first went to "Old Browne's," but it was
a sadder day when I left, for I felt very sore at heart, and it required
all my strength of mind to keep up a brave show.

For every one was very kind, and it was like parting from old friends
whom I might never see again. The boys were all out in the front drive,
where the General's carriage stood waiting to take me and my mother to
meet the London mail coach, and the two gentlemen were with us. For my
mother and my uncle had come down to fetch me, and say a few kind words
to the Doctor and Mrs Doctor, as well as to visit Sir Hawkhurst. I saw
Lomax too, and Mr Rebble and Mr Hasnip, at the door, and it seemed as
if there was always some one fresh to shake hands with, the old sergeant
shaking mine with both his, and his voice sounded very husky as he
said,--

"You won't forget your drill, sir, nor your balance in the saddle; heels
well down, and ride your horse on the curb, mind--don't forget, and--
and--"

The old fellow could get no further. The tears started to his eyes, and
to hide his emotion, and to save me from breaking down, he drew himself
up stiffly and saluted me.

Lastly, I found that the servants were all outside too, waiting to say
good-bye, and I couldn't go without stepping aside to shake hands with
Cook, who uttered a loud sob, snatched me to her, and gave me a sounding
kiss.

Then I was back on the steps saying my farewells to the Doctor and his
wife, and I felt that I had bade every one now good-bye but Tom Mercer,
who was to leave the following day, but, to my intense disappointment,
he was missing; and, time pressing, I was at last obliged to climb into
the britzska, where my mother, my uncle, and the General were already
seated, the word was given, the coachman touched his horses as soon as
the groom had climbed to his side, and the boys nearly frightened them
into a headlong gallop, as they burst out into a volley of cheers,
mingled with, "Good-bye, Burr junior! Good luck to you, soldier!" and
amidst the waving of caps from the lads, and handkerchiefs from the
door, I stood up in the carriage and roared excitedly,--

"Where's old Senna?"

I faintly heard the words, "Don't know," and I stood looking about
wildly, full of bitter disappointment at leaving without seeing him.

I was standing up at the back, where my mother had the other seat, the
two old officers being before us, but there was no Tom Mercer, and I was
about to sit down, feeling th