He had heard so much of him, from his mother, that it seemed to him that their relationship was far closer than it really was, and that Keith stood in the position of an uncle rather than of his mother's cousin.

Since he had been in Germany he had been constantly with him, save when he was away with the king; and the genial kindness, the absence of all formality, and the affectionate interest he had shown in him had been almost of a fatherly nature.

It was but a poor consolation to know that it was the death Keith would, of all others, have chosen; and that, had he survived the campaign, he would probably have been obliged to retire from active service; or to take some quiet command, where his inactivity would speedily have chafed him beyond bearing, after so active and stirring a life.
Two hours later the officer entered the room, and said that General Lacy had returned, and would see him.

The general was alone when he was shown into his room, and his face evinced a momentary surprise when his eyes fell on Fergus.

Promotion was not very rapid in the Prussian army, and he had expected to see a man of between thirty and forty.