." "Do you mind?" "Well, my dear..." "I accept your offer." "We need all our strength to make Anita... come out of her shell and be herself again." " Did you call me, madam?" " Yes, wait a moment." " I thought I heard the bell." " Yes, it was Doña Visitacion." "So early?" "And where is she?" "She rushed in and straight into the master's study." "All right." "When you finish dressing me take this letter to the canon." " and make sure he receives it." " Yes, madam." "Anita, look who's here!" "Hello there, ugly!" "But, how do you manage to be out so early?" "I've done lots of things." "I don't like to be at home." "Cuervo takes care of the kids." "In truth, the poor thing doesn't manage very well." "Well, let him learn!" "Don't look at me like that." "Who manages the house?" "Who saves us when we're in trouble?" "I do." "Who deals with the budget problems?" "Visitation too." "The least he can do is let me go out and have fun." "What are you doing not even dressed?" "Get dressed." "I don't want to be the last to arrive at the Marquis's." " It is Paquito's day." " But, I'm very nervous today." "A war on nerves!" "Good heavens!" "This is my sentence, I have to condemn the life you lead... and as of tomorrow we begin a new one." "We shall go everywhere... and, if you push me..." "I shall send Paco or even Mesia..." "Vetusta's charming Don Juan, to woo you." " That's outrageous!" " Here's the program." "The theater twice a week, at least." "The marchioness's gathering every five or six days." "The park every fine afternoon." "All the excursions of Vetusta's high society... and the Cathedral whenever Don Fermin preaches." "This is not a governmental program... every part of it will be carried out." "The marchioness and Paquito have promised their help... and this lady here has literally told me... that she is willing to make you come out of your shell." "Madam, we are coming out of our shells." " But, Quintanar..." " I want no more nerves." "I don't want Frigilis telling me you're unhappy." "What does he know?" "You know he loves you, and he is our best friend." "The program has started and I shall be inflexible." "And you know he's got accomplices." "No, no!" "I shall not yield!" "What a pretty pin box." "Do you like it?" "It's yours." "Don't tell me twice, you know I'm a magpie." "Go, Teresina." "I'll finish." " Do you know what I'm thinking?" " What Teresina?" "You look like the Cathedral tower." " Who was it?" " The Regenta's housemaid." "She's asking for you." "Good morning, canon." "I come on behalf of Doña Ana." "Are you Mrs. Quintanar's servant?" "Yes, her housemaid." "I've brought letter for you." " And is that all?" " Yes." "Well, then?" "She said I should hand it you personally." "That it was urgent, and your servant might lose it." "In my house letters are not misplaced." "If you come again with a written message... you can hand it to Teresina with complete confidence." "Forgive me, sir." "Don't mention it, my child." "Thank you for your concern." " Good morning, madam." " What do you want?" "I brought a message for the canon." "I am going out." "I have to congratulate Paco Vegallana." "I'll go to the Palace too." "What does that woman want with you?" "I don't know, I haven't opened her letter yet." "A letter?" "Well, well!" " Goodbye, mother, I'm leaving." " So early?" "Yes, I said I had a busy day." " Aren't you going to read it?" " Later." " It can't be urgent" " Read it now, in case." ""My dear friend..." "I could not go to communion today, I must see you first..." "I need to confess." "It is not for the scruples you warned me of..." "I think it is a serious matter." "If you would see me this afternoon..." "I'd be most grateful." "As your spiritual child... and affectionate friend, I kiss your hand, Ana"." " Good God, what a letter!" " What's wrong with it?" "Does it seem a proper way to write to your confessor?" "It's a thing Doña Obdulita would do." "Didn't you say the Regenta was discreet?" "She must be mad or stupid to write that." "She is neither mad nor stupid." "She writes to me as a friend." "Look, Fermo, I told you yesterday..." "I want no more letters... and no more conferences in the cathedral." "If she wants good advice let her go to the sermon... where you speak to everyone." "Let her go to the sermon and leave us alone!" "I'd like to hear your opinion Don Fermin." "Don't you think the Cathedral should be moved 3 or 4 meters... to perfect the proportions of the square?" "I'm telling you that is impossible." "It's madness!" "In Vetusta everything should be in line, just like in New York." "That husband of mine is a great fool, like all husbands." "My girl, you've done well becoming a widow." "Who cares if one house is taller than another?" "All roofs should be measured in the same way." " Good morning." " Good morning." "Canon, it's a real pleasure." "You know the canon is staying to lunch?" "It's a wonderful idea!" "Though I begin to doubt if we are going to eat at all." "Don Cayetano, let's take a look at the stoves." "I received your message." "I told you yesterday... beware of the canon, he has a lot to teach." "You never visit us, Don Fermin." "You know you're always welcome." "Don Fermin has fallen in the hands of the "Great Constantine"... who thinks that because she uses her husband's money... to endow nuns and build convents... she has the right to pester all the clergy in Vetusta." "This afternoon, when we come back from the Vivero... we can