They had expected that he would have hurra'd aloud, or thrown up his hat, or danced about, when he heard of it.

But no; he only sat bolt upright in his hammock, though his face flushed scarlet, and his eyes glistened strangely.
His father looked at him an instant, and then continued,-- "Six months' leave of absence procured at the same time, which will give you about three months more at home.

So you see you now possess the inestimable privilege of wearing a red coat; and what is still better, of getting a hole made in it; for there is great trouble threatening with the Affghans and Beloochs, and the chances are that you will smell powder before you are up in your regimental duties.
Under which circumstances I shall take the liberty of requesting that you inform yourself on these points under my direction, for I don't want you to join your regiment in the position of any other booby.

Have the goodness to lie down again and not excite yourself.

You have anticipated this some time.