They are all cast in a common mould,
the products of a system which teaches early self-reliance, hardihood,
and manliness--a fine type upon the whole; less refined and less
intellectual, perhaps, than their brothers of the land, but full
of truth and energy and heroism. In figure he was straight, tall, and
well-knit, with keen grey eyes, and the sharp prompt manner of a man who
has been accustomed both to command and to obey.
"You had my note?" he said, as he entered the room. "I have to go
again, Laura. Isn't it a bore? Old Smithers is short-handed, and wants
me back at once." He sat down by the girl, and put his brown hand
across her white one. "It won't be a very large order this time,"
he continued. "It's the flying squadron business--Madeira, Gibraltar,
Lisbon, and home. I shouldn't wonder if we were back in March."
"It seems only the other day that you landed." she answered.
"Poor little girl! But it won't be long. Mind you take good care of
her, Robert when I am gone. And when I come again, Laura, it will be
the last time mind! Hang the money! There are plenty who manage on
less. We need not have a house. Why should we? You can get very nice
rooms in Southsea at 2 pounds a week. McDougall, our paymaster, has
just married, and he only gives thirty shillings.
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