walk home, and you can advise me." "I'd love to, but this afternoon I can't." "When lunch is over, I have to go." "You're very silent." "I was only joking when I said that about teaching." "After all, Don Fermin is only a priest." "Look Visita, you know me." "You know I need no encouragement... to think obscene thoughts about priests and women." "Come now, Alvarito!" "I don't believe in virtue, and neither do you... you don't have to swear it." "Priests are hypocrites by nature... and they can hardly disguise their lust." "See how he looks at her." "When I've had influence over a woman, and I've had some..." "I've forbidden her to confess." "Let them tell me, if they want." "After all, it's what priests do... they abuse the confessional to listen to women's secrets... even their lewd cravings." "I do not believe, God forbid, that the canon looks to Ana... for the satisfaction of gross, base appetites... but, with gentility... he'll probably try to seduce her." "The groundwork is done and he knows it." "That's what makes me mad." "Such a luncheon, served in such a way... is pure milk and honey." "I like to be waited on by young, pretty girls... always as clean as new pennies." "All my guests are happy with the service." "You're absolutely right, Doña Rufina." "I've observed that ladies don't usually like menservants." "They don't notice them." "But men always like pretty girls." "Especially at the table." "I'm indifferent to my wife's latest fad." "At home, I do nothing." "Not even in town." "When I want to have a good time..." "I go to look for votes in the province." "They remind me of the cafes in Madrid..." "When served by girls like these... the guests always leave some of the food." "Well!" "Is nobody eating here?" "You can eat those little animals." "I won't swap my sardines for anything!" "You'll think it's a whim... but it's the privilege of rich people to have whims." "Have you tried Pedro's duck before?" " Pedro?" " Yes, the Marquis's cook." "He's an expert in his field." "Nobody can deny this is the best kitchen of all Vetusta." "They say male cooks are more expensive... but it is beyond compare." "Do you know he's a socialist?" "But, you're not really interested in these worldly pleasures." "By the way, Don Fermin, do you think greed is a sin?" "Virtue is not in opposition to enjoying a good meal." "But, you know very well what greed is." "And greed is a sin." " Always?" " Always." "Yes sir, I would demolish Saint Peter and build the market." "Fate has led me to belong to a reactionary party... my birth, my class commitments... but my nature is liberal." " Things are getting hot." " What's hot?" "The peppers, my lady." "Anita, will you come to the Vivero this afternoon?" "You're a fool." "You look, but do nothing." "I sat you next to her with the best intentions." "We have to be prudent." "Watch out." "If I took advantage of the excitement of the meal..." "I would be lost for a long time." "I'm sure she's thinking the same thing." "Do you think so?" "This is no occasion." "Careful, the lady doesn't miss a thing." "Nice to see you!" "Good afternoon, Paula." "At what time did my son leave your office?" "But, how do you expect me to know?" " Come on, sit down." " I don't have time to chat." "Fermin hasn't been home since this morning." "He'll be lunching with the Marquis." "Without telling me?" "And why should he go there?" "It's Paco Vegallana's birthday." "When he comes... tell him that I'm still waiting to have lunch." "But, Paula, it's past five." "Exactly." "Don Fermin, why don't you come with us?" "Impossible." "They're waiting for me and I'm late." "My lady, dear friends... thank you for such a nice meal... and such a pleasant ride." "What a nerve!" "It's incredible, Don Fermin." "How can you do this to us?" "You're very disagreeable." "Madam, business always comes before pleasure." "It is most unwise of him, he has no notion of diplomacy... of dissimulation." "But as the bishop only sees through his eyes... he acts freely." "Poets don't make ministers nor mystics bishops." "Riding in an open carriage!" "Did you notice he was by the Regenta's side?" "Yes, sir, by her side." "My dear Archdeacon, permit me to say that your colleague... is godforsaken." " Hello, it's you." " Good afternoon, Don Fortunato." "Will you please read these smudgy words for me?" "I don't see well." ""Saint Teresa said, we should not be proud... but humble and fearful... when the Lord takes our power."" " Boy, you smell!" " Why?" "You smell of drink." "I don't know what, rum..." "I don't know." "By the way... why didn't you tell your mother?" "Tell her what?" " That you were lunching out." " You know?" "Of course, my son." "First your mother came... then Teresina came twice on her behalf." "Had something happened to the master?" "Madam was alarmed..." "I had to know something." " She treats me like a child!" " She loves you so." " This is too much." " You still haven't been home?" "Come here, my child." "Tell me, have you seen two carriages go by?" "Where to?" "Up the hill." "One with two horses, the other with four." " Not long ago." " No, I don't think so." "What are they doing at this time?" " Pardon?" " Nothing, my child." "It must be them." "She's with the other." "It's indecent!" "They're throwing her at him." "Good evening, master." "Teresina, supper." " Have you a headache, mother?" " I had one." " Won't you sit down?" " No, I'm not hungry... but I'm very thirsty." " Are