ill prosecute my search. So now, my dear Tim, good night."

The next morning, I lost no time in presenting my letter of introduction
to Major Carbonnell. He lived in apartments on the first floor in Saint
James's Street, and I found him at breakfast, in a silk dressing-gown.
I had made up my mind that a little independence always carries with it
an air of fashion. When I entered, therefore, I looked at him with a
knowing air, and dropping the letter down on the table before him, said,
"There's something for you to read, major; and, in the mean time, I'll
refresh myself on this chair;" suiting the action to the word, I threw
myself on a chair, amusing myself with tapping the sides of my boots
with a small cane which I carried in my hand.

Major Carbonnell, upon whom I cast a furtive eye more than once during
the time that he was reading the letter, was a person of about
thirty-five years of age, well-looking, but disfigured by the size of
his whiskers, which advanced to the corners of his mouth, and met under
his throat. He was tall and well made, and with an air of fashion about
him that was undeniable. His linen was beautifully clean and carefully
arranged, and he had as many rings on his fingers, and, when he was
dressed, chains and trinkets, as ever were put on by a lady.

"My dear sir, allow me the honour of making at once your most intimate
acquaintance," said he, rising from his chair, and offering his hand, as
soon as he had perused the letter. "Any friend of Lord Windermear's
would be welcome, but when he brings such an extra recommendation in his
own appearance, he becomes doubly so."

"Major Carbonnell," replied I, "I have seen you but two minutes, and I
have taken a particular fancy to you, in which I, no doubt, have proved
my discrimination. Of course, you know that I have just returned from
making a tour?"

"So I understand from his lordship's letter. Mr Newland, my time is at
your service. Where are you staying?"

"At the Piazza."

"Very good; I will dine with you to-day; order some mulligatawny, they
are famous for it. After dinner we will go to the theatre."

I was rather surprised at his cool manner of asking himself to dine with
me and ordering my dinner, but a moment's reflection made me feel what
sort of person I had to deal with.

"Major, I take that as almost an affront. You will dine with me
_to-day_! I beg to state that you _must_ dine with me every day that we
are not invit