the
polished door-key.

We have said that, at the long and weary disputes and conferences
regarding the payment of Sir Francis Clavering's last debts, Strong and
Pendennis had both been present as friends and advisers of the Baronet's
unlucky family. Strong stopped and held out his hand to his brother
negotiator, and old Pendennis put out towards him a couple of ungracious
fingers.

"What is your good news?" said Major Pendennis, patronising the other
still further, and condescending to address to him an observation; for
old Pendennis had kept such good company all his life, that he vaguely
imagined he honoured common men by speaking to them. "Still in town, Mr.
Strong? I hope I see you well."

"My news is bad news, sir," Strong answered; "it concerns our friends at
Tunbridge Wells, and I should like to talk to you about it. Clavering is
at his old tricks again, Major Pendennis."

"Indeed! Pray do me the favour to come into my lodging," cried the Major
with awakened interest; and the pair entered and took possession of his
drawing-room. Here seated, Strong unburthened himself of his indignation
to the Major, and spoke at large of Clavering's recklessness and
treachery. "No promises will bind him, sir," he said. "You remember when
we met, sir, with my lady's lawyer, how he wouldn't be satisfied with
giving his honour, but wanted to take his oath on his knees to his wife,
and rang the bell for a Bible, and swore perdition on his soul if he
ever would give another bill. He has been signing one this very day,
sir: and will sign as many more as you please for ready money: and
will deceive anybody, his wife or his child, or his old friend, who has
backed him a hundred times. Why, there's a bill of his and mine will be
due next week."

"I thought we had paid all."

"Not that one," Strong said, blushing. "He asked me not to mention it,
and--and--I had half the money for that, Major; And they will be down
on me. But I don't care for it; I'm used to it. It's Lady Clavering that
riles me. It's a shame that that good-natured woman, who has paid him
out of gaol a score of times, should be ruined by his heartlessness. A
parcel of bill-stealers boxers, any rascals, get his money; and he don't
scruple to throw an honest fellow over. Would you believe it, sir, he
took money of Altamont--you know whom I mean."

"Indeed? of that singular man, who I think came tipsy once to Sir
Francis's house?" Major Pendennis said, with impenetr