Now, although Arthur had anticipated that some such enquiry would be made by the Baronet, he was not quite prepared as to the precise answer it would be best for him to make; in fact he was taken a little aback at the suddenness of the question.  He had expected that some days would elapse before Sir Jasper would broach the subject, but being of a straightforward and truthful nature, he frankly stated what he thought respecting his future.  “Of course,” he said, “Sir Jasper, I shall be guided entirely by any suggestions you may kindly offer, for to you I owe everything.  The only path that I believe is open to me is that of Law or Medicine; (and since you allow me) I must candidly acknowledge to either of those professions I have an antipathy; but if it is your wish that I should follow either of these, I can assure you that energy and perseverance shall not be wanting on my part to attain a respectable standing in whatever undertaking I embark in.”

“Right, Arthur, right; there is nothing like energy and perseverance in whatever situation, we may be placed in, and now listen to me.”  The Baronet here took another glass of port, and motioned to Arthur to do the same; then continued he, “Law and Physic are both distasteful to me, nor do I think they are at all suitable for you.  The Church is almost out of the question, as I have no interest in that quarter, and could be in no way of use to you.  You are beyond the age that lads generally enter the navy; but what say you to the army?” Arthur gave a start at this proposal, and a beam of delight—­which he could not conceal—­lit up his handsome, though somewhat thoughtful face.

“Oh, Sir Jasper,” he exclaimed, “it is the very position I most prize, but one that I had not ventured to hope could be realized; it has been the day dream of my youth.”

The kind-hearted old Baronet was evidently much pleased at his young friend’s reply and enthusiasm.  He took another glass of wine, then said:  “I promised your father to give you a fair start in life, and I will keep my word.  I have already applied to the Horse Guards on your behalf, and have the refusal of a cornetcy in the Light Dragoons.  There, there, say nothing; I see you accept it, so that part of the business is settled so far; but the regiment is now in India, and likely to remain there for some years.  Have you any objections to leaving England?  If so, you are at liberty to withdraw your consent.”

“There is no part of the world that I have so great a desire to visit as British India.  I have both heard and read a great deal of that extraordinary country.  Besides, is it not the land of my birth?” was Arthur’s immediate reply.