And besides, he is unfit for such a strain, he will never stand it." My heart felt hot as I thought of Derrick, with his highly-strung, sensitive nature, his refinement, his gentleness, in constant companionship with such a man as Major Vaughan.
"My dear sir," said the old doctor, with a gleam in his eye, "I understand your feeling well enough.

But depend upon it, your friend has made the right choice, and there is no doubt that he'll be strong enough to do his duty." The word reminded me of the Major's song, and my voice was abominably sarcastic in tone as I said to Derrick, "You no longer consider writing your duty then ?" "Yes," he said, "but it must stand second to this.

Don't be vexed, Sydney; our plans are knocked on the head, but it is not so bad as you make out.

I have at any rate enough to live on, and can afford to wait." There was no more to be said, and the next day I saw that strange trio set out on their road to Bath.

The Major looking more wicked when sober than he had done when drunk; the old doctor kindly and considerate as ever; and Derrick, with an air of resolution about that English face of his and a dauntless expression in his eyes which impressed me curiously.
These quiet, reserved fellows are always giving one odd surprises.
He had astonished me by the vigour and depth of the first volume of 'Lynwood's Heritage.' He astonished me now by a new phase in his own character.