A DEADLY STRUGGLE BETWEEN A SNAKE AND AN APE. AFTER the bride and bridegroom had | Duchess of Tantallan, blazing in diaspent about a month at Yatton, his monds, his Grace the Duke bringing urgent parliamentary duties required up the rear with the Lady Ceciliathe former, as he conceived, to tear and the splendid affair was duly anhimself from that lovely seclusion-nounced, the ensuing morning, in the that "bower of bliss "-and resume obsequious columns of the Aurora. his arduous post in the House. Though For some little time Mr Titmouse Lady Cecilia would have vastly pre-occupied his novel and dazzling posiferred being left behind at Yatton, tion with an approach towards dedecency seemed to require that she corum and self-denial; but, as he beand her husband should make their came familiar with it, his old tastes re-appearance in the world jointly. revived-and Lady Cecilia and her She was therefore compelled to ac- friends were gratified, for instance, company him to town; and they while in the drawing-room after dinwere soon duly established in his new ner, by catching occasional sounds of residence in Park Lane. It was spa- Mr Titmouse's celebrated imitations cious and elegant-furnished, indeed, of animals, which, once or twice, when with great splendour, inasmuch as considerably elevated, he insisted upcarte blanche had been given to a fa- on giving in the drawing-room! Inshionable upholsterer. In a moment, deed, he spared no pains to acquire the happy pair were both in the great the power of pleasing society, by the whirling world of fashion. Lord display of his rare accomplishments: Dreddlington gave a series of dinner- for which purpose he took lessons parties on their account, as did seve- every other day in the art diabolicral of their distinguished kinsfolk and i. e. in conjuring; in which he soon friends; and in due time their hospi- became an expert proficient, and could talities were returned by Mr Titmouse. play marvellous tricks upon cards, His first dinner party went off with and with dice; eat pocket-handkergreat éclat, no fewer than four peers chiefs; cause wine-glasses visibly to of the realm, with their ladies, being sink through solid tables; and peramong his guests. Little Mr Tit-form sundry other astounding feats. mouse led down to dinner the gigantic | Nor was he long in collecting round him guests, who not only tolerated, | as varied, bindings as possible. Cerbut professed infinite delight in, such tainly the works were of a somewhat entertainments-"fit audience, nor miscellaneous character;-old Direcfew "-consisting principally of those tories; Poems by Young Ladies and adventurous gentlemen who had en- Gentlemen; Ready-Reckoners; Dodtered Parliament, with a devout re- dridge's Expositor; Hints on Etiquette; liance on Providence to find them two hundred Minerva press novels; dinners. 'Twas only in such society triplicate copies of some twenty books as this that Titmouse could feel the least on cookery; the art of war; chasense of enjoyment, and from which rades; Cudworth's Intellectual SysLady Cecilia altogether absented her- tem; books of travels; bibles, dicself, often without deigning the slight- tionaries, prayer-books, plays; Treaest reason, excuse, or apology. In tises on Political Economy, and Danfact, the intemperate habits and ir-cing; adventures of noted highwayregular hours of Titmouse, soon rendered it necessary that he and the Lady Cecilia should occupy separate sleeping apartments; for either his club, the House, or his other engagements, kept him out till a late, or rather early hour every morning. men; the classics; moral essays; Enfield's Speaker; and Burn's Ecclesiastical Law. If these respectable works had had the least sense of the distinction so unexpectedly conferred upon them, they ought not to have murmured at never afterwards receivIt was about half-past eleven ing the slightest personal attention o'clock, one day towards the latter from their tasteful and gifted proprieend of June, that Mr Titmouse, having tor!