316 THE VICARAGE. 



not my own officer, and a better or a braver there 

 could not be ; and was I not going to see if I 

 could do anything for him, for he is sorely 

 wounded.' 5 



"But where can we find him ?" enquired Henry 

 eagerly. 



" Find him," said the soldier ; " he's at the last 

 cottage in the village, straight on there; but I 

 doubt if they'll let you see him, for he's very bad." 



" But we are come from England on purpose to 

 nurse him," said Henry. " Drive on." 



" God bless you," exclaimed the old soldier, as 

 he received a sovereign from Henry, (C and the 

 captain too" 



Who shall describe Lucy's feelings during this 

 little dialogue. She pressed her brother's arm in 

 an agony of woe. " Not see him ? sorely wound- 

 ed," was all that occurred to her. The carriage 

 at last stopped, and Henry assisted his sister to 

 alight. They gently opened the cottage door, and 

 saw a veteran soldier with a wooden leg busily 

 engaged in preparing food at the fire. 



" Is Captain Neville here ?" said Henry ; " and 

 how is he }'* 



" Hush ! he will hear you," replied the soldier, 

 " if he is awake ; but I hope he is asleep, for he 

 requires it sadly." 



" Is he alone ?" asked Henry. 



" The good clergyman is with him/' said the 



