When Don Gonzales returned from his drive with Ruez, and while he was still thinking upon the subject which the boy had introduced, relative to Lorenzo Bezan and Isabella, he found the general awaiting his return and desiring an interview with him.  This was of course granted, and the two retired to the library of Isabella’s father, where the soldier resolved to make at once, and in plain terms, an offer of his hand to this daughter of the old house of Gonzales, and to beg her parents permission for their union.  Being in part prepared for this proposal, as we have already seen, the father was not taken at all aback, but very politely and considerately listened to his guest.  At last, however, when it came his turn to speak, he was decided.

“I will tell you honestly, general, that, while I fully realize the great service you have done me and mine; while I cannot but admire the tact, talent, and noble characteristics that have so quickly elevated you to a niche in the temple of fame, still I am a very practical man, and look well to worldly matters and immediate interests.  This has been my policy through life, and I have ever found that it was a good and sound one, and carried me on well.”

“As a general rule, perhaps, it is a very good one,” added Lorenzo Bezan, to fill up a pause where he seemed expected to say something.

“Now as to the matter which you propose, aside from the matter as to whether Isabella herself would consent, or—­”

“I beg pardon, sir, for interrupting you, but on that score I have her assurance already.”

“You are very prompt, sir.  Perhaps it would have been it little more in accordance with propriety to have first spoken to me.”

“You have a right to question the point, and perhaps are correct, but to this there is little consequence attached,” said General Bezan, very decidedly.

“Well, sir, it is proper to come at once to the point, and I will do so.  I have registered an oath; let me tell you, then, that my daughter shall never espouse any man unless his fortune is fully equal to her own, and this oath I shall most religiously keep!”

“You have made a strange resolve, sir, and one which will affect your daughter’s happiness, no less than it will do mine.”

“The oath is registered, General Bezan, and if necessary I am prepared to strengthen it by another; for it has been my resolve for years.”

“You are so decided, sir, that of course no argument on my part would in the least influence you.  But I trust you will consider of this matter seriously, at least, and I may again speak to you upon the subject.”

“I shall always be happy and proud to meet General Bezan as a particular friend in my own house, or elsewhere,” continued Don Gonzales, “but there, we must understand each other, our intimacy ceases, or as to the proposal of becoming my son-in-law, you will see that it is totally out of the question, when you remember my religiously registered oath upon the subject.”