I apologized for the blunder, and begged of him to alight and come in.
"I thank you very much, but, in fact, my hours are now numbered here. I have just received an order to join my regiment; we have been ordered for service, and Sir George has most kindly permitted my giving up my staff appointment. I could not, however, leave the country without shaking hands with you. I owe you a lesson in horsemanship, and I'm only sorry that we are not to have another day together."
"Then you are going out to the Peninsula?" said I.
"Why, we hope so; the commander-in-chief, they say, is in great want of cavalry, and we scarcely less in want of something to do. I'm sorry you are not coming with us."
"Would to Heaven I were!" said I, with an earnestness that almost made my brain start.
"Unfortunately, I am peculiarly situated. My worthy uncle, who is all to me in this world, would be quite alone if I were to leave him; and although he has never said so, I know he dreads the possibility of my suggesting such a thing to him: so that, between his fears and mine, the matter is never broached by either party, nor do I think ever can be."
"Devilish hard--but I believe you are right; something, however, may turn up yet to alter his mind, and if so, and if you do take to dragooning, don't forget George Hammersley will be always most delighted to meet you; and so good-by, O'Malley, good-by."
He turned his horse's head and was already some paces off, when he returned to my side, and in a lower tone of voice said,--
"I ought to mention to you that there has been much discussion on your affair at Blake's table, and only one opinion on the matter among all parties,--that you acted perfectly right. Sir George Dashwood,--no mean judge of such things,--quite approves of your conduct, and, I believe, wishes you to know as much; and now, once more, good-by."