These long-continued separations, however much we may feel inclined to gloss over the fact, do play strange havoc with home affections, wearing them away inch by inch.
The years went on and on.

Captain Verner became Colonel Sir Lionel Verner, and a boy of his had been sent home in due course, and was at Eton.

Old Mr.Verner grew near to death.

News went out to India that his days were numbered, and Sir Lionel Verner was instructed to get leave of absence, if possible, and start for home without a day's loss, if he would see his father alive.

"If possible," you observe, they put to the request; for the Sikhs were at that time giving trouble in our Indian possessions, and Colonel Verner was one of the experienced officers least likely to be spared.
But there is a mandate that must be obeyed whenever it comes--grim, imperative death.