"Do not think of that, Dick," interrupted my father in his turn.  "I assure you that my life here is not nearly so lonely as you seem to imagine.  True, there are not many neighbours, but what there are, are eminently satisfactory; also I have my horses, my dogs, my gun, and my rod for outdoor companions, and books to exorcise the loneliness of my evenings; so that you see I am not at all badly off.  No doubt I shall miss you after you are gone, my son; but this is not the time to study one's own feelings.  Britain just now needs every one of her sons who can strike a blow in her defence; and when I look at your empty chair I shall at least have the pride and satisfaction of knowing that, wherever you may be, you are upholding the honour of your country and your name. Well, well," he sighed, "let us get indoors and to breakfast.  There is a letter also for you from Vavassour, and you will be curious to learn what he has to say to you."