Summary

Set in Manila, in 1613, the story introduces Doña Ana de Vera, an older woman who traveled from Madrid, Spain with her son who is a government official. While in Manila, Doña Ana continues to be a devout Christian, and spends her time putting together the "wardrobe" (17) for the Virgin Mary at the altar of the local church. Like most Manila residents, she sees a young stationed soldier named Currito Lopez, a man whose "every action being so public a scandal that even decent people knew who he was and shunned him like a leper" (18). Despite his notorious, brash reputation, Doña Ana sees another side to Currito. She often encounters him praying alone in the church, and quietly reveals himself to be devout in his own way. Though they do not speak, they form a mutual respect...