On the morning of the exhibition, the finest military band in Madrid was
present. The affair was private, only the notables of the city being
there. When the King, Queen, and members of the royal household arrived,
a signal for the exhibition to begin, was given. In one part of the
entertainment, pigeons are used to illustrate the sending of dispatches.
On that occasion, Paul had procured a pair of beautiful white doves.
One of them when loosed flew away, while the other, bewildered, circled
about and finally lit at the feet of the Queen. The Princess of
Asturas, the King's sister, caught it and handed it to the Queen, who
held and petted it during the rest of the time.
The exhibition was a complete success and at its termination, the King
summoned Paul to land where the royal party was seated, when he
congratulated the hardy navigator, as did also the Queen. As she thanked
him for the pleasure he had given her, Paul said, referring to the
dove that had gone to her feet:
"I hope it will prove a good omen, your Majesty." Turning her wondrously
beautiful, though melancholy black eyes on him, she replied, with a
sad smile:
"I hope so; I hope so."
She then conferred on Paul the order of Hospitaliers of Spain, making
him for a second time a knight.
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