Something in his letter put every one into a hurry, and a
correspondence began, which resulted in Gilbert's being summoned to
Sandhurst for an examination, which he passed creditably. The
purchase-money was deposited, and the household was daily thrown into
a state of excitement by the arrival of official-looking envelopes,
which turned out to contain solicitations from tailors and
outfitters, bordered with portraits of camp-beds and portable baths,
until, at last, when the real document appeared, Gilbert tossed it
aside as from 'another tailor:' but Albinia knew the article too well
to mistake it, and when the long blue cover was opened, it proved to
convey more than they had reckoned upon.
Gilbert Kendal held a commission in the 25th Lancers, and the corps
was under immediate orders for the East. The number of officers
being deficient, he was to join the headquarters at Cork, without
going to the depot, and would thence sail with a stated minimum of
baggage.
Albinia could not look up. She knew her husband had not intended
thus to risk the last of his eldest-born sons; and though her
soldier-spirit might have swelled with exultation had her own brave
boy been concerned, she dreaded the sight of quailing or dismay in
Gilbert.
'Going really to fight the Russians,' shouted Maurice, as the meaning
reached him. 'Oh! Gibbie, if I was but a man to go with you!'
'You will do your duty, my boy,' said his father.
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