Your color has quite gone, and you look downright pale." "What should be the matter, you silly boy ?" Mrs.Conway said, with an attempt to smile.

"What could there be unpleasant in a letter from a person I have not heard from for years?
There, go on with your breakfast.

I expect you will hear some news when you get down into the town, for the guns in the castle have been firing, and I suppose there is news of a victory.

They said yesterday that a great battle was expected to be fought against Napoleon somewhere near Leipzig." "Yes; I heard the guns, mother, and I expect there has been a victory.
I hope not." "Why do you hope not, Ralph ?" "Why, of course, mother, I don't want the French to be beaten--not regularly beaten, till I am old enough to have a share in it.

Just fancy what a nuisance it would be if peace was made just as I get my commission." "There will be plenty of time for you, Ralph," his mother said smiling.