As time was up, and Justin had to be back in camp by the evening roll call, he took leave of his sister and friends and departed.
The prophecies of Major Fielding were fulfilled. Justin rose rapidly from the ranks. The next time he visited his sister, he wore the badge of a sergeant upon his sleeves. And he delighted Erminie with the announcement that the colonel of his regiment had notified him that he should have a lieutenant’s commission in a company that was then being formed of new recruits, and had also hinted at still further advancement.
CHAPTER IV.
THE SOLDIER’S LOVE.
’Tis often in the parting hour,
Victorious love asserts his power
O’er coldness and disdain;
For flinty is her heart can view
To battle march her lover true.
Can hear perchance his last adieu,
Nor own her share of pain.—Walter Scott.