Chapter 4 Summary

It is known generally that an eclipse of the sun is predicted, and this is awaited by Martina and Sierva and the nuns in the convent, as well as by the Bishop and Cayetano, in the Bishop's palace. Cayetano looks at the eclipse with one eye for too long, and has the image of the eclipse remaining on his eye, though he looks through a darkened glass.

Father Cayetano tells the Bishop that Sierva is not possessed. The Bishop cites the "Acta", which is the documentation of what Sierva does in the convent, and evidence that she is possessed by demons. Evidence includes that she spoke African languages and dances, sings, and eats with the slaves, and all of the evidence is explained by Cayetano. Cayetano promises to obey the Bishop and continue the exorcism, despite his doubts. Cayetano is wearing a black...