-The room was lit by a large finished breakfast-an early hour for bow-window, which, being partially him, since he had not gone to bed till open, admitted the pleasant breeze four o'clock that morning-a meal to stirring without; while the vivid which he invariably sate down alone, light was mitigated by half-drawn often not catching a glimpse of Lady blinds, and ample chintz windowCecilia during the day, except on a draperies. On the mantelpiece stood chance encounter in the hall, or on the one or two small alabaster statues and stairs, or when they were forced to go vases, and an elaborately ornamented out to dinner together-had entered French timepiece. The only unpleahis library, to enjoy undisturbed the santness perceptible, was the sort of luxury of his hookah. The apartment disagreeable odour prevalent in rooms was spacious and elegant. All the devoted, as in the present instance, to sides of it were occupied by curious smoking. To this apartment had been antique carved oak bookcases, which also, transferred many of the articles had belonged to the former tasteful oc- which I have described as having cupant of the house, and from whom been visible in his rooms at the AIthey had been purchased by Titmouse, bany. Over the mantelpiece was who then bethought himself of pro-placed the picture of the boxers-that curing books to fill them. For this of Mr Titmouse being similarly situpurpose, it luckily occurred to him, on ated in the dining-room. seeing an advertisement of a library for sale by auction one day, that it would be a good speculation to be beforehand with the expected audience, and purchase the aforesaid library in a lump by private contract. He did so-and at a remarkably low price: giving directions that they should forthwith be carried to a bookbinder, named by the obsequious auctioneerwith orders to bind all in elegant, but VOL. II. On the present occasion, he wore a full crimson dressing-gown, with yellow slippers; his shirt-collar was open, and thrown down over his shoulders leaving exposed to view a quantity of sand-coloured hair under his throat. In fact, he looked the image of some impudent scamp of a valet, who has, in his master's absence, chosen to dress himself in that master's clothes, and affect his luxurious airs. He lay M on the sofa with his hookah in his left hand; near him was the table, on which stood the Morning Growl, and some eight or ten letters, only one or two of which had as yet been opened. He had just leaned back his head, and with an air of tranquil enjoyment slowly expelled a mouthful of smoke, when a servant submissively entered, and announced the arrival of a visitor -Mr Gammon. and ask, if you wish," he added, with an affected smile. Ah, my dear Titmouse," quoth Gammon blandly, and with a smile of delicious flattery, "I hope you don't give her ladyship just cause for jealousy?- eh? You must not avail yourself of your-your acknowledged power over the sex-ahem!" Mr Titmouse silently expelled a mouthful of smoke, while an ineffable smile stole over his features. "You must not neglect her ladyship, Titmouse," quoth Gammon, gently shaking his head, and with an anxiously deferential air. "How d'ye do, Gammon !-Early, eh?" commenced Titmouse, without stirring, and with infinite nonchalance. Mr Gammon made the usual reply, and presently sate down in the chair placed for him by the servant, nearly "'Pon my life, I don't neglect her! opposite to Mr Titmouse-who, had-Public life, you know-eh?" replied he been accustomed to observation, or Titmouse slowly, half-closing his eyes, capable of it, might have detected and speaking with the air of one something rather unusual in the flush- suffering from ennui. Here a pause ed face, the anxious and restless eye, of some moments ensued. and the forced manner of his visitor. ner -- "Can we have about half an hour "Ah-a-why-my singing-master is coming here a little after twelve,' quoth Titmouse, turning himself round, so as to be able to look at the clock on the mantelpiece. "Likely to be devilish hot day-to ourselves, uninterruptedly?" at 'pon my soul!"-exclaimed Titmouse, length inquired Mr Gammon. after again emptying his mouthadding in a tolerably conceited man "By the way-here's a letter from Snap-just opened it!