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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:15 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:15 -0700 |
| commit | 564aadf46044414c8e0f69fc29bd4687f5ced031 (patch) | |
| tree | 2838bb7c52d5de4f6d97934a69f5d92544b75b74 /967-h | |
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diff --git a/967-h/967-h.htm b/967-h/967-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8fc900 --- /dev/null +++ b/967-h/967-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,45331 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, by Charles Dickens + </title> +<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" style="width:100%;" /> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: .8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + --> +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby, by +Charles Dickens + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby + +Author: Charles Dickens + +Release Date: April 27, 2006 [EBook #967] +Last Updated: September 25, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NICHOLAS NICKLEBY *** + + + + +Produced by Donald Lainson and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF <br /> <br /> NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Containing a Faithful Account of the Fortunes, Misfortunes, <br /> + Uprisings, Downfallings and Complete Career of the Nickelby Family + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Charles Dickens + </h2> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0011m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0011m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0011.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0029m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0029m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0029.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0047m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0047m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0047.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0048m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0048m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0048.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0049m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0049m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0049.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0050m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0050m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0050.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> AUTHOR’S PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER 1 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER 2 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER 3 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER 4 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER 5 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER 6 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER 7 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER 8 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER 9 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER 10 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER 11 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER 12 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER 13 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER 14 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER 15 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER 16 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER 17 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER 18 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER 19 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER 20 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER 21 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER 22 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER 23 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER 24 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER 25 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER 26 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER 27 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER 28 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER 29 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER 30 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER 31 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER 32 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER 33 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER 34 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER 35 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER 36 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER 37 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER 38 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER 39 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER 40 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER 41 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER 42 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER 43 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER 44 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER 45 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER 46 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER 47 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER 48 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER 49 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER 50 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER 51 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER 52 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER 53 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER 54 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER 55 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER 56 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER 57 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER 58 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER 59 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER 60 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER 61 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER 62 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER 63 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER 64 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER 65 </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + AUTHOR’S PREFACE + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span>his story was begun, within a few months after the publication of the + completed “Pickwick Papers.” There were, then, a good many cheap Yorkshire + schools in existence. There are very few now. + </p> + <p> + Of the monstrous neglect of education in England, and the disregard of it + by the State as a means of forming good or bad citizens, and miserable or + happy men, private schools long afforded a notable example. Although any + man who had proved his unfitness for any other occupation in life, was + free, without examination or qualification, to open a school anywhere; + although preparation for the functions he undertook, was required in the + surgeon who assisted to bring a boy into the world, or might one day + assist, perhaps, to send him out of it; in the chemist, the attorney, the + butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker; the whole round of crafts and + trades, the schoolmaster excepted; and although schoolmasters, as a race, + were the blockheads and impostors who might naturally be expected to + spring from such a state of things, and to flourish in it; these Yorkshire + schoolmasters were the lowest and most rotten round in the whole ladder. + Traders in the avarice, indifference, or imbecility of parents, and the + helplessness of children; ignorant, sordid, brutal men, to whom few + considerate persons would have entrusted the board and lodging of a horse + or a dog; they formed the worthy cornerstone of a structure, which, for + absurdity and a magnificent high-minded <i>Laissez-Aller</i> neglect, has rarely + been exceeded in the world. + </p> + <p> + We hear sometimes of an action for damages against the unqualified medical + practitioner, who has deformed a broken limb in pretending to heal it. + But, what of the hundreds of thousands of minds that have been deformed + for ever by the incapable pettifoggers who have pretended to form them! + </p> + <p> + I make mention of the race, as of the Yorkshire schoolmasters, in the past + tense. Though it has not yet finally disappeared, it is dwindling daily. A + long day’s work remains to be done about us in the way of education, + Heaven knows; but great improvements and facilities towards the attainment + of a good one, have been furnished, of late years. + </p> + <p> + I cannot call to mind, now, how I came to hear about Yorkshire schools + when I was a not very robust child, sitting in bye-places near Rochester + Castle, with a head full of <i>Partridge, Strap, Tom Pipes, and Sancho Panza</i>; + but I know that my first impressions of them were picked up at that time, + and that they were somehow or other connected with a suppurated abscess + that some boy had come home with, in consequence of his Yorkshire guide, + philosopher, and friend, having ripped it open with an inky pen-knife. The + impression made upon me, however made, never left me. I was always curious + about Yorkshire schools—fell, long afterwards and at sundry times, + into the way of hearing more about them—at last, having an audience, + resolved to write about them. + </p> + <p> + With that intent I went down into Yorkshire before I began this book, in + very severe winter time which is pretty faithfully described herein. As I + wanted to see a schoolmaster or two, and was forewarned that those + gentlemen might, in their modesty, be shy of receiving a visit from the + author of the “Pickwick Papers,” I consulted with a professional friend + who had a Yorkshire connexion, and with whom I concerted a pious fraud. He + gave me some letters of introduction, in the name, I think, of my + travelling companion; they bore reference to a supposititious little boy + who had been left with a widowed mother who didn’t know what to do with + him; the poor lady had thought, as a means of thawing the tardy compassion + of her relations in his behalf, of sending him to a Yorkshire school; I + was the poor lady’s friend, travelling that way; and if the recipient of + the letter could inform me of a school in his neighbourhood, the writer + would be very much obliged. + </p> + <p> + I went to several places in that part of the country where I understood + the schools to be most plentifully sprinkled, and had no occasion to + deliver a letter until I came to a certain town which shall be nameless. + The person to whom it was addressed, was not at home; but he came down at + night, through the snow, to the inn where I was staying. It was after + dinner; and he needed little persuasion to sit down by the fire in a warm + corner, and take his share of the wine that was on the table. + </p> + <p> + I am afraid he is dead now. I recollect he was a jovial, ruddy, + broad-faced man; that we got acquainted directly; and that we talked on + all kinds of subjects, except the school, which he showed a great anxiety + to avoid. “Was there any large school near?” I asked him, in reference to + the letter. “Oh yes,” he said; “there was a pratty big ‘un.” “Was it a + good one?” I asked. “Ey!” he said, “it was as good as anoother; that was + a’ a matther of opinion”; and fell to looking at the fire, staring round + the room, and whistling a little. On my reverting to some other topic that + we had been discussing, he recovered immediately; but, though I tried him + again and again, I never approached the question of the school, even if he + were in the middle of a laugh, without observing that his countenance + fell, and that he became uncomfortable. At last, when we had passed a + couple of hours or so, very agreeably, he suddenly took up his hat, and + leaning over the table and looking me full in the face, said, in a low + voice: “Weel, Misther, we’ve been vara pleasant toogather, and ar’ll spak’ + my moind tiv’ee. Dinnot let the weedur send her lattle boy to yan o’ our + school-measthers, while there’s a harse to hoold in a’ Lunnun, or a + gootther to lie asleep in. Ar wouldn’t mak’ ill words amang my neeburs, + and ar speak tiv’ee quiet loike. But I’m dom’d if ar can gang to bed and + not tellee, for weedur’s sak’, to keep the lattle boy from a’ sike + scoondrels while there’s a harse to hoold in a’ Lunnun, or a gootther to + lie asleep in!” Repeating these words with great heartiness, and with a + solemnity on his jolly face that made it look twice as large as before, he + shook hands and went away. I never saw him afterwards, but I sometimes + imagine that I descry a faint reflection of him in John Browdie. + </p> + <p> + In reference to these gentry, I may here quote a few words from the + original preface to this book. + </p> + <p> + “It has afforded the Author great amusement and satisfaction, during the + progress of this work, to learn, from country friends and from a variety + of ludicrous statements concerning himself in provincial newspapers, that + more than one Yorkshire schoolmaster lays claim to being the original of + Mr. Squeers. One worthy, he has reason to believe, has actually consulted + authorities learned in the law, as to his having good grounds on which to + rest an action for libel; another, has meditated a journey to London, for + the express purpose of committing an assault and battery on his traducer; + a third, perfectly remembers being waited on, last January twelve-month, + by two gentlemen, one of whom held him in conversation while the other + took his likeness; and, although Mr. Squeers has but one eye, and he has + two, and the published sketch does not resemble him (whoever he may be) in + any other respect, still he and all his friends and neighbours know at + once for whom it is meant, because—the character is <i>so</i> like him. + </p> + <p> + “While the Author cannot but feel the full force of the compliment thus + conveyed to him, he ventures to suggest that these contentions may arise + from the fact, that Mr. Squeers is the representative of a class, and not + of an individual. Where imposture, ignorance, and brutal cupidity, are the + stock in trade of a small body of men, and one is described by these + characteristics, all his fellows will recognise something belonging to + themselves, and each will have a misgiving that the portrait is his own. + </p> + <p> + “The Author’s object in calling public attention to the system would be + very imperfectly fulfilled, if he did not state now, in his own person, + emphatically and earnestly, that Mr. Squeers and his school are faint and + feeble pictures of an existing reality, purposely subdued and kept down + lest they should be deemed impossible. That there are, upon record, trials + at law in which damages have been sought as a poor recompense for lasting + agonies and disfigurements inflicted upon children by the treatment of the + master in these places, involving such offensive and foul details of + neglect, cruelty, and disease, as no writer of fiction would have the + boldness to imagine. And that, since he has been engaged upon these + Adventures, he has received, from private quarters far beyond the reach of + suspicion or distrust, accounts of atrocities, in the perpetration of + which upon neglected or repudiated children, these schools have been the + main instruments, very far exceeding any that appear in these pages.” + </p> + <p> + This comprises all I need say on the subject; except that if I had seen + occasion, I had resolved to reprint a few of these details of legal + proceedings, from certain old newspapers. + </p> + <p> + One other quotation from the same Preface may serve to introduce a fact + that my readers may think curious. + </p> + <p> + “To turn to a more pleasant subject, it may be right to say, that there + <i>are </i>two characters in this book which are drawn from life. It is + remarkable that what we call the world, which is so very credulous in what + professes to be true, is most incredulous in what professes to be + imaginary; and that, while, every day in real life, it will allow in one + man no blemishes, and in another no virtues, it will seldom admit a very + strongly-marked character, either good or bad, in a fictitious narrative, + to be within the limits of probability. But those who take an interest in + this tale, will be glad to learn that the <i>Brothers Cheeryble</i> live; that + their liberal charity, their singleness of heart, their noble nature, and + their unbounded benevolence, are no creations of the Author’s brain; but + are prompting every day (and oftenest by stealth) some munificent and + generous deed in that town of which they are the pride and honour.” + </p> + <p> + If I were to attempt to sum up the thousands of letters, from all sorts of + people in all sorts of latitudes and climates, which this unlucky + paragraph brought down upon me, I should get into an arithmetical + difficulty from which I could not easily extricate myself. Suffice it to + say, that I believe the applications for loans, gifts, and offices of + profit that I have been requested to forward to the originals of the + <i>Brothers Cheeryble</i> (with whom I never interchanged any communication in my + life) would have exhausted the combined patronage of all the Lord + Chancellors since the accession of the House of Brunswick, and would have + broken the Rest of the Bank of England. + </p> + <p> + The Brothers are now dead. + </p> + <p> + There is only one other point, on which I would desire to offer a remark. + If Nicholas be not always found to be blameless or agreeable, he is not + always intended to appear so. He is a young man of an impetuous temper and + of little or no experience; and I saw no reason why such a hero should be + lifted out of nature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + <h2> + CHAPTER 1 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> + <i> + ntroduces all the Rest + </i> +</p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +There once lived, in a sequestered part of the county of Devonshire, one + Mr. Godfrey Nickleby: a worthy gentleman, who, taking it into his head + rather late in life that he must get married, and not being young enough + or rich enough to aspire to the hand of a lady of fortune, had wedded an + old flame out of mere attachment, who in her turn had taken him for the + same reason. Thus two people who cannot afford to play cards for money, + sometimes sit down to a quiet game for love. + </p> + <p> + Some ill-conditioned persons who sneer at the life-matrimonial, may + perhaps suggest, in this place, that the good couple would be better + likened to two principals in a sparring match, who, when fortune is low + and backers scarce, will chivalrously set to, for the mere pleasure of the + buffeting; and in one respect indeed this comparison would hold good; for, + as the adventurous pair of the Fives’ Court will afterwards send round a + hat, and trust to the bounty of the lookers-on for the means of regaling + themselves, so Mr. Godfrey Nickleby and <i>his </i>partner, the honeymoon being + over, looked out wistfully into the world, relying in no inconsiderable + degree upon chance for the improvement of their means. Mr. Nickleby’s + income, at the period of his marriage, fluctuated between sixty and eighty + pounds <i>per annum</i>. + </p> + <p> + There are people enough in the world, Heaven knows! and even in London + (where Mr. Nickleby dwelt in those days) but few complaints prevail, of the + population being scanty. It is extraordinary how long a man may look among + the crowd without discovering the face of a friend, but it is no less + true. Mr. Nickleby looked, and looked, till his eyes became sore as his + heart, but no friend appeared; and when, growing tired of the search, he + turned his eyes homeward, he saw very little there to relieve his weary + vision. A painter who has gazed too long upon some glaring colour, + refreshes his dazzled sight by looking upon a darker and more sombre tint; + but everything that met Mr. Nickleby’s gaze wore so black and gloomy a hue, + that he would have been beyond description refreshed by the very reverse + of the contrast. + </p> + <p> + At length, after five years, when Mrs. Nickleby had presented her husband + with a couple of sons, and that embarrassed gentleman, impressed with the + necessity of making some provision for his family, was seriously revolving + in his mind a little commercial speculation of insuring his life next + quarter-day, and then falling from the top of the Monument by accident, + there came, one morning, by the general post, a black-bordered letter to + inform him how his uncle, Mr. Ralph Nickleby, was dead, and had left him + the bulk of his little property, amounting in all to five thousand pounds + sterling. + </p> + <p> + As the deceased had taken no further notice of his nephew in his lifetime, + than sending to his eldest boy (who had been christened after him, on + desperate speculation) a silver spoon in a morocco case, which, as he had + not too much to eat with it, seemed a kind of satire upon his having been + born without that useful article of plate in his mouth, Mr. Godfrey + Nickleby could, at first, scarcely believe the tidings thus conveyed to + him. On examination, however, they turned out to be strictly correct. The + amiable old gentleman, it seemed, had intended to leave the whole to the + Royal Humane Society, and had indeed executed a will to that effect; but + the Institution, having been unfortunate enough, a few months before, to + save the life of a poor relation to whom he paid a weekly allowance of + three shillings and sixpence, he had, in a fit of very natural + exasperation, revoked the bequest in a codicil, and left it all to Mr + Godfrey Nickleby; with a special mention of his indignation, not only + against the society for saving the poor relation’s life, but against the + poor relation also, for allowing himself to be saved. + </p> + <p> + With a portion of this property Mr. Godfrey Nickleby purchased a small + farm, near Dawlish in Devonshire, whither he retired with his wife and two + children, to live upon the best interest he could get for the rest of his + money, and the little produce he could raise from his land. The two + prospered so well together that, when he died, some fifteen years after + this period, and some five after his wife, he was enabled to leave, to his + eldest son, Ralph, three thousand pounds in cash, and to his youngest son, + Nicholas, one thousand and the farm, which was as small a landed estate as + one would desire to see. + </p> + <p> + These two brothers had been brought up together in a school at Exeter; + and, being accustomed to go home once a week, had often heard, from their + mother’s lips, long accounts of their father’s sufferings in his days of + poverty, and of their deceased uncle’s importance in his days of + affluence: which recitals produced a very different impression on the two: + for, while the younger, who was of a timid and retiring disposition, + gleaned from thence nothing but forewarnings to shun the great world and + attach himself to the quiet routine of a country life, Ralph, the elder, + deduced from the often-repeated tale the two great morals that riches are + the only true source of happiness and power, and that it is lawful and + just to compass their acquisition by all means short of felony. ‘And,’ + reasoned Ralph with himself, ‘if no good came of my uncle’s money when he + was alive, a great deal of good came of it after he was dead, inasmuch as + my father has got it now, and is saving it up for me, which is a highly + virtuous purpose; and, going back to the old gentleman, good <i>did </i>come of + it to him too, for he had the pleasure of thinking of it all his life + long, and of being envied and courted by all his family besides.’ And + Ralph always wound up these mental soliloquies by arriving at the + conclusion, that there was nothing like money. + </p> + <p> + Not confining himself to theory, or permitting his faculties to rust, even + at that early age, in mere abstract speculations, this promising lad + commenced usurer on a limited scale at school; putting out at good + interest a small capital of slate-pencil and marbles, and gradually + extending his operations until they aspired to the copper coinage of this + realm, in which he speculated to considerable advantage. Nor did he + trouble his borrowers with abstract calculations of figures, or references + to ready-reckoners; his simple rule of interest being all comprised in the + one golden sentence, ‘two-pence for every half-penny,’ which greatly + simplified the accounts, and which, as a familiar precept, more easily + acquired and retained in the memory than any known rule of arithmetic, + cannot be too strongly recommended to the notice of capitalists, both + large and small, and more especially of money-brokers and + bill-discounters. Indeed, to do these gentlemen justice, many of them are + to this day in the frequent habit of adopting it, with eminent success. + </p> + <p> + In like manner, did young Ralph Nickleby avoid all those minute and + intricate calculations of odd days, which nobody who has worked sums in + simple-interest can fail to have found most embarrassing, by establishing + the one general rule that all sums of principal and interest should be + paid on pocket-money day, that is to say, on Saturday: and that whether a + loan were contracted on the Monday, or on the Friday, the amount of + interest should be, in both cases, the same. Indeed he argued, and with + great show of reason, that it ought to be rather more for one day than for + five, inasmuch as the borrower might in the former case be very fairly + presumed to be in great extremity, otherwise he would not borrow at all + with such odds against him. This fact is interesting, as illustrating the + secret connection and sympathy which always exist between great minds. + Though Master Ralph Nickleby was not at that time aware of it, the class + of gentlemen before alluded to, proceed on just the same principle in all + their transactions. + </p> + <p> + From what we have said of this young gentleman, and the natural admiration + the reader will immediately conceive of his character, it may perhaps be + inferred that he is to be the hero of the work which we shall presently + begin. To set this point at rest, for once and for ever, we hasten to + undeceive them, and stride to its commencement. + </p> + <p> + On the death of his father, Ralph Nickleby, who had been some time before + placed in a mercantile house in London, applied himself passionately to + his old pursuit of money-getting, in which he speedily became so buried + and absorbed, that he quite forgot his brother for many years; and if, at + times, a recollection of his old playfellow broke upon him through the + haze in which he lived—for gold conjures up a mist about a man, more + destructive of all his old senses and lulling to his feelings than the + fumes of charcoal—it brought along with it a companion thought, that + if they were intimate he would want to borrow money of him. So, Mr. Ralph + Nickleby shrugged his shoulders, and said things were better as they were. + </p> + <p> + As for Nicholas, he lived a single man on the patrimonial estate until he + grew tired of living alone, and then he took to wife the daughter of a + neighbouring gentleman with a dower of one thousand pounds. This good lady + bore him two children, a son and a daughter, and when the son was about + nineteen, and the daughter fourteen, as near as we can guess—impartial + records of young ladies’ ages being, before the passing of the new act, + nowhere preserved in the registries of this country—Mr. Nickleby + looked about him for the means of repairing his capital, now sadly reduced + by this increase in his family, and the expenses of their education. + </p> + <p> + ‘Speculate with it,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Spec—u—late, my dear?’ said Mr. Nickleby, as though in doubt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ asked Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because, my dear, if we <i>should </i>lose it,’ rejoined Mr. Nickleby, who was a + slow and time-taking speaker, ‘if we <i>should </i>lose it, we shall no longer be + able to live, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fiddle,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not altogether sure of that, my dear,’ said Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s Nicholas,’ pursued the lady, ‘quite a young man—it’s time + he was in the way of doing something for himself; and Kate too, poor girl, + without a penny in the world. Think of your brother! Would he be what he + is, if he hadn’t speculated?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s true,’ replied Mr. Nickleby. ‘Very good, my dear. Yes. I <i>will</i> + speculate, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + Speculation is a round game; the players see little or nothing of their + cards at first starting; gains <i>may </i>be great—and so may losses. The + run of luck went against Mr. Nickleby. A mania prevailed, a bubble burst, + four stock-brokers took villa residences at Florence, four hundred + nobodies were ruined, and among them Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘The very house I live in,’ sighed the poor gentleman, ‘may be taken from + me tomorrow. Not an article of my old furniture, but will be sold to + strangers!’ + </p> + <p> + The last reflection hurt him so much, that he took at once to his bed; + apparently resolved to keep that, at all events. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cheer up, sir!’ said the apothecary. + </p> + <p> + ‘You mustn’t let yourself be cast down, sir,’ said the nurse. + </p> + <p> + ‘Such things happen every day,’ remarked the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + ‘And it is very sinful to rebel against them,’ whispered the clergyman. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what no man with a family ought to do,’ added the neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby shook his head, and motioning them all out of the room, + embraced his wife and children, and having pressed them by turns to his + languidly beating heart, sunk exhausted on his pillow. They were concerned + to find that his reason went astray after this; for he babbled, for a long + time, about the generosity and goodness of his brother, and the merry old + times when they were at school together. This fit of wandering past, he + solemnly commended them to One who never deserted the widow or her + fatherless children, and, smiling gently on them, turned upon his face, + and observed, that he thought he could fall asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 2 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span> +<i>f Mr. Ralph Nickleby, and his Establishments, and his Undertakings, and of + a great Joint Stock Company of vast national Importance + </i> +</p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ralph Nickleby was not, strictly speaking, what you would call a + merchant, neither was he a banker, nor an attorney, nor a special pleader, + nor a notary. He was certainly not a tradesman, and still less could he + lay any claim to the title of a professional gentleman; for it would have + been impossible to mention any recognised profession to which he belonged. + Nevertheless, as he lived in a spacious house in Golden Square, which, in + addition to a brass plate upon the street-door, had another brass plate + two sizes and a half smaller upon the left hand door-post, surrounding a + brass model of an infant’s fist grasping a fragment of a skewer, and + displaying the word ‘Office,’ it was clear that Mr. Ralph Nickleby did, or + pretended to do, business of some kind; and the fact, if it required any + further circumstantial evidence, was abundantly demonstrated by the + diurnal attendance, between the hours of half-past nine and five, of a + sallow-faced man in rusty brown, who sat upon an uncommonly hard stool in + a species of butler’s pantry at the end of the passage, and always had a + pen behind his ear when he answered the bell. + </p> + <p> + Although a few members of the graver professions live about Golden Square, + it is not exactly in anybody’s way to or from anywhere. It is one of the + squares that have been; a quarter of the town that has gone down in the + world, and taken to letting lodgings. Many of its first and second floors + are let, furnished, to single gentlemen; and it takes boarders besides. It + is a great resort of foreigners. The dark-complexioned men who wear large + rings, and heavy watch-guards, and bushy whiskers, and who congregate + under the Opera Colonnade, and about the box-office in the season, between + four and five in the afternoon, when they give away the orders,—all + live in Golden Square, or within a street of it. Two or three violins and + a wind instrument from the Opera band reside within its precincts. Its + boarding-houses are musical, and the notes of pianos and harps float in + the evening time round the head of the mournful statue, the guardian + genius of a little wilderness of shrubs, in the centre of the square. On a + summer’s night, windows are thrown open, and groups of swarthy moustached + men are seen by the passer-by, lounging at the casements, and smoking + fearfully. Sounds of gruff voices practising vocal music invade the + evening’s silence; and the fumes of choice tobacco scent the air. There, + snuff and cigars, and German pipes and flutes, and violins and + violoncellos, divide the supremacy between them. It is the region of song + and smoke. Street bands are on their mettle in Golden Square; and + itinerant glee-singers quaver involuntarily as they raise their voices + within its boundaries. + </p> + <p> + This would not seem a spot very well adapted to the transaction of + business; but Mr. Ralph Nickleby had lived there, notwithstanding, for many + years, and uttered no complaint on that score. He knew nobody round about, + and nobody knew him, although he enjoyed the reputation of being immensely + rich. The tradesmen held that he was a sort of lawyer, and the other + neighbours opined that he was a kind of general agent; both of which + guesses were as correct and definite as guesses about other people’s + affairs usually are, or need to be. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ralph Nickleby sat in his private office one morning, ready dressed to + walk abroad. He wore a bottle-green spencer over a blue coat; a white + waistcoat, grey mixture pantaloons, and Wellington boots drawn over them. + The corner of a small-plaited shirt-frill struggled out, as if insisting + to show itself, from between his chin and the top button of his spencer; + and the latter garment was not made low enough to conceal a long gold + watch-chain, composed of a series of plain rings, which had its beginning + at the handle of a gold repeater in Mr. Nickleby’s pocket, and its + termination in two little keys: one belonging to the watch itself, and the + other to some patent padlock. He wore a sprinkling of powder upon his + head, as if to make himself look benevolent; but if that were his purpose, + he would perhaps have done better to powder his countenance also, for + there was something in its very wrinkles, and in his cold restless eye, + which seemed to tell of cunning that would announce itself in spite of + him. However this might be, there he was; and as he was all alone, neither + the powder, nor the wrinkles, nor the eyes, had the smallest effect, good + or bad, upon anybody just then, and are consequently no business of ours + just now. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby closed an account-book which lay on his desk, and, throwing + himself back in his chair, gazed with an air of abstraction through the + dirty window. Some London houses have a melancholy little plot of ground + behind them, usually fenced in by four high whitewashed walls, and frowned + upon by stacks of chimneys: in which there withers on, from year to year, + a crippled tree, that makes a show of putting forth a few leaves late in + autumn when other trees shed theirs, and, drooping in the effort, lingers + on, all crackled and smoke-dried, till the following season, when it + repeats the same process, and perhaps, if the weather be particularly + genial, even tempts some rheumatic sparrow to chirrup in its branches. + People sometimes call these dark yards ‘gardens’; it is not supposed that + they were ever planted, but rather that they are pieces of unreclaimed + land, with the withered vegetation of the original brick-field. No man + thinks of walking in this desolate place, or of turning it to any account. + A few hampers, half-a-dozen broken bottles, and such-like rubbish, may be + thrown there, when the tenant first moves in, but nothing more; and there + they remain until he goes away again: the damp straw taking just as long + to moulder as it thinks proper: and mingling with the scanty box, and + stunted everbrowns, and broken flower-pots, that are scattered mournfully + about—a prey to ‘blacks’ and dirt. + </p> + <p> + It was into a place of this kind that Mr. Ralph Nickleby gazed, as he sat + with his hands in his pockets looking out of the window. He had fixed his + eyes upon a distorted fir tree, planted by some former tenant in a tub + that had once been green, and left there, years before, to rot away + piecemeal. There was nothing very inviting in the object, but Mr. Nickleby + was wrapt in a brown study, and sat contemplating it with far greater + attention than, in a more conscious mood, he would have deigned to bestow + upon the rarest exotic. At length, his eyes wandered to a little dirty + window on the left, through which the face of the clerk was dimly visible; + that worthy chancing to look up, he beckoned him to attend. + </p> + <p> + In obedience to this summons the clerk got off the high stool (to which he + had communicated a high polish by countless gettings off and on), and + presented himself in Mr. Nickleby’s room. He was a tall man of middle age, + with two goggle eyes whereof one was a fixture, a rubicund nose, a + cadaverous face, and a suit of clothes (if the term be allowable when they + suited him not at all) much the worse for wear, very much too small, and + placed upon such a short allowance of buttons that it was marvellous how + he contrived to keep them on. + </p> + <p> + ‘Was that half-past twelve, Noggs?’ said Mr. Nickleby, in a sharp and + grating voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not more than five-and-twenty minutes by the—’ Noggs was going to + add public-house clock, but recollecting himself, substituted ‘regular + time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My watch has stopped,’ said Mr. Nickleby; ‘I don’t know from what cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not wound up,’ said Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes it is,’ said Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Over-wound then,’ rejoined Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘That can’t very well be,’ observed Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Must be,’ said Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ said Mr. Nickleby, putting the repeater back in his pocket; + ‘perhaps it is.’ + </p> + <p> + Noggs gave a peculiar grunt, as was his custom at the end of all disputes + with his master, to imply that he (Noggs) triumphed; and (as he rarely + spoke to anybody unless somebody spoke to him) fell into a grim silence, + and rubbed his hands slowly over each other: cracking the joints of his + fingers, and squeezing them into all possible distortions. The incessant + performance of this routine on every occasion, and the communication of a + fixed and rigid look to his unaffected eye, so as to make it uniform with + the other, and to render it impossible for anybody to determine where or + at what he was looking, were two among the numerous peculiarities of Mr + Noggs, which struck an inexperienced observer at first sight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am going to the London Tavern this morning,’ said Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Public meeting?’ inquired Noggs. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby nodded. ‘I expect a letter from the solicitor respecting that + mortgage of Ruddle’s. If it comes at all, it will be here by the two + o’clock delivery. I shall leave the city about that time and walk to + Charing Cross on the left-hand side of the way; if there are any letters, + come and meet me, and bring them with you.’ + </p> + <p> + Noggs nodded; and as he nodded, there came a ring at the office bell. The + master looked up from his papers, and the clerk calmly remained in a + stationary position. + </p> + <p> + ‘The bell,’ said Noggs, as though in explanation. ‘At home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To anybody?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To the tax-gatherer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No! Let him call again.’ + </p> + <p> + Noggs gave vent to his usual grunt, as much as to say ‘I thought so!’ and, + the ring being repeated, went to the door, whence he presently returned, + ushering in, by the name of Mr. Bonney, a pale gentleman in a violent + hurry, who, with his hair standing up in great disorder all over his head, + and a very narrow white cravat tied loosely round his throat, looked as if + he had been knocked up in the night and had not dressed himself since. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Nickleby,’ said the gentleman, taking off a white hat which was + so full of papers that it would scarcely stick upon his head, ‘there’s not + a moment to lose; I have a cab at the door. Sir Matthew Pupker takes the + chair, and three members of Parliament are positively coming. I have seen + two of them safely out of bed. The third, who was at Crockford’s all + night, has just gone home to put a clean shirt on, and take a bottle or + two of soda water, and will certainly be with us, in time to address the + meeting. He is a little excited by last night, but never mind that; he + always speaks the stronger for it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It seems to promise pretty well,’ said Mr. Ralph Nickleby, whose + deliberate manner was strongly opposed to the vivacity of the other man of + business. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty well!’ echoed Mr. Bonney. ‘It’s the finest idea that was ever + started. “United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and + Punctual Delivery Company. Capital, five millions, in five hundred + thousand shares of ten pounds each.” Why the very name will get the shares + up to a premium in ten days.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when they <i>are </i>at a premium,’ said Mr. Ralph Nickleby, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘When they are, you know what to do with them as well as any man alive, + and how to back quietly out at the right time,’ said Mr. Bonney, slapping + the capitalist familiarly on the shoulder. ‘By-the-bye, what a <i>very</i> + remarkable man that clerk of yours is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, poor devil!’ replied Ralph, drawing on his gloves. ‘Though Newman + Noggs kept his horses and hounds once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay?’ said the other carelessly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ continued Ralph, ‘and not many years ago either; but he squandered + his money, invested it anyhow, borrowed at interest, and in short made + first a thorough fool of himself, and then a beggar. He took to drinking, + and had a touch of paralysis, and then came here to borrow a pound, as in + his better days I had—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done business with him,’ said Mr. Bonney with a meaning look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so,’ replied Ralph; ‘I couldn’t lend it, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, of course not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But as I wanted a clerk just then, to open the door and so forth, I took + him out of charity, and he has remained with me ever since. He is a little + mad, I think,’ said Mr. Nickleby, calling up a charitable look, ‘but he is + useful enough, poor creature—useful enough.’ + </p> + <p> + The kind-hearted gentleman omitted to add that Newman Noggs, being utterly + destitute, served him for rather less than the usual wages of a boy of + thirteen; and likewise failed to mention in his hasty chronicle, that his + eccentric taciturnity rendered him an especially valuable person in a + place where much business was done, of which it was desirable no mention + should be made out of doors. The other gentleman was plainly impatient to + be gone, however, and as they hurried into the hackney cabriolet + immediately afterwards, perhaps Mr. Nickleby forgot to mention + circumstances so unimportant. + </p> + <p> + There was a great bustle in Bishopsgate Street Within, as they drew up, + and (it being a windy day) half-a-dozen men were tacking across the road + under a press of paper, bearing gigantic announcements that a Public + Meeting would be holden at one o’clock precisely, to take into + consideration the propriety of petitioning Parliament in favour of the + United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and Punctual + Delivery Company, capital five millions, in five hundred thousand shares + of ten pounds each; which sums were duly set forth in fat black figures of + considerable size. Mr. Bonney elbowed his way briskly upstairs, receiving + in his progress many low bows from the waiters who stood on the landings + to show the way; and, followed by Mr. Nickleby, dived into a suite of + apartments behind the great public room: in the second of which was a + business-looking table, and several business-looking people. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear!’ cried a gentleman with a double chin, as Mr. Bonney presented + himself. ‘Chair, gentlemen, chair!’ + </p> + <p> + The new-comers were received with universal approbation, and Mr. Bonney + bustled up to the top of the table, took off his hat, ran his fingers + through his hair, and knocked a hackney-coachman’s knock on the table with + a little hammer: whereat several gentlemen cried ‘Hear!’ and nodded + slightly to each other, as much as to say what spirited conduct that was. + Just at this moment, a waiter, feverish with agitation, tore into the + room, and throwing the door open with a crash, shouted ‘Sir Matthew + Pupker!’ + </p> + <p> + The committee stood up and clapped their hands for joy, and while they + were clapping them, in came Sir Matthew Pupker, attended by two live + members of Parliament, one Irish and one Scotch, all smiling and bowing, + and looking so pleasant that it seemed a perfect marvel how any man could + have the heart to vote against them. Sir Matthew Pupker especially, who + had a little round head with a flaxen wig on the top of it, fell into such + a paroxysm of bows, that the wig threatened to be jerked off, every + instant. When these symptoms had in some degree subsided, the gentlemen + who were on speaking terms with Sir Matthew Pupker, or the two other + members, crowded round them in three little groups, near one or other of + which the gentlemen who were <i>not </i>on speaking terms with Sir Matthew Pupker + or the two other members, stood lingering, and smiling, and rubbing their + hands, in the desperate hope of something turning up which might bring + them into notice. All this time, Sir Matthew Pupker and the two other + members were relating to their separate circles what the intentions of + government were, about taking up the bill; with a full account of what the + government had said in a whisper the last time they dined with it, and how + the government had been observed to wink when it said so; from which + premises they were at no loss to draw the conclusion, that if the + government had one object more at heart than another, that one object was + the welfare and advantage of the United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin + and Crumpet Baking and Punctual Delivery Company. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, and pending the arrangement of the proceedings, and a fair + division of the speechifying, the public in the large room were eyeing, by + turns, the empty platform, and the ladies in the Music Gallery. In these + amusements the greater portion of them had been occupied for a couple of + hours before, and as the most agreeable diversions pall upon the taste on + a too protracted enjoyment of them, the sterner spirits now began to + hammer the floor with their boot-heels, and to express their + dissatisfaction by various hoots and cries. These vocal exertions, + emanating from the people who had been there longest, naturally proceeded + from those who were nearest to the platform and furthest from the + policemen in attendance, who having no great mind to fight their way + through the crowd, but entertaining nevertheless a praiseworthy desire to + do something to quell the disturbance, immediately began to drag forth, by + the coat tails and collars, all the quiet people near the door; at the + same time dealing out various smart and tingling blows with their + truncheons, after the manner of that ingenious actor, Mr. Punch: whose + brilliant example, both in the fashion of his weapons and their use, this + branch of the executive occasionally follows. + </p> + <p> + Several very exciting skirmishes were in progress, when a loud shout + attracted the attention even of the belligerents, and then there poured on + to the platform, from a door at the side, a long line of gentlemen with + their hats off, all looking behind them, and uttering vociferous cheers; + the cause whereof was sufficiently explained when Sir Matthew Pupker and + the two other real members of Parliament came to the front, amidst + deafening shouts, and testified to each other in dumb motions that they + had never seen such a glorious sight as that, in the whole course of their + public career. + </p> + <p> + At length, and at last, the assembly left off shouting, but Sir Matthew + Pupker being voted into the chair, they underwent a relapse which lasted + five minutes. This over, Sir Matthew Pupker went on to say what must be + his feelings on that great occasion, and what must be that occasion in the + eyes of the world, and what must be the intelligence of his + fellow-countrymen before him, and what must be the wealth and + respectability of his honourable friends behind him, and lastly, what must + be the importance to the wealth, the happiness, the comfort, the liberty, + the very existence of a free and great people, of such an Institution as + the United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and + Punctual Delivery Company! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bonney then presented himself to move the first resolution; and having + run his right hand through his hair, and planted his left, in an easy + manner, in his ribs, he consigned his hat to the care of the gentleman + with the double chin (who acted as a species of bottle-holder to the + orators generally), and said he would read to them the first resolution—‘That + this meeting views with alarm and apprehension, the existing state of the + Muffin Trade in this Metropolis and its neighbourhood; that it considers + the Muffin Boys, as at present constituted, wholly underserving the + confidence of the public; and that it deems the whole Muffin system alike + prejudicial to the health and morals of the people, and subversive of the + best interests of a great commercial and mercantile community.’ The + honourable gentleman made a speech which drew tears from the eyes of the + ladies, and awakened the liveliest emotions in every individual present. + He had visited the houses of the poor in the various districts of London, + and had found them destitute of the slightest vestige of a muffin, which + there appeared too much reason to believe some of these indigent persons + did not taste from year’s end to year’s end. He had found that among + muffin-sellers there existed drunkenness, debauchery, and profligacy, + which he attributed to the debasing nature of their employment as at + present exercised; he had found the same vices among the poorer class of + people who ought to be muffin consumers; and this he attributed to the + despair engendered by their being placed beyond the reach of that + nutritious article, which drove them to seek a false stimulant in + intoxicating liquors. He would undertake to prove before a committee of + the House of Commons, that there existed a combination to keep up the + price of muffins, and to give the bellmen a monopoly; he would prove it by + bellmen at the bar of that House; and he would also prove, that these men + corresponded with each other by secret words and signs as ‘Snooks,’ + ‘Walker,’ ‘Ferguson,’ ‘Is Murphy right?’ and many others. It was this + melancholy state of things that the Company proposed to correct; firstly, + by prohibiting, under heavy penalties, all private muffin trading of every + description; secondly, by themselves supplying the public generally, and + the poor at their own homes, with muffins of first quality at reduced + prices. It was with this object that a bill had been introduced into + Parliament by their patriotic chairman Sir Matthew Pupker; it was this + bill that they had met to support; it was the supporters of this bill who + would confer undying brightness and splendour upon England, under the name + of the United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and Crumpet Baking and + Punctual Delivery Company; he would add, with a capital of Five Millions, + in five hundred thousand shares of ten pounds each. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ralph Nickleby seconded the resolution, and another gentleman having + moved that it be amended by the insertion of the words ‘and crumpet’ after + the word ‘muffin,’ whenever it occurred, it was carried triumphantly. Only + one man in the crowd cried ‘No!’ and he was promptly taken into custody, + and straightway borne off. + </p> + <p> + The second resolution, which recognised the expediency of immediately + abolishing ‘all muffin (or crumpet) sellers, all traders in muffins (or + crumpets) of whatsoever description, whether male or female, boys or men, + ringing hand-bells or otherwise,’ was moved by a grievous gentleman of + semi-clerical appearance, who went at once into such deep pathetics, that + he knocked the first speaker clean out of the course in no time. You might + have heard a pin fall—a pin! a feather—as he described the + cruelties inflicted on muffin boys by their masters, which he very wisely + urged were in themselves a sufficient reason for the establishment of that + inestimable company. It seemed that the unhappy youths were nightly turned + out into the wet streets at the most inclement periods of the year, to + wander about, in darkness and rain—or it might be hail or snow—for + hours together, without shelter, food, or warmth; and let the public never + forget upon the latter point, that while the muffins were provided with + warm clothing and blankets, the boys were wholly unprovided for, and left + to their own miserable resources. (Shame!) The honourable gentleman + related one case of a muffin boy, who having been exposed to this inhuman + and barbarous system for no less than five years, at length fell a victim + to a cold in the head, beneath which he gradually sunk until he fell into + a perspiration and recovered; this he could vouch for, on his own + authority, but he had heard (and he had no reason to doubt the fact) of a + still more heart-rending and appalling circumstance. He had heard of the + case of an orphan muffin boy, who, having been run over by a hackney + carriage, had been removed to the hospital, had undergone the amputation + of his leg below the knee, and was now actually pursuing his occupation on + crutches. Fountain of justice, were these things to last! + </p> + <p> + This was the department of the subject that took the meeting, and this was + the style of speaking to enlist their sympathies. The men shouted; the + ladies wept into their pocket-handkerchiefs till they were moist, and + waved them till they were dry; the excitement was tremendous; and Mr + Nickleby whispered his friend that the shares were thenceforth at a + premium of five-and-twenty per cent. + </p> + <p> + The resolution was, of course, carried with loud acclamations, every man + holding up both hands in favour of it, as he would in his enthusiasm have + held up both legs also, if he could have conveniently accomplished it. + This done, the draft of the proposed petition was read at length: and the + petition said, as all petitions <i>do</i> say, that the petitioners were very + humble, and the petitioned very honourable, and the object very virtuous; + therefore (said the petition) the bill ought to be passed into a law at + once, to the everlasting honour and glory of that most honourable and + glorious Commons of England in Parliament assembled. + </p> + <p> + Then, the gentleman who had been at Crockford’s all night, and who looked + something the worse about the eyes in consequence, came forward to tell + his fellow-countrymen what a speech he meant to make in favour of that + petition whenever it should be presented, and how desperately he meant to + taunt the parliament if they rejected the bill; and to inform them also, + that he regretted his honourable friends had not inserted a clause + rendering the purchase of muffins and crumpets compulsory upon all classes + of the community, which he—opposing all half-measures, and + preferring to go the extreme animal—pledged himself to propose and + divide upon, in committee. After announcing this determination, the + honourable gentleman grew jocular; and as patent boots, lemon-coloured kid + gloves, and a fur coat collar, assist jokes materially, there was immense + laughter and much cheering, and moreover such a brilliant display of + ladies’ pocket-handkerchiefs, as threw the grievous gentleman quite into + the shade. + </p> + <p> + And when the petition had been read and was about to be adopted, there + came forward the Irish member (who was a young gentleman of ardent + temperament,) with such a speech as only an Irish member can make, + breathing the true soul and spirit of poetry, and poured forth with such + fervour, that it made one warm to look at him; in the course whereof, he + told them how he would demand the extension of that great boon to his + native country; how he would claim for her equal rights in the muffin laws + as in all other laws; and how he yet hoped to see the day when crumpets + should be toasted in her lowly cabins, and muffin bells should ring in her + rich green valleys. And, after him, came the Scotch member, with various + pleasant allusions to the probable amount of profits, which increased the + good humour that the poetry had awakened; and all the speeches put + together did exactly what they were intended to do, and established in the + hearers’ minds that there was no speculation so promising, or at the same + time so praiseworthy, as the United Metropolitan Improved Hot Muffin and + Crumpet Baking and Punctual Delivery Company. + </p> + <p> + So, the petition in favour of the bill was agreed upon, and the meeting + adjourned with acclamations, and Mr. Nickleby and the other directors went + to the office to lunch, as they did every day at half-past one o’clock; + and to remunerate themselves for which trouble, (as the company was yet in + its infancy,) they only charged three guineas each man for every such + attendance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 3 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>r. Ralph Nickleby receives Sad Tidings of his Brother, but bears up nobly + against the Intelligence communicated to him. The Reader is informed how + he liked Nicholas, who is herein introduced, and how kindly he proposed to + make his Fortune at once.</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Having rendered his zealous assistance towards dispatching the lunch, with + all that promptitude and energy which are among the most important + qualities that men of business can possess, Mr. Ralph Nickleby took a + cordial farewell of his fellow-speculators, and bent his steps westward in + unwonted good humour. As he passed St Paul’s he stepped aside into a + doorway to set his watch, and with his hand on the key and his eye on the + cathedral dial, was intent upon so doing, when a man suddenly stopped + before him. It was Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Newman,’ said Mr. Nickleby, looking up as he pursued his occupation. + ‘The letter about the mortgage has come, has it? I thought it would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wrong,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! and nobody called respecting it?’ inquired Mr. Nickleby, pausing. + Noggs shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘What <i>has </i>come, then?’ inquired Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘What else?’ demanded the master, sternly. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ said Newman, drawing a sealed letter slowly from his pocket. + ‘Post-mark, Strand, black wax, black border, woman’s hand, C. N. in the + corner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Black wax?’ said Mr. Nickleby, glancing at the letter. ‘I know something + of that hand, too. Newman, I shouldn’t be surprised if my brother were + dead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think you would,’ said Newman, quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not, sir?’ demanded Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘You never are surprised,’ replied Newman, ‘that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby snatched the letter from his assistant, and fixing a cold look + upon him, opened, read it, put it in his pocket, and having now hit the + time to a second, began winding up his watch. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is as I expected, Newman,’ said Mr. Nickleby, while he was thus + engaged. ‘He <i>is</i> dead. Dear me! Well, that’s sudden thing. I shouldn’t have + thought it, really.’ With these touching expressions of sorrow, Mr + Nickleby replaced his watch in his fob, and, fitting on his gloves to a + nicety, turned upon his way, and walked slowly westward with his hands + behind him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Children alive?’ inquired Noggs, stepping up to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that’s the very thing,’ replied Mr. Nickleby, as though his thoughts + were about them at that moment. ‘They are both alive.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Both!’ repeated Newman Noggs, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the widow, too,’ added Mr. Nickleby, ‘and all three in London, + confound them; all three here, Newman.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman fell a little behind his master, and his face was curiously twisted + as by a spasm; but whether of paralysis, or grief, or inward laughter, + nobody but himself could possibly explain. The expression of a man’s face + is commonly a help to his thoughts, or glossary on his speech; but the + countenance of Newman Noggs, in his ordinary moods, was a problem which no + stretch of ingenuity could solve. + </p> + <p> + ‘Go home!’ said Mr. Nickleby, after they had walked a few paces: looking + round at the clerk as if he were his dog. The words were scarcely uttered + when Newman darted across the road, slunk among the crowd, and disappeared + in an instant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Reasonable, certainly!’ muttered Mr. Nickleby to himself, as he walked on, + ‘very reasonable! My brother never did anything for me, and I never + expected it; the breath is no sooner out of his body than I am to be + looked to, as the support of a great hearty woman, and a grown boy and + girl. What are they to me! I never saw them.’ + </p> + <p> + Full of these, and many other reflections of a similar kind, Mr. Nickleby + made the best of his way to the Strand, and, referring to his letter as if + to ascertain the number of the house he wanted, stopped at a private door + about half-way down that crowded thoroughfare. + </p> + <p> + A miniature painter lived there, for there was a large gilt frame screwed + upon the street-door, in which were displayed, upon a black velvet ground, + two portraits of naval dress coats with faces looking out of them, and + telescopes attached; one of a young gentleman in a very vermilion uniform, + flourishing a sabre; and one of a literary character with a high forehead, + a pen and ink, six books, and a curtain. There was, moreover, a touching + representation of a young lady reading a manuscript in an unfathomable + forest, and a charming whole length of a large-headed little boy, sitting + on a stool with his legs fore-shortened to the size of salt-spoons. + Besides these works of art, there were a great many heads of old ladies + and gentlemen smirking at each other out of blue and brown skies, and an + elegantly written card of terms with an embossed border. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby glanced at these frivolities with great contempt, and gave a + double knock, which, having been thrice repeated, was answered by a + servant girl with an uncommonly dirty face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Mrs. Nickleby at home, girl?’ demanded Ralph sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Her name ain’t Nickleby,’ said the girl, ‘La Creevy, you mean.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby looked very indignant at the handmaid on being thus corrected, + and demanded with much asperity what she meant; which she was about to + state, when a female voice proceeding from a perpendicular staircase at + the end of the passage, inquired who was wanted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Nickleby,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the second floor, Hannah,’ said the same voice; ‘what a stupid thing + you are! Is the second floor at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Somebody went out just now, but I think it was the attic which had been a + cleaning of himself,’ replied the girl. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better see,’ said the invisible female. ‘Show the gentleman where + the bell is, and tell him he mustn’t knock double knocks for the second + floor; I can’t allow a knock except when the bell’s broke, and then it + must be two single ones.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here,’ said Ralph, walking in without more parley, ‘I beg your pardon; is + that Mrs. La what’s-her-name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Creevy—La Creevy,’ replied the voice, as a yellow headdress bobbed + over the banisters. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll speak to you a moment, ma’am, with your leave,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + The voice replied that the gentleman was to walk up; but he had walked up + before it spoke, and stepping into the first floor, was received by the + wearer of the yellow head-dress, who had a gown to correspond, and was of + much the same colour herself. Miss La Creevy was a mincing young lady of + fifty, and Miss La Creevy’s apartment was the gilt frame downstairs on a + larger scale and something dirtier. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Miss La Creevy, coughing delicately behind her black silk + mitten. ‘A miniature, I presume. A very strongly-marked countenance for + the purpose, sir. Have you ever sat before?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You mistake my purpose, I see, ma’am,’ replied Mr. Nickleby, in his usual + blunt fashion. ‘I have no money to throw away on miniatures, ma’am, and + nobody to give one to (thank God) if I had. Seeing you on the stairs, I + wanted to ask a question of you, about some lodgers here.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss La Creevy coughed once more—this cough was to conceal her + disappointment—and said, ‘Oh, indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I infer from what you said to your servant, that the floor above belongs + to you, ma’am,’ said Mr. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + Yes it did, Miss La Creevy replied. The upper part of the house belonged + to her, and as she had no necessity for the second-floor rooms just then, + she was in the habit of letting them. Indeed, there was a lady from the + country and her two children in them, at that present speaking. + </p> + <p> + ‘A widow, ma’am?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, she is a widow,’ replied the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘A <i>poor </i>widow, ma’am,’ said Ralph, with a powerful emphasis on that little + adjective which conveys so much. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I’m afraid she <i>is</i> poor,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I happen to know that she is, ma’am,’ said Ralph. ‘Now, what business has + a poor widow in such a house as this, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very true,’ replied Miss La Creevy, not at all displeased with this + implied compliment to the apartments. ‘Exceedingly true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know her circumstances intimately, ma’am,’ said Ralph; ‘in fact, I am a + relation of the family; and I should recommend you not to keep them here, + ma’am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should hope, if there was any incompatibility to meet the pecuniary + obligations,’ said Miss La Creevy with another cough, ‘that the lady’s + family would—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No they wouldn’t, ma’am,’ interrupted Ralph, hastily. ‘Don’t think it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I am to understand that,’ said Miss La Creevy, ‘the case wears a very + different appearance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may understand it then, ma’am,’ said Ralph, ‘and make your + arrangements accordingly. I am the family, ma’am—at least, I believe + I am the only relation they have, and I think it right that you should + know I can’t support them in their extravagances. How long have they taken + these lodgings for?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only from week to week,’ replied Miss La Creevy. ‘Mrs. Nickleby paid the + first week in advance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you had better get them out at the end of it,’ said Ralph. ‘They + can’t do better than go back to the country, ma’am; they are in + everybody’s way here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ said Miss La Creevy, rubbing her hands, ‘if Mrs. Nickleby took + the apartments without the means of paying for them, it was very + unbecoming a lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course it was, ma’am,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘And naturally,’ continued Miss La Creevy, ‘I who am, <i>at</i> <i>present</i>—hem—an + unprotected female, cannot afford to lose by the apartments.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course you can’t, ma’am,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Though at the same time,’ added Miss La Creevy, who was plainly wavering + between her good-nature and her interest, ‘I have nothing whatever to say + against the lady, who is extremely pleasant and affable, though, poor + thing, she seems terribly low in her spirits; nor against the young people + either, for nicer, or better-behaved young people cannot be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, ma’am,’ said Ralph, turning to the door, for these encomiums + on poverty irritated him; ‘I have done my duty, and perhaps more than I + ought: of course nobody will thank me for saying what I have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I am very much obliged to you at least, sir,’ said Miss La + Creevy in a gracious manner. ‘Would you do me the favour to look at a few + specimens of my portrait painting?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re very good, ma’am,’ said Mr. Nickleby, making off with great speed; + ‘but as I have a visit to pay upstairs, and my time is precious, I really + can’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At any other time when you are passing, I shall be most happy,’ said Miss + La Creevy. ‘Perhaps you will have the kindness to take a card of terms + with you? Thank you—good-morning!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-morning, ma’am,’ said Ralph, shutting the door abruptly after him to + prevent any further conversation. ‘Now for my sister-in-law. Bah!’ + </p> + <p> + Climbing up another perpendicular flight, composed with great mechanical + ingenuity of nothing but corner stairs, Mr. Ralph Nickleby stopped to take + breath on the landing, when he was overtaken by the handmaid, whom the + politeness of Miss La Creevy had dispatched to announce him, and who had + apparently been making a variety of unsuccessful attempts, since their + last interview, to wipe her dirty face clean, upon an apron much dirtier. + </p> + <p> + ‘What name?’ said the girl. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Mrs. Nickleby,’ said the girl, throwing open the door, ‘here’s Mr + Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + A lady in deep mourning rose as Mr. Ralph Nickleby entered, but appeared + incapable of advancing to meet him, and leant upon the arm of a slight but + very beautiful girl of about seventeen, who had been sitting by her. A + youth, who appeared a year or two older, stepped forward and saluted Ralph + as his uncle. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh,’ growled Ralph, with an ill-favoured frown, ‘you are Nicholas, I + suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is my name, sir,’ replied the youth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Put my hat down,’ said Ralph, imperiously. ‘Well, ma’am, how do you do? + You must bear up against sorrow, ma’am; I always do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mine was no common loss!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, applying her handkerchief to + her eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was no <i>un</i>common loss, ma’am,’ returned Ralph, as he coolly unbuttoned + his spencer. ‘Husbands die every day, ma’am, and wives too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And brothers also, sir,’ said Nicholas, with a glance of indignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir, and puppies, and pug-dogs likewise,’ replied his uncle, taking + a chair. ‘You didn’t mention in your letter what my brother’s complaint + was, ma’am.’ + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0072m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0072m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0072.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + + <p> + ‘The doctors could attribute it to no particular disease,’ said Mrs + Nickleby; shedding tears. ‘We have too much reason to fear that he died of + a broken heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh!’ said Ralph, ‘there’s no such thing. I can understand a man’s dying + of a broken neck, or suffering from a broken arm, or a broken head, or a + broken leg, or a broken nose; but a broken heart!—nonsense, it’s the + cant of the day. If a man can’t pay his debts, he dies of a broken heart, + and his widow’s a martyr.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some people, I believe, have no hearts to break,’ observed Nicholas, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘How old is this boy, for God’s sake?’ inquired Ralph, wheeling back his + chair, and surveying his nephew from head to foot with intense scorn. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nicholas is very nearly nineteen,’ replied the widow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nineteen, eh!’ said Ralph; ‘and what do you mean to do for your bread, + sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not to live upon my mother,’ replied Nicholas, his heart swelling as he + spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’d have little enough to live upon, if you did,’ retorted the uncle, + eyeing him contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever it be,’ said Nicholas, flushed with anger, ‘I shall not look to + you to make it more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nicholas, my dear, recollect yourself,’ remonstrated Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas, pray,’ urged the young lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hold your tongue, sir,’ said Ralph. ‘Upon my word! Fine beginnings, Mrs + Nickleby—fine beginnings!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby made no other reply than entreating Nicholas by a gesture to + keep silent; and the uncle and nephew looked at each other for some + seconds without speaking. The face of the old man was stern, + hard-featured, and forbidding; that of the young one, open, handsome, and + ingenuous. The old man’s eye was keen with the twinklings of avarice and + cunning; the young man’s bright with the light of intelligence and spirit. + His figure was somewhat slight, but manly and well formed; and, apart from + all the grace of youth and comeliness, there was an emanation from the + warm young heart in his look and bearing which kept the old man down. + </p> + <p> + However striking such a contrast as this may be to lookers-on, none ever + feel it with half the keenness or acuteness of perfection with which it + strikes to the very soul of him whose inferiority it marks. It galled + Ralph to the heart’s core, and he hated Nicholas from that hour. + </p> + <p> + The mutual inspection was at length brought to a close by Ralph + withdrawing his eyes, with a great show of disdain, and calling Nicholas + ‘a boy.’ This word is much used as a term of reproach by elderly gentlemen + towards their juniors: probably with the view of deluding society into the + belief that if they could be young again, they wouldn’t on any account. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, ma’am,’ said Ralph, impatiently, ‘the creditors have administered, + you tell me, and there’s nothing left for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you spent what little money you had, in coming all the way to London, + to see what I could do for you?’ pursued Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hoped,’ faltered Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that you might have an opportunity of + doing something for your brother’s children. It was his dying wish that I + should appeal to you in their behalf.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know how it is,’ muttered Ralph, walking up and down the room, + ‘but whenever a man dies without any property of his own, he always seems + to think he has a right to dispose of other people’s. What is your + daughter fit for, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate has been well educated,’ sobbed Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Tell your uncle, my + dear, how far you went in French and extras.’ + </p> + <p> + The poor girl was about to murmur something, when her uncle stopped her, + very unceremoniously. + </p> + <p> + ‘We must try and get you apprenticed at some boarding-school,’ said Ralph. + ‘You have not been brought up too delicately for that, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed, uncle,’ replied the weeping girl. ‘I will try to do anything + that will gain me a home and bread.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ said Ralph, a little softened, either by his niece’s beauty + or her distress (stretch a point, and say the latter). ‘You must try it, + and if the life is too hard, perhaps dressmaking or tambour-work will come + lighter. Have <i>you </i>ever done anything, sir?’ (turning to his nephew.) + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas, bluntly. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I thought not!’ said Ralph. ‘This is the way my brother brought up + his children, ma’am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nicholas has not long completed such education as his poor father could + give him,’ rejoined Mrs. Nickleby, ‘and he was thinking of—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of making something of him someday,’ said Ralph. ‘The old story; always + thinking, and never doing. If my brother had been a man of activity and + prudence, he might have left you a rich woman, ma’am: and if he had turned + his son into the world, as my father turned me, when I wasn’t as old as + that boy by a year and a half, he would have been in a situation to help + you, instead of being a burden upon you, and increasing your distress. My + brother was a thoughtless, inconsiderate man, Mrs. Nickleby, and nobody, I + am sure, can have better reason to feel that, than you.’ + </p> + <p> + This appeal set the widow upon thinking that perhaps she might have made a + more successful venture with her one thousand pounds, and then she began + to reflect what a comfortable sum it would have been just then; which + dismal thoughts made her tears flow faster, and in the excess of these + griefs she (being a well-meaning woman enough, but weak withal) fell first + to deploring her hard fate, and then to remarking, with many sobs, that to + be sure she had been a slave to poor Nicholas, and had often told him she + might have married better (as indeed she had, very often), and that she + never knew in his lifetime how the money went, but that if he had confided + in her they might all have been better off that day; with other bitter + recollections common to most married ladies, either during their + coverture, or afterwards, or at both periods. Mrs. Nickleby concluded by + lamenting that the dear departed had never deigned to profit by her + advice, save on one occasion; which was a strictly veracious statement, + inasmuch as he had only acted upon it once, and had ruined himself in + consequence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ralph Nickleby heard all this with a half-smile; and when the widow had + finished, quietly took up the subject where it had been left before the + above outbreak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you willing to work, sir?’ he inquired, frowning on his nephew. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I am,’ replied Nicholas haughtily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then see here, sir,’ said his uncle. ‘This caught my eye this morning, + and you may thank your stars for it.’ + </p> + <p> + With this exordium, Mr. Ralph Nickleby took a newspaper from his pocket, + and after unfolding it, and looking for a short time among the + advertisements, read as follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘“<i>Education</i>.—At Mr. Wackford Squeers’s Academy, Dotheboys Hall, at + the delightful village of Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, Youth + are boarded, clothed, booked, furnished with pocket-money, provided with + all necessaries, instructed in all languages living and dead, mathematics, + orthography, geometry, astronomy, trigonometry, the use of the globes, + algebra, single stick (if required), writing, arithmetic, fortification, + and every other branch of classical literature. Terms, twenty guineas per + annum. No extras, no vacations, and diet unparalleled. Mr. Squeers is in + town, and attends daily, from one till four, at the Saracen’s Head, Snow + Hill. N.B. An able assistant wanted. Annual salary 5 pounds. A Master of + Arts would be preferred.” + </p> + <p> + ‘There!’ said Ralph, folding the paper again. ‘Let him get that situation, + and his fortune is made.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But he is not a Master of Arts,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘That,’ replied Ralph, ‘that, I think, can be got over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But the salary is so small, and it is such a long way off, uncle!’ + faltered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, Kate my dear,’ interposed Mrs. Nickleby; ‘your uncle must know + best.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say,’ repeated Ralph, tartly, ‘let him get that situation, and his + fortune is made. If he don’t like that, let him get one for himself. + Without friends, money, recommendation, or knowledge of business of any + kind, let him find honest employment in London, which will keep him in + shoe leather, and I’ll give him a thousand pounds. At least,’ said Mr + Ralph Nickleby, checking himself, ‘I would if I had it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said the young lady. ‘Oh! uncle, must we be separated so + soon!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tease your uncle with questions when he is thinking only for our + good, my love,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Nicholas, my dear, I wish you would + say something.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, mother, yes,’ said Nicholas, who had hitherto remained silent and + absorbed in thought. ‘If I am fortunate enough to be appointed to this + post, sir, for which I am so imperfectly qualified, what will become of + those I leave behind?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your mother and sister, sir,’ replied Ralph, ‘will be provided for, in + that case (not otherwise), by me, and placed in some sphere of life in + which they will be able to be independent. That will be my immediate care; + they will not remain as they are, one week after your departure, I will + undertake.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Nicholas, starting gaily up, and wringing his uncle’s hand, + ‘I am ready to do anything you wish me. Let us try our fortune with Mr + Squeers at once; he can but refuse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He won’t do that,’ said Ralph. ‘He will be glad to have you on my + recommendation. Make yourself of use to him, and you’ll rise to be a + partner in the establishment in no time. Bless me, only think! if he were + to die, why your fortune’s made at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure, I see it all,’ said poor Nicholas, delighted with a thousand + visionary ideas, that his good spirits and his inexperience were conjuring + up before him. ‘Or suppose some young nobleman who is being educated at + the Hall, were to take a fancy to me, and get his father to appoint me his + travelling tutor when he left, and when we come back from the continent, + procured me some handsome appointment. Eh! uncle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, to be sure!’ sneered Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘And who knows, but when he came to see me when I was settled (as he would + of course), he might fall in love with Kate, who would be keeping my + house, and—and marry her, eh! uncle? Who knows?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who, indeed!’ snarled Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘How happy we should be!’ cried Nicholas with enthusiasm. ‘The pain of + parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again. Kate will be a beautiful + woman, and I so proud to hear them say so, and mother so happy to be with + us once again, and all these sad times forgotten, and—’ The picture + was too bright a one to bear, and Nicholas, fairly overpowered by it, + smiled faintly, and burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + This simple family, born and bred in retirement, and wholly unacquainted + with what is called the world—a conventional phrase which, being + interpreted, often signifieth all the rascals in it—mingled their + tears together at the thought of their first separation; and, this first + gush of feeling over, were proceeding to dilate with all the buoyancy of + untried hope on the bright prospects before them, when Mr. Ralph Nickleby + suggested, that if they lost time, some more fortunate candidate might + deprive Nicholas of the stepping-stone to fortune which the advertisement + pointed out, and so undermine all their air-built castles. This timely + reminder effectually stopped the conversation. Nicholas, having carefully + copied the address of Mr. Squeers, the uncle and nephew issued forth + together in quest of that accomplished gentleman; Nicholas firmly + persuading himself that he had done his relative great injustice in + disliking him at first sight; and Mrs. Nickleby being at some pains to + inform her daughter that she was sure he was a much more kindly disposed + person than he seemed; which, Miss Nickleby dutifully remarked, he might + very easily be. + </p> + <p> + To tell the truth, the good lady’s opinion had been not a little + influenced by her brother-in-law’s appeal to her better understanding, and + his implied compliment to her high deserts; and although she had dearly + loved her husband, and still doted on her children, he had struck so + successfully on one of those little jarring chords in the human heart + (Ralph was well acquainted with its worst weaknesses, though he knew + nothing of its best), that she had already begun seriously to consider + herself the amiable and suffering victim of her late husband’s imprudence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 4 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas and his Uncle (to secure the Fortune without loss of time) wait + upon Mr. Wackford Squeers, the Yorkshire Schoolmaster</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Snow Hill! What kind of place can the quiet townspeople who see the words + emblazoned, in all the legibility of gilt letters and dark shading, on the + north-country coaches, take Snow Hill to be? All people have some + undefined and shadowy notion of a place whose name is frequently before + their eyes, or often in their ears. What a vast number of random ideas + there must be perpetually floating about, regarding this same Snow Hill. + The name is such a good one. Snow Hill—Snow Hill too, coupled with a + Saracen’s Head: picturing to us by a double association of ideas, + something stern and rugged! A bleak desolate tract of country, open to + piercing blasts and fierce wintry storms—a dark, cold, gloomy heath, + lonely by day, and scarcely to be thought of by honest folks at night—a + place which solitary wayfarers shun, and where desperate robbers + congregate;—this, or something like this, should be the prevalent + notion of Snow Hill, in those remote and rustic parts, through which the + Saracen’s Head, like some grim apparition, rushes each day and night with + mysterious and ghost-like punctuality; holding its swift and headlong + course in all weathers, and seeming to bid defiance to the very elements + themselves. + </p> + <p> + The reality is rather different, but by no means to be despised + notwithstanding. There, at the very core of London, in the heart of its + business and animation, in the midst of a whirl of noise and motion: + stemming as it were the giant currents of life that flow ceaselessly on + from different quarters, and meet beneath its walls: stands Newgate; and + in that crowded street on which it frowns so darkly—within a few + feet of the squalid tottering houses—upon the very spot on which the + vendors of soup and fish and damaged fruit are now plying their trades—scores + of human beings, amidst a roar of sounds to which even the tumult of a + great city is as nothing, four, six, or eight strong men at a time, have + been hurried violently and swiftly from the world, when the scene has been + rendered frightful with excess of human life; when curious eyes have + glared from casement and house-top, and wall and pillar; and when, in the + mass of white and upturned faces, the dying wretch, in his + all-comprehensive look of agony, has met not one—not one—that + bore the impress of pity or compassion. + </p> + <p> + Near to the jail, and by consequence near to Smithfield also, and the + Compter, and the bustle and noise of the city; and just on that particular + part of Snow Hill where omnibus horses going eastward seriously think of + falling down on purpose, and where horses in hackney cabriolets going + westward not unfrequently fall by accident, is the coach-yard of the + Saracen’s Head Inn; its portal guarded by two Saracens’ heads and + shoulders, which it was once the pride and glory of the choice spirits of + this metropolis to pull down at night, but which have for some time + remained in undisturbed tranquillity; possibly because this species of + humour is now confined to St James’s parish, where door knockers are + preferred as being more portable, and bell-wires esteemed as convenient + toothpicks. Whether this be the reason or not, there they are, frowning + upon you from each side of the gateway. The inn itself garnished with + another Saracen’s Head, frowns upon you from the top of the yard; while + from the door of the hind boot of all the red coaches that are standing + therein, there glares a small Saracen’s Head, with a twin expression to + the large Saracens’ Heads below, so that the general appearance of the + pile is decidedly of the Saracenic order. + </p> + <p> + When you walk up this yard, you will see the booking-office on your left, + and the tower of St Sepulchre’s church, darting abruptly up into the sky, + on your right, and a gallery of bedrooms on both sides. Just before you, + you will observe a long window with the words ‘coffee-room’ legibly + painted above it; and looking out of that window, you would have seen in + addition, if you had gone at the right time, Mr. Wackford Squeers with his + hands in his pockets. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers’s appearance was not prepossessing. He had but one eye, and the + popular prejudice runs in favour of two. The eye he had, was + unquestionably useful, but decidedly not ornamental: being of a greenish + grey, and in shape resembling the fan-light of a street door. The blank + side of his face was much wrinkled and puckered up, which gave him a very + sinister appearance, especially when he smiled, at which times his + expression bordered closely on the villainous. His hair was very flat and + shiny, save at the ends, where it was brushed stiffly up from a low + protruding forehead, which assorted well with his harsh voice and coarse + manner. He was about two or three and fifty, and a trifle below the middle + size; he wore a white neckerchief with long ends, and a suit of scholastic + black; but his coat sleeves being a great deal too long, and his trousers + a great deal too short, he appeared ill at ease in his clothes, and as if + he were in a perpetual state of astonishment at finding himself so + respectable. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers was standing in a box by one of the coffee-room fire-places, + fitted with one such table as is usually seen in coffee-rooms, and two of + extraordinary shapes and dimensions made to suit the angles of the + partition. In a corner of the seat, was a very small deal trunk, tied + round with a scanty piece of cord; and on the trunk was perched—his + lace-up half-boots and corduroy trousers dangling in the air—a + diminutive boy, with his shoulders drawn up to his ears, and his hands + planted on his knees, who glanced timidly at the schoolmaster, from time + to time, with evident dread and apprehension. + </p> + <p> + ‘Half-past three,’ muttered Mr. Squeers, turning from the window, and + looking sulkily at the coffee-room clock. ‘There will be nobody here + today.’ + </p> + <p> + Much vexed by this reflection, Mr. Squeers looked at the little boy to see + whether he was doing anything he could beat him for. As he happened not to + be doing anything at all, he merely boxed his ears, and told him not to do + it again. + </p> + <p> + ‘At Midsummer,’ muttered Mr. Squeers, resuming his complaint, ‘I took down + ten boys; ten twenties is two hundred pound. I go back at eight o’clock + tomorrow morning, and have got only three—three oughts is an ought—three + twos is six—sixty pound. What’s come of all the boys? what’s parents + got in their heads? what does it all mean?’ + </p> + <p> + Here the little boy on the top of the trunk gave a violent sneeze. + </p> + <p> + ‘Halloa, sir!’ growled the schoolmaster, turning round. ‘What’s that, + sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, please sir,’ replied the little boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, sir!’ exclaimed Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Please sir, I sneezed,’ rejoined the boy, trembling till the little trunk + shook under him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! sneezed, did you?’ retorted Mr. Squeers. ‘Then what did you say + “nothing” for, sir?’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0081m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0081m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0081.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + In default of a better answer to this question, the little boy screwed a + couple of knuckles into each of his eyes and began to cry, wherefore Mr + Squeers knocked him off the trunk with a blow on one side of the face, and + knocked him on again with a blow on the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wait till I get you down into Yorkshire, my young gentleman,’ said Mr + Squeers, ‘and then I’ll give you the rest. Will you hold that noise, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—ye—yes,’ sobbed the little boy, rubbing his face very hard + with the Beggar’s Petition in printed calico. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then do so at once, sir,’ said Squeers. ‘Do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + As this admonition was accompanied with a threatening gesture, and uttered + with a savage aspect, the little boy rubbed his face harder, as if to keep + the tears back; and, beyond alternately sniffing and choking, gave no + further vent to his emotions. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Squeers,’ said the waiter, looking in at this juncture; ‘here’s a + gentleman asking for you at the bar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Show the gentleman in, Richard,’ replied Mr. Squeers, in a soft voice. + ‘Put your handkerchief in your pocket, you little scoundrel, or I’ll + murder you when the gentleman goes.’ + </p> + <p> + The schoolmaster had scarcely uttered these words in a fierce whisper, + when the stranger entered. Affecting not to see him, Mr. Squeers feigned to + be intent upon mending a pen, and offering benevolent advice to his + youthful pupil. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear child,’ said Mr. Squeers, ‘all people have their trials. This + early trial of yours that is fit to make your little heart burst, and your + very eyes come out of your head with crying, what is it? Nothing; less + than nothing. You are leaving your friends, but you will have a father in + me, my dear, and a mother in Mrs. Squeers. At the delightful village of + Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, where youth are boarded, + clothed, booked, washed, furnished with pocket-money, provided with all + necessaries—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It <i>is</i> the gentleman,’ observed the stranger, stopping the schoolmaster in + the rehearsal of his advertisement. ‘Mr. Squeers, I believe, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The same, sir,’ said Mr. Squeers, with an assumption of extreme surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘The gentleman,’ said the stranger, ‘that advertised in the Times + newspaper?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—Morning Post, Chronicle, Herald, and Advertiser, regarding the + Academy called Dotheboys Hall at the delightful village of Dotheboys, near + Greta Bridge in Yorkshire,’ added Mr. Squeers. ‘You come on business, sir. + I see by my young friends. How do you do, my little gentleman? and how do + you do, sir?’ With this salutation Mr. Squeers patted the heads of two + hollow-eyed, small-boned little boys, whom the applicant had brought with + him, and waited for further communications. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am in the oil and colour way. My name is Snawley, sir,’ said the + stranger. + </p> + <p> + Squeers inclined his head as much as to say, ‘And a remarkably pretty + name, too.’ + </p> + <p> + The stranger continued. ‘I have been thinking, Mr. Squeers, of placing my + two boys at your school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not for me to say so, sir,’ replied Mr. Squeers, ‘but I don’t think + you could possibly do a better thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said the other. ‘Twenty pounds per annewum, I believe, Mr. Squeers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Guineas,’ rejoined the schoolmaster, with a persuasive smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pounds for two, I think, Mr. Squeers,’ said Mr. Snawley, solemnly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think it could be done, sir,’ replied Squeers, as if he had never + considered the proposition before. ‘Let me see; four fives is twenty, + double that, and deduct the—well, a pound either way shall not stand + betwixt us. You must recommend me to your connection, sir, and make it up + that way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are not great eaters,’ said Mr. Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that doesn’t matter at all,’ replied Squeers. ‘We don’t consider the + boys’ appetites at our establishment.’ This was strictly true; they did + not. + </p> + <p> + ‘Every wholesome luxury, sir, that Yorkshire can afford,’ continued + Squeers; ‘every beautiful moral that Mrs. Squeers can instil; every—in + short, every comfort of a home that a boy could wish for, will be theirs, + Mr. Snawley.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should wish their morals to be particularly attended to,’ said Mr + Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad of that, sir,’ replied the schoolmaster, drawing himself up. + ‘They have come to the right shop for morals, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a moral man yourself,’ said Mr. Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘I rather believe I am, sir,’ replied Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have the satisfaction to know you are, sir,’ said Mr. Snawley. ‘I asked + one of your references, and he said you were pious.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, sir, I hope I am a little in that line,’ replied Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope I am also,’ rejoined the other. ‘Could I say a few words with you + in the next box?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means,’ rejoined Squeers with a grin. ‘My dears, will you speak to + your new playfellow a minute or two? That is one of my boys, sir. Belling + his name is,—a Taunton boy that, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he, indeed?’ rejoined Mr. Snawley, looking at the poor little urchin as + if he were some extraordinary natural curiosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘He goes down with me tomorrow, sir,’ said Squeers. ‘That’s his luggage + that he is a sitting upon now. Each boy is required to bring, sir, two + suits of clothes, six shirts, six pair of stockings, two nightcaps, two + pocket-handkerchiefs, two pair of shoes, two hats, and a razor.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A razor!’ exclaimed Mr. Snawley, as they walked into the next box. ‘What + for?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To shave with,’ replied Squeers, in a slow and measured tone. + </p> + <p> + There was not much in these three words, but there must have been + something in the manner in which they were said, to attract attention; for + the schoolmaster and his companion looked steadily at each other for a few + seconds, and then exchanged a very meaning smile. Snawley was a sleek, + flat-nosed man, clad in sombre garments, and long black gaiters, and + bearing in his countenance an expression of much mortification and + sanctity; so, his smiling without any obvious reason was the more + remarkable. + </p> + <p> + ‘Up to what age do you keep boys at your school then?’ he asked at length. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just as long as their friends make the quarterly payments to my agent in + town, or until such time as they run away,’ replied Squeers. ‘Let us + understand each other; I see we may safely do so. What are these boys;—natural + children?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined Snawley, meeting the gaze of the schoolmaster’s one eye. + ‘They ain’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought they might be,’ said Squeers, coolly. ‘We have a good many of + them; that boy’s one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Him in the next box?’ said Snawley. + </p> + <p> + Squeers nodded in the affirmative; his companion took another peep at the + little boy on the trunk, and, turning round again, looked as if he were + quite disappointed to see him so much like other boys, and said he should + hardly have thought it. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is,’ cried Squeers. ‘But about these boys of yours; you wanted to + speak to me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Snawley. ‘The fact is, I am not their father, Mr. Squeers. + I’m only their father-in-law.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Is that it?’ said the schoolmaster. ‘That explains it at once. I was + wondering what the devil you were going to send them to Yorkshire for. Ha! + ha! Oh, I understand now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see I have married the mother,’ pursued Snawley; ‘it’s expensive + keeping boys at home, and as she has a little money in her own right, I am + afraid (women are so very foolish, Mr. Squeers) that she might be led to + squander it on them, which would be their ruin, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ returned Squeers, throwing himself back in his chair, and waving + his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘And this,’ resumed Snawley, ‘has made me anxious to put them to some + school a good distance off, where there are no holidays—none of + those ill-judged coming home twice a year that unsettle children’s minds + so—and where they may rough it a little—you comprehend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The payments regular, and no questions asked,’ said Squeers, nodding his + head. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s it, exactly,’ rejoined the other. ‘Morals strictly attended to, + though.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Strictly,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not too much writing home allowed, I suppose?’ said the father-in-law, + hesitating. + </p> + <p> + ‘None, except a circular at Christmas, to say they never were so happy, + and hope they may never be sent for,’ rejoined Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing could be better,’ said the father-in-law, rubbing his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, as we understand each other,’ said Squeers, ‘will you allow me to + ask you whether you consider me a highly virtuous, exemplary, and + well-conducted man in private life; and whether, as a person whose + business it is to take charge of youth, you place the strongest confidence + in my unimpeachable integrity, liberality, religious principles, and + ability?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly I do,’ replied the father-in-law, reciprocating the + schoolmaster’s grin. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you won’t object to say that, if I make you a reference?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the least in the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s your sort!’ said Squeers, taking up a pen; ‘this is doing + business, and that’s what I like.’ + </p> + <p> + Having entered Mr. Snawley’s address, the schoolmaster had next to perform + the still more agreeable office of entering the receipt of the first + quarter’s payment in advance, which he had scarcely completed, when + another voice was heard inquiring for Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is,’ replied the schoolmaster; ‘what is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a matter of business, sir,’ said Ralph Nickleby, presenting himself, + closely followed by Nicholas. ‘There was an advertisement of yours in the + papers this morning?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There was, sir. This way, if you please,’ said Squeers, who had by this + time got back to the box by the fire-place. ‘Won’t you be seated?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I think I will,’ replied Ralph, suiting the action to the word, and + placing his hat on the table before him. ‘This is my nephew, sir, Mr + Nicholas Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you do, sir?’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bowed, said he was very well, and seemed very much astonished at + the outward appearance of the proprietor of Dotheboys Hall: as indeed he + was. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you recollect me?’ said Ralph, looking narrowly at the + schoolmaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘You paid me a small account at each of my half-yearly visits to town, for + some years, I think, sir,’ replied Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did,’ rejoined Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘For the parents of a boy named Dorker, who unfortunately—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—unfortunately died at Dotheboys Hall,’ said Ralph, finishing the + sentence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember very well, sir,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘Ah! Mrs. Squeers, sir, was + as partial to that lad as if he had been her own; the attention, sir, that + was bestowed upon that boy in his illness! Dry toast and warm tea offered + him every night and morning when he couldn’t swallow anything—a + candle in his bedroom on the very night he died—the best dictionary + sent up for him to lay his head upon—I don’t regret it though. It is + a pleasant thing to reflect that one did one’s duty by him.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled, as if he meant anything but smiling, and looked round at the + strangers present. + </p> + <p> + ‘These are only some pupils of mine,’ said Wackford Squeers, pointing to + the little boy on the trunk and the two little boys on the floor, who had + been staring at each other without uttering a word, and writhing their + bodies into most remarkable contortions, according to the custom of little + boys when they first become acquainted. ‘This gentleman, sir, is a parent + who is kind enough to compliment me upon the course of education adopted + at Dotheboys Hall, which is situated, sir, at the delightful village of + Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, where youth are boarded, + clothed, booked, washed, furnished with pocket-money—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, we know all about that, sir,’ interrupted Ralph, testily. ‘It’s in + the advertisement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very right, sir; it <i>is</i> in the advertisement,’ replied Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘And in the matter of fact besides,’ interrupted Mr. Snawley. ‘I feel bound + to assure you, sir, and I am proud to have this opportunity <i>of</i> assuring + you, that I consider Mr. Squeers a gentleman highly virtuous, exemplary, + well conducted, and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I make no doubt of it, sir,’ interrupted Ralph, checking the torrent of + recommendation; ‘no doubt of it at all. Suppose we come to business?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With all my heart, sir,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘“Never postpone business,” is + the very first lesson we instil into our commercial pupils. Master + Belling, my dear, always remember that; do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ repeated Master Belling. + </p> + <p> + ‘He recollects what it is, does he?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell the gentleman,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Never,”’ repeated Master Belling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ said Squeers; ‘go on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never,’ repeated Master Belling again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good indeed,’ said Squeers. ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘P,’ suggested Nicholas, good-naturedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perform—business!’ said Master Belling. ‘Never—perform—business!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, sir,’ said Squeers, darting a withering look at the culprit. + ‘You and I will perform a little business on our private account + by-and-by.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And just now,’ said Ralph, ‘we had better transact our own, perhaps.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you please,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ resumed Ralph, ‘it’s brief enough; soon broached; and I hope + easily concluded. You have advertised for an able assistant, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Precisely so,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘And you really want one?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ answered Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is!’ said Ralph. ‘My nephew Nicholas, hot from school, with + everything he learnt there, fermenting in his head, and nothing fermenting + in his pocket, is just the man you want.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid,’ said Squeers, perplexed with such an application from a + youth of Nicholas’s figure, ‘I am afraid the young man won’t suit me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, he will,’ said Ralph; ‘I know better. Don’t be cast down, sir; you + will be teaching all the young noblemen in Dotheboys Hall in less than a + week’s time, unless this gentleman is more obstinate than I take him to + be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear, sir,’ said Nicholas, addressing Mr. Squeers, ‘that you object to + my youth, and to my not being a Master of Arts?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The absence of a college degree <i>is</i> an objection,’ replied Squeers, + looking as grave as he could, and considerably puzzled, no less by the + contrast between the simplicity of the nephew and the worldly manner of + the uncle, than by the incomprehensible allusion to the young noblemen + under his tuition. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look here, sir,’ said Ralph; ‘I’ll put this matter in its true light in + two seconds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you’ll have the goodness,’ rejoined Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a boy, or a youth, or a lad, or a young man, or a hobbledehoy, or + whatever you like to call him, of eighteen or nineteen, or thereabouts,’ + said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘That I see,’ observed the schoolmaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I,’ said Mr. Snawley, thinking it as well to back his new friend + occasionally. + </p> + <p> + ‘His father is dead, he is wholly ignorant of the world, has no resources + whatever, and wants something to do,’ said Ralph. ‘I recommend him to this + splendid establishment of yours, as an opening which will lead him to + fortune if he turns it to proper account. Do you see that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everybody must see that,’ replied Squeers, half imitating the sneer with + which the old gentleman was regarding his unconscious relative. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do, of course,’ said Nicholas, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + ‘He does, of course, you observe,’ said Ralph, in the same dry, hard + manner. ‘If any caprice of temper should induce him to cast aside this + golden opportunity before he has brought it to perfection, I consider + myself absolved from extending any assistance to his mother and sister. + Look at him, and think of the use he may be to you in half-a-dozen ways! + Now, the question is, whether, for some time to come at all events, he + won’t serve your purpose better than twenty of the kind of people you + would get under ordinary circumstances. Isn’t that a question for + consideration?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, it is,’ said Squeers, answering a nod of Ralph’s head with a nod of + his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good,’ rejoined Ralph. ‘Let me have two words with you.’ + </p> + <p> + The two words were had apart; in a couple of minutes Mr. Wackford Squeers + announced that Mr. Nicholas Nickleby was, from that moment, thoroughly + nominated to, and installed in, the office of first assistant master at + Dotheboys Hall. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your uncle’s recommendation has done it, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Wackford + Squeers. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, overjoyed at his success, shook his uncle’s hand warmly, and + could almost have worshipped Squeers upon the spot. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is an odd-looking man,’ thought Nicholas. ‘What of that? Porson was an + odd-looking man, and so was Doctor Johnson; all these bookworms are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At eight o’clock tomorrow morning, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Squeers, ‘the coach + starts. You must be here at a quarter before, as we take these boys with + us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And your fare down, I have paid,’ growled Ralph. ‘So, you’ll have nothing + to do but keep yourself warm.’ + </p> + <p> + Here was another instance of his uncle’s generosity! Nicholas felt his + unexpected kindness so much, that he could scarcely find words to thank + him; indeed, he had not found half enough, when they took leave of the + schoolmaster, and emerged from the Saracen’s Head gateway. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be here in the morning to see you fairly off,’ said Ralph. ‘No + skulking!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, sir,’ replied Nicholas; ‘I never shall forget this kindness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care you don’t,’ replied his uncle. ‘You had better go home now, and + pack up what you have got to pack. Do you think you could find your way to + Golden Square first?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ said Nicholas. ‘I can easily inquire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave these papers with my clerk, then,’ said Ralph, producing a small + parcel, ‘and tell him to wait till I come home.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas cheerfully undertook the errand, and bidding his worthy uncle an + affectionate farewell, which that warm-hearted old gentleman acknowledged + by a growl, hastened away to execute his commission. + </p> + <p> + He found Golden Square in due course; Mr. Noggs, who had stepped out for a + minute or so to the public-house, was opening the door with a latch-key, + as he reached the steps. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ inquired Noggs, pointing to the parcel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Papers from my uncle,’ replied Nicholas; ‘and you’re to have the goodness + to wait till he comes home, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle!’ cried Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said Nicholas in explanation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + Without another word he led Nicholas into the passage, and thence into the + official pantry at the end of it, where he thrust him into a chair, and + mounting upon his high stool, sat, with his arms hanging, straight down by + his sides, gazing fixedly upon him, as from a tower of observation. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no answer,’ said Nicholas, laying the parcel on a table beside + him. + </p> + <p> + Newman said nothing, but folding his arms, and thrusting his head forward + so as to obtain a nearer view of Nicholas’s face, scanned his features + closely. + </p> + <p> + ‘No answer,’ said Nicholas, speaking very loud, under the impression that + Newman Noggs was deaf. + </p> + <p> + Newman placed his hands upon his knees, and, without uttering a syllable, + continued the same close scrutiny of his companion’s face. + </p> + <p> + This was such a very singular proceeding on the part of an utter stranger, + and his appearance was so extremely peculiar, that Nicholas, who had a + sufficiently keen sense of the ridiculous, could not refrain from breaking + into a smile as he inquired whether Mr. Noggs had any commands for him. + </p> + <p> + Noggs shook his head and sighed; upon which Nicholas rose, and remarking + that he required no rest, bade him good-morning. + </p> + <p> + It was a great exertion for Newman Noggs, and nobody knows to this day how + he ever came to make it, the other party being wholly unknown to him, but + he drew a long breath and actually said, out loud, without once stopping, + that if the young gentleman did not object to tell, he should like to know + what his uncle was going to do for him. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had not the least objection in the world, but on the contrary was + rather pleased to have an opportunity of talking on the subject which + occupied his thoughts; so, he sat down again, and (his sanguine + imagination warming as he spoke) entered into a fervent and glowing + description of all the honours and advantages to be derived from his + appointment at that seat of learning, Dotheboys Hall. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, what’s the matter—are you ill?’ said Nicholas, suddenly + breaking off, as his companion, after throwing himself into a variety of + uncouth attitudes, thrust his hands under the stool, and cracked his + finger-joints as if he were snapping all the bones in his hands. + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs made no reply, but went on shrugging his shoulders and + cracking his finger-joints; smiling horribly all the time, and looking + steadfastly at nothing, out of the tops of his eyes, in a most ghastly + manner. + </p> + <p> + At first, Nicholas thought the mysterious man was in a fit, but, on + further consideration, decided that he was in liquor, under which + circumstances he deemed it prudent to make off at once. He looked back + when he had got the street-door open. Newman Noggs was still indulging in + the same extraordinary gestures, and the cracking of his fingers sounded + louder that ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 5 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas starts for Yorkshire. Of his Leave-taking and his + Fellow-Travellers, and what befell them on the Road</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + If tears dropped into a trunk were charms to preserve its owner from + sorrow and misfortune, Nicholas Nickleby would have commenced his + expedition under most happy auspices. There was so much to be done, and so + little time to do it in; so many kind words to be spoken, and such bitter + pain in the hearts in which they rose to impede their utterance; that the + little preparations for his journey were made mournfully indeed. A hundred + things which the anxious care of his mother and sister deemed + indispensable for his comfort, Nicholas insisted on leaving behind, as + they might prove of some after use, or might be convertible into money if + occasion required. A hundred affectionate contests on such points as + these, took place on the sad night which preceded his departure; and, as + the termination of every angerless dispute brought them nearer and nearer + to the close of their slight preparations, Kate grew busier and busier, + and wept more silently. + </p> + <p> + The box was packed at last, and then there came supper, with some little + delicacy provided for the occasion, and as a set-off against the expense + of which, Kate and her mother had feigned to dine when Nicholas was out. + The poor lad nearly choked himself by attempting to partake of it, and + almost suffocated himself in affecting a jest or two, and forcing a + melancholy laugh. Thus, they lingered on till the hour of separating for + the night was long past; and then they found that they might as well have + given vent to their real feelings before, for they could not suppress + them, do what they would. So, they let them have their way, and even that + was a relief. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas slept well till six next morning; dreamed of home, or of what was + home once—no matter which, for things that are changed or gone will + come back as they used to be, thank God! in sleep—and rose quite + brisk and gay. He wrote a few lines in pencil, to say the goodbye which he + was afraid to pronounce himself, and laying them, with half his scanty + stock of money, at his sister’s door, shouldered his box and crept softly + downstairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that you, Hannah?’ cried a voice from Miss La Creevy’s sitting-room, + whence shone the light of a feeble candle. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is I, Miss La Creevy,’ said Nicholas, putting down the box and looking + in. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless us!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy, starting and putting her hand to her + curl-papers. ‘You’re up very early, Mr. Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So are you,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the fine arts that bring me out of bed, Mr. Nickleby,’ returned the + lady. ‘I’m waiting for the light to carry out an idea.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss La Creevy had got up early to put a fancy nose into a miniature of an + ugly little boy, destined for his grandmother in the country, who was + expected to bequeath him property if he was like the family. + </p> + <p> + ‘To carry out an idea,’ repeated Miss La Creevy; ‘and that’s the great + convenience of living in a thoroughfare like the Strand. When I want a + nose or an eye for any particular sitter, I have only to look out of + window and wait till I get one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does it take long to get a nose, now?’ inquired Nicholas, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that depends in a great measure on the pattern,’ replied Miss La + Creevy. ‘Snubs and Romans are plentiful enough, and there are flats of all + sorts and sizes when there’s a meeting at Exeter Hall; but perfect + aquilines, I am sorry to say, are scarce, and we generally use them for + uniforms or public characters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Nicholas. ‘If I should meet with any in my travels, I’ll + endeavour to sketch them for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean to say that you are really going all the way down into + Yorkshire this cold winter’s weather, Mr. Nickleby?’ said Miss La Creevy. + ‘I heard something of it last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do, indeed,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Needs must, you know, when somebody + drives. Necessity is my driver, and that is only another name for the same + gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I am very sorry for it; that’s all I can say,’ said Miss La Creevy; + ‘as much on your mother’s and sister’s account as on yours. Your sister is + a very pretty young lady, Mr. Nickleby, and that is an additional reason + why she should have somebody to protect her. I persuaded her to give me a + sitting or two, for the street-door case. ‘Ah! she’ll make a sweet + miniature.’ As Miss La Creevy spoke, she held up an ivory countenance + intersected with very perceptible sky-blue veins, and regarded it with so + much complacency, that Nicholas quite envied her. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you ever have an opportunity of showing Kate some little kindness,’ + said Nicholas, presenting his hand, ‘I think you will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Depend upon that,’ said the good-natured miniature painter; ‘and God + bless you, Mr. Nickleby; and I wish you well.’ + </p> + <p> + It was very little that Nicholas knew of the world, but he guessed enough + about its ways to think, that if he gave Miss La Creevy one little kiss, + perhaps she might not be the less kindly disposed towards those he was + leaving behind. So, he gave her three or four with a kind of jocose + gallantry, and Miss La Creevy evinced no greater symptoms of displeasure + than declaring, as she adjusted her yellow turban, that she had never + heard of such a thing, and couldn’t have believed it possible. + </p> + <p> + Having terminated the unexpected interview in this satisfactory manner, + Nicholas hastily withdrew himself from the house. By the time he had found + a man to carry his box it was only seven o’clock, so he walked slowly on, + a little in advance of the porter, and very probably with not half as + light a heart in his breast as the man had, although he had no waistcoat + to cover it with, and had evidently, from the appearance of his other + garments, been spending the night in a stable, and taking his breakfast at + a pump. + </p> + <p> + Regarding, with no small curiosity and interest, all the busy preparations + for the coming day which every street and almost every house displayed; + and thinking, now and then, that it seemed rather hard that so many people + of all ranks and stations could earn a livelihood in London, and that he + should be compelled to journey so far in search of one; Nicholas speedily + arrived at the Saracen’s Head, Snow Hill. Having dismissed his attendant, + and seen the box safely deposited in the coach-office, he looked into the + coffee-room in search of Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + He found that learned gentleman sitting at breakfast, with the three + little boys before noticed, and two others who had turned up by some lucky + chance since the interview of the previous day, ranged in a row on the + opposite seat. Mr. Squeers had before him a small measure of coffee, a + plate of hot toast, and a cold round of beef; but he was at that moment + intent on preparing breakfast for the little boys. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is twopenn’orth of milk, is it, waiter?’ said Mr. Squeers, looking + down into a large blue mug, and slanting it gently, so as to get an + accurate view of the quantity of liquid contained in it. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s twopenn’orth, sir,’ replied the waiter. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a rare article milk is, to be sure, in London!’ said Mr. Squeers, + with a sigh. ‘Just fill that mug up with lukewarm water, William, will + you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To the wery top, sir?’ inquired the waiter. ‘Why, the milk will be + drownded.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never you mind that,’ replied Mr. Squeers. ‘Serve it right for being so + dear. You ordered that thick bread and butter for three, did you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Coming directly, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t hurry yourself,’ said Squeers; ‘there’s plenty of time. + Conquer your passions, boys, and don’t be eager after vittles.’ As he + uttered this moral precept, Mr. Squeers took a large bite out of the cold + beef, and recognised Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Squeers. ‘Here we are, a breakfasting you + see!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas did <i>not </i>see that anybody was breakfasting, except Mr. Squeers; but + he bowed with all becoming reverence, and looked as cheerful as he could. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that’s the milk and water, is it, William?’ said Squeers. ‘Very good; + don’t forget the bread and butter presently.’ + </p> + <p> + At this fresh mention of the bread and butter, the five little boys looked + very eager, and followed the waiter out, with their eyes; meanwhile Mr + Squeers tasted the milk and water. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said that gentleman, smacking his lips, ‘here’s richness! Think of + the many beggars and orphans in the streets that would be glad of this, + little boys. A shocking thing hunger, isn’t it, Mr. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very shocking, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I say number one,’ pursued Mr. Squeers, putting the mug before the + children, ‘the boy on the left hand nearest the window may take a drink; + and when I say number two, the boy next him will go in, and so till we + come to number five, which is the last boy. Are you ready?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ cried all the little boys with great eagerness. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ said Squeers, calmly getting on with his breakfast; ‘keep + ready till I tell you to begin. Subdue your appetites, my dears, and + you’ve conquered human natur. This is the way we inculcate strength of + mind, Mr. Nickleby,’ said the schoolmaster, turning to Nicholas, and + speaking with his mouth very full of beef and toast. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas murmured something—he knew not what—in reply; and the + little boys, dividing their gaze between the mug, the bread and butter + (which had by this time arrived), and every morsel which Mr. Squeers took + into his mouth, remained with strained eyes in torments of expectation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank God for a good breakfast,’ said Squeers, when he had finished. + ‘Number one may take a drink.’ + </p> + <p> + Number one seized the mug ravenously, and had just drunk enough to make + him wish for more, when Mr. Squeers gave the signal for number two, who + gave up at the same interesting moment to number three; and the process + was repeated until the milk and water terminated with number five. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said the schoolmaster, dividing the bread and butter for three + into as many portions as there were children, ‘you had better look sharp + with your breakfast, for the horn will blow in a minute or two, and then + every boy leaves off.’ + </p> + <p> + Permission being thus given to fall to, the boys began to eat voraciously, + and in desperate haste: while the schoolmaster (who was in high good + humour after his meal) picked his teeth with a fork, and looked smilingly + on. In a very short time, the horn was heard. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought it wouldn’t be long,’ said Squeers, jumping up and producing a + little basket from under the seat; ‘put what you haven’t had time to eat, + in here, boys! You’ll want it on the road!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was considerably startled by these very economical arrangements; + but he had no time to reflect upon them, for the little boys had to be got + up to the top of the coach, and their boxes had to be brought out and put + in, and Mr. Squeers’s luggage was to be seen carefully deposited in the + boot, and all these offices were in his department. He was in the full + heat and bustle of concluding these operations, when his uncle, Mr. Ralph + Nickleby, accosted him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! here you are, sir!’ said Ralph. ‘Here are your mother and sister, + sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where?’ cried Nicholas, looking hastily round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ replied his uncle. ‘Having too much money and nothing at all to do + with it, they were paying a hackney coach as I came up, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We were afraid of being too late to see him before he went away from us,’ + said Mrs. Nickleby, embracing her son, heedless of the unconcerned + lookers-on in the coach-yard. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good, ma’am,’ returned Ralph, ‘you’re the best judge of course. I + merely said that you were paying a hackney coach. I never pay a hackney + coach, ma’am; I never hire one. I haven’t been in a hackney coach of my + own hiring, for thirty years, and I hope I shan’t be for thirty more, if I + live as long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should never have forgiven myself if I had not seen him,’ said Mrs + Nickleby. ‘Poor dear boy—going away without his breakfast too, + because he feared to distress us!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mighty fine certainly,’ said Ralph, with great testiness. ‘When I first + went to business, ma’am, I took a penny loaf and a ha’porth of milk for my + breakfast as I walked to the city every morning; what do you say to that, + ma’am? Breakfast! Bah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Nickleby,’ said Squeers, coming up at the moment buttoning his + greatcoat; ‘I think you’d better get up behind. I’m afraid of one of them + boys falling off and then there’s twenty pound a year gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas,’ whispered Kate, touching her brother’s arm, ‘who is that + vulgar man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh!’ growled Ralph, whose quick ears had caught the inquiry. ‘Do you wish + to be introduced to Mr. Squeers, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That the schoolmaster! No, uncle. Oh no!’ replied Kate, shrinking back. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m sure I heard you say as much, my dear,’ retorted Ralph in his cold + sarcastic manner. ‘Mr. Squeers, here’s my niece: Nicholas’s sister!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very glad to make your acquaintance, miss,’ said Squeers, raising his hat + an inch or two. ‘I wish Mrs. Squeers took gals, and we had you for a + teacher. I don’t know, though, whether she mightn’t grow jealous if we + had. Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + If the proprietor of Dotheboys Hall could have known what was passing in + his assistant’s breast at that moment, he would have discovered, with some + surprise, that he was as near being soundly pummelled as he had ever been + in his life. Kate Nickleby, having a quicker perception of her brother’s + emotions, led him gently aside, and thus prevented Mr. Squeers from being + impressed with the fact in a peculiarly disagreeable manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Nicholas,’ said the young lady, ‘who is this man? What kind of + place can it be that you are going to?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hardly know, Kate,’ replied Nicholas, pressing his sister’s hand. ‘I + suppose the Yorkshire folks are rather rough and uncultivated; that’s + all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this person,’ urged Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is my employer, or master, or whatever the proper name may be,’ replied + Nicholas quickly; ‘and I was an ass to take his coarseness ill. They are + looking this way, and it is time I was in my place. Bless you, love, and + goodbye! Mother, look forward to our meeting again someday! Uncle, + farewell! Thank you heartily for all you have done and all you mean to do. + Quite ready, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + With these hasty adieux, Nicholas mounted nimbly to his seat, and waved + his hand as gallantly as if his heart went with it. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, when the coachman and guard were comparing notes for the + last time before starting, on the subject of the way-bill; when porters + were screwing out the last reluctant sixpences, itinerant newsmen making + the last offer of a morning paper, and the horses giving the last + impatient rattle to their harness; Nicholas felt somebody pulling softly + at his leg. He looked down, and there stood Newman Noggs, who pushed up + into his hand a dirty letter. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s this?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ rejoined Noggs, pointing to Mr. Ralph Nickleby, who was saying a + few earnest words to Squeers, a short distance off: ‘Take it. Read it. + Nobody knows. That’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Noggs. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas cried stop, again, but Newman Noggs was gone. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0097m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0097m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0097.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + A minute’s bustle, a banging of the coach doors, a swaying of the vehicle + to one side, as the heavy coachman, and still heavier guard, climbed into + their seats; a cry of all right, a few notes from the horn, a hasty glance + of two sorrowful faces below, and the hard features of Mr. Ralph Nickleby—and + the coach was gone too, and rattling over the stones of Smithfield. + </p> + <p> + The little boys’ legs being too short to admit of their feet resting upon + anything as they sat, and the little boys’ bodies being consequently in + imminent hazard of being jerked off the coach, Nicholas had enough to do + over the stones to hold them on. Between the manual exertion and the + mental anxiety attendant upon this task, he was not a little relieved when + the coach stopped at the Peacock at Islington. He was still more relieved + when a hearty-looking gentleman, with a very good-humoured face, and a + very fresh colour, got up behind, and proposed to take the other corner of + the seat. + </p> + <p> + ‘If we put some of these youngsters in the middle,’ said the new-comer, + ‘they’ll be safer in case of their going to sleep; eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you’ll have the goodness, sir,’ replied Squeers, ‘that’ll be the very + thing. Mr. Nickleby, take three of them boys between you and the gentleman. + Belling and the youngest Snawley can sit between me and the guard. Three + children,’ said Squeers, explaining to the stranger, ‘books as two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not the least objection I am sure,’ said the fresh-coloured + gentleman; ‘I have a brother who wouldn’t object to book his six children + as two at any butcher’s or baker’s in the kingdom, I dare say. Far from + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Six children, sir?’ exclaimed Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and all boys,’ replied the stranger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said Squeers, in great haste, ‘catch hold of that basket. + Let me give you a card, sir, of an establishment where those six boys can + be brought up in an enlightened, liberal, and moral manner, with no + mistake at all about it, for twenty guineas a year each—twenty + guineas, sir—or I’d take all the boys together upon a average right + through, and say a hundred pound a year for the lot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said the gentleman, glancing at the card, ‘you are the Mr. Squeers + mentioned here, I presume?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I am, sir,’ replied the worthy pedagogue; ‘Mr. Wackford Squeers is my + name, and I’m very far from being ashamed of it. These are some of my + boys, sir; that’s one of my assistants, sir—Mr. Nickleby, a + gentleman’s son, and a good scholar, mathematical, classical, and + commercial. We don’t do things by halves at our shop. All manner of + learning my boys take down, sir; the expense is never thought of; and they + get paternal treatment and washing in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word,’ said the gentleman, glancing at Nicholas with a + half-smile, and a more than half expression of surprise, ‘these are + advantages indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may say that, sir,’ rejoined Squeers, thrusting his hands into his + great-coat pockets. ‘The most unexceptionable references are given and + required. I wouldn’t take a reference with any boy, that wasn’t + responsible for the payment of five pound five a quarter, no, not if you + went down on your knees, and asked me, with the tears running down your + face, to do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Highly considerate,’ said the passenger. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s my great aim and end to be considerate, sir,’ rejoined Squeers. + ‘Snawley, junior, if you don’t leave off chattering your teeth, and + shaking with the cold, I’ll warm you with a severe thrashing in about half + a minute’s time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit fast here, genelmen,’ said the guard as he clambered up. + </p> + <p> + ‘All right behind there, Dick?’ cried the coachman. + </p> + <p> + ‘All right,’ was the reply. ‘Off she goes!’ And off she did go—if + coaches be feminine—amidst a loud flourish from the guard’s horn, + and the calm approval of all the judges of coaches and coach-horses + congregated at the Peacock, but more especially of the helpers, who stood, + with the cloths over their arms, watching the coach till it disappeared, + and then lounged admiringly stablewards, bestowing various gruff encomiums + on the beauty of the turn-out. + </p> + <p> + When the guard (who was a stout old Yorkshireman) had blown himself quite + out of breath, he put the horn into a little tunnel of a basket fastened + to the coach-side for the purpose, and giving himself a plentiful shower + of blows on the chest and shoulders, observed it was uncommon cold; after + which, he demanded of every person separately whether he was going right + through, and if not, where he <i>was </i>going. Satisfactory replies being made + to these queries, he surmised that the roads were pretty heavy arter that + fall last night, and took the liberty of asking whether any of them + gentlemen carried a snuff-box. It happening that nobody did, he remarked + with a mysterious air that he had heard a medical gentleman as went down + to Grantham last week, say how that snuff-taking was bad for the eyes; but + for his part he had never found it so, and what he said was, that + everybody should speak as they found. Nobody attempting to controvert this + position, he took a small brown-paper parcel out of his hat, and putting + on a pair of horn spectacles (the writing being crabbed) read the + direction half-a-dozen times over; having done which, he consigned the + parcel to its old place, put up his spectacles again, and stared at + everybody in turn. After this, he took another blow at the horn by way of + refreshment; and, having now exhausted his usual topics of conversation, + folded his arms as well as he could in so many coats, and falling into a + solemn silence, looked carelessly at the familiar objects which met his + eye on every side as the coach rolled on; the only things he seemed to + care for, being horses and droves of cattle, which he scrutinised with a + critical air as they were passed upon the road. + </p> + <p> + The weather was intensely and bitterly cold; a great deal of snow fell + from time to time; and the wind was intolerably keen. Mr. Squeers got down + at almost every stage—to stretch his legs as he said—and as he + always came back from such excursions with a very red nose, and composed + himself to sleep directly, there is reason to suppose that he derived + great benefit from the process. The little pupils having been stimulated + with the remains of their breakfast, and further invigorated by sundry + small cups of a curious cordial carried by Mr. Squeers, which tasted very + like toast-and-water put into a brandy bottle by mistake, went to sleep, + woke, shivered, and cried, as their feelings prompted. Nicholas and the + good-tempered man found so many things to talk about, that between + conversing together, and cheering up the boys, the time passed with them + as rapidly as it could, under such adverse circumstances. + </p> + <p> + So the day wore on. At Eton Slocomb there was a good coach dinner, of + which the box, the four front outsides, the one inside, Nicholas, the + good-tempered man, and Mr. Squeers, partook; while the five little boys + were put to thaw by the fire, and regaled with sandwiches. A stage or two + further on, the lamps were lighted, and a great to-do occasioned by the + taking up, at a roadside inn, of a very fastidious lady with an infinite + variety of cloaks and small parcels, who loudly lamented, for the behoof + of the outsides, the non-arrival of her own carriage which was to have + taken her on, and made the guard solemnly promise to stop every green + chariot he saw coming; which, as it was a dark night and he was sitting + with his face the other way, that officer undertook, with many fervent + asseverations, to do. Lastly, the fastidious lady, finding there was a + solitary gentleman inside, had a small lamp lighted which she carried in + reticule, and being after much trouble shut in, the horses were put into a + brisk canter and the coach was once more in rapid motion. + </p> + <p> + The night and the snow came on together, and dismal enough they were. + There was no sound to be heard but the howling of the wind; for the noise + of the wheels, and the tread of the horses’ feet, were rendered inaudible + by the thick coating of snow which covered the ground, and was fast + increasing every moment. The streets of Stamford were deserted as they + passed through the town; and its old churches rose, frowning and dark, + from the whitened ground. Twenty miles further on, two of the front + outside passengers, wisely availing themselves of their arrival at one of + the best inns in England, turned in, for the night, at the George at + Grantham. The remainder wrapped themselves more closely in their coats and + cloaks, and leaving the light and warmth of the town behind them, pillowed + themselves against the luggage, and prepared, with many half-suppressed + moans, again to encounter the piercing blast which swept across the open + country. + </p> + <p> + They were little more than a stage out of Grantham, or about halfway + between it and Newark, when Nicholas, who had been asleep for a short + time, was suddenly roused by a violent jerk which nearly threw him from + his seat. Grasping the rail, he found that the coach had sunk greatly on + one side, though it was still dragged forward by the horses; and while—confused + by their plunging and the loud screams of the lady inside—he + hesitated, for an instant, whether to jump off or not, the vehicle turned + easily over, and relieved him from all further uncertainty by flinging him + into the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + <h2> + CHAPTER 6 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span><i>n which the Occurrence of the Accident mentioned in the last Chapter, + affords an Opportunity to a couple of Gentlemen to tell Stories against + each other</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘Wo ho!’ cried the guard, on his legs in a minute, and running to the + leaders’ heads. ‘Is there ony genelmen there as can len’ a hond here? Keep + quiet, dang ye! Wo ho!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter?’ demanded Nicholas, looking sleepily up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Matther mun, matter eneaf for one neight,’ replied the guard; ‘dang the + wall-eyed bay, he’s gane mad wi’ glory I think, carse t’coorch is over. + Here, can’t ye len’ a hond? Dom it, I’d ha’ dean it if all my boans were + brokken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ cried Nicholas, staggering to his feet, ‘I’m ready. I’m only a + little abroad, that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hoold ‘em toight,’ cried the guard, ‘while ar coot treaces. Hang on + tiv’em sumhoo. Well deane, my lod. That’s it. Let’em goa noo. Dang ‘em, + they’ll gang whoam fast eneaf!’ + </p> + <p> + In truth, the animals were no sooner released than they trotted back, with + much deliberation, to the stable they had just left, which was distant not + a mile behind. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can you blo’ a harn?’ asked the guard, disengaging one of the + coach-lamps. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say I can,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then just blo’ away into that ‘un as lies on the grund, fit to wakken the + deead, will’ee,’ said the man, ‘while I stop sum o’ this here squealing + inside. Cumin’, cumin’. Dean’t make that noise, wooman.’ + </p> + <p> + As the man spoke, he proceeded to wrench open the uppermost door of the + coach, while Nicholas, seizing the horn, awoke the echoes far and wide + with one of the most extraordinary performances on that instrument ever + heard by mortal ears. It had its effect, however, not only in rousing such + of their fall, but in summoning assistance to their relief; for lights + gleamed in the distance, and people were already astir. + </p> + <p> + In fact, a man on horseback galloped down, before the passengers were well + collected together; and a careful investigation being instituted, it + appeared that the lady inside had broken her lamp, and the gentleman his + head; that the two front outsides had escaped with black eyes; the box + with a bloody nose; the coachman with a contusion on the temple; Mr + Squeers with a portmanteau bruise on his back; and the remaining + passengers without any injury at all—thanks to the softness of the + snow-drift in which they had been overturned. These facts were no sooner + thoroughly ascertained, than the lady gave several indications of + fainting, but being forewarned that if she did, she must be carried on + some gentleman’s shoulders to the nearest public-house, she prudently + thought better of it, and walked back with the rest. + </p> + <p> + They found on reaching it, that it was a lonely place with no very great + accommodation in the way of apartments—that portion of its resources + being all comprised in one public room with a sanded floor, and a chair or + two. However, a large faggot and a plentiful supply of coals being heaped + upon the fire, the appearance of things was not long in mending; and, by + the time they had washed off all effaceable marks of the late accident, + the room was warm and light, which was a most agreeable exchange for the + cold and darkness out of doors. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Squeers, insinuating himself into the warmest + corner, ‘you did very right to catch hold of them horses. I should have + done it myself if I had come to in time, but I am very glad you did it. + You did it very well; very well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So well,’ said the merry-faced gentleman, who did not seem to approve + very much of the patronising tone adopted by Squeers, ‘that if they had + not been firmly checked when they were, you would most probably have had + no brains left to teach with.’ + </p> + <p> + This remark called up a discourse relative to the promptitude Nicholas had + displayed, and he was overwhelmed with compliments and commendations. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very glad to have escaped, of course,’ observed Squeers: ‘every man + is glad when he escapes from danger; but if any one of my charges had been + hurt—if I had been prevented from restoring any one of these little + boys to his parents whole and sound as I received him—what would + have been my feelings? Why the wheel a-top of my head would have been far + preferable to it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are they all brothers, sir?’ inquired the lady who had carried the ‘Davy’ + or safety-lamp. + </p> + <p> + ‘In one sense they are, ma’am,’ replied Squeers, diving into his greatcoat + pocket for cards. ‘They are all under the same parental and affectionate + treatment. Mrs. Squeers and myself are a mother and father to every one of + ‘em. Mr. Nickleby, hand the lady them cards, and offer these to the + gentleman. Perhaps they might know of some parents that would be glad to + avail themselves of the establishment.’ + </p> + <p> + Expressing himself to this effect, Mr. Squeers, who lost no opportunity of + advertising gratuitously, placed his hands upon his knees, and looked at + the pupils with as much benignity as he could possibly affect, while + Nicholas, blushing with shame, handed round the cards as directed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you suffer no inconvenience from the overturn, ma’am?’ said the + merry-faced gentleman, addressing the fastidious lady, as though he were + charitably desirous to change the subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘No bodily inconvenience,’ replied the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘No mental inconvenience, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The subject is a very painful one to my feelings, sir,’ replied the lady + with strong emotion; ‘and I beg you as a gentleman, not to refer to it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me,’ said the merry-faced gentleman, looking merrier still, ‘I + merely intended to inquire—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope no inquiries will be made,’ said the lady, ‘or I shall be + compelled to throw myself on the protection of the other gentlemen. + Landlord, pray direct a boy to keep watch outside the door—and if a + green chariot passes in the direction of Grantham, to stop it instantly.’ + </p> + <p> + The people of the house were evidently overcome by this request, and when + the lady charged the boy to remember, as a means of identifying the + expected green chariot, that it would have a coachman with a gold-laced + hat on the box, and a footman, most probably in silk stockings, behind, + the attentions of the good woman of the inn were redoubled. Even the + box-passenger caught the infection, and growing wonderfully deferential, + immediately inquired whether there was not very good society in that + neighbourhood, to which the lady replied yes, there was: in a manner which + sufficiently implied that she moved at the very tiptop and summit of it + all. + </p> + <p> + ‘As the guard has gone on horseback to Grantham to get another coach,’ + said the good-tempered gentleman when they had been all sitting round the + fire, for some time, in silence, ‘and as he must be gone a couple of hours + at the very least, I propose a bowl of hot punch. What say you, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + This question was addressed to the broken-headed inside, who was a man of + very genteel appearance, dressed in mourning. He was not past the middle + age, but his hair was grey; it seemed to have been prematurely turned by + care or sorrow. He readily acceded to the proposal, and appeared to be + prepossessed by the frank good-nature of the individual from whom it + emanated. + </p> + <p> + This latter personage took upon himself the office of tapster when the + punch was ready, and after dispensing it all round, led the conversation + to the antiquities of York, with which both he and the grey-haired + gentleman appeared to be well acquainted. When this topic flagged, he + turned with a smile to the grey-headed gentleman, and asked if he could + sing. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot indeed,’ replied gentleman, smiling in his turn. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s a pity,’ said the owner of the good-humoured countenance. ‘Is + there nobody here who can sing a song to lighten the time?’ + </p> + <p> + The passengers, one and all, protested that they could not; that they + wished they could; that they couldn’t remember the words of anything + without the book; and so forth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps the lady would not object,’ said the president with great + respect, and a merry twinkle in his eye. ‘Some little Italian thing out of + the last opera brought out in town, would be most acceptable I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + As the lady condescended to make no reply, but tossed her head + contemptuously, and murmured some further expression of surprise regarding + the absence of the green chariot, one or two voices urged upon the + president himself, the propriety of making an attempt for the general + benefit. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would if I could,’ said he of the good-tempered face; ‘for I hold that + in this, as in all other cases where people who are strangers to each + other are thrown unexpectedly together, they should endeavour to render + themselves as pleasant, for the joint sake of the little community, as + possible.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish the maxim were more generally acted on, in all cases,’ said the + grey-headed gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ returned the other. ‘Perhaps, as you can’t sing, + you’ll tell us a story?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay. I should ask you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After you, I will, with pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said the grey-haired gentleman, smiling, ‘Well, let it be so. I + fear the turn of my thoughts is not calculated to lighten the time you + must pass here; but you have brought this upon yourselves, and shall + judge. We were speaking of York Minster just now. My story shall have some + reference to it. Let us call it + </p> + <p> + THE FIVE SISTERS OF YORK + </p> + <p> + After a murmur of approbation from the other passengers, during which the + fastidious lady drank a glass of punch unobserved, the grey-headed + gentleman thus went on: + </p> + <p> + ‘A great many years ago—for the fifteenth century was scarce two + years old at the time, and King Henry the Fourth sat upon the throne of + England—there dwelt, in the ancient city of York, five maiden + sisters, the subjects of my tale. + </p> + <p> + ‘These five sisters were all of surpassing beauty. The eldest was in her + twenty-third year, the second a year younger, the third a year younger + than the second, and the fourth a year younger than the third. They were + tall stately figures, with dark flashing eyes and hair of jet; dignity and + grace were in their every movement; and the fame of their great beauty had + spread through all the country round. + </p> + <p> + ‘But, if the four elder sisters were lovely, how beautiful was the + youngest, a fair creature of sixteen! The blushing tints in the soft bloom + on the fruit, or the delicate painting on the flower, are not more + exquisite than was the blending of the rose and lily in her gentle face, + or the deep blue of her eye. The vine, in all its elegant luxuriance, is + not more graceful than were the clusters of rich brown hair that sported + round her brow. + </p> + <p> + ‘If we all had hearts like those which beat so lightly in the bosoms of + the young and beautiful, what a heaven this earth would be! If, while our + bodies grow old and withered, our hearts could but retain their early + youth and freshness, of what avail would be our sorrows and sufferings! + But, the faint image of Eden which is stamped upon them in childhood, + chafes and rubs in our rough struggles with the world, and soon wears + away: too often to leave nothing but a mournful blank remaining. + </p> + <p> + ‘The heart of this fair girl bounded with joy and gladness. Devoted + attachment to her sisters, and a fervent love of all beautiful things in + nature, were its pure affections. Her gleesome voice and merry laugh were + the sweetest music of their home. She was its very light and life. The + brightest flowers in the garden were reared by her; the caged birds sang + when they heard her voice, and pined when they missed its sweetness. + Alice, dear Alice; what living thing within the sphere of her gentle + witchery, could fail to love her! + </p> + <p> + ‘You may seek in vain, now, for the spot on which these sisters lived, for + their very names have passed away, and dusty antiquaries tell of them as + of a fable. But they dwelt in an old wooden house—old even in those + days—with overhanging gables and balconies of rudely-carved oak, + which stood within a pleasant orchard, and was surrounded by a rough stone + wall, whence a stout archer might have winged an arrow to St Mary’s Abbey. + The old abbey flourished then; and the five sisters, living on its fair + domains, paid yearly dues to the black monks of St Benedict, to which + fraternity it belonged. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a bright and sunny morning in the pleasant time of summer, when + one of those black monks emerged from the abbey portal, and bent his steps + towards the house of the fair sisters. Heaven above was blue, and earth + beneath was green; the river glistened like a path of diamonds in the sun; + the birds poured forth their songs from the shady trees; the lark soared + high above the waving corn; and the deep buzz of insects filled the air. + Everything looked gay and smiling; but the holy man walked gloomily on, + with his eyes bent upon the ground. The beauty of the earth is but a + breath, and man is but a shadow. What sympathy should a holy preacher have + with either? + </p> + <p> + ‘With eyes bent upon the ground, then, or only raised enough to prevent + his stumbling over such obstacles as lay in his way, the religious man + moved slowly forward until he reached a small postern in the wall of the + sisters’ orchard, through which he passed, closing it behind him. The + noise of soft voices in conversation, and of merry laughter, fell upon his + ears ere he had advanced many paces; and raising his eyes higher than was + his humble wont, he descried, at no great distance, the five sisters + seated on the grass, with Alice in the centre: all busily plying their + customary task of embroidering. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Save you, fair daughters!” said the friar; and fair in truth they were. + Even a monk might have loved them as choice masterpieces of his Maker’s + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘The sisters saluted the holy man with becoming reverence, and the eldest + motioned him to a mossy seat beside them. But the good friar shook his + head, and bumped himself down on a very hard stone,—at which, no + doubt, approving angels were gratified. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Ye were merry, daughters,” said the monk. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0107m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0107m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0107.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘“You know how light of heart sweet Alice is,” replied the eldest sister, + passing her fingers through the tresses of the smiling girl. + </p> + <p> + ‘“And what joy and cheerfulness it wakes up within us, to see all nature + beaming in brightness and sunshine, father,” added Alice, blushing beneath + the stern look of the recluse. + </p> + <p> + ‘The monk answered not, save by a grave inclination of the head, and the + sisters pursued their task in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Still wasting the precious hours,” said the monk at length, turning to + the eldest sister as he spoke, “still wasting the precious hours on this + vain trifling. Alas, alas! that the few bubbles on the surface of eternity—all + that Heaven wills we should see of that dark deep stream—should be + so lightly scattered!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Father,” urged the maiden, pausing, as did each of the others, in her + busy task, “we have prayed at matins, our daily alms have been distributed + at the gate, the sick peasants have been tended,—all our morning + tasks have been performed. I hope our occupation is a blameless one?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“See here,” said the friar, taking the frame from her hand, “an intricate + winding of gaudy colours, without purpose or object, unless it be that one + day it is destined for some vain ornament, to minister to the pride of + your frail and giddy sex. Day after day has been employed upon this + senseless task, and yet it is not half accomplished. The shade of each + departed day falls upon our graves, and the worm exults as he beholds it, + to know that we are hastening thither. Daughters, is there no better way + to pass the fleeting hours?” + </p> + <p> + ‘The four elder sisters cast down their eyes as if abashed by the holy + man’s reproof, but Alice raised hers, and bent them mildly on the friar. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Our dear mother,” said the maiden; “Heaven rest her soul!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Amen!” cried the friar in a deep voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Our dear mother,” faltered the fair Alice, “was living when these long + tasks began, and bade us, when she should be no more, ply them in all + discretion and cheerfulness, in our leisure hours; she said that if in + harmless mirth and maidenly pursuits we passed those hours together, they + would prove the happiest and most peaceful of our lives, and that if, in + later times, we went forth into the world, and mingled with its cares and + trials—if, allured by its temptations and dazzled by its glitter, we + ever forgot that love and duty which should bind, in holy ties, the + children of one loved parent—a glance at the old work of our common + girlhood would awaken good thoughts of bygone days, and soften our hearts + to affection and love.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Alice speaks truly, father,” said the elder sister, somewhat proudly. + And so saying she resumed her work, as did the others. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was a kind of sampler of large size, that each sister had before her; + the device was of a complex and intricate description, and the pattern and + colours of all five were the same. The sisters bent gracefully over their + work; the monk, resting his chin upon his hands, looked from one to the + other in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘“How much better,” he said at length, “to shun all such thoughts and + chances, and, in the peaceful shelter of the church, devote your lives to + Heaven! Infancy, childhood, the prime of life, and old age, wither as + rapidly as they crowd upon each other. Think how human dust rolls onward + to the tomb, and turning your faces steadily towards that goal, avoid the + cloud which takes its rise among the pleasures of the world, and cheats + the senses of their votaries. The veil, daughters, the veil!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Never, sisters,” cried Alice. “Barter not the light and air of heaven, + and the freshness of earth and all the beautiful things which breathe upon + it, for the cold cloister and the cell. Nature’s own blessings are the + proper goods of life, and we may share them sinlessly together. To die is + our heavy portion, but, oh, let us die with life about us; when our cold + hearts cease to beat, let warm hearts be beating near; let our last look + be upon the bounds which God has set to his own bright skies, and not on + stone walls and bars of iron! Dear sisters, let us live and die, if you + list, in this green garden’s compass; only shun the gloom and sadness of a + cloister, and we shall be happy.” + </p> + <p> + ‘The tears fell fast from the maiden’s eyes as she closed her impassioned + appeal, and hid her face in the bosom of her sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Take comfort, Alice,” said the eldest, kissing her fair forehead. “The + veil shall never cast its shadow on thy young brow. How say you, sisters? + For yourselves you speak, and not for Alice, or for me.” + </p> + <p> + ‘The sisters, as with one accord, cried that their lot was cast together, + and that there were dwellings for peace and virtue beyond the convent’s + walls. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Father,” said the eldest lady, rising with dignity, “you hear our final + resolve. The same pious care which enriched the abbey of St Mary, and left + us, orphans, to its holy guardianship, directed that no constraint should + be imposed upon our inclinations, but that we should be free to live + according to our choice. Let us hear no more of this, we pray you. + Sisters, it is nearly noon. Let us take shelter until evening!” With a + reverence to the friar, the lady rose and walked towards the house, hand + in hand with Alice; the other sisters followed. + </p> + <p> + ‘The holy man, who had often urged the same point before, but had never + met with so direct a repulse, walked some little distance behind, with his + eyes bent upon the earth, and his lips moving <i>as</i> <i>if </i>in prayer. As the + sisters reached the porch, he quickened his pace, and called upon them to + stop. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Stay!” said the monk, raising his right hand in the air, and directing + an angry glance by turns at Alice and the eldest sister. “Stay, and hear + from me what these recollections are, which you would cherish above + eternity, and awaken—if in mercy they slumbered—by means of + idle toys. The memory of earthly things is charged, in after life, with + bitter disappointment, affliction, death; with dreary change and wasting + sorrow. The time will one day come, when a glance at those unmeaning + baubles will tear open deep wounds in the hearts of some among you, and + strike to your inmost souls. When that hour arrives—and, mark me, + come it will—turn from the world to which you clung, to the refuge + which you spurned. Find me the cell which shall be colder than the fire of + mortals grows, when dimmed by calamity and trial, and there weep for the + dreams of youth. These things are Heaven’s will, not mine,” said the + friar, subduing his voice as he looked round upon the shrinking girls. + “The Virgin’s blessing be upon you, daughters!” + </p> + <p> + ‘With these words he disappeared through the postern; and the sisters + hastening into the house were seen no more that day. + </p> + <p> + ‘But nature will smile though priests may frown, and next day the sun + shone brightly, and on the next, and the next again. And in the morning’s + glare, and the evening’s soft repose, the five sisters still walked, or + worked, or beguiled the time by cheerful conversation, in their quiet + orchard. + </p> + <p> + ‘Time passed away as a tale that is told; faster indeed than many tales + that are told, of which number I fear this may be one. The house of the + five sisters stood where it did, and the same trees cast their pleasant + shade upon the orchard grass. The sisters too were there, and lovely as at + first, but a change had come over their dwelling. Sometimes, there was the + clash of armour, and the gleaming of the moon on caps of steel; and, at + others, jaded coursers were spurred up to the gate, and a female form + glided hurriedly forth, as if eager to demand tidings of the weary + messenger. A goodly train of knights and ladies lodged one night within + the abbey walls, and next day rode away, with two of the fair sisters + among them. Then, horsemen began to come less frequently, and seemed to + bring bad tidings when they did, and at length they ceased to come at all, + and footsore peasants slunk to the gate after sunset, and did their errand + there, by stealth. Once, a vassal was dispatched in haste to the abbey at + dead of night, and when morning came, there were sounds of woe and wailing + in the sisters’ house; and after this, a mournful silence fell upon it, + and knight or lady, horse or armour, was seen about it no more. + </p> + <p> + ‘There was a sullen darkness in the sky, and the sun had gone angrily + down, tinting the dull clouds with the last traces of his wrath, when the + same black monk walked slowly on, with folded arms, within a stone’s-throw + of the abbey. A blight had fallen on the trees and shrubs; and the wind, + at length beginning to break the unnatural stillness that had prevailed + all day, sighed heavily from time to time, as though foretelling in grief + the ravages of the coming storm. The bat skimmed in fantastic flights + through the heavy air, and the ground was alive with crawling things, + whose instinct brought them forth to swell and fatten in the rain. + </p> + <p> + ‘No longer were the friar’s eyes directed to the earth; they were cast + abroad, and roamed from point to point, as if the gloom and desolation of + the scene found a quick response in his own bosom. Again he paused near + the sisters’ house, and again he entered by the postern. + </p> + <p> + ‘But not again did his ear encounter the sound of laughter, or his eyes + rest upon the beautiful figures of the five sisters. All was silent and + deserted. The boughs of the trees were bent and broken, and the grass had + grown long and rank. No light feet had pressed it for many, many a day. + </p> + <p> + ‘With the indifference or abstraction of one well accustomed to the + change, the monk glided into the house, and entered a low, dark room. Four + sisters sat there. Their black garments made their pale faces whiter + still, and time and sorrow had worked deep ravages. They were stately yet; + but the flush and pride of beauty were gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘And Alice—where was she? In Heaven. + </p> + <p> + ‘The monk—even the monk—could bear with some grief here; for + it was long since these sisters had met, and there were furrows in their + blanched faces which years could never plough. He took his seat in + silence, and motioned them to continue their speech. + </p> + <p> + ‘“They are here, sisters,” said the elder lady in a trembling voice. “I + have never borne to look upon them since, and now I blame myself for my + weakness. What is there in her memory that we should dread? To call up our + old days shall be a solemn pleasure yet.” + </p> + <p> + ‘She glanced at the monk as she spoke, and, opening a cabinet, brought + forth the five frames of work, completed long before. Her step was firm, + but her hand trembled as she produced the last one; and, when the feelings + of the other sisters gushed forth at sight of it, her pent-up tears made + way, and she sobbed “God bless her!” + </p> + <p> + ‘The monk rose and advanced towards them. “It was almost the last thing + she touched in health,” he said in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘“It was,” cried the elder lady, weeping bitterly. + </p> + <p> + ‘The monk turned to the second sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘“The gallant youth who looked into thine eyes, and hung upon thy very + breath when first he saw thee intent upon this pastime, lies buried on a + plain whereof the turf is red with blood. Rusty fragments of armour, once + brightly burnished, lie rotting on the ground, and are as little + distinguishable for his, as are the bones that crumble in the mould!” + </p> + <p> + ‘The lady groaned, and wrung her hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘“The policy of courts,” he continued, turning to the two other sisters, + “drew ye from your peaceful home to scenes of revelry and splendour. The + same policy, and the restless ambition of—proud and fiery men, have + sent ye back, widowed maidens, and humbled outcasts. Do I speak truly?” + </p> + <p> + ‘The sobs of the two sisters were their only reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘“There is little need,” said the monk, with a meaning look, “to fritter + away the time in gewgaws which shall raise up the pale ghosts of hopes of + early years. Bury them, heap penance and mortification on their heads, + keep them down, and let the convent be their grave!” + </p> + <p> + ‘The sisters asked for three days to deliberate; and felt, that night, as + though the veil were indeed the fitting shroud for their dead joys. But, + morning came again, and though the boughs of the orchard trees drooped and + ran wild upon the ground, it was the same orchard still. The grass was + coarse and high, but there was yet the spot on which they had so often sat + together, when change and sorrow were but names. There was every walk and + nook which Alice had made glad; and in the minster nave was one flat stone + beneath which she slept in peace. + </p> + <p> + ‘And could they, remembering how her young heart had sickened at the + thought of cloistered walls, look upon her grave, in garbs which would + chill the very ashes within it? Could they bow down in prayer, and when + all Heaven turned to hear them, bring the dark shade of sadness on one + angel’s face? No. + </p> + <p> + ‘They sent abroad, to artists of great celebrity in those times, and + having obtained the church’s sanction to their work of piety, caused to be + executed, in five large compartments of richly stained glass, a faithful + copy of their old embroidery work. These were fitted into a large window + until that time bare of ornament; and when the sun shone brightly, as she + had so well loved to see it, the familiar patterns were reflected in their + original colours, and throwing a stream of brilliant light upon the + pavement, fell warmly on the name of Alice. + </p> + <p> + ‘For many hours in every day, the sisters paced slowly up and down the + nave, or knelt by the side of the flat broad stone. Only three were seen + in the customary place, after many years; then but two, and, for a long + time afterwards, but one solitary female bent with age. At length she came + no more, and the stone bore five plain Christian names. + </p> + <p> + ‘That stone has worn away and been replaced by others, and many + generations have come and gone since then. Time has softened down the + colours, but the same stream of light still falls upon the forgotten tomb, + of which no trace remains; and, to this day, the stranger is shown in York + Cathedral, an old window called the Five Sisters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s a melancholy tale,’ said the merry-faced gentleman, emptying his + glass. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a tale of life, and life is made up of such sorrows,’ returned the + other, courteously, but in a grave and sad tone of voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are shades in all good pictures, but there are lights too, if we + choose to contemplate them,’ said the gentleman with the merry face. ‘The + youngest sister in your tale was always light-hearted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And died early,’ said the other, gently. + </p> + <p> + ‘She would have died earlier, perhaps, had she been less happy,’ said the + first speaker, with much feeling. ‘Do you think the sisters who loved her + so well, would have grieved the less if her life had been one of gloom and + sadness? If anything could soothe the first sharp pain of a heavy loss, it + would be—with me—the reflection, that those I mourned, by + being innocently happy here, and loving all about them, had prepared + themselves for a purer and happier world. The sun does not shine upon this + fair earth to meet frowning eyes, depend upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you are right,’ said the gentleman who had told the story. + </p> + <p> + ‘Believe!’ retorted the other, ‘can anybody doubt it? Take any subject of + sorrowful regret, and see with how much pleasure it is associated. The + recollection of past pleasure may become pain—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does,’ interposed the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; it does. To remember happiness which cannot be restored, is pain, + but of a softened kind. Our recollections are unfortunately mingled with + much that we deplore, and with many actions which we bitterly repent; + still in the most chequered life I firmly think there are so many little + rays of sunshine to look back upon, that I do not believe any mortal + (unless he had put himself without the pale of hope) would deliberately + drain a goblet of the waters of Lethe, if he had it in his power.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Possibly you are correct in that belief,’ said the grey-haired gentleman + after a short reflection. ‘I am inclined to think you are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then,’ replied the other, ‘the good in this state of existence + preponderates over the bad, let miscalled philosophers tell us what they + will. If our affections be tried, our affections are our consolation and + comfort; and memory, however sad, is the best and purest link between this + world and a better. But come! I’ll tell you a story of another kind.’ + </p> + <p> + After a very brief silence, the merry-faced gentleman sent round the + punch, and glancing slyly at the fastidious lady, who seemed desperately + apprehensive that he was going to relate something improper, began + </p> + <p> + THE BARON OF GROGZWIG + </p> + <p> + ‘The Baron Von Koeldwethout, of Grogzwig in Germany, was as likely a young + baron as you would wish to see. I needn’t say that he lived in a castle, + because that’s of course; neither need I say that he lived in an old + castle; for what German baron ever lived in a new one? There were many + strange circumstances connected with this venerable building, among which, + not the least startling and mysterious were, that when the wind blew, it + rumbled in the chimneys, or even howled among the trees in the + neighbouring forest; and that when the moon shone, she found her way + through certain small loopholes in the wall, and actually made some parts + of the wide halls and galleries quite light, while she left others in + gloomy shadow. I believe that one of the baron’s ancestors, being short of + money, had inserted a dagger in a gentleman who called one night to ask + his way, and it <i>was </i>supposed that these miraculous occurrences took place + in consequence. And yet I hardly know how that could have been, either, + because the baron’s ancestor, who was an amiable man, felt very sorry + afterwards for having been so rash, and laying violent hands upon a + quantity of stone and timber which belonged to a weaker baron, built a + chapel as an apology, and so took a receipt from Heaven, in full of all + demands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Talking of the baron’s ancestor puts me in mind of the baron’s great + claims to respect, on the score of his pedigree. I am afraid to say, I am + sure, how many ancestors the baron had; but I know that he had a great + many more than any other man of his time; and I only wish that he had + lived in these latter days, that he might have had more. It is a very hard + thing upon the great men of past centuries, that they should have come + into the world so soon, because a man who was born three or four hundred + years ago, cannot reasonably be expected to have had as many relations + before him, as a man who is born now. The last man, whoever he is—and + he may be a cobbler or some low vulgar dog for aught we know—will + have a longer pedigree than the greatest nobleman now alive; and I contend + that this is not fair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, but the Baron Von Koeldwethout of Grogzwig! He was a fine swarthy + fellow, with dark hair and large moustachios, who rode a-hunting in + clothes of Lincoln green, with russet boots on his feet, and a bugle slung + over his shoulder like the guard of a long stage. When he blew this bugle, + four-and-twenty other gentlemen of inferior rank, in Lincoln green a + little coarser, and russet boots with a little thicker soles, turned out + directly: and away galloped the whole train, with spears in their hands + like lacquered area railings, to hunt down the boars, or perhaps encounter + a bear: in which latter case the baron killed him first, and greased his + whiskers with him afterwards. + </p> + <p> + ‘This was a merry life for the Baron of Grogzwig, and a merrier still for + the baron’s retainers, who drank Rhine wine every night till they fell + under the table, and then had the bottles on the floor, and called for + pipes. Never were such jolly, roystering, rollicking, merry-making blades, + as the jovial crew of Grogzwig. + </p> + <p> + ‘But the pleasures of the table, or the pleasures of under the table, + require a little variety; especially when the same five-and-twenty people + sit daily down to the same board, to discuss the same subjects, and tell + the same stories. The baron grew weary, and wanted excitement. He took to + quarrelling with his gentlemen, and tried kicking two or three of them + every day after dinner. This was a pleasant change at first; but it became + monotonous after a week or so, and the baron felt quite out of sorts, and + cast about, in despair, for some new amusement. + </p> + <p> + ‘One night, after a day’s sport in which he had outdone Nimrod or + Gillingwater, and slaughtered “another fine bear,” and brought him home in + triumph, the Baron Von Koeldwethout sat moodily at the head of his table, + eyeing the smoky roof of the hall with a discontented aspect. He swallowed + huge bumpers of wine, but the more he swallowed, the more he frowned. The + gentlemen who had been honoured with the dangerous distinction of sitting + on his right and left, imitated him to a miracle in the drinking, and + frowned at each other. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I will!” cried the baron suddenly, smiting the table with his right + hand, and twirling his moustache with his left. “Fill to the Lady of + Grogzwig!” + </p> + <p> + ‘The four-and-twenty Lincoln greens turned pale, with the exception of + their four-and-twenty noses, which were unchangeable. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I said to the Lady of Grogzwig,” repeated the baron, looking round the + board. + </p> + <p> + ‘“To the Lady of Grogzwig!” shouted the Lincoln greens; and down their + four-and-twenty throats went four-and-twenty imperial pints of such rare + old hock, that they smacked their eight-and-forty lips, and winked again. + </p> + <p> + ‘“The fair daughter of the Baron Von Swillenhausen,” said Koeldwethout, + condescending to explain. “We will demand her in marriage of her father, + ere the sun goes down tomorrow. If he refuse our suit, we will cut off his + nose.” + </p> + <p> + ‘A hoarse murmur arose from the company; every man touched, first the hilt + of his sword, and then the tip of his nose, with appalling significance. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a pleasant thing filial piety is to contemplate! If the daughter of + the Baron Von Swillenhausen had pleaded a preoccupied heart, or fallen at + her father’s feet and corned them in salt tears, or only fainted away, and + complimented the old gentleman in frantic ejaculations, the odds are a + hundred to one but Swillenhausen Castle would have been turned out at + window, or rather the baron turned out at window, and the castle + demolished. The damsel held her peace, however, when an early messenger + bore the request of Von Koeldwethout next morning, and modestly retired to + her chamber, from the casement of which she watched the coming of the + suitor and his retinue. She was no sooner assured that the horseman with + the large moustachios was her proffered husband, than she hastened to her + father’s presence, and expressed her readiness to sacrifice herself to + secure his peace. The venerable baron caught his child to his arms, and + shed a wink of joy. + </p> + <p> + ‘There was great feasting at the castle, that day. The four-and-twenty + Lincoln greens of Von Koeldwethout exchanged vows of eternal friendship + with twelve Lincoln greens of Von Swillenhausen, and promised the old + baron that they would drink his wine “Till all was blue”—meaning + probably until their whole countenances had acquired the same tint as + their noses. Everybody slapped everybody else’s back, when the time for + parting came; and the Baron Von Koeldwethout and his followers rode gaily + home. + </p> + <p> + ‘For six mortal weeks, the bears and boars had a holiday. The houses of + Koeldwethout and Swillenhausen were united; the spears rusted; and the + baron’s bugle grew hoarse for lack of blowing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Those were great times for the four-and-twenty; but, alas! their high and + palmy days had taken boots to themselves, and were already walking off. + </p> + <p> + ‘“My dear,” said the baroness. + </p> + <p> + ‘“My love,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Those coarse, noisy men—” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Which, ma’am?” said the baron, starting. + </p> + <p> + ‘The baroness pointed, from the window at which they stood, to the + courtyard beneath, where the unconscious Lincoln greens were taking a + copious stirrup-cup, preparatory to issuing forth after a boar or two. + </p> + <p> + ‘“My hunting train, ma’am,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Disband them, love,” murmured the baroness. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Disband them!” cried the baron, in amazement. + </p> + <p> + ‘“To please me, love,” replied the baroness. + </p> + <p> + ‘“To please the devil, ma’am,” answered the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whereupon the baroness uttered a great cry, and swooned away at the + baron’s feet. + </p> + <p> + ‘What could the baron do? He called for the lady’s maid, and roared for + the doctor; and then, rushing into the yard, kicked the two Lincoln greens + who were the most used to it, and cursing the others all round, bade them + go—but never mind where. I don’t know the German for it, or I would + put it delicately that way. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not for me to say by what means, or by what degrees, some wives + manage to keep down some husbands as they do, although I may have my + private opinion on the subject, and may think that no Member of Parliament + ought to be married, inasmuch as three married members out of every four, + must vote according to their wives’ consciences (if there be such things), + and not according to their own. All I need say, just now, is, that the + Baroness Von Koeldwethout somehow or other acquired great control over the + Baron Von Koeldwethout, and that, little by little, and bit by bit, and + day by day, and year by year, the baron got the worst of some disputed + question, or was slyly unhorsed from some old hobby; and that by the time + he was a fat hearty fellow of forty-eight or thereabouts, he had no + feasting, no revelry, no hunting train, and no hunting—nothing in + short that he liked, or used to have; and that, although he was as fierce + as a lion, and as bold as brass, he was decidedly snubbed and put down, by + his own lady, in his own castle of Grogzwig. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor was this the whole extent of the baron’s misfortunes. About a year + after his nuptials, there came into the world a lusty young baron, in + whose honour a great many fireworks were let off, and a great many dozens + of wine drunk; but next year there came a young baroness, and next year + another young baron, and so on, every year, either a baron or baroness + (and one year both together), until the baron found himself the father of + a small family of twelve. Upon every one of these anniversaries, the + venerable Baroness Von Swillenhausen was nervously sensitive for the + well-being of her child the Baroness Von Koeldwethout; and although it was + not found that the good lady ever did anything material towards + contributing to her child’s recovery, still she made it a point of duty to + be as nervous as possible at the castle of Grogzwig, and to divide her + time between moral observations on the baron’s housekeeping, and bewailing + the hard lot of her unhappy daughter. And if the Baron of Grogzwig, a + little hurt and irritated at this, took heart, and ventured to suggest + that his wife was at least no worse off than the wives of other barons, + the Baroness Von Swillenhausen begged all persons to take notice, that + nobody but she, sympathised with her dear daughter’s sufferings; upon + which, her relations and friends remarked, that to be sure she did cry a + great deal more than her son-in-law, and that if there were a hard-hearted + brute alive, it was that Baron of Grogzwig. + </p> + <p> + ‘The poor baron bore it all as long as he could, and when he could bear it + no longer lost his appetite and his spirits, and sat himself gloomily and + dejectedly down. But there were worse troubles yet in store for him, and + as they came on, his melancholy and sadness increased. Times changed. He + got into debt. The Grogzwig coffers ran low, though the Swillenhausen + family had looked upon them as inexhaustible; and just when the baroness + was on the point of making a thirteenth addition to the family pedigree, + Von Koeldwethout discovered that he had no means of replenishing them. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I don’t see what is to be done,” said the baron. “I think I’ll kill + myself.” + </p> + <p> + ‘This was a bright idea. The baron took an old hunting-knife from a + cupboard hard by, and having sharpened it on his boot, made what boys call + “an offer” at his throat. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Hem!” said the baron, stopping short. “Perhaps it’s not sharp enough.” + </p> + <p> + ‘The baron sharpened it again, and made another offer, when his hand was + arrested by a loud screaming among the young barons and baronesses, who + had a nursery in an upstairs tower with iron bars outside the window, to + prevent their tumbling out into the moat. + </p> + <p> + ‘“If I had been a bachelor,” said the baron sighing, “I might have done it + fifty times over, without being interrupted. Hallo! Put a flask of wine + and the largest pipe in the little vaulted room behind the hall.” + </p> + <p> + ‘One of the domestics, in a very kind manner, executed the baron’s order + in the course of half an hour or so, and Von Koeldwethout being apprised + thereof, strode to the vaulted room, the walls of which, being of dark + shining wood, gleamed in the light of the blazing logs which were piled + upon the hearth. The bottle and pipe were ready, and, upon the whole, the + place looked very comfortable. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Leave the lamp,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Anything else, my lord?” inquired the domestic. + </p> + <p> + ‘“The room,” replied the baron. The domestic obeyed, and the baron locked + the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I’ll smoke a last pipe,” said the baron, “and then I’ll be off.” So, + putting the knife upon the table till he wanted it, and tossing off a + goodly measure of wine, the Lord of Grogzwig threw himself back in his + chair, stretched his legs out before the fire, and puffed away. + </p> + <p> + ‘He thought about a great many things—about his present troubles and + past days of bachelorship, and about the Lincoln greens, long since + dispersed up and down the country, no one knew whither: with the exception + of two who had been unfortunately beheaded, and four who had killed + themselves with drinking. His mind was running upon bears and boars, when, + in the process of draining his glass to the bottom, he raised his eyes, + and saw, for the first time and with unbounded astonishment, that he was + not alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, he was not; for, on the opposite side of the fire, there sat with + folded arms a wrinkled hideous figure, with deeply sunk and bloodshot + eyes, and an immensely long cadaverous face, shadowed by jagged and matted + locks of coarse black hair. He wore a kind of tunic of a dull bluish + colour, which, the baron observed, on regarding it attentively, was + clasped or ornamented down the front with coffin handles. His legs, too, + were encased in coffin plates as though in armour; and over his left + shoulder he wore a short dusky cloak, which seemed made of a remnant of + some pall. He took no notice of the baron, but was intently eyeing the + fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Halloa!” said the baron, stamping his foot to attract attention. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Halloa!” replied the stranger, moving his eyes towards the baron, but + not his face or himself “What now?” + </p> + <p> + ‘“What now!” replied the baron, nothing daunted by his hollow voice and + lustreless eyes. “I should ask that question. How did you get here?” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Through the door,” replied the figure. + </p> + <p> + ‘“What are you?” says the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“A man,” replied the figure. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I don’t believe it,” says the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Disbelieve it then,” says the figure. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I will,” rejoined the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘The figure looked at the bold Baron of Grogzwig for some time, and then + said familiarly, + </p> + <p> + ‘“There’s no coming over you, I see. I’m not a man!” + </p> + <p> + ‘“What are you then?” asked the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“A genius,” replied the figure. + </p> + <p> + ‘“You don’t look much like one,” returned the baron scornfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘“I am the Genius of Despair and Suicide,” said the apparition. “Now you + know me.” + </p> + <p> + ‘With these words the apparition turned towards the baron, as if composing + himself for a talk—and, what was very remarkable, was, that he threw + his cloak aside, and displaying a stake, which was run through the centre + of his body, pulled it out with a jerk, and laid it on the table, as + composedly as if it had been a walking-stick. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Now,” said the figure, glancing at the hunting-knife, “are you ready for + me?” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Not quite,” rejoined the baron; “I must finish this pipe first.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Look sharp then,” said the figure. + </p> + <p> + ‘“You seem in a hurry,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Why, yes, I am,” answered the figure; “they’re doing a pretty brisk + business in my way, over in England and France just now, and my time is a + good deal taken up.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Do you drink?” said the baron, touching the bottle with the bowl of his + pipe. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Nine times out of ten, and then very hard,” rejoined the figure, drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Never in moderation?” asked the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Never,” replied the figure, with a shudder, “that breeds cheerfulness.” + </p> + <p> + ‘The baron took another look at his new friend, whom he thought an + uncommonly queer customer, and at length inquired whether he took any + active part in such little proceedings as that which he had in + contemplation. + </p> + <p> + ‘“No,” replied the figure evasively; “but I am always present.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Just to see fair, I suppose?” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Just that,” replied the figure, playing with his stake, and examining + the ferule. “Be as quick as you can, will you, for there’s a young + gentleman who is afflicted with too much money and leisure wanting me now, + I find.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Going to kill himself because he has too much money!” exclaimed the + baron, quite tickled. “Ha! ha! that’s a good one.” (This was the first + time the baron had laughed for many a long day.) + </p> + <p> + ‘“I say,” expostulated the figure, looking very much scared; “don’t do + that again.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Why not?” demanded the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Because it gives me pain all over,” replied the figure. “Sigh as much as + you please: that does me good.” + </p> + <p> + ‘The baron sighed mechanically at the mention of the word; the figure, + brightening up again, handed him the hunting-knife with most winning + politeness. + </p> + <p> + ‘“It’s not a bad idea though,” said the baron, feeling the edge of the + weapon; “a man killing himself because he has too much money.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Pooh!” said the apparition, petulantly, “no better than a man’s killing + himself because he has none or little.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Whether the genius unintentionally committed himself in saying this, or + whether he thought the baron’s mind was so thoroughly made up that it + didn’t matter what he said, I have no means of knowing. I only know that + the baron stopped his hand, all of a sudden, opened his eyes wide, and + looked as if quite a new light had come upon him for the first time. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Why, certainly,” said Von Koeldwethout, “nothing is too bad to be + retrieved.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Except empty coffers,” cried the genius. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Well; but they may be one day filled again,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Scolding wives,” snarled the genius. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Oh! They may be made quiet,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Thirteen children,” shouted the genius. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Can’t all go wrong, surely,” said the baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘The genius was evidently growing very savage with the baron, for holding + these opinions all at once; but he tried to laugh it off, and said if he + would let him know when he had left off joking he should feel obliged to + him. + </p> + <p> + ‘“But I am not joking; I was never farther from it,” remonstrated the + baron. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Well, I am glad to hear that,” said the genius, looking very grim, + “because a joke, without any figure of speech, <i>is</i> the death of me. Come! + Quit this dreary world at once.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“I don’t know,” said the baron, playing with the knife; “it’s a dreary + one certainly, but I don’t think yours is much better, for you have not + the appearance of being particularly comfortable. That puts me in mind—what + security have I, that I shall be any the better for going out of the world + after all!” he cried, starting up; “I never thought of that.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“Dispatch,” cried the figure, gnashing his teeth. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Keep off!” said the baron. ‘I’ll brood over miseries no longer, but put + a good face on the matter, and try the fresh air and the bears again; and + if that don’t do, I’ll talk to the baroness soundly, and cut the Von + Swillenhausens dead.’ With this the baron fell into his chair, and laughed + so loud and boisterously, that the room rang with it. + </p> + <p> + ‘The figure fell back a pace or two, regarding the baron meanwhile with a + look of intense terror, and when he had ceased, caught up the stake, + plunged it violently into its body, uttered a frightful howl, and + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘Von Koeldwethout never saw it again. Having once made up his mind to + action, he soon brought the baroness and the Von Swillenhausens to reason, + and died many years afterwards: not a rich man that I am aware of, but + certainly a happy one: leaving behind him a numerous family, who had been + carefully educated in bear and boar-hunting under his own personal eye. + And my advice to all men is, that if ever they become hipped and + melancholy from similar causes (as very many men do), they look at both + sides of the question, applying a magnifying-glass to the best one; and if + they still feel tempted to retire without leave, that they smoke a large + pipe and drink a full bottle first, and profit by the laudable example of + the Baron of Grogzwig.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fresh coach is ready, ladies and gentlemen, if you please,’ said a + new driver, looking in. + </p> + <p> + This intelligence caused the punch to be finished in a great hurry, and + prevented any discussion relative to the last story. Mr. Squeers was + observed to draw the grey-headed gentleman on one side, and to ask a + question with great apparent interest; it bore reference to the Five + Sisters of York, and was, in fact, an inquiry whether he could inform him + how much per annum the Yorkshire convents got in those days with their + boarders. + </p> + <p> + The journey was then resumed. Nicholas fell asleep towards morning, and, + when he awoke, found, with great regret, that, during his nap, both the + Baron of Grogzwig and the grey-haired gentleman had got down and were + gone. The day dragged on uncomfortably enough. At about six o’clock that + night, he and Mr. Squeers, and the little boys, and their united luggage, + were all put down together at the George and New Inn, Greta Bridge. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 7 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span> + <i>r. and Mrs. Squeers at Home</i> +</p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + +<p>Mr. Squeers, being safely landed, left Nicholas and the boys standing with + the luggage in the road, to amuse themselves by looking at the coach as it + changed horses, while he ran into the tavern and went through the + leg-stretching process at the bar. After some minutes, he returned, with + his legs thoroughly stretched, if the hue of his nose and a short hiccup + afforded any criterion; and at the same time there came out of the yard a + rusty pony-chaise, and a cart, driven by two labouring men. + </p> + <p> + ‘Put the boys and the boxes into the cart,’ said Squeers, rubbing his + hands; ‘and this young man and me will go on in the chaise. Get in, + Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas obeyed. Mr. Squeers with some difficulty inducing the pony to + obey also, they started off, leaving the cart-load of infant misery to + follow at leisure. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you cold, Nickleby?’ inquired Squeers, after they had travelled some + distance in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather, sir, I must say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I don’t find fault with that,’ said Squeers; ‘it’s a long journey + this weather.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it much farther to Dotheboys Hall, sir?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘About three mile from here,’ replied Squeers. ‘But you needn’t call it a + Hall down here.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas coughed, as if he would like to know why. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fact is, it ain’t a Hall,’ observed Squeers drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed!’ said Nicholas, whom this piece of intelligence much + astonished. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Squeers. ‘We call it a Hall up in London, because it sounds + better, but they don’t know it by that name in these parts. A man may call + his house an island if he likes; there’s no act of Parliament against + that, I believe?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe not, sir,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Squeers eyed his companion slyly, at the conclusion of this little + dialogue, and finding that he had grown thoughtful and appeared in nowise + disposed to volunteer any observations, contented himself with lashing the + pony until they reached their journey’s end. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jump out,’ said Squeers. ‘Hallo there! Come and put this horse up. Be + quick, will you!’ + </p> + <p> + While the schoolmaster was uttering these and other impatient cries, + Nicholas had time to observe that the school was a long, cold-looking + house, one storey high, with a few straggling out-buildings behind, and a + barn and stable adjoining. After the lapse of a minute or two, the noise + of somebody unlocking the yard-gate was heard, and presently a tall lean + boy, with a lantern in his hand, issued forth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that you, Smike?’ cried Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ replied the boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why the devil didn’t you come before?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please, sir, I fell asleep over the fire,’ answered Smike, with humility. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fire! what fire? Where’s there a fire?’ demanded the schoolmaster, + sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only in the kitchen, sir,’ replied the boy. ‘Missus said as I was sitting + up, I might go in there for a warm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your missus is a fool,’ retorted Squeers. ‘You’d have been a deuced deal + more wakeful in the cold, I’ll engage.’ + </p> + <p> + By this time Mr. Squeers had dismounted; and after ordering the boy to see + to the pony, and to take care that he hadn’t any more corn that night, he + told Nicholas to wait at the front-door a minute while he went round and + let him in. + </p> + <p> + A host of unpleasant misgivings, which had been crowding upon Nicholas + during the whole journey, thronged into his mind with redoubled force when + he was left alone. His great distance from home and the impossibility of + reaching it, except on foot, should he feel ever so anxious to return, + presented itself to him in most alarming colours; and as he looked up at + the dreary house and dark windows, and upon the wild country round, + covered with snow, he felt a depression of heart and spirit which he had + never experienced before. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now then!’ cried Squeers, poking his head out at the front-door. ‘Where + are you, Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in, then,’ said Squeers ‘the wind blows in, at this door, fit to + knock a man off his legs.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas sighed, and hurried in. Mr. Squeers, having bolted the door to + keep it shut, ushered him into a small parlour scantily furnished with a + few chairs, a yellow map hung against the wall, and a couple of tables; + one of which bore some preparations for supper; while, on the other, a + tutor’s assistant, a Murray’s grammar, half-a-dozen cards of terms, and a + worn letter directed to Wackford Squeers, Esquire, were arranged in + picturesque confusion. + </p> + <p> + They had not been in this apartment a couple of minutes, when a female + bounced into the room, and, seizing Mr. Squeers by the throat, gave him two + loud kisses: one close after the other, like a postman’s knock. The lady, + who was of a large raw-boned figure, was about half a head taller than Mr + Squeers, and was dressed in a dimity night-jacket; with her hair in + papers; she had also a dirty nightcap on, relieved by a yellow cotton + handkerchief which tied it under the chin. + </p> + <p> + ‘How is my Squeery?’ said this lady in a playful manner, and a very hoarse + voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, my love,’ replied Squeers. ‘How’s the cows?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All right, every one of’em,’ answered the lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the pigs?’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘As well as they were when you went away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come; that’s a blessing,’ said Squeers, pulling off his great-coat. ‘The + boys are all as they were, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes, they’re well enough,’ replied Mrs. Squeers, snappishly. ‘That + young Pitcher’s had a fever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ exclaimed Squeers. ‘Damn that boy, he’s always at something of that + sort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never was such a boy, I do believe,’ said Mrs. Squeers; ‘whatever he has + is always catching too. I say it’s obstinacy, and nothing shall ever + convince me that it isn’t. I’d beat it out of him; and I told you that, + six months ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you did, my love,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘We’ll try what can be done.’ + </p> + <p> + Pending these little endearments, Nicholas had stood, awkwardly enough, in + the middle of the room: not very well knowing whether he was expected to + retire into the passage, or to remain where he was. He was now relieved + from his perplexity by Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the new young man, my dear,’ said that gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh,’ replied Mrs. Squeers, nodding her head at Nicholas, and eyeing him + coldly from top to toe. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’ll take a meal with us tonight,’ said Squeers, ‘and go among the boys + tomorrow morning. You can give him a shake-down here, tonight, can’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must manage it somehow,’ replied the lady. ‘You don’t much mind how + you sleep, I suppose, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + No, indeed,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I am not particular.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s lucky,’ said Mrs. Squeers. And as the lady’s humour was considered + to lie chiefly in retort, Mr. Squeers laughed heartily, and seemed to + expect that Nicholas should do the same. + </p> + <p> + After some further conversation between the master and mistress relative + to the success of Mr. Squeers’s trip and the people who had paid, and the + people who had made default in payment, a young servant girl brought in a + Yorkshire pie and some cold beef, which being set upon the table, the boy + Smike appeared with a jug of ale. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers was emptying his great-coat pockets of letters to different + boys, and other small documents, which he had brought down in them. The + boy glanced, with an anxious and timid expression, at the papers, as if + with a sickly hope that one among them might relate to him. The look was a + very painful one, and went to Nicholas’s heart at once; for it told a long + and very sad history. + </p> + <p> + It induced him to consider the boy more attentively, and he was surprised + to observe the extraordinary mixture of garments which formed his dress. + Although he could not have been less than eighteen or nineteen years old, + and was tall for that age, he wore a skeleton suit, such as is usually put + upon very little boys, and which, though most absurdly short in the arms + and legs, was quite wide enough for his attenuated frame. In order that + the lower part of his legs might be in perfect keeping with this singular + dress, he had a very large pair of boots, originally made for tops, which + might have been once worn by some stout farmer, but were now too patched + and tattered for a beggar. Heaven knows how long he had been there, but he + still wore the same linen which he had first taken down; for, round his + neck, was a tattered child’s frill, only half concealed by a coarse, man’s + neckerchief. He was lame; and as he feigned to be busy in arranging the + table, glanced at the letters with a look so keen, and yet so dispirited + and hopeless, that Nicholas could hardly bear to watch him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you bothering about there, Smike?’ cried Mrs. Squeers; ‘let the + things alone, can’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh!’ said Squeers, looking up. ‘Oh! it’s you, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, sir,’ replied the youth, pressing his hands together, as though to + control, by force, the nervous wandering of his fingers. ‘Is there—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you—did anybody—has nothing been heard—about me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Devil a bit,’ replied Squeers testily. + </p> + <p> + The lad withdrew his eyes, and, putting his hand to his face, moved + towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a word,’ resumed Squeers, ‘and never will be. Now, this is a pretty + sort of thing, isn’t it, that you should have been left here, all these + years, and no money paid after the first six—nor no notice taken, + nor no clue to be got who you belong to? It’s a pretty sort of thing that + I should have to feed a great fellow like you, and never hope to get one + penny for it, isn’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + The boy put his hand to his head as if he were making an effort to + recollect something, and then, looking vacantly at his questioner, + gradually broke into a smile, and limped away. