'Macabea had never had the courage to cherish hopes. Yet, now she listened to Madam Carlotta as if she were listening to a fanfare of trumpets, her heart beating furiously. Madame was right: at long last, Jesus was taking some interest in her. Macabea’s eyes open wide as she felt a sudden hunger for the future (bang) and I, too, am beginning to cherish hopes. . . . At that instant, Macabea came out with a phrase that no one among the onlookers could understand. She said in a clear, distinct voice

—As for the future.'