From that day he was extremely kind and considerate to Lucy.  Perceiving how much happier the girl was when she returned from visiting Mrs Damerel than at other times, Modbury diminished her labours by employing another dairymaid, so that Lucy might have more leisure, which he had no objection should be spent with the invalid.

One morning while Lucy was preparing the household dinner, a message arrived from the cottage.  Her presence was desired there immediately.  Lucy lost no time, and was soon in her accustomed seat at the bed-head.  Mrs Damerel placed a letter in her hands.  It was from her son.  With beating heart Lucy opened it, and after time sufficient to master the emotions which the sight of Luke’s handwriting caused her, she proceeded to read it aloud.  It ran thus: 

’MAIDSTONE BARRACKS, KENT.

’MY DEAREST MOTHER—­I have at last found enough courage to take up my pen, hoping this will find you in good health, as it leaves me at present.  I hope you have forgiven me for what I have done.  I send you two pounds, part of the bounty I received for enlisting.  Do not be afraid, my dear mother, that whilst I live you shall want.

’When I went to Honiton, I was persuaded to enlist, after the soldiers had passed through, by a sergeant of a horse-regiment, and I took the king’s money; so I am now a private in the —­th Dragoons.  I am rough-riding every day, and expect to be passed as fit for regular duty soon, when I shall be draughted off to the Indies, where our head-quarters are.  I should be very comfortable if it was not for thinking about home, so much.  They have found out I am a good judge of horses, and know all about their complaints, so the sergeant-major told me yesterday I shall get on very well in the Indies, if I keep a sharp look-out.

’Dear mother, I shall see you again when I come back—­I know I shall; and we shall be happy together; for now I have nobody else to care about upon the earth.  I hope she will be happy, for she deserves all this world can afford, and I have always found Mr Modbury a kind master, so I am sure he will make her a kind husband.  Dear mother, there is Tom Larkin, who promised me, after I had listed, that he and his sister Sarah would look in upon you sometimes, and help you.  May God bless you, my dear mother.  My heart was well-nigh broken; but my comrades have been very kind to me, and I want for nothing.  Good-bye, mother, and believe me your ever-affectionate son,

LUKE DAMEREL.

’P.S.—­I do not know when we shall sail for the Indies; but in case, please to direct to Private Damerel, —­th Regiment, Light Dragoons, Maidstone, or elsewhere; and the letter will be sure to come to hand.  Once more, God bless you, and may God bless her too, dear mother.’