At times, in the lonely hours of the
night, alone in his tent, he would apostrophize her angelic
features, and sigh that Heaven, which had sent so sweet a mould in
human form, should have imbued it with a spirit so haughty, a soul
so proud as to mar the exquisite creation.
"I have thought," he amused to himself, "I that I knew her-that the
bright loveliness of her soul would dazzle and outshine the pride
that chance had sown there-that if boldly and truly wooed, she would
in turn boldly and truly love. It seemed to me, that it was the
first barrier only that must he carried by assault, and after that I
felt sure that love like mine would soon possess the citadel of her
heart. But I was foolish, self-confident, and perhaps have deserved
defeat. It may be so, but Isabella Gonzales shall see that the
humble captain of infantry, who would hardly be tolerated, so lowly
and humble was he, will command, ere long, at least, some degree of
respect by the position that his sword shall win for him. Ay, and
General Harero, too, may find me composed of better metal than he
supposed. There is one truthful, gentle and loving spirit that will
sympathize with me. I know and feel that; Ruez, my boy, may Heaven
bless thee!"
"Count Basterio, what sort of a person is this Colonel Bezan, whose
sword has been invincible among the rebels, and who has sent us two
stand of colors, taken by himself?" asked the queen, of one of her
principal courtiers, one day.
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