the word," said old Sam; "and so
it is, my boy, and a brave and a generous one."

Lucy Gourlay and the young soldier had occasionally glanced at each
other; and it might have been observed, that whenever they did so, each
seemed surprised, if not actually confused.

"Is it difficult, Edward," asked Mainwaring, after they had taken wine
together, "to purchase a commission at present?"

"It is not very easy to procure commissions just now," replied the
other; "but you know, Mr. Mainwaring, that I had the honor to be raised
from the ranks."

"Bravo, Ned!" exclaimed old Sam, slapping him him on the back; "I am
glad to see that you take that honor in its true light. Thousands may
have money to buy a commission, but give me the man that has merit to
deserve it; especially, Ned, at so young an age as yours."

"You must have distinguished yourself, sir," observed Lucy, "otherwise
it is quite unusual, I think, to witness the promotion from the ranks of
so young a man."

"I only endeavored to do my duty, madam," replied Roberts, bowing
modestly, whilst something like a blush came over his cheeks.

"Never mind him, Miss Gourlay," exclaimed Sam--"never mind; he did
distinguish himself, and on more than one occasion, too, and well
deserved his promotion. When one of the British flags was seized upon
and borne off, after the brave fellow whose duty it was to defend it
with his life had done so, and was cut down by three French soldiers,
our gentleman here, for all so modest as he looks, pursued them, fought
single-handed against the three, rescued the flag, and, on his way back,
met the general, who chanced to be a spectator of the exploit; when
passing near him, bleeding, for he had been smartly wounded, the general
rides over to him. 'Is the officer who bore that flag killed?' he
asked. 'He is, general,' replied Ned.--'You have rescued it?'--'I have,
sir.'--'What is your name?'--He told him.--'Have you received an
education?'--'A good education, general'--'Very good,' proceeded the
general. 'You have recovered the flag, you say?'--'I considered it
my duty either to die or to do so, general,' replied Ned.--'Well said,
soldier,' returned the general, 'and well done, too: as for the flag
itself, you must only keep it for your pains. Your commission, young
man, shall be made out. I will take charge of that myself.'--There, now,
is the history of his promotion for you."

"It is highly honorable to him in every sense," observed