Bezan!"

"Captain Bezan, I believe," said Isabella, courtesying coolly to his
respectful bow.

"The same, lady."

"You have chosen a singular mode of introduction, sir," said the
Senorita Isabella Gonzales, somewhat severely, as she drew herself
up with an air of cold reserve.

"It is true, lady, I have done a seemingly rash action; but if you
will please to pause for one moment, you will at once realize that
it was the only mode of introduction of which a poor soldier like
myself could have availed himself."

"Our hall doors are always open," replied Isabella Gonzales.

"To the high born and proud, I grant you, lady, but not to such as I
am."

"Then, sir," continued the lady, quickly, "if custom and propriety
forbid you to meet me through the ordinary channels of society, do
you not see the impropriety of such an attempt to see me as that
which you have but just now made?"

"Lady, I can see nothing, hear nothing but my unconquerable love!"

"Love, sir!" repeated the lady, with a curl of her proud but
beautiful lip.