Little
paper lanterns hung from an improvised canopy amid flowers and
fruits. Comfortable seats with rugs and cushions for the women had
been provided by Ibarra. Even the paddles and oars were decorated,
while in the more profusely decorated banka were a harp, guitars,
accordions, and a trumpet made from a carabao horn. In the other banka
fires burned on the clay kalanes for preparing refreshments of tea,
coffee, and salabat.
"In this boat here the women, and in the other there the men," ordered
the mothers upon embarking. "Keep quiet! Don't move about so or we'll
be upset."
"Cross yourself first," advised Aunt Isabel, setting the example.
"Are we to be here all alone?" asked Sinang with a grimace. "Ourselves
alone?" This question was opportunely answered by a pinch from
her mother.
As the boats moved slowly away from the shore, the light of the
lanterns was reflected in the calm waters of the lake, while in the
eastern sky the first tints of dawn were just beginning to appear. A
deep silence reigned over the party after the division established
by the mothers, for the young people seemed to have given themselves
up to meditation.
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