Chapter 2, 1919: May 26 Summary

Following the execution of Gonzalo Bernal, Cruz uses heroic tales of the man's last moments to worm his way into the family's bosom. The family is obviously wealthy, living in a huge house with a fortune in books and precious objects. They are the area's major landholders, with acreage worth a fortune. Still, because of the revolution, there is a shortage of cash. There is not even enough money to buy the seed for crops. Peasants demand that Don Bernal give part of his land to them and the local police offer no help.

Senor Bernal introduces Cruz to his daughter, Catalina. Catalina's attitude towards Cruz is complex. She sees through his ruses, yet is sexually attracted to the young man. Cruz manipulates Don Gamaliel Bernal into allowing a marriage between Catalina and Artemio. Because Cruz is the only hope of...