Mr. Morgan.

That individual now made his appearance, and brought his books. "As I
wish to speak to you in privick, peraps you will ave the kindness to
request Frosch to step downstairs," he said, on entering.

"Bring a couple of cabs, Frosch, if you please--and wait downstairs
until I ring for you," said the Major. Morgan saw Frosch downstairs,
watched him go along the street upon his errand, and produced his books
and accounts, which were simple and very easily settled.

"And now, sir," said he, having pocketed the cheque which his
ex-employer gave him, and signed his name to his book with a flourish,
"and now that accounts is closed between us, sir," he said, "I porpose
to speak to you as one man to another"--(Morgan liked the sound of his
own voice; and, as an individual, indulged in public speaking whenever
he could get an opportunity, at the Club, or the housekeeper's
room)--"and I must tell you, that I'm in possession of certing
infamation."

"And may I inquire of what nature, pray?" asked the Major.

"It's valuble information, Major Pendennis, as you know very well. I
know of a marriage as is no marriage--of a honourable Baronet as is no
more married than I am; and which his wife is married to somebody else,
as you know too, sir."

Pendennis at once understood all. "Ha! this accounts for your behaviour.
You have been listening at the door, sir, I suppose," said the Major,
looking very haughty; "I forgot to look at the keyhole when I went to
that public-house, or I might have suspected what sort of a person was
behind it."

"I may have my schemes as you may have yours, I suppose," answered
Morgan. "I may get my information, and I may act on that information,
and I may find that information valuble as anybody else may. A poor
servant may have a bit of luck as well as a gentleman, mayn't he? Don't
you be putting on your aughty looks, sir, and comin' the aristocrat over
me. That's all gammon with me. I'm an Englishman, I am, and as good as
you."

"To what the devil does this tend, sir? and how does the secret which
you have surprised concern me, I should like to know?" asked Major
Pendennis, with great majesty.

"How does it concern me, indeed! how grand we are! How does it concern
my nephew, I wonder? How does it concern my nephew's seat in Parlyment:
and to subornation of bigamy? How does it concern that? What, are you to
be the only man to have a secret, and to trade on it? Why shouldn't I go
halves,