Again his head drooped and he fumbled for the papers and gave them to
her, and as he did so a tear rolled suddenly down his cheek and splashed
on a spoon. It seemed to be a sign to him, he felt his courage giving
way and visibly pulled himself together. Then he turned to take the
Mother's hand, rising from his seat. They stood a little while thus,
the Mother looking away, as he had done, into unfathomable distances
of time and space. Then she too pulled herself together and went to her
place at the other end of the table. They heard steps on the staircase,
a voice singing. The door opened and the Boy came in late and expecting
a comment from his father, His eyes travelled to the parcels beside his
plate, then he felt the silence and saw the strained expressions of his
mother and father and lastly the official papers. He came forward and
spoke bravely.
"Bad news, Dad?"
There was no answer. He had not expected one, for he read the truth on
the face that had never lied. He stood very still for a brief moment, his
head up--characteristically--his face a little pale. Both brothers! Then
he breathed deeply and turned to his father in expectation. The latter
knew what was wanted.
"You are eighteen to-day, Boy. You may apply for your commission."
There was a cry, quickly stifled, from the Mother, and the Boy said very
quietly, "Thank you, Dad; of course I must go now." Then he went to his
mother and kissed her and was not ashamed to cry.
It was his father who broke the silence.
"May God grant you many returns, many happy returns of the day!"
* * * * *