Chapter Twelve Summary

The Berguas family consists of Senora Margarita Bergua, Don Sebastian Bergua and their daughter Senroita Rosa Bergua. The family moved to Lima with hopes of entering Rosa into the National Conservatory. The plan fails when Rosa is convinced that every man in Lima is trying to steal her virtue. The family began accepting boarders to help pay for their large house. A traveling salesman named Ezequiel Delfin arrives at the Berguas Estate, seeking a room to rent. Ezequiel was clearly religious, so the Berguas accepted him as a boarder and came to love him. Ezequiel had a sadness and mystery about. One day at lunch, Ezequiel burst into uncontrollable tears. Don Sebastian wants to help and offers to set up a bed in his room to help him through the night.

Later in the night, Don Sebastian hears Ezequiel rise from...