The things we do!

The one rider is youthful, and has a blonde moustache. The
cheek of the other has been browned by foreign suns; it is easy to see by
the manner in which he bestrides his powerful charger that he has
followed the profession of arms. He looks as if he had faced his
country's enemies on many a field of Eastern battle. The cavaliers alight
before the gate of a cottage on Richmond Hill, where a gentleman receives
them with eager welcome. Their steeds are accommodated at a neighbouring
hostelry,--I pause in the midst of the description, for the reader has
made the acquaintance of our two horsemen long since. It is Clive
returned from Malta, from Gibraltar, from Seville, from Cadiz, and with
him our dear old friend the Colonel. His campaigns are over, his sword is
hung up, he leaves Eastern suns and battles to warm younger blood.
Welcome back to England, dear Colonel and kind friend! How quickly the
years have passed since he has been gone! There is a streak or two more
silver in his hair.


Pages:
1219 1220 1221 1222 1223 1224 1225 1226 1227 1228 1229 1230 1231 1232 1233 1234 1235 1236 1237 1238 1239 1240 1241 1242 1243