Never was general in battle so tender for the wounded as he.

His first thought after a fight is for his injured soldiers; and he looks personally after the arrangements for their comfort.

This fact should be enough to show you that he is careful of human life, and would not intrust men with missions that are too perilous to be successfully carried out." Mother and sister took heart at this, and trusted to see Tom return safe and sound from his present journey.
This farewell was more easily gone through than the last, although Tom felt a keener sense of affection for his relatives than he had done on the first occasion, and a greater affection for his home.
But he had made trial of a new life now, and was full of hopeful confidence; and both mother and sister had begun to believe in him, and had shown pride and satisfaction in his career.
So they rode forth in the first sunshine of a bright February morning, with three stout serving men from Gablehurst to attend them as far as Harwich.

Lord Claude was willing to accept the escort, as the road was unfamiliar to him, and he wanted no needless delays along the route.
Rachel brought the stirrup cup, and the household assembled to cheer the travellers as they rode away.

There were tears in the mother's eyes, but she smiled and waved her hand bravely.