you ill?" " No, mother." "Sit down, then." "I told you I'm not hungry." "Let him be." "He's not hungry." "She didn't hear you." "I don't know how she can stand." " Why?" " Why?" "She went twice to the palace... once to the Archpriest's house... twice to the cathedral." " The poor girl's dead beat." " Why did she go?" "She went to look for you, Fermo." " And me too." " That was wrong, mother." "I'm no kid who needs people going around looking for him." " If it was wrong, you can scold me." " A son does not scold his mother." "No, but he worries her to death." "He puts her at risk." "He risks the household, fortune, honor, position... everything, for a..." "Where did you have lunch?" "With the Marquis de Vegallana." "It was Paco's birthday, they insisted..." "Stop it, Fermo!" "Stop shamming!" "You went there to look for that woman, you ate at her side... you had a ride with her in an open carriage... all Vetusta saw you." "It turns out that it's true!" "You seem to need scandal." " You want to ruin me." " Mother..." "Don't you mother me!" "Have you thought of your mother all day long?" "Didn't you leave her to have her lunch alone?" "Did it bother you that your mother was alarmed?" " Where have you been so late?" " Mother, I am not a little boy." "No, it doesn't grieve you that your mother dies of impatience." "She's just furniture that looks after your property." "Your mother gives you her blood, her eyes... but you're not a boy, and you give up your blood, your salvation... for a hussy!" "You are insulting an honest woman." " We hardly spoke." "She's a saint." " She's like the others." " If they heard you!" " Rubbish!" "If they could hear me, I'd shut-up." "Look, Fermo, you don't remember, but I do..." "I'm the woman who bore you... and I know you." "And I know the world... and I take everything into account." "But these are things you and I can't talk about... not even alone." "You know what I mean." "I've put up with enough, I've held my tongue enough..." " I've seen quite enough." " You've seen nothing." "But I've understood." "I've never spoken to you about these filthy things... but now you seem to delight in being seen." "Mother... it's indecorous for you and I to talk about certain things." "You've left me no choice." "What happened today was scandalous, and I fear... the bishop gets to know what they're saying already." "What they're saying already!" "In two days!" "Gloucester and Don Custodio, what enemies, my God!" " They're only beasts!" " Yes, beasts, they're beasts." "Can't you see they're after your blood?" "They know the bishop, and it's the only way to get at you." "If they told him you stole the pyx, he wouldn't believe it." "But he'd believe this." "Remember the brigadier's wife." "What brigadier's wife, mother?" "Fermo, has it done you good to be guided by your mother... in the wretched affairs of this world?" "Didn't I drag you out of poverty?" "Didn't your father leave us starving..." " and up to our ears in debt?" " Yes." "I'll always..." "I don't want words, I want you to carry on believing in me." "I know what I'm doing." "You preach... you astound the world with your fine words and manners." "And I run the show." "Fermo, if that's the way it's been, why are you going astray now?" "Why are you running away?" " I'm doing no such thing." " Yes, you are." "You aren't a little boy, it's true, but you're a fool." "Yes, a fool with all your learning." "Remember it, Fermo..." "I've made a man of you through self-sacrifice... shameful deeds, half of which you don't know... sleepless nights, sweat, calculation, patience... astuteness... and even sins." "Yes, sins as well." "The world is yours because you're talented, eloquent and wise." "But you're my son... and I have a right to demand of you... not to waste all that I've given you." "If you follow my advice, we will be able to go on." "You and I." "Shameless robbers!" "Shameless!" "Robbers!" "Yes, sir." "Robbers, you and your mother, canon!" "Robbers!" "Canon, you're a robber and a simonist!" "Obscurantist!" "You've ruined my family." "You've made me into a heretic, a mason." " Madam, it's..." " Shut up, Froilan." " It's Don Santos." " Do you think I'm deaf?" "Shut up." "I'm talking to you, Canon." "Don't pretend you're deaf." " For God's sake, Don Santos." " Good night, my friend." "You're an honorable man and I like you... but this black-coat here, this wafer-eater... this accursed tyrant of the Church... is a robber, and I'll maintain it." "Don Santos, it's bedtime." "Shall I open the door to your house?" "I haven't got a house." "I spy on them." "And now, Don Froilan Zapico... is with the canon's mother checking the accounts." "Do you want me to go and...?" "He's another of Doña Paula's slaves... like the bishop... like the bishop." "She married him to her maid... who slept close to the canon." "I know it well." "Don Froilan puts up with anything!" "Minister of God?" "Minister my eye!" "I'm the real minister, Santos Barinaga... an honorable tradesman." "I don't force anyone... or steal anyone's bread... or make all the priests in the diocese... come to my shop to buy chalices, patens, cruets... and even altar-slabs." "Don Santos, to bed." "I can't let you go on like this." "Where?" "I never sleep." "Let me go!" "Knock that door down, Pepe." "You represent the law." "They're counting my money in there, my money." "They've ruined me, Pepe." "I've no business left." "I don't want to." "Here's the key!"