"I can understand the reason, Major," he said, "why the fellow would not come to my office to ascertain the truth of the statements which you made him .-- We have a writ out against him and another disreputable fellow, one of the play-actors, for a bill given to Mr.Skinner of this city, a most respectable Grocer and Wine and Spirit Merchant, and a Member of the Society of Friends.

This Costigan came crying to Mr.Skinner,--crying in the shop, sir,--and we have not proceeded against him or the other, as neither were worth powder and shot." It was whilst Mr.Tatham was engaged in telling this story that a third knock came to the door, and there entered an athletic gentleman in a shabby braided frock, bearing in his hand a letter with a large blotched red seal.
"Can I have the honour of speaking with Major Pendennis in private ?" he began--"I have a few words for your ear, sir.

I am the bearer of a mission from my friend Captain Costigan,"-- but here the man with the bass voice paused, faltered, and turned pale--he caught sight of the red and well-remembered face of Mr.Tatham.
"Hullo, Garbetts, speak up!" cried Mr.Foker, delighted.
"Why, bless my soul, it is the other party to the bill!" said Mr.
Tatham.

"I say, sir; stop I say." But Garbetts, with a face as blank as Macbeth's when Banquo's ghost appears upon him, gasped some inarticulate words, and fled out of the room.
The Major's gravity was also entirely upset, and he burst out laughing.
So did Mr.Foker, who said, "By Jove, it was a good 'un." So did the attorney, although by profession a serious man.
"I don't think there'll be any fight, Major," young Foker said; and began mimicking the tragedian.

"If there is, the old gentleman--your name Tatham ?--very happy to make your acquaintance, Mr.Tatham--may send the bailiffs to separate the men;" and Mr.Tatham promised to do so.