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you what, Squeers,’ remarked his wife as the door closed, ‘I + think that young chap’s turning silly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not,’ said the schoolmaster; ‘for he’s a handy fellow out of + doors, and worth his meat and drink, anyway. I should think he’d have wit + enough for us though, if he was. But come; let’s have supper, for I am + hungry and tired, and want to get to bed.’ + </p> + <p> + This reminder brought in an exclusive steak for Mr. Squeers, who speedily + proceeded to do it ample justice. Nicholas drew up his chair, but his + appetite was effectually taken away. + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s the steak, Squeers?’ said Mrs. S. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tender as a lamb,’ replied Squeers. ‘Have a bit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t eat a morsel,’ replied his wife. ‘What’ll the young man take, + my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever he likes that’s present,’ rejoined Squeers, in a most unusual + burst of generosity. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you say, Mr. Knuckleboy?’ inquired Mrs. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll take a little of the pie, if you please,’ replied Nicholas. ‘A very + little, for I’m not hungry.’ + </p> + <p> + Well, it’s a pity to cut the pie if you’re not hungry, isn’t it?’ said Mrs + Squeers. ‘Will you try a bit of the beef?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever you please,’ replied Nicholas abstractedly; ‘it’s all the same + to me.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers looked vastly gracious on receiving this reply; and nodding to + Squeers, as much as to say that she was glad to find the young man knew + his station, assisted Nicholas to a slice of meat with her own fair hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ale, Squeery?’ inquired the lady, winking and frowning to give him to + understand that the question propounded, was, whether Nicholas should have + ale, and not whether he (Squeers) would take any. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ said Squeers, re-telegraphing in the same manner. ‘A + glassful.’ + </p> + <p> + So Nicholas had a glassful, and being occupied with his own reflections, + drank it, in happy innocence of all the foregone proceedings. + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncommon juicy steak that,’ said Squeers, as he laid down his knife and + fork, after plying it, in silence, for some time. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s prime meat,’ rejoined his lady. ‘I bought a good large piece of it + myself on purpose for—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For what!’ exclaimed Squeers hastily. ‘Not for the—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no; not for them,’ rejoined Mrs. Squeers; ‘on purpose for you against + you came home. Lor! you didn’t think I could have made such a mistake as + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, my dear, I didn’t know what you were going to say,’ said + Squeers, who had turned pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t make yourself uncomfortable,’ remarked his wife, laughing + heartily. ‘To think that I should be such a noddy! Well!’ + </p> + <p> + This part of the conversation was rather unintelligible; but popular + rumour in the neighbourhood asserted that Mr. Squeers, being amiably + opposed to cruelty to animals, not unfrequently purchased for boy + consumption the bodies of horned cattle who had died a natural death; + possibly he was apprehensive of having unintentionally devoured some + choice morsel intended for the young gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + Supper being over, and removed by a small servant girl with a hungry eye, + Mrs. Squeers retired to lock it up, and also to take into safe custody the + clothes of the five boys who had just arrived, and who were half-way up + the troublesome flight of steps which leads to death’s door, in + consequence of exposure to the cold. They were then regaled with a light + supper of porridge, and stowed away, side by side, in a small bedstead, to + warm each other, and dream of a substantial meal with something hot after + it, if their fancies set that way: which it is not at all improbable they + did. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers treated himself to a stiff tumbler of brandy and water, made on + the liberal half-and-half principle, allowing for the dissolution of the + sugar; and his amiable helpmate mixed Nicholas the ghost of a small + glassful of the same compound. This done, Mr. and Mrs. Squeers drew close up + to the fire, and sitting with their feet on the fender, talked + confidentially in whispers; while Nicholas, taking up the tutor’s + assistant, read the interesting legends in the miscellaneous questions, + and all the figures into the bargain, with as much thought or + consciousness of what he was doing, as if he had been in a magnetic + slumber. + </p> + <p> + At length, Mr. Squeers yawned fearfully, and opined that it was high time + to go to bed; upon which signal, Mrs. Squeers and the girl dragged in a + small straw mattress and a couple of blankets, and arranged them into a + couch for Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll put you into your regular bedroom tomorrow, Nickelby,’ said + Squeers. ‘Let me see! Who sleeps in Brooks’s bed, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In Brooks’s,’ said Mrs. Squeers, pondering. ‘There’s Jennings, little + Bolder, Graymarsh, and what’s his name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So there is,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘Yes! Brooks is full.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Full!’ thought Nicholas. ‘I should think he was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a place somewhere, I know,’ said Squeers; ‘but I can’t at this + moment call to mind where it is. However, we’ll have that all settled + tomorrow. Good-night, Nickleby. Seven o’clock in the morning, mind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be ready, sir,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll come in myself and show you where the well is,’ said Squeers. + ‘You’ll always find a little bit of soap in the kitchen window; that + belongs to you.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas opened his eyes, but not his mouth; and Squeers was again going + away, when he once more turned back. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know, I am sure,’ he said, ‘whose towel to put you on; but if + you’ll make shift with something tomorrow morning, Mrs. Squeers will + arrange that, in the course of the day. My dear, don’t forget.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll take care,’ replied Mrs. Squeers; ‘and mind <i>you </i>take care, young man, + and get first wash. The teacher ought always to have it; but they get the + better of him if they can.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers then nudged Mrs. Squeers to bring away the brandy bottle, lest + Nicholas should help himself in the night; and the lady having seized it + with great precipitation, they retired together. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, being left alone, took half-a-dozen turns up and down the room + in a condition of much agitation and excitement; but, growing gradually + calmer, sat himself down in a chair, and mentally resolved that, come what + come might, he would endeavour, for a time, to bear whatever wretchedness + might be in store for him, and that remembering the helplessness of his + mother and sister, he would give his uncle no plea for deserting them in + their need. Good resolutions seldom fail of producing some good effect in + the mind from which they spring. He grew less desponding, and—so + sanguine and buoyant is youth—even hoped that affairs at Dotheboys + Hall might yet prove better than they promised. + </p> + <p> + He was preparing for bed, with something like renewed cheerfulness, when a + sealed letter fell from his coat pocket. In the hurry of leaving London, + it had escaped his attention, and had not occurred to him since, but it at + once brought back to him the recollection of the mysterious behaviour of + Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me!’ said Nicholas; ‘what an extraordinary hand!’ + </p> + <p> + It was directed to himself, was written upon very dirty paper, and in such + cramped and crippled writing as to be almost illegible. After great + difficulty and much puzzling, he contrived to read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + My dear young Man. + </p> + <p> + I know the world. Your father did not, or he would not have done me a + kindness when there was no hope of return. You do not, or you would not be + bound on such a journey. + </p> + <p> + If ever you want a shelter in London (don’t be angry at this, I once + thought I never should), they know where I live, at the sign of the Crown, + in Silver Street, Golden Square. It is at the corner of Silver Street and + James Street, with a bar door both ways. You can come at night. Once, + nobody was ashamed—never mind that. It’s all over. + </p> + <p> + Excuse errors. I should forget how to wear a whole coat now. I have + forgotten all my old ways. My spelling may have gone with them. + </p> + <p> + NEWMAN NOGGS. + </p> + <p> + P.S. If you should go near Barnard Castle, there is good ale at the King’s + Head. Say you know me, and I am sure they will not charge you for it. You + may say Mr. Noggs there, for I was a gentleman then. I was indeed. + </p> + <p> + It may be a very undignified circumstances to record, but after he had + folded this letter and placed it in his pocket-book, Nicholas Nickleby’s + eyes were dimmed with a moisture that might have been taken for tears. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 8 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span> + <i>f the Internal Economy of Dotheboys Hall</i> +</p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + + <p>A ride of two hundred and odd miles in severe weather, is one of the best + softeners of a hard bed that ingenuity can devise. Perhaps it is even a + sweetener of dreams, for those which hovered over the rough couch of + Nicholas, and whispered their airy nothings in his ear, were of an + agreeable and happy kind. He was making his fortune very fast indeed, when + the faint glimmer of an expiring candle shone before his eyes, and a voice + he had no difficulty in recognising as part and parcel of Mr. Squeers, + admonished him that it was time to rise. + </p> + <p> + ‘Past seven, Nickleby,’ said Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has morning come already?’ asked Nicholas, sitting up in bed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! that has it,’ replied Squeers, ‘and ready iced too. Now, Nickleby, + come; tumble up, will you?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas needed no further admonition, but ‘tumbled up’ at once, and + proceeded to dress himself by the light of the taper, which Mr. Squeers + carried in his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a pretty go,’ said that gentleman; ‘the pump’s froze.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Nicholas, not much interested in the intelligence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Squeers. ‘You can’t wash yourself this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not wash myself!’ exclaimed Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, not a bit of it,’ rejoined Squeers tartly. ‘So you must be content + with giving yourself a dry polish till we break the ice in the well, and + can get a bucketful out for the boys. Don’t stand staring at me, but do + look sharp, will you?’ + </p> + <p> + Offering no further observation, Nicholas huddled on his clothes. Squeers, + meanwhile, opened the shutters and blew the candle out; when the voice of + his amiable consort was heard in the passage, demanding admittance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in, my love,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers came in, still habited in the primitive night-jacket which had + displayed the symmetry of her figure on the previous night, and further + ornamented with a beaver bonnet of some antiquity, which she wore, with + much ease and lightness, on the top of the nightcap before mentioned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Drat the things,’ said the lady, opening the cupboard; ‘I can’t find the + school spoon anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind it, my dear,’ observed Squeers in a soothing manner; ‘it’s of + no consequence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No consequence, why how you talk!’ retorted Mrs. Squeers sharply; ‘isn’t + it brimstone morning?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I forgot, my dear,’ rejoined Squeers; ‘yes, it certainly is. We purify + the boys’ bloods now and then, Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Purify fiddlesticks’ ends,’ said his lady. ‘Don’t think, young man, that + we go to the expense of flower of brimstone and molasses, just to purify + them; because if you think we carry on the business in that way, you’ll + find yourself mistaken, and so I tell you plainly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Squeers frowning. ‘Hem!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! nonsense,’ rejoined Mrs. Squeers. ‘If the young man comes to be a + teacher here, let him understand, at once, that we don’t want any foolery + about the boys. They have the brimstone and treacle, partly because if + they hadn’t something or other in the way of medicine they’d be always + ailing and giving a world of trouble, and partly because it spoils their + appetites and comes cheaper than breakfast and dinner. So, it does them + good and us good at the same time, and that’s fair enough I’m sure.’ + </p> + <p> + Having given this explanation, Mrs. Squeers put her head into the closet + and instituted a stricter search after the spoon, in which Mr. Squeers + assisted. A few words passed between them while they were thus engaged, + but as their voices were partially stifled by the cupboard, all that + Nicholas could distinguish was, that Mr. Squeers said what Mrs. Squeers had + said, was injudicious, and that Mrs. Squeers said what Mr. Squeers said, was + ‘stuff.’ + </p> + <p> + A vast deal of searching and rummaging ensued, and it proving fruitless, + Smike was called in, and pushed by Mrs. Squeers, and boxed by Mr. Squeers; + which course of treatment brightening his intellects, enabled him to + suggest that possibly Mrs. Squeers might have the spoon in her pocket, as + indeed turned out to be the case. As Mrs. Squeers had previously protested, + however, that she was quite certain she had not got it, Smike received + another box on the ear for presuming to contradict his mistress, together + with a promise of a sound thrashing if he were not more respectful in + future; so that he took nothing very advantageous by his motion. + </p> + <p> + ‘A most invaluable woman, that, Nickleby,’ said Squeers when his consort + had hurried away, pushing the drudge before her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, sir!’ observed Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know her equal,’ said Squeers; ‘I do not know her equal. That + woman, Nickleby, is always the same—always the same bustling, + lively, active, saving creetur that you see her now.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas sighed involuntarily at the thought of the agreeable domestic + prospect thus opened to him; but Squeers was, fortunately, too much + occupied with his own reflections to perceive it. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s my way to say, when I am up in London,’ continued Squeers, ‘that to + them boys she is a mother. But she is more than a mother to them; ten + times more. She does things for them boys, Nickleby, that I don’t believe + half the mothers going, would do for their own sons.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think they would not, sir,’ answered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Now, the fact was, that both Mr. and Mrs. Squeers viewed the boys in the + light of their proper and natural enemies; or, in other words, they held + and considered that their business and profession was to get as much from + every boy as could by possibility be screwed out of him. On this point + they were both agreed, and behaved in unison accordingly. The only + difference between them was, that Mrs. Squeers waged war against the enemy + openly and fearlessly, and that Squeers covered his rascality, even at + home, with a spice of his habitual deceit; as if he really had a notion of + someday or other being able to take himself in, and persuade his own mind + that he was a very good fellow. + </p> + <p> + ‘But come,’ said Squeers, interrupting the progress of some thoughts to + this effect in the mind of his usher, ‘let’s go to the schoolroom; and + lend me a hand with my school-coat, will you?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas assisted his master to put on an old fustian shooting-jacket, + which he took down from a peg in the passage; and Squeers, arming himself + with his cane, led the way across a yard, to a door in the rear of the + house. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said the schoolmaster as they stepped in together; ‘this is our + shop, Nickleby!’ + </p> + <p> + It was such a crowded scene, and there were so many objects to attract + attention, that, at first, Nicholas stared about him, really without + seeing anything at all. By degrees, however, the place resolved itself + into a bare and dirty room, with a couple of windows, whereof a tenth part + might be of glass, the remainder being stopped up with old copy-books and + paper. There were a couple of long old rickety desks, cut and notched, and + inked, and damaged, in every possible way; two or three forms; a detached + desk for Squeers; and another for his assistant. The ceiling was + supported, like that of a barn, by cross-beams and rafters; and the walls + were so stained and discoloured, that it was impossible to tell whether + they had ever been touched with paint or whitewash. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0134m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0134m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0134.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + But the pupils—the young noblemen! How the last faint traces of + hope, the remotest glimmering of any good to be derived from his efforts + in this den, faded from the mind of Nicholas as he looked in dismay + around! Pale and haggard faces, lank and bony figures, children with the + countenances of old men, deformities with irons upon their limbs, boys of + stunted growth, and others whose long meagre legs would hardly bear their + stooping bodies, all crowded on the view together; there were the bleared + eye, the hare-lip, the crooked foot, and every ugliness or distortion that + told of unnatural aversion conceived by parents for their offspring, or of + young lives which, from the earliest dawn of infancy, had been one + horrible endurance of cruelty and neglect. There were little faces which + should have been handsome, darkened with the scowl of sullen, dogged + suffering; there was childhood with the light of its eye quenched, its + beauty gone, and its helplessness alone remaining; there were + vicious-faced boys, brooding, with leaden eyes, like malefactors in a + jail; and there were young creatures on whom the sins of their frail + parents had descended, weeping even for the mercenary nurses they had + known, and lonesome even in their loneliness. With every kindly sympathy + and affection blasted in its birth, with every young and healthy feeling + flogged and starved down, with every revengeful passion that can fester in + swollen hearts, eating its evil way to their core in silence, what an + incipient Hell was breeding here! + </p> + <p> + And yet this scene, painful as it was, had its grotesque features, which, + in a less interested observer than Nicholas, might have provoked a smile. + Mrs. Squeers stood at one of the desks, presiding over an immense basin of + brimstone and treacle, of which delicious compound she administered a + large instalment to each boy in succession: using for the purpose a common + wooden spoon, which might have been originally manufactured for some + gigantic top, and which widened every young gentleman’s mouth + considerably: they being all obliged, under heavy corporal penalties, to + take in the whole of the bowl at a gasp. In another corner, huddled + together for companionship, were the little boys who had arrived on the + preceding night, three of them in very large leather breeches, and two in + old trousers, a something tighter fit than drawers are usually worn; at no + great distance from these was seated the juvenile son and heir of Mr + Squeers—a striking likeness of his father—kicking, with great + vigour, under the hands of Smike, who was fitting upon him a pair of new + boots that bore a most suspicious resemblance to those which the least of + the little boys had worn on the journey down—as the little boy + himself seemed to think, for he was regarding the appropriation with a + look of most rueful amazement. Besides these, there was a long row of boys + waiting, with countenances of no pleasant anticipation, to be treacled; + and another file, who had just escaped from the infliction, making a + variety of wry mouths indicative of anything but satisfaction. The whole + were attired in such motley, ill-assorted, extraordinary garments, as + would have been irresistibly ridiculous, but for the foul appearance of + dirt, disorder, and disease, with which they were associated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Squeers, giving the desk a great rap with his cane, which made + half the little boys nearly jump out of their boots, ‘is that physicking + over?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just over,’ said Mrs. Squeers, choking the last boy in her hurry, and + tapping the crown of his head with the wooden spoon to restore him. ‘Here, + you Smike; take away now. Look sharp!’ + </p> + <p> + Smike shuffled out with the basin, and Mrs. Squeers having called up a + little boy with a curly head, and wiped her hands upon it, hurried out + after him into a species of wash-house, where there was a small fire and a + large kettle, together with a number of little wooden bowls which were + arranged upon a board. + </p> + <p> + Into these bowls, Mrs. Squeers, assisted by the hungry servant, poured a + brown composition, which looked like diluted pincushions without the + covers, and was called porridge. A minute wedge of brown bread was + inserted in each bowl, and when they had eaten their porridge by means of + the bread, the boys ate the bread itself, and had finished their + breakfast; whereupon Mr. Squeers said, in a solemn voice, ‘For what we have + received, may the Lord make us truly thankful!’—and went away to his + own. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas distended his stomach with a bowl of porridge, for much the same + reason which induces some savages to swallow earth—lest they should + be inconveniently hungry when there is nothing to eat. Having further + disposed of a slice of bread and butter, allotted to him in virtue of his + office, he sat himself down, to wait for school-time. + </p> + <p> + He could not but observe how silent and sad the boys all seemed to be. + There was none of the noise and clamour of a schoolroom; none of its + boisterous play, or hearty mirth. The children sat crouching and shivering + together, and seemed to lack the spirit to move about. The only pupil who + evinced the slightest tendency towards locomotion or playfulness was + Master Squeers, and as his chief amusement was to tread upon the other + boys’ toes in his new boots, his flow of spirits was rather disagreeable + than otherwise. + </p> + <p> + After some half-hour’s delay, Mr. Squeers reappeared, and the boys took + their places and their books, of which latter commodity the average might + be about one to eight learners. A few minutes having elapsed, during which + Mr. Squeers looked very profound, as if he had a perfect apprehension of + what was inside all the books, and could say every word of their contents + by heart if he only chose to take the trouble, that gentleman called up + the first class. + </p> + <p> + Obedient to this summons there ranged themselves in front of the + schoolmaster’s desk, half-a-dozen scarecrows, out at knees and elbows, one + of whom placed a torn and filthy book beneath his learned eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the first class in English spelling and philosophy, Nickleby,’ + said Squeers, beckoning Nicholas to stand beside him. ‘We’ll get up a + Latin one, and hand that over to you. Now, then, where’s the first boy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please, sir, he’s cleaning the back-parlour window,’ said the temporary + head of the philosophical class. + </p> + <p> + ‘So he is, to be sure,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘We go upon the practical mode + of teaching, Nickleby; the regular education system. C-l-e-a-n, clean, + verb active, to make bright, to scour. W-i-n, win, d-e-r, der, winder, a + casement. When the boy knows this out of book, he goes and does it. It’s + just the same principle as the use of the globes. Where’s the second boy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Please, sir, he’s weeding the garden,’ replied a small voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ said Squeers, by no means disconcerted. ‘So he is. B-o-t, + bot, t-i-n, tin, bottin, n-e-y, ney, bottinney, noun substantive, a + knowledge of plants. When he has learned that bottinney means a knowledge + of plants, he goes and knows ‘em. That’s our system, Nickleby: what do you + think of it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very useful one, at any rate,’ answered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you,’ rejoined Squeers, not remarking the emphasis of his + usher. ‘Third boy, what’s horse?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A beast, sir,’ replied the boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is,’ said Squeers. ‘Ain’t it, Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe there is no doubt of that, sir,’ answered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course there isn’t,’ said Squeers. ‘A horse is a quadruped, and + quadruped’s Latin for beast, as everybody that’s gone through the grammar + knows, or else where’s the use of having grammars at all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where, indeed!’ said Nicholas abstractedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘As you’re perfect in that,’ resumed Squeers, turning to the boy, ‘go and + look after <i>my</i> horse, and rub him down well, or I’ll rub you down. The rest + of the class go and draw water up, till somebody tells you to leave off, + for it’s washing-day tomorrow, and they want the coppers filled.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he dismissed the first class to their experiments in practical + philosophy, and eyed Nicholas with a look, half cunning and half doubtful, + as if he were not altogether certain what he might think of him by this + time. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the way we do it, Nickleby,’ he said, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas shrugged his shoulders in a manner that was scarcely perceptible, + and said he saw it was. + </p> + <p> + ‘And a very good way it is, too,’ said Squeers. ‘Now, just take them + fourteen little boys and hear them some reading, because, you know, you + must begin to be useful. Idling about here won’t do.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers said this, as if it had suddenly occurred to him, either that + he must not say too much to his assistant, or that his assistant did not + say enough to him in praise of the establishment. The children were + arranged in a semicircle round the new master, and he was soon listening + to their dull, drawling, hesitating recital of those stories of engrossing + interest which are to be found in the more antiquated spelling-books. + </p> + <p> + In this exciting occupation, the morning lagged heavily on. At one + o’clock, the boys, having previously had their appetites thoroughly taken + away by stir-about and potatoes, sat down in the kitchen to some hard salt + beef, of which Nicholas was graciously permitted to take his portion to + his own solitary desk, to eat it there in peace. After this, there was + another hour of crouching in the schoolroom and shivering with cold, and + then school began again. + </p> + <p> + It was Mr. Squeer’s custom to call the boys together, and make a sort of + report, after every half-yearly visit to the metropolis, regarding the + relations and friends he had seen, the news he had heard, the letters he + had brought down, the bills which had been paid, the accounts which had + been left unpaid, and so forth. This solemn proceeding always took place + in the afternoon of the day succeeding his return; perhaps, because the + boys acquired strength of mind from the suspense of the morning, or, + possibly, because Mr. Squeers himself acquired greater sternness and + inflexibility from certain warm potations in which he was wont to indulge + after his early dinner. Be this as it may, the boys were recalled from + house-window, garden, stable, and cow-yard, and the school were assembled + in full conclave, when Mr. Squeers, with a small bundle of papers in his + hand, and Mrs. S. following with a pair of canes, entered the room and + proclaimed silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let any boy speak a word without leave,’ said Mr. Squeers mildly, ‘and + I’ll take the skin off his back.’ + </p> + <p> + This special proclamation had the desired effect, and a deathlike silence + immediately prevailed, in the midst of which Mr. Squeers went on to say: + </p> + <p> + ‘Boys, I’ve been to London, and have returned to my family and you, as + strong and well as ever.’ + </p> + <p> + According to half-yearly custom, the boys gave three feeble cheers at this + refreshing intelligence. Such cheers! Sights of extra strength with the + chill on. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen the parents of some boys,’ continued Squeers, turning over + his papers, ‘and they’re so glad to hear how their sons are getting on, + that there’s no prospect at all of their going away, which of course is a + very pleasant thing to reflect upon, for all parties.’ + </p> + <p> + Two or three hands went to two or three eyes when Squeers said this, but + the greater part of the young gentlemen having no particular parents to + speak of, were wholly uninterested in the thing one way or other. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have had disappointments to contend against,’ said Squeers, looking + very grim; ‘Bolder’s father was two pound ten short. Where is Bolder?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is, please sir,’ rejoined twenty officious voices. Boys are very + like men to be sure. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come here, Bolder,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + An unhealthy-looking boy, with warts all over his hands, stepped from his + place to the master’s desk, and raised his eyes imploringly to Squeers’s + face; his own, quite white from the rapid beating of his heart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bolder,’ said Squeers, speaking very slowly, for he was considering, as + the saying goes, where to have him. ‘Bolder, if you father thinks that + because—why, what’s this, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + As Squeers spoke, he caught up the boy’s hand by the cuff of his jacket, + and surveyed it with an edifying aspect of horror and disgust. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you call this, sir?’ demanded the schoolmaster, administering a + cut with the cane to expedite the reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it, indeed, sir,’ rejoined the boy, crying. ‘They will come; + it’s the dirty work I think, sir—at least I don’t know what it is, + sir, but it’s not my fault.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bolder,’ said Squeers, tucking up his wristbands, and moistening the palm + of his right hand to get a good grip of the cane, ‘you’re an incorrigible + young scoundrel, and as the last thrashing did you no good, we must see + what another will do towards beating it out of you.’ + </p> + <p> + With this, and wholly disregarding a piteous cry for mercy, Mr. Squeers + fell upon the boy and caned him soundly: not leaving off, indeed, until + his arm was tired out. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Squeers, when he had quite done; ‘rub away as hard as you + like, you won’t rub that off in a hurry. Oh! you won’t hold that noise, + won’t you? Put him out, Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + The drudge knew better from long experience, than to hesitate about + obeying, so he bundled the victim out by a side-door, and Mr. Squeers + perched himself again on his own stool, supported by Mrs. Squeers, who + occupied another at his side. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now let us see,’ said Squeers. ‘A letter for Cobbey. Stand up, Cobbey.’ + </p> + <p> + Another boy stood up, and eyed the letter very hard while Squeers made a + mental abstract of the same. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Squeers: ‘Cobbey’s grandmother is dead, and his uncle John has + took to drinking, which is all the news his sister sends, except + eighteenpence, which will just pay for that broken square of glass. Mrs + Squeers, my dear, will you take the money?’ + </p> + <p> + The worthy lady pocketed the eighteenpence with a most business-like air, + and Squeers passed on to the next boy, as coolly as possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘Graymarsh,’ said Squeers, ‘he’s the next. Stand up, Graymarsh.’ + </p> + <p> + Another boy stood up, and the schoolmaster looked over the letter as + before. + </p> + <p> + ‘Graymarsh’s maternal aunt,’ said Squeers, when he had possessed himself + of the contents, ‘is very glad to hear he’s so well and happy, and sends + her respectful compliments to Mrs. Squeers, and thinks she must be an + angel. She likewise thinks Mr. Squeers is too good for this world; but + hopes he may long be spared to carry on the business. Would have sent the + two pair of stockings as desired, but is short of money, so forwards a + tract instead, and hopes Graymarsh will put his trust in Providence. + Hopes, above all, that he will study in everything to please Mr. and Mrs + Squeers, and look upon them as his only friends; and that he will love + Master Squeers; and not object to sleeping five in a bed, which no + Christian should. Ah!’ said Squeers, folding it up, ‘a delightful letter. + Very affecting indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + It was affecting in one sense, for Graymarsh’s maternal aunt was strongly + supposed, by her more intimate friends, to be no other than his maternal + parent; Squeers, however, without alluding to this part of the story + (which would have sounded immoral before boys), proceeded with the + business by calling out ‘Mobbs,’ whereupon another boy rose, and Graymarsh + resumed his seat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mobbs’s step-mother,’ said Squeers, ‘took to her bed on hearing that he + wouldn’t eat fat, and has been very ill ever since. She wishes to know, by + an early post, where he expects to go to, if he quarrels with his vittles; + and with what feelings he could turn up his nose at the cow’s-liver broth, + after his good master had asked a blessing on it. This was told her in the + London newspapers—not by Mr. Squeers, for he is too kind and too good + to set anybody against anybody—and it has vexed her so much, Mobbs + can’t think. She is sorry to find he is discontented, which is sinful and + horrid, and hopes Mr. Squeers will flog him into a happier state of mind; + with which view, she has also stopped his halfpenny a week pocket-money, + and given a double-bladed knife with a corkscrew in it to the + Missionaries, which she had bought on purpose for him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A sulky state of feeling,’ said Squeers, after a terrible pause, during + which he had moistened the palm of his right hand again, ‘won’t do. + Cheerfulness and contentment must be kept up. Mobbs, come to me!’ + </p> + <p> + Mobbs moved slowly towards the desk, rubbing his eyes in anticipation of + good cause for doing so; and he soon afterwards retired by the side-door, + with as good cause as a boy need have. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers then proceeded to open a miscellaneous collection of letters; + some enclosing money, which Mrs. Squeers ‘took care of;’ and others + referring to small articles of apparel, as caps and so forth, all of which + the same lady stated to be too large, or too small, and calculated for + nobody but young Squeers, who would appear indeed to have had most + accommodating limbs, since everything that came into the school fitted him + to a nicety. His head, in particular, must have been singularly elastic, + for hats and caps of all dimensions were alike to him. + </p> + <p> + This business dispatched, a few slovenly lessons were performed, and + Squeers retired to his fireside, leaving Nicholas to take care of the boys + in the school-room, which was very cold, and where a meal of bread and + cheese was served out shortly after dark. + </p> + <p> + There was a small stove at that corner of the room which was nearest to + the master’s desk, and by it Nicholas sat down, so depressed and + self-degraded by the consciousness of his position, that if death could + have come upon him at that time, he would have been almost happy to meet + it. The cruelty of which he had been an unwilling witness, the coarse and + ruffianly behaviour of Squeers even in his best moods, the filthy place, + the sights and sounds about him, all contributed to this state of feeling; + but when he recollected that, being there as an assistant, he actually + seemed—no matter what unhappy train of circumstances had brought him + to that pass—to be the aider and abettor of a system which filled + him with honest disgust and indignation, he loathed himself, and felt, for + the moment, as though the mere consciousness of his present situation + must, through all time to come, prevent his raising his head again. + </p> + <p> + But, for the present, his resolve was taken, and the resolution he had + formed on the preceding night remained undisturbed. He had written to his + mother and sister, announcing the safe conclusion of his journey, and + saying as little about Dotheboys Hall, and saying that little as + cheerfully, as he possibly could. He hoped that by remaining where he was, + he might do some good, even there; at all events, others depended too much + on his uncle’s favour, to admit of his awakening his wrath just then. + </p> + <p> + One reflection disturbed him far more than any selfish considerations + arising out of his own position. This was the probable destination of his + sister Kate. His uncle had deceived him, and might he not consign her to + some miserable place where her youth and beauty would prove a far greater + curse than ugliness and decrepitude? To a caged man, bound hand and foot, + this was a terrible idea—but no, he thought, his mother was by; + there was the portrait-painter, too—simple enough, but still living + in the world, and of it. He was willing to believe that Ralph Nickleby had + conceived a personal dislike to himself. Having pretty good reason, by + this time, to reciprocate it, he had no great difficulty in arriving at + this conclusion, and tried to persuade himself that the feeling extended + no farther than between them. + </p> + <p> + As he was absorbed in these meditations, he all at once encountered the + upturned face of Smike, who was on his knees before the stove, picking a + few stray cinders from the hearth and planting them on the fire. He had + paused to steal a look at Nicholas, and when he saw that he was observed, + shrunk back, as if expecting a blow. + </p> + <p> + ‘You need not fear me,’ said Nicholas kindly. ‘Are you cold?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N-n-o.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are shivering.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not cold,’ replied Smike quickly. ‘I am used to it.’ + </p> + <p> + There was such an obvious fear of giving offence in his manner, and he was + such a timid, broken-spirited creature, that Nicholas could not help + exclaiming, ‘Poor fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + If he had struck the drudge, he would have slunk away without a word. But, + now, he burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear, oh dear!’ he cried, covering his face with his cracked and horny + hands. ‘My heart will break. It will, it will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said Nicholas, laying his hand upon his shoulder. ‘Be a man; you + are nearly one by years, God help you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By years!’ cried Smike. ‘Oh dear, dear, how many of them! How many of + them since I was a little child, younger than any that are here now! Where + are they all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whom do you speak of?’ inquired Nicholas, wishing to rouse the poor + half-witted creature to reason. ‘Tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My friends,’ he replied, ‘myself—my—oh! what sufferings mine + have been!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is always hope,’ said Nicholas; he knew not what to say. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined the other, ‘no; none for me. Do you remember the boy that + died here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was not here, you know,’ said Nicholas gently; ‘but what of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why,’ replied the youth, drawing closer to his questioner’s side, ‘I was + with him at night, and when it was all silent he cried no more for friends + he wished to come and sit with him, but began to see faces round his bed + that came from home; he said they smiled, and talked to him; and he died + at last lifting his head to kiss them. Do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘What faces will smile on me when I die!’ cried his companion, shivering. + ‘Who will talk to me in those long nights! They cannot come from home; + they would frighten me, if they did, for I don’t know what it is, and + shouldn’t know them. Pain and fear, pain and fear for me, alive or dead. + No hope, no hope!’ + </p> + <p> + The bell rang to bed: and the boy, subsiding at the sound into his usual + listless state, crept away as if anxious to avoid notice. It was with a + heavy heart that Nicholas soon afterwards—no, not retired; there was + no retirement there—followed—to his dirty and crowded + dormitory. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 9 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span><i>f Miss Squeers, Mrs. Squeers, Master Squeers, and Mr. Squeers; and of + various Matters and Persons connected no less with the Squeerses than + Nicholas Nickleby</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Squeers left the schoolroom for the night, he betook himself, as + has been before remarked, to his own fireside, which was situated—not + in the room in which Nicholas had supped on the night of his arrival, but + in a smaller apartment in the rear of the premises, where his lady wife, + his amiable son, and accomplished daughter, were in the full enjoyment of + each other’s society; Mrs. Squeers being engaged in the matronly pursuit of + stocking-darning; and the young lady and gentleman being occupied in the + adjustment of some youthful differences, by means of a pugilistic contest + across the table, which, on the approach of their honoured parent, + subsided into a noiseless exchange of kicks beneath it. + </p> + <p> + And, in this place, it may be as well to apprise the reader, that Miss + Fanny Squeers was in her three-and-twentieth year. If there be any one + grace or loveliness inseparable from that particular period of life, Miss + Squeers may be presumed to have been possessed of it, as there is no + reason to suppose that she was a solitary exception to an universal rule. + She was not tall like her mother, but short like her father; from the + former she inherited a voice of harsh quality; from the latter a + remarkable expression of the right eye, something akin to having none at + all. + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers had been spending a few days with a neighbouring friend, and + had only just returned to the parental roof. To this circumstance may be + referred, her having heard nothing of Nicholas, until Mr. Squeers himself + now made him the subject of conversation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my dear,’ said Squeers, drawing up his chair, ‘what do you think of + him by this time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think of who?’ inquired Mrs. Squeers; who (as she often remarked) was no + grammarian, thank Heaven. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of the young man—the new teacher—who else could I mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that Knuckleboy,’ said Mrs. Squeers impatiently. ‘I hate him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you hate him for, my dear?’ asked Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that to you?’ retorted Mrs. Squeers. ‘If I hate him, that’s enough, + ain’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite enough for him, my dear, and a great deal too much I dare say, if + he knew it,’ replied Squeers in a pacific tone. ‘I only ask from + curiosity, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, if you want to know,’ rejoined Mrs. Squeers, ‘I’ll tell you. + Because he’s a proud, haughty, consequential, turned-up-nosed peacock.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers, when excited, was accustomed to use strong language, and, + moreover, to make use of a plurality of epithets, some of which were of a + figurative kind, as the word peacock, and furthermore the allusion to + Nicholas’s nose, which was not intended to be taken in its literal sense, + but rather to bear a latitude of construction according to the fancy of + the hearers. + </p> + <p> + Neither were they meant to bear reference to each other, so much as to the + object on whom they were bestowed, as will be seen in the present case: a + peacock with a turned-up nose being a novelty in ornithology, and a thing + not commonly seen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Squeers, as if in mild deprecation of this outbreak. ‘He is + cheap, my dear; the young man is very cheap.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit of it,’ retorted Mrs. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Five pound a year,’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘What of that; it’s dear if you don’t want him, isn’t it?’ replied his + wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘But we <i>do</i> want him,’ urged Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t see that you want him any more than the dead,’ said Mrs. Squeers. + ‘Don’t tell me. You can put on the cards and in the advertisements, + “Education by Mr. Wackford Squeers and able assistants,” without having any + assistants, can’t you? Isn’t it done every day by all the masters about? + I’ve no patience with you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Haven’t you!’ said Squeers, sternly. ‘Now I’ll tell you what, Mrs + Squeers. In this matter of having a teacher, I’ll take my own way, if you + please. A slave driver in the West Indies is allowed a man under him, to + see that his blacks don’t run away, or get up a rebellion; and I’ll have a + man under me to do the same with <i>our </i>blacks, till such time as little + Wackford is able to take charge of the school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I to take care of the school when I grow up a man, father?’ said + Wackford junior, suspending, in the excess of his delight, a vicious kick + which he was administering to his sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are, my son,’ replied Mr. Squeers, in a sentimental voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh my eye, won’t I give it to the boys!’ exclaimed the interesting child, + grasping his father’s cane. ‘Oh, father, won’t I make ‘em squeak again!’ + </p> + <p> + It was a proud moment in Mr. Squeers’s life, when he witnessed that burst + of enthusiasm in his young child’s mind, and saw in it a foreshadowing of + his future eminence. He pressed a penny into his hand, and gave vent to + his feelings (as did his exemplary wife also), in a shout of approving + laughter. The infantine appeal to their common sympathies, at once + restored cheerfulness to the conversation, and harmony to the company. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a nasty stuck-up monkey, that’s what I consider him,’ said Mrs + Squeers, reverting to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Supposing he is,’ said Squeers, ‘he is as well stuck up in our schoolroom + as anywhere else, isn’t he?—especially as he don’t like it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ observed Mrs. Squeers, ‘there’s something in that. I hope it’ll + bring his pride down, and it shall be no fault of mine if it don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + Now, a proud usher in a Yorkshire school was such a very extraordinary and + unaccountable thing to hear of,—any usher at all being a novelty; + but a proud one, a being of whose existence the wildest imagination could + never have dreamed—that Miss Squeers, who seldom troubled herself + with scholastic matters, inquired with much curiosity who this Knuckleboy + was, that gave himself such airs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby,’ said Squeers, spelling the name according to some eccentric + system which prevailed in his own mind; ‘your mother always calls things + and people by their wrong names.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter for that,’ said Mrs. Squeers; ‘I see them with right eyes, and + that’s quite enough for me. I watched him when you were laying on to + little Bolder this afternoon. He looked as black as thunder, all the + while, and, one time, started up as if he had more than got it in his mind + to make a rush at you. I saw him, though he thought I didn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind that, father,’ said Miss Squeers, as the head of the family + was about to reply. ‘Who is the man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, your father has got some nonsense in his head that he’s the son of a + poor gentleman that died the other day,’ said Mrs. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘The son of a gentleman!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but I don’t believe a word of it. If he’s a gentleman’s son at all, + he’s a fondling, that’s my opinion.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Squeers intended to say ‘foundling,’ but, as she frequently remarked + when she made any such mistake, it would be all the same a hundred years + hence; with which axiom of philosophy, indeed, she was in the constant + habit of consoling the boys when they laboured under more than ordinary + ill-usage. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s nothing of the kind,’ said Squeers, in answer to the above remark, + ‘for his father was married to his mother years before he was born, and + she is alive now. If he was, it would be no business of ours, for we make + a very good friend by having him here; and if he likes to learn the boys + anything besides minding them, I have no objection I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say again, I hate him worse than poison,’ said Mrs. Squeers vehemently. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you dislike him, my dear,’ returned Squeers, ‘I don’t know anybody who + can show dislike better than you, and of course there’s no occasion, with + him, to take the trouble to hide it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t intend to, I assure you,’ interposed Mrs. S. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ said Squeers; ‘and if he has a touch of pride about him, + as I think he has, I don’t believe there’s woman in all England that can + bring anybody’s spirit down, as quick as you can, my love.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers chuckled vastly on the receipt of these flattering + compliments, and said, she hoped she had tamed a high spirit or two in her + day. It is but due to her character to say, that in conjunction with her + estimable husband, she had broken many and many a one. + </p> + <p> + Miss Fanny Squeers carefully treasured up this, and much more conversation + on the same subject, until she retired for the night, when she questioned + the hungry servant, minutely, regarding the outward appearance and + demeanour of Nicholas; to which queries the girl returned such + enthusiastic replies, coupled with so many laudatory remarks touching his + beautiful dark eyes, and his sweet smile, and his straight legs—upon + which last-named articles she laid particular stress; the general run of + legs at Dotheboys Hall being crooked—that Miss Squeers was not long + in arriving at the conclusion that the new usher must be a very remarkable + person, or, as she herself significantly phrased it, ‘something quite out + of the common.’ And so Miss Squeers made up her mind that she would take a + personal observation of Nicholas the very next day. + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of this design, the young lady watched the opportunity of her + mother being engaged, and her father absent, and went accidentally into + the schoolroom to get a pen mended: where, seeing nobody but Nicholas + presiding over the boys, she blushed very deeply, and exhibited great + confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon,’ faltered Miss Squeers; ‘I thought my father was—or + might be—dear me, how very awkward!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Squeers is out,’ said Nicholas, by no means overcome by the + apparition, unexpected though it was. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know will he be long, sir?’ asked Miss Squeers, with bashful + hesitation. + </p> + <p> + ‘He said about an hour,’ replied Nicholas—politely of course, but + without any indication of being stricken to the heart by Miss Squeers’s + charms. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never knew anything happen so cross,’ exclaimed the young lady. ‘Thank + you! I am very sorry I intruded, I am sure. If I hadn’t thought my father + was here, I wouldn’t upon any account have—it is very provoking—must + look so very strange,’ murmured Miss Squeers, blushing once more, and + glancing, from the pen in her hand, to Nicholas at his desk, and back + again. + </p> + <p> + ‘If that is all you want,’ said Nicholas, pointing to the pen, and + smiling, in spite of himself, at the affected embarrassment of the + schoolmaster’s daughter, ‘perhaps I can supply his place.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers glanced at the door, as if dubious of the propriety of + advancing any nearer to an utter stranger; then round the schoolroom, as + though in some measure reassured by the presence of forty boys; and + finally sidled up to Nicholas and delivered the pen into his hand, with a + most winning mixture of reserve and condescension. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall it be a hard or a soft nib?’ inquired Nicholas, smiling to prevent + himself from laughing outright. + </p> + <p> + ‘He <i>has </i>a beautiful smile,’ thought Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which did you say?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, I was thinking of something else for the moment, I declare,’ + replied Miss Squeers. ‘Oh! as soft as possible, if you please.’ With which + words, Miss Squeers sighed. It might be, to give Nicholas to understand + that her heart was soft, and that the pen was wanted to match. + </p> + <p> + Upon these instructions Nicholas made the pen; when he gave it to Miss + Squeers, Miss Squeers dropped it; and when he stooped to pick it up, Miss + Squeers stooped also, and they knocked their heads together; whereat + five-and-twenty little boys laughed aloud: being positively for the first + and only time that half-year. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very awkward of me,’ said Nicholas, opening the door for the young lady’s + retreat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all, sir,’ replied Miss Squeers; ‘it was my fault. It was all my + foolish—a—a—good-morning!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Goodbye,’ said Nicholas. ‘The next I make for you, I hope will be made + less clumsily. Take care! You are biting the nib off now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really,’ said Miss Squeers; ‘so embarrassing that I scarcely know what I—very + sorry to give you so much trouble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the least trouble in the world,’ replied Nicholas, closing the + schoolroom door. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw such legs in the whole course of my life!’ said Miss Squeers, + as she walked away. + </p> + <p> + In fact, Miss Squeers was in love with Nicholas Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + To account for the rapidity with which this young lady had conceived a + passion for Nicholas, it may be necessary to state, that the friend from + whom she had so recently returned, was a miller’s daughter of only + eighteen, who had contracted herself unto the son of a small corn-factor, + resident in the nearest market town. Miss Squeers and the miller’s + daughter, being fast friends, had covenanted together some two years + before, according to a custom prevalent among young ladies, that whoever + was first engaged to be married, should straightway confide the mighty + secret to the bosom of the other, before communicating it to any living + soul, and bespeak her as bridesmaid without loss of time; in fulfilment of + which pledge the miller’s daughter, when her engagement was formed, came + out express, at eleven o’clock at night as the corn-factor’s son made an + offer of his hand and heart at twenty-five minutes past ten by the Dutch + clock in the kitchen, and rushed into Miss Squeers’s bedroom with the + gratifying intelligence. Now, Miss Squeers being five years older, and out + of her teens (which is also a great matter), had, since, been more than + commonly anxious to return the compliment, and possess her friend with a + similar secret; but, either in consequence of finding it hard to please + herself, or harder still to please anybody else, had never had an + opportunity so to do, inasmuch as she had no such secret to disclose. The + little interview with Nicholas had no sooner passed, as above described, + however, than Miss Squeers, putting on her bonnet, made her way, with + great precipitation, to her friend’s house, and, upon a solemn renewal of + divers old vows of secrecy, revealed how that she was—not exactly + engaged, but going to be—to a gentleman’s son—(none of your + corn-factors, but a gentleman’s son of high descent)—who had come + down as teacher to Dotheboys Hall, under most mysterious and remarkable + circumstances—indeed, as Miss Squeers more than once hinted she had + good reason to believe, induced, by the fame of her many charms, to seek + her out, and woo and win her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Isn’t it an extraordinary thing?’ said Miss Squeers, emphasising the + adjective strongly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Most extraordinary,’ replied the friend. ‘But what has he said to you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t ask me what he said, my dear,’ rejoined Miss Squeers. ‘If you had + only seen his looks and smiles! I never was so overcome in all my life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he look in this way?’ inquired the miller’s daughter, counterfeiting, + as nearly as she could, a favourite leer of the corn-factor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very like that—only more genteel,’ replied Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the friend, ‘then he means something, depend on it.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers, having slight misgivings on the subject, was by no means ill + pleased to be confirmed by a competent authority; and discovering, on + further conversation and comparison of notes, a great many points of + resemblance between the behaviour of Nicholas, and that of the + corn-factor, grew so exceedingly confidential, that she intrusted her + friend with a vast number of things Nicholas had <i>not </i>said, which were all + so very complimentary as to be quite conclusive. Then, she dilated on the + fearful hardship of having a father and mother strenuously opposed to her + intended husband; on which unhappy circumstance she dwelt at great length; + for the friend’s father and mother were quite agreeable to her being + married, and the whole courtship was in consequence as flat and + common-place an affair as it was possible to imagine. + </p> + <p> + ‘How I should like to see him!’ exclaimed the friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you shall, ‘Tilda,’ replied Miss Squeers. ‘I should consider myself + one of the most ungrateful creatures alive, if I denied you. I think + mother’s going away for two days to fetch some boys; and when she does, + I’ll ask you and John up to tea, and have him to meet you.’ + </p> + <p> + This was a charming idea, and having fully discussed it, the friends + parted. + </p> + <p> + It so fell out, that Mrs. Squeers’s journey, to some distance, to fetch + three new boys, and dun the relations of two old ones for the balance of a + small account, was fixed that very afternoon, for the next day but one; + and on the next day but one, Mrs. Squeers got up outside the coach, as it + stopped to change at Greta Bridge, taking with her a small bundle + containing something in a bottle, and some sandwiches, and carrying + besides a large white top-coat to wear in the night-time; with which + baggage she went her way. + </p> + <p> + Whenever such opportunities as these occurred, it was Squeers’s custom to + drive over to the market town, every evening, on pretence of urgent + business, and stop till ten or eleven o’clock at a tavern he much + affected. As the party was not in his way, therefore, but rather afforded + a means of compromise with Miss Squeers, he readily yielded his full + assent thereunto, and willingly communicated to Nicholas that he was + expected to take his tea in the parlour that evening, at five o’clock. + </p> + <p> + To be sure Miss Squeers was in a desperate flutter as the time approached, + and to be sure she was dressed out to the best advantage: with her hair—it + had more than a tinge of red, and she wore it in a crop—curled in + five distinct rows, up to the very top of her head, and arranged + dexterously over the doubtful eye; to say nothing of the blue sash which + floated down her back, or the worked apron or the long gloves, or the + green gauze scarf worn over one shoulder and under the other; or any of + the numerous devices which were to be as so many arrows to the heart of + Nicholas. She had scarcely completed these arrangements to her entire + satisfaction, when the friend arrived with a whity-brown parcel—flat + and three-cornered—containing sundry small adornments which were to + be put on upstairs, and which the friend put on, talking incessantly. When + Miss Squeers had ‘done’ the friend’s hair, the friend ‘did’ Miss Squeers’s + hair, throwing in some striking improvements in the way of ringlets down + the neck; and then, when they were both touched up to their entire + satisfaction, they went downstairs in full state with the long gloves on, + all ready for company. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where’s John, ‘Tilda?’ said Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only gone home to clean himself,’ replied the friend. ‘He will be here by + the time the tea’s drawn.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do so palpitate,’ observed Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I know what it is,’ replied the friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not been used to it, you know, ‘Tilda,’ said Miss Squeers, + applying her hand to the left side of her sash. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ll soon get the better of it, dear,’ rejoined the friend. While they + were talking thus, the hungry servant brought in the tea-things, and, soon + afterwards, somebody tapped at the room door. + </p> + <p> + ‘There he is!’ cried Miss Squeers. ‘Oh ‘Tilda!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ said ‘Tilda. ‘Hem! Say, come in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in,’ cried Miss Squeers faintly. And in walked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-evening,’ said that young gentleman, all unconscious of his + conquest. ‘I understood from Mr. Squeers that—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes; it’s all right,’ interposed Miss Squeers. ‘Father don’t tea with + us, but you won’t mind that, I dare say.’ (This was said archly.) + </p> + <p> + Nicholas opened his eyes at this, but he turned the matter off very coolly—not + caring, particularly, about anything just then—and went through the + ceremony of introduction to the miller’s daughter with so much grace, that + that young lady was lost in admiration. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are only waiting for one more gentleman,’ said Miss Squeers, taking + off the teapot lid, and looking in, to see how the tea was getting on. + </p> + <p> + It was matter of equal moment to Nicholas whether they were waiting for + one gentleman or twenty, so he received the intelligence with perfect + unconcern; and, being out of spirits, and not seeing any especial reason + why he should make himself agreeable, looked out of the window and sighed + involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + As luck would have it, Miss Squeers’s friend was of a playful turn, and + hearing Nicholas sigh, she took it into her head to rally the lovers on + their lowness of spirits. + </p> + <p> + ‘But if it’s caused by my being here,’ said the young lady, ‘don’t mind me + a bit, for I’m quite as bad. You may go on just as you would if you were + alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tilda,’ said Miss Squeers, colouring up to the top row of curls, ‘I am + ashamed of you;’ and here the two friends burst into a variety of giggles, + and glanced from time to time, over the tops of their + pocket-handkerchiefs, at Nicholas, who from a state of unmixed + astonishment, gradually fell into one of irrepressible laughter—occasioned, + partly by the bare notion of his being in love with Miss Squeers, and + partly by the preposterous appearance and behaviour of the two girls. + These two causes of merriment, taken together, struck him as being so + keenly ridiculous, that, despite his miserable condition, he laughed till + he was thoroughly exhausted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ thought Nicholas, ‘as I am here, and seem expected, for some + reason or other, to be amiable, it’s of no use looking like a goose. I may + as well accommodate myself to the company.’ + </p> + <p> + We blush to tell it; but his youthful spirits and vivacity getting, for + the time, the better of his sad thoughts, he no sooner formed this + resolution than he saluted Miss Squeers and the friend with great + gallantry, and drawing a chair to the tea-table, began to make himself + more at home than in all probability an usher has ever done in his + employer’s house since ushers were first invented. + </p> + <p> + The ladies were in the full delight of this altered behaviour on the part + of Mr. Nickleby, when the expected swain arrived, with his hair very damp + from recent washing, and a clean shirt, whereof the collar might have + belonged to some giant ancestor, forming, together with a white waistcoat + of similar dimensions, the chief ornament of his person. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, John,’ said Miss Matilda Price (which, by-the-bye, was the name of + the miller’s daughter). + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel,’ said John with a grin that even the collar could not conceal. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon,’ interposed Miss Squeers, hastening to do the honours. + ‘Mr. Nickleby—Mr. John Browdie.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Servant, sir,’ said John, who was something over six feet high, with a + face and body rather above the due proportion than below it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours to command, sir,’ replied Nicholas, making fearful ravages on the + bread and butter. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Browdie was not a gentleman of great conversational powers, so he + grinned twice more, and having now bestowed his customary mark of + recognition on every person in company, grinned at nothing in particular, + and helped himself to food. + </p> + <p> + ‘Old wooman awa’, bean’t she?’ said Mr. Browdie, with his mouth full. + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Browdie gave a grin of special width, as if he thought that really was + something to laugh at, and went to work at the bread and butter with + increased vigour. It was quite a sight to behold how he and Nicholas + emptied the plate between them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye wean’t get bread and butther ev’ry neight, I expect, mun,’ said Mr + Browdie, after he had sat staring at Nicholas a long time over the empty + plate. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bit his lip, and coloured, but affected not to hear the remark. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ecod,’ said Mr. Browdie, laughing boisterously, ‘they dean’t put too much + intiv’em. Ye’ll be nowt but skeen and boans if you stop here long eneaf. + Ho! ho! ho!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are facetious, sir,’ said Nicholas, scornfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Na; I dean’t know,’ replied Mr. Browdie, ‘but t’oother teacher, ‘cod he + wur a learn ‘un, he wur.’ The recollection of the last teacher’s leanness + seemed to afford Mr. Browdie the most exquisite delight, for he laughed + until he found it necessary to apply his coat-cuffs to his eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know whether your perceptions are quite keen enough, Mr. Browdie, + to enable you to understand that your remarks are offensive,’ said + Nicholas in a towering passion, ‘but if they are, have the goodness to—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you say another word, John,’ shrieked Miss Price, stopping her + admirer’s mouth as he was about to interrupt, ‘only half a word, I’ll + never forgive you, or speak to you again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, my lass, I dean’t care aboot ‘un,’ said the corn-factor, bestowing + a hearty kiss on Miss Matilda; ‘let ‘un gang on, let ‘un gang on.’ + </p> + <p> + It now became Miss Squeers’s turn to intercede with Nicholas, which she + did with many symptoms of alarm and horror; the effect of the double + intercession was, that he and John Browdie shook hands across the table + with much gravity; and such was the imposing nature of the ceremonial, + that Miss Squeers was overcome and shed tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter, Fanny?’ said Miss Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, ‘Tilda,’ replied Miss Squeers, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + ‘There never was any danger,’ said Miss Price, ‘was there, Mr. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None at all,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Absurd.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ whispered Miss Price, ‘say something kind to her, and + she’ll soon come round. Here! Shall John and I go into the little kitchen, + and come back presently?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not on any account,’ rejoined Nicholas, quite alarmed at the proposition. + ‘What on earth should you do that for?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Miss Price, beckoning him aside, and speaking with some + degree of contempt—‘you <i>are </i>a one to keep company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ said Nicholas; ‘I am not a one to keep company at all—here + at all events. I can’t make this out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, nor I neither,’ rejoined Miss Price; ‘but men are always fickle, and + always were, and always will be; that I can make out, very easily.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fickle!’ cried Nicholas; ‘what do you suppose? You don’t mean to say that + you think—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, I think nothing at all,’ retorted Miss Price, pettishly. ‘Look at + her, dressed so beautiful and looking so well—really <i>almost</i> + handsome. I am ashamed at you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear girl, what have I got to do with her dressing beautifully or + looking well?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, don’t call me a dear girl,’ said Miss Price—smiling a little + though, for she was pretty, and a coquette too in her small way, and + Nicholas was good-looking, and she supposed him the property of somebody + else, which were all reasons why she should be gratified to think she had + made an impression on him,—‘or Fanny will be saying it’s my fault. + Come; we’re going to have a game at cards.’ Pronouncing these last words + aloud, she tripped away and rejoined the big Yorkshireman. + </p> + <p> + This was wholly unintelligible to Nicholas, who had no other distinct + impression on his mind at the moment, than that Miss Squeers was an + ordinary-looking girl, and her friend Miss Price a pretty one; but he had + not time to enlighten himself by reflection, for the hearth being by this + time swept up, and the candle snuffed, they sat down to play speculation. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are only four of us, ‘Tilda,’ said Miss Squeers, looking slyly at + Nicholas; ‘so we had better go partners, two against two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you say, Mr. Nickleby?’ inquired Miss Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘With all the pleasure in life,’ replied Nicholas. And so saying, quite + unconscious of his heinous offence, he amalgamated into one common heap + those portions of a Dotheboys Hall card of terms, which represented his + own counters, and those allotted to Miss Price, respectively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Browdie,’ said Miss Squeers hysterically, ‘shall we make a bank + against them?’ + </p> + <p> + The Yorkshireman assented—apparently quite overwhelmed by the new + usher’s impudence—and Miss Squeers darted a spiteful look at her + friend, and giggled convulsively. + </p> + <p> + The deal fell to Nicholas, and the hand prospered. + </p> + <p> + ‘We intend to win everything,’ said he. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tilda <i>has </i>won something she didn’t expect, I think, haven’t you, dear?’ + said Miss Squeers, maliciously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a dozen and eight, love,’ replied Miss Price, affecting to take the + question in a literal sense. + </p> + <p> + ‘How dull you are tonight!’ sneered Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed,’ replied Miss Price, ‘I am in excellent spirits. I was + thinking <i>you </i>seemed out of sorts.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!’ cried Miss Squeers, biting her lips, and trembling with very + jealousy. ‘Oh no!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s well,’ remarked Miss Price. ‘Your hair’s coming out of curl, + dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind me,’ tittered Miss Squeers; ‘you had better attend to your + partner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you for reminding her,’ said Nicholas. ‘So she had.’ + </p> + <p> + The Yorkshireman flattened his nose, once or twice, with his clenched + fist, as if to keep his hand in, till he had an opportunity of exercising + it upon the features of some other gentleman; and Miss Squeers tossed her + head with such indignation, that the gust of wind raised by the + multitudinous curls in motion, nearly blew the candle out. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never had such luck, really,’ exclaimed coquettish Miss Price, after + another hand or two. ‘It’s all along of you, Mr. Nickleby, I think. I + should like to have you for a partner always.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you had.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ll have a bad wife, though, if you always win at cards,’ said Miss + Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not if your wish is gratified,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I am sure I shall have + a good one in that case.’ + </p> + <p> + To see how Miss Squeers tossed her head, and the corn-factor flattened his + nose, while this conversation was carrying on! It would have been worth a + small annuity to have beheld that; let alone Miss Price’s evident joy at + making them jealous, and Nicholas Nickleby’s happy unconsciousness of + making anybody uncomfortable. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have all the talking to ourselves, it seems,’ said Nicholas, looking + good-humouredly round the table as he took up the cards for a fresh deal. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do it so well,’ tittered Miss Squeers, ‘that it would be a pity to + interrupt, wouldn’t it, Mr. Browdie? He! he! he!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Nicholas, ‘we do it in default of having anybody else to talk + to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll talk to you, you know, if you’ll say anything,’ said Miss Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, ‘Tilda, dear,’ retorted Miss Squeers, majestically. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or you can talk to each other, if you don’t choose to talk to us,’ said + Miss Price, rallying her dear friend. ‘John, why don’t you say something?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say summat?’ repeated the Yorkshireman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, and not sit there so silent and glum.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel, then!’ said the Yorkshireman, striking the table heavily with his + fist, ‘what I say’s this—Dang my boans and boddy, if I stan’ this + ony longer. Do ye gang whoam wi’ me, and do yon loight an’ toight young + whipster look sharp out for a brokken head, next time he cums under my + hond.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mercy on us, what’s all this?’ cried Miss Price, in affected + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cum whoam, tell ‘e, cum whoam,’ replied the Yorkshireman, sternly. And as + he delivered the reply, Miss Squeers burst into a shower of tears; arising + in part from desperate vexation, and in part from an impotent desire to + lacerate somebody’s countenance with her fair finger-nails. + </p> + <p> + This state of things had been brought about by divers means and workings. + Miss Squeers had brought it about, by aspiring to the high state and + condition of being matrimonially engaged, without good grounds for so + doing; Miss Price had brought it about, by indulging in three motives of + action: first, a desire to punish her friend for laying claim to a + rivalship in dignity, having no good title: secondly, the gratification of + her own vanity, in receiving the compliments of a smart young man: and + thirdly, a wish to convince the corn-factor of the great danger he ran, in + deferring the celebration of their expected nuptials; while Nicholas had + brought it about, by half an hour’s gaiety and thoughtlessness, and a very + sincere desire to avoid the imputation of inclining at all to Miss + Squeers. So the means employed, and the end produced, were alike the most + natural in the world; for young ladies will look forward to being married, + and will jostle each other in the race to the altar, and will avail + themselves of all opportunities of displaying their own attractions to the + best advantage, down to the very end of time, as they have done from its + beginning. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, and here’s Fanny in tears now!’ exclaimed Miss Price, as if in fresh + amazement. ‘What can be the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you don’t know, miss, of course you don’t know. Pray don’t trouble + yourself to inquire,’ said Miss Squeers, producing that change of + countenance which children call making a face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I’m sure!’ exclaimed Miss Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘And who cares whether you are sure or not, ma’am?’ retorted Miss Squeers, + making another face. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are monstrous polite, ma’am,’ said Miss Price. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not come to you to take lessons in the art, ma’am!’ retorted Miss + Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t take the trouble to make yourself plainer than you are, + ma’am, however,’ rejoined Miss Price, ‘because that’s quite unnecessary.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers, in reply, turned very red, and thanked God that she hadn’t + got the bold faces of some people. Miss Price, in rejoinder, congratulated + herself upon not being possessed of the envious feeling of other people; + whereupon Miss Squeers made some general remark touching the danger of + associating with low persons; in which Miss Price entirely coincided: + observing that it was very true indeed, and she had thought so a long + time. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tilda,’ exclaimed Miss Squeers with dignity, ‘I hate you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! There’s no love lost between us, I assure you,’ said Miss Price, + tying her bonnet strings with a jerk. ‘You’ll cry your eyes out, when I’m + gone; you know you will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scorn your words, Minx,’ said Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘You pay me a great compliment when you say so,’ answered the miller’s + daughter, curtseying very low. ‘Wish you a very good-night, ma’am, and + pleasant dreams attend your sleep!’ + </p> + <p> + With this parting benediction, Miss Price swept from the room, followed by + the huge Yorkshireman, who exchanged with Nicholas, at parting, that + peculiarly expressive scowl with which the cut-and-thrust counts, in + melodramatic performances, inform each other they will meet again. + </p> + <p> + They were no sooner gone, than Miss Squeers fulfilled the prediction of + her quondam friend by giving vent to a most copious burst of tears, and + uttering various dismal lamentations and incoherent words. Nicholas stood + looking on for a few seconds, rather doubtful what to do, but feeling + uncertain whether the fit would end in his being embraced, or scratched, + and considering that either infliction would be equally agreeable, he + walked off very quietly while Miss Squeers was moaning in her + pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is one consequence,’ thought Nicholas, when he had groped his way to + the dark sleeping-room, ‘of my cursed readiness to adapt myself to any + society in which chance carries me. If I had sat mute and motionless, as I + might have done, this would not have happened.’ + </p> + <p> + He listened for a few minutes, but all was quiet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was glad,’ he murmured, ‘to grasp at any relief from the sight of this + dreadful place, or the presence of its vile master. I have set these + people by the ears, and made two new enemies, where, Heaven knows, I + needed none. Well, it is a just punishment for having forgotten, even for + an hour, what is around me now!’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he felt his way among the throng of weary-hearted sleepers, and + crept into his poor bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 10 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span> + <i>ow Mr. Ralph Nickleby provided for his Niece and Sister-in-Law</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p>On the second morning after the departure of Nicholas for Yorkshire, Kate + Nickleby sat in a very faded chair raised upon a very dusty throne in Miss + La Creevy’s room, giving that lady a sitting for the portrait upon which + she was engaged; and towards the full perfection of which, Miss La Creevy + had had the street-door case brought upstairs, in order that she might be + the better able to infuse into the counterfeit countenance of Miss + Nickleby, a bright salmon flesh-tint which she had originally hit upon + while executing the miniature of a young officer therein contained, and + which bright salmon flesh-tint was considered, by Miss La Creevy’s chief + friends and patrons, to be quite a novelty in art: as indeed it was. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I have caught it now,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘The very shade! This + will be the sweetest portrait I have ever done, certainly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be your genius that makes it so, then, I am sure,’ replied Kate, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I won’t allow that, my dear,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. ‘It’s a + very nice subject—a very nice subject, indeed—though, of + course, something depends upon the mode of treatment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And not a little,’ observed Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, my dear, you are right there,’ said Miss La Creevy, ‘in the main you + are right there; though I don’t allow that it is of such very great + importance in the present case. Ah! The difficulties of Art, my dear, are + great.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They must be, I have no doubt,’ said Kate, humouring her good-natured + little friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are beyond anything you can form the faintest conception of,’ + replied Miss La Creevy. ‘What with bringing out eyes with all one’s power, + and keeping down noses with all one’s force, and adding to heads, and + taking away teeth altogether, you have no idea of the trouble one little + miniature is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The remuneration can scarcely repay you,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, it does not, and that’s the truth,’ answered Miss La Creevy; ‘and + then people are so dissatisfied and unreasonable, that, nine times out of + ten, there’s no pleasure in painting them. Sometimes they say, “Oh, how + very serious you have made me look, Miss La Creevy!” and at others, “La, + Miss La Creevy, how very smirking!” when the very essence of a good + portrait is, that it must be either serious or smirking, or it’s no + portrait at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Kate, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, my dear; because the sitters are always either the one or the + other,’ replied Miss La Creevy. ‘Look at the Royal Academy! All those + beautiful shiny portraits of gentlemen in black velvet waistcoats, with + their fists doubled up on round tables, or marble slabs, are serious, you + know; and all the ladies who are playing with little parasols, or little + dogs, or little children—it’s the same rule in art, only varying the + objects—are smirking. In fact,’ said Miss La Creevy, sinking her + voice to a confidential whisper, ‘there are only two styles of portrait + painting; the serious and the smirk; and we always use the serious for + professional people (except actors sometimes), and the smirk for private + ladies and gentlemen who don’t care so much about looking clever.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate seemed highly amused by this information, and Miss La Creevy went on + painting and talking, with immovable complacency. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a number of officers you seem to paint!’ said Kate, availing herself + of a pause in the discourse, and glancing round the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Number of what, child?’ inquired Miss La Creevy, looking up from her + work. ‘Character portraits, oh yes—they’re not real military men, + you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless your heart, of course not; only clerks and that, who hire a uniform + coat to be painted in, and send it here in a carpet bag. Some artists,’ + said Miss La Creevy, ‘keep a red coat, and charge seven-and-sixpence extra + for hire and carmine; but I don’t do that myself, for I don’t consider it + legitimate.’ + </p> + <p> + Drawing herself up, as though she plumed herself greatly upon not + resorting to these lures to catch sitters, Miss La Creevy applied herself, + more intently, to her task: only raising her head occasionally, to look + with unspeakable satisfaction at some touch she had just put in: and now + and then giving Miss Nickleby to understand what particular feature she + was at work upon, at the moment; ‘not,’ she expressly observed, ‘that you + should make it up for painting, my dear, but because it’s our custom + sometimes to tell sitters what part we are upon, in order that if there’s + any particular expression they want introduced, they may throw it in, at + the time, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And when,’ said Miss La Creevy, after a long silence, to wit, an interval + of full a minute and a half, ‘when do you expect to see your uncle again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scarcely know; I had expected to have seen him before now,’ replied + Kate. ‘Soon I hope, for this state of uncertainty is worse than anything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose he has money, hasn’t he?’ inquired Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very rich, I have heard,’ rejoined Kate. ‘I don’t know that he is, + but I believe so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, you may depend upon it he is, or he wouldn’t be so surly,’ remarked + Miss La Creevy, who was an odd little mixture of shrewdness and + simplicity. ‘When a man’s a bear, he is generally pretty independent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His manner is rough,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Rough!’ cried Miss La Creevy, ‘a porcupine’s a featherbed to him! I never + met with such a cross-grained old savage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is only his manner, I believe,’ observed Kate, timidly; ‘he was + disappointed in early life, I think I have heard, or has had his temper + soured by some calamity. I should be sorry to think ill of him until I + knew he deserved it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; that’s very right and proper,’ observed the miniature painter, ‘and + Heaven forbid that I should be the cause of your doing so! But, now, + mightn’t he, without feeling it himself, make you and your mama some nice + little allowance that would keep you both comfortable until you were well + married, and be a little fortune to her afterwards? What would a hundred a + year for instance, be to him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what it would be to him,’ said Kate, with energy, ‘but it + would be that to me I would rather die than take.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heyday!’ cried Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘A dependence upon him,’ said Kate, ‘would embitter my whole life. I + should feel begging a far less degradation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy. ‘This of a relation whom you will not + hear an indifferent person speak ill of, my dear, sounds oddly enough, I + confess.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0161m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0161m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0161.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘I dare say it does,’ replied Kate, speaking more gently, ‘indeed I am + sure it must. I—I—only mean that with the feelings and + recollection of better times upon me, I could not bear to live on + anybody’s bounty—not his particularly, but anybody’s.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss La Creevy looked slyly at her companion, as if she doubted whether + Ralph himself were not the subject of dislike, but seeing that her young + friend was distressed, made no remark. + </p> + <p> + ‘I only ask of him,’ continued Kate, whose tears fell while she spoke, + ‘that he will move so little out of his way, in my behalf, as to enable me + by his recommendation—only by his recommendation—to earn, + literally, my bread and remain with my mother. Whether we shall ever taste + happiness again, depends upon the fortunes of my dear brother; but if he + will do this, and Nicholas only tells us that he is well and cheerful, I + shall be contented.’ + </p> + <p> + As she ceased to speak, there was a rustling behind the screen which stood + between her and the door, and some person knocked at the wainscot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come in, whoever it is!’ cried Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + The person complied, and, coming forward at once, gave to view the form + and features of no less an individual than Mr. Ralph Nickleby himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your servant, ladies,’ said Ralph, looking sharply at them by turns. ‘You + were talking so loud, that I was unable to make you hear.’ + </p> + <p> + When the man of business had a more than commonly vicious snarl lurking at + his heart, he had a trick of almost concealing his eyes under their thick + and protruding brows, for an instant, and then displaying them in their + full keenness. As he did so now, and tried to keep down the smile which + parted his thin compressed lips, and puckered up the bad lines about his + mouth, they both felt certain that some part, if not the whole, of their + recent conversation, had been overheard. + </p> + <p> + ‘I called in, on my way upstairs, more than half expecting to find you + here,’ said Ralph, addressing his niece, and looking contemptuously at the + portrait. ‘Is that my niece’s portrait, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes it is, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Miss La Creevy, with a very sprightly air, + ‘and between you and me and the post, sir, it will be a very nice portrait + too, though I say it who am the painter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t trouble yourself to show it to me, ma’am,’ cried Ralph, moving + away, ‘I have no eye for likenesses. Is it nearly finished?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, yes,’ replied Miss La Creevy, considering with the pencil end of her + brush in her mouth. ‘Two sittings more will—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have them at once, ma’am,’ said Ralph. ‘She’ll have no time to idle over + fooleries after tomorrow. Work, ma’am, work; we must all work. Have you + let your lodgings, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not put a bill up yet, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Put it up at once, ma’am; they won’t want the rooms after this week, or + if they do, can’t pay for them. Now, my dear, if you’re ready, we’ll lose + no more time.’ + </p> + <p> + With an assumption of kindness which sat worse upon him even than his + usual manner, Mr. Ralph Nickleby motioned to the young lady to precede him, + and bowing gravely to Miss La Creevy, closed the door and followed + upstairs, where Mrs. Nickleby received him with many expressions of regard. + Stopping them somewhat abruptly, Ralph waved his hand with an impatient + gesture, and proceeded to the object of his visit. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have found a situation for your daughter, ma’am,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Now, I will say that that is only just what + I have expected of you. “Depend upon it,” I said to Kate, only yesterday + morning at breakfast, “that after your uncle has provided, in that most + ready manner, for Nicholas, he will not leave us until he has done at + least the same for you.” These were my very words, as near as I remember. + Kate, my dear, why don’t you thank your—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me proceed, ma’am, pray,’ said Ralph, interrupting his sister-in-law + in the full torrent of her discourse. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my love, let your uncle proceed,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am most anxious that he should, mama,’ rejoined Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my dear, if you are anxious that he should, you had better allow + your uncle to say what he has to say, without interruption,’ observed Mrs + Nickleby, with many small nods and frowns. ‘Your uncle’s time is very + valuable, my dear; and however desirous you may be—and naturally + desirous, as I am sure any affectionate relations who have seen so little + of your uncle as we have, must naturally be to protract the pleasure of + having him among us, still, we are bound not to be selfish, but to take + into consideration the important nature of his occupations in the city.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much obliged to you, ma’am,’ said Ralph with a scarcely + perceptible sneer. ‘An absence of business habits in this family leads, + apparently, to a great waste of words before business—when it does + come under consideration—is arrived at, at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear it is so indeed,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby with a sigh. ‘Your poor + brother—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My poor brother, ma’am,’ interposed Ralph tartly, ‘had no idea what + business was—was unacquainted, I verily believe, with the very + meaning of the word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear he was,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with her handkerchief to her eyes. ‘If + it hadn’t been for me, I don’t know what would have become of him.’ + </p> + <p> + What strange creatures we are! The slight bait so skilfully thrown out by + Ralph, on their first interview, was dangling on the hook yet. At every + small deprivation or discomfort which presented itself in the course of + the four-and-twenty hours to remind her of her straitened and altered + circumstances, peevish visions of her dower of one thousand pounds had + arisen before Mrs. Nickleby’s mind, until, at last, she had come to + persuade herself that of all her late husband’s creditors she was the + worst used and the most to be pitied. And yet, she had loved him dearly + for many years, and had no greater share of selfishness than is the usual + lot of mortals. Such is the irritability of sudden poverty. A decent + annuity would have restored her thoughts to their old train, at once. + </p> + <p> + ‘Repining is of no use, ma’am,’ said Ralph. ‘Of all fruitless errands, + sending a tear to look after a day that is gone is the most fruitless.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is,’ sobbed Mrs. Nickleby. ‘So it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you feel so keenly, in your own purse and person, the consequences of + inattention to business, ma’am,’ said Ralph, ‘I am sure you will impress + upon your children the necessity of attaching themselves to it early in + life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I must see that,’ rejoined Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Sad experience, you + know, brother-in-law.—Kate, my dear, put that down in the next + letter to Nicholas, or remind me to do it if I write.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph paused for a few moments, and seeing that he had now made pretty + sure of the mother, in case the daughter objected to his proposition, went + on to say: + </p> + <p> + ‘The situation that I have made interest to procure, ma’am, is with—with + a milliner and dressmaker, in short.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A milliner!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘A milliner and dressmaker, ma’am,’ replied Ralph. ‘Dressmakers in London, + as I need not remind you, ma’am, who are so well acquainted with all + matters in the ordinary routine of life, make large fortunes, keep + equipages, and become persons of great wealth and fortune.’ + </p> + <p> + Now, the first idea called up in Mrs. Nickleby’s mind by the words milliner + and dressmaker were connected with certain wicker baskets lined with black + oilskin, which she remembered to have seen carried to and fro in the + streets; but, as Ralph proceeded, these disappeared, and were replaced by + visions of large houses at the West end, neat private carriages, and a + banker’s book; all of which images succeeded each other with such + rapidity, that he had no sooner finished speaking, than she nodded her + head and said ‘Very true,’ with great appearance of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + ‘What your uncle says is very true, Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I + recollect when your poor papa and I came to town after we were married, + that a young lady brought me home a chip cottage-bonnet, with white and + green trimming, and green persian lining, in her own carriage, which drove + up to the door full gallop;—at least, I am not quite certain whether + it was her own carriage or a hackney chariot, but I remember very well + that the horse dropped down dead as he was turning round, and that your + poor papa said he hadn’t had any corn for a fortnight.’ + </p> + <p> + This anecdote, so strikingly illustrative of the opulence of milliners, + was not received with any great demonstration of feeling, inasmuch as Kate + hung down her head while it was relating, and Ralph manifested very + intelligible symptoms of extreme impatience. + </p> + <p> + ‘The lady’s name,’ said Ralph, hastily striking in, ‘is Mantalini—Madame + Mantalini. I know her. She lives near Cavendish Square. If your daughter + is disposed to try after the situation, I’ll take her there directly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you nothing to say to your uncle, my love?’ inquired Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘A great deal,’ replied Kate; ‘but not now. I would rather speak to him + when we are alone;—it will save his time if I thank him and say what + I wish to say to him, as we walk along.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, Kate hurried away, to hide the traces of emotion that + were stealing down her face, and to prepare herself for the walk, while + Mrs. Nickleby amused her brother-in-law by giving him, with many tears, a + detailed account of the dimensions of a rosewood cabinet piano they had + possessed in their days of affluence, together with a minute description + of eight drawing-room chairs, with turned legs and green chintz squabs to + match the curtains, which had cost two pounds fifteen shillings apiece, + and had gone at the sale for a mere nothing. + </p> + <p> + These reminiscences were at length cut short by Kate’s return in her + walking dress, when Ralph, who had been fretting and fuming during the + whole time of her absence, lost no time, and used very little ceremony, in + descending into the street. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ he said, taking her arm, ‘walk as fast as you can, and you’ll get + into the step that you’ll have to walk to business with, every morning.’ + So saying, he led Kate off, at a good round pace, towards Cavendish + Square. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much obliged to you, uncle,’ said the young lady, after they + had hurried on in silence for some time; ‘very.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m glad to hear it,’ said Ralph. ‘I hope you’ll do your duty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will try to please, uncle,’ replied Kate: ‘indeed I—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t begin to cry,’ growled Ralph; ‘I hate crying.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very foolish, I know, uncle,’ began poor Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is,’ replied Ralph, stopping her short, ‘and very affected besides. + Let me see no more of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this was not the best way to dry the tears of a young and + sensitive female, about to make her first entry on an entirely new scene + of life, among cold and uninterested strangers; but it had its effect + notwithstanding. Kate coloured deeply, breathed quickly for a few moments, + and then walked on with a firmer and more determined step. + </p> + <p> + It was a curious contrast to see how the timid country girl shrunk through + the crowd that hurried up and down the streets, giving way to the press of + people, and clinging closely to Ralph as though she feared to lose him in + the throng; and how the stern and hard-featured man of business went + doggedly on, elbowing the passengers aside, and now and then exchanging a + gruff salutation with some passing acquaintance, who turned to look back + upon his pretty charge, with looks expressive of surprise, and seemed to + wonder at the ill-assorted companionship. But, it would have been a + stranger contrast still, to have read the hearts that were beating side by + side; to have laid bare the gentle innocence of the one, and the rugged + villainy of the other; to have hung upon the guileless thoughts of the + affectionate girl, and been amazed that, among all the wily plots and + calculations of the old man, there should not be one word or figure + denoting thought of death or of the grave. But so it was; and stranger + still—though this is a thing of every day—the warm young heart + palpitated with a thousand anxieties and apprehensions, while that of the + old worldly man lay rusting in its cell, beating only as a piece of + cunning mechanism, and yielding no one throb of hope, or fear, or love, or + care, for any living thing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle,’ said Kate, when she judged they must be near their destination, + ‘I must ask one question of you. I am to live at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At home!’ replied Ralph; ‘where’s that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean with my mother—<i>The Widow</i>,’ said Kate emphatically. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will live, to all intents and purposes, here,’ rejoined Ralph; ‘for + here you will take your meals, and here you will be from morning till + night—occasionally perhaps till morning again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But at night, I mean,’ said Kate; ‘I cannot leave her, uncle. I must have + some place that I can call a home; it will be wherever she is, you know, + and may be a very humble one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May be!’ said Ralph, walking faster, in the impatience provoked by the + remark; ‘must be, you mean. May be a humble one! Is the girl mad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The word slipped from my lips, I did not mean it indeed,’ urged Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘But my question, uncle; you have not answered it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I anticipated something of the kind,’ said Ralph; ‘and—though + I object very strongly, mind—have provided against it. I spoke of + you as an out-of-door worker; so you will go to this home that may be + humble, every night.’ + </p> + <p> + There was comfort in this. Kate poured forth many thanks for her uncle’s + consideration, which Ralph received as if he had deserved them all, and + they arrived without any further conversation at the dressmaker’s door, + which displayed a very large plate, with Madame Mantalini’s name and + occupation, and was approached by a handsome flight of steps. There was a + shop to the house, but it was let off to an importer of otto of roses. + Madame Mantalini’s shows-rooms were on the first-floor: a fact which was + notified to the nobility and gentry by the casual exhibition, near the + handsomely curtained windows, of two or three elegant bonnets of the + newest fashion, and some costly garments in the most approved taste. + </p> + <p> + A liveried footman opened the door, and in reply to Ralph’s inquiry + whether Madame Mantalini was at home, ushered them, through a handsome + hall and up a spacious staircase, into the show saloon, which comprised + two spacious drawing-rooms, and exhibited an immense variety of superb + dresses and materials for dresses: some arranged on stands, others laid + carelessly on sofas, and others again, scattered over the carpet, hanging + on the cheval-glasses, or mingling, in some other way, with the rich + furniture of various descriptions, which was profusely displayed. + </p> + <p> + They waited here a much longer time than was agreeable to Mr. Ralph + Nickleby, who eyed the gaudy frippery about him with very little concern, + and was at length about to pull the bell, when a gentleman suddenly popped + his head into the room, and, seeing somebody there, as suddenly popped it + out again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here. Hollo!’ cried Ralph. ‘Who’s that?’ + </p> + <p> + At the sound of Ralph’s voice, the head reappeared, and the mouth, + displaying a very long row of very white teeth, uttered in a mincing tone + the words, ‘Demmit. What, Nickleby! oh, demmit!’ Having uttered which + ejaculations, the gentleman advanced, and shook hands with Ralph, with + great warmth. He was dressed in a gorgeous morning gown, with a waistcoat + and Turkish trousers of the same pattern, a pink silk neckerchief, and + bright green slippers, and had a very copious watch-chain wound round his + body. Moreover, he had whiskers and a moustache, both dyed black and + gracefully curled. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit, you don’t mean to say you want me, do you, demmit?’ said this + gentleman, smiting Ralph on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not yet,’ said Ralph, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! ha! demmit,’ cried the gentleman; when, wheeling round to laugh with + greater elegance, he encountered Kate Nickleby, who was standing near. + </p> + <p> + ‘My niece,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember,’ said the gentleman, striking his nose with the knuckle of + his forefinger as a chastening for his forgetfulness. ‘Demmit, I remember + what you come for. Step this way, Nickleby; my dear, will you follow me? + Ha! ha! They all follow me, Nickleby; always did, demmit, always.’ + </p> + <p> + Giving loose to the playfulness of his imagination, after this fashion, + the gentleman led the way to a private sitting-room on the second floor, + scarcely less elegantly furnished than the apartment below, where the + presence of a silver coffee-pot, an egg-shell, and sloppy china for one, + seemed to show that he had just breakfasted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, my dear,’ said the gentleman: first staring Miss Nickleby out + of countenance, and then grinning in delight at the achievement. ‘This + cursed high room takes one’s breath away. These infernal sky parlours—I’m + afraid I must move, Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I would, by all means,’ replied Ralph, looking bitterly round. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a demd rum fellow you are, Nickleby,’ said the gentleman, ‘the + demdest, longest-headed, queerest-tempered old coiner of gold and silver + ever was—demmit.’ + </p> + <p> + Having complimented Ralph to this effect, the gentleman rang the bell, and + stared at Miss Nickleby until it was answered, when he left off to bid the + man desire his mistress to come directly; after which, he began again, and + left off no more until Madame Mantalini appeared. + </p> + <p> + The dressmaker was a buxom person, handsomely dressed and rather + good-looking, but much older than the gentleman in the Turkish trousers, + whom she had wedded some six months before. His name was originally + Muntle; but it had been converted, by an easy transition, into Mantalini: + the lady rightly considering that an English appellation would be of + serious injury to the business. He had married on his whiskers; upon which + property he had previously subsisted, in a genteel manner, for some years; + and which he had recently improved, after patient cultivation by the + addition of a moustache, which promised to secure him an easy + independence: his share in the labours of the business being at present + confined to spending the money, and occasionally, when that ran short, + driving to Mr. Ralph Nickleby to procure discount—at a percentage—for + the customers’ bills. + </p> + <p> + ‘My life,’ said Mr. Mantalini, ‘what a demd devil of a time you have been!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t even know Mr. Nickleby was here, my love,’ said Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then what a doubly demd infernal rascal that footman must be, my soul,’ + remonstrated Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Madame, ‘that is entirely your fault.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My fault, my heart’s joy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ returned the lady; ‘what can you expect, dearest, if you will + not correct the man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Correct the man, my soul’s delight!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I am sure he wants speaking to, badly enough,’ said Madame, pouting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then do not vex itself,’ said Mr. Mantalini; ‘he shall be horse-whipped + till he cries out demnebly.’ With this promise Mr. Mantalini kissed Madame + Mantalini, and, after that performance, Madame Mantalini pulled Mr + Mantalini playfully by the ear: which done, they descended to business. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, ma’am,’ said Ralph, who had looked on, at all this, with such scorn + as few men can express in looks, ‘this is my niece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so, Mr. Nickleby,’ replied Madame Mantalini, surveying Kate from head + to foot, and back again. ‘Can you speak French, child?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, ma’am,’ replied Kate, not daring to look up; for she felt that the + eyes of the odious man in the dressing-gown were directed towards her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Like a demd native?’ asked the husband. + </p> + <p> + Miss Nickleby offered no reply to this inquiry, but turned her back upon + the questioner, as if addressing herself to make answer to what his wife + might demand. + </p> + <p> + ‘We keep twenty young women constantly employed in the establishment,’ + said Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed, ma’am!’ replied Kate, timidly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and some of ‘em demd handsome, too,’ said the master. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mantalini!’ exclaimed his wife, in an awful voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘My senses’ idol!’ said Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you wish to break my heart?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for twenty thousand hemispheres populated with—with—with + little ballet-dancers,’ replied Mantalini in a poetical strain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you will, if you persevere in that mode of speaking,’ said his wife. + ‘What can Mr. Nickleby think when he hears you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Nothing, ma’am, nothing,’ replied Ralph. ‘I know his amiable nature, + and yours,—mere little remarks that give a zest to your daily + intercourse—lovers’ quarrels that add sweetness to those domestic + joys which promise to last so long—that’s all; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + If an iron door could be supposed to quarrel with its hinges, and to make + a firm resolution to open with slow obstinacy, and grind them to powder in + the process, it would emit a pleasanter sound in so doing, than did these + words in the rough and bitter voice in which they were uttered by Ralph. + Even Mr. Mantalini felt their influence, and turning affrighted round, + exclaimed: ‘What a demd horrid croaking!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will pay no attention, if you please, to what Mr. Mantalini says,’ + observed his wife, addressing Miss Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not, ma’am,’ said Kate, with quiet contempt. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Mantalini knows nothing whatever about any of the young women,’ + continued Madame, looking at her husband, and speaking to Kate. ‘If he has + seen any of them, he must have seen them in the street, going to, or + returning from, their work, and not here. He was never even in the room. I + do not allow it. What hours of work have you been accustomed to?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have never yet been accustomed to work at all, ma’am,’ replied Kate, in + a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘For which reason she’ll work all the better now,’ said Ralph, putting in + a word, lest this confession should injure the negotiation. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so,’ returned Madame Mantalini; ‘our hours are from nine to nine, + with extra work when we’re very full of business, for which I allow + payment as overtime.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate bowed her head, to intimate that she heard, and was satisfied. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your meals,’ continued Madame Mantalini, ‘that is, dinner and tea, you + will take here. I should think your wages would average from five to seven + shillings a week; but I can’t give you any certain information on that + point, until I see what you can do.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate bowed her head again. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you’re ready to come,’ said Madame Mantalini, ‘you had better begin on + Monday morning at nine exactly, and Miss Knag the forewoman shall then + have directions to try you with some easy work at first. Is there anything + more, Mr. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing more, ma’am,’ replied Ralph, rising. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I believe that’s all,’ said the lady. Having arrived at this natural + conclusion, she looked at the door, as if she wished to be gone, but + hesitated notwithstanding, as though unwilling to leave to Mr. Mantalini + the sole honour of showing them downstairs. Ralph relieved her from her + perplexity by taking his departure without delay: Madame Mantalini making + many gracious inquiries why he never came to see them; and Mr. Mantalini + anathematising the stairs with great volubility as he followed them down, + in the hope of inducing Kate to look round,—a hope, however, which + was destined to remain ungratified. + </p> + <p> + ‘There!’ said Ralph when they got into the street; ‘now you’re provided + for.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate was about to thank him again, but he stopped her. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had some idea,’ he said, ‘of providing for your mother in a pleasant + part of the country—(he had a presentation to some almshouses on the + borders of Cornwall, which had occurred to him more than once)—but + as you want to be together, I must do something else for her. She has a + little money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very little,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘A little will go a long way if it’s used sparingly,’ said Ralph. ‘She + must see how long she can make it last, living rent free. You leave your + lodgings on Saturday?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You told us to do so, uncle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; there is a house empty that belongs to me, which I can put you into + till it is let, and then, if nothing else turns up, perhaps I shall have + another. You must live there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it far from here, sir?’ inquired Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty well,’ said Ralph; ‘in another quarter of the town—at the + East end; but I’ll send my clerk down to you, at five o’clock on Saturday, + to take you there. Goodbye. You know your way? Straight on.’ + </p> + <p> + Coldly shaking his niece’s hand, Ralph left her at the top of Regent + Street, and turned down a by-thoroughfare, intent on schemes of + money-getting. Kate walked sadly back to their lodgings in the Strand. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 11 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>ewman Noggs inducts Mrs. and Miss Nickleby into their New Dwelling in the + City</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Miss Nickleby’s reflections, as she wended her way homewards, were of that + desponding nature which the occurrences of the morning had been + sufficiently calculated to awaken. Her uncle’s was not a manner likely to + dispel any doubts or apprehensions she might have formed, in the outset, + neither was the glimpse she had had of Madame Mantalini’s establishment by + any means encouraging. It was with many gloomy forebodings and misgivings, + therefore, that she looked forward, with a heavy heart, to the opening of + her new career. + </p> + <p> + If her mother’s consolations could have restored her to a pleasanter and + more enviable state of mind, there were abundance of them to produce the + effect. By the time Kate reached home, the good lady had called to mind + two authentic cases of milliners who had been possessed of considerable + property, though whether they had acquired it all in business, or had had + a capital to start with, or had been lucky and married to advantage, she + could not exactly remember. However, as she very logically remarked, there + must have been <i>some </i>young person in that way of business who had made a + fortune without having anything to begin with, and that being taken for + granted, why should not Kate do the same? Miss La Creevy, who was a member + of the little council, ventured to insinuate some doubts relative to the + probability of Miss Nickleby’s arriving at this happy consummation in the + compass of an ordinary lifetime; but the good lady set that question + entirely at rest, by informing them that she had a presentiment on the + subject—a species of second-sight with which she had been in the + habit of clenching every argument with the deceased Mr. Nickleby, and, in + nine cases and three-quarters out of every ten, determining it the wrong + way. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid it is an unhealthy occupation,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘I + recollect getting three young milliners to sit to me, when I first began + to paint, and I remember that they were all very pale and sickly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that’s not a general rule by any means,’ observed Mrs. Nickleby; ‘for + I remember, as well as if it was only yesterday, employing one that I was + particularly recommended to, to make me a scarlet cloak at the time when + scarlet cloaks were fashionable, and she had a very red face—a very + red face, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps she drank,’ suggested Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know how that may have been,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby: ‘but I know + she had a very red face, so your argument goes for nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + In this manner, and with like powerful reasoning, did the worthy matron + meet every little objection that presented itself to the new scheme of the + morning. Happy Mrs. Nickleby! A project had but to be new, and it came home + to her mind, brightly varnished and gilded as a glittering toy. + </p> + <p> + This question disposed of, Kate communicated her uncle’s desire about the + empty house, to which Mrs. Nickleby assented with equal readiness, + characteristically remarking, that, on the fine evenings, it would be a + pleasant amusement for her to walk to the West end to fetch her daughter + home; and no less characteristically forgetting, that there were such + things as wet nights and bad weather to be encountered in almost every + week of the year. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be sorry—truly sorry to leave you, my kind friend,’ said + Kate, on whom the good feeling of the poor miniature painter had made a + deep impression. + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall not shake me off, for all that,’ replied Miss La Creevy, with + as much sprightliness as she could assume. ‘I shall see you very often, + and come and hear how you get on; and if, in all London, or all the wide + world besides, there is no other heart that takes an interest in your + welfare, there will be one little lonely woman that prays for it night and + day.’ + </p> + <p> + With this, the poor soul, who had a heart big enough for Gog, the guardian + genius of London, and enough to spare for Magog to boot, after making a + great many extraordinary faces which would have secured her an ample + fortune, could she have transferred them to ivory or canvas, sat down in a + corner, and had what she termed ‘a real good cry.’ + </p> + <p> + But no crying, or talking, or hoping, or fearing, could keep off the + dreaded Saturday afternoon, or Newman Noggs either; who, punctual to his + time, limped up to the door, and breathed a whiff of cordial gin through + the keyhole, exactly as such of the church clocks in the neighbourhood as + agreed among themselves about the time, struck five. Newman waited for the + last stroke, and then knocked. + </p> + <p> + ‘From Mr. Ralph Nickleby,’ said Newman, announcing his errand, when he got + upstairs, with all possible brevity. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall be ready directly,’ said Kate. ‘We have not much to carry, but I + fear we must have a coach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll get one,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed you shall not trouble yourself,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t suffer you to think of such a thing,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘You can’t help it,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not help it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No; I thought of it as I came along; but didn’t get one, thinking you + mightn’t be ready. I think of a great many things. Nobody can prevent + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, I understand you, Mr. Noggs,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Our thoughts are + free, of course. Everybody’s thoughts are their own, clearly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They wouldn’t be, if some people had their way,’ muttered Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, no more they would, Mr. Noggs, and that’s very true,’ rejoined Mrs + Nickleby. ‘Some people to be sure are such—how’s your master?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman darted a meaning glance at Kate, and replied with a strong emphasis + on the last word of his answer, that Mr. Ralph Nickleby was well, and sent + his <i>love</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure we are very much obliged to him,’ observed Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ said Newman. ‘I’ll tell him so.’ + </p> + <p> + It was no very easy matter to mistake Newman Noggs, after having once seen + him, and as Kate, attracted by the singularity of his manner (in which on + this occasion, however, there was something respectful and even delicate, + notwithstanding the abruptness of his speech), looked at him more closely, + she recollected having caught a passing glimpse of that strange figure + before. + </p> + <p> + ‘Excuse my curiosity,’ she said, ‘but did I not see you in the coachyard, + on the morning my brother went away to Yorkshire?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman cast a wistful glance on Mrs. Nickleby and said ‘No,’ most + unblushingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ exclaimed Kate, ‘I should have said so anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’d have said wrong,’ rejoined Newman. ‘It’s the first time I’ve been + out for three weeks. I’ve had the gout.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman was very, very far from having the appearance of a gouty subject, + and so Kate could not help thinking; but the conference was cut short by + Mrs. Nickleby’s insisting on having the door shut, lest Mr. Noggs should + take cold, and further persisting in sending the servant girl for a coach, + for fear he should bring on another attack of his disorder. To both + conditions, Newman was compelled to yield. Presently, the coach came; and, + after many sorrowful farewells, and a great deal of running backwards and + forwards across the pavement on the part of Miss La Creevy, in the course + of which the yellow turban came into violent contact with sundry + foot-passengers, it (that is to say the coach, not the turban) went away + again, with the two ladies and their luggage inside; and Newman, despite + all Mrs. Nickleby’s assurances that it would be his death—on the box + beside the driver. + </p> + <p> + They went into the city, turning down by the river side; and, after a long + and very slow drive, the streets being crowded at that hour with vehicles + of every kind, stopped in front of a large old dingy house in Thames + Street: the door and windows of which were so bespattered with mud, that + it would have appeared to have been uninhabited for years. + </p> + <p> + The door of this deserted mansion Newman opened with a key which he took + out of his hat—in which, by-the-bye, in consequence of the + dilapidated state of his pockets, he deposited everything, and would most + likely have carried his money if he had had any—and the coach being + discharged, he led the way into the interior of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + Old, and gloomy, and black, in truth it was, and sullen and dark were the + rooms, once so bustling with life and enterprise. There was a wharf + behind, opening on the Thames. An empty dog-kennel, some bones of animals, + fragments of iron hoops, and staves of old casks, lay strewn about, but no + life was stirring there. It was a picture of cold, silent decay. + </p> + <p> + ‘This house depresses and chills one,’ said Kate, ‘and seems as if some + blight had fallen on it. If I were superstitious, I should be almost + inclined to believe that some dreadful crime had been perpetrated within + these old walls, and that the place had never prospered since. How + frowning and how dark it looks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, my dear,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, ‘don’t talk in that way, or you’ll + frighten me to death.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is only my foolish fancy, mama,’ said Kate, forcing a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then, my love, I wish you would keep your foolish fancy to + yourself, and not wake up <i>my</i> foolish fancy to keep it company,’ retorted + Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Why didn’t you think of all this before—you are so + careless—we might have asked Miss La Creevy to keep us company or + borrowed a dog, or a thousand things—but it always was the way, and + was just the same with your poor dear father. Unless I thought of + everything—’ This was Mrs. Nickleby’s usual commencement of a general + lamentation, running through a dozen or so of complicated sentences + addressed to nobody in particular, and into which she now launched until + her breath was exhausted. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0176m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0176m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0176.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Newman appeared not to hear these remarks, but preceded them to a couple + of rooms on the first floor, which some kind of attempt had been made to + render habitable. In one, were a few chairs, a table, an old hearth-rug, + and some faded baize; and a fire was ready laid in the grate. In the other + stood an old tent bedstead, and a few scanty articles of chamber + furniture. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, trying to be pleased, ‘now isn’t this + thoughtful and considerate of your uncle? Why, we should not have had + anything but the bed we bought yesterday, to lie down upon, if it hadn’t + been for his thoughtfulness!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very kind, indeed,’ replied Kate, looking round. + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs did not say that he had hunted up the old furniture they saw, + from attic and cellar; or that he had taken in the halfpennyworth of milk + for tea that stood upon a shelf, or filled the rusty kettle on the hob, or + collected the woodchips from the wharf, or begged the coals. But the + notion of Ralph Nickleby having directed it to be done, tickled his fancy + so much, that he could not refrain from cracking all his ten fingers in + succession: at which performance Mrs. Nickleby was rather startled at + first, but supposing it to be in some remote manner connected with the + gout, did not remark upon. + </p> + <p> + ‘We need detain you no longer, I think,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there nothing I can do?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, thank you,’ rejoined Miss Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps, my dear, Mr. Noggs would like to drink our healths,’ said Mrs + Nickleby, fumbling in her reticule for some small coin. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think, mama,’ said Kate hesitating, and remarking Newman’s averted + face, ‘you would hurt his feelings if you offered it.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs, bowing to the young lady more like a gentleman than the + miserable wretch he seemed, placed his hand upon his breast, and, pausing + for a moment, with the air of a man who struggles to speak but is + uncertain what to say, quitted the room. + </p> + <p> + As the jarring echoes of the heavy house-door, closing on its latch, + reverberated dismally through the building, Kate felt half tempted to call + him back, and beg him to remain a little while; but she was ashamed to own + her fears, and Newman Noggs was on his road homewards. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 12 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span><i>hereby the Reader will be enabled to trace the further course of Miss + Fanny Squeer’s Love, and to ascertain whether it ran smooth or otherwise.</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was a fortunate circumstance for Miss Fanny Squeers, that when her + worthy papa returned home on the night of the small tea-party, he was what + the initiated term ‘too far gone’ to observe the numerous tokens of + extreme vexation of spirit which were plainly visible in her countenance. + Being, however, of a rather violent and quarrelsome mood in his cups, it + is not impossible that he might have fallen out with her, either on this + or some imaginary topic, if the young lady had not, with a foresight and + prudence highly commendable, kept a boy up, on purpose, to bear the first + brunt of the good gentleman’s anger; which, having vented itself in a + variety of kicks and cuffs, subsided sufficiently to admit of his being + persuaded to go to bed. Which he did with his boots on, and an umbrella + under his arm. + </p> + <p> + The hungry servant attended Miss Squeers in her own room according to + custom, to curl her hair, perform the other little offices of her toilet, + and administer as much flattery as she could get up, for the purpose; for + Miss Squeers was quite lazy enough (and sufficiently vain and frivolous + withal) to have been a fine lady; and it was only the arbitrary + distinctions of rank and station which prevented her from being one. + </p> + <p> + ‘How lovely your hair do curl tonight, miss!’ said the handmaiden. ‘I + declare if it isn’t a pity and a shame to brush it out!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hold your tongue!’ replied Miss Squeers wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + Some considerable experience prevented the girl from being at all + surprised at any outbreak of ill-temper on the part of Miss Squeers. + Having a half-perception of what had occurred in the course of the + evening, she changed her mode of making herself agreeable, and proceeded + on the indirect tack. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I couldn’t help saying, miss, if you was to kill me for it,’ said + the attendant, ‘that I never see nobody look so vulgar as Miss Price this + night.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers sighed, and composed herself to listen. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it’s very wrong in me to say so, miss,’ continued the girl, + delighted to see the impression she was making, ‘Miss Price being a friend + of your’n, and all; but she do dress herself out so, and go on in such a + manner to get noticed, that—oh—well, if people only saw + themselves!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean, Phib?’ asked Miss Squeers, looking in her own little + glass, where, like most of us, she saw—not herself, but the + reflection of some pleasant image in her own brain. ‘How you talk!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk, miss! It’s enough to make a Tom cat talk French grammar, only to + see how she tosses her head,’ replied the handmaid. + </p> + <p> + ‘She <i>does </i>toss her head,’ observed Miss Squeers, with an air of + abstraction. + </p> + <p> + ‘So vain, and so very—very plain,’ said the girl. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor ‘Tilda!’ sighed Miss Squeers, compassionately. + </p> + <p> + ‘And always laying herself out so, to get to be admired,’ pursued the + servant. ‘Oh, dear! It’s positive indelicate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t allow you to talk in that way, Phib,’ said Miss Squeers. + ‘’Tilda’s friends are low people, and if she don’t know any better, it’s + their fault, and not hers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, but you know, miss,’ said Phoebe, for which name ‘Phib’ was used as + a patronising abbreviation, ‘if she was only to take copy by a friend—oh! + if she only knew how wrong she was, and would but set herself right by + you, what a nice young woman she might be in time!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Phib,’ rejoined Miss Squeers, with a stately air, ‘it’s not proper for me + to hear these comparisons drawn; they make ‘Tilda look a coarse improper + sort of person, and it seems unfriendly in me to listen to them. I would + rather you dropped the subject, Phib; at the same time, I must say, that + if ‘Tilda Price would take pattern by somebody—not me particularly—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes; you, miss,’ interposed Phib. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, me, Phib, if you will have it so,’ said Miss Squeers. ‘I must say, + that if she would, she would be all the better for it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So somebody else thinks, or I am much mistaken,’ said the girl + mysteriously. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ demanded Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, miss,’ replied the girl; ‘I know what I know; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Phib,’ said Miss Squeers dramatically, ‘I insist upon your explaining + yourself. What is this dark mystery? Speak.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, if you will have it, miss, it’s this,’ said the servant girl. ‘Mr + John Browdie thinks as you think; and if he wasn’t too far gone to do it + creditable, he’d be very glad to be off with Miss Price, and on with Miss + Squeers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gracious heavens!’ exclaimed Miss Squeers, clasping her hands with great + dignity. ‘What is this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truth, ma’am, and nothing but truth,’ replied the artful Phib. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a situation!’ cried Miss Squeers; ‘on the brink of unconsciously + destroying the peace and happiness of my own ‘Tilda. What is the reason + that men fall in love with me, whether I like it or not, and desert their + chosen intendeds for my sake?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because they can’t help it, miss,’ replied the girl; ‘the reason’s + plain.’ (If Miss Squeers were the reason, it was very plain.) + </p> + <p> + ‘Never let me hear of it again,’ retorted Miss Squeers. ‘Never! Do you + hear? ‘Tilda Price has faults—many faults—but I wish her well, + and above all I wish her married; for I think it highly desirable—most + desirable from the very nature of her failings—that she should be + married as soon as possible. No, Phib. Let her have Mr. Browdie. I may pity + <i>him</i>, poor fellow; but I have a great regard for ‘Tilda, and only hope she + may make a better wife than I think she will.’ + </p> + <p> + With this effusion of feeling, Miss Squeers went to bed. + </p> + <p> + Spite is a little word; but it represents as strange a jumble of feelings, + and compound of discords, as any polysyllable in the language. Miss + Squeers knew as well in her heart of hearts that what the miserable + serving-girl had said was sheer, coarse, lying flattery, as did the girl + herself; yet the mere opportunity of venting a little ill-nature against + the offending Miss Price, and affecting to compassionate her weaknesses + and foibles, though only in the presence of a solitary dependant, was + almost as great a relief to her spleen as if the whole had been gospel + truth. Nay, more. We have such extraordinary powers of persuasion when + they are exerted over ourselves, that Miss Squeers felt quite high-minded + and great after her noble renunciation of John Browdie’s hand, and looked + down upon her rival with a kind of holy calmness and tranquillity, that + had a mighty effect in soothing her ruffled feelings. + </p> + <p> + This happy state of mind had some influence in bringing about a + reconciliation; for, when a knock came at the front-door next day, and the + miller’s daughter was announced, Miss Squeers betook herself to the + parlour in a Christian frame of spirit, perfectly beautiful to behold. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Fanny,’ said the miller’s daughter, ‘you see I have come to see + you, although we <i>had </i>some words last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pity your bad passions, ‘Tilda,’ replied Miss Squeers, ‘but I bear no + malice. I am above it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be cross, Fanny,’ said Miss Price. ‘I have come to tell you + something that I know will please you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What may that be, ‘Tilda?’ demanded Miss Squeers; screwing up her lips, + and looking as if nothing in earth, air, fire, or water, could afford her + the slightest gleam of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ rejoined Miss Price. ‘After we left here last night John and I had + a dreadful quarrel.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That doesn’t please me,’ said Miss Squeers—relaxing into a smile + though. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor! I wouldn’t think so bad of you as to suppose it did,’ rejoined her + companion. ‘That’s not it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Miss Squeers, relapsing into melancholy. ‘Go on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After a great deal of wrangling, and saying we would never see each other + any more,’ continued Miss Price, ‘we made it up, and this morning John + went and wrote our names down to be put up, for the first time, next + Sunday, so we shall be married in three weeks, and I give you notice to + get your frock made.’ + </p> + <p> + There was mingled gall and honey in this intelligence. The prospect of the + friend’s being married so soon was the gall, and the certainty of her not + entertaining serious designs upon Nicholas was the honey. Upon the whole, + the sweet greatly preponderated over the bitter, so Miss Squeers said she + would get the frock made, and that she hoped ‘Tilda might be happy, though + at the same time she didn’t know, and would not have her build too much + upon it, for men were strange creatures, and a great many married women + were very miserable, and wished themselves single again with all their + hearts; to which condolences Miss Squeers added others equally calculated + to raise her friend’s spirits and promote her cheerfulness of mind. + </p> + <p> + ‘But come now, Fanny,’ said Miss Price, ‘I want to have a word or two with + you about young Mr. Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is nothing to me,’ interrupted Miss Squeers, with hysterical symptoms. + ‘I despise him too much!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you don’t mean that, I am sure?’ replied her friend. ‘Confess, Fanny; + don’t you like him now?’ + </p> + <p> + Without returning any direct reply, Miss Squeers, all at once, fell into a + paroxysm of spiteful tears, and exclaimed that she was a wretched, + neglected, miserable castaway. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hate everybody,’ said Miss Squeers, ‘and I wish that everybody was dead—that + I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear, dear,’ said Miss Price, quite moved by this avowal of + misanthropical sentiments. ‘You are not serious, I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I am,’ rejoined Miss Squeers, tying tight knots in her + pocket-handkerchief and clenching her teeth. ‘And I wish I was dead too. + There!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you’ll think very differently in another five minutes,’ said Matilda. + ‘How much better to take him into favour again, than to hurt yourself by + going on in that way. Wouldn’t it be much nicer, now, to have him all to + yourself on good terms, in a company-keeping, love-making, pleasant sort + of manner?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know but what it would,’ sobbed Miss Squeers. ‘Oh! ‘Tilda, how + could you have acted so mean and dishonourable! I wouldn’t have believed + it of you, if anybody had told me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heyday!’ exclaimed Miss Price, giggling. ‘One would suppose I had been + murdering somebody at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very nigh as bad,’ said Miss Squeers passionately. + </p> + <p> + ‘And all this because I happen to have enough of good looks to make people + civil to me,’ cried Miss Price. ‘Persons don’t make their own faces, and + it’s no more my fault if mine is a good one than it is other people’s + fault if theirs is a bad one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hold your tongue,’ shrieked Miss Squeers, in her shrillest tone; ‘or + you’ll make me slap you, ‘Tilda, and afterwards I should be sorry for it!’ + </p> + <p> + It is needless to say, that, by this time, the temper of each young lady + was in some slight degree affected by the tone of her conversation, and + that a dash of personality was infused into the altercation, in + consequence. Indeed, the quarrel, from slight beginnings, rose to a + considerable height, and was assuming a very violent complexion, when both + parties, falling into a great passion of tears, exclaimed simultaneously, + that they had never thought of being spoken to in that way: which + exclamation, leading to a remonstrance, gradually brought on an + explanation: and the upshot was, that they fell into each other’s arms and + vowed eternal friendship; the occasion in question making the fifty-second + time of repeating the same impressive ceremony within a twelvemonth. + </p> + <p> + Perfect amicability being thus restored, a dialogue naturally ensued upon + the number and nature of the garments which would be indispensable for + Miss Price’s entrance into the holy state of matrimony, when Miss Squeers + clearly showed that a great many more than the miller could, or would, + afford, were absolutely necessary, and could not decently be dispensed + with. The young lady then, by an easy digression, led the discourse to her + own wardrobe, and after recounting its principal beauties at some length, + took her friend upstairs to make inspection thereof. The treasures of two + drawers and a closet having been displayed, and all the smaller articles + tried on, it was time for Miss Price to return home; and as she had been + in raptures with all the frocks, and had been stricken quite dumb with + admiration of a new pink scarf, Miss Squeers said in high good humour, + that she would walk part of the way with her, for the pleasure of her + company; and off they went together: Miss Squeers dilating, as they walked + along, upon her father’s accomplishments: and multiplying his income by + ten, to give her friend some faint notion of the vast importance and + superiority of her family. + </p> + <p> + It happened that that particular time, comprising the short daily interval + which was suffered to elapse between what was pleasantly called the dinner + of Mr. Squeers’s pupils, and their return to the pursuit of useful + knowledge, was precisely the hour when Nicholas was accustomed to issue + forth for a melancholy walk, and to brood, as he sauntered listlessly + through the village, upon his miserable lot. Miss Squeers knew this + perfectly well, but had perhaps forgotten it, for when she caught sight of + that young gentleman advancing towards them, she evinced many symptoms of + surprise and consternation, and assured her friend that she ‘felt fit to + drop into the earth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall we turn back, or run into a cottage?’ asked Miss Price. ‘He don’t + see us yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, ‘Tilda,’ replied Miss Squeers, ‘it is my duty to go through with it, + and I will!’ + </p> + <p> + As Miss Squeers said this, in the tone of one who has made a high moral + resolution, and was, besides, taken with one or two chokes and catchings + of breath, indicative of feelings at a high pressure, her friend made no + further remark, and they bore straight down upon Nicholas, who, walking + with his eyes bent upon the ground, was not aware of their approach until + they were close upon him; otherwise, he might, perhaps, have taken shelter + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-morning,’ said Nicholas, bowing and passing by. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is going,’ murmured Miss Squeers. ‘I shall choke, ‘Tilda.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come back, Mr. Nickleby, do!’ cried Miss Price, affecting alarm at her + friend’s threat, but really actuated by a malicious wish to hear what + Nicholas would say; ‘come back, Mr. Nickleby!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Nickleby came back, and looked as confused as might be, as he inquired + whether the ladies had any commands for him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t stop to talk,’ urged Miss Price, hastily; ‘but support her on the + other side. How do you feel now, dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better,’ sighed Miss Squeers, laying a beaver bonnet of a reddish brown + with a green veil attached, on Mr. Nickleby’s shoulder. ‘This foolish + faintness!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t call it foolish, dear,’ said Miss Price: her bright eye dancing + with merriment as she saw the perplexity of Nicholas; ‘you have no reason + to be ashamed of it. It’s those who are too proud to come round again, + without all this to-do, that ought to be ashamed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are resolved to fix it upon me, I see,’ said Nicholas, smiling, + ‘although I told you, last night, it was not my fault.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There; he says it was not his fault, my dear,’ remarked the wicked Miss + Price. ‘Perhaps you were too jealous, or too hasty with him? He says it + was not his fault. You hear; I think that’s apology enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not understand me,’ said Nicholas. ‘Pray dispense with this + jesting, for I have no time, and really no inclination, to be the subject + or promoter of mirth just now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ asked Miss Price, affecting amazement. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t ask him, ‘Tilda,’ cried Miss Squeers; ‘I forgive him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me,’ said Nicholas, as the brown bonnet went down on his shoulder + again, ‘this is more serious than I supposed. Allow me! Will you have the + goodness to hear me speak?’ + </p> + <p> + Here he raised up the brown bonnet, and regarding with most unfeigned + astonishment a look of tender reproach from Miss Squeers, shrunk back a + few paces to be out of the reach of the fair burden, and went on to say: + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry—truly and sincerely sorry—for having been the + cause of any difference among you, last night. I reproach myself, most + bitterly, for having been so unfortunate as to cause the dissension that + occurred, although I did so, I assure you, most unwittingly and + heedlessly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; that’s not all you have got to say surely,’ exclaimed Miss Price as + Nicholas paused. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear there is something more,’ stammered Nicholas with a half-smile, + and looking towards Miss Squeers, ‘it is a most awkward thing to say—but—the + very mention of such a supposition makes one look like a puppy—still—may + I ask if that lady supposes that I entertain any—in short, does she + think that I am in love with her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Delightful embarrassment,’ thought Miss Squeers, ‘I have brought him to + it, at last. Answer for me, dear,’ she whispered to her friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does she think so?’ rejoined Miss Price; ‘of course she does.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She does!’ exclaimed Nicholas with such energy of utterance as might have + been, for the moment, mistaken for rapture. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ replied Miss Price + </p> + <p> + ‘If Mr. Nickleby has doubted that, ‘Tilda,’ said the blushing Miss Squeers + in soft accents, ‘he may set his mind at rest. His sentiments are recipro—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop,’ cried Nicholas hurriedly; ‘pray hear me. This is the grossest and + wildest delusion, the completest and most signal mistake, that ever human + being laboured under, or committed. I have scarcely seen the young lady + half-a-dozen times, but if I had seen her sixty times, or am destined to + see her sixty thousand, it would be, and will be, precisely the same. I + have not one thought, wish, or hope, connected with her, unless it be—and + I say this, not to hurt her feelings, but to impress her with the real + state of my own—unless it be the one object, dear to my heart as + life itself, of being one day able to turn my back upon this accursed + place, never to set foot in it again, or think of it—even think of + it—but with loathing and disgust.’ + </p> + <p> + With this particularly plain and straightforward declaration, which he + made with all the vehemence that his indignant and excited feelings could + bring to bear upon it, Nicholas waiting to hear no more, retreated. + </p> + <p> + But poor Miss Squeers! Her anger, rage, and vexation; the rapid succession + of bitter and passionate feelings that whirled through her mind; are not + to be described. Refused! refused by a teacher, picked up by + advertisement, at an annual salary of five pounds payable at indefinite + periods, and ‘found’ in food and lodging like the very boys themselves; + and this too in the presence of a little chit of a miller’s daughter of + eighteen, who was going to be married, in three weeks’ time, to a man who + had gone down on his very knees to ask her. She could have choked in right + good earnest, at the thought of being so humbled. + </p> + <p> + But, there was one thing clear in the midst of her mortification; and that + was, that she hated and detested Nicholas with all the narrowness of mind + and littleness of purpose worthy a descendant of the house of Squeers. And + there was one comfort too; and that was, that every hour in every day she + could wound his pride, and goad him with the infliction of some slight, or + insult, or deprivation, which could not but have some effect on the most + insensible person, and must be acutely felt by one so sensitive as + Nicholas. With these two reflections uppermost in her mind, Miss Squeers + made the best of the matter to her friend, by observing that Mr. Nickleby + was such an odd creature, and of such a violent temper, that she feared + she should be obliged to give him up; and parted from her. + </p> + <p> + And here it may be remarked, that Miss Squeers, having bestowed her + affections (or whatever it might be that, in the absence of anything + better, represented them) on Nicholas Nickleby, had never once seriously + contemplated the possibility of his being of a different opinion from + herself in the business. Miss Squeers reasoned that she was prepossessing + and beautiful, and that her father was master, and Nicholas man, and that + her father had saved money, and Nicholas had none, all of which seemed to + her conclusive arguments why the young man should feel only too much + honoured by her preference. She had not failed to recollect, either, how + much more agreeable she could render his situation if she were his friend, + and how much more disagreeable if she were his enemy; and, doubtless, many + less scrupulous young gentlemen than Nicholas would have encouraged her + extravagance had it been only for this very obvious and intelligible + reason. However, he had thought proper to do otherwise, and Miss Squeers + was outrageous. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let him see,’ said the irritated young lady, when she had regained her + own room, and eased her mind by committing an assault on Phib, ‘if I don’t + set mother against him a little more when she comes back!’ + </p> + <p> + It was scarcely necessary to do this, but Miss Squeers was as good as her + word; and poor Nicholas, in addition to bad food, dirty lodging, and the + being compelled to witness one dull unvarying round of squalid misery, was + treated with every special indignity that malice could suggest, or the + most grasping cupidity put upon him. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all. There was another and deeper system of annoyance which + made his heart sink, and nearly drove him wild, by its injustice and + cruelty. + </p> + <p> + The wretched creature, Smike, since the night Nicholas had spoken kindly + to him in the schoolroom, had followed him to and fro, with an + ever-restless desire to serve or help him; anticipating such little wants + as his humble ability could supply, and content only to be near him. He + would sit beside him for hours, looking patiently into his face; and a + word would brighten up his care-worn visage, and call into it a passing + gleam, even of happiness. He was an altered being; he had an object now; + and that object was, to show his attachment to the only person—that + person a stranger—who had treated him, not to say with kindness, but + like a human creature. + </p> + <p> + Upon this poor being, all the spleen and ill-humour that could not be + vented on Nicholas were unceasingly bestowed. Drudgery would have been + nothing—Smike was well used to that. Buffetings inflicted without + cause, would have been equally a matter of course; for to them also he had + served a long and weary apprenticeship; but it was no sooner observed that + he had become attached to Nicholas, than stripes and blows, stripes and + blows, morning, noon, and night, were his only portion. Squeers was + jealous of the influence which his man had so soon acquired, and his + family hated him, and Smike paid for both. Nicholas saw it, and ground his + teeth at every repetition of the savage and cowardly attack. + </p> + <p> + He had arranged a few regular lessons for the boys; and one night, as he + paced up and down the dismal schoolroom, his swollen heart almost bursting + to think that his protection and countenance should have increased the + misery of the wretched being whose peculiar destitution had awakened his + pity, he paused mechanically in a dark corner where sat the object of his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + The poor soul was poring hard over a tattered book, with the traces of + recent tears still upon his face; vainly endeavouring to master some task + which a child of nine years old, possessed of ordinary powers, could have + conquered with ease, but which, to the addled brain of the crushed boy of + nineteen, was a sealed and hopeless mystery. Yet there he sat, patiently + conning the page again and again, stimulated by no boyish ambition, for he + was the common jest and scoff even of the uncouth objects that congregated + about him, but inspired by the one eager desire to please his solitary + friend. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas laid his hand upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t do it,’ said the dejected creature, looking up with bitter + disappointment in every feature. ‘No, no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not try,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + The boy shook his head, and closing the book with a sigh, looked vacantly + round, and laid his head upon his arm. He was weeping. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not for God’s sake,’ said Nicholas, in an agitated voice; ‘I cannot + bear to see you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are more hard with me than ever,’ sobbed the boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it,’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘They are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But for you,’ said the outcast, ‘I should die. They would kill me; they + would; I know they would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will do better, poor fellow,’ replied Nicholas, shaking his head + mournfully, ‘when I am gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gone!’ cried the other, looking intently in his face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Softly!’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you going?’ demanded the boy, in an earnest whisper. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot say,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I was speaking more to my own thoughts, + than to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me,’ said the boy imploringly, ‘oh do tell me, <i>will </i>you go—<i>will</i> + you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be driven to that at last!’ said Nicholas. ‘The world is before + me, after all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me,’ urged Smike, ‘is the world as bad and dismal as this place?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven forbid,’ replied Nicholas, pursuing the train of his own thoughts; + ‘its hardest, coarsest toil, were happiness to this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Should I ever meet you there?’ demanded the boy, speaking with unusual + wildness and volubility. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, willing to soothe him. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no!’ said the other, clasping him by the hand. ‘Should I—should + I—tell me that again. Say I should be sure to find you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would,’ replied Nicholas, with the same humane intention, ‘and I + would help and aid you, and not bring fresh sorrow on you as I have done + here.’ + </p> + <p> + The boy caught both the young man’s hands passionately in his, and, + hugging them to his breast, uttered a few broken sounds which were + unintelligible. Squeers entered at the moment, and he shrunk back into his + old corner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 13 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas varies the Monotony of Dothebys Hall by a most vigorous and + remarkable proceeding, which leads to Consequences of some Importance</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The cold, feeble dawn of a January morning was stealing in at the windows + of the common sleeping-room, when Nicholas, raising himself on his arm, + looked among the prostrate forms which on every side surrounded him, as + though in search of some particular object. + </p> + <p> + It needed a quick eye to detect, from among the huddled mass of sleepers, + the form of any given individual. As they lay closely packed together, + covered, for warmth’s sake, with their patched and ragged clothes, little + could be distinguished but the sharp outlines of pale faces, over which + the sombre light shed the same dull heavy colour; with, here and there, a + gaunt arm thrust forth: its thinness hidden by no covering, but fully + exposed to view, in all its shrunken ugliness. There were some who, lying + on their backs with upturned faces and clenched hands, just visible in the + leaden light, bore more the aspect of dead bodies than of living + creatures; and there were others coiled up into strange and fantastic + postures, such as might have been taken for the uneasy efforts of pain to + gain some temporary relief, rather than the freaks of slumber. A few—and + these were among the youngest of the children—slept peacefully on, + with smiles upon their faces, dreaming perhaps of home; but ever and again + a deep and heavy sigh, breaking the stillness of the room, announced that + some new sleeper had awakened to the misery of another day; and, as + morning took the place of night, the smiles gradually faded away, with the + friendly darkness which had given them birth. + </p> + <p> + Dreams are the bright creatures of poem and legend, who sport on earth in + the night season, and melt away in the first beam of the sun, which lights + grim care and stern reality on their daily pilgrimage through the world. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas looked upon the sleepers; at first, with the air of one who gazes + upon a scene which, though familiar to him, has lost none of its sorrowful + effect in consequence; and, afterwards, with a more intense and searching + scrutiny, as a man would who missed something his eye was accustomed to + meet, and had expected to rest upon. He was still occupied in this search, + and had half risen from his bed in the eagerness of his quest, when the + voice of Squeers was heard, calling from the bottom of the stairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now then,’ cried that gentleman, ‘are you going to sleep all day, up + there—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You lazy hounds?’ added Mrs. Squeers, finishing the sentence, and + producing, at the same time, a sharp sound, like that which is occasioned + by the lacing of stays. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall be down directly, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Down directly!’ said Squeers. ‘Ah! you had better be down directly, or + I’ll be down upon some of you in less. Where’s that Smike?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas looked hurriedly round again, but made no answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Smike!’ shouted Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you want your head broke in a fresh place, Smike?’ demanded his + amiable lady in the same key. + </p> + <p> + Still there was no reply, and still Nicholas stared about him, as did the + greater part of the boys, who were by this time roused. + </p> + <p> + ‘Confound his impudence!’ muttered Squeers, rapping the stair-rail + impatiently with his cane. ‘Nickleby!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Send that obstinate scoundrel down; don’t you hear me calling?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not here, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell me a lie,’ retorted the schoolmaster. ‘He is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not,’ retorted Nicholas angrily, ‘don’t tell me one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall soon see that,’ said Mr. Squeers, rushing upstairs. ‘I’ll find + him, I warrant you.’ + </p> + <p> + With which assurance, Mr. Squeers bounced into the dormitory, and, swinging + his cane in the air ready for a blow, darted into the corner where the + lean body of the drudge was usually stretched at night. The cane descended + harmlessly upon the ground. There was nobody there. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does this mean?’ said Squeers, turning round with a very pale face. + ‘Where have you hid him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen nothing of him since last night,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come,’ said Squeers, evidently frightened, though he endeavoured to look + otherwise, ‘you won’t save him this way. Where is he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At the bottom of the nearest pond for aught I know,’ rejoined Nicholas in + a low voice, and fixing his eyes full on the master’s face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn you, what do you mean by that?’ retorted Squeers in great + perturbation. Without waiting for a reply, he inquired of the boys whether + any one among them knew anything of their missing schoolmate. + </p> + <p> + There was a general hum of anxious denial, in the midst of which, one + shrill voice was heard to say (as, indeed, everybody thought): + </p> + <p> + ‘Please, sir, I think Smike’s run away, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ cried Squeers, turning sharp round. ‘Who said that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tomkins, please sir,’ rejoined a chorus of voices. Mr. Squeers made a + plunge into the crowd, and at one dive, caught a very little boy, habited + still in his night-gear, and the perplexed expression of whose + countenance, as he was brought forward, seemed to intimate that he was as + yet uncertain whether he was about to be punished or rewarded for the + suggestion. He was not long in doubt. + </p> + <p> + ‘You think he has run away, do you, sir?’ demanded Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, please sir,’ replied the little boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what, sir,’ said Squeers, catching the little boy suddenly by the + arms and whisking up his drapery in a most dexterous manner, ‘what reason + have you to suppose that any boy would want to run away from this + establishment? Eh, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + The child raised a dismal cry, by way of answer, and Mr. Squeers, throwing + himself into the most favourable attitude for exercising his strength, + beat him until the little urchin in his writhings actually rolled out of + his hands, when he mercifully allowed him to roll away, as he best could. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Squeers. ‘Now if any other boy thinks Smike has run away, I + shall be glad to have a talk with him.’ + </p> + <p> + There was, of course, a profound silence, during which Nicholas showed his + disgust as plainly as looks could show it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Nickleby,’ said Squeers, eyeing him maliciously. ‘<i>You </i>think he has + run away, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it extremely likely,’ replied Nicholas, in a quiet manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you do, do you?’ sneered Squeers. ‘Maybe you know he has?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know nothing of the kind.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He didn’t tell you he was going, I suppose, did he?’ sneered Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘He did not,’ replied Nicholas; ‘I am very glad he did not, for it would + then have been my duty to have warned you in time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which no doubt you would have been devilish sorry to do,’ said Squeers in + a taunting fashion. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should indeed,’ replied Nicholas. ‘You interpret my feelings with great + accuracy.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers had listened to this conversation, from the bottom of the + stairs; but, now losing all patience, she hastily assumed her + night-jacket, and made her way to the scene of action. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s all this here to-do?’ said the lady, as the boys fell off right + and left, to save her the trouble of clearing a passage with her brawny + arms. ‘What on earth are you a talking to him for, Squeery!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, my dear,’ said Squeers, ‘the fact is, that Smike is not to be + found.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I know that,’ said the lady, ‘and where’s the wonder? If you get a + parcel of proud-stomached teachers that set the young dogs a rebelling, + what else can you look for? Now, young man, you just have the kindness to + take yourself off to the schoolroom, and take the boys off with you, and + don’t you stir out of there till you have leave given you, or you and I + may fall out in a way that’ll spoil your beauty, handsome as you think + yourself, and so I tell you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and indeed and indeed again, Mister Jackanapes,’ said the excited + lady; ‘and I wouldn’t keep such as you in the house another hour, if I had + my way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor would you if I had mine,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Now, boys!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Now, boys,’ said Mrs. Squeers, mimicking, as nearly as she could, the + voice and manner of the usher. ‘Follow your leader, boys, and take pattern + by Smike if you dare. See what he’ll get for himself, when he is brought + back; and, mind! I tell you that you shall have as bad, and twice as bad, + if you so much as open your mouths about him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I catch him,’ said Squeers, ‘I’ll only stop short of flaying him + alive. I give you notice, boys.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>If</i> you catch him,’ retorted Mrs. Squeers, contemptuously; ‘you are sure + to; you can’t help it, if you go the right way to work. Come! Away with + you!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, Mrs. Squeers dismissed the boys, and after a little light + skirmishing with those in the rear who were pressing forward to get out of + the way, but were detained for a few moments by the throng in front, + succeeded in clearing the room, when she confronted her spouse alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is off,’ said Mrs. Squeers. ‘The cow-house and stable are locked up, so + he can’t be there; and he’s not downstairs anywhere, for the girl has + looked. He must have gone York way, and by a public road too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why must he?’ inquired Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stupid!’ said Mrs. Squeers angrily. ‘He hadn’t any money, had he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never had a penny of his own in his whole life, that I know of,’ replied + Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ rejoined Mrs. Squeers, ‘and he didn’t take anything to eat + with him; that I’ll answer for. Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! ha! ha!’ laughed Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, of course,’ said Mrs. S., ‘he must beg his way, and he could do + that, nowhere, but on the public road.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s true,’ exclaimed Squeers, clapping his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘True! Yes; but you would never have thought of it, for all that, if I + hadn’t said so,’ replied his wife. ‘Now, if you take the chaise and go one + road, and I borrow Swallow’s chaise, and go the other, what with keeping + our eyes open, and asking questions, one or other of us is pretty certain + to lay hold of him.’ + </p> + <p> + The worthy lady’s plan was adopted and put in execution without a moment’s + delay. After a very hasty breakfast, and the prosecution of some inquiries + in the village, the result of which seemed to show that he was on the + right track, Squeers started forth in the pony-chaise, intent upon + discovery and vengeance. Shortly afterwards, Mrs. Squeers, arrayed in the + white top-coat, and tied up in various shawls and handkerchiefs, issued + forth in another chaise and another direction, taking with her a + good-sized bludgeon, several odd pieces of strong cord, and a stout + labouring man: all provided and carried upon the expedition, with the sole + object of assisting in the capture, and (once caught) insuring the safe + custody of the unfortunate Smike. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas remained behind, in a tumult of feeling, sensible that whatever + might be the upshot of the boy’s flight, nothing but painful and + deplorable consequences were likely to ensue from it. Death, from want and + exposure to the weather, was the best that could be expected from the + protracted wandering of so poor and helpless a creature, alone and + unfriended, through a country of which he was wholly ignorant. There was + little, perhaps, to choose between this fate and a return to the tender + mercies of the Yorkshire school; but the unhappy being had established a + hold upon his sympathy and compassion, which made his heart ache at the + prospect of the suffering he was destined to undergo. He lingered on, in + restless anxiety, picturing a thousand possibilities, until the evening of + next day, when Squeers returned, alone, and unsuccessful. + </p> + <p> + ‘No news of the scamp!’ said the schoolmaster, who had evidently been + stretching his legs, on the old principle, not a few times during the + journey. ‘I’ll have consolation for this out of somebody, Nickleby, if Mrs + Squeers don’t hunt him down; so I give you warning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not in my power to console you, sir,’ said Nicholas. ‘It is nothing + to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Isn’t it?’ said Squeers in a threatening manner. ‘We shall see!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s the pony run right off his legs, and me obliged to come home with + a hack cob, that’ll cost fifteen shillings besides other expenses,’ said + Squeers; ‘who’s to pay for that, do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas shrugged his shoulders and remained silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll have it out of somebody, I tell you,’ said Squeers, his usual harsh + crafty manner changed to open bullying ‘None of your whining vapourings + here, Mr. Puppy, but be off to your kennel, for it’s past your bedtime! + Come! Get out!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bit his lip and knit his hands involuntarily, for his fingerends + tingled to avenge the insult; but remembering that the man was drunk, and + that it could come to little but a noisy brawl, he contented himself with + darting a contemptuous look at the tyrant, and walked, as majestically as + he could, upstairs: not a little nettled, however, to observe that Miss + Squeers and Master Squeers, and the servant girl, were enjoying the scene + from a snug corner; the two former indulging in many edifying remarks + about the presumption of poor upstarts, which occasioned a vast deal of + laughter, in which even the most miserable of all miserable servant girls + joined: while Nicholas, stung to the quick, drew over his head such + bedclothes as he had, and sternly resolved that the outstanding account + between himself and Mr. Squeers should be settled rather more speedily than + the latter anticipated. + </p> + <p> + Another day came, and Nicholas was scarcely awake when he heard the wheels + of a chaise approaching the house. It stopped. The voice of Mrs. Squeers + was heard, and in exultation, ordering a glass of spirits for somebody, + which was in itself a sufficient sign that something extraordinary had + happened. Nicholas hardly dared to look out of the window; but he did so, + and the very first object that met his eyes was the wretched Smike: so + bedabbled with mud and rain, so haggard and worn, and wild, that, but for + his garments being such as no scarecrow was ever seen to wear, he might + have been doubtful, even then, of his identity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lift him out,’ said Squeers, after he had literally feasted his eyes, in + silence, upon the culprit. ‘Bring him in; bring him in!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care,’ cried Mrs. Squeers, as her husband proffered his assistance. + ‘We tied his legs under the apron and made’em fast to the chaise, to + prevent his giving us the slip again.’ + </p> + <p> + With hands trembling with delight, Squeers unloosened the cord; and Smike, + to all appearance more dead than alive, was brought into the house and + securely locked up in a cellar, until such time as Mr. Squeers should deem + it expedient to operate upon him, in presence of the assembled school. + </p> + <p> + Upon a hasty consideration of the circumstances, it may be matter of + surprise to some persons, that Mr. and Mrs. Squeers should have taken so + much trouble to repossess themselves of an incumbrance of which it was + their wont to complain so loudly; but their surprise will cease when they + are informed that the manifold services of the drudge, if performed by + anybody else, would have cost the establishment some ten or twelve + shillings per week in the shape of wages; and furthermore, that all + runaways were, as a matter of policy, made severe examples of, at + Dotheboys Hall, inasmuch as, in consequence of the limited extent of its + attractions, there was but little inducement, beyond the powerful impulse + of fear, for any pupil, provided with the usual number of legs and the + power of using them, to remain. + </p> + <p> + The news that Smike had been caught and brought back in triumph, ran like + wild-fire through the hungry community, and expectation was on tiptoe all + the morning. On tiptoe it was destined to remain, however, until + afternoon; when Squeers, having refreshed himself with his dinner, and + further strengthened himself by an extra libation or so, made his + appearance (accompanied by his amiable partner) with a countenance of + portentous import, and a fearful instrument of flagellation, strong, + supple, wax-ended, and new,—in short, purchased that morning, + expressly for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is every boy here?’ asked Squeers, in a tremendous voice. + </p> + <p> + Every boy was there, but every boy was afraid to speak, so Squeers glared + along the lines to assure himself; and every eye drooped, and every head + cowered down, as he did so. + </p> + <p> + ‘Each boy keep his place,’ said Squeers, administering his favourite blow + to the desk, and regarding with gloomy satisfaction the universal start + which it never failed to occasion. ‘Nickleby! to your desk, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + It was remarked by more than one small observer, that there was a very + curious and unusual expression in the usher’s face; but he took his seat, + without opening his lips in reply. Squeers, casting a triumphant glance at + his assistant and a look of most comprehensive despotism on the boys, left + the room, and shortly afterwards returned, dragging Smike by the collar—or + rather by that fragment of his jacket which was nearest the place where + his collar would have been, had he boasted such a decoration. + </p> + <p> + In any other place, the appearance of the wretched, jaded, spiritless + object would have occasioned a murmur of compassion and remonstrance. It + had some effect, even there; for the lookers-on moved uneasily in their + seats; and a few of the boldest ventured to steal looks at each other, + expressive of indignation and pity. + </p> + <p> + They were lost on Squeers, however, whose gaze was fastened on the + luckless Smike, as he inquired, according to custom in such cases, whether + he had anything to say for himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, I suppose?’ said Squeers, with a diabolical grin. + </p> + <p> + Smike glanced round, and his eye rested, for an instant, on Nicholas, as + if he had expected him to intercede; but his look was riveted on his desk. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you anything to say?’ demanded Squeers again: giving his right arm + two or three flourishes to try its power and suppleness. ‘Stand a little + out of the way, Mrs. Squeers, my dear; I’ve hardly got room enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Spare me, sir!’ cried Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that’s all, is it?’ said Squeers. ‘Yes, I’ll flog you within an inch + of your life, and spare you that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ laughed Mrs. Squeers, ‘that’s a good ‘un!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was driven to do it,’ said Smike faintly; and casting another imploring + look about him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Driven to do it, were you?’ said Squeers. ‘Oh! it wasn’t your fault; it + was mine, I suppose—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A nasty, ungrateful, pig-headed, brutish, obstinate, sneaking dog,’ + exclaimed Mrs. Squeers, taking Smike’s head under her arm, and + administering a cuff at every epithet; ‘what does he mean by that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand aside, my dear,’ replied Squeers. ‘We’ll try and find out.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Squeers, being out of breath with her exertions, complied. Squeers + caught the boy firmly in his grip; one desperate cut had fallen on his + body—he was wincing from the lash and uttering a scream of pain—it + was raised again, and again about to fall—when Nicholas Nickleby, + suddenly starting up, cried ‘Stop!’ in a voice that made the rafters ring. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who cried stop?’ said Squeers, turning savagely round. + </p> + <p> + ‘I,’ said Nicholas, stepping forward. ‘This must not go on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Must not go on!’ cried Squeers, almost in a shriek. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ thundered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Aghast and stupefied by the boldness of the interference, Squeers released + his hold of Smike, and, falling back a pace or two, gazed upon Nicholas + with looks that were positively frightful. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say must not,’ repeated Nicholas, nothing daunted; ‘shall not. I will + prevent it.’ + </p> + <p> + Squeers continued to gaze upon him, with his eyes starting out of his + head; but astonishment had actually, for the moment, bereft him of speech. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have disregarded all my quiet interference in the miserable lad’s + behalf,’ said Nicholas; ‘you have returned no answer to the letter in + which I begged forgiveness for him, and offered to be responsible that he + would remain quietly here. Don’t blame me for this public interference. + You have brought it upon yourself; not I.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, beggar!’ screamed Squeers, almost beside himself with rage, and + seizing Smike as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wretch,’ rejoined Nicholas, fiercely, ‘touch him at your peril! I will + not stand by, and see it done. My blood is up, and I have the strength of + ten such men as you. Look to yourself, for by Heaven I will not spare you, + if you drive me on!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand back,’ cried Squeers, brandishing his weapon. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have a long series of insults to avenge,’ said Nicholas, flushed with + passion; ‘and my indignation is aggravated by the dastardly cruelties + practised on helpless infancy in this foul den. Have a care; for if you do + raise the devil within me, the consequences shall fall heavily upon your + own head!’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0197m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0197m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0197.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + He had scarcely spoken, when Squeers, in a violent outbreak of wrath, and + with a cry like the howl of a wild beast, spat upon him, and struck him a + blow across the face with his instrument of torture, which raised up a bar + of livid flesh as it was inflicted. Smarting with the agony of the blow, + and concentrating into that one moment all his feelings of rage, scorn, + and indignation, Nicholas sprang upon him, wrested the weapon from his + hand, and pinning him by the throat, beat the ruffian till he roared for + mercy. + </p> + <p> + The boys—with the exception of Master Squeers, who, coming to his + father’s assistance, harassed the enemy in the rear—moved not, hand + or foot; but Mrs. Squeers, with many shrieks for aid, hung on to the tail + of her partner’s coat, and endeavoured to drag him from his infuriated + adversary; while Miss Squeers, who had been peeping through the keyhole in + expectation of a very different scene, darted in at the very beginning of + the attack, and after launching a shower of inkstands at the usher’s head, + beat Nicholas to her heart’s content; animating herself, at every blow, + with the recollection of his having refused her proffered love, and thus + imparting additional strength to an arm which (as she took after her + mother in this respect) was, at no time, one of the weakest. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, in the full torrent of his violence, felt the blows no more than + if they had been dealt with feathers; but, becoming tired of the noise and + uproar, and feeling that his arm grew weak besides, he threw all his + remaining strength into half-a-dozen finishing cuts, and flung Squeers + from him with all the force he could muster. The violence of his fall + precipitated Mrs. Squeers completely over an adjacent form; and Squeers + striking his head against it in his descent, lay at his full length on the + ground, stunned and motionless. + </p> + <p> + Having brought affairs to this happy termination, and ascertained, to his + thorough satisfaction, that Squeers was only stunned, and not dead (upon + which point he had had some unpleasant doubts at first), Nicholas left his + family to restore him, and retired to consider what course he had better + adopt. He looked anxiously round for Smike, as he left the room, but he + was nowhere to be seen. + </p> + <p> + After a brief consideration, he packed up a few clothes in a small + leathern valise, and, finding that nobody offered to oppose his progress, + marched boldly out by the front-door, and shortly afterwards, struck into + the road which led to Greta Bridge. + </p> + <p> + When he had cooled sufficiently to be enabled to give his present + circumstances some little reflection, they did not appear in a very + encouraging light; he had only four shillings and a few pence in his + pocket, and was something more than two hundred and fifty miles from + London, whither he resolved to direct his steps, that he might ascertain, + among other things, what account of the morning’s proceedings Mr. Squeers + transmitted to his most affectionate uncle. + </p> + <p> + Lifting up his eyes, as he arrived at the conclusion that there was no + remedy for this unfortunate state of things, he beheld a horseman coming + towards him, whom, on nearer approach, he discovered, to his infinite + chagrin, to be no other than Mr. John Browdie, who, clad in cords and + leather leggings, was urging his animal forward by means of a thick ash + stick, which seemed to have been recently cut from some stout sapling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am in no mood for more noise and riot,’ thought Nicholas, ‘and yet, do + what I will, I shall have an altercation with this honest blockhead, and + perhaps a blow or two from yonder staff.’ + </p> + <p> + In truth, there appeared some reason to expect that such a result would + follow from the encounter, for John Browdie no sooner saw Nicholas + advancing, than he reined in his horse by the footpath, and waited until + such time as he should come up; looking meanwhile, very sternly between + the horse’s ears, at Nicholas, as he came on at his leisure. + </p> + <p> + ‘Servant, young genelman,’ said John. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel; we ha’ met at last,’ observed John, making the stirrup ring under a + smart touch of the ash stick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, hesitating. ‘Come!’ he said, frankly, after a + moment’s pause, ‘we parted on no very good terms the last time we met; it + was my fault, I believe; but I had no intention of offending you, and no + idea that I was doing so. I was very sorry for it, afterwards. Will you + shake hands?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shake honds!’ cried the good-humoured Yorkshireman; ‘ah! that I weel;’ at + the same time, he bent down from the saddle, and gave Nicholas’s fist a + huge wrench: ‘but wa’at be the matther wi’ thy feace, mun? it be all + brokken loike.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a cut,’ said Nicholas, turning scarlet as he spoke,—‘a blow; + but I returned it to the giver, and with good interest too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa, did ‘ee though?’ exclaimed John Browdie. ‘Well deane! I loike ‘un + for thot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The fact is,’ said Nicholas, not very well knowing how to make the + avowal, ‘the fact is, that I have been ill-treated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa!’ interposed John Browdie, in a tone of compassion; for he was a + giant in strength and stature, and Nicholas, very likely, in his eyes, + seemed a mere dwarf; ‘dean’t say thot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I have,’ replied Nicholas, ‘by that man Squeers, and I have beaten + him soundly, and am leaving this place in consequence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ cried John Browdie, with such an ecstatic shout, that the horse + quite shied at it. ‘Beatten the schoolmeasther! Ho! ho! ho! Beatten the + schoolmeasther! who ever heard o’ the loike o’ that noo! Giv’ us thee hond + agean, yoongster. Beatten the schoolmeasther! Dang it, I loov’ thee + for’t.’ + </p> + <p> + With these expressions of delight, John Browdie laughed and laughed again—so + loud that the echoes, far and wide, sent back nothing but jovial peals of + merriment—and shook Nicholas by the hand meanwhile, no less + heartily. When his mirth had subsided, he inquired what Nicholas meant to + do; on his informing him, to go straight to London, he shook his head + doubtfully, and inquired if he knew how much the coaches charged to carry + passengers so far. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I do not,’ said Nicholas; ‘but it is of no great consequence to me, + for I intend walking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gang awa’ to Lunnun afoot!’ cried John, in amazement. + </p> + <p> + ‘Every step of the way,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I should be many steps further + on by this time, and so goodbye!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay noo,’ replied the honest countryman, reining in his impatient horse, + ‘stan’ still, tellee. Hoo much cash hast thee gotten?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not much,’ said Nicholas, colouring, ‘but I can make it enough. Where + there’s a will, there’s a way, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + John Browdie made no verbal answer to this remark, but putting his hand in + his pocket, pulled out an old purse of solid leather, and insisted that + Nicholas should borrow from him whatever he required for his present + necessities. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dean’t be afeard, mun,’ he said; ‘tak’ eneaf to carry thee whoam. Thee’lt + pay me yan day, a’ warrant.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could by no means be prevailed upon to borrow more than a + sovereign, with which loan Mr. Browdie, after many entreaties that he would + accept of more (observing, with a touch of Yorkshire caution, that if he + didn’t spend it all, he could put the surplus by, till he had an + opportunity of remitting it carriage free), was fain to content himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tak’ that bit o’ timber to help thee on wi’, mun,’ he added, pressing his + stick on Nicholas, and giving his hand another squeeze; ‘keep a good + heart, and bless thee. Beatten the schoolmeasther! ‘Cod it’s the best + thing a’ve heerd this twonty year!’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, and indulging, with more delicacy than might have been expected + from him, in another series of loud laughs, for the purpose of avoiding + the thanks which Nicholas poured forth, John Browdie set spurs to his + horse, and went off at a smart canter: looking back, from time to time, as + Nicholas stood gazing after him, and waving his hand cheerily, as if to + encourage him on his way. Nicholas watched the horse and rider until they + disappeared over the brow of a distant hill, and then set forward on his + journey. + </p> + <p> + He did not travel far that afternoon, for by this time it was nearly dark, + and there had been a heavy fall of snow, which not only rendered the way + toilsome, but the track uncertain and difficult to find, after daylight, + save by experienced wayfarers. He lay, that night, at a cottage, where + beds were let at a cheap rate to the more humble class of travellers; and, + rising betimes next morning, made his way before night to Boroughbridge. + Passing through that town in search of some cheap resting-place, he + stumbled upon an empty barn within a couple of hundred yards of the + roadside; in a warm corner of which, he stretched his weary limbs, and + soon fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke next morning, and tried to recollect his dreams, which had + been all connected with his recent sojourn at Dotheboys Hall, he sat up, + rubbed his eyes and stared—not with the most composed countenance + possible—at some motionless object which seemed to be stationed + within a few yards in front of him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Strange!’ cried Nicholas; ‘can this be some lingering creation of the + visions that have scarcely left me! It cannot be real—and yet I—I + am awake! Smike!’ + </p> + <p> + The form moved, rose, advanced, and dropped upon its knees at his feet. It + was Smike indeed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you kneel to me?’ said Nicholas, hastily raising him. + </p> + <p> + ‘To go with you—anywhere—everywhere—to the world’s end—to + the churchyard grave,’ replied Smike, clinging to his hand. ‘Let me, oh do + let me. You are my home—my kind friend—take me with you, + pray.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a friend who can do little for you,’ said Nicholas, kindly. ‘How + came you here?’ + </p> + <p> + He had followed him, it seemed; had never lost sight of him all the way; + had watched while he slept, and when he halted for refreshment; and had + feared to appear before, lest he should be sent back. He had not intended + to appear now, but Nicholas had awakened more suddenly than he looked for, + and he had had no time to conceal himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said Nicholas, ‘your hard fate denies you any friend but + one, and he is nearly as poor and helpless as yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May I—may I go with you?’ asked Smike, timidly. ‘I will be your + faithful hard-working servant, I will, indeed. I want no clothes,’ added + the poor creature, drawing his rags together; ‘these will do very well. I + only want to be near you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you shall,’ cried Nicholas. ‘And the world shall deal by you as it + does by me, till one or both of us shall quit it for a better. Come!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, he strapped his burden on his shoulders, and, taking his + stick in one hand, extended the other to his delighted charge; and so they + passed out of the old barn, together. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 14 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span><i>aving the Misfortune to treat of none but Common People, is necessarily + of a Mean and Vulgar Character</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In that quarter of London in which Golden Square is situated, there is a + bygone, faded, tumble-down street, with two irregular rows of tall meagre + houses, which seem to have stared each other out of countenance years ago. + The very chimneys appear to have grown dismal and melancholy, from having + had nothing better to look at than the chimneys over the way. Their tops + are battered, and broken, and blackened with smoke; and, here and there, + some taller stack than the rest, inclining heavily to one side, and + toppling over the roof, seems to meditate taking revenge for half a + century’s neglect, by crushing the inhabitants of the garrets beneath. + </p> + <p> + The fowls who peck about the kennels, jerking their bodies hither and + thither with a gait which none but town fowls are ever seen to adopt, and + which any country cock or hen would be puzzled to understand, are + perfectly in keeping with the crazy habitations of their owners. Dingy, + ill-plumed, drowsy flutterers, sent, like many of the neighbouring + children, to get a livelihood in the streets, they hop, from stone to + stone, in forlorn search of some hidden eatable in the mud, and can + scarcely raise a crow among them. The only one with anything approaching + to a voice, is an aged bantam at the baker’s; and even he is hoarse, in + consequence of bad living in his last place. + </p> + <p> + To judge from the size of the houses, they have been, at one time, + tenanted by persons of better condition than their present occupants; but + they are now let off, by the week, in floors or rooms, and every door has + almost as many plates or bell-handles as there are apartments within. The + windows are, for the same reason, sufficiently diversified in appearance, + being ornamented with every variety of common blind and curtain that can + easily be imagined; while every doorway is blocked up, and rendered nearly + impassable, by a motley collection of children and porter pots of all + sizes, from the baby in arms and the half-pint pot, to the full-grown girl + and half-gallon can. + </p> + <p> + In the parlour of one of these houses, which was perhaps a thought dirtier + than any of its neighbours; which exhibited more bell-handles, children, + and porter pots, and caught in all its freshness the first gust of the + thick black smoke that poured forth, night and day, from a large brewery + hard by; hung a bill, announcing that there was yet one room to let within + its walls, though on what story the vacant room could be—regard + being had to the outward tokens of many lodgers which the whole front + displayed, from the mangle in the kitchen window to the flower-pots on the + parapet—it would have been beyond the power of a calculating boy to + discover. + </p> + <p> + The common stairs of this mansion were bare and carpetless; but a curious + visitor who had to climb his way to the top, might have observed that + there were not wanting indications of the progressive poverty of the + inmates, although their rooms were shut. Thus, the first-floor lodgers, + being flush of furniture, kept an old mahogany table—real mahogany—on + the landing-place outside, which was only taken in, when occasion + required. On the second story, the spare furniture dwindled down to a + couple of old deal chairs, of which one, belonging to the back-room, was + shorn of a leg, and bottomless. The story above, boasted no greater excess + than a worm-eaten wash-tub; and the garret landing-place displayed no + costlier articles than two crippled pitchers, and some broken + blacking-bottles. + </p> + <p> + It was on this garret landing-place that a hard-featured square-faced man, + elderly and shabby, stopped to unlock the door of the front attic, into + which, having surmounted the task of turning the rusty key in its still + more rusty wards, he walked with the air of legal owner. + </p> + <p> + This person wore a wig of short, coarse, red hair, which he took off with + his hat, and hung upon a nail. Having adopted in its place a dirty cotton + nightcap, and groped about in the dark till he found a remnant of candle, + he knocked at the partition which divided the two garrets, and inquired, + in a loud voice, whether Mr. Noggs had a light. + </p> + <p> + The sounds that came back were stifled by the lath and plaster, and it + seemed moreover as though the speaker had uttered them from the interior + of a mug or other drinking vessel; but they were in the voice of Newman, + and conveyed a reply in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + ‘A nasty night, Mr. Noggs!’ said the man in the nightcap, stepping in to + light his candle. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does it rain?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does it?’ replied the other pettishly. ‘I am wet through.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It doesn’t take much to wet you and me through, Mr. Crowl,’ said Newman, + laying his hand upon the lappel of his threadbare coat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; and that makes it the more vexatious,’ observed Mr. Crowl, in the + same pettish tone. + </p> + <p> + Uttering a low querulous growl, the speaker, whose harsh countenance was + the very epitome of selfishness, raked the scanty fire nearly out of the + grate, and, emptying the glass which Noggs had pushed towards him, + inquired where he kept his coals. + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs pointed to the bottom of a cupboard, and Mr. Crowl, seizing + the shovel, threw on half the stock: which Noggs very deliberately took + off again, without saying a word. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not turned saving, at this time of day, I hope?’ said Crowl. + </p> + <p> + Newman pointed to the empty glass, as though it were a sufficient + refutation of the charge, and briefly said that he was going downstairs to + supper. + </p> + <p> + ‘To the Kenwigses?’ asked Crowl. + </p> + <p> + Newman nodded assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Think of that now!’ said Crowl. ‘If I didn’t—thinking that you were + certain not to go, because you said you wouldn’t—tell Kenwigs I + couldn’t come, and make up my mind to spend the evening with you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was obliged to go,’ said Newman. ‘They would have me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; but what’s to become of me?’ urged the selfish man, who never + thought of anybody else. ‘It’s all your fault. I’ll tell you what—I’ll + sit by your fire till you come back again.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman cast a despairing glance at his small store of fuel, but, not + having the courage to say no—a word which in all his life he never + had said at the right time, either to himself or anyone else—gave + way to the proposed arrangement. Mr. Crowl immediately went about making + himself as comfortable, with Newman Nogg’s means, as circumstances would + admit of his being made. + </p> + <p> + The lodgers to whom Crowl had made allusion under the designation of ‘the + Kenwigses,’ were the wife and olive branches of one Mr. Kenwigs, a turner + in ivory, who was looked upon as a person of some consideration on the + premises, inasmuch as he occupied the whole of the first floor, comprising + a suite of two rooms. Mrs. Kenwigs, too, was quite a lady in her manners, + and of a very genteel family, having an uncle who collected a water-rate; + besides which distinction, the two eldest of her little girls went twice a + week to a dancing school in the neighbourhood, and had flaxen hair, tied + with blue ribbons, hanging in luxuriant pigtails down their backs; and + wore little white trousers with frills round the ankles—for all of + which reasons, and many more equally valid but too numerous to mention, + Mrs. Kenwigs was considered a very desirable person to know, and was the + constant theme of all the gossips in the street, and even three or four + doors round the corner at both ends. + </p> + <p> + It was the anniversary of that happy day on which the Church of England as + by law established, had bestowed Mrs. Kenwigs upon Mr. Kenwigs; and in + grateful commemoration of the same, Mrs. Kenwigs had invited a few select + friends to cards and a supper in the first floor, and had put on a new + gown to receive them in: which gown, being of a flaming colour and made + upon a juvenile principle, was so successful that Mr. Kenwigs said the + eight years of matrimony and the five children seemed all a dream, and Mrs + Kenwigs younger and more blooming than on the very first Sunday he had + kept company with her. + </p> + <p> + Beautiful as Mrs. Kenwigs looked when she was dressed though, and so + stately that you would have supposed she had a cook and housemaid at + least, and nothing to do but order them about, she had a world of trouble + with the preparations; more, indeed, than she, being of a delicate and + genteel constitution, could have sustained, had not the pride of + housewifery upheld her. At last, however, all the things that had to be + got together were got together, and all the things that had to be got out + of the way were got out of the way, and everything was ready, and the + collector himself having promised to come, fortune smiled upon the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + The party was admirably selected. There were, first of all, Mr. Kenwigs and + Mrs. Kenwigs, and four olive Kenwigses who sat up to supper; firstly, + because it was but right that they should have a treat on such a day; and + secondly, because their going to bed, in presence of the company, would + have been inconvenient, not to say improper. Then, there was a young lady + who had made Mrs. Kenwigs’s dress, and who—it was the most convenient + thing in the world—living in the two-pair back, gave up her bed to + the baby, and got a little girl to watch it. Then, to match this young + lady, was a young man, who had known Mr. Kenwigs when he was a bachelor, + and was much esteemed by the ladies, as bearing the reputation of a rake. + To these were added a newly-married couple, who had visited Mr. and Mrs + Kenwigs in their courtship; and a sister of Mrs. Kenwigs’s, who was quite a + beauty; besides whom, there was another young man, supposed to entertain + honourable designs upon the lady last mentioned; and Mr. Noggs, who was a + genteel person to ask, because he had been a gentleman once. There were + also an elderly lady from the back-parlour, and one more young lady, who, + next to the collector, perhaps was the great lion of the party, being the + daughter of a theatrical fireman, who ‘went on’ in the pantomime, and had + the greatest turn for the stage that was ever known, being able to sing + and recite in a manner that brought the tears into Mrs. Kenwigs’s eyes. + There was only one drawback upon the pleasure of seeing such friends, and + that was, that the lady in the back-parlour, who was very fat, and turned + of sixty, came in a low book-muslin dress and short kid gloves, which so + exasperated Mrs. Kenwigs, that that lady assured her visitors, in private, + that if it hadn’t happened that the supper was cooking at the back-parlour + grate at that moment, she certainly would have requested its + representative to withdraw. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘wouldn’t it be better to begin a round game?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kenwigs, my dear,’ returned his wife, ‘I am surprised at you. Would you + begin without my uncle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I forgot the collector,’ said Kenwigs; ‘oh no, that would never do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s so particular,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, turning to the other married lady, + ‘that if we began without him, I should be out of his will for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear!’ cried the married lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ve no idea what he is,’ replied Mrs. Kenwigs; ‘and yet as good a + creature as ever breathed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The kindest-hearted man as ever was,’ said Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘It goes to his heart, I believe, to be forced to cut the water off, when + the people don’t pay,’ observed the bachelor friend, intending a joke. + </p> + <p> + ‘George,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, solemnly, ‘none of that, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was only my joke,’ said the friend, abashed. + </p> + <p> + ‘George,’ rejoined Mr. Kenwigs, ‘a joke is a wery good thing—a wery + good thing—but when that joke is made at the expense of Mrs + Kenwigs’s feelings, I set my face against it. A man in public life expects + to be sneered at—it is the fault of his elewated sitiwation, and not + of himself. Mrs. Kenwigs’s relation is a public man, and that he knows, + George, and that he can bear; but putting Mrs. Kenwigs out of the question + (if I <i>could </i>put Mrs. Kenwigs out of the question on such an occasion as + this), I have the honour to be connected with the collector by marriage; + and I cannot allow these remarks in my—’ Mr. Kenwigs was going to say + ‘house,’ but he rounded the sentence with ‘apartments’. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of these observations, which drew forth evidences of + acute feeling from Mrs. Kenwigs, and had the intended effect of impressing + the company with a deep sense of the collector’s dignity, a ring was heard + at the bell. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s him,’ whispered Mr. Kenwigs, greatly excited. ‘Morleena, my dear, + run down and let your uncle in, and kiss him directly you get the door + open. Hem! Let’s be talking.’ + </p> + <p> + Adopting Mr. Kenwigs’s suggestion, the company spoke very loudly, to look + easy and unembarrassed; and almost as soon as they had begun to do so, a + short old gentleman in drabs and gaiters, with a face that might have been + carved out of <i>Lignum Vitae</i>, for anything that appeared to the contrary, + was led playfully in by Miss Morleena Kenwigs, regarding whose uncommon + Christian name it may be here remarked that it had been invented and + composed by Mrs. Kenwigs previous to her first lying-in, for the special + distinction of her eldest child, in case it should prove a daughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, uncle, I am <i>so</i> glad to see you,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, kissing the + collector affectionately on both cheeks. ‘So glad!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Many happy returns of the day, my dear,’ replied the collector, returning + the compliment. + </p> + <p> + Now, this was an interesting thing. Here was a collector of water-rates, + without his book, without his pen and ink, without his double knock, + without his intimidation, kissing—actually kissing—an + agreeable female, and leaving taxes, summonses, notices that he had + called, or announcements that he would never call again, for two quarters’ + due, wholly out of the question. It was pleasant to see how the company + looked on, quite absorbed in the sight, and to behold the nods and winks + with which they expressed their gratification at finding so much humanity + in a tax-gatherer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where will you sit, uncle?’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, in the full glow of family + pride, which the appearance of her distinguished relation occasioned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Anywheres, my dear,’ said the collector, ‘I am not particular.’ + </p> + <p> + Not particular! What a meek collector! If he had been an author, who knew + his place, he couldn’t have been more humble. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Lillyvick,’ said Kenwigs, addressing the collector, ‘some friends + here, sir, are very anxious for the honour of—thank you—Mr. and + Mrs. Cutler, Mr. Lillyvick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Proud to know you, sir,’ said Mr. Cutler; ‘I’ve heerd of you very often.’ + These were not mere words of ceremony; for, Mr. Cutler, having kept house + in Mr. Lillyvick’s parish, had heard of him very often indeed. His + attention in calling had been quite extraordinary. + </p> + <p> + ‘George, you know, I think, Mr. Lillyvick,’ said Kenwigs; ‘lady from + downstairs—Mr. Lillyvick. Mr. Snewkes—Mr. Lillyvick. Miss Green—Mr + Lillyvick. Mr. Lillyvick—Miss Petowker of the Theatre Royal, Drury + Lane. Very glad to make two public characters acquainted! Mrs. Kenwigs, my + dear, will you sort the counters?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Kenwigs, with the assistance of Newman Noggs, (who, as he performed + sundry little acts of kindness for the children, at all times and seasons, + was humoured in his request to be taken no notice of, and was merely + spoken about, in a whisper, as the decayed gentleman), did as he was + desired; and the greater part of the guests sat down to speculation, while + Newman himself, Mrs. Kenwigs, and Miss Petowker of the Theatre Royal Drury + Lane, looked after the supper-table. + </p> + <p> + While the ladies were thus busying themselves, Mr. Lillyvick was intent + upon the game in progress, and as all should be fish that comes to a + water-collector’s net, the dear old gentleman was by no means scrupulous + in appropriating to himself the property of his neighbours, which, on the + contrary, he abstracted whenever an opportunity presented itself, smiling + good-humouredly all the while, and making so many condescending speeches + to the owners, that they were delighted with his amiability, and thought + in their hearts that he deserved to be Chancellor of the Exchequer at + least. + </p> + <p> + After a great deal of trouble, and the administration of many slaps on the + head to the infant Kenwigses, whereof two of the most rebellious were + summarily banished, the cloth was laid with much elegance, and a pair of + boiled fowls, a large piece of pork, apple-pie, potatoes and greens, were + served; at sight of which, the worthy Mr. Lillyvick vented a great many + witticisms, and plucked up amazingly: to the immense delight and + satisfaction of the whole body of admirers. + </p> + <p> + Very well and very fast the supper went off; no more serious difficulties + occurring, than those which arose from the incessant demand for clean + knives and forks; which made poor Mrs. Kenwigs wish, more than once, that + private society adopted the principle of schools, and required that every + guest should bring his own knife, fork, and spoon; which doubtless would + be a great accommodation in many cases, and to no one more so than to the + lady and gentleman of the house, especially if the school principle were + carried out to the full extent, and the articles were expected, as a + matter of delicacy, not to be taken away again. + </p> + <p> + Everybody having eaten everything, the table was cleared in a most + alarming hurry, and with great noise; and the spirits, whereat the eyes of + Newman Noggs glistened, being arranged in order, with water both hot and + cold, the party composed themselves for conviviality; Mr. Lillyvick being + stationed in a large armchair by the fireside, and the four little + Kenwigses disposed on a small form in front of the company with their + flaxen tails towards them, and their faces to the fire; an arrangement + which was no sooner perfected, than Mrs. Kenwigs was overpowered by the + feelings of a mother, and fell upon the left shoulder of Mr. Kenwigs + dissolved in tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are so beautiful!’