"Oh, Mr. Aubrey!" commenced Mr. Gammon, with a somewhat tremulous voice, "I perceive, from your manner, that my fears are justified, and that I am an intruder--a dishonorable and hypocritical one I must indeed appear; but, as I have done nothing to forfeit my right to be treated as should be one gentleman by another, I request you to hear me. This visit appears indeed unseasonable; but, late this afternoon, I made a discovery which has shocked me severely, nay, I may say, disgusted me beyond expression. Am I right, Mr. Aubrey, in supposing that this evening you have received a letter from Mr. Quirk, and about the balance due on our account?" "I have, sir," replied Mr. Aubrey, coldly. "I thought as much," muttered Gammon, with suppressed vehemence--"execrable, heartless, sordid old----And he _knew_," continued Gammon, addressing Mr. Aubrey in an indignant tone, "that my word was solemnly pledged to you." "I have no intention of making any complaint, or uttering any reproaches, sir," said Mr. Aubrey, eying his agitated companion searchingly. "But _I_ have, Mr. Aubrey," said Gammon, haughtily. "My senior partner has broken faith with me. Sir, you have already paid more than will cover what is justly due to us; and I recommend you, after this, to _have the bill taxed_. You will thereby get rid of every farthing of the balance now demanded; and I give you this recommendation _bonâ fide_, and upon the honor of a gentleman." Notwithstanding the air of sincerity with which this was uttered, a cold thrill of apprehension and suspicion passed through Mr. Aubrey's heart, and he felt confident that some subtle and dangerous manœuvre was being practised upon him--that he was urged to take some hostile step for instance--which would be unsuccessful, and yet afford a pretext to Messrs. Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, to treat him as one guilty of a breach of faith, and _warrant them in proceeding to extremities_. He regarded Mr. Gammon's words as the hissing of a serpent, and shuddered. "I have no intention, sir, to do anything of the kind," said Mr. Aubrey. "The original agreement between us was, that your bill should not be taxed. I adhere to it; and whatever course you may feel disposed to adopt, I shall take no steps whatever of the kind you mention. At the same time it is utterly impossible for me to pay"---- "Mr. Aubrey!" interrupted Gammon, imploringly. "And what you do intend to do, for Heaven's sake, sir, do quickly, and keep me not in suspense."