Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/114

Rh warmly interested. Some of his men were also present.

He found time for the service of God, and for promoting the interests of His kingdom upon earth, without neglecting any of the last obligations of friendship before his final parting, and whilst occupied, almost from morning till night, in arranging and providing for the wives and children of the soldiers of the Light Company.

The order had come for the embarkation of his regiment on Friday in that week. The fulfilment of an old promise was now claimed by him, that we should meet him at the Waterloo Station, and cheer him with a last "God bless you!" there.

But on Thursday afternoon he sent a note by express, to say that they had just received orders to leave London at six o'clock; and that much as he had rested on the promise of this last act of friendship in England, he could not request its fulfilment, as the hour was so early.

It need not be said, that the hour was of no moment to those who loved him. By six o'clock we drove up to the Waterloo Station.

It was a lovely morning, that 19th of May. The sunshine, glittering on the bayonets of the men, as they marched up the steps to the station, seemed to mock the tears of wives, sisters, and friends who accompanied them.

I saw a young wife quit her hold of her husband's hand, and approach Hedley Vicars, with a manner of respectful confidence, as she said to him, "Oh, Mr. Vicars, you will see that Cottrell writes to me regular! won't you? It is my only comfort to know that you will."

The kindness and sympathy of his tone, as he answered her, told that her confidence was not misplaced.

Just then his brother arrived; and during the delay