CHAPTER XXII.
During the course of the winter which followed my visit to the Long-Beach a great change took place in our family--my brother departed for his first campaign.
He was, as I have said, about fourteen years older than I.I had had very little time to become acquainted with him, to attach myself to him, for his preparation for his vocation made it necessary for him to be away from home a great deal.

I scarcely ever went into his room where, scattered upon the table, there was an appalling number of large books.
This room was pervaded with the strong odor of tobacco; and I dared not go near it for fear that I would meet his comrades, young officers, or students like himself.

I had heard, also, that he was not always well-behaved, that sometimes he did not come in until very late at night, and that often my father had found it necessary to give him a serious talking to; secretly I greatly disapproved of his conduct.
But his approaching departure strengthened my affection, and caused me extreme sorrow.
He was going to Polynesia, to Tahiti, almost to the end of the world, and he expected to be away four years.

To me that seemed an almost endless absence, for it represented half of my own age.
I watched, with the greatest interest, the preparations that he made for his voyage.

The iron-bound trunks were packed with care.