way?"

"Upon my word," the Major answered, quite delighted, "I think you may be
of very great service to me. You are a young man of the world, and with
such one likes to deal. And as such I need not inform you that our family
is by no means delighted at this absurd intrigue in which Arthur is
engaged."

"I should rather think not," said Mr. Foker. "Connexion not eligible. Too
much beer drunk on the premises. No Irish need apply. That I take to be
your meaning."

The Major said it was, exactly; though in truth he did not quite
understand what Mr. Foker's meaning was: and he proceeded to examine his
new acquaintance regarding the amiable family into which his nephew
proposed to enter, and soon got from the candid witness a number of
particulars regarding the House of Costigan.

We must do Mr. Foker the justice to say that he spoke most favourably of
Mr. and Miss Costigan's moral character. "You see," said he, "I think the
General is fond of the jovial bowl, and if I wanted to be very certain of
my money, it isn't in his pocket I'd invest it--but he has always kept a
watchful eye on his daughter, and neither he nor she will stand anything
but what's honourable. Pen's attentions to her are talked about in the
whole Company, and I hear all about them from a young lady who used to be
very intimate with her, and with whose family I sometimes take tea in a
friendly way. Miss Rouncy says, Sir Derby Oaks has been hanging about
Miss Fotheringay ever since his regiment has been down here; but Pen has
come in and cut him out lately, which has made the Baronet so mad, that
he has been very near on the point of proposing too. Wish he would; and