In the afternoon of the third day a dispatch came:—
Congressman will let this year’s appointment lapse and will hold vacancy open for you another year, upon my solemn word of honor that you will qualify yourself and pass. I rely upon you to make my promise good.
GEORGE BEAUMONT.
The day was dark and rainy, but no June morning ever seemed brighter to Brydell when he read that dispatch. The transition seemed to him like passing from death to life.
He knew he had never had a chance at preparation, and he knew he had a good mind, capable of learning what other fellows did. But, above all, he felt suddenly develop within himself a determination, a strength of purpose, a power of will that could do great things if he tried.
This new force was always a part of his character, although quickly developed by a strange succession of fierce disappointments. But impetuosity was also a part of his character, and with this new sense of manliness and responsibility came a rash determination that he would prove his sincerity by working for his living while preparing himself for that other chance a year hence.
Hot with this thought, Brydell wrote his father a brief but eager letter:—
And as I have known all the disadvantages of having too much money to spend, all taken, almost stolen from your pay, dear old man, while you are doing without everything for me, and I am determined never to cost you another dollar. I can find work easy enough,
(sanguine Brydell)
and work won’t interfere with my studying half as much as play will, and I want to do something—anything—everything—to earn the admiral’s respect and my own too. So make yourself easy, dad, about me. I’ll be at work when you get this, and you know whatever faults I’ve had I never was a milksop; and I’m going to behave myself; don’t you worry about that. So wait until next year and you won’t be ashamed of your affectionate son and chum,
RICHARD BRYDELL, Jr.
Brydell ran and posted this letter before he had time to change his mind about sending it. When it was gone he had a sudden feeling of shock, like a man just under a shower bath. But his word was passed. He had naturally the strength of mind to stick to what he said, and one of the things that had not been neglected with him was a most faithful regard for his own word. Rash his resolve might be, but not to be shirked on that account.