CHAPTER XVI.
MY CHARGER.
Although I felt my heart relieved of a heavy load by the confession I had made to Power, yet still I shrank from meeting him for some days after; a kind of fear lest he should in any way recur to our conversation continually beset me, and I felt that the courage which bore me up for my first effort would desert me on the next occasion.
My determination to join my regiment was now made up, and I sent forward a resignation of my appointment to Sir George Dashwood's staff, which I had never been in health to fulfil, and commenced with energy all my preparations for a speedy departure.
The reply to my rather formal letter was a most kind note written by himself.

He regretted the unhappy cause which had so long separated us, and though wishing, as he expressed it, to have me near him, perfectly approved of my resolution.
"Active service alone, my dear boy, can ever place you in the position you ought to occupy; and I rejoice the more at your decision in this matter, as I feared the truth of certain reports here, which attributed to you other plans than those which a campaign suggests.

My mind is now easy on this score, and I pray you forgive me if my congratulations are _mal a propos_." After some hints for my future management, and a promise of some letters to his friends at headquarters, he concluded:-- "As this climate does not seem to suit my daughter, I have applied for a change, and am in daily hope of obtaining it.

Before going, however, I must beg your acceptance of the charger which my groom will deliver to your servant with this.

I was so struck with his figure and action that I purchased him before leaving England without well knowing why or wherefore.