Those looking on laughed and applauded.
"Brava! Brava! Captain," some one cried. "You are courageous."
"Yes, yes, and calm in this baptism of fire," from another.
"To a mirror! Let Captain Morando take view of the new uniform given him by the señoritas," a third.
Young and old sportively crowded around Morando and pushed him in front of a long glass. He was spangled from head to foot with white and yellow sheen, all gorgeous over the dark background of his uniform.
"A speech! A speech! Some word of thanks!" insisted the company.
Silence was not easily found in that care-free gathering. Finally Morando could be heard.
"Señoritas, and all my friends, I am happy to wear the colors that speak of sunrise. It is a double pleasure to receive such rare insignia from hands the fairest in the land."
"A good word, Captain! A good word!" exclaimed Abelardo Peralta. "Not all your vigils are spent at the shrine of war."
Señor Mendoza entered. "The musicians are idle. Motionless the feet of señorita and caballero. Why no dancing?"