“Good gracious, pap, that was two years ago! If Justin rises no faster than you did, the war will be over before he is a drill sergeant,” said Elfie.
“Yes; but he will rise faster, daught’. Young men can rise faster, as well as run faster, than old ones. You see with me there were drawbacks, daught’. For one thing, I wasn’t tip-top at the double-quick!”
“Except in retreat, pap!”
“Hush, you saucy imp!”
“But, in any case,” sighed Erminie, “Justin’s promotion must be very tedious.”
“Not at all,” said the major. “He will rise as fast as he learns. A young man like our volunteer here is not going to be overlooked in the lines. He will be promoted as fast as possible. The regiment is not filled up yet, you know. New companies are being formed. And I will guarantee, before the regiment marches, Justin will have received his captain’s commission.”
“Heaven send it!” aspirated Erminie.
“Dear sister, and good friends,” said Justin, earnestly, “I beg you to understand that I did not enter the army to seek my own advancement, but to do my duty to my country.”
“I know that, Justin,” said Erminie—“know it well; but——”
“Advancement will be your destiny whether you seek it or not,” said the major.