equality for conversation. Perhaps I should have done the same, if I
were a high-spirited youth, and really loved!"

As for Lorenzo Bezan, he quietly sought his quarters, as happy as a
king. Had he not been successful beyond any reasonable hope? Had he
not told his love? ay, had he not kissed the hand of her he loved,
at last, almost by her own consent? Had not the clouds in the
horizon of his love greatly thinned in numbers? He was no moody
lover. Not one to die for love, but to live for it rather, and to
pursue the object of his affection and regard with such untiring and
devoted service as to deserve, if not to win, success. At least
this was his resolve. Now and then the great difference between
their relative stations would lead him to pause and consider the
subject; but then with some pleasant sally to himself he would walk
on again, firmly resolved in his own mind to overcome all things for
her whom he loved, or at least to strive to do so.

This was all very well in thought, but in practice the young soldier
will not perhaps find this so easy a matter. Patience and
perseverance are excellent qualities, but they are not certain
criteria of success. Lorenzo Bezan had aimed his arrow high, but it
was that little blind fellow, Cupid, that shot the bow. He was not
to blame for it-of course not.

"Ha! Bezan, whence come you with so bright a face?" asked a brother
officer, as he entered his quarters in the barracks of the Plaza des
Armes.

"From wooing a fair and most beautiful maid," said the soldier, most
honestly; though perhaps he told the truth as being the thing least