The Major had, indeed; he had pumped his nephew concerning his new
friend, the Irish officer; and whether he had no other knowledge of the
Captain than what he had thus gained, or whether he actually remembered
him, we cannot say. But Major Pendennis was a person of honour and
undoubted veracity, and said that he perfectly well recollected meeting
Mr. Costigan, and hearing him sing at Sir Richard Strachan's table at
Walcheren.

At this information, and the bland and cordial manner in which it was
conveyed, Bows looked up, entirely puzzled. "But we will talk of these
matters another time," the Major continued, perhaps not wishing to commit
himself; "it is to Miss Fotheringay that I came to pay my respects
to-day;" and he performed another bow for her, so courtly and gracious,
that if she had been a duchess he could not have made it more handsome.

"I had heard of your performances from my nephew, madam," the Major said,
"who raves about you, as I believe you know pretty well. But Arthur is
but a boy, and a wild enthusiastic young fellow, whose opinions one must
not take au pied de la lettre; and I confess I was anxious to judge for
myself. Permit me to say your performance delighted and astonished me. I
have seen our best actresses, and, on my word, I think you surpass them
all. You are as majestic as Mrs. Siddons."

"Faith, I always said so," Costigan said, winking at his daughter;
"Major, take a chair." Milly rose at this hint, took an uuripped satin
garment off the only vacant seat, and brought the latter to Major
Pendennis with one of her finest curtseys.

"You are as pathetic as Miss O'Neill," he continued, bowing and seating