As the eating-house kept by Mrs McShane had a private door, Furness (who, as McShane had prophesied, came the next afternoon), after having read the name on the private door, which was not on the eating-house, which went by the name of the Chequers, imagined that it was an establishment apart, and thought it advisable to enter into it, and ascertain a little about Major McShane before he called upon him. Although McShane seldom made his appearance in the room appropriated for the dinners, it so happened that he was standing at the door when Furness entered and sat down in a box, calling for the bill of fare, and ordering a plate of beef and cabbage. McShane recognised him by the description given of him immediately, and resolved to make his acquaintance incognito, and ascertain what his intentions were; he therefore took his seat in the same box, and winking to one of the girls who attended, also called for a plate of beef and cabbage. Furness, who was anxious to pump any one he might fall in with, immediately 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?"