Unaccustomed to female
society, and with only one model ever before his eyes, Lorenzo Bezan
afforded, in his truthfulness, a refreshing picture to the
court-wooed and fashionable belle of the capital, who had so long
lived in the artificial atmosphere of the queen's palace, and the
surroundings of the Spanish capital.
The absence of all intrigue, management and deceit, the frank,
open-hearted manliness of his conversation, the delicacy of his
feelings, and the constant consideration for her own ease and
pleasure, could not but challenge the admiration of the beautiful
Countess Moranza, and on her own part she spared no means to return
his politeness.
CHAPTER XIII.
UNREQUITED LOVE.
PLEASED, and perhaps flattered, by the constant and unvarying
kindness and friendliness evinced towards him by the Countess
Moranza, the young general seemed to be very happy in her company,
and to pass a large portion of his leisure hours by her side. The
court gossips, ever ready to improve any opportunity that may offer,
invented all manner of scandal and prejudicial stories concerning
the peerless and chaste Countess Moranza; but she was above the
power of their shafts, and entertained Lorenzo Bezan with prodigal
hospitality.
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