Could he be dreaming? was he in his senses?  Her entire estates of Moranza, in Seville-a princely fortune given to him thus?  He could not believe his senses, and moved about his room with the open letter in his hand, not knowing what he did.  It was long before he could calm his excitement.  What cared he for fortune, except so far as it brought him near to her he loved.  It was this that so sensibly affected him; the bright sun of hope once more burst through the clouds.

“Her father says that the suitor of Isabella Gonzales must bring as large a fortune to her as she herself possesses.  As large? here I am endowed with the possession of an entire Spanish district-almost a small principality.  Fortune? it would outnumber him in doubloons a thousand times over.  I happen to know that district-rich in castles, convents, churches, cattle, retainers.  Ah, Countess Moranza, but it sadly reminds me of thy fate.  Thou didst love me, ay, truly-and I so blind that I knew it not.  But regrets are useless; thy memory shall ever be most tenderly cherished by him whom thou hast so signally befriended, so opportunely endowed.”

The reader may well suppose that Lorenzo Bezan spared no time in communicating the necessary facts to Don Gonzales, which he did in the following brief notice: 

“Finding, after inquiry, as to your pecuniary affairs, and also after a slight examination of my own that, in relation to the matter of property, I am possessed of a fortune that would be valued many times beyond your own, I am happy to inform you that the only objection you mentioned to my proposal relative to your daughter, is now entirely removed.  Concerning the details of this business I shall do myself the honor to make an early call upon you, when I will adduce the evidence of the statement I have made herein.  Sincerely yours, Lorenzo Bezan, Lt.  Gov. and Gen’l Commanding.  Given at the palace, Havana.”

Don Gonzales was no less surprised on the reception of this note, than Lorenzo Bezan had been when he first discovered the princely gift that the generous countess had endowed him with.  To do him justice, it was the only objection he had to Lorenzo Bezan, and he secretly rejoiced that the circumstances stated would enable him to give a free consent to the union of two souls which seemed so completely designed for each other.  He called to Ruez, who had already heard the state of affairs from his father, and told him at once; and it was, of course, not long after that Isabella dried her tears, and stilled her throbbing heart by a knowledge that the last objection to the happy union was obviated.

Don Gonzales, when he received the letter, and had carefully examined it, even went personally to the palace to tender his congratulations to the young lieutenant-governor, and to tell him that he had no longer any objections to raise as to the proposal which he had so lately taken occasion to make, relative to Isabella.