That night Lucio silently reviewed the scenes and labors of his past childhood, for now he was budding forth into the state of manhood. He also recalled to mind the words of his father, which fell into his soul_ like manna from heaven.
The next morning just shortly after breakfast time, and this time in the provinces is usually at half past seven in the morning, Lucio went away to see his friend Camilo. He found him still sleeping in his uncle's house.
When Lucio showed up, Camilo awoke; but before taking his fill, he greeted his friend and said:
"Good morning, Lucio." He took hold of both his hands, and looked him up scrutinizingly. He swung their hands together up and down and further added:
"What now! Are you going with me to our town?"
"Oh, yes. I will. My father told me so. He gave me his consent. So I am but glad to go with you."
"That is the good boy! For you will not, I am sure, repent in going with me to town. Fine, then, be seated, my dear old boy," said Camilo joyfully. "Now let us prepare ourselves for the trip today or tomorrow as you like."
"Yes. But I would better go home and prepare my trunk... Say, how long should we stay there, by the way?"
"Well, as long as you like—say a month or so—it is up to you."
