"But I did not think of purchasing. I should like to get one given to me."
"Is there a chance of it?"
Charles did not reply. He was standing before the window, gazing abstractedly at a young butcher boy, dashing about in a light cart for his morning orders. There was not very much chance of it, he feared, but there might be a little.
"Let us suppose that you had the commission, Charley, that it arrived here for you this very day direct from the Horse Guards—or whatever place may issue them," pursued Edina. "Would it benefit you?"
"Benefit me!"
"I mean, could you take it up? How would you find your necessary outfit? Regimentals cost a great deal: and there must be many other preliminary expenses. This is not all——"
"I could get things on credit," interrupted Charles, "and pay as I went on."
"But this would not be the only impediment, Charley. I have heard that it takes every officer more than his pay to live. I have often thought that were I an officer it should not take me more; but it may be that I am mistaken there. You would not have anything besides your pay, Charley."
"Oh, I expect I should get along."
"Taken at the best, you would have nothing to spare. I had thought you might choose some calling which would enable you to help them here at home."