xim too. With regard to our friend the Baronet, I think with you,
it would be most advisable that he should be checked in his imprudent
courses; and most strongly reprehend any man's departure from his word,
or any conduct of his which can give any pain to his family, or cause
them annoyance in any way. That is my full and frank opinion, and I am
sure it is yours."

"Certainly," said Mr. Strong, drily.

"I am delighted to hear it; delighted that an old brother soldier should
agree with me so fully. And I am exceedingly glad of the lucky meeting
which has procured me the good fortune of your visit. Good evening.
Thank you. Morgan, show the door to Captain Strong."

And Strong, preceded by Morgan, took his leave of Major Pendennis; the
Chevalier not a little puzzled at the old fellow's prudence; and the
valet, to say the truth, to the full as much perplexed at his master's
reticence. For Mr. Morgan, in his capacity of accomplished valet, moved
here and there in a house as silent as a shadow; and, as it so happened,
during the latter part of his master's conversation with his visitor,
had been standing very close to the door, and had overheard not a little
of the talk between the two gentlemen, and a great deal more than he
could understand.

"Who is that Altamont? know anything about him and Strong?" Mr. Morgan
asked of Mr. Lightfoot, on the next convenient occasion when they met at
the Club.

"Strong's his man of business, draws the Governor's bills, and indosses
'em, and does his odd jobs and that; and I suppose Altamont's in it
too," Mr. Lightfoot replied. "That kite-flying, you know, Mr. M., always
takes two or three on 'em to set the paper going. Altamont put the pot
on at the Derby, and won a good bit of money. I wish the Governor could
get some somewhere, and I could get my book paid up."

"Do you think my Lady would pay his debts again?" Morgan asked. "Find
out that for me, Lightfoot, and I'll make it worth your while, my boy."

* * * * * *

Major Pendennis had often said with a laugh, that his vale Morgan was
a much richer man than himself: and, indeed, by long course of careful
speculation, this wary and silent attendant had been amassing a
considerable sum of money, during the year which he had passed in the
Major's service, where he had made the acquaintance of many other
valets of distinction, from whom he had learned the affairs of their
principals. When Mr. Arthur came