I am much indebted to my little friend, Sir, for the honour of this introduction.' Mr Dombey made a very gracious reply; and Major Bagstock, having patted Paul on the head, and said of Florence that her eyes would play the Devil with the youngsters before long--'and the oldsters too, Sir, if you come to that,' added the Major, chuckling very much--stirred up Master Bitherstone with his walking-stick, and departed with that young gentleman, at a kind of half-trot; rolling his head and coughing with great dignity, as he staggered away, with his legs very wide asunder.
In fulfilment of his promise, the Major afterwards called on Mr Dombey; and Mr Dombey, having referred to the army list, afterwards called on the Major.

Then the Major called at Mr Dombey's house in town; and came down again, in the same coach as Mr Dombey.

In short, Mr Dombey and the Major got on uncommonly well together, and uncommonly fast: and Mr Dombey observed of the Major, to his sister, that besides being quite a military man he was really something more, as he had a very admirable idea of the importance of things unconnected with his own profession.
At length Mr Dombey, bringing down Miss Tox and Mrs Chick to see the children, and finding the Major again at Brighton, invited him to dinner at the Bedford, and complimented Miss Tox highly, beforehand, on her neighbour and acquaintance.
'My dearest Louisa,' said Miss Tox to Mrs Chick, when they were alone together, on the morning of the appointed day, 'if I should seem at all reserved to Major Bagstock, or under any constraint with him, promise me not to notice it.' 'My dear Lucretia,' returned Mrs Chick, 'what mystery is involved in this remarkable request?
I must insist upon knowing.' 'Since you are resolved to extort a confession from me, Louisa,' said Miss Tox instantly, 'I have no alternative but to confide to you that the Major has been particular.' 'Particular!' repeated Mrs Chick.
'The Major has long been very particular indeed, my love, in his attentions,' said Miss Tox, 'occasionally they have been so very marked, that my position has been one of no common difficulty.' 'Is he in good circumstances ?' inquired Mrs Chick.
'I have every reason to believe, my dear--indeed I may say I know,' returned Miss Tox, 'that he is wealthy.

He is truly military, and full of anecdote.

I have been informed that his valour, when he was in active service, knew no bounds.