Small things near are greater than great things afar, and at Hatchstead my affairs were of more moment than the fall of a Chancellor or the King's choice of new Ministers.

A cry arose that I should open my packet and disclose what it contained.
"Nay," said the Vicar, with an air of importance, "it may be on a private matter that the King writes." They would have believed that of my lord at the Manor, they could not of Simon Dale.

The Vicar met their laughter bravely.
"But the King and Simon are to have private matters between them one day," he cried, shaking his fist at the mockers, himself half in mockery.
Meanwhile I opened my packet and read.

To this day the amazement its contents bred in me is fresh.

For the purport was that the King, remembering my father's services to the King's father (and forgetting, as it seemed, those done to General Cromwell), and being informed of my own loyal disposition, courage, and good parts, had been graciously pleased to name me to a commission in His Majesty's Regiment of Life Guards, such commission being post-dated six months from the day of writing, in order that Mr Dale should have the leisure to inform himself of his duties and fit himself for his post; to which end it was the King's further pleasure that Mr Dale should present himself, bringing this same letter with him, without delay at Whitehall, and there be instructed in his drill and in all other matters necessary for him to know.