Already have I
been twice noticed by honorable and high promotion in rank, and wear
this emblem to-day by your majesty's gracious favor." As he spoke,
he touched his colonel's star.
"For your bravery and important services, Captain Bezan, wear this
next that star for the present," said the queen, presenting the
young soldier with the medal and order of St. Sebastian, a dignity
that few attained to of less distinction than her privy councillors
and the immediate officers of the government.
Surprised by this unexpected and marked honor, the young soldier
could only kneel and thank her majesty in feeble words, which he
did, and pressing the token to his lips, he placed it about his neck
by the golden chain that had supported it but a moment before upon
the lovely person of his queen. The presence was broken up, and
Lorenzo Bezan returned to his barracks, reflecting upon his singular
good fortune.
His modest demeanor, his brilliant military services, his handsome
face and figure, and in short his many noble points of manliness;
and perhaps even the slight tinge of melancholy that seemed ever
struggling with all the emotions that shone forth from his
expressive face, had more deeply interested the young queen in his
behalf than the soldier himself knew of.
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