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, sobbing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, dear,’ said all the ladies, ‘so they are! it’s very natural you + should feel proud of that; but don’t give way, don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can—not help it, and it don’t signify,’ sobbed Mrs. Kenwigs; ‘oh! + they’re too beautiful to live, much too beautiful!’ + </p> + <p> + On hearing this alarming presentiment of their being doomed to an early + death in the flower of their infancy, all four little girls raised a + hideous cry, and burying their heads in their mother’s lap simultaneously, + screamed until the eight flaxen tails vibrated again; Mrs. Kenwigs + meanwhile clasping them alternately to her bosom, with attitudes + expressive of distraction, which Miss Petowker herself might have copied. + </p> + <p> + At length, the anxious mother permitted herself to be soothed into a more + tranquil state, and the little Kenwigses, being also composed, were + distributed among the company, to prevent the possibility of Mrs. Kenwigs + being again overcome by the blaze of their combined beauty. This done, the + ladies and gentlemen united in prophesying that they would live for many, + many years, and that there was no occasion at all for Mrs. Kenwigs to + distress herself; which, in good truth, there did not appear to be; the + loveliness of the children by no means justifying her apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + ‘This day eight year,’ said Mr. Kenwigs after a pause. ‘Dear me—ah!’ + </p> + <p> + This reflection was echoed by all present, who said ‘Ah!’ first, and ‘dear + me,’ afterwards. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was younger then,’ tittered Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ added everybody. + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember my niece,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, surveying his audience with a + grave air; ‘I remember her, on that very afternoon, when she first + acknowledged to her mother a partiality for Kenwigs. “Mother,” she says, + “I love him.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Adore him,” I said, uncle,’ interposed Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Love him,” I think, my dear,’ said the collector, firmly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you are right, uncle,’ replied Mrs. Kenwigs, submissively. ‘I + thought it was “adore.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Love,” my dear,’ retorted Mr. Lillyvick. ‘“Mother,” she says, “I love + him!” “What do I hear?” cries her mother; and instantly falls into strong + conwulsions.’ + </p> + <p> + A general exclamation of astonishment burst from the company. + </p> + <p> + ‘Into strong conwulsions,’ repeated Mr. Lillyvick, regarding them with a + rigid look. ‘Kenwigs will excuse my saying, in the presence of friends, + that there was a very great objection to him, on the ground that he was + beneath the family, and would disgrace it. You remember, Kenwigs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ replied that gentleman, in no way displeased at the + reminiscence, inasmuch as it proved, beyond all doubt, what a high family + Mrs. Kenwigs came of. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shared in that feeling,’ said Mr. Lillyvick: ‘perhaps it was natural; + perhaps it wasn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + A gentle murmur seemed to say, that, in one of Mr. Lillyvick’s station, the + objection was not only natural, but highly praiseworthy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I came round to him in time,’ said Mr. Lillyvick. ‘After they were + married, and there was no help for it, I was one of the first to say that + Kenwigs must be taken notice of. The family <i>did </i>take notice of him, in + consequence, and on my representation; and I am bound to say—and + proud to say—that I have always found him a very honest, + well-behaved, upright, respectable sort of man. Kenwigs, shake hands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am proud to do it, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘So am I, Kenwigs,’ rejoined Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘A very happy life I have led with your niece, sir,’ said Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would have been your own fault if you had not, sir,’ remarked Mr + Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Morleena Kenwigs,’ cried her mother, at this crisis, much affected, ‘kiss + your dear uncle!’ + </p> + <p> + The young lady did as she was requested, and the three other little girls + were successively hoisted up to the collector’s countenance, and subjected + to the same process, which was afterwards repeated on them by the majority + of those present. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear, Mrs. Kenwigs,’ said Miss Petowker, ‘while Mr. Noggs is making that + punch to drink happy returns in, do let Morleena go through that figure + dance before Mr. Lillyvick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, my dear,’ replied Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘it will only worry my uncle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It can’t worry him, I am sure,’ said Miss Petowker. ‘You will be very + much pleased, won’t you, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I am sure I shall’ replied the collector, glancing at the + punch-mixer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then, I’ll tell you what,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘Morleena shall do the + steps, if uncle can persuade Miss Petowker to recite us the + Blood-Drinker’s Burial, afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a great clapping of hands and stamping of feet, at this + proposition; the subject whereof, gently inclined her head several times, + in acknowledgment of the reception. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know,’ said Miss Petowker, reproachfully, ‘that I dislike doing + anything professional in private parties.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, but not here!’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. ‘We are all so very friendly and + pleasant, that you might as well be going through it in your own room; + besides, the occasion—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t resist that,’ interrupted Miss Petowker; ‘anything in my humble + power I shall be delighted to do.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Kenwigs and Miss Petowker had arranged a small <i>programme </i>of the + entertainments between them, of which this was the prescribed order, but + they had settled to have a little pressing on both sides, because it + looked more natural. The company being all ready, Miss Petowker hummed a + tune, and Morleena danced a dance; having previously had the soles of her + shoes chalked, with as much care as if she were going on the tight-rope. + It was a very beautiful figure, comprising a great deal of work for the + arms, and was received with unbounded applause. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I was blessed with a—a child—’ said Miss Petowker, + blushing, ‘of such genius as that, I would have her out at the Opera + instantly.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Kenwigs sighed, and looked at Mr. Kenwigs, who shook his head, and + observed that he was doubtful about it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kenwigs is afraid,’ said Mrs. K. + </p> + <p> + ‘What of?’ inquired Miss Petowker, ‘not of her failing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no,’ replied Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘but if she grew up what she is now,—only + think of the young dukes and marquises.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very right,’ said the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Still,’ submitted Miss Petowker, ‘if she took a proper pride in herself, + you know—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a good deal in that,’ observed Mrs. Kenwigs, looking at her + husband. + </p> + <p> + ‘I only know—’ faltered Miss Petowker,—‘it may be no rule to + be sure—but I have never found any inconvenience or unpleasantness + of that sort.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs, with becoming gallantry, said that settled the question at + once, and that he would take the subject into his serious consideration. + This being resolved upon, Miss Petowker was entreated to begin the + Blood-Drinker’s Burial; to which end, that young lady let down her back + hair, and taking up her position at the other end of the room, with the + bachelor friend posted in a corner, to rush out at the cue ‘in death + expire,’ and catch her in his arms when she died raving mad, went through + the performance with extraordinary spirit, and to the great terror of the + little Kenwigses, who were all but frightened into fits. + </p> + <p> + The ecstasies consequent upon the effort had not yet subsided, and Newman + (who had not been thoroughly sober at so late an hour for a long long + time,) had not yet been able to put in a word of announcement, that the + punch was ready, when a hasty knock was heard at the room-door, which + elicited a shriek from Mrs. Kenwigs, who immediately divined that the baby + had fallen out of bed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is that?’ demanded Mr. Kenwigs, sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be alarmed, it’s only me,’ said Crowl, looking in, in his nightcap. + ‘The baby is very comfortable, for I peeped into the room as I came down, + and it’s fast asleep, and so is the girl; and I don’t think the candle + will set fire to the bed-curtain, unless a draught was to get into the + room—it’s Mr. Noggs that’s wanted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!’ cried Newman, much astonished. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, it <i>is</i> a queer hour, isn’t it?’ replied Crowl, who was not best + pleased at the prospect of losing his fire; ‘and they are queer-looking + people, too, all covered with rain and mud. Shall I tell them to go away?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Newman, rising. ‘People? How many?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two,’ rejoined Crowl. + </p> + <p> + ‘Want me? By name?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘By name,’ replied Crowl. ‘Mr. Newman Noggs, as pat as need be.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman reflected for a few seconds, and then hurried away, muttering that + he would be back directly. He was as good as his word; for, in an + exceedingly short time, he burst into the room, and seizing, without a + word of apology or explanation, a lighted candle and tumbler of hot punch + from the table, darted away like a madman. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the deuce is the matter with him?’ exclaimed Crowl, throwing the + door open. ‘Hark! Is there any noise above?’ + </p> + <p> + The guests rose in great confusion, and, looking in each other’s faces + with much perplexity and some fear, stretched their necks forward, and + listened attentively. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 15 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span><i>cquaints the Reader with the Cause and Origin of the Interruption + described in the last Chapter, and with some other Matters necessary to be + known</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs scrambled in violent haste upstairs with the steaming + beverage, which he had so unceremoniously snatched from the table of Mr + Kenwigs, and indeed from the very grasp of the water-rate collector, who + was eyeing the contents of the tumbler, at the moment of its unexpected + abstraction, with lively marks of pleasure visible in his countenance. He + bore his prize straight to his own back-garret, where, footsore and nearly + shoeless, wet, dirty, jaded, and disfigured with every mark of fatiguing + travel, sat Nicholas and Smike, at once the cause and partner of his toil; + both perfectly worn out by their unwonted and protracted exertion. + </p> + <p> + Newman’s first act was to compel Nicholas, with gentle force, to swallow + half of the punch at a breath, nearly boiling as it was; and his next, to + pour the remainder down the throat of Smike, who, never having tasted + anything stronger than aperient medicine in his whole life, exhibited + various odd manifestations of surprise and delight, during the passage of + the liquor down his throat, and turned up his eyes most emphatically when + it was all gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are wet through,’ said Newman, passing his hand hastily over the coat + which Nicholas had thrown off; ‘and I—I—haven’t even a + change,’ he added, with a wistful glance at the shabby clothes he wore + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have dry clothes, or at least such as will serve my turn well, in my + bundle,’ replied Nicholas. ‘If you look so distressed to see me, you will + add to the pain I feel already, at being compelled, for one night, to cast + myself upon your slender means for aid and shelter.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman did not look the less distressed to hear Nicholas talking in this + strain; but, upon his young friend grasping him heartily by the hand, and + assuring him that nothing but implicit confidence in the sincerity of his + professions, and kindness of feeling towards himself, would have induced + him, on any consideration, even to have made him acquainted with his + arrival in London, Mr. Noggs brightened up again, and went about making + such arrangements as were in his power for the comfort of his visitors, + with extreme alacrity. + </p> + <p> + These were simple enough; poor Newman’s means halting at a very + considerable distance short of his inclinations; but, slight as they were, + they were not made without much bustling and running about. As Nicholas + had husbanded his scanty stock of money, so well that it was not yet quite + expended, a supper of bread and cheese, with some cold beef from the + cook’s shop, was soon placed upon the table; and these viands being + flanked by a bottle of spirits and a pot of porter, there was no ground + for apprehension on the score of hunger or thirst, at all events. Such + preparations as Newman had it in his power to make, for the accommodation + of his guests during the night, occupied no very great time in completing; + and as he had insisted, as an express preliminary, that Nicholas should + change his clothes, and that Smike should invest himself in his solitary + coat (which no entreaties would dissuade him from stripping off for the + purpose), the travellers partook of their frugal fare, with more + satisfaction than one of them at least had derived from many a better + meal. + </p> + <p> + They then drew near the fire, which Newman Noggs had made up as well as he + could, after the inroads of Crowl upon the fuel; and Nicholas, who had + hitherto been restrained by the extreme anxiety of his friend that he + should refresh himself after his journey, now pressed him with earnest + questions concerning his mother and sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ replied Newman, with his accustomed taciturnity; ‘both well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are living in the city still?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘And my sister,’—added Nicholas. ‘Is she still engaged in the + business which she wrote to tell me she thought she should like so much?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman opened his eyes rather wider than usual, but merely replied by a + gasp, which, according to the action of the head that accompanied it, was + interpreted by his friends as meaning yes or no. In the present instance, + the pantomime consisted of a nod, and not a shake; so Nicholas took the + answer as a favourable one. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now listen to me,’ said Nicholas, laying his hand on Newman’s shoulder. + ‘Before I would make an effort to see them, I deemed it expedient to come + to you, lest, by gratifying my own selfish desire, I should inflict an + injury upon them which I can never repair. What has my uncle heard from + Yorkshire?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman opened and shut his mouth, several times, as though he were trying + his utmost to speak, but could make nothing of it, and finally fixed his + eyes on Nicholas with a grim and ghastly stare. + </p> + <p> + ‘What has he heard?’ urged Nicholas, colouring. ‘You see that I am + prepared to hear the very worst that malice can have suggested. Why should + you conceal it from me? I must know it sooner or later; and what purpose + can be gained by trifling with the matter for a few minutes, when half the + time would put me in possession of all that has occurred? Tell me at once, + pray.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tomorrow morning,’ said Newman; ‘hear it tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What purpose would that answer?’ urged Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You would sleep the better,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should sleep the worse,’ answered Nicholas, impatiently. ‘Sleep! + Exhausted as I am, and standing in no common need of rest, I cannot hope + to close my eyes all night, unless you tell me everything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And if I should tell you everything,’ said Newman, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then you may rouse my indignation or wound my pride,’ rejoined + Nicholas; ‘but you will not break my rest; for if the scene were acted + over again, I could take no other part than I have taken; and whatever + consequences may accrue to myself from it, I shall never regret doing as I + have done—never, if I starve or beg in consequence. What is a little + poverty or suffering, to the disgrace of the basest and most inhuman + cowardice! I tell you, if I had stood by, tamely and passively, I should + have hated myself, and merited the contempt of every man in existence. The + black-hearted scoundrel!’ + </p> + <p> + With this gentle allusion to the absent Mr. Squeers, Nicholas repressed his + rising wrath, and relating to Newman exactly what had passed at Dotheboys + Hall, entreated him to speak out without more pressing. Thus adjured, Mr + Noggs took, from an old trunk, a sheet of paper, which appeared to have + been scrawled over in great haste; and after sundry extraordinary + demonstrations of reluctance, delivered himself in the following terms. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear young man, you mustn’t give way to—this sort of thing will + never do, you know—as to getting on in the world, if you take + everybody’s part that’s ill-treated—Damn it, I am proud to hear of + it; and would have done it myself!’ + </p> + <p> + Newman accompanied this very unusual outbreak with a violent blow upon the + table, as if, in the heat of the moment, he had mistaken it for the chest + or ribs of Mr. Wackford Squeers. Having, by this open declaration of his + feelings, quite precluded himself from offering Nicholas any cautious + worldly advice (which had been his first intention), Mr. Noggs went + straight to the point. + </p> + <p> + ‘The day before yesterday,’ said Newman, ‘your uncle received this letter. + I took a hasty copy of it, while he was out. Shall I read it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you please,’ replied Nicholas. Newman Noggs accordingly read as + follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Dotheboys Hall, ‘Thursday Morning. ‘Sir</i>, + </p> + <p> + ‘My pa requests me to write to you, the doctors considering it doubtful + whether he will ever recuvver the use of his legs which prevents his + holding a pen. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are in a state of mind beyond everything, and my pa is one mask of + brooses both blue and green likewise two forms are steepled in his Goar. + We were kimpelled to have him carried down into the kitchen where he now + lays. You will judge from this that he has been brought very low. + </p> + <p> + ‘When your nevew that you recommended for a teacher had done this to my pa + and jumped upon his body with his feet and also langwedge which I will not + pollewt my pen with describing, he assaulted my ma with dreadful violence, + dashed her to the earth, and drove her back comb several inches into her + head. A very little more and it must have entered her skull. We have a + medical certifiket that if it had, the tortershell would have affected the + brain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Me and my brother were then the victims of his feury since which we have + suffered very much which leads us to the arrowing belief that we have + received some injury in our insides, especially as no marks of violence + are visible externally. I am screaming out loud all the time I write and + so is my brother which takes off my attention rather and I hope will + excuse mistakes. + </p> + <p> + ‘The monster having sasiated his thirst for blood ran away, taking with + him a boy of desperate character that he had excited to rebellyon, and a + garnet ring belonging to my ma, and not having been apprehended by the + constables is supposed to have been took up by some stage-coach. My pa + begs that if he comes to you the ring may be returned, and that you will + let the thief and assassin go, as if we prosecuted him he would only be + transported, and if he is let go he is sure to be hung before long which + will save us trouble and be much more satisfactory. Hoping to hear from + you when convenient + </p> + <p> + ‘I remain ‘Yours and cetrer ‘FANNY SQUEERS. + </p> + <p> + ‘P.S. I pity his ignorance and despise him.’ + </p> + <p> + A profound silence succeeded to the reading of this choice epistle, during + which Newman Noggs, as he folded it up, gazed with a kind of grotesque + pity at the boy of desperate character therein referred to; who, having no + more distinct perception of the matter in hand, than that he had been the + unfortunate cause of heaping trouble and falsehood upon Nicholas, sat mute + and dispirited, with a most woe-begone and heart-stricken look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Noggs,’ said Nicholas, after a few moments’ reflection, ‘I must go out + at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go out!’ cried Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Nicholas, ‘to Golden Square. Nobody who knows me would believe + this story of the ring; but it may suit the purpose, or gratify the hatred + of Mr. Ralph Nickleby to feign to attach credence to it. It is due—not + to him, but to myself—that I should state the truth; and moreover, I + have a word or two to exchange with him, which will not keep cool.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They must,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘They must not, indeed,’ rejoined Nicholas firmly, as he prepared to leave + the house. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear me speak,’ said Newman, planting himself before his impetuous young + friend. ‘He is not there. He is away from town. He will not be back for + three days; and I know that letter will not be answered before he + returns.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you sure of this?’ asked Nicholas, chafing violently, and pacing the + narrow room with rapid strides. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite,’ rejoined Newman. ‘He had hardly read it when he was called away. + Its contents are known to nobody but himself and us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you certain?’ demanded Nicholas, precipitately; ‘not even to my + mother or sister? If I thought that they—I will go there—I + must see them. Which is the way? Where is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, be advised by me,’ said Newman, speaking for the moment, in his + earnestness, like any other man—‘make no effort to see even them, + till he comes home. I know the man. Do not seem to have been tampering + with anybody. When he returns, go straight to him, and speak as boldly as + you like. Guessing at the real truth, he knows it as well as you or I. + Trust him for that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You mean well to me, and should know him better than I can,’ replied + Nicholas, after some consideration. ‘Well; let it be so.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman, who had stood during the foregoing conversation with his back + planted against the door, ready to oppose any egress from the apartment by + force, if necessary, resumed his seat with much satisfaction; and as the + water in the kettle was by this time boiling, made a glassful of spirits + and water for Nicholas, and a cracked mug-full for the joint accommodation + of himself and Smike, of which the two partook in great harmony, while + Nicholas, leaning his head upon his hand, remained buried in melancholy + meditation. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the company below stairs, after listening attentively and not + hearing any noise which would justify them in interfering for the + gratification of their curiosity, returned to the chamber of the + Kenwigses, and employed themselves in hazarding a great variety of + conjectures relative to the cause of Mr. Noggs’ sudden disappearance and + detention. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor, I’ll tell you what,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. ‘Suppose it should be an + express sent up to say that his property has all come back again!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me,’ said Mr. Kenwigs; ‘it’s not impossible. Perhaps, in that case, + we’d better send up and ask if he won’t take a little more punch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kenwigs!’ said Mr. Lillyvick, in a loud voice, ‘I’m surprised at you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter, sir?’ asked Mr. Kenwigs, with becoming submission to + the collector of water-rates. + </p> + <p> + ‘Making such a remark as that, sir,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, angrily. ‘He + has had punch already, has he not, sir? I consider the way in which that + punch was cut off, if I may use the expression, highly disrespectful to + this company; scandalous, perfectly scandalous. It may be the custom to + allow such things in this house, but it’s not the kind of behaviour that + I’ve been used to see displayed, and so I don’t mind telling you, Kenwigs. + A gentleman has a glass of punch before him to which he is just about to + set his lips, when another gentleman comes and collars that glass of + punch, without a “with your leave”, or “by your leave”, and carries that + glass of punch away. This may be good manners—I dare say it is—but + I don’t understand it, that’s all; and what’s more, I don’t care if I + never do. It’s my way to speak my mind, Kenwigs, and that is my mind; and + if you don’t like it, it’s past my regular time for going to bed, and I + can find my way home without making it later.’ + </p> + <p> + Here was an untoward event! The collector had sat swelling and fuming in + offended dignity for some minutes, and had now fairly burst out. The great + man—the rich relation—the unmarried uncle—who had it in + his power to make Morleena an heiress, and the very baby a legatee—was + offended. Gracious Powers, where was this to end! + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, humbly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t tell me you’re sorry,’ retorted Mr. Lillyvick, with much sharpness. + ‘You should have prevented it, then.’ + </p> + <p> + The company were quite paralysed by this domestic crash. The back-parlour + sat with her mouth wide open, staring vacantly at the collector, in a + stupor of dismay; the other guests were scarcely less overpowered by the + great man’s irritation. Mr. Kenwigs, not being skilful in such matters, + only fanned the flame in attempting to extinguish it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t think of it, I am sure, sir,’ said that gentleman. ‘I didn’t + suppose that such a little thing as a glass of punch would have put you + out of temper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Out of temper! What the devil do you mean by that piece of impertinence, + Mr. Kenwigs?’ said the collector. ‘Morleena, child—give me my hat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you’re not going, Mr. Lillyvick, sir,’ interposed Miss Petowker, with + her most bewitching smile. + </p> + <p> + But still Mr. Lillyvick, regardless of the siren, cried obdurately, + ‘Morleena, my hat!’ upon the fourth repetition of which demand, Mrs + Kenwigs sunk back in her chair, with a cry that might have softened a + water-butt, not to say a water-collector; while the four little girls + (privately instructed to that effect) clasped their uncle’s drab shorts in + their arms, and prayed him, in imperfect English, to remain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should I stop here, my dears?’ said Mr. Lillyvick; ‘I’m not wanted + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, do not speak so cruelly, uncle,’ sobbed Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘unless you wish + to kill me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shouldn’t wonder if some people were to say I did,’ replied Mr + Lillyvick, glancing angrily at Kenwigs. ‘Out of temper!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I cannot bear to see him look so, at my husband,’ cried Mrs. Kenwigs. + ‘It’s so dreadful in families. Oh!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Lillyvick,’ said Kenwigs, ‘I hope, for the sake of your niece, that + you won’t object to be reconciled.’ + </p> + <p> + The collector’s features relaxed, as the company added their entreaties to + those of his nephew-in-law. He gave up his hat, and held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, Kenwigs,’ said Mr. Lillyvick; ‘and let me tell you, at the same + time, to show you how much out of temper I was, that if I had gone away + without another word, it would have made no difference respecting that + pound or two which I shall leave among your children when I die.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Morleena Kenwigs,’ cried her mother, in a torrent of affection. ‘Go down + upon your knees to your dear uncle, and beg him to love you all his life + through, for he’s more a angel than a man, and I’ve always said so.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Morleena approaching to do homage, in compliance with this + injunction, was summarily caught up and kissed by Mr. Lillyvick; and + thereupon Mrs. Kenwigs darted forward and kissed the collector, and an + irrepressible murmur of applause broke from the company who had witnessed + his magnanimity. + </p> + <p> + The worthy gentleman then became once more the life and soul of the + society; being again reinstated in his old post of lion, from which high + station the temporary distraction of their thoughts had for a moment + dispossessed him. Quadruped lions are said to be savage, only when they + are hungry; biped lions are rarely sulky longer than when their appetite + for distinction remains unappeased. Mr. Lillyvick stood higher than ever; + for he had shown his power; hinted at his property and testamentary + intentions; gained great credit for disinterestedness and virtue; and, in + addition to all, was finally accommodated with a much larger tumbler of + punch than that which Newman Noggs had so feloniously made off with. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say! I beg everybody’s pardon for intruding again,’ said Crowl, looking + in at this happy juncture; ‘but what a queer business this is, isn’t it? + Noggs has lived in this house, now going on for five years, and nobody has + ever been to see him before, within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a strange time of night to be called away, sir, certainly,’ said the + collector; ‘and the behaviour of Mr. Noggs himself, is, to say the least of + it, mysterious.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, so it is,’ rejoined Crowl; ‘and I’ll tell you what’s more—I + think these two geniuses, whoever they are, have run away from somewhere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What makes you think that, sir?’ demanded the collector, who seemed, by a + tacit understanding, to have been chosen and elected mouthpiece to the + company. ‘You have no reason to suppose that they have run away from + anywhere without paying the rates and taxes due, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crowl, with a look of some contempt, was about to enter a general + protest against the payment of rates or taxes, under any circumstances, + when he was checked by a timely whisper from Kenwigs, and several frowns + and winks from Mrs. K., which providentially stopped him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why the fact is,’ said Crowl, who had been listening at Newman’s door + with all his might and main; ‘the fact is, that they have been talking so + loud, that they quite disturbed me in my room, and so I couldn’t help + catching a word here, and a word there; and all I heard, certainly seemed + to refer to their having bolted from some place or other. I don’t wish to + alarm Mrs. Kenwigs; but I hope they haven’t come from any jail or hospital, + and brought away a fever or some unpleasantness of that sort, which might + be catching for the children.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Kenwigs was so overpowered by this supposition, that it needed all the + tender attentions of Miss Petowker, of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, to + restore her to anything like a state of calmness; not to mention the + assiduity of Mr. Kenwigs, who held a fat smelling-bottle to his lady’s + nose, until it became matter of some doubt whether the tears which coursed + down her face were the result of feelings or <i>sal volatile</i>. + </p> + <p> + The ladies, having expressed their sympathy, singly and separately, fell, + according to custom, into a little chorus of soothing expressions, among + which, such condolences as ‘Poor dear!’—‘I should feel just the + same, if I was her’—‘To be sure, it’s a very trying thing’—and + ‘Nobody but a mother knows what a mother’s feelings is,’ were among the + most prominent, and most frequently repeated. In short, the opinion of the + company was so clearly manifested, that Mr. Kenwigs was on the point of + repairing to Mr. Noggs’s room, to demand an explanation, and had indeed + swallowed a preparatory glass of punch, with great inflexibility and + steadiness of purpose, when the attention of all present was diverted by a + new and terrible surprise. + </p> + <p> + This was nothing less than the sudden pouring forth of a rapid succession + of the shrillest and most piercing screams, from an upper story; and to + all appearance from the very two-pair back, in which the infant Kenwigs + was at that moment enshrined. They were no sooner audible, than Mrs + Kenwigs, opining that a strange cat had come in, and sucked the baby’s + breath while the girl was asleep, made for the door, wringing her hands, + and shrieking dismally; to the great consternation and confusion of the + company. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Kenwigs, see what it is; make haste!’ cried the sister, laying violent + hands upon Mrs. Kenwigs, and holding her back by force. ‘Oh don’t twist + about so, dear, or I can never hold you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My baby, my blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed baby!’ screamed Mrs + Kenwigs, making every blessed louder than the last. ‘My own darling, + sweet, innocent Lillyvick—Oh let me go to him. Let me go-o-o-o!’ + </p> + <p> + Pending the utterance of these frantic cries, and the wails and + lamentations of the four little girls, Mr. Kenwigs rushed upstairs to the + room whence the sounds proceeded; at the door of which, he encountered + Nicholas, with the child in his arms, who darted out with such violence, + that the anxious father was thrown down six stairs, and alighted on the + nearest landing-place, before he had found time to open his mouth to ask + what was the matter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ cried Nicholas, running down; ‘here it is; it’s all + out, it’s all over; pray compose yourselves; there’s no harm done;’ and + with these, and a thousand other assurances, he delivered the baby (whom, + in his hurry, he had carried upside down), to Mrs. Kenwigs, and ran back to + assist Mr. Kenwigs, who was rubbing his head very hard, and looking much + bewildered by his tumble. + </p> + <p> + Reassured by this cheering intelligence, the company in some degree + recovered from their fears, which had been productive of some most + singular instances of a total want of presence of mind; thus, the bachelor + friend had, for a long time, supported in his arms Mrs. Kenwigs’s sister, + instead of Mrs. Kenwigs; and the worthy Mr. Lillyvick had been actually + seen, in the perturbation of his spirits, to kiss Miss Petowker several + times, behind the room-door, as calmly as if nothing distressing were + going forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a mere nothing,’ said Nicholas, returning to Mrs. Kenwigs; ‘the + little girl, who was watching the child, being tired I suppose, fell + asleep, and set her hair on fire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh you malicious little wretch!’ cried Mrs. Kenwigs, impressively shaking + her forefinger at the small unfortunate, who might be thirteen years old, + and was looking on with a singed head and a frightened face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I heard her cries,’ continued Nicholas, ‘and ran down, in time to prevent + her setting fire to anything else. You may depend upon it that the child + is not hurt; for I took it off the bed myself, and brought it here to + convince you.’ + </p> + <p> + This brief explanation over, the infant, who, as he was christened after + the collector! rejoiced in the names of Lillyvick Kenwigs, was partially + suffocated under the caresses of the audience, and squeezed to his + mother’s bosom, until he roared again. The attention of the company was + then directed, by a natural transition, to the little girl who had had the + audacity to burn her hair off, and who, after receiving sundry small slaps + and pushes from the more energetic of the ladies, was mercifully sent + home: the ninepence, with which she was to have been rewarded, being + escheated to the Kenwigs family. + </p> + <p> + ‘And whatever we are to say to you, sir,’ exclaimed Mrs. Kenwigs, + addressing young Lillyvick’s deliverer, ‘I am sure I don’t know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You need say nothing at all,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I have done nothing to + found any very strong claim upon your eloquence, I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He might have been burnt to death, if it hadn’t been for you, sir,’ + simpered Miss Petowker. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not very likely, I think,’ replied Nicholas; ‘for there was abundance of + assistance here, which must have reached him before he had been in any + danger.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will let us drink your health, anyvays, sir!’ said Mr. Kenwigs + motioning towards the table. + </p> + <p> + ‘—In my absence, by all means,’ rejoined Nicholas, with a smile. ‘I + have had a very fatiguing journey, and should be most indifferent company—a + far greater check upon your merriment, than a promoter of it, even if I + kept awake, which I think very doubtful. If you will allow me, I’ll return + to my friend, Mr. Noggs, who went upstairs again, when he found nothing + serious had occurred. Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + Excusing himself, in these terms, from joining in the festivities, + Nicholas took a most winning farewell of Mrs. Kenwigs and the other ladies, + and retired, after making a very extraordinary impression upon the + company. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a delightful young man!’ cried Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncommon gentlemanly, really,’ said Mr. Kenwigs. ‘Don’t you think so, Mr + Lillyvick?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said the collector, with a dubious shrug of his shoulders, ‘He is + gentlemanly, very gentlemanly—in appearance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you don’t see anything against him, uncle?’ inquired Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my dear,’ replied the collector, ‘no. I trust he may not turn out—well—no + matter—my love to you, my dear, and long life to the baby!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your namesake,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, with a sweet smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I hope a worthy namesake,’ observed Mr. Kenwigs, willing to propitiate + the collector. ‘I hope a baby as will never disgrace his godfather, and as + may be considered, in arter years, of a piece with the Lillyvicks whose + name he bears. I do say—and Mrs. Kenwigs is of the same sentiment, + and feels it as strong as I do—that I consider his being called + Lillyvick one of the greatest blessings and Honours of my existence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>The </i>greatest blessing, Kenwigs,’ murmured his lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>The </i>greatest blessing,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, correcting himself. ‘A blessing + that I hope, one of these days, I may be able to deserve.’ + </p> + <p> + This was a politic stroke of the Kenwigses, because it made Mr. Lillyvick + the great head and fountain of the baby’s importance. The good gentleman + felt the delicacy and dexterity of the touch, and at once proposed the + health of the gentleman, name unknown, who had signalised himself, that + night, by his coolness and alacrity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who, I don’t mind saying,’ observed Mr. Lillyvick, as a great concession, + ‘is a good-looking young man enough, with manners that I hope his + character may be equal to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He has a very nice face and style, really,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘He certainly has,’ added Miss Petowker. ‘There’s something in his + appearance quite—dear, dear, what’s that word again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What word?’ inquired Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why—dear me, how stupid I am,’ replied Miss Petowker, hesitating. + ‘What do you call it, when Lords break off door-knockers and beat + policemen, and play at coaches with other people’s money, and all that + sort of thing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aristocratic?’ suggested the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! aristocratic,’ replied Miss Petowker; ‘something very aristocratic + about him, isn’t there?’ + </p> + <p> + The gentleman held their peace, and smiled at each other, as who should + say, ‘Well! there’s no accounting for tastes;’ but the ladies resolved + unanimously that Nicholas had an aristocratic air; and nobody caring to + dispute the position, it was established triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + The punch being, by this time, drunk out, and the little Kenwigses (who + had for some time previously held their little eyes open with their little + forefingers) becoming fractious, and requesting rather urgently to be put + to bed, the collector made a move by pulling out his watch, and + acquainting the company that it was nigh two o’clock; whereat some of the + guests were surprised and others shocked, and hats and bonnets being + groped for under the tables, and in course of time found, their owners + went away, after a vast deal of shaking of hands, and many remarks how + they had never spent such a delightful evening, and how they marvelled to + find it so late, expecting to have heard that it was half-past ten at the + very latest, and how they wished that Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs had a wedding-day + once a week, and how they wondered by what hidden agency Mrs. Kenwigs could + possibly have managed so well; and a great deal more of the same kind. To + all of which flattering expressions, Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs replied, by + thanking every lady and gentleman, <i>seriatim</i>, for the favour of their + company, and hoping they might have enjoyed themselves only half as well + as they said they had. + </p> + <p> + As to Nicholas, quite unconscious of the impression he had produced, he + had long since fallen asleep, leaving Mr. Newman Noggs and Smike to empty + the spirit bottle between them; and this office they performed with such + extreme good-will, that Newman was equally at a loss to determine whether + he himself was quite sober, and whether he had ever seen any gentleman so + heavily, drowsily, and completely intoxicated as his new acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 16 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas seeks to employ himself in a New Capacity, and being + unsuccessful, accepts an engagement as Tutor in a Private Family</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The first care of Nicholas, next morning, was, to look after some room in + which, until better times dawned upon him, he could contrive to exist, + without trenching upon the hospitality of Newman Noggs, who would have + slept upon the stairs with pleasure, so that his young friend was + accommodated. + </p> + <p> + The vacant apartment to which the bill in the parlour window bore + reference, appeared, on inquiry, to be a small back-room on the second + floor, reclaimed from the leads, and overlooking a soot-bespeckled + prospect of tiles and chimney-pots. For the letting of this portion of the + house from week to week, on reasonable terms, the parlour lodger was + empowered to treat; he being deputed by the landlord to dispose of the + rooms as they became vacant, and to keep a sharp look-out that the lodgers + didn’t run away. As a means of securing the punctual discharge of which + last service he was permitted to live rent-free, lest he should at any + time be tempted to run away himself. + </p> + <p> + Of this chamber, Nicholas became the tenant; and having hired a few common + articles of furniture from a neighbouring broker, and paid the first + week’s hire in advance, out of a small fund raised by the conversion of + some spare clothes into ready money, he sat himself down to ruminate upon + his prospects, which, like the prospect outside his window, were + sufficiently confined and dingy. As they by no means improved on better + acquaintance, and as familiarity breeds contempt, he resolved to banish + them from his thoughts by dint of hard walking. So, taking up his hat, and + leaving poor Smike to arrange and rearrange the room with as much delight + as if it had been the costliest palace, he betook himself to the streets, + and mingled with the crowd which thronged them. + </p> + <p> + Although a man may lose a sense of his own importance when he is a mere + unit among a busy throng, all utterly regardless of him, it by no means + follows that he can dispossess himself, with equal facility, of a very + strong sense of the importance and magnitude of his cares. The unhappy + state of his own affairs was the one idea which occupied the brain of + Nicholas, walk as fast as he would; and when he tried to dislodge it by + speculating on the situation and prospects of the people who surrounded + him, he caught himself, in a few seconds, contrasting their condition with + his own, and gliding almost imperceptibly back into his old train of + thought again. + </p> + <p> + Occupied in these reflections, as he was making his way along one of the + great public thoroughfares of London, he chanced to raise his eyes to a + blue board, whereon was inscribed, in characters of gold, ‘General Agency + Office; for places and situations of all kinds inquire within.’ It was a + shop-front, fitted up with a gauze blind and an inner door; and in the + window hung a long and tempting array of written placards, announcing + vacant places of every grade, from a secretary’s to a foot-boy’s. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas halted, instinctively, before this temple of promise, and ran his + eye over the capital-text openings in life which were so profusely + displayed. When he had completed his survey he walked on a little way, and + then back, and then on again; at length, after pausing irresolutely + several times before the door of the General Agency Office, he made up his + mind, and stepped in. + </p> + <p> + He found himself in a little floor-clothed room, with a high desk railed + off in one corner, behind which sat a lean youth with cunning eyes and a + protruding chin, whose performances in capital-text darkened the window. + He had a thick ledger lying open before him, and with the fingers of his + right hand inserted between the leaves, and his eyes fixed on a very fat + old lady in a mob-cap—evidently the proprietress of the + establishment—who was airing herself at the fire, seemed to be only + waiting her directions to refer to some entries contained within its rusty + clasps. + </p> + <p> + As there was a board outside, which acquainted the public that + servants-of-all-work were perpetually in waiting to be hired from ten till + four, Nicholas knew at once that some half-dozen strong young women, each + with pattens and an umbrella, who were sitting upon a form in one corner, + were in attendance for that purpose: especially as the poor things looked + anxious and weary. He was not quite so certain of the callings and + stations of two smart young ladies who were in conversation with the fat + lady before the fire, until—having sat himself down in a corner, and + remarked that he would wait until the other customers had been served—the + fat lady resumed the dialogue which his entrance had interrupted. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cook, Tom,’ said the fat lady, still airing herself as aforesaid. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cook,’ said Tom, turning over some leaves of the ledger. ‘Well!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Read out an easy place or two,’ said the fat lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pick out very light ones, if you please, young man,’ interposed a genteel + female, in shepherd’s-plaid boots, who appeared to be the client. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Mrs. Marker,”’ said Tom, reading, ‘“Russell Place, Russell Square; offers + eighteen guineas; tea and sugar found. Two in family, and see very little + company. Five servants kept. No man. No followers.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh Lor!’ tittered the client. ‘<i>That </i>won’t do. Read another, young man, + will you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Mrs. Wrymug,”’ said Tom, ‘“Pleasant Place, Finsbury. Wages, twelve + guineas. No tea, no sugar. Serious family—“’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! you needn’t mind reading that,’ interrupted the client. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Three serious footmen,”’ said Tom, impressively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Three? did you say?’ asked the client in an altered tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Three serious footmen,’ replied Tom. ‘“Cook, housemaid, and nursemaid; + each female servant required to join the Little Bethel Congregation three + times every Sunday—with a serious footman. If the cook is more + serious than the footman, she will be expected to improve the footman; if + the footman is more serious than the cook, he will be expected to improve + the cook.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll take the address of that place,’ said the client; ‘I don’t know but + what it mightn’t suit me pretty well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s another,’ remarked Tom, turning over the leaves. ‘“Family of Mr + Gallanbile, MP. Fifteen guineas, tea and sugar, and servants allowed to + see male cousins, if godly. Note. Cold dinner in the kitchen on the + Sabbath, Mr. Gallanbile being devoted to the Observance question. No + victuals whatever cooked on the Lord’s Day, with the exception of dinner + for Mr. and Mrs. Gallanbile, which, being a work of piety and necessity, is + exempted. Mr. Gallanbile dines late on the day of rest, in order to prevent + the sinfulness of the cook’s dressing herself.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think that’ll answer as well as the other,’ said the client, + after a little whispering with her friend. ‘I’ll take the other direction, + if you please, young man. I can but come back again, if it don’t do.’ + </p> + <p> + Tom made out the address, as requested, and the genteel client, having + satisfied the fat lady with a small fee, meanwhile, went away accompanied + by her friend. + </p> + <p> + As Nicholas opened his mouth, to request the young man to turn to letter + S, and let him know what secretaryships remained undisposed of, there came + into the office an applicant, in whose favour he immediately retired, and + whose appearance both surprised and interested him. + </p> + <p> + This was a young lady who could be scarcely eighteen, of very slight and + delicate figure, but exquisitely shaped, who, walking timidly up to the + desk, made an inquiry, in a very low tone of voice, relative to some + situation as governess, or companion to a lady. She raised her veil, for + an instant, while she preferred the inquiry, and disclosed a countenance + of most uncommon beauty, though shaded by a cloud of sadness, which, in + one so young, was doubly remarkable. Having received a card of reference + to some person on the books, she made the usual acknowledgment, and glided + away. + </p> + <p> + She was neatly, but very quietly attired; so much so, indeed, that it + seemed as though her dress, if it had been worn by one who imparted fewer + graces of her own to it, might have looked poor and shabby. Her attendant—for + she had one—was a red-faced, round-eyed, slovenly girl, who, from a + certain roughness about the bare arms that peeped from under her draggled + shawl, and the half-washed-out traces of smut and blacklead which tattooed + her countenance, was clearly of a kin with the servants-of-all-work on the + form: between whom and herself there had passed various grins and glances, + indicative of the freemasonry of the craft. + </p> + <p> + This girl followed her mistress; and, before Nicholas had recovered from + the first effects of his surprise and admiration, the young lady was gone. + It is not a matter of such complete and utter improbability as some sober + people may think, that he would have followed them out, had he not been + restrained by what passed between the fat lady and her book-keeper. + </p> + <p> + ‘When is she coming again, Tom?’ asked the fat lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tomorrow morning,’ replied Tom, mending his pen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where have you sent her to?’ asked the fat lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Clark’s,’ replied Tom. + </p> + <p> + ‘She’ll have a nice life of it, if she goes there,’ observed the fat lady, + taking a pinch of snuff from a tin box. + </p> + <p> + Tom made no other reply than thrusting his tongue into his cheek, and + pointing the feather of his pen towards Nicholas—reminders which + elicited from the fat lady an inquiry, of ‘Now, sir, what can we do for + <i>you</i>?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas briefly replied, that he wanted to know whether there was any + such post to be had, as secretary or amanuensis to a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Any such!’ rejoined the mistress; ‘a-dozen-such. An’t there, Tom?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think so,’ answered that young gentleman; and as he said it, he + winked towards Nicholas, with a degree of familiarity which he, no doubt, + intended for a rather flattering compliment, but with which Nicholas was + most ungratefully disgusted. + </p> + <p> + Upon reference to the book, it appeared that the dozen secretaryships had + dwindled down to one. Mr. Gregsbury, the great member of parliament, of + Manchester Buildings, Westminster, wanted a young man, to keep his papers + and correspondence in order; and Nicholas was exactly the sort of young + man that Mr. Gregsbury wanted. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what the terms are, as he said he’d settle them himself with + the party,’ observed the fat lady; ‘but they must be pretty good ones, + because he’s a member of parliament.’ + </p> + <p> + Inexperienced as he was, Nicholas did not feel quite assured of the force + of this reasoning, or the justice of this conclusion; but without + troubling himself to question it, he took down the address, and resolved + to wait upon Mr. Gregsbury without delay. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what the number is,’ said Tom; ‘but Manchester Buildings + isn’t a large place; and if the worst comes to the worst it won’t take you + very long to knock at all the doors on both sides of the way till you find + him out. I say, what a good-looking gal that was, wasn’t she?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What girl?’ demanded Nicholas, sternly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes. I know—what gal, eh?’ whispered Tom, shutting one eye, and + cocking his chin in the air. ‘You didn’t see her, you didn’t—I say, + don’t you wish you was me, when she comes tomorrow morning?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas looked at the ugly clerk, as if he had a mind to reward his + admiration of the young lady by beating the ledger about his ears, but he + refrained, and strode haughtily out of the office; setting at defiance, in + his indignation, those ancient laws of chivalry, which not only made it + proper and lawful for all good knights to hear the praise of the ladies to + whom they were devoted, but rendered it incumbent upon them to roam about + the world, and knock at head all such matter-of-fact and un-poetical + characters, as declined to exalt, above all the earth, damsels whom they + had never chanced to look upon or hear of—as if that were any + excuse! + </p> + <p> + Thinking no longer of his own misfortunes, but wondering what could be + those of the beautiful girl he had seen, Nicholas, with many wrong turns, + and many inquiries, and almost as many misdirections, bent his steps + towards the place whither he had been directed. + </p> + <p> + Within the precincts of the ancient city of Westminster, and within half a + quarter of a mile of its ancient sanctuary, is a narrow and dirty region, + the sanctuary of the smaller members of Parliament in modern days. It is + all comprised in one street of gloomy lodging-houses, from whose windows, + in vacation-time, there frown long melancholy rows of bills, which say, as + plainly as did the countenances of their occupiers, ranged on ministerial + and opposition benches in the session which slumbers with its fathers, ‘To + Let’, ‘To Let’. In busier periods of the year these bills disappear, and + the houses swarm with legislators. There are legislators in the parlours, + in the first floor, in the second, in the third, in the garrets; the small + apartments reek with the breath of deputations and delegates. In damp + weather, the place is rendered close, by the steams of moist acts of + parliament and frouzy petitions; general postmen grow faint as they enter + its infected limits, and shabby figures in quest of franks, flit + restlessly to and fro like the troubled ghosts of Complete Letter-writers + departed. This is Manchester Buildings; and here, at all hours of the + night, may be heard the rattling of latch-keys in their respective + keyholes: with now and then—when a gust of wind sweeping across the + water which washes the Buildings’ feet, impels the sound towards its + entrance—the weak, shrill voice of some young member practising + tomorrow’s speech. All the livelong day, there is a grinding of organs and + clashing and clanging of little boxes of music; for Manchester Buildings + is an eel-pot, which has no outlet but its awkward mouth—a + case-bottle which has no thoroughfare, and a short and narrow neck—and + in this respect it may be typical of the fate of some few among its more + adventurous residents, who, after wriggling themselves into Parliament by + violent efforts and contortions, find that it, too, is no thoroughfare for + them; that, like Manchester Buildings, it leads to nothing beyond itself; + and that they are fain at last to back out, no wiser, no richer, not one + whit more famous, than they went in. + </p> + <p> + Into Manchester Buildings Nicholas turned, with the address of the great + Mr. Gregsbury in his hand. As there was a stream of people pouring into a + shabby house not far from the entrance, he waited until they had made + their way in, and then making up to the servant, ventured to inquire if he + knew where Mr. Gregsbury lived. + </p> + <p> + The servant was a very pale, shabby boy, who looked as if he had slept + underground from his infancy, as very likely he had. ‘Mr. Gregsbury?’ said + he; ‘Mr. Gregsbury lodges here. It’s all right. Come in!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas thought he might as well get in while he could, so in he walked; + and he had no sooner done so, than the boy shut the door, and made off. + </p> + <p> + This was odd enough: but what was more embarrassing was, that all along + the passage, and all along the narrow stairs, blocking up the window, and + making the dark entry darker still, was a confused crowd of persons with + great importance depicted in their looks; who were, to all appearance, + waiting in silent expectation of some coming event. From time to time, one + man would whisper to his neighbour, or a little group would whisper together, + and then the whisperers would nod fiercely to each other, or give their + heads a relentless shake, as if they were bent upon doing something very + desperate, and were determined not to be put off, whatever happened. + </p> + <p> + As a few minutes elapsed without anything occurring to explain this + phenomenon, and as he felt his own position a peculiarly uncomfortable + one, Nicholas was on the point of seeking some information from the man + next him, when a sudden move was visible on the stairs, and a voice was + heard to cry, ‘Now, gentleman, have the goodness to walk up!’ + </p> + <p> + So far from walking up, the gentlemen on the stairs began to walk down + with great alacrity, and to entreat, with extraordinary politeness, that + the gentlemen nearest the street would go first; the gentlemen nearest the + street retorted, with equal courtesy, that they couldn’t think of such a + thing on any account; but they did it, without thinking of it, inasmuch as + the other gentlemen pressing some half-dozen (among whom was Nicholas) + forward, and closing up behind, pushed them, not merely up the stairs, but + into the very sitting-room of Mr. Gregsbury, which they were thus compelled + to enter with most unseemly precipitation, and without the means of + retreat; the press behind them, more than filling the apartment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentlemen,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, ‘you are welcome. I am rejoiced to see + you.’ + </p> + <p> + For a gentleman who was rejoiced to see a body of visitors, Mr. Gregsbury + looked as uncomfortable as might be; but perhaps this was occasioned by + senatorial gravity, and a statesmanlike habit of keeping his feelings + under control. He was a tough, burly, thick-headed gentleman, with a loud + voice, a pompous manner, a tolerable command of sentences with no meaning + in them, and, in short, every requisite for a very good member indeed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, gentlemen,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, tossing a great bundle of papers into + a wicker basket at his feet, and throwing himself back in his chair with + his arms over the elbows, ‘you are dissatisfied with my conduct, I see by + the newspapers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, Mr. Gregsbury, we are,’ said a plump old gentleman in a violent heat, + bursting out of the throng, and planting himself in the front. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do my eyes deceive me,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, looking towards the speaker, + ‘or is that my old friend Pugstyles?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am that man, and no other, sir,’ replied the plump old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Give me your hand, my worthy friend,’ said Mr. Gregsbury. ‘Pugstyles, my + dear friend, I am very sorry to see you here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry to be here, sir,’ said Mr. Pugstyles; ‘but your conduct, + Mr. Gregsbury, has rendered this deputation from your constituents + imperatively necessary.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My conduct, Pugstyles,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, looking round upon the + deputation with gracious magnanimity—‘my conduct has been, and ever + will be, regulated by a sincere regard for the true and real interests of + this great and happy country. Whether I look at home, or abroad; whether I + behold the peaceful industrious communities of our island home: her rivers + covered with steamboats, her roads with locomotives, her streets with + cabs, her skies with balloons of a power and magnitude hitherto unknown in + the history of aeronautics in this or any other nation—I say, + whether I look merely at home, or, stretching my eyes farther, contemplate + the boundless prospect of conquest and possession—achieved by + British perseverance and British valour—which is outspread before + me, I clasp my hands, and turning my eyes to the broad expanse above my + head, exclaim, “Thank Heaven, I am a Briton!”’ + </p> + <p> + The time had been, when this burst of enthusiasm would have been cheered + to the very echo; but now, the deputation received it with chilling + coldness. The general impression seemed to be, that as an explanation of + Mr. Gregsbury’s political conduct, it did not enter quite enough into + detail; and one gentleman in the rear did not scruple to remark aloud, + that, for his purpose, it savoured rather too much of a ‘gammon’ tendency. + </p> + <p> + ‘The meaning of that term—gammon,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, ‘is unknown to + me. If it means that I grow a little too fervid, or perhaps even + hyperbolical, in extolling my native land, I admit the full justice of the + remark. I <i>am</i> proud of this free and happy country. My form dilates, my eye + glistens, my breast heaves, my heart swells, my bosom burns, when I call + to mind her greatness and her glory.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We wish, sir,’ remarked Mr. Pugstyles, calmly, ‘to ask you a few + questions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you please, gentlemen; my time is yours—and my country’s—and + my country’s—’ said Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + This permission being conceded, Mr. Pugstyles put on his spectacles, and + referred to a written paper which he drew from his pocket; whereupon + nearly every other member of the deputation pulled a written paper from + <i>his </i>pocket, to check Mr. Pugstyles off, as he read the questions. + </p> + <p> + This done, Mr. Pugstyles proceeded to business. + </p> + <p> + ‘Question number one.—Whether, sir, you did not give a voluntary + pledge previous to your election, that in event of your being returned, + you would immediately put down the practice of coughing and groaning in + the House of Commons. And whether you did not submit to be coughed and + groaned down in the very first debate of the session, and have since made + no effort to effect a reform in this respect? Whether you did not also + pledge yourself to astonish the government, and make them shrink in their + shoes? And whether you have astonished them, and made them shrink in their + shoes, or not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on to the next one, my dear Pugstyles,’ said Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you any explanation to offer with reference to that question, sir?’ + asked Mr. Pugstyles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ said Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + The members of the deputation looked fiercely at each other, and + afterwards at the member. ‘Dear Pugstyles’ having taken a very long stare + at Mr. Gregsbury over the tops of his spectacles, resumed his list of + inquiries. + </p> + <p> + ‘Question number two.—Whether, sir, you did not likewise give a + voluntary pledge that you would support your colleague on every occasion; + and whether you did not, the night before last, desert him and vote upon + the other side, because the wife of a leader on that other side had + invited Mrs. Gregsbury to an evening party?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on,’ said Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing to say on that, either, sir?’ asked the spokesman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing whatever,’ replied Mr. Gregsbury. The deputation, who had only + seen him at canvassing or election time, were struck dumb by his coolness. + He didn’t appear like the same man; then he was all milk and honey; now he + was all starch and vinegar. But men <i>are </i>so different at different times! + </p> + <p> + ‘Question number three—and last,’ said Mr. Pugstyles, emphatically. + ‘Whether, sir, you did not state upon the hustings, that it was your firm + and determined intention to oppose everything proposed; to divide the + house upon every question, to move for returns on every subject, to place + a motion on the books every day, and, in short, in your own memorable + words, to play the very devil with everything and everybody?’ With this + comprehensive inquiry, Mr. Pugstyles folded up his list of questions, as + did all his backers. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gregsbury reflected, blew his nose, threw himself further back in his + chair, came forward again, leaning his elbows on the table, made a + triangle with his two thumbs and his two forefingers, and tapping his nose + with the apex thereof, replied (smiling as he said it), ‘I deny + everything.’ + </p> + <p> + At this unexpected answer, a hoarse murmur arose from the deputation; and + the same gentleman who had expressed an opinion relative to the gammoning + nature of the introductory speech, again made a monosyllabic + demonstration, by growling out ‘Resign!’ Which growl being taken up by his + fellows, swelled into a very earnest and general remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am requested, sir, to express a hope,’ said Mr. Pugstyles, with a + distant bow, ‘that on receiving a requisition to that effect from a great + majority of your constituents, you will not object at once to resign your + seat in favour of some candidate whom they think they can better trust.’ + </p> + <p> + To this, Mr. Gregsbury read the following reply, which, anticipating the + request, he had composed in the form of a letter, whereof copies had been + made to send round to the newspapers. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>My Dear Mr Pugstyles,</i> + </p> + <p> + ‘Next to the welfare of our beloved island—this great and free and + happy country, whose powers and resources are, I sincerely believe, + illimitable—I value that noble independence which is an Englishman’s + proudest boast, and which I fondly hope to bequeath to my children, + untarnished and unsullied. Actuated by no personal motives, but moved only + by high and great constitutional considerations; which I will not attempt + to explain, for they are really beneath the comprehension of those who + have not made themselves masters, as I have, of the intricate and arduous + study of politics; I would rather keep my seat, and intend doing so. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you do me the favour to present my compliments to the constituent + body, and acquaint them with this circumstance? + </p> + <p> + ‘With great esteem, ‘My dear Mr. Pugstyles, ‘&c.&c.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you will not resign, under any circumstances?’ asked the spokesman. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gregsbury smiled, and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, good-morning, sir,’ said Pugstyles, angrily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Heaven bless you!’ said Mr. Gregsbury. And the deputation, with many + growls and scowls, filed off as quickly as the narrowness of the staircase + would allow of their getting down. + </p> + <p> + The last man being gone, Mr. Gregsbury rubbed his hands and chuckled, as + merry fellows will, when they think they have said or done a more than + commonly good thing; he was so engrossed in this self-congratulation, that + he did not observe that Nicholas had been left behind in the shadow of the + window-curtains, until that young gentleman, fearing he might otherwise + overhear some soliloquy intended to have no listeners, coughed twice or + thrice, to attract the member’s notice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ said Mr. Gregsbury, in sharp accents. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas stepped forward, and bowed. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you do here, sir?’ asked Mr. Gregsbury; ‘a spy upon my privacy! A + concealed voter! You have heard my answer, sir. Pray follow the + deputation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should have done so, if I had belonged to it, but I do not,’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then how came you here, sir?’ was the natural inquiry of Mr. Gregsbury, + MP. ‘And where the devil have you come from, sir?’ was the question which + followed it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I brought this card from the General Agency Office, sir,’ said Nicholas, + ‘wishing to offer myself as your secretary, and understanding that you + stood in need of one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s all you have come for, is it?’ said Mr. Gregsbury, eyeing him in + some doubt. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas replied in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have no connection with any of those rascally papers have you?’ said + Mr. Gregsbury. ‘You didn’t get into the room, to hear what was going + forward, and put it in print, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no connection, I am sorry to say, with anything at present,’ + rejoined Nicholas,—politely enough, but quite at his ease. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Mr. Gregsbury. ‘How did you find your way up here, then?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas related how he had been forced up by the deputation. + </p> + <p> + ‘That was the way, was it?’ said Mr. Gregsbury. ‘Sit down.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas took a chair, and Mr. Gregsbury stared at him for a long time, as + if to make certain, before he asked any further questions, that there were + no objections to his outward appearance. + </p> + <p> + ‘You want to be my secretary, do you?’ he said at length. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish to be employed in that capacity, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Mr. Gregsbury; ‘now what can you do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose,’ replied Nicholas, smiling, ‘that I can do what usually falls + to the lot of other secretaries.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ inquired Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it?’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! What is it?’ retorted the member, looking shrewdly at him, with his + head on one side. + </p> + <p> + ‘A secretary’s duties are rather difficult to define, perhaps,’ said + Nicholas, considering. ‘They include, I presume, correspondence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good,’ interposed Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + ‘The arrangement of papers and documents?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Occasionally, perhaps, the writing from your dictation; and possibly, + sir,’ said Nicholas, with a half-smile, ‘the copying of your speech for + some public journal, when you have made one of more than usual + importance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ rejoined Mr. Gregsbury. ‘What else?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really,’ said Nicholas, after a moment’s reflection, ‘I am not able, at + this instant, to recapitulate any other duty of a secretary, beyond the + general one of making himself as agreeable and useful to his employer as + he can, consistently with his own respectability, and without overstepping + that line of duties which he undertakes to perform, and which the + designation of his office is usually understood to imply.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gregsbury looked fixedly at Nicholas for a short time, and then + glancing warily round the room, said in a suppressed voice: + </p> + <p> + ‘This is all very well, Mr—what is your name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is all very well, Mr. Nickleby, and very proper, so far as it goes—so + far as it goes, but it doesn’t go far enough. There are other duties, Mr + Nickleby, which a secretary to a parliamentary gentleman must never lose + sight of. I should require to be crammed, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon,’ interposed Nicholas, doubtful whether he had heard + aright. + </p> + <p> + ‘—To be crammed, sir,’ repeated Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + ‘May I beg your pardon again, if I inquire what you mean, sir?’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘My meaning, sir, is perfectly plain,’ replied Mr. Gregsbury with a solemn + aspect. ‘My secretary would have to make himself master of the foreign + policy of the world, as it is mirrored in the newspapers; to run his eye + over all accounts of public meetings, all leading articles, and accounts + of the proceedings of public bodies; and to make notes of anything which + it appeared to him might be made a point of, in any little speech upon the + question of some petition lying on the table, or anything of that kind. Do + you understand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I do, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, ‘it would be necessary for him to make himself + acquainted, from day to day, with newspaper paragraphs on passing events; + such as “Mysterious disappearance, and supposed suicide of a potboy,” or + anything of that sort, upon which I might found a question to the + Secretary of State for the Home Department. Then, he would have to copy + the question, and as much as I remembered of the answer (including a + little compliment about independence and good sense); and to send the + manuscript in a frank to the local paper, with perhaps half-a-dozen lines + of leader, to the effect, that I was always to be found in my place in + parliament, and never shrunk from the responsible and arduous duties, and + so forth. You see?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bowed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides which,’ continued Mr. Gregsbury, ‘I should expect him, now and + then, to go through a few figures in the printed tables, and to pick out a + few results, so that I might come out pretty well on timber duty + questions, and finance questions, and so on; and I should like him to get + up a few little arguments about the disastrous effects of a return to cash + payments and a metallic currency, with a touch now and then about the + exportation of bullion, and the Emperor of Russia, and bank notes, and all + that kind of thing, which it’s only necessary to talk fluently about, + because nobody understands it. Do you take me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I understand,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘With regard to such questions as are not political,’ continued Mr + Gregsbury, warming; ‘and which one can’t be expected to care a curse + about, beyond the natural care of not allowing inferior people to be as + well off as ourselves—else where are our privileges?—I should + wish my secretary to get together a few little flourishing speeches, of a + patriotic cast. For instance, if any preposterous bill were brought + forward, for giving poor grubbing devils of authors a right to their own + property, I should like to say, that I for one would never consent to + opposing an insurmountable bar to the diffusion of literature among <i>the + people</i>,—you understand?—that the creations of the pocket, + being man’s, might belong to one man, or one family; but that the + creations of the brain, being God’s, ought as a matter of course to belong + to the people at large—and if I was pleasantly disposed, I should + like to make a joke about posterity, and say that those who wrote for + posterity should be content to be rewarded by the approbation <i>of</i> + posterity; it might take with the house, and could never do me any harm, + because posterity can’t be expected to know anything about me or my jokes + either—do you see?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see that, sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You must always bear in mind, in such cases as this, where our interests + are not affected,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, ‘to put it very strong about the + people, because it comes out very well at election-time; and you could be + as funny as you liked about the authors; because I believe the greater + part of them live in lodgings, and are not voters. This is a hasty outline + of the chief things you’d have to do, except waiting in the lobby every + night, in case I forgot anything, and should want fresh cramming; and, now + and then, during great debates, sitting in the front row of the gallery, + and saying to the people about—‘You see that gentleman, with his + hand to his face, and his arm twisted round the pillar—that’s Mr + Gregsbury—the celebrated Mr. Gregsbury,’—with any other little + eulogium that might strike you at the moment. And for salary,’ said Mr + Gregsbury, winding up with great rapidity; for he was out of breath—‘and + for salary, I don’t mind saying at once in round numbers, to prevent any + dissatisfaction—though it’s more than I’ve been accustomed to give—fifteen + shillings a week, and find yourself. There!’ + </p> + <p> + With this handsome offer, Mr. Gregsbury once more threw himself back in his + chair, and looked like a man who had been most profligately liberal, but + is determined not to repent of it notwithstanding. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fifteen shillings a week is not much,’ said Nicholas, mildly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not much! Fifteen shillings a week not much, young man?’ cried Mr + Gregsbury. ‘Fifteen shillings a—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray do not suppose that I quarrel with the sum, sir,’ replied Nicholas; + ‘for I am not ashamed to confess, that whatever it may be in itself, to me + it is a great deal. But the duties and responsibilities make the + recompense small, and they are so very heavy that I fear to undertake + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you decline to undertake them, sir?’ inquired Mr. Gregsbury, with his + hand on the bell-rope. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear they are too great for my powers, however good my will may be, + sir,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is as much as to say that you had rather not accept the place, and + that you consider fifteen shillings a week too little,’ said Mr. Gregsbury, + ringing. ‘Do you decline it, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no alternative but to do so,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Door, Matthews!’ said Mr. Gregsbury, as the boy appeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry I have troubled you unnecessarily, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sorry you have,’ rejoined Mr. Gregsbury, turning his back upon him. + ‘Door, Matthews!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-morning, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Door, Matthews!’ cried Mr. Gregsbury. + </p> + <p> + The boy beckoned Nicholas, and tumbling lazily downstairs before him, + opened the door, and ushered him into the street. With a sad and pensive + air, he retraced his steps homewards. + </p> + <p> + Smike had scraped a meal together from the remnant of last night’s supper, + and was anxiously awaiting his return. The occurrences of the morning had + not improved Nicholas’s appetite, and, by him, the dinner remained + untasted. He was sitting in a thoughtful attitude, with the plate which + the poor fellow had assiduously filled with the choicest morsels, + untouched, by his side, when Newman Noggs looked into the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come back?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, ‘tired to death: and, what is worse, might have + remained at home for all the good I have done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Couldn’t expect to do much in one morning,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Maybe so, but I am sanguine, and did expect,’ said Nicholas, ‘and am + proportionately disappointed.’ Saying which, he gave Newman an account of + his proceedings. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I could do anything,’ said Nicholas, ‘anything, however slight, until + Ralph Nickleby returns, and I have eased my mind by confronting him, I + should feel happier. I should think it no disgrace to work, Heaven knows. + Lying indolently here, like a half-tamed sullen beast, distracts me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said Newman; ‘small things offer—they would pay the + rent, and more—but you wouldn’t like them; no, you could hardly be + expected to undergo it—no, no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What could I hardly be expected to undergo?’ asked Nicholas, raising his + eyes. ‘Show me, in this wide waste of London, any honest means by which I + could even defray the weekly hire of this poor room, and see if I shrink + from resorting to them! Undergo! I have undergone too much, my friend, to + feel pride or squeamishness now. Except—’ added Nicholas hastily, + after a short silence, ‘except such squeamishness as is common honesty, + and so much pride as constitutes self-respect. I see little to choose, + between assistant to a brutal pedagogue, and toad-eater to a mean and + ignorant upstart, be he member or no member.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hardly know whether I should tell you what I heard this morning, or + not,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has it reference to what you said just now?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘It has.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then in Heaven’s name, my good friend, tell it me,’ said Nicholas. ‘For + God’s sake consider my deplorable condition; and, while I promise to take + no step without taking counsel with you, give me, at least, a vote in my + own behalf.’ + </p> + <p> + Moved by this entreaty, Newman stammered forth a variety of most + unaccountable and entangled sentences, the upshot of which was, that Mrs + Kenwigs had examined him, at great length that morning, touching the + origin of his acquaintance with, and the whole life, adventures, and + pedigree of, Nicholas; that Newman had parried these questions as long as + he could, but being, at length, hard pressed and driven into a corner, had + gone so far as to admit, that Nicholas was a tutor of great + accomplishments, involved in some misfortunes which he was not at liberty + to explain, and bearing the name of Johnson. That Mrs. Kenwigs, impelled by + gratitude, or ambition, or maternal pride, or maternal love, or all four + powerful motives conjointly, had taken secret conference with Mr. Kenwigs, + and had finally returned to propose that Mr. Johnson should instruct the + four Miss Kenwigses in the French language as spoken by natives, at the + weekly stipend of five shillings, current coin of the realm; being at the + rate of one shilling per week, per each Miss Kenwigs, and one shilling + over, until such time as the baby might be able to take it out in grammar. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which, unless I am very much mistaken,’ observed Mrs. Kenwigs in making + the proposition, ‘will not be very long; for such clever children, Mr + Noggs, never were born into this world, I do believe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Newman, ‘that’s all. It’s beneath you, I know; but I thought + that perhaps you might—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Might!’ cried Nicholas, with great alacrity; ‘of course I shall. I accept + the offer at once. Tell the worthy mother so, without delay, my dear + fellow; and that I am ready to begin whenever she pleases.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman hastened, with joyful steps, to inform Mrs. Kenwigs of his friend’s + acquiescence, and soon returning, brought back word that they would be + happy to see him in the first floor as soon as convenient; that Mrs + Kenwigs had, upon the instant, sent out to secure a second-hand French + grammar and dialogues, which had long been fluttering in the sixpenny box + at the bookstall round the corner; and that the family, highly excited at + the prospect of this addition to their gentility, wished the initiatory + lesson to come off immediately. + </p> + <p> + And here it may be observed, that Nicholas was not, in the ordinary sense + of the word, a young man of high spirit. He would resent an affront to + himself, or interpose to redress a wrong offered to another, as boldly and + freely as any knight that ever set lance in rest; but he lacked that + peculiar excess of coolness and great-minded selfishness, which invariably + distinguish gentlemen of high spirit. In truth, for our own part, we are + disposed to look upon such gentleman as being rather incumbrances than + otherwise in rising families: happening to be acquainted with several + whose spirit prevents their settling down to any grovelling occupation, + and only displays itself in a tendency to cultivate moustachios, and look + fierce; and although moustachios and ferocity are both very pretty things + in their way, and very much to be commended, we confess to a desire to see + them bred at the owner’s proper cost, rather than at the expense of + low-spirited people. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, therefore, not being a high-spirited young man according to + common parlance, and deeming it a greater degradation to borrow, for the + supply of his necessities, from Newman Noggs, than to teach French to the + little Kenwigses for five shillings a week, accepted the offer with the + alacrity already described, and betook himself to the first floor with all + convenient speed. + </p> + <p> + Here, he was received by Mrs. Kenwigs with a genteel air, kindly intended + to assure him of her protection and support; and here, too, he found Mr + Lillyvick and Miss Petowker; the four Miss Kenwigses on their form of + audience; and the baby in a dwarf porter’s chair with a deal tray before + it, amusing himself with a toy horse without a head; the said horse being + composed of a small wooden cylinder, not unlike an Italian iron, supported + on four crooked pegs, and painted in ingenious resemblance of red wafers + set in blacking. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you do, Mr. Johnson?’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. ‘Uncle—Mr. Johnson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you do, sir?’ said Mr. Lillyvick—rather sharply; for he had + not known what Nicholas was, on the previous night, and it was rather an + aggravating circumstance if a tax collector had been too polite to a + teacher. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Johnson is engaged as private master to the children, uncle,’ said Mrs + Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘So you said just now, my dear,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I hope,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, drawing herself up, ‘that that will not + make them proud; but that they will bless their own good fortune, which + has born them superior to common people’s children. Do you hear, + Morleena?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, ma,’ replied Miss Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘And when you go out in the streets, or elsewhere, I desire that you don’t + boast of it to the other children,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs; ‘and that if you + must say anything about it, you don’t say no more than “We’ve got a + private master comes to teach us at home, but we ain’t proud, because ma + says it’s sinful.” Do you hear, Morleena?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, ma,’ replied Miss Kenwigs again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then mind you recollect, and do as I tell you,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. ‘Shall + Mr. Johnson begin, uncle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ready to hear, if Mr. Johnson is ready to commence, my dear,’ said + the collector, assuming the air of a profound critic. ‘What sort of + language do you consider French, sir?’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0242m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0242m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/01242.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘How do you mean?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you consider it a good language, sir?’ said the collector; ‘a pretty + language, a sensible language?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A pretty language, certainly,’ replied Nicholas; ‘and as it has a name + for everything, and admits of elegant conversation about everything, I + presume it is a sensible one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, doubtfully. ‘Do you call it a cheerful + language, now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I should say it was, certainly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very much changed since my time, then,’ said the collector, ‘very + much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it a dismal one in your time?’ asked Nicholas, scarcely able to + repress a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, with some vehemence of manner. ‘It’s the war + time that I speak of; the last war. It may be a cheerful language. I + should be sorry to contradict anybody; but I can only say that I’ve heard + the French prisoners, who were natives, and ought to know how to speak it, + talking in such a dismal manner, that it made one miserable to hear them. + Ay, that I have, fifty times, sir—fifty times!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lillyvick was waxing so cross, that Mrs. Kenwigs thought it expedient to + motion to Nicholas not to say anything; and it was not until Miss Petowker + had practised several blandishments, to soften the excellent old + gentleman, that he deigned to break silence by asking, + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the water in French, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>L’eau</i>,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Mr. Lillyvick, shaking his head mournfully, ‘I thought as much. + Lo, eh? I don’t think anything of that language—nothing at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose the children may begin, uncle?’ said Mrs. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes; they may begin, my dear,’ replied the collector, discontentedly. + ‘I have no wish to prevent them.’ + </p> + <p> + This permission being conceded, the four Miss Kenwigses sat in a row, with + their tails all one way, and Morleena at the top: while Nicholas, taking + the book, began his preliminary explanations. Miss Petowker and Mrs + Kenwigs looked on, in silent admiration, broken only by the whispered + assurances of the latter, that Morleena would have it all by heart in no + time; and Mr. Lillyvick regarded the group with frowning and attentive + eyes, lying in wait for something upon which he could open a fresh + discussion on the language. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 17 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span> + <i>ollows the Fortunes of Miss Nickleby</i> + </p> +<p>It was with a heavy heart, and many sad forebodings which no effort could + banish, that Kate Nickleby, on the morning appointed for the commencement + of her engagement with Madame Mantalini, left the city when its clocks yet + wanted a quarter of an hour of eight, and threaded her way alone, amid the + noise and bustle of the streets, towards the west end of London. + </p> + <p> + At this early hour many sickly girls, whose business, like that of the + poor worm, is to produce, with patient toil, the finery that bedecks the + thoughtless and luxurious, traverse our streets, making towards the scene + of their daily labour, and catching, as if by stealth, in their hurried + walk, the only gasp of wholesome air and glimpse of sunlight which cheer + their monotonous existence during the long train of hours that make a + working day. As she drew nigh to the more fashionable quarter of the town, + Kate marked many of this class as they passed by, hurrying like herself to + their painful occupation, and saw, in their unhealthy looks and feeble + gait, but too clear an evidence that her misgivings were not wholly + groundless. + </p> + <p> + She arrived at Madame Mantalini’s some minutes before the appointed hour, + and after walking a few times up and down, in the hope that some other + female might arrive and spare her the embarrassment of stating her + business to the servant, knocked timidly at the door: which, after some + delay, was opened by the footman, who had been putting on his striped + jacket as he came upstairs, and was now intent on fastening his apron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is Madame Mantalini in?’ faltered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not often out at this time, miss,’ replied the man in a tone which + rendered “Miss,” something more offensive than “My dear.” + </p> + <p> + ‘Can I see her?’ asked Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh?’ replied the man, holding the door in his hand, and honouring the + inquirer with a stare and a broad grin, ‘Lord, no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I came by her own appointment,’ said Kate; ‘I am—I am—to be + employed here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you should have rung the worker’s bell,’ said the footman, touching + the handle of one in the door-post. ‘Let me see, though, I forgot—Miss + Nickleby, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re to walk upstairs then, please,’ said the man. ‘Madame Mantalini + wants to see you—this way—take care of these things on the + floor.’ + </p> + <p> + Cautioning her, in these terms, not to trip over a heterogeneous litter of + pastry-cook’s trays, lamps, waiters full of glasses, and piles of rout + seats which were strewn about the hall, plainly bespeaking a late party on + the previous night, the man led the way to the second story, and ushered + Kate into a back-room, communicating by folding-doors with the apartment + in which she had first seen the mistress of the establishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you’ll wait here a minute,’ said the man, ‘I’ll tell her presently.’ + Having made this promise with much affability, he retired and left Kate + alone. + </p> + <p> + There was not much to amuse in the room; of which the most attractive + feature was, a half-length portrait in oil, of Mr. Mantalini, whom the + artist had depicted scratching his head in an easy manner, and thus + displaying to advantage a diamond ring, the gift of Madame Mantalini + before her marriage. There was, however, the sound of voices in + conversation in the next room; and as the conversation was loud and the + partition thin, Kate could not help discovering that they belonged to Mr + and Mrs. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will be odiously, demnebly, outr_i_geously jealous, my soul,’ said + Mr. Mantalini, ‘you will be very miserable—horrid miserable—demnition + miserable.’ And then, there was a sound as though Mr. Mantalini were + sipping his coffee. + </p> + <p> + ‘I <i>am</i> miserable,’ returned Madame Mantalini, evidently pouting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you are an ungrateful, unworthy, demd unthankful little fairy,’ said + Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not,’ returned Madame, with a sob. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not put itself out of humour,’ said Mr. Mantalini, breaking an egg. ‘It + is a pretty, bewitching little demd countenance, and it should not be out + of humour, for it spoils its loveliness, and makes it cross and gloomy + like a frightful, naughty, demd hobgoblin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not to be brought round in that way, always,’ rejoined Madame, + sulkily. + </p> + <p> + ‘It shall be brought round in any way it likes best, and not brought round + at all if it likes that better,’ retorted Mr. Mantalini, with his egg-spoon + in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very easy to talk,’ said Mrs. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so easy when one is eating a demnition egg,’ replied Mr. Mantalini; + ‘for the yolk runs down the waistcoat, and yolk of egg does not match any + waistcoat but a yellow waistcoat, demmit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were flirting with her during the whole night,’ said Madame + Mantalini, apparently desirous to lead the conversation back to the point + from which it had strayed. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, my life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were,’ said Madame; ‘I had my eye upon you all the time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless the little winking twinkling eye; was it on me all the time!’ cried + Mantalini, in a sort of lazy rapture. ‘Oh, demmit!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I say once more,’ resumed Madame, ‘that you ought not to waltz with + anybody but your own wife; and I will not bear it, Mantalini, if I take + poison first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She will not take poison and have horrid pains, will she?’ said + Mantalini; who, by the altered sound of his voice, seemed to have moved + his chair, and taken up his position nearer to his wife. ‘She will not + take poison, because she had a demd fine husband who might have married + two countesses and a dowager—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two countesses,’ interposed Madame. ‘You told me one before!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two!’ cried Mantalini. ‘Two demd fine women, real countesses and splendid + fortunes, demmit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And why didn’t you?’ asked Madame, playfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why didn’t I!’ replied her husband. ‘Had I not seen, at a morning + concert, the demdest little fascinator in all the world, and while that + little fascinator is my wife, may not all the countesses and dowagers in + England be—’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini did not finish the sentence, but he gave Madame Mantalini a + very loud kiss, which Madame Mantalini returned; after which, there seemed + to be some more kissing mixed up with the progress of the breakfast. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what about the cash, my existence’s jewel?’ said Mantalini, when + these endearments ceased. ‘How much have we in hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very little indeed,’ replied Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘We must have some more,’ said Mantalini; ‘we must have some discount out + of old Nickleby to carry on the war with, demmit.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can’t want any more just now,’ said Madame coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘My life and soul,’ returned her husband, ‘there is a horse for sale at + Scrubbs’s, which it would be a sin and a crime to lose—going, my + senses’ joy, for nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For nothing,’ cried Madame, ‘I am glad of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For actually nothing,’ replied Mantalini. ‘A hundred guineas down will + buy him; mane, and crest, and legs, and tail, all of the demdest beauty. I + will ride him in the park before the very chariots of the rejected + countesses. The demd old dowager will faint with grief and rage; the other + two will say “He is married, he has made away with himself, it is a demd + thing, it is all up!” They will hate each other demnebly, and wish you + dead and buried. Ha! ha! Demmit.’ + </p> + <p> + Madame Mantalini’s prudence, if she had any, was not proof against these + triumphal pictures; after a little jingling of keys, she observed that she + would see what her desk contained, and rising for that purpose, opened the + folding-door, and walked into the room where Kate was seated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, child!’ exclaimed Madame Mantalini, recoiling in surprise. ‘How + came you here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Child!’ cried Mantalini, hurrying in. ‘How came—eh!—oh—demmit, + how d’ye do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been waiting, here some time, ma’am,’ said Kate, addressing Madame + Mantalini. ‘The servant must have forgotten to let you know that I was + here, I think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You really must see to that man,’ said Madame, turning to her husband. + ‘He forgets everything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will twist his demd nose off his countenance for leaving such a very + pretty creature all alone by herself,’ said her husband. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mantalini,’ cried Madame, ‘you forget yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t forget you, my soul, and never shall, and never can,’ said + Mantalini, kissing his wife’s hand, and grimacing aside, to Miss Nickleby, + who turned away. + </p> + <p> + Appeased by this compliment, the lady of the business took some papers + from her desk which she handed over to Mr. Mantalini, who received them + with great delight. She then requested Kate to follow her, and after + several feints on the part of Mr. Mantalini to attract the young lady’s + attention, they went away: leaving that gentleman extended at full length + on the sofa, with his heels in the air and a newspaper in his hand. + </p> + <p> + Madame Mantalini led the way down a flight of stairs, and through a + passage, to a large room at the back of the premises where were a number + of young women employed in sewing, cutting out, making up, altering, and + various other processes known only to those who are cunning in the arts of + millinery and dressmaking. It was a close room with a skylight, and as + dull and quiet as a room need be. + </p> + <p> + On Madame Mantalini calling aloud for Miss Knag, a short, bustling, + over-dressed female, full of importance, presented herself, and all the + young ladies suspending their operations for the moment, whispered to each + other sundry criticisms upon the make and texture of Miss Nickleby’s + dress, her complexion, cast of features, and personal appearance, with as + much good breeding as could have been displayed by the very best society + in a crowded ball-room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Miss Knag,’ said Madame Mantalini, ‘this is the young person I spoke + to you about.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0248m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0248m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0248.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Miss Knag bestowed a reverential smile upon Madame Mantalini, which she + dexterously transformed into a gracious one for Kate, and said that + certainly, although it was a great deal of trouble to have young people + who were wholly unused to the business, still, she was sure the young + person would try to do her best—impressed with which conviction she + (Miss Knag) felt an interest in her, already. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think that, for the present at all events, it will be better for Miss + Nickleby to come into the show-room with you, and try things on for + people,’ said Madame Mantalini. ‘She will not be able for the present to + be of much use in any other way; and her appearance will—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suit very well with mine, Madame Mantalini,’ interrupted Miss Knag. ‘So + it will; and to be sure I might have known that you would not be long in + finding that out; for you have so much taste in all those matters, that + really, as I often say to the young ladies, I do not know how, when, or + where, you possibly could have acquired all you know—hem—Miss + Nickleby and I are quite a pair, Madame Mantalini, only I am a little + darker than Miss Nickleby, and—hem—I think my foot may be a + little smaller. Miss Nickleby, I am sure, will not be offended at my + saying that, when she hears that our family always have been celebrated + for small feet ever since—hem—ever since our family had any + feet at all, indeed, I think. I had an uncle once, Madame Mantalini, who + lived in Cheltenham, and had a most excellent business as a tobacconist—hem—who + had such small feet, that they were no bigger than those which are usually + joined to wooden legs—the most symmetrical feet, Madame Mantalini, + that even you can imagine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They must have had something of the appearance of club feet, Miss Knag,’ + said Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well now, that is so like you,’ returned Miss Knag, ‘Ha! ha! ha! Of club + feet! Oh very good! As I often remark to the young ladies, “Well I must + say, and I do not care who knows it, of all the ready humour—hem—I + ever heard anywhere”—and I have heard a good deal; for when my dear + brother was alive (I kept house for him, Miss Nickleby), we had to supper + once a week two or three young men, highly celebrated in those days for + their humour, Madame Mantalini—“Of all the ready humour,” I say to + the young ladies, “I ever heard, Madame Mantalini’s is the most remarkable—hem. + It is so gentle, so sarcastic, and yet so good-natured (as I was observing + to Miss Simmonds only this morning), that how, or when, or by what means + she acquired it, is to me a mystery indeed.”’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Knag paused to take breath, and while she pauses it may be + observed—not that she was marvellously loquacious and marvellously + deferential to Madame Mantalini, since these are facts which require no + comment; but that every now and then, she was accustomed, in the torrent + of her discourse, to introduce a loud, shrill, clear ‘hem!’ the import and + meaning of which, was variously interpreted by her acquaintance; some + holding that Miss Knag dealt in exaggeration, and introduced the + monosyllable when any fresh invention was in course of coinage in her + brain; others, that when she wanted a word, she threw it in to gain time, + and prevent anybody else from striking into the conversation. It may be + further remarked, that Miss Knag still aimed at youth, although she had + shot beyond it, years ago; and that she was weak and vain, and one of + those people who are best described by the axiom, that you may trust them + as far as you can see them, and no farther. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ll take care that Miss Nickleby understands her hours, and so forth,’ + said Madame Mantalini; ‘and so I’ll leave her with you. You’ll not forget + my directions, Miss Knag?’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Knag of course replied, that to forget anything Madame Mantalini had + directed, was a moral impossibility; and that lady, dispensing a general + good-morning among her assistants, sailed away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charming creature, isn’t she, Miss Nickleby?’ said Miss Knag, rubbing her + hands together. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have seen very little of her,’ said Kate. ‘I hardly know yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you seen Mr. Mantalini?’ inquired Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; I have seen him twice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Isn’t <i>he</i> a charming creature?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed he does not strike me as being so, by any means,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my dear!’ cried Miss Knag, elevating her hands. ‘Why, goodness + gracious mercy, where’s your taste? Such a fine tall, full-whiskered + dashing gentlemanly man, with such teeth and hair, and—hem—well + now, you <i>do</i> astonish me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say I am very foolish,’ replied Kate, laying aside her bonnet; + ‘but as my opinion is of very little importance to him or anyone else, I + do not regret having formed it, and shall be slow to change it, I think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a very fine man, don’t you think so?’ asked one of the young + ladies. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed he may be, for anything I could say to the contrary,’ replied + Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘And drives very beautiful horses, doesn’t he?’ inquired another. + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say he may, but I never saw them,’ answered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never saw them!’ interposed Miss Knag. ‘Oh, well! There it is at once you + know; how can you possibly pronounce an opinion about a gentleman—hem—if + you don’t see him as he turns out altogether?’ + </p> + <p> + There was so much of the world—even of the little world of the + country girl—in this idea of the old milliner, that Kate, who was + anxious, for every reason, to change the subject, made no further remark, + and left Miss Knag in possession of the field. + </p> + <p> + After a short silence, during which most of the young people made a closer + inspection of Kate’s appearance, and compared notes respecting it, one of + them offered to help her off with her shawl, and the offer being accepted, + inquired whether she did not find black very uncomfortable wear. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do indeed,’ replied Kate, with a bitter sigh. + </p> + <p> + ‘So dusty and hot,’ observed the same speaker, adjusting her dress for + her. + </p> + <p> + Kate might have said, that mourning is sometimes the coldest wear which + mortals can assume; that it not only chills the breasts of those it + clothes, but extending its influence to summer friends, freezes up their + sources of good-will and kindness, and withering all the buds of promise + they once so liberally put forth, leaves nothing but bared and rotten + hearts exposed. There are few who have lost a friend or relative + constituting in life their sole dependence, who have not keenly felt this + chilling influence of their sable garb. She had felt it acutely, and + feeling it at the moment, could not quite restrain her tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry to have wounded you by my thoughtless speech,’ said her + companion. ‘I did not think of it. You are in mourning for some near + relation?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For my father,’ answered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘For what relation, Miss Simmonds?’ asked Miss Knag, in an audible voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Her father,’ replied the other softly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Her father, eh?’ said Miss Knag, without the slightest depression of her + voice. ‘Ah! A long illness, Miss Simmonds?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush,’ replied the girl; ‘I don’t know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Our misfortune was very sudden,’ said Kate, turning away, ‘or I might + perhaps, at a time like this, be enabled to support it better.’ + </p> + <p> + There had existed not a little desire in the room, according to invariable + custom, when any new ‘young person’ came, to know who Kate was, and what + she was, and all about her; but, although it might have been very + naturally increased by her appearance and emotion, the knowledge that it + pained her to be questioned, was sufficient to repress even this + curiosity; and Miss Knag, finding it hopeless to attempt extracting any + further particulars just then, reluctantly commanded silence, and bade the + work proceed. + </p> + <p> + In silence, then, the tasks were plied until half-past one, when a baked + leg of mutton, with potatoes to correspond, were served in the kitchen. + The meal over, and the young ladies having enjoyed the additional + relaxation of washing their hands, the work began again, and was again + performed in silence, until the noise of carriages rattling through the + streets, and of loud double knocks at doors, gave token that the day’s + work of the more fortunate members of society was proceeding in its turn. + </p> + <p> + One of these double knocks at Madame Mantalini’s door, announced the + equipage of some great lady—or rather rich one, for there is + occasionally a distinction between riches and greatness—who had come + with her daughter to approve of some court-dresses which had been a long + time preparing, and upon whom Kate was deputed to wait, accompanied by + Miss Knag, and officered of course by Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + Kate’s part in the pageant was humble enough, her duties being limited to + holding articles of costume until Miss Knag was ready to try them on, and + now and then tying a string, or fastening a hook-and-eye. She might, not + unreasonably, have supposed herself beneath the reach of any arrogance, or + bad humour; but it happened that the lady and daughter were both out of + temper that day, and the poor girl came in for her share of their + revilings. She was awkward—her hands were cold—dirty—coarse—she + could do nothing right; they wondered how Madame Mantalini could have such + people about her; requested they might see some other young woman the next + time they came; and so forth. + </p> + <p> + So common an occurrence would be hardly deserving of mention, but for its + effect. Kate shed many bitter tears when these people were gone, and felt, + for the first time, humbled by her occupation. She had, it is true, + quailed at the prospect of drudgery and hard service; but she had felt no + degradation in working for her bread, until she found herself exposed to + insolence and pride. Philosophy would have taught her that the degradation + was on the side of those who had sunk so low as to display such passions + habitually, and without cause: but she was too young for such consolation, + and her honest feeling was hurt. May not the complaint, that common people + are above their station, often take its rise in the fact of <i>un</i>common + people being below theirs? + </p> + <p> + In such scenes and occupations the time wore on until nine o’clock, when + Kate, jaded and dispirited with the occurrences of the day, hastened from + the confinement of the workroom, to join her mother at the street corner, + and walk home:—the more sadly, from having to disguise her real + feelings, and feign to participate in all the sanguine visions of her + companion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my soul, Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby; ‘I’ve been thinking all day what + a delightful thing it would be for Madame Mantalini to take you into + partnership—such a likely thing too, you know! Why, your poor dear + papa’s cousin’s sister-in-law—a Miss Browndock—was taken into + partnership by a lady that kept a school at Hammersmith, and made her + fortune in no time at all. I forget, by-the-bye, whether that Miss + Browndock was the same lady that got the ten thousand pounds prize in the + lottery, but I think she was; indeed, now I come to think of it, I am sure + she was. “Mantalini and Nickleby”, how well it would sound!—and if + Nicholas has any good fortune, you might have Doctor Nickleby, the + head-master of Westminster School, living in the same street.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas!’ cried Kate, taking from her reticule her brother’s letter + from Dotheboys Hall. ‘In all our misfortunes, how happy it makes me, mama, + to hear he is doing well, and to find him writing in such good spirits! It + consoles me for all we may undergo, to think that he is comfortable and + happy.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate! she little thought how weak her consolation was, and how soon + she would be undeceived. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 18 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>iss Knag, after doting on Kate Nickleby for three whole Days, makes up + her Mind to hate her for evermore. The Causes which led Miss Knag to form + this Resolution</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + There are many lives of much pain, hardship, and suffering, which, having + no stirring interest for any but those who lead them, are disregarded by + persons who do not want thought or feeling, but who pamper their + compassion and need high stimulants to rouse it. + </p> + <p> + There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their + vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in + theirs; and hence it is that diseased sympathy and compassion are every + day expended on out-of-the-way objects, when only too many demands upon + the legitimate exercise of the same virtues in a healthy state, are + constantly within the sight and hearing of the most unobservant person + alive. In short, charity must have its romance, as the novelist or + playwright must have his. A thief in fustian is a vulgar character, + scarcely to be thought of by persons of refinement; but dress him in green + velvet, with a high-crowned hat, and change the scene of his operations, + from a thickly-peopled city, to a mountain road, and you shall find in him + the very soul of poetry and adventure. So it is with the one great + cardinal virtue, which, properly nourished and exercised, leads to, if it + does not necessarily include, all the others. It must have its romance; + and the less of real, hard, struggling work-a-day life there is in that + romance, the better. + </p> + <p> + The life to which poor Kate Nickleby was devoted, in consequence of the + unforeseen train of circumstances already developed in this narrative, was + a hard one; but lest the very dulness, unhealthy confinement, and bodily + fatigue, which made up its sum and substance, should deprive it of any + interest with the mass of the charitable and sympathetic, I would rather + keep Miss Nickleby herself in view just now, than chill them in the + outset, by a minute and lengthened description of the establishment + presided over by Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, now, indeed, Madame Mantalini,’ said Miss Knag, as Kate was taking + her weary way homewards on the first night of her novitiate; ‘that Miss + Nickleby is a very creditable young person—a very creditable young + person indeed—hem—upon my word, Madame Mantalini, it does very + extraordinary credit even to your discrimination that you should have + found such a very excellent, very well-behaved, very—hem—very + unassuming young woman to assist in the fitting on. I have seen some young + women when they had the opportunity of displaying before their betters, + behave in such a—oh, dear—well—but you’re always right, + Madame Mantalini, always; and as I very often tell the young ladies, how + you do contrive to be always right, when so many people are so often + wrong, is to me a mystery indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beyond putting a very excellent client out of humour, Miss Nickleby has + not done anything very remarkable today—that I am aware of, at + least,’ said Madame Mantalini in reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, dear!’ said Miss Knag; ‘but you must allow a great deal for + inexperience, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And youth?’ inquired Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I say nothing about that, Madame Mantalini,’ replied Miss Knag, + reddening; ‘because if youth were any excuse, you wouldn’t have—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite so good a forewoman as I have, I suppose,’ suggested Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I never did know anybody like you, Madame Mantalini,’ rejoined Miss + Knag most complacently, ‘and that’s the fact, for you know what one’s + going to say, before it has time to rise to one’s lips. Oh, very good! Ha, + ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For myself,’ observed Madame Mantalini, glancing with affected + carelessness at her assistant, and laughing heartily in her sleeve, ‘I + consider Miss Nickleby the most awkward girl I ever saw in my life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor dear thing,’ said Miss Knag, ‘it’s not her fault. If it was, we + might hope to cure it; but as it’s her misfortune, Madame Mantalini, why + really you know, as the man said about the blind horse, we ought to + respect it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her uncle told me she had been considered pretty,’ remarked Madame + Mantalini. ‘I think her one of the most ordinary girls I ever met with.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ordinary!’ cried Miss Knag with a countenance beaming delight; ‘and + awkward! Well, all I can say is, Madame Mantalini, that I quite love the + poor girl; and that if she was twice as indifferent-looking, and twice as + awkward as she is, I should be only so much the more her friend, and + that’s the truth of it.’ + </p> + <p> + In fact, Miss Knag had conceived an incipient affection for Kate Nickleby, + after witnessing her failure that morning, and this short conversation + with her superior increased the favourable prepossession to a most + surprising extent; which was the more remarkable, as when she first + scanned that young lady’s face and figure, she had entertained certain + inward misgivings that they would never agree. + </p> + <p> + ‘But now,’ said Miss Knag, glancing at the reflection of herself in a + mirror at no great distance, ‘I love her—I quite love her—I + declare I do!’ + </p> + <p> + Of such a highly disinterested quality was this devoted friendship, and so + superior was it to the little weaknesses of flattery or ill-nature, that + the kind-hearted Miss Knag candidly informed Kate Nickleby, next day, that + she saw she would never do for the business, but that she need not give + herself the slightest uneasiness on this account, for that she (Miss + Knag), by increased exertions on her own part, would keep her as much as + possible in the background, and that all she would have to do, would be to + remain perfectly quiet before company, and to shrink from attracting + notice by every means in her power. This last suggestion was so much in + accordance with the timid girl’s own feelings and wishes, that she readily + promised implicit reliance on the excellent spinster’s advice: without + questioning, or indeed bestowing a moment’s reflection upon, the motives + that dictated it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I take quite a lively interest in you, my dear soul, upon my word,’ said + Miss Knag; ‘a sister’s interest, actually. It’s the most singular + circumstance I ever knew.’ + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly it was singular, that if Miss Knag did feel a strong interest + in Kate Nickleby, it should not rather have been the interest of a maiden + aunt or grandmother; that being the conclusion to which the difference in + their respective ages would have naturally tended. But Miss Knag wore + clothes of a very youthful pattern, and perhaps her feelings took the same + shape. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless you!’ said Miss Knag, bestowing a kiss upon Kate at the conclusion + of the second day’s work, ‘how very awkward you have been all day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear your kind and open communication, which has rendered me more + painfully conscious of my own defects, has not improved me,’ sighed Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I dare say not,’ rejoined Miss Knag, in a most uncommon flow of + good humour. ‘But how much better that you should know it at first, and so + be able to go on, straight and comfortable! Which way are you walking, my + love?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Towards the city,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘The city!’ cried Miss Knag, regarding herself with great favour in the + glass as she tied her bonnet. ‘Goodness gracious me! now do you really + live in the city?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it so very unusual for anybody to live there?’ asked Kate, half + smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t have believed it possible that any young woman could have + lived there, under any circumstances whatever, for three days together,’ + replied Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Reduced—I should say poor people,’ answered Kate, correcting + herself hastily, for she was afraid of appearing proud, ‘must live where + they can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! very true, so they must; very proper indeed!’ rejoined Miss Knag with + that sort of half-sigh, which, accompanied by two or three slight nods of + the head, is pity’s small change in general society; ‘and that’s what I + very often tell my brother, when our servants go away ill, one after + another, and he thinks the back-kitchen’s rather too damp for ‘em to sleep + in. These sort of people, I tell him, are glad to sleep anywhere! Heaven + suits the back to the burden. What a nice thing it is to think that it + should be so, isn’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll walk with you part of the way, my dear,’ said Miss Knag, ‘for you + must go very near our house; and as it’s quite dark, and our last servant + went to the hospital a week ago, with St Anthony’s fire in her face, I + shall be glad of your company.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate would willingly have excused herself from this flattering + companionship; but Miss Knag having adjusted her bonnet to her entire + satisfaction, took her arm with an air which plainly showed how much she + felt the compliment she was conferring, and they were in the street before + she could say another word. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear,’ said Kate, hesitating, ‘that mama—my mother, I mean—is + waiting for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t make the least apology, my dear,’ said Miss Knag, smiling + sweetly as she spoke; ‘I dare say she is a very respectable old person, + and I shall be quite—hem—quite pleased to know her.’ + </p> + <p> + As poor Mrs. Nickleby was cooling—not her heels alone, but her limbs + generally at the street corner, Kate had no alternative but to make her + known to Miss Knag, who, doing the last new carriage customer at + second-hand, acknowledged the introduction with condescending politeness. + The three then walked away, arm in arm: with Miss Knag in the middle, in a + special state of amiability. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have taken such a fancy to your daughter, Mrs. Nickleby, you can’t + think,’ said Miss Knag, after she had proceeded a little distance in + dignified silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am delighted to hear it,’ said Mrs. Nickleby; ‘though it is nothing new + to me, that even strangers should like Kate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ cried Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will like her better when you know how good she is,’ said Mrs + Nickleby. ‘It is a great blessing to me, in my misfortunes, to have a + child, who knows neither pride nor vanity, and whose bringing-up might + very well have excused a little of both at first. You don’t know what it + is to lose a husband, Miss Knag.’ + </p> + <p> + As Miss Knag had never yet known what it was to gain one, it followed, + very nearly as a matter of course, that she didn’t know what it was to + lose one; so she said, in some haste, ‘No, indeed I don’t,’ and said it + with an air intending to signify that she should like to catch herself + marrying anybody—no, no, she knew better than that. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate has improved even in this little time, I have no doubt,’ said Mrs + Nickleby, glancing proudly at her daughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! of course,’ said Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘And will improve still more,’ added Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘That she will, I’ll be bound,’ replied Miss Knag, squeezing Kate’s arm in + her own, to point the joke. + </p> + <p> + ‘She always was clever,’ said poor Mrs. Nickleby, brightening up, ‘always, + from a baby. I recollect when she was only two years and a half old, that + a gentleman who used to visit very much at our house—Mr. Watkins, you + know, Kate, my dear, that your poor papa went bail for, who afterwards ran + away to the United States, and sent us a pair of snow shoes, with such an + affectionate letter that it made your poor dear father cry for a week. You + remember the letter? In which he said that he was very sorry he couldn’t + repay the fifty pounds just then, because his capital was all out at + interest, and he was very busy making his fortune, but that he didn’t + forget you were his god-daughter, and he should take it very unkind if we + didn’t buy you a silver coral and put it down to his old account? Dear me, + yes, my dear, how stupid you are! and spoke so affectionately of the old + port wine that he used to drink a bottle and a half of every time he came. + You must remember, Kate?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, mama; what of him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that Mr. Watkins, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby slowly, as if she were + making a tremendous effort to recollect something of paramount importance; + ‘that Mr. Watkins—he wasn’t any relation, Miss Knag will understand, + to the Watkins who kept the Old Boar in the village; by-the-bye, I don’t + remember whether it was the Old Boar or the George the Third, but it was + one of the two, I know, and it’s much the same—that Mr. Watkins said, + when you were only two years and a half old, that you were one of the most + astonishing children he ever saw. He did indeed, Miss Knag, and he wasn’t + at all fond of children, and couldn’t have had the slightest motive for + doing it. I know it was he who said so, because I recollect, as well as if + it was only yesterday, his borrowing twenty pounds of her poor dear papa + the very moment afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + Having quoted this extraordinary and most disinterested testimony to her + daughter’s excellence, Mrs. Nickleby stopped to breathe; and Miss Knag, + finding that the discourse was turning upon family greatness, lost no time + in striking in, with a small reminiscence on her own account. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk of lending money, Mrs. Nickleby,’ said Miss Knag, ‘or you’ll + drive me crazy, perfectly crazy. My mama—hem—was the most + lovely and beautiful creature, with the most striking and exquisite—hem—the + most exquisite nose that ever was put upon a human face, I do believe, Mrs + Nickleby (here Miss Knag rubbed her own nose sympathetically); the most + delightful and accomplished woman, perhaps, that ever was seen; but she + had that one failing of lending money, and carried it to such an extent + that she lent—hem—oh! thousands of pounds, all our little + fortunes, and what’s more, Mrs. Nickleby, I don’t think, if we were to live + till—till—hem—till the very end of time, that we should + ever get them back again. I don’t indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + After concluding this effort of invention without being interrupted, Miss + Knag fell into many more recollections, no less interesting than true, the + full tide of which, Mrs. Nickleby in vain attempting to stem, at length + sailed smoothly down by adding an under-current of her own recollections; + and so both ladies went on talking together in perfect contentment; the + only difference between them being, that whereas Miss Knag addressed + herself to Kate, and talked very loud, Mrs. Nickleby kept on in one + unbroken monotonous flow, perfectly satisfied to be talking and caring + very little whether anybody listened or not. + </p> + <p> + In this manner they walked on, very amicably, until they arrived at Miss + Knag’s brother’s, who was an ornamental stationer and small circulating + library keeper, in a by-street off Tottenham Court Road; and who let out + by the day, week, month, or year, the newest old novels, whereof the + titles were displayed in pen-and-ink characters on a sheet of pasteboard, + swinging at his door-post. As Miss Knag happened, at the moment, to be in + the middle of an account of her twenty-second offer from a gentleman of + large property, she insisted upon their all going in to supper together; + and in they went. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t go away, Mortimer,’ said Miss Knag as they entered the shop. ‘It’s + only one of our young ladies and her mother. Mrs. and Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed!’ said Mr. Mortimer Knag. ‘Ah!’ + </p> + <p> + Having given utterance to these ejaculations with a very profound and + thoughtful air, Mr. Knag slowly snuffed two kitchen candles on the counter, + and two more in the window, and then snuffed himself from a box in his + waistcoat pocket. + </p> + <p> + There was something very impressive in the ghostly air with which all this + was done; and as Mr. Knag was a tall lank gentleman of solemn features, + wearing spectacles, and garnished with much less hair than a gentleman + bordering on forty, or thereabouts, usually boasts, Mrs. Nickleby whispered + her daughter that she thought he must be literary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Past ten,’ said Mr. Knag, consulting his watch. ‘Thomas, close the + warehouse.’ + </p> + <p> + Thomas was a boy nearly half as tall as a shutter, and the warehouse was a + shop about the size of three hackney coaches. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Mr. Knag once more, heaving a deep sigh as he restored to its + parent shelf the book he had been reading. ‘Well—yes—I believe + supper is ready, sister.’ + </p> + <p> + With another sigh Mr. Knag took up the kitchen candles from the counter, + and preceded the ladies with mournful steps to a back-parlour, where a + charwoman, employed in the absence of the sick servant, and remunerated + with certain eighteenpences to be deducted from her wages due, was putting + the supper out. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Blockson,’ said Miss Knag, reproachfully, ‘how very often I have + begged you not to come into the room with your bonnet on!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it, Miss Knag,’ said the charwoman, bridling up on the + shortest notice. ‘There’s been a deal o’cleaning to do in this house, and + if you don’t like it, I must trouble you to look out for somebody else, + for it don’t hardly pay me, and that’s the truth, if I was to be hung this + minute.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t want any remarks if <i>you </i>please,’ said Miss Knag, with a strong + emphasis on the personal pronoun. ‘Is there any fire downstairs for some + hot water presently?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No there is not, indeed, Miss Knag,’ replied the substitute; ‘and so I + won’t tell you no stories about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why isn’t there?’ said Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because there arn’t no coals left out, and if I could make coals I would, + but as I can’t I won’t, and so I make bold to tell you, Mem,’ replied Mrs + Blockson. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you hold your tongue—female?’ said Mr. Mortimer Knag, plunging + violently into this dialogue. + </p> + <p> + ‘By your leave, Mr. Knag,’ retorted the charwoman, turning sharp round. + ‘I’m only too glad not to speak in this house, excepting when and where + I’m spoke to, sir; and with regard to being a female, sir, I should wish + to know what you considered yourself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A miserable wretch,’ exclaimed Mr. Knag, striking his forehead. ‘A + miserable wretch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m very glad to find that you don’t call yourself out of your name, + sir,’ said Mrs. Blockson; ‘and as I had two twin children the day before + yesterday was only seven weeks, and my little Charley fell down a airy and + put his elber out, last Monday, I shall take it as a favour if you’ll send + nine shillings, for one week’s work, to my house, afore the clock strikes + ten tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + With these parting words, the good woman quitted the room with great ease + of manner, leaving the door wide open; Mr. Knag, at the same moment, flung + himself into the ‘warehouse,’ and groaned aloud. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter with that gentleman, pray?’ inquired Mrs. Nickleby, + greatly disturbed by the sound. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he ill?’ inquired Kate, really alarmed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ replied Miss Knag; ‘a most melancholy history. He was once most + devotedly attached to—hem—to Madame Mantalini.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless me!’ exclaimed Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ continued Miss Knag, ‘and received great encouragement too, and + confidently hoped to marry her. He has a most romantic heart, Mrs + Nickleby, as indeed—hem—as indeed all our family have, and the + disappointment was a dreadful blow. He is a wonderfully accomplished man—most + extraordinarily accomplished—reads—hem—reads every novel + that comes out; I mean every novel that—hem—that has any + fashion in it, of course. The fact is, that he did find so much in the + books he read, applicable to his own misfortunes, and did find himself in + every respect so much like the heroes—because of course he is + conscious of his own superiority, as we all are, and very naturally—that + he took to scorning everything, and became a genius; and I am quite sure + that he is, at this very present moment, writing another book.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Another book!’ repeated Kate, finding that a pause was left for somebody + to say something. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Miss Knag, nodding in great triumph; ‘another book, in three + volumes post octavo. Of course it’s a great advantage to him, in all his + little fashionable descriptions, to have the benefit of my—hem—of + my experience, because, of course, few authors who write about such things + can have such opportunities of knowing them as I have. He’s so wrapped up + in high life, that the least allusion to business or worldly matters—like + that woman just now, for instance—quite distracts him; but, as I + often say, I think his disappointment a great thing for him, because if he + hadn’t been disappointed he couldn’t have written about blighted hopes and + all that; and the fact is, if it hadn’t happened as it has, I don’t + believe his genius would ever have come out at all.’ + </p> + <p> + How much more communicative Miss Knag might have become under more + favourable circumstances, it is impossible to divine, but as the gloomy + one was within ear-shot, and the fire wanted making up, her disclosures + stopped here. To judge from all appearances, and the difficulty of making + the water warm, the last servant could not have been much accustomed to + any other fire than St Anthony’s; but a little brandy and water was made + at last, and the guests, having been previously regaled with cold leg of + mutton and bread and cheese, soon afterwards took leave; Kate amusing + herself, all the way home, with the recollection of her last glimpse of Mr + Mortimer Knag deeply abstracted in the shop; and Mrs. Nickleby by debating + within herself whether the dressmaking firm would ultimately become + ‘Mantalini, Knag, and Nickleby’, or ‘Mantalini, Nickleby, and Knag’. + </p> + <p> + At this high point, Miss Knag’s friendship remained for three whole days, + much to the wonderment of Madame Mantalini’s young ladies who had never + beheld such constancy in that quarter, before; but on the fourth, it + received a check no less violent than sudden, which thus occurred. + </p> + <p> + It happened that an old lord of great family, who was going to marry a + young lady of no family in particular, came with the young lady, and the + young lady’s sister, to witness the ceremony of trying on two nuptial + bonnets which had been ordered the day before, and Madame Mantalini + announcing the fact, in a shrill treble, through the speaking-pipe, which + communicated with the workroom, Miss Knag darted hastily upstairs with a + bonnet in each hand, and presented herself in the show-room, in a charming + state of palpitation, intended to demonstrate her enthusiasm in the cause. + The bonnets were no sooner fairly on, than Miss Knag and Madame Mantalini + fell into convulsions of admiration. + </p> + <p> + ‘A most elegant appearance,’ said Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw anything so exquisite in all my life,’ said Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + Now, the old lord, who was a <i>very </i>old lord, said nothing, but mumbled and + chuckled in a state of great delight, no less with the nuptial bonnets and + their wearers, than with his own address in getting such a fine woman for + his wife; and the young lady, who was a very lively young lady, seeing the + old lord in this rapturous condition, chased the old lord behind a + cheval-glass, and then and there kissed him, while Madame Mantalini and + the other young lady looked, discreetly, another way. + </p> + <p> + But, pending the salutation, Miss Knag, who was tinged with curiosity, + stepped accidentally behind the glass, and encountered the lively young + lady’s eye just at the very moment when she kissed the old lord; upon + which the young lady, in a pouting manner, murmured something about ‘an + old thing,’ and ‘great impertinence,’ and finished by darting a look of + displeasure at Miss Knag, and smiling contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Madame Mantalini,’ said the young lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ma’am,’ said Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray have up that pretty young creature we saw yesterday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, do,’ said the sister. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of all things in the world, Madame Mantalini,’ said the lord’s intended, + throwing herself languidly on a sofa, ‘I hate being waited upon by frights + or elderly persons. Let me always see that young creature, I beg, whenever + I come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means,’ said the old lord; ‘the lovely young creature, by all + means.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everybody is talking about her,’ said the young lady, in the same + careless manner; ‘and my lord, being a great admirer of beauty, must + positively see her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She <i>is</i> universally admired,’ replied Madame Mantalini. ‘Miss Knag, send + up Miss Nickleby. You needn’t return.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon, Madame Mantalini, what did you say last?’ asked Miss + Knag, trembling. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t return,’ repeated the superior, sharply. Miss Knag vanished + without another word, and in all reasonable time was replaced by Kate, who + took off the new bonnets and put on the old ones: blushing very much to + find that the old lord and the two young ladies were staring her out of + countenance all the time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, how you colour, child!’ said the lord’s chosen bride. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is not quite so accustomed to her business, as she will be in a week + or two,’ interposed Madame Mantalini with a gracious smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid you have been giving her some of your wicked looks, my lord,’ + said the intended. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no,’ replied the old lord, ‘no, no, I’m going to be married, and + lead a new life. Ha, ha, ha! a new life, a new life! ha, ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + It was a satisfactory thing to hear that the old gentleman was going to + lead a new life, for it was pretty evident that his old one would not last + him much longer. The mere exertion of protracted chuckling reduced him to + a fearful ebb of coughing and gasping; it was some minutes before he could + find breath to remark that the girl was too pretty for a milliner. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you don’t think good looks a disqualification for the business, my + lord,’ said Madame Mantalini, simpering. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not by any means,’ replied the old lord, ‘or you would have left it long + ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You naughty creature,’ said the lively lady, poking the peer with her + parasol; ‘I won’t have you talk so. How dare you?’ + </p> + <p> + This playful inquiry was accompanied with another poke, and another, and + then the old lord caught the parasol, and wouldn’t give it up again, which + induced the other lady to come to the rescue, and some very pretty + sportiveness ensued. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will see that those little alterations are made, Madame Mantalini,’ + said the lady. ‘Nay, you bad man, you positively shall go first; I + wouldn’t leave you behind with that pretty girl, not for half a second. I + know you too well. Jane, my dear, let him go first, and we shall be quite + sure of him.’ + </p> + <p> + The old lord, evidently much flattered by this suspicion, bestowed a + grotesque leer upon Kate as he passed; and, receiving another tap with the + parasol for his wickedness, tottered downstairs to the door, where his + sprightly body was hoisted into the carriage by two stout footmen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Foh!’ said Madame Mantalini, ‘how he ever gets into a carriage without + thinking of a hearse, I can’t think. There, take the things away, my dear, + take them away.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate, who had remained during the whole scene with her eyes modestly fixed + upon the ground, was only too happy to avail herself of the permission to + retire, and hasten joyfully downstairs to Miss Knag’s dominion. + </p> + <p> + The circumstances of the little kingdom had greatly changed, however, + during the short period of her absence. In place of Miss Knag being + stationed in her accustomed seat, preserving all the dignity and greatness + of Madame Mantalini’s representative, that worthy soul was reposing on a + large box, bathed in tears, while three or four of the young ladies in + close attendance upon her, together with the presence of hartshorn, + vinegar, and other restoratives, would have borne ample testimony, even + without the derangement of the head-dress and front row of curls, to her + having fainted desperately. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless me!’ said Kate, stepping hastily forward, ‘what is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + This inquiry produced in Miss Knag violent symptoms of a relapse; and + several young ladies, darting angry looks at Kate, applied more vinegar + and hartshorn, and said it was ‘a shame.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is a shame?’ demanded Kate. ‘What is the matter? What has happened? + tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Matter!’ cried Miss Knag, coming, all at once, bolt upright, to the great + consternation of the assembled maidens; ‘matter! Fie upon you, you nasty + creature!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gracious!’ cried Kate, almost paralysed by the violence with which the + adjective had been jerked out from between Miss Knag’s closed teeth; ‘have + I offended you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>You </i>offended me!’ retorted Miss Knag, ‘<i>you</i>! a chit, a child, an upstart + nobody! Oh, indeed! Ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + Now, it was evident, as Miss Knag laughed, that something struck her as + being exceedingly funny; and as the young ladies took their tone from Miss + Knag—she being the chief—they all got up a laugh without a + moment’s delay, and nodded their heads a little, and smiled sarcastically + to each other, as much as to say how very good that was! + </p> + <p> + ‘Here she is,’ continued Miss Knag, getting off the box, and introducing + Kate with much ceremony and many low curtseys to the delighted throng; + ‘here she is—everybody is talking about her—the belle, ladies—the + beauty, the—oh, you bold-faced thing!’ + </p> + <p> + At this crisis, Miss Knag was unable to repress a virtuous shudder, which + immediately communicated itself to all the young ladies; after which, Miss + Knag laughed, and after that, cried. + </p> + <p> + ‘For fifteen years,’ exclaimed Miss Knag, sobbing in a most affecting + manner, ‘for fifteen years have I been the credit and ornament of this + room and the one upstairs. Thank God,’ said Miss Knag, stamping first her + right foot and then her left with remarkable energy, ‘I have never in all + that time, till now, been exposed to the arts, the vile arts, of a + creature, who disgraces us with all her proceedings, and makes proper + people blush for themselves. But I feel it, I do feel it, although I am + disgusted.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Knag here relapsed into softness, and the young ladies renewing their + attentions, murmured that she ought to be superior to such things, and + that for their part they despised them, and considered them beneath their + notice; in witness whereof, they called out, more emphatically than + before, that it was a shame, and that they felt so angry, they did, they + hardly knew what to do with themselves. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I lived to this day to be called a fright!’ cried Miss Knag, + suddenly becoming convulsive, and making an effort to tear her front off. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, no,’ replied the chorus, ‘pray don’t say so; don’t now!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I deserved to be called an elderly person?’ screamed Miss Knag, + wrestling with the supernumeraries. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t think of such things, dear,’ answered the chorus. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hate her,’ cried Miss Knag; ‘I detest and hate her. Never let her speak + to me again; never let anybody who is a friend of mine speak to her; a + slut, a hussy, an impudent artful hussy!’ Having denounced the object of + her wrath, in these terms, Miss Knag screamed once, hiccuped thrice, + gurgled in her throat several times, slumbered, shivered, woke, came to, + composed her head-dress, and declared herself quite well again. + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate had regarded these proceedings, at first, in perfect + bewilderment. She had then turned red and pale by turns, and once or twice + essayed to speak; but, as the true motives of this altered behaviour + developed themselves, she retired a few paces, and looked calmly on + without deigning a reply. Nevertheless, although she walked proudly to her + seat, and turned her back upon the group of little satellites who + clustered round their ruling planet in the remotest corner of the room, + she gave way, in secret, to some such bitter tears as would have gladdened + Miss Knag’s inmost soul, if she could have seen them fall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 19 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">D</span><i>escriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby’s, and of the Manner in which + the Company entertained themselves, before Dinner, at Dinner, and after + Dinner.</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The bile and rancour of the worthy Miss Knag undergoing no diminution + during the remainder of the week, but rather augmenting with every + successive hour; and the honest ire of all the young ladies rising, or + seeming to rise, in exact proportion to the good spinster’s indignation, + and both waxing very hot every time Miss Nickleby was called upstairs; it + will be readily imagined that that young lady’s daily life was none of the + most cheerful or enviable kind. She hailed the arrival of Saturday night, + as a prisoner would a few delicious hours’ respite from slow and wearing + torture, and felt that the poor pittance for her first week’s labour would + have been dearly and hardly earned, had its amount been trebled. + </p> + <p> + When she joined her mother, as usual, at the street corner, she was not a + little surprised to find her in conversation with Mr. Ralph Nickleby; but + her surprise was soon redoubled, no less by the matter of their + conversation, than by the smoothed and altered manner of Mr. Nickleby + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! my dear!’ said Ralph; ‘we were at that moment talking about you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ replied Kate, shrinking, though she scarce knew why, from her + uncle’s cold glistening eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘That instant,’ said Ralph. ‘I was coming to call for you, making sure to + catch you before you left; but your mother and I have been talking over + family affairs, and the time has slipped away so rapidly—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, now, hasn’t it?’ interposed Mrs. Nickleby, quite insensible to the + sarcastic tone of Ralph’s last remark. ‘Upon my word, I couldn’t have + believed it possible, that such a—Kate, my dear, you’re to dine with + your uncle at half-past six o’clock tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Triumphing in having been the first to communicate this extraordinary + intelligence, Mrs. Nickleby nodded and smiled a great many times, to + impress its full magnificence on Kate’s wondering mind, and then flew off, + at an acute angle, to a committee of ways and means. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ said the good lady. ‘Your black silk frock will be quite + dress enough, my dear, with that pretty little scarf, and a plain band in + your hair, and a pair of black silk stock—Dear, dear,’ cried Mrs + Nickleby, flying off at another angle, ‘if I had but those unfortunate + amethysts of mine—you recollect them, Kate, my love—how they + used to sparkle, you know—but your papa, your poor dear papa—ah! + there never was anything so cruelly sacrificed as those jewels were, + never!’ Overpowered by this agonising thought, Mrs. Nickleby shook her + head, in a melancholy manner, and applied her handkerchief to her eyes. + </p> + <p> + I don’t want them, mama, indeed,’ said Kate. ‘Forget that you ever had + them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, Kate, my dear,’ rejoined Mrs. Nickleby, pettishly, ‘how like a child + you talk! Four-and-twenty silver tea-spoons, brother-in-law, two gravies, + four salts, all the amethysts—necklace, brooch, and ear-rings—all + made away with, at the same time, and I saying, almost on my bended knees, + to that poor good soul, “Why don’t you do something, Nicholas? Why don’t + you make some arrangement?” I am sure that anybody who was about us at + that time, will do me the justice to own, that if I said that once, I said + it fifty times a day. Didn’t I, Kate, my dear? Did I ever lose an + opportunity of impressing it on your poor papa?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, mama, never,’ replied Kate. And to do Mrs. Nickleby justice, she + never had lost—and to do married ladies as a body justice, they + seldom do lose—any occasion of inculcating similar golden percepts, + whose only blemish is, the slight degree of vagueness and uncertainty in + which they are usually enveloped. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with great fervour, ‘if my advice had been taken + at the beginning—Well, I have always done <i>my</i> duty, and that’s some + comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + When she had arrived at this reflection, Mrs. Nickleby sighed, rubbed her + hands, cast up her eyes, and finally assumed a look of meek composure; + thus importing that she was a persecuted saint, but that she wouldn’t + trouble her hearers by mentioning a circumstance which must be so obvious + to everybody. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Ralph, with a smile, which, in common with all other tokens of + emotion, seemed to skulk under his face, rather than play boldly over it—‘to + return to the point from which we have strayed. I have a little party of—of—gentlemen + with whom I am connected in business just now, at my house tomorrow; and + your mother has promised that you shall keep house for me. I am not much + used to parties; but this is one of business, and such fooleries are an + important part of it sometimes. You don’t mind obliging me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. ‘My dear Kate, why—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray,’ interrupted Ralph, motioning her to be silent. ‘I spoke to my + niece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall be very glad, of course, uncle,’ replied Kate; ‘but I am afraid + you will find me awkward and embarrassed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no,’ said Ralph; ‘come when you like, in a hackney coach—I’ll + pay for it. Good-night—a—a—God bless you.’ + </p> + <p> + The blessing seemed to stick in Mr. Ralph Nickleby’s throat, as if it were + not used to the thoroughfare, and didn’t know the way out. But it got out + somehow, though awkwardly enough; and having disposed of it, he shook + hands with his two relatives, and abruptly left them. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a very strongly marked countenance your uncle has!’ said Mrs + Nickleby, quite struck with his parting look. ‘I don’t see the slightest + resemblance to his poor brother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama!’ said Kate reprovingly. ‘To think of such a thing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, musing. ‘There certainly is none. But it’s a very + honest face.’ + </p> + <p> + The worthy matron made this remark with great emphasis and elocution, as + if it comprised no small quantity of ingenuity and research; and, in + truth, it was not unworthy of being classed among the extraordinary + discoveries of the age. Kate looked up hastily, and as hastily looked down + again. + </p> + <p> + ‘What has come over you, my dear, in the name of goodness?’ asked Mrs + Nickleby, when they had walked on, for some time, in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was only thinking, mama,’ answered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thinking!’ repeated Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Ay, and indeed plenty to think about, + too. Your uncle has taken a strong fancy to you, that’s quite clear; and + if some extraordinary good fortune doesn’t come to you, after this, I + shall be a little surprised, that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + With this she launched out into sundry anecdotes of young ladies, who had + had thousand-pound notes given them in reticules, by eccentric uncles; and + of young ladies who had accidentally met amiable gentlemen of enormous + wealth at their uncles’ houses, and married them, after short but ardent + courtships; and Kate, listening first in apathy, and afterwards in + amusement, felt, as they walked home, something of her mother’s sanguine + complexion gradually awakening in her own bosom, and began to think that + her prospects might be brightening, and that better days might be dawning + upon them. Such is hope, Heaven’s own gift to struggling mortals; + pervading, like some subtle essence from the skies, all things, both good + and bad; as universal as death, and more infectious than disease! + </p> + <p> + The feeble winter’s sun—and winter’s suns in the city are very + feeble indeed—might have brightened up, as he shone through the dim + windows of the large old house, on witnessing the unusual sight which one + half-furnished room displayed. In a gloomy corner, where, for years, had + stood a silent dusty pile of merchandise, sheltering its colony of mice, + and frowning, a dull and lifeless mass, upon the panelled room, save when, + responding to the roll of heavy waggons in the street without, it quaked + with sturdy tremblings and caused the bright eyes of its tiny citizens to + grow brighter still with fear, and struck them motionless, with attentive + ear and palpitating heart, until the alarm had passed away—in this + dark corner, was arranged, with scrupulous care, all Kate’s little finery + for the day; each article of dress partaking of that indescribable air of + jauntiness and individuality which empty garments—whether by + association, or that they become moulded, as it were, to the owner’s form—will + take, in eyes accustomed to, or picturing, the wearer’s smartness. In + place of a bale of musty goods, there lay the black silk dress: the + neatest possible figure in itself. The small shoes, with toes delicately + turned out, stood upon the very pressure of some old iron weight; and a + pile of harsh discoloured leather had unconsciously given place to the + very same little pair of black silk stockings, which had been the objects + of Mrs. Nickleby’s peculiar care. Rats and mice, and such small gear, had + long ago been starved, or had emigrated to better quarters: and, in their + stead, appeared gloves, bands, scarfs, hair-pins, and many other little + devices, almost as ingenious in their way as rats and mice themselves, for + the tantalisation of mankind. About and among them all, moved Kate + herself, not the least beautiful or unwonted relief to the stern, old, + gloomy building. + </p> + <p> + In good time, or in bad time, as the reader likes to take it—for Mrs + Nickleby’s impatience went a great deal faster than the clocks at that end + of the town, and Kate was dressed to the very last hair-pin a full hour + and a half before it was at all necessary to begin to think about it—in + good time, or in bad time, the toilet was completed; and it being at + length the hour agreed upon for starting, the milkman fetched a coach from + the nearest stand, and Kate, with many adieux to her mother, and many kind + messages to Miss La Creevy, who was to come to tea, seated herself in it, + and went away in state, if ever anybody went away in state in a hackney + coach yet. And the coach, and the coachman, and the horses, rattled, and + jangled, and whipped, and cursed, and swore, and tumbled on together, + until they came to Golden Square. + </p> + <p> + The coachman gave a tremendous double knock at the door, which was opened + long before he had done, as quickly as if there had been a man behind it, + with his hand tied to the latch. Kate, who had expected no more uncommon + appearance than Newman Noggs in a clean shirt, was not a little astonished + to see that the opener was a man in handsome livery, and that there were + two or three others in the hall. There was no doubt about its being the + right house, however, for there was the name upon the door; so she + accepted the laced coat-sleeve which was tendered her, and entering the + house, was ushered upstairs, into a back drawing-room, where she was left + alone. + </p> + <p> + If she had been surprised at the apparition of the footman, she was + perfectly absorbed in amazement at the richness and splendour of the + furniture. The softest and most elegant carpets, the most exquisite + pictures, the costliest mirrors; articles of richest ornament, quite + dazzling from their beauty and perplexing from the prodigality with which + they were scattered around; encountered her on every side. The very + staircase nearly down to the hall-door, was crammed with beautiful and + luxurious things, as though the house were brimful of riches, which, with + a very trifling addition, would fairly run over into the street. + </p> + <p> + Presently, she heard a series of loud double knocks at the street-door, + and after every knock some new voice in the next room; the tones of Mr + Ralph Nickleby were easily distinguishable at first, but by degrees they + merged into the general buzz of conversation, and all she could ascertain + was, that there were several gentlemen with no very musical voices, who + talked very loud, laughed very heartily, and swore more than she would + have thought quite necessary. But this was a question of taste. + </p> + <p> + At length, the door opened, and Ralph himself, divested of his boots, and + ceremoniously embellished with black silks and shoes, presented his crafty + face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t see you before, my dear,’ he said, in a low tone, and + pointing, as he spoke, to the next room. ‘I was engaged in receiving them. + Now—shall I take you in?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, uncle,’ said Kate, a little flurried, as people much more + conversant with society often are, when they are about to enter a room + full of strangers, and have had time to think of it previously, ‘are there + any ladies here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Ralph, shortly, ‘I don’t know any.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Must I go in immediately?’ asked Kate, drawing back a little. + </p> + <p> + ‘As you please,’ said Ralph, shrugging his shoulders. ‘They are all come, + and dinner will be announced directly afterwards—that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate would have entreated a few minutes’ respite, but reflecting that her + uncle might consider the payment of the hackney-coach fare a sort of + bargain for her punctuality, she suffered him to draw her arm through his, + and to lead her away. + </p> + <p> + Seven or eight gentlemen were standing round the fire when they went in, + and, as they were talking very loud, were not aware of their entrance + until Mr. Ralph Nickleby, touching one on the coat-sleeve, said in a harsh + emphatic voice, as if to attract general attention— + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Frederick Verisopht, my niece, Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0271m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0271m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0271.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + + <p> + The group dispersed, as if in great surprise, and the gentleman addressed, + turning round, exhibited a suit of clothes of the most superlative cut, a + pair of whiskers of similar quality, a moustache, a head of hair, and a + young face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh!’ said the gentleman. ‘What—the—deyvle!’ + </p> + <p> + With which broken ejaculations, he fixed his glass in his eye, and stared + at Miss Nickleby in great surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘My niece, my lord,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then my ears did not deceive me, and it’s not wa-a-x work,’ said his + lordship. ‘How de do? I’m very happy.’ And then his lordship turned to + another superlative gentleman, something older, something stouter, + something redder in the face, and something longer upon town, and said in + a loud whisper that the girl was ‘deyvlish pitty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Introduce me, Nickleby,’ said this second gentleman, who was lounging + with his back to the fire, and both elbows on the chimneypiece. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Mulberry Hawk,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Otherwise the most knowing card in the pa-ack, Miss Nickleby,’ said Lord + Frederick Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t leave me out, Nickleby,’ cried a sharp-faced gentleman, who was + sitting on a low chair with a high back, reading the paper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Pyke,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor me, Nickleby,’ cried a gentleman with a flushed face and a flash air, + from the elbow of Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Pluck,’ said Ralph. Then wheeling about again, towards a gentleman + with the neck of a stork and the legs of no animal in particular, Ralph + introduced him as the Honourable Mr. Snobb; and a white-headed person at + the table as Colonel Chowser. The colonel was in conversation with + somebody, who appeared to be a make-weight, and was not introduced at all. + </p> + <p> + There were two circumstances which, in this early stage of the party, + struck home to Kate’s bosom, and brought the blood tingling to her face. + One was the flippant contempt with which the guests evidently regarded her + uncle, and the other, the easy insolence of their manner towards herself. + That the first symptom was very likely to lead to the aggravation of the + second, it needed no great penetration to foresee. And here Mr. Ralph + Nickleby had reckoned without his host; for however fresh from the country + a young lady (by nature) may be, and however unacquainted with + conventional behaviour, the chances are, that she will have quite as + strong an innate sense of the decencies and proprieties of life as if she + had run the gauntlet of a dozen London seasons—possibly a stronger + one, for such senses have been known to blunt in this improving process. + </p> + <p> + When Ralph had completed the ceremonial of introduction, he led his + blushing niece to a seat. As he did so, he glanced warily round as though + to assure himself of the impression which her unlooked-for appearance had + created. + </p> + <p> + ‘An unexpected playsure, Nickleby,’ said Lord Frederick Verisopht, taking + his glass out of his right eye, where it had, until now, done duty on + Kate, and fixing it in his left, to bring it to bear on Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Designed to surprise you, Lord Frederick,’ said Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bad idea,’ said his lordship, ‘and one that would almost warrant + the addition of an extra two and a half per cent.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby,’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk, in a thick coarse voice, ‘take the + hint, and tack it on the other five-and-twenty, or whatever it is, and + give me half for the advice.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry garnished this speech with a hoarse laugh, and terminated it + with a pleasant oath regarding Mr. Nickleby’s limbs, whereat Messrs Pyke + and Pluck laughed consumedly. + </p> + <p> + These gentlemen had not yet quite recovered the jest, when dinner was + announced, and then they were thrown into fresh ecstasies by a similar + cause; for Sir Mulberry Hawk, in an excess of humour, shot dexterously + past Lord Frederick Verisopht who was about to lead Kate downstairs, and + drew her arm through his up to the elbow. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, damn it, Verisopht,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘fair play’s a jewel, and + Miss Nickleby and I settled the matter with our eyes ten minutes ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ laughed the honourable Mr. Snobb, ‘very good, very good.’ + </p> + <p> + Rendered additionally witty by this applause, Sir Mulberry Hawk leered + upon his friends most facetiously, and led Kate downstairs with an air of + familiarity, which roused in her gentle breast such burning indignation, + as she felt it almost impossible to repress. Nor was the intensity of + these feelings at all diminished, when she found herself placed at the top + of the table, with Sir Mulberry Hawk and Lord Frederick Verisopht on + either side. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you’ve found your way into our neighbourhood, have you?’ said Sir + Mulberry as his lordship sat down. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course,’ replied Lord Frederick, fixing his eyes on Miss Nickleby, + ‘how can you a-ask me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, you attend to your dinner,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘and don’t mind Miss + Nickleby and me, for we shall prove very indifferent company, I dare say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you’d interfere here, Nickleby,’ said Lord Frederick. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter, my lord?’ demanded Ralph from the bottom of the + table, where he was supported by Messrs Pyke and Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘This fellow, Hawk, is monopolising your niece,’ said Lord Frederick. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has a tolerable share of everything that you lay claim to, my lord,’ + said Ralph with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Gad, so he has,’ replied the young man; ‘deyvle take me if I know which + is master in my house, he or I.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know,’ muttered Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I shall cut him off with a shilling,’ said the young nobleman, + jocosely. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, curse it,’ said Sir Mulberry. ‘When you come to the shilling—the + last shilling—I’ll cut you fast enough; but till then, I’ll never + leave you—you may take your oath of it.’ + </p> + <p> + This sally (which was strictly founded on fact) was received with a + general roar, above which, was plainly distinguishable the laughter of Mr + Pyke and Mr. Pluck, who were, evidently, Sir Mulberry’s toads in ordinary. + Indeed, it was not difficult to see, that the majority of the company + preyed upon the unfortunate young lord, who, weak and silly as he was, + appeared by far the least vicious of the party. Sir Mulberry Hawk was + remarkable for his tact in ruining, by himself and his creatures, young + gentlemen of fortune—a genteel and elegant profession, of which he + had undoubtedly gained the head. With all the boldness of an original + genius, he had struck out an entirely new course of treatment quite + opposed to the usual method; his custom being, when he had gained the + ascendancy over those he took in hand, rather to keep them down than to + give them their own way; and to exercise his vivacity upon them openly, + and without reserve. Thus, he made them butts, in a double sense, and + while he emptied them with great address, caused them to ring with sundry + well-administered taps, for the diversion of society. + </p> + <p> + The dinner was as remarkable for the splendour and completeness of its + appointments as the mansion itself, and the company were remarkable for + doing it ample justice, in which respect Messrs Pyke and Pluck + particularly signalised themselves; these two gentlemen eating of every + dish, and drinking of every bottle, with a capacity and perseverance truly + astonishing. They were remarkably fresh, too, notwithstanding their great + exertions: for, on the appearance of the dessert, they broke out again, as + if nothing serious had taken place since breakfast. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Lord Frederick, sipping his first glass of port, ‘if this is + a discounting dinner, all I have to say is, deyvle take me, if it wouldn’t + be a good pla-an to get discount every day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ll have plenty of it, in your time,’ returned Sir Mulberry Hawk; + ‘Nickleby will tell you that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you say, Nickleby?’ inquired the young man; ‘am I to be a good + customer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It depends entirely on circumstances, my lord,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘On your lordship’s circumstances,’ interposed Colonel Chowser of the + Militia—and the race-courses. + </p> + <p> + The gallant colonel glanced at Messrs Pyke and Pluck as if he thought they + ought to laugh at his joke; but those gentlemen, being only engaged to + laugh for Sir Mulberry Hawk, were, to his signal discomfiture, as grave as + a pair of undertakers. To add to his defeat, Sir Mulberry, considering any + such efforts an invasion of his peculiar privilege, eyed the offender + steadily, through his glass, as if astonished at his presumption, and + audibly stated his impression that it was an ‘infernal liberty,’ which + being a hint to Lord Frederick, he put up <i>his </i>glass, and surveyed the + object of censure as if he were some extraordinary wild animal then + exhibiting for the first time. As a matter of course, Messrs Pyke and + Pluck stared at the individual whom Sir Mulberry Hawk stared at; so, the + poor colonel, to hide his confusion, was reduced to the necessity of + holding his port before his right eye and affecting to scrutinise its + colour with the most lively interest. + </p> + <p> + All this while, Kate had sat as silently as she could, scarcely daring to + raise her eyes, lest they should encounter the admiring gaze of Lord + Frederick Verisopht, or, what was still more embarrassing, the bold looks + of his friend Sir Mulberry. The latter gentleman was obliging enough to + direct general attention towards her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is Miss Nickleby,’ observed Sir Mulberry, ‘wondering why the deuce + somebody doesn’t make love to her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed,’ said Kate, looking hastily up, ‘I—’ and then she + stopped, feeling it would have been better to have said nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll hold any man fifty pounds,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘that Miss Nickleby + can’t look in my face, and tell me she wasn’t thinking so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done!’ cried the noble gull. ‘Within ten minutes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done!’ responded Sir Mulberry. The money was produced on both sides, and + the Honourable Mr. Snobb was elected to the double office of stake-holder + and time-keeper. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray,’ said Kate, in great confusion, while these preliminaries were in + course of completion. ‘Pray do not make me the subject of any bets. Uncle, + I cannot really—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not, my dear?’ replied Ralph, in whose grating voice, however, there + was an unusual huskiness, as though he spoke unwillingly, and would rather + that the proposition had not been broached. ‘It is done in a moment; there + is nothing in it. If the gentlemen insist on it—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t insist on it,’ said Sir Mulberry, with a loud laugh. ‘That is, I + by no means insist upon Miss Nickleby’s making the denial, for if she + does, I lose; but I shall be glad to see her bright eyes, especially as + she favours the mahogany so much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So she does, and it’s too ba-a-d of you, Miss Nickleby,’ said the noble + youth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite cruel,’ said Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Horrid cruel,’ said Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t care if I do lose,’ said Sir Mulberry; ‘for one tolerable look at + Miss Nickleby’s eyes is worth double the money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More,’ said Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Far more,’ said Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘How goes the enemy, Snobb?’ asked Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + ‘Four minutes gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bravo!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t you ma-ake one effort for me, Miss Nickleby?’ asked Lord Frederick, + after a short interval. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t trouble yourself to inquire, my buck,’ said Sir Mulberry; + ‘Miss Nickleby and I understand each other; she declares on my side, and + shows her taste. You haven’t a chance, old fellow. Time, Snobb?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eight minutes gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Get the money ready,’ said Sir Mulberry; ‘you’ll soon hand over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ laughed Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pluck, who always came second, and topped his companion if he could, + screamed outright. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl, who was so overwhelmed with confusion that she scarcely + knew what she did, had determined to remain perfectly quiet; but fearing + that by so doing she might seem to countenance Sir Mulberry’s boast, which + had been uttered with great coarseness and vulgarity of manner, raised her + eyes, and looked him in the face. There was something so odious, so + insolent, so repulsive in the look which met her, that, without the power + to stammer forth a syllable, she rose and hurried from the room. She + restrained her tears by a great effort until she was alone upstairs, and + then gave them vent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Capital!’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk, putting the stakes in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s a girl of spirit, and we’ll drink her health.’ + </p> + <p> + It is needless to say, that Pyke and Co. responded, with great warmth of + manner, to this proposal, or that the toast was drunk with many little + insinuations from the firm, relative to the completeness of Sir Mulberry’s + conquest. Ralph, who, while the attention of the other guests was + attracted to the principals in the preceding scene, had eyed them like a + wolf, appeared to breathe more freely now his niece was gone; the + decanters passing quickly round, he leaned back in his chair, and turned + his eyes from speaker to speaker, as they warmed with wine, with looks + that seemed to search their hearts, and lay bare, for his distempered + sport, every idle thought within them. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Kate, left wholly to herself, had, in some degree, recovered her + composure. She had learnt from a female attendant, that her uncle wished + to see her before she left, and had also gleaned the satisfactory + intelligence, that the gentlemen would take coffee at table. The prospect + of seeing them no more, contributed greatly to calm her agitation, and, + taking up a book, she composed herself to read. + </p> + <p> + She started sometimes, when the sudden opening of the dining-room door let + loose a wild shout of noisy revelry, and more than once rose in great + alarm, as a fancied footstep on the staircase impressed her with the fear + that some stray member of the party was returning alone. Nothing + occurring, however, to realise her apprehensions, she endeavoured to fix + her attention more closely on her book, in which by degrees she became so + much interested, that she had read on through several chapters without + heed of time or place, when she was terrified by suddenly hearing her name + pronounced by a man’s voice close at her ear. + </p> + <p> + The book fell from her hand. Lounging on an ottoman close beside her, was + Sir Mulberry Hawk, evidently the worse—if a man be a ruffian at + heart, he is never the better—for wine. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a delightful studiousness!’ said this accomplished gentleman. ‘Was + it real, now, or only to display the eyelashes?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate, looking anxiously towards the door, made no reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have looked at ‘em for five minutes,’ said Sir Mulberry. ‘Upon my soul, + they’re perfect. Why did I speak, and destroy such a pretty little + picture?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do me the favour to be silent now, sir,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, don’t,’ said Sir Mulberry, folding his crushed hat to lay his elbow + on, and bringing himself still closer to the young lady; ‘upon my life, + you oughtn’t to. Such a devoted slave of yours, Miss Nickleby—it’s + an infernal thing to treat him so harshly, upon my soul it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you to understand, sir,’ said Kate, trembling in spite of herself, + but speaking with great indignation, ‘that your behaviour offends and + disgusts me. If you have a spark of gentlemanly feeling remaining, you + will leave me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now why,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘why will you keep up this appearance of + excessive rigour, my sweet creature? Now, be more natural—my dear + Miss Nickleby, be more natural—do.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate hastily rose; but as she rose, Sir Mulberry caught her dress, and + forcibly detained her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me go, sir,’ she cried, her heart swelling with anger. ‘Do you hear? + Instantly—this moment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down, sit down,’ said Sir Mulberry; ‘I want to talk to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unhand me, sir, this instant,’ cried Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for the world,’ rejoined Sir Mulberry. Thus speaking, he leaned over, + as if to replace her in her chair; but the young lady, making a violent + effort to disengage herself, he lost his balance, and measured his length + upon the ground. As Kate sprung forward to leave the room, Mr. Ralph + Nickleby appeared in the doorway, and confronted her. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is this, sir,’ replied Kate, violently agitated: ‘that beneath the + roof where I, a helpless girl, your dead brother’s child, should most have + found protection, I have been exposed to insult which should make you + shrink to look upon me. Let me pass you.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph <i>did </i>shrink, as the indignant girl fixed her kindling eye upon him; + but he did not comply with her injunction, nevertheless: for he led her to + a distant seat, and returning, and approaching Sir Mulberry Hawk, who had + by this time risen, motioned towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your way lies there, sir,’ said Ralph, in a suppressed voice, that some + devil might have owned with pride. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean by that?’ demanded his friend, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + The swoln veins stood out like sinews on Ralph’s wrinkled forehead, and + the nerves about his mouth worked as though some unendurable emotion wrung + them; but he smiled disdainfully, and again pointed to the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know me, you old madman?’ asked Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Ralph. The fashionable vagabond for the moment quite quailed + under the steady look of the older sinner, and walked towards the door, + muttering as he went. + </p> + <p> + ‘You wanted the lord, did you?’ he said, stopping short when he reached + the door, as if a new light had broken in upon him, and confronting Ralph + again. ‘Damme, I was in the way, was I?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled again, but made no answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who brought him to you first?’ pursued Sir Mulberry; ‘and how, without + me, could you ever have wound him in your net as you have?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The net is a large one, and rather full,’ said Ralph. ‘Take care that it + chokes nobody in the meshes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would sell your flesh and blood for money; yourself, if you have not + already made a bargain with the devil,’ retorted the other. ‘Do you mean + to tell me that your pretty niece was not brought here as a decoy for the + drunken boy downstairs?’ + </p> + <p> + Although this hurried dialogue was carried on in a suppressed tone on both + sides, Ralph looked involuntarily round to ascertain that Kate had not + moved her position so as to be within hearing. His adversary saw the + advantage he had gained, and followed it up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you mean to tell me,’ he asked again, ‘that it is not so? Do you mean + to say that if he had found his way up here instead of me, you wouldn’t + have been a little more blind, and a little more deaf, and a little less + flourishing, than you have been? Come, Nickleby, answer me that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you this,’ replied Ralph, ‘that if I brought her here, as a matter + of business—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, that’s the word,’ interposed Sir Mulberry, with a laugh. ‘You’re + coming to yourself again now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—As a matter of business,’ pursued Ralph, speaking slowly and + firmly, as a man who has made up his mind to say no more, ‘because I + thought she might make some impression on the silly youth you have taken + in hand and are lending good help to ruin, I knew—knowing him—that + it would be long before he outraged her girl’s feelings, and that unless + he offended by mere puppyism and emptiness, he would, with a little + management, respect the sex and conduct even of his usurer’s niece. But if + I thought to draw him on more gently by this device, I did not think of + subjecting the girl to the licentiousness and brutality of so old a hand + as you. And now we understand each other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Especially as there was nothing to be got by it—eh?’ sneered Sir + Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Exactly so,’ said Ralph. He had turned away, and looked over his shoulder + to make this last reply. The eyes of the two worthies met, with an + expression as if each rascal felt that there was no disguising himself + from the other; and Sir Mulberry Hawk shrugged his shoulders and walked + slowly out. + </p> + <p> + His friend closed the door, and looked restlessly towards the spot where + his niece still remained in the attitude in which he had left her. She had + flung herself heavily upon the couch, and with her head drooping over the + cushion, and her face hidden in her hands, seemed to be still weeping in + an agony of shame and grief. + </p> + <p> + Ralph would have walked into any poverty-stricken debtor’s house, and + pointed him out to a bailiff, though in attendance upon a young child’s + death-bed, without the smallest concern, because it would have been a + matter quite in the ordinary course of business, and the man would have + been an offender against his only code of morality. But, here was a young + girl, who had done no wrong save that of coming into the world alive; who + had patiently yielded to all his wishes; who had tried hard to please him—above + all, who didn’t owe him money—and he felt awkward and nervous. + </p> + <p> + Ralph took a chair at some distance; then, another chair a little nearer; + then, moved a little nearer still; then, nearer again, and finally sat + himself on the same sofa, and laid his hand on Kate’s arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, my dear!’ he said, as she drew it back, and her sobs burst out + afresh. ‘Hush, hush! Don’t mind it, now; don’t think of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, for pity’s sake, let me go home,’ cried Kate. ‘Let me leave this + house, and go home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ said Ralph. ‘You shall. But you must dry your eyes first, and + compose yourself. Let me raise your head. There—there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, uncle!’ exclaimed Kate, clasping her hands. ‘What have I done—what + have I done—that you should subject me to this? If I had wronged you + in thought, or word, or deed, it would have been most cruel to me, and the + memory of one you must have loved in some old time; but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only listen to me for a moment,’ interrupted Ralph, seriously alarmed by + the violence of her emotions. ‘I didn’t know it would be so; it was + impossible for me to foresee it. I did all I could.—Come, let us + walk about. You are faint with the closeness of the room, and the heat of + these lamps. You will be better now, if you make the slightest effort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will do anything,’ replied Kate, ‘if you will only send me home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, I will,’ said Ralph; ‘but you must get back your own looks; + for those you have, will frighten them, and nobody must know of this but + you and I. Now let us walk the other way. There. You look better even + now.’ + </p> + <p> + With such encouragements as these, Ralph Nickleby walked to and fro, with + his niece leaning on his arm; actually trembling beneath her touch. + </p> + <p> + In the same manner, when he judged it prudent to allow her to depart, he + supported her downstairs, after adjusting her shawl and performing such + little offices, most probably for the first time in his life. Across the + hall, and down the steps, Ralph led her too; nor did he withdraw his hand + until she was seated in the coach. + </p> + <p> + As the door of the vehicle was roughly closed, a comb fell from Kate’s + hair, close at her uncle’s feet; and as he picked it up, and returned it + into her hand, the light from a neighbouring lamp shone upon her face. The + lock of hair that had escaped and curled loosely over her brow, the traces + of tears yet scarcely dry, the flushed cheek, the look of sorrow, all + fired some dormant train of recollection in the old man’s breast; and the + face of his dead brother seemed present before him, with the very look it + bore on some occasion of boyish grief, of which every minutest + circumstance flashed upon his mind, with the distinctness of a scene of + yesterday. + </p> + <p> + Ralph Nickleby, who was proof against all appeals of blood and kindred—who + was steeled against every tale of sorrow and distress—staggered + while he looked, and went back into his house, as a man who had seen a + spirit from some world beyond the grave. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 20 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span><i>herein Nicholas at length encounters his Uncle, to whom he expresses his + Sentiments with much Candour. His Resolution.</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Little Miss La Creevy trotted briskly through divers streets at the west + end of the town, early on Monday morning—the day after the dinner—charged + with the important commission of acquainting Madame Mantalini that Miss + Nickleby was too unwell to attend that day, but hoped to be enabled to + resume her duties on the morrow. And as Miss La Creevy walked along, + revolving in her mind various genteel forms and elegant turns of + expression, with a view to the selection of the very best in which to + couch her communication, she cogitated a good deal upon the probable + causes of her young friend’s indisposition. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what to make of it,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘Her eyes were + decidedly red last night. She said she had a headache; headaches don’t + occasion red eyes. She must have been crying.’ + </p> + <p> + Arriving at this conclusion, which, indeed, she had established to her + perfect satisfaction on the previous evening, Miss La Creevy went on to + consider—as she had done nearly all night—what new cause of + unhappiness her young friend could possibly have had. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t think of anything,’ said the little portrait painter. ‘Nothing at + all, unless it was the behaviour of that old bear. Cross to her, I + suppose? Unpleasant brute!’ + </p> + <p> + Relieved by this expression of opinion, albeit it was vented upon empty + air, Miss La Creevy trotted on to Madame Mantalini’s; and being informed + that the governing power was not yet out of bed, requested an interview + with the second in command; whereupon Miss Knag appeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘So far as I am concerned,’ said Miss Knag, when the message had been + delivered, with many ornaments of speech; ‘I could spare Miss Nickleby for + evermore.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed, ma’am!’ rejoined Miss La Creevy, highly offended. ‘But, you + see, you are not mistress of the business, and therefore it’s of no great + consequence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good, ma’am,’ said Miss Knag. ‘Have you any further commands for + me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I have not, ma’am,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then good-morning, ma’am,’ said Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-morning to you, ma’am; and many obligations for your extreme + politeness and good breeding,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + Thus terminating the interview, during which both ladies had trembled very + much, and been marvellously polite—certain indications that they + were within an inch of a very desperate quarrel—Miss La Creevy + bounced out of the room, and into the street. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder who that is,’ said the queer little soul. ‘A nice person to + know, I should think! I wish I had the painting of her: I’D do her + justice.’ So, feeling quite satisfied that she had said a very cutting + thing at Miss Knag’s expense, Miss La Creevy had a hearty laugh, and went + home to breakfast in great good humour. + </p> + <p> + Here was one of the advantages of having lived alone so long! The little + bustling, active, cheerful creature existed entirely within herself, + talked to herself, made a confidante of herself, was as sarcastic as she + could be, on people who offended her, by herself; pleased herself, and did + no harm. If she indulged in scandal, nobody’s reputation suffered; and if + she enjoyed a little bit of revenge, no living soul was one atom the + worse. One of the many to whom, from straitened circumstances, a + consequent inability to form the associations they would wish, and a + disinclination to mix with the society they could obtain, London is as + complete a solitude as the plains of Syria, the humble artist had pursued + her lonely, but contented way for many years; and, until the peculiar + misfortunes of the Nickleby family attracted her attention, had made no + friends, though brimful of the friendliest feelings to all mankind. There + are many warm hearts in the same solitary guise as poor little Miss La + Creevy’s. + </p> + <p> + However, that’s neither here nor there, just now. She went home to + breakfast, and had scarcely caught the full flavour of her first sip of + tea, when the servant announced a gentleman, whereat Miss La Creevy, at + once imagining a new sitter transfixed by admiration at the street-door + case, was in unspeakable consternation at the presence of the tea-things. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, take ‘em away; run with ‘em into the bedroom; anywhere,’ said Miss + La Creevy. ‘Dear, dear; to think that I should be late on this particular + morning, of all others, after being ready for three weeks by half-past + eight o’clock, and not a soul coming near the place!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t let me put you out of the way,’ said a voice Miss La Creevy knew. + ‘I told the servant not to mention my name, because I wished to surprise + you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nicholas!’ cried Miss La Creevy, starting in great astonishment. ‘You + have not forgotten me, I see,’ replied Nicholas, extending his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I think I should even have known you if I had met you in the + street,’ said Miss La Creevy, with a smile. ‘Hannah, another cup and + saucer. Now, I’ll tell you what, young man; I’ll trouble you not to repeat + the impertinence you were guilty of, on the morning you went away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would not be very angry, would you?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wouldn’t I!’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘You had better try; that’s all!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, with becoming gallantry, immediately took Miss La Creevy at her + word, who uttered a faint scream and slapped his face; but it was not a + very hard slap, and that’s the truth. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw such a rude creature!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You told me to try,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; but I was speaking ironically,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! that’s another thing,’ said Nicholas; ‘you should have told me that, + too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say you didn’t know, indeed!’ retorted Miss La Creevy. ‘But, now I + look at you again, you seem thinner than when I saw you last, and your + face is haggard and pale. And how come you to have left Yorkshire?’ + </p> + <p> + She stopped here; for there was so much heart in her altered tone and + manner, that Nicholas was quite moved. + </p> + <p> + ‘I need look somewhat changed,’ he said, after a short silence; ‘for I + have undergone some suffering, both of mind and body, since I left London. + I have been very poor, too, and have even suffered from want.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good Heaven, Mr. Nicholas!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy, ‘what are you + telling me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing which need distress you quite so much,’ answered Nicholas, with a + more sprightly air; ‘neither did I come here to bewail my lot, but on + matter more to the purpose. I wish to meet my uncle face to face. I should + tell you that first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then all I have to say about that is,’ interposed Miss La Creevy, ‘that I + don’t envy you your taste; and that sitting in the same room with his very + boots, would put me out of humour for a fortnight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the main,’ said Nicholas, ‘there may be no great difference of opinion + between you and me, so far; but you will understand, that I desire to + confront him, to justify myself, and to cast his duplicity and malice in + his throat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s quite another matter,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. ‘Heaven forgive + me; but I shouldn’t cry my eyes quite out of my head, if they choked him. + Well?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To this end, I called upon him this morning,’ said Nicholas. ‘He only + returned to town on Saturday, and I knew nothing of his arrival until late + last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And did you see him?’ asked Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas. ‘He had gone out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ said Miss La Creevy; ‘on some kind, charitable business, I dare + say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have reason to believe,’ pursued Nicholas, ‘from what has been told me, + by a friend of mine who is acquainted with his movements, that he intends + seeing my mother and sister today, and giving them his version of the + occurrences that have befallen me. I will meet him there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ said Miss La Creevy, rubbing her hands. ‘And yet, I don’t + know,’ she added, ‘there is much to be thought of—others to be + considered.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have considered others,’ rejoined Nicholas; ‘but as honesty and honour + are both at issue, nothing shall deter me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You should know best,’ said Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘In this case I hope so,’ answered Nicholas. ‘And all I want you to do for + me, is, to prepare them for my coming. They think me a long way off, and + if I went wholly unexpected, I should frighten them. If you can spare time + to tell them that you have seen me, and that I shall be with them in a + quarter of an hour afterwards, you will do me a great service.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I could do you, or any of you, a greater,’ said Miss La Creevy; + ‘but the power to serve, is as seldom joined with the will, as the will is + with the power, I think.’ + </p> + <p> + Talking on very fast and very much, Miss La Creevy finished her breakfast + with great expedition, put away the tea-caddy and hid the key under the + fender, resumed her bonnet, and, taking Nicholas’s arm, sallied forth at + once to the city. Nicholas left her near the door of his mother’s house, + and promised to return within a quarter of an hour. + </p> + <p> + It so chanced that Ralph Nickleby, at length seeing fit, for his own + purposes, to communicate the atrocities of which Nicholas had been guilty, + had (instead of first proceeding to another quarter of the town on + business, as Newman Noggs supposed he would) gone straight to his + sister-in-law. Hence, when Miss La Creevy, admitted by a girl who was + cleaning the house, made her way to the sitting-room, she found Mrs + Nickleby and Kate in tears, and Ralph just concluding his statement of his + nephew’s misdemeanours. Kate beckoned her not to retire, and Miss La + Creevy took a seat in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are here already, are you, my gentleman?’ thought the little woman. + ‘Then he shall announce himself, and see what effect that has on you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is pretty,’ said Ralph, folding up Miss Squeers’s note; ‘very + pretty. I recommend him—against all my previous conviction, for I + knew he would never do any good—to a man with whom, behaving himself + properly, he might have remained, in comfort, for years. What is the + result? Conduct for which he might hold up his hand at the Old Bailey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never will believe it,’ said Kate, indignantly; ‘never. It is some base + conspiracy, which carries its own falsehood with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ said Ralph, ‘you wrong the worthy man. These are not + inventions. The man is assaulted, your brother is not to be found; this + boy, of whom they speak, goes with him—remember, remember.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is impossible,’ said Kate. ‘Nicholas!—and a thief too! Mama, how + can you sit and hear such statements?’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Nickleby, who had, at no time, been remarkable for the possession + of a very clear understanding, and who had been reduced by the late + changes in her affairs to a most complicated state of perplexity, made no + other reply to this earnest remonstrance than exclaiming from behind a + mass of pocket-handkerchief, that she never could have believed it—thereby + most ingeniously leaving her hearers to suppose that she did believe it. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would be my duty, if he came in my way, to deliver him up to justice,’ + said Ralph, ‘my bounden duty; I should have no other course, as a man of + the world and a man of business, to pursue. And yet,’ said Ralph, speaking + in a very marked manner, and looking furtively, but fixedly, at Kate, ‘and + yet I would not. I would spare the feelings of his—of his sister. + And his mother of course,’ added Ralph, as though by an afterthought, and + with far less emphasis. + </p> + <p> + Kate very well understood that this was held out as an additional + inducement to her to preserve the strictest silence regarding the events + of the preceding night. She looked involuntarily towards Ralph as he + ceased to speak, but he had turned his eyes another way, and seemed for + the moment quite unconscious of her presence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Everything,’ said Ralph, after a long silence, broken only by Mrs + Nickleby’s sobs, ‘everything combines to prove the truth of this letter, + if indeed there were any possibility of disputing it. Do innocent men + steal away from the sight of honest folks, and skulk in hiding-places, + like outlaws? Do innocent men inveigle nameless vagabonds, and prowl with + them about the country as idle robbers do? Assault, riot, theft, what do + you call these?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A lie!’ cried a voice, as the door was dashed open, and Nicholas came + into the room. + </p> + <p> + In the first moment of surprise, and possibly of alarm, Ralph rose from + his seat, and fell back a few paces, quite taken off his guard by this + unexpected apparition. In another moment, he stood, fixed and immovable + with folded arms, regarding his nephew with a scowl; while Kate and Miss + La Creevy threw themselves between the two, to prevent the personal + violence which the fierce excitement of Nicholas appeared to threaten. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0287m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0287m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0287.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas,’ cried his sister, clinging to him. ‘Be calm, consider—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Consider, Kate!’ cried Nicholas, clasping her hand so tight in the tumult + of his anger, that she could scarcely bear the pain. ‘When I consider all, + and think of what has passed, I need be made of iron to stand before him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Or bronze,’ said Ralph, quietly; ‘there is not hardihood enough in flesh + and blood to face it out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear, dear!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that things should have come to such + a pass as this!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who speaks in a tone, as if I had done wrong, and brought disgrace on + them?’ said Nicholas, looking round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your mother, sir,’ replied Ralph, motioning towards her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whose ears have been poisoned by you,’ said Nicholas; ‘by you—who, + under pretence of deserving the thanks she poured upon you, heaped every + insult, wrong, and indignity upon my head. You, who sent me to a den where + sordid cruelty, worthy of yourself, runs wanton, and youthful misery + stalks precocious; where the lightness of childhood shrinks into the + heaviness of age, and its every promise blights, and withers as it grows. + I call Heaven to witness,’ said Nicholas, looking eagerly round, ‘that I + have seen all this, and that he knows it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Refute these calumnies,’ said Kate, ‘and be more patient, so that you may + give them no advantage. Tell us what you really did, and show that they + are untrue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what do they—or of what does he—accuse me?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘First, of attacking your master, and being within an ace of qualifying + yourself to be tried for murder,’ interposed Ralph. ‘I speak plainly, + young man, bluster as you will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I interfered,’ said Nicholas, ‘to save a miserable creature from the + vilest cruelty. In so doing, I inflicted such punishment upon a wretch as + he will not readily forget, though far less than he deserved from me. If + the same scene were renewed before me now, I would take the same part; but + I would strike harder and heavier, and brand him with such marks as he + should carry to his grave, go to it when he would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You hear?’ said Ralph, turning to Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Penitence, this!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear me!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I don’t know what to think, I really + don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do not speak just now, mama, I entreat you,’ said Kate. ‘Dear Nicholas, I + only tell you, that you may know what wickedness can prompt, but they + accuse you of—a ring is missing, and they dare to say that—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The woman,’ said Nicholas, haughtily, ‘the wife of the fellow from whom + these charges come, dropped—as I suppose—a worthless ring + among some clothes of mine, early in the morning on which I left the + house. At least, I know that she was in the bedroom where they lay, + struggling with an unhappy child, and that I found it when I opened my + bundle on the road. I returned it, at once, by coach, and they have it + now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew, I knew,’ said Kate, looking towards her uncle. ‘About this boy, + love, in whose company they say you left?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The boy, a silly, helpless creature, from brutality and hard usage, is + with me now,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You hear?’ said Ralph, appealing to the mother again, ‘everything proved, + even upon his own confession. Do you choose to restore that boy, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I do not,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You do not?’ sneered Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ repeated Nicholas, ‘not to the man with whom I found him. I would + that I knew on whom he has the claim of birth: I might wring something + from his sense of shame, if he were dead to every tie of nature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Ralph. ‘Now, sir, will you hear a word or two from me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can speak when and what you please,’ replied Nicholas, embracing his + sister. ‘I take little heed of what you say or threaten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mighty well, sir,’ retorted Ralph; ‘but perhaps it may concern others, + who may think it worth their while to listen, and consider what I tell + them. I will address your mother, sir, who knows the world.