They said you had disgraced yourself and
us. It was cruel of them; but now they are the first to come round. I
have heard from both your uncles; they are, of course, delighted, and
beg me to give you their heartiest good wishes. Uncle Ralph said
perhaps he would write himself; but he is so overwhelmed with work at
the Munitions Office he may not have time. Uncle Barto you will,
perhaps, see out in the Crimea; he has got command of the _Burlington
Castle_, one of the steamers chartered from his Company, and is going
at once to Balaclava.
"Oh, my sweet son be careful of yourself!" went on the fond mother,
her deep anxiety welling forth. "You are my only, only joy. I pray God
hourly that He may spare your precious life. May He have you in His
safe keeping!"
The reading of these pleasant letters occupied Stanislas till
nightfall. Then, utterly wearied, but with a thankful, contented
heart, he threw himself upon the ground, and slept till morning.
When he issued forth from his tent it was to receive the cordial
congratulations of his brother officers. Sergeant Hyde came up, too, a
little doubtfully, but McKay seized his hand, saying--
"You do not grudge me my good luck, I hope, old friend?"
"I, sir?"--the address was formal, but the tone was full of heartfelt
emotion.
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