, and who is related to whom. I have known a man's career in
life blasted by ignorance on this important, this all-important subject.
Why, only last month, at dinner at my Lord Hobanob's, a young man, who
has lately been received among us, young Mr. Suckling (author of a
work, I believe), began to speak lightly of Admiral Bowser's conduct for
ratting to Ministers, in what I must own is the most audacious manner.
But who do you think sate next and opposite to this Mr. Suckling?
Why--why, next to him was Lady Grampound Bowser's daughter, and opposite
to him was Lord Grampound Bowser's son-in-law. The infatuated young man
went on cutting his jokes at the Admiral's expense, fancying that
all the world was laughing with him, and I leave you to imagine Lady
Hobanob's feelings--Hobanob's!--those of every well-bred man, as the
wretched intru was so exposing himself. He will never dine again in
South Street. I promise you that."

With such discourses the Major entertained his nephew, as he paced the
terrace in front of the house for his two hours' constitutional walk, or
as they sate together after dinner over their wine. He grieved that Sir
Francis Clavering had not come down to the park, to live in it since his
marriage, and to make a society for the neighbourhood. He mourned that
Lord Eyrie was not in the country, that he might take Pen and present
him to his lordship. "He has daughters," the Major said. "Who knows?
you might have married Lady Emily or Lady Barbara Trehawk; but all those
dreams are over; my poor fellow, you must lie on the bed which you have
made for yourself."

These things to hear did young Pendennis seriously incline. They are
not so interesting in print as when delivered orally; but the Major's
anecdotes of the great George, of the Royal Dukes, of the statesmen,
beauties, and fashionable ladies of the day, filled young Pen's soul
with longing and wonder; and he found the conversations with his
guardian, which sadly bored and perplexed poor Mrs. Pendennis, for his
own part never tedious.

It can't be said that Mr. Pen's new guide, philosopher, and friend
discoursed him on the most elevated subjects, or treated the subjects
which he chose in the most elevated manner. But his morality, such as it
was, was consistent. It might not, perhaps, tend to a man's progress
in another world, but it was pretty well calculated to advance his
interests in this; and then it must be remembered that the Major never
for o