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! and I only too dearly wish I didn’t,’ sobbed Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + There really was no necessity for the good lady to be much distressed upon + this particular head; the extent of her worldly knowledge being, to say + the least, very questionable; and so Ralph seemed to think, for he smiled + as she spoke. He then glanced steadily at her and Nicholas by turns, as he + delivered himself in these words: + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what I have done, or what I meant to do, for you, ma’am, and my niece, + I say not one syllable. I held out no promise, and leave you to judge for + yourself. I hold out no threat now, but I say that this boy, headstrong, + wilful and disorderly as he is, should not have one penny of my money, or + one crust of my bread, or one grasp of my hand, to save him from the + loftiest gallows in all Europe. I will not meet him, come where he comes, + or hear his name. I will not help him, or those who help him. With a full + knowledge of what he brought upon you by so doing, he has come back in his + selfish sloth, to be an aggravation of your wants, and a burden upon his + sister’s scanty wages. I regret to leave you, and more to leave her, now, + but I will not encourage this compound of meanness and cruelty, and, as I + will not ask you to renounce him, I see you no more.’ + </p> + <p> + If Ralph had not known and felt his power in wounding those he hated, his + glances at Nicholas would have shown it him, in all its force, as he + proceeded in the above address. Innocent as the young man was of all + wrong, every artful insinuation stung, every well-considered sarcasm cut + him to the quick; and when Ralph noted his pale face and quivering lip, he + hugged himself to mark how well he had chosen the taunts best calculated + to strike deep into a young and ardent spirit. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it,’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I know you have been very good to + us, and meant to do a good deal for my dear daughter. I am quite sure of + that; I know you did, and it was very kind of you, having her at your + house and all—and of course it would have been a great thing for her + and for me too. But I can’t, you know, brother-in-law, I can’t renounce my + own son, even if he has done all you say he has—it’s not possible; I + couldn’t do it; so we must go to rack and ruin, Kate, my dear. I can bear + it, I dare say.’ Pouring forth these and a perfectly wonderful train of + other disjointed expressions of regret, which no mortal power but Mrs + Nickleby’s could ever have strung together, that lady wrung her hands, and + her tears fell faster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you say “<i>if</i> Nicholas has done what they say he has,” mama?’ asked + Kate, with honest anger. ‘You know he has not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what to think, one way or other, my dear,’ said Mrs + Nickleby; ‘Nicholas is so violent, and your uncle has so much composure, + that I can only hear what he says, and not what Nicholas does. Never mind, + don’t let us talk any more about it. We can go to the Workhouse, or the + Refuge for the Destitute, or the Magdalen Hospital, I dare say; and the + sooner we go the better.’ With this extraordinary jumble of charitable + institutions, Mrs. Nickleby again gave way to her tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay,’ said Nicholas, as Ralph turned to go. ‘You need not leave this + place, sir, for it will be relieved of my presence in one minute, and it + will be long, very long, before I darken these doors again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nicholas,’ cried Kate, throwing herself on her brother’s shoulder, ‘do + not say so. My dear brother, you will break my heart. Mama, speak to him. + Do not mind her, Nicholas; she does not mean it, you should know her + better. Uncle, somebody, for Heaven’s sake speak to him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never meant, Kate,’ said Nicholas, tenderly, ‘I never meant to stay + among you; think better of me than to suppose it possible. I may turn my + back on this town a few hours sooner than I intended, but what of that? We + shall not forget each other apart, and better days will come when we shall + part no more. Be a woman, Kate,’ he whispered, proudly, ‘and do not make + me one, while <i>he</i> looks on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I will not,’ said Kate, eagerly, ‘but you will not leave us. Oh! + think of all the happy days we have had together, before these terrible + misfortunes came upon us; of all the comfort and happiness of home, and + the trials we have to bear now; of our having no protector under all the + slights and wrongs that poverty so much favours, and you cannot leave us + to bear them alone, without one hand to help us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will be helped when I am away,’ replied Nicholas hurriedly. ‘I am no + help to you, no protector; I should bring you nothing but sorrow, and + want, and suffering. My own mother sees it, and her fondness and fears for + you, point to the course that I should take. And so all good angels bless + you, Kate, till I can carry you to some home of mine, where we may revive + the happiness denied to us now, and talk of these trials as of things gone + by. Do not keep me here, but let me go at once. There. Dear girl—dear + girl.’ + </p> + <p> + The grasp which had detained him relaxed, and Kate swooned in his arms. + Nicholas stooped over her for a few seconds, and placing her gently in a + chair, confided her to their honest friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘I need not entreat your sympathy,’ he said, wringing her hand, ‘for I + know your nature. You will never forget them.’ + </p> + <p> + He stepped up to Ralph, who remained in the same attitude which he had + preserved throughout the interview, and moved not a finger. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whatever step you take, sir,’ he said, in a voice inaudible beyond + themselves, ‘I shall keep a strict account of. I leave them to you, at + your desire. There will be a day of reckoning sooner or later, and it will + be a heavy one for you if they are wronged.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph did not allow a muscle of his face to indicate that he heard one + word of this parting address. He hardly knew that it was concluded, and + Mrs. Nickleby had scarcely made up her mind to detain her son by force if + necessary, when Nicholas was gone. + </p> + <p> + As he hurried through the streets to his obscure lodging, seeking to keep + pace, as it were, with the rapidity of the thoughts which crowded upon + him, many doubts and hesitations arose in his mind, and almost tempted him + to return. But what would they gain by this? Supposing he were to put + Ralph Nickleby at defiance, and were even fortunate enough to obtain some + small employment, his being with them could only render their present + condition worse, and might greatly impair their future prospects; for his + mother had spoken of some new kindnesses towards Kate which she had not + denied. ‘No,’ thought Nicholas, ‘I have acted for the best.’ + </p> + <p> + But, before he had gone five hundred yards, some other and different + feeling would come upon him, and then he would lag again, and pulling his + hat over his eyes, give way to the melancholy reflections which pressed + thickly upon him. To have committed no fault, and yet to be so entirely + alone in the world; to be separated from the only persons he loved, and to + be proscribed like a criminal, when six months ago he had been surrounded + by every comfort, and looked up to, as the chief hope of his family—this + was hard to bear. He had not deserved it either. Well, there was comfort + in that; and poor Nicholas would brighten up again, to be again depressed, + as his quickly shifting thoughts presented every variety of light and + shade before him. + </p> + <p> + Undergoing these alternations of hope and misgiving, which no one, placed + in a situation of ordinary trial, can fail to have experienced, Nicholas + at length reached his poor room, where, no longer borne up by the + excitement which had hitherto sustained him, but depressed by the + revulsion of feeling it left behind, he threw himself on the bed, and + turning his face to the wall, gave free vent to the emotions he had so + long stifled. + </p> + <p> + He had not heard anybody enter, and was unconscious of the presence of + Smike, until, happening to raise his head, he saw him, standing at the + upper end of the room, looking wistfully towards him. He withdrew his eyes + when he saw that he was observed, and affected to be busied with some + scanty preparations for dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Smike,’ said Nicholas, as cheerfully as he could speak, ‘let me + hear what new acquaintances you have made this morning, or what new wonder + you have found out, in the compass of this street and the next one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Smike, shaking his head mournfully; ‘I must talk of something + else today.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what you like,’ replied Nicholas, good-humouredly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of this,’ said Smike. ‘I know you are unhappy, and have got into great + trouble by bringing me away. I ought to have known that, and stopped + behind—I would, indeed, if I had thought it then. You—you—are + not rich; you have not enough for yourself, and I should not be here. You + grow,’ said the lad, laying his hand timidly on that of Nicholas, ‘you + grow thinner every day; your cheek is paler, and your eye more sunk. + Indeed I cannot bear to see you so, and think how I am burdening you. I + tried to go away today, but the thought of your kind face drew me back. I + could not leave you without a word.’ The poor fellow could say no more, + for his eyes filled with tears, and his voice was gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘The word which separates us,’ said Nicholas, grasping him heartily by the + shoulder, ‘shall never be said by me, for you are my only comfort and + stay. I would not lose you now, Smike, for all the world could give. The + thought of you has upheld me through all I have endured today, and shall, + through fifty times such trouble. Give me your hand. My heart is linked to + yours. We will journey from this place together, before the week is out. + What, if I am steeped in poverty? You lighten it, and we will be poor + together.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 21 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>adam Mantalini finds herself in a Situation of some Difficulty, and Miss + Nickleby finds herself in no Situation at all</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The agitation she had undergone, rendered Kate Nickleby unable to resume + her duties at the dressmaker’s for three days, at the expiration of which + interval she betook herself at the accustomed hour, and with languid + steps, to the temple of fashion where Madame Mantalini reigned paramount + and supreme. + </p> + <p> + The ill-will of Miss Knag had lost nothing of its virulence in the + interval. The young ladies still scrupulously shrunk from all + companionship with their denounced associate; and when that exemplary + female arrived a few minutes afterwards, she was at no pains to conceal + the displeasure with which she regarded Kate’s return. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word!’ said Miss Knag, as the satellites flocked round, to + relieve her of her bonnet and shawl; ‘I should have thought some people + would have had spirit enough to stop away altogether, when they know what + an incumbrance their presence is to right-minded persons. But it’s a queer + world; oh! it’s a queer world!’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Knag, having passed this comment on the world, in the tone in which + most people do pass comments on the world when they are out of temper, + that is to say, as if they by no means belonged to it, concluded by + heaving a sigh, wherewith she seemed meekly to compassionate the + wickedness of mankind. + </p> + <p> + The attendants were not slow to echo the sigh, and Miss Knag was + apparently on the eve of favouring them with some further moral + reflections, when the voice of Madame Mantalini, conveyed through the + speaking-tube, ordered Miss Nickleby upstairs to assist in the arrangement + of the show-room; a distinction which caused Miss Knag to toss her head so + much, and bite her lips so hard, that her powers of conversation were, for + the time, annihilated. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Miss Nickleby, child,’ said Madame Mantalini, when Kate presented + herself; ‘are you quite well again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A great deal better, thank you,’ replied Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I could say the same,’ remarked Madame Mantalini, seating herself + with an air of weariness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you ill?’ asked Kate. ‘I am very sorry for that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not exactly ill, but worried, child—worried,’ rejoined Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am still more sorry to hear that,’ said Kate, gently. ‘Bodily illness + is more easy to bear than mental.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! and it’s much easier to talk than to bear either,’ said Madame, + rubbing her nose with much irritability of manner. ‘There, get to your + work, child, and put the things in order, do.’ + </p> + <p> + While Kate was wondering within herself what these symptoms of unusual + vexation portended, Mr. Mantalini put the tips of his whiskers, and, by + degrees, his head, through the half-opened door, and cried in a soft voice— + </p> + <p> + ‘Is my life and soul there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘How can it say so, when it is blooming in the front room like a little + rose in a demnition flower-pot?’ urged Mantalini. ‘May its poppet come in + and talk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly not,’ replied Madame: ‘you know I never allow you here. Go + along!’ + </p> + <p> + The poppet, however, encouraged perhaps by the relenting tone of this + reply, ventured to rebel, and, stealing into the room, made towards Madame + Mantalini on tiptoe, blowing her a kiss as he came along. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why will it vex itself, and twist its little face into bewitching + nutcrackers?’ said Mantalini, putting his left arm round the waist of his + life and soul, and drawing her towards him with his right. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I can’t bear you,’ replied his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not—eh, not bear <i>me</i>!’ exclaimed Mantalini. ‘Fibs, fibs. It couldn’t + be. There’s not a woman alive, that could tell me such a thing to my face—to + my own face.’ Mr. Mantalini stroked his chin, as he said this, and glanced + complacently at an opposite mirror. + </p> + <p> + ‘Such destructive extravagance,’ reasoned his wife, in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘All in its joy at having gained such a lovely creature, such a little + Venus, such a demd, enchanting, bewitching, engrossing, captivating little + Venus,’ said Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘See what a situation you have placed me in!’ urged Madame. + </p> + <p> + ‘No harm will come, no harm shall come, to its own darling,’ rejoined Mr + Mantalini. ‘It is all over; there will be nothing the matter; money shall + be got in; and if it don’t come in fast enough, old Nickleby shall stump + up again, or have his jugular separated if he dares to vex and hurt the + little—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ interposed Madame. ‘Don’t you see?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini, who, in his eagerness to make up matters with his wife, had + overlooked, or feigned to overlook, Miss Nickleby hitherto, took the hint, + and laying his finger on his lip, sunk his voice still lower. There was, + then, a great deal of whispering, during which Madame Mantalini appeared + to make reference, more than once, to certain debts incurred by Mr + Mantalini previous to her coverture; and also to an unexpected outlay of + money in payment of the aforesaid debts; and furthermore, to certain + agreeable weaknesses on that gentleman’s part, such as gaming, wasting, + idling, and a tendency to horse-flesh; each of which matters of accusation + Mr. Mantalini disposed of, by one kiss or more, as its relative importance + demanded. The upshot of it all was, that Madame Mantalini was in raptures + with him, and that they went upstairs to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Kate busied herself in what she had to do, and was silently arranging the + various articles of decoration in the best taste she could display, when + she started to hear a strange man’s voice in the room, and started again, + to observe, on looking round, that a white hat, and a red neckerchief, and + a broad round face, and a large head, and part of a green coat were in the + room too. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t alarm yourself, miss,’ said the proprietor of these appearances. ‘I + say; this here’s the mantie-making consarn, an’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ rejoined Kate, greatly astonished. ‘What did you want?’ + </p> + <p> + The stranger answered not; but, first looking back, as though to beckon to + some unseen person outside, came, very deliberately, into the room, and + was closely followed by a little man in brown, very much the worse for + wear, who brought with him a mingled fumigation of stale tobacco and fresh + onions. The clothes of this gentleman were much bespeckled with flue; and + his shoes, stockings, and nether garments, from his heels to the waist + buttons of his coat inclusive, were profusely embroidered with splashes of + mud, caught a fortnight previously—before the setting-in of the fine + weather. + </p> + <p> + Kate’s very natural impression was, that these engaging individuals had + called with the view of possessing themselves, unlawfully, of any portable + articles that chanced to strike their fancy. She did not attempt to + disguise her apprehensions, and made a move towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wait a minnit,’ said the man in the green coat, closing it softly, and + standing with his back against it. ‘This is a unpleasant bisness. Vere’s + your govvernor?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My what—did you say?’ asked Kate, trembling; for she thought + ‘governor’ might be slang for watch or money. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mister Muntlehiney,’ said the man. ‘Wot’s come on him? Is he at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is above stairs, I believe,’ replied Kate, a little reassured by this + inquiry. ‘Do you want him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied the visitor. ‘I don’t ezactly want him, if it’s made a + favour on. You can jist give him that ‘ere card, and tell him if he wants + to speak to <i>me</i>, and save trouble, here I am; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, the stranger put a thick square card into Kate’s hand, + and, turning to his friend, remarked, with an easy air, ‘that the rooms + was a good high pitch;’ to which the friend assented, adding, by way of + illustration, ‘that there was lots of room for a little boy to grow up a + man in either on ‘em, vithout much fear of his ever bringing his head into + contract vith the ceiling.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0297m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0297m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0297.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + After ringing the bell which would summon Madame Mantalini, Kate glanced + at the card, and saw that it displayed the name of ‘Scaley,’ together with + some other information to which she had not had time to refer, when her + attention was attracted by Mr. Scaley himself, who, walking up to one of + the cheval-glasses, gave it a hard poke in the centre with his stick, as + coolly as if it had been made of cast iron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good plate this here, Tix,’ said Mr. Scaley to his friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ rejoined Mr. Tix, placing the marks of his four fingers, and a + duplicate impression of his thumb, on a piece of sky-blue silk; ‘and this + here article warn’t made for nothing, mind you.’ + </p> + <p> + From the silk, Mr. Tix transferred his admiration to some elegant articles + of wearing apparel, while Mr. Scaley adjusted his neckcloth, at leisure, + before the glass, and afterwards, aided by its reflection, proceeded to + the minute consideration of a pimple on his chin; in which absorbing + occupation he was yet engaged, when Madame Mantalini, entering the room, + uttered an exclamation of surprise which roused him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Is this the missis?’ inquired Scaley. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is Madame Mantalini,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Mr. Scaley, producing a small document from his pocket and + unfolding it very slowly, ‘this is a writ of execution, and if it’s not + conwenient to settle we’ll go over the house at wunst, please, and take + the inwentory.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Madame Mantalini wrung her hands for grief, and rung the bell for her + husband; which done, she fell into a chair and a fainting fit, + simultaneously. The professional gentlemen, however, were not at all + discomposed by this event, for Mr. Scaley, leaning upon a stand on which a + handsome dress was displayed (so that his shoulders appeared above it, in + nearly the same manner as the shoulders of the lady for whom it was + designed would have done if she had had it on), pushed his hat on one side + and scratched his head with perfect unconcern, while his friend Mr. Tix, + taking that opportunity for a general survey of the apartment preparatory + to entering on business, stood with his inventory-book under his arm and + his hat in his hand, mentally occupied in putting a price upon every + object within his range of vision. + </p> + <p> + Such was the posture of affairs when Mr. Mantalini hurried in; and as that + distinguished specimen had had a pretty extensive intercourse with Mr + Scaley’s fraternity in his bachelor days, and was, besides, very far from + being taken by surprise on the present agitating occasion, he merely + shrugged his shoulders, thrust his hands down to the bottom of his + pockets, elevated his eyebrows, whistled a bar or two, swore an oath or + two, and, sitting astride upon a chair, put the best face upon the matter + with great composure and decency. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the demd total?’ was the first question he asked. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fifteen hundred and twenty-seven pound, four and ninepence ha’penny,’ + replied Mr. Scaley, without moving a limb. + </p> + <p> + ‘The halfpenny be demd,’ said Mr. Mantalini, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means if you vish it,’ retorted Mr. Scaley; ‘and the ninepence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It don’t matter to us if the fifteen hundred and twenty-seven pound went + along with it, that I know on,’ observed Mr. Tix. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a button,’ said Scaley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said the same gentleman, after a pause, ‘wot’s to be done—anything? + Is it only a small crack, or a out-and-out smash? A break-up of the + constitootion is it?—werry good. Then Mr. Tom Tix, esk-vire, you must + inform your angel wife and lovely family as you won’t sleep at home for + three nights to come, along of being in possession here. Wot’s the good of + the lady a fretting herself?’ continued Mr. Scaley, as Madame Mantalini + sobbed. ‘A good half of wot’s here isn’t paid for, I des-say, and wot a + consolation oughtn’t that to be to her feelings!’ + </p> + <p> + With these remarks, combining great pleasantry with sound moral + encouragement under difficulties, Mr. Scaley proceeded to take the + inventory, in which delicate task he was materially assisted by the + uncommon tact and experience of Mr. Tix, the broker. + </p> + <p> + ‘My cup of happiness’s sweetener,’ said Mantalini, approaching his wife + with a penitent air; ‘will you listen to me for two minutes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! don’t speak to me,’ replied his wife, sobbing. ‘You have ruined me, + and that’s enough.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini, who had doubtless well considered his part, no sooner heard + these words pronounced in a tone of grief and severity, than he recoiled + several paces, assumed an expression of consuming mental agony, rushed + headlong from the room, and was, soon afterwards, heard to slam the door + of an upstairs dressing-room with great violence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Nickleby,’ cried Madame Mantalini, when this sound met her ear, + ‘make haste, for Heaven’s sake, he will destroy himself! I spoke unkindly + to him, and he cannot bear it from me. Alfred, my darling Alfred.’ + </p> + <p> + With such exclamations, she hurried upstairs, followed by Kate who, + although she did not quite participate in the fond wife’s apprehensions, + was a little flurried, nevertheless. The dressing-room door being hastily + flung open, Mr. Mantalini was disclosed to view, with his shirt-collar + symmetrically thrown back: putting a fine edge to a breakfast knife by + means of his razor strop. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, ‘interrupted!’ and whisk went the breakfast + knife into Mr. Mantalini’s dressing-gown pocket, while Mr. Mantalini’s eyes + rolled wildly, and his hair floating in wild disorder, mingled with his + whiskers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alfred,’ cried his wife, flinging her arms about him, ‘I didn’t mean to + say it, I didn’t mean to say it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ruined!’ cried Mr. Mantalini. ‘Have I brought ruin upon the best and + purest creature that ever blessed a demnition vagabond! Demmit, let me + go.’ At this crisis of his ravings Mr. Mantalini made a pluck at the + breakfast knife, and being restrained by his wife’s grasp, attempted to + dash his head against the wall—taking very good care to be at least + six feet from it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Compose yourself, my own angel,’ said Madame. ‘It was nobody’s fault; it + was mine as much as yours, we shall do very well yet. Come, Alfred, come.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini did not think proper to come to, all at once; but, after + calling several times for poison, and requesting some lady or gentleman to + blow his brains out, gentler feelings came upon him, and he wept + pathetically. In this softened frame of mind he did not oppose the capture + of the knife—which, to tell the truth, he was rather glad to be rid + of, as an inconvenient and dangerous article for a skirt pocket—and + finally he suffered himself to be led away by his affectionate partner. + </p> + <p> + After a delay of two or three hours, the young ladies were informed that + their services would be dispensed with until further notice, and at the + expiration of two days, the name of Mantalini appeared in the list of + bankrupts: Miss Nickleby received an intimation per post, on the same + morning, that the business would be, in future, carried on under the name + of Miss Knag, and that her assistance would no longer be required—a + piece of intelligence with which Mrs. Nickleby was no sooner made + acquainted, than that good lady declared she had expected it all along and + cited divers unknown occasions on which she had prophesied to that precise + effect. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I say again,’ remarked Mrs. Nickleby (who, it is scarcely necessary to + observe, had never said so before), ‘I say again, that a milliner’s and + dressmaker’s is the very last description of business, Kate, that you + should have thought of attaching yourself to. I don’t make it a reproach + to you, my love; but still I will say, that if you had consulted your own + mother—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well, mama,’ said Kate, mildly: ‘what would you recommend now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Recommend!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, ‘isn’t it obvious, my dear, that of all + occupations in this world for a young lady situated as you are, that of + companion to some amiable lady is the very thing for which your education, + and manners, and personal appearance, and everything else, exactly qualify + you? Did you never hear your poor dear papa speak of the young lady who + was the daughter of the old lady who boarded in the same house that he + boarded in once, when he was a bachelor—what was her name again? I + know it began with a B, and ended with g, but whether it was Waters or—no, + it couldn’t have been that, either; but whatever her name was, don’t you + know that that young lady went as companion to a married lady who died + soon afterwards, and that she married the husband, and had one of the + finest little boys that the medical man had ever seen—all within + eighteen months?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate knew, perfectly well, that this torrent of favourable recollection + was occasioned by some opening, real or imaginary, which her mother had + discovered, in the companionship walk of life. She therefore waited, very + patiently, until all reminiscences and anecdotes, bearing or not bearing + upon the subject, had been exhausted, and at last ventured to inquire what + discovery had been made. The truth then came out. Mrs. Nickleby had, that + morning, had a yesterday’s newspaper of the very first respectability from + the public-house where the porter came from; and in this yesterday’s + newspaper was an advertisement, couched in the purest and most grammatical + English, announcing that a married lady was in want of a genteel young + person as companion, and that the married lady’s name and address were to + be known, on application at a certain library at the west end of the town, + therein mentioned. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I say,’ exclaimed Mrs. Nickleby, laying the paper down in triumph, + ‘that if your uncle don’t object, it’s well worth the trial.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate was too sick at heart, after the rough jostling she had already had + with the world, and really cared too little at the moment what fate was + reserved for her, to make any objection. Mr. Ralph Nickleby offered none, + but, on the contrary, highly approved of the suggestion; neither did he + express any great surprise at Madame Mantalini’s sudden failure, indeed it + would have been strange if he had, inasmuch as it had been procured and + brought about chiefly by himself. So, the name and address were obtained + without loss of time, and Miss Nickleby and her mama went off in quest of + Mrs. Wititterly, of Cadogan Place, Sloane Street, that same forenoon. + </p> + <p> + Cadogan Place is the one slight bond that joins two great extremes; it is + the connecting link between the aristocratic pavements of Belgrave Square, + and the barbarism of Chelsea. It is in Sloane Street, but not of it. The + people in Cadogan Place look down upon Sloane Street, and think Brompton + low. They affect fashion too, and wonder where the New Road is. Not that + they claim to be on precisely the same footing as the high folks of + Belgrave Square and Grosvenor Place, but that they stand, with reference + to them, rather in the light of those illegitimate children of the great + who are content to boast of their connections, although their connections + disavow them. Wearing as much as they can of the airs and semblances of + loftiest rank, the people of Cadogan Place have the realities of middle + station. It is the conductor which communicates to the inhabitants of + regions beyond its limit, the shock of pride of birth and rank, which it + has not within itself, but derives from a fountain-head beyond; or, like + the ligament which unites the Siamese twins, it contains something of the + life and essence of two distinct bodies, and yet belongs to neither. + </p> + <p> + Upon this doubtful ground, lived Mrs. Wititterly, and at Mrs. Wititterly’s + door Kate Nickleby knocked with trembling hand. The door was opened by a + big footman with his head floured, or chalked, or painted in some way (it + didn’t look genuine powder), and the big footman, receiving the card of + introduction, gave it to a little page; so little, indeed, that his body + would not hold, in ordinary array, the number of small buttons which are + indispensable to a page’s costume, and they were consequently obliged to + be stuck on four abreast. This young gentleman took the card upstairs on a + salver, and pending his return, Kate and her mother were shown into a + dining-room of rather dirty and shabby aspect, and so comfortably arranged + as to be adapted to almost any purpose rather than eating and drinking. + </p> + <p> + Now, in the ordinary course of things, and according to all authentic + descriptions of high life, as set forth in books, Mrs. Wititterly ought to + have been in her <i>boudoir</i>; but whether it was that Mr. Wititterly was at + that moment shaving himself in the <i>boudoir </i>or what not, certain it is that + Mrs. Wititterly gave audience in the drawing-room, where was everything + proper and necessary, including curtains and furniture coverings of a + roseate hue, to shed a delicate bloom on Mrs. Wititterly’s complexion, and + a little dog to snap at strangers’ legs for Mrs. Wititterly’s amusement, + and the afore-mentioned page, to hand chocolate for Mrs. Wititterly’s + refreshment. + </p> + <p> + The lady had an air of sweet insipidity, and a face of engaging paleness; + there was a faded look about her, and about the furniture, and about the + house. She was reclining on a sofa in such a very unstudied attitude, that + she might have been taken for an actress all ready for the first scene in + a ballet, and only waiting for the drop curtain to go up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Place chairs.’ + </p> + <p> + The page placed them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave the room, Alphonse.’ + </p> + <p> + The page left it; but if ever an Alphonse carried plain Bill in his face + and figure, that page was the boy. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have ventured to call, ma’am,’ said Kate, after a few seconds of + awkward silence, ‘from having seen your advertisement.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Mrs. Wititterly, ‘one of my people put it in the paper—Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought, perhaps,’ said Kate, modestly, ‘that if you had not already + made a final choice, you would forgive my troubling you with an + application.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ drawled Mrs. Wititterly again. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you have already made a selection—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear no,’ interrupted the lady, ‘I am not so easily suited. I really + don’t know what to say. You have never been a companion before, have you?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby, who had been eagerly watching her opportunity, came + dexterously in, before Kate could reply. ‘Not to any stranger, ma’am,’ + said the good lady; ‘but she has been a companion to me for some years. I + am her mother, ma’am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Mrs. Wititterly, ‘I apprehend you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you, ma’am,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that I very little thought, at + one time, that it would be necessary for my daughter to go out into the + world at all, for her poor dear papa was an independent gentleman, and + would have been at this moment if he had but listened in time to my + constant entreaties and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mama,’ said Kate, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Kate, if you will allow me to speak,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I shall + take the liberty of explaining to this lady—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it is almost unnecessary, mama.’ + </p> + <p> + And notwithstanding all the frowns and winks with which Mrs. Nickleby + intimated that she was going to say something which would clench the + business at once, Kate maintained her point by an expressive look, and for + once Mrs. Nickleby was stopped upon the very brink of an oration. + </p> + <p> + ‘What are your accomplishments?’ asked Mrs. Wititterly, with her eyes shut. + </p> + <p> + Kate blushed as she mentioned her principal acquirements, and Mrs. Nickleby + checked them all off, one by one, on her fingers; having calculated the + number before she came out. Luckily the two calculations agreed, so Mrs + Nickleby had no excuse for talking. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a good temper?’ asked Mrs. Wititterly, opening her eyes for an + instant, and shutting them again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so,’ rejoined Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘And have a highly respectable reference for everything, have you?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate replied that she had, and laid her uncle’s card upon the table. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have the goodness to draw your chair a little nearer, and let me look at + you,’ said Mrs. Wititterly; ‘I am so very nearsighted that I can’t quite + discern your features.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate complied, though not without some embarrassment, with this request, + and Mrs. Wititterly took a languid survey of her countenance, which lasted + some two or three minutes. + </p> + <p> + ‘I like your appearance,’ said that lady, ringing a little bell. + ‘Alphonse, request your master to come here.’ + </p> + <p> + The page disappeared on this errand, and after a short interval, during + which not a word was spoken on either side, opened the door for an + important gentleman of about eight-and-thirty, of rather plebeian + countenance, and with a very light head of hair, who leant over Mrs + Wititterly for a little time, and conversed with her in whispers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ he said, turning round, ‘yes. This is a most important matter. Mrs + Wititterly is of a very excitable nature; very delicate, very fragile; a + hothouse plant, an exotic.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Henry, my dear,’ interposed Mrs. Wititterly. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are, my love, you know you are; one breath—’ said Mr. W., + blowing an imaginary feather away. ‘Pho! you’re gone!’ + </p> + <p> + The lady sighed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your soul is too large for your body,’ said Mr. Wititterly. ‘Your + intellect wears you out; all the medical men say so; you know that there + is not a physician who is not proud of being called in to you. What is + their unanimous declaration? “My dear doctor,” said I to Sir Tumley + Snuffim, in this very room, the very last time he came. “My dear doctor, + what is my wife’s complaint? Tell me all. I can bear it. Is it nerves?” + “My dear fellow,” he said, “be proud of that woman; make much of her; she + is an ornament to the fashionable world, and to you. Her complaint is + soul. It swells, expands, dilates—the blood fires, the pulse + quickens, the excitement increases—Whew!”’ Here Mr. Wititterly, who, + in the ardour of his description, had flourished his right hand to within + something less than an inch of Mrs. Nickleby’s bonnet, drew it hastily back + again, and blew his nose as fiercely as if it had been done by some + violent machinery. + </p> + <p> + ‘You make me out worse than I am, Henry,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, with a + faint smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not, Julia, I do not,’ said Mr. W. ‘The society in which you move—necessarily + move, from your station, connection, and endowments—is one vortex + and whirlpool of the most frightful excitement. Bless my heart and body, + can I ever forget the night you danced with the baronet’s nephew at the + election ball, at Exeter! It was tremendous.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I always suffer for these triumphs afterwards,’ said Mrs. Wititterly. + </p> + <p> + ‘And for that very reason,’ rejoined her husband, ‘you must have a + companion, in whom there is great gentleness, great sweetness, excessive + sympathy, and perfect repose.’ + </p> + <p> + Here, both Mr. and Mrs. Wititterly, who had talked rather at the Nicklebys + than to each other, left off speaking, and looked at their two hearers, + with an expression of countenance which seemed to say, ‘What do you think + of all this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Wititterly,’ said her husband, addressing himself to Mrs. Nickleby, + ‘is sought after and courted by glittering crowds and brilliant circles. + She is excited by the opera, the drama, the fine arts, the—the—the—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The nobility, my love,’ interposed Mrs. Wititterly. + </p> + <p> + ‘The nobility, of course,’ said Mr. Wititterly. ‘And the military. She + forms and expresses an immense variety of opinions on an immense variety + of subjects. If some people in public life were acquainted with Mrs + Wititterly’s real opinion of them, they would not hold their heads, + perhaps, quite as high as they do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, Henry,’ said the lady; ‘this is scarcely fair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mention no names, Julia,’ replied Mr. Wititterly; ‘and nobody is + injured. I merely mention the circumstance to show that you are no + ordinary person, that there is a constant friction perpetually going on + between your mind and your body; and that you must be soothed and tended. + Now let me hear, dispassionately and calmly, what are this young lady’s + qualifications for the office.’ + </p> + <p> + In obedience to this request, the qualifications were all gone through + again, with the addition of many interruptions and cross-questionings from + Mr. Wititterly. It was finally arranged that inquiries should be made, and + a decisive answer addressed to Miss Nickleby under cover of her uncle, + within two days. These conditions agreed upon, the page showed them down + as far as the staircase window; and the big footman, relieving guard at + that point, piloted them in perfect safety to the street-door. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are very distinguished people, evidently,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, as she + took her daughter’s arm. ‘What a superior person Mrs. Wititterly is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think so, mama?’ was all Kate’s reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, who can help thinking so, Kate, my love?’ rejoined her mother. ‘She + is pale though, and looks much exhausted. I hope she may not be wearing + herself out, but I am very much afraid.’ + </p> + <p> + These considerations led the deep-sighted lady into a calculation of the + probable duration of Mrs. Wititterly’s life, and the chances of the + disconsolate widower bestowing his hand on her daughter. Before reaching + home, she had freed Mrs. Wititterly’s soul from all bodily restraint; + married Kate with great splendour at St George’s, Hanover Square; and only + left undecided the minor question, whether a splendid French-polished + mahogany bedstead should be erected for herself in the two-pair back of + the house in Cadogan Place, or in the three-pair front: between which + apartments she could not quite balance the advantages, and therefore + adjusted the question at last, by determining to leave it to the decision + of her son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + The inquiries were made. The answer—not to Kate’s very great joy—was + favourable; and at the expiration of a week she betook herself, with all + her movables and valuables, to Mrs. Wititterly’s mansion, where for the + present we will leave her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 22 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas, accompanied by Smike, sallies forth to seek his Fortune. He + encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles; and who he was, is herein made manifest</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The whole capital which Nicholas found himself entitled to, either in + possession, reversion, remainder, or expectancy, after paying his rent and + settling with the broker from whom he had hired his poor furniture, did + not exceed, by more than a few halfpence, the sum of twenty shillings. And + yet he hailed the morning on which he had resolved to quit London, with a + light heart, and sprang from his bed with an elasticity of spirit which is + happily the lot of young persons, or the world would never be stocked with + old ones. + </p> + <p> + It was a cold, dry, foggy morning in early spring. A few meagre shadows + flitted to and fro in the misty streets, and occasionally there loomed + through the dull vapour, the heavy outline of some hackney coach wending + homewards, which, drawing slowly nearer, rolled jangling by, scattering + the thin crust of frost from its whitened roof, and soon was lost again in + the cloud. At intervals were heard the tread of slipshod feet, and the + chilly cry of the poor sweep as he crept, shivering, to his early toil; + the heavy footfall of the official watcher of the night, pacing slowly up + and down and cursing the tardy hours that still intervened between him and + sleep; the rambling of ponderous carts and waggons; the roll of the + lighter vehicles which carried buyers and sellers to the different + markets; the sound of ineffectual knocking at the doors of heavy sleepers—all + these noises fell upon the ear from time to time, but all seemed muffled + by the fog, and to be rendered almost as indistinct to the ear as was + every object to the sight. The sluggish darkness thickened as the day came + on; and those who had the courage to rise and peep at the gloomy street + from their curtained windows, crept back to bed again, and coiled + themselves up to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Before even these indications of approaching morning were rife in busy + London, Nicholas had made his way alone to the city, and stood beneath the + windows of his mother’s house. It was dull and bare to see, but it had + light and life for him; for there was at least one heart within its old + walls to which insult or dishonour would bring the same blood rushing, + that flowed in his own veins. + </p> + <p> + He crossed the road, and raised his eyes to the window of the room where + he knew his sister slept. It was closed and dark. ‘Poor girl,’ thought + Nicholas, ‘she little thinks who lingers here!’ + </p> + <p> + He looked again, and felt, for the moment, almost vexed that Kate was not + there to exchange one word at parting. ‘Good God!’ he thought, suddenly + correcting himself, ‘what a boy I am!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is better as it is,’ said Nicholas, after he had lounged on, a few + paces, and returned to the same spot. ‘When I left them before, and could + have said goodbye a thousand times if I had chosen, I spared them the pain + of leave-taking, and why not now?’ As he spoke, some fancied motion of the + curtain almost persuaded him, for the instant, that Kate was at the + window, and by one of those strange contradictions of feeling which are + common to us all, he shrunk involuntarily into a doorway, that she might + not see him. He smiled at his own weakness; said ‘God bless them!’ and + walked away with a lighter step. + </p> + <p> + Smike was anxiously expecting him when he reached his old lodgings, and so + was Newman, who had expended a day’s income in a can of rum and milk to + prepare them for the journey. They had tied up the luggage, Smike + shouldered it, and away they went, with Newman Noggs in company; for he + had insisted on walking as far as he could with them, overnight. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which way?’ asked Newman, wistfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘To Kingston first,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And where afterwards?’ asked Newman. ‘Why won’t you tell me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I scarcely know myself, good friend,’ rejoined Nicholas, laying + his hand upon his shoulder; ‘and if I did, I have neither plan nor + prospect yet, and might shift my quarters a hundred times before you could + possibly communicate with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid you have some deep scheme in your head,’ said Newman, + doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘So deep,’ replied his young friend, ‘that even I can’t fathom it. + Whatever I resolve upon, depend upon it I will write you soon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You won’t forget?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not very likely to,’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘I have not so many friends + that I shall grow confused among the number, and forget my best one.’ + </p> + <p> + Occupied in such discourse, they walked on for a couple of hours, as they + might have done for a couple of days if Nicholas had not sat himself down + on a stone by the wayside, and resolutely declared his intention of not + moving another step until Newman Noggs turned back. Having pleaded + ineffectually first for another half-mile, and afterwards for another + quarter, Newman was fain to comply, and to shape his course towards Golden + Square, after interchanging many hearty and affectionate farewells, and + many times turning back to wave his hat to the two wayfarers when they had + become mere specks in the distance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now listen to me, Smike,’ said Nicholas, as they trudged with stout + hearts onwards. ‘We are bound for Portsmouth.’ + </p> + <p> + Smike nodded his head and smiled, but expressed no other emotion; for + whether they had been bound for Portsmouth or Port Royal would have been + alike to him, so they had been bound together. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know much of these matters,’ resumed Nicholas; ‘but Portsmouth is + a seaport town, and if no other employment is to be obtained, I should + think we might get on board some ship. I am young and active, and could be + useful in many ways. So could you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope so,’ replied Smike. ‘When I was at that—you know where I + mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I know,’ said Nicholas. ‘You needn’t name the place.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, when I was there,’ resumed Smike; his eyes sparkling at the + prospect of displaying his abilities; ‘I could milk a cow, and groom a + horse, with anybody.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ said Nicholas, gravely. ‘I am afraid they don’t keep many animals of + either kind on board ship, Smike, and even when they have horses, that + they are not very particular about rubbing them down; still you can learn + to do something else, you know. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I am very willing,’ said Smike, brightening up again. + </p> + <p> + ‘God knows you are,’ rejoined Nicholas; ‘and if you fail, it shall go hard + but I’ll do enough for us both.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do we go all the way today?’ asked Smike, after a short silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would be too severe a trial, even for your willing legs,’ said + Nicholas, with a good-humoured smile. ‘No. Godalming is some thirty and + odd miles from London—as I found from a map I borrowed—and I + purpose to rest there. We must push on again tomorrow, for we are not rich + enough to loiter. Let me relieve you of that bundle! Come!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ rejoined Smike, falling back a few steps. ‘Don’t ask me to give + it up to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me do something for you, at least,’ said Smike. ‘You will never let + me serve you as I ought. You will never know how I think, day and night, + of ways to please you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a foolish fellow to say it, for I know it well, and see it, or I + should be a blind and senseless beast,’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘Let me ask you + a question while I think of it, and there is no one by,’ he added, looking + him steadily in the face. ‘Have you a good memory?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said Smike, shaking his head sorrowfully. ‘I think I had + once; but it’s all gone now—all gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you think you had once?’ asked Nicholas, turning quickly upon him + as though the answer in some way helped out the purport of his question. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I could remember, when I was a child,’ said Smike, ‘but that is + very, very long ago, or at least it seems so. I was always confused and + giddy at that place you took me from; and could never remember, and + sometimes couldn’t even understand, what they said to me. I—let me + see—let me see!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are wandering now,’ said Nicholas, touching him on the arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied his companion, with a vacant look ‘I was only thinking how—’ + He shivered involuntarily as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Think no more of that place, for it is all over,’ retorted Nicholas, + fixing his eyes full upon that of his companion, which was fast settling + into an unmeaning stupefied gaze, once habitual to him, and common even + then. ‘What of the first day you went to Yorkshire?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh!’ cried the lad. + </p> + <p> + ‘That was before you began to lose your recollection, you know,’ said + Nicholas quietly. ‘Was the weather hot or cold?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wet,’ replied the boy. ‘Very wet. I have always said, when it has rained + hard, that it was like the night I came: and they used to crowd round and + laugh to see me cry when the rain fell heavily. It was like a child, they + said, and that made me think of it more. I turned cold all over sometimes, + for I could see myself as I was then, coming in at the very same door.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you were then,’ repeated Nicholas, with assumed carelessness; ‘how was + that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Such a little creature,’ said Smike, ‘that they might have had pity and + mercy upon me, only to remember it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You didn’t find your way there, alone!’ remarked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined Smike, ‘oh no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who was with you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A man—a dark, withered man. I have heard them say so, at the + school, and I remembered that before. I was glad to leave him, I was + afraid of him; but they made me more afraid of them, and used me harder + too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look at me,’ said Nicholas, wishing to attract his full attention. + ‘There; don’t turn away. Do you remember no woman, no kind woman, who hung + over you once, and kissed your lips, and called you her child?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said the poor creature, shaking his head, ‘no, never.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor any house but that house in Yorkshire?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined the youth, with a melancholy look; ‘a room—I remember + I slept in a room, a large lonesome room at the top of a house, where + there was a trap-door in the ceiling. I have covered my head with the + clothes often, not to see it, for it frightened me: a young child with no + one near at night: and I used to wonder what was on the other side. There + was a clock too, an old clock, in one corner. I remember that. I have + never forgotten that room; for when I have terrible dreams, it comes back, + just as it was. I see things and people in it that I had never seen then, + but there is the room just as it used to be; <i>that </i>never changes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you let me take the bundle now?’ asked Nicholas, abruptly changing + the theme. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Smike, ‘no. Come, let us walk on.’ + </p> + <p> + He quickened his pace as he said this, apparently under the impression + that they had been standing still during the whole of the previous + dialogue. Nicholas marked him closely, and every word of this conversation + remained upon his memory. + </p> + <p> + It was, by this time, within an hour of noon, and although a dense vapour + still enveloped the city they had left, as if the very breath of its busy + people hung over their schemes of gain and profit, and found greater + attraction there than in the quiet region above, in the open country it + was clear and fair. Occasionally, in some low spots they came upon patches + of mist which the sun had not yet driven from their strongholds; but these + were soon passed, and as they laboured up the hills beyond, it was + pleasant to look down, and see how the sluggish mass rolled heavily off, + before the cheering influence of day. A broad, fine, honest sun lighted up + the green pastures and dimpled water with the semblance of summer, while + it left the travellers all the invigorating freshness of that early time + of year. The ground seemed elastic under their feet; the sheep-bells were + music to their ears; and exhilarated by exercise, and stimulated by hope, + they pushed onward with the strength of lions. + </p> + <p> + The day wore on, and all these bright colours subsided, and assumed a + quieter tint, like young hopes softened down by time, or youthful features + by degrees resolving into the calm and serenity of age. But they were + scarcely less beautiful in their slow decline, than they had been in their + prime; for nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; + and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, is but a + succession of changes so gentle and easy, that we can scarcely mark their + progress. + </p> + <p> + To Godalming they came at last, and here they bargained for two humble + beds, and slept soundly. In the morning they were astir: though not quite + so early as the sun: and again afoot; if not with all the freshness of + yesterday, still, with enough of hope and spirit to bear them cheerily on. + </p> + <p> + It was a harder day’s journey than yesterday’s, for there were long and + weary hills to climb; and in journeys, as in life, it is a great deal + easier to go down hill than up. However, they kept on, with unabated + perseverance, and the hill has not yet lifted its face to heaven that + perseverance will not gain the summit of at last. + </p> + <p> + They walked upon the rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl; and Smike listened + with greedy interest as Nicholas read the inscription upon the stone + which, reared upon that wild spot, tells of a murder committed there by + night. The grass on which they stood, had once been dyed with gore; and + the blood of the murdered man had run down, drop by drop, into the hollow + which gives the place its name. ‘The Devil’s Bowl,’ thought Nicholas, as + he looked into the void, ‘never held fitter liquor than that!’ + </p> + <p> + Onward they kept, with steady purpose, and entered at length upon a wide + and spacious tract of downs, with every variety of little hill and plain + to change their verdant surface. Here, there shot up, almost + perpendicularly, into the sky, a height so steep, as to be hardly + accessible to any but the sheep and goats that fed upon its sides, and + there, stood a mound of green, sloping and tapering off so delicately, and + merging so gently into the level ground, that you could scarce define its + limits. Hills swelling above each other; and undulations shapely and + uncouth, smooth and rugged, graceful and grotesque, thrown negligently + side by side, bounded the view in each direction; while frequently, with + unexpected noise, there uprose from the ground a flight of crows, who, + cawing and wheeling round the nearest hills, as if uncertain of their + course, suddenly poised themselves upon the wing and skimmed down the long + vista of some opening valley, with the speed of light itself. + </p> + <p> + By degrees, the prospect receded more and more on either hand, and as they + had been shut out from rich and extensive scenery, so they emerged once + again upon the open country. The knowledge that they were drawing near + their place of destination, gave them fresh courage to proceed; but the + way had been difficult, and they had loitered on the road, and Smike was + tired. Thus, twilight had already closed in, when they turned off the path + to the door of a roadside inn, yet twelve miles short of Portsmouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Twelve miles,’ said Nicholas, leaning with both hands on his stick, and + looking doubtfully at Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Twelve long miles,’ repeated the landlord. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it a good road?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very bad,’ said the landlord. As of course, being a landlord, he would + say. + </p> + <p> + ‘I want to get on,’ observed Nicholas, hesitating. ‘I scarcely know what + to do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t let me influence you,’ rejoined the landlord. ‘I wouldn’t go on if + it was me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wouldn’t you?’ asked Nicholas, with the same uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not if I knew when I was well off,’ said the landlord. And having said it + he pulled up his apron, put his hands into his pockets, and, taking a step + or two outside the door, looked down the dark road with an assumption of + great indifference. + </p> + <p> + A glance at the toil-worn face of Smike determined Nicholas, so without + any further consideration he made up his mind to stay where he was. + </p> + <p> + The landlord led them into the kitchen, and as there was a good fire he + remarked that it was very cold. If there had happened to be a bad one he + would have observed that it was very warm. + </p> + <p> + ‘What can you give us for supper?’ was Nicholas’s natural question. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why—what would you like?’ was the landlord’s no less natural + answer. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas suggested cold meat, but there was no cold meat—poached + eggs, but there were no eggs—mutton chops, but there wasn’t a mutton + chop within three miles, though there had been more last week than they + knew what to do with, and would be an extraordinary supply the day after + tomorrow. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Nicholas, ‘I must leave it entirely to you, as I would have + done, at first, if you had allowed me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then I’ll tell you what,’ rejoined the landlord. ‘There’s a + gentleman in the parlour that’s ordered a hot beef-steak pudding and + potatoes, at nine. There’s more of it than he can manage, and I have very + little doubt that if I ask leave, you can sup with him. I’ll do that, in a + minute.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ said Nicholas, detaining him. ‘I would rather not. I—at + least—pshaw! why cannot I speak out? Here; you see that I am + travelling in a very humble manner, and have made my way hither on foot. + It is more than probable, I think, that the gentleman may not relish my + company; and although I am the dusty figure you see, I am too proud to + thrust myself into his.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord love you,’ said the landlord, ‘it’s only Mr. Crummles; <i>he</i> isn’t + particular.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he not?’ asked Nicholas, on whose mind, to tell the truth, the + prospect of the savoury pudding was making some impression. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not he,’ replied the landlord. ‘He’ll like your way of talking, I know. + But we’ll soon see all about that. Just wait a minute.’ + </p> + <p> + The landlord hurried into the parlour, without staying for further + permission, nor did Nicholas strive to prevent him: wisely considering + that supper, under the circumstances, was too serious a matter to be + trifled with. It was not long before the host returned, in a condition of + much excitement. + </p> + <p> + ‘All right,’ he said in a low voice. ‘I knew he would. You’ll see + something rather worth seeing, in there. Ecod, how they are a-going of + it!’ + </p> + <p> + There was no time to inquire to what this exclamation, which was delivered + in a very rapturous tone, referred; for he had already thrown open the + door of the room; into which Nicholas, followed by Smike with the bundle + on his shoulder (he carried it about with him as vigilantly as if it had + been a sack of gold), straightway repaired. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was prepared for something odd, but not for something quite so + odd as the sight he encountered. At the upper end of the room, were a + couple of boys, one of them very tall and the other very short, both + dressed as sailors—or at least as theatrical sailors, with belts, + buckles, pigtails, and pistols complete—fighting what is called in + play-bills a terrific combat, with two of those short broad-swords with + basket hilts which are commonly used at our minor theatres. The short boy + had gained a great advantage over the tall boy, who was reduced to mortal + strait, and both were overlooked by a large heavy man, perched against the + corner of a table, who emphatically adjured them to strike a little more + fire out of the swords, and they couldn’t fail to bring the house down, on + the very first night. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0314m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0314m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0314.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Mr. Vincent Crummles,’ said the landlord with an air of great deference. + ‘This is the young gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vincent Crummles received Nicholas with an inclination of the head, + something between the courtesy of a Roman emperor and the nod of a pot + companion; and bade the landlord shut the door and begone. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a picture,’ said Mr. Crummles, motioning Nicholas not to advance + and spoil it. ‘The little ‘un has him; if the big ‘un doesn’t knock under, + in three seconds, he’s a dead man. Do that again, boys.’ + </p> + <p> + The two combatants went to work afresh, and chopped away until the swords + emitted a shower of sparks: to the great satisfaction of Mr. Crummles, who + appeared to consider this a very great point indeed. The engagement + commenced with about two hundred chops administered by the short sailor + and the tall sailor alternately, without producing any particular result, + until the short sailor was chopped down on one knee; but this was nothing + to him, for he worked himself about on the one knee with the assistance of + his left hand, and fought most desperately until the tall sailor chopped + his sword out of his grasp. Now, the inference was, that the short sailor, + reduced to this extremity, would give in at once and cry quarter, but, + instead of that, he all of a sudden drew a large pistol from his belt and + presented it at the face of the tall sailor, who was so overcome at this + (not expecting it) that he let the short sailor pick up his sword and + begin again. Then, the chopping recommenced, and a variety of fancy chops + were administered on both sides; such as chops dealt with the left hand, + and under the leg, and over the right shoulder, and over the left; and + when the short sailor made a vigorous cut at the tall sailor’s legs, which + would have shaved them clean off if it had taken effect, the tall sailor + jumped over the short sailor’s sword, wherefore to balance the matter, and + make it all fair, the tall sailor administered the same cut, and the short + sailor jumped over <i>his </i>sword. After this, there was a good deal of dodging + about, and hitching up of the inexpressibles in the absence of braces, and + then the short sailor (who was the moral character evidently, for he + always had the best of it) made a violent demonstration and closed with + the tall sailor, who, after a few unavailing struggles, went down, and + expired in great torture as the short sailor put his foot upon his breast, + and bored a hole in him through and through. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’ll be a double <i>encore </i>if you take care, boys,’ said Mr. Crummles. + ‘You had better get your wind now and change your clothes.’ + </p> + <p> + Having addressed these words to the combatants, he saluted Nicholas, who + then observed that the face of Mr. Crummles was quite proportionate in size + to his body; that he had a very full under-lip, a hoarse voice, as though + he were in the habit of shouting very much, and very short black hair, + shaved off nearly to the crown of his head—to admit (as he + afterwards learnt) of his more easily wearing character wigs of any shape + or pattern. + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you think of that, sir?’ inquired Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good, indeed—capital,’ answered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You won’t see such boys as those very often, I think,’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas assented—observing that if they were a little better match— + </p> + <p> + ‘Match!’ cried Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean if they were a little more of a size,’ said Nicholas, explaining + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Size!’ repeated Mr. Crummles; ‘why, it’s the essence of the combat that + there should be a foot or two between them. How are you to get up the + sympathies of the audience in a legitimate manner, if there isn’t a little + man contending against a big one?—unless there’s at least five to + one, and we haven’t hands enough for that business in our company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I beg your pardon. That didn’t occur to me, I + confess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the main point,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘I open at Portsmouth the day + after tomorrow. If you’re going there, look into the theatre, and see how + that’ll tell.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas promised to do so, if he could, and drawing a chair near the + fire, fell into conversation with the manager at once. He was very + talkative and communicative, stimulated perhaps, not only by his natural + disposition, but by the spirits and water he sipped very plentifully, or + the snuff he took in large quantities from a piece of whitey-brown paper + in his waistcoat pocket. He laid open his affairs without the smallest + reserve, and descanted at some length upon the merits of his company, and + the acquirements of his family; of both of which, the two broad-sword boys + formed an honourable portion. There was to be a gathering, it seemed, of + the different ladies and gentlemen at Portsmouth on the morrow, whither + the father and sons were proceeding (not for the regular season, but in + the course of a wandering speculation), after fulfilling an engagement at + Guildford with the greatest applause. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are going that way?’ asked the manager. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye-yes,’ said Nicholas. ‘Yes, I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know the town at all?’ inquired the manager, who seemed to + consider himself entitled to the same degree of confidence as he had + himself exhibited. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vincent Crummles gave a short dry cough, as much as to say, ‘If you + won’t be communicative, you won’t;’ and took so many pinches of snuff from + the piece of paper, one after another, that Nicholas quite wondered where + it all went to. + </p> + <p> + While he was thus engaged, Mr. Crummles looked, from time to time, with + great interest at Smike, with whom he had appeared considerably struck + from the first. He had now fallen asleep, and was nodding in his chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘Excuse my saying so,’ said the manager, leaning over to Nicholas, and + sinking his voice, ‘but what a capital countenance your friend has got!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow!’ said Nicholas, with a half-smile, ‘I wish it were a little + more plump, and less haggard.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Plump!’ exclaimed the manager, quite horrified, ‘you’d spoil it for + ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think so, sir! Why, as he is now,’ said the manager, striking his knee + emphatically; ‘without a pad upon his body, and hardly a touch of paint + upon his face, he’d make such an actor for the starved business as was + never seen in this country. Only let him be tolerably well up in the + Apothecary in Romeo and Juliet, with the slightest possible dab of red on + the tip of his nose, and he’d be certain of three rounds the moment he put + his head out of the practicable door in the front grooves O.P.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You view him with a professional eye,’ said Nicholas, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘And well I may,’ rejoined the manager. ‘I never saw a young fellow so + regularly cut out for that line, since I’ve been in the profession. And I + played the heavy children when I was eighteen months old.’ + </p> + <p> + The appearance of the beef-steak pudding, which came in simultaneously + with the junior Vincent Crummleses, turned the conversation to other + matters, and indeed, for a time, stopped it altogether. These two young + gentlemen wielded their knives and forks with scarcely less address than + their broad-swords, and as the whole party were quite as sharp set as + either class of weapons, there was no time for talking until the supper + had been disposed of. + </p> + <p> + The Master Crummleses had no sooner swallowed the last procurable morsel + of food, than they evinced, by various half-suppressed yawns and + stretchings of their limbs, an obvious inclination to retire for the + night, which Smike had betrayed still more strongly: he having, in the + course of the meal, fallen asleep several times while in the very act of + eating. Nicholas therefore proposed that they should break up at once, but + the manager would by no means hear of it; vowing that he had promised + himself the pleasure of inviting his new acquaintance to share a bowl of + punch, and that if he declined, he should deem it very unhandsome + behaviour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let them go,’ said Mr. Vincent Crummles, ‘and we’ll have it snugly and + cosily together by the fire.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was not much disposed to sleep—being in truth too anxious—so, + after a little demur, he accepted the offer, and having exchanged a shake + of the hand with the young Crummleses, and the manager having on his part + bestowed a most affectionate benediction on Smike, he sat himself down + opposite to that gentleman by the fireside to assist in emptying the bowl, + which soon afterwards appeared, steaming in a manner which was quite + exhilarating to behold, and sending forth a most grateful and inviting + fragrance. + </p> + <p> + But, despite the punch and the manager, who told a variety of stories, and + smoked tobacco from a pipe, and inhaled it in the shape of snuff, with a + most astonishing power, Nicholas was absent and dispirited. His thoughts + were in his old home, and when they reverted to his present condition, the + uncertainty of the morrow cast a gloom upon him, which his utmost efforts + were unable to dispel. His attention wandered; although he heard the + manager’s voice, he was deaf to what he said; and when Mr. Vincent Crummles + concluded the history of some long adventure with a loud laugh, and an + inquiry what Nicholas would have done under the same circumstances, he was + obliged to make the best apology in his power, and to confess his entire + ignorance of all he had been talking about. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, so I saw,’ observed Mr. Crummles. ‘You’re uneasy in your mind. What’s + the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could not refrain from smiling at the abruptness of the question; + but, thinking it scarcely worth while to parry it, owned that he was under + some apprehensions lest he might not succeed in the object which had + brought him to that part of the country. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what’s that?’ asked the manager. + </p> + <p> + ‘Getting something to do which will keep me and my poor fellow-traveller + in the common necessaries of life,’ said Nicholas. ‘That’s the truth. You + guessed it long ago, I dare say, so I may as well have the credit of + telling it you with a good grace.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s to be got to do at Portsmouth more than anywhere else?’ asked Mr + Vincent Crummles, melting the sealing-wax on the stem of his pipe in the + candle, and rolling it out afresh with his little finger. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are many vessels leaving the port, I suppose,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I + shall try for a berth in some ship or other. There is meat and drink there + at all events.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Salt meat and new rum; pease-pudding and chaff-biscuits,’ said the + manager, taking a whiff at his pipe to keep it alight, and returning to + his work of embellishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘One may do worse than that,’ said Nicholas. ‘I can rough it, I believe, + as well as most young men of my age and previous habits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You need be able to,’ said the manager, ‘if you go on board ship; but you + won’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Because there’s not a skipper or mate that would think you worth your + salt, when he could get a practised hand,’ replied the manager; ‘and they + as plentiful there, as the oysters in the streets.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ asked Nicholas, alarmed by this prediction, and the + confident tone in which it had been uttered. ‘Men are not born able + seamen. They must be reared, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vincent Crummles nodded his head. ‘They must; but not at your age, or + from young gentlemen like you.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. The countenance of Nicholas fell, and he gazed ruefully + at the fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘Does no other profession occur to you, which a young man of your figure + and address could take up easily, and see the world to advantage in?’ + asked the manager. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Nicholas, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then, I’ll tell you one,’ said Mr. Crummles, throwing his pipe into + the fire, and raising his voice. ‘The stage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The stage!’ cried Nicholas, in a voice almost as loud. + </p> + <p> + ‘The theatrical profession,’ said Mr. Vincent Crummles. ‘I am in the + theatrical profession myself, my wife is in the theatrical profession, my + children are in the theatrical profession. I had a dog that lived and died + in it from a puppy; and my chaise-pony goes on, in Timour the Tartar. I’ll + bring you out, and your friend too. Say the word. I want a novelty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know anything about it,’ rejoined Nicholas, whose breath had been + almost taken away by this sudden proposal. ‘I never acted a part in my + life, except at school.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s genteel comedy in your walk and manner, juvenile tragedy in your + eye, and touch-and-go farce in your laugh,’ said Mr. Vincent Crummles. + ‘You’ll do as well as if you had thought of nothing else but the lamps, + from your birth downwards.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas thought of the small amount of small change that would remain in + his pocket after paying the tavern bill; and he hesitated. + </p> + <p> + ‘You can be useful to us in a hundred ways,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘Think what + capital bills a man of your education could write for the shop-windows.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I think I could manage that department,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure you could,’ replied Mr. Crummles. ‘“For further particulars see + small hand-bills”—we might have half a volume in every one of ‘em. + Pieces too; why, you could write us a piece to bring out the whole + strength of the company, whenever we wanted one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not quite so confident about that,’ replied Nicholas. ‘But I dare + say I could scribble something now and then, that would suit you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll have a new show-piece out directly,’ said the manager. ‘Let me see—peculiar + resources of this establishment—new and splendid scenery—you + must manage to introduce a real pump and two washing-tubs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Into the piece?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied the manager. ‘I bought ‘em cheap, at a sale the other day, + and they’ll come in admirably. That’s the London plan. They look up some + dresses, and properties, and have a piece written to fit ‘em. Most of the + theatres keep an author on purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes,’ said the manager; ‘a common thing. It’ll look very well in the + bills in separate lines—Real pump!—Splendid tubs!—Great + attraction! You don’t happen to be anything of an artist, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is not one of my accomplishments,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Then it can’t be helped,’ said the manager. ‘If you had been, we + might have had a large woodcut of the last scene for the posters, showing + the whole depth of the stage, with the pump and tubs in the middle; but, + however, if you’re not, it can’t be helped.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What should I get for all this?’ inquired Nicholas, after a few moments’ + reflection. ‘Could I live by it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Live by it!’ said the manager. ‘Like a prince! With your own salary, and + your friend’s, and your writings, you’d make—ah! you’d make a pound + a week!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say so!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do indeed, and if we had a run of good houses, nearly double the + money.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas shrugged his shoulders; but sheer destitution was before him; and + if he could summon fortitude to undergo the extremes of want and hardship, + for what had he rescued his helpless charge if it were only to bear as + hard a fate as that from which he had wrested him? It was easy to think of + seventy miles as nothing, when he was in the same town with the man who + had treated him so ill and roused his bitterest thoughts; but now, it + seemed far enough. What if he went abroad, and his mother or Kate were to + die the while? + </p> + <p> + Without more deliberation, he hastily declared that it was a bargain, and + gave Mr. Vincent Crummles his hand upon it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 23 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span><i>reats of the Company of Mr. Vincent Crummles, and of his Affairs, Domestic + and Theatrical</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Crummles had a strange four-legged animal in the inn stables, which + he called a pony, and a vehicle of unknown design, on which he bestowed + the appellation of a four-wheeled phaeton, Nicholas proceeded on his + journey next morning with greater ease than he had expected: the manager + and himself occupying the front seat: and the Master Crummleses and Smike + being packed together behind, in company with a wicker basket defended + from wet by a stout oilskin, in which were the broad-swords, pistols, + pigtails, nautical costumes, and other professional necessaries of the + aforesaid young gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + The pony took his time upon the road, and—possibly in consequence of + his theatrical education—evinced, every now and then, a strong + inclination to lie down. However, Mr. Vincent Crummles kept him up pretty + well, by jerking the rein, and plying the whip; and when these means + failed, and the animal came to a stand, the elder Master Crummles got out + and kicked him. By dint of these encouragements, he was persuaded to move + from time to time, and they jogged on (as Mr. Crummles truly observed) very + comfortably for all parties. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a good pony at bottom,’ said Mr. Crummles, turning to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + He might have been at bottom, but he certainly was not at top, seeing that + his coat was of the roughest and most ill-favoured kind. So, Nicholas + merely observed that he shouldn’t wonder if he was. + </p> + <p> + ‘Many and many is the circuit this pony has gone,’ said Mr. Crummles, + flicking him skilfully on the eyelid for old acquaintance’ sake. ‘He is + quite one of us. His mother was on the stage.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was she?’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘She ate apple-pie at a circus for upwards of fourteen years,’ said the + manager; ‘fired pistols, and went to bed in a nightcap; and, in short, + took the low comedy entirely. His father was a dancer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was he at all distinguished?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not very,’ said the manager. ‘He was rather a low sort of pony. The fact + is, he had been originally jobbed out by the day, and he never quite got + over his old habits. He was clever in melodrama too, but too broad—too + broad. When the mother died, he took the port-wine business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The port-wine business!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Drinking port-wine with the clown,’ said the manager; ‘but he was greedy, + and one night bit off the bowl of the glass, and choked himself, so his + vulgarity was the death of him at last.’ + </p> + <p> + The descendant of this ill-starred animal requiring increased attention + from Mr. Crummles as he progressed in his day’s work, that gentleman had + very little time for conversation. Nicholas was thus left at leisure to + entertain himself with his own thoughts, until they arrived at the + drawbridge at Portsmouth, when Mr. Crummles pulled up. + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll get down here,’ said the manager, ‘and the boys will take him round + to the stable, and call at my lodgings with the luggage. You had better + let yours be taken there, for the present.’ + </p> + <p> + Thanking Mr. Vincent Crummles for his obliging offer, Nicholas jumped out, + and, giving Smike his arm, accompanied the manager up High Street on their + way to the theatre; feeling nervous and uncomfortable enough at the + prospect of an immediate introduction to a scene so new to him. + </p> + <p> + They passed a great many bills, pasted against the walls and displayed in + windows, wherein the names of Mr. Vincent Crummles, Mrs. Vincent Crummles, + Master Crummles, Master P. Crummles, and Miss Crummles, were printed in + very large letters, and everything else in very small ones; and, turning + at length into an entry, in which was a strong smell of orange-peel and + lamp-oil, with an under-current of sawdust, groped their way through a + dark passage, and, descending a step or two, threaded a little maze of + canvas screens and paint pots, and emerged upon the stage of the + Portsmouth Theatre. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here we are,’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + It was not very light, but Nicholas found himself close to the first + entrance on the prompt side, among bare walls, dusty scenes, mildewed + clouds, heavily daubed draperies, and dirty floors. He looked about him; + ceiling, pit, boxes, gallery, orchestra, fittings, and decorations of + every kind,—all looked coarse, cold, gloomy, and wretched. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this a theatre?’ whispered Smike, in amazement; ‘I thought it was a + blaze of light and finery.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, so it is,’ replied Nicholas, hardly less surprised; ‘but not by day, + Smike—not by day.’ + </p> + <p> + The manager’s voice recalled him from a more careful inspection of the + building, to the opposite side of the proscenium, where, at a small + mahogany table with rickety legs and of an oblong shape, sat a stout, + portly female, apparently between forty and fifty, in a tarnished silk + cloak, with her bonnet dangling by the strings in her hand, and her hair + (of which she had a great quantity) braided in a large festoon over each + temple. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Johnson,’ said the manager (for Nicholas had given the name which + Newman Noggs had bestowed upon him in his conversation with Mrs. Kenwigs), + ‘let me introduce Mrs. Vincent Crummles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad to see you, sir,’ said Mrs. Vincent Crummles, in a sepulchral + voice. ‘I am very glad to see you, and still more happy to hail you as a + promising member of our corps.’ + </p> + <p> + The lady shook Nicholas by the hand as she addressed him in these terms; + he saw it was a large one, but had not expected quite such an iron grip as + that with which she honoured him. + </p> + <p> + ‘And this,’ said the lady, crossing to Smike, as tragic actresses cross + when they obey a stage direction, ‘and this is the other. You too, are + welcome, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He’ll do, I think, my dear?’ said the manager, taking a pinch of snuff. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is admirable,’ replied the lady. ‘An acquisition indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Vincent Crummles recrossed back to the table, there bounded on to + the stage from some mysterious inlet, a little girl in a dirty white frock + with tucks up to the knees, short trousers, sandaled shoes, white spencer, + pink gauze bonnet, green veil and curl papers; who turned a pirouette, cut + twice in the air, turned another pirouette, then, looking off at the + opposite wing, shrieked, bounded forward to within six inches of the + footlights, and fell into a beautiful attitude of terror, as a shabby + gentleman in an old pair of buff slippers came in at one powerful slide, + and chattering his teeth, fiercely brandished a walking-stick. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are going through the Indian Savage and the Maiden,’ said Mrs + Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said the manager, ‘the little ballet interlude. Very good, go on. A + little this way, if you please, Mr. Johnson. That’ll do. Now!’ + </p> + <p> + The manager clapped his hands as a signal to proceed, and the savage, + becoming ferocious, made a slide towards the maiden; but the maiden + avoided him in six twirls, and came down, at the end of the last one, upon + the very points of her toes. This seemed to make some impression upon the + savage; for, after a little more ferocity and chasing of the maiden into + corners, he began to relent, and stroked his face several times with his + right thumb and four fingers, thereby intimating that he was struck with + admiration of the maiden’s beauty. Acting upon the impulse of this + passion, he (the savage) began to hit himself severe thumps in the chest, + and to exhibit other indications of being desperately in love, which being + rather a prosy proceeding, was very likely the cause of the maiden’s + falling asleep; whether it was or no, asleep she did fall, sound as a + church, on a sloping bank, and the savage perceiving it, leant his left + ear on his left hand, and nodded sideways, to intimate to all whom it + might concern that she <i>was </i>asleep, and no shamming. Being left to himself, + the savage had a dance, all alone. Just as he left off, the maiden woke + up, rubbed her eyes, got off the bank, and had a dance all alone too—such + a dance that the savage looked on in ecstasy all the while, and when it + was done, plucked from a neighbouring tree some botanical curiosity, + resembling a small pickled cabbage, and offered it to the maiden, who at + first wouldn’t have it, but on the savage shedding tears relented. Then + the savage jumped for joy; then the maiden jumped for rapture at the sweet + smell of the pickled cabbage. Then the savage and the maiden danced + violently together, and, finally, the savage dropped down on one knee, and + the maiden stood on one leg upon his other knee; thus concluding the + ballet, and leaving the spectators in a state of pleasing uncertainty, + whether she would ultimately marry the savage, or return to her friends. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well indeed,’ said Mr. Crummles; ‘bravo!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bravo!’ cried Nicholas, resolved to make the best of everything. + ‘Beautiful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This, sir,’ said Mr. Vincent Crummles, bringing the maiden forward, ‘this + is the infant phenomenon—Miss Ninetta Crummles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your daughter?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘My daughter—my daughter,’ replied Mr. Vincent Crummles; ‘the idol of + every place we go into, sir. We have had complimentary letters about this + girl, sir, from the nobility and gentry of almost every town in England.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not surprised at that,’ said Nicholas; ‘she must be quite a natural + genius.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite a—!’ Mr. Crummles stopped: language was not powerful enough to + describe the infant phenomenon. ‘I’ll tell you what, sir,’ he said; ‘the + talent of this child is not to be imagined. She must be seen, sir—seen—to + be ever so faintly appreciated. There; go to your mother, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘May I ask how old she is?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may, sir,’ replied Mr. Crummles, looking steadily in his questioner’s + face, as some men do when they have doubts about being implicitly believed + in what they are going to say. ‘She is ten years of age, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not more!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me!’ said Nicholas, ‘it’s extraordinary.’ + </p> + <p> + It was; for the infant phenomenon, though of short stature, had a + comparatively aged countenance, and had moreover been precisely the same + age—not perhaps to the full extent of the memory of the oldest + inhabitant, but certainly for five good years. But she had been kept up + late every night, and put upon an unlimited allowance of gin-and-water + from infancy, to prevent her growing tall, and perhaps this system of + training had produced in the infant phenomenon these additional phenomena. + </p> + <p> + While this short dialogue was going on, the gentleman who had enacted the + savage, came up, with his walking shoes on his feet, and his slippers in + his hand, to within a few paces, as if desirous to join in the + conversation. Deeming this a good opportunity, he put in his word. + </p> + <p> + ‘Talent there, sir!’ said the savage, nodding towards Miss Crummles. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas assented. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the actor, setting his teeth together, and drawing in his + breath with a hissing sound, ‘she oughtn’t to be in the provinces, she + oughtn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ asked the manager. + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean to say,’ replied the other, warmly, ‘that she is too good for + country boards, and that she ought to be in one of the large houses in + London, or nowhere; and I tell you more, without mincing the matter, that + if it wasn’t for envy and jealousy in some quarter that you know of, she + would be. Perhaps you’ll introduce me here, Mr. Crummles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Folair,’ said the manager, presenting him to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Happy to know you, sir.’ Mr. Folair touched the brim of his hat with his + forefinger, and then shook hands. ‘A recruit, sir, I understand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An unworthy one,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you ever see such a set-out as that?’ whispered the actor, drawing + him away, as Crummles left them to speak to his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘As what?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folair made a funny face from his pantomime collection, and pointed + over his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean the infant phenomenon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Infant humbug, sir,’ replied Mr. Folair. ‘There isn’t a female child of + common sharpness in a charity school, that couldn’t do better than that. + She may thank her stars she was born a manager’s daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You seem to take it to heart,’ observed Nicholas, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, by Jove, and well I may,’ said Mr. Folair, drawing his arm through + his, and walking him up and down the stage. ‘Isn’t it enough to make a man + crusty to see that little sprawler put up in the best business every + night, and actually keeping money out of the house, by being forced down + the people’s throats, while other people are passed over? Isn’t it + extraordinary to see a man’s confounded family conceit blinding him, even + to his own interest? Why I <i>know </i>of fifteen and sixpence that came to + Southampton one night last month, to see me dance the Highland Fling; and + what’s the consequence? I’ve never been put up in it since—never + once—while the “infant phenomenon” has been grinning through + artificial flowers at five people and a baby in the pit, and two boys in + the gallery, every night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I may judge from what I have seen of you,’ said Nicholas, ‘you must be + a valuable member of the company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ replied Mr. Folair, beating his slippers together, to knock the dust + out; ‘I CA<i>n</i> come it pretty well—nobody better, perhaps, in my own + line—but having such business as one gets here, is like putting lead + on one’s feet instead of chalk, and dancing in fetters without the credit + of it. Holloa, old fellow, how are you?’ + </p> + <p> + The gentleman addressed in these latter words was a dark-complexioned man, + inclining indeed to sallow, with long thick black hair, and very evident + inclinations (although he was close shaved) of a stiff beard, and whiskers + of the same deep shade. His age did not appear to exceed thirty, though + many at first sight would have considered him much older, as his face was + long, and very pale, from the constant application of stage paint. He wore + a checked shirt, an old green coat with new gilt buttons, a neckerchief of + broad red and green stripes, and full blue trousers; he carried, too, a + common ash walking-stick, apparently more for show than use, as he + flourished it about, with the hooked end downwards, except when he raised + it for a few seconds, and throwing himself into a fencing attitude, made a + pass or two at the side-scenes, or at any other object, animate or + inanimate, that chanced to afford him a pretty good mark at the moment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Tommy,’ said this gentleman, making a thrust at his friend, who + parried it dexterously with his slipper, ‘what’s the news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A new appearance, that’s all,’ replied Mr. Folair, looking at Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do the honours, Tommy, do the honours,’ said the other gentleman, tapping + him reproachfully on the crown of the hat with his stick. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is Mr. Lenville, who does our first tragedy, Mr. Johnson,’ said the + pantomimist. + </p> + <p> + ‘Except when old bricks and mortar takes it into his head to do it + himself, you should add, Tommy,’ remarked Mr. Lenville. ‘You know who + bricks and mortar is, I suppose, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not, indeed,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘We call Crummles that, because his style of acting is rather in the heavy + and ponderous way,’ said Mr. Lenville. ‘I mustn’t be cracking jokes though, + for I’ve got a part of twelve lengths here, which I must be up in tomorrow + night, and I haven’t had time to look at it yet; I’m a confounded quick + study, that’s one comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + Consoling himself with this reflection, Mr. Lenville drew from his coat + pocket a greasy and crumpled manuscript, and, having made another pass at + his friend, proceeded to walk to and fro, conning it to himself and + indulging occasionally in such appropriate action as his imagination and + the text suggested. + </p> + <p> + A pretty general muster of the company had by this time taken place; for + besides Mr. Lenville and his friend Tommy, there were present, a slim young + gentleman with weak eyes, who played the low-spirited lovers and sang + tenor songs, and who had come arm-in-arm with the comic countryman—a + man with a turned-up nose, large mouth, broad face, and staring eyes. + Making himself very amiable to the infant phenomenon, was an inebriated + elderly gentleman in the last depths of shabbiness, who played the calm + and virtuous old men; and paying especial court to Mrs. Crummles was + another elderly gentleman, a shade more respectable, who played the + irascible old men—those funny fellows who have nephews in the army + and perpetually run about with thick sticks to compel them to marry + heiresses. Besides these, there was a roving-looking person in a rough + great-coat, who strode up and down in front of the lamps, flourishing a + dress cane, and rattling away, in an undertone, with great vivacity for + the amusement of an ideal audience. He was not quite so young as he had + been, and his figure was rather running to seed; but there was an air of + exaggerated gentility about him, which bespoke the hero of swaggering + comedy. There was, also, a little group of three or four young men with + lantern jaws and thick eyebrows, who were conversing in one corner; but + they seemed to be of secondary importance, and laughed and talked together + without attracting any attention. + </p> + <p> + The ladies were gathered in a little knot by themselves round the rickety + table before mentioned. There was Miss Snevellicci—who could do + anything, from a medley dance to Lady Macbeth, and also always played some + part in blue silk knee-smalls at her benefit—glancing, from the + depths of her coal-scuttle straw bonnet, at Nicholas, and affecting to be + absorbed in the recital of a diverting story to her friend Miss Ledrook, + who had brought her work, and was making up a ruff in the most natural + manner possible. There was Miss Belvawney—who seldom aspired to + speaking parts, and usually went on as a page in white silk hose, to stand + with one leg bent, and contemplate the audience, or to go in and out after + Mr. Crummles in stately tragedy—twisting up the ringlets of the + beautiful Miss Bravassa, who had once had her likeness taken ‘in + character’ by an engraver’s apprentice, whereof impressions were hung up + for sale in the pastry-cook’s window, and the greengrocer’s, and at the + circulating library, and the box-office, whenever the announce bills came + out for her annual night. There was Mrs. Lenville, in a very limp bonnet + and veil, decidedly in that way in which she would wish to be if she truly + loved Mr. Lenville; there was Miss Gazingi, with an imitation ermine boa + tied in a loose knot round her neck, flogging Mr. Crummles, junior, with + both ends, in fun. Lastly, there was Mrs. Grudden in a brown cloth pelisse + and a beaver bonnet, who assisted Mrs. Crummles in her domestic affairs, + and took money at the doors, and dressed the ladies, and swept the house, + and held the prompt book when everybody else was on for the last scene, + and acted any kind of part on any emergency without ever learning it, and + was put down in the bills under any name or names whatever, that occurred + to Mr. Crummles as looking well in print. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folair having obligingly confided these particulars to Nicholas, left + him to mingle with his fellows; the work of personal introduction was + completed by Mr. Vincent Crummles, who publicly heralded the new actor as a + prodigy of genius and learning. + </p> + <p> + ‘I beg your pardon,’ said Miss Snevellicci, sidling towards Nicholas, ‘but + did you ever play at Canterbury?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never did,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I recollect meeting a gentleman at Canterbury,’ said Miss Snevellicci, + ‘only for a few moments, for I was leaving the company as he joined it, so + like you that I felt almost certain it was the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see you now for the first time,’ rejoined Nicholas with all due + gallantry. ‘I am sure I never saw you before; I couldn’t have forgotten + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I’m sure—it’s very flattering of you to say so,’ retorted Miss + Snevellicci with a graceful bend. ‘Now I look at you again, I see that the + gentleman at Canterbury hadn’t the same eyes as you—you’ll think me + very foolish for taking notice of such things, won’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all,’ said Nicholas. ‘How can I feel otherwise than flattered by + your notice in any way?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! you men are such vain creatures!’ cried Miss Snevellicci. Whereupon, + she became charmingly confused, and, pulling out her pocket-handkerchief + from a faded pink silk reticule with a gilt clasp, called to Miss Ledrook— + </p> + <p> + ‘Led, my dear,’ said Miss Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, what is the matter?’ said Miss Ledrook. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s not the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the same what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Canterbury—you know what I mean. Come here! I want to speak to + you.’ + </p> + <p> + But Miss Ledrook wouldn’t come to Miss Snevellicci, so Miss Snevellicci + was obliged to go to Miss Ledrook, which she did, in a skipping manner + that was quite fascinating; and Miss Ledrook evidently joked Miss + Snevellicci about being struck with Nicholas; for, after some playful + whispering, Miss Snevellicci hit Miss Ledrook very hard on the backs of + her hands, and retired up, in a state of pleasing confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ said Mr. Vincent Crummles, who had been writing on + a piece of paper, ‘we’ll call the Mortal Struggle tomorrow at ten; + everybody for the procession. Intrigue, and Ways and Means, you’re all up + in, so we shall only want one rehearsal. Everybody at ten, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Everybody at ten,’ repeated Mrs. Grudden, looking about her. + </p> + <p> + ‘On Monday morning we shall read a new piece,’ said Mr. Crummles; ‘the + name’s not known yet, but everybody will have a good part. Mr. Johnson will + take care of that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hallo!’ said Nicholas, starting. ‘I—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On Monday morning,’ repeated Mr. Crummles, raising his voice, to drown the + unfortunate Mr. Johnson’s remonstrance; ‘that’ll do, ladies and gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + The ladies and gentlemen required no second notice to quit; and, in a few + minutes, the theatre was deserted, save by the Crummles family, Nicholas, + and Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word,’ said Nicholas, taking the manager aside, ‘I don’t think I + can be ready by Monday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh, pooh,’ replied Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘But really I can’t,’ returned Nicholas; ‘my invention is not accustomed + to these demands, or possibly I might produce—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Invention! what the devil’s that got to do with it!’ cried the manager + hastily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Everything, my dear sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing, my dear sir,’ retorted the manager, with evident impatience. ‘Do + you understand French?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ said the manager, opening the table drawer, and giving a roll + of paper from it to Nicholas. ‘There! Just turn that into English, and put + your name on the title-page. Damn me,’ said Mr. Crummles, angrily, ‘if I + haven’t often said that I wouldn’t have a man or woman in my company that + wasn’t master of the language, so that they might learn it from the + original, and play it in English, and save all this trouble and expense.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas smiled and pocketed the play. + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you going to do about your lodgings?’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could not help thinking that, for the first week, it would be an + uncommon convenience to have a turn-up bedstead in the pit, but he merely + remarked that he had not turned his thoughts that way. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come home with me then,’ said Mr. Crummles, ‘and my boys shall go with you + after dinner, and show you the most likely place.’ + </p> + <p> + The offer was not to be refused; Nicholas and Mr. Crummles gave Mrs + Crummles an arm each, and walked up the street in stately array. Smike, + the boys, and the phenomenon, went home by a shorter cut, and Mrs. Grudden + remained behind to take some cold Irish stew and a pint of porter in the + box-office. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Crummles trod the pavement as if she were going to immediate execution + with an animating consciousness of innocence, and that heroic fortitude + which virtue alone inspires. Mr. Crummles, on the other hand, assumed the + look and gait of a hardened despot; but they both attracted some notice + from many of the passers-by, and when they heard a whisper of ‘Mr. and Mrs + Crummles!’ or saw a little boy run back to stare them in the face, the + severe expression of their countenances relaxed, for they felt it was + popularity. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crummles lived in St Thomas’s Street, at the house of one Bulph, a + pilot, who sported a boat-green door, with window-frames of the same + colour, and had the little finger of a drowned man on his parlour + mantelshelf, with other maritime and natural curiosities. He displayed + also a brass knocker, a brass plate, and a brass bell-handle, all very + bright and shining; and had a mast, with a vane on the top of it, in his + back yard. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are welcome,’ said Mrs. Crummles, turning round to Nicholas when they + reached the bow-windowed front room on the first floor. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bowed his acknowledgments, and was unfeignedly glad to see the + cloth laid. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have but a shoulder of mutton with onion sauce,’ said Mrs. Crummles, in + the same charnel-house voice; ‘but such as our dinner is, we beg you to + partake of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very good,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I shall do it ample justice.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Vincent,’ said Mrs. Crummles, ‘what is the hour?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Five minutes past dinner-time,’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Crummles rang the bell. ‘Let the mutton and onion sauce appear.’ + </p> + <p> + The slave who attended upon Mr. Bulph’s lodgers, disappeared, and after a + short interval reappeared with the festive banquet. Nicholas and the + infant phenomenon opposed each other at the pembroke-table, and Smike and + the master Crummleses dined on the sofa bedstead. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are they very theatrical people here?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Mr. Crummles, shaking his head, ‘far from it—far from + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I pity them,’ observed Mrs. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I,’ said Nicholas; ‘if they have no relish for theatrical + entertainments, properly conducted.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then they have none, sir,’ rejoined Mr. Crummles. ‘To the infant’s + benefit, last year, on which occasion she repeated three of her most + popular characters, and also appeared in the Fairy Porcupine, as + originally performed by her, there was a house of no more than four pound + twelve.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it possible?’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And two pound of that was trust, pa,’ said the phenomenon. + </p> + <p> + ‘And two pound of that was trust,’ repeated Mr. Crummles. ‘Mrs. Crummles + herself has played to mere handfuls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But they are always a taking audience, Vincent,’ said the manager’s wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘Most audiences are, when they have good acting—real good acting—the + regular thing,’ replied Mr. Crummles, forcibly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you give lessons, ma’am?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do,’ said Mrs. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no teaching here, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There has been,’ said Mrs. Crummles. ‘I have received pupils here. I + imparted tuition to the daughter of a dealer in ships’ provision; but it + afterwards appeared that she was insane when she first came to me. It was + very extraordinary that she should come, under such circumstances.’ + </p> + <p> + Not feeling quite so sure of that, Nicholas thought it best to hold his + peace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ said the manager cogitating after dinner. ‘Would you like + some nice little part with the infant?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very good,’ replied Nicholas hastily; ‘but I think perhaps it + would be better if I had somebody of my own size at first, in case I + should turn out awkward. I should feel more at home, perhaps.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said the manager. ‘Perhaps you would. And you could play up to the + infant, in time, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ replied Nicholas: devoutly hoping that it would be a very + long time before he was honoured with this distinction. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I’ll tell you what we’ll do,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘You shall study + Romeo when you’ve done that piece—don’t forget to throw the pump and + tubs in by-the-bye—Juliet Miss Snevellicci, old Grudden the nurse.—Yes, + that’ll do very well. Rover too;—you might get up Rover while you + were about it, and Cassio, and Jeremy Diddler. You can easily knock them + off; one part helps the other so much. Here they are, cues and all.’ + </p> + <p> + With these hasty general directions Mr. Crummles thrust a number of little + books into the faltering hands of Nicholas, and bidding his eldest son go + with him and show where lodgings were to be had, shook him by the hand, + and wished him good night. + </p> + <p> + There is no lack of comfortable furnished apartments in Portsmouth, and no + difficulty in finding some that are proportionate to very slender + finances; but the former were too good, and the latter too bad, and they + went into so many houses, and came out unsuited, that Nicholas seriously + began to think he should be obliged to ask permission to spend the night + in the theatre, after all. + </p> + <p> + Eventually, however, they stumbled upon two small rooms up three pair of + stairs, or rather two pair and a ladder, at a tobacconist’s shop, on the + Common Hard: a dirty street leading down to the dockyard. These Nicholas + engaged, only too happy to have escaped any request for payment of a + week’s rent beforehand. + </p> + <p> + ‘There! Lay down our personal property, Smike,’ he said, after showing + young Crummles downstairs. ‘We have fallen upon strange times, and Heaven + only knows the end of them; but I am tired with the events of these three + days, and will postpone reflection till tomorrow—if I can.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 24 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span><i>f the Great Bespeak for Miss Snevellicci, and the first Appearance of + Nicholas upon any Stage</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was up betimes in the morning; but he had scarcely begun to + dress, notwithstanding, when he heard footsteps ascending the stairs, and + was presently saluted by the voices of Mr. Folair the pantomimist, and Mr + Lenville, the tragedian. + </p> + <p> + ‘House, house, house!’ cried Mr. Folair. + </p> + <p> + ‘What, ho! within there,’ said Mr. Lenville, in a deep voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Confound these fellows!’ thought Nicholas; ‘they have come to breakfast, + I suppose. I’ll open the door directly, if you’ll wait an instant.’ + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen entreated him not to hurry himself; and, to beguile the + interval, had a fencing bout with their walking-sticks on the very small + landing-place: to the unspeakable discomposure of all the other lodgers + downstairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, come in,’ said Nicholas, when he had completed his toilet. ‘In the + name of all that’s horrible, don’t make that noise outside.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An uncommon snug little box this,’ said Mr. Lenville, stepping into the + front room, and taking his hat off, before he could get in at all. + ‘Pernicious snug.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For a man at all particular in such matters, it might be a trifle too + snug,’ said Nicholas; ‘for, although it is, undoubtedly, a great + convenience to be able to reach anything you want from the ceiling or the + floor, or either side of the room, without having to move from your chair, + still these advantages can only be had in an apartment of the most limited + size.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It isn’t a bit too confined for a single man,’ returned Mr. Lenville. + ‘That reminds me,—my wife, Mr. Johnson,—I hope she’ll have some + good part in this piece of yours?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I glanced at the French copy last night,’ said Nicholas. ‘It looks very + good, I think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean to do for me, old fellow?’ asked Mr. Lenville, poking the + struggling fire with his walking-stick, and afterwards wiping it on the + skirt of his coat. ‘Anything in the gruff and grumble way?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You turn your wife and child out of doors,’ said Nicholas; ‘and, in a fit + of rage and jealousy, stab your eldest son in the library.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do I though!’ exclaimed Mr. Lenville. ‘That’s very good business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After which,’ said Nicholas, ‘you are troubled with remorse till the last + act, and then you make up your mind to destroy yourself. But, just as you + are raising the pistol to your head, a clock strikes—ten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ cried Mr. Lenville. ‘Very good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You pause,’ said Nicholas; ‘you recollect to have heard a clock strike + ten in your infancy. The pistol falls from your hand—you are + overcome—you burst into tears, and become a virtuous and exemplary + character for ever afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Capital!’ said Mr. Lenville: ‘that’s a sure card, a sure card. Get the + curtain down with a touch of nature like that, and it’ll be a triumphant + success.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there anything good for me?’ inquired Mr. Folair, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ said Nicholas. ‘You play the faithful and attached servant; + you are turned out of doors with the wife and child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Always coupled with that infernal phenomenon,’ sighed Mr. Folair; ‘and we + go into poor lodgings, where I won’t take any wages, and talk sentiment, I + suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why—yes,’ replied Nicholas: ‘that is the course of the piece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must have a dance of some kind, you know,’ said Mr. Folair. ‘You’ll have + to introduce one for the phenomenon, so you’d better make a <i>pas de deux</i>, + and save time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s nothing easier than that,’ said Mr. Lenville, observing the + disturbed looks of the young dramatist. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word I don’t see how it’s to be done,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, isn’t it obvious?’ reasoned Mr. Lenville. ‘Gadzooks, who can help + seeing the way to do it?—you astonish me! You get the distressed + lady, and the little child, and the attached servant, into the poor + lodgings, don’t you?—Well, look here. The distressed lady sinks into + a chair, and buries her face in her pocket-handkerchief. “What makes you + weep, mama?” says the child. “Don’t weep, mama, or you’ll make me weep + too!”—“And me!” says the favourite servant, rubbing his eyes with + his arm. “What can we do to raise your spirits, dear mama?” says the + little child. “Ay, what <i>can </i>we do?” says the faithful servant. “Oh, + Pierre!” says the distressed lady; “would that I could shake off these + painful thoughts.”—“Try, ma’am, try,” says the faithful servant; + “rouse yourself, ma’am; be amused.”—“I will,” says the lady, “I will + learn to suffer with fortitude. Do you remember that dance, my honest + friend, which, in happier days, you practised with this sweet angel? It + never failed to calm my spirits then. Oh! let me see it once again before + I die!”—There it is—cue for the band, <i>before I die</i>,—and + off they go. That’s the regular thing; isn’t it, Tommy?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s it,’ replied Mr. Folair. ‘The distressed lady, overpowered by old + recollections, faints at the end of the dance, and you close in with a + picture.’ + </p> + <p> + Profiting by these and other lessons, which were the result of the + personal experience of the two actors, Nicholas willingly gave them the + best breakfast he could, and, when he at length got rid of them, applied + himself to his task: by no means displeased to find that it was so much + easier than he had at first supposed. He worked very hard all day, and did + not leave his room until the evening, when he went down to the theatre, + whither Smike had repaired before him to go on with another gentleman as a + general rebellion. + </p> + <p> + Here all the people were so much changed, that he scarcely knew them. + False hair, false colour, false calves, false muscles—they had + become different beings. Mr. Lenville was a blooming warrior of most + exquisite proportions; Mr. Crummles, his large face shaded by a profusion + of black hair, a Highland outlaw of most majestic bearing; one of the old + gentlemen a jailer, and the other a venerable patriarch; the comic + countryman, a fighting-man of great valour, relieved by a touch of humour; + each of the Master Crummleses a prince in his own right; and the + low-spirited lover, a desponding captive. There was a gorgeous banquet + ready spread for the third act, consisting of two pasteboard vases, one + plate of biscuits, a black bottle, and a vinegar cruet; and, in short, + everything was on a scale of the utmost splendour and preparation. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was standing with his back to the curtain, now contemplating the + first scene, which was a Gothic archway, about two feet shorter than Mr + Crummles, through which that gentleman was to make his first entrance, and + now listening to a couple of people who were cracking nuts in the gallery, + wondering whether they made the whole audience, when the manager himself + walked familiarly up and accosted him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Been in front tonight?’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas, ‘not yet. I am going to see the play.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ve had a pretty good Let,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘Four front places in the + centre, and the whole of the stage-box.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed!’ said Nicholas; ‘a family, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Mr. Crummles, ‘yes. It’s an affecting thing. There are six + children, and they never come unless the phenomenon plays.’ + </p> + <p> + It would have been difficult for any party, family, or otherwise, to have + visited the theatre on a night when the phenomenon did <i>not </i>play, inasmuch + as she always sustained one, and not uncommonly two or three, characters, + every night; but Nicholas, sympathising with the feelings of a father, + refrained from hinting at this trifling circumstance, and Mr. Crummles + continued to talk, uninterrupted by him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Six,’ said that gentleman; ‘pa and ma eight, aunt nine, governess ten, + grandfather and grandmother twelve. Then, there’s the footman, who stands + outside, with a bag of oranges and a jug of toast-and-water, and sees the + play for nothing through the little pane of glass in the box-door—it’s + cheap at a guinea; they gain by taking a box.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder you allow so many,’ observed Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s no help for it,’ replied Mr. Crummles; ‘it’s always expected in + the country. If there are six children, six people come to hold them in + their laps. A family-box carries double always. Ring in the orchestra, + Grudden!’ + </p> + <p> + That useful lady did as she was requested, and shortly afterwards the + tuning of three fiddles was heard. Which process having been protracted as + long as it was supposed that the patience of the audience could possibly + bear it, was put a stop to by another jerk of the bell, which, being the + signal to begin in earnest, set the orchestra playing a variety of popular + airs, with involuntary variations. + </p> + <p> + If Nicholas had been astonished at the alteration for the better which the + gentlemen displayed, the transformation of the ladies was still more + extraordinary. When, from a snug corner of the manager’s box, he beheld + Miss Snevellicci in all the glories of white muslin with a golden hem, and + Mrs. Crummles in all the dignity of the outlaw’s wife, and Miss Bravassa in + all the sweetness of Miss Snevellicci’s confidential friend, and Miss + Belvawney in the white silks of a page doing duty everywhere and swearing + to live and die in the service of everybody, he could scarcely contain his + admiration, which testified itself in great applause, and the closest + possible attention to the business of the scene. The plot was most + interesting. It belonged to no particular age, people, or country, and was + perhaps the more delightful on that account, as nobody’s previous + information could afford the remotest glimmering of what would ever come + of it. An outlaw had been very successful in doing something somewhere, + and came home, in triumph, to the sound of shouts and fiddles, to greet + his wife—a lady of masculine mind, who talked a good deal about her + father’s bones, which it seemed were unburied, though whether from a + peculiar taste on the part of the old gentleman himself, or the + reprehensible neglect of his relations, did not appear. This outlaw’s wife + was, somehow or other, mixed up with a patriarch, living in a castle a + long way off, and this patriarch was the father of several of the + characters, but he didn’t exactly know which, and was uncertain whether he + had brought up the right ones in his castle, or the wrong ones; he rather + inclined to the latter opinion, and, being uneasy, relieved his mind with + a banquet, during which solemnity somebody in a cloak said ‘Beware!’ which + somebody was known by nobody (except the audience) to be the outlaw + himself, who had come there, for reasons unexplained, but possibly with an + eye to the spoons. There was an agreeable little surprise in the way of + certain love passages between the desponding captive and Miss Snevellicci, + and the comic fighting-man and Miss Bravassa; besides which, Mr. Lenville + had several very tragic scenes in the dark, while on throat-cutting + expeditions, which were all baffled by the skill and bravery of the comic + fighting-man (who overheard whatever was said all through the piece) and + the intrepidity of Miss Snevellicci, who adopted tights, and therein + repaired to the prison of her captive lover, with a small basket of + refreshments and a dark lantern. At last, it came out that the patriarch + was the man who had treated the bones of the outlaw’s father-in-law with + so much disrespect, for which cause and reason the outlaw’s wife repaired + to his castle to kill him, and so got into a dark room, where, after a + good deal of groping in the dark, everybody got hold of everybody else, + and took them for somebody besides, which occasioned a vast quantity of + confusion, with some pistolling, loss of life, and torchlight; after + which, the patriarch came forward, and observing, with a knowing look, + that he knew all about his children now, and would tell them when they got + inside, said that there could not be a more appropriate occasion for + marrying the young people than that; and therefore he joined their hands, + with the full consent of the indefatigable page, who (being the only other + person surviving) pointed with his cap into the clouds, and his right hand + to the ground; thereby invoking a blessing and giving the cue for the + curtain to come down, which it did, amidst general applause. + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you think of that?’ asked Mr. Crummles, when Nicholas went round + to the stage again. Mr. Crummles was very red and hot, for your outlaws are + desperate fellows to shout. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it was very capital indeed,’ replied Nicholas; ‘Miss Snevellicci + in particular was uncommonly good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She’s a genius,’ said Mr. Crummles; ‘quite a genius, that girl. + By-the-bye, I’ve been thinking of bringing out that piece of yours on her + bespeak night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘The night of her bespeak. Her benefit night, when her friends and patrons + bespeak the play,’ said Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I understand,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You see,’ said Mr. Crummles, ‘it’s sure to go, on such an occasion, and + even if it should not work up quite as well as we expect, why it will be + her risk, you know, and not ours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours, you mean,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said mine, didn’t I?’ returned Mr. Crummles. ‘Next Monday week. What do + you say? You’ll have done it, and are sure to be up in the lover’s part, + long before that time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know about “long before,”’ replied Nicholas; ‘but <i>by</i> that time I + think I can undertake to be ready.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ pursued Mr. Crummles, ‘then we’ll call that settled. Now, I + want to ask you something else. There’s a little—what shall I call + it?—a little canvassing takes place on these occasions.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Among the patrons, I suppose?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Among the patrons; and the fact is, that Snevellicci has had so many + bespeaks in this place, that she wants an attraction. She had a bespeak + when her mother-in-law died, and a bespeak when her uncle died; and Mrs + Crummles and myself have had bespeaks on the anniversary of the + phenomenon’s birthday, and our wedding-day, and occasions of that + description, so that, in fact, there’s some difficulty in getting a good + one. Now, won’t you help this poor girl, Mr. Johnson?’ said Crummles, + sitting himself down on a drum, and taking a great pinch of snuff, as he + looked him steadily in the face. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you mean?’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you think you could spare half an hour tomorrow morning, to call + with her at the houses of one or two of the principal people?’ murmured + the manager in a persuasive tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear me,’ said Nicholas, with an air of very strong objection, ‘I + shouldn’t like to do that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The infant will accompany her,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘The moment it was + suggested to me, I gave permission for the infant to go. There will not be + the smallest impropriety—Miss Snevellicci, sir, is the very soul of + honour. It would be of material service—the gentleman from London—author + of the new piece—actor in the new piece—first appearance on + any boards—it would lead to a great bespeak, Mr. Johnson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry to throw a damp upon the prospects of anybody, and more + especially a lady,’ replied Nicholas; ‘but really I must decidedly object + to making one of the canvassing party.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What does Mr. Johnson say, Vincent?’ inquired a voice close to his ear; + and, looking round, he found Mrs. Crummles and Miss Snevellicci herself + standing behind him. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has some objection, my dear,’ replied Mr. Crummles, looking at + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Objection!’ exclaimed Mrs. Crummles. ‘Can it be possible?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I hope not!’ cried Miss Snevellicci. ‘You surely are not so cruel—oh, + dear me!—Well, I—to think of that now, after all one’s looking + forward to it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Johnson will not persist, my dear,’ said Mrs. Crummles. ‘Think better + of him than to suppose it. Gallantry, humanity, all the best feelings of + his nature, must be enlisted in this interesting cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which moves even a manager,’ said Mr. Crummles, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘And a manager’s wife,’ added Mrs. Crummles, in her accustomed tragedy + tones. ‘Come, come, you will relent, I know you will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not in my nature,’ said Nicholas, moved by these appeals, ‘to + resist any entreaty, unless it is to do something positively wrong; and, + beyond a feeling of pride, I know nothing which should prevent my doing + this. I know nobody here, and nobody knows me. So be it then. I yield.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Snevellicci was at once overwhelmed with blushes and expressions of + gratitude, of which latter commodity neither Mr. nor Mrs. Crummles was by + any means sparing. It was arranged that Nicholas should call upon her, at + her lodgings, at eleven next morning, and soon after they parted: he to + return home to his authorship: Miss Snevellicci to dress for the + after-piece: and the disinterested manager and his wife to discuss the + probable gains of the forthcoming bespeak, of which they were to have + two-thirds of the profits by solemn treaty of agreement. + </p> + <p> + At the stipulated hour next morning, Nicholas repaired to the lodgings of + Miss Snevellicci, which were in a place called Lombard Street, at the + house of a tailor. A strong smell of ironing pervaded the little passage; + and the tailor’s daughter, who opened the door, appeared in that flutter + of spirits which is so often attendant upon the periodical getting up of a + family’s linen. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Snevellicci lives here, I believe?’ said Nicholas, when the door was + opened. + </p> + <p> + The tailor’s daughter replied in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you have the goodness to let her know that Mr. Johnson is here?’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, if you please, you’re to come upstairs,’ replied the tailor’s + daughter, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas followed the young lady, and was shown into a small apartment on + the first floor, communicating with a back-room; in which, as he judged + from a certain half-subdued clinking sound, as of cups and saucers, Miss + Snevellicci was then taking her breakfast in bed. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re to wait, if you please,’ said the tailor’s daughter, after a short + period of absence, during which the clinking in the back-room had ceased, + and been succeeded by whispering—‘She won’t be long.’ + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she pulled up the window-blind, and having by this means (as + she thought) diverted Mr. Johnson’s attention from the room to the street, + caught up some articles which were airing on the fender, and had very much + the appearance of stockings, and darted off. + </p> + <p> + As there were not many objects of interest outside the window, Nicholas + looked about the room with more curiosity than he might otherwise have + bestowed upon it. On the sofa lay an old guitar, several thumbed pieces of + music, and a scattered litter of curl-papers; together with a confused + heap of play-bills, and a pair of soiled white satin shoes with large blue + rosettes. Hanging over the back of a chair was a half-finished muslin + apron with little pockets ornamented with red ribbons, such as + waiting-women wear on the stage, and (by consequence) are never seen with + anywhere else. In one corner stood the diminutive pair of top-boots in + which Miss Snevellicci was accustomed to enact the little jockey, and, + folded on a chair hard by, was a small parcel, which bore a very + suspicious resemblance to the companion smalls. + </p> + <p> + But the most interesting object of all was, perhaps, the open scrapbook, + displayed in the midst of some theatrical duodecimos that were strewn upon + the table; and pasted into which scrapbook were various critical notices + of Miss Snevellicci’s acting, extracted from different provincial + journals, together with one poetic address in her honour, commencing— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Sing, God of Love, and tell me in what dearth + Thrice-gifted <i>Snevellicci</i> came on earth, + To thrill us with her smile, her tear, her eye, + Sing, God of Love, and tell me quickly why. +</pre> + <p> + Besides this effusion, there were innumerable complimentary allusions, + also extracted from newspapers, such as—‘We observe from an + advertisement in another part of our paper of today, that the charming and + highly-talented Miss Snevellicci takes her benefit on Wednesday, for which + occasion she has put forth a bill of fare that might kindle exhilaration + in the breast of a misanthrope. In the confidence that our fellow-townsmen + have not lost that high appreciation of public utility and private worth, + for which they have long been so pre-eminently distinguished, we predict + that this charming actress will be greeted with a bumper.’ ‘To + Correspondents.—J.S. is misinformed when he supposes that the + highly-gifted and beautiful Miss Snevellicci, nightly captivating all + hearts at our pretty and commodious little theatre, is <i>not </i>the same lady + to whom the young gentleman of immense fortune, residing within a hundred + miles of the good city of York, lately made honourable proposals. We have + reason to know that Miss Snevellicci <i>is</i> the lady who was implicated in + that mysterious and romantic affair, and whose conduct on that occasion + did no less honour to her head and heart, than do her histrionic triumphs + to her brilliant genius.’ A copious assortment of such paragraphs as + these, with long bills of benefits all ending with ‘Come Early’, in large + capitals, formed the principal contents of Miss Snevellicci’s scrapbook. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had read a great many of these scraps, and was absorbed in a + circumstantial and melancholy account of the train of events which had led + to Miss Snevellicci’s spraining her ankle by slipping on a piece of + orange-peel flung by a monster in human form, (so the paper said,) upon + the stage at Winchester,—when that young lady herself, attired in + the coal-scuttle bonnet and walking-dress complete, tripped into the room, + with a thousand apologies for having detained him so long after the + appointed time. + </p> + <p> + ‘But really,’ said Miss Snevellicci, ‘my darling Led, who lives with me + here, was taken so very ill in the night that I thought she would have + expired in my arms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Such a fate is almost to be envied,’ returned Nicholas, ‘but I am very + sorry to hear it nevertheless.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a creature you are to flatter!’ said Miss Snevellicci, buttoning her + glove in much confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘If it be flattery to admire your charms and accomplishments,’ rejoined + Nicholas, laying his hand upon the scrapbook, ‘you have better specimens + of it here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh you cruel creature, to read such things as those! I’m almost ashamed + to look you in the face afterwards, positively I am,’ said Miss + Snevellicci, seizing the book and putting it away in a closet. ‘How + careless of Led! How could she be so naughty!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you had kindly left it here, on purpose for me to read,’ said + Nicholas. And really it did seem possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wouldn’t have had you see it for the world!’ rejoined Miss Snevellicci. + ‘I never was so vexed—never! But she is such a careless thing, + there’s no trusting her.’ + </p> + <p> + The conversation was here interrupted by the entrance of the phenomenon, + who had discreetly remained in the bedroom up to this moment, and now + presented herself, with much grace and lightness, bearing in her hand a + very little green parasol with a broad fringe border, and no handle. After + a few words of course, they sallied into the street. + </p> + <p> + The phenomenon was rather a troublesome companion, for first the right + sandal came down, and then the left, and these mischances being repaired, + one leg of the little white trousers was discovered to be longer than the + other; besides these accidents, the green parasol was dropped down an iron + grating, and only fished up again with great difficulty and by dint of + much exertion. However, it was impossible to scold her, as she was the + manager’s daughter, so Nicholas took it all in perfect good humour, and + walked on, with Miss Snevellicci, arm-in-arm on one side, and the + offending infant on the other. + </p> + <p> + The first house to which they bent their steps, was situated in a terrace + of respectable appearance. Miss Snevellicci’s modest double-knock was + answered by a foot-boy, who, in reply to her inquiry whether Mrs. Curdle + was at home, opened his eyes very wide, grinned very much, and said he + didn’t know, but he’d inquire. With this he showed them into a parlour + where he kept them waiting, until the two women-servants had repaired + thither, under false pretences, to see the play-actors; and having + compared notes with them in the passage, and joined in a vast quantity of + whispering and giggling, he at length went upstairs with Miss + Snevellicci’s name. + </p> + <p> + Now, Mrs. Curdle was supposed, by those who were best informed on such + points, to possess quite the London taste in matters relating to + literature and the drama; and as to Mr. Curdle, he had written a pamphlet + of sixty-four pages, post octavo, on the character of the Nurse’s deceased + husband in Romeo and Juliet, with an inquiry whether he really had been a + ‘merry man’ in his lifetime, or whether it was merely his widow’s + affectionate partiality that induced her so to report him. He had likewise + proved, that by altering the received mode of punctuation, any one of + Shakespeare’s plays could be made quite different, and the sense + completely changed; it is needless to say, therefore, that he was a great + critic, and a very profound and most original thinker. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Miss Snevellicci,’ said Mrs. Curdle, entering the parlour, ‘and how + do <i>you </i>do?’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Snevellicci made a graceful obeisance, and hoped Mrs. Curdle was well, + as also Mr. Curdle, who at the same time appeared. Mrs. Curdle was dressed + in a morning wrapper, with a little cap stuck upon the top of her head. Mr + Curdle wore a loose robe on his back, and his right forefinger on his + forehead after the portraits of Sterne, to whom somebody or other had once + said he bore a striking resemblance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I venture to call, for the purpose of asking whether you would put your + name to my bespeak, ma’am,’ said Miss Snevellicci, producing documents. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I really don’t know what to say,’ replied Mrs. Curdle. ‘It’s not as if + the theatre was in its high and palmy days—you needn’t stand, Miss + Snevellicci—the drama is gone, perfectly gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As an exquisite embodiment of the poet’s visions, and a realisation of + human intellectuality, gilding with refulgent light our dreamy moments, + and laying open a new and magic world before the mental eye, the drama is + gone, perfectly gone,’ said Mr. Curdle. + </p> + <p> + ‘What man is there, now living, who can present before us all those + changing and prismatic colours with which the character of Hamlet is + invested?’ exclaimed Mrs. Curdle. + </p> + <p> + ‘What man indeed—upon the stage,’ said Mr. Curdle, with a small + reservation in favour of himself. ‘Hamlet! Pooh! ridiculous! Hamlet is + gone, perfectly gone.’ + </p> + <p> + Quite overcome by these dismal reflections, Mr. and Mrs. Curdle sighed, and + sat for some short time without speaking. At length, the lady, turning to + Miss Snevellicci, inquired what play she proposed to have. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite a new one,’ said Miss Snevellicci, ‘of which this gentleman is the + author, and in which he plays; being his first appearance on any stage. Mr + Johnson is the gentleman’s name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope you have preserved the unities, sir?’ said Mr. Curdle. + </p> + <p> + ‘The original piece is a French one,’ said Nicholas. ‘There is abundance + of incident, sprightly dialogue, strongly-marked characters—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—All unavailing without a strict observance of the unities, sir,’ + returned Mr. Curdle. ‘The unities of the drama, before everything.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Might I ask you,’ said Nicholas, hesitating between the respect he ought + to assume, and his love of the whimsical, ‘might I ask you what the + unities are?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Curdle coughed and considered. ‘The unities, sir,’ he said, ‘are a + completeness—a kind of universal dovetailedness with regard to place + and time—a sort of a general oneness, if I may be allowed to use so + strong an expression. I take those to be the dramatic unities, so far as I + have been enabled to bestow attention upon them, and I have read much upon + the subject, and thought much. I find, running through the performances of + this child,’ said Mr. Curdle, turning to the phenomenon, ‘a unity of + feeling, a breadth, a light and shade, a warmth of colouring, a tone, a + harmony, a glow, an artistical development of original conceptions, which + I look for, in vain, among older performers—I don’t know whether I + make myself understood?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so,’ said Mr. Curdle, pulling up his neckcloth. ‘That is my + definition of the unities of the drama.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Curdle had sat listening to this lucid explanation with great + complacency. It being finished, she inquired what Mr. Curdle thought, about + putting down their names. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know, my dear; upon my word I don’t know,’ said Mr. Curdle. ‘If we + do, it must be distinctly understood that we do not pledge ourselves to + the quality of the performances. Let it go forth to the world, that we do + not give <i>them </i>the sanction of our names, but that we confer the + distinction merely upon Miss Snevellicci. That being clearly stated, I + take it to be, as it were, a duty, that we should extend our patronage to + a degraded stage, even for the sake of the associations with which it is + entwined. Have you got two-and-sixpence for half-a-crown, Miss + Snevellicci?’ said Mr. Curdle, turning over four of those pieces of money. + </p> + <p> + Miss Snevellicci felt in all the corners of the pink reticule, but there + was nothing in any of them. Nicholas murmured a jest about his being an + author, and thought it best not to go through the form of feeling in his + own pockets at all. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ said Mr. Curdle; ‘twice four’s eight—four shillings + a-piece to the boxes, Miss Snevellicci, is exceedingly dear in the present + state of the drama—three half-crowns is seven-and-six; we shall not + differ about sixpence, I suppose? Sixpence will not part us, Miss + Snevellicci?’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Miss Snevellicci took the three half-crowns, with many smiles and + bends, and Mrs. Curdle, adding several supplementary directions relative to + keeping the places for them, and dusting the seat, and sending two clean + bills as soon as they came out, rang the bell, as a signal for breaking up + the conference. + </p> + <p> + ‘Odd people those,’ said Nicholas, when they got clear of the house. + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you,’ said Miss Snevellicci, taking his arm, ‘that I think + myself very lucky they did not owe all the money instead of being sixpence + short. Now, if you were to succeed, they would give people to understand + that they had always patronised you; and if you were to fail, they would + have been quite certain of that from the very beginning.’ + </p> + <p> + At the next house they visited, they were in great glory; for, there, + resided the six children who were so enraptured with the public actions of + the phenomenon, and who, being called down from the nursery to be treated + with a private view of that young lady, proceeded to poke their fingers + into her eyes, and tread upon her toes, and show her many other little + attentions peculiar to their time of life. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall certainly persuade Mr. Borum to take a private box,’ said the lady + of the house, after a most gracious reception. ‘I shall only take two of + the children, and will make up the rest of the party, of gentlemen—your + admirers, Miss Snevellicci. Augustus, you naughty boy, leave the little + girl alone.’ + </p> + <p> + This was addressed to a young gentleman who was pinching the phenomenon + behind, apparently with a view of ascertaining whether she was real. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you must be very tired,’ said the mama, turning to Miss + Snevellicci. ‘I cannot think of allowing you to go, without first taking a + glass of wine. Fie, Charlotte, I am ashamed of you! Miss Lane, my dear, + pray see to the children.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Lane was the governess, and this entreaty was rendered necessary by + the abrupt behaviour of the youngest Miss Borum, who, having filched the + phenomenon’s little green parasol, was now carrying it bodily off, while + the distracted infant looked helplessly on. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure, where you ever learnt to act as you do,’ said good-natured Mrs + Borum, turning again to Miss Snevellicci, ‘I cannot understand (Emma, + don’t stare so); laughing in one piece, and crying in the next, and so + natural in all—oh, dear!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very happy to hear you express so favourable an opinion,’ said Miss + Snevellicci. ‘It’s quite delightful to think you like it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Like it!’ cried Mrs. Borum. ‘Who can help liking it? I would go to the + play, twice a week if I could: I dote upon it—only you’re too + affecting sometimes. You do put me in such a state—into such fits of + crying! Goodness gracious me, Miss Lane, how can you let them torment that + poor child so!’ + </p> + <p> + The phenomenon was really in a fair way of being torn limb from limb; for + two strong little boys, one holding on by each of her hands, were dragging + her in different directions as a trial of strength. However, Miss Lane + (who had herself been too much occupied in contemplating the grown-up + actors, to pay the necessary attention to these proceedings) rescued the + unhappy infant at this juncture, who, being recruited with a glass of + wine, was shortly afterwards taken away by her friends, after sustaining + no more serious damage than a flattening of the pink gauze bonnet, and a + rather extensive creasing of the white frock and trousers. + </p> + <p> + It was a trying morning; for there were a great many calls to make, and + everybody wanted a different thing. Some wanted tragedies, and others + comedies; some objected to dancing; some wanted scarcely anything else. + Some thought the comic singer decidedly low, and others hoped he would + have more to do than he usually had. Some people wouldn’t promise to go, + because other people wouldn’t promise to go; and other people wouldn’t go + at all, because other people went. At length, and by little and little, + omitting something in this place, and adding something in that, Miss + Snevellicci pledged herself to a bill of fare which was comprehensive + enough, if it had no other merit (it included among other trifles, four + pieces, divers songs, a few combats, and several dances); and they + returned home, pretty well exhausted with the business of the day. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas worked away at the piece, which was speedily put into rehearsal, + and then worked away at his own part, which he studied with great + perseverance and acted—as the whole company said—to + perfection. And at length the great day arrived. The crier was sent round, + in the morning, to proclaim the entertainments with the sound of bell in + all the thoroughfares; and extra bills of three feet long by nine inches + wide, were dispersed in all directions, flung down all the areas, thrust + under all the knockers, and developed in all the shops. They were + placarded on all the walls too, though not with complete success, for an + illiterate person having undertaken this office during the indisposition + of the regular bill-sticker, a part were posted sideways, and the + remainder upside down. + </p> + <p> + At half-past five, there was a rush of four people to the gallery-door; at + a quarter before six, there were at least a dozen; at six o’clock the + kicks were terrific; and when the elder Master Crummles opened the door, + he was obliged to run behind it for his life. Fifteen shillings were taken + by Mrs. Grudden in the first ten minutes. + </p> + <p> + Behind the scenes, the same unwonted excitement prevailed. Miss + Snevellicci was in such a perspiration that the paint would scarcely stay + on her face. Mrs. Crummles was so nervous that she could hardly remember + her part. Miss Bravassa’s ringlets came out of curl with the heat and + anxiety; even Mr. Crummles himself kept peeping through the hole in the + curtain, and running back, every now and then, to announce that another + man had come into the pit. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0348m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0348m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0348.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + At last, the orchestra left off, and the curtain rose upon the new piece. + The first scene, in which there was nobody particular, passed off calmly + enough, but when Miss Snevellicci went on in the second, accompanied by + the phenomenon as child, what a roar of applause broke out! The people in + the Borum box rose as one man, waving their hats and handkerchiefs, and + uttering shouts of ‘Bravo!’ Mrs. Borum and the governess cast wreaths upon + the stage, of which, some fluttered into the lamps, and one crowned the + temples of a fat gentleman in the pit, who, looking eagerly towards the + scene, remained unconscious of the honour; the tailor and his family + kicked at the panels of the upper boxes till they threatened to come out + altogether; the very ginger-beer boy remained transfixed in the centre of + the house; a young officer, supposed to entertain a passion for Miss + Snevellicci, stuck his glass in his eye as though to hide a tear. Again + and again Miss Snevellicci curtseyed lower and lower, and again and again + the applause came down, louder and louder. At length, when the phenomenon + picked up one of the smoking wreaths and put it on, sideways, over Miss + Snevellicci’s eye, it reached its climax, and the play proceeded. + </p> + <p> + But when Nicholas came on for his crack scene with Mrs. Crummles, what a + clapping of hands there was! When Mrs. Crummles (who was his unworthy + mother), sneered, and called him ‘presumptuous boy,’ and he defied her, + what a tumult of applause came on! When he quarrelled with the other + gentleman about the young lady, and producing a case of pistols, said, + that if he <i>was </i>a gentleman, he would fight him in that drawing-room, until + the furniture was sprinkled with the blood of one, if not of two—how + boxes, pit, and gallery, joined in one most vigorous cheer! When he called + his mother names, because she wouldn’t give up the young lady’s property, + and she relenting, caused him to relent likewise, and fall down on one + knee and ask her blessing, how the ladies in the audience sobbed! When he + was hid behind the curtain in the dark, and the wicked relation poked a + sharp sword in every direction, save where his legs were plainly visible, + what a thrill of anxious fear ran through the house! His air, his figure, + his walk, his look, everything he said or did, was the subject of + commendation. There was a round of applause every time he spoke. And when, + at last, in the pump-and-tub scene, Mrs. Grudden lighted the blue fire, and + all the unemployed members of the company came in, and tumbled down in + various directions—not because that had anything to do with the + plot, but in order to finish off with a tableau—the audience (who + had by this time increased considerably) gave vent to such a shout of + enthusiasm as had not been heard in those walls for many and many a day. + </p> + <p> + In short, the success both of new piece and new actor was complete, and + when Miss Snevellicci was called for at the end of the play, Nicholas led + her on, and divided the applause. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 25 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span><i>oncerning a young Lady from London, who joins the Company, and an elderly + Admirer who follows in her Train; with an affecting Ceremony consequent on + their Arrival</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The new piece being a decided hit, was announced for every evening of + performance until further notice, and the evenings when the theatre was + closed, were reduced from three in the week to two. Nor were these the + only tokens of extraordinary success; for, on the succeeding Saturday, + Nicholas received, by favour of the indefatigable Mrs. Grudden, no less a + sum than thirty shillings; besides which substantial reward, he enjoyed + considerable fame and honour: having a presentation copy of Mr. Curdle’s + pamphlet forwarded to the theatre, with that gentleman’s own autograph (in + itself an inestimable treasure) on the fly-leaf, accompanied with a note, + containing many expressions of approval, and an unsolicited assurance that + Mr. Curdle would be very happy to read Shakespeare to him for three hours + every morning before breakfast during his stay in the town. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve got another novelty, Johnson,’ said Mr. Crummles one morning in great + glee. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s that?’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘The pony?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, we never come to the pony till everything else has failed,’ said + Mr. Crummles. ‘I don’t think we shall come to the pony at all, this season. + No, no, not the pony.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A boy phenomenon, perhaps?’ suggested Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is only one phenomenon, sir,’ replied Mr. Crummles impressively, + ‘and that’s a girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very true,’ said Nicholas. ‘I beg your pardon. Then I don’t know what it + is, I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What should you say to a young lady from London?’ inquired Mr. Crummles. + ‘Miss So-and-so, of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should say she would look very well in the bills,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re about right there,’ said Mr. Crummles; ‘and if you had said she + would look very well upon the stage too, you wouldn’t have been far out. + Look here; what do you think of this?’ + </p> + <p> + With this inquiry Mr. Crummles unfolded a red poster, and a blue poster, + and a yellow poster, at the top of each of which public notification was + inscribed in enormous characters—‘First appearance of the unrivalled + Miss Petowker of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me!’ said Nicholas, ‘I know that lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you are acquainted with as much talent as was ever compressed into + one young person’s body,’ retorted Mr. Crummles, rolling up the bills + again; ‘that is, talent of a certain sort—of a certain sort. “The + Blood Drinker,”’ added Mr. Crummles with a prophetic sigh, ‘“The Blood + Drinker” will die with that girl; and she’s the only sylph I ever saw, who + could stand upon one leg, and play the tambourine on her other knee, <i>like</i> + a sylph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When does she come down?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘We expect her today,’ replied Mr. Crummles. ‘She is an old friend of Mrs + Crummles’s. Mrs. Crummles saw what she could do—always knew it from + the first. She taught her, indeed, nearly all she knows. Mrs. Crummles was + the original Blood Drinker.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was she, indeed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes. She was obliged to give it up though.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did it disagree with her?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so much with her, as with her audiences,’ replied Mr. Crummles. + ‘Nobody could stand it. It was too tremendous. You don’t quite know what + Mrs. Crummles is yet.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas ventured to insinuate that he thought he did. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, you don’t,’ said Mr. Crummles; ‘you don’t, indeed. I don’t, and + that’s a fact. I don’t think her country will, till she is dead. Some new + proof of talent bursts from that astonishing woman every year of her life. + Look at her—mother of six children—three of ‘em alive, and all + upon the stage!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Extraordinary!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! extraordinary indeed,’ rejoined Mr. Crummles, taking a complacent + pinch of snuff, and shaking his head gravely. ‘I pledge you my + professional word I didn’t even know she could dance, till her last + benefit, and then she played Juliet, and Helen Macgregor, and did the + skipping-rope hornpipe between the pieces. The very first time I saw that + admirable woman, Johnson,’ said Mr. Crummles, drawing a little nearer, and + speaking in the tone of confidential friendship, ‘she stood upon her head + on the butt-end of a spear, surrounded with blazing fireworks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You astonish me!’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>She </i>astonished <i>me</i>!’ returned Mr. Crummles, with a very serious + countenance. ‘Such grace, coupled with such dignity! I adored her from + that moment!’ + </p> + <p> + The arrival of the gifted subject of these remarks put an abrupt + termination to Mr. Crummles’s eulogium. Almost immediately afterwards, + Master Percy Crummles entered with a letter, which had arrived by the + General Post, and was directed to his gracious mother; at sight of the + superscription whereof, Mrs. Crummles exclaimed, ‘From Henrietta Petowker, + I do declare!’ and instantly became absorbed in the contents. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it—?’ inquired Mr. Crummles, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes, it’s all right,’ replied Mrs. Crummles, anticipating the + question. ‘What an excellent thing for her, to be sure!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the best thing altogether, that I ever heard of, I think,’ said Mr + Crummles; and then Mr. Crummles, Mrs. Crummles, and Master Percy Crummles, + all fell to laughing violently. Nicholas left them to enjoy their mirth + together, and walked to his lodgings; wondering very much what mystery + connected with Miss Petowker could provoke such merriment, and pondering + still more on the extreme surprise with which that lady would regard his + sudden enlistment in a profession of which she was such a distinguished + and brilliant ornament. + </p> + <p> + But, in this latter respect he was mistaken; for—whether Mr. Vincent + Crummles had paved the way, or Miss Petowker had some special reason for + treating him with even more than her usual amiability—their meeting + at the theatre next day was more like that of two dear friends who had + been inseparable from infancy, than a recognition passing between a lady + and gentleman who had only met some half-dozen times, and then by mere + chance. Nay, Miss Petowker even whispered that she had wholly dropped the + Kenwigses in her conversations with the manager’s family, and had + represented herself as having encountered Mr. Johnson in the very first and + most fashionable circles; and on Nicholas receiving this intelligence with + unfeigned surprise, she added, with a sweet glance, that she had a claim + on his good nature now, and might tax it before long. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had the honour of playing in a slight piece with Miss Petowker + that night, and could not but observe that the warmth of her reception was + mainly attributable to a most persevering umbrella in the upper boxes; he + saw, too, that the enchanting actress cast many sweet looks towards the + quarter whence these sounds proceeded; and that every time she did so, the + umbrella broke out afresh. Once, he thought that a peculiarly shaped hat + in the same corner was not wholly unknown to him; but, being occupied with + his share of the stage business, he bestowed no great attention upon this + circumstance, and it had quite vanished from his memory by the time he + reached home. + </p> + <p> + He had just sat down to supper with Smike, when one of the people of the + house came outside the door, and announced that a gentleman below stairs + wished to speak to Mr. Johnson. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, if he does, you must tell him to come up; that’s all I know,’ + replied Nicholas. ‘One of our hungry brethren, I suppose, Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + His fellow-lodger looked at the cold meat in silent calculation of the + quantity that would be left for dinner next day, and put back a slice he + had cut for himself, in order that the visitor’s encroachments might be + less formidable in their effects. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is not anybody who has been here before,’ said Nicholas, ‘for he is + tumbling up every stair. Come in, come in. In the name of wonder! Mr + Lillyvick?’ + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, the collector of water-rates who, regarding Nicholas with + a fixed look and immovable countenance, shook hands with most portentous + solemnity, and sat himself down in a seat by the chimney-corner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, when did you come here?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘This morning, sir,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I see; then you were at the theatre tonight, and it was your umb—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This umbrella,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, producing a fat green cotton one with + a battered ferrule. ‘What did you think of that performance?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So far as I could judge, being on the stage,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I + thought it very agreeable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Agreeable!’ cried the collector. ‘I mean to say, sir, that it was + delicious.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lillyvick bent forward to pronounce the last word with greater + emphasis; and having done so, drew himself up, and frowned and nodded a + great many times. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, delicious,’ repeated Mr. Lillyvick. ‘Absorbing, fairy-like, + toomultuous,’ and again Mr. Lillyvick drew himself up, and again he frowned + and nodded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Nicholas, a little surprised at these symptoms of ecstatic + approbation. ‘Yes—she is a clever girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a divinity,’ returned Mr. Lillyvick, giving a collector’s double + knock on the ground with the umbrella before-mentioned. ‘I have known + divine actresses before now, sir, I used to collect—at least I used + to <i>call </i>for—and very often call for—the water-rate at the + house of a divine actress, who lived in my beat for upwards of four year + but never—no, never, sir of all divine creatures, actresses or no + actresses, did I see a diviner one than is Henrietta Petowker.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had much ado to prevent himself from laughing; not trusting + himself to speak, he merely nodded in accordance with Mr. Lillyvick’s nods, + and remained silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me speak a word with you in private,’ said Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas looked good-humouredly at Smike, who, taking the hint, + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + ‘A bachelor is a miserable wretch, sir,’ said Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is,’ rejoined the collector. ‘I have lived in the world for nigh sixty + year, and I ought to know what it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You <i>ought </i>to know, certainly,’ thought Nicholas; ‘but whether you do or + not, is another question.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If a bachelor happens to have saved a little matter of money,’ said Mr + Lillyvick, ‘his sisters and brothers, and nephews and nieces, look <i>to</i> that + money, and not to him; even if, by being a public character, he is the + head of the family, or, as it may be, the main from which all the other + little branches are turned on, they still wish him dead all the while, and + get low-spirited every time they see him looking in good health, because + they want to come into his little property. You see that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes,’ replied Nicholas: ‘it’s very true, no doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The great reason for not being married,’ resumed Mr. Lillyvick, ‘is the + expense; that’s what’s kept me off, or else—Lord!’ said Mr + Lillyvick, snapping his fingers, ‘I might have had fifty women.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Fine women?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fine women, sir!’ replied the collector; ‘ay! not so fine as Henrietta + Petowker, for she is an uncommon specimen, but such women as don’t fall + into every man’s way, I can tell you. Now suppose a man can get a fortune + <i>in</i> a wife instead of with her—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then, he’s a lucky fellow,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s what I say,’ retorted the collector, patting him benignantly on + the side of the head with his umbrella; ‘just what I say. Henrietta + Petowker, the talented Henrietta Petowker has a fortune in herself, and I + am going to—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To make her Mrs. Lillyvick?’ suggested Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir, not to make her Mrs. Lillyvick,’ replied the collector. + ‘Actresses, sir, always keep their maiden names—that’s the regular + thing—but I’m going to marry her; and the day after tomorrow, too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I congratulate you, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, sir,’ replied the collector, buttoning his waistcoat. ‘I shall + draw her salary, of course, and I hope after all that it’s nearly as cheap + to keep two as it is to keep one; that’s a consolation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely you don’t want any consolation at such a moment?’ observed + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, shaking his head nervously: ‘no—of + course not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But how come you both here, if you’re going to be married, Mr. Lillyvick?’ + asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that’s what I came to explain to you,’ replied the collector of + water-rate. ‘The fact is, we have thought it best to keep it secret from + the family.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Family!’ said Nicholas. ‘What family?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Kenwigses of course,’ rejoined Mr. Lillyvick. ‘If my niece and the + children had known a word about it before I came away, they’d have gone + into fits at my feet, and never have come out of ‘em till I took an oath + not to marry anybody—or they’d have got out a commission of lunacy, + or some dreadful thing,’ said the collector, quite trembling as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ said Nicholas. ‘Yes; they would have been jealous, no + doubt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To prevent which,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, ‘Henrietta Petowker (it was settled + between us) should come down here to her friends, the Crummleses, under + pretence of this engagement, and I should go down to Guildford the day + before, and join her on the coach there, which I did, and we came down + from Guildford yesterday together. Now, for fear you should be writing to + Mr. Noggs, and might say anything about us, we have thought it best to let + you into the secret. We shall be married from the Crummleses’ lodgings, + and shall be delighted to see you—either before church or at + breakfast-time, which you like. It won’t be expensive, you know,’ said the + collector, highly anxious to prevent any misunderstanding on this point; + ‘just muffins and coffee, with perhaps a shrimp or something of that sort + for a relish, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, I understand,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Oh, I shall be most happy to + come; it will give me the greatest pleasure. Where’s the lady stopping—with + Mrs. Crummles?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, no,’ said the collector; ‘they couldn’t very well dispose of her at + night, and so she is staying with an acquaintance of hers, and another + young lady; they both belong to the theatre.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Snevellicci, I suppose?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, that’s the name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And they’ll be bridesmaids, I presume?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why,’ said the collector, with a rueful face, ‘they <i>will </i>have four + bridesmaids; I’m afraid they’ll make it rather theatrical.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, not at all,’ replied Nicholas, with an awkward attempt to convert + a laugh into a cough. ‘Who may the four be? Miss Snevellicci of course—Miss + Ledrook—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The—the phenomenon,’ groaned the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha!’ cried Nicholas. ‘I beg your pardon, I don’t know what I’m + laughing at—yes, that’ll be very pretty—the phenomenon—who + else?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some young woman or other,’ replied the collector, rising; ‘some other + friend of Henrietta Petowker’s. Well, you’ll be careful not to say + anything about it, will you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may safely depend upon me,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Won’t you take + anything to eat or drink?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said the collector; ‘I haven’t any appetite. I should think it was a + very pleasant life, the married one, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not the least doubt of it,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said the collector; ‘certainly. Oh yes. No doubt. Good night.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, Mr. Lillyvick, whose manner had exhibited through the + whole of this interview a most extraordinary compound of precipitation, + hesitation, confidence and doubt, fondness, misgiving, meanness, and + self-importance, turned his back upon the room, and left Nicholas to enjoy + a laugh by himself if he felt so disposed. + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to inquire whether the intervening day appeared to + Nicholas to consist of the usual number of hours of the ordinary length, + it may be remarked that, to the parties more directly interested in the + forthcoming ceremony, it passed with great rapidity, insomuch that when + Miss Petowker awoke on the succeeding morning in the chamber of Miss + Snevellicci, she declared that nothing should ever persuade her that that + really was the day which was to behold a change in her condition. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never will believe it,’ said Miss Petowker; ‘I cannot really. It’s of + no use talking, I never can make up my mind to go through with such a + trial!’ + </p> + <p> + On hearing this, Miss Snevellicci and Miss Ledrook, who knew perfectly + well that their fair friend’s mind had been made up for three or four + years, at any period of which time she would have cheerfully undergone the + desperate trial now approaching if she could have found any eligible + gentleman disposed for the venture, began to preach comfort and firmness, + and to say how very proud she ought to feel that it was in her power to + confer lasting bliss on a deserving object, and how necessary it was for + the happiness of mankind in general that women should possess fortitude + and resignation on such occasions; and that although for their parts they + held true happiness to consist in a single life, which they would not + willingly exchange—no, not for any worldly consideration—still + (thank God), if ever the time <i>should </i>come, they hoped they knew their duty + too well to repine, but would the rather submit with meekness and humility + of spirit to a fate for which Providence had clearly designed them with a + view to the contentment and reward of their fellow-creatures. + </p> + <p> + ‘I might feel it was a great blow,’ said Miss Snevellicci, ‘to break up + old associations and what-do-you-callems of that kind, but I would submit, + my dear, I would indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So would I,’ said Miss Ledrook; ‘I would rather court the yoke than shun + it. I have broken hearts before now, and I’m very sorry for it: for it’s a + terrible thing to reflect upon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is indeed,’ said Miss Snevellicci. ‘Now Led, my dear, we must + positively get her ready, or we shall be too late, we shall indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + This pious reasoning, and perhaps the fear of being too late, supported + the bride through the ceremony of robing, after which, strong tea and + brandy were administered in alternate doses as a means of strengthening + her feeble limbs and causing her to walk steadier. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you feel now, my love?’ inquired Miss Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh Lillyvick!’ cried the bride. ‘If you knew what I am undergoing for + you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course he knows it, love, and will never forget it,’ said Miss + Ledrook. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think he won’t?’ cried Miss Petowker, really showing great + capability for the stage. ‘Oh, do you think he won’t? Do you think + Lillyvick will always remember it—always, always, always?’ + </p> + <p> + There is no knowing in what this burst of feeling might have ended, if + Miss Snevellicci had not at that moment proclaimed the arrival of the fly, + which so astounded the bride that she shook off divers alarming symptoms + which were coming on very strong, and running to the glass adjusted her + dress, and calmly declared that she was ready for the sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + She was accordingly supported into the coach, and there ‘kept up’ (as Miss + Snevellicci said) with perpetual sniffs of <i>sal volatile</i> and sips of brandy + and other gentle stimulants, until they reached the manager’s door, which + was already opened by the two Master Crummleses, who wore white cockades, + and were decorated with the choicest and most resplendent waistcoats in + the theatrical wardrobe. By the combined exertions of these young + gentlemen and the bridesmaids, assisted by the coachman, Miss Petowker was + at length supported in a condition of much exhaustion to the first floor, + where she no sooner encountered the youthful bridegroom than she fainted + with great decorum. + </p> + <p> + ‘Henrietta Petowker!’ said the collector; ‘cheer up, my lovely one.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Petowker grasped the collector’s hand, but emotion choked her + utterance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is the sight of me so dreadful, Henrietta Petowker?’ said the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, no, no,’ rejoined the bride; ‘but all the friends—the + darling friends—of my youthful days—to leave them all—it + is such a shock!’ + </p> + <p> + With such expressions of sorrow, Miss Petowker went on to enumerate the + dear friends of her youthful days one by one, and to call upon such of + them as were present to come and embrace her. This done, she remembered + that Mrs. Crummles had been more than a mother to her, and after that, that + Mr. Crummles had been more than a father to her, and after that, that the + Master Crummleses and Miss Ninetta Crummles had been more than brothers + and sisters to her. These various remembrances being each accompanied with + a series of hugs, occupied a long time, and they were obliged to drive to + church very fast, for fear they should be too late. + </p> + <p> + The procession consisted of two flys; in the first of which were Miss + Bravassa (the fourth bridesmaid), Mrs. Crummles, the collector, and Mr + Folair, who had been chosen as his second on the occasion. In the other + were the bride, Mr. Crummles, Miss Snevellicci, Miss Ledrook, and the + phenomenon. The costumes were beautiful. The bridesmaids were quite + covered with artificial flowers, and the phenomenon, in particular, was + rendered almost invisible by the portable arbour in which she was + enshrined. Miss Ledrook, who was of a romantic turn, wore in her breast + the miniature of some field-officer unknown, which she had purchased, a + great bargain, not very long before; the other ladies displayed several + dazzling articles of imitative jewellery, almost equal to real, and Mrs + Crummles came out in a stern and gloomy majesty, which attracted the + admiration of all beholders. + </p> + <p> + But, perhaps the appearance of Mr. Crummles was more striking and + appropriate than that of any member of the party. This gentleman, who + personated the bride’s father, had, in pursuance of a happy and original + conception, ‘made up’ for the part by arraying himself in a theatrical + wig, of a style and pattern commonly known as a brown George, and moreover + assuming a snuff-coloured suit, of the previous century, with grey silk + stockings, and buckles to his shoes. The better to support his assumed + character he had determined to be greatly overcome, and, consequently, + when they entered the church, the sobs of the affectionate parent were so + heart-rending that the pew-opener suggested the propriety of his retiring + to the vestry, and comforting himself with a glass of water before the + ceremony began. + </p> + <p> + The procession up the aisle was beautiful. The bride, with the four + bridesmaids, forming a group previously arranged and rehearsed; the + collector, followed by his second, imitating his walk and gestures to the + indescribable amusement of some theatrical friends in the gallery; Mr + Crummles, with an infirm and feeble gait; Mrs. Crummles advancing with that + stage walk, which consists of a stride and a stop alternately—it was + the completest thing ever witnessed. The ceremony was very quickly + disposed of, and all parties present having signed the register (for which + purpose, when it came to his turn, Mr. Crummles carefully wiped and put on + an immense pair of spectacles), they went back to breakfast in high + spirits. And here they found Nicholas awaiting their arrival. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now then,’ said Crummles, who had been assisting Mrs. Grudden in the + preparations, which were on a more extensive scale than was quite + agreeable to the collector. ‘Breakfast, breakfast.’ + </p> + <p> + No second invitation was required. The company crowded and squeezed + themselves at the table as well as they could, and fell to, immediately: + Miss Petowker blushing very much when anybody was looking, and eating very + much when anybody was <i>not </i>looking; and Mr. Lillyvick going to work as + though with the cool resolve, that since the good things must be paid for + by him, he would leave as little as possible for the Crummleses to eat up + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very soon done, sir, isn’t it?’ inquired Mr. Folair of the collector, + leaning over the table to address him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is soon done, sir?’ returned Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘The tying up—the fixing oneself with a wife,’ replied Mr. Folair. + ‘It don’t take long, does it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, colouring. ‘It does not take long. And + what then, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! nothing,’ said the actor. ‘It don’t take a man long to hang himself, + either, eh? ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lillyvick laid down his knife and fork, and looked round the table with + indignant astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘To hang himself!’ repeated Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + A profound silence came upon all, for Mr. Lillyvick was dignified beyond + expression. + </p> + <p> + ‘To hang himself!’ cried Mr. Lillyvick again. ‘Is any parallel attempted to + be drawn in this company between matrimony and hanging?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The noose, you know,’ said Mr. Folair, a little crest-fallen. + </p> + <p> + ‘The noose, sir?’ retorted Mr. Lillyvick. ‘Does any man dare to speak to me + of a noose, and Henrietta Pe—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lillyvick,’ suggested Mr. Crummles. + </p> + <p> + ‘—And Henrietta Lillyvick in the same breath?’ said the collector. + ‘In this house, in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Crummles, who have brought + up a talented and virtuous family, to be blessings and phenomenons, and + what not, are we to hear talk of nooses?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Folair,’ said Mr. Crummles, deeming it a matter of decency to be affected + by this allusion to himself and partner, ‘I’m astonished at you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you going on in this way at me for?’ urged the unfortunate + actor. ‘What have I done?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done, sir!’ cried Mr. Lillyvick, ‘aimed a blow at the whole framework of + society—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the best and tenderest feelings,’ added Crummles, relapsing into the + old man. + </p> + <p> + ‘And the highest and most estimable of social ties,’ said the collector. + ‘Noose! As if one was caught, trapped into the married state, pinned by + the leg, instead of going into it of one’s own accord and glorying in the + act!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t mean to make it out, that you were caught and trapped, and + pinned by the leg,’ replied the actor. ‘I’m sorry for it; I can’t say any + more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So you ought to be, sir,’ returned Mr. Lillyvick; ‘and I am glad to hear + that you have enough of feeling left to be so.’ + </p> + <p> + The quarrel appearing to terminate with this reply, Mrs. Lillyvick + considered that the fittest occasion (the attention of the company being + no longer distracted) to burst into tears, and require the assistance of + all four bridesmaids, which was immediately rendered, though not without + some confusion, for the room being small and the table-cloth long, a whole + detachment of plates were swept off the board at the very first move. + Regardless of this circumstance, however, Mrs. Lillyvick refused to be + comforted until the belligerents had passed their words that the dispute + should be carried no further, which, after a sufficient show of + reluctance, they did, and from that time Mr. Folair sat in moody silence, + contenting himself with pinching Nicholas’s leg when anything was said, + and so expressing his contempt both for the speaker and the sentiments to + which he gave utterance. + </p> + <p> + There were a great number of speeches made; some by Nicholas, and some by + Crummles, and some by the collector; two by the Master Crummleses in + returning thanks for themselves, and one by the phenomenon on behalf of + the bridesmaids, at which Mrs. Crummles shed tears. There was some singing, + too, from Miss Ledrook and Miss Bravassa, and very likely there might have + been more, if the fly-driver, who stopped to drive the happy pair to the + spot where they proposed to take steamboat to Ryde, had not sent in a + peremptory message intimating, that if they didn’t come directly he should + infallibly demand eighteen-pence over and above his agreement. + </p> + <p> + This desperate threat effectually broke up the party. After a most + pathetic leave-taking, Mr. Lillyvick and his bride departed for Ryde, where + they were to spend the next two days in profound retirement, and whither + they were accompanied by the infant, who had been appointed travelling + bridesmaid on Mr. Lillyvick’s express stipulation: as the steamboat people, + deceived by her size, would (he had previously ascertained) transport her + at half-price. + </p> + <p> + As there was no performance that night, Mr. Crummles declared his intention + of keeping it up till everything to drink was disposed of; but Nicholas + having to play Romeo for the first time on the ensuing evening, contrived + to slip away in the midst of a temporary confusion, occasioned by the + unexpected development of strong symptoms of inebriety in the conduct of + Mrs. Grudden. + </p> + <p> + To this act of desertion he was led, not only by his own inclinations, but + by his anxiety on account of Smike, who, having to sustain the character + of the Apothecary, had been as yet wholly unable to get any more of the + part into his head than the general idea that he was very hungry, which—perhaps + from old recollections—he had acquired with great aptitude. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what’s to be done, Smike,’ said Nicholas, laying down the + book. ‘I am afraid you can’t learn it, my poor fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid not,’ said Smike, shaking his head. ‘I think if you—but + that would give you so much trouble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What?’ inquired Nicholas. ‘Never mind me.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0362m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0362m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0362.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘I think,’ said Smike, ‘if you were to keep saying it to me in little + bits, over and over again, I should be able to recollect it from hearing + you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you think so?’ exclaimed Nicholas. ‘Well said. Let us see who tires + first. Not I, Smike, trust me. Now then. Who calls so loud?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘“Who calls so loud?”’ said Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Who calls so loud?”’ repeated Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Who calls so loud?”’ cried Smike. + </p> + <p> + Thus they continued to ask each other who called so loud, over and over + again; and when Smike had that by heart Nicholas went to another sentence, + and then to two at a time, and then to three, and so on, until at midnight + poor Smike found to his unspeakable joy that he really began to remember + something about the text. + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning they went to it again, and Smike, rendered more + confident by the progress he had already made, got on faster and with + better heart. As soon as he began to acquire the words pretty freely, + Nicholas showed him how he must come in with both hands spread out upon + his stomach, and how he must occasionally rub it, in compliance with the + established form by which people on the stage always denote that they want + something to eat. After the morning’s rehearsal they went to work again, + nor did they stop, except for a hasty dinner, until it was time to repair + to the theatre at night. + </p> + <p> + Never had master a more anxious, humble, docile pupil. Never had pupil a + more patient, unwearying, considerate, kindhearted master. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were dressed, and at every interval when he was not upon + the stage, Nicholas renewed his instructions. They prospered well. The + Romeo was received with hearty plaudits and unbounded favour, and Smike + was pronounced unanimously, alike by audience and actors, the very prince + and prodigy of Apothecaries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 26 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> + <i>s fraught with some Danger to Miss Nickleby’s Peace of Mind</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p>The place was a handsome suite of private apartments in Regent Street; the + time was three o’clock in the afternoon to the dull and plodding, and the + first hour of morning to the gay and spirited; the persons were Lord + Frederick Verisopht, and his friend Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + These distinguished gentlemen were reclining listlessly on a couple of + sofas, with a table between them, on which were scattered in rich + confusion the materials of an untasted breakfast. Newspapers lay strewn + about the room, but these, like the meal, were neglected and unnoticed; + not, however, because any flow of conversation prevented the attractions + of the journals from being called into request, for not a word was + exchanged between the two, nor was any sound uttered, save when one, in + tossing about to find an easier resting-place for his aching head, uttered + an exclamation of impatience, and seemed for a moment to communicate a new + restlessness to his companion. + </p> + <p> + These appearances would in themselves have furnished a pretty strong clue + to the extent of the debauch of the previous night, even if there had not + been other indications of the amusements in which it had been passed. A + couple of billiard balls, all mud and dirt, two battered hats, a champagne + bottle with a soiled glove twisted round the neck, to allow of its being + grasped more surely in its capacity of an offensive weapon; a broken cane; + a card-case without the top; an empty purse; a watch-guard snapped + asunder; a handful of silver, mingled with fragments of half-smoked + cigars, and their stale and crumbled ashes;—these, and many other + tokens of riot and disorder, hinted very intelligibly at the nature of + last night’s gentlemanly frolics. + </p> + <p> + Lord Frederick Verisopht was the first to speak. Dropping his slippered + foot on the ground, and, yawning heavily, he struggled into a sitting + posture, and turned his dull languid eyes towards his friend, to whom he + called in a drowsy voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hallo!’ replied Sir Mulberry, turning round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are we going to lie here all da-a-y?’ said the lord. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know that we’re fit for anything else,’ replied Sir Mulberry; + ‘yet awhile, at least. I haven’t a grain of life in me this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Life!’ cried Lord Verisopht. ‘I feel as if there would be nothing so snug + and comfortable as to die at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why don’t you die?’ said Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + With which inquiry he turned his face away, and seemed to occupy himself + in an attempt to fall asleep. + </p> + <p> + His hopeful friend and pupil drew a chair to the breakfast-table, and + essayed to eat; but, finding that impossible, lounged to the window, then + loitered up and down the room with his hand to his fevered head, and + finally threw himself again on his sofa, and roused his friend once more. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the devil’s the matter?’ groaned Sir Mulberry, sitting upright on + the couch. + </p> + <p> + Although Sir Mulberry said this with sufficient ill-humour, he did not + seem to feel himself quite at liberty to remain silent; for, after + stretching himself very often, and declaring with a shiver that it was + ‘infernal cold,’ he made an experiment at the breakfast-table, and proving + more successful in it than his less-seasoned friend, remained there. + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose,’ said Sir Mulberry, pausing with a morsel on the point of his + fork, ‘suppose we go back to the subject of little Nickleby, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which little Nickleby; the money-lender or the ga-a-l?’ asked Lord + Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘You take me, I see,’ replied Sir Mulberry. ‘The girl, of course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You promised me you’d find her out,’ said Lord Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘So I did,’ rejoined his friend; ‘but I have thought further of the matter + since then. You distrust me in the business—you shall find her out + yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Na-ay,’ remonstrated Lord Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I say yes,’ returned his friend. ‘You shall find her out yourself. + Don’t think that I mean, when you can—I know as well as you that if + I did, you could never get sight of her without me. No. I say you shall + find her out—<i>shall</i>—and I’ll put you in the way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, curse me, if you ain’t a real, deyvlish, downright, thorough-paced + friend,’ said the young lord, on whom this speech had produced a most + reviving effect. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell you how,’ said Sir Mulberry. ‘She was at that dinner as a bait + for you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ cried the young lord. ‘What the dey—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As a bait for you,’ repeated his friend; ‘old Nickleby told me so + himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a fine old cock it is!’ exclaimed Lord Verisopht; ‘a noble rascal!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘he knew she was a smart little creature—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Smart!’ interposed the young lord. ‘Upon my soul, Hawk, she’s a perfect + beauty—a—a picture, a statue, a—a—upon my soul she + is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ replied Sir Mulberry, shrugging his shoulders and manifesting an + indifference, whether he felt it or not; ‘that’s a matter of taste; if + mine doesn’t agree with yours, so much the better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Confound it!’ reasoned the lord, ‘you were thick enough with her that + day, anyhow. I could hardly get in a word.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well enough for once, well enough for once,’ replied Sir Mulberry; ‘but + not worth the trouble of being agreeable to again. If you seriously want + to follow up the niece, tell the uncle that you must know where she lives + and how she lives, and with whom, or you are no longer a customer of his. + He’ll tell you fast enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why didn’t you say this before?’ asked Lord Verisopht, ‘instead of + letting me go on burning, consuming, dragging out a miserable existence + for an a-age!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t know it, in the first place,’ answered Sir Mulberry carelessly; + ‘and in the second, I didn’t believe you were so very much in earnest.’ + </p> + <p> + Now, the truth was, that in the interval which had elapsed since the + dinner at Ralph Nickleby’s, Sir Mulberry Hawk had been furtively trying by + every means in his power to discover whence Kate had so suddenly appeared, + and whither she had disappeared. Unassisted by Ralph, however, with whom + he had held no communication since their angry parting on that occasion, + all his efforts were wholly unavailing, and he had therefore arrived at + the determination of communicating to the young lord the substance of the + admission he had gleaned from that worthy. To this he was impelled by + various considerations; among which the certainty of knowing whatever the + weak young man knew was decidedly not the least, as the desire of + encountering the usurer’s niece again, and using his utmost arts to reduce + her pride, and revenge himself for her contempt, was uppermost in his + thoughts. It was a politic course of proceeding, and one which could not + fail to redound to his advantage in every point of view, since the very + circumstance of his having extorted from Ralph Nickleby his real design in + introducing his niece to such society, coupled with his extreme + disinterestedness in communicating it so freely to his friend, could not + but advance his interests in that quarter, and greatly facilitate the + passage of coin (pretty frequent and speedy already) from the pockets of + Lord Frederick Verisopht to those of Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + Thus reasoned Sir Mulberry, and in pursuance of this reasoning he and his + friend soon afterwards repaired to Ralph Nickleby’s, there to execute a + plan of operations concerted by Sir Mulberry himself, avowedly to promote + his friend’s object, and really to attain his own. + </p> + <p> + They found Ralph at home, and alone. As he led them into the drawing-room, + the recollection of the scene which had taken place there seemed to occur + to him, for he cast a curious look at Sir Mulberry, who bestowed upon it + no other acknowledgment than a careless smile. + </p> + <p> + They had a short conference upon some money matters then in progress, + which were scarcely disposed of when the lordly dupe (in pursuance of his + friend’s instructions) requested with some embarrassment to speak to Ralph + alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Alone, eh?’ cried Sir Mulberry, affecting surprise. ‘Oh, very good. I’ll + walk into the next room here. Don’t keep me long, that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Sir Mulberry took up his hat, and humming a fragment of a song + disappeared through the door of communication between the two + drawing-rooms, and closed it after him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, my lord,’ said Ralph, ‘what is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby,’ said his client, throwing himself along the sofa on which he + had been previously seated, so as to bring his lips nearer to the old + man’s ear, ‘what a pretty creature your niece is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she, my lord?’ replied Ralph. ‘Maybe—maybe—I don’t trouble + my head with such matters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know she’s a deyvlish fine girl,’ said the client. ‘You must know + that, Nickleby. Come, don’t deny that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I believe she is considered so,’ replied Ralph. ‘Indeed, I know she + is. If I did not, you are an authority on such points, and your taste, my + lord—on all points, indeed—is undeniable.’ + </p> + <p> + Nobody but the young man to whom these words were addressed could have + been deaf to the sneering tone in which they were spoken, or blind to the + look of contempt by which they were accompanied. But Lord Frederick + Verisopht was both, and took them to be complimentary. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ he said, ‘p’raps you’re a little right, and p’raps you’re a little + wrong—a little of both, Nickleby. I want to know where this beauty + lives, that I may have another peep at her, Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really—’ Ralph began in his usual tones. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk so loud,’ cried the other, achieving the great point of his + lesson to a miracle. ‘I don’t want Hawk to hear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know he is your rival, do you?’ said Ralph, looking sharply at him. + </p> + <p> + ‘He always is, d-a-amn him,’ replied the client; ‘and I want to steal a + march upon him. Ha, ha, ha! He’ll cut up so rough, Nickleby, at our + talking together without him. Where does she live, Nickleby, that’s all? + Only tell me where she lives, Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He bites,’ thought Ralph. ‘He bites.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh, Nickleby, eh?’ pursued the client. ‘Where does she live?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, my lord,’ said Ralph, rubbing his hands slowly over each other, + ‘I must think before I tell you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, not a bit of it, Nickleby; you mustn’t think at all,’ replied + Verisopht. ‘Where is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No good can come of your knowing,’ replied Ralph. ‘She has been + virtuously and well brought up; to be sure she is handsome, poor, + unprotected! Poor girl, poor girl.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph ran over this brief summary of Kate’s condition as if it were merely + passing through his own mind, and he had no intention to speak aloud; but + the shrewd sly look which he directed at his companion as he delivered it, + gave this poor assumption the lie. + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you I only want to see her,’ cried his client. ‘A ma-an may look + at a pretty woman without harm, mayn’t he? Now, where <i>does </i>she live? You + know you’re making a fortune out of me, Nickleby, and upon my soul nobody + shall ever take me to anybody else, if you only tell me this.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you promise that, my lord,’ said Ralph, with feigned reluctance, ‘and + as I am most anxious to oblige you, and as there’s no harm in it—no + harm—I’ll tell you. But you had better keep it to yourself, my lord; + strictly to yourself.’ Ralph pointed to the adjoining room as he spoke, + and nodded expressively. + </p> + <p> + The young lord, feigning to be equally impressed with the necessity of + this precaution, Ralph disclosed the present address and occupation of his + niece, observing that from what he heard of the family they appeared very + ambitious to have distinguished acquaintances, and that a lord could, + doubtless, introduce himself with great ease, if he felt disposed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your object being only to see her again,’ said Ralph, ‘you could effect + it at any time you chose by that means.’ + </p> + <p> + Lord Verisopht acknowledged the hint with a great many squeezes of Ralph’s + hard, horny hand, and whispering that they would now do well to close the + conversation, called to Sir Mulberry Hawk that he might come back. + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you had gone to sleep,’ said Sir Mulberry, reappearing with an + ill-tempered air. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sorry to detain you,’ replied the gull; ‘but Nickleby has been so + ama-azingly funny that I couldn’t tear myself away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ said Ralph; ‘it was all his lordship. You know what a witty, + humorous, elegant, accomplished man Lord Frederick is. Mind the step, my + lord—Sir Mulberry, pray give way.’ + </p> + <p> + With such courtesies as these, and many low bows, and the same cold sneer + upon his face all the while, Ralph busied himself in showing his visitors + downstairs, and otherwise than by the slightest possible motion about the + corners of his mouth, returned no show of answer to the look of admiration + with which Sir Mulberry Hawk seemed to compliment him on being such an + accomplished and most consummate scoundrel. + </p> + <p> + There had been a ring at the bell a few minutes before, which was answered + by Newman Noggs just as they reached the hall. In the ordinary course of + business Newman would have either admitted the new-comer in silence, or + have requested him or her to stand aside while the gentlemen passed out. + But he no sooner saw who it was, than as if for some private reason of his + own, he boldly departed from the established custom of Ralph’s mansion in + business hours, and looking towards the respectable trio who were + approaching, cried in a loud and sonorous voice, ‘Mrs. Nickleby!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Nickleby!’ cried Sir Mulberry Hawk, as his friend looked back, and + stared him in the face. + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, that well-intentioned lady, who, having received an offer + for the empty house in the city directed to the landlord, had brought it + post-haste to Mr. Nickleby without delay. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody <i>you </i>know,’ said Ralph. ‘Step into the office, my—my—dear. + I’ll be with you directly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody I know!’ cried Sir Mulberry Hawk, advancing to the astonished + lady. ‘Is this Mrs. Nickleby—the mother of Miss Nickleby—the + delightful creature that I had the happiness of meeting in this house the + very last time I dined here? But no;’ said Sir Mulberry, stopping short. + ‘No, it can’t be. There is the same cast of features, the same + indescribable air of—But no; no. This lady is too young for that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you can tell the gentleman, brother-in-law, if it concerns him to + know,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, acknowledging the compliment with a graceful + bend, ‘that Kate Nickleby is my daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her daughter, my lord!’ cried Sir Mulberry, turning to his friend. ‘This + lady’s daughter, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord!’ thought Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Well, I never did—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This, then, my lord,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘is the lady to whose obliging + marriage we owe so much happiness. This lady is the mother of sweet Miss + Nickleby. Do you observe the extraordinary likeness, my lord? Nickleby—introduce + us.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph did so, in a kind of desperation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my soul, it’s a most delightful thing,’ said Lord Frederick, + pressing forward. ‘How de do?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby was too much flurried by these uncommonly kind salutations, + and her regrets at not having on her other bonnet, to make any immediate + reply, so she merely continued to bend and smile, and betray great + agitation. + </p> + <p> + ‘A—and how is Miss Nickleby?’ said Lord Frederick. ‘Well, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is quite well, I’m obliged to you, my lord,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, + recovering. ‘Quite well. She wasn’t well for some days after that day she + dined here, and I can’t help thinking, that she caught cold in that + hackney coach coming home. Hackney coaches, my lord, are such nasty + things, that it’s almost better to walk at any time, for although I + believe a hackney coachman can be transported for life, if he has a broken + window, still they are so reckless, that they nearly all have broken + windows. I once had a swelled face for six weeks, my lord, from riding in + a hackney coach—I think it was a hackney coach,’ said Mrs. Nickleby + reflecting, ‘though I’m not quite certain whether it wasn’t a chariot; at + all events I know it was a dark green, with a very long number, beginning + with a nought and ending with a nine—no, beginning with a nine, and + ending with a nought, that was it, and of course the stamp-office people + would know at once whether it was a coach or a chariot if any inquiries + were made there—however that was, there it was with a broken window + and there was I for six weeks with a swelled face—I think that was + the very same hackney coach, that we found out afterwards, had the top + open all the time, and we should never even have known it, if they hadn’t + charged us a shilling an hour extra for having it open, which it seems is + the law, or was then, and a most shameful law it appears to be—I + don’t understand the subject, but I should say the Corn Laws could be + nothing to <i>that </i>act of Parliament.’ + </p> + <p> + Having pretty well run herself out by this time, Mrs. Nickleby stopped as + suddenly as she had started off; and repeated that Kate was quite well. + ‘Indeed,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I don’t think she ever was better, since she + had the hooping-cough, scarlet-fever, and measles, all at the same time, + and that’s the fact.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that letter for me?’ growled Ralph, pointing to the little packet Mrs + Nickleby held in her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘For you, brother-in-law,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, ‘and I walked all the way + up here on purpose to give it you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All the way up here!’ cried Sir Mulberry, seizing upon the chance of + discovering where Mrs. Nickleby had come from. ‘What a confounded distance! + How far do you call it now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How far do I call it?’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Let me see. It’s just a mile + from our door to the Old Bailey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no. Not so much as that,’ urged Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! It is indeed,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I appeal to his lordship.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should decidedly say it was a mile,’ remarked Lord Frederick, with a + solemn aspect. + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be; it can’t be a yard less,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘All down + Newgate Street, all down Cheapside, all up Lombard Street, down + Gracechurch Street, and along Thames Street, as far as Spigwiffin’s Wharf. + Oh! It’s a mile.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, on second thoughts I should say it was,’ replied Sir Mulberry. ‘But + you don’t surely mean to walk all the way back?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no,’ rejoined Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I shall go back in an omnibus. I didn’t + travel about in omnibuses, when my poor dear Nicholas was alive, + brother-in-law. But as it is, you know—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ replied Ralph impatiently, ‘and you had better get back before + dark.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you, brother-in-law, so I had,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I think I + had better say goodbye, at once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not stop and—rest?’ said Ralph, who seldom offered refreshments + unless something was to be got by it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear me no,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, glancing at the dial. