The ceremony of installation was performed in the state hall of the
palace, where all the military, wealth, beauty and fashion of the
island assembled, and among these the venerable and much respected
Don Gonzales, and his peerless daughter, Isabella, and his noble
boy, Ruez. The reception hall was in a blaze of beauty and fashion,
till patiently awaiting the introduction of the new and high
official the queen had sent from Spain to sit as second to the brave
Tacon.
An hour of silence had passed, when at a signal the band struck up a
national march, and then advanced into the reception room Tacon, and
by his side a young soldier, on whose noble brow sat dignity and
youth, interwoven in near embrace. His eyes rested on the floor, and
he drew near to the seat of honor with modest mien, his spurred heel
and martial bearing alone betokening that in time of need his sword
was ready, and his time and life at the call of duty.
Few, if any, had seen him before, and now among the ladies there ran
a low murmur of admiration at the noble and manly beauty of the
young soldier. The priest read the usual services, the customary
hymn and chant were listened to, when the priest, delegated for this
purpose, advanced and said:
"We, by the holy power vested in us, do anoint thee, Lorenzo Bezan--"
At these words, Isabella Gonzales, who had, during all the while,
been an absent spectator, never once really turning her eyes toward
the spot where the new officer stood, dropped her fan, and sprang to
her feet.
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