When Mr. Gammon chose, he could assume an expression of feature, a tone of voice, and a manner which indicated to the person he was addressing, that he was announcing a matured opinion, an inflexible determination--and this, moreover, in the calmest, quietest way imaginable. Thus it was that he now said to Mr. Quirk, "My opinion is, that you should get _some third party_ or parties to advance any required sum, and prevail upon Tag-rag to join in a collateral security, without--if possible--making him aware of the extent of liability he is incurring. By exciting him with the ridiculous notion of an attachment between his daughter and Titmouse, he may be induced to give his signature, as to some complimentary matter of form only--Now, that's my opinion, Mr. Quirk; not lightly or hastily formed; and it rests upon a deep feeling of personal regard towards you, and also our common interests." Mr. Quirk had listened to this communication in perturbed silence, eying the speaker with a ludicrous expression of mingled chagrin, apprehension, and bewilderment. "Gammon," at length said he, affecting a smile, "do you remember, when you, and I, and Dora, went to the play to see some German thing or other--Foss was the name, wasn't it?" "Faust--Faust," interrupted Gammon, curiously. "Well; and now, what was the name of that fellow that was always--Meph--Meph--what was it?" "Mephistopheles," replied Gammon, unable to repress a smile. "Ah--yes! so it was. That's all; I only wanted to think of the name--I'd forgotten it. I beg your pardon, Gammon." This was poor Mr. Quirk's way of being very sarcastic with his friend. He thought that he had now cut him to the very quick. "If it hadn't been for what's passed between us to-day, Gammon, I should almost begin to think that you were not sincere in your friendship"---- "Did I ever deceive you? Did I ever attempt to overreach you in anything, Mr. Quirk?" "N--o--o--," replied Mr. Quirk--but not in the readiest manner, or most confident tone in the world,--"I certainly can't say I ever found you out--but I'll tell you what, we each keep a precious sharp look-out after each other, too--don't we?" he inquired with a faint smile, which seemed for a moment reflected upon the face of Gammon. "How long," said the latter, "I am to be the subject of such unkind suspicions, I do not know; but your nature is suspicious; and as every one has his fault, that is the alloy in the otherwise pure gold of your manly, generous, and straightforward character. Time may show how you have wronged me. My anxious wish is, Mr. Quirk, to witness your daughter occupying a position in which we may all be proud to see her." Here a smile shot across Quirk's anxious countenance, like evening sunshine on troubled waters. "I do really believe, Gammon," said he, eagerly, "that Dora's just the kind of girl to suit Titmouse"---- "So indeed, my dear sir, do I. There's a mingled softness and spirit in Miss Quirk"----