Part I, Chapter 7 Summary

A letter arrives from Rosa while Camilo is at work. Mrs. Milagros feels that there is something sacred about this letter, so instead of opening it, she puts it in his room and waits patiently for Camilo to come home. Her daughters all know about the letter's arrival, and they're all anxious to know whether the letter holds Camilo's salvation or destruction. When Camilo arrives home for dinner he goes to his bedroom and remains there for a long time. Mrs. Milagros begins to worry that he's hurt himself. Finally, his door opens and she snatches up the letter to read it. In the letter, Rosa tells Camilo good-bye forever.

Excitedly, Mrs. Milagros encourages Camilo to go and find her, to take her away and marry her. He argues that he must stay away for Rosa's good. Mrs. Milagros...