Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

A BUNCH OF FLOWERS. 135
months later I heard that a regiment of cavalry had left Turin,
and I did not see my soldier again, nor did I think of him.
Many years passed ; '59 arrived. I became infatuated
with the army, and manifested to my father my
intention of
embracing a military career. My father was uncertain. '
Finish
'
your studies,' he said, and we will see about it.' In
August of '59 I ended them, and from that time forward
I had a discussion every day with my father on the subject of
my career. As time went on he seemed less disposed to
second my desires. But an unforeseen incident settled the
question. It was in the beginning of January, '60. One morning
I'sat writing at a table. There was a rap at the door, and a
servant came to say that some one wished to see me. '
Who
can it be ?
'
I said to my mother. I rose, she followed me,
and we went into the hall-way.
There was a man in workman's
clothes at the door, wearing a large cloak, a fur cap on his
head, and looking pale, thin, with a saddened and weary air.
'
He does not even raise his cap,' muttered the servant as we
entered. The unknown visitor looked smilingly at me, and
'
said : Is it
you ? '
giving my Christian and surname.
" *
Yes,' I replied.
" '
I am a poor young fellow who is left without work 1 have
;
been a soldier, and if
you could help me in some way. ..."
"
My mother and I consulted each other with a glance.
" '
Give me something,' added the man in a tone of supplication.
" I took and handed him in spite of myself a couple of francs,
'
saying as I did so :
" '
Take this.'
Will you put it into my pocket ? '
" '
Into '
your pocket I exclaimed, half ! surprised, half of-