immediately came up to me, seized my left arm with the hand of
his right, and thus led me out of the school. No sooner were we out of
sight than he pulled out a letter, and I shall never forget his delight
when he grasped my hand, and said, "Shipp, I sincerely congratulate you
on your appointment. The Marquis of Hastings has been pleased to meet
both your and my wishes; you are appointed to an ensigncy in his
Majesty's 87th regiment,[13] and directed to join that corps
immediately: but this you must promise me, to keep the affair secret
till to-morrow, or I shall be teased out of my life for your
appointment. I would ask you to dine with me to-day, but for this wish
to keep it a secret. I shall therefore have that pleasure another time."
I expressed my most sincere thanks; the colonel put the letter into my
hand; he went to his horses again; and I went to evening parade.

In the evening, after my duty was done, I went down to see my intended,
and to tell her and her family of my good fortune. On my walk hither I
had a most strange feeling; it was not that of elation of spirits, but
rather of a dreary and gloomy turn. In this mood I reached the abode of
my little wife, before I was aware of my near approach, and had almost
stumbled upon her good father before I perceived him. Indeed, I should
have passed him but for his usual salutation, "Ah, John, is that you?
how are you?" This address roused me from my reverie, and I replied,
with affected dignity, "Come, Sir, be a little more respectful to your
superior officer, or I shall send you to the congee-house." Here I could
not help lowering the ensign's mighty dignity, by bursting into a loud
laugh. The old gentleman did not seem to know what to make of it; but I
suppose he thought me tipsy, for at last he said, "What's the matter,
John? you seem a little out of sorts this evening." I then took his arm;
we walked together towards the house; and on the way I told him the
whole affair. He replied, "Then of course that will break off the match
with my poor Ann; you will now look higher." At this the ensign's blood
rose, and he got nettled, and warmly replied, "You have mistaken your
man, Sir. I could never, after winning the affections of any woman,
forsake or desert her. No: it was with tenfold pleasure I came down to
assure her of my unalterable affection." Here my friend gave me his
honest hand, and I have no doubt his heart with it; and thus, hand in
hand, we entered where