iately entered
into conversation with the major.

"A good house this, sir, and well attended apparently?"

"Yes, sir," replied McShane; "it is considered a very good house."

"Do you frequent it much yourself?"

"Always, sir; I feel much interested in its success," replied McShane;
"for I know the lady who keeps it well, and have a high respect for
her."

"I saw her as I passed by--a fine woman, sir! Pray may I ask who is
Major McShane, who I observe lives in the rooms above?"

"He is a major in the army, sir--now on half-pay."

"Do you know him?"

"Remarkably well," replied McShane; "he's a countryman of mine."

"He's married, sir, I think? I'll trouble you for the pepper."

"He is married, sir, to a very amiable woman."

"Any family, sir?"

"Not that I know of; they have a young _protege_, I believe, now at
school--a boy they call Joey."

"Indeed! how very kind of them; really, now, it's quite refreshing for
me to see so much goodness of heart still remaining in this bad world.
Adopted him, I presume?"

"I really cannot exactly say that; I know that they treat him as their
own child."

"Have you seen Major McShane lately, sir?"

"Saw him this morning, sir, just after he got up."

"Indeed! This is remarkably good ale, sir--will you honour me by
tasting it?"

"Sir, you are very kind; but the fact is I never drink malt liquor.
Here, girl, bring a half pint of brandy. I trust, sir, you will not
refuse to join me in a glass, although I cannot venture to accept your
polite offer."

Furness drank off his pot of ale, and made ready for the brandy which
had been offered him; McShane filled his own glass, and then handed the
decanter over to Furness.

"I have the pleasure of drinking your good health, sir," said McShane.
"You are from the country, I presume; may I inquire from what part?"

"I am from Devonshire; I was formerly head of the grammar school at ---;
but, sir, my principles would not allow me to retain my situation;
rectitude of conduct, sir, is absolutely necessary to the profession
which inculcates morality and virtue, as well as instruction to youth,
sir. Here's to our better acquaintance, sir."

"Sir, to your's; I honour your sentiments. By the powers! but you're
right, Mr ---, I beg your pardon--but I don't catch your name exactly."

"Furness, sir, at your service. Yes, sir, the directors of the
foundation which I presided over, I may say, with such credit to myself,
and suc