It is a long reading. Lists of the men who graduate, of the men who go on furlough, and of the new cadet officers; and again the friendly chin-straps do the part of words, and "conceal thought." But if you are near enough, and know the faces, you can see a gleam in the eyes of the men who are to wear chevrons, or gloom on the faces of some who are left in ranks, while the furlough men are almost dancing. But not even a half-inch stir, anywhere.
When the reading is done, and they break ranks, then indeed frolic breaks loose, and every sort of thing is on hand. Graduates rush to their rooms, clasping a hand here and there as they go, to put off the grey once more and forever. Furlough men also "scoot" away, eager to come out in "cits" for the journey; while the others hug and congratulate each other in a threefold tangle, sometimes; the new officers hurry to put on their chevrons; and (lest the fun should be one-sided) are now and then caught and borne away and put under the hydrant by the zealous yearlings.
Meantime the sallyport fills up with girls, matrons, friends, old graduates, and people in general. The gay overflow pours out into the area of barracks, all waiting to see the young lieutenants and the furlough men shine out in "cits." And they are about as different from each other, when they come, as they were in the old candidate days. One tall man in an extra tall hat, the next neat and harmonious down to his small handbag, and this one just a trifle loud and mixed. Twos and threes and one alone, hardly to be known at first, with their canes and neckties. The furlough men shine all over with joy, the young graduates have thoughts. So this face grows grave over a handshake, and this other stalwart fellow breaks down in his words of farewell, and leaves them unsaid.
Mr. Wayne stood there with the rest, watching for Magnus, and then having a word with him from time to time, until that matter-of-fact regulation drum beat the call for dinner, and the new cadet officers marched the men away.
The air is still full of hurry, for most of those who are going want to take the down boat, and there are a few last calls to pay, and some unfinished business with the commissary or the "Com." But one way and another the area is cleared, the men slip out of sight, and graduation is over. Few words may tell the rest.
Mr. Erskine had passed away from this earthly life, during that very week in June; and it was a very pale and grief-stricken girl, much needing him, that Magnus took in his arms when he reached home. And later on in the summer there was a quiet wedding, with just a few classmates in full-dress uniform to light up the room, and Mr. Wayne to join the two hands in a bond which should never be broken.
And their first post? What does that matter? However, it was one with plenty to do, and some things to bear; a good place wherein to shine as the Lord's true servants, and an excellent one from which to look up to Him.
For the rest, it stood on high ground, with a fine outlook, and a fair climate. It was called Fort Content.