He
had long cherished a regard for the beautiful daughter of Don
Gonzales, for her personal charms, as well as the rich coffers which
her father could boast. As the reader has already surmised, he had
been a constant and ardent, though unsuccessful suitor, for no
inconsiderable period. It will not, therefore, be wondered at, that
he should have felt very sensitive upon this point. As he passed
Lorenzo Bezan, therefore, at the close of the performance, in going
out of the theatre that night, while still in the most immediate
proximity to Isabella Gonzales, her father, and the party with them,
he took occasion to speak very loud, and in the most peremptory
manner to him, saying:
"I find you exceedingly lax, Captain Bezan, as it regards the
exercise of your duty and command. You will report yourself to me,
after morning parade, for such orders as shall be deemed proper for
you under the circumstances, as a public reproof for dereliction
from duty."
"Yes, general," replied the young officer, with the usual salute to
his superior.
Still curbing his feelings, the young officer contented himself with
a kind glance from Isabella Gonzales, who had overheard the last act
of petty tyranny on the general's part, and for that very reason
redoubled her passing notice and smiles upon Captain Bezan.
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