The regiment to which I was gazetted! And so I was a soldier at last! The first wish of my boyhood was then really accomplished.

And my uncle, what will he say; what will he think?
"A letter, sir, by the post," said Mike, at the moment.
I seized it eagerly; it came from home, but was in Considine's handwriting.
How my heart failed me as I turned to look at the seal.

"Thank God!" said I, aloud, on perceiving that it was a red one.

I now tore it open and read:-- My Dear Charley,--Godfrey, being laid up with the gout, has desired me to write to you by this day's post.

Your appointment to the 14th, notwithstanding all his prejudices about the army, has given him sincere pleasure.