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord Frederick,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘we are going Mrs. Nickleby’s way. + We’ll see her safe to the omnibus?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By all means. Ye-es.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! I really couldn’t think of it!’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + But Sir Mulberry Hawk and Lord Verisopht were peremptory in their + politeness, and leaving Ralph, who seemed to think, not unwisely, that he + looked less ridiculous as a mere spectator, than he would have done if he + had taken any part in these proceedings, they quitted the house with Mrs + Nickleby between them; that good lady in a perfect ecstasy of + satisfaction, no less with the attentions shown her by two titled + gentlemen, than with the conviction that Kate might now pick and choose, + at least between two large fortunes, and most unexceptionable husbands. + </p> + <p> + As she was carried away for the moment by an irresistible train of + thought, all connected with her daughter’s future greatness, Sir Mulberry + Hawk and his friend exchanged glances over the top of the bonnet which the + poor lady so much regretted not having left at home, and proceeded to + dilate with great rapture, but much respect on the manifold perfections of + Miss Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘What a delight, what a comfort, what a happiness, this amiable creature + must be to you,’ said Sir Mulberry, throwing into his voice an indication + of the warmest feeling. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is indeed, sir,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby; ‘she is the sweetest-tempered, + kindest-hearted creature—and so clever!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She looks clayver,’ said Lord Verisopht, with the air of a judge of + cleverness. + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you she is, my lord,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby. ‘When she was at + school in Devonshire, she was universally allowed to be beyond all + exception the very cleverest girl there, and there were a great many very + clever ones too, and that’s the truth—twenty-five young ladies, + fifty guineas a year without the et-ceteras, both the Miss Dowdles the + most accomplished, elegant, fascinating creatures—Oh dear me!’ said + Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I never shall forget what pleasure she used to give me and + her poor dear papa, when she was at that school, never—such a + delightful letter every half-year, telling us that she was the first pupil + in the whole establishment, and had made more progress than anybody else! + I can scarcely bear to think of it even now. The girls wrote all the + letters themselves,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, ‘and the writing-master touched + them up afterwards with a magnifying glass and a silver pen; at least I + think they wrote them, though Kate was never quite certain about that, + because she didn’t know the handwriting of hers again; but anyway, I know + it was a circular which they all copied, and of course it was a very + gratifying thing—very gratifying.’ + </p> + <p> + With similar recollections Mrs. Nickleby beguiled the tediousness of the + way, until they reached the omnibus, which the extreme politeness of her + new friends would not allow them to leave until it actually started, when + they took their hats, as Mrs. Nickleby solemnly assured her hearers on many + subsequent occasions, ‘completely off,’ and kissed their straw-coloured + kid gloves till they were no longer visible. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby leant back in the furthest corner of the conveyance, and, + closing her eyes, resigned herself to a host of most pleasing meditations. + Kate had never said a word about having met either of these gentlemen; + ‘that,’ she thought, ‘argues that she is strongly prepossessed in favour + of one of them.’ Then the question arose, which one could it be. The lord + was the youngest, and his title was certainly the grandest; still Kate was + not the girl to be swayed by such considerations as these. ‘I will never + put any constraint upon her inclinations,’ said Mrs. Nickleby to herself; + ‘but upon my word I think there’s no comparison between his lordship and + Sir Mulberry—Sir Mulberry is such an attentive gentlemanly creature, + so much manner, such a fine man, and has so much to say for himself. I + hope it’s Sir Mulberry—I think it must be Sir Mulberry!’ And then + her thoughts flew back to her old predictions, and the number of times she + had said, that Kate with no fortune would marry better than other people’s + daughters with thousands; and, as she pictured with the brightness of a + mother’s fancy all the beauty and grace of the poor girl who had struggled + so cheerfully with her new life of hardship and trial, her heart grew too + full, and the tears trickled down her face. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Ralph walked to and fro in his little back-office, troubled in + mind by what had just occurred. To say that Ralph loved or cared for—in + the most ordinary acceptation of those terms—any one of God’s + creatures, would be the wildest fiction. Still, there had somehow stolen + upon him from time to time a thought of his niece which was tinged with + compassion and pity; breaking through the dull cloud of dislike or + indifference which darkened men and women in his eyes, there was, in her + case, the faintest gleam of light—a most feeble and sickly ray at + the best of times—but there it was, and it showed the poor girl in a + better and purer aspect than any in which he had looked on human nature + yet. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish,’ thought Ralph, ‘I had never done this. And yet it will keep this + boy to me, while there is money to be made. Selling a girl—throwing + her in the way of temptation, and insult, and coarse speech. Nearly two + thousand pounds profit from him already though. Pshaw! match-making + mothers do the same thing every day.’ + </p> + <p> + He sat down, and told the chances, for and against, on his fingers. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had not put them in the right track today,’ thought Ralph, ‘this + foolish woman would have done so. Well. If her daughter is as true to + herself as she should be from what I have seen, what harm ensues? A little + teasing, a little humbling, a few tears. Yes,’ said Ralph, aloud, as he + locked his iron safe. ‘She must take her chance. She must take her + chance.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 27 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>rs. Nickleby becomes acquainted with Messrs Pyke and Pluck, whose + Affection and Interest are beyond all Bounds</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby had not felt so proud and important for many a day, as when, + on reaching home, she gave herself wholly up to the pleasant visions which + had accompanied her on her way thither. Lady Mulberry Hawk—that was + the prevalent idea. Lady Mulberry Hawk!—On Tuesday last, at St + George’s, Hanover Square, by the Right Reverend the Bishop of Llandaff, + Sir Mulberry Hawk, of Mulberry Castle, North Wales, to Catherine, only + daughter of the late Nicholas Nickleby, Esquire, of Devonshire. ‘Upon my + word!’ cried Mrs. Nicholas Nickleby, ‘it sounds very well.’ + </p> + <p> + Having dispatched the ceremony, with its attendant festivities, to the + perfect satisfaction of her own mind, the sanguine mother pictured to her + imagination a long train of honours and distinctions which could not fail + to accompany Kate in her new and brilliant sphere. She would be presented + at court, of course. On the anniversary of her birthday, which was upon + the nineteenth of July (‘at ten minutes past three o’clock in the + morning,’ thought Mrs. Nickleby in a parenthesis, ‘for I recollect asking + what o’clock it was’), Sir Mulberry would give a great feast to all his + tenants, and would return them three and a half per cent on the amount of + their last half-year’s rent, as would be fully described and recorded in + the fashionable intelligence, to the immeasurable delight and admiration + of all the readers thereof. Kate’s picture, too, would be in at least + half-a-dozen of the annuals, and on the opposite page would appear, in + delicate type, ‘Lines on contemplating the Portrait of Lady Mulberry Hawk. + By Sir Dingleby Dabber.’ Perhaps some one annual, of more comprehensive + design than its fellows, might even contain a portrait of the mother of + Lady Mulberry Hawk, with lines by the father of Sir Dingleby Dabber. More + unlikely things had come to pass. Less interesting portraits had appeared. + As this thought occurred to the good lady, her countenance unconsciously + assumed that compound expression of simpering and sleepiness which, being + common to all such portraits, is perhaps one reason why they are always so + charming and agreeable. + </p> + <p> + With such triumphs of aerial architecture did Mrs. Nickleby occupy the + whole evening after her accidental introduction to Ralph’s titled friends; + and dreams, no less prophetic and equally promising, haunted her sleep + that night. She was preparing for her frugal dinner next day, still + occupied with the same ideas—a little softened down perhaps by sleep + and daylight—when the girl who attended her, partly for company, and + partly to assist in the household affairs, rushed into the room in + unwonted agitation, and announced that two gentlemen were waiting in the + passage for permission to walk upstairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my heart!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, hastily arranging her cap and front, + ‘if it should be—dear me, standing in the passage all this time—why + don’t you go and ask them to walk up, you stupid thing?’ + </p> + <p> + While the girl was gone on this errand, Mrs. Nickleby hastily swept into a + cupboard all vestiges of eating and drinking; which she had scarcely done, + and seated herself with looks as collected as she could assume, when two + gentlemen, both perfect strangers, presented themselves. + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you <i>do</i>?’ said one gentleman, laying great stress on the last word + of the inquiry. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>How </i>do you do?’ said the other gentleman, altering the emphasis, as if to + give variety to the salutation. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby curtseyed and smiled, and curtseyed again, and remarked, + rubbing her hands as she did so, that she hadn’t the—really—the + honour to— + </p> + <p> + ‘To know us,’ said the first gentleman. ‘The loss has been ours, Mrs + Nickleby. Has the loss been ours, Pyke?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has, Pluck,’ answered the other gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have regretted it very often, I believe, Pyke?’ said the first + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very often, Pluck,’ answered the second. + </p> + <p> + ‘But now,’ said the first gentleman, ‘now we have the happiness we have + pined and languished for. Have we pined and languished for this happiness, + Pyke, or have we not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know we have, Pluck,’ said Pyke, reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + ‘You hear him, ma’am?’ said Mr. Pluck, looking round; ‘you hear the + unimpeachable testimony of my friend Pyke—that reminds me,—formalities, + formalities, must not be neglected in civilised society. Pyke—Mrs + Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pyke laid his hand upon his heart, and bowed low. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whether I shall introduce myself with the same formality,’ said Mr. Pluck—‘whether + I shall say myself that my name is Pluck, or whether I shall ask my friend + Pyke (who being now regularly introduced, is competent to the office) to + state for me, Mrs. Nickleby, that my name is Pluck; whether I shall claim + your acquaintance on the plain ground of the strong interest I take in + your welfare, or whether I shall make myself known to you as the friend of + Sir Mulberry Hawk—these, Mrs. Nickleby, are considerations which I + leave to you to determine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Any friend of Sir Mulberry Hawk’s requires no better introduction to me,’ + observed Mrs. Nickleby, graciously. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is delightful to hear you say so,’ said Mr. Pluck, drawing a chair + close to Mrs. Nickleby, and sitting himself down. ‘It is refreshing to know + that you hold my excellent friend, Sir Mulberry, in such high esteem. A + word in your ear, Mrs. Nickleby. When Sir Mulberry knows it, he will be a + happy man—I say, Mrs. Nickleby, a happy man. Pyke, be seated.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>My</i> good opinion,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, and the poor lady exulted in the + idea that she was marvellously sly,—‘my good opinion can be of very + little consequence to a gentleman like Sir Mulberry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of little consequence!’ exclaimed Mr. Pluck. ‘Pyke, of what consequence to + our friend, Sir Mulberry, is the good opinion of Mrs. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what consequence?’ echoed Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ repeated Pluck; ‘is it of the greatest consequence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of the very greatest consequence,’ replied Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Nickleby cannot be ignorant,’ said Mr. Pluck, ‘of the immense + impression which that sweet girl has—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pluck!’ said his friend, ‘beware!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pyke is right,’ muttered Mr. Pluck, after a short pause; ‘I was not to + mention it. Pyke is very right. Thank you, Pyke.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well now, really,’ thought Mrs. Nickleby within herself. ‘Such delicacy as + that, I never saw!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pluck, after feigning to be in a condition of great embarrassment for + some minutes, resumed the conversation by entreating Mrs. Nickleby to take + no heed of what he had inadvertently said—to consider him imprudent, + rash, injudicious. The only stipulation he would make in his own favour + was, that she should give him credit for the best intentions. + </p> + <p> + ‘But when,’ said Mr. Pluck, ‘when I see so much sweetness and beauty on the + one hand, and so much ardour and devotion on the other, I—pardon me, + Pyke, I didn’t intend to resume that theme. Change the subject, Pyke.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We promised Sir Mulberry and Lord Frederick,’ said Pyke, ‘that we’d call + this morning and inquire whether you took any cold last night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the least in the world last night, sir,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, ‘with + many thanks to his lordship and Sir Mulberry for doing me the honour to + inquire; not the least—which is the more singular, as I really am + very subject to colds, indeed—very subject. I had a cold once,’ said + Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I think it was in the year eighteen hundred and seventeen; + let me see, four and five are nine, and—yes, eighteen hundred and + seventeen, that I thought I never should get rid of; actually and + seriously, that I thought I never should get rid of. I was only cured at + last by a remedy that I don’t know whether you ever happened to hear of, + Mr. Pluck. You have a gallon of water as hot as you can possibly bear it, + with a pound of salt, and sixpen’orth of the finest bran, and sit with + your head in it for twenty minutes every night just before going to bed; + at least, I don’t mean your head—your feet. It’s a most + extraordinary cure—a most extraordinary cure. I used it for the + first time, I recollect, the day after Christmas Day, and by the middle of + April following the cold was gone. It seems quite a miracle when you come + to think of it, for I had it ever since the beginning of September.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What an afflicting calamity!’ said Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly horrid!’ exclaimed Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘But it’s worth the pain of hearing, only to know that Mrs. Nickleby + recovered it, isn’t it, Pluck?’ cried Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘That is the circumstance which gives it such a thrilling interest,’ + replied Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘But come,’ said Pyke, as if suddenly recollecting himself; ‘we must not + forget our mission in the pleasure of this interview. We come on a + mission, Mrs. Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘On a mission,’ exclaimed that good lady, to whose mind a definite + proposal of marriage for Kate at once presented itself in lively colours. + </p> + <p> + ‘From Sir Mulberry,’ replied Pyke. ‘You must be very dull here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather dull, I confess,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘We bring the compliments of Sir Mulberry Hawk, and a thousand entreaties + that you’ll take a seat in a private box at the play tonight,’ said Mr + Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I never go out at all, never.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that is the very reason, my dear Mrs. Nickleby, why you should go out + tonight,’ retorted Mr. Pluck. ‘Pyke, entreat Mrs. Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, pray do,’ said Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘You positively must,’ urged Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very kind,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, hesitating; ‘but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s not a but in the case, my dear Mrs. Nickleby,’ remonstrated Mr + Pluck; ‘not such a word in the vocabulary. Your brother-in-law joins us, + Lord Frederick joins us, Sir Mulberry joins us, Pyke joins us—a + refusal is out of the question. Sir Mulberry sends a carriage for you—twenty + minutes before seven to the moment—you’ll not be so cruel as to + disappoint the whole party, Mrs. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are so very pressing, that I scarcely know what to say,’ replied the + worthy lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Say nothing; not a word, not a word, my dearest madam,’ urged Mr. Pluck. + ‘Mrs. Nickleby,’ said that excellent gentleman, lowering his voice, ‘there + is the most trifling, the most excusable breach of confidence in what I am + about to say; and yet if my friend Pyke there overheard it—such is + that man’s delicate sense of honour, Mrs. Nickleby—he’d have me out + before dinner-time.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby cast an apprehensive glance at the warlike Pyke, who had + walked to the window; and Mr. Pluck, squeezing her hand, went on: + </p> + <p> + ‘Your daughter has made a conquest—a conquest on which I may + congratulate you. Sir Mulberry, my dear ma’am, Sir Mulberry is her devoted + slave. Hem!’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0378m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0378m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0378.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Hah!’ cried Mr. Pyke at this juncture, snatching something from the + chimney-piece with a theatrical air. ‘What is this! what do I behold!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What <i>do</i> you behold, my dear fellow?’ asked Mr. Pluck. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is the face, the countenance, the expression,’ cried Mr. Pyke, falling + into his chair with a miniature in his hand; ‘feebly portrayed, + imperfectly caught, but still <i>the </i>face, <i>the </i>countenance, <i>the </i>expression.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I recognise it at this distance!’ exclaimed Mr. Pluck in a fit of + enthusiasm. ‘Is it not, my dear madam, the faint similitude of—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is my daughter’s portrait,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with great pride. And + so it was. And little Miss La Creevy had brought it home for inspection + only two nights before. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pyke no sooner ascertained that he was quite right in his conjecture, + than he launched into the most extravagant encomiums of the divine + original; and in the warmth of his enthusiasm kissed the picture a + thousand times, while Mr. Pluck pressed Mrs. Nickleby’s hand to his heart, + and congratulated her on the possession of such a daughter, with so much + earnestness and affection, that the tears stood, or seemed to stand, in + his eyes. Poor Mrs. Nickleby, who had listened in a state of enviable + complacency at first, became at length quite overpowered by these tokens + of regard for, and attachment to, the family; and even the servant girl, + who had peeped in at the door, remained rooted to the spot in astonishment + at the ecstasies of the two friendly visitors. + </p> + <p> + By degrees these raptures subsided, and Mrs. Nickleby went on to entertain + her guests with a lament over her fallen fortunes, and a picturesque + account of her old house in the country: comprising a full description of + the different apartments, not forgetting the little store-room, and a + lively recollection of how many steps you went down to get into the + garden, and which way you turned when you came out at the parlour door, + and what capital fixtures there were in the kitchen. This last reflection + naturally conducted her into the wash-house, where she stumbled upon the + brewing utensils, among which she might have wandered for an hour, if the + mere mention of those implements had not, by an association of ideas, + instantly reminded Mr. Pyke that he was ‘amazing thirsty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I’ll tell you what,’ said Mr. Pyke; ‘if you’ll send round to the + public-house for a pot of milk half-and-half, positively and actually I’ll + drink it.’ + </p> + <p> + And positively and actually Mr. Pyke <i>did </i>drink it, and Mr. Pluck helped him, + while Mrs. Nickleby looked on in divided admiration of the condescension of + the two, and the aptitude with which they accommodated themselves to the + pewter-pot; in explanation of which seeming marvel it may be here + observed, that gentlemen who, like Messrs Pyke and Pluck, live upon their + wits (or not so much, perhaps, upon the presence of their own wits as upon + the absence of wits in other people) are occasionally reduced to very + narrow shifts and straits, and are at such periods accustomed to regale + themselves in a very simple and primitive manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘At twenty minutes before seven, then,’ said Mr. Pyke, rising, ‘the coach + will be here. One more look—one little look—at that sweet + face. Ah! here it is. Unmoved, unchanged!’ This, by the way, was a very + remarkable circumstance, miniatures being liable to so many changes of + expression—‘Oh, Pluck! Pluck!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pluck made no other reply than kissing Mrs. Nickleby’s hand with a great + show of feeling and attachment; Mr. Pyke having done the same, both + gentlemen hastily withdrew. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby was commonly in the habit of giving herself credit for a + pretty tolerable share of penetration and acuteness, but she had never + felt so satisfied with her own sharp-sightedness as she did that day. She + had found it all out the night before. She had never seen Sir Mulberry and + Kate together—never even heard Sir Mulberry’s name—and yet + hadn’t she said to herself from the very first, that she saw how the case + stood? and what a triumph it was, for there was now no doubt about it. If + these flattering attentions to herself were not sufficient proofs, Sir + Mulberry’s confidential friend had suffered the secret to escape him in so + many words. ‘I am quite in love with that dear Mr. Pluck, I declare I am,’ + said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + There was one great source of uneasiness in the midst of this good + fortune, and that was the having nobody by, to whom she could confide it. + Once or twice she almost resolved to walk straight to Miss La Creevy’s and + tell it all to her. ‘But I don’t know,’ thought Mrs. Nickleby; ‘she is a + very worthy person, but I am afraid too much beneath Sir Mulberry’s + station for us to make a companion of. Poor thing!’ Acting upon this grave + consideration she rejected the idea of taking the little portrait painter + into her confidence, and contented herself with holding out sundry vague + and mysterious hopes of preferment to the servant girl, who received these + obscure hints of dawning greatness with much veneration and respect. + </p> + <p> + Punctual to its time came the promised vehicle, which was no hackney + coach, but a private chariot, having behind it a footman, whose legs, + although somewhat large for his body, might, as mere abstract legs, have + set themselves up for models at the Royal Academy. It was quite + exhilarating to hear the clash and bustle with which he banged the door + and jumped up behind after Mrs. Nickleby was in; and as that good lady was + perfectly unconscious that he applied the gold-headed end of his long + stick to his nose, and so telegraphed most disrespectfully to the coachman + over her very head, she sat in a state of much stiffness and dignity, not + a little proud of her position. + </p> + <p> + At the theatre entrance there was more banging and more bustle, and there + were also Messrs Pyke and Pluck waiting to escort her to her box; and so + polite were they, that Mr. Pyke threatened with many oaths to ‘smifligate’ + a very old man with a lantern who accidentally stumbled in her way—to + the great terror of Mrs. Nickleby, who, conjecturing more from Mr. Pyke’s + excitement than any previous acquaintance with the etymology of the word + that smifligation and bloodshed must be in the main one and the same + thing, was alarmed beyond expression, lest something should occur. + Fortunately, however, Mr. Pyke confined himself to mere verbal + smifligation, and they reached their box with no more serious interruption + by the way, than a desire on the part of the same pugnacious gentleman to + ‘smash’ the assistant box-keeper for happening to mistake the number. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby had scarcely been put away behind the curtain of the box in + an armchair, when Sir Mulberry and Lord Verisopht arrived, arrayed from + the crowns of their heads to the tips of their gloves, and from the tips + of their gloves to the toes of their boots, in the most elegant and costly + manner. Sir Mulberry was a little hoarser than on the previous day, and + Lord Verisopht looked rather sleepy and queer; from which tokens, as well + as from the circumstance of their both being to a trifling extent unsteady + upon their legs, Mrs. Nickleby justly concluded that they had taken dinner. + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been—we have been—toasting your lovely daughter, Mrs + Nickleby,’ whispered Sir Mulberry, sitting down behind her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ho!’ thought that knowing lady; ‘wine in, truth out.—You are + very kind, Sir Mulberry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no upon my soul!’ replied Sir Mulberry Hawk. ‘It’s you that’s kind, + upon my soul it is. It was so kind of you to come tonight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So very kind of you to invite me, you mean, Sir Mulberry,’ replied Mrs + Nickleby, tossing her head, and looking prodigiously sly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so anxious to know you, so anxious to cultivate your good opinion, + so desirous that there should be a delicious kind of harmonious family + understanding between us,’ said Sir Mulberry, ‘that you mustn’t think I’m + disinterested in what I do. I’m infernal selfish; I am—upon my soul + I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you can’t be selfish, Sir Mulberry!’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. ‘You + have much too open and generous a countenance for that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What an extraordinary observer you are!’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no, indeed, I don’t see very far into things, Sir Mulberry,’ replied + Mrs. Nickleby, in a tone of voice which left the baronet to infer that she + saw very far indeed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am quite afraid of you,’ said the baronet. ‘Upon my soul,’ repeated Sir + Mulberry, looking round to his companions; ‘I am afraid of Mrs. Nickleby. + She is so immensely sharp.’ + </p> + <p> + Messrs Pyke and Pluck shook their heads mysteriously, and observed + together that they had found that out long ago; upon which Mrs. Nickleby + tittered, and Sir Mulberry laughed, and Pyke and Pluck roared. + </p> + <p> + ‘But where’s my brother-in-law, Sir Mulberry?’ inquired Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I + shouldn’t be here without him. I hope he’s coming.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pyke,’ said Sir Mulberry, taking out his toothpick and lolling back in + his chair, as if he were too lazy to invent a reply to this question. + ‘Where’s Ralph Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pluck,’ said Pyke, imitating the baronet’s action, and turning the lie + over to his friend, ‘where’s Ralph Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Pluck was about to return some evasive reply, when the hustle caused by + a party entering the next box seemed to attract the attention of all four + gentlemen, who exchanged glances of much meaning. The new party beginning + to converse together, Sir Mulberry suddenly assumed the character of a + most attentive listener, and implored his friends not to breathe—not + to breathe. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘What is the matter?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ replied Sir Mulberry, laying his hand on her arm. ‘Lord Frederick, + do you recognise the tones of that voice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Deyvle take me if I didn’t think it was the voice of Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor, my lord!’ cried Miss Nickleby’s mama, thrusting her head round the + curtain. ‘Why actually—Kate, my dear, Kate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>You </i>here, mama! Is it possible!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Possible, my dear? Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why who—who on earth is that you have with you, mama?’ said Kate, + shrinking back as she caught sight of a man smiling and kissing his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who do you suppose, my dear?’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, bending towards Mrs + Wititterly, and speaking a little louder for that lady’s edification. + ‘There’s Mr. Pyke, Mr. Pluck, Sir Mulberry Hawk, and Lord Frederick + Verisopht.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gracious Heaven!’ thought Kate hurriedly. ‘How comes she in such + society?’ + </p> + <p> + Now, Kate thought thus <i>so</i> hurriedly, and the surprise was so great, and + moreover brought back so forcibly the recollection of what had passed at + Ralph’s delectable dinner, that she turned extremely pale and appeared + greatly agitated, which symptoms being observed by Mrs. Nickleby, were at + once set down by that acute lady as being caused and occasioned by violent + love. But, although she was in no small degree delighted by this + discovery, which reflected so much credit on her own quickness of + perception, it did not lessen her motherly anxiety in Kate’s behalf; and + accordingly, with a vast quantity of trepidation, she quitted her own box + to hasten into that of Mrs. Wititterly. Mrs. Wititterly, keenly alive to the + glory of having a lord and a baronet among her visiting acquaintance, lost + no time in signing to Mr. Wititterly to open the door, and thus it was that + in less than thirty seconds Mrs. Nickleby’s party had made an irruption + into Mrs. Wititterly’s box, which it filled to the very door, there being + in fact only room for Messrs Pyke and Pluck to get in their heads and + waistcoats. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, kissing her daughter affectionately. + ‘How ill you looked a moment ago! You quite frightened me, I declare!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was mere fancy, mama,—the—the—reflection of the + lights perhaps,’ replied Kate, glancing nervously round, and finding it + impossible to whisper any caution or explanation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you see Sir Mulberry Hawk, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate bowed slightly, and biting her lip turned her head towards the stage. + </p> + <p> + But Sir Mulberry Hawk was not to be so easily repulsed, for he advanced + with extended hand; and Mrs. Nickleby officiously informing Kate of this + circumstance, she was obliged to extend her own. Sir Mulberry detained it + while he murmured a profusion of compliments, which Kate, remembering what + had passed between them, rightly considered as so many aggravations of the + insult he had already put upon her. Then followed the recognition of Lord + Verisopht, and then the greeting of Mr. Pyke, and then that of Mr. Pluck, + and finally, to complete the young lady’s mortification, she was compelled + at Mrs. Wititterly’s request to perform the ceremony of introducing the + odious persons, whom she regarded with the utmost indignation and + abhorrence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Wititterly is delighted,’ said Mr. Wititterly, rubbing his hands; + ‘delighted, my lord, I am sure, with this opportunity of contracting an + acquaintance which, I trust, my lord, we shall improve. Julia, my dear, + you must not allow yourself to be too much excited, you must not. Indeed + you must not. Mrs. Wititterly is of a most excitable nature, Sir Mulberry. + The snuff of a candle, the wick of a lamp, the bloom on a peach, the down + on a butterfly. You might blow her away, my lord; you might blow her + away.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry seemed to think that it would be a great convenience if the + lady could be blown away. He said, however, that the delight was mutual, + and Lord Verisopht added that it was mutual, whereupon Messrs Pyke and + Pluck were heard to murmur from the distance that it was very mutual + indeed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I take an interest, my lord,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, with a faint smile, + ‘such an interest in the drama.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—es. It’s very interesting,’ replied Lord Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m always ill after Shakespeare,’ said Mrs. Wititterly. ‘I scarcely exist + the next day; I find the reaction so very great after a tragedy, my lord, + and Shakespeare is such a delicious creature.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—es!’ replied Lord Verisopht. ‘He was a clayver man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know, my lord,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, after a long silence, ‘I find + I take so much more interest in his plays, after having been to that dear + little dull house he was born in! Were you ever there, my lord?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, nayver,’ replied Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then really you ought to go, my lord,’ returned Mrs. Wititterly, in very + languid and drawling accents. ‘I don’t know how it is, but after you’ve + seen the place and written your name in the little book, somehow or other + you seem to be inspired; it kindles up quite a fire within one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—es!’ replied Lord Verisopht, ‘I shall certainly go there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Julia, my life,’ interposed Mr. Wititterly, ‘you are deceiving his + lordship—unintentionally, my lord, she is deceiving you. It is your + poetical temperament, my dear—your ethereal soul—your fervid + imagination, which throws you into a glow of genius and excitement. There + is nothing in the place, my dear—nothing, nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think there must be something in the place,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, who had + been listening in silence; ‘for, soon after I was married, I went to + Stratford with my poor dear Mr. Nickleby, in a post-chaise from Birmingham—was + it a post-chaise though?’ said Mrs. Nickleby, considering; ‘yes, it must + have been a post-chaise, because I recollect remarking at the time that + the driver had a green shade over his left eye;—in a post-chaise + from Birmingham, and after we had seen Shakespeare’s tomb and birthplace, + we went back to the inn there, where we slept that night, and I recollect + that all night long I dreamt of nothing but a black gentleman, at full + length, in plaster-of-Paris, with a lay-down collar tied with two tassels, + leaning against a post and thinking; and when I woke in the morning and + described him to Mr. Nickleby, he said it was Shakespeare just as he had + been when he was alive, which was very curious indeed. Stratford—Stratford,’ + continued Mrs. Nickleby, considering. ‘Yes, I am positive about that, + because I recollect I was in the family way with my son Nicholas at the + time, and I had been very much frightened by an Italian image boy that + very morning. In fact, it was quite a mercy, ma’am,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, + in a whisper to Mrs. Wititterly, ‘that my son didn’t turn out to be a + Shakespeare, and what a dreadful thing that would have been!’ + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Nickleby had brought this interesting anecdote to a close, Pyke + and Pluck, ever zealous in their patron’s cause, proposed the adjournment + of a detachment of the party into the next box; and with so much skill + were the preliminaries adjusted, that Kate, despite all she could say or + do to the contrary, had no alternative but to suffer herself to be led + away by Sir Mulberry Hawk. Her mother and Mr. Pluck accompanied them, but + the worthy lady, pluming herself upon her discretion, took particular care + not so much as to look at her daughter during the whole evening, and to + seem wholly absorbed in the jokes and conversation of Mr. Pluck, who, + having been appointed sentry over Mrs. Nickleby for that especial purpose, + neglected, on his side, no possible opportunity of engrossing her + attention. + </p> + <p> + Lord Frederick Verisopht remained in the next box to be talked to by Mrs + Wititterly, and Mr. Pyke was in attendance to throw in a word or two when + necessary. As to Mr. Wititterly, he was sufficiently busy in the body of + the house, informing such of his friends and acquaintance as happened to + be there, that those two gentlemen upstairs, whom they had seen in + conversation with Mrs. W., were the distinguished Lord Frederick Verisopht + and his most intimate friend, the gay Sir Mulberry Hawk—a + communication which inflamed several respectable house-keepers with the + utmost jealousy and rage, and reduced sixteen unmarried daughters to the + very brink of despair. + </p> + <p> + The evening came to an end at last, but Kate had yet to be handed + downstairs by the detested Sir Mulberry; and so skilfully were the + manoeuvres of Messrs Pyke and Pluck conducted, that she and the baronet + were the last of the party, and were even—without an appearance of + effort or design—left at some little distance behind. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t hurry, don’t hurry,’ said Sir Mulberry, as Kate hastened on, and + attempted to release her arm. + </p> + <p> + She made no reply, but still pressed forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, then—’ coolly observed Sir Mulberry, stopping her outright. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had best not seek to detain me, sir!’ said Kate, angrily. + </p> + <p> + ‘And why not?’ retorted Sir Mulberry. ‘My dear creature, now why do you + keep up this show of displeasure?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Show</i>!’ repeated Kate, indignantly. ‘How dare you presume to speak to me, + sir—to address me—to come into my presence?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You look prettier in a passion, Miss Nickleby,’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk, + stooping down, the better to see her face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hold you in the bitterest detestation and contempt, sir,’ said Kate. + ‘If you find any attraction in looks of disgust and aversion, you—let + me rejoin my friends, sir, instantly. Whatever considerations may have + withheld me thus far, I will disregard them all, and take a course that + even <i>you </i>might feel, if you do not immediately suffer me to proceed.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry smiled, and still looking in her face and retaining her arm, + walked towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘If no regard for my sex or helpless situation will induce you to desist + from this coarse and unmanly persecution,’ said Kate, scarcely knowing, in + the tumult of her passions, what she said,—‘I have a brother who + will resent it dearly, one day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my soul!’ exclaimed Sir Mulberry, as though quietly communing with + himself; passing his arm round her waist as he spoke, ‘she looks more + beautiful, and I like her better in this mood, than when her eyes are cast + down, and she is in perfect repose!’ + </p> + <p> + How Kate reached the lobby where her friends were waiting she never knew, + but she hurried across it without at all regarding them, and disengaged + herself suddenly from her companion, sprang into the coach, and throwing + herself into its darkest corner burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + Messrs Pyke and Pluck, knowing their cue, at once threw the party into + great commotion by shouting for the carriages, and getting up a violent + quarrel with sundry inoffensive bystanders; in the midst of which tumult + they put the affrighted Mrs. Nickleby in her chariot, and having got her + safely off, turned their thoughts to Mrs. Wititterly, whose attention also + they had now effectually distracted from the young lady, by throwing her + into a state of the utmost bewilderment and consternation. At length, the + conveyance in which she had come rolled off too with its load, and the + four worthies, being left alone under the portico, enjoyed a hearty laugh + together. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Sir Mulberry, turning to his noble friend. ‘Didn’t I tell + you last night that if we could find where they were going by bribing a + servant through my fellow, and then established ourselves close by with + the mother, these people’s honour would be our own? Why here it is, done + in four-and-twenty hours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—es,’ replied the dupe. ‘But I have been tied to the old woman + all ni-ight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear him,’ said Sir Mulberry, turning to his two friends. ‘Hear this + discontented grumbler. Isn’t it enough to make a man swear never to help + him in his plots and schemes again? Isn’t it an infernal shame?’ + </p> + <p> + Pyke asked Pluck whether it was not an infernal shame, and Pluck asked + Pyke; but neither answered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Isn’t it the truth?’ demanded Verisopht. ‘Wasn’t it so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wasn’t it so!’ repeated Sir Mulberry. ‘How would you have had it? How + could we have got a general invitation at first sight—come when you + like, go when you like, stop as long as you like, do what you like—if + you, the lord, had not made yourself agreeable to the foolish mistress of + the house? Do I care for this girl, except as your friend? Haven’t I been + sounding your praises in her ears, and bearing her pretty sulks and + peevishness all night for you? What sort of stuff do you think I’m made + of? Would I do this for every man? Don’t I deserve even gratitude in + return?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re a deyvlish good fellow,’ said the poor young lord, taking his + friend’s arm. ‘Upon my life you’re a deyvlish good fellow, Hawk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I have done right, have I?’ demanded Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite ri-ght.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And like a poor, silly, good-natured, friendly dog as I am, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye—es, ye—es; like a friend,’ replied the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then,’ replied Sir Mulberry, ‘I’m satisfied. And now let’s go and + have our revenge on the German baron and the Frenchman, who cleaned you + out so handsomely last night.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words the friendly creature took his companion’s arm and led + him away, turning half round as he did so, and bestowing a wink and a + contemptuous smile on Messrs Pyke and Pluck, who, cramming their + handkerchiefs into their mouths to denote their silent enjoyment of the + whole proceedings, followed their patron and his victim at a little + distance. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 28 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>iss Nickleby, rendered desperate by the Persecution of Sir Mulberry Hawk, + and the Complicated Difficulties and Distresses which surround her, + appeals, as a last resource, to her Uncle for Protection</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The ensuing morning brought reflection with it, as morning usually does; + but widely different was the train of thought it awakened in the different + persons who had been so unexpectedly brought together on the preceding + evening, by the active agency of Messrs Pyke and Pluck. + </p> + <p> + The reflections of Sir Mulberry Hawk—if such a term can be applied + to the thoughts of the systematic and calculating man of dissipation, + whose joys, regrets, pains, and pleasures, are all of self, and who would + seem to retain nothing of the intellectual faculty but the power to debase + himself, and to degrade the very nature whose outward semblance he wears—the + reflections of Sir Mulberry Hawk turned upon Kate Nickleby, and were, in + brief, that she was undoubtedly handsome; that her coyness <i>must </i>be easily + conquerable by a man of his address and experience, and that the pursuit + was one which could not fail to redound to his credit, and greatly to + enhance his reputation with the world. And lest this last consideration—no + mean or secondary one with Sir Mulberry—should sound strangely in + the ears of some, let it be remembered that most men live in a world of + their own, and that in that limited circle alone are they ambitious for + distinction and applause. Sir Mulberry’s world was peopled with + profligates, and he acted accordingly. + </p> + <p> + Thus, cases of injustice, and oppression, and tyranny, and the most + extravagant bigotry, are in constant occurrence among us every day. It is + the custom to trumpet forth much wonder and astonishment at the chief + actors therein setting at defiance so completely the opinion of the world; + but there is no greater fallacy; it is precisely because they do consult + the opinion of their own little world that such things take place at all, + and strike the great world dumb with amazement. + </p> + <p> + The reflections of Mrs. Nickleby were of the proudest and most complacent + kind; and under the influence of her very agreeable delusion she + straightway sat down and indited a long letter to Kate, in which she + expressed her entire approval of the admirable choice she had made, and + extolled Sir Mulberry to the skies; asserting, for the more complete + satisfaction of her daughter’s feelings, that he was precisely the + individual whom she (Mrs. Nickleby) would have chosen for her son-in-law, + if she had had the picking and choosing from all mankind. The good lady + then, with the preliminary observation that she might be fairly supposed + not to have lived in the world so long without knowing its ways, + communicated a great many subtle precepts applicable to the state of + courtship, and confirmed in their wisdom by her own personal experience. + Above all things she commended a strict maidenly reserve, as being not + only a very laudable thing in itself, but as tending materially to + strengthen and increase a lover’s ardour. ‘And I never,’ added Mrs + Nickleby, ‘was more delighted in my life than to observe last night, my + dear, that your good sense had already told you this.’ With which + sentiment, and various hints of the pleasure she derived from the + knowledge that her daughter inherited so large an instalment of her own + excellent sense and discretion (to nearly the full measure of which she + might hope, with care, to succeed in time), Mrs. Nickleby concluded a very + long and rather illegible letter. + </p> + <p> + Poor Kate was well-nigh distracted on the receipt of four closely-written + and closely-crossed sides of congratulation on the very subject which had + prevented her closing her eyes all night, and kept her weeping and + watching in her chamber; still worse and more trying was the necessity of + rendering herself agreeable to Mrs. Wititterly, who, being in low spirits + after the fatigue of the preceding night, of course expected her companion + (else wherefore had she board and salary?) to be in the best spirits + possible. As to Mr. Wititterly, he went about all day in a tremor of + delight at having shaken hands with a lord, and having actually asked him + to come and see him in his own house. The lord himself, not being troubled + to any inconvenient extent with the power of thinking, regaled himself + with the conversation of Messrs Pyke and Pluck, who sharpened their wit by + a plentiful indulgence in various costly stimulants at his expense. + </p> + <p> + It was four in the afternoon—that is, the vulgar afternoon of the + sun and the clock—and Mrs. Wititterly reclined, according to custom, + on the drawing-room sofa, while Kate read aloud a new novel in three + volumes, entitled ‘The Lady Flabella,’ which Alphonse the doubtful had + procured from the library that very morning. And it was a production + admirably suited to a lady labouring under Mrs. Wititterly’s complaint, + seeing that there was not a line in it, from beginning to end, which + could, by the most remote contingency, awaken the smallest excitement in + any person breathing. + </p> + <p> + Kate read on. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Cherizette,” said the Lady Flabella, inserting her mouse-like feet in + the blue satin slippers, which had unwittingly occasioned the half-playful + half-angry altercation between herself and the youthful Colonel + Befillaire, in the Duke of Mincefenille’s <i>Salon De Danse</i> on the previous + night. “<i>Cherizette, Ma Chere, Donnez-Moi De L’eau-De-Cologne, S’il Vous + Plait, Mon Enfant</i>.” + </p> + <p> + ‘“<i>Mercie</i>—thank you,” said the Lady Flabella, as the lively but + devoted Cherizette plentifully besprinkled with the fragrant compound the + Lady Flabella’s MOUCHOIR of finest cambric, edged with richest lace, and + emblazoned at the four corners with the Flabella crest, and gorgeous + heraldic bearings of that noble family. “<i>Mercie</i>—that will do.” + </p> + <p> + ‘At this instant, while the Lady Flabella yet inhaled that delicious + fragrance by holding the <i>mouchoir </i>to her exquisite, but + thoughtfully-chiselled nose, the door of the <i>boudoir </i>(artfully concealed + by rich hangings of silken damask, the hue of Italy’s firmament) was + thrown open, and with noiseless tread two <i>valets-de-chambre</i>, clad in + sumptuous liveries of peach-blossom and gold, advanced into the room + followed by a page in <i>bas de soie</i>—silk stockings—who, while + they remained at some distance making the most graceful obeisances, + advanced to the feet of his lovely mistress, and dropping on one knee + presented, on a golden salver gorgeously chased, a scented <i>billet</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘The Lady Flabella, with an agitation she could not repress, hastily tore + off the <i>envelope </i>and broke the scented seal. It <i>was </i>from Befillaire—the + young, the slim, the low-voiced—<i>her own</i> Befillaire.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, charming!’ interrupted Kate’s patroness, who was sometimes taken + literary. ‘Poetic, really. Read that description again, Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate complied. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sweet, indeed!’ said Mrs. Wititterly, with a sigh. ‘So voluptuous, is it + not—so soft?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I think it is,’ replied Kate, gently; ‘very soft.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Close the book, Miss Nickleby,’ said Mrs. Wititterly. ‘I can hear nothing + more today; I should be sorry to disturb the impression of that sweet + description. Close the book.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate complied, not unwillingly; and, as she did so, Mrs. Wititterly raising + her glass with a languid hand, remarked, that she looked pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was the fright of that—that noise and confusion last night,’ + said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘How very odd!’ exclaimed Mrs. Wititterly, with a look of surprise. And + certainly, when one comes to think of it, it <i>was </i>very odd that anything + should have disturbed a companion. A steam-engine, or other ingenious + piece of mechanism out of order, would have been nothing to it. + </p> + <p> + ‘How did you come to know Lord Frederick, and those other delightful + creatures, child?’ asked Mrs. Wititterly, still eyeing Kate through her + glass. + </p> + <p> + ‘I met them at my uncle’s,’ said Kate, vexed to feel that she was + colouring deeply, but unable to keep down the blood which rushed to her + face whenever she thought of that man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you known them long?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined Kate. ‘Not long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was very glad of the opportunity which that respectable person, your + mother, gave us of being known to them,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, in a lofty + manner. ‘Some friends of ours were on the very point of introducing us, + which makes it quite remarkable.’ + </p> + <p> + This was said lest Miss Nickleby should grow conceited on the honour and + dignity of having known four great people (for Pyke and Pluck were + included among the delightful creatures), whom Mrs. Wititterly did not + know. But as the circumstance had made no impression one way or other upon + Kate’s mind, the force of the observation was quite lost upon her. + </p> + <p> + ‘They asked permission to call,’ said Mrs. Wititterly. ‘I gave it them of + course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you expect them today?’ Kate ventured to inquire. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wititterly’s answer was lost in the noise of a tremendous rapping at + the street-door, and before it had ceased to vibrate, there drove up a + handsome cabriolet, out of which leaped Sir Mulberry Hawk and his friend + Lord Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘They are here now,’ said Kate, rising and hurrying away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Nickleby!’ cried Mrs. Wititterly, perfectly aghast at a companion’s + attempting to quit the room, without her permission first had and + obtained. ‘Pray don’t think of going.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very good!’ replied Kate. ‘But—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For goodness’ sake, don’t agitate me by making me speak so much,’ said + Mrs. Wititterly, with great sharpness. ‘Dear me, Miss Nickleby, I beg—’ + </p> + <p> + It was in vain for Kate to protest that she was unwell, for the footsteps + of the knockers, whoever they were, were already on the stairs. She + resumed her seat, and had scarcely done so, when the doubtful page darted + into the room and announced, Mr. Pyke, and Mr. Pluck, and Lord Verisopht, + and Sir Mulberry Hawk, all at one burst. + </p> + <p> + ‘The most extraordinary thing in the world,’ said Mr. Pluck, saluting both + ladies with the utmost cordiality; ‘the most extraordinary thing. As Lord + Frederick and Sir Mulberry drove up to the door, Pyke and I had that + instant knocked.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That instant knocked,’ said Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter how you came, so that you are here,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, who, + by dint of lying on the same sofa for three years and a half, had got up + quite a little pantomime of graceful attitudes, and now threw herself into + the most striking of the whole series, to astonish the visitors. ‘I am + delighted, I am sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And how is Miss Nickleby?’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk, accosting Kate, in a + low voice—not so low, however, but that it reached the ears of Mrs + Wititterly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, she complains of suffering from the fright of last night,’ said the + lady. ‘I am sure I don’t wonder at it, for my nerves are quite torn to + pieces.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet you look,’ observed Sir Mulberry, turning round; ‘and yet you + look—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beyond everything,’ said Mr. Pyke, coming to his patron’s assistance. Of + course Mr. Pluck said the same. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid Sir Mulberry is a flatterer, my lord,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, + turning to that young gentleman, who had been sucking the head of his cane + in silence, and staring at Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, deyvlish!’ replied Verisopht. Having given utterance to which + remarkable sentiment, he occupied himself as before. + </p> + <p> + ‘Neither does Miss Nickleby look the worse,’ said Sir Mulberry, bending + his bold gaze upon her. ‘She was always handsome, but upon my soul, ma’am, + you seem to have imparted some of your own good looks to her besides.’ + </p> + <p> + To judge from the glow which suffused the poor girl’s countenance after + this speech, Mrs. Wititterly might, with some show of reason, have been + supposed to have imparted to it some of that artificial bloom which + decorated her own. Mrs. Wititterly admitted, though not with the best grace + in the world, that Kate <i>did </i>look pretty. She began to think, too, that Sir + Mulberry was not quite so agreeable a creature as she had at first + supposed him; for, although a skilful flatterer is a most delightful + companion if you can keep him all to yourself, his taste becomes very + doubtful when he takes to complimenting other people. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pyke,’ said the watchful Mr. Pluck, observing the effect which the praise + of Miss Nickleby had produced. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Pluck,’ said Pyke. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there anybody,’ demanded Mr. Pluck, mysteriously, ‘anybody you know, + that Mrs. Wititterly’s profile reminds you of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Reminds me of!’ answered Pyke. ‘Of course there is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who do you mean?’ said Pluck, in the same mysterious manner. ‘The D. of + B.?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The C. of B.,’ replied Pyke, with the faintest trace of a grin lingering + in his countenance. ‘The beautiful sister is the countess; not the + duchess.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Pluck, ‘the C. of B. The resemblance is wonderful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly startling,’ said Mr. Pyke. + </p> + <p> + Here was a state of things! Mrs. Wititterly was declared, upon the + testimony of two veracious and competent witnesses, to be the very picture + of a countess! This was one of the consequences of getting into good + society. Why, she might have moved among grovelling people for twenty + years, and never heard of it. How could she, indeed? what did <i>they </i>know + about countesses? + </p> + <p> + The two gentlemen having, by the greediness with which this little bait + was swallowed, tested the extent of Mrs. Wititterly’s appetite for + adulation, proceeded to administer that commodity in very large doses, + thus affording to Sir Mulberry Hawk an opportunity of pestering Miss + Nickleby with questions and remarks, to which she was absolutely obliged + to make some reply. Meanwhile, Lord Verisopht enjoyed unmolested the full + flavour of the gold knob at the top of his cane, as he would have done to + the end of the interview if Mr. Wititterly had not come home, and caused + the conversation to turn to his favourite topic. + </p> + <p> + ‘My lord,’ said Mr. Wititterly, ‘I am delighted—honoured—proud. + Be seated again, my lord, pray. I am proud, indeed—most proud.’ + </p> + <p> + It was to the secret annoyance of his wife that Mr. Wititterly said all + this, for, although she was bursting with pride and arrogance, she would + have had the illustrious guests believe that their visit was quite a + common occurrence, and that they had lords and baronets to see them every + day in the week. But Mr. Wititterly’s feelings were beyond the power of + suppression. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is an honour, indeed!’ said Mr. Wititterly. ‘Julia, my soul, you will + suffer for this tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suffer!’ cried Lord Verisopht. + </p> + <p> + ‘The reaction, my lord, the reaction,’ said Mr. Wititterly. ‘This violent + strain upon the nervous system over, my lord, what ensues? A sinking, a + depression, a lowness, a lassitude, a debility. My lord, if Sir Tumley + Snuffim was to see that delicate creature at this moment, he would not + give a—a—<i>this </i>for her life.’ In illustration of which remark, + Mr. Wititterly took a pinch of snuff from his box, and jerked it lightly + into the air as an emblem of instability. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not <i>that</i>,’ said Mr. Wititterly, looking about him with a serious + countenance. ‘Sir Tumley Snuffim would not give that for Mrs. Wititterly’s + existence.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wititterly told this with a kind of sober exultation, as if it were no + trifling distinction for a man to have a wife in such a desperate state, + and Mrs. Wititterly sighed and looked on, as if she felt the honour, but + had determined to bear it as meekly as might be. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Wititterly,’ said her husband, ‘is Sir Tumley Snuffim’s favourite + patient. I believe I may venture to say, that Mrs. Wititterly is the first + person who took the new medicine which is supposed to have destroyed a + family at Kensington Gravel Pits. I believe she was. If I am wrong, Julia, + my dear, you will correct me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe I was,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, in a faint voice. + </p> + <p> + As there appeared to be some doubt in the mind of his patron how he could + best join in this conversation, the indefatigable Mr. Pyke threw himself + into the breach, and, by way of saying something to the point, inquired—with + reference to the aforesaid medicine—whether it was nice. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir, it was not. It had not even that recommendation,’ said Mr. W. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Wititterly is quite a martyr,’ observed Pyke, with a complimentary + bow. + </p> + <p> + ‘I <i>think </i>I am,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you are, my dear Julia,’ replied her husband, in a tone which + seemed to say that he was not vain, but still must insist upon their + privileges. ‘If anybody, my lord,’ added Mr. Wititterly, wheeling round to + the nobleman, ‘will produce to me a greater martyr than Mrs. Wititterly, + all I can say is, that I shall be glad to see that martyr, whether male or + female—that’s all, my lord.’ + </p> + <p> + Pyke and Pluck promptly remarked that certainly nothing could be fairer + than that; and the call having been by this time protracted to a very + great length, they obeyed Sir Mulberry’s look, and rose to go. This + brought Sir Mulberry himself and Lord Verisopht on their legs also. Many + protestations of friendship, and expressions anticipative of the pleasure + which must inevitably flow from so happy an acquaintance, were exchanged, + and the visitors departed, with renewed assurances that at all times and + seasons the mansion of the Wititterlys would be honoured by receiving them + beneath its roof. + </p> + <p> + That they came at all times and seasons—that they dined there one + day, supped the next, dined again on the next, and were constantly to and + fro on all—that they made parties to visit public places, and met by + accident at lounges—that upon all these occasions Miss Nickleby was + exposed to the constant and unremitting persecution of Sir Mulberry Hawk, + who now began to feel his character, even in the estimation of his two + dependants, involved in the successful reduction of her pride—that + she had no intervals of peace or rest, except at those hours when she + could sit in her solitary room, and weep over the trials of the day—all + these were consequences naturally flowing from the well-laid plans of Sir + Mulberry, and their able execution by the auxiliaries, Pyke and Pluck. + </p> + <p> + And thus for a fortnight matters went on. That any but the weakest and + silliest of people could have seen in one interview that Lord Verisopht, + though he was a lord, and Sir Mulberry Hawk, though he was a baronet, were + not persons accustomed to be the best possible companions, and were + certainly not calculated by habits, manners, tastes, or conversation, to + shine with any very great lustre in the society of ladies, need scarcely + be remarked. But with Mrs. Wititterly the two titles were all sufficient; + coarseness became humour, vulgarity softened itself down into the most + charming eccentricity; insolence took the guise of an easy absence of + reserve, attainable only by those who had had the good fortune to mix with + high folks. + </p> + <p> + If the mistress put such a construction upon the behaviour of her new + friends, what could the companion urge against them? If they accustomed + themselves to very little restraint before the lady of the house, with how + much more freedom could they address her paid dependent! Nor was even this + the worst. As the odious Sir Mulberry Hawk attached himself to Kate with + less and less of disguise, Mrs. Wititterly began to grow jealous of the + superior attractions of Miss Nickleby. If this feeling had led to her + banishment from the drawing-room when such company was there, Kate would + have been only too happy and willing that it should have existed, but + unfortunately for her she possessed that native grace and true gentility + of manner, and those thousand nameless accomplishments which give to + female society its greatest charm; if these be valuable anywhere, they + were especially so where the lady of the house was a mere animated doll. + The consequence was, that Kate had the double mortification of being an + indispensable part of the circle when Sir Mulberry and his friends were + there, and of being exposed, on that very account, to all Mrs. Wititterly’s + ill-humours and caprices when they were gone. She became utterly and + completely miserable. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Wititterly had never thrown off the mask with regard to Sir Mulberry, + but when she was more than usually out of temper, attributed the + circumstance, as ladies sometimes do, to nervous indisposition. However, + as the dreadful idea that Lord Verisopht also was somewhat taken with + Kate, and that she, Mrs. Wititterly, was quite a secondary person, dawned + upon that lady’s mind and gradually developed itself, she became possessed + with a large quantity of highly proper and most virtuous indignation, and + felt it her duty, as a married lady and a moral member of society, to + mention the circumstance to ‘the young person’ without delay. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly Mrs. Wititterly broke ground next morning, during a pause in + the novel-reading. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Nickleby,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, ‘I wish to speak to you very + gravely. I am sorry to have to do it, upon my word I am very sorry, but + you leave me no alternative, Miss Nickleby.’ Here Mrs. Wititterly tossed + her head—not passionately, only virtuously—and remarked, with + some appearance of excitement, that she feared that palpitation of the + heart was coming on again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your behaviour, Miss Nickleby,’ resumed the lady, ‘is very far from + pleasing me—very far. I am very anxious indeed that you should do + well, but you may depend upon it, Miss Nickleby, you will not, if you go + on as you do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ma’am!’ exclaimed Kate, proudly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t agitate me by speaking in that way, Miss Nickleby, don’t,’ said Mrs + Wititterly, with some violence, ‘or you’ll compel me to ring the bell.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate looked at her, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t suppose,’ resumed Mrs. Wititterly, ‘that your looking at me in + that way, Miss Nickleby, will prevent my saying what I am going to say, + which I feel to be a religious duty. You needn’t direct your glances + towards me,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, with a sudden burst of spite; ‘I am not + Sir Mulberry, no, nor Lord Frederick Verisopht, Miss Nickleby, nor am I Mr + Pyke, nor Mr. Pluck either.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate looked at her again, but less steadily than before; and resting her + elbow on the table, covered her eyes with her hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘If such things had been done when I was a young girl,’ said Mrs + Wititterly (this, by the way, must have been some little time before), ‘I + don’t suppose anybody would have believed it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think they would,’ murmured Kate. ‘I do not think anybody would + believe, without actually knowing it, what I seem doomed to undergo!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk to me of being doomed to undergo, Miss Nickleby, if you + please,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, with a shrillness of tone quite surprising + in so great an invalid. ‘I will not be answered, Miss Nickleby. I am not + accustomed to be answered, nor will I permit it for an instant. Do you + hear?’ she added, waiting with some apparent inconsistency <i>for </i>an answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do hear you, ma’am,’ replied Kate, ‘with surprise—with greater + surprise than I can express.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have always considered you a particularly well-behaved young person for + your station in life,’ said Mrs. Wititterly; ‘and as you are a person of + healthy appearance, and neat in your dress and so forth, I have taken an + interest in you, as I do still, considering that I owe a sort of duty to + that respectable old female, your mother. For these reasons, Miss + Nickleby, I must tell you once for all, and begging you to mind what I + say, that I must insist upon your immediately altering your very forward + behaviour to the gentlemen who visit at this house. It really is not + becoming,’ said Mrs. Wititterly, closing her chaste eyes as she spoke; ‘it + is improper—quite improper.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Kate, looking upwards and clasping her hands; ‘is not this, is + not this, too cruel, too hard to bear! Is it not enough that I should have + suffered as I have, night and day; that I should almost have sunk in my + own estimation from very shame of having been brought into contact with + such people; but must I also be exposed to this unjust and most unfounded + charge!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will have the goodness to recollect, Miss Nickleby,’ said Mrs + Wititterly, ‘that when you use such terms as “unjust”, and “unfounded”, + you charge me, in effect, with stating that which is untrue.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do,’ said Kate with honest indignation. ‘Whether you make this + accusation of yourself, or at the prompting of others, is alike to me. I + say it <i>is</i> vilely, grossly, wilfully untrue. Is it possible!’ cried Kate, + ‘that anyone of my own sex can have sat by, and not have seen the misery + these men have caused me? Is it possible that you, ma’am, can have been + present, and failed to mark the insulting freedom that their every look + bespoke? Is it possible that you can have avoided seeing, that these + libertines, in their utter disrespect for you, and utter disregard of all + gentlemanly behaviour, and almost of decency, have had but one object in + introducing themselves here, and that the furtherance of their designs + upon a friendless, helpless girl, who, without this humiliating + confession, might have hoped to receive from one so much her senior + something like womanly aid and sympathy? I do not—I cannot believe + it!’ + </p> + <p> + If poor Kate had possessed the slightest knowledge of the world, she + certainly would not have ventured, even in the excitement into which she + had been lashed, upon such an injudicious speech as this. Its effect was + precisely what a more experienced observer would have foreseen. Mrs + Wititterly received the attack upon her veracity with exemplary calmness, + and listened with the most heroic fortitude to Kate’s account of her own + sufferings. But allusion being made to her being held in disregard by the + gentlemen, she evinced violent emotion, and this blow was no sooner + followed up by the remark concerning her seniority, than she fell back + upon the sofa, uttering dismal screams. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter?’ cried Mr. Wititterly, bouncing into the room. + ‘Heavens, what do I see? Julia! Julia! look up, my life, look up!’ + </p> + <p> + But Julia looked down most perseveringly, and screamed still louder; so Mr + Wititterly rang the bell, and danced in a frenzied manner round the sofa + on which Mrs. Wititterly lay; uttering perpetual cries for Sir Tumley + Snuffim, and never once leaving off to ask for any explanation of the + scene before him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Run for Sir Tumley,’ cried Mr. Wititterly, menacing the page with both + fists. ‘I knew it, Miss Nickleby,’ he said, looking round with an air of + melancholy triumph, ‘that society has been too much for her. This is all + soul, you know, every bit of it.’ With this assurance Mr. Wititterly took + up the prostrate form of Mrs. Wititterly, and carried her bodily off to + bed. + </p> + <p> + Kate waited until Sir Tumley Snuffim had paid his visit and looked in with + a report, that, through the special interposition of a merciful Providence + (thus spake Sir Tumley), Mrs. Wititterly had gone to sleep. She then + hastily attired herself for walking, and leaving word that she should + return within a couple of hours, hurried away towards her uncle’s house. + </p> + <p> + It had been a good day with Ralph Nickleby—quite a lucky day; and as + he walked to and fro in his little back-room with his hands clasped behind + him, adding up in his own mind all the sums that had been, or would be, + netted from the business done since morning, his mouth was drawn into a + hard stern smile; while the firmness of the lines and curves that made it + up, as well as the cunning glance of his cold, bright eye, seemed to tell, + that if any resolution or cunning would increase the profits, they would + not fail to be excited for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good!’ said Ralph, in allusion, no doubt, to some proceeding of the + day. ‘He defies the usurer, does he? Well, we shall see. “Honesty is the + best policy,” is it? We’ll try that too.’ + </p> + <p> + He stopped, and then walked on again. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is content,’ said Ralph, relaxing into a smile, ‘to set his known + character and conduct against the power of money—dross, as he calls + it. Why, what a dull blockhead this fellow must be! Dross to, dross! Who’s + that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me,’ said Newman Noggs, looking in. ‘Your niece.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What of her?’ asked Ralph sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘She’s here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ + </p> + <p> + Newman jerked his head towards his little room, to signify that she was + waiting there. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does she want?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ rejoined Newman. ‘Shall I ask?’ he added quickly. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Ralph. ‘Show her in! Stay.’ He hastily put away a padlocked + cash-box that was on the table, and substituted in its stead an empty + purse. ‘There,’ said Ralph. ‘<i>Now </i>she may come in.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman, with a grim smile at this manoeuvre, beckoned the young lady to + advance, and having placed a chair for her, retired; looking stealthily + over his shoulder at Ralph as he limped slowly out. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Ralph, roughly enough; but still with something more of + kindness in his manner than he would have exhibited towards anybody else. + ‘Well, my—dear. What now?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate raised her eyes, which were filled with tears; and with an effort to + master her emotion strove to speak, but in vain. So drooping her head + again, she remained silent. Her face was hidden from his view, but Ralph + could see that she was weeping. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can guess the cause of this!’ thought Ralph, after looking at her for + some time in silence. ‘I can—I can—guess the cause. Well! + Well!’ thought Ralph—for the moment quite disconcerted, as he + watched the anguish of his beautiful niece. ‘Where is the harm? only a few + tears; and it’s an excellent lesson for her, an excellent lesson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter?’ asked Ralph, drawing a chair opposite, and sitting + down. + </p> + <p> + He was rather taken aback by the sudden firmness with which Kate looked up + and answered him. + </p> + <p> + ‘The matter which brings me to you, sir,’ she said, ‘is one which should + call the blood up into your cheeks, and make you burn to hear, as it does + me to tell. I have been wronged; my feelings have been outraged, insulted, + wounded past all healing, and by your friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Friends!’ cried Ralph, sternly. ‘I have no friends, girl.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By the men I saw here, then,’ returned Kate, quickly. ‘If they were no + friends of yours, and you knew what they were,—oh, the more shame on + you, uncle, for bringing me among them. To have subjected me to what I was + exposed to here, through any misplaced confidence or imperfect knowledge + of your guests, would have required some strong excuse; but if you did it—as + I now believe you did—knowing them well, it was most dastardly and + cruel.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph drew back in utter amazement at this plain speaking, and regarded + Kate with the sternest look. But she met his gaze proudly and firmly, and + although her face was very pale, it looked more noble and handsome, + lighted up as it was, than it had ever appeared before. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is some of that boy’s blood in you, I see,’ said Ralph, speaking in + his harshest tones, as something in the flashing eye reminded him of + Nicholas at their last meeting. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope there is!’ replied Kate. ‘I should be proud to know it. I am + young, uncle, and all the difficulties and miseries of my situation have + kept it down, but I have been roused today beyond all endurance, and come + what may, I <i>will not</i>, as I am your brother’s child, bear these insults + longer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What insults, girl?’ demanded Ralph, sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Remember what took place here, and ask yourself,’ replied Kate, colouring + deeply. ‘Uncle, you must—I am sure you will—release me from + such vile and degrading companionship as I am exposed to now. I do not + mean,’ said Kate, hurrying to the old man, and laying her arm upon his + shoulder; ‘I do not mean to be angry and violent—I beg your pardon + if I have seemed so, dear uncle,—but you do not know what I have + suffered, you do not indeed. You cannot tell what the heart of a young + girl is—I have no right to expect you should; but when I tell you + that I am wretched, and that my heart is breaking, I am sure you will help + me. I am sure, I am sure you will!’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked at her for an instant; then turned away his head, and beat + his foot nervously upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have gone on day after day,’ said Kate, bending over him, and timidly + placing her little hand in his, ‘in the hope that this persecution would + cease; I have gone on day after day, compelled to assume the appearance of + cheerfulness, when I was most unhappy. I have had no counsellor, no + adviser, no one to protect me. Mama supposes that these are honourable + men, rich and distinguished, and how <i>can </i>I—how can I undeceive her—when + she is so happy in these little delusions, which are the only happiness + she has? The lady with whom you placed me, is not the person to whom I + could confide matters of so much delicacy, and I have come at last to you, + the only friend I have at hand—almost the only friend I have at all—to + entreat and implore you to assist me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can I assist you, child?’ said Ralph, rising from his chair, and + pacing up and down the room in his old attitude. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have influence with one of these men, I <i>know</i>,’ rejoined Kate, + emphatically. ‘Would not a word from you induce them to desist from this + unmanly course?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Ralph, suddenly turning; ‘at least—that—I can’t say + it, if it would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can’t say it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Ralph, coming to a dead stop, and clasping his hands more + tightly behind him. ‘I can’t say it.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate fell back a step or two, and looked at him, as if in doubt whether + she had heard aright. + </p> + <p> + ‘We are connected in business,’ said Ralph, poising himself alternately on + his toes and heels, and looking coolly in his niece’s face, ‘in business, + and I can’t afford to offend them. What is it after all? We have all our + trials, and this is one of yours. Some girls would be proud to have such + gallants at their feet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Proud!’ cried Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t say,’ rejoined Ralph, raising his forefinger, ‘but that you do + right to despise them; no, you show your good sense in that, as indeed I + knew from the first you would. Well. In all other respects you are + comfortably bestowed. It’s not much to bear. If this young lord does dog + your footsteps, and whisper his drivelling inanities in your ears, what of + it? It’s a dishonourable passion. So be it; it won’t last long. Some other + novelty will spring up one day, and you will be released. In the mean time—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In the mean time,’ interrupted Kate, with becoming pride and indignation, + ‘I am to be the scorn of my own sex, and the toy of the other; justly + condemned by all women of right feeling, and despised by all honest and + honourable men; sunken in my own esteem, and degraded in every eye that + looks upon me. No, not if I work my fingers to the bone, not if I am + driven to the roughest and hardest labour. Do not mistake me. I will not + disgrace your recommendation. I will remain in the house in which it + placed me, until I am entitled to leave it by the terms of my engagement; + though, mind, I see these men no more. When I quit it, I will hide myself + from them and you, and, striving to support my mother by hard service, I + will live, at least, in peace, and trust in God to help me.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, she waved her hand, and quitted the room, leaving Ralph + Nickleby motionless as a statue. + </p> + <p> + The surprise with which Kate, as she closed the room-door, beheld, close + beside it, Newman Noggs standing bolt upright in a little niche in the + wall like some scarecrow or Guy Faux laid up in winter quarters, almost + occasioned her to call aloud. But, Newman laying his finger upon his lips, + she had the presence of mind to refrain. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t,’ said Newman, gliding out of his recess, and accompanying her + across the hall. ‘Don’t cry, don’t cry.’ Two very large tears, by-the-bye, + were running down Newman’s face as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see how it is,’ said poor Noggs, drawing from his pocket what seemed to + be a very old duster, and wiping Kate’s eyes with it, as gently as if she + were an infant. ‘You’re giving way now. Yes, yes, very good; that’s right, + I like that. It was right not to give way before him. Yes, yes! Ha, ha, + ha! Oh, yes. Poor thing!’ + </p> + <p> + With these disjointed exclamations, Newman wiped his own eyes with the + afore-mentioned duster, and, limping to the street-door, opened it to let + her out. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t cry any more,’ whispered Newman. ‘I shall see you soon. Ha! ha! ha! + And so shall somebody else too. Yes, yes. Ho! ho!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God bless you,’ answered Kate, hurrying out, ‘God bless you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Same to you,’ rejoined Newman, opening the door again a little way to say + so. ‘Ha, ha, ha! Ho! ho! ho!’ + </p> + <p> + And Newman Noggs opened the door once again to nod cheerfully, and laugh—and + shut it, to shake his head mournfully, and cry. + </p> + <p> + Ralph remained in the same attitude till he heard the noise of the closing + door, when he shrugged his shoulders, and after a few turns about the room—hasty + at first, but gradually becoming slower, as he relapsed into himself—sat + down before his desk. + </p> + <p> + It is one of those problems of human nature, which may be noted down, but + not solved;—although Ralph felt no remorse at that moment for his + conduct towards the innocent, true-hearted girl; although his libertine + clients had done precisely what he had expected, precisely what he most + wished, and precisely what would tend most to his advantage, still he + hated them for doing it, from the very bottom of his soul. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ugh!’ said Ralph, scowling round, and shaking his clenched hand as the + faces of the two profligates rose up before his mind; ‘you shall pay for + this. Oh! you shall pay for this!’ + </p> + <p> + As the usurer turned for consolation to his books and papers, a + performance was going on outside his office door, which would have + occasioned him no small surprise, if he could by any means have become + acquainted with it. + </p> + <p> + Newman Noggs was the sole actor. He stood at a little distance from the + door, with his face towards it; and with the sleeves of his coat turned + back at the wrists, was occupied in bestowing the most vigorous, + scientific, and straightforward blows upon the empty air. + </p> + <p> + At first sight, this would have appeared merely a wise precaution in a man + of sedentary habits, with the view of opening the chest and strengthening + the muscles of the arms. But the intense eagerness and joy depicted in the + face of Newman Noggs, which was suffused with perspiration; the surprising + energy with which he directed a constant succession of blows towards a + particular panel about five feet eight from the ground, and still worked + away in the most untiring and persevering manner, would have sufficiently + explained to the attentive observer, that his imagination was thrashing, + to within an inch of his life, his body’s most active employer, Mr. Ralph + Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 29 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span><i>f the Proceedings of Nicholas, and certain Internal Divisions in the + Company of Mr. Vincent Crummles</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The unexpected success and favour with which his experiment at Portsmouth + had been received, induced Mr. Crummles to prolong his stay in that town + for a fortnight beyond the period he had originally assigned for the + duration of his visit, during which time Nicholas personated a vast + variety of characters with undiminished success, and attracted so many + people to the theatre who had never been seen there before, that a benefit + was considered by the manager a very promising speculation. Nicholas + assenting to the terms proposed, the benefit was had, and by it he + realised no less a sum than twenty pounds. + </p> + <p> + Possessed of this unexpected wealth, his first act was to enclose to + honest John Browdie the amount of his friendly loan, which he accompanied + with many expressions of gratitude and esteem, and many cordial wishes for + his matrimonial happiness. To Newman Noggs he forwarded one half of the + sum he had realised, entreating him to take an opportunity of handing it + to Kate in secret, and conveying to her the warmest assurances of his love + and affection. He made no mention of the way in which he had employed + himself; merely informing Newman that a letter addressed to him under his + assumed name at the Post Office, Portsmouth, would readily find him, and + entreating that worthy friend to write full particulars of the situation + of his mother and sister, and an account of all the grand things that + Ralph Nickleby had done for them since his departure from London. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are out of spirits,’ said Smike, on the night after the letter had + been dispatched. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I!’ rejoined Nicholas, with assumed gaiety, for the confession would + have made the boy miserable all night; ‘I was thinking about my sister, + Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sister!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she like you?’ inquired Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, so they say,’ replied Nicholas, laughing, ‘only a great deal + handsomer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She must be <i>very </i>beautiful,’ said Smike, after thinking a little while + with his hands folded together, and his eyes bent upon his friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Anybody who didn’t know you as well as I do, my dear fellow, would say + you were an accomplished courtier,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t even know what that is,’ replied Smike, shaking his head. ‘Shall + I ever see your sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ cried Nicholas; ‘we shall all be together one of these days—when + we are rich, Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How is it that you, who are so kind and good to me, have nobody to be + kind to you?’ asked Smike. ‘I cannot make that out.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, it is a long story,’ replied Nicholas, ‘and one you would have some + difficulty in comprehending, I fear. I have an enemy—you understand + what that is?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, yes, I understand that,’ said Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, it is owing to him,’ returned Nicholas. ‘He is rich, and not so + easily punished as <i>your </i>old enemy, Mr. Squeers. He is my uncle, but he is a + villain, and has done me wrong.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he though?’ asked Smike, bending eagerly forward. ‘What is his name? + Tell me his name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ralph—Ralph Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ralph Nickleby,’ repeated Smike. ‘Ralph. I’ll get that name by heart.’ + </p> + <p> + He had muttered it over to himself some twenty times, when a loud knock at + the door disturbed him from his occupation. Before he could open it, Mr + Folair, the pantomimist, thrust in his head. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folair’s head was usually decorated with a very round hat, unusually + high in the crown, and curled up quite tight in the brims. On the present + occasion he wore it very much on one side, with the back part forward in + consequence of its being the least rusty; round his neck he wore a flaming + red worsted comforter, whereof the straggling ends peeped out beneath his + threadbare Newmarket coat, which was very tight and buttoned all the way + up. He carried in his hand one very dirty glove, and a cheap dress cane + with a glass handle; in short, his whole appearance was unusually dashing, + and demonstrated a far more scrupulous attention to his toilet than he was + in the habit of bestowing upon it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-evening, sir,’ said Mr. Folair, taking off the tall hat, and running + his fingers through his hair. ‘I bring a communication. Hem!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From whom and what about?’ inquired Nicholas. ‘You are unusually + mysterious tonight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cold, perhaps,’ returned Mr. Folair; ‘cold, perhaps. That is the fault of + my position—not of myself, Mr. Johnson. My position as a mutual + friend requires it, sir.’ Mr. Folair paused with a most impressive look, + and diving into the hat before noticed, drew from thence a small piece of + whity-brown paper curiously folded, whence he brought forth a note which + it had served to keep clean, and handing it over to Nicholas, said— + </p> + <p> + ‘Have the goodness to read that, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, in a state of much amazement, took the note and broke the seal, + glancing at Mr. Folair as he did so, who, knitting his brow and pursing up + his mouth with great dignity, was sitting with his eyes steadily fixed + upon the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + It was directed to blank Johnson, Esq., by favour of Augustus Folair, + Esq.; and the astonishment of Nicholas was in no degree lessened, when he + found it to be couched in the following laconic terms:— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lenville presents his kind regards to Mr. Johnson, and will feel + obliged if he will inform him at what hour tomorrow morning it will be + most convenient to him to meet Mr. L. at the Theatre, for the purpose of + having his nose pulled in the presence of the company. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lenville requests Mr. Johnson not to neglect making an appointment, as + he has invited two or three professional friends to witness the ceremony, + and cannot disappoint them upon any account whatever. + </p> + <p> + “PORTSMOUTH, TUESDAY NIGHT.” + </p> + <p> + Indignant as he was at this impertinence, there was something so + exquisitely absurd in such a cartel of defiance, that Nicholas was obliged + to bite his lip and read the note over two or three times before he could + muster sufficient gravity and sternness to address the hostile messenger, + who had not taken his eyes from the ceiling, nor altered the expression of + his face in the slightest degree. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know the contents of this note, sir?’ he asked, at length. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ rejoined Mr. Folair, looking round for an instant, and immediately + carrying his eyes back again to the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how dare you bring it here, sir?’ asked Nicholas, tearing it into + very little pieces, and jerking it in a shower towards the messenger. ‘Had + you no fear of being kicked downstairs, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Folair turned his head—now ornamented with several fragments of + the note—towards Nicholas, and with the same imperturbable dignity, + briefly replied ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Nicholas, taking up the tall hat and tossing it towards the + door, ‘you had better follow that article of your dress, sir, or you may + find yourself very disagreeably deceived, and that within a dozen + seconds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, Johnson,’ remonstrated Mr. Folair, suddenly losing all his dignity, + ‘none of that, you know. No tricks with a gentleman’s wardrobe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave the room,’ returned Nicholas. ‘How could you presume to come here + on such an errand, you scoundrel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh!’ said Mr. Folair, unwinding his comforter, and gradually + getting himself out of it. ‘There—that’s enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Enough!’ cried Nicholas, advancing towards him. ‘Take yourself off, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh! I tell you,’ returned Mr. Folair, waving his hand in + deprecation of any further wrath; ‘I wasn’t in earnest. I only brought it + in joke.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better be careful how you indulge in such jokes again,’ said + Nicholas, ‘or you may find an allusion to pulling noses rather a dangerous + reminder for the subject of your facetiousness. Was it written in joke, + too, pray?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, that’s the best of it,’ returned the actor; ‘right down earnest—honour + bright.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could not repress a smile at the odd figure before him, which, at + all times more calculated to provoke mirth than anger, was especially so + at that moment, when with one knee upon the ground, Mr. Folair twirled his + old hat round upon his hand, and affected the extremest agony lest any of + the nap should have been knocked off—an ornament which it is almost + superfluous to say, it had not boasted for many months. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, sir,’ said Nicholas, laughing in spite of himself. ‘Have the + goodness to explain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I’ll tell you how it is,’ said Mr. Folair, sitting himself down in a + chair with great coolness. ‘Since you came here Lenville has done nothing + but second business, and, instead of having a reception every night as he + used to have, they have let him come on as if he was nobody.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean by a reception?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Jupiter!’ exclaimed Mr. Folair, ‘what an unsophisticated shepherd you are, + Johnson! Why, applause from the house when you first come on. So he has + gone on night after night, never getting a hand, and you getting a couple + of rounds at least, and sometimes three, till at length he got quite + desperate, and had half a mind last night to play Tybalt with a real + sword, and pink you—not dangerously, but just enough to lay you up + for a month or two.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very considerate,’ remarked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I think it was under the circumstances; his professional reputation + being at stake,’ said Mr. Folair, quite seriously. ‘But his heart failed + him, and he cast about for some other way of annoying you, and making + himself popular at the same time—for that’s the point. Notoriety, + notoriety, is the thing. Bless you, if he had pinked you,’ said Mr. Folair, + stopping to make a calculation in his mind, ‘it would have been worth—ah, + it would have been worth eight or ten shillings a week to him. All the + town would have come to see the actor who nearly killed a man by mistake; + I shouldn’t wonder if it had got him an engagement in London. However, he + was obliged to try some other mode of getting popular, and this one + occurred to him. It’s a clever idea, really. If you had shown the white + feather, and let him pull your nose, he’d have got it into the paper; if + you had sworn the peace against him, it would have been in the paper too, + and he’d have been just as much talked about as you—don’t you see?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, certainly,’ rejoined Nicholas; ‘but suppose I were to turn the + tables, and pull <i>his </i>nose, what then? Would that make his fortune?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I don’t think it would,’ replied Mr. Folair, scratching his head, + ‘because there wouldn’t be any romance about it, and he wouldn’t be + favourably known. To tell you the truth though, he didn’t calculate much + upon that, for you’re always so mild-spoken, and are so popular among the + women, that we didn’t suspect you of showing fight. If you did, however, + he has a way of getting out of it easily, depend upon that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he?’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘We will try, tomorrow morning. In the + meantime, you can give whatever account of our interview you like best. + Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Folair was pretty well known among his fellow-actors for a man who + delighted in mischief, and was by no means scrupulous, Nicholas had not + much doubt but that he had secretly prompted the tragedian in the course + he had taken, and, moreover, that he would have carried his mission with a + very high hand if he had not been disconcerted by the very unexpected + demonstrations with which it had been received. It was not worth his while + to be serious with him, however, so he dismissed the pantomimist, with a + gentle hint that if he offended again it would be under the penalty of a + broken head; and Mr. Folair, taking the caution in exceedingly good part, + walked away to confer with his principal, and give such an account of his + proceedings as he might think best calculated to carry on the joke. + </p> + <p> + He had no doubt reported that Nicholas was in a state of extreme bodily + fear; for when that young gentleman walked with much deliberation down to + the theatre next morning at the usual hour, he found all the company + assembled in evident expectation, and Mr. Lenville, with his severest stage + face, sitting majestically on a table, whistling defiance. + </p> + <p> + Now the ladies were on the side of Nicholas, and the gentlemen (being + jealous) were on the side of the disappointed tragedian; so that the + latter formed a little group about the redoubtable Mr. Lenville, and the + former looked on at a little distance in some trepidation and anxiety. On + Nicholas stopping to salute them, Mr. Lenville laughed a scornful laugh, + and made some general remark touching the natural history of puppies. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Nicholas, looking quietly round, ‘are you there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Slave!’ returned Mr. Lenville, flourishing his right arm, and approaching + Nicholas with a theatrical stride. But somehow he appeared just at that + moment a little startled, as if Nicholas did not look quite so frightened + as he had expected, and came all at once to an awkward halt, at which the + assembled ladies burst into a shrill laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Object of my scorn and hatred!’ said Mr. Lenville, ‘I hold ye in + contempt.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas laughed in very unexpected enjoyment of this performance; and the + ladies, by way of encouragement, laughed louder than before; whereat Mr + Lenville assumed his bitterest smile, and expressed his opinion that they + were ‘minions’. + </p> + <p> + ‘But they shall not protect ye!’ said the tragedian, taking an upward look + at Nicholas, beginning at his boots and ending at the crown of his head, + and then a downward one, beginning at the crown of his head, and ending at + his boots—which two looks, as everybody knows, express defiance on + the stage. ‘They shall not protect ye—boy!’ + </p> + <p> + Thus speaking, Mr. Lenville folded his arms, and treated Nicholas to that + expression of face with which, in melodramatic performances, he was in the + habit of regarding the tyrannical kings when they said, ‘Away with him to + the deepest dungeon beneath the castle moat;’ and which, accompanied with + a little jingling of fetters, had been known to produce great effects in + its time. + </p> + <p> + Whether it was the absence of the fetters or not, it made no very deep + impression on Mr. Lenville’s adversary, however, but rather seemed to + increase the good-humour expressed in his countenance; in which stage of + the contest, one or two gentlemen, who had come out expressly to witness + the pulling of Nicholas’s nose, grew impatient, murmuring that if it were + to be done at all it had better be done at once, and that if Mr. Lenville + didn’t mean to do it he had better say so, and not keep them waiting + there. Thus urged, the tragedian adjusted the cuff of his right coat + sleeve for the performance of the operation, and walked in a very stately + manner up to Nicholas, who suffered him to approach to within the + requisite distance, and then, without the smallest discomposure, knocked + him down. + </p> + <p> + Before the discomfited tragedian could raise his head from the boards, Mrs + Lenville (who, as has been before hinted, was in an interesting state) + rushed from the rear rank of ladies, and uttering a piercing scream threw + herself upon the body. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you see this, monster? Do you see <i>this</i>?’ cried Mr. Lenville, sitting + up, and pointing to his prostrate lady, who was holding him very tight + round the waist. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come,’ said Nicholas, nodding his head, ‘apologise for the insolent note + you wrote to me last night, and waste no more time in talking.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never!’ cried Mr. Lenville. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes—yes—yes!’ screamed his wife. ‘For my sake—for mine, + Lenville—forego all idle forms, unless you would see me a blighted + corse at your feet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is affecting!’ said Mr. Lenville, looking round him, and drawing the + back of his hand across his eyes. ‘The ties of nature are strong. The weak + husband and the father—the father that is yet to be—relents. I + apologise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Humbly and submissively?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Humbly and submissively,’ returned the tragedian, scowling upwards. ‘But + only to save her,—for a time will come—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ said Nicholas; ‘I hope Mrs. Lenville may have a good one; and + when it does come, and you are a father, you shall retract it if you have + the courage. There. Be careful, sir, to what lengths your jealousy carries + you another time; and be careful, also, before you venture too far, to + ascertain your rival’s temper.’ With this parting advice Nicholas picked + up Mr. Lenville’s ash stick which had flown out of his hand, and breaking + it in half, threw him the pieces and withdrew, bowing slightly to the + spectators as he walked out. + </p> + <p> + The profoundest deference was paid to Nicholas that night, and the people + who had been most anxious to have his nose pulled in the morning, embraced + occasions of taking him aside, and telling him with great feeling, how + very friendly they took it that he should have treated that Lenville so + properly, who was a most unbearable fellow, and on whom they had all, by a + remarkable coincidence, at one time or other contemplated the infliction + of condign punishment, which they had only been restrained from + administering by considerations of mercy; indeed, to judge from the + invariable termination of all these stories, there never was such a + charitable and kind-hearted set of people as the male members of Mr + Crummles’s company. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bore his triumph, as he had his success in the little world of + the theatre, with the utmost moderation and good humour. The crestfallen + Mr. Lenville made an expiring effort to obtain revenge by sending a boy + into the gallery to hiss, but he fell a sacrifice to popular indignation, + and was promptly turned out without having his money back. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Smike,’ said Nicholas when the first piece was over, and he had + almost finished dressing to go home, ‘is there any letter yet?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Smike, ‘I got this one from the post-office.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘From Newman Noggs,’ said Nicholas, casting his eye upon the cramped + direction; ‘it’s no easy matter to make his writing out. Let me see—let + me see.’ + </p> + <p> + By dint of poring over the letter for half an hour, he contrived to make + himself master of the contents, which were certainly not of a nature to + set his mind at ease. Newman took upon himself to send back the ten + pounds, observing that he had ascertained that neither Mrs. Nickleby nor + Kate was in actual want of money at the moment, and that a time might + shortly come when Nicholas might want it more. He entreated him not to be + alarmed at what he was about to say;—there was no bad news—they + were in good health—but he thought circumstances might occur, or + were occurring, which would render it absolutely necessary that Kate + should have her brother’s protection, and if so, Newman said, he would + write to him to that effect, either by the next post or the next but one. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas read this passage very often, and the more he thought of it the + more he began to fear some treachery upon the part of Ralph. Once or twice + he felt tempted to repair to London at all hazards without an hour’s + delay, but a little reflection assured him that if such a step were + necessary, Newman would have spoken out and told him so at once. + </p> + <p> + ‘At all events I should prepare them here for the possibility of my going + away suddenly,’ said Nicholas; ‘I should lose no time in doing that.’ As + the thought occurred to him, he took up his hat and hurried to the + green-room. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0411m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0411m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0411.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Johnson,’ said Mrs. Crummles, who was seated there in full regal + costume, with the phenomenon as the Maiden in her maternal arms, ‘next + week for Ryde, then for Winchester, then for—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have some reason to fear,’ interrupted Nicholas, ‘that before you leave + here my career with you will have closed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Closed!’ cried Mrs. Crummles, raising her hands in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Closed!’ cried Miss Snevellicci, trembling so much in her tights that she + actually laid her hand upon the shoulder of the manageress for support. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why he don’t mean to say he’s going!’ exclaimed Mrs. Grudden, making her + way towards Mrs. Crummles. ‘Hoity toity! Nonsense.’ + </p> + <p> + The phenomenon, being of an affectionate nature and moreover excitable, + raised a loud cry, and Miss Belvawney and Miss Bravassa actually shed + tears. Even the male performers stopped in their conversation, and echoed + the word ‘Going!’ although some among them (and they had been the loudest + in their congratulations that day) winked at each other as though they + would not be sorry to lose such a favoured rival; an opinion, indeed, + which the honest Mr. Folair, who was ready dressed for the savage, openly + stated in so many words to a demon with whom he was sharing a pot of + porter. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas briefly said that he feared it would be so, although he could not + yet speak with any degree of certainty; and getting away as soon as he + could, went home to con Newman’s letter once more, and speculate upon it + afresh. + </p> + <p> + How trifling all that had been occupying his time and thoughts for many + weeks seemed to him during that sleepless night, and how constantly and + incessantly present to his imagination was the one idea that Kate in the + midst of some great trouble and distress might even then be looking—and + vainly too—for him! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 30 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">F</span><i>estivities are held in honour of Nicholas, who suddenly withdraws himself + from the Society of Mr. Vincent Crummles and his Theatrical Companions</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Mr. Vincent Crummles was no sooner acquainted with the public announcement + which Nicholas had made relative to the probability of his shortly ceasing + to be a member of the company, than he evinced many tokens of grief and + consternation; and, in the extremity of his despair, even held out certain + vague promises of a speedy improvement not only in the amount of his + regular salary, but also in the contingent emoluments appertaining to his + authorship. Finding Nicholas bent upon quitting the society—for he + had now determined that, even if no further tidings came from Newman, he + would, at all hazards, ease his mind by repairing to London and + ascertaining the exact position of his sister—Mr. Crummles was fain + to content himself by calculating the chances of his coming back again, + and taking prompt and energetic measures to make the most of him before he + went away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see,’ said Mr. Crummles, taking off his outlaw’s wig, the better to + arrive at a cool-headed view of the whole case. ‘Let me see. This is + Wednesday night. We’ll have posters out the first thing in the morning, + announcing positively your last appearance for tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But perhaps it may not be my last appearance, you know,’ said Nicholas. + ‘Unless I am summoned away, I should be sorry to inconvenience you by + leaving before the end of the week.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So much the better,’ returned Mr. Crummles. ‘We can have positively your + last appearance, on Thursday—re-engagement for one night more, on + Friday—and, yielding to the wishes of numerous influential patrons, + who were disappointed in obtaining seats, on Saturday. That ought to bring + three very decent houses.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I am to make three last appearances, am I?’ inquired Nicholas, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ rejoined the manager, scratching his head with an air of some + vexation; ‘three is not enough, and it’s very bungling and irregular not + to have more, but if we can’t help it we can’t, so there’s no use in + talking. A novelty would be very desirable. You couldn’t sing a comic song + on the pony’s back, could you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I couldn’t indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It has drawn money before now,’ said Mr. Crummles, with a look of + disappointment. ‘What do you think of a brilliant display of fireworks?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That it would be rather expensive,’ replied Nicholas, drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eighteen-pence would do it,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘You on the top of a pair + of steps with the phenomenon in an attitude; “Farewell!” on a transparency + behind; and nine people at the wings with a squib in each hand—all + the dozen and a half going off at once—it would be very grand—awful + from the front, quite awful.’ + </p> + <p> + As Nicholas appeared by no means impressed with the solemnity of the + proposed effect, but, on the contrary, received the proposition in a most + irreverent manner, and laughed at it very heartily, Mr. Crummles abandoned + the project in its birth, and gloomily observed that they must make up the + best bill they could with combats and hornpipes, and so stick to the + legitimate drama. + </p> + <p> + For the purpose of carrying this object into instant execution, the + manager at once repaired to a small dressing-room, adjacent, where Mrs + Crummles was then occupied in exchanging the habiliments of a melodramatic + empress for the ordinary attire of matrons in the nineteenth century. And + with the assistance of this lady, and the accomplished Mrs. Grudden (who + had quite a genius for making out bills, being a great hand at throwing in + the notes of admiration, and knowing from long experience exactly where + the largest capitals ought to go), he seriously applied himself to the + composition of the poster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Heigho!’ sighed Nicholas, as he threw himself back in the prompter’s + chair, after telegraphing the needful directions to Smike, who had been + playing a meagre tailor in the interlude, with one skirt to his coat, and + a little pocket-handkerchief with a large hole in it, and a woollen + nightcap, and a red nose, and other distinctive marks peculiar to tailors + on the stage. ‘Heigho! I wish all this were over.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Over, Mr. Johnson!’ repeated a female voice behind him, in a kind of + plaintive surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was an ungallant speech, certainly,’ said Nicholas, looking up to see + who the speaker was, and recognising Miss Snevellicci. ‘I would not have + made it if I had known you had been within hearing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a dear that Mr. Digby is!’ said Miss Snevellicci, as the tailor went + off on the opposite side, at the end of the piece, with great applause. + (Smike’s theatrical name was Digby.) + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll tell him presently, for his gratification, that you said so,’ + returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh you naughty thing!’ rejoined Miss Snevellicci. ‘I don’t know though, + that I should much mind <i>his </i>knowing my opinion of him; with some other + people, indeed, it might be—’ Here Miss Snevellicci stopped, as + though waiting to be questioned, but no questioning came, for Nicholas was + thinking about more serious matters. + </p> + <p> + ‘How kind it is of you,’ resumed Miss Snevellicci, after a short silence, + ‘to sit waiting here for him night after night, night after night, no + matter how tired you are; and taking so much pains with him, and doing it + all with as much delight and readiness as if you were coining gold by it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He well deserves all the kindness I can show him, and a great deal more,’ + said Nicholas. ‘He is the most grateful, single-hearted, affectionate + creature that ever breathed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So odd, too,’ remarked Miss Snevellicci, ‘isn’t he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God help him, and those who have made him so; he is indeed,’ rejoined + Nicholas, shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is such a devilish close chap,’ said Mr. Folair, who had come up a + little before, and now joined in the conversation. ‘Nobody can ever get + anything out of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What <i>should </i>they get out of him?’ asked Nicholas, turning round with some + abruptness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Zooks! what a fire-eater you are, Johnson!’ returned Mr. Folair, pulling + up the heel of his dancing shoe. ‘I’m only talking of the natural + curiosity of the people here, to know what he has been about all his + life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow! it is pretty plain, I should think, that he has not the + intellect to have been about anything of much importance to them or + anybody else,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ rejoined the actor, contemplating the effect of his face in a lamp + reflector, ‘but that involves the whole question, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What question?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, the who he is and what he is, and how you two, who are so different, + came to be such close companions,’ replied Mr. Folair, delighted with the + opportunity of saying something disagreeable. ‘That’s in everybody’s + mouth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The “everybody” of the theatre, I suppose?’ said Nicholas, + contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + ‘In it and out of it too,’ replied the actor. ‘Why, you know, Lenville + says—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought I had silenced him effectually,’ interrupted Nicholas, + reddening. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps you have,’ rejoined the immovable Mr. Folair; ‘if you have, he + said this before he was silenced: Lenville says that you’re a regular + stick of an actor, and that it’s only the mystery about you that has + caused you to go down with the people here, and that Crummles keeps it up + for his own sake; though Lenville says he don’t believe there’s anything + at all in it, except your having got into a scrape and run away from + somewhere, for doing something or other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Nicholas, forcing a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s a part of what he says,’ added Mr. Folair. ‘I mention it as the + friend of both parties, and in strict confidence. I don’t agree with him, + you know. He says he takes Digby to be more knave than fool; and old + Fluggers, who does the heavy business you know, <i>he</i> says that when he + delivered messages at Covent Garden the season before last, there used to + be a pickpocket hovering about the coach-stand who had exactly the face of + Digby; though, as he very properly says, Digby may not be the same, but + only his brother, or some near relation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ cried Nicholas again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Mr. Folair, with undisturbed calmness, ‘that’s what they say. I + thought I’d tell you, because really you ought to know. Oh! here’s this + blessed phenomenon at last. Ugh, you little imposition, I should like to—quite + ready, my darling,—humbug—Ring up, Mrs. G., and let the + favourite wake ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + Uttering in a loud voice such of the latter allusions as were + complimentary to the unconscious phenomenon, and giving the rest in a + confidential ‘aside’ to Nicholas, Mr. Folair followed the ascent of the + curtain with his eyes, regarded with a sneer the reception of Miss + Crummles as the Maiden, and, falling back a step or two to advance with + the better effect, uttered a preliminary howl, and ‘went on’ chattering + his teeth and brandishing his tin tomahawk as the Indian Savage. + </p> + <p> + ‘So these are some of the stories they invent about us, and bandy from + mouth to mouth!’ thought Nicholas. ‘If a man would commit an inexpiable + offence against any society, large or small, let him be successful. They + will forgive him any crime but that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You surely don’t mind what that malicious creature says, Mr. Johnson?’ + observed Miss Snevellicci in her most winning tones. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I,’ replied Nicholas. ‘If I were going to remain here, I might think + it worth my while to embroil myself. As it is, let them talk till they are + hoarse. But here,’ added Nicholas, as Smike approached, ‘here comes the + subject of a portion of their good-nature, so let he and I say good night + together.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I will not let either of you say anything of the kind,’ returned Miss + Snevellicci. ‘You must come home and see mama, who only came to Portsmouth + today, and is dying to behold you. Led, my dear, persuade Mr. Johnson.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I’m sure,’ returned Miss Ledrook, with considerable vivacity, ‘if <i>you</i> + can’t persuade him—’ Miss Ledrook said no more, but intimated, by a + dexterous playfulness, that if Miss Snevellicci couldn’t persuade him, + nobody could. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. and Mrs. Lillyvick have taken lodgings in our house, and share our + sitting-room for the present,’ said Miss Snevellicci. ‘Won’t that induce + you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely,’ returned Nicholas, ‘I can require no possible inducement beyond + your invitation.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no! I dare say,’ rejoined Miss Snevellicci. And Miss Ledrook said, + ‘Upon my word!’ Upon which Miss Snevellicci said that Miss Ledrook was a + giddy thing; and Miss Ledrook said that Miss Snevellicci needn’t colour up + quite so much; and Miss Snevellicci beat Miss Ledrook, and Miss Ledrook + beat Miss Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come,’ said Miss Ledrook, ‘it’s high time we were there, or we shall have + poor Mrs. Snevellicci thinking that you have run away with her daughter, Mr + Johnson; and then we should have a pretty to-do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Led,’ remonstrated Miss Snevellicci, ‘how you do talk!’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Ledrook made no answer, but taking Smike’s arm in hers, left her + friend and Nicholas to follow at their pleasure; which it pleased them, or + rather pleased Nicholas, who had no great fancy for a <i>tete-a-tete</i> under + the circumstances, to do at once. + </p> + <p> + There were not wanting matters of conversation when they reached the + street, for it turned out that Miss Snevellicci had a small basket to + carry home, and Miss Ledrook a small bandbox, both containing such minor + articles of theatrical costume as the lady performers usually carried to + and fro every evening. Nicholas would insist upon carrying the basket, and + Miss Snevellicci would insist upon carrying it herself, which gave rise to + a struggle, in which Nicholas captured the basket and the bandbox + likewise. Then Nicholas said, that he wondered what could possibly be + inside the basket, and attempted to peep in, whereat Miss Snevellicci + screamed, and declared that if she thought he had seen, she was sure she + should faint away. This declaration was followed by a similar attempt on + the bandbox, and similar demonstrations on the part of Miss Ledrook, and + then both ladies vowed that they wouldn’t move a step further until + Nicholas had promised that he wouldn’t offer to peep again. At last + Nicholas pledged himself to betray no further curiosity, and they walked + on: both ladies giggling very much, and declaring that they never had seen + such a wicked creature in all their born days—never. + </p> + <p> + Lightening the way with such pleasantry as this, they arrived at the + tailor’s house in no time; and here they made quite a little party, there + being present besides Mr. Lillyvick and Mrs. Lillyvick, not only Miss + Snevellicci’s mama, but her papa also. And an uncommonly fine man Miss + Snevellicci’s papa was, with a hook nose, and a white forehead, and curly + black hair, and high cheek bones, and altogether quite a handsome face, + only a little pimply as though with drinking. He had a very broad chest + had Miss Snevellicci’s papa, and he wore a threadbare blue dress-coat + buttoned with gilt buttons tight across it; and he no sooner saw Nicholas + come into the room, than he whipped the two forefingers of his right hand + in between the two centre buttons, and sticking his other arm gracefully + a-kimbo seemed to say, ‘Now, here I am, my buck, and what have you got to + say to me?’ + </p> + <p> + Such was, and in such an attitude sat Miss Snevellicci’s papa, who had + been in the profession ever since he had first played the ten-year-old + imps in the Christmas pantomimes; who could sing a little, dance a little, + fence a little, act a little, and do everything a little, but not much; + who had been sometimes in the ballet, and sometimes in the chorus, at + every theatre in London; who was always selected in virtue of his figure + to play the military visitors and the speechless noblemen; who always wore + a smart dress, and came on arm-in-arm with a smart lady in short + petticoats,—and always did it too with such an air that people in + the pit had been several times known to cry out ‘Bravo!’ under the + impression that he was somebody. Such was Miss Snevellicci’s papa, upon + whom some envious persons cast the imputation that he occasionally beat + Miss Snevellicci’s mama, who was still a dancer, with a neat little figure + and some remains of good looks; and who now sat, as she danced,—being + rather too old for the full glare of the foot-lights,—in the + background. + </p> + <p> + To these good people Nicholas was presented with much formality. The + introduction being completed, Miss Snevellicci’s papa (who was scented + with rum-and-water) said that he was delighted to make the acquaintance of + a gentleman so highly talented; and furthermore remarked, that there + hadn’t been such a hit made—no, not since the first appearance of + his friend Mr. Glavormelly, at the Coburg. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have seen him, sir?’ said Miss Snevellicci’s papa. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, really I never did,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You never saw my friend Glavormelly, sir!’ said Miss Snevellicci’s papa. + ‘Then you have never seen acting yet. If he had lived—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, he is dead, is he?’ interrupted Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is,’ said Mr. Snevellicci, ‘but he isn’t in Westminster Abbey, more’s + the shame. He was a—. Well, no matter. He is gone to that bourne + from whence no traveller returns. I hope he is appreciated <i>there</i>.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying Miss Snevellicci’s papa rubbed the tip of his nose with a very + yellow silk handkerchief, and gave the company to understand that these + recollections overcame him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Lillyvick,’ said Nicholas, ‘and how are you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, sir,’ replied the collector. ‘There is nothing like the + married state, sir, depend upon it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Nicholas, laughing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! nothing like it, sir,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick solemnly. ‘How do you + think,’ whispered the collector, drawing him aside, ‘how do you think she + looks tonight?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As handsome as ever,’ replied Nicholas, glancing at the late Miss + Petowker. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, there’s air about her, sir,’ whispered the collector, ‘that I never + saw in anybody. Look at her now she moves to put the kettle on. There! + Isn’t it fascination, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re a lucky man,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ rejoined the collector. ‘No. Do you think I am though, eh? + Perhaps I may be, perhaps I may be. I say, I couldn’t have done much + better if I had been a young man, could I? You couldn’t have done much + better yourself, could you—eh—could you?’ With such inquires, + and many more such, Mr. Lillyvick jerked his elbow into Nicholas’s side, + and chuckled till his face became quite purple in the attempt to keep down + his satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + By this time the cloth had been laid under the joint superintendence of + all the ladies, upon two tables put together, one being high and narrow, + and the other low and broad. There were oysters at the top, sausages at + the bottom, a pair of snuffers in the centre, and baked potatoes wherever + it was most convenient to put them. Two additional chairs were brought in + from the bedroom: Miss Snevellicci sat at the head of the table, and Mr + Lillyvick at the foot; and Nicholas had not only the honour of sitting + next Miss Snevellicci, but of having Miss Snevellicci’s mama on his right + hand, and Miss Snevellicci’s papa over the way. In short, he was the hero + of the feast; and when the table was cleared and something warm + introduced, Miss Snevellicci’s papa got up and proposed his health in a + speech containing such affecting allusions to his coming departure, that + Miss Snevellicci wept, and was compelled to retire into the bedroom. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! Don’t take any notice of it,’ said Miss Ledrook, peeping in from + the bedroom. ‘Say, when she comes back, that she exerts herself too much.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Ledrook eked out this speech with so many mysterious nods and frowns + before she shut the door again, that a profound silence came upon all the + company, during which Miss Snevellicci’s papa looked very big indeed—several + sizes larger than life—at everybody in turn, but particularly at + Nicholas, and kept on perpetually emptying his tumbler and filling it + again, until the ladies returned in a cluster, with Miss Snevellicci among + them. + </p> + <p> + ‘You needn’t alarm yourself a bit, Mr. Snevellicci,’ said Mrs. Lillyvick. + ‘She is only a little weak and nervous; she has been so ever since the + morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh,’ said Mr. Snevellicci, ‘that’s all, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, that’s all. Don’t make a fuss about it,’ cried all the ladies + together. + </p> + <p> + Now this was not exactly the kind of reply suited to Mr. Snevellicci’s + importance as a man and a father, so he picked out the unfortunate Mrs + Snevellicci, and asked her what the devil she meant by talking to him in + that way. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, my dear!’ said Mrs. Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t call me your dear, ma’am,’ said Mr. Snevellicci, ‘if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, pa, don’t,’ interposed Miss Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t what, my child?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk in that way.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said Mr. Snevellicci. ‘I hope you don’t suppose there’s anybody + here who is to prevent my talking as I like?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody wants to, pa,’ rejoined his daughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody would if they did want to,’ said Mr. Snevellicci. ‘I am not ashamed + of myself, Snevellicci is my name; I’m to be found in Broad Court, Bow + Street, when I’m in town. If I’m not at home, let any man ask for me at + the stage-door. Damme, they know me at the stage-door I suppose. Most men + have seen my portrait at the cigar shop round the corner. I’ve been + mentioned in the newspapers before now, haven’t I? Talk! I’ll tell you + what; if I found out that any man had been tampering with the affections + of my daughter, I wouldn’t talk. I’d astonish him without talking; that’s + my way.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Mr. Snevellicci struck the palm of his left hand three smart + blows with his clenched fist; pulled a phantom nose with his right thumb + and forefinger, and swallowed another glassful at a draught. ‘That’s my + way,’ repeated Mr. Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + Most public characters have their failings; and the truth is that Mr + Snevellicci was a little addicted to drinking; or, if the whole truth must + be told, that he was scarcely ever sober. He knew in his cups three + distinct stages of intoxication,—the dignified—the quarrelsome—the + amorous. When professionally engaged he never got beyond the dignified; in + private circles he went through all three, passing from one to another + with a rapidity of transition often rather perplexing to those who had not + the honour of his acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Thus Mr. Snevellicci had no sooner swallowed another glassful than he + smiled upon all present in happy forgetfulness of having exhibited + symptoms of pugnacity, and proposed ‘The ladies! Bless their hearts!’ in a + most vivacious manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘I love ‘em,’ said Mr. Snevellicci, looking round the table, ‘I love ‘em, + every one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not every one,’ reasoned Mr. Lillyvick, mildly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, every one,’ repeated Mr. Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would include the married ladies, you know,’ said Mr. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + ‘I love them too, sir,’ said Mr. Snevellicci. + </p> + <p> + The collector looked into the surrounding faces with an aspect of grave + astonishment, seeming to say, ‘This is a nice man!’ and appeared a little + surprised that Mrs. Lillyvick’s manner yielded no evidences of horror and + indignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘One good turn deserves another,’ said Mr. Snevellicci. ‘I love them and + they love me.’ And as if this avowal were not made in sufficient disregard + and defiance of all moral obligations, what did Mr. Snevellicci do? He + winked—winked openly and undisguisedly; winked with his right eye—upon + Henrietta Lillyvick! + </p> + <p> + The collector fell back in his chair in the intensity of his astonishment. + If anybody had winked at her as Henrietta Petowker, it would have been + indecorous in the last degree; but as Mrs. Lillyvick! While he thought of + it in a cold perspiration, and wondered whether it was possible that he + could be dreaming, Mr. Snevellicci repeated the wink, and drinking to Mrs + Lillyvick in dumb show, actually blew her a kiss! Mr. Lillyvick left his + chair, walked straight up to the other end of the table, and fell upon him—literally + fell upon him—instantaneously. Mr. Lillyvick was no light weight, and + consequently when he fell upon Mr. Snevellicci, Mr. Snevellicci fell under + the table. Mr. Lillyvick followed him, and the ladies screamed. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter with the men! Are they mad?’ cried Nicholas, diving + under the table, dragging up the collector by main force, and thrusting + him, all doubled up, into a chair, as if he had been a stuffed figure. + ‘What do you mean to do? What do you want to do? What is the matter with + you?’ + </p> + <p> + While Nicholas raised up the collector, Smike had performed the same + office for Mr. Snevellicci, who now regarded his late adversary in tipsy + amazement. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look here, sir,’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, pointing to his astonished wife, + ‘here is purity and elegance combined, whose feelings have been outraged—violated, + sir!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor, what nonsense he talks!’ exclaimed Mrs. Lillyvick in answer to the + inquiring look of Nicholas. ‘Nobody has said anything to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Said, Henrietta!’ cried the collector. ‘Didn’t I see him—’ Mr + Lillyvick couldn’t bring himself to utter the word, but he counterfeited + the motion of the eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ cried Mrs. Lillyvick. ‘Do you suppose nobody is ever to look at me? + A pretty thing to be married indeed, if that was law!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You didn’t mind it?’ cried the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind it!’ repeated Mrs. Lillyvick contemptuously. ‘You ought to go down on + your knees and beg everybody’s pardon, that you ought.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon, my dear?’ said the dismayed collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, and mine first,’ replied Mrs. Lillyvick. ‘Do you suppose I ain’t the + best judge of what’s proper and what’s improper?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ cried all the ladies. ‘Do you suppose <i>we</i> shouldn’t be the + first to speak, if there was anything that ought to be taken notice of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you suppose <i>they </i>don’t know, sir?’ said Miss Snevellicci’s papa, + pulling up his collar, and muttering something about a punching of heads, + and being only withheld by considerations of age. With which Miss + Snevellicci’s papa looked steadily and sternly at Mr. Lillyvick for some + seconds, and then rising deliberately from his chair, kissed the ladies + all round, beginning with Mrs. Lillyvick. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy collector looked piteously at his wife, as if to see whether + there was any one trait of Miss Petowker left in Mrs. Lillyvick, and + finding too surely that there was not, begged pardon of all the company + with great humility, and sat down such a crest-fallen, dispirited, + disenchanted man, that despite all his selfishness and dotage, he was + quite an object of compassion. + </p> + <p> + Miss Snevellicci’s papa being greatly exalted by this triumph, and + incontestable proof of his popularity with the fair sex, quickly grew + convivial, not to say uproarious; volunteering more than one song of no + inconsiderable length, and regaling the social circle between-whiles with + recollections of divers splendid women who had been supposed to entertain + a passion for himself, several of whom he toasted by name, taking occasion + to remark at the same time that if he had been a little more alive to his + own interest, he might have been rolling at that moment in his + chariot-and-four. These reminiscences appeared to awaken no very torturing + pangs in the breast of Mrs. Snevellicci, who was sufficiently occupied in + descanting to Nicholas upon the manifold accomplishments and merits of her + daughter. Nor was the young lady herself at all behind-hand in displaying + her choicest allurements; but these, heightened as they were by the + artifices of Miss Ledrook, had no effect whatever in increasing the + attentions of Nicholas, who, with the precedent of Miss Squeers still + fresh in his memory, steadily resisted every fascination, and placed so + strict a guard upon his behaviour that when he had taken his leave the + ladies were unanimous in pronouncing him quite a monster of insensibility. + </p> + <p> + Next day the posters appeared in due course, and the public were informed, + in all the colours of the rainbow, and in letters afflicted with every + possible variation of spinal deformity, how that Mr. Johnson would have the + honour of making his last appearance that evening, and how that an early + application for places was requested, in consequence of the extraordinary + overflow attendant on his performances,—it being a remarkable fact + in theatrical history, but one long since established beyond dispute, that + it is a hopeless endeavour to attract people to a theatre unless they can + be first brought to believe that they will never get into it. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was somewhat at a loss, on entering the theatre at night, to + account for the unusual perturbation and excitement visible in the + countenances of all the company, but he was not long in doubt as to the + cause, for before he could make any inquiry respecting it Mr. Crummles + approached, and in an agitated tone of voice, informed him that there was + a London manager in the boxes. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the phenomenon, depend upon it, sir,’ said Crummles, dragging + Nicholas to the little hole in the curtain that he might look through at + the London manager. ‘I have not the smallest doubt it’s the fame of the + phenomenon—that’s the man; him in the great-coat and no + shirt-collar. She shall have ten pound a week, Johnson; she shall not + appear on the London boards for a farthing less. They shan’t engage her + either, unless they engage Mrs. Crummles too—twenty pound a week for + the pair; or I’ll tell you what, I’ll throw in myself and the two boys, + and they shall have the family for thirty. I can’t say fairer than that. + They must take us all, if none of us will go without the others. That’s + the way some of the London people do, and it always answers. Thirty pound + a week—it’s too cheap, Johnson. It’s dirt cheap.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas replied, that it certainly was; and Mr. Vincent Crummles taking + several huge pinches of snuff to compose his feelings, hurried away to + tell Mrs. Crummles that he had quite settled the only terms that could be + accepted, and had resolved not to abate one single farthing. + </p> + <p> + When everybody was dressed and the curtain went up, the excitement + occasioned by the presence of the London manager increased a + thousand-fold. Everybody happened to know that the London manager had come + down specially to witness his or her own performance, and all were in a + flutter of anxiety and expectation. Some of those who were not on in the + first scene, hurried to the wings, and there stretched their necks to have + a peep at him; others stole up into the two little private boxes over the + stage-doors, and from that position reconnoitred the London manager. Once + the London manager was seen to smile—he smiled at the comic + countryman’s pretending to catch a blue-bottle, while Mrs. Crummles was + making her greatest effect. ‘Very good, my fine fellow,’ said Mr. Crummles, + shaking his fist at the comic countryman when he came off, ‘you leave this + company next Saturday night.’ + </p> + <p> + In the same way, everybody who was on the stage beheld no audience but one + individual; everybody played to the London manager. When Mr. Lenville in a + sudden burst of passion called the emperor a miscreant, and then biting + his glove, said, ‘But I must dissemble,’ instead of looking gloomily at + the boards and so waiting for his cue, as is proper in such cases, he kept + his eye fixed upon the London manager. When Miss Bravassa sang her song at + her lover, who according to custom stood ready to shake hands with her + between the verses, they looked, not at each other, but at the London + manager. Mr. Crummles died point blank at him; and when the two guards came + in to take the body off after a very hard death, it was seen to open its + eyes and glance at the London manager. At length the London manager was + discovered to be asleep, and shortly after that he woke up and went away, + whereupon all the company fell foul of the unhappy comic countryman, + declaring that his buffoonery was the sole cause; and Mr. Crummles said, + that he had put up with it a long time, but that he really couldn’t stand + it any longer, and therefore would feel obliged by his looking out for + another engagement. + </p> + <p> + All this was the occasion of much amusement to Nicholas, whose only + feeling upon the subject was one of sincere satisfaction that the great + man went away before he appeared. He went through his part in the two last + pieces as briskly as he could, and having been received with unbounded + favour and unprecedented applause—so said the bills for next day, + which had been printed an hour or two before—he took Smike’s arm and + walked home to bed. + </p> + <p> + With the post next morning came a letter from Newman Noggs, very inky, + very short, very dirty, very small, and very mysterious, urging Nicholas + to return to London instantly; not to lose an instant; to be there that + night if possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will,’ said Nicholas. ‘Heaven knows I have remained here for the best, + and sorely against my own will; but even now I may have dallied too long. + What can have happened? Smike, my good fellow, here—take my purse. + Put our things together, and pay what little debts we owe—quick, and + we shall be in time for the morning coach. I will only tell them that we + are going, and will return to you immediately.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he took his hat, and hurrying away to the lodgings of Mr + Crummles, applied his hand to the knocker with such hearty good-will, that + he awakened that gentleman, who was still in bed, and caused Mr. Bulph the + pilot to take his morning’s pipe very nearly out of his mouth in the + extremity of his surprise. + </p> + <p> + The door being opened, Nicholas ran upstairs without any ceremony, and + bursting into the darkened sitting-room on the one-pair front, found that + the two Master Crummleses had sprung out of the sofa-bedstead and were + putting on their clothes with great rapidity, under the impression that it + was the middle of the night, and the next house was on fire. + </p> + <p> + Before he could undeceive them, Mr. Crummles came down in a flannel gown + and nightcap; and to him Nicholas briefly explained that circumstances had + occurred which rendered it necessary for him to repair to London + immediately. + </p> + <p> + ‘So goodbye,’ said Nicholas; ‘goodbye, goodbye.’ + </p> + <p> + He was half-way downstairs before Mr. Crummles had sufficiently recovered + his surprise to gasp out something about the posters. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it,’ replied Nicholas. ‘Set whatever I may have earned this + week against them, or if that will not repay you, say at once what will. + Quick, quick.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll cry quits about that,’ returned Crummles. ‘But can’t we have one + last night more?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not an hour—not a minute,’ replied Nicholas, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t you stop to say something to Mrs. Crummles?’ asked the manager, + following him down to the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t stop if it were to prolong my life a score of years,’ rejoined + Nicholas. ‘Here, take my hand, and with it my hearty thanks.—Oh! + that I should have been fooling here!’ + </p> + <p> + Accompanying these words with an impatient stamp upon the ground, he tore + himself from the manager’s detaining grasp, and darting rapidly down the + street was out of sight in an instant. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, dear me,’ said Mr. Crummles, looking wistfully towards the point + at which he had just disappeared; ‘if he only acted like that, what a deal + of money he’d draw! He should have kept upon this circuit; he’d have been + very useful to me. But he don’t know what’s good for him. He is an + impetuous youth. Young men are rash, very rash.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crummles being in a moralising mood, might possibly have moralised for + some minutes longer if he had not mechanically put his hand towards his + waistcoat pocket, where he was accustomed to keep his snuff. The absence + of any pocket at all in the usual direction, suddenly recalled to his + recollection the fact that he had no waistcoat on; and this leading him to + a contemplation of the extreme scantiness of his attire, he shut the door + abruptly, and retired upstairs with great precipitation. + </p> + <p> + Smike had made good speed while Nicholas was absent, and with his help + everything was soon ready for their departure. They scarcely stopped to + take a morsel of breakfast, and in less than half an hour arrived at the + coach-office: quite out of breath with the haste they had made to reach it + in time. There were yet a few minutes to spare, so, having secured the + places, Nicholas hurried into a slopseller’s hard by, and bought Smike a + great-coat. It would have been rather large for a substantial yeoman, but + the shopman averring (and with considerable truth) that it was a most + uncommon fit, Nicholas would have purchased it in his impatience if it had + been twice the size. + </p> + <p> + As they hurried up to the coach, which was now in the open street and all + ready for starting, Nicholas was not a little astonished to find himself + suddenly clutched in a close and violent embrace, which nearly took him + off his legs; nor was his amazement at all lessened by hearing the voice + of Mr. Crummles exclaim, ‘It is he—my friend, my friend!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my heart,’ cried Nicholas, struggling in the manager’s arms, ‘what + are you about?’ + </p> + <p> + The manager made no reply, but strained him to his breast again, + exclaiming as he did so, ‘Farewell, my noble, my lion-hearted boy!’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0427m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0427m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0427.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + In fact, Mr. Crummles, who could never lose any opportunity for + professional display, had turned out for the express purpose of taking a + public farewell of Nicholas; and to render it the more imposing, he was + now, to that young gentleman’s most profound annoyance, inflicting upon + him a rapid succession of stage embraces, which, as everybody knows, are + performed by the embracer’s laying his or her chin on the shoulder of the + object of affection, and looking over it. This Mr. Crummles did in the + highest style of melodrama, pouring forth at the same time all the most + dismal forms of farewell he could think of, out of the stock pieces. Nor + was this all, for the elder Master Crummles was going through a similar + ceremony with Smike; while Master Percy Crummles, with a very little + second-hand camlet cloak, worn theatrically over his left shoulder, stood + by, in the attitude of an attendant officer, waiting to convey the two + victims to the scaffold. + </p> + <p> + The lookers-on laughed very heartily, and as it was as well to put a good + face upon the matter, Nicholas laughed too when he had succeeded in + disengaging himself; and rescuing the astonished Smike, climbed up to the + coach roof after him, and kissed his hand in honour of the absent Mrs + Crummles as they rolled away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 31 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span><i>f Ralph Nickleby and Newman Noggs, and some wise Precautions, the success + or failure of which will appear in the Sequel</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In blissful unconsciousness that his nephew was hastening at the utmost + speed of four good horses towards his sphere of action, and that every + passing minute diminished the distance between them, Ralph Nickleby sat + that morning occupied in his customary avocations, and yet unable to + prevent his thoughts wandering from time to time back to the interview + which had taken place between himself and his niece on the previous day. + At such intervals, after a few moments of abstraction, Ralph would mutter + some peevish interjection, and apply himself with renewed steadiness of + purpose to the ledger before him, but again and again the same train of + thought came back despite all his efforts to prevent it, confusing him in + his calculations, and utterly distracting his attention from the figures + over which he bent. At length Ralph laid down his pen, and threw himself + back in his chair as though he had made up his mind to allow the obtrusive + current of reflection to take its own course, and, by giving it full + scope, to rid himself of it effectually. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not a man to be moved by a pretty face,’ muttered Ralph sternly. + ‘There is a grinning skull beneath it, and men like me who look and work + below the surface see that, and not its delicate covering. And yet I + almost like the girl, or should if she had been less proudly and + squeamishly brought up. If the boy were drowned or hanged, and the mother + dead, this house should be her home. I wish they were, with all my soul.’ + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the deadly hatred which Ralph felt towards Nicholas, and + the bitter contempt with which he sneered at poor Mrs. Nickleby—notwithstanding + the baseness with which he had behaved, and was then behaving, and would + behave again if his interest prompted him, towards Kate herself—still + there was, strange though it may seem, something humanising and even + gentle in his thoughts at that moment. He thought of what his home might + be if Kate were there; he placed her in the empty chair, looked upon her, + heard her speak; he felt again upon his arm the gentle pressure of the + trembling hand; he strewed his costly rooms with the hundred silent tokens + of feminine presence and occupation; he came back again to the cold + fireside and the silent dreary splendour; and in that one glimpse of a + better nature, born as it was in selfish thoughts, the rich man felt + himself friendless, childless, and alone. Gold, for the instant, lost its + lustre in his eyes, for there were countless treasures of the heart which + it could never purchase. + </p> + <p> + A very slight circumstance was sufficient to banish such reflections from + the mind of such a man. As Ralph looked vacantly out across the yard + towards the window of the other office, he became suddenly aware of the + earnest observation of Newman Noggs, who, with his red nose almost + touching the glass, feigned to be mending a pen with a rusty fragment of a + knife, but was in reality staring at his employer with a countenance of + the closest and most eager scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + Ralph exchanged his dreamy posture for his accustomed business attitude: + the face of Newman disappeared, and the train of thought took to flight, + all simultaneously, and in an instant. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes, Ralph rang his bell. Newman answered the summons, and + Ralph raised his eyes stealthily to his face, as if he almost feared to + read there, a knowledge of his recent thoughts. + </p> + <p> + There was not the smallest speculation, however, in the countenance of + Newman Noggs. If it be possible to imagine a man, with two eyes in his + head, and both wide open, looking in no direction whatever, and seeing + nothing, Newman appeared to be that man while Ralph Nickleby regarded him. + </p> + <p> + ‘How now?’ growled Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Newman, throwing some intelligence into his eyes all at once, + and dropping them on his master, ‘I thought you rang.’ With which laconic + remark Newman turned round and hobbled away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop!’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + Newman stopped; not at all disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did ring.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew you did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why do you offer to go if you know that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you rang to say you didn’t ring,’ replied Newman. ‘You often + do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How dare you pry, and peer, and stare at me, sirrah?’ demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stare!’ cried Newman, ‘at <i>you</i>! Ha, ha!’ which was all the explanation + Newman deigned to offer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Be careful, sir,’ said Ralph, looking steadily at him. ‘Let me have no + drunken fooling here. Do you see this parcel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s big enough,’ rejoined Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Carry it into the city; to Cross, in Broad Street, and leave it there—quick. + Do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman gave a dogged kind of nod to express an affirmative reply, and, + leaving the room for a few seconds, returned with his hat. Having made + various ineffective attempts to fit the parcel (which was some two feet + square) into the crown thereof, Newman took it under his arm, and after + putting on his fingerless gloves with great precision and nicety, keeping + his eyes fixed upon Mr. Ralph Nickleby all the time, he adjusted his hat + upon his head with as much care, real or pretended, as if it were a + bran-new one of the most expensive quality, and at last departed on his + errand. + </p> + <p> + He executed his commission with great promptitude and dispatch, only + calling at one public-house for half a minute, and even that might be said + to be in his way, for he went in at one door and came out at the other; + but as he returned and had got so far homewards as the Strand, Newman + began to loiter with the uncertain air of a man who has not quite made up + his mind whether to halt or go straight forwards. After a very short + consideration, the former inclination prevailed, and making towards the + point he had had in his mind, Newman knocked a modest double knock, or + rather a nervous single one, at Miss La Creevy’s door. + </p> + <p> + It was opened by a strange servant, on whom the odd figure of the visitor + did not appear to make the most favourable impression possible, inasmuch + as she no sooner saw him than she very nearly closed it, and placing + herself in the narrow gap, inquired what he wanted. But Newman merely + uttering the monosyllable ‘Noggs,’ as if it were some cabalistic word, at + sound of which bolts would fly back and doors open, pushed briskly past + and gained the door of Miss La Creevy’s sitting-room, before the + astonished servant could offer any opposition. + </p> + <p> + ‘Walk in if you please,’ said Miss La Creevy in reply to the sound of + Newman’s knuckles; and in he walked accordingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless us!’ cried Miss La Creevy, starting as Newman bolted in; ‘what did + you want, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have forgotten me,’ said Newman, with an inclination of the head. ‘I + wonder at that. That nobody should remember me who knew me in other days, + is natural enough; but there are few people who, seeing me once, forget me + <i>now</i>.’ He glanced, as he spoke, at his shabby clothes and paralytic limb, + and slightly shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did forget you, I declare,’ said Miss La Creevy, rising to receive + Newman, who met her half-way, ‘and I am ashamed of myself for doing so; + for you are a kind, good creature, Mr. Noggs. Sit down and tell me all + about Miss Nickleby. Poor dear thing! I haven’t seen her for this many a + week.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s that?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, the truth is, Mr. Noggs,’ said Miss La Creevy, ‘that I have been out + on a visit—the first visit I have made for fifteen years.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is a long time,’ said Newman, sadly. + </p> + <p> + ‘So it is a very long time to look back upon in years, though, somehow or + other, thank Heaven, the solitary days roll away peacefully and happily + enough,’ replied the miniature painter. ‘I have a brother, Mr. Noggs—the + only relation I have—and all that time I never saw him once. Not + that we ever quarrelled, but he was apprenticed down in the country, and + he got married there; and new ties and affections springing up about him, + he forgot a poor little woman like me, as it was very reasonable he + should, you know. Don’t suppose that I complain about that, because I + always said to myself, “It is very natural; poor dear John is making his + way in the world, and has a wife to tell his cares and troubles to, and + children now to play about him, so God bless him and them, and send we may + all meet together one day where we shall part no more.” But what do you + think, Mr. Noggs,’ said the miniature painter, brightening up and clapping + her hands, ‘of that very same brother coming up to London at last, and + never resting till he found me out; what do you think of his coming here + and sitting down in that very chair, and crying like a child because he + was so glad to see me—what do you think of his insisting on taking + me down all the way into the country to his own house (quite a sumptuous + place, Mr. Noggs, with a large garden and I don’t know how many fields, and + a man in livery waiting at table, and cows and horses and pigs and I don’t + know what besides), and making me stay a whole month, and pressing me to + stop there all my life—yes, all my life—and so did his wife, + and so did the children—and there were four of them, and one, the + eldest girl of all, they—they had named her after me eight good + years before, they had indeed. I never was so happy; in all my life I + never was!’ The worthy soul hid her face in her handkerchief, and sobbed + aloud; for it was the first opportunity she had had of unburdening her + heart, and it would have its way. + </p> + <p> + ‘But bless my life,’ said Miss La Creevy, wiping her eyes after a short + pause, and cramming her handkerchief into her pocket with great bustle and + dispatch; ‘what a foolish creature I must seem to you, Mr. Noggs! I + shouldn’t have said anything about it, only I wanted to explain to you how + it was I hadn’t seen Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you seen the old lady?’ asked Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘You mean Mrs. Nickleby?’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘Then I tell you what, Mr + Noggs, if you want to keep in the good books in that quarter, you had + better not call her the old lady any more, for I suspect she wouldn’t be + best pleased to hear you. Yes, I went there the night before last, but she + was quite on the high ropes about something, and was so grand and + mysterious, that I couldn’t make anything of her: so, to tell you the + truth, I took it into my head to be grand too, and came away in state. I + thought she would have come round again before this, but she hasn’t been + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘About Miss Nickleby—’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, she was here twice while I was away,’ returned Miss La Creevy. ‘I + was afraid she mightn’t like to have me calling on her among those great + folks in what’s-its-name Place, so I thought I’d wait a day or two, and if + I didn’t see her, write.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Newman, cracking his fingers. + </p> + <p> + ‘However, I want to hear all the news about them from you,’ said Miss La + Creevy. ‘How is the old rough and tough monster of Golden Square? Well, of + course; such people always are. I don’t mean how is he in health, but how + is he going on: how is he behaving himself?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn him!’ cried Newman, dashing his cherished hat on the floor; ‘like a + false hound.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gracious, Mr. Noggs, you quite terrify me!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy, + turning pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should have spoilt his features yesterday afternoon if I could have + afforded it,’ said Newman, moving restlessly about, and shaking his fist + at a portrait of Mr. Canning over the mantelpiece. ‘I was very near it. I + was obliged to put my hands in my pockets, and keep ‘em there very tight. + I shall do it some day in that little back-parlour, I know I shall. I + should have done it before now, if I hadn’t been afraid of making bad + worse. I shall double-lock myself in with him and have it out before I + die, I’m quite certain of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall scream if you don’t compose yourself, Mr. Noggs,’ said Miss La + Creevy; ‘I’m sure I shan’t be able to help it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind,’ rejoined Newman, darting violently to and fro. ‘He’s coming + up tonight: I wrote to tell him. He little thinks I know; he little thinks + I care. Cunning scoundrel! he don’t think that. Not he, not he. Never + mind, I’ll thwart him—I, Newman Noggs. Ho, ho, the rascal!’ + </p> + <p> + Lashing himself up to an extravagant pitch of fury, Newman Noggs jerked + himself about the room with the most eccentric motion ever beheld in a + human being: now sparring at the little miniatures on the wall, and now + giving himself violent thumps on the head, as if to heighten the delusion, + until he sank down in his former seat quite breathless and exhausted. + </p> + <p> + ‘There,’ said Newman, picking up his hat; ‘that’s done me good. Now I’m + better, and I’ll tell you all about it.’ + </p> + <p> + It took some little time to reassure Miss La Creevy, who had been almost + frightened out of her senses by this remarkable demonstration; but that + done, Newman faithfully related all that had passed in the interview + between Kate and her uncle, prefacing his narrative with a statement of + his previous suspicions on the subject, and his reasons for forming them; + and concluding with a communication of the step he had taken in secretly + writing to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Though little Miss La Creevy’s indignation was not so singularly displayed + as Newman’s, it was scarcely inferior in violence and intensity. Indeed, + if Ralph Nickleby had happened to make his appearance in the room at that + moment, there is some doubt whether he would not have found Miss La Creevy + a more dangerous opponent than even Newman Noggs himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘God forgive me for saying so,’ said Miss La Creevy, as a wind-up to all + her expressions of anger, ‘but I really feel as if I could stick this into + him with pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + It was not a very awful weapon that Miss La Creevy held, it being in fact + nothing more nor less than a black-lead pencil; but discovering her + mistake, the little portrait painter exchanged it for a mother-of-pearl + fruit knife, wherewith, in proof of her desperate thoughts, she made a + lunge as she spoke, which would have scarcely disturbed the crumb of a + half-quartern loaf. + </p> + <p> + ‘She won’t stop where she is after tonight,’ said Newman. ‘That’s a + comfort.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop!’ cried Miss La Creevy, ‘she should have left there, weeks ago.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—If we had known of this,’ rejoined Newman. ‘But we didn’t. Nobody + could properly interfere but her mother or brother. The mother’s weak—poor + thing—weak. The dear young man will be here tonight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Heart alive!’ cried Miss La Creevy. ‘He will do something desperate, Mr + Noggs, if you tell him all at once.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman left off rubbing his hands, and assumed a thoughtful look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Depend upon it,’ said Miss La Creevy, earnestly, ‘if you are not very + careful in breaking out the truth to him, he will do some violence upon + his uncle or one of these men that will bring some terrible calamity upon + his own head, and grief and sorrow to us all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never thought of that,’ rejoined Newman, his countenance falling more + and more. ‘I came to ask you to receive his sister in case he brought her + here, but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this is a matter of much greater importance,’ interrupted Miss La + Creevy; ‘that you might have been sure of before you came, but the end of + this, nobody can foresee, unless you are very guarded and careful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What <i>can </i>I do?’ cried Newman, scratching his head with an air of great + vexation and perplexity. ‘If he was to talk of pistoling ‘em all, I should + be obliged to say, “Certainly—serve ‘em right.”’ + </p> + <p> + Miss La Creevy could not suppress a small shriek on hearing this, and + instantly set about extorting a solemn pledge from Newman that he would + use his utmost endeavours to pacify the wrath of Nicholas; which, after + some demur, was conceded. They then consulted together on the safest and + surest mode of communicating to him the circumstances which had rendered + his presence necessary. + </p> + <p> + ‘He must have time to cool before he can possibly do anything,’ said Miss + La Creevy. ‘That is of the greatest consequence. He must not be told until + late at night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But he’ll be in town between six and seven this evening,’ replied Newman. + ‘I can’t keep it from him when he asks me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you must go out, Mr. Noggs,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘You can easily + have been kept away by business, and must not return till nearly + midnight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then he will come straight here,’ retorted Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘So I suppose,’ observed Miss La Creevy; ‘but he won’t find me at home, + for I’ll go straight to the city the instant you leave me, make up matters + with Mrs. Nickleby, and take her away to the theatre, so that he may not + even know where his sister lives.’ + </p> + <p> + Upon further discussion, this appeared the safest and most feasible mode + of proceeding that could possibly be adopted. Therefore it was finally + determined that matters should be so arranged, and Newman, after listening + to many supplementary cautions and entreaties, took his leave of Miss La + Creevy and trudged back to Golden Square; ruminating as he went upon a + vast number of possibilities and impossibilities which crowded upon his + brain, and arose out of the conversation that had just terminated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 32 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span><i>elating chiefly to some remarkable Conversation, and some remarkable + Proceedings to which it gives rise</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘London at last!’ cried Nicholas, throwing back his greatcoat and rousing + Smike from a long nap. ‘It seemed to me as though we should never reach + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet you came along at a tidy pace too,’ observed the coachman, + looking over his shoulder at Nicholas with no very pleasant expression of + countenance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, I know that,’ was the reply; ‘but I have been very anxious to be at + my journey’s end, and that makes the way seem long.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ remarked the coachman, ‘if the way seemed long with such cattle as + you’ve sat behind, you <i>must </i>have been most uncommon anxious;’ and so + saying, he let out his whip-lash and touched up a little boy on the calves + of his legs by way of emphasis. + </p> + <p> + They rattled on through the noisy, bustling, crowded street of London, now + displaying long double rows of brightly-burning lamps, dotted here and + there with the chemists’ glaring lights, and illuminated besides with the + brilliant flood that streamed from the windows of the shops, where + sparkling jewellery, silks and velvets of the richest colours, the most + inviting delicacies, and most sumptuous articles of luxurious ornament, + succeeded each other in rich and glittering profusion. Streams of people + apparently without end poured on and on, jostling each other in the crowd + and hurrying forward, scarcely seeming to notice the riches that + surrounded them on every side; while vehicles of all shapes and makes, + mingled up together in one moving mass, like running water, lent their + ceaseless roar to swell the noise and tumult. + </p> + <p> + As they dashed by the quickly-changing and ever-varying objects, it was + curious to observe in what a strange procession they passed before the + eye. Emporiums of splendid dresses, the materials brought from every + quarter of the world; tempting stores of everything to stimulate and + pamper the sated appetite and give new relish to the oft-repeated feast; + vessels of burnished gold and silver, wrought into every exquisite form of + vase, and dish, and goblet; guns, swords, pistols, and patent engines of + destruction; screws and irons for the crooked, clothes for the newly-born, + drugs for the sick, coffins for the dead, and churchyards for the buried—all + these jumbled each with the other and flocking side by side, seemed to + flit by in motley dance like the fantastic groups of the old Dutch + painter, and with the same stern moral for the unheeding restless crowd. + </p> + <p> + Nor were there wanting objects in the crowd itself to give new point and + purpose to the shifting scene. The rags of the squalid ballad-singer + fluttered in the rich light that showed the goldsmith’s treasures, pale + and pinched-up faces hovered about the windows where was tempting food, + hungry eyes wandered over the profusion guarded by one thin sheet of + brittle glass—an iron wall to them; half-naked shivering figures + stopped to gaze at Chinese shawls and golden stuffs of India. There was a + christening party at the largest coffin-maker’s and a funeral hatchment + had stopped some great improvements in the bravest mansion. Life and death + went hand in hand; wealth and poverty stood side by side; repletion and + starvation laid them down together. + </p> + <p> + But it was London; and the old country lady inside, who had put her head + out of the coach-window a mile or two this side Kingston, and cried out to + the driver that she was sure he must have passed it and forgotten to set + her down, was satisfied at last. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas engaged beds for himself and Smike at the inn where the coach + stopped, and repaired, without the delay of another moment, to the + lodgings of Newman Noggs; for his anxiety and impatience had increased + with every succeeding minute, and were almost beyond control. + </p> + <p> + There was a fire in Newman’s garret; and a candle had been left burning; + the floor was cleanly swept, the room was as comfortably arranged as such + a room could be, and meat and drink were placed in order upon the table. + Everything bespoke the affectionate care and attention of Newman Noggs, + but Newman himself was not there. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know what time he will be home?’ inquired Nicholas, tapping at the + door of Newman’s front neighbour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, Mr. Johnson!’ said Crowl, presenting himself. ‘Welcome, sir. How well + you’re looking! I never could have believed—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon me,’ interposed Nicholas. ‘My question—I am extremely + anxious to know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, he has a troublesome affair of business,’ replied Crowl, ‘and will + not be home before twelve o’clock. He was very unwilling to go, I can tell + you, but there was no help for it. However, he left word that you were to + make yourself comfortable till he came back, and that I was to entertain + you, which I shall be very glad to do.’ + </p> + <p> + In proof of his extreme readiness to exert himself for the general + entertainment, Mr. Crowl drew a chair to the table as he spoke, and helping + himself plentifully to the cold meat, invited Nicholas and Smike to follow + his example. + </p> + <p> + Disappointed and uneasy, Nicholas could touch no food, so, after he had + seen Smike comfortably established at the table, he walked out (despite a + great many dissuasions uttered by Mr. Crowl with his mouth full), and left + Smike to detain Newman in case he returned first. + </p> + <p> + As Miss La Creevy had anticipated, Nicholas betook himself straight to her + house. Finding her from home, he debated within himself for some time + whether he should go to his mother’s residence, and so compromise her with + Ralph Nickleby. Fully persuaded, however, that Newman would not have + solicited him to return unless there was some strong reason which required + his presence at home, he resolved to go there, and hastened eastwards with + all speed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby would not be at home, the girl said, until past twelve, or + later. She believed Miss Nickleby was well, but she didn’t live at home + now, nor did she come home except very seldom. She couldn’t say where she + was stopping, but it was not at Madame Mantalini’s. She was sure of that. + </p> + <p> + With his heart beating violently, and apprehending he knew not what + disaster, Nicholas returned to where he had left Smike. Newman had not + been home. He wouldn’t be, till twelve o’clock; there was no chance of it. + Was there no possibility of sending to fetch him if it were only for an + instant, or forwarding to him one line of writing to which he might return + a verbal reply? That was quite impracticable. He was not at Golden Square, + and probably had been sent to execute some commission at a distance. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas tried to remain quietly where he was, but he felt so nervous and + excited that he could not sit still. He seemed to be losing time unless he + was moving. It was an absurd fancy, he knew, but he was wholly unable to + resist it. So, he took up his hat and rambled out again. + </p> + <p> + He strolled westward this time, pacing the long streets with hurried + footsteps, and agitated by a thousand misgivings and apprehensions which + he could not overcome. He passed into Hyde Park, now silent and deserted, + and increased his rate of walking as if in the hope of leaving his + thoughts behind. They crowded upon him more thickly, however, now there + were no passing objects to attract his attention; and the one idea was + always uppermost, that some stroke of ill-fortune must have occurred so + calamitous in its nature that all were fearful of disclosing it to him. + The old question arose again and again—What could it be? Nicholas + walked till he was weary, but was not one bit the wiser; and indeed he + came out of the Park at last a great deal more confused and perplexed than + when he went in. + </p> + <p> + He had taken scarcely anything to eat or drink since early in the morning, + and felt quite worn out and exhausted. As he returned languidly towards + the point from which he had started, along one of the thoroughfares which + lie between Park Lane and Bond Street, he passed a handsome hotel, before + which he stopped mechanically. + </p> + <p> + ‘An expensive place, I dare say,’ thought Nicholas; ‘but a pint of wine + and a biscuit are no great debauch wherever they are had. And yet I don’t + know.’ + </p> + <p> + He walked on a few steps, but looking wistfully down the long vista of + gas-lamps before him, and thinking how long it would take to reach the end + of it and being besides in that kind of mood in which a man is most + disposed to yield to his first impulse—and being, besides, strongly + attracted to the hotel, in part by curiosity, and in part by some odd + mixture of feelings which he would have been troubled to define—Nicholas + turned back again, and walked into the coffee-room. + </p> + <p> + It was very handsomely furnished. The walls were ornamented with the + choicest specimens of French paper, enriched with a gilded cornice of + elegant design. The floor was covered with a rich carpet; and two superb + mirrors, one above the chimneypiece and one at the opposite end of the + room reaching from floor to ceiling, multiplied the other beauties and + added new ones of their own to enhance the general effect. There was a + rather noisy party of four gentlemen in a box by the fire-place, and only + two other persons present—both elderly gentlemen, and both alone. + </p> + <p> + Observing all this in the first comprehensive glance with which a stranger + surveys a place that is new to him, Nicholas sat himself down in the box + next to the noisy party, with his back towards them, and postponing his + order for a pint of claret until such time as the waiter and one of the + elderly gentlemen should have settled a disputed question relative to the + price of an item in the bill of fare, took up a newspaper and began to + read. + </p> + <p> + He had not read twenty lines, and was in truth himself dozing, when he was + startled by the mention of his sister’s name. ‘Little Kate Nickleby’ were + the words that caught his ear. He raised his head in amazement, and as he + did so, saw by the reflection in the opposite glass, that two of the party + behind him had risen and were standing before the fire. ‘It must have come + from one of them,’ thought Nicholas. He waited to hear more with a + countenance of some indignation, for the tone of speech had been anything + but respectful, and the appearance of the individual whom he presumed to + have been the speaker was coarse and swaggering. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0440m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0440m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0440.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + This person—so Nicholas observed in the same glance at the mirror + which had enabled him to see his face—was standing with his back to + the fire conversing with a younger man, who stood with his back to the + company, wore his hat, and was adjusting his shirt-collar by the aid of + the glass. They spoke in whispers, now and then bursting into a loud + laugh, but Nicholas could catch no repetition of the words, nor anything + sounding at all like the words, which had attracted his attention. + </p> + <p> + At length the two resumed their seats, and more wine being ordered, the + party grew louder in their mirth. Still there was no reference made to + anybody with whom he was acquainted, and Nicholas became persuaded that + his excited fancy had either imagined the sounds altogether, or converted + some other words into the name which had been so much in his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is remarkable too,’ thought Nicholas: ‘if it had been “Kate” or “Kate + Nickleby,” I should not have been so much surprised: but “little Kate + Nickleby!”’ + </p> + <p> + The wine coming at the moment prevented his finishing the sentence. He + swallowed a glassful and took up the paper again. At that instant— + </p> + <p> + ‘Little Kate Nickleby!’ cried the voice behind him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was right,’ muttered Nicholas as the paper fell from his hand. ‘And it + was the man I supposed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As there was a proper objection to drinking her in heel-taps,’ said the + voice, ‘we’ll give her the first glass in the new magnum. Little Kate + Nickleby!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Little Kate Nickleby,’ cried the other three. And the glasses were set + down empty. + </p> + <p> + Keenly alive to the tone and manner of this slight and careless mention of + his sister’s name in a public place, Nicholas fired at once; but he kept + himself quiet by a great effort, and did not even turn his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘The jade!’ said the same voice which had spoken before. ‘She’s a true + Nickleby—a worthy imitator of her old uncle Ralph—she hangs + back to be more sought after—so does he; nothing to be got out of + Ralph unless you follow him up, and then the money comes doubly welcome, + and the bargain doubly hard, for you’re impatient and he isn’t. Oh! + infernal cunning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Infernal cunning,’ echoed two voices. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was in a perfect agony as the two elderly gentlemen opposite, + rose one after the other and went away, lest they should be the means of + his losing one word of what was said. But the conversation was suspended + as they withdrew, and resumed with even greater freedom when they had left + the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid,’ said the younger gentleman, ‘that the old woman has grown + jea-a-lous, and locked her up. Upon my soul it looks like it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If they quarrel and little Nickleby goes home to her mother, so much the + better,’ said the first. ‘I can do anything with the old lady. She’ll + believe anything I tell her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Egad that’s true,’ returned the other voice. ‘Ha, ha, ha! Poor deyvle!’ + </p> + <p> + The laugh was taken up by the two voices which always came in together, + and became general at Mrs. Nickleby’s expense. Nicholas turned burning hot + with rage, but he commanded himself for the moment, and waited to hear + more. + </p> + <p> + What he heard need not be repeated here. Suffice it that as the wine went + round he heard enough to acquaint him with the characters and designs of + those whose conversation he overhead; to possess him with the full extent + of Ralph’s villainy, and the real reason of his own presence being + required in London. He heard all this and more. He heard his sister’s + sufferings derided, and her virtuous conduct jeered at and brutally + misconstrued; he heard her name bandied from mouth to mouth, and herself + made the subject of coarse and insolent wagers, free speech, and + licentious jesting. + </p> + <p> + The man who had spoken first, led the conversation, and indeed almost + engrossed it, being only stimulated from time to time by some slight + observation from one or other of his companions. To him then Nicholas + addressed himself when he was sufficiently composed to stand before the + party, and force the words from his parched and scorching throat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me have a word with you, sir,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘With me, sir?’ retorted Sir Mulberry Hawk, eyeing him in disdainful + surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said with you,’ replied Nicholas, speaking with great difficulty, for + his passion choked him. + </p> + <p> + ‘A mysterious stranger, upon my soul!’ exclaimed Sir Mulberry, raising his + wine-glass to his lips, and looking round upon his friends. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you step apart with me for a few minutes, or do you refuse?’ said + Nicholas sternly. + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry merely paused in the act of drinking, and bade him either + name his business or leave the table. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas drew a card from his pocket, and threw it before him. + </p> + <p> + ‘There, sir,’ said Nicholas; ‘my business you will guess.’ + </p> + <p> + A momentary expression of astonishment, not unmixed with some confusion, + appeared in the face of Sir Mulberry as he read the name; but he subdued + it in an instant, and tossing the card to Lord Verisopht, who sat + opposite, drew a toothpick from a glass before him, and very leisurely + applied it to his mouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your name and address?’ said Nicholas, turning paler as his passion + kindled. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall give you neither,’ replied Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘If there is a gentleman in this party,’ said Nicholas, looking round and + scarcely able to make his white lips form the words, ‘he will acquaint me + with the name and residence of this man.’ + </p> + <p> + There was a dead silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am the brother of the young lady who has been the subject of + conversation here,’ said Nicholas. ‘I denounce this person as a liar, and + impeach him as a coward. If he has a friend here, he will save him the + disgrace of the paltry attempt to conceal his name—and utterly + useless one—for I will find it out, nor leave him until I have.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry looked at him contemptuously, and, addressing his companions, + said— + </p> + <p> + ‘Let the fellow talk, I have nothing serious to say to boys of his + station; and his pretty sister shall save him a broken head, if he talks + till midnight.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a base and spiritless scoundrel!’ said Nicholas, ‘and shall be + proclaimed so to the world. I <i>will </i>know you; I will follow you home if you + walk the streets till morning.’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry’s hand involuntarily closed upon the decanter, and he seemed + for an instant about to launch it at the head of his challenger. But he + only filled his glass, and laughed in derision. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas sat himself down, directly opposite to the party, and, summoning + the waiter, paid his bill. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know that person’s name?’ he inquired of the man in an audible + voice; pointing out Sir Mulberry as he put the question. + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry laughed again, and the two voices which had always spoken + together, echoed the laugh; but rather feebly. + </p> + <p> + ‘That gentleman, sir?’ replied the waiter, who, no doubt, knew his cue, + and answered with just as little respect, and just as much impertinence as + he could safely show: ‘no, sir, I do not, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, you sir,’ cried Sir Mulberry, as the man was retiring; ‘do you know + <i>that </i>person’s name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Name, sir? No, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you’ll find it there,’ said Sir Mulberry, throwing Nicholas’s card + towards him; ‘and when you have made yourself master of it, put that piece + of pasteboard in the fire—do you hear me?’ + </p> + <p> + The man grinned, and, looking doubtfully at Nicholas, compromised the + matter by sticking the card in the chimney-glass. Having done this, he + retired. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas folded his arms, and biting his lip, sat perfectly quiet; + sufficiently expressing by his manner, however, a firm determination to + carry his threat of following Sir Mulberry home, into steady execution. + </p> + <p> + It was evident from the tone in which the younger member of the party + appeared to remonstrate with his friend, that he objected to this course + of proceeding, and urged him to comply with the request which Nicholas had + made. Sir Mulberry, however, who was not quite sober, and who was in a + sullen and dogged state of obstinacy, soon silenced the representations of + his weak young friend, and further seemed—as if to save himself from + a repetition of them—to insist on being left alone. However this + might have been, the young gentleman and the two who had always spoken + together, actually rose to go after a short interval, and presently + retired, leaving their friend alone with Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + It will be very readily supposed that to one in the condition of Nicholas, + the minutes appeared to move with leaden wings indeed, and that their + progress did not seem the more rapid from the monotonous ticking of a + French clock, or the shrill sound of its little bell which told the + quarters. But there he sat; and in his old seat on the opposite side of + the room reclined Sir Mulberry Hawk, with his legs upon the cushion, and + his handkerchief thrown negligently over his knees: finishing his magnum + of claret with the utmost coolness and indifference. + </p> + <p> + Thus they remained in perfect silence for upwards of an hour—Nicholas + would have thought for three hours at least, but that the little bell had + only gone four times. Twice or thrice he looked angrily and impatiently + round; but there was Sir Mulberry in the same attitude, putting his glass + to his lips from time to time, and looking vacantly at the wall, as if he + were wholly ignorant of the presence of any living person. + </p> + <p> + At length he yawned, stretched himself, and rose; walked coolly to the + glass, and having surveyed himself therein, turned round and honoured + Nicholas with a long and contemptuous stare. Nicholas stared again with + right good-will; Sir Mulberry shrugged his shoulders, smiled slightly, + rang the bell, and ordered the waiter to help him on with his greatcoat. + </p> + <p> + The man did so, and held the door open. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t wait,’ said Sir Mulberry; and they were alone again. + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry took several turns up and down the room, whistling carelessly + all the time; stopped to finish the last glass of claret which he had + poured out a few minutes before, walked again, put on his hat, adjusted it + by the glass, drew on his gloves, and, at last, walked slowly out. + Nicholas, who had been fuming and chafing until he was nearly wild, darted + from his seat, and followed him: so closely, that before the door had + swung upon its hinges after Sir Mulberry’s passing out, they stood side by + side in the street together. + </p> + <p> + There was a private cabriolet in waiting; the groom opened the apron, and + jumped out to the horse’s head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you make yourself known to me?’ asked Nicholas in a suppressed + voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied the other fiercely, and confirming the refusal with an oath. + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you trust to your horse’s speed, you will find yourself mistaken,’ + said Nicholas. ‘I will accompany you. By Heaven I will, if I hang on to + the foot-board.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall be horsewhipped if you do,’ returned Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a villain,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are an errand-boy for aught I know,’ said Sir Mulberry Hawk. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am the son of a country gentleman,’ returned Nicholas, ‘your equal in + birth and education, and your superior I trust in everything besides. I + tell you again, Miss Nickleby is my sister. Will you or will you not + answer for your unmanly and brutal conduct?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To a proper champion—yes. To you—no,’ returned Sir Mulberry, + taking the reins in his hand. ‘Stand out of the way, dog. William, let go + her head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better not,’ cried Nicholas, springing on the step as Sir + Mulberry jumped in, and catching at the reins. ‘He has no command over the + horse, mind. You shall not go—you shall not, I swear—till you + have told me who you are.’ + </p> + <p> + The groom hesitated, for the mare, who was a high-spirited animal and + thorough-bred, plunged so violently that he could scarcely hold her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave go, I tell you!’ thundered his master. + </p> + <p> + The man obeyed. The animal reared and plunged as though it would dash the + carriage into a thousand pieces, but Nicholas, blind to all sense of + danger, and conscious of nothing but his fury, still maintained his place + and his hold upon the reins. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you unclasp your hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you tell me who you are?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ + </p> + <p> + In less time than the quickest tongue could tell it, these words were + exchanged, and Sir Mulberry shortening his whip, applied it furiously to + the head and shoulders of Nicholas. It was broken in the struggle; + Nicholas gained the heavy handle, and with it laid open one side of his + antagonist’s face from the eye to the lip. He saw the gash; knew that the + mare had darted off at a wild mad gallop; a hundred lights danced in his + eyes, and he felt himself flung violently upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + He was giddy and sick, but staggered to his feet directly, roused by the + loud shouts of the men who were tearing up the street, and screaming to + those ahead to clear the way. He was conscious of a torrent of people + rushing quickly by—looking up, could discern the cabriolet whirled + along the foot-pavement with frightful rapidity—then heard a loud + cry, the smashing of some heavy body, and the breaking of glass—and + then the crowd closed in in the distance, and he could see or hear no + more. + </p> + <p> + The general attention had been entirely directed from himself to the + person in the carriage, and he was quite alone. Rightly judging that under + such circumstances it would be madness to follow, he turned down a + bye-street in search of the nearest coach-stand, finding after a minute or + two that he was reeling like a drunken man, and aware for the first time + of a stream of blood that was trickling down his face and breast. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 33 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span><i>n which Mr. Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious Process, + from all Commerce with his Relations</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Smike and Newman Noggs, who in his impatience had returned home long + before the time agreed upon, sat before the fire, listening anxiously to + every footstep on the stairs, and the slightest sound that stirred within + the house, for the approach of Nicholas. Time had worn on, and it was + growing late. He had promised to be back in an hour; and his prolonged + absence began to excite considerable alarm in the minds of both, as was + abundantly testified by the blank looks they cast upon each other at every + new disappointment. + </p> + <p> + At length a coach was heard to stop, and Newman ran out to light Nicholas + up the stairs. Beholding him in the trim described at the conclusion of + the last chapter, he stood aghast in wonder and consternation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be alarmed,’ said Nicholas, hurrying him back into the room. ‘There + is no harm done, beyond what a basin of water can repair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No harm!’ cried Newman, passing his hands hastily over the back and arms + of Nicholas, as if to assure himself that he had broken no bones. ‘What + have you been doing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know all,’ interrupted Nicholas; ‘I have heard a part, and guessed the + rest. But before I remove one jot of these stains, I must hear the whole + from you. You see I am collected. My resolution is taken. Now, my good + friend, speak out; for the time for any palliation or concealment is past, + and nothing will avail Ralph Nickleby now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your dress is torn in several places; you walk lame, and I am sure you + are suffering pain,’ said Newman. ‘Let me see to your hurts first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no hurts to see to, beyond a little soreness and stiffness that + will soon pass off,’ said Nicholas, seating himself with some difficulty. + ‘But if I had fractured every limb, and still preserved my senses, you + should not bandage one till you had told me what I have the right to know. + Come,’ said Nicholas, giving his hand to Noggs. ‘You had a sister of your + own, you told me once, who died before you fell into misfortune. Now think + of her, and tell me, Newman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I will, I will,’ said Noggs. ‘I’ll tell you the whole truth.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman did so. Nicholas nodded his head from time to time, as it + corroborated the particulars he had already gleaned; but he fixed his eyes + upon the fire, and did not look round once. + </p> + <p> + His recital ended, Newman insisted upon his young friend’s stripping off + his coat and allowing whatever injuries he had received to be properly + tended. Nicholas, after some opposition, at length consented, and, while + some pretty severe bruises on his arms and shoulders were being rubbed + with oil and vinegar, and various other efficacious remedies which Newman + borrowed from the different lodgers, related in what manner they had been + received. The recital made a strong impression on the warm imagination of + Newman; for when Nicholas came to the violent part of the quarrel, he + rubbed so hard, as to occasion him the most exquisite pain, which he would + not have exhibited, however, for the world, it being perfectly clear that, + for the moment, Newman was operating on Sir Mulberry Hawk, and had quite + lost sight of his real patient. + </p> + <p> + This martyrdom over, Nicholas arranged with Newman that while he was + otherwise occupied next morning, arrangements should be made for his + mother’s immediately quitting her present residence, and also for + dispatching Miss La Creevy to break the intelligence to her. He then + wrapped himself in Smike’s greatcoat, and repaired to the inn where they + were to pass the night, and where (after writing a few lines to Ralph, the + delivery of which was to be intrusted to Newman next day), he endeavoured + to obtain the repose of which he stood so much in need. + </p> + <p> + Drunken men, they say, may roll down precipices, and be quite unconscious + of any serious personal inconvenience when their reason returns. The + remark may possibly apply to injuries received in other kinds of violent + excitement: certain it is, that although Nicholas experienced some pain on + first awakening next morning, he sprung out of bed as the clock struck + seven, with very little difficulty, and was soon as much on the alert as + if nothing had occurred. + </p> + <p> + Merely looking into Smike’s room, and telling him that Newman Noggs would + call for him very shortly, Nicholas descended into the street, and calling + a hackney coach, bade the man drive to Mrs. Wititterly’s, according to the + direction which Newman had given him on the previous night. + </p> + <p> + It wanted a quarter to eight when they reached Cadogan Place. Nicholas + began to fear that no one might be stirring at that early hour, when he + was relieved by the sight of a female servant, employed in cleaning the + door-steps. By this functionary he was referred to the doubtful page, who + appeared with dishevelled hair and a very warm and glossy face, as of a + page who had just got out of bed. + </p> + <p> + By this young gentleman he was informed that Miss Nickleby was then taking + her morning’s walk in the gardens before the house. On the question being + propounded whether he could go and find her, the page desponded and + thought not; but being stimulated with a shilling, the page grew sanguine + and thought he could. + </p> + <p> + ‘Say to Miss Nickleby that her brother is here, and in great haste to see + her,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + The plated buttons disappeared with an alacrity most unusual to them, and + Nicholas paced the room in a state of feverish agitation which made the + delay even of a minute insupportable. He soon heard a light footstep which + he well knew, and before he could advance to meet her, Kate had fallen on + his neck and burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘My darling girl,’ said Nicholas as he embraced her. ‘How pale you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been so unhappy here, dear brother,’ sobbed poor Kate; ‘so very, + very miserable. Do not leave me here, dear Nicholas, or I shall die of a + broken heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will leave you nowhere,’ answered Nicholas—‘never again, Kate,’ + he cried, moved in spite of himself as he folded her to his heart. ‘Tell + me that I acted for the best. Tell me that we parted because I feared to + bring misfortune on your head; that it was a trial to me no less than to + yourself, and that if I did wrong it was in ignorance of the world and + unknowingly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should I tell you what we know so well?’ returned Kate soothingly. + ‘Nicholas—dear Nicholas—how can you give way thus?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is such bitter reproach to me to know what you have undergone,’ + returned her brother; ‘to see you so much altered, and yet so kind and + patient—God!’ cried Nicholas, clenching his fist and suddenly + changing his tone and manner, ‘it sets my whole blood on fire again. You + must leave here with me directly; you should not have slept here last + night, but that I knew all this too late. To whom can I speak, before we + drive away?’ + </p> + <p> + This question was most opportunely put, for at that instant Mr. Wititterly + walked in, and to him Kate introduced her brother, who at once announced + his purpose, and the impossibility of deferring it. + </p> + <p> + ‘The quarter’s notice,’ said Mr. Wititterly, with the gravity of a man on + the right side, ‘is not yet half expired. Therefore—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Therefore,’ interposed Nicholas, ‘the quarter’s salary must be lost, sir. + You will excuse this extreme haste, but circumstances require that I + should immediately remove my sister, and I have not a moment’s time to + lose. Whatever she brought here I will send for, if you will allow me, in + the course of the day.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wititterly bowed, but offered no opposition to Kate’s immediate + departure; with which, indeed, he was rather gratified than otherwise, Sir + Tumley Snuffim having given it as his opinion, that she rather disagreed + with Mrs. Wititterly’s constitution. + </p> + <p> + ‘With regard to the trifle of salary that is due,’ said Mr. Wititterly, ‘I + will’—here he was interrupted by a violent fit of coughing—‘I + will—owe it to Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wititterly, it should be observed, was accustomed to owe small + accounts, and to leave them owing. All men have some little pleasant way + of their own; and this was Mr. Wititterly’s. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you please,’ said Nicholas. And once more offering a hurried apology + for so sudden a departure, he hurried Kate into the vehicle, and bade the + man drive with all speed into the city. + </p> + <p> + To the city they went accordingly, with all the speed the hackney coach + could make; and as the horses happened to live at Whitechapel and to be in + the habit of taking their breakfast there, when they breakfasted at all, + they performed the journey with greater expedition than could reasonably + have been expected. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas sent Kate upstairs a few minutes before him, that his + unlooked-for appearance might not alarm his mother, and when the way had + been paved, presented himself with much duty and affection. Newman had not + been idle, for there was a little cart at the door, and the effects were + hurrying out already. + </p> + <p> + Now, Mrs. Nickleby was not the sort of person to be told anything in a + hurry, or rather to comprehend anything of peculiar delicacy or importance + on a short notice. Wherefore, although the good lady had been subjected to + a full hour’s preparation by little Miss La Creevy, and was now addressed + in most lucid terms both by Nicholas and his sister, she was in a state of + singular bewilderment and confusion, and could by no means be made to + comprehend the necessity of such hurried proceedings. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why don’t you ask your uncle, my dear Nicholas, what he can possibly mean + by it?’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear mother,’ returned Nicholas, ‘the time for talking has gone by. + There is but one step to take, and that is to cast him off with the scorn + and indignation he deserves. Your own honour and good name demand that, + after the discovery of his vile proceedings, you should not be beholden to + him one hour, even for the shelter of these bare walls.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, crying bitterly, ‘he is a brute, a + monster; and the walls are very bare, and want painting too, and I have + had this ceiling whitewashed at the expense of eighteen-pence, which is a + very distressing thing, considering that it is so much gone into your + uncle’s pocket. I never could have believed it—never.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor I, nor anybody else,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord bless my life!’ exclaimed Mrs. Nickleby. ‘To think that that Sir + Mulberry Hawk should be such an abandoned wretch as Miss La Creevy says he + is, Nicholas, my dear; when I was congratulating myself every day on his + being an admirer of our dear Kate’s, and thinking what a thing it would be + for the family if he was to become connected with us, and use his interest + to get you some profitable government place. There are very good places to + be got about the court, I know; for a friend of ours (Miss Cropley, at + Exeter, my dear Kate, you recollect), he had one, and I know that it was + the chief part of his duty to wear silk stockings, and a bag wig like a + black watch-pocket; and to think that it should come to this after all—oh, + dear, dear, it’s enough to kill one, that it is!’ With which expressions + of sorrow, Mrs. Nickleby gave fresh vent to her grief, and wept piteously. + </p> + <p> + As Nicholas and his sister were by this time compelled to superintend the + removal of the few articles of furniture, Miss La Creevy devoted herself + to the consolation of the matron, and observed with great kindness of + manner that she must really make an effort, and cheer up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh I dare say, Miss La Creevy,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, with a petulance + not unnatural in her unhappy circumstances, ‘it’s very easy to say cheer + up, but if you had as many occasions to cheer up as I have had—and + there,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, stopping short. ‘Think of Mr. Pyke and Mr. Pluck, + two of the most perfect gentlemen that ever lived, what am I too say to + them—what can I say to them? Why, if I was to say to them, “I’m told + your friend Sir Mulberry is a base wretch,” they’d laugh at me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They will laugh no more at us, I take it,’ said Nicholas, advancing. + ‘Come, mother, there is a coach at the door, and until Monday, at all + events, we will return to our old quarters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘—Where everything is ready, and a hearty welcome into the bargain,’ + added Miss La Creevy. ‘Now, let me go with you downstairs.’ + </p> + <p> + But Mrs. Nickleby was not to be so easily moved, for first she insisted on + going upstairs to see that nothing had been left, and then on going + downstairs to see that everything had been taken away; and when she was + getting into the coach she had a vision of a forgotten coffee-pot on the + back-kitchen hob, and after she was shut in, a dismal recollection of a + green umbrella behind some unknown door. At last Nicholas, in a condition + of absolute despair, ordered the coachman to drive away, and in the + unexpected jerk of a sudden starting, Mrs. Nickleby lost a shilling among + the straw, which fortunately confined her attention to the coach until it + was too late to remember anything else. + </p> + <p> + Having seen everything safely out, discharged the servant, and locked the + door, Nicholas jumped into a cabriolet and drove to a bye place near + Golden Square where he had appointed to meet Noggs; and so quickly had + everything been done, that it was barely half-past nine when he reached + the place of meeting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is the letter for Ralph,’ said Nicholas, ‘and here the key. When you + come to me this evening, not a word of last night. Ill news travels fast, + and they will know it soon enough. Have you heard if he was much hurt?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will ascertain that myself without loss of time,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better take some rest,’ returned Newman. ‘You are fevered and + ill.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas waved his hand carelessly, and concealing the indisposition he + really felt, now that the excitement which had sustained him was over, + took a hurried farewell of Newman Noggs, and left him. + </p> + <p> + Newman was not three minutes’ walk from Golden Square, but in the course + of that three minutes he took the letter out of his hat and put it in + again twenty times at least. First the front, then the back, then the + sides, then the superscription, then the seal, were objects of Newman’s + admiration. Then he held it at arm’s length as if to take in the whole at + one delicious survey, and then he rubbed his hands in a perfect ecstasy + with his commission. + </p> + <p> + He reached the office, hung his hat on its accustomed peg, laid the letter + and key upon the desk, and waited impatiently until Ralph Nickleby should + appear. After a few minutes, the well-known creaking of his boots was + heard on the stairs, and then the bell rung. + </p> + <p> + ‘Has the post come in?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Any other letters?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One.’ Newman eyed him closely, and laid it on the desk. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s this?’ asked Ralph, taking up the key. + </p> + <p> + ‘Left with the letter;—a boy brought them—quarter of an hour + ago, or less.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph glanced at the direction, opened the letter, and read as follows:— + </p> + <p> + ‘You are known to me now. There are no reproaches I could heap upon your + head which would carry with them one thousandth part of the grovelling + shame that this assurance will awaken even in your breast. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your brother’s widow and her orphan child spurn the shelter of your roof, + and shun you with disgust and loathing. Your kindred renounce you, for + they know no shame but the ties of blood which bind them in name with you. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are an old man, and I leave you to the grave. May every recollection + of your life cling to your false heart, and cast their darkness on your + death-bed.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph Nickleby read this letter twice, and frowning heavily, fell into a + fit of musing; the paper fluttered from his hand and dropped upon the + floor, but he clasped his fingers, as if he held it still. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, he started from his seat, and thrusting it all crumpled into his + pocket, turned furiously to Newman Noggs, as though to ask him why he + lingered. But Newman stood unmoved, with his back towards him, following + up, with the worn and blackened stump of an old pen, some figures in an + Interest-table which was pasted against the wall, and apparently quite + abstracted from every other object. