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.