other and my uncle came over to see me twice during their stay at
Hastings, and during one of the visits my uncle spoke to the Doctor
about the drill-master, and, after expressing a wish that I should pay
attention to that part of my studies, with fencing, asked if this
instructor had been in the foot or horse.

"Oh, he was in the cavalry, uncle," I said.

"Good; then, if Doctor Browne does not object, I should like him to give
you a few preliminary lessons in riding, so as to get a military seat
while you are young, boy."

The Doctor expressed his willingness, but he said with a slight cough,--

"Would not a horse be necessary, or a pony?"

"Well, yes," said my uncle dryly, "I think it would, sir; but that
difficulty will be got over. Sir Hawkhurst Rye has offered the boy the
use of a stout cob. One of the grooms will bring it over two or three
times a week; and, if you would allow me, I should like to have a few
words with the old sergeant."

The Doctor was perfectly agreeable; and when they were going, I had the
pleasure--for it was a pleasure--of taking them down to Lomax's little,
neatly-kept place, where the old sergeant stood ready to draw himself up
and salute, with his eyes lighting up, and a proud look of satisfaction
in his hard face.

My uncle took him aside, and they remained talking together, while my
mother walked up and down with me, holding my hand through her arm, and
eagerly whispering her hopes--that I would be very careful, that I would
not run into any danger with the riding, and, above all, mind not to do
anything my uncle would not like.

Of course I promised with the full intention of performing, and soon
after my uncle marched back with Lomax--they did not seem to walk.
Everything had apparently gone off satisfactorily, and after plenty of
advice from my uncle, he handed my mother into the carriage, followed
and they were driven off.

I stood watching the carriage till it was out of sight, and then turned
to Lomax, who was standing as upright as if he were on parade, till he
caught my eye, and then he gave himself a jerk, thrust one hand into his
pocket, and gave the place a slap.

"You're a lucky one," he said, "to have an uncle like that, sir. Hah!
there's nothing like a soldier."

"How am I lucky?" I said rather sourly, for I was low-spirited from the
parting I had just gone through.

"Lucky to have a fine old officer like that to want me to make a man of
you, and teach yo