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 34 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span><i>herein Mr. Ralph Nickleby is visited by Persons with whom the Reader has + been already made acquainted</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘What a demnition long time you have kept me ringing at this confounded + old cracked tea-kettle of a bell, every tinkle of which is enough to throw + a strong man into blue convulsions, upon my life and soul, oh demmit,’—said + Mr. Mantalini to Newman Noggs, scraping his boots, as he spoke, on Ralph + Nickleby’s scraper. + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t hear the bell more than once,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you are most immensely and outr-i-geously deaf,’ said Mr. Mantalini, + ‘as deaf as a demnition post.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini had got by this time into the passage, and was making his way + to the door of Ralph’s office with very little ceremony, when Newman + interposed his body; and hinting that Mr. Nickleby was unwilling to be + disturbed, inquired whether the client’s business was of a pressing + nature. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is most demnebly particular,’ said Mr. Mantalini. ‘It is to melt some + scraps of dirty paper into bright, shining, chinking, tinkling, demd mint + sauce.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman uttered a significant grunt, and taking Mr. Mantalini’s proffered + card, limped with it into his master’s office. As he thrust his head in at + the door, he saw that Ralph had resumed the thoughtful posture into which + he had fallen after perusing his nephew’s letter, and that he seemed to + have been reading it again, as he once more held it open in his hand. The + glance was but momentary, for Ralph, being disturbed, turned to demand the + cause of the interruption. + </p> + <p> + As Newman stated it, the cause himself swaggered into the room, and + grasping Ralph’s horny hand with uncommon affection, vowed that he had + never seen him looking so well in all his life. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is quite a bloom upon your demd countenance,’ said Mr. Mantalini, + seating himself unbidden, and arranging his hair and whiskers. ‘You look + quite juvenile and jolly, demmit!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We are alone,’ returned Ralph, tartly. ‘What do you want with me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, displaying his teeth. ‘What did I want! Yes. + Ha, ha! Very good. <i>What </i>did I want. Ha, ha. Oh dem!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What <i>do</i> you want, man?’ demanded Ralph, sternly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demnition discount,’ returned Mr. Mantalini, with a grin, and shaking his + head waggishly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Money is scarce,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demd scarce, or I shouldn’t want it,’ interrupted Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘The times are bad, and one scarcely knows whom to trust,’ continued + Ralph. ‘I don’t want to do business just now, in fact I would rather not; + but as you are a friend—how many bills have you there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two,’ returned Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the gross amount?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Demd trifling—five-and-seventy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And the dates?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two months, and four.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll do them for you—mind, for <i>you</i>; I wouldn’t for many people—for + five-and-twenty pounds,’ said Ralph, deliberately. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh demmit!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, whose face lengthened considerably at + this handsome proposal. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, that leaves you fifty,’ retorted Ralph. ‘What would you have? Let me + see the names.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are so demd hard, Nickleby,’ remonstrated Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see the names,’ replied Ralph, impatiently extending his hand for + the bills. ‘Well! They are not sure, but they are safe enough. Do you + consent to the terms, and will you take the money? I don’t want you to do + so. I would rather you didn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit, Nickleby, can’t you—’ began Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Ralph, interrupting him. ‘I can’t. Will you take the money—down, + mind; no delay, no going into the city and pretending to negotiate with + some other party who has no existence, and never had. Is it a bargain, or + is it not?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph pushed some papers from him as he spoke, and carelessly rattled his + cash-box, as though by mere accident. The sound was too much for Mr + Mantalini. He closed the bargain directly it reached his ears, and Ralph + told the money out upon the table. + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely done so, and Mr. Mantalini had not yet gathered it all up, + when a ring was heard at the bell, and immediately afterwards Newman + ushered in no less a person than Madame Mantalini, at sight of whom Mr + Mantalini evinced considerable discomposure, and swept the cash into his + pocket with remarkable alacrity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, you <i>are </i>here,’ said Madame Mantalini, tossing her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, my life and soul, I am,’ replied her husband, dropping on his knees, + and pouncing with kitten-like playfulness upon a stray sovereign. ‘I am + here, my soul’s delight, upon Tom Tiddler’s ground, picking up the + demnition gold and silver.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am ashamed of you,’ said Madame Mantalini, with much indignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ashamed—of <i>me</i>, my joy? It knows it is talking demd charming + sweetness, but naughty fibs,’ returned Mr. Mantalini. ‘It knows it is not + ashamed of its own popolorum tibby.’ + </p> + <p> + Whatever were the circumstances which had led to such a result, it + certainly appeared as though the popolorum tibby had rather miscalculated, + for the nonce, the extent of his lady’s affection. Madame Mantalini only + looked scornful in reply; and, turning to Ralph, begged him to excuse her + intrusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which is entirely attributable,’ said Madame, ‘to the gross misconduct + and most improper behaviour of Mr. Mantalini.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of me, my essential juice of pineapple!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of you,’ returned his wife. ‘But I will not allow it. I will not submit + to be ruined by the extravagance and profligacy of any man. I call Mr + Nickleby to witness the course I intend to pursue with you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray don’t call me to witness anything, ma’am,’ said Ralph. ‘Settle it + between yourselves, settle it between yourselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, but I must beg you as a favour,’ said Madame Mantalini, ‘to hear me + give him notice of what it is my fixed intention to do—my fixed + intention, sir,’ repeated Madame Mantalini, darting an angry look at her + husband. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will she call me “Sir”?’ cried Mantalini. ‘Me who dote upon her with the + demdest ardour! She, who coils her fascinations round me like a pure + angelic rattlesnake! It will be all up with my feelings; she will throw me + into a demd state.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk of feelings, sir,’ rejoined Madame Mantalini, seating herself, + and turning her back upon him. ‘You don’t consider mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do not consider yours, my soul!’ exclaimed Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied his wife. + </p> + <p> + And notwithstanding various blandishments on the part of Mr. Mantalini, + Madame Mantalini still said no, and said it too with such determined and + resolute ill-temper, that Mr. Mantalini was clearly taken aback. + </p> + <p> + ‘His extravagance, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Madame Mantalini, addressing herself + to Ralph, who leant against his easy-chair with his hands behind him, and + regarded the amiable couple with a smile of the supremest and most + unmitigated contempt,—‘his extravagance is beyond all bounds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should scarcely have supposed it,’ answered Ralph, sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + ‘I assure you, Mr. Nickleby, however, that it is,’ returned Madame + Mantalini. ‘It makes me miserable! I am under constant apprehensions, and + in constant difficulty. And even this,’ said Madame Mantalini, wiping her + eyes, ‘is not the worst. He took some papers of value out of my desk this + morning without asking my permission.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini groaned slightly, and buttoned his trousers pocket. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am obliged,’ continued Madame Mantalini, ‘since our late misfortunes, + to pay Miss Knag a great deal of money for having her name in the + business, and I really cannot afford to encourage him in all his + wastefulness. As I have no doubt that he came straight here, Mr. Nickleby, + to convert the papers I have spoken of, into money, and as you have + assisted us very often before, and are very much connected with us in this + kind of matters, I wish you to know the determination at which his conduct + has compelled me to arrive.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini groaned once more from behind his wife’s bonnet, and fitting + a sovereign into one of his eyes, winked with the other at Ralph. Having + achieved this performance with great dexterity, he whipped the coin into + his pocket, and groaned again with increased penitence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have made up my mind,’ said Madame Mantalini, as tokens of impatience + manifested themselves in Ralph’s countenance, ‘to allowance him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To do that, my joy?’ inquired Mr. Mantalini, who did not seem to have + caught the words. + </p> + <p> + ‘To put him,’ said Madame Mantalini, looking at Ralph, and prudently + abstaining from the slightest glance at her husband, lest his many graces + should induce her to falter in her resolution, ‘to put him upon a fixed + allowance; and I say that if he has a hundred and twenty pounds a year for + his clothes and pocket-money, he may consider himself a very fortunate + man.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0457m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0457m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0457.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini waited, with much decorum, to hear the amount of the proposed + stipend, but when it reached his ears, he cast his hat and cane upon the + floor, and drawing out his pocket-handkerchief, gave vent to his feelings + in a dismal moan. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demnition!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, suddenly skipping out of his chair, and + as suddenly skipping into it again, to the great discomposure of his + lady’s nerves. ‘But no. It is a demd horrid dream. It is not reality. No!’ + </p> + <p> + Comforting himself with this assurance, Mr. Mantalini closed his eyes and + waited patiently till such time as he should wake up. + </p> + <p> + ‘A very judicious arrangement,’ observed Ralph with a sneer, ‘if your + husband will keep within it, ma’am—as no doubt he will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit!’ exclaimed Mr. Mantalini, opening his eyes at the sound of Ralph’s + voice, ‘it is a horrid reality. She is sitting there before me. There is + the graceful outline of her form; it cannot be mistaken—there is + nothing like it. The two countesses had no outlines at all, and the + dowager’s was a demd outline. Why is she so excruciatingly beautiful that + I cannot be angry with her, even now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have brought it upon yourself, Alfred,’ returned Madame Mantalini—still + reproachfully, but in a softened tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a demd villain!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, smiting himself on the head. ‘I + will fill my pockets with change for a sovereign in halfpence and drown + myself in the Thames; but I will not be angry with her, even then, for I + will put a note in the twopenny-post as I go along, to tell her where the + body is. She will be a lovely widow. I shall be a body. Some handsome + women will cry; she will laugh demnebly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alfred, you cruel, cruel creature,’ said Madame Mantalini, sobbing at the + dreadful picture. + </p> + <p> + ‘She calls me cruel—me—me—who for her sake will become a + demd, damp, moist, unpleasant body!’ exclaimed Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know it almost breaks my heart, even to hear you talk of such a + thing,’ replied Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘Can I live to be mistrusted?’ cried her husband. ‘Have I cut my heart + into a demd extraordinary number of little pieces, and given them all + away, one after another, to the same little engrossing demnition + captivater, and can I live to be suspected by her? Demmit, no I can’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ask Mr. Nickleby whether the sum I have mentioned is not a proper one,’ + reasoned Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t want any sum,’ replied her disconsolate husband; ‘I shall require + no demd allowance. I will be a body.’ + </p> + <p> + On this repetition of Mr. Mantalini’s fatal threat, Madame Mantalini wrung + her hands, and implored the interference of Ralph Nickleby; and after a + great quantity of tears and talking, and several attempts on the part of + Mr. Mantalini to reach the door, preparatory to straightway committing + violence upon himself, that gentleman was prevailed upon, with difficulty, + to promise that he wouldn’t be a body. This great point attained, Madame + Mantalini argued the question of the allowance, and Mr. Mantalini did the + same, taking occasion to show that he could live with uncommon + satisfaction upon bread and water, and go clad in rags, but that he could + not support existence with the additional burden of being mistrusted by + the object of his most devoted and disinterested affection. This brought + fresh tears into Madame Mantalini’s eyes, which having just begun to open + to some few of the demerits of Mr. Mantalini, were only open a very little + way, and could be easily closed again. The result was, that without quite + giving up the allowance question, Madame Mantalini, postponed its further + consideration; and Ralph saw, clearly enough, that Mr. Mantalini had gained + a fresh lease of his easy life, and that, for some time longer at all + events, his degradation and downfall were postponed. + </p> + <p> + ‘But it will come soon enough,’ thought Ralph; ‘all love—bah! that I + should use the cant of boys and girls—is fleeting enough; though + that which has its sole root in the admiration of a whiskered face like + that of yonder baboon, perhaps lasts the longest, as it originates in the + greater blindness and is fed by vanity. Meantime the fools bring grist to + my mill, so let them live out their day, and the longer it is, the + better.’ + </p> + <p> + These agreeable reflections occurred to Ralph Nickleby, as sundry small + caresses and endearments, supposed to be unseen, were exchanged between + the objects of his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you have nothing more to say, my dear, to Mr. Nickleby,’ said Madame + Mantalini, ‘we will take our leaves. I am sure we have detained him much + too long already.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini answered, in the first instance, by tapping Madame Mantalini + several times on the nose, and then, by remarking in words that he had + nothing more to say. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit! I have, though,’ he added almost immediately, drawing Ralph into + a corner. ‘Here’s an affair about your friend Sir Mulberry. Such a demd + extraordinary out-of-the-way kind of thing as never was—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you know, demmit?’ asked Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see by the paper that he was thrown from his cabriolet last night, and + severely injured, and that his life is in some danger,’ answered Ralph + with great composure; ‘but I see nothing extraordinary in that—accidents + are not miraculous events, when men live hard, and drive after dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whew!’ cried Mr. Mantalini in a long shrill whistle. ‘Then don’t you know + how it was?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not unless it was as I have just supposed,’ replied Ralph, shrugging his + shoulders carelessly, as if to give his questioner to understand that he + had no curiosity upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit, you amaze me,’ cried Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + Ralph shrugged his shoulders again, as if it were no great feat to amaze + Mr. Mantalini, and cast a wistful glance at the face of Newman Noggs, which + had several times appeared behind a couple of panes of glass in the room + door; it being a part of Newman’s duty, when unimportant people called, to + make various feints of supposing that the bell had rung for him to show + them out: by way of a gentle hint to such visitors that it was time to go. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you know,’ said Mr. Mantalini, taking Ralph by the button, ‘that it + wasn’t an accident at all, but a demd, furious, manslaughtering attack + made upon him by your nephew?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ snarled Ralph, clenching his fists and turning a livid white. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit, Nickleby, you’re as great a tiger as he is,’ said Mantalini, + alarmed at these demonstrations. + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on,’ cried Ralph. ‘Tell me what you mean. What is this story? Who told + you? Speak,’ growled Ralph. ‘Do you hear me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Gad, Nickleby,’ said Mr. Mantalini, retreating towards his wife, ‘what a + demneble fierce old evil genius you are! You’re enough to frighten the + life and soul out of her little delicious wits—flying all at once + into such a blazing, ravaging, raging passion as never was, demmit!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pshaw,’ rejoined Ralph, forcing a smile. ‘It is but manner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a demd uncomfortable, private-madhouse-sort of a manner,’ said Mr + Mantalini, picking up his cane. + </p> + <p> + Ralph affected to smile, and once more inquired from whom Mr. Mantalini had + derived his information. + </p> + <p> + ‘From Pyke; and a demd, fine, pleasant, gentlemanly dog it is,’ replied + Mantalini. ‘Demnition pleasant, and a tip-top sawyer.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what said he?’ asked Ralph, knitting his brows. + </p> + <p> + ‘That it happened this way—that your nephew met him at a + coffeehouse, fell upon him with the most demneble ferocity, followed him + to his cab, swore he would ride home with him, if he rode upon the horse’s + back or hooked himself on to the horse’s tail; smashed his countenance, + which is a demd fine countenance in its natural state; frightened the + horse, pitched out Sir Mulberry and himself, and—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And was killed?’ interposed Ralph with gleaming eyes. ‘Was he? Is he + dead?’ + </p> + <p> + Mantalini shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ugh,’ said Ralph, turning away. ‘Then he has done nothing. Stay,’ he + added, looking round again. ‘He broke a leg or an arm, or put his shoulder + out, or fractured his collar-bone, or ground a rib or two? His neck was + saved for the halter, but he got some painful and slow-healing injury for + his trouble? Did he? You must have heard that, at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ rejoined Mantalini, shaking his head again. ‘Unless he was dashed + into such little pieces that they blew away, he wasn’t hurt, for he went + off as quiet and comfortable as—as—as demnition,’ said Mr + Mantalini, rather at a loss for a simile. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what,’ said Ralph, hesitating a little, ‘what was the cause of + quarrel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are the demdest, knowing hand,’ replied Mr. Mantalini, in an admiring + tone, ‘the cunningest, rummest, superlativest old fox—oh dem!—to + pretend now not to know that it was the little bright-eyed niece—the + softest, sweetest, prettiest—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Alfred!’ interposed Madame Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is always right,’ rejoined Mr. Mantalini soothingly, ‘and when she + says it is time to go, it is time, and go she shall; and when she walks + along the streets with her own tulip, the women shall say, with envy, she + has got a demd fine husband; and the men shall say with rapture, he has + got a demd fine wife; and they shall both be right and neither wrong, upon + my life and soul—oh demmit!’ + </p> + <p> + With which remarks, and many more, no less intellectual and to the + purpose, Mr. Mantalini kissed the fingers of his gloves to Ralph Nickleby, + and drawing his lady’s arm through his, led her mincingly away. + </p> + <p> + ‘So, so,’ muttered Ralph, dropping into his chair; ‘this devil is loose + again, and thwarting me, as he was born to do, at every turn. He told me + once there should be a day of reckoning between us, sooner or later. I’ll + make him a true prophet, for it shall surely come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you at home?’ asked Newman, suddenly popping in his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Ralph, with equal abruptness. + </p> + <p> + Newman withdrew his head, but thrust it in again. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re quite sure you’re not at home, are you?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does the idiot mean?’ cried Ralph, testily. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has been waiting nearly ever since they first came in, and may have + heard your voice—that’s all,’ said Newman, rubbing his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who has?’ demanded Ralph, wrought by the intelligence he had just heard, + and his clerk’s provoking coolness, to an intense pitch of irritation. + </p> + <p> + The necessity of a reply was superseded by the unlooked-for entrance of a + third party—the individual in question—who, bringing his one + eye (for he had but one) to bear on Ralph Nickleby, made a great many + shambling bows, and sat himself down in an armchair, with his hands on his + knees, and his short black trousers drawn up so high in the legs by the + exertion of seating himself, that they scarcely reached below the tops of + his Wellington boots. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, this <i>is</i> a surprise!’ said Ralph, bending his gaze upon the visitor, + and half smiling as he scrutinised him attentively; ‘I should know your + face, Mr. Squeers.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ replied that worthy, ‘and you’d have know’d it better, sir, if it + hadn’t been for all that I’ve been a-going through. Just lift that little + boy off the tall stool in the back-office, and tell him to come in here, + will you, my man?’ said Squeers, addressing himself to Newman. ‘Oh, he’s + lifted his-self off. My son, sir, little Wackford. What do you think of + him, sir, for a specimen of the Dotheboys Hall feeding? Ain’t he fit to + bust out of his clothes, and start the seams, and make the very buttons + fly off with his fatness? Here’s flesh!’ cried Squeers, turning the boy + about, and indenting the plumpest parts of his figure with divers pokes + and punches, to the great discomposure of his son and heir. ‘Here’s + firmness, here’s solidness! Why you can hardly get up enough of him + between your finger and thumb to pinch him anywheres.’ + </p> + <p> + In however good condition Master Squeers might have been, he certainly did + not present this remarkable compactness of person, for on his father’s + closing his finger and thumb in illustration of his remark, he uttered a + sharp cry, and rubbed the place in the most natural manner possible. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ remarked Squeers, a little disconcerted, ‘I had him there; but + that’s because we breakfasted early this morning, and he hasn’t had his + lunch yet. Why you couldn’t shut a bit of him in a door, when he’s had his + dinner. Look at them tears, sir,’ said Squeers, with a triumphant air, as + Master Wackford wiped his eyes with the cuff of his jacket, ‘there’s + oiliness!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He looks well, indeed,’ returned Ralph, who, for some purposes of his + own, seemed desirous to conciliate the schoolmaster. ‘But how is Mrs + Squeers, and how are you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mrs. Squeers, sir,’ replied the proprietor of Dotheboys, ‘is as she always + is—a mother to them lads, and a blessing, and a comfort, and a joy + to all them as knows her. One of our boys—gorging his-self with + vittles, and then turning in; that’s their way—got a abscess on him + last week. To see how she operated upon him with a pen-knife! Oh Lor!’ + said Squeers, heaving a sigh, and nodding his head a great many times, + ‘what a member of society that woman is!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers indulged in a retrospective look, for some quarter of a minute, + as if this allusion to his lady’s excellences had naturally led his mind + to the peaceful village of Dotheboys near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire; and + then looked at Ralph, as if waiting for him to say something. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you quite recovered that scoundrel’s attack?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve only just done it, if I’ve done it now,’ replied Squeers. ‘I was one + blessed bruise, sir,’ said Squeers, touching first the roots of his hair, + and then the toes of his boots, ‘from <i>here </i>to <i>there</i>. Vinegar and brown + paper, vinegar and brown paper, from morning to night. I suppose there was + a matter of half a ream of brown paper stuck upon me, from first to last. + As I laid all of a heap in our kitchen, plastered all over, you might have + thought I was a large brown-paper parcel, chock full of nothing but + groans. Did I groan loud, Wackford, or did I groan soft?’ asked Mr + Squeers, appealing to his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Loud,’ replied Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Was the boys sorry to see me in such a dreadful condition, Wackford, or + was they glad?’ asked Mr. Squeers, in a sentimental manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gl—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh?’ cried Squeers, turning sharp round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sorry,’ rejoined his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Squeers, catching him a smart box on the ear. ‘Then take your + hands out of your pockets, and don’t stammer when you’re asked a question. + Hold your noise, sir, in a gentleman’s office, or I’ll run away from my + family and never come back any more; and then what would become of all + them precious and forlorn lads as would be let loose on the world, without + their best friend at their elbers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were you obliged to have medical attendance?’ inquired Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, was I,’ rejoined Squeers, ‘and a precious bill the medical attendant + brought in too; but I paid it though.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph elevated his eyebrows in a manner which might be expressive of + either sympathy or astonishment—just as the beholder was pleased to + take it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I paid it, every farthing,’ replied Squeers, who seemed to know the + man he had to deal with, too well to suppose that any blinking of the + question would induce him to subscribe towards the expenses; ‘I wasn’t out + of pocket by it after all, either.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a halfpenny,’ replied Squeers. ‘The fact is, we have only one extra + with our boys, and that is for doctors when required—and not then, + unless we’re sure of our customers. Do you see?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘Then, after my bill was run up, we picked + out five little boys (sons of small tradesmen, as was sure pay) that had + never had the scarlet fever, and we sent one to a cottage where they’d got + it, and he took it, and then we put the four others to sleep with him, and + <i>they </i>took it, and then the doctor came and attended ‘em once all round, + and we divided my total among ‘em, and added it on to their little bills, + and the parents paid it. Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a good plan too,’ said Ralph, eyeing the schoolmaster stealthily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘We always do it. Why, when Mrs. Squeers + was brought to bed with little Wackford here, we ran the hooping-cough + through half-a-dozen boys, and charged her expenses among ‘em, monthly + nurse included. Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph never laughed, but on this occasion he produced the nearest approach + to it that he could, and waiting until Mr. Squeers had enjoyed the + professional joke to his heart’s content, inquired what had brought him to + town. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some bothering law business,’ replied Squeers, scratching his head, + ‘connected with an action, for what they call neglect of a boy. I don’t + know what they would have. He had as good grazing, that boy had, as there + is about us.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked as if he did not quite understand the observation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Grazing,’ said Squeers, raising his voice, under the impression that as + Ralph failed to comprehend him, he must be deaf. ‘When a boy gets weak and + ill and don’t relish his meals, we give him a change of diet—turn + him out, for an hour or so every day, into a neighbour’s turnip field, or + sometimes, if it’s a delicate case, a turnip field and a piece of carrots + alternately, and let him eat as many as he likes. There an’t better land + in the country than this perwerse lad grazed on, and yet he goes and + catches cold and indigestion and what not, and then his friends brings a + lawsuit against <i>me</i>! Now, you’d hardly suppose,’ added Squeers, moving in + his chair with the impatience of an ill-used man, ‘that people’s + ingratitude would carry them quite as far as that; would you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A hard case, indeed,’ observed Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t say more than the truth when you say that,’ replied Squeers. ‘I + don’t suppose there’s a man going, as possesses the fondness for youth + that I do. There’s youth to the amount of eight hundred pound a year at + Dotheboys Hall at this present time. I’d take sixteen hundred pound worth + if I could get ‘em, and be as fond of every individual twenty pound among + ‘em as nothing should equal it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you stopping at your old quarters?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, we are at the Saracen,’ replied Squeers, ‘and as it don’t want very + long to the end of the half-year, we shall continney to stop there till + I’ve collected the money, and some new boys too, I hope. I’ve brought + little Wackford up, on purpose to show to parents and guardians. I shall + put him in the advertisement, this time. Look at that boy—himself a + pupil. Why he’s a miracle of high feeding, that boy is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should like to have a word with you,’ said Ralph, who had both spoken + and listened mechanically for some time, and seemed to have been thinking. + </p> + <p> + ‘As many words as you like, sir,’ rejoined Squeers. ‘Wackford, you go and + play in the back office, and don’t move about too much or you’ll get thin, + and that won’t do. You haven’t got such a thing as twopence, Mr. Nickleby, + have you?’ said Squeers, rattling a bunch of keys in his coat pocket, and + muttering something about its being all silver. + </p> + <p> + ‘I—think I have,’ said Ralph, very slowly, and producing, after much + rummaging in an old drawer, a penny, a halfpenny, and two farthings. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thankee,’ said Squeers, bestowing it upon his son. ‘Here! You go and buy + a tart—Mr. Nickleby’s man will show you where—and mind you buy + a rich one. Pastry,’ added Squeers, closing the door on Master Wackford, + ‘makes his flesh shine a good deal, and parents thinks that a healthy + sign.’ + </p> + <p> + With this explanation, and a peculiarly knowing look to eke it out, Mr + Squeers moved his chair so as to bring himself opposite to Ralph Nickleby + at no great distance off; and having planted it to his entire + satisfaction, sat down. + </p> + <p> + ‘Attend to me,’ said Ralph, bending forward a little. + </p> + <p> + Squeers nodded. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not to suppose,’ said Ralph, ‘that you are dolt enough to forgive or + forget, very readily, the violence that was committed upon you, or the + exposure which accompanied it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Devil a bit,’ replied Squeers, tartly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Or to lose an opportunity of repaying it with interest, if you could get + one?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Show me one, and try,’ rejoined Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some such object it was, that induced you to call on me?’ said Ralph, + raising his eyes to the schoolmaster’s face. + </p> + <p> + ‘N-n-no, I don’t know that,’ replied Squeers. ‘I thought that if it was in + your power to make me, besides the trifle of money you sent, any + compensation—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ cried Ralph, interrupting him. ‘You needn’t go on.’ + </p> + <p> + After a long pause, during which Ralph appeared absorbed in contemplation, + he again broke silence by asking: + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is this boy that he took with him?’ + </p> + <p> + Squeers stated his name. + </p> + <p> + ‘Was he young or old, healthy or sickly, tractable or rebellious? Speak + out, man,’ retorted Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, he wasn’t young,’ answered Squeers; ‘that is, not young for a boy, + you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That is, he was not a boy at all, I suppose?’ interrupted Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ returned Squeers, briskly, as if he felt relieved by the + suggestion, ‘he might have been nigh twenty. He wouldn’t seem so old, + though, to them as didn’t know him, for he was a little wanting here,’ + touching his forehead; ‘nobody at home, you know, if you knocked ever so + often.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you <i>did </i>knock pretty often, I dare say?’ muttered Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty well,’ returned Squeers with a grin. + </p> + <p> + ‘When you wrote to acknowledge the receipt of this trifle of money as you + call it,’ said Ralph, ‘you told me his friends had deserted him long ago, + and that you had not the faintest clue or trace to tell you who he was. Is + that the truth?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is, worse luck!’ replied Squeers, becoming more and more easy and + familiar in his manner, as Ralph pursued his inquiries with the less + reserve. ‘It’s fourteen years ago, by the entry in my book, since a + strange man brought him to my place, one autumn night, and left him there; + paying five pound five, for his first quarter in advance. He might have + been five or six year old at that time—not more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What more do you know about him?’ demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Devilish little, I’m sorry to say,’ replied Squeers. ‘The money was paid + for some six or eight year, and then it stopped. He had given an address + in London, had this chap; but when it came to the point, of course nobody + knowed anything about him. So I kept the lad out of—out of—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charity?’ suggested Ralph drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Charity, to be sure,’ returned Squeers, rubbing his knees, ‘and when he + begins to be useful in a certain sort of way, this young scoundrel of a + Nickleby comes and carries him off. But the most vexatious and + aggeravating part of the whole affair is,’ said Squeers, dropping his + voice, and drawing his chair still closer to Ralph, ‘that some questions + have been asked about him at last—not of me, but, in a roundabout + kind of way, of people in our village. So, that just when I might have had + all arrears paid up, perhaps, and perhaps—who knows? such things + have happened in our business before—a present besides for putting + him out to a farmer, or sending him to sea, so that he might never turn up + to disgrace his parents, supposing him to be a natural boy, as many of our + boys are—damme, if that villain of a Nickleby don’t collar him in + open day, and commit as good as highway robbery upon my pocket.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will both cry quits with him before long,’ said Ralph, laying his hand + on the arm of the Yorkshire schoolmaster. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quits!’ echoed Squeers. ‘Ah! and I should like to leave a small balance + in his favour, to be settled when he can. I only wish Mrs. Squeers could + catch hold of him. Bless her heart! She’d murder him, Mr. Nickleby—she + would, as soon as eat her dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will talk of this again,’ said Ralph. ‘I must have time to think of + it. To wound him through his own affections and fancies—. If I could + strike him through this boy—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Strike him how you like, sir,’ interrupted Squeers, ‘only hit him hard + enough, that’s all—and with that, I’ll say good-morning. Here!—just + chuck that little boy’s hat off that corner peg, and lift him off the + stool will you?’ + </p> + <p> + Bawling these requests to Newman Noggs, Mr. Squeers betook himself to the + little back-office, and fitted on his child’s hat with parental anxiety, + while Newman, with his pen behind his ear, sat, stiff and immovable, on + his stool, regarding the father and son by turns with a broad stare. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a fine boy, an’t he?’ said Squeers, throwing his head a little on + one side, and falling back to the desk, the better to estimate the + proportions of little Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pretty well swelled out, an’t he?’ pursued Squeers. ‘He has the fatness + of twenty boys, he has.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ replied Newman, suddenly thrusting his face into that of Squeers, + ‘he has;—the fatness of twenty!—more! He’s got it all. God + help that others. Ha! ha! Oh Lord!’ + </p> + <p> + Having uttered these fragmentary observations, Newman dropped upon his + desk and began to write with most marvellous rapidity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what does the man mean?’ cried Squeers, colouring. ‘Is he drunk?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman made no reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he mad?’ said Squeers. + </p> + <p> + But, still Newman betrayed no consciousness of any presence save his own; + so, Mr. Squeers comforted himself by saying that he was both drunk <i>and </i>mad; + and, with this parting observation, he led his hopeful son away. + </p> + <p> + In exact proportion as Ralph Nickleby became conscious of a struggling and + lingering regard for Kate, had his detestation of Nicholas augmented. It + might be, that to atone for the weakness of inclining to any one person, + he held it necessary to hate some other more intensely than before; but + such had been the course of his feelings. And now, to be defied and + spurned, to be held up to her in the worst and most repulsive colours, to + know that she was taught to hate and despise him: to feel that there was + infection in his touch, and taint in his companionship—to know all + this, and to know that the mover of it all was that same boyish poor + relation who had twitted him in their very first interview, and openly + bearded and braved him since, wrought his quiet and stealthy malignity to + such a pitch, that there was scarcely anything he would not have hazarded + to gratify it, if he could have seen his way to some immediate + retaliation. + </p> + <p> + But, fortunately for Nicholas, Ralph Nickleby did not; and although he + cast about all that day, and kept a corner of his brain working on the one + anxious subject through all the round of schemes and business that came + with it, night found him at last, still harping on the same theme, and + still pursuing the same unprofitable reflections. + </p> + <p> + ‘When my brother was such as he,’ said Ralph, ‘the first comparisons were + drawn between us—always in my disfavour. <i>he</i> was open, liberal, + gallant, gay; I a crafty hunks of cold and stagnant blood, with no passion + but love of saving, and no spirit beyond a thirst for gain. I recollected + it well when I first saw this whipster; but I remember it better now.’ + </p> + <p> + He had been occupied in tearing Nicholas’s letter into atoms; and as he + spoke, he scattered it in a tiny shower about him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Recollections like these,’ pursued Ralph, with a bitter smile, ‘flock + upon me—when I resign myself to them—in crowds, and from + countless quarters. As a portion of the world affect to despise the power + of money, I must try and show them what it is.’ + </p> + <p> + And being, by this time, in a pleasant frame of mind for slumber, Ralph + Nickleby went to bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 35 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">S</span><i>mike becomes known to Mrs. Nickleby and Kate. Nicholas also meets with new + Acquaintances. Brighter Days seem to dawn upon the Family</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Having established his mother and sister in the apartments of the + kind-hearted miniature painter, and ascertained that Sir Mulberry Hawk was + in no danger of losing his life, Nicholas turned his thoughts to poor + Smike, who, after breakfasting with Newman Noggs, had remained, in a + disconsolate state, at that worthy creature’s lodgings, waiting, with much + anxiety, for further intelligence of his protector. + </p> + <p> + ‘As he will be one of our own little household, wherever we live, or + whatever fortune is in reserve for us,’ thought Nicholas, ‘I must present + the poor fellow in due form. They will be kind to him for his own sake, + and if not (on that account solely) to the full extent I could wish, they + will stretch a point, I am sure, for mine.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas said ‘they’, but his misgivings were confined to one person. He + was sure of Kate, but he knew his mother’s peculiarities, and was not + quite so certain that Smike would find favour in the eyes of Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘However,’ thought Nicholas as he departed on his benevolent errand; ‘she + cannot fail to become attached to him, when she knows what a devoted + creature he is, and as she must quickly make the discovery, his probation + will be a short one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was afraid,’ said Smike, overjoyed to see his friend again, ‘that you + had fallen into some fresh trouble; the time seemed so long, at last, that + I almost feared you were lost.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lost!’ replied Nicholas gaily. ‘You will not be rid of me so easily, I + promise you. I shall rise to the surface many thousand times yet, and the + harder the thrust that pushes me down, the more quickly I shall rebound, + Smike. But come; my errand here is to take you home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Home!’ faltered Smike, drawing timidly back. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ rejoined Nicholas, taking his arm. ‘Why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had such hopes once,’ said Smike; ‘day and night, day and night, for + many years. I longed for home till I was weary, and pined away with grief, + but now—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what now?’ asked Nicholas, looking kindly in his face. ‘What now, old + friend?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not part from you to go to any home on earth,’ replied Smike, + pressing his hand; ‘except one, except one. I shall never be an old man; + and if your hand placed me in the grave, and I could think, before I died, + that you would come and look upon it sometimes with one of your kind + smiles, and in the summer weather, when everything was alive—not + dead like me—I could go to that home almost without a tear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you talk thus, poor boy, if your life is a happy one with me?’ + said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I should change; not those about me. And if they forgot me, I + should never know it,’ replied Smike. ‘In the churchyard we are all alike, + but here there are none like me. I am a poor creature, but I know that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are a foolish, silly creature,’ said Nicholas cheerfully. ‘If that is + what you mean, I grant you that. Why, here’s a dismal face for ladies’ + company!—my pretty sister too, whom you have so often asked me + about. Is this your Yorkshire gallantry? For shame! for shame!’ + </p> + <p> + Smike brightened up and smiled. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I talk of home,’ pursued Nicholas, ‘I talk of mine—which is + yours of course. If it were defined by any particular four walls and a + roof, God knows I should be sufficiently puzzled to say whereabouts it + lay; but that is not what I mean. When I speak of home, I speak of the + place where—in default of a better—those I love are gathered + together; and if that place were a gypsy’s tent, or a barn, I should call + it by the same good name notwithstanding. And now, for what is my present + home, which, however alarming your expectations may be, will neither + terrify you by its extent nor its magnificence!’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Nicholas took his companion by the arm, and saying a great deal + more to the same purpose, and pointing out various things to amuse and + interest him as they went along, led the way to Miss La Creevy’s house. + </p> + <p> + ‘And this, Kate,’ said Nicholas, entering the room where his sister sat + alone, ‘is the faithful friend and affectionate fellow-traveller whom I + prepared you to receive.’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Smike was bashful, and awkward, and frightened enough, at first, but + Kate advanced towards him so kindly, and said, in such a sweet voice, how + anxious she had been to see him after all her brother had told her, and + how much she had to thank him for having comforted Nicholas so greatly in + their very trying reverses, that he began to be very doubtful whether he + should shed tears or not, and became still more flurried. However, he + managed to say, in a broken voice, that Nicholas was his only friend, and + that he would lay down his life to help him; and Kate, although she was so + kind and considerate, seemed to be so wholly unconscious of his distress + and embarrassment, that he recovered almost immediately and felt quite at + home. + </p> + <p> + Then, Miss La Creevy came in; and to her Smike had to be presented also. + And Miss La Creevy was very kind too, and wonderfully talkative: not to + Smike, for that would have made him uneasy at first, but to Nicholas and + his sister. Then, after a time, she would speak to Smike himself now and + then, asking him whether he was a judge of likenesses, and whether he + thought that picture in the corner was like herself, and whether he didn’t + think it would have looked better if she had made herself ten years + younger, and whether he didn’t think, as a matter of general observation, + that young ladies looked better not only in pictures, but out of them too, + than old ones; with many more small jokes and facetious remarks, which + were delivered with such good-humour and merriment, that Smike thought, + within himself, she was the nicest lady he had ever seen; even nicer than + Mrs. Grudden, of Mr. Vincent Crummles’s theatre; and she was a nice lady + too, and talked, perhaps more, but certainly louder, than Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + At length the door opened again, and a lady in mourning came in; and + Nicholas kissing the lady in mourning affectionately, and calling her his + mother, led her towards the chair from which Smike had risen when she + entered the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are always kind-hearted, and anxious to help the oppressed, my dear + mother,’ said Nicholas, ‘so you will be favourably disposed towards him, I + know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure, my dear Nicholas,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, looking very hard at + her new friend, and bending to him with something more of majesty than the + occasion seemed to require: ‘I am sure any friend of yours has, as indeed + he naturally ought to have, and must have, of course, you know, a great + claim upon me, and of course, it is a very great pleasure to me to be + introduced to anybody you take an interest in. There can be no doubt about + that; none at all; not the least in the world,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘At the + same time I must say, Nicholas, my dear, as I used to say to your poor + dear papa, when he <i>would </i>bring gentlemen home to dinner, and there was + nothing in the house, that if he had come the day before yesterday—no, + I don’t mean the day before yesterday now; I should have said, perhaps, + the year before last—we should have been better able to entertain + him.’ + </p> + <p> + With which remarks, Mrs. Nickleby turned to her daughter, and inquired, in + an audible whisper, whether the gentleman was going to stop all night. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because, if he is, Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I don’t see that + it’s possible for him to sleep anywhere, and that’s the truth.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate stepped gracefully forward, and without any show of annoyance or + irritation, breathed a few words into her mother’s ear. + </p> + <p> + ‘La, Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, shrinking back, ‘how you do tickle + one! Of course, I understand <i>that</i>, my love, without your telling me; and I + said the same to Nicholas, and I <i>am</i> very much pleased. You didn’t tell me, + Nicholas, my dear,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, turning round with an air of less + reserve than she had before assumed, ‘what your friend’s name is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘His name, mother,’ replied Nicholas, ‘is Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + The effect of this communication was by no means anticipated; but the name + was no sooner pronounced, than Mrs. Nickleby dropped upon a chair, and + burst into a fit of crying. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter?’ exclaimed Nicholas, running to support her. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s so like Pyke,’ cried Mrs. Nickleby; ‘so exactly like Pyke. Oh! don’t + speak to me—I shall be better presently.’ + </p> + <p> + And after exhibiting every symptom of slow suffocation in all its stages, + and drinking about a tea-spoonful of water from a full tumbler, and + spilling the remainder, Mrs. Nickleby <i>was </i>better, and remarked, with a + feeble smile, that she was very foolish, she knew. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a weakness in our family,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘so, of course, I + can’t be blamed for it. Your grandmama, Kate, was exactly the same—precisely. + The least excitement, the slightest surprise—she fainted away + directly. I have heard her say, often and often, that when she was a young + lady, and before she was married, she was turning a corner into Oxford + Street one day, when she ran against her own hairdresser, who, it seems, + was escaping from a bear;—the mere suddenness of the encounter made + her faint away directly. Wait, though,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, pausing to + consider. ‘Let me be sure I’m right. Was it her hairdresser who had + escaped from a bear, or was it a bear who had escaped from her + hairdresser’s? I declare I can’t remember just now, but the hairdresser + was a very handsome man, I know, and quite a gentleman in his manners; so + that it has nothing to do with the point of the story.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby having fallen imperceptibly into one of her retrospective + moods, improved in temper from that moment, and glided, by an easy change + of the conversation occasionally, into various other anecdotes, no less + remarkable for their strict application to the subject in hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Smike is from Yorkshire, Nicholas, my dear?’ said Mrs. Nickleby, after + dinner, and when she had been silent for some time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, mother,’ replied Nicholas. ‘I see you have not forgotten his + melancholy history.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O dear no,’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Ah! melancholy, indeed. You don’t + happen, Mr. Smike, ever to have dined with the Grimbles of Grimble Hall, + somewhere in the North Riding, do you?’ said the good lady, addressing + herself to him. ‘A very proud man, Sir Thomas Grimble, with six grown-up + and most lovely daughters, and the finest park in the county.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear mother,’ reasoned Nicholas, ‘do you suppose that the unfortunate + outcast of a Yorkshire school was likely to receive many cards of + invitation from the nobility and gentry in the neighbourhood?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, my dear, I don’t know why it should be so very extraordinary,’ + said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I know that when I was at school, I always went at + least twice every half-year to the Hawkinses at Taunton Vale, and they are + much richer than the Grimbles, and connected with them in marriage; so you + see it’s not so very unlikely, after all.’ + </p> + <p> + Having put down Nicholas in this triumphant manner, Mrs. Nickleby was + suddenly seized with a forgetfulness of Smike’s real name, and an + irresistible tendency to call him Mr. Slammons; which circumstance she + attributed to the remarkable similarity of the two names in point of sound + both beginning with an S, and moreover being spelt with an M. But whatever + doubt there might be on this point, there was none as to his being a most + excellent listener; which circumstance had considerable influence in + placing them on the very best terms, and inducing Mrs. Nickleby to express + the highest opinion of his general deportment and disposition. + </p> + <p> + Thus, the little circle remained, on the most amicable and agreeable + footing, until the Monday morning, when Nicholas withdrew himself from it + for a short time, seriously to reflect upon the state of his affairs, and + to determine, if he could, upon some course of life, which would enable + him to support those who were so entirely dependent upon his exertions. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crummles occurred to him more than once; but although Kate was + acquainted with the whole history of his connection with that gentleman, + his mother was not; and he foresaw a thousand fretful objections, on her + part, to his seeking a livelihood upon the stage. There were graver + reasons, too, against his returning to that mode of life. Independently of + those arising out of its spare and precarious earnings, and his own + internal conviction that he could never hope to aspire to any great + distinction, even as a provincial actor, how could he carry his sister + from town to town, and place to place, and debar her from any other + associates than those with whom he would be compelled, almost without + distinction, to mingle? ‘It won’t do,’ said Nicholas, shaking his head; ‘I + must try something else.’ + </p> + <p> + It was much easier to make this resolution than to carry it into effect. + With no greater experience of the world than he had acquired for himself + in his short trials; with a sufficient share of headlong rashness and + precipitation (qualities not altogether unnatural at his time of life); + with a very slender stock of money, and a still more scanty stock of + friends; what could he do? ‘Egad!’ said Nicholas, ‘I’ll try that Register + Office again.’ + </p> + <p> + He smiled at himself as he walked away with a quick step; for, an instant + before, he had been internally blaming his own precipitation. He did not + laugh himself out of the intention, however, for on he went: picturing to + himself, as he approached the place, all kinds of splendid possibilities, + and impossibilities too, for that matter, and thinking himself, perhaps + with good reason, very fortunate to be endowed with so buoyant and + sanguine a temperament. + </p> + <p> + The office looked just the same as when he had left it last, and, indeed, + with one or two exceptions, there seemed to be the very same placards in + the window that he had seen before. There were the same unimpeachable + masters and mistresses in want of virtuous servants, and the same virtuous + servants in want of unimpeachable masters and mistresses, and the same + magnificent estates for the investment of capital, and the same enormous + quantities of capital to be invested in estates, and, in short, the same + opportunities of all sorts for people who wanted to make their fortunes. + And a most extraordinary proof it was of the national prosperity, that + people had not been found to avail themselves of such advantages long ago. + </p> + <p> + As Nicholas stopped to look in at the window, an old gentleman happened to + stop too; and Nicholas, carrying his eye along the window-panes from left + to right in search of some capital-text placard which should be applicable + to his own case, caught sight of this old gentleman’s figure, and + instinctively withdrew his eyes from the window, to observe the same more + closely. + </p> + <p> + He was a sturdy old fellow in a broad-skirted blue coat, made pretty + large, to fit easily, and with no particular waist; his bulky legs clothed + in drab breeches and high gaiters, and his head protected by a low-crowned + broad-brimmed white hat, such as a wealthy grazier might wear. He wore his + coat buttoned; and his dimpled double chin rested in the folds of a white + neckerchief—not one of your stiff-starched apoplectic cravats, but a + good, easy, old-fashioned white neckcloth that a man might go to bed in + and be none the worse for. But what principally attracted the attention of + Nicholas was the old gentleman’s eye,—never was such a clear, + twinkling, honest, merry, happy eye, as that. And there he stood, looking + a little upward, with one hand thrust into the breast of his coat, and the + other playing with his old-fashioned gold watch-chain: his head thrown a + little on one side, and his hat a little more on one side than his head, + (but that was evidently accident; not his ordinary way of wearing it,) + with such a pleasant smile playing about his mouth, and such a comical + expression of mingled slyness, simplicity, kind-heartedness, and + good-humour, lighting up his jolly old face, that Nicholas would have been + content to have stood there and looked at him until evening, and to have + forgotten, meanwhile, that there was such a thing as a soured mind or a + crabbed countenance to be met with in the whole wide world. + </p> + <p> + But, even a very remote approach to this gratification was not to be made, + for although he seemed quite unconscious of having been the subject of + observation, he looked casually at Nicholas; and the latter, fearful of + giving offence, resumed his scrutiny of the window instantly. + </p> + <p> + Still, the old gentleman stood there, glancing from placard to placard, + and Nicholas could not forbear raising his eyes to his face again. Grafted + upon the quaintness and oddity of his appearance, was something so + indescribably engaging, and bespeaking so much worth, and there were so + many little lights hovering about the corners of his mouth and eyes, that + it was not a mere amusement, but a positive pleasure and delight to look + at him. + </p> + <p> + This being the case, it is no wonder that the old man caught Nicholas in + the fact, more than once. At such times, Nicholas coloured and looked + embarrassed: for the truth is, that he had begun to wonder whether the + stranger could, by any possibility, be looking for a clerk or secretary; + and thinking this, he felt as if the old gentleman must know it. + </p> + <p> + Long as all this takes to tell, it was not more than a couple of minutes + in passing. As the stranger was moving away, Nicholas caught his eye + again, and, in the awkwardness of the moment, stammered out an apology. + </p> + <p> + ‘No offence. Oh no offence!’ said the old man. + </p> + <p> + This was said in such a hearty tone, and the voice was so exactly what it + should have been from such a speaker, and there was such a cordiality in + the manner, that Nicholas was emboldened to speak again. + </p> + <p> + ‘A great many opportunities here, sir,’ he said, half smiling as he + motioned towards the window. + </p> + <p> + ‘A great many people willing and anxious to be employed have seriously + thought so very often, I dare say,’ replied the old man. ‘Poor fellows, + poor fellows!’ + </p> + <p> + He moved away as he said this; but seeing that Nicholas was about to + speak, good-naturedly slackened his pace, as if he were unwilling to cut + him short. After a little of that hesitation which may be sometimes + observed between two people in the street who have exchanged a nod, and + are both uncertain whether they shall turn back and speak, or not, + Nicholas found himself at the old man’s side. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were about to speak, young gentleman; what were you going to say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Merely that I almost hoped—I mean to say, thought—you had + some object in consulting those advertisements,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay? what object now—what object?’ returned the old man, looking + slyly at Nicholas. ‘Did you think I wanted a situation now—eh? Did + you think I did?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha! ha!’ laughed the old gentleman, rubbing his hands and wrists as if he + were washing them. ‘A very natural thought, at all events, after seeing me + gazing at those bills. I thought the same of you, at first; upon my word I + did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you had thought so at last, too, sir, you would not have been far from + the truth,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh?’ cried the old man, surveying him from head to foot. ‘What! Dear me! + No, no. Well-behaved young gentleman reduced to such a necessity! No no, + no no.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bowed, and bidding him good-morning, turned upon his heel. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay,’ said the old man, beckoning him into a bye street, where they + could converse with less interruption. ‘What d’ye mean, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Merely that your kind face and manner—both so unlike any I have + ever seen—tempted me into an avowal, which, to any other stranger in + this wilderness of London, I should not have dreamt of making,’ returned + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wilderness! Yes, it is, it is. Good! It <i>is</i> a wilderness,’ said the old + man with much animation. ‘It was a wilderness to me once. I came here + barefoot. I have never forgotten it. Thank God!’ and he raised his hat + from his head, and looked very grave. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter? What is it? How did it all come about?’ said the old + man, laying his hand on the shoulder of Nicholas, and walking him up the + street. ‘You’re—Eh?’ laying his finger on the sleeve of his black + coat. ‘Who’s it for, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My father,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said the old gentleman quickly. ‘Bad thing for a young man to lose + his father. Widowed mother, perhaps?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas sighed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brothers and sisters too? Eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One sister,’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor thing, poor thing! You are a scholar too, I dare say?’ said the old + man, looking wistfully into the face of the young one. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been tolerably well educated,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Fine thing,’ said the old gentleman, ‘education a great thing: a very + great thing! I never had any. I admire it the more in others. A very fine + thing. Yes, yes. Tell me more of your history. Let me hear it all. No + impertinent curiosity—no, no, no.’ + </p> + <p> + There was something so earnest and guileless in the way in which all this + was said, and such a complete disregard of all conventional restraints and + coldnesses, that Nicholas could not resist it. Among men who have any + sound and sterling qualities, there is nothing so contagious as pure + openness of heart. Nicholas took the infection instantly, and ran over the + main points of his little history without reserve: merely suppressing + names, and touching as lightly as possible upon his uncle’s treatment of + Kate. The old man listened with great attention, and when he had + concluded, drew his arm eagerly through his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t say another word. Not another word’ said he. ‘Come along with me. + We mustn’t lose a minute.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, the old gentleman dragged him back into Oxford Street, and + hailing an omnibus on its way to the city, pushed Nicholas in before him, + and followed himself. + </p> + <p> + As he appeared in a most extraordinary condition of restless excitement, + and whenever Nicholas offered to speak, immediately interposed with: + ‘Don’t say another word, my dear sir, on any account—not another + word,’ the young man thought it better to attempt no further interruption. + Into the city they journeyed accordingly, without interchanging any + conversation; and the farther they went, the more Nicholas wondered what + the end of the adventure could possibly be. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman got out, with great alacrity, when they reached the + Bank, and once more taking Nicholas by the arm, hurried him along + Threadneedle Street, and through some lanes and passages on the right, + until they, at length, emerged in a quiet shady little square. Into the + oldest and cleanest-looking house of business in the square, he led the + way. The only inscription on the door-post was ‘Cheeryble, Brothers;’ but + from a hasty glance at the directions of some packages which were lying + about, Nicholas supposed that the brothers Cheeryble were German + merchants. + </p> + <p> + Passing through a warehouse which presented every indication of a thriving + business, Mr. Cheeryble (for such Nicholas supposed him to be, from the + respect which had been shown him by the warehousemen and porters whom they + passed) led him into a little partitioned-off counting-house like a large + glass case, in which counting-house there sat—as free from dust and + blemish as if he had been fixed into the glass case before the top was put + on, and had never come out since—a fat, elderly, large-faced clerk, + with silver spectacles and a powdered head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is my brother in his room, Tim?’ said Mr. Cheeryble, with no less kindness + of manner than he had shown to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, he is, sir,’ replied the fat clerk, turning his spectacle-glasses + towards his principal, and his eyes towards Nicholas, ‘but Mr. Trimmers is + with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay! And what has he come about, Tim?’ said Mr. Cheeryble. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is getting up a subscription for the widow and family of a man who was + killed in the East India Docks this morning, sir,’ rejoined Tim. ‘Smashed, + sir, by a cask of sugar.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is a good creature,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, with great earnestness. ‘He is + a kind soul. I am very much obliged to Trimmers. Trimmers is one of the + best friends we have. He makes a thousand cases known to us that we should + never discover of ourselves. I am <i>very </i>much obliged to Trimmers.’ Saying + which, Mr. Cheeryble rubbed his hands with infinite delight, and Mr + Trimmers happening to pass the door that instant, on his way out, shot out + after him and caught him by the hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘I owe you a thousand thanks, Trimmers, ten thousand thanks. I take it + very friendly of you, very friendly indeed,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, dragging + him into a corner to get out of hearing. ‘How many children are there, and + what has my brother Ned given, Trimmers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are six children,’ replied the gentleman, ‘and your brother has + given us twenty pounds.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My brother Ned is a good fellow, and you’re a good fellow too, Trimmers,’ + said the old man, shaking him by both hands with trembling eagerness. ‘Put + me down for another twenty—or—stop a minute, stop a minute. We + mustn’t look ostentatious; put me down ten pound, and Tim Linkinwater ten + pound. A cheque for twenty pound for Mr. Trimmers, Tim. God bless you, + Trimmers—and come and dine with us some day this week; you’ll always + find a knife and fork, and we shall be delighted. Now, my dear sir—cheque + from Mr. Linkinwater, Tim. Smashed by a cask of sugar, and six poor + children—oh dear, dear, dear!’ + </p> + <p> + Talking on in this strain, as fast as he could, to prevent any friendly + remonstrances from the collector of the subscription on the large amount + of his donation, Mr. Cheeryble led Nicholas, equally astonished and + affected by what he had seen and heard in this short space, to the + half-opened door of another room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Ned,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, tapping with his knuckles, and stooping + to listen, ‘are you busy, my dear brother, or can you spare time for a + word or two with me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Charles, my dear fellow,’ replied a voice from the inside, so + like in its tones to that which had just spoken, that Nicholas started, + and almost thought it was the same, ‘don’t ask me such a question, but + come in directly.’ + </p> + <p> + They went in, without further parley. What was the amazement of Nicholas + when his conductor advanced, and exchanged a warm greeting with another + old gentleman, the very type and model of himself—the same face, the + same figure, the same coat, waistcoat, and neckcloth, the same breeches + and gaiters—nay, there was the very same white hat hanging against + the wall! + </p> + <p> + As they shook each other by the hand: the face of each lighted up by + beaming looks of affection, which would have been most delightful to + behold in infants, and which, in men so old, was inexpressibly touching: + Nicholas could observe that the last old gentleman was something stouter + than his brother; this, and a slight additional shade of clumsiness in his + gait and stature, formed the only perceptible difference between them. + Nobody could have doubted their being twin brothers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Ned,’ said Nicholas’s friend, closing the room-door, ‘here is a + young friend of mine whom we must assist. We must make proper inquiries + into his statements, in justice to him as well as to ourselves, and if + they are confirmed—as I feel assured they will be—we must + assist him, we must assist him, brother Ned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is enough, my dear brother, that you say we should,’ returned the + other. ‘When you say that, no further inquiries are needed. He <i>shall </i>be + assisted. What are his necessities, and what does he require? Where is Tim + Linkinwater? Let us have him here.’ + </p> + <p> + Both the brothers, it may be here remarked, had a very emphatic and + earnest delivery; both had lost nearly the same teeth, which imparted the + same peculiarity to their speech; and both spoke as if, besides possessing + the utmost serenity of mind that the kindliest and most unsuspecting + nature could bestow, they had, in collecting the plums from Fortune’s + choicest pudding, retained a few for present use, and kept them in their + mouths. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where is Tim Linkinwater?’ said brother Ned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, stop, stop!’ said brother Charles, taking the other aside. ‘I’ve a + plan, my dear brother, I’ve a plan. Tim is getting old, and Tim has been a + faithful servant, brother Ned; and I don’t think pensioning Tim’s mother + and sister, and buying a little tomb for the family when his poor brother + died, was a sufficient recompense for his faithful services.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no,’ replied the other. ‘Certainly not. Not half enough, not + half.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If we could lighten Tim’s duties,’ said the old gentleman, ‘and prevail + upon him to go into the country, now and then, and sleep in the fresh air, + besides, two or three times a week (which he could, if he began business + an hour later in the morning), old Tim Linkinwater would grow young again + in time; and he’s three good years our senior now. Old Tim Linkinwater + young again! Eh, brother Ned, eh? Why, I recollect old Tim Linkinwater + quite a little boy, don’t you? Ha, ha, ha! Poor Tim, poor Tim!’ + </p> + <p> + And the fine old fellows laughed pleasantly together: each with a tear of + regard for old Tim Linkinwater standing in his eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘But hear this first—hear this first, brother Ned,’ said the old + man, hastily, placing two chairs, one on each side of Nicholas: ‘I’ll tell + it you myself, brother Ned, because the young gentleman is modest, and is + a scholar, Ned, and I shouldn’t feel it right that he should tell us his + story over and over again as if he was a beggar, or as if we doubted him. + No, no no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no,’ returned the other, nodding his head gravely. ‘Very right, + my dear brother, very right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He will tell me I’m wrong, if I make a mistake,’ said Nicholas’s friend. + ‘But whether I do or not, you’ll be very much affected, brother Ned, + remembering the time when we were two friendless lads, and earned our + first shilling in this great city.’ + </p> + <p> + The twins pressed each other’s hands in silence; and in his own homely + manner, brother Charles related the particulars he had heard from + Nicholas. The conversation which ensued was a long one, and when it was + over, a secret conference of almost equal duration took place between + brother Ned and Tim Linkinwater in another room. It is no disparagement to + Nicholas to say, that before he had been closeted with the two brothers + ten minutes, he could only wave his hand at every fresh expression of + kindness and sympathy, and sob like a little child. + </p> + <p> + At length brother Ned and Tim Linkinwater came back together, when Tim + instantly walked up to Nicholas and whispered in his ear in a very brief + sentence (for Tim was ordinarily a man of few words), that he had taken + down the address in the Strand, and would call upon him that evening, at + eight. Having done which, Tim wiped his spectacles and put them on, + preparatory to hearing what more the brothers Cheeryble had got to say. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tim,’ said brother Charles, ‘you understand that we have an intention of + taking this young gentleman into the counting-house?’ + </p> + <p> + Brother Ned remarked that Tim was aware of that intention, and quite + approved of it; and Tim having nodded, and said he did, drew himself up + and looked particularly fat, and very important. After which, there was a + profound silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m not coming an hour later in the morning, you know,’ said Tim, + breaking out all at once, and looking very resolute. ‘I’m not going to + sleep in the fresh air; no, nor I’m not going into the country either. A + pretty thing at this time of day, certainly. Pho!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn your obstinacy, Tim Linkinwater,’ said brother Charles, looking at + him without the faintest spark of anger, and with a countenance radiant + with attachment to the old clerk. ‘Damn your obstinacy, Tim Linkinwater, + what do you mean, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s forty-four year,’ said Tim, making a calculation in the air with his + pen, and drawing an imaginary line before he cast it up, ‘forty-four year, + next May, since I first kept the books of Cheeryble, Brothers. I’ve opened + the safe every morning all that time (Sundays excepted) as the clock + struck nine, and gone over the house every night at half-past ten (except + on Foreign Post nights, and then twenty minutes before twelve) to see the + doors fastened, and the fires out. I’ve never slept out of the back-attic + one single night. There’s the same mignonette box in the middle of the + window, and the same four flower-pots, two on each side, that I brought + with me when I first came. There an’t—I’ve said it again and again, + and I’ll maintain it—there an’t such a square as this in the world. + I <i>know </i>there an’t,’ said Tim, with sudden energy, and looking sternly + about him. ‘Not one. For business or pleasure, in summer-time or winter—I + don’t care which—there’s nothing like it. There’s not such a spring + in England as the pump under the archway. There’s not such a view in + England as the view out of my window; I’ve seen it every morning before I + shaved, and I ought to know something about it. I have slept in that + room,’ added Tim, sinking his voice a little, ‘for four-and-forty year; + and if it wasn’t inconvenient, and didn’t interfere with business, I + should request leave to die there.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn you, Tim Linkinwater, how dare you talk about dying?’ roared the + twins by one impulse, and blowing their old noses violently. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s what I’ve got to say, Mr. Edwin and Mr. Charles,’ said Tim, squaring + his shoulders again. ‘This isn’t the first time you’ve talked about + superannuating me; but, if you please, we’ll make it the last, and drop + the subject for evermore.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, Tim Linkinwater stalked out, and shut himself up in his + glass case, with the air of a man who had had his say, and was thoroughly + resolved not to be put down. + </p> + <p> + The brothers interchanged looks, and coughed some half-dozen times without + speaking. + </p> + <p> + ‘He must be done something with, brother Ned,’ said the other, warmly; ‘we + must disregard his old scruples; they can’t be tolerated, or borne. He + must be made a partner, brother Ned; and if he won’t submit to it + peaceably, we must have recourse to violence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite right,’ replied brother Ned, nodding his head as a man thoroughly + determined; ‘quite right, my dear brother. If he won’t listen to reason, + we must do it against his will, and show him that we are determined to + exert our authority. We must quarrel with him, brother Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We must. We certainly must have a quarrel with Tim Linkinwater,’ said the + other. ‘But in the meantime, my dear brother, we are keeping our young + friend; and the poor lady and her daughter will be anxious for his return. + So let us say goodbye for the present, and—there, there—take + care of that box, my dear sir—and—no, no, not a word now; but + be careful of the crossings and—’ + </p> + <p> + And with any disjointed and unconnected words which would prevent Nicholas + from pouring forth his thanks, the brothers hurried him out: shaking hands + with him all the way, and affecting very unsuccessfully—they were + poor hands at deception!—to be wholly unconscious of the feelings + that completely mastered him. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas’s heart was too full to allow of his turning into the street + until he had recovered some composure. When he at last glided out of the + dark doorway corner in which he had been compelled to halt, he caught a + glimpse of the twins stealthily peeping in at one corner of the glass + case, evidently undecided whether they should follow up their late attack + without delay, or for the present postpone laying further siege to the + inflexible Tim Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + To recount all the delight and wonder which the circumstances just + detailed awakened at Miss La Creevy’s, and all the things that were done, + said, thought, expected, hoped, and prophesied in consequence, is beside + the present course and purpose of these adventures. It is sufficient to + state, in brief, that Mr. Timothy Linkinwater arrived, punctual to his + appointment; that, oddity as he was, and jealous, as he was bound to be, + of the proper exercise of his employers’ most comprehensive liberality, he + reported strongly and warmly in favour of Nicholas; and that, next day, he + was appointed to the vacant stool in the counting-house of Cheeryble, + Brothers, with a present salary of one hundred and twenty pounds a year. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I think, my dear brother,’ said Nicholas’s first friend, ‘that if we + were to let them that little cottage at Bow which is empty, at something + under the usual rent, now? Eh, brother Ned?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For nothing at all,’ said brother Ned. ‘We are rich, and should be + ashamed to touch the rent under such circumstances as these. Where is Tim + Linkinwater?—for nothing at all, my dear brother, for nothing at + all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps it would be better to say something, brother Ned,’ suggested the + other, mildly; ‘it would help to preserve habits of frugality, you know, + and remove any painful sense of overwhelming obligations. We might say + fifteen pound, or twenty pound, and if it was punctually paid, make it up + to them in some other way. And I might secretly advance a small loan + towards a little furniture, and you might secretly advance another small + loan, brother Ned; and if we find them doing well—as we shall; + there’s no fear, no fear—we can change the loans into gifts. + Carefully, brother Ned, and by degrees, and without pressing upon them too + much; what do you say now, brother?’ + </p> + <p> + Brother Ned gave his hand upon it, and not only said it should be done, + but had it done too; and, in one short week, Nicholas took possession of + the stool, and Mrs. Nickleby and Kate took possession of the house, and all + was hope, bustle, and light-heartedness. + </p> + <p> + There surely never was such a week of discoveries and surprises as the + first week of that cottage. Every night when Nicholas came home, something + new had been found out. One day it was a grapevine, and another day it was + a boiler, and another day it was the key of the front-parlour closet at + the bottom of the water-butt, and so on through a hundred items. Then, + this room was embellished with a muslin curtain, and that room was + rendered quite elegant by a window-blind, and such improvements were made, + as no one would have supposed possible. Then there was Miss La Creevy, who + had come out in the omnibus to stop a day or two and help, and who was + perpetually losing a very small brown-paper parcel of tin tacks and a very + large hammer, and running about with her sleeves tucked up at the wrists, + and falling off pairs of steps and hurting herself very much—and Mrs + Nickleby, who talked incessantly, and did something now and then, but not + often—and Kate, who busied herself noiselessly everywhere, and was + pleased with everything—and Smike, who made the garden a perfect + wonder to look upon—and Nicholas, who helped and encouraged them + every one—all the peace and cheerfulness of home restored, with such + new zest imparted to every frugal pleasure, and such delight to every hour + of meeting, as misfortune and separation alone could give! + </p> + <p> + In short, the poor Nicklebys were social and happy; while the rich + Nickleby was alone and miserable. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 36 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">P</span><i>rivate and confidential; relating to Family Matters. Showing how Mr + Kenwigs underwent violent Agitation, and how Mrs. Kenwigs was as well as + could be expected</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It might have been seven o’clock in the evening, and it was growing dark + in the narrow streets near Golden Square, when Mr. Kenwigs sent out for a + pair of the cheapest white kid gloves—those at fourteen-pence—and + selecting the strongest, which happened to be the right-hand one, walked + downstairs with an air of pomp and much excitement, and proceeded to + muffle the knob of the street-door knocker therein. Having executed this + task with great nicety, Mr. Kenwigs pulled the door to, after him, and just + stepped across the road to try the effect from the opposite side of the + street. Satisfied that nothing could possibly look better in its way, Mr + Kenwigs then stepped back again, and calling through the keyhole to + Morleena to open the door, vanished into the house, and was seen no + longer. + </p> + <p> + Now, considered as an abstract circumstance, there was no more obvious + cause or reason why Mr. Kenwigs should take the trouble of muffling this + particular knocker, than there would have been for his muffling the + knocker of any nobleman or gentleman resident ten miles off; because, for + the greater convenience of the numerous lodgers, the street-door always + stood wide open, and the knocker was never used at all. The first floor, + the second floor, and the third floor, had each a bell of its own. As to + the attics, no one ever called on them; if anybody wanted the parlours, + they were close at hand, and all he had to do was to walk straight into + them; while the kitchen had a separate entrance down the area steps. As a + question of mere necessity and usefulness, therefore, this muffling of the + knocker was thoroughly incomprehensible. + </p> + <p> + But knockers may be muffled for other purposes than those of mere + utilitarianism, as, in the present instance, was clearly shown. There are + certain polite forms and ceremonies which must be observed in civilised + life, or mankind relapse into their original barbarism. No genteel lady + was ever yet confined—indeed, no genteel confinement can possibly + take place—without the accompanying symbol of a muffled knocker. Mrs + Kenwigs was a lady of some pretensions to gentility; Mrs. Kenwigs was + confined. And, therefore, Mr. Kenwigs tied up the silent knocker on the + premises in a white kid glove. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m not quite certain neither,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, arranging his + shirt-collar, and walking slowly upstairs, ‘whether, as it’s a boy, I + won’t have it in the papers.’ + </p> + <p> + Pondering upon the advisability of this step, and the sensation it was + likely to create in the neighbourhood, Mr. Kenwigs betook himself to the + sitting-room, where various extremely diminutive articles of clothing were + airing on a horse before the fire, and Mr. Lumbey, the doctor, was dandling + the baby—that is, the old baby—not the new one. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a fine boy, Mr. Kenwigs,’ said Mr. Lumbey, the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘You consider him a fine boy, do you, sir?’ returned Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the finest boy I ever saw in all my life,’ said the doctor. ‘I never + saw such a baby.’ + </p> + <p> + It is a pleasant thing to reflect upon, and furnishes a complete answer to + those who contend for the gradual degeneration of the human species, that + every baby born into the world is a finer one than the last. + </p> + <p> + ‘I ne—ver saw such a baby,’ said Mr. Lumbey, the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Morleena was a fine baby,’ remarked Mr. Kenwigs; as if this were rather an + attack, by implication, upon the family. + </p> + <p> + ‘They were all fine babies,’ said Mr. Lumbey. And Mr. Lumbey went on nursing + the baby with a thoughtful look. Whether he was considering under what + head he could best charge the nursing in the bill, was best known to + himself. + </p> + <p> + During this short conversation, Miss Morleena, as the eldest of the + family, and natural representative of her mother during her indisposition, + had been hustling and slapping the three younger Miss Kenwigses, without + intermission; which considerate and affectionate conduct brought tears + into the eyes of Mr. Kenwigs, and caused him to declare that, in + understanding and behaviour, that child was a woman. + </p> + <p> + ‘She will be a treasure to the man she marries, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, + half aside; ‘I think she’ll marry above her station, Mr. Lumbey.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shouldn’t wonder at all,’ replied the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘You never see her dance, sir, did you?’ asked Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + The doctor shook his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ said Mr. Kenwigs, as though he pitied him from his heart, ‘then you + don’t know what she’s capable of.’ + </p> + <p> + All this time there had been a great whisking in and out of the other + room; the door had been opened and shut very softly about twenty times a + minute (for it was necessary to keep Mrs. Kenwigs quiet); and the baby had + been exhibited to a score or two of deputations from a select body of + female friends, who had assembled in the passage, and about the + street-door, to discuss the event in all its bearings. Indeed, the + excitement extended itself over the whole street, and groups of ladies + might be seen standing at the doors, (some in the interesting condition in + which Mrs. Kenwigs had last appeared in public,) relating their experiences + of similar occurrences. Some few acquired great credit from having + prophesied, the day before yesterday, exactly when it would come to pass; + others, again, related, how that they guessed what it was, directly they + saw Mr. Kenwigs turn pale and run up the street as hard as ever he could + go. Some said one thing, and some another; but all talked together, and + all agreed upon two points: first, that it was very meritorious and highly + praiseworthy in Mrs. Kenwigs to do as she had done: and secondly, that + there never was such a skilful and scientific doctor as that Dr Lumbey. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this general hubbub, Dr Lumbey sat in the first-floor + front, as before related, nursing the deposed baby, and talking to Mr + Kenwigs. He was a stout bluff-looking gentleman, with no shirt-collar to + speak of, and a beard that had been growing since yesterday morning; for + Dr Lumbey was popular, and the neighbourhood was prolific; and there had + been no less than three other knockers muffled, one after the other within + the last forty-eight hours. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Kenwigs,’ said Dr Lumbey, ‘this makes six. You’ll have a fine + family in time, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think six is almost enough, sir,’ returned Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh!’ said the doctor. ‘Nonsense! not half enough.’ + </p> + <p> + With this, the doctor laughed; but he didn’t laugh half as much as a + married friend of Mrs. Kenwigs’s, who had just come in from the sick + chamber to report progress, and take a small sip of brandy-and-water: and + who seemed to consider it one of the best jokes ever launched upon + society. + </p> + <p> + ‘They’re not altogether dependent upon good fortune, neither,’ said Mr + Kenwigs, taking his second daughter on his knee; ‘they have expectations.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed!’ said Mr. Lumbey, the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘And very good ones too, I believe, haven’t they?’ asked the married lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, ma’am,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘it’s not exactly for me to say what they + may be, or what they may not be. It’s not for me to boast of any family + with which I have the honour to be connected; at the same time, Mrs + Kenwigs’s is—I should say,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, abruptly, and raising + his voice as he spoke, ‘that my children might come into a matter of a + hundred pound apiece, perhaps. Perhaps more, but certainly that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a very pretty little fortune,’ said the married lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘There are some relations of Mrs. Kenwigs’s,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, taking a + pinch of snuff from the doctor’s box, and then sneezing very hard, for he + wasn’t used to it, ‘that might leave their hundred pound apiece to ten + people, and yet not go begging when they had done it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! I know who you mean,’ observed the married lady, nodding her head. + </p> + <p> + ‘I made mention of no names, and I wish to make mention of no names,’ said + Mr. Kenwigs, with a portentous look. ‘Many of my friends have met a + relation of Mrs. Kenwigs’s in this very room, as would do honour to any + company; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve met him,’ said the married lady, with a glance towards Dr Lumbey. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s naterally very gratifying to my feelings as a father, to see such a + man as that, a kissing and taking notice of my children,’ pursued Mr + Kenwigs. ‘It’s naterally very gratifying to my feelings as a man, to know + that man. It will be naterally very gratifying to my feelings as a + husband, to make that man acquainted with this ewent.’ + </p> + <p> + Having delivered his sentiments in this form of words, Mr. Kenwigs arranged + his second daughter’s flaxen tail, and bade her be a good girl and mind + what her sister, Morleena, said. + </p> + <p> + ‘That girl grows more like her mother every day,’ said Mr. Lumbey, suddenly + stricken with an enthusiastic admiration of Morleena. + </p> + <p> + ‘There!’ rejoined the married lady. ‘What I always say; what I always did + say! She’s the very picter of her.’ Having thus directed the general + attention to the young lady in question, the married lady embraced the + opportunity of taking another sip of the brandy-and-water—and a + pretty long sip too. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes! there is a likeness,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, after some reflection. ‘But + such a woman as Mrs. Kenwigs was, afore she was married! Good gracious, + such a woman!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Lumbey shook his head with great solemnity, as though to imply that he + supposed she must have been rather a dazzler. + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk of fairies!’ cried Mr. Kenwigs ‘I never see anybody so light to be + alive, never. Such manners too; so playful, and yet so sewerely proper! As + for her figure! It isn’t generally known,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, dropping his + voice; ‘but her figure was such, at that time, that the sign of the + Britannia, over in the Holloway Road, was painted from it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But only see what it is now,’ urged the married lady. ‘Does <i>she </i>look like + the mother of six?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite ridiculous,’ cried the doctor. + </p> + <p> + ‘She looks a deal more like her own daughter,’ said the married lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘So she does,’ assented Mr. Lumbey. ‘A great deal more.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs was about to make some further observations, most probably in + confirmation of this opinion, when another married lady, who had looked in + to keep up Mrs. Kenwigs’s spirits, and help to clear off anything in the + eating and drinking way that might be going about, put in her head to + announce that she had just been down to answer the bell, and that there + was a gentleman at the door who wanted to see Mr. Kenwigs ‘most + particular.’ + </p> + <p> + Shadowy visions of his distinguished relation flitted through the brain of + Mr. Kenwigs, as this message was delivered; and under their influence, he + dispatched Morleena to show the gentleman up straightway. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I do declare,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, standing opposite the door so as to + get the earliest glimpse of the visitor, as he came upstairs, ‘it’s Mr + Johnson! How do you find yourself, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas shook hands, kissed his old pupils all round, intrusted a large + parcel of toys to the guardianship of Morleena, bowed to the doctor and + the married ladies, and inquired after Mrs. Kenwigs in a tone of interest, + which went to the very heart and soul of the nurse, who had come in to + warm some mysterious compound, in a little saucepan over the fire. + </p> + <p> + ‘I ought to make a hundred apologies to you for calling at such a season,’ + said Nicholas, ‘but I was not aware of it until I had rung the bell, and + my time is so fully occupied now, that I feared it might be some days + before I could possibly come again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No time like the present, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs. ‘The sitiwation of Mrs + Kenwigs, sir, is no obstacle to a little conversation between you and me, + I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are very good,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + At this juncture, proclamation was made by another married lady, that the + baby had begun to eat like anything; whereupon the two married ladies, + already mentioned, rushed tumultuously into the bedroom to behold him in + the act. + </p> + <p> + ‘The fact is,’ resumed Nicholas, ‘that before I left the country, where I + have been for some time past, I undertook to deliver a message to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay?’ said Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I have been,’ added Nicholas, ‘already in town for some days, without + having had an opportunity of doing so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s no matter, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs. ‘I dare say it’s none the worse + for keeping cold. Message from the country!’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ruminating; + ‘that’s curious. I don’t know anybody in the country.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Petowker,’ suggested Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! from her, is it?’ said Mr. Kenwigs. ‘Oh dear, yes. Ah! Mrs. Kenwigs + will be glad to hear from her. Henrietta Petowker, eh? How odd things come + about, now! That you should have met her in the country! Well!’ + </p> + <p> + Hearing this mention of their old friend’s name, the four Miss Kenwigses + gathered round Nicholas, open eyed and mouthed, to hear more. Mr. Kenwigs + looked a little curious too, but quite comfortable and unsuspecting. + </p> + <p> + ‘The message relates to family matters,’ said Nicholas, hesitating. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, never mind,’ said Kenwigs, glancing at Mr. Lumbey, who, having rashly + taken charge of little Lillyvick, found nobody disposed to relieve him of + his precious burden. ‘All friends here.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas hemmed once or twice, and seemed to have some difficulty in + proceeding. + </p> + <p> + ‘At Portsmouth, Henrietta Petowker is,’ observed Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Nicholas, ‘Mr. Lillyvick is there.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs turned pale, but he recovered, and said, <i>that </i>was an odd + coincidence also. + </p> + <p> + ‘The message is from him,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs appeared to revive. He knew that his niece was in a delicate + state, and had, no doubt, sent word that they were to forward full + particulars. Yes. That was very kind of him; so like him too! + </p> + <p> + ‘He desired me to give his kindest love,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very much obliged to him, I’m sure. Your great-uncle, Lillyvick, my + dears!’ interposed Mr. Kenwigs, condescendingly explaining it to the + children. + </p> + <p> + ‘His kindest love,’ resumed Nicholas; ‘and to say that he had no time to + write, but that he was married to Miss Petowker.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs started from his seat with a petrified stare, caught his second + daughter by her flaxen tail, and covered his face with his + pocket-handkerchief. Morleena fell, all stiff and rigid, into the baby’s + chair, as she had seen her mother fall when she fainted away, and the two + remaining little Kenwigses shrieked in affright. + </p> + <p> + ‘My children, my defrauded, swindled infants!’ cried Mr. Kenwigs, pulling + so hard, in his vehemence, at the flaxen tail of his second daughter, that + he lifted her up on tiptoe, and kept her, for some seconds, in that + attitude. ‘Villain, ass, traitor!’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0491m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0491m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0491.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Drat the man!’ cried the nurse, looking angrily around. ‘What does he + mean by making that noise here?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Silence, woman!’ said Mr. Kenwigs, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t be silent,’ returned the nurse. ‘Be silent yourself, you wretch. + Have you no regard for your baby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ returned Mr. Kenwigs. + </p> + <p> + ‘More shame for you,’ retorted the nurse. ‘Ugh! you unnatural monster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let him die,’ cried Mr. Kenwigs, in the torrent of his wrath. ‘Let him + die! He has no expectations, no property to come into. We want no babies + here,’ said Mr. Kenwigs recklessly. ‘Take ‘em away, take ‘em away to the + Fondling!’ + </p> + <p> + With these awful remarks, Mr. Kenwigs sat himself down in a chair, and + defied the nurse, who made the best of her way into the adjoining room, + and returned with a stream of matrons: declaring that Mr. Kenwigs had + spoken blasphemy against his family, and must be raving mad. + </p> + <p> + Appearances were certainly not in Mr. Kenwigs’s favour, for the exertion of + speaking with so much vehemence, and yet in such a tone as should prevent + his lamentations reaching the ears of Mrs. Kenwigs, had made him very black + in the face; besides which, the excitement of the occasion, and an + unwonted indulgence in various strong cordials to celebrate it, had + swollen and dilated his features to a most unusual extent. But, Nicholas + and the doctor—who had been passive at first, doubting very much + whether Mr. Kenwigs could be in earnest—interfering to explain the + immediate cause of his condition, the indignation of the matrons was + changed to pity, and they implored him, with much feeling, to go quietly + to bed. + </p> + <p> + ‘The attention,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, looking around with a plaintive air, + ‘the attention that I’ve shown to that man! The hyseters he has eat, and + the pints of ale he has drank, in this house—!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very trying, and very hard to bear, we know,’ said one of the + married ladies; ‘but think of your dear darling wife.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, and what she’s been a undergoing of, only this day,’ cried a + great many voices. ‘There’s a good man, do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The presents that have been made to him,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, reverting to + his calamity, ‘the pipes, the snuff-boxes—a pair of india-rubber + goloshes, that cost six-and-six—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it won’t bear thinking of, indeed,’ cried the matrons generally; ‘but + it’ll all come home to him, never fear.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Kenwigs looked darkly upon the ladies, as if he would prefer its all + coming home to <i>him</i>, as there was nothing to be got by it; but he said + nothing, and resting his head upon his hand, subsided into a kind of doze. + </p> + <p> + Then, the matrons again expatiated on the expediency of taking the good + gentleman to bed; observing that he would be better tomorrow, and that + they knew what was the wear and tear of some men’s minds when their wives + were taken as Mrs. Kenwigs had been that day, and that it did him great + credit, and there was nothing to be ashamed of in it; far from it; they + liked to see it, they did, for it showed a good heart. And one lady + observed, as a case bearing upon the present, that her husband was often + quite light-headed from anxiety on similar occasions, and that once, when + her little Johnny was born, it was nearly a week before he came to himself + again, during the whole of which time he did nothing but cry ‘Is it a boy, + is it a boy?’ in a manner which went to the hearts of all his hearers. + </p> + <p> + At length, Morleena (who quite forgot she had fainted, when she found she + was not noticed) announced that a chamber was ready for her afflicted + parent; and Mr. Kenwigs, having partially smothered his four daughters in + the closeness of his embrace, accepted the doctor’s arm on one side, and + the support of Nicholas on the other, and was conducted upstairs to a + bedroom which been secured for the occasion. + </p> + <p> + Having seen him sound asleep, and heard him snore most satisfactorily, and + having further presided over the distribution of the toys, to the perfect + contentment of all the little Kenwigses, Nicholas took his leave. The + matrons dropped off one by one, with the exception of six or eight + particular friends, who had determined to stop all night; the lights in + the houses gradually disappeared; the last bulletin was issued that Mrs + Kenwigs was as well as could be expected; and the whole family were left + to their repose. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 37 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas finds further Favour in the Eyes of the brothers Cheeryble and Mr + Timothy Linkinwater. The brothers give a Banquet on a great Annual + Occasion. Nicholas, on returning Home from it, receives a mysterious and + important Disclosure from the Lips of Mrs. Nickleby</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The square in which the counting-house of the brothers Cheeryble was + situated, although it might not wholly realise the very sanguine + expectations which a stranger would be disposed to form on hearing the + fervent encomiums bestowed upon it by Tim Linkinwater, was, nevertheless, + a sufficiently desirable nook in the heart of a busy town like London, and + one which occupied a high place in the affectionate remembrances of + several grave persons domiciled in the neighbourhood, whose recollections, + however, dated from a much more recent period, and whose attachment to the + spot was far less absorbing, than were the recollections and attachment of + the enthusiastic Tim. + </p> + <p> + And let not those whose eyes have been accustomed to the aristocratic + gravity of Grosvenor Square and Hanover Square, the dowager barrenness and + frigidity of Fitzroy Square, or the gravel walks and garden seats of the + Squares of Russell and Euston, suppose that the affections of Tim + Linkinwater, or the inferior lovers of this particular locality, had been + awakened and kept alive by any refreshing associations with leaves, + however dingy, or grass, however bare and thin. The city square has no + enclosure, save the lamp-post in the middle: and no grass, but the weeds + which spring up round its base. It is a quiet, little-frequented, retired + spot, favourable to melancholy and contemplation, and appointments of + long-waiting; and up and down its every side the Appointed saunters idly + by the hour together wakening the echoes with the monotonous sound of his + footsteps on the smooth worn stones, and counting, first the windows, and + then the very bricks of the tall silent houses that hem him round about. + In winter-time, the snow will linger there, long after it has melted from + the busy streets and highways. The summer’s sun holds it in some respect, + and while he darts his cheerful rays sparingly into the square, keeps his + fiery heat and glare for noisier and less-imposing precincts. It is so + quiet, that you can almost hear the ticking of your own watch when you + stop to cool in its refreshing atmosphere. There is a distant hum—of + coaches, not of insects—but no other sound disturbs the stillness of + the square. The ticket porter leans idly against the post at the corner: + comfortably warm, but not hot, although the day is broiling. His white + apron flaps languidly in the air, his head gradually droops upon his + breast, he takes very long winks with both eyes at once; even he is unable + to withstand the soporific influence of the place, and is gradually + falling asleep. But now, he starts into full wakefulness, recoils a step + or two, and gazes out before him with eager wildness in his eye. Is it a + job, or a boy at marbles? Does he see a ghost, or hear an organ? No; sight + more unwonted still—there is a butterfly in the square—a real, + live butterfly! astray from flowers and sweets, and fluttering among the + iron heads of the dusty area railings. + </p> + <p> + But if there were not many matters immediately without the doors of + Cheeryble Brothers, to engage the attention or distract the thoughts of + the young clerk, there were not a few within, to interest and amuse him. + There was scarcely an object in the place, animate or inanimate, which did + not partake in some degree of the scrupulous method and punctuality of Mr + Timothy Linkinwater. Punctual as the counting-house dial, which he + maintained to be the best time-keeper in London next after the clock of + some old, hidden, unknown church hard by, (for Tim held the fabled + goodness of that at the Horse Guards to be a pleasant fiction, invented by + jealous West-enders,) the old clerk performed the minutest actions of the + day, and arranged the minutest articles in the little room, in a precise + and regular order, which could not have been exceeded if it had actually + been a real glass case, fitted with the choicest curiosities. Paper, pens, + ink, ruler, sealing-wax, wafers, pounce-box, string-box, fire-box, Tim’s + hat, Tim’s scrupulously-folded gloves, Tim’s other coat—looking + precisely like a back view of himself as it hung against the wall—all + had their accustomed inches of space. Except the clock, there was not such + an accurate and unimpeachable instrument in existence as the little + thermometer which hung behind the door. There was not a bird of such + methodical and business-like habits in all the world, as the blind + blackbird, who dreamed and dozed away his days in a large snug cage, and + had lost his voice, from old age, years before Tim first bought him. There + was not such an eventful story in the whole range of anecdote, as Tim + could tell concerning the acquisition of that very bird; how, + compassionating his starved and suffering condition, he had purchased him, + with the view of humanely terminating his wretched life; how he determined + to wait three days and see whether the bird revived; how, before half the + time was out, the bird did revive; and how he went on reviving and picking + up his appetite and good looks until he gradually became what—‘what + you see him now, sir,’—Tim would say, glancing proudly at the cage. + And with that, Tim would utter a melodious chirrup, and cry ‘Dick;’ and + Dick, who, for any sign of life he had previously given, might have been a + wooden or stuffed representation of a blackbird indifferently executed, + would come to the side of the cage in three small jumps, and, thrusting + his bill between the bars, turn his sightless head towards his old master—and + at that moment it would be very difficult to determine which of the two + was the happier, the bird or Tim Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all. Everything gave back, besides, some reflection of the + kindly spirit of the brothers. The warehousemen and porters were such + sturdy, jolly fellows, that it was a treat to see them. Among the shipping + announcements and steam-packet lists which decorated the counting-house + wall, were designs for almshouses, statements of charities, and plans for + new hospitals. A blunderbuss and two swords hung above the chimney-piece, + for the terror of evil-doers, but the blunderbuss was rusty and shattered, + and the swords were broken and edgeless. Elsewhere, their open display in + such a condition would have realised a smile; but, there, it seemed as + though even violent and offensive weapons partook of the reigning + influence, and became emblems of mercy and forbearance. + </p> + <p> + Such thoughts as these occurred to Nicholas very strongly, on the morning + when he first took possession of the vacant stool, and looked about him, + more freely and at ease, than he had before enjoyed an opportunity of + doing. Perhaps they encouraged and stimulated him to exertion, for, during + the next two weeks, all his spare hours, late at night and early in the + morning, were incessantly devoted to acquiring the mysteries of + book-keeping and some other forms of mercantile account. To these, he + applied himself with such steadiness and perseverance that, although he + brought no greater amount of previous knowledge to the subject than + certain dim recollections of two or three very long sums entered into a + ciphering-book at school, and relieved for parental inspection by the + effigy of a fat swan tastefully flourished by the writing-master’s own + hand, he found himself, at the end of a fortnight, in a condition to + report his proficiency to Mr. Linkinwater, and to claim his promise that + he, Nicholas Nickleby, should now be allowed to assist him in his graver + labours. + </p> + <p> + It was a sight to behold Tim Linkinwater slowly bring out a massive ledger + and day-book, and, after turning them over and over, and affectionately + dusting their backs and sides, open the leaves here and there, and cast + his eyes, half mournfully, half proudly, upon the fair and unblotted + entries. + </p> + <p> + ‘Four-and-forty year, next May!’ said Tim. ‘Many new ledgers since then. + Four-and-forty year!’ + </p> + <p> + Tim closed the book again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come,’ said Nicholas, ‘I am all impatience to begin.’ + </p> + <p> + Tim Linkinwater shook his head with an air of mild reproof. Mr. Nickleby + was not sufficiently impressed with the deep and awful nature of his + undertaking. Suppose there should be any mistake—any scratching out! + </p> + <p> + Young men are adventurous. It is extraordinary what they will rush upon, + sometimes. Without even taking the precaution of sitting himself down upon + his stool, but standing leisurely at the desk, and with a smile upon his + face—actually a smile—there was no mistake about it; Mr + Linkinwater often mentioned it afterwards—Nicholas dipped his pen + into the inkstand before him, and plunged into the books of Cheeryble + Brothers! + </p> + <p> + Tim Linkinwater turned pale, and tilting up his stool on the two legs + nearest Nicholas, looked over his shoulder in breathless anxiety. Brother + Charles and brother Ned entered the counting-house together; but Tim + Linkinwater, without looking round, impatiently waved his hand as a + caution that profound silence must be observed, and followed the nib of + the inexperienced pen with strained and eager eyes. + </p> + <p> + The brothers looked on with smiling faces, but Tim Linkinwater smiled not, + nor moved for some minutes. At length, he drew a long slow breath, and + still maintaining his position on the tilted stool, glanced at brother + Charles, secretly pointed with the feather of his pen towards Nicholas, + and nodded his head in a grave and resolute manner, plainly signifying + ‘He’ll do.’ + </p> + <p> + Brother Charles nodded again, and exchanged a laughing look with brother + Ned; but, just then, Nicholas stopped to refer to some other page, and Tim + Linkinwater, unable to contain his satisfaction any longer, descended from + his stool, and caught him rapturously by the hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘He has done it!’ said Tim, looking round at his employers and shaking his + head triumphantly. ‘His capital B’s and D’s are exactly like mine; he dots + all his small i’s and crosses every t as he writes it. There an’t such a + young man as this in all London,’ said Tim, clapping Nicholas on the back; + ‘not one. Don’t tell me! The city can’t produce his equal. I challenge the + city to do it!’ + </p> + <p> + With this casting down of his gauntlet, Tim Linkinwater struck the desk + such a blow with his clenched fist, that the old blackbird tumbled off his + perch with the start it gave him, and actually uttered a feeble croak, in + the extremity of his astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well said, Tim—well said, Tim Linkinwater!’ cried brother Charles, + scarcely less pleased than Tim himself, and clapping his hands gently as + he spoke. ‘I knew our young friend would take great pains, and I was quite + certain he would succeed, in no time. Didn’t I say so, brother Ned?’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0497m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0497m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0497.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘You did, my dear brother; certainly, my dear brother, you said so, and + you were quite right,’ replied Ned. ‘Quite right. Tim Linkinwater is + excited, but he is justly excited, properly excited. Tim is a fine fellow. + Tim Linkinwater, sir—you’re a fine fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a pleasant thing to think of!’ said Tim, wholly regardless of this + address to himself, and raising his spectacles from the ledger to the + brothers. ‘Here’s a pleasant thing. Do you suppose I haven’t often thought + of what would become of these books when I was gone? Do you suppose I + haven’t often thought that things might go on irregular and untidy here, + after I was taken away? But now,’ said Tim, extending his forefinger + towards Nicholas, ‘now, when I’ve shown him a little more, I’m satisfied. + The business will go on, when I’m dead, as well as it did when I was alive—just + the same—and I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that there + never were such books—never were such books! No, nor never will be + such books—as the books of Cheeryble Brothers.’ + </p> + <p> + Having thus expressed his sentiments, Mr. Linkinwater gave vent to a short + laugh, indicative of defiance to the cities of London and Westminster, + and, turning again to his desk, quietly carried seventy-six from the last + column he had added up, and went on with his work. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tim Linkinwater, sir,’ said brother Charles; ‘give me your hand, sir. + This is your birthday. How dare you talk about anything else till you have + been wished many happy returns of the day, Tim Linkinwater? God bless you, + Tim! God bless you!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear brother,’ said the other, seizing Tim’s disengaged fist, ‘Tim + Linkinwater looks ten years younger than he did on his last birthday.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Ned, my dear boy,’ returned the other old fellow, ‘I believe that + Tim Linkinwater was born a hundred and fifty years old, and is gradually + coming down to five-and-twenty; for he’s younger every birthday than he + was the year before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So he is, brother Charles, so he is,’ replied brother Ned. ‘There’s not a + doubt about it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Remember, Tim,’ said brother Charles, ‘that we dine at half-past five + today instead of two o’clock; we always depart from our usual custom on + this anniversary, as you very well know, Tim Linkinwater. Mr. Nickleby, my + dear sir, you will make one. Tim Linkinwater, give me your snuff-box as a + remembrance to brother Charles and myself of an attached and faithful + rascal, and take that, in exchange, as a feeble mark of our respect and + esteem, and don’t open it until you go to bed, and never say another word + upon the subject, or I’ll kill the blackbird. A dog! He should have had a + golden cage half-a-dozen years ago, if it would have made him or his + master a bit the happier. Now, brother Ned, my dear fellow, I’m ready. At + half-past five, remember, Mr. Nickleby! Tim Linkinwater, sir, take care of + Mr. Nickleby at half-past five. Now, brother Ned.’ + </p> + <p> + Chattering away thus, according to custom, to prevent the possibility of + any thanks or acknowledgment being expressed on the other side, the twins + trotted off, arm-in-arm; having endowed Tim Linkinwater with a costly gold + snuff-box, enclosing a bank note worth more than its value ten times told. + </p> + <p> + At a quarter past five o’clock, punctual to the minute, arrived, according + to annual usage, Tim Linkinwater’s sister; and a great to-do there was, + between Tim Linkinwater’s sister and the old housekeeper, respecting Tim + Linkinwater’s sister’s cap, which had been dispatched, per boy, from the + house of the family where Tim Linkinwater’s sister boarded, and had not + yet come to hand: notwithstanding that it had been packed up in a bandbox, + and the bandbox in a handkerchief, and the handkerchief tied on to the + boy’s arm; and notwithstanding, too, that the place of its consignment had + been duly set forth, at full length, on the back of an old letter, and the + boy enjoined, under pain of divers horrible penalties, the full extent of + which the eye of man could not foresee, to deliver the same with all + possible speed, and not to loiter by the way. Tim Linkinwater’s sister + lamented; the housekeeper condoled; and both kept thrusting their heads + out of the second-floor window to see if the boy was ‘coming’—which + would have been highly satisfactory, and, upon the whole, tantamount to + his being come, as the distance to the corner was not quite five yards—when, + all of a sudden, and when he was least expected, the messenger, carrying + the bandbox with elaborate caution, appeared in an exactly opposite + direction, puffing and panting for breath, and flushed with recent + exercise; as well he might be; for he had taken the air, in the first + instance, behind a hackney coach that went to Camberwell, and had followed + two Punches afterwards and had seen the Stilts home to their own door. The + cap was all safe, however—that was one comfort—and it was no + use scolding him—that was another; so the boy went upon his way + rejoicing, and Tim Linkinwater’s sister presented herself to the company + below-stairs, just five minutes after the half-hour had struck by Tim + Linkinwater’s own infallible clock. + </p> + <p> + The company consisted of the brothers Cheeryble, Tim Linkinwater, a + ruddy-faced white-headed friend of Tim’s (who was a superannuated bank + clerk), and Nicholas, who was presented to Tim Linkinwater’s sister with + much gravity and solemnity. The party being now completed, brother Ned + rang for dinner, and, dinner being shortly afterwards announced, led Tim + Linkinwater’s sister into the next room, where it was set forth with great + preparation. Then, brother Ned took the head of the table, and brother + Charles the foot; and Tim Linkinwater’s sister sat on the left hand of + brother Ned, and Tim Linkinwater himself on his right: and an ancient + butler of apoplectic appearance, and with very short legs, took up his + position at the back of brother Ned’s armchair, and, waving his right arm + preparatory to taking off the covers with a flourish, stood bolt upright + and motionless. + </p> + <p> + ‘For these and all other blessings, brother Charles,’ said Ned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, make us truly thankful, brother Ned,’ said Charles. + </p> + <p> + Whereupon the apoplectic butler whisked off the top of the soup tureen, + and shot, all at once, into a state of violent activity. + </p> + <p> + There was abundance of conversation, and little fear of its ever flagging, + for the good-humour of the glorious old twins drew everybody out, and Tim + Linkinwater’s sister went off into a long and circumstantial account of + Tim Linkinwater’s infancy, immediately after the very first glass of + champagne—taking care to premise that she was very much Tim’s + junior, and had only become acquainted with the facts from their being + preserved and handed down in the family. This history concluded, brother + Ned related how that, exactly thirty-five years ago, Tim Linkinwater was + suspected to have received a love-letter, and how that vague information + had been brought to the counting-house of his having been seen walking + down Cheapside with an uncommonly handsome spinster; at which there was a + roar of laughter, and Tim Linkinwater being charged with blushing, and + called upon to explain, denied that the accusation was true; and further, + that there would have been any harm in it if it had been; which last + position occasioned the superannuated bank clerk to laugh tremendously, + and to declare that it was the very best thing he had ever heard in his + life, and that Tim Linkinwater might say a great many things before he + said anything which would beat <i>that</i>. + </p> + <p> + There was one little ceremony peculiar to the day, both the matter and + manner of which made a very strong impression upon Nicholas. The cloth + having been removed and the decanters sent round for the first time, a + profound silence succeeded, and in the cheerful faces of the brothers + there appeared an expression, not of absolute melancholy, but of quiet + thoughtfulness very unusual at a festive table. As Nicholas, struck by + this sudden alteration, was wondering what it could portend, the brothers + rose together, and the one at the top of the table leaning forward towards + the other, and speaking in a low voice as if he were addressing him + individually, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Charles, my dear fellow, there is another association connected + with this day which must never be forgotten, and never can be forgotten, + by you and me. This day, which brought into the world a most faithful and + excellent and exemplary fellow, took from it the kindest and very best of + parents, the very best of parents to us both. I wish that she could have + seen us in our prosperity, and shared it, and had the happiness of knowing + how dearly we loved her in it, as we did when we were two poor boys; but + that was not to be. My dear brother—The Memory of our Mother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good Lord!’ thought Nicholas, ‘and there are scores of people of their + own station, knowing all this, and twenty thousand times more, who + wouldn’t ask these men to dinner because they eat with their knives and + never went to school!’ + </p> + <p> + But there was no time to moralise, for the joviality again became very + brisk, and the decanter of port being nearly out, brother Ned pulled the + bell, which was instantly answered by the apoplectic butler. + </p> + <p> + ‘David,’ said brother Ned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir,’ replied the butler. + </p> + <p> + ‘A magnum of the double-diamond, David, to drink the health of Mr + Linkinwater.’ + </p> + <p> + Instantly, by a feat of dexterity, which was the admiration of all the + company, and had been, annually, for some years past, the apoplectic + butler, bringing his left hand from behind the small of his back, produced + the bottle with the corkscrew already inserted; uncorked it at a jerk; and + placed the magnum and the cork before his master with the dignity of + conscious cleverness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ said brother Ned, first examining the cork and afterwards filling + his glass, while the old butler looked complacently and amiably on, as if + it were all his own property, but the company were quite welcome to make + free with it, ‘this looks well, David.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It ought to, sir,’ replied David. ‘You’d be troubled to find such a glass + of wine as is our double-diamond, and that Mr. Linkinwater knows very well. + That was laid down when Mr. Linkinwater first come: that wine was, + gentlemen.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay, David, nay,’ interposed brother Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wrote the entry in the cellar-book myself, sir, if you please,’ said + David, in the tone of a man, quite confident in the strength of his facts. + ‘Mr. Linkinwater had only been here twenty year, sir, when that pipe of + double-diamond was laid down.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘David is quite right, quite right, brother Charles,’ said Ned: ‘are the + people here, David?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Outside the door, sir,’ replied the butler. + </p> + <p> + ‘Show ‘em in, David, show ‘em in.’ + </p> + <p> + At this bidding, the older butler placed before his master a small tray of + clean glasses, and opening the door admitted the jolly porters and + warehousemen whom Nicholas had seen below. They were four in all, and as + they came in, bowing, and grinning, and blushing, the housekeeper, and + cook, and housemaid, brought up the rear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Seven,’ said brother Ned, filling a corresponding number of glasses with + the double-diamond, ‘and David, eight. There! Now, you’re all of you to + drink the health of your best friend Mr. Timothy Linkinwater, and wish him + health and long life and many happy returns of this day, both for his own + sake and that of your old masters, who consider him an inestimable + treasure. Tim Linkinwater, sir, your health. Devil take you, Tim + Linkinwater, sir, God bless you.’ + </p> + <p> + With this singular contradiction of terms, brother Ned gave Tim + Linkinwater a slap on the back, which made him look, for the moment, + almost as apoplectic as the butler: and tossed off the contents of his + glass in a twinkling. + </p> + <p> + The toast was scarcely drunk with all honour to Tim Linkinwater, when the + sturdiest and jolliest subordinate elbowed himself a little in advance of + his fellows, and exhibiting a very hot and flushed countenance, pulled a + single lock of grey hair in the middle of his forehead as a respectful + salute to the company, and delivered himself as follows—rubbing the + palms of his hands very hard on a blue cotton handkerchief as he did so: + </p> + <p> + ‘We’re allowed to take a liberty once a year, gen’lemen, and if you please + we’ll take it now; there being no time like the present, and no two birds + in the hand worth one in the bush, as is well known—leastways in a + contrairy sense, which the meaning is the same. (A pause—the butler + unconvinced.) What we mean to say is, that there never was (looking at the + butler)—such—(looking at the cook) noble—excellent—(looking + everywhere and seeing nobody) free, generous-spirited masters as them as + has treated us so handsome this day. And here’s thanking of ‘em for all + their goodness as is so constancy a diffusing of itself over everywhere, + and wishing they may live long and die happy!’ + </p> + <p> + When the foregoing speech was over—and it might have been much more + elegant and much less to the purpose—the whole body of subordinates + under command of the apoplectic butler gave three soft cheers; which, to + that gentleman’s great indignation, were not very regular, inasmuch as the + women persisted in giving an immense number of little shrill hurrahs among + themselves, in utter disregard of the time. This done, they withdrew; + shortly afterwards, Tim Linkinwater’s sister withdrew; in reasonable time + after that, the sitting was broken up for tea and coffee, and a round game + of cards. + </p> + <p> + At half-past ten—late hours for the square—there appeared a + little tray of sandwiches and a bowl of bishop, which bishop coming on the + top of the double-diamond, and other excitements, had such an effect upon + Tim Linkinwater, that he drew Nicholas aside, and gave him to understand, + confidentially, that it was quite true about the uncommonly handsome + spinster, and that she was to the full as good-looking as she had been + described—more so, indeed—but that she was in too much of a + hurry to change her condition, and consequently, while Tim was courting + her and thinking of changing his, got married to somebody else. ‘After + all, I dare say it was my fault,’ said Tim. ‘I’ll show you a print I have + got upstairs, one of these days. It cost me five-and-twenty shillings. I + bought it soon after we were cool to each other. Don’t mention it, but + it’s the most extraordinary accidental likeness you ever saw—her + very portrait, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + By this time it was past eleven o’clock; and Tim Linkinwater’s sister + declaring that she ought to have been at home a full hour ago, a coach was + procured, into which she was handed with great ceremony by brother Ned, + while brother Charles imparted the fullest directions to the coachman, and + besides paying the man a shilling over and above his fare, in order that + he might take the utmost care of the lady, all but choked him with a glass + of spirits of uncommon strength, and then nearly knocked all the breath + out of his body in his energetic endeavours to knock it in again. + </p> + <p> + At length the coach rumbled off, and Tim Linkinwater’s sister being now + fairly on her way home, Nicholas and Tim Linkinwater’s friend took their + leaves together, and left old Tim and the worthy brothers to their repose. + </p> + <p> + As Nicholas had some distance to walk, it was considerably past midnight + by the time he reached home, where he found his mother and Smike sitting + up to receive him. It was long after their usual hour of retiring, and + they had expected him, at the very latest, two hours ago; but the time had + not hung heavily on their hands, for Mrs. Nickleby had entertained Smike + with a genealogical account of her family by the mother’s side, comprising + biographical sketches of the principal members, and Smike had sat + wondering what it was all about, and whether it was learnt from a book, or + said out of Mrs. Nickleby’s own head; so that they got on together very + pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could not go to bed without expatiating on the excellences and + munificence of the brothers Cheeryble, and relating the great success + which had attended his efforts that day. But before he had said a dozen + words, Mrs. Nickleby, with many sly winks and nods, observed, that she was + sure Mr. Smike must be quite tired out, and that she positively must insist + on his not sitting up a minute longer. + </p> + <p> + ‘A most biddable creature he is, to be sure,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, when + Smike had wished them good-night and left the room. ‘I know you’ll excuse + me, Nicholas, my dear, but I don’t like to do this before a third person; + indeed, before a young man it would not be quite proper, though really, + after all, I don’t know what harm there is in it, except that to be sure + it’s not a very becoming thing, though some people say it is very much so, + and really I don’t know why it should not be, if it’s well got up, and the + borders are small-plaited; of course, a good deal depends upon that.’ + </p> + <p> + With which preface, Mrs. Nickleby took her nightcap from between the leaves + of a very large prayer-book where it had been folded up small, and + proceeded to tie it on: talking away in her usual discursive manner, all + the time. + </p> + <p> + ‘People may say what they like,’ observed Mrs. Nickleby, ‘but there’s a + great deal of comfort in a nightcap, as I’m sure you would confess, + Nicholas my dear, if you would only have strings to yours, and wear it + like a Christian, instead of sticking it upon the very top of your head + like a blue-coat boy. You needn’t think it an unmanly or quizzical thing + to be particular about your nightcap, for I have often heard your poor + dear papa, and the Reverend Mr. What’s-his-name, who used to read prayers + in that old church with the curious little steeple that the weathercock + was blown off the night week before you were born,—I have often + heard them say, that the young men at college are uncommonly particular + about their nightcaps, and that the Oxford nightcaps are quite celebrated + for their strength and goodness; so much so, indeed, that the young men + never dream of going to bed without ‘em, and I believe it’s admitted on + all hands that <i>they </i>know what’s good, and don’t coddle themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas laughed, and entering no further into the subject of this + lengthened harangue, reverted to the pleasant tone of the little birthday + party. And as Mrs. Nickleby instantly became very curious respecting it, + and made a great number of inquiries touching what they had had for + dinner, and how it was put on table, and whether it was overdone or + underdone, and who was there, and what ‘the Mr. Cherrybles’ said, and what + Nicholas said, and what the Mr. Cherrybles said when he said that; Nicholas + described the festivities at full length, and also the occurrences of the + morning. + </p> + <p> + ‘Late as it is,’ said Nicholas, ‘I am almost selfish enough to wish that + Kate had been up to hear all this. I was all impatience, as I came along, + to tell her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, putting her feet upon the fender, and + drawing her chair close to it, as if settling herself for a long talk. + ‘Kate has been in bed—oh! a couple of hours—and I’m very glad, + Nicholas my dear, that I prevailed upon her not to sit up, for I wished + very much to have an opportunity of saying a few words to you. I am + naturally anxious about it, and of course it’s a very delightful and + consoling thing to have a grown-up son that one can put confidence in, and + advise with; indeed I don’t know any use there would be in having sons at + all, unless people could put confidence in them.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas stopped in the middle of a sleepy yawn, as his mother began to + speak: and looked at her with fixed attention. + </p> + <p> + ‘There was a lady in our neighbourhood,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘speaking of + sons puts me in mind of it—a lady in our neighbourhood when we lived + near Dawlish, I think her name was Rogers; indeed I am sure it was if it + wasn’t Murphy, which is the only doubt I have—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it about her, mother, that you wished to speak to me?’ said Nicholas + quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘About <i>her</i>!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Good gracious, Nicholas, my dear, how + <i>can </i>you be so ridiculous! But that was always the way with your poor dear + papa,—just his way—always wandering, never able to fix his + thoughts on any one subject for two minutes together. I think I see him + now!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, wiping her eyes, ‘looking at me while I was + talking to him about his affairs, just as if his ideas were in a state of + perfect conglomeration! Anybody who had come in upon us suddenly, would + have supposed I was confusing and distracting him instead of making things + plainer; upon my word they would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry, mother, that I should inherit this unfortunate slowness + of apprehension,’ said Nicholas, kindly; ‘but I’ll do my best to + understand you, if you’ll only go straight on: indeed I will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your poor pa!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, pondering. ‘He never knew, till it was + too late, what I would have had him do!’ + </p> + <p> + This was undoubtedly the case, inasmuch as the deceased Mr. Nickleby had + not arrived at the knowledge when he died. Neither had Mrs. Nickleby + herself; which is, in some sort, an explanation of the circumstance. + </p> + <p> + ‘However,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, drying her tears, ‘this has nothing to do—certainly + nothing whatever to do—with the gentleman in the next house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should suppose that the gentleman in the next house has as little to do + with us,’ returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘There can be no doubt,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that he <i>is </i>a gentleman, and + has the manners of a gentleman, and the appearance of a gentleman, + although he does wear smalls and grey worsted stockings. That may be + eccentricity, or he may be proud of his legs. I don’t see why he shouldn’t + be. The Prince Regent was proud of his legs, and so was Daniel Lambert, + who was also a fat man; <i>he</i> was proud of his legs. So was Miss Biffin: she + was—no,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, correcting, herself, ‘I think she had + only toes, but the principle is the same.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas looked on, quite amazed at the introduction of this new theme. + Which seemed just what Mrs. Nickleby had expected him to be. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may well be surprised, Nicholas, my dear,’ she said, ‘I am sure I + was. It came upon me like a flash of fire, and almost froze my blood. The + bottom of his garden joins the bottom of ours, and of course I had several + times seen him sitting among the scarlet-beans in his little arbour, or + working at his little hot-beds. I used to think he stared rather, but I + didn’t take any particular notice of that, as we were newcomers, and he + might be curious to see what we were like. But when he began to throw his + cucumbers over our wall—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To throw his cucumbers over our wall!’ repeated Nicholas, in great + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, Nicholas, my dear,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby in a very serious tone; + ‘his cucumbers over our wall. And vegetable marrows likewise.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Confound his impudence!’ said Nicholas, firing immediately. ‘What does he + mean by that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think he means it impertinently at all,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ said Nicholas, ‘cucumbers and vegetable marrows flying at the + heads of the family as they walk in their own garden, and not meant + impertinently! Why, mother—’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas stopped short; for there was an indescribable expression of + placid triumph, mingled with a modest confusion, lingering between the + borders of Mrs. Nickleby’s nightcap, which arrested his attention suddenly. + </p> + <p> + ‘He must be a very weak, and foolish, and inconsiderate man,’ said Mrs + Nickleby; ‘blamable indeed—at least I suppose other people would + consider him so; of course I can’t be expected to express any opinion on + that point, especially after always defending your poor dear papa when + other people blamed him for making proposals to me; and to be sure there + can be no doubt that he has taken a very singular way of showing it. Still + at the same time, his attentions are—that is, as far as it goes, and + to a certain extent of course—a flattering sort of thing; and + although I should never dream of marrying again with a dear girl like Kate + still unsettled in life—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely, mother, such an idea never entered your brain for an instant?’ + said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my heart, Nicholas my dear,’ returned his mother in a peevish tone, + ‘isn’t that precisely what I am saying, if you would only let me speak? Of + course, I never gave it a second thought, and I am surprised and + astonished that you should suppose me capable of such a thing. All I say + is, what step is the best to take, so as to reject these advances civilly + and delicately, and without hurting his feelings too much, and driving him + to despair, or anything of that kind? My goodness me!’ exclaimed Mrs + Nickleby, with a half-simper, ‘suppose he was to go doing anything rash to + himself. Could I ever be happy again, Nicholas?’ + </p> + <p> + Despite his vexation and concern, Nicholas could scarcely help smiling, as + he rejoined, ‘Now, do you think, mother, that such a result would be + likely to ensue from the most cruel repulse?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, my dear, I don’t know,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby; ‘really, I + don’t know. I am sure there was a case in the day before yesterday’s + paper, extracted from one of the French newspapers, about a journeyman + shoemaker who was jealous of a young girl in an adjoining village, because + she wouldn’t shut herself up in an air-tight three-pair-of-stairs, and + charcoal herself to death with him; and who went and hid himself in a wood + with a sharp-pointed knife, and rushed out, as she was passing by with a + few friends, and killed himself first, and then all the friends, and then + her—no, killed all the friends first, and then herself, and then + <i>him</i>self—which it is quite frightful to think of. Somehow or other,’ + added Mrs. Nickleby, after a momentary pause, ‘they always <i>are </i>journeyman + shoemakers who do these things in France, according to the papers. I don’t + know how it is—something in the leather, I suppose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But this man, who is not a shoemaker—what has he done, mother, what + has he said?’ inquired Nicholas, fretted almost beyond endurance, but + looking nearly as resigned and patient as Mrs. Nickleby herself. ‘You know, + there is no language of vegetables, which converts a cucumber into a + formal declaration of attachment.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, tossing her head and looking at the ashes + in the grate, ‘he has done and said all sorts of things.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no mistake on your part?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mistake!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Lord, Nicholas my dear, do you suppose I + don’t know when a man’s in earnest?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well!’ muttered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Every time I go to the window,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘he kisses one hand, + and lays the other upon his heart—of course it’s very foolish of him + to do so, and I dare say you’ll say it’s very wrong, but he does it very + respectfully—very respectfully indeed—and very tenderly, + extremely tenderly. So far, he deserves the greatest credit; there can be + no doubt about that. Then, there are the presents which come pouring over + the wall every day, and very fine they certainly are, very fine; we had + one of the cucumbers at dinner yesterday, and think of pickling the rest + for next winter. And last evening,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, with increased + confusion, ‘he called gently over the wall, as I was walking in the + garden, and proposed marriage, and an elopement. His voice is as clear as + a bell or a musical glass—very like a musical glass indeed—but + of course I didn’t listen to it. Then, the question is, Nicholas my dear, + what am I to do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Does Kate know of this?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not said a word about it yet,’ answered his mother. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, for Heaven’s sake,’ rejoined Nicholas, rising, ‘do not, for it + would make her very unhappy. And with regard to what you should do, my + dear mother, do what your good sense and feeling, and respect for my + father’s memory, would prompt. There are a thousand ways in which you can + show your dislike of these preposterous and doting attentions. If you act + as decidedly as you ought and they are still continued, and to your + annoyance, I can speedily put a stop to them. But I should not interfere + in a matter so ridiculous, and attach importance to it, until you have + vindicated yourself. Most women can do that, but especially one of your + age and condition, in circumstances like these, which are unworthy of a + serious thought. I would not shame you by seeming to take them to heart, + or treat them earnestly for an instant. Absurd old idiot!’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Nicholas kissed his mother, and bade her good-night, and they + retired to their respective chambers. + </p> + <p> + To do Mrs. Nickleby justice, her attachment to her children would have + prevented her seriously contemplating a second marriage, even if she could + have so far conquered her recollections of her late husband as to have any + strong inclinations that way. But, although there was no evil and little + real selfishness in Mrs. Nickleby’s heart, she had a weak head and a vain + one; and there was something so flattering in being sought (and vainly + sought) in marriage at this time of day, that she could not dismiss the + passion of the unknown gentleman quite so summarily or lightly as Nicholas + appeared to deem becoming. + </p> + <p> + ‘As to its being preposterous, and doting, and ridiculous,’ thought Mrs + Nickleby, communing with herself in her own room, ‘I don’t see that, at + all. It’s hopeless on his part, certainly; but why he should be an absurd + old idiot, I confess I don’t see. He is not to be supposed to know it’s + hopeless. Poor fellow! He is to be pitied, I think!’ + </p> + <p> + Having made these reflections, Mrs. Nickleby looked in her little + dressing-glass, and walking backward a few steps from it, tried to + remember who it was who used to say that when Nicholas was one-and-twenty + he would have more the appearance of her brother than her son. Not being + able to call the authority to mind, she extinguished her candle, and drew + up the window-blind to admit the light of morning, which had, by this + time, begun to dawn. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a bad light to distinguish objects in,’ murmured Mrs. Nickleby, + peering into the garden, ‘and my eyes are not very good—I was + short-sighted from a child—but, upon my word, I think there’s + another large vegetable marrow sticking, at this moment, on the broken + glass bottles at the top of the wall!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 38 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span><i>omprises certain Particulars arising out of a Visit of Condolence, which + may prove important hereafter. Smike unexpectedly encounters a very old + Friend, who invites him to his House, and will take no Denial</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Quite unconscious of the demonstrations of their amorous neighbour, or + their effects upon the susceptible bosom of her mama, Kate Nickleby had, + by this time, begun to enjoy a settled feeling of tranquillity and + happiness, to which, even in occasional and transitory glimpses, she had + long been a stranger. Living under the same roof with the beloved brother + from whom she had been so suddenly and hardly separated: with a mind at + ease, and free from any persecutions which could call a blush into her + cheek, or a pang into her heart, she seemed to have passed into a new + state of being. Her former cheerfulness was restored, her step regained + its elasticity and lightness, the colour which had forsaken her cheek + visited it once again, and Kate Nickleby looked more beautiful than ever. + </p> + <p> + Such was the result to which Miss La Creevy’s ruminations and observations + led her, when the cottage had been, as she emphatically said, ‘thoroughly + got to rights, from the chimney-pots to the street-door scraper,’ and the + busy little woman had at length a moment’s time to think about its + inmates. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which I declare I haven’t had since I first came down here,’ said Miss La + Creevy; ‘for I have thought of nothing but hammers, nails, screwdrivers, + and gimlets, morning, noon, and night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You never bestowed one thought upon yourself, I believe,’ returned Kate, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, my dear, when there are so many pleasanter things to think + of, I should be a goose if I did,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘By-the-bye, I + <i>have </i>thought of somebody too. Do you know, that I observe a great change + in one of this family—a very extraordinary change?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In whom?’ asked Kate, anxiously. ‘Not in—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not in your brother, my dear,’ returned Miss La Creevy, anticipating the + close of the sentence, ‘for he is always the same affectionate + good-natured clever creature, with a spice of the—I won’t say who—in + him when there’s any occasion, that he was when I first knew you. No. + Smike, as he <i>will </i>be called, poor fellow! for he won’t hear of a <i>Mr</i> before + his name, is greatly altered, even in this short time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ asked Kate. ‘Not in health?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N—n—o; perhaps not in health exactly,’ said Miss La Creevy, + pausing to consider, ‘although he is a worn and feeble creature, and has + that in his face which it would wring my heart to see in yours. No; not in + health.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scarcely know,’ said the miniature painter. ‘But I have watched him, + and he has brought the tears into my eyes many times. It is not a very + difficult matter to do that, certainly, for I am easily melted; still I + think these came with good cause and reason. I am sure that since he has + been here, he has grown, from some strong cause, more conscious of his + weak intellect. He feels it more. It gives him greater pain to know that + he wanders sometimes, and cannot understand very simple things. I have + watched him when you have not been by, my dear, sit brooding by himself, + with such a look of pain as I could scarcely bear to see, and then get up + and leave the room: so sorrowfully, and in such dejection, that I cannot + tell you how it has hurt me. Not three weeks ago, he was a light-hearted + busy creature, overjoyed to be in a bustle, and as happy as the day was + long. Now, he is another being—the same willing, harmless, faithful, + loving creature—but the same in nothing else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely this will all pass off,’ said Kate. ‘Poor fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope,’ returned her little friend, with a gravity very unusual in her, + ‘it may. I hope, for the sake of that poor lad, it may. However,’ said + Miss La Creevy, relapsing into the cheerful, chattering tone, which was + habitual to her, ‘I have said my say, and a very long say it is, and a + very wrong say too, I shouldn’t wonder at all. I shall cheer him up + tonight, at all events, for if he is to be my squire all the way to the + Strand, I shall talk on, and on, and on, and never leave off, till I have + roused him into a laugh at something. So the sooner he goes, the better + for him, and the sooner I go, the better for me, I am sure, or else I + shall have my maid gallivanting with somebody who may rob the house—though + what there is to take away, besides tables and chairs, I don’t know, + except the miniatures: and he is a clever thief who can dispose of them to + any great advantage, for I can’t, I know, and that’s the honest truth.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, little Miss La Creevy hid her face in a very flat bonnet, and + herself in a very big shawl; and fixing herself tightly into the latter, + by means of a large pin, declared that the omnibus might come as soon as + it pleased, for she was quite ready. + </p> + <p> + But there was still Mrs. Nickleby to take leave of; and long before that + good lady had concluded some reminiscences bearing upon, and appropriate + to, the occasion, the omnibus arrived. This put Miss La Creevy in a great + bustle, in consequence whereof, as she secretly rewarded the servant girl + with eighteen-pence behind the street-door, she pulled out of her reticule + ten-pennyworth of halfpence, which rolled into all possible corners of the + passage, and occupied some considerable time in the picking up. This + ceremony had, of course, to be succeeded by a second kissing of Kate and + Mrs. Nickleby, and a gathering together of the little basket and the + brown-paper parcel, during which proceedings, ‘the omnibus,’ as Miss La + Creevy protested, ‘swore so dreadfully, that it was quite awful to hear + it.’ At length and at last, it made a feint of going away, and then Miss + La Creevy darted out, and darted in, apologising with great volubility to + all the passengers, and declaring that she wouldn’t purposely have kept + them waiting on any account whatever. While she was looking about for a + convenient seat, the conductor pushed Smike in, and cried that it was all + right—though it wasn’t—and away went the huge vehicle, with + the noise of half-a-dozen brewers’ drays at least. + </p> + <p> + Leaving it to pursue its journey at the pleasure of the conductor + aforementioned, who lounged gracefully on his little shelf behind, smoking + an odoriferous cigar; and leaving it to stop, or go on, or gallop, or + crawl, as that gentleman deemed expedient and advisable; this narrative + may embrace the opportunity of ascertaining the condition of Sir Mulberry + Hawk, and to what extent he had, by this time, recovered from the injuries + consequent on being flung violently from his cabriolet, under the + circumstances already detailed. + </p> + <p> + With a shattered limb, a body severely bruised, a face disfigured by + half-healed scars, and pallid from the exhaustion of recent pain and + fever, Sir Mulberry Hawk lay stretched upon his back, on the couch to + which he was doomed to be a prisoner for some weeks yet to come. Mr. Pyke + and Mr. Pluck sat drinking hard in the next room, now and then varying the + monotonous murmurs of their conversation with a half-smothered laugh, + while the young lord—the only member of the party who was not + thoroughly irredeemable, and who really had a kind heart—sat beside + his Mentor, with a cigar in his mouth, and read to him, by the light of a + lamp, such scraps of intelligence from a paper of the day, as were most + likely to yield him interest or amusement. + </p> + <p> + ‘Curse those hounds!’ said the invalid, turning his head impatiently + towards the adjoining room; ‘will nothing stop their infernal throats?’ + </p> + <p> + Messrs Pyke and Pluck heard the exclamation, and stopped immediately: + winking to each other as they did so, and filling their glasses to the + brim, as some recompense for the deprivation of speech. + </p> + <p> + ‘Damn!’ muttered the sick man between his teeth, and writhing impatiently + in his bed. ‘Isn’t this mattress hard enough, and the room dull enough, + and pain bad enough, but <i>they </i>must torture me? What’s the time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Half-past eight,’ replied his friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, draw the table nearer, and let us have the cards again,’ said Sir + Mulberry. ‘More piquet. Come.’ + </p> + <p> + It was curious to see how eagerly the sick man, debarred from any change + of position save the mere turning of his head from side to side, watched + every motion of his friend in the progress of the game; and with what + eagerness and interest he played, and yet how warily and coolly. His + address and skill were more than twenty times a match for his adversary, + who could make little head against them, even when fortune favoured him + with good cards, which was not often the case. Sir Mulberry won every + game; and when his companion threw down the cards, and refused to play any + longer, thrust forth his wasted arm and caught up the stakes with a + boastful oath, and the same hoarse laugh, though considerably lowered in + tone, that had resounded in Ralph Nickleby’s dining-room, months before. + </p> + <p> + While he was thus occupied, his man appeared, to announce that Mr. Ralph + Nickleby was below, and wished to know how he was, tonight. + </p> + <p> + ‘Better,’ said Sir Mulberry, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby wishes to know, sir—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you, better,’ replied Sir Mulberry, striking his hand upon the + table. + </p> + <p> + The man hesitated for a moment or two, and then said that Mr. Nickleby had + requested permission to see Sir Mulberry Hawk, if it was not inconvenient. + </p> + <p> + ‘It <i>is</i> inconvenient. I can’t see him. I can’t see anybody,’ said his + master, more violently than before. ‘You know that, you blockhead.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry, sir,’ returned the man. ‘But Mr. Nickleby pressed so + much, sir—’ + </p> + <p> + The fact was, that Ralph Nickleby had bribed the man, who, being anxious + to earn his money with a view to future favours, held the door in his + hand, and ventured to linger still. + </p> + <p> + ‘Did he say whether he had any business to speak about?’ inquired Sir + Mulberry, after a little impatient consideration. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir. He said he wished to see you, sir. Particularly, Mr. Nickleby + said, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell him to come up. Here,’ cried Sir Mulberry, calling the man back, as + he passed his hand over his disfigured face, ‘move that lamp, and put it + on the stand behind me. Wheel that table away, and place a chair there—further + off. Leave it so.’ + </p> + <p> + The man obeyed these directions as if he quite comprehended the motive + with which they were dictated, and left the room. Lord Frederick + Verisopht, remarking that he would look in presently, strolled into the + adjoining apartment, and closed the folding door behind him. + </p> + <p> + Then was heard a subdued footstep on the stairs; and Ralph Nickleby, hat + in hand, crept softly into the room, with his body bent forward as if in + profound respect, and his eyes fixed upon the face of his worthy client. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Nickleby,’ said Sir Mulberry, motioning him to the chair by the + couch side, and waving his hand in assumed carelessness, ‘I have had a bad + accident, you see.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ rejoined Ralph, with the same steady gaze. ‘Bad, indeed! I should + not have known you, Sir Mulberry. Dear, dear! This <i>is</i> bad.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph’s manner was one of profound humility and respect; and the low tone + of voice was that, which the gentlest consideration for a sick man would + have taught a visitor to assume. But the expression of his face, Sir + Mulberry’s being averted, was in extraordinary contrast; and as he stood, + in his usual attitude, calmly looking on the prostrate form before him, + all that part of his features which was not cast into shadow by his + protruding and contracted brows, bore the impress of a sarcastic smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sit down,’ said Sir Mulberry, turning towards him, as though by a violent + effort. ‘Am I a sight, that you stand gazing there?’ + </p> + <p> + As he turned his face, Ralph recoiled a step or two, and making as though + he were irresistibly impelled to express astonishment, but was determined + not to do so, sat down with well-acted confusion. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have inquired at the door, Sir Mulberry, every day,’ said Ralph, ‘twice + a day, indeed, at first—and tonight, presuming upon old + acquaintance, and past transactions by which we have mutually benefited in + some degree, I could not resist soliciting admission to your chamber. Have + you—have you suffered much?’ said Ralph, bending forward, and + allowing the same harsh smile to gather upon his face, as the other closed + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘More than enough to please me, and less than enough to please some + broken-down hacks that you and I know of, and who lay their ruin between + us, I dare say,’ returned Sir Mulberry, tossing his arm restlessly upon + the coverlet. + </p> + <p> + Ralph shrugged his shoulders in deprecation of the intense irritation with + which this had been said; for there was an aggravating, cold distinctness + in his speech and manner which so grated on the sick man that he could + scarcely endure it. + </p> + <p> + ‘And what is it in these “past transactions,” that brought you here + tonight?’ asked Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ replied Ralph. ‘There are some bills of my lord’s which need + renewal; but let them be till you are well. I—I—came,’ said + Ralph, speaking more slowly, and with harsher emphasis, ‘I came to say how + grieved I am that any relative of mine, although disowned by me, should + have inflicted such punishment on you as—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Punishment!’ interposed Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it has been a severe one,’ said Ralph, wilfully mistaking the + meaning of the interruption, ‘and that has made me the more anxious to + tell you that I disown this vagabond—that I acknowledge him as no + kin of mine—and that I leave him to take his deserts from you, and + every man besides. You may wring his neck if you please. I shall not + interfere.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This story that they tell me here, has got abroad then, has it?’ asked + Sir Mulberry, clenching his hands and teeth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noised in all directions,’ replied Ralph. ‘Every club and gaming-room has + rung with it. There has been a good song made about it, as I am told,’ + said Ralph, looking eagerly at his questioner. ‘I have not heard it + myself, not being in the way of such things, but I have been told it’s + even printed—for private circulation—but that’s all over town, + of course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a lie!’ said Sir Mulberry; ‘I tell you it’s all a lie. The mare took + fright.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They <i>say </i>he frightened her,’ observed Ralph, in the same unmoved and + quiet manner. ‘Some say he frightened you, but <i>that’s</i> a lie, I know. I + have said that boldly—oh, a score of times! I am a peaceable man, + but I can’t hear folks tell that of you. No, no.’ + </p> + <p> + When Sir Mulberry found coherent words to utter, Ralph bent forward with + his hand to his ear, and a face as calm as if its every line of sternness + had been cast in iron. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I am off this cursed bed,’ said the invalid, actually striking at + his broken leg in the ecstasy of his passion, ‘I’ll have such revenge as + never man had yet. By God, I will. Accident favouring him, he has marked + me for a week or two, but I’ll put a mark on him that he shall carry to + his grave. I’ll slit his nose and ears, flog him, maim him for life. I’ll + do more than that; I’ll drag that pattern of chastity, that pink of + prudery, the delicate sister, through—’ + </p> + <p> + It might have been that even Ralph’s cold blood tingled in his cheeks at + that moment. It might have been that Sir Mulberry remembered, that, knave + and usurer as he was, he must, in some early time of infancy, have twined + his arm about her father’s neck. He stopped, and menacing with his hand, + confirmed the unuttered threat with a tremendous oath. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a galling thing,’ said Ralph, after a short term of silence, during + which he had eyed the sufferer keenly, ‘to think that the man about town, + the rake, the <i>roue</i>, the rook of twenty seasons should be brought to this + pass by a mere boy!’ + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry darted a wrathful look at him, but Ralph’s eyes were bent + upon the ground, and his face wore no other expression than one of + thoughtfulness. + </p> + <p> + ‘A raw, slight stripling,’ continued Ralph, ‘against a man whose very + weight might crush him; to say nothing of his skill in—I am right, I + think,’ said Ralph, raising his eyes, ‘you <i>were </i>a patron of the ring once, + were you not?’ + </p> + <p> + The sick man made an impatient gesture, which Ralph chose to consider as + one of acquiescence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha!’ he said, ‘I thought so. That was before I knew you, but I was pretty + sure I couldn’t be mistaken. He is light and active, I suppose. But those + were slight advantages compared with yours. Luck, luck! These hang-dog + outcasts have it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He’ll need the most he has, when I am well again,’ said Sir Mulberry + Hawk, ‘let him fly where he will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ returned Ralph quickly, ‘he doesn’t dream of that. He is here, good + sir, waiting your pleasure, here in London, walking the streets at + noonday; carrying it off jauntily; looking for you, I swear,’ said Ralph, + his face darkening, and his own hatred getting the upper hand of him, for + the first time, as this gay picture of Nicholas presented itself; ‘if we + were only citizens of a country where it could be safely done, I’d give + good money to have him stabbed to the heart and rolled into the kennel for + the dogs to tear.’ + </p> + <p> + As Ralph, somewhat to the surprise of his old client, vented this little + piece of sound family feeling, and took up his hat preparatory to + departing, Lord Frederick Verisopht looked in. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why what in the deyvle’s name, Hawk, have you and Nickleby been talking + about?’ said the young man. ‘I neyver heard such an insufferable riot. + Croak, croak, croak. Bow, wow, wow. What has it all been about?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir Mulberry has been angry, my Lord,’ said Ralph, looking towards the + couch. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not about money, I hope? Nothing has gone wrong in business, has it, + Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, my Lord, no,’ returned Ralph. ‘On that point we always agree. Sir + Mulberry has been calling to mind the cause of—’ + </p> + <p> + There was neither necessity nor opportunity for Ralph to proceed; for Sir + Mulberry took up the theme, and vented his threats and oaths against + Nicholas, almost as ferociously as before. + </p> + <p> + Ralph, who was no common observer, was surprised to see that as this + tirade proceeded, the manner of Lord Frederick Verisopht, who at the + commencement had been twirling his whiskers with a most dandified and + listless air, underwent a complete alteration. He was still more surprised + when, Sir Mulberry ceasing to speak, the young lord angrily, and almost + unaffectedly, requested never to have the subject renewed in his presence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind that, Hawk!’ he added, with unusual energy. ‘I never will be a party + to, or permit, if I can help it, a cowardly attack upon this young + fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cowardly!’ interrupted his friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye-es,’ said the other, turning full upon him. ‘If you had told him who + you were; if you had given him your card, and found out, afterwards, that + his station or character prevented your fighting him, it would have been + bad enough then; upon my soul it would have been bad enough then. As it + is, you did wrong. I did wrong too, not to interfere, and I am sorry for + it. What happened to you afterwards, was as much the consequence of + accident as design, and more your fault than his; and it shall not, with + my knowledge, be cruelly visited upon him, it shall not indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + With this emphatic repetition of his concluding words, the young lord + turned upon his heel; but before he had reached the adjoining room he + turned back again, and said, with even greater vehemence than he had + displayed before, + </p> + <p> + ‘I do believe, now; upon my honour I do believe, that the sister is as + virtuous and modest a young lady as she is a handsome one; and of the + brother, I say this, that he acted as her brother should, and in a manly + and spirited manner. And I only wish, with all my heart and soul, that any + one of us came out of this matter half as well as he does.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Lord Frederick Verisopht walked out of the room, leaving Ralph + Nickleby and Sir Mulberry in most unpleasant astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is this your pupil?’ asked Ralph, softly, ‘or has he come fresh from some + country parson?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Green fools take these fits sometimes,’ replied Sir Mulberry Hawk, biting + his lip, and pointing to the door. ‘Leave him to me.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph exchanged a familiar look with his old acquaintance; for they had + suddenly grown confidential again in this alarming surprise; and took his + way home, thoughtfully and slowly. + </p> + <p> + While these things were being said and done, and long before they were + concluded, the omnibus had disgorged Miss La Creevy and her escort, and + they had arrived at her own door. Now, the good-nature of the little + miniature painter would by no means allow of Smike’s walking back again, + until he had been previously refreshed with just a sip of something + comfortable and a mixed biscuit or so; and Smike, entertaining no + objection either to the sip of something comfortable, or the mixed + biscuit, but, considering on the contrary that they would be a very + pleasant preparation for a walk to Bow, it fell out that he delayed much + longer than he originally intended, and that it was some half-hour after + dusk when he set forth on his journey home. + </p> + <p> + There was no likelihood of his losing his way, for it lay quite straight + before him, and he had walked into town with Nicholas, and back alone, + almost every day. So, Miss La Creevy and he shook hands with mutual + confidence, and, being charged with more kind remembrances to Mrs. and Miss + Nickleby, Smike started off. + </p> + <p> + At the foot of Ludgate Hill, he turned a little out of the road to satisfy + his curiosity by having a look at Newgate. After staring up at the sombre + walls, from the opposite side of the way, with great care and dread for + some minutes, he turned back again into the old track, and walked briskly + through the city; stopping now and then to gaze in at the window of some + particularly attractive shop, then running for a little way, then stopping + again, and so on, as any other country lad might do. + </p> + <p> + He had been gazing for a long time through a jeweller’s window, wishing he + could take some of the beautiful trinkets home as a present, and imagining + what delight they would afford if he could, when the clocks struck + three-quarters past eight; roused by the sound, he hurried on at a very + quick pace, and was crossing the corner of a by-street when he felt + himself violently brought to, with a jerk so sudden that he was obliged to + cling to a lamp-post to save himself from falling. At the same moment, a + small boy clung tight round his leg, and a shrill cry of ‘Here he is, + father! Hooray!’ vibrated in his ears. + </p> + <p> + Smike knew that voice too well. He cast his despairing eyes downward + towards the form from which it had proceeded, and, shuddering from head to + foot, looked round. Mr. Squeers had hooked him in the coat collar with the + handle of his umbrella, and was hanging on at the other end with all his + might and main. The cry of triumph proceeded from Master Wackford, who, + regardless of all his kicks and struggles, clung to him with the tenacity + of a bull-dog! + </p> + +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0519m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0519m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0519.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + One glance showed him this; and in that one glance the terrified creature + became utterly powerless and unable to utter a sound. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a go!’ cried Mr. Squeers, gradually coming hand-over-hand down the + umbrella, and only unhooking it when he had got tight hold of the victim’s + collar. ‘Here’s a delicious go! Wackford, my boy, call up one of them + coaches.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A coach, father!’ cried little Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, a coach, sir,’ replied Squeers, feasting his eyes upon the + countenance of Smike. ‘Damn the expense. Let’s have him in a coach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s he been a doing of?’ asked a labourer with a hod of bricks, + against whom and a fellow-labourer Mr. Squeers had backed, on the first + jerk of the umbrella. + </p> + <p> + ‘Everything!’ replied Mr. Squeers, looking fixedly at his old pupil in a + sort of rapturous trance. ‘Everything—running away, sir—joining + in bloodthirsty attacks upon his master—there’s nothing that’s bad + that he hasn’t done. Oh, what a delicious go is this here, good Lord!’ + </p> + <p> + The man looked from Squeers to Smike; but such mental faculties as the + poor fellow possessed, had utterly deserted him. The coach came up; Master + Wackford entered; Squeers pushed in his prize, and following close at his + heels, pulled up the glasses. The coachman mounted his box and drove + slowly off, leaving the two bricklayers, and an old apple-woman, and a + town-made little boy returning from an evening school, who had been the + only witnesses of the scene, to meditate upon it at their leisure. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers sat himself down on the opposite seat to the unfortunate Smike, + and, planting his hands firmly on his knees, looked at him for some five + minutes, when, seeming to recover from his trance, he uttered a loud + laugh, and slapped his old pupil’s face several times—taking the + right and left sides alternately. + </p> + <p> + ‘It isn’t a dream!’ said Squeers. ‘That’s real flesh and blood! I know the + feel of it!’ and being quite assured of his good fortune by these + experiments, Mr. Squeers administered a few boxes on the ear, lest the + entertainments should seem to partake of sameness, and laughed louder and + longer at every one. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your mother will be fit to jump out of her skin, my boy, when she hears + of this,’ said Squeers to his son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, won’t she though, father?’ replied Master Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘To think,’ said Squeers, ‘that you and me should be turning out of a + street, and come upon him at the very nick; and that I should have him + tight, at only one cast of the umbrella, as if I had hooked him with a + grappling-iron! Ha, ha!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Didn’t I catch hold of his leg, neither, father?’ said little Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘You did; like a good ‘un, my boy,’ said Mr. Squeers, patting his son’s + head, ‘and you shall have the best button-over jacket and waistcoat that + the next new boy brings down, as a reward of merit. Mind that. You always + keep on in the same path, and do them things that you see your father do, + and when you die you’ll go right slap to Heaven and no questions asked.’ + </p> + <p> + Improving the occasion in these words, Mr. Squeers patted his son’s head + again, and then patted Smike’s—but harder; and inquired in a + bantering tone how he found himself by this time. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go home,’ replied Smike, looking wildly round. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure you must. You’re about right there,’ replied Mr. Squeers. + ‘You’ll go home very soon, you will. You’ll find yourself at the peaceful + village of Dotheboys, in Yorkshire, in something under a week’s time, my + young friend; and the next time you get away from there, I give you leave + to keep away. Where’s the clothes you run off in, you ungrateful robber?’ + said Mr. Squeers, in a severe voice. + </p> + <p> + Smike glanced at the neat attire which the care of Nicholas had provided + for him; and wrung his hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know that I could hang you up, outside of the Old Bailey, for + making away with them articles of property?’ said Squeers. ‘Do you know + that it’s a hanging matter—and I an’t quite certain whether it an’t + an anatomy one besides—to walk off with up’ards of the valley of + five pound from a dwelling-house? Eh? Do you know that? What do you + suppose was the worth of them clothes you had? Do you know that that + Wellington boot you wore, cost eight-and-twenty shillings when it was a + pair, and the shoe seven-and-six? But you came to the right shop for mercy + when you came to me, and thank your stars that it <i>is</i> me as has got to + serve you with the article.’ + </p> + <p> + Anybody not in Mr. Squeers’s confidence would have supposed that he was + quite out of the article in question, instead of having a large stock on + hand ready for all comers; nor would the opinion of sceptical persons have + undergone much alteration when he followed up the remark by poking Smike + in the chest with the ferrule of his umbrella, and dealing a smart shower + of blows, with the ribs of the same instrument, upon his head and + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never threshed a boy in a hackney coach before,’ said Mr. Squeers, when + he stopped to rest. ‘There’s inconveniency in it, but the novelty gives it + a sort of relish, too!’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Smike! He warded off the blows, as well as he could, and now shrunk + into a corner of the coach, with his head resting on his hands, and his + elbows on his knees; he was stunned and stupefied, and had no more idea + that any act of his, would enable him to escape from the all-powerful + Squeers, now that he had no friend to speak to or to advise with, than he + had had in all the weary years of his Yorkshire life which preceded the + arrival of Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + The journey seemed endless; street after street was entered and left + behind; and still they went jolting on. At last Mr. Squeers began to thrust + his head out of the widow every half-minute, and to bawl a variety of + directions to the coachman; and after passing, with some difficulty, + through several mean streets which the appearance of the houses and the + bad state of the road denoted to have been recently built, Mr. Squeers + suddenly tugged at the check string with all his might, and cried, ‘Stop!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you pulling a man’s arm off for?’ said the coachman looking + angrily down. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the house,’ replied Squeers. ‘The second of them four little + houses, one story high, with the green shutters. There’s brass plate on + the door, with the name of Snawley.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Couldn’t you say that without wrenching a man’s limbs off his body?’ + inquired the coachman. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ bawled Mr. Squeers. ‘Say another word, and I’ll summons you for + having a broken winder. Stop!’ + </p> + <p> + Obedient to this direction, the coach stopped at Mr. Snawley’s door. Mr + Snawley may be remembered as the sleek and sanctified gentleman who + confided two sons (in law) to the parental care of Mr. Squeers, as narrated + in the fourth chapter of this history. Mr. Snawley’s house was on the + extreme borders of some new settlements adjoining Somers Town, and Mr + Squeers had taken lodgings therein for a short time, as his stay was + longer than usual, and the Saracen, having experience of Master Wackford’s + appetite, had declined to receive him on any other terms than as a + full-grown customer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here we are!’ said Squeers, hurrying Smike into the little parlour, where + Mr. Snawley and his wife were taking a lobster supper. ‘Here’s the vagrant—the + felon—the rebel—the monster of unthankfulness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What! The boy that run away!’ cried Snawley, resting his knife and fork + upright on the table, and opening his eyes to their full width. + </p> + <p> + ‘The very boy’, said Squeers, putting his fist close to Smike’s nose, and + drawing it away again, and repeating the process several times, with a + vicious aspect. ‘If there wasn’t a lady present, I’d fetch him such a—: + never mind, I’ll owe it him.’ + </p> + <p> + And here Mr. Squeers related how, and in what manner, and when and where, + he had picked up the runaway. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s clear that there has been a Providence in it, sir,’ said Mr. Snawley, + casting down his eyes with an air of humility, and elevating his fork, + with a bit of lobster on the top of it, towards the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Providence is against him, no doubt,’ replied Mr. Squeers, scratching his + nose. ‘Of course; that was to be expected. Anybody might have known that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hard-heartedness and evil-doing will never prosper, sir,’ said Mr + Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never was such a thing known,’ rejoined Squeers, taking a little roll of + notes from his pocket-book, to see that they were all safe. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been, Mr. Snawley,’ said Mr. Squeers, when he had satisfied himself + upon this point, ‘I have been that chap’s benefactor, feeder, teacher, and + clother. I have been that chap’s classical, commercial, mathematical, + philosophical, and trigonomical friend. My son—my only son, Wackford—has + been his brother; Mrs. Squeers has been his mother, grandmother, aunt,—ah! + and I may say uncle too, all in one. She never cottoned to anybody, except + them two engaging and delightful boys of yours, as she cottoned to this + chap. What’s my return? What’s come of my milk of human kindness? It turns + into curds and whey when I look at him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well it may, sir,’ said Mrs. Snawley. ‘Oh! Well it may, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where has he been all this time?’ inquired Snawley. ‘Has he been living + with—?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, sir!’ interposed Squeers, confronting him again. ‘Have you been a + living with that there devilish Nickleby, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + But no threats or cuffs could elicit from Smike one word of reply to this + question; for he had internally resolved that he would rather perish in + the wretched prison to which he was again about to be consigned, than + utter one syllable which could involve his first and true friend. He had + already called to mind the strict injunctions of secrecy as to his past + life, which Nicholas had laid upon him when they travelled from Yorkshire; + and a confused and perplexed idea that his benefactor might have committed + some terrible crime in bringing him away, which would render him liable to + heavy punishment if detected, had contributed, in some degree, to reduce + him to his present state of apathy and terror. + </p> + <p> + Such were the thoughts—if to visions so imperfect and undefined as + those which wandered through his enfeebled brain, the term can be applied—which + were present to the mind of Smike, and rendered him deaf alike to + intimidation and persuasion. Finding every effort useless, Mr. Squeers + conducted him to a little back room up-stairs, where he was to pass the + night; and, taking the precaution of removing his shoes, and coat and + waistcoat, and also of locking the door on the outside, lest he should + muster up sufficient energy to make an attempt at escape, that worthy + gentleman left him to his meditations. + </p> + <p> + What those meditations were, and how the poor creature’s heart sunk within + him when he thought—when did he, for a moment, cease to think?—of + his late home, and the dear friends and familiar faces with which it was + associated, cannot be told. To prepare the mind for such a heavy sleep, + its growth must be stopped by rigour and cruelty in childhood; there must + be years of misery and suffering, lightened by no ray of hope; the chords + of the heart, which beat a quick response to the voice of gentleness and + affection, must have rusted and broken in their secret places, and bear + the lingering echo of no old word of love or kindness. Gloomy, indeed, + must have been the short day, and dull the long, long twilight, preceding + such a night of intellect as his. + </p> + <p> + There were voices which would have roused him, even then; but their + welcome tones could not penetrate there; and he crept to bed the same + listless, hopeless, blighted creature, that Nicholas had first found him + at the Yorkshire school. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 39 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span><i>n which another old Friend encounters Smike, very opportunely and to some + Purpose</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The night, fraught with so much bitterness to one poor soul, had given + place to a bright and cloudless summer morning, when a north-country + mail-coach traversed, with cheerful noise, the yet silent streets of + Islington, and, giving brisk note of its approach with the lively winding + of the guard’s horn, clattered onward to its halting-place hard by the + Post Office. + </p> + <p> + The only outside passenger was a burly, honest-looking countryman on the + box, who, with his eyes fixed upon the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, + appeared so wrapt in admiring wonder, as to be quite insensible to all the + bustle of getting out the bags and parcels, until one of the coach windows + being let sharply down, he looked round, and encountered a pretty female + face which was just then thrust out. + </p> + <p> + ‘See there, lass!’ bawled the countryman, pointing towards the object of + his admiration. ‘There be Paul’s Church. ‘Ecod, he be a soizable ‘un, he + be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Goodness, John! I shouldn’t have thought it could have been half the + size. What a monster!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Monsther!—Ye’re aboot right theer, I reckon, Mrs. Browdie,’ said the + countryman good-humouredly, as he came slowly down in his huge top-coat; + ‘and wa’at dost thee tak yon place to be noo—thot’un owor the wa’? + Ye’d never coom near it ‘gin you thried for twolve moonths. It’s na’ but a + Poast Office! Ho! ho! They need to charge for dooble-latthers. A Poast + Office! Wa’at dost thee think o’ thot? ‘Ecod, if thot’s on’y a Poast + Office, I’d loike to see where the Lord Mayor o’ Lunnun lives.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, John Browdie—for he it was—opened the coach-door, + and tapping Mrs. Browdie, late Miss Price, on the cheek as he looked in, + burst into a boisterous fit of laughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel!’ said John. ‘Dang my bootuns if she bean’t asleep agean!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She’s been asleep all night, and was, all yesterday, except for a minute + or two now and then,’ replied John Browdie’s choice, ‘and I was very sorry + when she woke, for she has been <i>so</i> cross!’ + </p> + <p> + The subject of these remarks was a slumbering figure, so muffled in shawl + and cloak, that it would have been matter of impossibility to guess at its + sex but for a brown beaver bonnet and green veil which ornamented the + head, and which, having been crushed and flattened, for two hundred and + fifty miles, in that particular angle of the vehicle from which the lady’s + snores now proceeded, presented an appearance sufficiently ludicrous to + have moved less risible muscles than those of John Browdie’s ruddy face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hollo!’ cried John, twitching one end of the dragged veil. ‘Coom, wakken + oop, will ‘ee?’ + </p> + <p> + After several burrowings into the old corner, and many exclamations of + impatience and fatigue, the figure struggled into a sitting posture; and + there, under a mass of crumpled beaver, and surrounded by a semicircle of + blue curl-papers, were the delicate features of Miss Fanny Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ‘Tilda!’ cried Miss Squeers, ‘how you have been kicking of me through + this blessed night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I do like that,’ replied her friend, laughing, ‘when you have had + nearly the whole coach to yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t deny it, ‘Tilda,’ said Miss Squeers, impressively, ‘because you + have, and it’s no use to go attempting to say you haven’t. You mightn’t + have known it in your sleep, ‘Tilda, but I haven’t closed my eyes for a + single wink, and so I <i>think </i>I am to be believed.’ + </p> + <p> + With which reply, Miss Squeers adjusted the bonnet and veil, which nothing + but supernatural interference and an utter suspension of nature’s laws + could have reduced to any shape or form; and evidently flattering herself + that it looked uncommonly neat, brushed off the sandwich-crumbs and bits + of biscuit which had accumulated in her lap, and availing herself of John + Browdie’s proffered arm, descended from the coach. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noo,’ said John, when a hackney coach had been called, and the ladies and + the luggage hurried in, ‘gang to the Sarah’s Head, mun.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To the <i>vere</i>?’ cried the coachman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lawk, Mr. Browdie!’ interrupted Miss Squeers. ‘The idea! Saracen’s Head.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sure-ly,’ said John, ‘I know’d it was something aboot Sarah’s Son’s Head. + Dost thou know thot?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ah! I know that,’ replied the coachman gruffly, as he banged the + door. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tilda, dear, really,’ remonstrated Miss Squeers, ‘we shall be taken for + I don’t know what.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let them tak’ us as they foind us,’ said John Browdie; ‘we dean’t come to + Lunnun to do nought but ‘joy oursel, do we?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope not, Mr. Browdie,’ replied Miss Squeers, looking singularly dismal. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then,’ said John, ‘it’s no matther. I’ve only been a married man + fower days, ‘account of poor old feyther deein, and puttin’ it off. Here + be a weddin’ party—broide and broide’s-maid, and the groom—if + a mun dean’t ‘joy himsel noo, when ought he, hey? Drat it all, thot’s what + I want to know.’ + </p> + <p> + So, in order that he might begin to enjoy himself at once, and lose no + time, Mr. Browdie gave his wife a hearty kiss, and succeeded in wresting + another from Miss Squeers, after a maidenly resistance of scratching and + struggling on the part of that young lady, which was not quite over when + they reached the Saracen’s Head. + </p> + <p> + Here, the party straightway retired to rest; the refreshment of sleep + being necessary after so long a journey; and here they met again about + noon, to a substantial breakfast, spread by direction of Mr. John Browdie, + in a small private room upstairs commanding an uninterrupted view of the + stables. + </p> + <p> + To have seen Miss Squeers now, divested of the brown beaver, the green + veil, and the blue curl-papers, and arrayed in all the virgin splendour of + a white frock and spencer, with a white muslin bonnet, and an imitative + damask rose in full bloom on the inside thereof—her luxuriant crop + of hair arranged in curls so tight that it was impossible they could come + out by any accident, and her bonnet-cap trimmed with little damask roses, + which might be supposed to be so many promising scions of the big rose—to + have seen all this, and to have seen the broad damask belt, matching both + the family rose and the little roses, which encircled her slender waist, + and by a happy ingenuity took off from the shortness of the spencer + behind,—to have beheld all this, and to have taken further into + account the coral bracelets (rather short of beads, and with a very + visible black string) which clasped her wrists, and the coral necklace + which rested on her neck, supporting, outside her frock, a lonely + cornelian heart, typical of her own disengaged affections—to have + contemplated all these mute but expressive appeals to the purest feelings + of our nature, might have thawed the frost of age, and added new and + inextinguishable fuel to the fire of youth. + </p> + <p> + The waiter was touched. Waiter as he was, he had human passions and + feelings, and he looked very hard at Miss Squeers as he handed the + muffins. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is my pa in, do you know?’ asked Miss Squeers with dignity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beg your pardon, miss?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My pa,’ repeated Miss Squeers; ‘is he in?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In where, miss?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In here—in the house!’ replied Miss Squeers. ‘My pa—Mr + Wackford Squeers—he’s stopping here. Is he at home?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t know there was any gen’l’man of that name in the house, miss’ + replied the waiter. ‘There may be, in the coffee-room.’ + </p> + <p> + <i>May Be</i>. Very pretty this, indeed! Here was Miss Squeers, who had been + depending, all the way to London, upon showing her friends how much at + home she would be, and how much respectful notice her name and connections + would excite, told that her father <i>might </i>be there! ‘As if he was a + feller!’ observed Miss Squeers, with emphatic indignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye’d betther inquire, mun,’ said John Browdie. ‘An’ hond up another + pigeon-pie, will ‘ee? Dang the chap,’ muttered John, looking into the + empty dish as the waiter retired; ‘does he ca’ this a pie—three + yoong pigeons and a troifling matther o’ steak, and a crust so loight that + you doant know when it’s in your mooth and when it’s gane? I wonder hoo + many pies goes to a breakfast!’ + </p> + <p> + After a short interval, which John Browdie employed upon the ham and a + cold round of beef, the waiter returned with another pie, and the + information that Mr. Squeers was not stopping in the house, but that he + came there every day and that directly he arrived, he should be shown + upstairs. With this, he retired; and he had not retired two minutes, when + he returned with Mr. Squeers and his hopeful son. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, who’d have thought of this?’ said Mr. Squeers, when he had saluted + the party and received some private family intelligence from his daughter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who, indeed, pa!’ replied that young lady, spitefully. ‘But you see + ‘Tilda <i>is</i> married at last.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I stond threat for a soight o’ Lunnun, schoolmeasther,’ said John, + vigorously attacking the pie. + </p> + <p> + ‘One of them things that young men do when they get married,’ returned + Squeers; ‘and as runs through with their money like nothing at all! How + much better wouldn’t it be now, to save it up for the eddication of any + little boys, for instance! They come on you,’ said Mr. Squeers in a + moralising way, ‘before you’re aware of it; mine did upon me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will ‘ee pick a bit?’ said John. + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t myself,’ returned Squeers; ‘but if you’ll just let little + Wackford tuck into something fat, I’ll be obliged to you. Give it him in + his fingers, else the waiter charges it on, and there’s lot of profit on + this sort of vittles without that. If you hear the waiter coming, sir, + shove it in your pocket and look out of the window, d’ye hear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’m awake, father,’ replied the dutiful Wackford. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Squeers, turning to his daughter, ‘it’s your turn to be + married next. You must make haste.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I’m in no hurry,’ said Miss Squeers, very sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Fanny?’ cried her old friend with some archness. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, ‘Tilda,’ replied Miss Squeers, shaking her head vehemently. ‘I can + wait.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So can the young men, it seems, Fanny,’ observed Mrs. Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘They an’t draw’d into it by <i>me</i>, ‘Tilda,’ retorted Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ returned her friend; ‘that’s exceedingly true.’ + </p> + <p> + The sarcastic tone of this reply might have provoked a rather acrimonious + retort from Miss Squeers, who, besides being of a constitutionally vicious + temper—aggravated, just now, by travel and recent jolting—was + somewhat irritated by old recollections and the failure of her own designs + upon Mr. Browdie; and the acrimonious retort might have led to a great many + other retorts, which might have led to Heaven knows what, if the subject + of conversation had not been, at that precise moment, accidentally changed + by Mr. Squeers himself + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you think?’ said that gentleman; ‘who do you suppose we have laid + hands on, Wackford and me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pa! not Mr—?’ Miss Squeers was unable to finish the sentence, but + Mrs. Browdie did it for her, and added, ‘Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Squeers. ‘But next door to him though.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You can’t mean Smike?’ cried Miss Squeers, clapping her hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I can though,’ rejoined her father. ‘I’ve got him, hard and fast.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wa’at!’ exclaimed John Browdie, pushing away his plate. ‘Got that poor—dom’d + scoondrel? Where?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, in the top back room, at my lodging,’ replied Squeers, ‘with him on + one side, and the key on the other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At thy loodgin’! Thee’st gotten him at thy loodgin’? Ho! ho! The + schoolmeasther agin all England. Give us thee hond, mun; I’m darned but I + must shak thee by the hond for thot.—Gotten him at thy loodgin’?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Squeers, staggering in his chair under the congratulatory + blow on the chest which the stout Yorkshireman dealt him; ‘thankee. Don’t + do it again. You mean it kindly, I know, but it hurts rather. Yes, there + he is. That’s not so bad, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ba’ad!’ repeated John Browdie. ‘It’s eneaf to scare a mun to hear tell + on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought it would surprise you a bit,’ said Squeers, rubbing his hands. + ‘It was pretty neatly done, and pretty quick too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hoo wor it?’ inquired John, sitting down close to him. ‘Tell us all aboot + it, mun; coom, quick!’ + </p> + <p> + Although he could not keep pace with John Browdie’s impatience, Mr. Squeers + related the lucky chance by which Smike had fallen into his hands, as + quickly as he could, and, except when he was interrupted by the admiring + remarks of his auditors, paused not in the recital until he had brought it + to an end. + </p> + <p> + ‘For fear he should give me the slip, by any chance,’ observed Squeers, + when he had finished, looking very cunning, ‘I’ve taken three outsides for + tomorrow morning—for Wackford and him and me—and have arranged + to leave the accounts and the new boys to the agent, don’t you see? So + it’s very lucky you come today, or you’d have missed us; and as it is, + unless you could come and tea with me tonight, we shan’t see anything more + of you before we go away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dean’t say anoother wurd,’ returned the Yorkshireman, shaking him by the + hand. ‘We’d coom, if it was twonty mile.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, would you though?’ returned Mr. Squeers, who had not expected quite + such a ready acceptance of his invitation, or he would have considered + twice before he gave it. + </p> + <p> + John Browdie’s only reply was another squeeze of the hand, and an + assurance that they would not begin to see London till tomorrow, so that + they might be at Mr. Snawley’s at six o’clock without fail; and after some + further conversation, Mr. Squeers and his son departed. + </p> + <p> + During the remainder of the day, Mr. Browdie was in a very odd and + excitable state; bursting occasionally into an explosion of laughter, and + then taking up his hat and running into the coach-yard to have it out by + himself. He was very restless too, constantly walking in and out, and + snapping his fingers, and dancing scraps of uncouth country dances, and, + in short, conducting himself in such a very extraordinary manner, that + Miss Squeers opined he was going mad, and, begging her dear ‘Tilda not to + distress herself, communicated her suspicions in so many words. Mrs + Browdie, however, without discovering any great alarm, observed that she + had seen him so once before, and that although he was almost sure to be + ill after it, it would not be anything very serious, and therefore he was + better left alone. + </p> + <p> + The result proved her to be perfectly correct for, while they were all + sitting in Mr. Snawley’s parlour that night, and just as it was beginning + to get dusk, John Browdie was taken so ill, and seized with such an + alarming dizziness in the head, that the whole company were thrown into + the utmost consternation. His good lady, indeed, was the only person + present, who retained presence of mind enough to observe that if he were + allowed to lie down on Mr. Squeers’s bed for an hour or so, and left + entirely to himself, he would be sure to recover again almost as quickly + as he had been taken ill. Nobody could refuse to try the effect of so + reasonable a proposal, before sending for a surgeon. Accordingly, John was + supported upstairs, with great difficulty; being a monstrous weight, and + regularly tumbling down two steps every time they hoisted him up three; + and, being laid on the bed, was left in charge of his wife, who, after a + short interval, reappeared in the parlour, with the gratifying + intelligence that he had fallen fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + Now, the fact was, that at that particular moment, John Browdie was + sitting on the bed with the reddest face ever seen, cramming the corner of + the pillow into his mouth, to prevent his roaring out loud with laughter. + He had no sooner succeeded in suppressing this emotion, than he slipped + off his shoes, and creeping to the adjoining room where the prisoner was + confined, turned the key, which was on the outside, and darting in, + covered Smike’s mouth with his huge hand before he could utter a sound. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ods-bobs, dost thee not know me, mun?’ whispered the Yorkshireman to the + bewildered lad. ‘Browdie. Chap as met thee efther schoolmeasther was + banged?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ cried Smike. ‘Oh! help me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Help thee!’ replied John, stopping his mouth again, the instant he had + said this much. ‘Thee didn’t need help, if thee warn’t as silly yoongster + as ever draw’d breath. Wa’at did ‘ee come here for, then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He brought me; oh! he brought me,’ cried Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Brout thee!’ replied John. ‘Why didn’t ‘ee punch his head, or lay + theeself doon and kick, and squeal out for the pollis? I’d ha’ licked a + doozen such as him when I was yoong as thee. But thee be’est a poor + broken-doon chap,’ said John, sadly, ‘and God forgi’ me for bragging ower + yan o’ his weakest creeturs!’ + </p> + <p> + Smike opened his mouth to speak, but John Browdie stopped him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stan’ still,’ said the Yorkshireman, ‘and doant’ee speak a morsel o’ talk + till I tell’ee.’ + </p> + <p> + With this caution, John Browdie shook his head significantly, and drawing + a screwdriver from his pocket, took off the box of the lock in a very + deliberate and workmanlike manner, and laid it, together with the + implement, on the floor. + </p> + <p> + ‘See thot?’ said John ‘Thot be thy doin’. Noo, coot awa’!’ + </p> + <p> + Smike looked vacantly at him, as if unable to comprehend his meaning. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, coot awa’,’ repeated John, hastily. ‘Dost thee know where thee + livest? Thee dost? Weel. Are yon thy clothes, or schoolmeasther’s?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mine,’ replied Smike, as the Yorkshireman hurried him to the adjoining + room, and pointed out a pair of shoes and a coat which were lying on a + chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘On wi’ ‘em,’ said John, forcing the wrong arm into the wrong sleeve, and + winding the tails of the coat round the fugitive’s neck. ‘Noo, foller me, + and when thee get’st ootside door, turn to the right, and they wean’t see + thee pass.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But—but—he’ll hear me shut the door,’ replied Smike, + trembling from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then dean’t shut it at all,’ retorted John Browdie. ‘Dang it, thee bean’t + afeard o’ schoolmeasther’s takkin cold, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N-no,’ said Smike, his teeth chattering in his head. ‘But he brought me + back before, and will again. He will, he will indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He wull, he wull!’ replied John impatiently. ‘He wean’t, he wean’t. + Look’ee! I wont to do this neighbourly loike, and let them think thee’s + gotten awa’ o’ theeself, but if he cooms oot o’ thot parlour awhiles + theer’t clearing off, he mun’ have mercy on his oun boans, for I wean’t. + If he foinds it oot, soon efther, I’ll put ‘un on a wrong scent, I warrant + ‘ee. But if thee keep’st a good hart, thee’lt be at whoam afore they know + thee’st gotten off. Coom!’ + </p> + <p> + Smike, who comprehended just enough of this to know it was intended as + encouragement, prepared to follow with tottering steps, when John + whispered in his ear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thee’lt just tell yoong Measther that I’m sploiced to ‘Tilly Price, and + to be heerd on at the Saracen by latther, and that I bean’t jealous of ‘un—dang + it, I’m loike to boost when I think o’ that neight! ‘Cod, I think I see + ‘un now, a powderin’ awa’ at the thin bread an’ butther!’ + </p> + <p> + It was rather a ticklish recollection for John just then, for he was + within an ace of breaking out into a loud guffaw. Restraining himself, + however, just in time, by a great effort, he glided downstairs, hauling + Smike behind him; and placing himself close to the parlour door, to + confront the first person that might come out, signed to him to make off. + </p> + <p> + Having got so far, Smike needed no second bidding. Opening the house-door + gently, and casting a look of mingled gratitude and terror at his + deliverer, he took the direction which had been indicated to him, and sped + away like the wind. + </p> + <p> + The Yorkshireman remained on his post for a few minutes, but, finding that + there was no pause in the conversation inside, crept back again unheard, + and stood, listening over the stair-rail, for a full hour. Everything + remaining perfectly quiet, he got into Mr. Squeers’s bed, once more, and + drawing the clothes over his head, laughed till he was nearly smothered. + </p> + <p> + If there could only have been somebody by, to see how the bedclothes + shook, and to see the Yorkshireman’s great red face and round head appear + above the sheets, every now and then, like some jovial monster coming to + the surface to breathe, and once more dive down convulsed with the + laughter which came bursting forth afresh—that somebody would have + been scarcely less amused than John Browdie himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 40 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span><i>n which Nicholas falls in Love. He employs a Mediator, whose Proceedings + are crowned with unexpected Success, excepting in one solitary Particular</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Once more out of the clutches of his old persecutor, it needed no fresh + stimulation to call forth the utmost energy and exertion that Smike was + capable of summoning to his aid. Without pausing for a moment to reflect + upon the course he was taking, or the probability of its leading him + homewards or the reverse, he fled away with surprising swiftness and + constancy of purpose, borne upon such wings as only Fear can wear, and + impelled by imaginary shouts in the well remembered voice of Squeers, who, + with a host of pursuers, seemed to the poor fellow’s disordered senses to + press hard upon his track; now left at a greater distance in the rear, and + now gaining faster and faster upon him, as the alternations of hope and + terror agitated him by turns. Long after he had become assured that these + sounds were but the creation of his excited brain, he still held on, at a + pace which even weakness and exhaustion could scarcely retard. It was not + until the darkness and quiet of a country road, recalled him to a sense of + external objects, and the starry sky, above, warned him of the rapid + flight of time, that, covered with dust and panting for breath, he stopped + to listen and look about him. + </p> + <p> + All was still and silent. A glare of light in the distance, casting a warm + glow upon the sky, marked where the huge city lay. Solitary fields, + divided by hedges and ditches, through many of which he had crashed and + scrambled in his flight, skirted the road, both by the way he had come and + upon the opposite side. It was late now. They could scarcely trace him by + such paths as he had taken, and if he could hope to regain his own + dwelling, it must surely be at such a time as that, and under cover of the + darkness. This, by degrees, became pretty plain, even to the mind of + Smike. He had, at first, entertained some vague and childish idea of + travelling into the country for ten or a dozen miles, and then returning + homewards by a wide circuit, which should keep him clear of London—so + great was his apprehension of traversing the streets alone, lest he should + again encounter his dreaded enemy—but, yielding to the conviction + which these thoughts inspired, he turned back, and taking the open road, + though not without many fears and misgivings, made for London again, with + scarcely less speed of foot than that with which he had left the temporary + abode of Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + By the time he re-entered it, at the western extremity, the greater part + of the shops were closed. Of the throngs of people who had been tempted + abroad after the heat of the day, but few remained in the streets, and + they were lounging home. But of these he asked his way from time to time, + and by dint of repeated inquiries, he at length reached the dwelling of + Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + All that evening, Newman had been hunting and searching in byways and + corners for the very person who now knocked at his door, while Nicholas + had been pursuing the same inquiry in other directions. He was sitting, + with a melancholy air, at his poor supper, when Smike’s timorous and + uncertain knock reached his ears. Alive to every sound, in his anxious and + expectant state, Newman hurried downstairs, and, uttering a cry of joyful + surprise, dragged the welcome visitor into the passage and up the stairs, + and said not a word until he had him safe in his own garret and the door + was shut behind them, when he mixed a great mug-full of gin-and-water, and + holding it to Smike’s mouth, as one might hold a bowl of medicine to the + lips of a refractory child, commanded him to drain it to the last drop. + </p> + <p> + Newman looked uncommonly blank when he found that Smike did little more + than put his lips to the precious mixture; he was in the act of raising + the mug to his own mouth with a deep sigh of compassion for his poor + friend’s weakness, when Smike, beginning to relate the adventures which + had befallen him, arrested him half-way, and he stood listening, with the + mug in his hand. + </p> + <p> + It was odd enough to see the change that came over Newman as Smike + proceeded. At first he stood, rubbing his lips with the back of his hand, + as a preparatory ceremony towards composing himself for a draught; then, + at the mention of Squeers, he took the mug under his arm, and opening his + eyes very wide, looked on, in the utmost astonishment. When Smike came to + the assault upon himself in the hackney coach, he hastily deposited the + mug upon the table, and limped up and down the room in a state of the + greatest excitement, stopping himself with a jerk, every now and then, as + if to listen more attentively. When John Browdie came to be spoken of, he + dropped, by slow and gradual degrees, into a chair, and rubbing his hands + upon his knees—quicker and quicker as the story reached its climax—burst, + at last, into a laugh composed of one loud sonorous ‘Ha! ha!’ having given + vent to which, his countenance immediately fell again as he inquired, with + the utmost anxiety, whether it was probable that John Browdie and Squeers + had come to blows. + </p> + <p> + ‘No! I think not,’ replied Smike. ‘I don’t think he could have missed me + till I had got quite away.