'Tis impossible to conceive a more disgusting expression than the repulsive features of Tag-rag wore at that moment, while he gazed in ominous and agitated silence at Titmouse. His lips quivered, and he seemed incapable of speaking. "Oh, ma, I do feel _so_ ill!" faintly exclaimed Miss Tag-rag, turning deadly pale. Titmouse was on the verge of dropping on his knees and confessing the trick, greatly agitated at the effect unexpectedly produced on Miss Tag-rag; when Tag-rag's heavy hand was suddenly placed on his shoulder, and he whispered in a fierce undertone--"You're an impostor, sir!" which arrested Titmouse, and made something like a MAN of him. He was a fearful fool, but he did not want for mere _pluck_; and now it was roused. Mrs. Tag-rag exclaimed, "Oh, you _shocking_ scamp!" as she passed Titmouse, with much agitation, and led her daughter out of the room. "Then an impostor, sir, a'n't fit company for _you_, of course, sir!" said Titmouse, rising, and trembling with mingled apprehension and anger. "Pay me my five-pound note!" almost shouted Tag-rag, furiously tightening the grasp by which he held Titmouse's collar. "Well, sir, and I will, if you'll only take your hand off! Hollo, sir--What the de---- Leave go, sir! Hands off! Are you going to murder me? I'll pay you, and done with you, sir," stammered Titmouse:--when a faint scream was heard, plainly from Miss Tag-rag, overhead, and in hysterics. Then the seething caldron boiled over. "You _infernal_ scoundrel!" exclaimed Tag-rag, almost choked with fury; and suddenly seizing Titmouse by the collar, scarce giving him time, in passing, to get hold of his hat and stick, he urged him along through the passage, down the gravel walk, threw open the gate, thrust him furiously through it, and sent after him such a blast of execration, as was almost strong enough to drive him a hundred yards down the road! Titmouse did not fully recover his breath or his senses for a long while afterwards. When he did, the first thing he experienced, was a dreadful disposition towards sickness; but gradually overcoming it, he felt an inclination to fall down on his knees in the open road, and worship the sagacious and admirable GAMMON, who had so exactly predicted what had come to pass! And now, Mr. Titmouse, for some little time I have done with you. Away!--give room to your betters. But don't think that I have yet "rifled _all_ your sweetness," or am _yet_ about to "fling you like a noisome weed away." CHAPTER VII.