"That's the fact, however," said Gammon, shrugging his shoulders. Tag-rag wriggled about in his chair, put his hands in and out of his pockets, scratched his head, and continued staring open-mouthed at the bearer of such astounding intelligence. "Perhaps, however, all this is meant as a joke, sir,"—said he—"And if so—it's—it's—a very"——
"It's one of his solicitors who were fortunate enough to make the discovery, that tells you, sir," interrupted Gammon, calmly. "I repeat what I have already told you, Mr. Tag-rag, that an estate of ten thousand a-year is the very least"——
"Why, that's two hundred thousand pounds, sir!"—exclaimed Tag-rag, with an awe-struck air.
"At the very least"——
"Lord, Mr. Gammon!—Excuse me, sir, but how did you find it out?"
"Mere accident—a mere accidental discovery, sir, in the course of other professional inquiries!"
"And does Mr. Titmouse know it?"
"Ever since the day, Mr. Tag-rag, after that on which I called on him here!" replied Gammon, pointedly.
"You—don't—say—so!"—exclaimed Tag-rag, and then continued silent for nearly half a minute, evidently amazed beyond all power of expression.
"Well,"—at length he observed—"I will say this—with all his few faults—he's the most amiable young gentleman—the very amiablest young gentleman I—ever—came near. I always thought there was something uncommon superior-like in his looks."