-Rather cool, after what's passed-eh? Dem him, asks me for a place under government; - Ah- what's he fit for?" "For what he is, and nothing else," replied Gammon with a bitter smile, glancing over poor Snap's letter, which Titmouse handed to him, though marked "strictly confidential "-Gammon being undoubtedly the last man upon earth whom Snap would have wished to know of his application. "Were you at the House night?" inquired Gammon-"They sat very late! Lord Bulfinch made, I think, a powerful speech "Oh, probably less than that period will suffice, if we shall not be interrupted-may I ring the bell, and will you give orders to that effect?" With this, Gammon rang the bell; and on the servant's appearing: "I say, sir-do you hear, demme?" said Titmouse, "not at home till this gentleman's gone." The man bowed, and withdrew; and on his closing the door, Gammon softlastly stepped after him and bolted it; by which time Titmouse, somewhat startled, withdrew his hookah, for an instant, from his mouth, and gazed rather anxiously at Gammon, about whose appearance he then, for the first time, fancied he saw something unusual. "Yes-devilish good — rather long though; and too many of those cursed figures that by Jove-no one cares about!" replied Titmouse languidly. He had by this time turned himself towards Mr Gammon;-his right arm and leg hanging carelessly over the further side of the sofa. Lady Cecilia is well, I hope?" "Can't say. not seen her this week," drawled Titmouse. "I'll ring "Aha!-My stars, Mr Gammon, we're going to be devilish secretaren't we!" exclaimed Titmouse with a faint smile, having watched Mr Gammon's movement with great surprise; and he began to smoke rather more energetically than before, with แ his eye fixed on the grave counte- | You've no idea," continued Titmouse nance of his companion. anxiously, "how devilish thick Lord Bulfinch and I are-he shakes hands with me when we meet alone in the lobby-he does, 'pon my life." 'My dear Titmouse," he commenced, drawing his chair near to him, and speaking in an earnest but kindly manner, does it never astonish you, when you reflect on the stroke of fortune which has elevated you to your present point of splendour and distinction ?" "O, yes-amazing!-uncommon !" replied Titmouse apprehensively. "It is!-marvellous! unprecedented! You are the envy of hundreds upon hundreds of thousands! Such an affair as yours, does not happen above once or twice, in a couple of centuries-if so often! You cannot imagine the feelings of delight with which I regard all this-this brilliant result of my long labours, and untiring devotion to your service."-He paused. 'Oh, 'pon my life, yes; it's all very true,” replied Titmouse with a little trepidation, replenishing the bowl of his hookah with tobacco. May I venture to hope, my dear Titmouse, that I have established my claim to be considered, in some measure, as the sole architect of your extraordinary fortunes-your earliest your most constant friend?" I am obliged, my dear Titmouse, for your kind offer-but I have a little political influence myself, when I think fit to exert it," replied Gammon gravely. "Well, then," interrupted Titmouse eagerly, and somewhat angrily-" as for money, if that's what-by jingo! but if you don't know how precious hard up one is just now" "My dear sir," replied Gammon, his countenance sensibly darkening as he went on, "the subject on which we are now engaged, is one of inexpressible interest and importance, in my opinion, to each of us; and let us discuss it calmly. I have long waited for this opportunity; and am prepared to make a communication to you immediately, which you will never forget to the day of your death. Are you prepared to receive it?" "Oh yes!-Never so wide awake in my life! O Lord! fire away!"replied Titmouse; and taking the tip of his hookah from his lips, and holding it in the fingers of his left hand he leaned forward, staring open-mouthat Gammon. "You see, as I've often said, Mr Gammon-I'm most uncommon obliged ed to you for all favours-so help me ! and no mistake," said Titmouse, exhibiting a countenance of increasing seriousness; and he rose from his recumbent posture, and, still smoking, sat with his face turned full towards Mr Gammon, who resumed "As I am not in the habit, my dear Titmouse, of beating about the bush, let me express a hope that you consider the services I have rendered you not unworthy of requital" "Oh yes to be sure-certainly," quoth Titmouse, slightly changing colour "anything, by Jove, that's in my power-but, it is most particular unfortunate that-ahem!