The Major was by no means sorry at the ludicrous issue of the quarrel.

"It seems to me, sir," he said to Mr.Foker, "that you always arrive to put me into good-humour." Nor was this the only occasion on which Mr.Foker this day was destined to be of service to the Pendennis family.

We have said that he had the entree of Captain Costigan's lodgings, and in the course of the afternoon he thought he would pay the General a visit, and hear from his own lips what had occurred in the conversation, in the morning, with Mr.
Pendennis.

Captain Costigan was not at home.

He had received permission, nay, encouragement from his daughter, to go to the convivial club at the Magpie Hotel, where no doubt he was bragging at that moment of his desire to murder a certain ruffian; for he was not only brave, but he knew it too, and liked to take out his courage, and, as it were, give it an airing in company.
Costigan then was absent, but Miss Fotheringay was at home washing the tea-cups whilst Mr.Bows sate opposite to her.
"Just done breakfast I see--how do ?" said Mr.Foker, popping in his little funny head.
"Get out, you funny little man," cried Miss Fotheringay.
"You mean come in, answered the other .-- Here we are!" and entering the room he folded his arms and began twirling his head round and round with immense rapidity, like Harlequin in the Pantomime when he first issues from his cocoon or envelope.