To the young soldier this was of immense advantage, as she who was
thus a firm friend to him, was a woman of brilliant mind and
cultivation, and Lorenzo Bezan improved vastly by the intellectual
peers of the countess. The idea of loving her beyond the feelings a
warm friendship might induce, had never crossed his mind, and had it
done so, would not have been entertained even for one moment. Of
loving he had but one idea, one thought, one standard, and that
heart embodiment, that queen of his affections, was Isabella
Gonzales.
They rode together, read to each other, and, in short, were quite
inseparable, save when the queen, by some invitation, which was law
of course to the young general, solicited his attendance upon
herself. Her friendship, too, was in want, and her interest great
for Lorenzo Bezan, and he delighted to shower upon him every honor,
and publicly to acknowledge his service in to the throne.
"The queen seems very kind to you, general," said the countess, to
him.
"She is more than kind-she lavish rewards upon me."
"She loves bravery."
"She repays good fortune in round sums," replied the officer.
"But why do you ever wear that sober, sombre, and sad look upon that
manly and intellectual face?"
"Do I look thus?" asked the soldier, with a voice of surprise.
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