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of the world as very cheap and unsatisfactory affairs indeed. Whilst I have health and strength to earn my daily bread I do not envy anybody. In all probability I shall continue in the service after the expiration of the term of my Regiment. What things succeed - what things fail - whoso is happy and whoso sorrowful - how much or how little of the more personal and sensuous enjoyments and delights of life may hereafter come to me - these bring me no solicitude whatever. - I have been wild and wayward, proud, defiant, passionate, hasty: but I am not ashamed also to say that amid all my errors, mistakes, and worse, I have tried sorely to keep real to the vision of Truth and Justice which has never quite forsaken me. - I have no new life to "begin." A very few years at the utmost will bring for me the solution of the mysteries which have sometimes sorely perplexed me. For even should I escape the further hazards and perils of war I know well that my declining health, impaired by exposure, and greatly affected by my recent hurt, does not give me a long lease on life. But I do not think I am afraid to die; sometimes indeed I should have welcomed the Reaper into my garden. Nevertheless for all your tender sympathy, comfort, counsel, may the dear God bless you and reward you a thousand-fold. Sometimes, save for you and your Sister, the ducts of my life would have run dry: sometimes your letters have wrought upon me the magic of a wonderfully changed mood. I am your debtor; but God repays.