-so deuced hard up just now-but-ah, 'pon my soul, I'll speak to Lord Bulfinch, or some of those people, and get you something-though I sha'n't do any thing of the kind for Snap-dem him! "Well, my dear Titmouse, then I will proceed. I will not enjoin you to secresy;-and that not merely because I have full confidence in your honour but because you cannot disclose it, as you will yourself see, to any mortal man, but at the peril of immediate and utter ruin." "'Pon_my_soul, most amazing! Demme, Mr Gammon, you frighten me out of my wits!" said Titmouse, turning paler and paler, as his recollection became more and more distinct of certain mysterious hints of Mr Gammon's, many months before, at Yatton, as to his power over Titmouse. He would have ordered in some brandyand-water to support his spirits, but was afraid of appearing afraid. "Consider for a moment. You are now a member of parliament; the unquestioned owner of a fine estate; the husband of a lady of very high rank-Titmouse, passing his hand hastily over his damp forehead—his agitation visibly increasing. "What's to be the figure?" he asked, evidently dread the last direct representative of one of "If you mean, what are my terms— I will at once tell you:-they are terms on which I shall peremptorily insist; they have been long fixed in my own mind; I am quite inflexible; so help "Well-excuse me, Mr Gammon-me Heaven, I will not vary from them but I hear;-though-ahem! meaning no offence-I can't for the life and soul of me, tell what the devil it is you're driving at”. said Titmouse, twisting his finger into his hair, and gazing at Gammon with intense anxiety. For some moments Mr Gammon remained looking solemnly and in silence at Titmouse; and then proceeded. "Yet-and listen calmly while I say it—you are really no more entitled to be what you seem-what you are thought-or to possess what you at present possess than -the little wretch that last swept your chimneys here!" The hookah dropped out of Titmouse's hand upon the floor, and he made no effort to pick it up, but sat staring at Gammon, with cheeks almost as white as his shirt-collar, and in blank dismay. "I perceive that you are agitated, Mr Titmouse," said Gammon, with an impressive kindness of manner. "By Jove-I should think so!" replied Titmouse faintly; but he tried to assume an incredulous smile. "You a'n't joking, Mr Gammon, eh?" "God forbid, Mr Titmouse!" "Well-but," faltered Titmouse, "why a'n't I entitled to it all? Hasn't the law given it to me? And can't the law do as it likes, and keep it mine? Ah, it's no use telling me" "No one on earth knows at present the what and the why of this matter but myself; and, if you choose, no one ever shall; nay, will take care, if you come this morning to my terms, to deprive even myself of all means of proving what I can now prove, at any moment I choose" "Lord, Mr Gammon!" ejaculated a hair's breadth !" He paused for a moment, and then proceeded deliberately, and with restrained energy—"I require first, to sit in parliament, for Yatton, at the next election; afterwards, alternately with yourself. Secondly, that you immediately grant me an annuity, for my life, of two thousand pounds a-year on your" Titmouse sprang from the sofa, dashing his fist on the table, and uttering a frightful imprecation. He stood for a moment, and then threw himself desperately at full length on the sofa, repeating the expression which had first issued from his lips. Gammon, however, moved not a muscle, but fixed a steadfast eye on Titmouse. The two might have been compared to the affrighted rabbit, and the deadly boa-constrictor. "It's all a swindle !-a d-d swindle!" at length he exclaimed, starting up into a sitting posture, and almost grinning defiance at Gammon. "You're a swindler!"-he exclaimed vehemently. "Possibly - but you, sir, are a BASTARD"-replied Gammon calmly. Titmouse looked the picture of horror, and trembled in every limb. "It's a lie!-It's all a lie! You're a liar, Mr Gammon !"—he gasped. "Sir, you are simply a bastard"repeated Gammon bitterly, and extending his forefinger threateningly towards Titmouse. Then he added with sudden vehemence-" Wretched miscreant-and do you presume to tell me I lie? You base-born cur!"a lightning glance shot from his eye; but he restrained himself. Titmouse sat at length as if petrified; while Gammon, in a low tone, and with dreadful bitterness of manner, pro |