'have not I told you that Clos
de Vougeot is always to be kept for Sir Ratcliffe Armine? It is his
favourite wine. Clos de Vougeot directly to Sir Ratcliffe Armine. I do
not think, my dear madam [turning to a fair neighbour], that I have
yet had the pleasure of introducing you to my son-in-law, my favourite
son-in-law, Sir Ratcliffe Armine. He married my daughter Constance, my
favourite daughter, Constance. Only here for a few days, a very, very
few days indeed. Quite a flying visit. I wish I could see the whole
family oftener and longer. Passing through to Falmouth with his son,
this young gentleman on my right, my grandson, my favourite grandson,
Ferdinand. Just got his commission. Ordered for Malta immediately. He is
in the Fusileers, the Royal Fusileers. Very difficult, my dear madam, in
these days to obtain a commission, especially a commission in the Royal
Fusileers. Very great interest required, very great interest, indeed.
But the Armines are a most ancient family, very highly connected, very
highly connected; and, between you and me, the Duke of-----would do
anything for them.

Come, come, Captain Armine, take a glass of wine with your old
grandfather.'

'How attached the old gentleman appears to be to his grandson!'
whispered the lady to her neighbour.

'Delightful! yes!' was the reply, 'I believe he is the favourite
grandson.'

In short, the old gentleman at last got so excited by the universal
admiration lavished on his favourite grandson, that he finally insisted
on seeing the young hero in his regimentals; and when Ferdinand took his
leave, after a great many whimpering blessings, his domestic feelings
were worked up to such a pitch of enthusiasm, that he absolutely
presented his grandson with a hundred-pound note.

'Thank you, my dear grandpapa,' said the astonished Ferdinand, who
really did not expect more than fifty, perhaps even a moiety of that
more moderate sum; 'thank you, my dear grandpapa; I am very much obliged
to you, indeed.'

'I wish I could do more for you; I do, indeed,' said Lord Grandison;
'but nobody ever thinks of paying his rent now. You are my grandson, my
favourite grandson, my dear favourite daughter's only child. And you are
an officer in his Majesty's service, an officer in the Royal Fusiliers,
only think of that! It is the most unexpected thing that ever happened
to me. To see you so well and so unexpectedly provided for, my dear
child, has taken a very great load off my