Nearly two entire years had his devoted heart lived on thus, if not once gratified by a glance from her eye, still hoping that devotion like his would one day be rewarded.  What prophets of the future are youth and love!  Distant as the star of his destiny appeared from him, he yet still toiled on, hoped on, in his often weary round of duty, sustained by the one sentiment of tender love and devotedness to one who knew him not.

At the time of the fearful accident when Ruez Gonzales came so near losing his life from the fall he suffered off the parapet of the Plato, Lieutenant Bezan was officer of the night, his rounds having fortunately brought him to the quay at the most opportune moment.  He knew not who it was that had fallen into the water, but guided by a native spirit of daring and humanity, he had thrown off his coat and cap and leaped in after him.

The feelings of pleasure and secret joy experienced by the young officer, when after landing from the boat he learned by a single glance who it was he had so fortunately saved, may be better imagined than described, when his love for the boy’s sister is remembered.  And when, as we have related, the proud Senorita Isabella publicly saluted him before a hundred eyes in the Paseo, he felt a joy of mind, a brightness of heart, that words could not express.

His figure and face were such that once seen their manly beauty and noble outline could not be easily forgotten; and there were few ladies in the city, whose station and rank would permit them to associate with one bearing only a lieutenant’s commission, who would not have been proud of his notice and homage.  He could not be ignorant of his personal recommendations, and yet the young officer sought no female society-his heart it knew but one idol, and he could bow to but one throne of love.

Whether by accident or purposely, the lady herself only knew, but when the volante, in the circular drive of the Paseo, again came opposite to the spot where Lieutenant Bezan was, the Senorita Isabella dropped her fan upon the carriage-road.  As the young officer sprang to pick it up and return it, she bade the calesaro to halt.  Her father, Don Gonzales, was by her side, and the lieutenant presented the fan in the most respectful manner, being rewarded by a glance from the lady that thrilled to his very soul.  Don Gonzales exclaimed: 

“By our lady, but this is the young officer, Isabella, who yesternight so promptly and gallantly saved the life of our dear Ruez.”

“It is indeed he, father,” said the beauty, with much interest.

“Lieutenant Bezan, the general told us, I believe,” continued the father.

“That was the name, father.”

“And is this Lieutenant Bezan?” asked Don Gonzales, addressing the officer.

“At your service,” replied he, bowing respectfully.

“Senor,” continued the father, most earnestly, and extending at the same time his hand to the blushing soldier, “permit me and my daughter to thank you sincerely for the extraordinary service you rendered to us and our dear Ruez last evening.”