lways in a situation.

When the cloth was withdrawn, the Colonel bending his head said, "Thank
God for what we have received," so reverently, and with an accent so
touching, that Fred Bayham's big eyes as he turned towards the old man
filled up with tears. When his mother and grandmother rose to go away,
poor little Boy cried to stay longer, and the Colonel would have meekly
interposed, but the domineering Campaigner cried, "Nonsense, let him go
to bed!" and flounced him out of the room: and nobody appealed against
that sentence. Then we three remained, and strove to talk as cheerfully
as we might, speaking now of old times, and presently of new. Without
the slightest affectation, Thomas Newcome told us that his life was
comfortable, and that he was happy in it. He wished that many others of
the old gentlemen, he said, were as contented as himself, but some
of them grumbled sadly, he owned and quarrelled with their
bread-and-butter. He, for his part, had everything he could desire: all
the officers of the Establishment were most kind to him; an excellent
physician came to him when wanted; a most attentive woman waited on him.
"And if I wear a black gown," said he, "is not that uniform as good as
another, and if we have to go to church every day, at which some of the
Poor Brothers grumble, I think an old fellow can't do better; and I can
say my prayers with a thankful heart, Clivey my boy, and should be
quite happy but for my--for my past imprudence, God forgive me. Think of
Bayham here coming to our chapel to-day!--he often comes--that was very
right, sir--very right."

Clive, filling a glass of wine, looked at F. B. with eyes that said
God bless you. F. B. gulped down another bumper. "It is almost a merry
Christmas," said I; "and oh, I hope it will be a happy New Year!"

Shortly after nine o'clock the Colonel rose to depart, saying he must
be "in barracks" by ten; and Clive and F. B. went a part of the way with
him. I would have followed them, but he whispered me to stay and talk to
Mrs. Mack, for Heaven's sake, and that he would be back ere long. So
I went and took tea with the two ladies; and as we drank it, Mrs.
Mackenzie took occasion to tell me she did not know what amount of
income the Colonel had from his wealthy brother, but that they never
received any benefit from it; and again she computed to me all the sums,
principal and interest, which ought at that moment to belong to her
darling Rosey. Rosey now and a