Summary
Highlights
Ibarra is visited by Elias, who asks him to keep their previous conversation secret. Elias expresses his belief that only God can deliver true justice, not human institutions, while Ibarra defends the need for human justice. Ibarra notices Elias's scars, and Elias recounts how he prevented harm while another person died, leading Ibarra to realize Elias does not believe in human justice. Elias asserts that justice should build, not destroy, emphasizing the irreparable nature of mistakes once made.
During a luncheon, Captain Tiago receives a telegram announcing the General's arrival, who will be staying at his house. The other officials also receive similar telegrams. The meal continues, and Padre Damaso arrives, greeting everyone with a sneer. He then proceeds to mock architects and those who hire them, specifically targeting Ibarra's school project by calling them ignorant and foolish.
Padre Damaso continues his insults, referencing Ibarra's father and accusing him of dying in prison. Enraged, Ibarra lunges at Padre Damaso, knocking him down. Despite attempts from others to intervene, Ibarra continues to attack Padre Damaso, holding a knife and accusing the friar of hypocrisy, disrespecting his father's memory, and even persecuting him. Just as Ibarra is about to stab Padre Damaso, Maria Clara intervenes, stopping him. Ibarra, losing his strength upon seeing Maria Clara, drops the knife and flees.
News of the confrontation between Padre Damaso and Ibarra quickly spreads throughout the town, leaving everyone shocked by the incident.