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman scratched his head with a shout of great disappointment, and once + more lifting up the mug, applied himself to the contents; smiling + meanwhile, over the rim, with a grim and ghastly smile at Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall stay here,’ said Newman; ‘you’re tired—fagged. I’ll tell + them you’re come back. They have been half mad about you. Mr. Nicholas—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘God bless him!’ cried Smike. + </p> + <p> + ‘Amen!’ returned Newman. ‘He hasn’t had a minute’s rest or peace; no more + has the old lady, nor Miss Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no. Has <i>she </i>thought about me?’ said Smike. ‘Has she though? oh, has + she, has she? Don’t tell me so if she has not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She has,’ cried Newman. ‘She is as noble-hearted as she is beautiful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes!’ cried Smike. ‘Well said!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So mild and gentle,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes!’ cried Smike, with increasing eagerness. + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet with such a true and gallant spirit,’ pursued Newman. + </p> + <p> + He was going on, in his enthusiasm, when, chancing to look at his + companion, he saw that he had covered his face with his hands, and that + tears were stealing out between his fingers. + </p> + <p> + A moment before, the boy’s eyes were sparkling with unwonted fire, and + every feature had been lighted up with an excitement which made him + appear, for the moment, quite a different being. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ muttered Newman, as if he were a little puzzled. ‘It has + touched <i>me</i>, more than once, to think such a nature should have been + exposed to such trials; this poor fellow—yes, yes,—he feels + that too—it softens him—makes him think of his former misery. + Hah! That’s it? Yes, that’s—hum!’ + </p> + <p> + It was by no means clear, from the tone of these broken reflections, that + Newman Noggs considered them as explaining, at all satisfactorily, the + emotion which had suggested them. He sat, in a musing attitude, for some + time, regarding Smike occasionally with an anxious and doubtful glance, + which sufficiently showed that he was not very remotely connected with his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + At length he repeated his proposition that Smike should remain where he + was for that night, and that he (Noggs) should straightway repair to the + cottage to relieve the suspense of the family. But, as Smike would not + hear of this—pleading his anxiety to see his friends again—they + eventually sallied forth together; and the night being, by this time, far + advanced, and Smike being, besides, so footsore that he could hardly crawl + along, it was within an hour of sunrise when they reached their + destination. + </p> + <p> + At the first sound of their voices outside the house, Nicholas, who had + passed a sleepless night, devising schemes for the recovery of his lost + charge, started from his bed, and joyfully admitted them. There was so + much noisy conversation, and congratulation, and indignation, that the + remainder of the family were soon awakened, and Smike received a warm and + cordial welcome, not only from Kate, but from Mrs. Nickleby also, who + assured him of her future favour and regard, and was so obliging as to + relate, for his entertainment and that of the assembled circle, a most + remarkable account extracted from some work the name of which she had + never known, of a miraculous escape from some prison, but what one she + couldn’t remember, effected by an officer whose name she had forgotten, + confined for some crime which she didn’t clearly recollect. + </p> + <p> + At first Nicholas was disposed to give his uncle credit for some portion + of this bold attempt (which had so nearly proved successful) to carry off + Smike; but on more mature consideration, he was inclined to think that the + full merit of it rested with Mr. Squeers. Determined to ascertain, if he + could, through John Browdie, how the case really stood, he betook himself + to his daily occupation: meditating, as he went, on a great variety of + schemes for the punishment of the Yorkshire schoolmaster, all of which had + their foundation in the strictest principles of retributive justice, and + had but the one drawback of being wholly impracticable. + </p> + <p> + ‘A fine morning, Mr. Linkinwater!’ said Nicholas, entering the office. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ replied Tim, ‘talk of the country, indeed! What do you think of + this, now, for a day—a London day—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a little clearer out of town,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Clearer!’ echoed Tim Linkinwater. ‘You should see it from my bedroom + window.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You should see it from <i>mine</i>,’ replied Nicholas, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pooh! pooh!’ said Tim Linkinwater, ‘don’t tell me. Country!’ (Bow was + quite a rustic place to Tim.) ‘Nonsense! What can you get in the country + but new-laid eggs and flowers? I can buy new-laid eggs in Leadenhall + Market, any morning before breakfast; and as to flowers, it’s worth a run + upstairs to smell my mignonette, or to see the double wallflower in the + back-attic window, at No. 6, in the court.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is a double wallflower at No. 6, in the court, is there?’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, is there!’ replied Tim, ‘and planted in a cracked jug, without a + spout. There were hyacinths there, this last spring, blossoming, in—but + you’ll laugh at that, of course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At their blossoming in old blacking-bottles,’ said Tim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not I, indeed,’ returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Tim looked wistfully at him, for a moment, as if he were encouraged by the + tone of this reply to be more communicative on the subject; and sticking + behind his ear, a pen that he had been making, and shutting up his knife + with a smart click, said, + </p> + <p> + ‘They belong to a sickly bedridden hump-backed boy, and seem to be the + only pleasure, Mr. Nickleby, of his sad existence. How many years is it,’ + said Tim, pondering, ‘since I first noticed him, quite a little child, + dragging himself about on a pair of tiny crutches? Well! Well! Not many; + but though they would appear nothing, if I thought of other things, they + seem a long, long time, when I think of him. It is a sad thing,’ said Tim, + breaking off, ‘to see a little deformed child sitting apart from other + children, who are active and merry, watching the games he is denied the + power to share in. He made my heart ache very often.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a good heart,’ said Nicholas, ‘that disentangles itself from the + close avocations of every day, to heed such things. You were saying—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That the flowers belonged to this poor boy,’ said Tim; ‘that’s all. When + it is fine weather, and he can crawl out of bed, he draws a chair close to + the window, and sits there, looking at them and arranging them, all day + long. He used to nod, at first, and then we came to speak. Formerly, when + I called to him of a morning, and asked him how he was, he would smile, + and say, “Better!” but now he shakes his head, and only bends more closely + over his old plants. It must be dull to watch the dark housetops and the + flying clouds, for so many months; but he is very patient.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there nobody in the house to cheer or help him?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘His father lives there, I believe,’ replied Tim, ‘and other people too; + but no one seems to care much for the poor sickly cripple. I have asked + him, very often, if I can do nothing for him; his answer is always the + same. “Nothing.” His voice is growing weak of late, but I can <i>see </i>that he + makes the old reply. He can’t leave his bed now, so they have moved it + close beside the window, and there he lies, all day: now looking at the + sky, and now at his flowers, which he still makes shift to trim and water, + with his own thin hands. At night, when he sees my candle, he draws back + his curtain, and leaves it so, till I am in bed. It seems such company to + him to know that I am there, that I often sit at my window for an hour or + more, that he may see I am still awake; and sometimes I get up in the + night to look at the dull melancholy light in his little room, and wonder + whether he is awake or sleeping. + </p> + <p> + ‘The night will not be long coming,’ said Tim, ‘when he will sleep, and + never wake again on earth. We have never so much as shaken hands in all + our lives; and yet I shall miss him like an old friend. Are there any + country flowers that could interest me like these, do you think? Or do you + suppose that the withering of a hundred kinds of the choicest flowers that + blow, called by the hardest Latin names that were ever invented, would + give me one fraction of the pain that I shall feel when these old jugs and + bottles are swept away as lumber? Country!’ cried Tim, with a contemptuous + emphasis; ‘don’t you know that I couldn’t have such a court under my + bedroom window, anywhere, but in London?’ + </p> + <p> + With which inquiry, Tim turned his back, and pretending to be absorbed in + his accounts, took an opportunity of hastily wiping his eyes when he + supposed Nicholas was looking another way. + </p> + <p> + Whether it was that Tim’s accounts were more than usually intricate that + morning, or whether it was that his habitual serenity had been a little + disturbed by these recollections, it so happened that when Nicholas + returned from executing some commission, and inquired whether Mr. Charles + Cheeryble was alone in his room, Tim promptly, and without the smallest + hesitation, replied in the affirmative, although somebody had passed into + the room not ten minutes before, and Tim took especial and particular + pride in preventing any intrusion on either of the brothers when they were + engaged with any visitor whatever. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll take this letter to him at once,’ said Nicholas, ‘if that’s the + case.’ And with that, he walked to the room and knocked at the door. + </p> + <p> + No answer. + </p> + <p> + Another knock, and still no answer. + </p> + <p> + ‘He can’t be here,’ thought Nicholas. ‘I’ll lay it on his table.’ + </p> + <p> + So, Nicholas opened the door and walked in; and very quickly he turned to + walk out again, when he saw, to his great astonishment and discomfiture, a + young lady upon her knees at Mr. Cheeryble’s feet, and Mr. Cheeryble + beseeching her to rise, and entreating a third person, who had the + appearance of the young lady’s female attendant, to add her persuasions to + his to induce her to do so. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0540m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0540m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0540.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Nicholas stammered out an awkward apology, and was precipitately retiring, + when the young lady, turning her head a little, presented to his view the + features of the lovely girl whom he had seen at the register-office on his + first visit long before. Glancing from her to the attendant, he recognised + the same clumsy servant who had accompanied her then; and between his + admiration of the young lady’s beauty, and the confusion and surprise of + this unexpected recognition, he stood stock-still, in such a bewildered + state of surprise and embarrassment that, for the moment, he was quite + bereft of the power either to speak or move. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear ma’am—my dear young lady,’ cried brother Charles in violent + agitation, ‘pray don’t—not another word, I beseech and entreat you! + I implore you—I beg of you—to rise. We—we—are not + alone.’ + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, he raised the young lady, who staggered to a chair and + swooned away. + </p> + <p> + ‘She has fainted, sir,’ said Nicholas, darting eagerly forward. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor dear, poor dear!’ cried brother Charles ‘Where is my brother Ned? + Ned, my dear brother, come here pray.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Brother Charles, my dear fellow,’ replied his brother, hurrying into the + room, ‘what is the—ah! what—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush!—not a word for your life, brother Ned,’ returned the + other. ‘Ring for the housekeeper, my dear brother—call Tim + Linkinwater! Here, Tim Linkinwater, sir—Mr. Nickleby, my dear sir, + leave the room, I beg and beseech of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think she is better now,’ said Nicholas, who had been watching the + patient so eagerly, that he had not heard the request. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor bird!’ cried brother Charles, gently taking her hand in his, and + laying her head upon his arm. ‘Brother Ned, my dear fellow, you will be + surprised, I know, to witness this, in business hours; but—’ here he + was again reminded of the presence of Nicholas, and shaking him by the + hand, earnestly requested him to leave the room, and to send Tim + Linkinwater without an instant’s delay. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas immediately withdrew and, on his way to the counting-house, met + both the old housekeeper and Tim Linkinwater, jostling each other in the + passage, and hurrying to the scene of action with extraordinary speed. + Without waiting to hear his message, Tim Linkinwater darted into the room, + and presently afterwards Nicholas heard the door shut and locked on the + inside. + </p> + <p> + He had abundance of time to ruminate on this discovery, for Tim + Linkinwater was absent during the greater part of an hour, during the + whole of which time Nicholas thought of nothing but the young lady, and + her exceeding beauty, and what could possibly have brought her there, and + why they made such a mystery of it. The more he thought of all this, the + more it perplexed him, and the more anxious he became to know who and what + she was. ‘I should have known her among ten thousand,’ thought Nicholas. + And with that he walked up and down the room, and recalling her face and + figure (of which he had a peculiarly vivid remembrance), discarded all + other subjects of reflection and dwelt upon that alone. + </p> + <p> + At length Tim Linkinwater came back—provokingly cool, and with + papers in his hand, and a pen in his mouth, as if nothing had happened. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is she quite recovered?’ said Nicholas, impetuously. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ returned Tim Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who!’ repeated Nicholas. ‘The young lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you make, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Tim, taking his pen out of his + mouth, ‘what do you make of four hundred and twenty-seven times three + thousand two hundred and thirty-eight?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ returned Nicholas, ‘what do you make of my question first? I asked + you—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘About the young lady,’ said Tim Linkinwater, putting on his spectacles. + ‘To be sure. Yes. Oh! she’s very well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, is she?’ returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well,’ replied Mr. Linkinwater, gravely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will she be able to go home today?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘She’s gone,’ said Tim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gone!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope she has not far to go?’ said Nicholas, looking earnestly at the + other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ replied the immovable Tim, ‘I hope she hasn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas hazarded one or two further remarks, but it was evident that Tim + Linkinwater had his own reasons for evading the subject, and that he was + determined to afford no further information respecting the fair unknown, + who had awakened so much curiosity in the breast of his young friend. + Nothing daunted by this repulse, Nicholas returned to the charge next day, + emboldened by the circumstance of Mr. Linkinwater being in a very talkative + and communicative mood; but, directly he resumed the theme, Tim relapsed + into a state of most provoking taciturnity, and from answering in + monosyllables, came to returning no answers at all, save such as were to + be inferred from several grave nods and shrugs, which only served to whet + that appetite for intelligence in Nicholas, which had already attained a + most unreasonable height. + </p> + <p> + Foiled in these attempts, he was fain to content himself with watching for + the young lady’s next visit, but here again he was disappointed. Day after + day passed, and she did not return. He looked eagerly at the + superscription of all the notes and letters, but there was not one among + them which he could fancy to be in her handwriting. On two or three + occasions he was employed on business which took him to a distance, and + had formerly been transacted by Tim Linkinwater. Nicholas could not help + suspecting that, for some reason or other, he was sent out of the way on + purpose, and that the young lady was there in his absence. Nothing + transpired, however, to confirm this suspicion, and Tim could not be + entrapped into any confession or admission tending to support it in the + smallest degree. + </p> + <p> + Mystery and disappointment are not absolutely indispensable to the growth + of love, but they are, very often, its powerful auxiliaries. ‘Out of + sight, out of mind,’ is well enough as a proverb applicable to cases of + friendship, though absence is not always necessary to hollowness of heart, + even between friends, and truth and honesty, like precious stones, are + perhaps most easily imitated at a distance, when the counterfeits often + pass for real. Love, however, is very materially assisted by a warm and + active imagination: which has a long memory, and will thrive, for a + considerable time, on very slight and sparing food. Thus it is, that it + often attains its most luxuriant growth in separation and under + circumstances of the utmost difficulty; and thus it was, that Nicholas, + thinking of nothing but the unknown young lady, from day to day and from + hour to hour, began, at last, to think that he was very desperately in + love with her, and that never was such an ill-used and persecuted lover as + he. + </p> + <p> + Still, though he loved and languished after the most orthodox models, and + was only deterred from making a confidante of Kate by the slight + considerations of having never, in all his life, spoken to the object of + his passion, and having never set eyes upon her, except on two occasions, + on both of which she had come and gone like a flash of lightning—or, + as Nicholas himself said, in the numerous conversations he held with + himself, like a vision of youth and beauty much too bright to last—his + ardour and devotion remained without its reward. The young lady appeared + no more; so there was a great deal of love wasted (enough indeed to have + set up half-a-dozen young gentlemen, as times go, with the utmost + decency), and nobody was a bit the wiser for it; not even Nicholas + himself, who, on the contrary, became more dull, sentimental, and + lackadaisical, every day. + </p> + <p> + While matters were in this state, the failure of a correspondent of the + brothers Cheeryble, in Germany, imposed upon Tim Linkinwater and Nicholas + the necessity of going through some very long and complicated accounts, + extending over a considerable space of time. To get through them with the + greater dispatch, Tim Linkinwater proposed that they should remain at the + counting-house, for a week or so, until ten o’clock at night; to this, as + nothing damped the zeal of Nicholas in the service of his kind patrons—not + even romance, which has seldom business habits—he cheerfully + assented. On the very first night of these later hours, at nine exactly, + there came: not the young lady herself, but her servant, who, being + closeted with brother Charles for some time, went away, and returned next + night at the same hour, and on the next, and on the next again. + </p> + <p> + These repeated visits inflamed the curiosity of Nicholas to the very + highest pitch. Tantalised and excited, beyond all bearing, and unable to + fathom the mystery without neglecting his duty, he confided the whole + secret to Newman Noggs, imploring him to be on the watch next night; to + follow the girl home; to set on foot such inquiries relative to the name, + condition, and history of her mistress, as he could, without exciting + suspicion; and to report the result to him with the least possible delay. + </p> + <p> + Beyond all measure proud of this commission, Newman Noggs took up his + post, in the square, on the following evening, a full hour before the + needful time, and planting himself behind the pump and pulling his hat + over his eyes, began his watch with an elaborate appearance of mystery, + admirably calculated to excite the suspicion of all beholders. Indeed, + divers servant girls who came to draw water, and sundry little boys who + stopped to drink at the ladle, were almost scared out of their senses, by + the apparition of Newman Noggs looking stealthily round the pump, with + nothing of him visible but his face, and that wearing the expression of a + meditative Ogre. + </p> + <p> + Punctual to her time, the messenger came again, and, after an interview of + rather longer duration than usual, departed. Newman had made two + appointments with Nicholas: one for the next evening, conditional on his + success: and one the next night following, which was to be kept under all + circumstances. The first night he was not at the place of meeting (a + certain tavern about half-way between the city and Golden Square), but on + the second night he was there before Nicholas, and received him with open + arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s all right,’ whispered Newman. ‘Sit down. Sit down, there’s a dear + young man, and let me tell you all about it.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas needed no second invitation, and eagerly inquired what was the + news. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a great deal of news,’ said Newman, in a flutter of exultation. + ‘It’s all right. Don’t be anxious. I don’t know where to begin. Never mind + that. Keep up your spirits. It’s all right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ said Nicholas eagerly. ‘Yes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Newman. ‘That’s it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s it?’ said Nicholas. ‘The name—the name, my dear fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The name’s Bobster,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bobster!’ repeated Nicholas, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the name,’ said Newman. ‘I remember it by lobster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bobster!’ repeated Nicholas, more emphatically than before. ‘That must be + the servant’s name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, it an’t,’ said Newman, shaking his head with great positiveness. + ‘Miss Cecilia Bobster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cecilia, eh?’ returned Nicholas, muttering the two names together over + and over again in every variety of tone, to try the effect. ‘Well, Cecilia + is a pretty name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very. And a pretty creature too,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Bobster.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, where have you seen her?’ demanded Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind, my dear boy,’ retorted Noggs, clapping him on the shoulder. + ‘I <i>have </i>seen her. You shall see her. I’ve managed it all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear Newman,’ cried Nicholas, grasping his hand, ‘are you serious?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am,’ replied Newman. ‘I mean it all. Every word. You shall see her + tomorrow night. She consents to hear you speak for yourself. I persuaded + her. She is all affability, goodness, sweetness, and beauty.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know she is; I know she must be, Newman!’ said Nicholas, wringing his + hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are right,’ returned Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where does she live?’ cried Nicholas. ‘What have you learnt of her + history? Has she a father—mother—any brothers—sisters? + What did she say? How came you to see her? Was she not very much + surprised? Did you say how passionately I have longed to speak to her? Did + you tell her where I had seen her? Did you tell her how, and when, and + where, and how long, and how often, I have thought of that sweet face + which came upon me in my bitterest distress like a glimpse of some better + world—did you, Newman—did you?’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Noggs literally gasped for breath as this flood of questions rushed + upon him, and moved spasmodically in his chair at every fresh inquiry, + staring at Nicholas meanwhile with a most ludicrous expression of + perplexity. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Newman, ‘I didn’t tell her that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Didn’t tell her which?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘About the glimpse of the better world,’ said Newman. ‘I didn’t tell her + who you were, either, or where you’d seen her. I said you loved her to + distraction.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s true, Newman,’ replied Nicholas, with his characteristic + vehemence. ‘Heaven knows I do!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I said too, that you had admired her for a long time in secret,’ said + Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes. What did she say to that?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Blushed,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure. Of course she would,’ said Nicholas approvingly. Newman then + went on to say, that the young lady was an only child, that her mother was + dead, that she resided with her father, and that she had been induced to + allow her lover a secret interview, at the intercession of her servant, + who had great influence with her. He further related how it required much + moving and great eloquence to bring the young lady to this pass; how it + was expressly understood that she merely afforded Nicholas an opportunity + of declaring his passion; and how she by no means pledged herself to be + favourably impressed with his attentions. The mystery of her visits to the + brothers Cheeryble remained wholly unexplained, for Newman had not alluded + to them, either in his preliminary conversations with the servant or his + subsequent interview with the mistress, merely remarking that he had been + instructed to watch the girl home and plead his young friend’s cause, and + not saying how far he had followed her, or from what point. But Newman + hinted that from what had fallen from the confidante, he had been led to + suspect that the young lady led a very miserable and unhappy life, under + the strict control of her only parent, who was of a violent and brutal + temper; a circumstance which he thought might in some degree account, both + for her having sought the protection and friendship of the brothers, and + her suffering herself to be prevailed upon to grant the promised + interview. The last he held to be a very logical deduction from the + premises, inasmuch as it was but natural to suppose that a young lady, + whose present condition was so unenviable, would be more than commonly + desirous to change it. + </p> + <p> + It appeared, on further questioning—for it was only by a very long + and arduous process that all this could be got out of Newman Noggs—that + Newman, in explanation of his shabby appearance, had represented himself + as being, for certain wise and indispensable purposes connected with that + intrigue, in disguise; and, being questioned how he had come to exceed his + commission so far as to procure an interview, he responded, that the lady + appearing willing to grant it, he considered himself bound, both in duty + and gallantry, to avail himself of such a golden means of enabling + Nicholas to prosecute his addresses. After these and all possible + questions had been asked and answered twenty times over, they parted, + undertaking to meet on the following night at half-past ten, for the + purpose of fulfilling the appointment; which was for eleven o’clock. + </p> + <p> + ‘Things come about very strangely!’ thought Nicholas, as he walked home. + ‘I never contemplated anything of this kind; never dreamt of the + possibility of it. To know something of the life of one in whom I felt + such interest; to see her in the street, to pass the house in which she + lived, to meet her sometimes in her walks, to hope that a day might come + when I might be in a condition to tell her of my love, this was the utmost + extent of my thoughts. Now, however—but I should be a fool, indeed, + to repine at my own good fortune!’ + </p> + <p> + Still, Nicholas was dissatisfied; and there was more in the + dissatisfaction than mere revulsion of feeling. He was angry with the + young lady for being so easily won, ‘because,’ reasoned Nicholas, ‘it is + not as if she knew it was I, but it might have been anybody,’—which + was certainly not pleasant. The next moment, he was angry with himself for + entertaining such thoughts, arguing that nothing but goodness could dwell + in such a temple, and that the behaviour of the brothers sufficiently + showed the estimation in which they held her. ‘The fact is, she’s a + mystery altogether,’ said Nicholas. This was not more satisfactory than + his previous course of reflection, and only drove him out upon a new sea + of speculation and conjecture, where he tossed and tumbled, in great + discomfort of mind, until the clock struck ten, and the hour of meeting + drew nigh. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had dressed himself with great care, and even Newman Noggs had + trimmed himself up a little; his coat presenting the phenomenon of two + consecutive buttons, and the supplementary pins being inserted at + tolerably regular intervals. He wore his hat, too, in the newest taste, + with a pocket-handkerchief in the crown, and a twisted end of it + straggling out behind after the fashion of a pigtail, though he could + scarcely lay claim to the ingenuity of inventing this latter decoration, + inasmuch as he was utterly unconscious of it: being in a nervous and + excited condition which rendered him quite insensible to everything but + the great object of the expedition. + </p> + <p> + They traversed the streets in profound silence; and after walking at a + round pace for some distance, arrived in one, of a gloomy appearance and + very little frequented, near the Edgeware Road. + </p> + <p> + ‘Number twelve,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ replied Nicholas, looking about him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good street?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ returned Nicholas. ‘Rather dull.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman made no answer to this remark, but, halting abruptly, planted + Nicholas with his back to some area railings, and gave him to understand + that he was to wait there, without moving hand or foot, until it was + satisfactorily ascertained that the coast was clear. This done, Noggs + limped away with great alacrity; looking over his shoulder every instant, + to make quite certain that Nicholas was obeying his directions; and, + ascending the steps of a house some half-dozen doors off, was lost to + view. + </p> + <p> + After a short delay, he reappeared, and limping back again, halted midway, + and beckoned Nicholas to follow him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well?’ said Nicholas, advancing towards him on tiptoe. + </p> + <p> + ‘All right,’ replied Newman, in high glee. ‘All ready; nobody at home. + Couldn’t be better. Ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + With this fortifying assurance, he stole past a street-door, on which + Nicholas caught a glimpse of a brass plate, with ‘BOBSTER,’ in very large + letters; and, stopping at the area-gate, which was open, signed to his + young friend to descend. + </p> + <p> + ‘What the devil!’ cried Nicholas, drawing back. ‘Are we to sneak into the + kitchen, as if we came after the forks?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ replied Newman. ‘Old Bobster—ferocious Turk. He’d kill ‘em + all—box the young lady’s ears—he does—often.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What!’ cried Nicholas, in high wrath, ‘do you mean to tell me that any + man would dare to box the ears of such a—’ + </p> + <p> + He had no time to sing the praises of his mistress, just then, for Newman + gave him a gentle push which had nearly precipitated him to the bottom of + the area steps. Thinking it best to take the hint in good part, Nicholas + descended, without further remonstrance, but with a countenance bespeaking + anything rather than the hope and rapture of a passionate lover. Newman + followed—he would have followed head first, but for the timely + assistance of Nicholas—and, taking his hand, led him through a stone + passage, profoundly dark, into a back-kitchen or cellar, of the blackest + and most pitchy obscurity, where they stopped. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well!’ said Nicholas, in a discontented whisper, ‘this is not all, I + suppose, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no,’ rejoined Noggs; ‘they’ll be here directly. It’s all right.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad to hear it,’ said Nicholas. ‘I shouldn’t have thought it, I + confess.’ + </p> + <p> + They exchanged no further words, and there Nicholas stood, listening to + the loud breathing of Newman Noggs, and imagining that his nose seemed to + glow like a red-hot coal, even in the midst of the darkness which + enshrouded them. Suddenly the sound of cautious footsteps attracted his + ear, and directly afterwards a female voice inquired if the gentleman was + there. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Nicholas, turning towards the corner from which the voice + proceeded. ‘Who is that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only me, sir,’ replied the voice. ‘Now if you please, ma’am.’ + </p> + <p> + A gleam of light shone into the place, and presently the servant girl + appeared, bearing a light, and followed by her young mistress, who seemed + to be overwhelmed by modesty and confusion. + </p> + <p> + At sight of the young lady, Nicholas started and changed colour; his heart + beat violently, and he stood rooted to the spot. At that instant, and + almost simultaneously with her arrival and that of the candle, there was + heard a loud and furious knocking at the street-door, which caused Newman + Noggs to jump up, with great agility, from a beer-barrel on which he had + been seated astride, and to exclaim abruptly, and with a face of ashy + paleness, ‘Bobster, by the Lord!’ + </p> + <p> + The young lady shrieked, the attendant wrung her hands, Nicholas gazed + from one to the other in apparent stupefaction, and Newman hurried to and + fro, thrusting his hands into all his pockets successively, and drawing + out the linings of every one in the excess of his irresolution. It was but + a moment, but the confusion crowded into that one moment no imagination + can exaggerate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave the house, for Heaven’s sake! We have done wrong, we deserve it + all,’ cried the young lady. ‘Leave the house, or I am ruined and undone + for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you hear me say but one word?’ cried Nicholas. ‘Only one. I will not + detain you. Will you hear me say one word, in explanation of this + mischance?’ + </p> + <p> + But Nicholas might as well have spoken to the wind, for the young lady, + with distracted looks, hurried up the stairs. He would have followed her, + but Newman, twisting his hand in his coat collar, dragged him towards the + passage by which they had entered. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me go, Newman, in the Devil’s name!’ cried Nicholas. ‘I must speak to + her. I will! I will not leave this house without.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Reputation—character—violence—consider,’ said Newman, + clinging round him with both arms, and hurrying him away. ‘Let them open + the door. We’ll go, as we came, directly it’s shut. Come. This way. Here.’ + </p> + <p> + Overpowered by the remonstrances of Newman, and the tears and prayers of + the girl, and the tremendous knocking above, which had never ceased, + Nicholas allowed himself to be hurried off; and, precisely as Mr. Bobster + made his entrance by the street-door, he and Noggs made their exit by the + area-gate. + </p> + <p> + They hurried away, through several streets, without stopping or speaking. + At last, they halted and confronted each other with blank and rueful + faces. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never mind,’ said Newman, gasping for breath. ‘Don’t be cast down. It’s + all right. More fortunate next time. It couldn’t be helped. I did <i>my</i> + part.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Excellently,’ replied Nicholas, taking his hand. ‘Excellently, and like + the true and zealous friend you are. Only—mind, I am not + disappointed, Newman, and feel just as much indebted to you—only <i>it + was the wrong lady.‘</i> + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh?’ cried Newman Noggs. ‘Taken in by the servant?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Newman, Newman,’ said Nicholas, laying his hand upon his shoulder: ‘it + was the wrong servant too.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman’s under-jaw dropped, and he gazed at Nicholas, with his sound eye + fixed fast and motionless in his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t take it to heart,’ said Nicholas; ‘it’s of no consequence; you see + I don’t care about it; you followed the wrong person, that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + That <i>was </i>all. Whether Newman Noggs had looked round the pump, in a + slanting direction, so long, that his sight became impaired; or whether, + finding that there was time to spare, he had recruited himself with a few + drops of something stronger than the pump could yield—by whatsoever + means it had come to pass, this was his mistake. And Nicholas went home to + brood upon it, and to meditate upon the charms of the unknown young lady, + now as far beyond his reach as ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 41 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span><i>ontaining some Romantic Passages between Mrs. Nickleby and the Gentleman + in the Small-clothes next Door</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Ever since her last momentous conversation with her son, Mrs. Nickleby had + begun to display unusual care in the adornment of her person, gradually + superadding to those staid and matronly habiliments, which had, up to that + time, formed her ordinary attire, a variety of embellishments and + decorations, slight perhaps in themselves, but, taken together, and + considered with reference to the subject of her disclosure, of no mean + importance. Even her black dress assumed something of a deadly-lively air + from the jaunty style in which it was worn; and, eked out as its lingering + attractions were; by a prudent disposal, here and there, of certain + juvenile ornaments of little or no value, which had, for that reason + alone, escaped the general wreck and been permitted to slumber peacefully + in odd corners of old drawers and boxes where daylight seldom shone, her + mourning garments assumed quite a new character. From being the outward + tokens of respect and sorrow for the dead, they became converted into + signals of very slaughterous and killing designs upon the living. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby might have been stimulated to this proceeding by a lofty + sense of duty, and impulses of unquestionable excellence. She might, by + this time, have become impressed with the sinfulness of long indulgence in + unavailing woe, or the necessity of setting a proper example of neatness + and decorum to her blooming daughter. Considerations of duty and + responsibility apart, the change might have taken its rise in feelings of + the purest and most disinterested charity. The gentleman next door had + been vilified by Nicholas; rudely stigmatised as a dotard and an idiot; + and for these attacks upon his understanding, Mrs. Nickleby was, in some + sort, accountable. She might have felt that it was the act of a good + Christian to show by all means in her power, that the abused gentleman was + neither the one nor the other. And what better means could she adopt, + towards so virtuous and laudable an end, than proving to all men, in her + own person, that his passion was the most rational and reasonable in the + world, and just the very result, of all others, which discreet and + thinking persons might have foreseen, from her incautiously displaying her + matured charms, without reserve, under the very eye, as it were, of an + ardent and too-susceptible man? + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, gravely shaking her head; ‘if Nicholas knew what + his poor dear papa suffered before we were engaged, when I used to hate + him, he would have a little more feeling. Shall I ever forget the morning + I looked scornfully at him when he offered to carry my parasol? Or that + night, when I frowned at him? It was a mercy he didn’t emigrate. It very + nearly drove him to it.’ + </p> + <p> + Whether the deceased might not have been better off if he had emigrated in + his bachelor days, was a question which his relict did not stop to + consider; for Kate entered the room, with her workbox, in this stage of + her reflections; and a much slighter interruption, or no interruption at + all, would have diverted Mrs. Nickleby’s thoughts into a new channel at any + time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby; ‘I don’t know how it is, but a fine + warm summer day like this, with the birds singing in every direction, + always puts me in mind of roast pig, with sage and onion sauce, and made + gravy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s a curious association of ideas, is it not, mama?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, my dear, I don’t know,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Roast pig; + let me see. On the day five weeks after you were christened, we had a + roast—no, that couldn’t have been a pig, either, because I recollect + there were a pair of them to carve, and your poor papa and I could never + have thought of sitting down to two pigs—they must have been + partridges. Roast pig! I hardly think we ever could have had one, now I + come to remember, for your papa could never bear the sight of them in the + shops, and used to say that they always put him in mind of very little + babies, only the pigs had much fairer complexions; and he had a horror of + little babies, too, because he couldn’t very well afford any increase to + his family, and had a natural dislike to the subject. It’s very odd now, + what can have put that in my head! I recollect dining once at Mrs. Bevan’s, + in that broad street round the corner by the coachmaker’s, where the tipsy + man fell through the cellar-flap of an empty house nearly a week before + the quarter-day, and wasn’t found till the new tenant went in—and we + had roast pig there. It must be that, I think, that reminds me of it, + especially as there was a little bird in the room that would keep on + singing all the time of dinner—at least, not a little bird, for it + was a parrot, and he didn’t sing exactly, for he talked and swore + dreadfully: but I think it must be that. Indeed I am sure it must. + Shouldn’t you say so, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should say there was not a doubt about it, mama,’ returned Kate, with a + cheerful smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘No; but <i>do</i> you think so, Kate?’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with as much gravity + as if it were a question of the most imminent and thrilling interest. ‘If + you don’t, say so at once, you know; because it’s just as well to be + correct, particularly on a point of this kind, which is very curious and + worth settling while one thinks about it.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate laughingly replied that she was quite convinced; and as her mama + still appeared undetermined whether it was not absolutely essential that + the subject should be renewed, proposed that they should take their work + into the summer-house, and enjoy the beauty of the afternoon. Mrs. Nickleby + readily assented, and to the summer-house they repaired, without further + discussion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I will say,’ observed Mrs. Nickleby, as she took her seat, ‘that + there never was such a good creature as Smike. Upon my word, the pains he + has taken in putting this little arbour to rights, and training the + sweetest flowers about it, are beyond anything I could have—I wish + he wouldn’t put <i>all </i>the gravel on your side, Kate, my dear, though, and + leave nothing but mould for me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mama,’ returned Kate, hastily, ‘take this seat—do—to + oblige me, mama.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, indeed, my dear. I shall keep my own side,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Well! + I declare!’ + </p> + <p> + Kate looked up inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he hasn’t been,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘and got, from somewhere or other, + a couple of roots of those flowers that I said I was so fond of, the other + night, and asked you if you were not—no, that <i>you </i>said <i>you </i>were so + fond of, the other night, and asked me if I wasn’t—it’s the same + thing. Now, upon my word, I take that as very kind and attentive indeed! I + don’t see,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, looking narrowly about her, ‘any of them + on my side, but I suppose they grow best near the gravel. You may depend + upon it they do, Kate, and that’s the reason they are all near you, and he + has put the gravel there, because it’s the sunny side. Upon my word, + that’s very clever now! I shouldn’t have had half as much thought myself!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama,’ said Kate, bending over her work so that her face was almost + hidden, ‘before you were married—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, Kate,’ interrupted Mrs. Nickleby, ‘what in the name of goodness + graciousness makes you fly off to the time before I was married, when I’m + talking to you about his thoughtfulness and attention to me? You don’t + seem to take the smallest interest in the garden.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! mama,’ said Kate, raising her face again, ‘you know I do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well then, my dear, why don’t you praise the neatness and prettiness with + which it’s kept?’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘How very odd you are, Kate!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do praise it, mama,’ answered Kate, gently. ‘Poor fellow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scarcely ever hear you, my dear,’ retorted Mrs. Nickleby; ‘that’s all + I’ve got to say.’ By this time the good lady had been a long while upon + one topic, so she fell at once into her daughter’s little trap, if trap it + were, and inquired what she had been going to say. + </p> + <p> + ‘About what, mama?’ said Kate, who had apparently quite forgotten her + diversion. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor, Kate, my dear,’ returned her mother, ‘why, you’re asleep or stupid! + About the time before I was married.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes!’ said Kate, ‘I remember. I was going to ask, mama, before you + were married, had you many suitors?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suitors, my dear!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, with a smile of wonderful + complacency. ‘First and last, Kate, I must have had a dozen at least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama!’ returned Kate, in a tone of remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I had indeed, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby; ‘not including your poor papa, + or a young gentleman who used to go, at that time, to the same dancing + school, and who <i>would </i>send gold watches and bracelets to our house in + gilt-edged paper, (which were always returned,) and who afterwards + unfortunately went out to Botany Bay in a cadet ship—a convict ship + I mean—and escaped into a bush and killed sheep, (I don’t know how + they got there,) and was going to be hung, only he accidentally choked + himself, and the government pardoned him. Then there was young Lukin,’ + said Mrs. Nickleby, beginning with her left thumb and checking off the + names on her fingers—‘Mogley—Tipslark—Cabbery—Smifser—’ + </p> + <p> + Having now reached her little finger, Mrs. Nickleby was carrying the + account over to the other hand, when a loud ‘Hem!’ which appeared to come + from the very foundation of the garden-wall, gave both herself and her + daughter a violent start. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama! what was that?’ said Kate, in a low tone of voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, my dear,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, considerably startled, + ‘unless it was the gentleman belonging to the next house, I don’t know + what it could possibly—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A—hem!’ cried the same voice; and that, not in the tone of an + ordinary clearing of the throat, but in a kind of bellow, which woke up + all the echoes in the neighbourhood, and was prolonged to an extent which + must have made the unseen bellower quite black in the face. + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand it now, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, laying her hand on + Kate’s; ‘don’t be alarmed, my love, it’s not directed to you, and is not + intended to frighten anybody. Let us give everybody their due, Kate; I am + bound to say that.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Mrs. Nickleby nodded her head, and patted the back of her + daughter’s hand, a great many times, and looked as if she could tell + something vastly important if she chose, but had self-denial, thank + Heaven; and wouldn’t do it. + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean, mama?’ demanded Kate, in evident surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t be flurried, my dear,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, looking towards the + garden-wall, ‘for you see I’m not, and if it would be excusable in anybody + to be flurried, it certainly would—under all the circumstances—be + excusable in me, but I am not, Kate—not at all.’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0555m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0555m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0555.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘It seems designed to attract our attention, mama,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is designed to attract our attention, my dear; at least,’ rejoined Mrs + Nickleby, drawing herself up, and patting her daughter’s hand more blandly + than before, ‘to attract the attention of one of us. Hem! you needn’t be + at all uneasy, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate looked very much perplexed, and was apparently about to ask for + further explanation, when a shouting and scuffling noise, as of an elderly + gentleman whooping, and kicking up his legs on loose gravel, with great + violence, was heard to proceed from the same direction as the former + sounds; and before they had subsided, a large cucumber was seen to shoot + up in the air with the velocity of a sky-rocket, whence it descended, + tumbling over and over, until it fell at Mrs. Nickleby’s feet. + </p> + <p> + This remarkable appearance was succeeded by another of a precisely similar + description; then a fine vegetable marrow, of unusually large dimensions, + was seen to whirl aloft, and come toppling down; then, several cucumbers + shot up together; and, finally, the air was darkened by a shower of + onions, turnip-radishes, and other small vegetables, which fell rolling + and scattering, and bumping about, in all directions. + </p> + <p> + As Kate rose from her seat, in some alarm, and caught her mother’s hand to + run with her into the house, she felt herself rather retarded than + assisted in her intention; and following the direction of Mrs. Nickleby’s + eyes, was quite terrified by the apparition of an old black velvet cap, + which, by slow degrees, as if its wearer were ascending a ladder or pair + of steps, rose above the wall dividing their garden from that of the next + cottage, (which, like their own, was a detached building,) and was + gradually followed by a very large head, and an old face, in which were a + pair of most extraordinary grey eyes: very wild, very wide open, and + rolling in their sockets, with a dull, languishing, leering look, most + ugly to behold. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama!’ cried Kate, really terrified for the moment, ‘why do you stop, why + do you lose an instant? Mama, pray come in!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my dear,’ returned her mother, still holding back, ‘how can you be + so foolish? I’m ashamed of you. How do you suppose you are ever to get + through life, if you’re such a coward as this? What do you want, sir?’ + said Mrs. Nickleby, addressing the intruder with a sort of simpering + displeasure. ‘How dare you look into this garden?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Queen of my soul,’ replied the stranger, folding his hands together, + ‘this goblet sip!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, sir,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Kate, my love, pray be quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t you sip the goblet?’ urged the stranger, with his head imploringly + on one side, and his right hand on his breast. ‘Oh, do sip the goblet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall not consent to do anything of the kind, sir,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + ‘Pray, begone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why is it,’ said the old gentleman, coming up a step higher, and leaning + his elbows on the wall, with as much complacency as if he were looking out + of window, ‘why is it that beauty is always obdurate, even when admiration + is as honourable and respectful as mine?’ Here he smiled, kissed his hand, + and made several low bows. ‘Is it owing to the bees, who, when the honey + season is over, and they are supposed to have been killed with brimstone, + in reality fly to Barbary and lull the captive Moors to sleep with their + drowsy songs? Or is it,’ he added, dropping his voice almost to a whisper, + ‘in consequence of the statue at Charing Cross having been lately seen, on + the Stock Exchange at midnight, walking arm-in-arm with the Pump from + Aldgate, in a riding-habit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mama,’ murmured Kate, ‘do you hear him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, my dear!’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, in the same tone of voice, ‘he is + very polite, and I think that was a quotation from the poets. Pray, don’t + worry me so—you’ll pinch my arm black and blue. Go away, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite away?’ said the gentleman, with a languishing look. ‘Oh! quite + away?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘certainly. You have no business here. This + is private property, sir; you ought to know that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do know,’ said the old gentleman, laying his finger on his nose, with + an air of familiarity, most reprehensible, ‘that this is a sacred and + enchanted spot, where the most divine charms’—here he kissed his + hand and bowed again—‘waft mellifluousness over the neighbours’ + gardens, and force the fruit and vegetables into premature existence. That + fact I am acquainted with. But will you permit me, fairest creature, to + ask you one question, in the absence of the planet Venus, who has gone on + business to the Horse Guards, and would otherwise—jealous of your + superior charms—interpose between us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate,’ observed Mrs. Nickleby, turning to her daughter, ‘it’s very + awkward, positively. I really don’t know what to say to this gentleman. + One ought to be civil, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mama,’ rejoined Kate, ‘don’t say a word to him, but let us run away + as fast as we can, and shut ourselves up till Nicholas comes home.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby looked very grand, not to say contemptuous, at this + humiliating proposal; and, turning to the old gentleman, who had watched + them during these whispers with absorbing eagerness, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘If you will conduct yourself, sir, like the gentleman I should imagine + you to be, from your language and—and—appearance, (quite the + counterpart of your grandpapa, Kate, my dear, in his best days,) and will + put your question to me in plain words, I will answer it.’ + </p> + <p> + If Mrs. Nickleby’s excellent papa had borne, in his best days, a + resemblance to the neighbour now looking over the wall, he must have been, + to say the least, a very queer-looking old gentleman in his prime. Perhaps + Kate thought so, for she ventured to glance at his living portrait with + some attention, as he took off his black velvet cap, and, exhibiting a + perfectly bald head, made a long series of bows, each accompanied with a + fresh kiss of the hand. After exhausting himself, to all appearance, with + this fatiguing performance, he covered his head once more, pulled the cap + very carefully over the tips of his ears, and resuming his former + attitude, said, + </p> + <p> + ‘The question is—’ + </p> + <p> + Here he broke off to look round in every direction, and satisfy himself + beyond all doubt that there were no listeners near. Assured that there + were not, he tapped his nose several times, accompanying the action with a + cunning look, as though congratulating himself on his caution; and + stretching out his neck, said in a loud whisper, + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you a princess?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are mocking me, sir,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, making a feint of + retreating towards the house. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, but are you?’ said the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘You know I am not, sir,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then are you any relation to the Archbishop of Canterbury?’ inquired the + old gentleman with great anxiety, ‘or to the Pope of Rome? Or the Speaker + of the House of Commons? Forgive me, if I am wrong, but I was told you + were niece to the Commissioners of Paving, and daughter-in-law to the Lord + Mayor and Court of Common Council, which would account for your + relationship to all three.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whoever has spread such reports, sir,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, with some + warmth, ‘has taken great liberties with my name, and one which I am sure + my son Nicholas, if he was aware of it, would not allow for an instant. + The idea!’ said Mrs. Nickleby, drawing herself up, ‘niece to the + Commissioners of Paving!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray, mama, come away!’ whispered Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘“Pray mama!” Nonsense, Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, angrily, ‘but that’s + just the way. If they had said I was niece to a piping bullfinch, what + would you care? But I have no sympathy,’ whimpered Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I don’t + expect it, that’s one thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tears!’ cried the old gentleman, with such an energetic jump, that he + fell down two or three steps and grated his chin against the wall. ‘Catch + the crystal globules—catch ‘em—bottle ‘em up—cork ‘em + tight—put sealing wax on the top—seal ‘em with a cupid—label + ‘em “Best quality”—and stow ‘em away in the fourteen binn, with a + bar of iron on the top to keep the thunder off!’ + </p> + <p> + Issuing these commands, as if there were a dozen attendants all actively + engaged in their execution, he turned his velvet cap inside out, put it on + with great dignity so as to obscure his right eye and three-fourths of his + nose, and sticking his arms a-kimbo, looked very fiercely at a sparrow + hard by, till the bird flew away, when he put his cap in his pocket with + an air of great satisfaction, and addressed himself with respectful + demeanour to Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beautiful madam,’ such were his words, ‘if I have made any mistake with + regard to your family or connections, I humbly beseech you to pardon me. + If I supposed you to be related to Foreign Powers or Native Boards, it is + because you have a manner, a carriage, a dignity, which you will excuse my + saying that none but yourself (with the single exception perhaps of the + tragic muse, when playing extemporaneously on the barrel organ before the + East India Company) can parallel. I am not a youth, ma’am, as you see; and + although beings like you can never grow old, I venture to presume that we + are fitted for each other.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Really, Kate, my love!’ said Mrs. Nickleby faintly, and looking another + way. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have estates, ma’am,’ said the old gentleman, flourishing his right + hand negligently, as if he made very light of such matters, and speaking + very fast; ‘jewels, lighthouses, fish-ponds, a whalery of my own in the + North Sea, and several oyster-beds of great profit in the Pacific Ocean. + If you will have the kindness to step down to the Royal Exchange and to + take the cocked-hat off the stoutest beadle’s head, you will find my card + in the lining of the crown, wrapped up in a piece of blue paper. My + walking-stick is also to be seen on application to the chaplain of the + House of Commons, who is strictly forbidden to take any money for showing + it. I have enemies about me, ma’am,’ he looked towards his house and spoke + very low, ‘who attack me on all occasions, and wish to secure my property. + If you bless me with your hand and heart, you can apply to the Lord + Chancellor or call out the military if necessary—sending my + toothpick to the commander-in-chief will be sufficient—and so clear + the house of them before the ceremony is performed. After that, love, + bliss and rapture; rapture, love and bliss. Be mine, be mine!’ + </p> + <p> + Repeating these last words with great rapture and enthusiasm, the old + gentleman put on his black velvet cap again, and looking up into the sky + in a hasty manner, said something that was not quite intelligible + concerning a balloon he expected, and which was rather after its time. + </p> + <p> + ‘Be mine, be mine!’ repeated the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I have hardly the power to speak; but + it is necessary for the happiness of all parties that this matter should + be set at rest for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely there is no necessity for you to say one word, mama?’ reasoned + Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will allow me, my dear, if you please, to judge for myself,’ said Mrs + Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Be mine, be mine!’ cried the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘It can scarcely be expected, sir,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, fixing her eyes + modestly on the ground, ‘that I should tell a stranger whether I feel + flattered and obliged by such proposals, or not. They certainly are made + under very singular circumstances; still at the same time, as far as it + goes, and to a certain extent of course’ (Mrs. Nickleby’s customary + qualification), ‘they must be gratifying and agreeable to one’s feelings.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be mine, be mine,’ cried the old gentleman. ‘Gog and Magog, Gog and + Magog. Be mine, be mine!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be sufficient for me to say, sir,’ resumed Mrs. Nickleby, with + perfect seriousness—‘and I’m sure you’ll see the propriety of taking + an answer and going away—that I have made up my mind to remain a + widow, and to devote myself to my children. You may not suppose I am the + mother of two children—indeed many people have doubted it, and said + that nothing on earth could ever make ‘em believe it possible—but it + is the case, and they are both grown up. We shall be very glad to have you + for a neighbour—very glad; delighted, I’m sure—but in any + other character it’s quite impossible, quite. As to my being young enough + to marry again, that perhaps may be so, or it may not be; but I couldn’t + think of it for an instant, not on any account whatever. I said I never + would, and I never will. It’s a very painful thing to have to reject + proposals, and I would much rather that none were made; at the same time + this is the answer that I determined long ago to make, and this is the + answer I shall always give.’ + </p> + <p> + These observations were partly addressed to the old gentleman, partly to + Kate, and partly delivered in soliloquy. Towards their conclusion, the + suitor evinced a very irreverent degree of inattention, and Mrs. Nickleby + had scarcely finished speaking, when, to the great terror both of that + lady and her daughter, he suddenly flung off his coat, and springing on + the top of the wall, threw himself into an attitude which displayed his + small-clothes and grey worsteds to the fullest advantage, and concluded by + standing on one leg, and repeating his favourite bellow with increased + vehemence. + </p> + <p> + While he was still dwelling on the last note, and embellishing it with a + prolonged flourish, a dirty hand was observed to glide stealthily and + swiftly along the top of the wall, as if in pursuit of a fly, and then to + clasp with the utmost dexterity one of the old gentleman’s ankles. This + done, the companion hand appeared, and clasped the other ankle. + </p> + <p> + Thus encumbered the old gentleman lifted his legs awkwardly once or twice, + as if they were very clumsy and imperfect pieces of machinery, and then + looking down on his own side of the wall, burst into a loud laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s you, is it?’ said the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, it’s me,’ replied a gruff voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s the Emperor of Tartary?’ said the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! he’s much the same as usual,’ was the reply. ‘No better and no + worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The young Prince of China,’ said the old gentleman, with much interest. + ‘Is he reconciled to his father-in-law, the great potato salesman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ answered the gruff voice; ‘and he says he never will be, that’s + more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If that’s the case,’ observed the old gentleman, ‘perhaps I’d better come + down.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said the man on the other side, ‘I think you had, perhaps.’ + </p> + <p> + One of the hands being then cautiously unclasped, the old gentleman + dropped into a sitting posture, and was looking round to smile and bow to + Mrs. Nickleby, when he disappeared with some precipitation, as if his legs + had been pulled from below. + </p> + <p> + Very much relieved by his disappearance, Kate was turning to speak to her + mama, when the dirty hands again became visible, and were immediately + followed by the figure of a coarse squat man, who ascended by the steps + which had been recently occupied by their singular neighbour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Beg your pardon, ladies,’ said this new comer, grinning and touching his + hat. ‘Has he been making love to either of you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ rejoined the man, taking his handkerchief out of his hat and wiping + his face, ‘he always will, you know. Nothing will prevent his making + love.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I need not ask you if he is out of his mind, poor creature,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why no,’ replied the man, looking into his hat, throwing his handkerchief + in at one dab, and putting it on again. ‘That’s pretty plain, that is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he been long so?’ asked Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘A long while.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And is there no hope for him?’ said Kate, compassionately + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit, and don’t deserve to be,’ replied the keeper. ‘He’s a deal + pleasanter without his senses than with ‘em. He was the cruellest, + wickedest, out-and-outerest old flint that ever drawed breath.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘By George!’ replied the keeper, shaking his head so emphatically that he + was obliged to frown to keep his hat on. ‘I never come across such a + vagabond, and my mate says the same. Broke his poor wife’s heart, turned + his daughters out of doors, drove his sons into the streets; it was a + blessing he went mad at last, through evil tempers, and covetousness, and + selfishness, and guzzling, and drinking, or he’d have drove many others + so. Hope for <i>him</i>, an old rip! There isn’t too much hope going, but I’ll + bet a crown that what there is, is saved for more deserving chaps than + him, anyhow.’ + </p> + <p> + With which confession of his faith, the keeper shook his head again, as + much as to say that nothing short of this would do, if things were to go + on at all; and touching his hat sulkily—not that he was in an ill + humour, but that his subject ruffled him—descended the ladder, and + took it away. + </p> + <p> + During this conversation, Mrs. Nickleby had regarded the man with a severe + and steadfast look. She now heaved a profound sigh, and pursing up her + lips, shook her head in a slow and doubtful manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor creature!’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! poor indeed!’ rejoined Mrs. Nickleby. ‘It’s shameful that such things + should be allowed. Shameful!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can they be helped, mama?’ said Kate, mournfully. ‘The infirmities of + nature—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nature!’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘What! Do <i>you </i>suppose this poor gentleman is + out of his mind?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Can anybody who sees him entertain any other opinion, mama?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why then, I just tell you this, Kate,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that, he + is nothing of the kind, and I am surprised you can be so imposed upon. + It’s some plot of these people to possess themselves of his property—didn’t + he say so himself? He may be a little odd and flighty, perhaps, many of us + are that; but downright mad! and express himself as he does, respectfully, + and in quite poetical language, and making offers with so much thought, + and care, and prudence—not as if he ran into the streets, and went + down upon his knees to the first chit of a girl he met, as a madman would! + No, no, Kate, there’s a great deal too much method in <i>his </i>madness; depend + upon that, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 42 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span><i>llustrative of the convivial Sentiment, that the best of Friends must + sometimes part</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The pavement of Snow Hill had been baking and frying all day in the heat, + and the twain Saracens’ heads guarding the entrance to the hostelry of + whose name and sign they are the duplicate presentments, looked—or + seemed, in the eyes of jaded and footsore passers-by, to look—more + vicious than usual, after blistering and scorching in the sun, when, in + one of the inn’s smallest sitting-rooms, through whose open window there + rose, in a palpable steam, wholesome exhalations from reeking + coach-horses, the usual furniture of a tea-table was displayed in neat and + inviting order, flanked by large joints of roast and boiled, a tongue, a + pigeon pie, a cold fowl, a tankard of ale, and other little matters of the + like kind, which, in degenerate towns and cities, are generally understood + to belong more particularly to solid lunches, stage-coach dinners, or + unusually substantial breakfasts. + </p> + <p> + Mr. John Browdie, with his hands in his pockets, hovered restlessly about + these delicacies, stopping occasionally to whisk the flies out of the + sugar-basin with his wife’s pocket-handkerchief, or to dip a teaspoon in + the milk-pot and carry it to his mouth, or to cut off a little knob of + crust, and a little corner of meat, and swallow them at two gulps like a + couple of pills. After every one of these flirtations with the eatables, + he pulled out his watch, and declared with an earnestness quite pathetic + that he couldn’t undertake to hold out two minutes longer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tilly!’ said John to his lady, who was reclining half awake and half + asleep upon a sofa. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, John!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, John!’ retorted her husband, impatiently. ‘Dost thou feel hoongry, + lass?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not very,’ said Mrs. Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not vary!’ repeated John, raising his eyes to the ceiling. ‘Hear her say + not vary, and us dining at three, and loonching off pasthry thot + aggravates a mon ‘stead of pacifying him! Not vary!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s a gen’l’man for you, sir,’ said the waiter, looking in. + </p> + <p> + ‘A wa’at for me?’ cried John, as though he thought it must be a letter, or + a parcel. + </p> + <p> + ‘A gen’l’man, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stars and garthers, chap!’ said John, ‘wa’at dost thou coom and say thot + for? In wi’ ‘un.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you at home, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At whoam!’ cried John, ‘I wish I wur; I’d ha tea’d two hour ago. Why, I + told t’oother chap to look sharp ootside door, and tell ‘un d’rectly he + coom, thot we war faint wi’ hoonger. In wi’ ‘un. Aha! Thee hond, Misther + Nickleby. This is nigh to be the proodest day o’ my life, sir. Hoo be all + wi’ ye? Ding! But, I’m glod o’ this!’ + </p> + <p> + Quite forgetting even his hunger in the heartiness of his salutation, John + Browdie shook Nicholas by the hand again and again, slapping his palm with + great violence between each shake, to add warmth to the reception. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! there she be,’ said John, observing the look which Nicholas directed + towards his wife. ‘There she be—we shan’t quarrel about her noo—eh? + Ecod, when I think o’ thot—but thou want’st soom’at to eat. Fall to, + mun, fall to, and for wa’at we’re aboot to receive—’ + </p> + <p> + No doubt the grace was properly finished, but nothing more was heard, for + John had already begun to play such a knife and fork, that his speech was, + for the time, gone. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall take the usual licence, Mr. Browdie,’ said Nicholas, as he placed + a chair for the bride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tak’ whatever thou like’st,’ said John, ‘and when a’s gane, ca’ for + more.’ + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to explain, Nicholas kissed the blushing Mrs. Browdie, and + handed her to her seat. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say,’ said John, rather astounded for the moment, ‘mak’ theeself quite + at whoam, will ‘ee?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may depend upon that,’ replied Nicholas; ‘on one condition.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And wa’at may thot be?’ asked John. + </p> + <p> + ‘That you make me a godfather the very first time you have occasion for + one.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Eh! d’ye hear thot?’ cried John, laying down his knife and fork. ‘A + godfeyther! Ha! ha! ha! Tilly—hear till ‘un—a godfeyther! + Divn’t say a word more, ye’ll never beat thot. Occasion for ‘un—a + godfeyther! Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + Never was man so tickled with a respectable old joke, as John Browdie was + with this. He chuckled, roared, half suffocated himself by laughing large + pieces of beef into his windpipe, roared again, persisted in eating at the + same time, got red in the face and black in the forehead, coughed, cried, + got better, went off again laughing inwardly, got worse, choked, had his + back thumped, stamped about, frightened his wife, and at last recovered in + a state of the last exhaustion and with the water streaming from his eyes, + but still faintly ejaculating, ‘A godfeyther—a godfeyther, Tilly!’ + in a tone bespeaking an exquisite relish of the sally, which no suffering + could diminish. + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember the night of our first tea-drinking?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I e’er forget it, mun?’ replied John Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was a desperate fellow that night though, was he not, Mrs. Browdie?’ + said Nicholas. ‘Quite a monster!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you had only heard him as we were going home, Mr. Nickleby, you’d have + said so indeed,’ returned the bride. ‘I never was so frightened in all my + life.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Coom, coom,’ said John, with a broad grin; ‘thou know’st betther than + thot, Tilly.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I was,’ replied Mrs. Browdie. ‘I almost made up my mind never to speak + to you again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A’most!’ said John, with a broader grin than the last. ‘A’most made up + her mind! And she wur coaxin’, and coaxin’, and wheedlin’, and wheedlin’ + a’ the blessed wa’. “Wa’at didst thou let yon chap mak’ oop tiv’ee for?” + says I. “I deedn’t, John,” says she, a squeedgin my arm. “You deedn’t?” + says I. “Noa,” says she, a squeedgin of me agean.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lor, John!’ interposed his pretty wife, colouring very much. ‘How can you + talk such nonsense? As if I should have dreamt of such a thing!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I dinnot know whether thou’d ever dreamt of it, though I think that’s + loike eneaf, mind,’ retorted John; ‘but thou didst it. “Ye’re a feeckle, + changeable weathercock, lass,” says I. “Not feeckle, John,” says she. + “Yes,” says I, “feeckle, dom’d feeckle. Dinnot tell me thou bean’t, efther + yon chap at schoolmeasther’s,” says I. “Him!” says she, quite screeching. + “Ah! him!” says I. “Why, John,” says she—and she coom a deal closer + and squeedged a deal harder than she’d deane afore—“dost thou think + it’s nat’ral noo, that having such a proper mun as thou to keep company + wi’, I’d ever tak’ opp wi’ such a leetle scanty whipper-snapper as yon?” + she says. Ha! ha! ha! She said whipper-snapper! “Ecod!” I says, “efther + thot, neame the day, and let’s have it ower!” Ha! ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas laughed very heartily at this story, both on account of its + telling against himself, and his being desirous to spare the blushes of + Mrs. Browdie, whose protestations were drowned in peals of laughter from + her husband. His good-nature soon put her at her ease; and although she + still denied the charge, she laughed so heartily at it, that Nicholas had + the satisfaction of feeling assured that in all essential respects it was + strictly true. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the second time,’ said Nicholas, ‘that we have ever taken a meal + together, and only third I have ever seen you; and yet it really seems to + me as if I were among old friends.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel!’ observed the Yorkshireman, ‘so I say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I am sure I do,’ added his young wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have the best reason to be impressed with the feeling, mind,’ said + Nicholas; ‘for if it had not been for your kindness of heart, my good + friend, when I had no right or reason to expect it, I know not what might + have become of me or what plight I should have been in by this time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Talk aboot soom’at else,’ replied John, gruffly, ‘and dinnot bother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be a new song to the same tune then,’ said Nicholas, smiling. ‘I + told you in my letter that I deeply felt and admired your sympathy with + that poor lad, whom you released at the risk of involving yourself in + trouble and difficulty; but I can never tell you how grateful he and I, + and others whom you don’t know, are to you for taking pity on him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ecod!’ rejoined John Browdie, drawing up his chair; ‘and I can never tell + <i>you </i>hoo gratful soom folks that we do know would be loikewise, if <i>they</i> + know’d I had takken pity on him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ exclaimed Mrs. Browdie, ‘what a state I was in that night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Were they at all disposed to give you credit for assisting in the + escape?’ inquired Nicholas of John Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit,’ replied the Yorkshireman, extending his mouth from ear to + ear. ‘There I lay, snoog in schoolmeasther’s bed long efther it was dark, + and nobody coom nigh the pleace. “Weel!” thinks I, “he’s got a pretty good + start, and if he bean’t whoam by noo, he never will be; so you may coom as + quick as you loike, and foind us reddy”—that is, you know, + schoolmeasther might coom.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I understand,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Presently,’ resumed John, ‘he <i>did </i>coom. I heerd door shut doonstairs, and + him a warking, oop in the daark. “Slow and steddy,” I says to myself, + “tak’ your time, sir—no hurry.” He cooms to the door, turns the key—turns + the key when there warn’t nothing to hoold the lock—and ca’s oot + “Hallo, there!”—“Yes,” thinks I, “you may do thot agean, and not + wakken anybody, sir.” “Hallo, there,” he says, and then he stops. “Thou’d + betther not aggravate me,” says schoolmeasther, efther a little time. + “I’ll brak’ every boan in your boddy, Smike,” he says, efther another + little time. Then all of a soodden, he sings oot for a loight, and when it + cooms—ecod, such a hoorly-boorly! “Wa’at’s the matter?” says I. + “He’s gane,” says he,—stark mad wi’ vengeance. “Have you heerd + nought?” “Ees,” says I, “I heerd street-door shut, no time at a’ ago. I + heerd a person run doon there” (pointing t’other wa’—eh?) “Help!” he + cries. “I’ll help you,” says I; and off we set—the wrong wa’! Ho! + ho! ho!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you go far?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Far!’ replied John; ‘I run him clean off his legs in quarther of an hoor. + To see old schoolmeasther wi’out his hat, skimming along oop to his knees + in mud and wather, tumbling over fences, and rowling into ditches, and + bawling oot like mad, wi’ his one eye looking sharp out for the lad, and + his coat-tails flying out behind, and him spattered wi’ mud all ower, face + and all! I tho’t I should ha’ dropped doon, and killed myself wi’ + laughing.’ + </p> + <p> + John laughed so heartily at the mere recollection, that he communicated + the contagion to both his hearers, and all three burst into peals of + laughter, which were renewed again and again, until they could laugh no + longer. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a bad ‘un,’ said John, wiping his eyes; ‘a very bad ‘un, is + schoolmeasther.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t bear the sight of him, John,’ said his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘Coom,’ retorted John, ‘thot’s tidy in you, thot is. If it wa’nt along o’ + you, we shouldn’t know nought aboot ‘un. Thou know’d ‘un first, Tilly, + didn’t thou?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t help knowing Fanny Squeers, John,’ returned his wife; ‘she was + an old playmate of mine, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel,’ replied John, ‘dean’t I say so, lass? It’s best to be neighbourly, + and keep up old acquaintance loike; and what I say is, dean’t quarrel if + ‘ee can help it. Dinnot think so, Mr. Nickleby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly,’ returned Nicholas; ‘and you acted upon that principle when I + meet you on horseback on the road, after our memorable evening.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sure-ly,’ said John. ‘Wa’at I say, I stick by.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And that’s a fine thing to do, and manly too,’ said Nicholas, ‘though + it’s not exactly what we understand by “coming Yorkshire over us” in + London. Miss Squeers is stopping with you, you said in your note.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied John, ‘Tilly’s bridesmaid; and a queer bridesmaid she be, + too. She wean’t be a bride in a hurry, I reckon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For shame, John,’ said Mrs. Browdie; with an acute perception of the joke + though, being a bride herself. + </p> + <p> + ‘The groom will be a blessed mun,’ said John, his eyes twinkling at the + idea. ‘He’ll be in luck, he will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You see, Mr. Nickleby,’ said his wife, ‘that it was in consequence of her + being here, that John wrote to you and fixed tonight, because we thought + that it wouldn’t be pleasant for you to meet, after what has passed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unquestionably. You were quite right in that,’ said Nicholas, + interrupting. + </p> + <p> + ‘Especially,’ observed Mrs. Browdie, looking very sly, ‘after what we know + about past and gone love matters.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We know, indeed!’ said Nicholas, shaking his head. ‘You behaved rather + wickedly there, I suspect.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘O’ course she did,’ said John Browdie, passing his huge forefinger + through one of his wife’s pretty ringlets, and looking very proud of her. + ‘She wur always as skittish and full o’ tricks as a—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, as a what?’ said his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘As a woman,’ returned John. ‘Ding! But I dinnot know ought else that + cooms near it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were speaking about Miss Squeers,’ said Nicholas, with the view of + stopping some slight connubialities which had begun to pass between Mr. and + Mrs. Browdie, and which rendered the position of a third party in some + degree embarrassing, as occasioning him to feel rather in the way than + otherwise. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes,’ rejoined Mrs. Browdie. ‘John ha’ done. John fixed tonight, + because she had settled that she would go and drink tea with her father. + And to make quite sure of there being nothing amiss, and of your being + quite alone with us, he settled to go out there and fetch her home.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was a very good arrangement,’ said Nicholas, ‘though I am sorry to + be the occasion of so much trouble.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not the least in the world,’ returned Mrs. Browdie; ‘for we have looked + forward to see you—John and I have—with the greatest possible + pleasure. Do you know, Mr. Nickleby,’ said Mrs. Browdie, with her archest + smile, ‘that I really think Fanny Squeers was very fond of you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much obliged to her,’ said Nicholas; ‘but upon my word, I never + aspired to making any impression upon her virgin heart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How you talk!’ tittered Mrs. Browdie. ‘No, but do you know that really—seriously + now and without any joking—I was given to understand by Fanny + herself, that you had made an offer to her, and that you two were going to + be engaged quite solemn and regular.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was you, ma’am—was you?’ cried a shrill female voice, ‘was you + given to understand that I—I—was going to be engaged to an + assassinating thief that shed the gore of my pa? Do you—do you + think, ma’am—that I was very fond of such dirt beneath my feet, as I + couldn’t condescend to touch with kitchen tongs, without blacking and + crocking myself by the contract? Do you, ma’am—do you? Oh! base and + degrading ‘Tilda!’ + </p> + <p> + With these reproaches Miss Squeers flung the door wide open, and disclosed + to the eyes of the astonished Browdies and Nicholas, not only her own + symmetrical form, arrayed in the chaste white garments before described (a + little dirtier), but the form of her brother and father, the pair of + Wackfords. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the hend, is it?’ continued Miss Squeers, who, being excited, + aspirated her h’s strongly; ‘this is the hend, is it, of all my + forbearance and friendship for that double-faced thing—that viper, + that—that—mermaid?’ (Miss Squeers hesitated a long time for + this last epithet, and brought it out triumphantly at last, as if it quite + clinched the business.) ‘This is the hend, is it, of all my bearing with + her deceitfulness, her lowness, her falseness, her laying herself out to + catch the admiration of vulgar minds, in a way which made me blush for my—for + my—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gender,’ suggested Mr. Squeers, regarding the spectators with a malevolent + eye—literally A malevolent eye. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Miss Squeers; ‘but I thank my stars that my ma is of the same—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear, hear!’ remarked Mr. Squeers; ‘and I wish she was here to have a + scratch at this company.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is the hend, is it,’ said Miss Squeers, tossing her head, and + looking contemptuously at the floor, ‘of my taking notice of that + rubbishing creature, and demeaning myself to patronise her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, come,’ rejoined Mrs. Browdie, disregarding all the endeavours of her + spouse to restrain her, and forcing herself into a front row, ‘don’t talk + such nonsense as that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have I not patronised you, ma’am?’ demanded Miss Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ returned Mrs. Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not look for blushes in such a quarter,’ said Miss Squeers, + haughtily, ‘for that countenance is a stranger to everything but + hignominiousness and red-faced boldness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say,’ interposed John Browdie, nettled by these accumulated attacks on + his wife, ‘dra’ it mild, dra’ it mild.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You, Mr. Browdie,’ said Miss Squeers, taking him up very quickly, ‘I pity. + I have no feeling for you, sir, but one of unliquidated pity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said John. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Miss Squeers, looking sideways at her parent, ‘although I <i>am</i> a + queer bridesmaid, and SHAN’T be a bride in a hurry, and although my + husband <i>will </i>be in luck, I entertain no sentiments towards you, sir, but + sentiments of pity.’ + </p> + <p> + Here Miss Squeers looked sideways at her father again, who looked sideways + at her, as much as to say, ‘There you had him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know what you’ve got to go through,’ said Miss Squeers, shaking her + curls violently. ‘I know what life is before you, and if you was my + bitterest and deadliest enemy, I could wish you nothing worse.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Couldn’t you wish to be married to him yourself, if that was the case?’ + inquired Mrs. Browdie, with great suavity of manner. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, ma’am, how witty you are,’ retorted Miss Squeers with a low curtsy, + ‘almost as witty, ma’am, as you are clever. How very clever it was in you, + ma’am, to choose a time when I had gone to tea with my pa, and was sure + not to come back without being fetched! What a pity you never thought that + other people might be as clever as yourself and spoil your plans!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You won’t vex me, child, with such airs as these,’ said the late Miss + Price, assuming the matron. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t <i>Missis </i>me, ma’am, if you please,’ returned Miss Squeers, sharply. + ‘I’ll not bear it. Is <i>this </i>the hend—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dang it a’,’ cried John Browdie, impatiently. ‘Say thee say out, Fanny, + and mak’ sure it’s the end, and dinnot ask nobody whether it is or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thanking you for your advice which was not required, Mr. Browdie,’ + returned Miss Squeers, with laborious politeness, ‘have the goodness not + to presume to meddle with my Christian name. Even my pity shall never make + me forget what’s due to myself, Mr. Browdie. ‘Tilda,’ said Miss Squeers, + with such a sudden accession of violence that John started in his boots, + ‘I throw you off for ever, miss. I abandon you. I renounce you. I + wouldn’t,’ cried Miss Squeers in a solemn voice, ‘have a child named + ‘Tilda, not to save it from its grave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As for the matther o’ that,’ observed John, ‘it’ll be time eneaf to think + aboot neaming of it when it cooms.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘John!’ interposed his wife, ‘don’t tease her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Tease, indeed!’ cried Miss Squeers, bridling up. ‘Tease, indeed! He, + he! Tease, too! No, don’t tease her. Consider her feelings, pray!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If it’s fated that listeners are never to hear any good of themselves,’ + said Mrs. Browdie, ‘I can’t help it, and I am very sorry for it. But I will + say, Fanny, that times out of number I have spoken so kindly of you behind + your back, that even you could have found no fault with what I said.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, I dare say not, ma’am!’ cried Miss Squeers, with another curtsy. + ‘Best thanks to you for your goodness, and begging and praying you not to + be hard upon me another time!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ resumed Mrs. Browdie, ‘that I have said anything very bad + of you, even now. At all events, what I did say was quite true; but if I + have, I am very sorry for it, and I beg your pardon. You have said much + worse of me, scores of times, Fanny; but I have never borne any malice to + you, and I hope you’ll not bear any to me.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Squeers made no more direct reply than surveying her former friend + from top to toe, and elevating her nose in the air with ineffable disdain. + But some indistinct allusions to a ‘puss,’ and a ‘minx,’ and a + ‘contemptible creature,’ escaped her; and this, together with a severe + biting of the lips, great difficulty in swallowing, and very frequent + comings and goings of breath, seemed to imply that feelings were swelling + in Miss Squeers’s bosom too great for utterance. + </p> + <p> + While the foregoing conversation was proceeding, Master Wackford, finding + himself unnoticed, and feeling his preponderating inclinations strong upon + him, had by little and little sidled up to the table and attacked the food + with such slight skirmishing as drawing his fingers round and round the + inside of the plates, and afterwards sucking them with infinite relish; + picking the bread, and dragging the pieces over the surface of the butter; + pocketing lumps of sugar, pretending all the time to be absorbed in + thought; and so forth. Finding that no interference was attempted with + these small liberties, he gradually mounted to greater, and, after helping + himself to a moderately good cold collation, was, by this time, deep in + the pie. + </p> + <p> + Nothing of this had been unobserved by Mr. Squeers, who, so long as the + attention of the company was fixed upon other objects, hugged himself to + think that his son and heir should be fattening at the enemy’s expense. + But there being now an appearance of a temporary calm, in which the + proceedings of little Wackford could scarcely fail to be observed, he + feigned to be aware of the circumstance for the first time, and inflicted + upon the face of that young gentleman a slap that made the very tea-cups + ring. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eating!’ cried Mr. Squeers, ‘of what his father’s enemies has left! It’s + fit to go and poison you, you unnat’ral boy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It wean’t hurt him,’ said John, apparently very much relieved by the + prospect of having a man in the quarrel; ‘let’ un eat. I wish the whole + school was here. I’d give’em soom’at to stay their unfort’nate stomachs + wi’, if I spent the last penny I had!’ + </p> + <p> + Squeers scowled at him with the worst and most malicious expression of + which his face was capable—it was a face of remarkable capability, + too, in that way—and shook his fist stealthily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Coom, coom, schoolmeasther,’ said John, ‘dinnot make a fool o’ thyself; + for if I was to sheake mine—only once—thou’d fa’ doon wi’ the + wind o’ it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was you, was it,’ returned Squeers, ‘that helped off my runaway boy? + It was you, was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me!’ returned John, in a loud tone. ‘Yes, it wa’ me, coom; wa’at o’ that? + It wa’ me. Noo then!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You hear him say he did it, my child!’ said Squeers, appealing to his + daughter. ‘You hear him say he did it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did it!’ cried John. ‘I’ll tell ‘ee more; hear this, too. If thou’d got + another roonaway boy, I’d do it agean. If thou’d got twonty roonaway boys, + I’d do it twonty times ower, and twonty more to thot; and I tell thee + more,’ said John, ‘noo my blood is oop, that thou’rt an old ra’ascal; and + that it’s weel for thou, thou be’est an old ‘un, or I’d ha’ poonded thee + to flour when thou told an honest mun hoo thou’d licked that poor chap in + t’ coorch.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An honest man!’ cried Squeers, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! an honest man,’ replied John; ‘honest in ought but ever putting legs + under seame table wi’ such as thou.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scandal!’ said Squeers, exultingly. ‘Two witnesses to it; Wackford knows + the nature of an oath, he does; we shall have you there, sir. Rascal, eh?’ + Mr. Squeers took out his pocketbook and made a note of it. ‘Very good. I + should say that was worth full twenty pound at the next assizes, without + the honesty, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Soizes,’ cried John, ‘thou’d betther not talk to me o’ ‘Soizes. + Yorkshire schools have been shown up at ‘Soizes afore noo, mun, and it’s a + ticklish soobjact to revive, I can tell ye.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers shook his head in a threatening manner, looking very white with + passion; and taking his daughter’s arm, and dragging little Wackford by + the hand, retreated towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘As for you,’ said Squeers, turning round and addressing Nicholas, who, as + he had caused him to smart pretty soundly on a former occasion, purposely + abstained from taking any part in the discussion, ‘see if I ain’t down + upon you before long. You’ll go a kidnapping of boys, will you? Take care + their fathers don’t turn up—mark that—take care their fathers + don’t turn up, and send ‘em back to me to do as I like with, in spite of + you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not afraid of that,’ replied Nicholas, shrugging his shoulders + contemptuously, and turning away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ain’t you!’ retorted Squeers, with a diabolical look. ‘Now then, come + along.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I leave such society, with my pa, for Hever,’ said Miss Squeers, looking + contemptuously and loftily round. ‘I am defiled by breathing the air with + such creatures. Poor Mr. Browdie! He! he! he! I do pity him, that I do; + he’s so deluded. He! he! he!—Artful and designing ‘Tilda!’ + </p> + <p> + With this sudden relapse into the sternest and most majestic wrath, Miss + Squeers swept from the room; and having sustained her dignity until the + last possible moment, was heard to sob and scream and struggle in the + passage. + </p> + <p> + John Browdie remained standing behind the table, looking from his wife to + Nicholas, and back again, with his mouth wide open, until his hand + accidentally fell upon the tankard of ale, when he took it up, and having + obscured his features therewith for some time, drew a long breath, handed + it over to Nicholas, and rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here, waither,’ said John, briskly. ‘Look alive here. Tak’ these things + awa’, and let’s have soomat broiled for sooper—vary comfortable and + plenty o’ it—at ten o’clock. Bring soom brandy and soom wather, and + a pair o’ slippers—the largest pair in the house—and be quick + aboot it. Dash ma wig!’ said John, rubbing his hands, ‘there’s no ganging + oot to neeght, noo, to fetch anybody whoam, and ecod, we’ll begin to spend + the evening in airnest.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 43 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span><i>fficiates as a kind of Gentleman Usher, in bringing various People + together</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The storm had long given place to a calm the most profound, and the + evening was pretty far advanced—indeed supper was over, and the + process of digestion proceeding as favourably as, under the influence of + complete tranquillity, cheerful conversation, and a moderate allowance of + brandy-and-water, most wise men conversant with the anatomy and functions + of the human frame will consider that it ought to have proceeded, when the + three friends, or as one might say, both in a civil and religious sense, + and with proper deference and regard to the holy state of matrimony, the + two friends, (Mr. and Mrs. Browdie counting as no more than one,) were + startled by the noise of loud and angry threatenings below stairs, which + presently attained so high a pitch, and were conveyed besides in language + so towering, sanguinary, and ferocious, that it could hardly have been + surpassed, if there had actually been a Saracen’s head then present in the + establishment, supported on the shoulders and surmounting the trunk of a + real, live, furious, and most unappeasable Saracen. + </p> + <p> + This turmoil, instead of quickly subsiding after the first outburst, (as + turmoils not unfrequently do, whether in taverns, legislative assemblies, + or elsewhere,) into a mere grumbling and growling squabble, increased + every moment; and although the whole din appeared to be raised by but one + pair of lungs, yet that one pair was of so powerful a quality, and + repeated such words as ‘scoundrel,’ ‘rascal,’ ‘insolent puppy,’ and a + variety of expletives no less flattering to the party addressed, with such + great relish and strength of tone, that a dozen voices raised in concert + under any ordinary circumstances would have made far less uproar and + created much smaller consternation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what’s the matter?’ said Nicholas, moving hastily towards the door. + </p> + <p> + John Browdie was striding in the same direction when Mrs. Browdie turned + pale, and, leaning back in her chair, requested him with a faint voice to + take notice, that if he ran into any danger it was her intention to fall + into hysterics immediately, and that the consequences might be more + serious than he thought for. John looked rather disconcerted by this + intelligence, though there was a lurking grin on his face at the same + time; but, being quite unable to keep out of the fray, he compromised the + matter by tucking his wife’s arm under his own, and, thus accompanied, + following Nicholas downstairs with all speed. + </p> + <p> + The passage outside the coffee-room door was the scene of disturbance, and + here were congregated the coffee-room customers and waiters, together with + two or three coachmen and helpers from the yard. These had hastily + assembled round a young man who from his appearance might have been a year + or two older than Nicholas, and who, besides having given utterance to the + defiances just now described, seemed to have proceeded to even greater + lengths in his indignation, inasmuch as his feet had no other covering + than a pair of stockings, while a couple of slippers lay at no great + distance from the head of a prostrate figure in an opposite corner, who + bore the appearance of having been shot into his present retreat by means + of a kick, and complimented by having the slippers flung about his ears + afterwards. + </p> + <p> + The coffee-room customers, and the waiters, and the coachmen, and the + helpers—not to mention a barmaid who was looking on from behind an + open sash window—seemed at that moment, if a spectator might judge + from their winks, nods, and muttered exclamations, strongly disposed to + take part against the young gentleman in the stockings. Observing this, + and that the young gentleman was nearly of his own age and had in nothing + the appearance of an habitual brawler, Nicholas, impelled by such feelings + as will influence young men sometimes, felt a very strong disposition to + side with the weaker party, and so thrust himself at once into the centre + of the group, and in a more emphatic tone, perhaps, than circumstances + might seem to warrant, demanded what all that noise was about. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hallo!’ said one of the men from the yard, ‘this is somebody in disguise, + this is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Room for the eldest son of the Emperor of Roosher, gen’l’men!’ cried + another fellow. + </p> + <p> + Disregarding these sallies, which were uncommonly well received, as + sallies at the expense of the best-dressed persons in a crowd usually are, + Nicholas glanced carelessly round, and addressing the young gentleman, who + had by this time picked up his slippers and thrust his feet into them, + repeated his inquiries with a courteous air. + </p> + <p> + ‘A mere nothing!’ he replied. + </p> + <p> + At this a murmur was raised by the lookers-on, and some of the boldest + cried, ‘Oh, indeed!—Wasn’t it though?—Nothing, eh?—He + called that nothing, did he? Lucky for him if he found it nothing.’ These + and many other expressions of ironical disapprobation having been + exhausted, two or three of the out-of-door fellows began to hustle + Nicholas and the young gentleman who had made the noise: stumbling against + them by accident, and treading on their toes, and so forth. But this being + a round game, and one not necessarily limited to three or four players, + was open to John Browdie too, who, bursting into the little crowd—to + the great terror of his wife—and falling about in all directions, + now to the right, now to the left, now forwards, now backwards, and + accidentally driving his elbow through the hat of the tallest helper, who + had been particularly active, speedily caused the odds to wear a very + different appearance; while more than one stout fellow limped away to a + respectful distance, anathematising with tears in his eyes the heavy tread + and ponderous feet of the burly Yorkshireman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me see him do it again,’ said he who had been kicked into the corner, + rising as he spoke, apparently more from the fear of John Browdie’s + inadvertently treading upon him, than from any desire to place himself on + equal terms with his late adversary. ‘Let me see him do it again. That’s + all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me hear you make those remarks again,’ said the young man, ‘and I’ll + knock that head of yours in among the wine-glasses behind you there.’ + </p> + <p> + Here a waiter who had been rubbing his hands in excessive enjoyment of the + scene, so long as only the breaking of heads was in question, adjured the + spectators with great earnestness to fetch the police, declaring that + otherwise murder would be surely done, and that he was responsible for all + the glass and china on the premises. + </p> + <p> + ‘No one need trouble himself to stir,’ said the young gentleman, ‘I am + going to remain in the house all night, and shall be found here in the + morning if there is any assault to answer for.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What did you strike him for?’ asked one of the bystanders. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! what did you strike him for?’ demanded the others. + </p> + <p> + The unpopular gentleman looked coolly round, and addressing himself to + Nicholas, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘You inquired just now what was the matter here. The matter is simply + this. Yonder person, who was drinking with a friend in the coffee-room + when I took my seat there for half an hour before going to bed, (for I + have just come off a journey, and preferred stopping here tonight, to + going home at this hour, where I was not expected until tomorrow,) chose + to express himself in very disrespectful, and insolently familiar terms, + of a young lady, whom I recognised from his description and other + circumstances, and whom I have the honour to know. As he spoke loud enough + to be overheard by the other guests who were present, I informed him most + civilly that he was mistaken in his conjectures, which were of an + offensive nature, and requested him to forbear. He did so for a little + time, but as he chose to renew his conversation when leaving the room, in + a more offensive strain than before, I could not refrain from making after + him, and facilitating his departure by a kick, which reduced him to the + posture in which you saw him just now. I am the best judge of my own + affairs, I take it,’ said the young man, who had certainly not quite + recovered from his recent heat; ‘if anybody here thinks proper to make + this quarrel his own, I have not the smallest earthly objection, I do + assure him.’ + </p> + <p> + Of all possible courses of proceeding under the circumstances detailed, + there was certainly not one which, in his then state of mind, could have + appeared more laudable to Nicholas than this. There were not many subjects + of dispute which at that moment could have come home to his own breast + more powerfully, for having the unknown uppermost in his thoughts, it + naturally occurred to him that he would have done just the same if any + audacious gossiper durst have presumed in his hearing to speak lightly of + her. Influenced by these considerations, he espoused the young gentleman’s + quarrel with great warmth, protesting that he had done quite right, and + that he respected him for it; which John Browdie (albeit not quite clear + as to the merits) immediately protested too, with not inferior vehemence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let him take care, that’s all,’ said the defeated party, who was being + rubbed down by a waiter, after his recent fall on the dusty boards. ‘He + don’t knock me about for nothing, I can tell him that. A pretty state of + things, if a man isn’t to admire a handsome girl without being beat to + pieces for it!’ + </p> + <p> + This reflection appeared to have great weight with the young lady in the + bar, who (adjusting her cap as she spoke, and glancing at a mirror) + declared that it would be a very pretty state of things indeed; and that + if people were to be punished for actions so innocent and natural as that, + there would be more people to be knocked down than there would be people + to knock them down, and that she wondered what the gentleman meant by it, + that she did. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear girl,’ said the young gentleman in a low voice, advancing towards + the sash window. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense, sir!’ replied the young lady sharply, smiling though as she + turned aside, and biting her lip, (whereat Mrs. Browdie, who was still + standing on the stairs, glanced at her with disdain, and called to her + husband to come away). + </p> + <p> + ‘No, but listen to me,’ said the young man. ‘If admiration of a pretty + face were criminal, I should be the most hopeless person alive, for I + cannot resist one. It has the most extraordinary effect upon me, checks + and controls me in the most furious and obstinate mood. You see what an + effect yours has had upon me already.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, that’s very pretty,’ replied the young lady, tossing her head, ‘but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I know it’s very pretty,’ said the young man, looking with an air of + admiration in the barmaid’s face; ‘I said so, you know, just this moment. + But beauty should be spoken of respectfully—respectfully, and in + proper terms, and with a becoming sense of its worth and excellence, + whereas this fellow has no more notion—’ + </p> + <p> + The young lady interrupted the conversation at this point, by thrusting + her head out of the bar-window, and inquiring of the waiter in a shrill + voice whether that young man who had been knocked down was going to stand + in the passage all night, or whether the entrance was to be left clear for + other people. The waiters taking the hint, and communicating it to the + hostlers, were not slow to change their tone too, and the result was, that + the unfortunate victim was bundled out in a twinkling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure I have seen that fellow before,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ replied his new acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am certain of it,’ said Nicholas, pausing to reflect. ‘Where can I have—stop!—yes, + to be sure—he belongs to a register-office up at the west end of the + town. I knew I recollected the face.’ + </p> + <p> + It was, indeed, Tom, the ugly clerk. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s odd enough!’ said Nicholas, ruminating upon the strange manner in + which the register-office seemed to start up and stare him in the face + every now and then, and when he least expected it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am much obliged to you for your kind advocacy of my cause when it most + needed an advocate,’ said the young man, laughing, and drawing a card from + his pocket. ‘Perhaps you’ll do me the favour to let me know where I can + thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas took the card, and glancing at it involuntarily as he returned + the compliment, evinced very great surprise. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Frank Cheeryble!’ said Nicholas. ‘Surely not the nephew of Cheeryble + Brothers, who is expected tomorrow!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t usually call myself the nephew of the firm,’ returned Mr. Frank, + good-humouredly; ‘but of the two excellent individuals who compose it, I + am proud to say I <i>am</i> the nephew. And you, I see, are Mr. Nickleby, of whom + I have heard so much! This is a most unexpected meeting, but not the less + welcome, I assure you.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas responded to these compliments with others of the same kind, and + they shook hands warmly. Then he introduced John Browdie, who had remained + in a state of great admiration ever since the young lady in the bar had + been so skilfully won over to the right side. Then Mrs. John Browdie was + introduced, and finally they all went upstairs together and spent the next + half-hour with great satisfaction and mutual entertainment; Mrs. John + Browdie beginning the conversation by declaring that of all the made-up + things she ever saw, that young woman below-stairs was the vainest and the + plainest. + </p> + <p> + This Mr. Frank Cheeryble, although, to judge from what had recently taken + place, a hot-headed young man (which is not an absolute miracle and + phenomenon in nature), was a sprightly, good-humoured, pleasant fellow, + with much both in his countenance and disposition that reminded Nicholas + very strongly of the kind-hearted brothers. His manner was as unaffected + as theirs, and his demeanour full of that heartiness which, to most people + who have anything generous in their composition, is peculiarly + prepossessing. Add to this, that he was good-looking and intelligent, had + a plentiful share of vivacity, was extremely cheerful, and accommodated + himself in five minutes’ time to all John Browdie’s oddities with as much + ease as if he had known him from a boy; and it will be a source of no + great wonder that, when they parted for the night, he had produced a most + favourable impression, not only upon the worthy Yorkshireman and his wife, + but upon Nicholas also, who, revolving all these things in his mind as he + made the best of his way home, arrived at the conclusion that he had laid + the foundation of a most agreeable and desirable acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + ‘But it’s a most extraordinary thing about that register-office fellow!’ + thought Nicholas. ‘Is it likely that this nephew can know anything about + that beautiful girl? When Tim Linkinwater gave me to understand the other + day that he was coming to take a share in the business here, he said he + had been superintending it in Germany for four years, and that during the + last six months he had been engaged in establishing an agency in the north + of England. That’s four years and a half—four years and a half. She + can’t be more than seventeen—say eighteen at the outside. She was + quite a child when he went away, then. I should say he knew nothing about + her and had never seen her, so <i>he</i> can give me no information. At all + events,’ thought Nicholas, coming to the real point in his mind, ‘there + can be no danger of any prior occupation of her affections in that + quarter; that’s quite clear.’ + </p> + <p> + Is selfishness a necessary ingredient in the composition of that passion + called love, or does it deserve all the fine things which poets, in the + exercise of their undoubted vocation, have said of it? There are, no + doubt, authenticated instances of gentlemen having given up ladies and + ladies having given up gentlemen to meritorious rivals, under + circumstances of great high-mindedness; but is it quite established that + the majority of such ladies and gentlemen have not made a virtue of + necessity, and nobly resigned what was beyond their reach; as a private + soldier might register a vow never to accept the order of the Garter, or a + poor curate of great piety and learning, but of no family—save a + very large family of children—might renounce a bishopric? + </p> + <p> + Here was Nicholas Nickleby, who would have scorned the thought of counting + how the chances stood of his rising in favour or fortune with the brothers + Cheeryble, now that their nephew had returned, already deep in + calculations whether that same nephew was likely to rival him in the + affections of the fair unknown—discussing the matter with himself + too, as gravely as if, with that one exception, it were all settled; and + recurring to the subject again and again, and feeling quite indignant and + ill-used at the notion of anybody else making love to one with whom he had + never exchanged a word in all his life. To be sure, he exaggerated rather + than depreciated the merits of his new acquaintance; but still he took it + as a kind of personal offence that he should have any merits at all—in + the eyes of this particular young lady, that is; for elsewhere he was + quite welcome to have as many as he pleased. There was undoubted + selfishness in all this, and yet Nicholas was of a most free and generous + nature, with as few mean or sordid thoughts, perhaps, as ever fell to the + lot of any man; and there is no reason to suppose that, being in love, he + felt and thought differently from other people in the like sublime + condition. + </p> + <p> + He did not stop to set on foot an inquiry into his train of thought or + state of feeling, however; but went thinking on all the way home, and + continued to dream on in the same strain all night. For, having satisfied + himself that Frank Cheeryble could have no knowledge of, or acquaintance + with, the mysterious young lady, it began to occur to him that even he + himself might never see her again; upon which hypothesis he built up a + very ingenious succession of tormenting ideas which answered his purpose + even better than the vision of Mr. Frank Cheeryble, and tantalised and + worried him, waking and sleeping. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all that has been said and sung to the contrary, there is + no well-established case of morning having either deferred or hastened its + approach by the term of an hour or so for the mere gratification of a + splenetic feeling against some unoffending lover: the sun having, in the + discharge of his public duty, as the books of precedent report, invariably + risen according to the almanacs, and without suffering himself to be + swayed by any private considerations. So, morning came as usual, and with + it business-hours, and with them Mr. Frank Cheeryble, and with him a long + train of smiles and welcomes from the worthy brothers, and a more grave + and clerk-like, but scarcely less hearty reception from Mr. Timothy + Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + ‘That Mr. Frank and Mr. Nickleby should have met last night,’ said Tim + Linkinwater, getting slowly off his stool, and looking round the + counting-house with his back planted against the desk, as was his custom + when he had anything very particular to say: ‘that those two young men + should have met last night in that manner is, I say, a coincidence, a + remarkable coincidence. Why, I don’t believe now,’ added Tim, taking off + his spectacles, and smiling as with gentle pride, ‘that there’s such a + place in all the world for coincidences as London is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know about that,’ said Mr. Frank; ‘but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t know about it, Mr. Francis!’ interrupted Tim, with an obstinate air. + ‘Well, but let us know. If there is any better place for such things, + where is it? Is it in Europe? No, that it isn’t. Is it in Asia? Why, of + course it’s not. Is it in Africa? Not a bit of it. Is it in America? <i>you</i> + know better than that, at all events. Well, then,’ said Tim, folding his + arms resolutely, ‘where is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was not about to dispute the point, Tim,’ said young Cheeryble, + laughing. ‘I am not such a heretic as that. All I was going to say was, + that I hold myself under an obligation to the coincidence, that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! if you don’t dispute it,’ said Tim, quite satisfied, ‘that’s another + thing. I’ll tell you what though. I wish you had. I wish you or anybody + would. I would so put that man down,’ said Tim, tapping the forefinger of + his left hand emphatically with his spectacles, ‘so put that man down by + argument—’ + </p> + <p> + It was quite impossible to find language to express the degree of mental + prostration to which such an adventurous wight would be reduced in the + keen encounter with Tim Linkinwater, so Tim gave up the rest of his + declaration in pure lack of words, and mounted his stool again. + </p> + <p> + ‘We may consider ourselves, brother Ned,’ said Charles, after he had + patted Tim Linkinwater approvingly on the back, ‘very fortunate in having + two such young men about us as our nephew Frank and Mr. Nickleby. It should + be a source of great satisfaction and pleasure to us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Certainly, Charles, certainly,’ returned the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of Tim,’ added brother Ned, ‘I say nothing whatever, because Tim is a + mere child—an infant—a nobody that we never think of or take + into account at all. Tim, you villain, what do you say to that, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am jealous of both of ‘em,’ said Tim, ‘and mean to look out for another + situation; so provide yourselves, gentlemen, if you please.’ + </p> + <p> + Tim thought this such an exquisite, unparalleled, and most extraordinary + joke, that he laid his pen upon the inkstand, and rather tumbling off his + stool than getting down with his usual deliberation, laughed till he was + quite faint, shaking his head all the time so that little particles of + powder flew palpably about the office. Nor were the brothers at all + behind-hand, for they laughed almost as heartily at the ludicrous idea of + any voluntary separation between themselves and old Tim. Nicholas and Mr + Frank laughed quite boisterously, perhaps to conceal some other emotion + awakened by this little incident, (and so, indeed, did the three old + fellows after the first burst,) so perhaps there was as much keen + enjoyment and relish in that laugh, altogether, as the politest assembly + ever derived from the most poignant witticism uttered at any one person’s + expense. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said brother Charles, calling him aside, and taking him + kindly by the hand, ‘I—I—am anxious, my dear sir, to see that + you are properly and comfortably settled in the cottage. We cannot allow + those who serve us well to labour under any privation or discomfort that + it is in our power to remove. I wish, too, to see your mother and sister: + to know them, Mr. Nickleby, and have an opportunity of relieving their + minds by assuring them that any trifling service we have been able to do + them is a great deal more than repaid by the zeal and ardour you display.—Not + a word, my dear sir, I beg. Tomorrow is Sunday. I shall make bold to come + out at teatime, and take the chance of finding you at home; if you are + not, you know, or the ladies should feel a delicacy in being intruded on, + and would rather not be known to me just now, why I can come again another + time, any other time would do for me. Let it remain upon that + understanding. Brother Ned, my dear fellow, let me have a word with you + this way.’ + </p> + <p> + The twins went out of the office arm-in-arm, and Nicholas, who saw in this + act of kindness, and many others of which he had been the subject that + morning, only so many delicate renewals on the arrival of their nephew of + the kind assurance which the brothers had given him in his absence, could + scarcely feel sufficient admiration and gratitude for such extraordinary + consideration. + </p> + <p> + The intelligence that they were to have a visitor—and such a visitor—next + day, awakened in the breast of Mrs. Nickleby mingled feelings of exultation + and regret; for whereas on the one hand she hailed it as an omen of her + speedy restoration to good society and the almost-forgotten pleasures of + morning calls and evening tea-drinkings, she could not, on the other, but + reflect with bitterness of spirit on the absence of a silver teapot with + an ivory knob on the lid, and a milk-jug to match, which had been the + pride of her heart in days of yore, and had been kept from year’s end to + year’s end wrapped up in wash-leather on a certain top shelf which now + presented itself in lively colours to her sorrowing imagination. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder who’s got that spice-box,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, shaking her head. + ‘It used to stand in the left-hand corner, next but two to the pickled + onions. You remember that spice-box, Kate?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly well, mama.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I shouldn’t think you did, Kate,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, in a severe + manner, ‘talking about it in that cold and unfeeling way! If there is any + one thing that vexes me in these losses more than the losses themselves, I + do protest and declare,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, rubbing her nose with an + impassioned air, ‘that it is to have people about me who take things with + such provoking calmness.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear mama,’ said Kate, stealing her arm round her mother’s neck, ‘why + do you say what I know you cannot seriously mean or think, or why be angry + with me for being happy and content? You and Nicholas are left to me, we + are together once again, and what regard can I have for a few trifling + things of which we never feel the want? When I have seen all the misery + and desolation that death can bring, and known the lonesome feeling of + being solitary and alone in crowds, and all the agony of separation in + grief and poverty when we most needed comfort and support from each other, + can you wonder that I look upon this as a place of such delicious quiet + and rest, that with you beside me I have nothing to wish for or regret? + There was a time, and not long since, when all the comforts of our old + home did come back upon me, I own, very often—oftener than you would + think perhaps—but I affected to care nothing for them, in the hope + that you would so be brought to regret them the less. I was not + insensible, indeed. I might have felt happier if I had been. Dear mama,’ + said Kate, in great agitation, ‘I know no difference between this home and + that in which we were all so happy for so many years, except that the + kindest and gentlest heart that ever ached on earth has passed in peace to + heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate my dear, Kate,’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, folding her in her arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have so often thought,’ sobbed Kate, ‘of all his kind words—of + the last time he looked into my little room, as he passed upstairs to bed, + and said “God bless you, darling.” There was a paleness in his face, mama—the + broken heart—I know it was—I little thought so—then—’ + </p> + <p> + A gush of tears came to her relief, and Kate laid her head upon her + mother’s breast, and wept like a little child. + </p> + <p> + It is an exquisite and beautiful thing in our nature, that when the heart + is touched and softened by some tranquil happiness or affectionate + feeling, the memory of the dead comes over it most powerfully and + irresistibly. It would almost seem as though our better thoughts and + sympathies were charms, in virtue of which the soul is enabled to hold + some vague and mysterious intercourse with the spirits of those whom we + dearly loved in life. Alas! how often and how long may those patient + angels hover above us, watching for the spell which is so seldom uttered, + and so soon forgotten! + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Nickleby, accustomed to give ready utterance to whatever came + uppermost in her mind, had never conceived the possibility of her + daughter’s dwelling upon these thoughts in secret, the more especially as + no hard trial or querulous reproach had ever drawn them from her. But now, + when the happiness of all that Nicholas had just told them, and of their + new and peaceful life, brought these recollections so strongly upon Kate + that she could not suppress them, Mrs. Nickleby began to have a glimmering + that she had been rather thoughtless now and then, and was conscious of + something like self-reproach as she embraced her daughter, and yielded to + the emotions which such a conversation naturally awakened. + </p> + <p> + There was a mighty bustle that night, and a vast quantity of preparation + for the expected visitor, and a very large nosegay was brought from a + gardener’s hard by, and cut up into a number of very small ones, with + which Mrs. Nickleby would have garnished the little sitting-room, in a + style that certainly could not have failed to attract anybody’s attention, + if Kate had not offered to spare her the trouble, and arranged them in the + prettiest and neatest manner possible. If the cottage ever looked pretty, + it must have been on such a bright and sunshiny day as the next day was. + But Smike’s pride in the garden, or Mrs. Nickleby’s in the condition of the + furniture, or Kate’s in everything, was nothing to the pride with which + Nicholas looked at Kate herself; and surely the costliest mansion in all + England might have found in her beautiful face and graceful form its most + exquisite and peerless ornament. + </p> + <p> + About six o’clock in the afternoon Mrs. Nickleby was thrown into a great + flutter of spirits by the long-expected knock at the door, nor was this + flutter at all composed by the audible tread of two pair of boots in the + passage, which Mrs. Nickleby augured, in a breathless state, must be ‘the + two Mr. Cheerybles;’ as it certainly was, though not the two Mrs. Nickleby + expected, because it was Mr. Charles Cheeryble, and his nephew, Mr. Frank, + who made a thousand apologies for his intrusion, which Mrs. Nickleby + (having tea-spoons enough and to spare for all) most graciously received. + Nor did the appearance of this unexpected visitor occasion the least + embarrassment, (save in Kate, and that only to the extent of a blush or + two at first,) for the old gentleman was so kind and cordial, and the + young gentleman imitated him in this respect so well, that the usual + stiffness and formality of a first meeting showed no signs of appearing, + and Kate really more than once detected herself in the very act of + wondering when it was going to begin. + </p> + <p> + At the tea-table there was plenty of conversation on a great variety of + subjects, nor were there wanting jocose matters of discussion, such as + they were; for young Mr. Cheeryble’s recent stay in Germany happening to be + alluded to, old Mr. Cheeryble informed the company that the aforesaid young + Mr. Cheeryble was suspected to have fallen deeply in love with the daughter + of a certain German burgomaster. This accusation young Mr. Cheeryble most + indignantly repelled, upon which Mrs. Nickleby slyly remarked, that she + suspected, from the very warmth of the denial, there must be something in + it. Young Mr. Cheeryble then earnestly entreated old Mr. Cheeryble to + confess that it was all a jest, which old Mr. Cheeryble at last did, young + Mr. Cheeryble being so much in earnest about it, that—as Mrs. Nickleby + said many thousand times afterwards in recalling the scene—he ‘quite + coloured,’ which she rightly considered a memorable circumstance, and one + worthy of remark, young men not being as a class remarkable for modesty or + self-denial, especially when there is a lady in the case, when, if they + colour at all, it is rather their practice to colour the story, and not + themselves. + </p> + <p> + After tea there was a walk in the garden, and the evening being very fine + they strolled out at the garden-gate into some lanes and bye-roads, and + sauntered up and down until it grew quite dark. The time seemed to pass + very quickly with all the party. Kate went first, leaning upon her + brother’s arm, and talking with him and Mr. Frank Cheeryble; and Mrs + Nickleby and the elder gentleman followed at a short distance, the + kindness of the good merchant, his interest in the welfare of Nicholas, + and his admiration of Kate, so operating upon the good lady’s feelings, + that the usual current of her speech was confined within very narrow and + circumscribed limits. Smike (who, if he had ever been an object of + interest in his life, had been one that day) accompanied them, joining + sometimes one group and sometimes the other, as brother Charles, laying + his hand upon his shoulder, bade him walk with him, or Nicholas, looking + smilingly round, beckoned him to come and talk with the old friend who + understood him best, and who could win a smile into his careworn face when + none else could. + </p> + <p> + Pride is one of the seven deadly sins; but it cannot be the pride of a + mother in her children, for that is a compound of two cardinal virtues—faith + and hope. This was the pride which swelled Mrs. Nickleby’s heart that + night, and this it was which left upon her face, glistening in the light + when they returned home, traces of the most grateful tears she had ever + shed. + </p> + <p> + There was a quiet mirth about the little supper, which harmonised exactly + with this tone of feeling, and at length the two gentlemen took their + leave. There was one circumstance in the leave-taking which occasioned a + vast deal of smiling and pleasantry, and that was, that Mr. Frank Cheeryble + offered his hand to Kate twice over, quite forgetting that he had bade her + adieu already. This was held by the elder Mr. Cheeryble to be a convincing + proof that he was thinking of his German flame, and the jest occasioned + immense laughter. So easy is it to move light hearts. + </p> + <p> + In short, it was a day of serene and tranquil happiness; and as we all + have some bright day—many of us, let us hope, among a crowd of + others—to which we revert with particular delight, so this one was + often looked back to afterwards, as holding a conspicuous place in the + calendar of those who shared it. + </p> + <p> + Was there one exception, and that one he who needed to have been most + happy? + </p> + <p> + Who was that who, in the silence of his own chamber, sunk upon his knees + to pray as his first friend had taught him, and folding his hands and + stretching them wildly in the air, fell upon his face in a passion of + bitter grief? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 44 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>r. Ralph Nickleby cuts an old Acquaintance. It would also appear from the + Contents hereof, that a Joke, even between Husband and Wife, may be + sometimes carried too far</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + There are some men who, living with the one object of enriching + themselves, no matter by what means, and being perfectly conscious of the + baseness and rascality of the means which they will use every day towards + this end, affect nevertheless—even to themselves—a high tone + of moral rectitude, and shake their heads and sigh over the depravity of + the world. Some of the craftiest scoundrels that ever walked this earth, + or rather—for walking implies, at least, an erect position and the + bearing of a man—that ever crawled and crept through life by its + dirtiest and narrowest ways, will gravely jot down in diaries the events + of every day, and keep a regular debtor and creditor account with Heaven, + which shall always show a floating balance in their own favour. Whether + this is a gratuitous (the only gratuitous) part of the falsehood and + trickery of such men’s lives, or whether they really hope to cheat Heaven + itself, and lay up treasure in the next world by the same process which + has enabled them to lay up treasure in this—not to question how it + is, so it is. And, doubtless, such book-keeping (like certain + autobiographies which have enlightened the world) cannot fail to prove + serviceable, in the one respect of sparing the recording Angel some time + and labour. + </p> + <p> + Ralph Nickleby was not a man of this stamp. Stern, unyielding, dogged, and + impenetrable, Ralph cared for nothing in life, or beyond it, save the + gratification of two passions, avarice, the first and predominant appetite + of his nature, and hatred, the second. Affecting to consider himself but a + type of all humanity, he was at little pains to conceal his true character + from the world in general, and in his own heart he exulted over and + cherished every bad design as it had birth. The only scriptural admonition + that Ralph Nickleby heeded, in the letter, was ‘know thyself.’ He knew + himself well, and choosing to imagine that all mankind were cast in the + same mould, hated them; for, though no man hates himself, the coldest + among us having too much self-love for that, yet most men unconsciously + judge the world from themselves, and it will be very generally found that + those who sneer habitually at human nature, and affect to despise it, are + among its worst and least pleasant samples. + </p> + <p> + But the present business of these adventures is with Ralph himself, who + stood regarding Newman Noggs with a heavy frown, while that worthy took + off his fingerless gloves, and spreading them carefully on the palm of his + left hand, and flattening them with his right to take the creases out, + proceeded to roll them up with an absent air as if he were utterly + regardless of all things else, in the deep interest of the ceremonial. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gone out of town!’ said Ralph, slowly. ‘A mistake of yours. Go back + again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No mistake,’ returned Newman. ‘Not even going; gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Has he turned girl or baby?’ muttered Ralph, with a fretful gesture. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ said Newman, ‘but he’s gone.’ + </p> + <p> + The repetition of the word ‘gone’ seemed to afford Newman Noggs + inexpressible delight, in proportion as it annoyed Ralph Nickleby. He + uttered the word with a full round emphasis, dwelling upon it as long as + he decently could, and when he could hold out no longer without attracting + observation, stood gasping it to himself as if even that were a + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + ‘And <i>where </i>has he gone?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘France,’ replied Newman. ‘Danger of another attack of erysipelas—a + worse attack—in the head. So the doctors ordered him off. And he’s + gone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And Lord Frederick—?’ began Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s gone too,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘And he carries his drubbing with him, does he?’ said Ralph, turning away; + ‘pockets his bruises, and sneaks off without the retaliation of a word, or + seeking the smallest reparation!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s too ill,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Too ill!’ repeated Ralph. ‘Why I would have it if I were dying; in that + case I should only be the more determined to have it, and that without + delay—I mean if I were he. But he’s too ill! Poor Sir Mulberry! Too + ill!’ + </p> + <p> + Uttering these words with supreme contempt and great irritation of manner, + Ralph signed hastily to Newman to leave the room; and throwing himself + into his chair, beat his foot impatiently upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is some spell about that boy,’ said Ralph, grinding his teeth. + ‘Circumstances conspire to help him. Talk of fortune’s favours! What is + even money to such Devil’s luck as this?’ + </p> + <p> + He thrust his hands impatiently into his pockets, but notwithstanding his + previous reflection there was some consolation there, for his face relaxed + a little; and although there was still a deep frown upon the contracted + brow, it was one of calculation, and not of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + ‘This Hawk will come back, however,’ muttered Ralph; ‘and if I know the + man (and I should by this time) his wrath will have lost nothing of its + violence in the meanwhile. Obliged to live in retirement—the + monotony of a sick-room to a man of his habits—no life—no + drink—no play—nothing that he likes and lives by. He is not + likely to forget his obligations to the cause of all this. Few men would; + but he of all others? No, no!’ + </p> + <p> + He smiled and shook his head, and resting his chin upon his hand, fell a + musing, and smiled again. After a time he rose and rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + ‘That Mr. Squeers; has he been here?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘He was here last night. I left him here when I went home,’ returned + Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know that, fool, do I not?’ said Ralph, irascibly. ‘Has he been here + since? Was he here this morning?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ bawled Newman, in a very loud key. + </p> + <p> + ‘If he comes while I am out—he is pretty sure to be here by nine + tonight—let him wait. And if there’s another man with him, as there + will be—perhaps,’ said Ralph, checking himself, ‘let him wait too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let ‘em both wait?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ replied Ralph, turning upon him with an angry look. ‘Help me on with + this spencer, and don’t repeat after me, like a croaking parrot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I was a parrot,’ Newman, sulkily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you were,’ rejoined Ralph, drawing his spencer on; ‘I’d have wrung + your neck long ago.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman returned no answer to this compliment, but looked over Ralph’s + shoulder for an instant, (he was adjusting the collar of the spencer + behind, just then,) as if he were strongly disposed to tweak him by the + nose. Meeting Ralph’s eye, however, he suddenly recalled his wandering + fingers, and rubbed his own red nose with a vehemence quite astonishing. + </p> + <p> + Bestowing no further notice upon his eccentric follower than a threatening + look, and an admonition to be careful and make no mistake, Ralph took his + hat and gloves, and walked out. + </p> + <p> + He appeared to have a very extraordinary and miscellaneous connection, and + very odd calls he made, some at great rich houses, and some at small poor + ones, but all upon one subject: money. His face was a talisman to the + porters and servants of his more dashing clients, and procured him ready + admission, though he trudged on foot, and others, who were denied, rattled + to the door in carriages. Here he was all softness and cringing civility; + his step so light, that it scarcely produced a sound upon the thick + carpets; his voice so soft that it was not audible beyond the person to + whom it was addressed. But in the poorer habitations Ralph was another + man; his boots creaked upon the passage floor as he walked boldly in; his + voice was harsh and loud as he demanded the money that was overdue; his + threats were coarse and angry. With another class of customers, Ralph was + again another man. These were attorneys of more than doubtful reputation, + who helped him to new business, or raised fresh profits upon old. With + them Ralph was familiar and jocose, humorous upon the topics of the day, + and especially pleasant upon bankruptcies and pecuniary difficulties that + made good for trade. In short, it would have been difficult to have + recognised the same man under these various aspects, but for the bulky + leather case full of bills and notes which he drew from his pocket at + every house, and the constant repetition of the same complaint, (varied + only in tone and style of delivery,) that the world thought him rich, and + that perhaps he might be if he had his own; but there was no getting money + in when it was once out, either principal or interest, and it was a hard + matter to live; even to live from day to day. + </p> + <p> + It was evening before a long round of such visits (interrupted only by a + scanty dinner at an eating-house) terminated at Pimlico, and Ralph walked + along St James’s Park, on his way home. + </p> + <p> + There were some deep schemes in his head, as the puckered brow and + firmly-set mouth would have abundantly testified, even if they had been + unaccompanied by a complete indifference to, or unconsciousness of, the + objects about him. So complete was his abstraction, however, that Ralph, + usually as quick-sighted as any man, did not observe that he was followed + by a shambling figure, which at one time stole behind him with noiseless + footsteps, at another crept a few paces before him, and at another glided + along by his side; at all times regarding him with an eye so keen, and a + look so eager and attentive, that it was more like the expression of an + intrusive face in some powerful picture or strongly marked dream, than the + scrutiny even of a most interested and anxious observer. + </p> + <p> + The sky had been lowering and dark for some time, and the commencement of + a violent storm of rain drove Ralph for shelter to a tree. He was leaning + against it with folded arms, still buried in thought, when, happening to + raise his eyes, he suddenly met those of a man who, creeping round the + trunk, peered into his face with a searching look. There was something in + the usurer’s expression at the moment, which the man appeared to remember + well, for it decided him; and stepping close up to Ralph, he pronounced + his name. + </p> + <p> + Astonished for the moment, Ralph fell back a couple of paces and surveyed + him from head to foot. A spare, dark, withered man, of about his own age, + with a stooping body, and a very sinister face rendered more ill-favoured + by hollow and hungry cheeks, deeply sunburnt, and thick black eyebrows, + blacker in contrast with the perfect whiteness of his hair; roughly + clothed in shabby garments, of a strange and uncouth make; and having + about him an indefinable manner of depression and degradation—this, + for a moment, was all he saw. But he looked again, and the face and person + seemed gradually to grow less strange; to change as he looked, to subside + and soften into lineaments that were familiar, until at last they resolved + themselves, as if by some strange optical illusion, into those of one whom + he had known for many years, and forgotten and lost sight of for nearly as + many more. + </p> + <p> + The man saw that the recognition was mutual, and beckoning to Ralph to + take his former place under the tree, and not to stand in the falling + rain, of which, in his first surprise, he had been quite regardless, + addressed him in a hoarse, faint tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘You would hardly have known me from my voice, I suppose, Mr. Nickleby?’ he + said. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ returned Ralph, bending a severe look upon him. ‘Though there is + something in that, that I remember now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is little in me that you can call to mind as having been there + eight years ago, I dare say?’ observed the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite enough,’ said Ralph, carelessly, and averting his face. ‘More than + enough.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had remained in doubt about <i>you</i>, Mr. Nickleby,’ said the other, ‘this + reception, and <i>your </i>manner, would have decided me very soon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you expect any other?’ asked Ralph, sharply. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ said the man. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were right,’ retorted Ralph; ‘and as you feel no surprise, need + express none.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said the man, bluntly, after a brief pause, during which he + had seemed to struggle with an inclination to answer him by some reproach, + ‘will you hear a few words that I have to say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am obliged to wait here till the rain holds a little,’ said Ralph, + looking abroad. ‘If you talk, sir, I shall not put my fingers in my ears, + though your talking may have as much effect as if I did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was once in your confidence—’ thus his companion began. Ralph + looked round, and smiled involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said the other, ‘as much in your confidence as you ever chose to + let anybody be.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ rejoined Ralph, folding his arms; ‘that’s another thing, quite + another thing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t let us play upon words, Mr. Nickleby, in the name of humanity.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Of humanity,’ replied the other, sternly. ‘I am hungry and in want. If + the change that you must see in me after so long an absence—must + see, for I, upon whom it has come by slow and hard degrees, see it and + know it well—will not move you to pity, let the knowledge that + bread; not the daily bread of the Lord’s Prayer, which, as it is offered + up in cities like this, is understood to include half the luxuries of the + world for the rich, and just as much coarse food as will support life for + the poor—not that, but bread, a crust of dry hard bread, is beyond + my reach today—let that have some weight with you, if nothing else + has.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If this is the usual form in which you beg, sir,’ said Ralph, ‘you have + studied your part well; but if you will take advice from one who knows + something of the world and its ways, I should recommend a lower tone; a + little lower tone, or you stand a fair chance of being starved in good + earnest.’ + </p> + <p> + As he said this, Ralph clenched his left wrist tightly with his right + hand, and inclining his head a little on one side and dropping his chin + upon his breast, looked at him whom he addressed with a frowning, sullen + face. The very picture of a man whom nothing could move or soften. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yesterday was my first day in London,’ said the old man, glancing at his + travel-stained dress and worn shoes. + </p> + <p> + ‘It would have been better for you, I think, if it had been your last + also,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have been seeking you these two days, where I thought you were most + likely to be found,’ resumed the other more humbly, ‘and I met you here at + last, when I had almost given up the hope of encountering you, Mr + Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + He seemed to wait for some reply, but Ralph giving him none, he continued: + </p> + <p> + ‘I am a most miserable and wretched outcast, nearly sixty years old, and + as destitute and helpless as a child of six.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sixty years old, too,’ replied Ralph, ‘and am neither destitute nor + helpless. Work. Don’t make fine play-acting speeches about bread, but earn + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How?’ cried the other. ‘Where? Show me the means. Will you give them to + me—will you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did once,’ replied Ralph, composedly; ‘you scarcely need ask me whether + I will again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s twenty years ago, or more,’ said the man, in a suppressed voice, + ‘since you and I fell out. You remember that? I claimed a share in the + profits of some business I brought to you, and, as I persisted, you + arrested me for an old advance of ten pounds, odd shillings, including + interest at fifty per cent, or so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I remember something of it,’ replied Ralph, carelessly. ‘What then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That didn’t part us,’ said the man. ‘I made submission, being on the + wrong side of the bolts and bars; and as you were not the made man then + that you are now, you were glad enough to take back a clerk who wasn’t + over nice, and who knew something of the trade you drove.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You begged and prayed, and I consented,’ returned Ralph. ‘That was kind + of me. Perhaps I did want you. I forget. I should think I did, or you + would have begged in vain. You were useful; not too honest, not too + delicate, not too nice of hand or heart; but useful.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Useful, indeed!’ said the man. ‘Come. You had pinched and ground me down + for some years before that, but I had served you faithfully up to that + time, in spite of all your dog’s usage. Had I?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph made no reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Had I?’ said the man again. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had had your wages,’ rejoined Ralph, ‘and had done your work. We + stood on equal ground so far, and could both cry quits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, but not afterwards,’ said the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not afterwards, certainly, nor even then, for (as you have just said) you + owed me money, and do still,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s not all,’ said the man, eagerly. ‘That’s not all. Mark that. I + didn’t forget that old sore, trust me. Partly in remembrance of that, and + partly in the hope of making money someday by the scheme, I took advantage + of my position about you, and possessed myself of a hold upon you, which + you would give half of all you have to know, and never can know but + through me. I left you—long after that time, remember—and, for + some poor trickery that came within the law, but was nothing to what you + money-makers daily practise just outside its bounds, was sent away a + convict for seven years. I have returned what you see me. Now, Mr + Nickleby,’ said the man, with a strange mixture of humility and sense of + power, ‘what help and assistance will you give me; what bribe, to speak + out plainly? My expectations are not monstrous, but I must live, and to + live I must eat and drink. Money is on your side, and hunger and thirst on + mine. You may drive an easy bargain.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that all?’ said Ralph, still eyeing his companion with the same steady + look, and moving nothing but his lips. + </p> + <p> + ‘It depends on you, Mr. Nickleby, whether that’s all or not,’ was the + rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why then, harkye, Mr—, I don’t know by what name I am to call you,’ + said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘By my old one, if you like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why then, harkye, Mr. Brooker,’ said Ralph, in his harshest accents, ‘and + don’t expect to draw another speech from me. Harkye, sir. I know you of + old for a ready scoundrel, but you never had a stout heart; and hard work, + with (maybe) chains upon those legs of yours, and shorter food than when I + “pinched” and “ground” you, has blunted your wits, or you would not come + with such a tale as this to me. You a hold upon me! Keep it, or publish it + to the world, if you like.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t do that,’ interposed Brooker. ‘That wouldn’t serve me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wouldn’t it?’ said Ralph. ‘It will serve you as much as bringing it to + me, I promise you. To be plain with you, I am a careful man, and know my + affairs thoroughly. I know the world, and the world knows me. Whatever you + gleaned, or heard, or saw, when you served me, the world knows and + magnifies already. You could tell it nothing that would surprise it, + unless, indeed, it redounded to my credit or honour, and then it would + scout you for a liar. And yet I don’t find business slack, or clients + scrupulous. Quite the contrary. I am reviled or threatened every day by + one man or another,’ said Ralph; ‘but things roll on just the same, and I + don’t grow poorer either.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I neither revile nor threaten,’ rejoined the man. ‘I can tell you of what + you have lost by my act, what I only can restore, and what, if I die + without restoring, dies with me, and never can be regained.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell my money pretty accurately, and generally keep it in my own + custody,’ said Ralph. ‘I look sharply after most men that I deal with, and + most of all I looked sharply after you. You are welcome to all you have + kept from me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are those of your own name dear to you?’ said the man emphatically. ‘If + they are—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They are not,’ returned Ralph, exasperated at this perseverance, and the + thought of Nicholas, which the last question awakened. ‘They are not. If + you had come as a common beggar, I might have thrown a sixpence to you in + remembrance of the clever knave you used to be; but since you try to palm + these stale tricks upon one you might have known better, I’ll not part + with a halfpenny—nor would I to save you from rotting. And remember + this, ‘scape-gallows,’ said Ralph, menacing him with his hand, ‘that if we + meet again, and you so much as notice me by one begging gesture, you shall + see the inside of a jail once more, and tighten this hold upon me in + intervals of the hard labour that vagabonds are put to. There’s my answer + to your trash. Take it.’ + </p> + <p> + With a disdainful scowl at the object of his anger, who met his eye but + uttered not a word, Ralph walked away at his usual pace, without + manifesting the slightest curiosity to see what became of his late + companion, or indeed once looking behind him. The man remained on the same + spot with his eyes fixed upon his retreating figure until it was lost to + view, and then drawing his arm about his chest, as if the damp and lack of + food struck coldly to him, lingered with slouching steps by the wayside, + and begged of those who passed along. + </p> + <p> + Ralph, in no-wise moved by what had lately passed, further than as he had + already expressed himself, walked deliberately on, and turning out of the + Park and leaving Golden Square on his right, took his way through some + streets at the west end of the town until he arrived in that particular + one in which stood the residence of Madame Mantalini. The name of that + lady no longer appeared on the flaming door-plate, that of Miss Knag being + substituted in its stead; but the bonnets and dresses were still dimly + visible in the first-floor windows by the decaying light of a summer’s + evening, and excepting this ostensible alteration in the proprietorship, + the establishment wore its old appearance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph!’ muttered Ralph, drawing his hand across his mouth with a + connoisseur-like air, and surveying the house from top to bottom; ‘these + people look pretty well. They can’t last long; but if I know of their + going in good time, I am safe, and a fair profit too. I must keep them + closely in view; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + So, nodding his head very complacently, Ralph was leaving the spot, when + his quick ear caught the sound of a confused noise and hubbub of voices, + mingled with a great running up and down stairs, in the very house which + had been the subject of his scrutiny; and while he was hesitating whether + to knock at the door or listen at the keyhole a little longer, a female + servant of Madame Mantalini’s (whom he had often seen) opened it abruptly + and bounced out, with her blue cap-ribbons streaming in the air. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hallo here. Stop!’ cried Ralph. ‘What’s the matter? Here am I. Didn’t you + hear me knock?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! Mr. Nickleby, sir,’ said the girl. ‘Go up, for the love of Gracious. + Master’s been and done it again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done what?’ said Ralph, tartly; ‘what d’ye mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew he would if he was drove to it,’ cried the girl. ‘I said so all + along.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come here, you silly wench,’ said Ralph, catching her by the wrist; ‘and + don’t carry family matters to the neighbours, destroying the credit of the + establishment. Come here; do you hear me, girl?’ + </p> + <p> + Without any further expostulation, he led or rather pulled the frightened + handmaid into the house, and shut the door; then bidding her walk upstairs + before him, followed without more ceremony. + </p> + <p> + Guided by the noise of a great many voices all talking together, and + passing the girl in his impatience, before they had ascended many steps, + Ralph quickly reached the private sitting-room, when he was rather amazed + by the confused and inexplicable scene in which he suddenly found himself. + </p> + <p> + There were all the young-lady workers, some with bonnets and some without, + in various attitudes expressive of alarm and consternation; some gathered + round Madame Mantalini, who was in tears upon one chair; and others round + Miss Knag, who was in opposition tears upon another; and others round Mr + Mantalini, who was perhaps the most striking figure in the whole group, + for Mr. Mantalini’s legs were extended at full length upon the floor, and + his head and shoulders were supported by a very tall footman, who didn’t + seem to know what to do with them, and Mr. Mantalini’s eyes were closed, + and his face was pale and his hair was comparatively straight, and his + whiskers and moustache were limp, and his teeth were clenched, and he had + a little bottle in his right hand, and a little tea-spoon in his left; and + his hands, arms, legs, and shoulders, were all stiff and powerless. And + yet Madame Mantalini was not weeping upon the body, but was scolding + violently upon her chair; and all this amidst a clamour of tongues + perfectly deafening, and which really appeared to have driven the + unfortunate footman to the utmost verge of distraction. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0596m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0596m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0596.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘What is the matter here?’ said Ralph, pressing forward. + </p> + <p> + At this inquiry, the clamour was increased twenty-fold, and an astounding + string of such shrill contradictions as ‘He’s poisoned himself’—‘He + hasn’t’—‘Send for a doctor’—‘Don’t’—‘He’s dying’—‘He + isn’t, he’s only pretending’—with various other cries, poured forth + with bewildering volubility, until Madame Mantalini was seen to address + herself to Ralph, when female curiosity to know what she would say, + prevailed, and, as if by general consent, a dead silence, unbroken by a + single whisper, instantaneously succeeded. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said Madame Mantalini; ‘by what chance you came here, I + don’t know.’ + </p> + <p> + Here a gurgling voice was heard to ejaculate, as part of the wanderings of + a sick man, the words ‘Demnition sweetness!’ but nobody heeded them except + the footman, who, being startled to hear such awful tones proceeding, as + it were, from between his very fingers, dropped his master’s head upon the + floor with a pretty loud crash, and then, without an effort to lift it up, + gazed upon the bystanders, as if he had done something rather clever than + otherwise. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will, however,’ continued Madame Mantalini, drying her eyes, and + speaking with great indignation, ‘say before you, and before everybody + here, for the first time, and once for all, that I never will supply that + man’s extravagances and viciousness again. I have been a dupe and a fool + to him long enough. In future, he shall support himself if he can, and + then he may spend what money he pleases, upon whom and how he pleases; but + it shall not be mine, and therefore you had better pause before you trust + him further.’ + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Madame Mantalini, quite unmoved by some most pathetic + lamentations on the part of her husband, that the apothecary had not mixed + the prussic acid strong enough, and that he must take another bottle or + two to finish the work he had in hand, entered into a catalogue of that + amiable gentleman’s gallantries, deceptions, extravagances, and + infidelities (especially the last), winding up with a protest against + being supposed to entertain the smallest remnant of regard for him; and + adducing, in proof of the altered state of her affections, the + circumstance of his having poisoned himself in private no less than six + times within the last fortnight, and her not having once interfered by + word or deed to save his life. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I insist on being separated and left to myself,’ said Madame + Mantalini, sobbing. ‘If he dares to refuse me a separation, I’ll have one + in law—I can—and I hope this will be a warning to all girls + who have seen this disgraceful exhibition.’ + </p> + <p> + Miss Knag, who was unquestionably the oldest girl in company, said with + great solemnity, that it would be a warning to <i>her</i>, and so did the young + ladies generally, with the exception of one or two who appeared to + entertain some doubts whether such whispers could do wrong. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you say all this before so many listeners?’ said Ralph, in a low + voice. ‘You know you are not in earnest.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I <i>am</i> in earnest,’ replied Madame Mantalini, aloud, and retreating towards + Miss Knag. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, but consider,’ reasoned Ralph, who had a great interest in the + matter. ‘It would be well to reflect. A married woman has no property.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a solitary single individual dem, my soul,’ and Mr. Mantalini, raising + himself upon his elbow. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am quite aware of that,’ retorted Madame Mantalini, tossing her head; + ‘and I have none. The business, the stock, this house, and everything in + it, all belong to Miss Knag.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s quite true, Madame Mantalini,’ said Miss Knag, with whom her late + employer had secretly come to an amicable understanding on this point. + ‘Very true, indeed, Madame Mantalini—hem—very true. And I + never was more glad in all my life, that I had strength of mind to resist + matrimonial offers, no matter how advantageous, than I am when I think of + my present position as compared with your most unfortunate and most + undeserved one, Madame Mantalini.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit!’ cried Mr. Mantalini, turning his head towards his wife. ‘Will it + not slap and pinch the envious dowager, that dares to reflect upon its own + delicious?’ + </p> + <p> + But the day of Mr. Mantalini’s blandishments had departed. ‘Miss Knag, + sir,’ said his wife, ‘is my particular friend;’ and although Mr. Mantalini + leered till his eyes seemed in danger of never coming back to their right + places again, Madame Mantalini showed no signs of softening. + </p> + <p> + To do the excellent Miss Knag justice, she had been mainly instrumental in + bringing about this altered state of things, for, finding by daily + experience, that there was no chance of the business thriving, or even + continuing to exist, while Mr. Mantalini had any hand in the expenditure, + and having now a considerable interest in its well-doing, she had + sedulously applied herself to the investigation of some little matters + connected with that gentleman’s private character, which she had so well + elucidated, and artfully imparted to Madame Mantalini, as to open her eyes + more effectually than the closest and most philosophical reasoning could + have done in a series of years. To which end, the accidental discovery by + Miss Knag of some tender correspondence, in which Madame Mantalini was + described as ‘old’ and ‘ordinary,’ had most providentially contributed. + </p> + <p> + However, notwithstanding her firmness, Madame Mantalini wept very + piteously; and as she leant upon Miss Knag, and signed towards the door, + that young lady and all the other young ladies with sympathising faces, + proceeded to bear her out. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nickleby,’ said Mr. Mantalini in tears, ‘you have been made a witness to + this demnition cruelty, on the part of the demdest enslaver and captivator + that never was, oh dem! I forgive that woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Forgive!’ repeated Madame Mantalini, angrily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I do forgive her, Nickleby,’ said Mr. Mantalini. ‘You will blame me, the + world will blame me, the women will blame me; everybody will laugh, and + scoff, and smile, and grin most demnebly. They will say, “She had a + blessing. She did not know it. He was too weak; he was too good; he was a + dem’d fine fellow, but he loved too strong; he could not bear her to be + cross, and call him wicked names. It was a dem’d case, there never was a + demder.” But I forgive her.’ + </p> + <p> + With this affecting speech Mr. Mantalini fell down again very flat, and lay + to all appearance without sense or motion, until all the females had left + the room, when he came cautiously into a sitting posture, and confronted + Ralph with a very blank face, and the little bottle still in one hand and + the tea-spoon in the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘You may put away those fooleries now, and live by your wits again,’ said + Ralph, coolly putting on his hat. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit, Nickleby, you’re not serious?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I seldom joke,’ said Ralph. ‘Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, but Nickleby—’ said Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am wrong, perhaps,’ rejoined Ralph. ‘I hope so. You should know best. + Good-night.’ + </p> + <p> + Affecting not to hear his entreaties that he would stay and advise with + him, Ralph left the crest-fallen Mr. Mantalini to his meditations, and left + the house quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oho!’ he said, ‘sets the wind that way so soon? Half knave and half fool, + and detected in both characters? I think your day is over, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + As he said this, he made some memorandum in his pocket-book in which Mr + Mantalini’s name figured conspicuously, and finding by his watch that it + was between nine and ten o’clock, made all speed home. + </p> + <p> + ‘Are they here?’ was the first question he asked of Newman. + </p> + <p> + Newman nodded. ‘Been here half an hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Two of them? One a fat sleek man?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay,’ said Newman. ‘In your room now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good,’ rejoined Ralph. ‘Get me a coach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A coach! What, you—going to—eh?’ stammered Newman. + </p> + <p> + Ralph angrily repeated his orders, and Noggs, who might well have been + excused for wondering at such an unusual and extraordinary circumstance + (for he had never seen Ralph in a coach in his life) departed on his + errand, and presently returned with the conveyance. + </p> + <p> + Into it went Mr. Squeers, and Ralph, and the third man, whom Newman Noggs + had never seen. Newman stood upon the door-step to see them off, not + troubling himself to wonder where or upon what business they were going, + until he chanced by mere accident to hear Ralph name the address whither + the coachman was to drive. + </p> + <p> + Quick as lightning and in a state of the most extreme wonder, Newman + darted into his little office for his hat, and limped after the coach as + if with the intention of getting up behind; but in this design he was + balked, for it had too much the start of him and was soon hopelessly + ahead, leaving him gaping in the empty street. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know though,’ said Noggs, stopping for breath, ‘any good that I + could have done by going too. He would have seen me if I had. Drive <i>there</i>! + What can come of this? If I had only known it yesterday I could have told—drive + there! There’s mischief in it. There must be.’ + </p> + <p> + His reflections were interrupted by a grey-haired man of a very + remarkable, though far from prepossessing appearance, who, coming + stealthily towards him, solicited relief. + </p> + <p> + Newman, still cogitating deeply, turned away; but the man followed him, + and pressed him with such a tale of misery that Newman (who might have + been considered a hopeless person to beg from, and who had little enough + to give) looked into his hat for some halfpence which he usually kept + screwed up, when he had any, in a corner of his pocket-handkerchief. + </p> + <p> + While he was busily untwisting the knot with his teeth, the man said + something which attracted his attention; whatever that something was, it + led to something else, and in the end he and Newman walked away side by + side—the strange man talking earnestly, and Newman listening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 45 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span> + <i>ontaining Matter of a surprising Kind</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘As we gang awa’ fra’ Lunnun tomorrow neeght, and as I dinnot know that I + was e’er so happy in a’ my days, Misther Nickleby, Ding! but I <i>will </i>tak’ + anoother glass to our next merry meeting!’ + </p> + <p> + So said John Browdie, rubbing his hands with great joyousness, and looking + round him with a ruddy shining face, quite in keeping with the + declaration. + </p> + <p> + The time at which John found himself in this enviable condition was the + same evening to which the last chapter bore reference; the place was the + cottage; and the assembled company were Nicholas, Mrs. Nickleby, Mrs + Browdie, Kate Nickleby, and Smike. + </p> + <p> + A very merry party they had been. Mrs. Nickleby, knowing of her son’s + obligations to the honest Yorkshireman, had, after some demur, yielded her + consent to Mr. and Mrs. Browdie being invited out to tea; in the way of + which arrangement, there were at first sundry difficulties and obstacles, + arising out of her not having had an opportunity of ‘calling’ upon Mrs + Browdie first; for although Mrs. Nickleby very often observed with much + complacency (as most punctilious people do), that she had not an atom of + pride or formality about her, still she was a great stickler for dignity + and ceremonies; and as it was manifest that, until a call had been made, + she could not be (politely speaking, and according to the laws of society) + even cognisant of the fact of Mrs. Browdie’s existence, she felt her + situation to be one of peculiar delicacy and difficulty. + </p> + <p> + ‘The call <i>must </i>originate with me, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that’s + indispensable. The fact is, my dear, that it’s necessary there should be a + sort of condescension on my part, and that I should show this young person + that I am willing to take notice of her. There’s a very + respectable-looking young man,’ added Mrs. Nickleby, after a short + consideration, ‘who is conductor to one of the omnibuses that go by here, + and who wears a glazed hat—your sister and I have noticed him very + often—he has a wart upon his nose, Kate, you know, exactly like a + gentleman’s servant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have all gentlemen’s servants warts upon their noses, mother?’ asked + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nicholas, my dear, how very absurd you are,’ returned his mother; ‘of + course I mean that his glazed hat looks like a gentleman’s servant, and + not the wart upon his nose; though even that is not so ridiculous as it + may seem to you, for we had a footboy once, who had not only a wart, but a + wen also, and a very large wen too, and he demanded to have his wages + raised in consequence, because he found it came very expensive. Let me + see, what was I—oh yes, I know. The best way that I can think of + would be to send a card, and my compliments, (I’ve no doubt he’d take ‘em + for a pot of porter,) by this young man, to the Saracen with Two Necks. If + the waiter took him for a gentleman’s servant, so much the better. Then + all Mrs. Browdie would have to do would be to send her card back by the + carrier (he could easily come with a double knock), and there’s an end of + it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear mother,’ said Nicholas, ‘I don’t suppose such unsophisticated + people as these ever had a card of their own, or ever will have.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh that, indeed, Nicholas, my dear,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that’s + another thing. If you put it upon that ground, why, of course, I have no + more to say, than that I have no doubt they are very good sort of persons, + and that I have no kind of objection to their coming here to tea if they + like, and shall make a point of being very civil to them if they do.’ + </p> + <p> + The point being thus effectually set at rest, and Mrs. Nickleby duly placed + in the patronising and mildly-condescending position which became her rank + and matrimonial years, Mr. and Mrs. Browdie were invited and came; and as + they were very deferential to Mrs. Nickleby, and seemed to have a becoming + appreciation of her greatness, and were very much pleased with everything, + the good lady had more than once given Kate to understand, in a whisper, + that she thought they were the very best-meaning people she had ever seen, + and perfectly well behaved. + </p> + <p> + And thus it came to pass, that John Browdie declared, in the parlour after + supper, to wit, and twenty minutes before eleven o’clock p.m., that he had + never been so happy in all his days. + </p> + <p> + Nor was Mrs. Browdie much behind her husband in this respect, for that + young matron, whose rustic beauty contrasted very prettily with the more + delicate loveliness of Kate, and without suffering by the contrast either, + for each served as it were to set off and decorate the other, could not + sufficiently admire the gentle and winning manners of the young lady, or + the engaging affability of the elder one. Then Kate had the art of turning + the conversation to subjects upon which the country girl, bashful at first + in strange company, could feel herself at home; and if Mrs. Nickleby was + not quite so felicitous at times in the selection of topics of discourse, + or if she did seem, as Mrs. Browdie expressed it, ‘rather high in her + notions,’ still nothing could be kinder, and that she took considerable + interest in the young couple was manifest from the very long lectures on + housewifery with which she was so obliging as to entertain Mrs. Browdie’s + private ear, which were illustrated by various references to the domestic + economy of the cottage, in which (those duties falling exclusively upon + Kate) the good lady had about as much share, either in theory or practice, + as any one of the statues of the Twelve Apostles which embellish the + exterior of St Paul’s Cathedral. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Browdie,’ said Kate, addressing his young wife, ‘is the best-humoured, + the kindest and heartiest creature I ever saw. If I were oppressed with I + don’t know how many cares, it would make me happy only to look at him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He does seem indeed, upon my word, a most excellent creature, Kate,’ said + Mrs. Nickleby; ‘most excellent. And I am sure that at all times it will + give me pleasure—really pleasure now—to have you, Mrs. Browdie, + to see me in this plain and homely manner. We make no display,’ said Mrs + Nickleby, with an air which seemed to insinuate that they could make a + vast deal if they were so disposed; ‘no fuss, no preparation; I wouldn’t + allow it. I said, “Kate, my dear, you will only make Mrs. Browdie feel + uncomfortable, and how very foolish and inconsiderate that would be!”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much obliged to you, I am sure, ma’am,’ returned Mrs. Browdie, + gratefully. ‘It’s nearly eleven o’clock, John. I am afraid we are keeping + you up very late, ma’am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Late!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, with a sharp thin laugh, and one little cough + at the end, like a note of admiration expressed. ‘This is quite early for + us. We used to keep such hours! Twelve, one, two, three o’clock was + nothing to us. Balls, dinners, card-parties! Never were such rakes as the + people about where we used to live. I often think now, I am sure, that how + we ever could go through with it is quite astonishing, and that is just + the evil of having a large connection and being a great deal sought after, + which I would recommend all young married people steadily to resist; + though of course, and it’s perfectly clear, and a very happy thing too, I + think, that very few young married people can be exposed to such + temptations. There was one family in particular, that used to live about a + mile from us—not straight down the road, but turning sharp off to + the left by the turnpike where the Plymouth mail ran over the donkey—that + were quite extraordinary people for giving the most extravagant parties, + with artificial flowers and champagne, and variegated lamps, and, in + short, every delicacy of eating and drinking that the most singular + epicure could possibly require. I don’t think that there ever were such + people as those Peltiroguses. You remember the Peltiroguses, Kate?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate saw that for the ease and comfort of the visitors it was high time to + stay this flood of recollection, so answered that she entertained of the + Peltiroguses a most vivid and distinct remembrance; and then said that Mr + Browdie had half promised, early in the evening, that he would sing a + Yorkshire song, and that she was most impatient that he should redeem his + promise, because she was sure it would afford her mama more amusement and + pleasure than it was possible to express. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby confirming her daughter with the best possible grace—for + there was patronage in that too, and a kind of implication that she had a + discerning taste in such matters, and was something of a critic—John + Browdie proceeded to consider the words of some north-country ditty, and + to take his wife’s recollection respecting the same. This done, he made + divers ungainly movements in his chair, and singling out one particular + fly on the ceiling from the other flies there asleep, fixed his eyes upon + him, and began to roar a meek sentiment (supposed to be uttered by a + gentle swain fast pining away with love and despair) in a voice of + thunder. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the first verse, as though some person without had waited + until then to make himself audible, was heard a loud and violent knocking + at the street-door; so loud and so violent, indeed, that the ladies + started as by one accord, and John Browdie stopped. + </p> + <p> + ‘It must be some mistake,’ said Nicholas, carelessly. ‘We know nobody who + would come here at this hour.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby surmised, however, that perhaps the counting-house was burnt + down, or perhaps ‘the Mr. Cheerybles’ had sent to take Nicholas into + partnership (which certainly appeared highly probable at that time of + night), or perhaps Mr. Linkinwater had run away with the property, or + perhaps Miss La Creevy was taken in, or perhaps— + </p> + <p> + But a hasty exclamation from Kate stopped her abruptly in her conjectures, + and Ralph Nickleby walked into the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stay,’ said Ralph, as Nicholas rose, and Kate, making her way towards + him, threw herself upon his arm. ‘Before that boy says a word, hear me.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bit his lip and shook his head in a threatening manner, but + appeared for the moment unable to articulate a syllable. Kate clung closer + to his arm, Smike retreated behind them, and John Browdie, who had heard + of Ralph, and appeared to have no great difficulty in recognising him, + stepped between the old man and his young friend, as if with the intention + of preventing either of them from advancing a step further. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear me, I say,’ said Ralph, ‘and not him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say what thou’st gotten to say then, sir,’ retorted John; ‘and tak’ care + thou dinnot put up angry bluid which thou’dst betther try to quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should know <i>you</i>,’ said Ralph, ‘by your tongue; and <i>him</i>’ (pointing to + Smike) ‘by his looks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t speak to him,’ said Nicholas, recovering his voice. ‘I will not + have it. I will not hear him. I do not know that man. I cannot breathe the + air that he corrupts. His presence is an insult to my sister. It is shame + to see him. I will not bear it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand!’ cried John, laying his heavy hand upon his chest. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then let him instantly retire,’ said Nicholas, struggling. ‘I am not + going to lay hands upon him, but he shall withdraw. I will not have him + here. John, John Browdie, is this my house, am I a child? If he stands + there,’ cried Nicholas, burning with fury, ‘looking so calmly upon those + who know his black and dastardly heart, he’ll drive me mad.’ + </p> + <p> + To all these exclamations John Browdie answered not a word, but he + retained his hold upon Nicholas; and when he was silent again, spoke. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s more to say and hear than thou think’st for,’ said John. ‘I + tell’ee I ha’ gotten scent o’ thot already. Wa’at be that shadow ootside + door there? Noo, schoolmeasther, show thyself, mun; dinnot be + sheame-feaced. Noo, auld gen’l’man, let’s have schoolmeasther, coom.’ + </p> + <p> + Hearing this adjuration, Mr. Squeers, who had been lingering in the passage + until such time as it should be expedient for him to enter and he could + appear with effect, was fain to present himself in a somewhat undignified + and sneaking way; at which John Browdie laughed with such keen and + heartfelt delight, that even Kate, in all the pain, anxiety, and surprise + of the scene, and though the tears were in her eyes, felt a disposition to + join him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you done enjoying yourself, sir?’ said Ralph, at length. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pratty nigh for the prasant time, sir,’ replied John. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can wait,’ said Ralph. ‘Take your own time, pray.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph waited until there was a perfect silence, and then turning to Mrs + Nickleby, but directing an eager glance at Kate, as if more anxious to + watch his effect upon her, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, ma’am, listen to me. I don’t imagine that you were a party to a very + fine tirade of words sent me by that boy of yours, because I don’t believe + that under his control, you have the slightest will of your own, or that + your advice, your opinion, your wants, your wishes, anything which in + nature and reason (or of what use is your great experience?) ought to + weigh with him, has the slightest influence or weight whatever, or is + taken for a moment into account.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby shook her head and sighed, as if there were a good deal in + that, certainly. + </p> + <p> + ‘For this reason,’ resumed Ralph, ‘I address myself to you, ma’am. For + this reason, partly, and partly because I do not wish to be disgraced by + the acts of a vicious stripling whom I was obliged to disown, and who, + afterwards, in his boyish majesty, feigns to—ha! ha!—to disown + <i>me</i>, I present myself here tonight. I have another motive in coming: a + motive of humanity. I come here,’ said Ralph, looking round with a biting + and triumphant smile, and gloating and dwelling upon the words as if he + were loath to lose the pleasure of saying them, ‘to restore a parent his + child. Ay, sir,’ he continued, bending eagerly forward, and addressing + Nicholas, as he marked the change of his countenance, ‘to restore a parent + his child; his son, sir; trepanned, waylaid, and guarded at every turn by + you, with the base design of robbing him some day of any little wretched + pittance of which he might become possessed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In that, you know you lie,’ said Nicholas, proudly. + </p> + <p> + ‘In this, I know I speak the truth. I have his father here,’ retorted + Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ sneered Squeers, stepping forward. ‘Do you hear that? Here! Didn’t + I tell you to be careful that his father didn’t turn up and send him back + to me? Why, his father’s my friend; he’s to come back to me directly, he + is. Now, what do you say—eh!—now—come—what do you + say to that—an’t you sorry you took so much trouble for nothing? + an’t you? an’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You bear upon your body certain marks I gave you,’ said Nicholas, looking + quietly away, ‘and may talk in acknowledgment of them as much as you + please. You’ll talk a long time before you rub them out, Mr. Squeers.’ + </p> + <p> + The estimable gentleman last named cast a hasty look at the table, as if + he were prompted by this retort to throw a jug or bottle at the head of + Nicholas, but he was interrupted in this design (if such design he had) by + Ralph, who, touching him on the elbow, bade him tell the father that he + might now appear and claim his son. + </p> + <p> + This being purely a labour of love, Mr. Squeers readily complied, and + leaving the room for the purpose, almost immediately returned, supporting + a sleek personage with an oily face, who, bursting from him, and giving to + view the form and face of Mr. Snawley, made straight up to Smike, and + tucking that poor fellow’s head under his arm in a most uncouth and + awkward embrace, elevated his broad-brimmed hat at arm’s length in the air + as a token of devout thanksgiving, exclaiming, meanwhile, ‘How little did + I think of this here joyful meeting, when I saw him last! Oh, how little + did I think it!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be composed, sir,’ said Ralph, with a gruff expression of sympathy, ‘you + have got him now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Got him! Oh, haven’t I got him! Have I got him, though?’ cried Mr + Snawley, scarcely able to believe it. ‘Yes, here he is, flesh and blood, + flesh and blood.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Vary little flesh,’ said John Browdie. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Snawley was too much occupied by his parental feelings to notice this + remark; and, to assure himself more completely of the restoration of his + child, tucked his head under his arm again, and kept it there. + </p> + <p> + ‘What was it,’ said Snawley, ‘that made me take such a strong interest in + him, when that worthy instructor of youth brought him to my house? What + was it that made me burn all over with a wish to chastise him severely for + cutting away from his best friends, his pastors and masters?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was parental instinct, sir,’ observed Squeers. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0607m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0607m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0607.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘That’s what it was, sir,’ rejoined Snawley; ‘the elevated feeling, the + feeling of the ancient Romans and Grecians, and of the beasts of the field + and birds of the air, with the exception of rabbits and tom-cats, which + sometimes devour their offspring. My heart yearned towards him. I could + have—I don’t know what I couldn’t have done to him in the anger of a + father.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It only shows what Natur is, sir,’ said Mr. Squeers. ‘She’s rum ‘un, is + Natur.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is a holy thing, sir,’ remarked Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘I believe you,’ added Mr. Squeers, with a moral sigh. ‘I should like to + know how we should ever get on without her. Natur,’ said Mr. Squeers, + solemnly, ‘is more easier conceived than described. Oh what a blessed + thing, sir, to be in a state of natur!’ + </p> + <p> + Pending this philosophical discourse, the bystanders had been quite + stupefied with amazement, while Nicholas had looked keenly from Snawley to + Squeers, and from Squeers to Ralph, divided between his feelings of + disgust, doubt, and surprise. At this juncture, Smike escaping from his + father fled to Nicholas, and implored him, in most moving terms, never to + give him up, but to let him live and die beside him. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you are this boy’s father,’ said Nicholas, ‘look at the wreck he is, + and tell me that you purpose to send him back to that loathsome den from + which I brought him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Scandal again!’ cried Squeers. ‘Recollect, you an’t worth powder and + shot, but I’ll be even with you one way or another.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop,’ interposed Ralph, as Snawley was about to speak. ‘Let us cut this + matter short, and not bandy words here with hare-brained profligates. This + is your son, as you can prove. And you, Mr. Squeers, you know this boy to + be the same that was with you for so many years under the name of Smike. + Do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do I!’ returned Squeers. ‘Don’t I?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good,’ said Ralph; ‘a very few words will be sufficient here. You had a + son by your first wife, Mr. Snawley?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I had,’ replied that person, ‘and there he stands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll show that presently,’ said Ralph. ‘You and your wife were + separated, and she had the boy to live with her, when he was a year old. + You received a communication from her, when you had lived apart a year or + two, that the boy was dead; and you believed it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course I did!’ returned Snawley. ‘Oh the joy of—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be rational, sir, pray,’ said Ralph. ‘This is business, and transports + interfere with it. This wife died a year and a half ago, or thereabouts—not + more—in some obscure place, where she was housekeeper in a family. + Is that the case?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the case,’ replied Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Having written on her death-bed a letter or confession to you, about this + very boy, which, as it was not directed otherwise than in your name, only + reached you, and that by a circuitous course, a few days since?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Just so,’ said Snawley. ‘Correct in every particular, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And this confession,’ resumed Ralph, ‘is to the effect that his death was + an invention of hers to wound you—was a part of a system of + annoyance, in short, which you seem to have adopted towards each other—that + the boy lived, but was of weak and imperfect intellect—that she sent + him by a trusty hand to a cheap school in Yorkshire—that she had + paid for his education for some years, and then, being poor, and going a + long way off, gradually deserted him, for which she prayed forgiveness?’ + </p> + <p> + Snawley nodded his head, and wiped his eyes; the first slightly, the last + violently. + </p> + <p> + ‘The school was Mr. Squeers’s,’ continued Ralph; ‘the boy was left there in + the name of Smike; every description was fully given, dates tally exactly + with Mr. Squeers’s books, Mr. Squeers is lodging with you at this time; you + have two other boys at his school: you communicated the whole discovery to + him, he brought you to me as the person who had recommended to him the + kidnapper of his child; and I brought you here. Is that so?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You talk like a good book, sir, that’s got nothing in its inside but + what’s the truth,’ replied Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is your pocket-book,’ said Ralph, producing one from his coat; ‘the + certificates of your first marriage and of the boy’s birth, and your + wife’s two letters, and every other paper that can support these + statements directly or by implication, are here, are they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Every one of ‘em, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you don’t object to their being looked at here, so that these people + may be convinced of your power to substantiate your claim at once in law + and reason, and you may resume your control over your own son without more + delay. Do I understand you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I couldn’t have understood myself better, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There, then,’ said Ralph, tossing the pocket-book upon the table. ‘Let + them see them if they like; and as those are the original papers, I should + recommend you to stand near while they are being examined, or you may + chance to lose some.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words Ralph sat down unbidden, and compressing his lips, which + were for the moment slightly parted by a smile, folded his arms, and + looked for the first time at his nephew. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas, stung by the concluding taunt, darted an indignant glance at + him; but commanding himself as well as he could, entered upon a close + examination of the documents, at which John Browdie assisted. There was + nothing about them which could be called in question. The certificates + were regularly signed as extracts from the parish books, the first letter + had a genuine appearance of having been written and preserved for some + years, the handwriting of the second tallied with it exactly, (making + proper allowance for its having been written by a person in extremity,) + and there were several other corroboratory scraps of entries and memoranda + which it was equally difficult to question. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas,’ whispered Kate, who had been looking anxiously over his + shoulder, ‘can this be really the case? Is this statement true?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear it is,’ answered Nicholas. ‘What say you, John?’ + </p> + <p> + John scratched his head and shook it, but said nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will observe, ma’am,’ said Ralph, addressing himself to Mrs. Nickleby, + ‘that this boy being a minor and not of strong mind, we might have come + here tonight, armed with the powers of the law, and backed by a troop of + its myrmidons. I should have done so, ma’am, unquestionably, but for my + regard for the feelings of yourself, and your daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have shown your regard for <i>her </i>feelings well,’ said Nicholas, drawing + his sister towards him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thank you,’ replied Ralph. ‘Your praise, sir, is commendation, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Squeers, ‘what’s to be done? Them hackney-coach horses will + catch cold if we don’t think of moving; there’s one of ‘em a sneezing now, + so that he blows the street door right open. What’s the order of the day? + Is Master Snawley to come along with us?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no,’ replied Smike, drawing back, and clinging to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No. Pray, no. I will not go from you with him. No, no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a cruel thing,’ said Snawley, looking to his friends for support. + ‘Do parents bring children into the world for this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do parents bring children into the world for <i>thot</i>?’ said John Browdie + bluntly, pointing, as he spoke, to Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never you mind,’ retorted that gentleman, tapping his nose derisively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Never I mind!’ said John, ‘no, nor never nobody mind, say’st thou, + schoolmeasther. It’s nobody’s minding that keeps sike men as thou afloat. + Noo then, where be’est thou coomin’ to? Dang it, dinnot coom treadin’ ower + me, mun.’ + </p> + <p> + Suiting the action to the word, John Browdie just jerked his elbow into + the chest of Mr. Squeers who was advancing upon Smike; with so much + dexterity that the schoolmaster reeled and staggered back upon Ralph + Nickleby, and being unable to recover his balance, knocked that gentleman + off his chair, and stumbled heavily upon him. + </p> + <p> + This accidental circumstance was the signal for some very decisive + proceedings. In the midst of a great noise, occasioned by the prayers and + entreaties of Smike, the cries and exclamations of the women, and the + vehemence of the men, demonstrations were made of carrying off the lost + son by violence. Squeers had actually begun to haul him out, when Nicholas + (who, until then, had been evidently undecided how to act) took him by the + collar, and shaking him so that such teeth as he had, chattered in his + head, politely escorted him to the room-door, and thrusting him into the + passage, shut it upon him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Nicholas to the other two, ‘have the goodness to follow your + friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I want my son,’ said Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your son,’ replied Nicholas, ‘chooses for himself. He chooses to remain + here, and he shall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You won’t give him up?’ said Snawley. + </p> + <p> + ‘I would not give him up against his will, to be the victim of such + brutality as that to which you would consign him,’ replied Nicholas, ‘if + he were a dog or a rat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Knock that Nickleby down with a candlestick,’ cried Mr. Squeers, through + the keyhole, ‘and bring out my hat, somebody, will you, unless he wants to + steal it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very sorry, indeed,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, who, with Mrs. Browdie, had + stood crying and biting her fingers in a corner, while Kate (very pale, + but perfectly quiet) had kept as near her brother as she could. ‘I am very + sorry, indeed, for all this. I really don’t know what would be best to do, + and that’s the truth. Nicholas ought to be the best judge, and I hope he + is. Of course, it’s a hard thing to have to keep other people’s children, + though young Mr. Snawley is certainly as useful and willing as it’s + possible for anybody to be; but, if it could be settled in any friendly + manner—if old Mr. Snawley, for instance, would settle to pay + something certain for his board and lodging, and some fair arrangement was + come to, so that we undertook to have fish twice a week, and a pudding + twice, or a dumpling, or something of that sort—I do think that it + might be very satisfactory and pleasant for all parties.’ + </p> + <p> + This compromise, which was proposed with abundance of tears and sighs, not + exactly meeting the point at issue, nobody took any notice of it; and poor + Mrs. Nickleby accordingly proceeded to enlighten Mrs. Browdie upon the + advantages of such a scheme, and the unhappy results flowing, on all + occasions, from her not being attended to when she proffered her advice. + </p> + <p> + ‘You, sir,’ said Snawley, addressing the terrified Smike, ‘are an + unnatural, ungrateful, unlovable boy. You won’t let me love you when I + want to. Won’t you come home, won’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no,’ cried Smike, shrinking back. + </p> + <p> + ‘He never loved nobody,’ bawled Squeers, through the keyhole. ‘He never + loved me; he never loved Wackford, who is next door but one to a cherubim. + How can you expect that he’ll love his father? He’ll never love his + father, he won’t. He don’t know what it is to have a father. He don’t + understand it. It an’t in him.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Snawley looked steadfastly at his son for a full minute, and then + covering his eyes with his hand, and once more raising his hat in the air, + appeared deeply occupied in deploring his black ingratitude. Then drawing + his arm across his eyes, he picked up Mr. Squeers’s hat, and taking it + under one arm, and his own under the other, walked slowly and sadly out. + </p> + <p> + ‘Your romance, sir,’ said Ralph, lingering for a moment, ‘is destroyed, I + take it. No unknown; no persecuted descendant of a man of high degree; but + the weak, imbecile son of a poor, petty tradesman. We shall see how your + sympathy melts before plain matter of fact.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall,’ said Nicholas, motioning towards the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘And trust me, sir,’ added Ralph, ‘that I never supposed you would give + him up tonight. Pride, obstinacy, reputation for fine feeling, were all + against it. These must be brought down, sir, lowered, crushed, as they + shall be soon. The protracted and wearing anxiety and expense of the law + in its most oppressive form, its torture from hour to hour, its weary days + and sleepless nights, with these I’ll prove you, and break your haughty + spirit, strong as you deem it now. And when you make this house a hell, + and visit these trials upon yonder wretched object (as you will; I know + you), and those who think you now a young-fledged hero, we’ll go into old + accounts between us two, and see who stands the debtor, and comes out best + at last, even before the world.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph Nickleby withdrew. But Mr. Squeers, who had heard a portion of this + closing address, and was by this time wound up to a pitch of impotent + malignity almost unprecedented, could not refrain from returning to the + parlour door, and actually cutting some dozen capers with various wry + faces and hideous grimaces, expressive of his triumphant confidence in the + downfall and defeat of Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Having concluded this war-dance, in which his short trousers and large + boots had borne a very conspicuous figure, Mr. Squeers followed his + friends, and the family were left to meditate upon recent occurrences. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 46 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span><i>hrows some Light upon Nicholas’s Love; but whether for Good or Evil the + Reader must determine</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + After an anxious consideration of the painful and embarrassing position in + which he was placed, Nicholas decided that he ought to lose no time in + frankly stating it to the kind brothers. Availing himself of the first + opportunity of being alone with Mr. Charles Cheeryble at the close of next + day, he accordingly related Smike’s little history, and modestly but + firmly expressed his hope that the good old gentleman would, under such + circumstances as he described, hold him justified in adopting the extreme + course of interfering between parent and child, and upholding the latter + in his disobedience; even though his horror and dread of his father might + seem, and would doubtless be represented as, a thing so repulsive and + unnatural, as to render those who countenanced him in it, fit objects of + general detestation and abhorrence. + </p> + <p> + ‘So deeply rooted does this horror of the man appear to be,’ said + Nicholas, ‘that I can hardly believe he really is his son. Nature does not + seem to have implanted in his breast one lingering feeling of affection + for him, and surely she can never err.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear sir,’ replied brother Charles, ‘you fall into the very common + mistake of charging upon Nature, matters with which she has not the + smallest connection, and for which she is in no way responsible. Men talk + of Nature as an abstract thing, and lose sight of what is natural while + they do so. Here is a poor lad who has never felt a parent’s care, who has + scarcely known anything all his life but suffering and sorrow, presented + to a man who he is told is his father, and whose first act is to signify + his intention of putting an end to his short term of happiness, of + consigning him to his old fate, and taking him from the only friend he has + ever had—which is yourself. If Nature, in such a case, put into that + lad’s breast but one secret prompting which urged him towards his father + and away from you, she would be a liar and an idiot.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was delighted to find that the old gentleman spoke so warmly, and + in the hope that he might say something more to the same purpose, made no + reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘The same mistake presents itself to me, in one shape or other, at every + turn,’ said brother Charles. ‘Parents who never showed their love, + complain of want of natural affection in their children; children who + never showed their duty, complain of want of natural feeling in their + parents; law-makers who find both so miserable that their affections have + never had enough of life’s sun to develop them, are loud in their + moralisings over parents and children too, and cry that the very ties of + nature are disregarded. Natural affections and instincts, my dear sir, are + the most beautiful of the Almighty’s works, but like other beautiful works + of His, they must be reared and fostered, or it is as natural that they + should be wholly obscured, and that new feelings should usurp their place, + as it is that the sweetest productions of the earth, left untended, should + be choked with weeds and briers. I wish we could be brought to consider + this, and remembering natural obligations a little more at the right time, + talk about them a little less at the wrong one.’ + </p> + <p> + After this, brother Charles, who had talked himself into a great heat, + stopped to cool a little, and then continued: + </p> + <p> + ‘I dare say you are surprised, my dear sir, that I have listened to your + recital with so little astonishment. That is easily explained. Your uncle + has been here this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas coloured, and drew back a step or two. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said the old gentleman, tapping his desk emphatically, ‘here, in + this room. He would listen neither to reason, feeling, nor justice. But + brother Ned was hard upon him; brother Ned, sir, might have melted a + paving-stone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He came to—’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘To complain of you,’ returned brother Charles, ‘to poison our ears with + calumnies and falsehoods; but he came on a fruitless errand, and went away + with some wholesome truths in his ear besides. Brother Ned, my dear Mr. + Nickleby—brother Ned, sir, is a perfect lion. So is Tim Linkinwater; + Tim is quite a lion. We had Tim in to face him at first, and Tim was at + him, sir, before you could say “Jack Robinson.”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can I ever thank you for all the deep obligations you impose upon me + every day?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘By keeping silence upon the subject, my dear sir,’ returned brother + Charles. ‘You shall be righted. At least you shall not be wronged. Nobody + belonging to you shall be wronged. They shall not hurt a hair of your + head, or the boy’s head, or your mother’s head, or your sister’s head. I + have said it, brother Ned has said it, Tim Linkinwater has said it. We + have all said it, and we’ll all do it. I have seen the father—if he + is the father—and I suppose he must be. He is a barbarian and a + hypocrite, Mr. Nickleby. I told him, “You are a barbarian, sir.” I did. I + said, “You’re a barbarian, sir.” And I’m glad of it, I am <i>very </i>glad I told + him he was a barbarian, very glad indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + By this time brother Charles was in such a very warm state of indignation, + that Nicholas thought he might venture to put in a word, but the moment he + essayed to do so, Mr. Cheeryble laid his hand softly upon his arm, and + pointed to a chair. + </p> + <p> + ‘The subject is at an end for the present,’ said the old gentleman, wiping + his face. ‘Don’t revive it by a single word. I am going to speak upon + another subject, a confidential subject, Mr. Nickleby. We must be cool + again, we must be cool.’ + </p> + <p> + After two or three turns across the room he resumed his seat, and drawing + his chair nearer to that on which Nicholas was seated, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘I am about to employ you, my dear sir, on a confidential and delicate + mission.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You might employ many a more able messenger, sir,’ said Nicholas, ‘but a + more trustworthy or zealous one, I may be bold to say, you could not + find.