"Bad news, Dad?"
There was no answer. He had not expected one, for he read the truth on the face that had never lied. He stood very still for a brief moment, his head up—characteristically—his face a little pale. Both brothers! Then he breathed deeply and turned to his father in expectation. The latter knew what was wanted.
"You are eighteen to-day, Boy. You may apply for your commission."
There was a cry, quickly stifled, from the Mother, and the Boy said very quietly, "Thank you, Dad; of course I must go now." Then he went to his mother and kissed her and was not ashamed to cry.
It was his father who broke the silence.
"May God grant you many returns, many happy returns of the day!"
THE SORROWS OF WILSON.
(With humble apologies to Thackeray.)
Wilson had a love for Charlotte