"Lord, sir!--I feel as if I shouldn't be quite right again for the rest of the day!--I own to you, sir, that all yesterday and to-day I've been on the point of going to Mr. Titmouse's lodgings to apologize for--for---- Good gracious me! one can't take it all in at once--Ten thousand a-year!--Many a lord hasn't got more--some not half as much, I'll be bound!--Dear me, what will he do!--Well, one thing I'm _sure_ of--he'll never have a truer friend than plain Thomas Tag-rag, though I've not always been a-flattering him--I respected him too much!--The many little things I've borne with in Titmouse, that in any one else I'd have--But why didn't he tell me, sir? We should have understood one another in a moment."--Here he paused abruptly; for his breath seemed suddenly taken away, as he reviewed the series of indignities which he had latterly inflicted on Titmouse--the kind of life which that amiable young gentleman had led in his establishment. Never had the keen Gammon enjoyed anything more exquisitely than the scene which I have been describing. To a man of his practical sagacity in the affairs of life, and knowledge of human nature, nothing could appear more ludicrously contemptible than the conduct of poor Tag-rag. How differently are the minds of men constituted! How Gammon despised Tag-rag! And what opinion has the acute reader by this time formed of Gammon? "_Now_, may I take for granted, Mr. Tag-rag, that we understand each other?" inquired Gammon. "Yes, sir," replied Tag-rag, meekly. "But do you think Mr. Titmouse will ever forgive or forget the little misunderstanding we've lately had? If I could but explain to him how I have been acting a part towards him--all for his good!" "You may have opportunities for doing so, if you are really so disposed, Mr. Tag-rag; for I have something seriously to propose to you. Circumstances render it desirable that for some little time this important affair should be kept as quiet as possible; and it is Mr. Titmouse's wish and ours--as his confidential professional advisers--that for some few months he should continue in your establishment, and apparently in your service as before."