And here, while little Pen, buried in a great chair, read all the books of which he could lay hold, the Squire perused his own articles in the 'Gardener's Gazette,' or took a solemn hand at picquet with Mrs.Pendennis, or an occasional friend from the village.
Pendennis usually took care that at least one of his grand dinners should take place when his brother, the Major, who, on the return of his regiment from India and New South Wales, had sold out and gone upon half-pay, came to pay his biennial visit to Fairoaks.

"My brother, Major Pendennis," was a constant theme of the retired Doctor's conversation.
All the family delighted in my brother the Major.

He was the link which bound them to the great world of London, and the fashion.

He always brought down the last news of the nobility, and was in the constant habit of dining with lords and great folks.

He spoke of such with soldierlike respect and decorum.