But though so announced in _Fraser_, there were no illustrations, and those attached to the story in later editions are not taken from sketches by Thackeray.

This, as far as I know, was the first use of the name Titmarsh, and seems to indicate some intention on the part of the author of creating a hoax as to two personages,--one the writer and the other the illustrator.

If it were so he must soon have dropped the idea.

In the last paragraph he has shaken off his cousin Michael.

The main object of the story is to expose the villany of bubble companies, and the danger they run who venture to have dealings with city matters which they do not understand.