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of that I am well assured,’ returned brother Charles, ‘well assured. You + will give me credit for thinking so, when I tell you that the object of + this mission is a young lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A young lady, sir!’ cried Nicholas, quite trembling for the moment with + his eagerness to hear more. + </p> + <p> + ‘A very beautiful young lady,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, gravely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray go on, sir,’ returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am thinking how to do so,’ said brother Charles; sadly, as it seemed to + his young friend, and with an expression allied to pain. ‘You accidentally + saw a young lady in this room one morning, my dear sir, in a fainting fit. + Do you remember? Perhaps you have forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no,’ replied Nicholas, hurriedly. ‘I—I—remember it very + well indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>She </i>is the lady I speak of,’ said brother Charles. Like the famous + parrot, Nicholas thought a great deal, but was unable to utter a word. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is the daughter,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, ‘of a lady who, when she was a + beautiful girl herself, and I was very many years younger, I—it + seems a strange word for me to utter now—I loved very dearly. You + will smile, perhaps, to hear a grey-headed man talk about such things. You + will not offend me, for when I was as young as you, I dare say I should + have done the same.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no such inclination, indeed,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear brother Ned,’ continued Mr. Cheeryble, ‘was to have married her + sister, but she died. She is dead too now, and has been for many years. + She married her choice; and I wish I could add that her after-life was as + happy as God knows I ever prayed it might be!’ + </p> + <p> + A short silence intervened, which Nicholas made no effort to break. + </p> + <p> + ‘If trial and calamity had fallen as lightly on his head, as in the + deepest truth of my own heart I ever hoped (for her sake) it would, his + life would have been one of peace and happiness,’ said the old gentleman + calmly. ‘It will be enough to say that this was not the case; that she was + not happy; that they fell into complicated distresses and difficulties; + that she came, twelve months before her death, to appeal to my old + friendship; sadly changed, sadly altered, broken-spirited from suffering + and ill-usage, and almost broken-hearted. He readily availed himself of + the money which, to give her but one hour’s peace of mind, I would have + poured out as freely as water—nay, he often sent her back for more—and + yet even while he squandered it, he made the very success of these, her + applications to me, the groundwork of cruel taunts and jeers, protesting + that he knew she thought with bitter remorse of the choice she had made, + that she had married him from motives of interest and vanity (he was a gay + young man with great friends about him when she chose him for her + husband), and venting in short upon her, by every unjust and unkind means, + the bitterness of that ruin and disappointment which had been brought + about by his profligacy alone. In those times this young lady was a mere + child. I never saw her again until that morning when you saw her also, but + my nephew, Frank—’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas started, and indistinctly apologising for the interruption, + begged his patron to proceed. + </p> + <p> + ‘—My nephew, Frank, I say,’ resumed Mr. Cheeryble, ‘encountered her + by accident, and lost sight of her almost in a minute afterwards, within + two days after he returned to England. Her father lay in some secret place + to avoid his creditors, reduced, between sickness and poverty, to the + verge of death, and she, a child,—we might almost think, if we did + not know the wisdom of all Heaven’s decrees—who should have blessed + a better man, was steadily braving privation, degradation, and everything + most terrible to such a young and delicate creature’s heart, for the + purpose of supporting him. She was attended, sir,’ said brother Charles, + ‘in these reverses, by one faithful creature, who had been, in old times, + a poor kitchen wench in the family, who was then their solitary servant, + but who might have been, for the truth and fidelity of her heart—who + might have been—ah! the wife of Tim Linkinwater himself, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + Pursuing this encomium upon the poor follower with such energy and relish + as no words can describe, brother Charles leant back in his chair, and + delivered the remainder of his relation with greater composure. + </p> + <p> + It was in substance this: That proudly resisting all offers of permanent + aid and support from her late mother’s friends, because they were made + conditional upon her quitting the wretched man, her father, who had no + friends left, and shrinking with instinctive delicacy from appealing in + their behalf to that true and noble heart which he hated, and had, through + its greatest and purest goodness, deeply wronged by misconstruction and + ill report, this young girl had struggled alone and unassisted to maintain + him by the labour of her hands. That through the utmost depths of poverty + and affliction she had toiled, never turning aside for an instant from her + task, never wearied by the petulant gloom of a sick man sustained by no + consoling recollections of the past or hopes of the future; never repining + for the comforts she had rejected, or bewailing the hard lot she had + voluntarily incurred. That every little accomplishment she had acquired in + happier days had been put into requisition for this purpose, and directed + to this one end. That for two long years, toiling by day and often too by + night, working at the needle, the pencil, and the pen, and submitting, as + a daily governess, to such caprices and indignities as women (with + daughters too) too often love to inflict upon their own sex when they + serve in such capacities, as though in jealousy of the superior + intelligence which they are necessitated to employ,—indignities, in + ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, heaped upon persons immeasurably + and incalculably their betters, but outweighing in comparison any that the + most heartless blackleg would put upon his groom—that for two long + years, by dint of labouring in all these capacities and wearying in none, + she had not succeeded in the sole aim and object of her life, but that, + overwhelmed by accumulated difficulties and disappointments, she had been + compelled to seek out her mother’s old friend, and, with a bursting heart, + to confide in him at last. + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had been poor,’ said brother Charles, with sparkling eyes; ‘if I had + been poor, Mr. Nickleby, my dear sir, which thank God I am not, I would + have denied myself (of course anybody would under such circumstances) the + commonest necessaries of life, to help her. As it is, the task is a + difficult one. If her father were dead, nothing could be easier, for then + she should share and cheer the happiest home that brother Ned and I could + have, as if she were our child or sister. But he is still alive. Nobody + can help him; that has been tried a thousand times; he was not abandoned + by all without good cause, I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Cannot she be persuaded to—’ Nicholas hesitated when he had got + thus far. + </p> + <p> + ‘To leave him?’ said brother Charles. ‘Who could entreat a child to desert + her parent? Such entreaties, limited to her seeing him occasionally, have + been urged upon her—not by me—but always with the same + result.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is he kind to her?’ said Nicholas. ‘Does he requite her affection?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True kindness, considerate self-denying kindness, is not in his nature,’ + returned Mr. Cheeryble. ‘Such kindness as he knows, he regards her with, I + believe. The mother was a gentle, loving, confiding creature, and although + he wounded her from their marriage till her death as cruelly and wantonly + as ever man did, she never ceased to love him. She commended him on her + death-bed to her child’s care. Her child has never forgotten it, and never + will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you no influence over him?’ asked Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I, my dear sir! The last man in the world. Such are his jealousy and + hatred of me, that if he knew his daughter had opened her heart to me, he + would render her life miserable with his reproaches; although—this + is the inconsistency and selfishness of his character—although if he + knew that every penny she had came from me, he would not relinquish one + personal desire that the most reckless expenditure of her scanty stock + could gratify.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An unnatural scoundrel!’ said Nicholas, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + ‘We will use no harsh terms,’ said brother Charles, in a gentle voice; + ‘but accommodate ourselves to the circumstances in which this young lady + is placed. Such assistance as I have prevailed upon her to accept, I have + been obliged, at her own earnest request, to dole out in the smallest + portions, lest he, finding how easily money was procured, should squander + it even more lightly than he is accustomed to do. She has come to and fro, + to and fro, secretly and by night, to take even this; and I cannot bear + that things should go on in this way, Mr. Nickleby, I really cannot bear + it.’ + </p> + <p> + Then it came out by little and little, how that the twins had been + revolving in their good old heads manifold plans and schemes for helping + this young lady in the most delicate and considerate way, and so that her + father should not suspect the source whence the aid was derived; and how + they had at last come to the conclusion, that the best course would be to + make a feint of purchasing her little drawings and ornamental work at a + high price, and keeping up a constant demand for the same. For the + furtherance of which end and object it was necessary that somebody should + represent the dealer in such commodities, and after great deliberation + they had pitched upon Nicholas to support this character. + </p> + <p> + ‘He knows me,’ said brother Charles, ‘and he knows my brother Ned. Neither + of us would do. Frank is a very good fellow—a very fine fellow—but + we are afraid that he might be a little flighty and thoughtless in such a + delicate matter, and that he might, perhaps—that he might, in short, + be too susceptible (for she is a beautiful creature, sir; just what her + poor mother was), and falling in love with her before he knew well his own + mind, carry pain and sorrow into that innocent breast, which we would be + the humble instruments of gradually making happy. He took an extraordinary + interest in her fortunes when he first happened to encounter her; and we + gather from the inquiries we have made of him, that it was she in whose + behalf he made that turmoil which led to your first acquaintance.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas stammered out that he had before suspected the possibility of + such a thing; and in explanation of its having occurred to him, described + when and where he had seen the young lady himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well; then you see,’ continued brother Charles, ‘that <i>he</i> wouldn’t do. Tim + Linkinwater is out of the question; for Tim, sir, is such a tremendous + fellow, that he could never contain himself, but would go to loggerheads + with the father before he had been in the place five minutes. You don’t + know what Tim is, sir, when he is aroused by anything that appeals to his + feelings very strongly; then he is terrific, sir, is Tim Linkinwater, + absolutely terrific. Now, in you we can repose the strictest confidence; + in you we have seen—or at least I have seen, and that’s the same + thing, for there’s no difference between me and my brother Ned, except + that he is the finest creature that ever lived, and that there is not, and + never will be, anybody like him in all the world—in you we have seen + domestic virtues and affections, and delicacy of feeling, which exactly + qualify you for such an office. And you are the man, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The young lady, sir,’ said Nicholas, who felt so embarrassed that he had + no small difficulty in saying anything at all—‘Does—is—is + she a party to this innocent deceit?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ returned Mr. Cheeryble; ‘at least she knows you come from us; + she does <i>not </i>know, however, but that we shall dispose of these little + productions that you’ll purchase from time to time; and, perhaps, if you + did it very well (that is, <i>very </i>well indeed), perhaps she might be brought + to believe that we—that we made a profit of them. Eh? Eh?’ + </p> + <p> + In this guileless and most kind simplicity, brother Charles was so happy, + and in this possibility of the young lady being led to think that she was + under no obligation to him, he evidently felt so sanguine and had so much + delight, that Nicholas would not breathe a doubt upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + All this time, however, there hovered upon the tip of his tongue a + confession that the very same objections which Mr. Cheeryble had stated to + the employment of his nephew in this commission applied with at least + equal force and validity to himself, and a hundred times had he been upon + the point of avowing the real state of his feelings, and entreating to be + released from it. But as often, treading upon the heels of this impulse, + came another which urged him to refrain, and to keep his secret to his own + breast. ‘Why should I,’ thought Nicholas, ‘why should I throw difficulties + in the way of this benevolent and high-minded design? What if I do love + and reverence this good and lovely creature. Should I not appear a most + arrogant and shallow coxcomb if I gravely represented that there was any + danger of her falling in love with me? Besides, have I no confidence in + myself? Am I not now bound in honour to repress these thoughts? Has not + this excellent man a right to my best and heartiest services, and should + any considerations of self deter me from rendering them?’ + </p> + <p> + Asking himself such questions as these, Nicholas mentally answered with + great emphasis ‘No!’ and persuading himself that he was a most + conscientious and glorious martyr, nobly resolved to do what, if he had + examined his own heart a little more carefully, he would have found he + could not resist. Such is the sleight of hand by which we juggle with + ourselves, and change our very weaknesses into stanch and most magnanimous + virtues! + </p> + <p> + Mr. Cheeryble, being of course wholly unsuspicious that such reflections + were presenting themselves to his young friend, proceeded to give him the + needful credentials and directions for his first visit, which was to be + made next morning; and all preliminaries being arranged, and the strictest + secrecy enjoined, Nicholas walked home for the night very thoughtfully + indeed. + </p> + <p> + The place to which Mr. Cheeryble had directed him was a row of mean and not + over-cleanly houses, situated within ‘the Rules’ of the King’s Bench + Prison, and not many hundred paces distant from the obelisk in St George’s + Fields. The Rules are a certain liberty adjoining the prison, and + comprising some dozen streets in which debtors who can raise money to pay + large fees, from which their creditors do <i>not </i>derive any benefit, are + permitted to reside by the wise provisions of the same enlightened laws + which leave the debtor who can raise no money to starve in jail, without + the food, clothing, lodging, or warmth, which are provided for felons + convicted of the most atrocious crimes that can disgrace humanity. There + are many pleasant fictions of the law in constant operation, but there is + not one so pleasant or practically humorous as that which supposes every + man to be of equal value in its impartial eye, and the benefits of all + laws to be equally attainable by all men, without the smallest reference + to the furniture of their pockets. + </p> + <p> + To the row of houses indicated to him by Mr. Charles Cheeryble, Nicholas + directed his steps, without much troubling his head with such matters as + these; and at this row of houses—after traversing a very dirty and + dusty suburb, of which minor theatricals, shell-fish, ginger-beer, spring + vans, greengrocery, and brokers’ shops, appeared to compose the main and + most prominent features—he at length arrived with a palpitating + heart. There were small gardens in front which, being wholly neglected in + all other respects, served as little pens for the dust to collect in, + until the wind came round the corner and blew it down the road. Opening + the rickety gate which, dangling on its broken hinges before one of these, + half admitted and half repulsed the visitor, Nicholas knocked at the + street door with a faltering hand. + </p> + <p> + It was in truth a shabby house outside, with very dim parlour windows and + very small show of blinds, and very dirty muslin curtains dangling across + the lower panes on very loose and limp strings. Neither, when the door was + opened, did the inside appear to belie the outward promise, as there was + faded carpeting on the stairs and faded oil-cloth in the passage; in + addition to which discomforts a gentleman Ruler was smoking hard in the + front parlour (though it was not yet noon), while the lady of the house + was busily engaged in turpentining the disjointed fragments of a + tent-bedstead at the door of the back parlour, as if in preparation for + the reception of some new lodger who had been fortunate enough to engage + it. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had ample time to make these observations while the little boy, + who went on errands for the lodgers, clattered down the kitchen stairs and + was heard to scream, as in some remote cellar, for Miss Bray’s servant, + who, presently appearing and requesting him to follow her, caused him to + evince greater symptoms of nervousness and disorder than so natural a + consequence of his having inquired for that young lady would seem + calculated to occasion. + </p> + <p> + Upstairs he went, however, and into a front room he was shown, and there, + seated at a little table by the window, on which were drawing materials + with which she was occupied, sat the beautiful girl who had so engrossed + his thoughts, and who, surrounded by all the new and strong interest which + Nicholas attached to her story, seemed now, in his eyes, a thousand times + more beautiful than he had ever yet supposed her. + </p> + <p> + But how the graces and elegancies which she had dispersed about the + poorly-furnished room went to the heart of Nicholas! Flowers, plants, + birds, the harp, the old piano whose notes had sounded so much sweeter in + bygone times; how many struggles had it cost her to keep these two last + links of that broken chain which bound her yet to home! With every slender + ornament, the occupation of her leisure hours, replete with that graceful + charm which lingers in every little tasteful work of woman’s hands, how + much patient endurance and how many gentle affections were entwined! He + felt as though the smile of Heaven were on the little chamber; as though + the beautiful devotion of so young and weak a creature had shed a ray of + its own on the inanimate things around, and made them beautiful as itself; + as though the halo with which old painters surround the bright angels of a + sinless world played about a being akin in spirit to them, and its light + were visibly before him. + </p> + <p> + And yet Nicholas was in the Rules of the King’s Bench Prison! If he had + been in Italy indeed, and the time had been sunset, and the scene a + stately terrace! But, there is one broad sky over all the world, and + whether it be blue or cloudy, the same heaven beyond it; so, perhaps, he + had no need of compunction for thinking as he did. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed that he took in everything at one glance, for he + had as yet been unconscious of the presence of a sick man propped up with + pillows in an easy-chair, who, moving restlessly and impatiently in his + seat, attracted his attention. + </p> + <p> + He was scarce fifty, perhaps, but so emaciated as to appear much older. + His features presented the remains of a handsome countenance, but one in + which the embers of strong and impetuous passions were easier to be traced + than any expression which would have rendered a far plainer face much more + prepossessing. His looks were very haggard, and his limbs and body + literally worn to the bone, but there was something of the old fire in the + large sunken eye notwithstanding, and it seemed to kindle afresh as he + struck a thick stick, with which he seemed to have supported himself in + his seat, impatiently on the floor twice or thrice, and called his + daughter by her name. + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline, who is this? What does anybody want here? Who told a stranger + we could be seen? What is it?’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0624m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0624m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0624.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘I believe—’ the young lady began, as she inclined her head with an + air of some confusion, in reply to the salutation of Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You always believe,’ returned her father, petulantly. ‘What is it?’ + </p> + <p> + By this time Nicholas had recovered sufficient presence of mind to speak + for himself, so he said (as it had been agreed he should say) that he had + called about a pair of hand-screens, and some painted velvet for an + ottoman, both of which were required to be of the most elegant design + possible, neither time nor expense being of the smallest consideration. He + had also to pay for the two drawings, with many thanks, and, advancing to + the little table, he laid upon it a bank note, folded in an envelope and + sealed. + </p> + <p> + ‘See that the money is right, Madeline,’ said the father. ‘Open the paper, + my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s quite right, papa, I’m sure.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here!’ said Mr. Bray, putting out his hand, and opening and shutting his + bony fingers with irritable impatience. ‘Let me see. What are you talking + about, Madeline? You’re sure? How can you be sure of any such thing? Five + pounds—well, is <i>that </i>right?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite,’ said Madeline, bending over him. She was so busily employed in + arranging the pillows that Nicholas could not see her face, but as she + stooped he thought he saw a tear fall. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ring the bell, ring the bell,’ said the sick man, with the same nervous + eagerness, and motioning towards it with such a quivering hand that the + bank note rustled in the air. ‘Tell her to get it changed, to get me a + newspaper, to buy me some grapes, another bottle of the wine that I had + last week—and—and—I forget half I want just now, but she + can go out again. Let her get those first, those first. Now, Madeline, my + love, quick, quick! Good God, how slow you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He remembers nothing that she wants!’ thought Nicholas. Perhaps something + of what he thought was expressed in his countenance, for the sick man, + turning towards him with great asperity, demanded to know if he waited for + a receipt. + </p> + <p> + ‘It is no matter at all,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter! what do you mean, sir?’ was the tart rejoinder. ‘No matter! Do + you think you bring your paltry money here as a favour or a gift; or as a + matter of business, and in return for value received? D—n you, sir, + because you can’t appreciate the time and taste which are bestowed upon + the goods you deal in, do you think you give your money away? Do you know + that you are talking to a gentleman, sir, who at one time could have + bought up fifty such men as you and all you have? What do you mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I merely mean that as I shall have many dealings with this lady, if she + will kindly allow me, I will not trouble her with such forms,’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I mean, if you please, that we’ll have as many forms as we can, + returned the father. ‘My daughter, sir, requires no kindness from you or + anybody else. Have the goodness to confine your dealings strictly to trade + and business, and not to travel beyond it. Every petty tradesman is to + begin to pity her now, is he? Upon my soul! Very pretty. Madeline, my + dear, give him a receipt; and mind you always do so.’ + </p> + <p> + While she was feigning to write it, and Nicholas was ruminating upon the + extraordinary but by no means uncommon character thus presented to his + observation, the invalid, who appeared at times to suffer great bodily + pain, sank back in his chair and moaned out a feeble complaint that the + girl had been gone an hour, and that everybody conspired to goad him. + </p> + <p> + ‘When,’ said Nicholas, as he took the piece of paper, ‘when shall I call + again?’ + </p> + <p> + This was addressed to the daughter, but the father answered immediately. + </p> + <p> + ‘When you’re requested to call, sir, and not before. Don’t worry and + persecute. Madeline, my dear, when is this person to call again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, not for a long time, not for three or four weeks; it is not + necessary, indeed; I can do without,’ said the young lady, with great + eagerness. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, how are we to do without?’ urged her father, not speaking above his + breath. ‘Three or four weeks, Madeline! Three or four weeks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then sooner, sooner, if you please,’ said the young lady, turning to + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Three or four weeks!’ muttered the father. ‘Madeline, what on earth—do + nothing for three or four weeks!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It is a long time, ma’am,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>You </i>think so, do you?’ retorted the father, angrily. ‘If I chose to beg, + sir, and stoop to ask assistance from people I despise, three or four + months would not be a long time; three or four years would not be a long + time. Understand, sir, that is if I chose to be dependent; but as I don’t, + you may call in a week.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas bowed low to the young lady and retired, pondering upon Mr. Bray’s + ideas of independence, and devoutly hoping that there might be few such + independent spirits as he mingling with the baser clay of humanity. + </p> + <p> + He heard a light footstep above him as he descended the stairs, and + looking round saw that the young lady was standing there, and glancing + timidly towards him, seemed to hesitate whether she should call him back + or no. The best way of settling the question was to turn back at once, + which Nicholas did. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know whether I do right in asking you, sir,’ said Madeline, + hurriedly, ‘but pray, pray, do not mention to my poor mother’s dear + friends what has passed here today. He has suffered much, and is worse + this morning. I beg you, sir, as a boon, a favour to myself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have but to hint a wish,’ returned Nicholas fervently, ‘and I would + hazard my life to gratify it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You speak hastily, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Truly and sincerely,’ rejoined Nicholas, his lips trembling as he formed + the words, ‘if ever man spoke truly yet. I am not skilled in disguising my + feelings, and if I were, I could not hide my heart from you. Dear madam, + as I know your history, and feel as men and angels must who hear and see + such things, I do entreat you to believe that I would die to serve you.’ + </p> + <p> + The young lady turned away her head, and was plainly weeping. + </p> + <p> + ‘Forgive me,’ said Nicholas, with respectful earnestness, ‘if I seem to + say too much, or to presume upon the confidence which has been intrusted + to me. But I could not leave you as if my interest and sympathy expired + with the commission of the day. I am your faithful servant, humbly devoted + to you from this hour, devoted in strict truth and honour to him who sent + me here, and in pure integrity of heart, and distant respect for you. If I + meant more or less than this, I should be unworthy his regard, and false + to the very nature that prompts the honest words I utter.’ + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand, entreating him to be gone, but answered not a word. + Nicholas could say no more, and silently withdrew. And thus ended his + first interview with Madeline Bray. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 47 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">M</span><i>r. Ralph Nickleby has some confidential Intercourse with another old + Friend. They concert between them a Project, which promises well for both</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + ‘There go the three-quarters past!’ muttered Newman Noggs, listening to + the chimes of some neighbouring church ‘and my dinner time’s two. He does + it on purpose. He makes a point of it. It’s just like him.’ + </p> + <p> + It was in his own little den of an office and on the top of his official + stool that Newman thus soliloquised; and the soliloquy referred, as + Newman’s grumbling soliloquies usually did, to Ralph Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t believe he ever had an appetite,’ said Newman, ‘except for + pounds, shillings, and pence, and with them he’s as greedy as a wolf. I + should like to have him compelled to swallow one of every English coin. + The penny would be an awkward morsel—but the crown—ha! ha!’ + </p> + <p> + His good-humour being in some degree restored by the vision of Ralph + Nickleby swallowing, perforce, a five-shilling piece, Newman slowly + brought forth from his desk one of those portable bottles, currently known + as pocket-pistols, and shaking the same close to his ear so as to produce + a rippling sound very cool and pleasant to listen to, suffered his + features to relax, and took a gurgling drink, which relaxed them still + more. Replacing the cork, he smacked his lips twice or thrice with an air + of great relish, and, the taste of the liquor having by this time + evaporated, recurred to his grievance again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Five minutes to three,’ growled Newman; ‘it can’t want more by this time; + and I had my breakfast at eight o’clock, and <i>such </i>a breakfast! and my + right dinner-time two! And I might have a nice little bit of hot roast + meat spoiling at home all this time—how does <i>he</i> know I haven’t? + “Don’t go till I come back,” “Don’t go till I come back,” day after day. + What do you always go out at my dinner-time for then—eh? Don’t you + know it’s nothing but aggravation—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + These words, though uttered in a very loud key, were addressed to nothing + but empty air. The recital of his wrongs, however, seemed to have the + effect of making Newman Noggs desperate; for he flattened his old hat upon + his head, and drawing on the everlasting gloves, declared with great + vehemence, that come what might, he would go to dinner that very minute. + </p> + <p> + Carrying this resolution into instant effect, he had advanced as far as + the passage, when the sound of the latch-key in the street door caused him + to make a precipitate retreat into his own office again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here he is,’ growled Newman, ‘and somebody with him. Now it’ll be “Stop + till this gentleman’s gone.” But I won’t. That’s flat.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Newman slipped into a tall empty closet which opened with two + half doors, and shut himself up; intending to slip out directly Ralph was + safe inside his own room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Noggs!’ cried Ralph, ‘where is that fellow, Noggs?’ + </p> + <p> + But not a word said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘The dog has gone to his dinner, though I told him not,’ muttered Ralph, + looking into the office, and pulling out his watch. ‘Humph!’ You had + better come in here, Gride. My man’s out, and the sun is hot upon my room. + This is cool and in the shade, if you don’t mind roughing it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not at all, Mr. Nickleby, oh not at all! All places are alike to me, sir. + Ah! very nice indeed. Oh! very nice!’ + </p> + <p> + The parson who made this reply was a little old man, of about seventy or + seventy-five years of age, of a very lean figure, much bent and slightly + twisted. He wore a grey coat with a very narrow collar, an old-fashioned + waistcoat of ribbed black silk, and such scanty trousers as displayed his + shrunken spindle-shanks in their full ugliness. The only articles of + display or ornament in his dress were a steel watch-chain to which were + attached some large gold seals; and a black ribbon into which, in + compliance with an old fashion scarcely ever observed in these days, his + grey hair was gathered behind. His nose and chin were sharp and prominent, + his jaws had fallen inwards from loss of teeth, his face was shrivelled + and yellow, save where the cheeks were streaked with the colour of a dry + winter apple; and where his beard had been, there lingered yet a few grey + tufts which seemed, like the ragged eyebrows, to denote the badness of the + soil from which they sprung. The whole air and attitude of the form was + one of stealthy cat-like obsequiousness; the whole expression of the face + was concentrated in a wrinkled leer, compounded of cunning, lecherousness, + slyness, and avarice. + </p> + <p> + Such was old Arthur Gride, in whose face there was not a wrinkle, in whose + dress there was not one spare fold or plait, but expressed the most + covetous and griping penury, and sufficiently indicated his belonging to + that class of which Ralph Nickleby was a member. Such was old Arthur + Gride, as he sat in a low chair looking up into the face of Ralph + Nickleby, who, lounging upon the tall office stool, with his arms upon his + knees, looked down into his; a match for him on whatever errand he had + come. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how have you been?’ said Gride, feigning great interest in Ralph’s + state of health. ‘I haven’t seen you for—oh! not for—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for a long time,’ said Ralph, with a peculiar smile, importing that + he very well knew it was not on a mere visit of compliment that his friend + had come. ‘It was a narrow chance that you saw me now, for I had only just + come up to the door as you turned the corner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very lucky,’ observed Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘So men say,’ replied Ralph, drily. + </p> + <p> + The older money-lender wagged his chin and smiled, but he originated no + new remark, and they sat for some little time without speaking. Each was + looking out to take the other at a disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, Gride,’ said Ralph, at length; ‘what’s in the wind today?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Aha! you’re a bold man, Mr. Nickleby,’ cried the other, apparently very + much relieved by Ralph’s leading the way to business. ‘Oh dear, dear, what + a bold man you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, you have a sleek and slinking way with you that makes me seem so by + contrast,’ returned Ralph. ‘I don’t know but that yours may answer better, + but I want the patience for it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You were born a genius, Mr. Nickleby,’ said old Arthur. ‘Deep, deep, deep. + Ah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Deep enough,’ retorted Ralph, ‘to know that I shall need all the depth I + have, when men like you begin to compliment. You know I have stood by when + you fawned and flattered other people, and I remember pretty well what + <i>that </i>always led to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ rejoined Arthur, rubbing his hands. ‘So you do, so you do, + no doubt. Not a man knows it better. Well, it’s a pleasant thing now to + think that you remember old times. Oh dear!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now then,’ said Ralph, composedly; ‘what’s in the wind, I ask again? What + is it?’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0631m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0631m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0631.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘See that now!’ cried the other. ‘He can’t even keep from business while + we’re chatting over bygones. Oh dear, dear, what a man it is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Which </i>of the bygones do you want to revive?’ said Ralph. ‘One of them, I + know, or you wouldn’t talk about them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He suspects even me!’ cried old Arthur, holding up his hands. ‘Even me! + Oh dear, even me. What a man it is! Ha, ha, ha! What a man it is! Mr + Nickleby against all the world. There’s nobody like him. A giant among + pigmies, a giant, a giant!’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked at the old dog with a quiet smile as he chuckled on in this + strain, and Newman Noggs in the closet felt his heart sink within him as + the prospect of dinner grew fainter and fainter. + </p> + <p> + ‘I must humour him though,’ cried old Arthur; ‘he must have his way—a + wilful man, as the Scotch say—well, well, they’re a wise people, the + Scotch. He will talk about business, and won’t give away his time for + nothing. He’s very right. Time is money, time is money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was one of us who made that saying, I should think,’ said Ralph. ‘Time + is money, and very good money too, to those who reckon interest by it. + Time <i>is</i> money! Yes, and time costs money; it’s rather an expensive article + to some people we could name, or I forget my trade.’ + </p> + <p> + In rejoinder to this sally, old Arthur again raised his hands, again + chuckled, and again ejaculated ‘What a man it is!’ which done, he dragged + the low chair a little nearer to Ralph’s high stool, and looking upwards + into his immovable face, said, + </p> + <p> + ‘What would you say to me, if I was to tell you that I was—that I + was—going to be married?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should tell you,’ replied Ralph, looking coldly down upon him, ‘that + for some purpose of your own you told a lie, and that it wasn’t the first + time and wouldn’t be the last; that I wasn’t surprised and wasn’t to be + taken in.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I tell you seriously that I am,’ said old Arthur. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I tell you seriously,’ rejoined Ralph, ‘what I told you this minute. + Stay. Let me look at you. There’s a liquorish devilry in your face. What + is this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wouldn’t deceive <i>you</i>, you know,’ whined Arthur Gride; ‘I couldn’t do + it, I should be mad to try. I, I, to deceive Mr. Nickleby! The pigmy to + impose upon the giant. I ask again—he, he, he!—what should you + say to me if I was to tell you that I was going to be married?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To some old hag?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, No,’ cried Arthur, interrupting him, and rubbing his hands in an + ecstasy. ‘Wrong, wrong again. Mr. Nickleby for once at fault; out, quite + out! To a young and beautiful girl; fresh, lovely, bewitching, and not + nineteen. Dark eyes, long eyelashes, ripe and ruddy lips that to look at + is to long to kiss, beautiful clustering hair that one’s fingers itch to + play with, such a waist as might make a man clasp the air involuntarily, + thinking of twining his arm about it, little feet that tread so lightly + they hardly seem to walk upon the ground—to marry all this, sir, + this—hey, hey!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This is something more than common drivelling,’ said Ralph, after + listening with a curled lip to the old sinner’s raptures. ‘The girl’s + name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh deep, deep! See now how deep that is!’ exclaimed old Arthur. ‘He knows + I want his help, he knows he can give it me, he knows it must all turn to + his advantage, he sees the thing already. Her name—is there nobody + within hearing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, who the devil should there be?’ retorted Ralph, testily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t know but that perhaps somebody might be passing up or down the + stairs,’ said Arthur Gride, after looking out at the door and carefully + reclosing it; ‘or but that your man might have come back and might have + been listening outside. Clerks and servants have a trick of listening, and + I should have been very uncomfortable if Mr. Noggs—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Curse Mr. Noggs,’ said Ralph, sharply, ‘and go on with what you have to + say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Curse Mr. Noggs, by all means,’ rejoined old Arthur; ‘I am sure I have not + the least objection to that. Her name is—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Ralph, rendered very irritable by old Arthur’s pausing again + ‘what is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline Bray.’ + </p> + <p> + Whatever reasons there might have been—and Arthur Gride appeared to + have anticipated some—for the mention of this name producing an + effect upon Ralph, or whatever effect it really did produce upon him, he + permitted none to manifest itself, but calmly repeated the name several + times, as if reflecting when and where he had heard it before. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bray,’ said Ralph. ‘Bray—there was young Bray of—no, he never + had a daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You remember Bray?’ rejoined Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Ralph, looking vacantly at him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not Walter Bray! The dashing man, who used his handsome wife so ill?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you seek to recall any particular dashing man to my recollection by + such a trait as that,’ said Ralph, shrugging his shoulders, ‘I shall + confound him with nine-tenths of the dashing men I have ever known.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tut, tut. That Bray who is now in the Rules of the Bench,’ said old + Arthur. ‘You can’t have forgotten Bray. Both of us did business with him. + Why, he owes you money!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh <i>him</i>!’ rejoined Ralph. ‘Ay, ay. Now you speak. Oh! It’s <i>his </i>daughter, + is it?’ + </p> + <p> + Naturally as this was said, it was not said so naturally but that a + kindred spirit like old Arthur Gride might have discerned a design upon + the part of Ralph to lead him on to much more explicit statements and + explanations than he would have volunteered, or that Ralph could in all + likelihood have obtained by any other means. Old Arthur, however, was so + intent upon his own designs, that he suffered himself to be overreached, + and had no suspicion but that his good friend was in earnest. + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew you couldn’t forget him, when you came to think for a moment,’ he + said. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were right,’ answered Ralph. ‘But old Arthur Gride and matrimony is a + most anomalous conjunction of words; old Arthur Gride and dark eyes and + eyelashes, and lips that to look at is to long to kiss, and clustering + hair that he wants to play with, and waists that he wants to span, and + little feet that don’t tread upon anything—old Arthur Gride and such + things as these is more monstrous still; but old Arthur Gride marrying the + daughter of a ruined “dashing man” in the Rules of the Bench, is the most + monstrous and incredible of all. Plainly, friend Arthur Gride, if you want + any help from me in this business (which of course you do, or you would + not be here), speak out, and to the purpose. And, above all, don’t talk to + me of its turning to my advantage, for I know it must turn to yours also, + and to a good round tune too, or you would have no finger in such a pie as + this.’ + </p> + <p> + There was enough acerbity and sarcasm not only in the matter of Ralph’s + speech, but in the tone of voice in which he uttered it, and the looks + with which he eked it out, to have fired even the ancient usurer’s cold + blood and flushed even his withered cheek. But he gave vent to no + demonstration of anger, contenting himself with exclaiming as before, + ‘What a man it is!’ and rolling his head from side to side, as if in + unrestrained enjoyment of his freedom and drollery. Clearly observing, + however, from the expression in Ralph’s features, that he had best come to + the point as speedily as might be, he composed himself for more serious + business, and entered upon the pith and marrow of his negotiation. + </p> + <p> + First, he dwelt upon the fact that Madeline Bray was devoted to the + support and maintenance, and was a slave to every wish, of her only + parent, who had no other friend on earth; to which Ralph rejoined that he + had heard something of the kind before, and that if she had known a little + more of the world, she wouldn’t have been such a fool. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, he enlarged upon the character of her father, arguing, that even + taking it for granted that he loved her in return with the utmost + affection of which he was capable, yet he loved himself a great deal + better; which Ralph said it was quite unnecessary to say anything more + about, as that was very natural, and probable enough. + </p> + <p> + And, thirdly, old Arthur premised that the girl was a delicate and + beautiful creature, and that he had really a hankering to have her for his + wife. To this Ralph deigned no other rejoinder than a harsh smile, and a + glance at the shrivelled old creature before him, which were, however, + sufficiently expressive. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Gride, ‘for the little plan I have in my mind to bring this + about; because, I haven’t offered myself even to the father yet, I should + have told you. But that you have gathered already? Ah! oh dear, oh dear, + what an edged tool you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t play with me then,’ said Ralph impatiently. ‘You know the proverb.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A reply always on the tip of his tongue!’ cried old Arthur, raising his + hands and eyes in admiration. ‘He is always prepared! Oh dear, what a + blessing to have such a ready wit, and so much ready money to back it!’ + Then, suddenly changing his tone, he went on: ‘I have been backwards and + forwards to Bray’s lodgings several times within the last six months. It + is just half a year since I first saw this delicate morsel, and, oh dear, + what a delicate morsel it is! But that is neither here nor there. I am his + detaining creditor for seventeen hundred pounds!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You talk as if you were the only detaining creditor,’ said Ralph, pulling + out his pocket-book. ‘I am another for nine hundred and seventy-five + pounds four and threepence.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The only other, Mr. Nickleby,’ said old Arthur, eagerly. ‘The only other. + Nobody else went to the expense of lodging a detainer, trusting to our + holding him fast enough, I warrant you. We both fell into the same snare; + oh dear, what a pitfall it was; it almost ruined me! And lent him our + money upon bills, with only one name besides his own, which to be sure + everybody supposed to be a good one, and was as negotiable as money, but + which turned out you know how. Just as we should have come upon him, he + died insolvent. Ah! it went very nigh to ruin me, that loss did!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on with your scheme,’ said Ralph. ‘It’s of no use raising the cry of + our trade just now; there’s nobody to hear us!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s always as well to talk that way,’ returned old Arthur, with a + chuckle, ‘whether there’s anybody to hear us or not. Practice makes + perfect, you know. Now, if I offer myself to Bray as his son-in-law, upon + one simple condition that the moment I am fast married he shall be quietly + released, and have an allowance to live just t’other side the water like a + gentleman (he can’t live long, for I have asked his doctor, and he + declares that his complaint is one of the Heart and it is impossible), and + if all the advantages of this condition are properly stated and dwelt upon + to him, do you think he could resist me? And if he could not resist <i>me</i>, do + you think his daughter could resist <i>him</i>? Shouldn’t I have her Mrs. Arthur + Gride—pretty Mrs. Arthur Gride—a tit-bit—a dainty chick—shouldn’t + I have her Mrs. Arthur Gride in a week, a month, a day—any time I + chose to name?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on,’ said Ralph, nodding his head deliberately, and speaking in a tone + whose studied coldness presented a strange contrast to the rapturous + squeak to which his friend had gradually mounted. ‘Go on. You didn’t come + here to ask me that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear, how you talk!’ cried old Arthur, edging himself closer still to + Ralph. ‘Of course I didn’t, I don’t pretend I did! I came to ask what you + would take from me, if I prospered with the father, for this debt of + yours. Five shillings in the pound, six and-eightpence, ten shillings? I + <i>would </i>go as far as ten for such a friend as you, we have always been on + such good terms, but you won’t be so hard upon me as that, I know. Now, + will you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s something more to be told,’ said Ralph, as stony and immovable as + ever. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, there is, but you won’t give me time,’ returned Arthur Gride. + ‘I want a backer in this matter; one who can talk, and urge, and press a + point, which you can do as no man can. I can’t do that, for I am a poor, + timid, nervous creature. Now, if you get a good composition for this debt, + which you long ago gave up for lost, you’ll stand my friend, and help me. + Won’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s something more,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, indeed,’ cried Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, indeed. I tell you yes,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ returned old Arthur feigning to be suddenly enlightened. ‘You mean + something more, as concerns myself and my intention. Ay, surely, surely. + Shall I mention that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you had better,’ rejoined Ralph, drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t like to trouble you with that, because I supposed your interest + would cease with your own concern in the affair,’ said Arthur Gride. + ‘That’s kind of you to ask. Oh dear, how very kind of you! Why, supposing + I had a knowledge of some property—some little property—very + little—to which this pretty chick was entitled; which nobody does or + can know of at this time, but which her husband could sweep into his + pouch, if he knew as much as I do, would that account for—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For the whole proceeding,’ rejoined Ralph, abruptly. ‘Now, let me turn + this matter over, and consider what I ought to have if I should help you + to success.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But don’t be hard,’ cried old Arthur, raising his hands with an imploring + gesture, and speaking, in a tremulous voice. ‘Don’t be too hard upon me. + It’s a very small property, it is indeed. Say the ten shillings, and we’ll + close the bargain. It’s more than I ought to give, but you’re so kind—shall + we say the ten? Do now, do.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph took no notice of these supplications, but sat for three or four + minutes in a brown study, looking thoughtfully at the person from whom + they proceeded. After sufficient cogitation he broke silence, and it + certainly could not be objected that he used any needless circumlocution, + or failed to speak directly to the purpose. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you married this girl without me,’ said Ralph, ‘you must pay my debt + in full, because you couldn’t set her father free otherwise. It’s plain, + then, that I must have the whole amount, clear of all deduction or + incumbrance, or I should lose from being honoured with your confidence, + instead of gaining by it. That’s the first article of the treaty. For the + second, I shall stipulate that for my trouble in negotiation and + persuasion, and helping you to this fortune, I have five hundred pounds. + That’s very little, because you have the ripe lips, and the clustering + hair, and what not, all to yourself. For the third and last article, I + require that you execute a bond to me, this day, binding yourself in the + payment of these two sums, before noon of the day of your marriage with + Madeline Bray. You have told me I can urge and press a point. I press this + one, and will take nothing less than these terms. Accept them if you like. + If not, marry her without me if you can. I shall still get my debt.’ + </p> + <p> + To all entreaties, protestations, and offers of compromise between his own + proposals and those which Arthur Gride had first suggested, Ralph was deaf + as an adder. He would enter into no further discussion of the subject, and + while old Arthur dilated upon the enormity of his demands and proposed + modifications of them, approaching by degrees nearer and nearer to the + terms he resisted, sat perfectly mute, looking with an air of quiet + abstraction over the entries and papers in his pocket-book. Finding that + it was impossible to make any impression upon his staunch friend, Arthur + Gride, who had prepared himself for some such result before he came, + consented with a heavy heart to the proposed treaty, and upon the spot + filled up the bond required (Ralph kept such instruments handy), after + exacting the condition that Mr. Nickleby should accompany him to Bray’s + lodgings that very hour, and open the negotiation at once, should + circumstances appear auspicious and favourable to their designs. + </p> + <p> + In pursuance of this last understanding the worthy gentlemen went out + together shortly afterwards, and Newman Noggs emerged, bottle in hand, + from the cupboard, out of the upper door of which, at the imminent risk of + detection, he had more than once thrust his red nose when such parts of + the subject were under discussion as interested him most. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no appetite now,’ said Newman, putting the flask in his pocket. + ‘I’ve had <i>my</i> dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + Having delivered this observation in a very grievous and doleful tone, + Newman reached the door in one long limp, and came back again in another. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know who she may be, or what she may be,’ he said: ‘but I pity + her with all my heart and soul; and I can’t help her, nor can I any of the + people against whom a hundred tricks, but none so vile as this, are + plotted every day! Well, that adds to my pain, but not to theirs. The + thing is no worse because I know it, and it tortures me as well as them. + Gride and Nickleby! Good pair for a curricle. Oh roguery! roguery! + roguery!’ + </p> + <p> + With these reflections, and a very hard knock on the crown of his + unfortunate hat at each repetition of the last word, Newman Noggs, whose + brain was a little muddled by so much of the contents of the pocket-pistol + as had found their way there during his recent concealment, went forth to + seek such consolation as might be derivable from the beef and greens of + some cheap eating-house. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the two plotters had betaken themselves to the same house + whither Nicholas had repaired for the first time but a few mornings + before, and having obtained access to Mr. Bray, and found his daughter from + home, had by a train of the most masterly approaches that Ralph’s utmost + skill could frame, at length laid open the real object of their visit. + </p> + <p> + ‘There he sits, Mr. Bray,’ said Ralph, as the invalid, not yet recovered + from his surprise, reclined in his chair, looking alternately at him and + Arthur Gride. ‘What if he has had the ill-fortune to be one cause of your + detention in this place? I have been another; men must live; you are too + much a man of the world not to see that in its true light. We offer the + best reparation in our power. Reparation! Here is an offer of marriage, + that many a titled father would leap at, for his child. Mr. Arthur Gride, + with the fortune of a prince. Think what a haul it is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My daughter, sir,’ returned Bray, haughtily, ‘as I have brought her up, + would be a rich recompense for the largest fortune that a man could bestow + in exchange for her hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Precisely what I told you,’ said the artful Ralph, turning to his friend, + old Arthur. ‘Precisely what made me consider the thing so fair and easy. + There is no obligation on either side. You have money, and Miss Madeline + has beauty and worth. She has youth, you have money. She has not money, + you have not youth. Tit for tat, quits, a match of Heaven’s own making!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Matches are made in Heaven, they say,’ added Arthur Gride, leering + hideously at the father-in-law he wanted. ‘If we are married, it will be + destiny, according to that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then think, Mr. Bray,’ said Ralph, hastily substituting for this argument + considerations more nearly allied to earth, ‘think what a stake is + involved in the acceptance or rejection of these proposals of my friend.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can I accept or reject,’ interrupted Mr. Bray, with an irritable + consciousness that it really rested with him to decide. ‘It is for my + daughter to accept or reject; it is for my daughter. You know that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Ralph, emphatically; ‘but you have still the power to advise; + to state the reasons for and against; to hint a wish.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To hint a wish, sir!’ returned the debtor, proud and mean by turns, and + selfish at all times. ‘I am her father, am I not? Why should I hint, and + beat about the bush? Do you suppose, like her mother’s friends and my + enemies—a curse upon them all!—that there is anything in what + she has done for me but duty, sir, but duty? Or do you think that my + having been unfortunate is a sufficient reason why our relative positions + should be changed, and that she should command and I should obey? Hint a + wish, too! Perhaps you think, because you see me in this place and + scarcely able to leave this chair without assistance, that I am some + broken-spirited dependent creature, without the courage or power to do + what I may think best for my own child. Still the power to hint a wish! I + hope so!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pardon me,’ returned Ralph, who thoroughly knew his man, and had taken + his ground accordingly; ‘you do not hear me out. I was about to say that + your hinting a wish, even hinting a wish, would surely be equivalent to + commanding.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, of course it would,’ retorted Mr. Bray, in an exasperated tone. ‘If + you don’t happen to have heard of the time, sir, I tell you that there was + a time, when I carried every point in triumph against her mother’s whole + family, although they had power and wealth on their side, by my will + alone.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Still,’ rejoined Ralph, as mildly as his nature would allow him, ‘you + have not heard me out. You are a man yet qualified to shine in society, + with many years of life before you; that is, if you lived in freer air, + and under brighter skies, and chose your own companions. Gaiety is your + element, you have shone in it before. Fashion and freedom for you. France, + and an annuity that would support you there in luxury, would give you a + new lease of life, would transfer you to a new existence. The town rang + with your expensive pleasures once, and you could blaze up on a new scene + again, profiting by experience, and living a little at others’ cost, + instead of letting others live at yours. What is there on the reverse side + of the picture? What is there? I don’t know which is the nearest + churchyard, but a gravestone there, wherever it is, and a date, perhaps + two years hence, perhaps twenty. That’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Bray rested his elbow on the arm of his chair, and shaded his face with + his hand. + </p> + <p> + ‘I speak plainly,’ said Ralph, sitting down beside him, ‘because I feel + strongly. It’s my interest that you should marry your daughter to my + friend Gride, because then he sees me paid—in part, that is. I don’t + disguise it. I acknowledge it openly. But what interest have you in + recommending her to such a step? Keep that in view. She might object, + remonstrate, shed tears, talk of his being too old, and plead that her + life would be rendered miserable. But what is it now?’ + </p> + <p> + Several slight gestures on the part of the invalid showed that these + arguments were no more lost upon him, than the smallest iota of his + demeanour was upon Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it now, I say,’ pursued the wily usurer, ‘or what has it a chance + of being? If you died, indeed, the people you hate would make her happy. + But can you bear the thought of that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ returned Bray, urged by a vindictive impulse he could not repress. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should imagine not, indeed!’ said Ralph, quietly. ‘If she profits by + anybody’s death,’ this was said in a lower tone, ‘let it be by her + husband’s. Don’t let her have to look back to yours, as the event from + which to date a happier life. Where is the objection? Let me hear it + stated. What is it? That her suitor is an old man? Why, how often do men + of family and fortune, who haven’t your excuse, but have all the means and + superfluities of life within their reach, how often do they marry their + daughters to old men, or (worse still) to young men without heads or + hearts, to tickle some idle vanity, strengthen some family interest, or + secure some seat in Parliament! Judge for her, sir, judge for her. You + must know best, and she will live to thank you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush! hush!’ cried Mr. Bray, suddenly starting up, and covering Ralph’s + mouth with his trembling hand. ‘I hear her at the door!’ + </p> + <p> + There was a gleam of conscience in the shame and terror of this hasty + action, which, in one short moment, tore the thin covering of sophistry + from the cruel design, and laid it bare in all its meanness and heartless + deformity. The father fell into his chair pale and trembling; Arthur Gride + plucked and fumbled at his hat, and durst not raise his eyes from the + floor; even Ralph crouched for the moment like a beaten hound, cowed by + the presence of one young innocent girl! + </p> + <p> + The effect was almost as brief as sudden. Ralph was the first to recover + himself, and observing Madeline’s looks of alarm, entreated the poor girl + to be composed, assuring her that there was no cause for fear. + </p> + <p> + ‘A sudden spasm,’ said Ralph, glancing at Mr. Bray. ‘He is quite well now.’ + </p> + <p> + It might have moved a very hard and worldly heart to see the young and + beautiful creature, whose certain misery they had been contriving but a + minute before, throw her arms about her father’s neck, and pour forth + words of tender sympathy and love, the sweetest a father’s ear can know, + or child’s lips form. But Ralph looked coldly on; and Arthur Gride, whose + bleared eyes gloated only over the outward beauties, and were blind to the + spirit which reigned within, evinced—a fantastic kind of warmth + certainly, but not exactly that kind of warmth of feeling which the + contemplation of virtue usually inspires. + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline,’ said her father, gently disengaging himself, ‘it was nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you had that spasm yesterday, and it is terrible to see you in such + pain. Can I do nothing for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing just now. Here are two gentlemen, Madeline, one of whom you have + seen before. She used to say,’ added Mr. Bray, addressing Arthur Gride, + ‘that the sight of you always made me worse. That was natural, knowing + what she did, and only what she did, of our connection and its results. + Well, well. Perhaps she may change her mind on that point; girls have + leave to change their minds, you know. You are very tired, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed you are. You do too much.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish I could do more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know you do, but you overtask your strength. This wretched life, my + love, of daily labour and fatigue, is more than you can bear, I am sure it + is. Poor Madeline!’ + </p> + <p> + With these and many more kind words, Mr. Bray drew his daughter to him and + kissed her cheek affectionately. Ralph, watching him sharply and closely + in the meantime, made his way towards the door, and signed to Gride to + follow him. + </p> + <p> + ‘You will communicate with us again?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ returned Mr. Bray, hastily thrusting his daughter aside. ‘In a + week. Give me a week.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One week,’ said Ralph, turning to his companion, ‘from today. + Good-morning. Miss Madeline, I kiss your hand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We will shake hands, Gride,’ said Mr. Bray, extending his, as old Arthur + bowed. ‘You mean well, no doubt. I am bound to say so now. If I owed you + money, that was not your fault. Madeline, my love, your hand here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear! If the young lady would condescent! Only the tips of her + fingers,’ said Arthur, hesitating and half retreating. + </p> + <p> + Madeline shrunk involuntarily from the goblin figure, but she placed the + tips of her fingers in his hand and instantly withdrew them. After an + ineffectual clutch, intended to detain and carry them to his lips, old + Arthur gave his own fingers a mumbling kiss, and with many amorous + distortions of visage went in pursuit of his friend, who was by this time + in the street. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does he say, what does he say? What does the giant say to the + pigmy?’ inquired Arthur Gride, hobbling up to Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘What does the pigmy say to the giant?’ rejoined Ralph, elevating his + eyebrows and looking down upon his questioner. + </p> + <p> + ‘He doesn’t know what to say,’ replied Arthur Gride. ‘He hopes and fears. + But is she not a dainty morsel?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no great taste for beauty,’ growled Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I have,’ rejoined Arthur, rubbing his hands. ‘Oh dear! How handsome + her eyes looked when she was stooping over him! Such long lashes, such + delicate fringe! She—she—looked at me so soft.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not over-lovingly, I think,’ said Ralph. ‘Did she?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, you think not?’ replied old Arthur. ‘But don’t you think it can be + brought about? Don’t you think it can?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked at him with a contemptuous frown, and replied with a sneer, + and between his teeth: + </p> + <p> + ‘Did you mark his telling her she was tired and did too much, and + overtasked her strength?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay. What of it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When do you think he ever told her that before? The life is more than she + can bear. Yes, yes. He’ll change it for her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘D’ye think it’s done?’ inquired old Arthur, peering into his companion’s + face with half-closed eyes. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure it’s done,’ said Ralph. ‘He is trying to deceive himself, even + before our eyes, already. He is making believe that he thinks of her good + and not his own. He is acting a virtuous part, and so considerate and + affectionate, sir, that the daughter scarcely knew him. I saw a tear of + surprise in her eye. There’ll be a few more tears of surprise there before + long, though of a different kind. Oh! we may wait with confidence for this + day week.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 48 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">B</span><i>eing for the Benefit of Mr. Vincent Crummles, and positively his last + Appearance on this Stage</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was with a very sad and heavy heart, oppressed by many painful ideas, + that Nicholas retraced his steps eastward and betook himself to the + counting-house of Cheeryble Brothers. Whatever the idle hopes he had + suffered himself to entertain, whatever the pleasant visions which had + sprung up in his mind and grouped themselves round the fair image of + Madeline Bray, they were now dispelled, and not a vestige of their gaiety + and brightness remained. + </p> + <p> + It would be a poor compliment to Nicholas’s better nature, and one which + he was very far from deserving, to insinuate that the solution, and such a + solution, of the mystery which had seemed to surround Madeline Bray, when + he was ignorant even of her name, had damped his ardour or cooled the + fervour of his admiration. If he had regarded her before, with such a + passion as young men attracted by mere beauty and elegance may entertain, + he was now conscious of much deeper and stronger feelings. But, reverence + for the truth and purity of her heart, respect for the helplessness and + loneliness of her situation, sympathy with the trials of one so young and + fair and admiration of her great and noble spirit, all seemed to raise her + far above his reach, and, while they imparted new depth and dignity to his + love, to whisper that it was hopeless. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will keep my word, as I have pledged it to her,’ said Nicholas, + manfully. ‘This is no common trust that I have to discharge, and I will + perform the double duty that is imposed upon me most scrupulously and + strictly. My secret feelings deserve no consideration in such a case as + this, and they shall have none.’ + </p> + <p> + Still, there were the secret feelings in existence just the same, and in + secret Nicholas rather encouraged them than otherwise; reasoning (if he + reasoned at all) that there they could do no harm to anybody but himself, + and that if he kept them to himself from a sense of duty, he had an + additional right to entertain himself with them as a reward for his + heroism. + </p> + <p> + All these thoughts, coupled with what he had seen that morning and the + anticipation of his next visit, rendered him a very dull and abstracted + companion; so much so, indeed, that Tim Linkinwater suspected he must have + made the mistake of a figure somewhere, which was preying upon his mind, + and seriously conjured him, if such were the case, to make a clean breast + and scratch it out, rather than have his whole life embittered by the + tortures of remorse. + </p> + <p> + But in reply to these considerate representations, and many others both + from Tim and Mr. Frank, Nicholas could only be brought to state that he was + never merrier in his life; and so went on all day, and so went towards + home at night, still turning over and over again the same subjects, + thinking over and over again the same things, and arriving over and over + again at the same conclusions. + </p> + <p> + In this pensive, wayward, and uncertain state, people are apt to lounge + and loiter without knowing why, to read placards on the walls with great + attention and without the smallest idea of one word of their contents, and + to stare most earnestly through shop-windows at things which they don’t + see. It was thus that Nicholas found himself poring with the utmost + interest over a large play-bill hanging outside a Minor Theatre which he + had to pass on his way home, and reading a list of the actors and + actresses who had promised to do honour to some approaching benefit, with + as much gravity as if it had been a catalogue of the names of those ladies + and gentlemen who stood highest upon the Book of Fate, and he had been + looking anxiously for his own. He glanced at the top of the bill, with a + smile at his own dulness, as he prepared to resume his walk, and there saw + announced, in large letters with a large space between each of them, + ‘Positively the last appearance of Mr. Vincent Crummles of Provincial + Celebrity!!!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nonsense!’ said Nicholas, turning back again. ‘It can’t be.’ + </p> + <p> + But there it was. In one line by itself was an announcement of the first + night of a new melodrama; in another line by itself was an announcement of + the last six nights of an old one; a third line was devoted to the + re-engagement of the unrivalled African Knife-swallower, who had kindly + suffered himself to be prevailed upon to forego his country engagements + for one week longer; a fourth line announced that Mr. Snittle Timberry, + having recovered from his late severe indisposition, would have the honour + of appearing that evening; a fifth line said that there were ‘Cheers, + Tears, and Laughter!’ every night; a sixth, that that was positively the + last appearance of Mr. Vincent Crummles of Provincial Celebrity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely it must be the same man,’ thought Nicholas. ‘There can’t be two + Vincent Crummleses.’ + </p> + <p> + The better to settle this question he referred to the bill again, and + finding that there was a Baron in the first piece, and that Roberto (his + son) was enacted by one Master Crummles, and Spaletro (his nephew) by one + Master Percy Crummles—<i>their </i>last appearances—and that, + incidental to the piece, was a characteristic dance by the characters, and + a <i>castanet pas seul</i> by the Infant Phenomenon—<i>her </i>last appearance—he + no longer entertained any doubt; and presenting himself at the stage-door, + and sending in a scrap of paper with ‘Mr. Johnson’ written thereon in + pencil, was presently conducted by a Robber, with a very large belt and + buckle round his waist, and very large leather gauntlets on his hands, + into the presence of his former manager. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Crummles was unfeignedly glad to see him, and starting up from before a + small dressing-glass, with one very bushy eyebrow stuck on crooked over + his left eye, and the fellow eyebrow and the calf of one of his legs in + his hand, embraced him cordially; at the same time observing, that it + would do Mrs. Crummles’s heart good to bid him goodbye before they went. + </p> + <p> + ‘You were always a favourite of hers, Johnson,’ said Crummles, ‘always + were from the first. I was quite easy in my mind about you from that first + day you dined with us. One that Mrs. Crummles took a fancy to, was sure to + turn out right. Ah! Johnson, what a woman that is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sincerely obliged to her for her kindness in this and all other + respects,’ said Nicholas. ‘But where are you going, that you talk about + bidding goodbye?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Haven’t you seen it in the papers?’ said Crummles, with some dignity. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wonder at that,’ said the manager. ‘It was among the varieties. I had + the paragraph here somewhere—but I don’t know—oh, yes, here it + is.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, Mr. Crummles, after pretending that he thought he must have lost + it, produced a square inch of newspaper from the pocket of the pantaloons + he wore in private life (which, together with the plain clothes of several + other gentlemen, lay scattered about on a kind of dresser in the room), + and gave it to Nicholas to read: + </p> + <p> + ‘The talented Vincent Crummles, long favourably known to fame as a country + manager and actor of no ordinary pretensions, is about to cross the + Atlantic on a histrionic expedition. Crummles is to be accompanied, we + hear, by his lady and gifted family. We know no man superior to Crummles + in his particular line of character, or one who, whether as a public or + private individual, could carry with him the best wishes of a larger + circle of friends. Crummles is certain to succeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here’s another bit,’ said Mr. Crummles, handing over a still smaller + scrap. ‘This is from the notices to correspondents, this one.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas read it aloud. ‘“Philo-Dramaticus. Crummles, the country manager + and actor, cannot be more than forty-three, or forty-four years of age. + Crummles is <i>not </i>a Prussian, having been born at Chelsea.” Humph!’ said + Nicholas, ‘that’s an odd paragraph.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ returned Crummles, scratching the side of his nose, and looking at + Nicholas with an assumption of great unconcern. ‘I can’t think who puts + these things in. I didn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + Still keeping his eye on Nicholas, Mr. Crummles shook his head twice or + thrice with profound gravity, and remarking, that he could not for the + life of him imagine how the newspapers found out the things they did, + folded up the extracts and put them in his pocket again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am astonished to hear this news,’ said Nicholas. ‘Going to America! You + had no such thing in contemplation when I was with you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Crummles, ‘I hadn’t then. The fact is that Mrs. Crummles—most + extraordinary woman, Johnson.’ Here he broke off and whispered something + in his ear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Nicholas, smiling. ‘The prospect of an addition to your + family?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The seventh addition, Johnson,’ returned Mr. Crummles, solemnly. ‘I + thought such a child as the Phenomenon must have been a closer; but it + seems we are to have another. She is a very remarkable woman.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I congratulate you,’ said Nicholas, ‘and I hope this may prove a + phenomenon too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, it’s pretty sure to be something uncommon, I suppose,’ rejoined Mr + Crummles. ‘The talent of the other three is principally in combat and + serious pantomime. I should like this one to have a turn for juvenile + tragedy; I understand they want something of that sort in America very + much. However, we must take it as it comes. Perhaps it may have a genius + for the tight-rope. It may have any sort of genius, in short, if it takes + after its mother, Johnson, for she is an universal genius; but, whatever + its genius is, that genius shall be developed.’ + </p> + <p> + Expressing himself after these terms, Mr. Crummles put on his other + eyebrow, and the calves of his legs, and then put on his legs, which were + of a yellowish flesh-colour, and rather soiled about the knees, from + frequent going down upon those joints, in curses, prayers, last struggles, + and other strong passages. + </p> + <p> + While the ex-manager completed his toilet, he informed Nicholas that as he + should have a fair start in America from the proceeds of a tolerably good + engagement which he had been fortunate enough to obtain, and as he and Mrs + Crummles could scarcely hope to act for ever (not being immortal, except + in the breath of Fame and in a figurative sense) he had made up his mind + to settle there permanently, in the hope of acquiring some land of his own + which would support them in their old age, and which they could afterwards + bequeath to their children. Nicholas, having highly commended the + resolution, Mr. Crummles went on to impart such further intelligence + relative to their mutual friends as he thought might prove interesting; + informing Nicholas, among other things, that Miss Snevellicci was happily + married to an affluent young wax-chandler who had supplied the theatre + with candles, and that Mr. Lillyvick didn’t dare to say his soul was his + own, such was the tyrannical sway of Mrs. Lillyvick, who reigned paramount + and supreme. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas responded to this confidence on the part of Mr. Crummles, by + confiding to him his own name, situation, and prospects, and informing + him, in as few general words as he could, of the circumstances which had + led to their first acquaintance. After congratulating him with great + heartiness on the improved state of his fortunes, Mr. Crummles gave him to + understand that next morning he and his were to start for Liverpool, where + the vessel lay which was to carry them from the shores of England, and + that if Nicholas wished to take a last adieu of Mrs. Crummles, he must + repair with him that night to a farewell supper, given in honour of the + family at a neighbouring tavern; at which Mr. Snittle Timberry would + preside, while the honours of the vice-chair would be sustained by the + African Swallower. + </p> + <p> + The room being by this time very warm and somewhat crowded, in consequence + of the influx of four gentlemen, who had just killed each other in the + piece under representation, Nicholas accepted the invitation, and promised + to return at the conclusion of the performances; preferring the cool air + and twilight out of doors to the mingled perfume of gas, orange-peel, and + gunpowder, which pervaded the hot and glaring theatre. + </p> + <p> + He availed himself of this interval to buy a silver snuff-box—the + best his funds would afford—as a token of remembrance for Mr + Crummles, and having purchased besides a pair of ear-rings for Mrs + Crummles, a necklace for the Phenomenon, and a flaming shirt-pin for each + of the young gentlemen, he refreshed himself with a walk, and returning a + little after the appointed time, found the lights out, the theatre empty, + the curtain raised for the night, and Mr. Crummles walking up and down the + stage expecting his arrival. + </p> + <p> + ‘Timberry won’t be long,’ said Mr. Crummles. ‘He played the audience out + tonight. He does a faithful black in the last piece, and it takes him a + little longer to wash himself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A very unpleasant line of character, I should think?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, I don’t know,’ replied Mr. Crummles; ‘it comes off easily enough, and + there’s only the face and neck. We had a first-tragedy man in our company + once, who, when he played Othello, used to black himself all over. But + that’s feeling a part and going into it as if you meant it; it isn’t + usual; more’s the pity.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Snittle Timberry now appeared, arm-in-arm with the African Swallower, + and, being introduced to Nicholas, raised his hat half a foot, and said he + was proud to know him. The Swallower said the same, and looked and spoke + remarkably like an Irishman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I see by the bills that you have been ill, sir,’ said Nicholas to Mr + Timberry. ‘I hope you are none the worse for your exertions tonight?’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Timberry, in reply, shook his head with a gloomy air, tapped his chest + several times with great significancy, and drawing his cloak more closely + about him, said, ‘But no matter, no matter. Come!’ + </p> + <p> + It is observable that when people upon the stage are in any strait + involving the very last extremity of weakness and exhaustion, they + invariably perform feats of strength requiring great ingenuity and + muscular power. Thus, a wounded prince or bandit chief, who is bleeding to + death and too faint to move, except to the softest music (and then only + upon his hands and knees), shall be seen to approach a cottage door for + aid in such a series of writhings and twistings, and with such curlings up + of the legs, and such rollings over and over, and such gettings up and + tumblings down again, as could never be achieved save by a very strong man + skilled in posture-making. And so natural did this sort of performance + come to Mr. Snittle Timberry, that on their way out of the theatre and + towards the tavern where the supper was to be holden, he testified the + severity of his recent indisposition and its wasting effects upon the + nervous system, by a series of gymnastic performances which were the + admiration of all witnesses. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why this is indeed a joy I had not looked for!’ said Mrs. Crummles, when + Nicholas was presented. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor I,’ replied Nicholas. ‘It is by a mere chance that I have this + opportunity of seeing you, although I would have made a great exertion to + have availed myself of it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Here is one whom you know,’ said Mrs. Crummles, thrusting forward the + Phenomenon in a blue gauze frock, extensively flounced, and trousers of + the same; ‘and here another—and another,’ presenting the Master + Crummleses. ‘And how is your friend, the faithful Digby?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Digby!’ said Nicholas, forgetting at the instant that this had been + Smike’s theatrical name. ‘Oh yes. He’s quite—what am I saying?—he + is very far from well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How!’ exclaimed Mrs. Crummles, with a tragic recoil. + </p> + <p> + ‘I fear,’ said Nicholas, shaking his head, and making an attempt to smile, + ‘that your better-half would be more struck with him now than ever.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What mean you?’ rejoined Mrs. Crummles, in her most popular manner. + ‘Whence comes this altered tone?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I mean that a dastardly enemy of mine has struck at me through him, and + that while he thinks to torture me, he inflicts on him such agonies of + terror and suspense as—You will excuse me, I am sure,’ said + Nicholas, checking himself. ‘I should never speak of this, and never do, + except to those who know the facts, but for a moment I forgot myself.’ + </p> + <p> + With this hasty apology Nicholas stooped down to salute the Phenomenon, + and changed the subject; inwardly cursing his precipitation, and very much + wondering what Mrs. Crummles must think of so sudden an explosion. + </p> + <p> + That lady seemed to think very little about it, for the supper being by + this time on table, she gave her hand to Nicholas and repaired with a + stately step to the left hand of Mr. Snittle Timberry. Nicholas had the + honour to support her, and Mr. Crummles was placed upon the chairman’s + right; the Phenomenon and the Master Crummleses sustained the vice. + </p> + <p> + The company amounted in number to some twenty-five or thirty, being + composed of such members of the theatrical profession, then engaged or + disengaged in London, as were numbered among the most intimate friends of + Mr. and Mrs. Crummles. The ladies and gentlemen were pretty equally + balanced; the expenses of the entertainment being defrayed by the latter, + each of whom had the privilege of inviting one of the former as his guest. + </p> + <p> + It was upon the whole a very distinguished party, for independently of the + lesser theatrical lights who clustered on this occasion round Mr. Snittle + Timberry, there was a literary gentleman present who had dramatised in his + time two hundred and forty-seven novels as fast as they had come out—some + of them faster than they had come out—and who <i>was </i>a literary + gentleman in consequence. + </p> + <p> + This gentleman sat on the left hand of Nicholas, to whom he was introduced + by his friend the African Swallower, from the bottom of the table, with a + high eulogium upon his fame and reputation. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am happy to know a gentleman of such great distinction,’ said Nicholas, + politely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir,’ replied the wit, ‘you’re very welcome, I’m sure. The honour is + reciprocal, sir, as I usually say when I dramatise a book. Did you ever + hear a definition of fame, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have heard several,’ replied Nicholas, with a smile. ‘What is yours?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When I dramatise a book, sir,’ said the literary gentleman, ‘<i>that’s</i> fame. + For its author.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, indeed!’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s fame, sir,’ said the literary gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘So Richard Turpin, Tom King, and Jerry Abershaw have handed down to fame + the names of those on whom they committed their most impudent robberies?’ + said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know anything about that, sir,’ answered the literary gentleman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shakespeare dramatised stories which had previously appeared in print, it + is true,’ observed Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Meaning Bill, sir?’ said the literary gentleman. ‘So he did. Bill was an + adapter, certainly, so he was—and very well he adapted too—considering.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I was about to say,’ rejoined Nicholas, ‘that Shakespeare derived some of + his plots from old tales and legends in general circulation; but it seems + to me, that some of the gentlemen of your craft, at the present day, have + shot very far beyond him—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re quite right, sir,’ interrupted the literary gentleman, leaning + back in his chair and exercising his toothpick. ‘Human intellect, sir, has + progressed since his time, is progressing, will progress.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shot beyond him, I mean,’ resumed Nicholas, ‘in quite another respect, + for, whereas he brought within the magic circle of his genius, traditions + peculiarly adapted for his purpose, and turned familiar things into + constellations which should enlighten the world for ages, you drag within + the magic circle of your dulness, subjects not at all adapted to the + purposes of the stage, and debase as he exalted. For instance, you take + the uncompleted books of living authors, fresh from their hands, wet from + the press, cut, hack, and carve them to the powers and capacities of your + actors, and the capability of your theatres, finish unfinished works, + hastily and crudely vamp up ideas not yet worked out by their original + projector, but which have doubtless cost him many thoughtful days and + sleepless nights; by a comparison of incidents and dialogue, down to the + very last word he may have written a fortnight before, do your utmost to + anticipate his plot—all this without his permission, and against his + will; and then, to crown the whole proceeding, publish in some mean + pamphlet, an unmeaning farrago of garbled extracts from his work, to which + your name as author, with the honourable distinction annexed, of having + perpetrated a hundred other outrages of the same description. Now, show me + the distinction between such pilfering as this, and picking a man’s pocket + in the street: unless, indeed, it be, that the legislature has a regard + for pocket-handkerchiefs, and leaves men’s brains, except when they are + knocked out by violence, to take care of themselves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men must live, sir,’ said the literary gentleman, shrugging his + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + ‘That would be an equally fair plea in both cases,’ replied Nicholas; ‘but + if you put it upon that ground, I have nothing more to say, than, that if + I were a writer of books, and you a thirsty dramatist, I would rather pay + your tavern score for six months, large as it might be, than have a niche + in the Temple of Fame with you for the humblest corner of my pedestal, + through six hundred generations.’ + </p> + <p> + The conversation threatened to take a somewhat angry tone when it had + arrived thus far, but Mrs. Crummles opportunely interposed to prevent its + leading to any violent outbreak, by making some inquiries of the literary + gentleman relative to the plots of the six new pieces which he had written + by contract to introduce the African Knife-swallower in his various + unrivalled performances. This speedily engaged him in an animated + conversation with that lady, in the interest of which, all recollection of + his recent discussion with Nicholas very quickly evaporated. + </p> + <p> + The board being now clear of the more substantial articles of food, and + punch, wine, and spirits being placed upon it and handed about, the + guests, who had been previously conversing in little groups of three or + four, gradually fell off into a dead silence, while the majority of those + present glanced from time to time at Mr. Snittle Timberry, and the bolder + spirits did not even hesitate to strike the table with their knuckles, and + plainly intimate their expectations, by uttering such encouragements as + ‘Now, Tim,’ ‘Wake up, Mr. Chairman,’ ‘All charged, sir, and waiting for a + toast,’ and so forth. + </p> + <p> + To these remonstrances Mr. Timberry deigned no other rejoinder than + striking his chest and gasping for breath, and giving many other + indications of being still the victim of indisposition—for a man + must not make himself too cheap either on the stage or off—while Mr + Crummles, who knew full well that he would be the subject of the + forthcoming toast, sat gracefully in his chair with his arm thrown + carelessly over the back, and now and then lifted his glass to his mouth + and drank a little punch, with the same air with which he was accustomed + to take long draughts of nothing, out of the pasteboard goblets in banquet + scenes. + </p> + <p> + At length Mr. Snittle Timberry rose in the most approved attitude, with one + hand in the breast of his waistcoat and the other on the nearest + snuff-box, and having been received with great enthusiasm, proposed, with + abundance of quotations, his friend Mr. Vincent Crummles: ending a pretty + long speech by extending his right hand on one side and his left on the + other, and severally calling upon Mr. and Mrs. Crummles to grasp the same. + This done, Mr. Vincent Crummles returned thanks, and that done, the African + Swallower proposed Mrs. Vincent Crummles, in affecting terms. Then were + heard loud moans and sobs from Mrs. Crummles and the ladies, despite of + which that heroic woman insisted upon returning thanks herself, which she + did, in a manner and in a speech which has never been surpassed and seldom + equalled. It then became the duty of Mr. Snittle Timberry to give the young + Crummleses, which he did; after which Mr. Vincent Crummles, as their + father, addressed the company in a supplementary speech, enlarging on + their virtues, amiabilities, and excellences, and wishing that they were + the sons and daughter of every lady and gentleman present. These + solemnities having been succeeded by a decent interval, enlivened by + musical and other entertainments, Mr. Crummles proposed that ornament of + the profession, the African Swallower, his very dear friend, if he would + allow him to call him so; which liberty (there being no particular reason + why he should not allow it) the African Swallower graciously permitted. + The literary gentleman was then about to be drunk, but it being discovered + that he had been drunk for some time in another acceptation of the term, + and was then asleep on the stairs, the intention was abandoned, and the + honour transferred to the ladies. Finally, after a very long sitting, Mr + Snittle Timberry vacated the chair, and the company with many adieux and + embraces dispersed. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas waited to the last to give his little presents. When he had said + goodbye all round and came to Mr. Crummles, he could not but mark the + difference between their present separation and their parting at + Portsmouth. Not a jot of his theatrical manner remained; he put out his + hand with an air which, if he could have summoned it at will, would have + made him the best actor of his day in homely parts, and when Nicholas + shook it with the warmth he honestly felt, appeared thoroughly melted. + </p> + <p> + ‘We were a very happy little company, Johnson,’ said poor Crummles. ‘You + and I never had a word. I shall be very glad tomorrow morning to think + that I saw you again, but now I almost wish you hadn’t come.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was about to return a cheerful reply, when he was greatly + disconcerted by the sudden apparition of Mrs. Grudden, who it seemed had + declined to attend the supper in order that she might rise earlier in the + morning, and who now burst out of an adjoining bedroom, habited in very + extraordinary white robes; and throwing her arms about his neck, hugged + him with great affection. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! Are you going too?’ said Nicholas, submitting with as good a grace + as if she had been the finest young creature in the world. + </p> + <p> + ‘Going?’ returned Mrs. Grudden. ‘Lord ha’ mercy, what do you think they’d + do without me?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas submitted to another hug with even a better grace than before, if + that were possible, and waving his hat as cheerfully as he could, took + farewell of the Vincent Crummleses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 49 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span><i>hronicles the further Proceedings of the Nickleby Family, and the Sequel + of the Adventure of the Gentleman in the Small-clothes</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + While Nicholas, absorbed in the one engrossing subject of interest which + had recently opened upon him, occupied his leisure hours with thoughts of + Madeline Bray, and in execution of the commissions which the anxiety of + brother Charles in her behalf imposed upon him, saw her again and again, + and each time with greater danger to his peace of mind and a more + weakening effect upon the lofty resolutions he had formed, Mrs. Nickleby + and Kate continued to live in peace and quiet, agitated by no other cares + than those which were connected with certain harassing proceedings taken + by Mr. Snawley for the recovery of his son, and their anxiety for Smike + himself, whose health, long upon the wane, began to be so much affected by + apprehension and uncertainty as sometimes to occasion both them and + Nicholas considerable uneasiness, and even alarm. + </p> + <p> + It was no complaint or murmur on the part of the poor fellow himself that + thus disturbed them. Ever eager to be employed in such slight services as + he could render, and always anxious to repay his benefactors with cheerful + and happy looks, less friendly eyes might have seen in him no cause for + any misgiving. But there were times, and often too, when the sunken eye + was too bright, the hollow cheek too flushed, the breath too thick and + heavy in its course, the frame too feeble and exhausted, to escape their + regard and notice. + </p> + <p> + There is a dread disease which so prepares its victim, as it were, for + death; which so refines it of its grosser aspect, and throws around + familiar looks unearthly indications of the coming change; a dread + disease, in which the struggle between soul and body is so gradual, quiet, + and solemn, and the result so sure, that day by day, and grain by grain, + the mortal part wastes and withers away, so that the spirit grows light + and sanguine with its lightening load, and, feeling immortality at hand, + deems it but a new term of mortal life; a disease in which death and life + are so strangely blended, that death takes the glow and hue of life, and + life the gaunt and grisly form of death; a disease which medicine never + cured, wealth never warded off, or poverty could boast exemption from; + which sometimes moves in giant strides, and sometimes at a tardy sluggish + pace, but, slow or quick, is ever sure and certain. + </p> + <p> + It was with some faint reference in his own mind to this disorder, though + he would by no means admit it, even to himself, that Nicholas had already + carried his faithful companion to a physician of great repute. There was + no cause for immediate alarm, he said. There were no present symptoms + which could be deemed conclusive. The constitution had been greatly tried + and injured in childhood, but still it <i>might </i>not be—and that was + all. + </p> + <p> + But he seemed to grow no worse, and, as it was not difficult to find a + reason for these symptoms of illness in the shock and agitation he had + recently undergone, Nicholas comforted himself with the hope that his poor + friend would soon recover. This hope his mother and sister shared with + him; and as the object of their joint solicitude seemed to have no + uneasiness or despondency for himself, but each day answered with a quiet + smile that he felt better than he had upon the day before, their fears + abated, and the general happiness was by degrees restored. + </p> + <p> + Many and many a time in after years did Nicholas look back to this period + of his life, and tread again the humble quiet homely scenes that rose up + as of old before him. Many and many a time, in the twilight of a summer + evening, or beside the flickering winter’s fire—but not so often or + so sadly then—would his thoughts wander back to these old days, and + dwell with a pleasant sorrow upon every slight remembrance which they + brought crowding home. The little room in which they had so often sat long + after it was dark, figuring such happy futures; Kate’s cheerful voice and + merry laugh; how, if she were from home, they used to sit and watch for + her return scarcely breaking silence but to say how dull it seemed without + her; the glee with which poor Smike would start from the darkened corner + where he used to sit, and hurry to admit her, and the tears they often saw + upon his face, half wondering to see them too, and he so pleased and + happy; every little incident, and even slight words and looks of those old + days little heeded then, but well remembered when busy cares and trials + were quite forgotten, came fresh and thick before him many and many a + time, and, rustling above the dusty growth of years, came back green + boughs of yesterday. + </p> + <p> + But there were other persons associated with these recollections, and many + changes came about before they had being. A necessary reflection for the + purposes of these adventures, which at once subside into their accustomed + train, and shunning all flighty anticipations or wayward wanderings, + pursue their steady and decorous course. + </p> + <p> + If the brothers Cheeryble, as they found Nicholas worthy of trust and + confidence, bestowed upon him every day some new and substantial mark of + kindness, they were not less mindful of those who depended on him. Various + little presents to Mrs. Nickleby, always of the very things they most + required, tended in no slight degree to the improvement and embellishment + of the cottage. Kate’s little store of trinkets became quite dazzling; and + for company! If brother Charles and brother Ned failed to look in for at + least a few minutes every Sunday, or one evening in the week, there was Mr + Tim Linkinwater (who had never made half-a-dozen other acquaintances in + all his life, and who took such delight in his new friends as no words can + express) constantly coming and going in his evening walks, and stopping to + rest; while Mr. Frank Cheeryble happened, by some strange conjunction of + circumstances, to be passing the door on some business or other at least + three nights in the week. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is the most attentive young man I ever saw, Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby + to her daughter one evening, when this last-named gentleman had been the + subject of the worthy lady’s eulogium for some time, and Kate had sat + perfectly silent. + </p> + <p> + ‘Attentive, mama!’ rejoined Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my heart, Kate!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, with her wonted suddenness, + ‘what a colour you have got; why, you’re quite flushed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, mama! what strange things you fancy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It wasn’t fancy, Kate, my dear, I’m certain of that,’ returned her + mother. ‘However, it’s gone now at any rate, so it don’t much matter + whether it was or not. What was it we were talking about? Oh! Mr. Frank. I + never saw such attention in <i>my</i> life, never.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely you are not serious,’ returned Kate, colouring again; and this + time beyond all dispute. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not serious!’ returned Mrs. Nickleby; ‘why shouldn’t I be serious? I’m + sure I never was more serious. I will say that his politeness and + attention to me is one of the most becoming, gratifying, pleasant things I + have seen for a very long time. You don’t often meet with such behaviour + in young men, and it strikes one more when one does meet with it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! attention to <i>you</i>, mama,’ rejoined Kate quickly—‘oh yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear me, Kate,’ retorted Mrs. Nickleby, ‘what an extraordinary girl you + are! Was it likely I should be talking of his attention to anybody else? I + declare I’m quite sorry to think he should be in love with a German lady, + that I am.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He said very positively that it was no such thing, mama,’ returned Kate. + ‘Don’t you remember his saying so that very first night he came here? + Besides,’ she added, in a more gentle tone, ‘why should <i>we</i> be sorry if it + is the case? What is it to us, mama?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing to <i>us</i>, Kate, perhaps,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, emphatically; ‘but + something to <i>me</i>, I confess. I like English people to be thorough English + people, and not half English and half I don’t know what. I shall tell him + point-blank next time he comes, that I wish he would marry one of his own + country-women; and see what he says to that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Pray don’t think of such a thing, mama,’ returned Kate, hastily; ‘not for + the world. Consider. How very—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my dear, how very what?’ said Mrs. Nickleby, opening her eyes in + great astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Before Kate had returned any reply, a queer little double knock announced + that Miss La Creevy had called to see them; and when Miss La Creevy + presented herself, Mrs. Nickleby, though strongly disposed to be + argumentative on the previous question, forgot all about it in a gush of + supposes about the coach she had come by; supposing that the man who drove + must have been either the man in the shirt-sleeves or the man with the + black eye; that whoever he was, he hadn’t found that parasol she left + inside last week; that no doubt they had stopped a long while at the + Halfway House, coming down; or that perhaps being full, they had come + straight on; and, lastly, that they, surely, must have passed Nicholas on + the road. + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw nothing of him,’ answered Miss La Creevy; ‘but I saw that dear old + soul Mr. Linkinwater.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Taking his evening walk, and coming on to rest here, before he turns back + to the city, I’ll be bound!’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should think he was,’ returned Miss La Creevy; ‘especially as young Mr + Cheeryble was with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely that is no reason why Mr. Linkinwater should be coming here,’ said + Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why I think it is, my dear,’ said Miss La Creevy. ‘For a young man, Mr + Frank is not a very great walker; and I observe that he generally falls + tired, and requires a good long rest, when he has come as far as this. But + where is my friend?’ said the little woman, looking about, after having + glanced slyly at Kate. ‘He has not been run away with again, has he?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! where is Mr. Smike?’ said Mrs. Nickleby; ‘he was here this instant.’ + </p> + <p> + Upon further inquiry, it turned out, to the good lady’s unbounded + astonishment, that Smike had, that moment, gone upstairs to bed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well now,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘he is the strangest creature! Last Tuesday—was + it Tuesday? Yes, to be sure it was; you recollect, Kate, my dear, the very + last time young Mr. Cheeryble was here—last Tuesday night he went off + in just the same strange way, at the very moment the knock came to the + door. It cannot be that he don’t like company, because he is always fond + of people who are fond of Nicholas, and I am sure young Mr. Cheeryble is. + And the strangest thing is, that he does not go to bed; therefore it + cannot be because he is tired. I know he doesn’t go to bed, because my + room is the next one, and when I went upstairs last Tuesday, hours after + him, I found that he had not even taken his shoes off; and he had no + candle, so he must have sat moping in the dark all the time. Now, upon my + word,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘when I come to think of it, that’s very + extraordinary!’ + </p> + <p> + As the hearers did not echo this sentiment, but remained profoundly + silent, either as not knowing what to say, or as being unwilling to + interrupt, Mrs. Nickleby pursued the thread of her discourse after her own + fashion. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hope,’ said that lady, ‘that this unaccountable conduct may not be the + beginning of his taking to his bed and living there all his life, like the + Thirsty Woman of Tutbury, or the Cock-lane Ghost, or some of those + extraordinary creatures. One of them had some connection with our family. + I forget, without looking back to some old letters I have upstairs, + whether it was my great-grandfather who went to school with the Cock-lane + Ghost, or the Thirsty Woman of Tutbury who went to school with my + grandmother. Miss La Creevy, you know, of course. Which was it that didn’t + mind what the clergyman said? The Cock-lane Ghost or the Thirsty Woman of + Tutbury?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The Cock-lane Ghost, I believe.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I have no doubt,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘that it was with him my + great-grandfather went to school; for I know the master of his school was + a dissenter, and that would, in a great measure, account for the Cock-lane + Ghost’s behaving in such an improper manner to the clergyman when he grew + up. Ah! Train up a Ghost—child, I mean—’ + </p> + <p> + Any further reflections on this fruitful theme were abruptly cut short by + the arrival of Tim Linkinwater and Mr. Frank Cheeryble; in the hurry of + receiving whom, Mrs. Nickleby speedily lost sight of everything else. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so sorry Nicholas is not at home,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Kate, my + dear, you must be both Nicholas and yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Nickleby need be but herself,’ said Frank. ‘I—if I may venture + to say so—oppose all change in her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then at all events she shall press you to stay,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby. + ‘Mr. Linkinwater says ten minutes, but I cannot let you go so soon; + Nicholas would be very much vexed, I am sure. Kate, my dear!’ + </p> + <p> + In obedience to a great number of nods, and winks, and frowns of extra + significance, Kate added her entreaties that the visitors would remain; + but it was observable that she addressed them exclusively to Tim + Linkinwater; and there was, besides, a certain embarrassment in her + manner, which, although it was as far from impairing its graceful + character as the tinge it communicated to her cheek was from diminishing + her beauty, was obvious at a glance even to Mrs. Nickleby. Not being of a + very speculative character, however, save under circumstances when her + speculations could be put into words and uttered aloud, that discreet + matron attributed the emotion to the circumstance of her daughter’s not + happening to have her best frock on: ‘though I never saw her look better, + certainly,’ she reflected at the same time. Having settled the question in + this way, and being most complacently satisfied that in this, and in all + other instances, her conjecture could not fail to be the right one, Mrs + Nickleby dismissed it from her thoughts, and inwardly congratulated + herself on being so shrewd and knowing. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas did not come home nor did Smike reappear; but neither + circumstance, to say the truth, had any great effect upon the little + party, who were all in the best humour possible. Indeed, there sprung up + quite a flirtation between Miss La Creevy and Tim Linkinwater, who said a + thousand jocose and facetious things, and became, by degrees, quite + gallant, not to say tender. Little Miss La Creevy, on her part, was in + high spirits, and rallied Tim on having remained a bachelor all his life + with so much success, that Tim was actually induced to declare, that if he + could get anybody to have him, he didn’t know but what he might change his + condition even yet. Miss La Creevy earnestly recommended a lady she knew, + who would exactly suit Mr. Linkinwater, and had a very comfortable property + of her own; but this latter qualification had very little effect upon Tim, + who manfully protested that fortune would be no object with him, but that + true worth and cheerfulness of disposition were what a man should look for + in a wife, and that if he had these, he could find money enough for the + moderate wants of both. This avowal was considered so honourable to Tim, + that neither Mrs. Nickleby nor Miss La Creevy could sufficiently extol it; + and stimulated by their praises, Tim launched out into several other + declarations also manifesting the disinterestedness of his heart, and a + great devotion to the fair sex: which were received with no less + approbation. This was done and said with a comical mixture of jest and + earnest, and, leading to a great amount of laughter, made them very merry + indeed. + </p> + <p> + Kate was commonly the life and soul of the conversation at home; but she + was more silent than usual upon this occasion (perhaps because Tim and + Miss La Creevy engrossed so much of it), and, keeping aloof from the + talkers, sat at the window watching the shadows as the evening closed in, + and enjoying the quiet beauty of the night, which seemed to have scarcely + less attractions to Frank, who first lingered near, and then sat down + beside, her. No doubt, there are a great many things to be said + appropriate to a summer evening, and no doubt they are best said in a low + voice, as being most suitable to the peace and serenity of the hour; long + pauses, too, at times, and then an earnest word or so, and then another + interval of silence which, somehow, does not seem like silence either, and + perhaps now and then a hasty turning away of the head, or drooping of the + eyes towards the ground, all these minor circumstances, with a + disinclination to have candles introduced and a tendency to confuse hours + with minutes, are doubtless mere influences of the time, as many lovely + lips can clearly testify. Neither is there the slightest reason why Mrs + Nickleby should have expressed surprise when, candles being at length + brought in, Kate’s bright eyes were unable to bear the light which obliged + her to avert her face, and even to leave the room for some short time; + because, when one has sat in the dark so long, candles <i>are </i>dazzling, and + nothing can be more strictly natural than that such results should be + produced, as all well-informed young people know. For that matter, old + people know it too, or did know it once, but they forget these things + sometimes, and more’s the pity. + </p> + <p> + The good lady’s surprise, however, did not end here. It was greatly + increased when it was discovered that Kate had not the least appetite for + supper: a discovery so alarming that there is no knowing in what + unaccountable efforts of oratory Mrs. Nickleby’s apprehensions might have + been vented, if the general attention had not been attracted, at the + moment, by a very strange and uncommon noise, proceeding, as the pale and + trembling servant girl affirmed, and as everybody’s sense of hearing + seemed to affirm also, ‘right down’ the chimney of the adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + It being quite plain to the comprehension of all present that, however + extraordinary and improbable it might appear, the noise did nevertheless + proceed from the chimney in question; and the noise (which was a strange + compound of various shuffling, sliding, rumbling, and struggling sounds, + all muffled by the chimney) still continuing, Frank Cheeryble caught up a + candle, and Tim Linkinwater the tongs, and they would have very quickly + ascertained the cause of this disturbance if Mrs. Nickleby had not been + taken very faint, and declined being left behind, on any account. This + produced a short remonstrance, which terminated in their all proceeding to + the troubled chamber in a body, excepting only Miss La Creevy, who, as the + servant girl volunteered a confession of having been subject to fits in + her infancy, remained with her to give the alarm and apply restoratives, + in case of extremity. + </p> + <p> + Advancing to the door of the mysterious apartment, they were not a little + surprised to hear a human voice, chanting with a highly elaborated + expression of melancholy, and in tones of suffocation which a human voice + might have produced from under five or six feather-beds of the best + quality, the once popular air of ‘Has she then failed in her truth, the + beautiful maid I adore?’ Nor, on bursting into the room without demanding + a parley, was their astonishment lessened by the discovery that these + romantic sounds certainly proceeded from the throat of some man up the + chimney, of whom nothing was visible but a pair of legs, which were + dangling above the grate; apparently feeling, with extreme anxiety, for + the top bar whereon to effect a landing. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0661m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0661m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0661.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + A sight so unusual and unbusiness-like as this, completely paralysed Tim + Linkinwater, who, after one or two gentle pinches at the stranger’s + ankles, which were productive of no effect, stood clapping the tongs + together, as if he were sharpening them for another assault, and did + nothing else. + </p> + <p> + ‘This must be some drunken fellow,’ said Frank. ‘No thief would announce + his presence thus.’ + </p> + <p> + As he said this, with great indignation, he raised the candle to obtain a + better view of the legs, and was darting forward to pull them down with + very little ceremony, when Mrs. Nickleby, clasping her hands, uttered a + sharp sound, something between a scream and an exclamation, and demanded + to know whether the mysterious limbs were not clad in small-clothes and + grey worsted stockings, or whether her eyes had deceived her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ cried Frank, looking a little closer. ‘Small-clothes certainly, and—and—rough + grey stockings, too. Do you know him, ma’am?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, deliberately sitting herself down in a + chair with that sort of desperate resignation which seemed to imply that + now matters had come to a crisis, and all disguise was useless, ‘you will + have the goodness, my love, to explain precisely how this matter stands. I + have given him no encouragement—none whatever—not the least in + the world. You know that, my dear, perfectly well. He was very respectful, + exceedingly respectful, when he declared, as you were a witness to; still + at the same time, if I am to be persecuted in this way, if vegetable + what’s-his-names and all kinds of garden-stuff are to strew my path out of + doors, and gentlemen are to come choking up our chimneys at home, I really + don’t know—upon my word I do <i>not </i>know—what is to become of me. + It’s a very hard case—harder than anything I was ever exposed to, + before I married your poor dear papa, though I suffered a good deal of + annoyance then—but that, of course, I expected, and made up my mind + for. When I was not nearly so old as you, my dear, there was a young + gentleman who sat next us at church, who used, almost every Sunday, to cut + my name in large letters in the front of his pew while the sermon was + going on. It was gratifying, of course, naturally so, but still it was an + annoyance, because the pew was in a very conspicuous place, and he was + several times publicly taken out by the beadle for doing it. But that was + nothing to this. This is a great deal worse, and a great deal more + embarrassing. I would rather, Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with + great solemnity, and an effusion of tears: ‘I would rather, I declare, + have been a pig-faced lady, than be exposed to such a life as this!’ + </p> + <p> + Frank Cheeryble and Tim Linkinwater looked, in irrepressible astonishment, + first at each other and then at Kate, who felt that some explanation was + necessary, but who, between her terror at the apparition of the legs, her + fear lest their owner should be smothered, and her anxiety to give the + least ridiculous solution of the mystery that it was capable of bearing, + was quite unable to utter a single word. + </p> + <p> + ‘He gives me great pain,’ continued Mrs. Nickleby, drying her eyes, ‘great + pain; but don’t hurt a hair of his head, I beg. On no account hurt a hair + of his head.’ + </p> + <p> + It would not, under existing circumstances, have been quite so easy to + hurt a hair of the gentleman’s head as Mrs. Nickleby seemed to imagine, + inasmuch as that part of his person was some feet up the chimney, which + was by no means a wide one. But, as all this time he had never left off + singing about the bankruptcy of the beautiful maid in respect of truth, + and now began not only to croak very feebly, but to kick with great + violence as if respiration became a task of difficulty, Frank Cheeryble, + without further hesitation, pulled at the shorts and worsteds with such + heartiness as to bring him floundering into the room with greater + precipitation than he had quite calculated upon. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! yes, yes,’ said Kate, directly the whole figure of this singular + visitor appeared in this abrupt manner. ‘I know who it is. Pray don’t be + rough with him. Is he hurt? I hope not. Oh, pray see if he is hurt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is not, I assure you,’ replied Frank, handling the object of his + surprise, after this appeal, with sudden tenderness and respect. ‘He is + not hurt in the least.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t let him come any nearer,’ said Kate, retiring as far as she could. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no, he shall not,’ rejoined Frank. ‘You see I have him secure here. + But may I ask you what this means, and whether you expected this old + gentleman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, no,’ said Kate, ‘of course not; but he—mama does not think so, + I believe—but he is a mad gentleman who has escaped from the next + house, and must have found an opportunity of secreting himself here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate,’ interposed Mrs. Nickleby with severe dignity, ‘I am surprised at + you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mama,’ Kate gently remonstrated. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am surprised at you,’ repeated Mrs. Nickleby; ‘upon my word, Kate, I am + quite astonished that you should join the persecutors of this unfortunate + gentleman, when you know very well that they have the basest designs upon + his property, and that that is the whole secret of it. It would be much + kinder of you, Kate, to ask Mr. Linkinwater or Mr. Cheeryble to interfere in + his behalf, and see him righted. You ought not to allow your feelings to + influence you; it’s not right, very far from it. What should my feelings + be, do you suppose? If anybody ought to be indignant, who is it? I, of + course, and very properly so. Still, at the same time, I wouldn’t commit + such an injustice for the world. No,’ continued Mrs. Nickleby, drawing + herself up, and looking another way with a kind of bashful stateliness; + ‘this gentleman will understand me when I tell him that I repeat the + answer I gave him the other day; that I always will repeat it, though I do + believe him to be sincere when I find him placing himself in such dreadful + situations on my account; and that I request him to have the goodness to + go away directly, or it will be impossible to keep his behaviour a secret + from my son Nicholas. I am obliged to him, very much obliged to him, but I + cannot listen to his addresses for a moment. It’s quite impossible.’ + </p> + <p> + While this address was in course of delivery, the old gentleman, with his + nose and cheeks embellished with large patches of soot, sat upon the + ground with his arms folded, eyeing the spectators in profound silence, + and with a very majestic demeanour. He did not appear to take the smallest + notice of what Mrs. Nickleby said, but when she ceased to speak he honoured + her with a long stare, and inquired if she had quite finished. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have nothing more to say,’ replied that lady modestly. ‘I really cannot + say anything more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good,’ said the old gentleman, raising his voice, ‘then bring in the + bottled lightning, a clean tumbler, and a corkscrew.’ + </p> + <p> + Nobody executing this order, the old gentleman, after a short pause, + raised his voice again and demanded a thunder sandwich. This article not + being forthcoming either, he requested to be served with a fricassee of + boot-tops and goldfish sauce, and then laughing heartily, gratified his + hearers with a very long, very loud, and most melodious bellow. + </p> + <p> + But still Mrs. Nickleby, in reply to the significant looks of all about + her, shook her head as though to assure them that she saw nothing whatever + in all this, unless, indeed, it were a slight degree of eccentricity. She + might have remained impressed with these opinions down to the latest + moment of her life, but for a slight train of circumstances, which, + trivial as they were, altered the whole complexion of the case. + </p> + <p> + It happened that Miss La Creevy, finding her patient in no very + threatening condition, and being strongly impelled by curiosity to see + what was going forward, bustled into the room while the old gentleman was + in the very act of bellowing. It happened, too, that the instant the old + gentleman saw her, he stopped short, skipped suddenly on his feet, and + fell to kissing his hand violently: a change of demeanour which almost + terrified the little portrait painter out of her senses, and caused her to + retreat behind Tim Linkinwater with the utmost expedition. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aha!’ cried the old gentleman, folding his hands, and squeezing them with + great force against each other. ‘I see her now; I see her now! My love, my + life, my bride, my peerless beauty. She is come at last—at last—and + all is gas and gaiters!’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby looked rather disconcerted for a moment, but immediately + recovering, nodded to Miss La Creevy and the other spectators several + times, and frowned, and smiled gravely, giving them to understand that she + saw where the mistake was, and would set it all to rights in a minute or + two. + </p> + <p> + ‘She is come!’ said the old gentleman, laying his hand upon his heart. + ‘Cormoran and Blunderbore! She is come! All the wealth I have is hers if + she will take me for her slave. Where are grace, beauty, and + blandishments, like those? In the Empress of Madagascar? No. In the Queen + of Diamonds? No. In Mrs. Rowland, who every morning bathes in Kalydor for + nothing? No. Melt all these down into one, with the three Graces, the nine + Muses, and fourteen biscuit-bakers’ daughters from Oxford Street, and make + a woman half as lovely. Pho! I defy you.’ + </p> + <p> + After uttering this rhapsody, the old gentleman snapped his fingers twenty + or thirty times, and then subsided into an ecstatic contemplation of Miss + La Creevy’s charms. This affording Mrs. Nickleby a favourable opportunity + of explanation, she went about it straight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure,’ said the worthy lady, with a prefatory cough, ‘that it’s a + great relief, under such trying circumstances as these, to have anybody + else mistaken for me—a very great relief; and it’s a circumstance + that never occurred before, although I have several times been mistaken + for my daughter Kate. I have no doubt the people were very foolish, and + perhaps ought to have known better, but still they did take me for her, + and of course that was no fault of mine, and it would be very hard indeed + if I was to be made responsible for it. However, in this instance, of + course, I must feel that I should do exceedingly wrong if I suffered + anybody—especially anybody that I am under great obligations to—to + be made uncomfortable on my account. And therefore I think it my duty to + tell that gentleman that he is mistaken, that I am the lady who he was + told by some impertinent person was niece to the Council of Paving-stones, + and that I do beg and entreat of him to go quietly away, if it’s only + for,’ here Mrs. Nickleby simpered and hesitated, ‘for <i>my</i> sake.’ + </p> + <p> + It might have been expected that the old gentleman would have been + penetrated to the heart by the delicacy and condescension of this appeal, + and that he would at least have returned a courteous and suitable reply. + What, then, was the shock which Mrs. Nickleby received, when, accosting <i>her</i> + in the most unmistakable manner, he replied in a loud and sonourous voice: + ‘Avaunt! Cat!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir!’ cried Mrs. Nickleby, in a faint tone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Cat!’ repeated the old gentleman. ‘Puss, Kit, Tit, Grimalkin, Tabby, + Brindle! Whoosh!’ with which last sound, uttered in a hissing manner + between his teeth, the old gentleman swung his arms violently round and + round, and at the same time alternately advanced on Mrs. Nickleby, and + retreated from her, in that species of savage dance with which boys on + market-days may be seen to frighten pigs, sheep, and other animals, when + they give out obstinate indications of turning down a wrong street. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby wasted no words, but uttered an exclamation of horror and + surprise, and immediately fainted away. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll attend to mama,’ said Kate, hastily; ‘I am not at all frightened. + But pray take him away: pray take him away!’ + </p> + <p> + Frank was not at all confident of his power of complying with this + request, until he bethought himself of the stratagem of sending Miss La + Creevy on a few paces in advance, and urging the old gentleman to follow + her. It succeeded to a miracle; and he went away in a rapture of + admiration, strongly guarded by Tim Linkinwater on one side, and Frank + himself on the other. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate,’ murmured Mrs. Nickleby, reviving when the coast was clear, ‘is he + gone?’ + </p> + <p> + She was assured that he was. + </p> + <p> + ‘I shall never forgive myself, Kate,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘Never! That + gentleman has lost his senses, and I am the unhappy cause.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>You </i>the cause!’ said Kate, greatly astonished. + </p> + <p> + ‘I, my love,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, with a desperate calmness. ‘You saw + what he was the other day; you see what he is now. I told your brother, + weeks and weeks ago, Kate, that I hoped a disappointment might not be too + much for him. You see what a wreck he is. Making allowance for his being a + little flighty, you know how rationally, and sensibly, and honourably he + talked, when we saw him in the garden. You have heard the dreadful + nonsense he has been guilty of this night, and the manner in which he has + gone on with that poor unfortunate little old maid. Can anybody doubt how + all this has been brought about?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I should scarcely think they could,’ said Kate mildly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should scarcely think so, either,’ rejoined her mother. ‘Well! if I am + the unfortunate cause of this, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I + am not to blame. I told Nicholas, I said to him, “Nicholas, my dear, we + should be very careful how we proceed.” He would scarcely hear me. If the + matter had only been properly taken up at first, as I wished it to be! But + you are both of you so like your poor papa. However, I have <i>my</i> + consolation, and that should be enough for me!’ + </p> + <p> + Washing her hands, thus, of all responsibility under this head, past, + present, or to come, Mrs. Nickleby kindly added that she hoped her children + might never have greater cause to reproach themselves than she had, and + prepared herself to receive the escort, who soon returned with the + intelligence that the old gentleman was safely housed, and that they found + his custodians, who had been making merry with some friends, wholly + ignorant of his absence. + </p> + <p> + Quiet being again restored, a delicious half-hour—so Frank called + it, in the course of subsequent conversation with Tim Linkinwater as they + were walking home—was spent in conversation, and Tim’s watch at + length apprising him that it was high time to depart, the ladies were left + alone, though not without many offers on the part of Frank to remain until + Nicholas arrived, no matter what hour of the night it might be, if, after + the late neighbourly irruption, they entertained the least fear of being + left to themselves. As their freedom from all further apprehension, + however, left no pretext for his insisting on mounting guard, he was + obliged to abandon the citadel, and to retire with the trusty Tim. + </p> + <p> + Nearly three hours of silence passed away. Kate blushed to find, when + Nicholas returned, how long she had been sitting alone, occupied with her + own thoughts. + </p> + <p> + ‘I really thought it had not been half an hour,’ she said. + </p> + <p> + ‘They must have been pleasant thoughts, Kate,’ rejoined Nicholas gaily, + ‘to make time pass away like that. What were they now?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate was confused; she toyed with some trifle on the table, looked up and + smiled, looked down and dropped a tear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, Kate,’ said Nicholas, drawing his sister towards him and kissing + her, ‘let me see your face. No? Ah! that was but a glimpse; that’s + scarcely fair. A longer look than that, Kate. Come—and I’ll read + your thoughts for you.’ + </p> + <p> + There was something in this proposition, albeit it was said without the + slightest consciousness or application, which so alarmed his sister, that + Nicholas laughingly changed the subject to domestic matters, and thus + gathered, by degrees, as they left the room and went upstairs together, + how lonely Smike had been all night—and by very slow degrees, too; + for on this subject also, Kate seemed to speak with some reluctance. + </p> + <p> + ‘Poor fellow,’ said Nicholas, tapping gently at his door, ‘what can be the + cause of all this?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate was hanging on her brother’s arm. The door being quickly opened, she + had not time to disengage herself, before Smike, very pale and haggard, + and completely dressed, confronted them. + </p> + <p> + ‘And have you not been to bed?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘N—n—no,’ was the reply. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas gently detained his sister, who made an effort to retire; and + asked, ‘Why not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I could not sleep,’ said Smike, grasping the hand which his friend + extended to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are not well?’ rejoined Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am better, indeed. A great deal better,’ said Smike quickly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why do you give way to these fits of melancholy?’ inquired Nicholas, + in his kindest manner; ‘or why not tell us the cause? You grow a different + creature, Smike.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do; I know I do,’ he replied. ‘I will tell you the reason one day, but + not now. I hate myself for this; you are all so good and kind. But I + cannot help it. My heart is very full; you do not know how full it is.’ + </p> + <p> + He wrung Nicholas’s hand before he released it; and glancing, for a + moment, at the brother and sister as they stood together, as if there were + something in their strong affection which touched him very deeply, + withdrew into his chamber, and was soon the only watcher under that quiet + roof. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 50 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> + <i>nvolves a serious Catastrophe</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p>The little race-course at Hampton was in the full tide and height of its + gaiety; the day as dazzling as day could be; the sun high in the cloudless + sky, and shining in its fullest splendour. Every gaudy colour that + fluttered in the air from carriage seat and garish tent top, shone out in + its gaudiest hues. Old dingy flags grew new again, faded gilding was + re-burnished, stained rotten canvas looked a snowy white, the very + beggars’ rags were freshened up, and sentiment quite forgot its charity in + its fervent admiration of poverty so picturesque. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those scenes of life and animation, caught in its very + brightest and freshest moments, which can scarcely fail to please; for if + the eye be tired of show and glare, or the ear be weary with a ceaseless + round of noise, the one may repose, turn almost where it will, on eager, + happy, and expectant faces, and the other deaden all consciousness of more + annoying sounds in those of mirth and exhilaration. Even the sunburnt + faces of gypsy children, half naked though they be, suggest a drop of + comfort. It is a pleasant thing to see that the sun has been there; to + know that the air and light are on them every day; to feel that they <i>are</i> + children, and lead children’s lives; that if their pillows be damp, it is + with the dews of Heaven, and not with tears; that the limbs of their girls + are free, and that they are not crippled by distortions, imposing an + unnatural and horrible penance upon their sex; that their lives are spent, + from day to day, at least among the waving trees, and not in the midst of + dreadful engines which make young children old before they know what + childhood is, and give them the exhaustion and infirmity of age, without, + like age, the privilege to die. God send that old nursery tales were true, + and that gypsies stole such children by the score! + </p> + <p> + The great race of the day had just been run; and the close lines of + people, on either side of the course, suddenly breaking up and pouring + into it, imparted a new liveliness to the scene, which was again all busy + movement. Some hurried eagerly to catch a glimpse of the winning horse; + others darted to and fro, searching, no less eagerly, for the carriages + they had left in quest of better stations. Here, a little knot gathered + round a pea and thimble table to watch the plucking of some unhappy + greenhorn; and there, another proprietor with his confederates in various + disguises—one man in spectacles; another, with an eyeglass and a + stylish hat; a third, dressed as a farmer well to do in the world, with + his top-coat over his arm and his flash notes in a large leathern + pocket-book; and all with heavy-handled whips to represent most innocent + country fellows who had trotted there on horseback—sought, by loud + and noisy talk and pretended play, to entrap some unwary customer, while + the gentlemen confederates (of more villainous aspect still, in clean + linen and good clothes), betrayed their close interest in the concern by + the anxious furtive glance they cast on all new comers. These would be + hanging on the outskirts of a wide circle of people assembled round some + itinerant juggler, opposed, in his turn, by a noisy band of music, or the + classic game of ‘Ring the Bull,’ while ventriloquists holding dialogues + with wooden dolls, and fortune-telling women smothering the cries of real + babies, divided with them, and many more, the general attention of the + company. Drinking-tents were full, glasses began to clink in carriages, + hampers to be unpacked, tempting provisions to be set forth, knives and + forks to rattle, champagne corks to fly, eyes to brighten that were not + dull before, and pickpockets to count their gains during the last heat. + The attention so recently strained on one object of interest, was now + divided among a hundred; and look where you would, there was a motley + assemblage of feasting, laughing, talking, begging, gambling, and mummery. + </p> + <p> + Of the gambling-booths there was a plentiful show, flourishing in all the + splendour of carpeted ground, striped hangings, crimson cloth, pinnacled + roofs, geranium pots, and livery servants. There were the Stranger’s + club-house, the Athenaeum club-house, the Hampton club-house, the St + James’s club-house, and half a mile of club-houses to play <i>in</i>; and there + were <i>Rouge-Et-Noir,</i> French hazard, and other games to play <i>at</i>. It is into + one of these booths that our story takes its way. + </p> + <p> + Fitted up with three tables for the purposes of play, and crowded with + players and lookers on, it was, although the largest place of the kind + upon the course, intensely hot, notwithstanding that a portion of the + canvas roof was rolled back to admit more air, and there were two doors + for a free passage in and out. Excepting one or two men who, each with a + long roll of half-crowns, chequered with a few stray sovereigns, in his + left hand, staked their money at every roll of the ball with a + business-like sedateness which showed that they were used to it, and had + been playing all day, and most probably all the day before, there was no + very distinctive character about the players, who were chiefly young men, + apparently attracted by curiosity, or staking small sums as part of the + amusement of the day, with no very great interest in winning or losing. + There were two persons present, however, who, as peculiarly good specimens + of a class, deserve a passing notice. + </p> + <p> + Of these, one was a man of six or eight and fifty, who sat on a chair near + one of the entrances of the booth, with his hands folded on the top of his + stick, and his chin appearing above them. He was a tall, fat, long-bodied + man, buttoned up to the throat in a light green coat, which made his body + look still longer than it was. He wore, besides, drab breeches and + gaiters, a white neckerchief, and a broad-brimmed white hat. Amid all the + buzzing noise of the games, and the perpetual passing in and out of the + people, he seemed perfectly calm and abstracted, without the smallest + particle of excitement in his composition. He exhibited no indication of + weariness, nor, to a casual observer, of interest either. There he sat, + quite still and collected. Sometimes, but very rarely, he nodded to some + passing face, or beckoned to a waiter to obey a call from one of the + tables. The next instant he subsided into his old state. He might have + been some profoundly deaf old gentleman, who had come in to take a rest, + or he might have been patiently waiting for a friend, without the least + consciousness of anybody’s presence, or fixed in a trance, or under the + influence of opium. People turned round and looked at him; he made no + gesture, caught nobody’s eye, let them pass away, and others come on and + be succeeded by others, and took no notice. When he did move, it seemed + wonderful how he could have seen anything to occasion it. And so, in + truth, it was. But there was not a face that passed in or out, which this + man failed to see; not a gesture at any one of the three tables that was + lost upon him; not a word, spoken by the bankers, but reached his ear; not + a winner or loser he could not have marked. And he was the proprietor of + the place. + </p> + <p> + The other presided over the <i>Rouge-Et-Noir</i> table. He was probably some ten + years younger, and was a plump, paunchy, sturdy-looking fellow, with his + under-lip a little pursed, from a habit of counting money inwardly as he + paid it, but with no decidedly bad expression in his face, which was + rather an honest and jolly one than otherwise. He wore no coat, the + weather being hot, and stood behind the table with a huge mound of crowns + and half-crowns before him, and a cash-box for notes. This game was + constantly playing. Perhaps twenty people would be staking at the same + time. This man had to roll the ball, to watch the stakes as they were laid + down, to gather them off the colour which lost, to pay those who won, to + do it all with the utmost dispatch, to roll the ball again, and to keep + this game perpetually alive. He did it all with a rapidity absolutely + marvellous; never hesitating, never making a mistake, never stopping, and + never ceasing to repeat such unconnected phrases as the following, which, + partly from habit, and partly to have something appropriate and + business-like to say, he constantly poured out with the same monotonous + emphasis, and in nearly the same order, all day long: + </p> + <p> + ‘Rooge-a-nore from Paris! Gentlemen, make your game and back your own + opinions—any time while the ball rolls—rooge-a-nore from + Paris, gentlemen, it’s a French game, gentlemen, I brought it over myself, + I did indeed!—Rooge-a-nore from Paris—black wins—black—stop + a minute, sir, and I’ll pay you, directly—two there, half a pound + there, three there—and one there—gentlemen, the ball’s a + rolling—any time, sir, while the ball rolls!—The beauty of + this game is, that you can double your stakes or put down your money, + gentlemen, any time while the ball rolls—black again—black + wins—I never saw such a thing—I never did, in all my life, + upon my word I never did; if any gentleman had been backing the black in + the last five minutes he must have won five-and-forty pound in four rolls + of the ball, he must indeed. Gentlemen, we’ve port, sherry, cigars, and + most excellent champagne. Here, wai-ter, bring a bottle of champagne, and + let’s have a dozen or fifteen cigars here—and let’s be comfortable, + gentlemen—and bring some clean glasses—any time while the ball + rolls!—I lost one hundred and thirty-seven pound yesterday, + gentlemen, at one roll of the ball, I did indeed!—how do you do, + sir?’ (recognising some knowing gentleman without any halt or change of + voice, and giving a wink so slight that it seems an accident), ‘will you + take a glass of sherry, sir?—here, wai-ter! bring a clean glass, and + hand the sherry to this gentleman—and hand it round, will you, + waiter?—this is the rooge-a-nore from Paris, gentlemen—any + time while the ball rolls!—gentlemen, make your game, and back your + own opinions—it’s the rooge-a-nore from Paris—quite a new + game, I brought it over myself, I did indeed—gentlemen, the ball’s + a-rolling!’ + </p> + <p> + This officer was busily plying his vocation when half-a-dozen persons + sauntered through the booth, to whom, but without stopping either in his + speech or work, he bowed respectfully; at the same time directing, by a + look, the attention of a man beside him to the tallest figure in the + group, in recognition of whom the proprietor pulled off his hat. This was + Sir Mulberry Hawk, with whom were his friend and pupil, and a small train + of gentlemanly-dressed men, of characters more doubtful than obscure. + </p> + <p> + The proprietor, in a low voice, bade Sir Mulberry good-day. Sir Mulberry, + in the same tone, bade the proprietor go to the devil, and turned to speak + with his friends. + </p> + <p> + There was evidently an irritable consciousness about him that he was an + object of curiosity, on this first occasion of showing himself in public + after the accident that had befallen him; and it was easy to perceive that + he appeared on the race-course, that day, more in the hope of meeting with + a great many people who knew him, and so getting over as much as possible + of the annoyance at once, than with any purpose of enjoying the sport. + There yet remained a slight scar upon his face, and whenever he was + recognised, as he was almost every minute by people sauntering in and out, + he made a restless effort to conceal it with his glove; showing how keenly + he felt the disgrace he had undergone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Hawk,’ said one very sprucely-dressed personage in a Newmarket coat, + a choice neckerchief, and all other accessories of the most + unexceptionable kind. ‘How d’ye do, old fellow?’ + </p> + <p> + This was a rival trainer of young noblemen and gentlemen, and the person + of all others whom Sir Mulberry most hated and dreaded to meet. They shook + hands with excessive cordiality. + </p> + <p> + ‘And how are you now, old fellow, hey?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite well, quite well,’ said Sir Mulberry. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ said the other. ‘How d’ye do, Verisopht? He’s a little + pulled down, our friend here. Rather out of condition still, hey?’ + </p> + <p> + It should be observed that the gentleman had very white teeth, and that + when there was no excuse for laughing, he generally finished with the same + monosyllable, which he uttered so as to display them. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s in very good condition; there’s nothing the matter with him,’ said + the young man carelessly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my soul I’m glad to hear it,’ rejoined the other. ‘Have you just + returned from Brussels?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We only reached town late last night,’ said Lord Frederick. Sir Mulberry + turned away to speak to one of his own party, and feigned not to hear. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, upon my life,’ said the friend, affecting to speak in a whisper, + ‘it’s an uncommonly bold and game thing in Hawk to show himself so soon. I + say it advisedly; there’s a vast deal of courage in it. You see he has + just rusticated long enough to excite curiosity, and not long enough for + men to have forgotten that deuced unpleasant—by-the-bye—you + know the rights of the affair, of course? Why did you never give those + confounded papers the lie? I seldom read the papers, but I looked in the + papers for that, and may I be—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look in the papers,’ interrupted Sir Mulberry, turning suddenly round, + ‘tomorrow—no, next day, will you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my life, my dear fellow, I seldom or never read the papers,’ said + the other, shrugging his shoulders, ‘but I will, at your recommendation. + What shall I look for?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good day,’ said Sir Mulberry, turning abruptly on his heel, and drawing + his pupil with him. Falling, again, into the loitering, careless pace at + which they had entered, they lounged out, arm in arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t give him a case of murder to read,’ muttered Sir Mulberry with an + oath; ‘but it shall be something very near it if whipcord cuts and + bludgeons bruise.’ + </p> + <p> + His companion said nothing, but there was something in his manner which + galled Sir Mulberry to add, with nearly as much ferocity as if his friend + had been Nicholas himself: + </p> + <p> + ‘I sent Jenkins to old Nickleby before eight o’clock this morning. He’s a + staunch one; he was back with me before the messenger. I had it all from + him in the first five minutes. I know where this hound is to be met with; + time and place both. But there’s no need to talk; tomorrow will soon be + here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And wha-at’s to be done tomorrow?’ inquired Lord Frederick. + </p> + <p> + Sir Mulberry Hawk honoured him with an angry glance, but condescended to + return no verbal answer to this inquiry. Both walked sullenly on, as + though their thoughts were busily occupied, until they were quite clear of + the crowd, and almost alone, when Sir Mulberry wheeled round to return. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop,’ said his companion, ‘I want to speak to you in earnest. Don’t turn + back. Let us walk here, a few minutes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What have you to say to me, that you could not say yonder as well as + here?’ returned his Mentor, disengaging his arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hawk,’ rejoined the other, ‘tell me; I must know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Must </i>know,’ interrupted the other disdainfully. ‘Whew! Go on. If you must + know, of course there’s no escape for me. Must know!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Must ask then,’ returned Lord Frederick, ‘and must press you for a plain + and straightforward answer. Is what you have just said only a mere whim of + the moment, occasioned by your being out of humour and irritated, or is it + your serious intention, and one that you have actually contemplated?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, don’t you remember what passed on the subject one night, when I was + laid up with a broken limb?’ said Sir Mulberry, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perfectly well.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then take that for an answer, in the devil’s name,’ replied Sir Mulberry, + ‘and ask me for no other.’ + </p> + <p> + Such was the ascendancy he had acquired over his dupe, and such the + latter’s general habit of submission, that, for the moment, the young man + seemed half afraid to pursue the subject. He soon overcame this feeling, + however, if it had restrained him at all, and retorted angrily: + </p> + <p> + ‘If I remember what passed at the time you speak of, I expressed a strong + opinion on this subject, and said that, with my knowledge or consent, you + never should do what you threaten now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you prevent me?’ asked Sir Mulberry, with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ye-es, if I can,’ returned the other, promptly. + </p> + <p> + ‘A very proper saving clause, that last,’ said Sir Mulberry; ‘and one you + stand in need of. Oh! look to your own business, and leave me to look to + mine.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This <i>is</i> mine,’ retorted Lord Frederick. ‘I make it mine; I will make it + mine. It’s mine already. I am more compromised than I should be, as it + is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do as you please, and what you please, for yourself,’ said Sir Mulberry, + affecting an easy good-humour. ‘Surely that must content you! Do nothing + for me; that’s all. I advise no man to interfere in proceedings that I + choose to take. I am sure you know me better than to do so. The fact is, I + see, you mean to offer me advice. It is well meant, I have no doubt, but I + reject it. Now, if you please, we will return to the carriage. I find no + entertainment here, but quite the reverse. If we prolong this + conversation, we might quarrel, which would be no proof of wisdom in + either you or me.’ + </p> + <p> + With this rejoinder, and waiting for no further discussion, Sir Mulberry + Hawk yawned, and very leisurely turned back. + </p> + <p> + There was not a little tact and knowledge of the young lord’s disposition + in this mode of treating him. Sir Mulberry clearly saw that if his + dominion were to last, it must be established now. He knew that the moment + he became violent, the young man would become violent too. He had, many + times, been enabled to strengthen his influence, when any circumstance had + occurred to weaken it, by adopting this cool and laconic style; and he + trusted to it now, with very little doubt of its entire success. + </p> + <p> + But while he did this, and wore the most careless and indifferent + deportment that his practised arts enabled him to assume, he inwardly + resolved, not only to visit all the mortification of being compelled to + suppress his feelings, with additional severity upon Nicholas, but also to + make the young lord pay dearly for it, one day, in some shape or other. So + long as he had been a passive instrument in his hands, Sir Mulberry had + regarded him with no other feeling than contempt; but, now that he + presumed to avow opinions in opposition to his, and even to turn upon him + with a lofty tone and an air of superiority, he began to hate him. + Conscious that, in the vilest and most worthless sense of the term, he was + dependent upon the weak young lord, Sir Mulberry could the less brook + humiliation at his hands; and when he began to dislike him he measured his + dislike—as men often do—by the extent of the injuries he had + inflicted upon its object. When it is remembered that Sir Mulberry Hawk + had plundered, duped, deceived, and fooled his pupil in every possible + way, it will not be wondered at, that, beginning to hate him, he began to + hate him cordially. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the young lord having thought—which he very + seldom did about anything—and seriously too, upon the affair with + Nicholas, and the circumstances which led to it, had arrived at a manly + and honest conclusion. Sir Mulberry’s coarse and insulting behaviour on + the occasion in question had produced a deep impression on his mind; a + strong suspicion of his having led him on to pursue Miss Nickleby for + purposes of his own, had been lurking there for some time; he was really + ashamed of his share in the transaction, and deeply mortified by the + misgiving that he had been gulled. He had had sufficient leisure to + reflect upon these things, during their late retirement; and, at times, + when his careless and indolent nature would permit, had availed himself of + the opportunity. Slight circumstances, too, had occurred to increase his + suspicion. It wanted but a very slight circumstance to kindle his wrath + against Sir Mulberry. This his disdainful and insolent tone in their + recent conversation (the only one they had held upon the subject since the + period to which Sir Mulberry referred), effected. + </p> + <p> + Thus they rejoined their friends: each with causes of dislike against the + other rankling in his breast: and the young man haunted, besides, with + thoughts of the vindictive retaliation which was threatened against + Nicholas, and the determination to prevent it by some strong step, if + possible. But this was not all. Sir Mulberry, conceiving that he had + silenced him effectually, could not suppress his triumph, or forbear from + following up what he conceived to be his advantage. Mr. Pyke was there, and + Mr. Pluck was there, and Colonel Chowser, and other gentlemen of the same + caste, and it was a great point for Sir Mulberry to show them that he had + not lost his influence. At first, the young lord contented himself with a + silent determination to take measures for withdrawing himself from the + connection immediately. By degrees, he grew more angry, and was + exasperated by jests and familiarities which, a few hours before, would + have been a source of amusement to him. This did not serve him; for, at + such bantering or retort as suited the company, he was no match for Sir + Mulberry. Still, no violent rupture took place. They returned to town; + Messrs Pyke and Pluck and other gentlemen frequently protesting, on the + way thither, that Sir Mulberry had never been in such tiptop spirits in + all his life. + </p> + <p> + They dined together, sumptuously. The wine flowed freely, as indeed it had + done all day. Sir Mulberry drank to recompense himself for his recent + abstinence; the young lord, to drown his indignation; and the remainder of + the party, because the wine was of the best and they had nothing to pay. + It was nearly midnight when they rushed out, wild, burning with wine, + their blood boiling, and their brains on fire, to the gaming-table. + </p> + <p> + Here, they encountered another party, mad like themselves. The excitement + of play, hot rooms, and glaring lights was not calculated to allay the + fever of the time. In that giddy whirl of noise and confusion, the men + were delirious. Who thought of money, ruin, or the morrow, in the savage + intoxication of the moment? More wine was called for, glass after glass + was drained, their parched and scalding mouths were cracked with thirst. + Down poured the wine like oil on blazing fire. And still the riot went on. + The debauchery gained its height; glasses were dashed upon the floor by + hands that could not carry them to lips; oaths were shouted out by lips + which could scarcely form the words to vent them in; drunken losers cursed + and roared; some mounted on the tables, waving bottles above their heads + and bidding defiance to the rest; some danced, some sang, some tore the + cards and raved. Tumult and frenzy reigned supreme; when a noise arose + that drowned all others, and two men, seizing each other by the throat, + struggled into the middle of the room. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0678m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0678m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0678.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + A dozen voices, until now unheard, called aloud to part them. Those who + had kept themselves cool, to win, and who earned their living in such + scenes, threw themselves upon the combatants, and, forcing them asunder, + dragged them some space apart. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me go!’ cried Sir Mulberry, in a thick hoarse voice; ‘he struck me! + Do you hear? I say, he struck me. Have I a friend here? Who is this? + Westwood. Do you hear me say he struck me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear, I hear,’ replied one of those who held him. ‘Come away for + tonight!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not, by G—,’ he replied. ‘A dozen men about us saw the + blow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tomorrow will be ample time,’ said the friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘It will not be ample time!’ cried Sir Mulberry. ‘Tonight, at once, here!’ + His passion was so great, that he could not articulate, but stood + clenching his fist, tearing his hair, and stamping upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this, my lord?’ said one of those who surrounded him. ‘Have blows + passed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>One </i>blow has,’ was the panting reply. ‘I struck him. I proclaim it to all + here! I struck him, and he knows why. I say, with him, let this quarrel be + adjusted now. Captain Adams,’ said the young lord, looking hurriedly about + him, and addressing one of those who had interposed, ‘let me speak with + you, I beg.’ + </p> + <p> + The person addressed stepped forward, and taking the young man’s arm, they + retired together, followed shortly afterwards by Sir Mulberry and his + friend. + </p> + <p> + It was a profligate haunt of the worst repute, and not a place in which + such an affair was likely to awaken any sympathy for either party, or to + call forth any further remonstrance or interposition. Elsewhere, its + further progress would have been instantly prevented, and time allowed for + sober and cool reflection; but not there. Disturbed in their orgies, the + party broke up; some reeled away with looks of tipsy gravity; others + withdrew noisily discussing what had just occurred; the gentlemen of + honour who lived upon their winnings remarked to each other, as they went + out, that Hawk was a good shot; and those who had been most noisy, fell + fast asleep upon the sofas, and thought no more about it. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the two seconds, as they may be called now, after a long + conference, each with his principal, met together in another room. Both + utterly heartless, both men upon town, both thoroughly initiated in its + worst vices, both deeply in debt, both fallen from some higher estate, + both addicted to every depravity for which society can find some genteel + name and plead its most depraving conventionalities as an excuse, they + were naturally gentlemen of most unblemished honour themselves, and of + great nicety concerning the honour of other people. + </p> + <p> + These two gentlemen were unusually cheerful just now; for the affair was + pretty certain to make some noise, and could scarcely fail to enhance + their reputations. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is an awkward affair, Adams,’ said Mr. Westwood, drawing himself up. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very,’ returned the captain; ‘a blow has been struck, and there is but + one course, <i>of</i> course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No apology, I suppose?’ said Mr. Westwood. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a syllable, sir, from my man, if we talk till doomsday,’ returned the + captain. ‘The original cause of dispute, I understand, was some girl or + other, to whom your principal applied certain terms, which Lord Frederick, + defending the girl, repelled. But this led to a long recrimination upon a + great many sore subjects, charges, and counter-charges. Sir Mulberry was + sarcastic; Lord Frederick was excited, and struck him in the heat of + provocation, and under circumstances of great aggravation. That blow, + unless there is a full retraction on the part of Sir Mulberry, Lord + Frederick is ready to justify.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no more to be said,’ returned the other, ‘but to settle the hour + and the place of meeting. It’s a responsibility; but there is a strong + feeling to have it over. Do you object to say at sunrise?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sharp work,’ replied the captain, referring to his watch; ‘however, as + this seems to have been a long time breeding, and negotiation is only a + waste of words, no.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Something may possibly be said, out of doors, after what passed in the + other room, which renders it desirable that we should be off without + delay, and quite clear of town,’ said Mr. Westwood. ‘What do you say to one + of the meadows opposite Twickenham, by the river-side?’ + </p> + <p> + The captain saw no objection. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall we join company in the avenue of trees which leads from Petersham + to Ham House, and settle the exact spot when we arrive there?’ said Mr + Westwood. + </p> + <p> + To this the captain also assented. After a few other preliminaries, + equally brief, and having settled the road each party should take to avoid + suspicion, they separated. + </p> + <p> + ‘We shall just have comfortable time, my lord,’ said the captain, when he + had communicated the arrangements, ‘to call at my rooms for a case of + pistols, and then jog coolly down. If you will allow me to dismiss your + servant, we’ll take my cab; for yours, perhaps, might be recognised.’ + </p> + <p> + What a contrast, when they reached the street, to the scene they had just + left! It was already daybreak. For the flaring yellow light within, was + substituted the clear, bright, glorious morning; for a hot, close + atmosphere, tainted with the smell of expiring lamps, and reeking with the + steams of riot and dissipation, the free, fresh, wholesome air. But to the + fevered head on which that cool air blew, it seemed to come laden with + remorse for time misspent and countless opportunities neglected. With + throbbing veins and burning skin, eyes wild and heavy, thoughts hurried + and disordered, he felt as though the light were a reproach, and shrunk + involuntarily from the day as if he were some foul and hideous thing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shivering?’ said the captain. ‘You are cold.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Rather.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It does strike cool, coming out of those hot rooms. Wrap that cloak about + you. So, so; now we’re off.’ + </p> + <p> + They rattled through the quiet streets, made their call at the captain’s + lodgings, cleared the town, and emerged upon the open road, without + hindrance or molestation. + </p> + <p> + Fields, trees, gardens, hedges, everything looked very beautiful; the + young man scarcely seemed to have noticed them before, though he had + passed the same objects a thousand times. There was a peace and serenity + upon them all, strangely at variance with the bewilderment and confusion + of his own half-sobered thoughts, and yet impressive and welcome. He had + no fear upon his mind; but, as he looked about him, he had less anger; and + though all old delusions, relative to his worthless late companion, were + now cleared away, he rather wished he had never known him than thought of + its having come to this. + </p> + <p> + The past night, the day before, and many other days and nights beside, all + mingled themselves up in one unintelligible and senseless whirl; he could + not separate the transactions of one time from those of another. Now, the + noise of the wheels resolved itself into some wild tune in which he could + recognise scraps of airs he knew; now, there was nothing in his ears but a + stunning and bewildering sound, like rushing water. But his companion + rallied him on being so silent, and they talked and laughed boisterously. + When they stopped, he was a little surprised to find himself in the act of + smoking; but, on reflection, he remembered when and where he had taken the + cigar. + </p> + <p> + They stopped at the avenue gate and alighted, leaving the carriage to the + care of the servant, who was a smart fellow, and nearly as well accustomed + to such proceedings as his master. Sir Mulberry and his friend were + already there. All four walked in profound silence up the aisle of stately + elm trees, which, meeting far above their heads, formed a long green + perspective of Gothic arches, terminating, like some old ruin, in the open + sky. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, and a brief conference between the seconds, they, at + length, turned to the right, and taking a track across a little meadow, + passed Ham House and came into some fields beyond. In one of these, they + stopped. The ground was measured, some usual forms gone through, the two + principals were placed front to front at the distance agreed upon, and Sir + Mulberry turned his face towards his young adversary for the first time. + He was very pale, his eyes were bloodshot, his dress disordered, and his + hair dishevelled. For the face, it expressed nothing but violent and evil + passions. He shaded his eyes with his hand; grazed at his opponent, + steadfastly, for a few moments; and, then taking the weapon which was + tendered to him, bent his eyes upon that, and looked up no more until the + word was given, when he instantly fired. + </p> + <p> + The two shots were fired, as nearly as possible, at the same instant. In + that instant, the young lord turned his head sharply round, fixed upon his + adversary a ghastly stare, and without a groan or stagger, fell down dead. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s gone!’ cried Westwood, who, with the other second, had run up to the + body, and fallen on one knee beside it. + </p> + <p> + ‘His blood on his own head,’ said Sir Mulberry. ‘He brought this upon + himself, and forced it upon me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Captain Adams,’ cried Westwood, hastily, ‘I call you to witness that this + was fairly done. Hawk, we have not a moment to lose. We must leave this + place immediately, push for Brighton, and cross to France with all speed. + This has been a bad business, and may be worse, if we delay a moment. + Adams, consult your own safety, and don’t remain here; the living before + the dead; goodbye!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, he seized Sir Mulberry by the arm, and hurried him away. + Captain Adams—only pausing to convince himself, beyond all question, + of the fatal result—sped off in the same direction, to concert + measures with his servant for removing the body, and securing his own + safety likewise. + </p> + <p> + So died Lord Frederick Verisopht, by the hand which he had loaded with + gifts, and clasped a thousand times; by the act of him, but for whom, and + others like him, he might have lived a happy man, and died with children’s + faces round his bed. + </p> + <p> + The sun came proudly up in all his majesty, the noble river ran its + winding course, the leaves quivered and rustled in the air, the birds + poured their cheerful songs from every tree, the short-lived butterfly + fluttered its little wings; all the light and life of day came on; and, + amidst it all, and pressing down the grass whose every blade bore twenty + tiny lives, lay the dead man, with his stark and rigid face turned upwards + to the sky. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 51 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span><i>he Project of Mr. Ralph Nickleby and his Friend approaching a successful + Issue, becomes unexpectedly known to another Party, not admitted into + their Confidence</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + In an old house, dismal dark and dusty, which seemed to have withered, + like himself, and to have grown yellow and shrivelled in hoarding him from + the light of day, as he had in hoarding his money, lived Arthur Gride. + Meagre old chairs and tables, of spare and bony make, and hard and cold as + misers’ hearts, were ranged, in grim array, against the gloomy walls; + attenuated presses, grown lank and lantern-jawed in guarding the treasures + they enclosed, and tottering, as though from constant fear and dread of + thieves, shrunk up in dark corners, whence they cast no shadows on the + ground, and seemed to hide and cower from observation. A tall grim clock + upon the stairs, with long lean hands and famished face, ticked in + cautious whispers; and when it struck the time, in thin and piping sounds, + like an old man’s voice, rattled, as if it were pinched with hunger. + </p> + <p> + No fireside couch was there, to invite repose and comfort. Elbow-chairs + there were, but they looked uneasy in their minds, cocked their arms + suspiciously and timidly, and kept upon their guard. Others, were + fantastically grim and gaunt, as having drawn themselves up to their + utmost height, and put on their fiercest looks to stare all comers out of + countenance. Others, again, knocked up against their neighbours, or leant + for support against the wall—somewhat ostentatiously, as if to call + all men to witness that they were not worth the taking. The dark square + lumbering bedsteads seemed built for restless dreams; the musty hangings + seemed to creep in scanty folds together, whispering among themselves, + when rustled by the wind, their trembling knowledge of the tempting wares + that lurked within the dark and tight-locked closets. + </p> + <p> + From out the most spare and hungry room in all this spare and hungry house + there came, one morning, the tremulous tones of old Gride’s voice, as it + feebly chirruped forth the fag end of some forgotten song, of which the + burden ran: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ta—ran—tan—too, + Throw the old shoe, + And may the wedding be lucky! +</pre> + <p> + which he repeated, in the same shrill quavering notes, again and again, + until a violent fit of coughing obliged him to desist, and to pursue in + silence, the occupation upon which he was engaged. + </p> + <p> + This occupation was, to take down from the shelves of a worm-eaten + wardrobe a quantity of frouzy garments, one by one; to subject each to a + careful and minute inspection by holding it up against the light, and + after folding it with great exactness, to lay it on one or other of two + little heaps beside him. He never took two articles of clothing out + together, but always brought them forth, singly, and never failed to shut + the wardrobe door, and turn the key, between each visit to its shelves. + </p> + <p> + ‘The snuff-coloured suit,’ said Arthur Gride, surveying a threadbare coat. + ‘Did I look well in snuff-colour? Let me think.’ + </p> + <p> + The result of his cogitations appeared to be unfavourable, for he folded + the garment once more, laid it aside, and mounted on a chair to get down + another, chirping while he did so: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Young, loving, and fair, + Oh what happiness there! + The wedding is sure to be lucky! +</pre> + <p> + ‘They always put in “young,”’ said old Arthur, ‘but songs are only written + for the sake of rhyme, and this is a silly one that the poor + country-people sang, when I was a little boy. Though stop—young is + quite right too—it means the bride—yes. He, he, he! It means + the bride. Oh dear, that’s good. That’s very good. And true besides, quite + true!’ + </p> + <p> + In the satisfaction of this discovery, he went over the verse again, with + increased expression, and a shake or two here and there. He then resumed + his employment. + </p> + <p> + ‘The bottle-green,’ said old Arthur; ‘the bottle-green was a famous suit + to wear, and I bought it very cheap at a pawnbroker’s, and there was—he, + he, he!—a tarnished shilling in the waistcoat pocket. To think that + the pawnbroker shouldn’t have known there was a shilling in it! I knew it! + I felt it when I was examining the quality. Oh, what a dull dog of a + pawnbroker! It was a lucky suit too, this bottle-green. The very day I put + it on first, old Lord Mallowford was burnt to death in his bed, and all + the post-obits fell in. I’ll be married in the bottle-green. Peg. Peg + Sliderskew—I’ll wear the bottle-green!’ + </p> + <p> + This call, loudly repeated twice or thrice at the room-door, brought into + the apartment a short, thin, weasen, blear-eyed old woman, palsy-stricken + and hideously ugly, who, wiping her shrivelled face upon her dirty apron, + inquired, in that subdued tone in which deaf people commonly speak: + </p> + <p> + ‘Was that you a calling, or only the clock a striking? My hearing gets so + bad, I never know which is which; but when I hear a noise, I know it must + be one of you, because nothing else never stirs in the house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Me, Peg, me,’ said Arthur Gride, tapping himself on the breast to render + the reply more intelligible. + </p> + <p> + ‘You, eh?’ returned Peg. ‘And what do <i>you </i>want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll be married in the bottle-green,’ cried Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a deal too good to be married in, master,’ rejoined Peg, after a + short inspection of the suit. ‘Haven’t you got anything worse than this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing that’ll do,’ replied old Arthur. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not do?’ retorted Peg. ‘Why don’t you wear your every-day clothes, + like a man—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘They an’t becoming enough, Peg,’ returned her master. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not what enough?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Becoming.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Becoming what?’ said Peg, sharply. ‘Not becoming too old to wear?’ + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride muttered an imprecation on his housekeeper’s deafness, as he + roared in her ear: + </p> + <p> + ‘Not smart enough! I want to look as well as I can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Look?’ cried Peg. ‘If she’s as handsome as you say she is, she won’t look + much at you, master, take your oath of that; and as to how you look + yourself—pepper-and-salt, bottle-green, sky-blue, or tartan-plaid + will make no difference in you.’ + </p> + <p> + With which consolatory assurance, Peg Sliderskew gathered up the chosen + suit, and folding her skinny arms upon the bundle, stood, mouthing, and + grinning, and blinking her watery eyes, like an uncouth figure in some + monstrous piece of carving. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re in a funny humour, an’t you, Peg?’ said Arthur, with not the best + possible grace. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, isn’t it enough to make me?’ rejoined the old woman. ‘I shall, soon + enough, be put out, though, if anybody tries to domineer it over me: and + so I give you notice, master. Nobody shall be put over Peg Sliderskew’s + head, after so many years; you know that, and so I needn’t tell you! That + won’t do for me—no, no, nor for you. Try that once, and come to ruin—ruin—ruin!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear, dear, I shall never try it,’ said Arthur Gride, appalled by the + mention of the word, ‘not for the world. It would be very easy to ruin me; + we must be very careful; more saving than ever, with another mouth to + feed. Only we—we mustn’t let her lose her good looks, Peg, because I + like to see ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Take care you don’t find good looks come expensive,’ returned Peg, + shaking her forefinger. + </p> + <p> + ‘But she can earn money herself, Peg,’ said Arthur Gride, eagerly watching + what effect his communication produced upon the old woman’s countenance: + ‘she can draw, paint, work all manner of pretty things for ornamenting + stools and chairs: slippers, Peg, watch-guards, hair-chains, and a + thousand little dainty trifles that I couldn’t give you half the names of. + Then she can play the piano, (and, what’s more, she’s got one), and sing + like a little bird. She’ll be very cheap to dress and keep, Peg; don’t you + think she will?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you don’t let her make a fool of you, she may,’ returned Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘A fool of <i>me</i>!’ exclaimed Arthur. ‘Trust your old master not to be fooled + by pretty faces, Peg; no, no, no—nor by ugly ones neither, Mrs + Sliderskew,’ he softly added by way of soliloquy. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re a saying something you don’t want me to hear,’ said Peg; ‘I know + you are.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear! the devil’s in this woman,’ muttered Arthur; adding with an ugly + leer, ‘I said I trusted everything to you, Peg. That was all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You do that, master, and all your cares are over,’ said Peg approvingly. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>When </i>I do that, Peg Sliderskew,’ thought Arthur Gride, ‘they will be.’ + </p> + <p> + Although he thought this very distinctly, he durst not move his lips lest + the old woman should detect him. He even seemed half afraid that she might + have read his thoughts; for he leered coaxingly upon her, as he said + aloud: + </p> + <p> + ‘Take up all loose stitches in the bottle-green with the best black silk. + Have a skein of the best, and some new buttons for the coat, and—this + is a good idea, Peg, and one you’ll like, I know—as I have never + given her anything yet, and girls like such attentions, you shall polish + up a sparking necklace that I have got upstairs, and I’ll give it her upon + the wedding morning—clasp it round her charming little neck myself—and + take it away again next day. He, he, he! I’ll lock it up for her, Peg, and + lose it. Who’ll be made the fool of there, I wonder, to begin with—eh, + Peg?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sliderskew appeared to approve highly of this ingenious scheme, and + expressed her satisfaction by various rackings and twitchings of her head + and body, which by no means enhanced her charms. These she prolonged until + she had hobbled to the door, when she exchanged them for a sour malignant + look, and twisting her under-jaw from side to side, muttered hearty curses + upon the future Mrs. Gride, as she crept slowly down the stairs, and paused + for breath at nearly every one. + </p> + <p> + ‘She’s half a witch, I think,’ said Arthur Gride, when he found himself + again alone. ‘But she’s very frugal, and she’s very deaf. Her living costs + me next to nothing; and it’s no use her listening at keyholes; for she + can’t hear. She’s a charming woman—for the purpose; a most discreet + old housekeeper, and worth her weight in—copper.’ + </p> + <p> + Having extolled the merits of his domestic in these high terms, old Arthur + went back to the burden of his song. The suit destined to grace his + approaching nuptials being now selected, he replaced the others with no + less care than he had displayed in drawing them from the musty nooks where + they had silently reposed for many years. + </p> + <p> + Startled by a ring at the door, he hastily concluded this operation, and + locked the press; but there was no need for any particular hurry, as the + discreet Peg seldom knew the bell was rung unless she happened to cast her + dim eyes upwards, and to see it shaking against the kitchen ceiling. After + a short delay, however, Peg tottered in, followed by Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Mr. Noggs!’ cried Arthur Gride, rubbing his hands. ‘My good friend, Mr + Noggs, what news do you bring for me?’ + </p> + <p> + Newman, with a steadfast and immovable aspect, and his fixed eye very + fixed indeed, replied, suiting the action to the word, ‘A letter. From Mr + Nickleby. Bearer waits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Won’t you take a—a—’ + </p> + <p> + Newman looked up, and smacked his lips. + </p> + <p> + ‘—A chair?’ said Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Newman. ‘Thankee.’ + </p> + <p> + Arthur opened the letter with trembling hands, and devoured its contents + with the utmost greediness; chuckling rapturously over it, and reading it + several times, before he could take it from before his eyes. So many times + did he peruse and re-peruse it, that Newman considered it expedient to + remind him of his presence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Answer,’ said Newman. ‘Bearer waits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ replied old Arthur. ‘Yes—yes; I almost forgot, I do + declare.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought you were forgetting,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite right to remind me, Mr. Noggs. Oh, very right indeed,’ said Arthur. + ‘Yes. I’ll write a line. I’m—I’m—rather flurried, Mr. Noggs. + The news is—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bad?’ interrupted Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Mr. Noggs, thank you; good, good. The very best of news. Sit down. + I’ll get the pen and ink, and write a line in answer. I’ll not detain you + long. I know you’re a treasure to your master, Mr. Noggs. He speaks of you + in such terms, sometimes, that, oh dear! you’d be astonished. I may say + that I do too, and always did. I always say the same of you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s “Curse Mr. Noggs with all my heart!” then, if you do,’ thought + Newman, as Gride hurried out. + </p> + <p> + The letter had fallen on the ground. Looking carefully about him for an + instant, Newman, impelled by curiosity to know the result of the design he + had overheard from his office closet, caught it up and rapidly read as + follows: + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Gride</i>. + </p> + <p> + ‘I saw Bray again this morning, and proposed the day after tomorrow (as + you suggested) for the marriage. There is no objection on his part, and + all days are alike to his daughter. We will go together, and you must be + with me by seven in the morning. I need not tell you to be punctual. + </p> + <p> + ‘Make no further visits to the girl in the meantime. You have been there, + of late, much oftener than you should. She does not languish for you, and + it might have been dangerous. Restrain your youthful ardour for + eight-and-forty hours, and leave her to the father. You only undo what he + does, and does well. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yours, + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Ralph Nickleby.</i>’ + </p> + <p> + A footstep was heard without. Newman dropped the letter on the same spot + again, pressed it with his foot to prevent its fluttering away, regained + his seat in a single stride, and looked as vacant and unconscious as ever + mortal looked. Arthur Gride, after peering nervously about him, spied it + on the ground, picked it up, and sitting down to write, glanced at Newman + Noggs, who was staring at the wall with an intensity so remarkable, that + Arthur was quite alarmed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you see anything particular, Mr. Noggs?’ said Arthur, trying to follow + the direction of Newman’s eyes—which was an impossibility, and a + thing no man had ever done. + </p> + <p> + ‘Only a cobweb,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! is that all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Newman. ‘There’s a fly in it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There are a good many cobwebs here,’ observed Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘So there are in our place,’ returned Newman; ‘and flies too.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman appeared to derive great entertainment from this repartee, and to + the great discomposure of Arthur Gride’s nerves, produced a series of + sharp cracks from his finger-joints, resembling the noise of a distant + discharge of small artillery. Arthur succeeded in finishing his reply to + Ralph’s note, nevertheless, and at length handed it over to the eccentric + messenger for delivery. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s it, Mr. Noggs,’ said Gride. + </p> + <p> + Newman gave a nod, put it in his hat, and was shuffling away, when Gride, + whose doting delight knew no bounds, beckoned him back again, and said, in + a shrill whisper, and with a grin which puckered up his whole face, and + almost obscured his eyes: + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you—will you take a little drop of something—just a + taste?’ + </p> + <p> + In good fellowship (if Arthur Gride had been capable of it) Newman would + not have drunk with him one bubble of the richest wine that was ever made; + but to see what he would be at, and to punish him as much as he could, he + accepted the offer immediately. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride, therefore, again applied himself to the press, and from a + shelf laden with tall Flemish drinking-glasses, and quaint bottles: some + with necks like so many storks, and others with square Dutch-built bodies + and short fat apoplectic throats: took down one dusty bottle of promising + appearance, and two glasses of curiously small size. + </p> + <p> + ‘You never tasted this,’ said Arthur. ‘It’s <i>eau-d’or</i>—golden water. I + like it on account of its name. It’s a delicious name. Water of gold, + golden water! O dear me, it seems quite a sin to drink it!’ + </p> + <p> + As his courage appeared to be fast failing him, and he trifled with the + stopper in a manner which threatened the dismissal of the bottle to its + old place, Newman took up one of the little glasses, and clinked it, twice + or thrice, against the bottle, as a gentle reminder that he had not been + helped yet. With a deep sigh, Arthur Gride slowly filled it—though + not to the brim—and then filled his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop, stop; don’t drink it yet,’ he said, laying his hand on Newman’s; + ‘it was given to me, twenty years ago, and when I take a little taste, + which is ve—ry seldom, I like to think of it beforehand, and tease + myself. We’ll drink a toast. Shall we drink a toast, Mr. Noggs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Newman, eyeing his little glass impatiently. ‘Look sharp. + Bearer waits.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, then, I’ll tell you what,’ tittered Arthur, ‘we’ll drink—he, + he, he!—we’ll drink a lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>The </i>ladies?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, Mr. Noggs,’ replied Gride, arresting his hand, ‘A lady. You wonder + to hear me say A lady. I know you do, I know you do. Here’s little + Madeline. That’s the toast. Mr. Noggs. Little Madeline!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline!’ said Newman; inwardly adding, ‘and God help her!’ + </p> + <p> + The rapidity and unconcern with which Newman dismissed his portion of the + golden water, had a great effect upon the old man, who sat upright in his + chair, and gazed at him, open-mouthed, as if the sight had taken away his + breath. Quite unmoved, however, Newman left him to sip his own at leisure, + or to pour it back again into the bottle, if he chose, and departed; after + greatly outraging the dignity of Peg Sliderskew by brushing past her, in + the passage, without a word of apology or recognition. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Gride and his housekeeper, immediately on being left alone, resolved + themselves into a committee of ways and means, and discussed the + arrangements which should be made for the reception of the young bride. As + they were, like some other committees, extremely dull and prolix in + debate, this history may pursue the footsteps of Newman Noggs; thereby + combining advantage with necessity; for it would have been necessary to do + so under any circumstances, and necessity has no law, as all the world + knows. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’ve been a long time,’ said Ralph, when Newman returned. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>He</i> was a long time,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bah!’ cried Ralph impatiently. ‘Give me his note, if he gave you one: his + message, if he didn’t. And don’t go away. I want a word with you, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman handed in the note, and looked very virtuous and innocent while his + employer broke the seal, and glanced his eye over it. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’ll be sure to come,’ muttered Ralph, as he tore it to pieces; ‘why of + course, I know he’ll be sure to come. What need to say that? Noggs! Pray, + sir, what man was that, with whom I saw you in the street last night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know,’ replied Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better refresh your memory, sir,’ said Ralph, with a threatening + look. + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you,’ returned Newman boldly, ‘that I don’t know. He came here + twice, and asked for you. You were out. He came again. You packed him off, + yourself. He gave the name of Brooker.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know he did,’ said Ralph; ‘what then?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What then? Why, then he lurked about and dogged me in the street. He + follows me, night after night, and urges me to bring him face to face with + you; as he says he has been once, and not long ago either. He wants to see + you face to face, he says, and you’ll soon hear him out, he warrants.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what say you to that?’ inquired Ralph, looking keenly at his drudge. + </p> + <p> + ‘That it’s no business of mine, and I won’t. I told him he might catch you + in the street, if that was all he wanted, but no! that wouldn’t do. You + wouldn’t hear a word there, he said. He must have you alone in a room with + the door locked, where he could speak without fear, and you’d soon change + your tone, and hear him patiently.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘An audacious dog!’ Ralph muttered. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s all I know,’ said Newman. ‘I say again, I don’t know what man he + is. I don’t believe he knows himself. You have seen him; perhaps <i>you </i>do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think I do,’ replied Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ retored Newman, sulkily, ‘don’t expect me to know him too; that’s + all. You’ll ask me, next, why I never told you this before. What would you + say, if I was to tell you all that people say of you? What do you call me + when I sometimes do? “Brute, ass!” and snap at me like a dragon.’ + </p> + <p> + This was true enough; though the question which Newman anticipated, was, + in fact, upon Ralph’s lips at the moment. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is an idle ruffian,’ said Ralph; ‘a vagabond from beyond the sea where + he travelled for his crimes; a felon let loose to run his neck into the + halter; a swindler, who has the audacity to try his schemes on me who know + him well. The next time he tampers with you, hand him over to the police, + for attempting to extort money by lies and threats,—d’ye hear?—and + leave the rest to me. He shall cool his heels in jail a little time, and + I’ll be bound he looks for other folks to fleece, when he comes out. You + mind what I say, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do it then,’ returned Ralph, ‘and I’ll reward you. Now, you may go.’ + </p> + <p> + Newman readily availed himself of the permission, and, shutting himself up + in his little office, remained there, in very serious cogitation, all day. + When he was released at night, he proceeded, with all the expedition he + could use, to the city, and took up his old position behind the pump, to + watch for Nicholas. For Newman Noggs was proud in his way, and could not + bear to appear as his friend, before the brothers Cheeryble, in the shabby + and degraded state to which he was reduced. + </p> + <p> + He had not occupied this position many minutes, when he was rejoiced to + see Nicholas approaching, and darted out from his ambuscade to meet him. + Nicholas, on his part, was no less pleased to encounter his friend, whom + he had not seen for some time; so, their greeting was a warm one. + </p> + <p> + ‘I was thinking of you, at that moment,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s right,’ rejoined Newman, ‘and I of you. I couldn’t help coming up, + tonight. I say, I think I am going to find out something.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what may that be?’ returned Nicholas, smiling at this odd + communication. + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t know what it may be, I don’t know what it may not be,’ said + Newman; ‘it’s some secret in which your uncle is concerned, but what, I’ve + not yet been able to discover, although I have my strong suspicions. I’ll + not hint ‘em now, in case you should be disappointed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I disappointed!’ cried Nicholas; ‘am I interested?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I think you are,’ replied Newman. ‘I have a crotchet in my head that it + must be so. I have found out a man, who plainly knows more than he cares + to tell at once. And he has already dropped such hints to me as puzzle me—I + say, as puzzle me,’ said Newman, scratching his red nose into a state of + violent inflammation, and staring at Nicholas with all his might and main + meanwhile. + </p> + <p> + Admiring what could have wound his friend up to such a pitch of mystery, + Nicholas endeavoured, by a series of questions, to elucidate the cause; + but in vain. Newman could not be drawn into any more explicit statement + than a repetition of the perplexities he had already thrown out, and a + confused oration, showing, How it was necessary to use the utmost caution; + how the lynx-eyed Ralph had already seen him in company with his unknown + correspondent; and how he had baffled the said Ralph by extreme + guardedness of manner and ingenuity of speech; having prepared himself for + such a contingency from the first. + </p> + <p> + Remembering his companion’s propensity,—of which his nose, indeed, + perpetually warned all beholders like a beacon,—Nicholas had drawn + him into a sequestered tavern. Here, they fell to reviewing the origin and + progress of their acquaintance, as men sometimes do, and tracing out the + little events by which it was most strongly marked, came at last to Miss + Cecilia Bobster. + </p> + <p> + ‘And that reminds me,’ said Newman, ‘that you never told me the young + lady’s real name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline!’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline!’ cried Newman. ‘What Madeline? Her other name. Say her other + name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bray,’ said Nicholas, in great astonishment. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the same!’ cried Newman. ‘Sad story! Can you stand idly by, and let + that unnatural marriage take place without one attempt to save her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do you mean?’ exclaimed Nicholas, starting up; ‘marriage! are you + mad?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Are you? Is she? Are you blind, deaf, senseless, dead?’ said Newman. ‘Do + you know that within one day, by means of your uncle Ralph, she will be + married to a man as bad as he, and worse, if worse there is? Do you know + that, within one day, she will be sacrificed, as sure as you stand there + alive, to a hoary wretch—a devil born and bred, and grey in devils’ + ways?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Be careful what you say,’ replied Nicholas. ‘For Heaven’s sake be + careful! I am left here alone, and those who could stretch out a hand to + rescue her are far away. What is it that you mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never heard her name,’ said Newman, choking with his energy. ‘Why + didn’t you tell me? How was I to know? We might, at least, have had some + time to think!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is it that you mean?’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + It was not an easy task to arrive at this information; but, after a great + quantity of extraordinary pantomime, which in no way assisted it, + Nicholas, who was almost as wild as Newman Noggs himself, forced the + latter down upon his seat and held him down until he began his tale. + </p> + <p> + Rage, astonishment, indignation, and a storm of passions, rushed through + the listener’s heart, as the plot was laid bare. He no sooner understood + it all, than with a face of ashy paleness, and trembling in every limb, he + darted from the house. + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop him!’ cried Newman, bolting out in pursuit. ‘He’ll be doing + something desperate; he’ll murder somebody. Hallo! there, stop him. Stop + thief! stop thief!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 52 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">N</span><i>icholas despairs of rescuing Madeline Bray, but plucks up his Spirits + again, and determines to attempt it. Domestic Intelligence of the + Kenwigses and Lillyvicks</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Finding that Newman was determined to arrest his progress at any hazard, + and apprehensive that some well-intentioned passenger, attracted by the + cry of ‘Stop thief,’ might lay violent hands upon his person, and place + him in a disagreeable predicament from which he might have some difficulty + in extricating himself, Nicholas soon slackened his pace, and suffered + Newman Noggs to come up with him: which he did, in so breathless a + condition, that it seemed impossible he could have held out for a minute + longer. + </p> + <p> + ‘I will go straight to Bray’s,’ said Nicholas. ‘I will see this man. If + there is a feeling of humanity lingering in his breast, a spark of + consideration for his own child, motherless and friendless as she is, I + will awaken it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will not,’ replied Newman. ‘You will not, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then,’ said Nicholas, pressing onward, ‘I will act upon my first impulse, + and go straight to Ralph Nickleby.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By the time you reach his house he will be in bed,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll drag him from it,’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tut, tut,’ said Noggs. ‘Be yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are the best of friends to me, Newman,’ rejoined Nicholas after a + pause, and taking his hand as he spoke. ‘I have made head against many + trials; but the misery of another, and such misery, is involved in this + one, that I declare to you I am rendered desperate, and know not how to + act.’ + </p> + <p> + In truth, it did seem a hopeless case. It was impossible to make any use + of such intelligence as Newman Noggs had gleaned, when he lay concealed in + the closet. The mere circumstance of the compact between Ralph Nickleby + and Gride would not invalidate the marriage, or render Bray averse to it, + who, if he did not actually know of the existence of some such + understanding, doubtless suspected it. What had been hinted with reference + to some fraud on Madeline, had been put, with sufficient obscurity by + Arthur Gride, but coming from Newman Noggs, and obscured still further by + the smoke of his pocket-pistol, it became wholly unintelligible, and + involved in utter darkness. + </p> + <p> + ‘There seems no ray of hope,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘The greater necessity for coolness, for reason, for consideration, for + thought,’ said Newman, pausing at every alternate word, to look anxiously + in his friend’s face. ‘Where are the brothers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Both absent on urgent business, as they will be for a week to come.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is there no way of communicating with them? No way of getting one of them + here by tomorrow night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Impossible!’ said Nicholas, ‘the sea is between us and them. With the + fairest winds that ever blew, to go and return would take three days and + nights.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Their nephew,’ said Newman, ‘their old clerk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What could either do, that I cannot?’ rejoined Nicholas. ‘With reference + to them, especially, I am enjoined to the strictest silence on this + subject. What right have I to betray the confidence reposed in me, when + nothing but a miracle can prevent this sacrifice?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Think,’ urged Newman. ‘Is there no way?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There is none,’ said Nicholas, in utter dejection. ‘Not one. The father + urges, the daughter consents. These demons have her in their toils; legal + right, might, power, money, and every influence are on their side. How can + I hope to save her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hope to the last!’ said Newman, clapping him on the back. ‘Always hope; + that’s a dear boy. Never leave off hoping; it don’t answer. Do you mind + me, Nick? It don’t answer. Don’t leave a stone unturned. It’s always + something, to know you’ve done the most you could. But, don’t leave off + hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope, to the last!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas needed encouragement. The suddenness with which intelligence of + the two usurers’ plans had come upon him, the little time which remained + for exertion, the probability, almost amounting to certainty itself, that + a few hours would place Madeline Bray for ever beyond his reach, consign + her to unspeakable misery, and perhaps to an untimely death; all this + quite stunned and overwhelmed him. Every hope connected with her that he + had suffered himself to form, or had entertained unconsciously, seemed to + fall at his feet, withered and dead. Every charm with which his memory or + imagination had surrounded her, presented itself before him, only to + heighten his anguish and add new bitterness to his despair. Every feeling + of sympathy for her forlorn condition, and of admiration for her heroism + and fortitude, aggravated the indignation which shook him in every limb, + and swelled his heart almost to bursting. + </p> + <p> + But, if Nicholas’s own heart embarrassed him, Newman’s came to his relief. + There was so much earnestness in his remonstrance, and such sincerity and + fervour in his manner, odd and ludicrous as it always was, that it + imparted to Nicholas new firmness, and enabled him to say, after he had + walked on for some little way in silence: + </p> + <p> + ‘You read me a good lesson, Newman, and I will profit by it. One step, at + least, I may take—am bound to take indeed—and to that I will + apply myself tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that?’ asked Noggs wistfully. ‘Not to threaten Ralph? Not to see + the father?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To see the daughter, Newman,’ replied Nicholas. ‘To do what, after all, + is the utmost that the brothers could do, if they were here, as Heaven + send they were! To reason with her upon this hideous union, to point out + to her all the horrors to which she is hastening; rashly, it may be, and + without due reflection. To entreat her, at least, to pause. She can have + had no counsellor for her good. Perhaps even I may move her so far yet, + though it is the eleventh hour, and she upon the very brink of ruin.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bravely spoken!’ said Newman. ‘Well done, well done! Yes. Very good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And I do declare,’ cried Nicholas, with honest enthusiasm, ‘that in this + effort I am influenced by no selfish or personal considerations, but by + pity for her, and detestation and abhorrence of this scheme; and that I + would do the same, were there twenty rivals in the field, and I the last + and least favoured of them all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would, I believe,’ said Newman. ‘But where are you hurrying now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Homewards,’ answered Nicholas. ‘Do you come with me, or I shall say + good-night?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll come a little way, if you will but walk: not run,’ said Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot walk tonight, Newman,’ returned Nicholas, hurriedly. ‘I must + move rapidly, or I could not draw my breath. I’ll tell you what I’ve said + and done tomorrow.’ + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for a reply, he darted off at a rapid pace, and, plunging + into the crowds which thronged the street, was quickly lost to view. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a violent youth at times,’ said Newman, looking after him; ‘and yet I + like him for it. There’s cause enough now, or the deuce is in it. Hope! I + <i>said </i>hope, I think! Ralph Nickleby and Gride with their heads together! + And hope for the opposite party! Ho! ho!’ + </p> + <p> + It was with a very melancholy laugh that Newman Noggs concluded this + soliloquy; and it was with a very melancholy shake of the head, and a very + rueful countenance, that he turned about, and went plodding on his way. + </p> + <p> + This, under ordinary circumstances, would have been to some small tavern + or dram-shop; that being his way, in more senses than one. But, Newman was + too much interested, and too anxious, to betake himself even to this + resource, and so, with many desponding and dismal reflections, went + straight home. + </p> + <p> + It had come to pass, that afternoon, that Miss Morleena Kenwigs had + received an invitation to repair next day, per steamer from Westminster + Bridge, unto the Eel-pie Island at Twickenham: there to make merry upon a + cold collation, bottled beer, shrub, and shrimps, and to dance in the open + air to the music of a locomotive band, conveyed thither for the purpose: + the steamer being specially engaged by a dancing-master of extensive + connection for the accommodation of his numerous pupils, and the pupils + displaying their appreciation of the dancing-master’s services, by + purchasing themselves, and inducing their friends to do the like, divers + light-blue tickets, entitling them to join the expedition. Of these + light-blue tickets, one had been presented by an ambitious neighbour to + Miss Morleena Kenwigs, with an invitation to join her daughters; and Mrs + Kenwigs, rightly deeming that the honour of the family was involved in + Miss Morleena’s making the most splendid appearance possible on so short a + notice, and testifying to the dancing-master that there were other + dancing-masters besides him, and to all fathers and mothers present that + other people’s children could learn to be genteel besides theirs, had + fainted away twice under the magnitude of her preparations, but, upheld by + a determination to sustain the family name or perish in the attempt, was + still hard at work when Newman Noggs came home. + </p> + <p> + Now, between the italian-ironing of frills, the flouncing of trousers, the + trimming of frocks, the faintings and the comings-to again, incidental to + the occasion, Mrs. Kenwigs had been so entirely occupied, that she had not + observed, until within half an hour before, that the flaxen tails of Miss + Morleena’s hair were, in a manner, run to seed; and that, unless she were + put under the hands of a skilful hairdresser, she never could achieve that + signal triumph over the daughters of all other people, anything less than + which would be tantamount to defeat. This discovery drove Mrs. Kenwigs to + despair; for the hairdresser lived three streets and eight dangerous + crossings off; Morleena could not be trusted to go there alone, even if + such a proceeding were strictly proper: of which Mrs. Kenwigs had her + doubts; Mr. Kenwigs had not returned from business; and there was nobody to + take her. So, Mrs. Kenwigs first slapped Miss Kenwigs for being the cause + of her vexation, and then shed tears. + </p> + <p> + ‘You ungrateful child!’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘after I have gone through what + I have, this night, for your good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t help it, ma,’ replied Morleena, also in tears; ‘my hair <i>will</i> + grow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t talk to me, you naughty thing!’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘don’t! Even if I + was to trust you by yourself and you were to escape being run over, I know + you’d run in to Laura Chopkins,’ who was the daughter of the ambitious + neighbour, ‘and tell her what you’re going to wear tomorrow, I know you + would. You’ve no proper pride in yourself, and are not to be trusted out + of sight for an instant.’ + </p> + <p> + Deploring the evil-mindedness of her eldest daughter in these terms, Mrs + Kenwigs distilled fresh drops of vexation from her eyes, and declared that + she did believe there never was anybody so tried as she was. Thereupon, + Morleena Kenwigs wept afresh, and they bemoaned themselves together. + </p> + <p> + Matters were at this point, as Newman Noggs was heard to limp past the + door on his way upstairs; when Mrs. Kenwigs, gaining new hope from the + sound of his footsteps, hastily removed from her countenance as many + traces of her late emotion as were effaceable on so short a notice: and + presenting herself before him, and representing their dilemma, entreated + that he would escort Morleena to the hairdresser’s shop. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wouldn’t ask you, Mr. Noggs,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘if I didn’t know what a + good, kind-hearted creature you are; no, not for worlds. I am a weak + constitution, Mr. Noggs, but my spirit would no more let me ask a favour + where I thought there was a chance of its being refused, than it would let + me submit to see my children trampled down and trod upon, by envy and + lowness!’ + </p> + <p> + Newman was too good-natured not to have consented, even without this + avowal of confidence on the part of Mrs. Kenwigs. Accordingly, a very few + minutes had elapsed, when he and Miss Morleena were on their way to the + hairdresser’s. + </p> + <p> + It was not exactly a hairdresser’s; that is to say, people of a coarse and + vulgar turn of mind might have called it a barber’s; for they not only cut + and curled ladies elegantly, and children carefully, but shaved gentlemen + easily. Still, it was a highly genteel establishment—quite + first-rate in fact—and there were displayed in the window, besides + other elegancies, waxen busts of a light lady and a dark gentleman which + were the admiration of the whole neighbourhood. Indeed, some ladies had + gone so far as to assert, that the dark gentleman was actually a portrait + of the spirted young proprietor; and the great similarity between their + head-dresses—both wore very glossy hair, with a narrow walk straight + down the middle, and a profusion of flat circular curls on both sides—encouraged + the idea. The better informed among the sex, however, made light of this + assertion, for however willing they were (and they were very willing) to + do full justice to the handsome face and figure of the proprietor, they + held the countenance of the dark gentleman in the window to be an + exquisite and abstract idea of masculine beauty, realised sometimes, + perhaps, among angels and military men, but very rarely embodied to + gladden the eyes of mortals. + </p> + <p> + It was to this establishment that Newman Noggs led Miss Kenwigs in safety. + The proprietor, knowing that Miss Kenwigs had three sisters, each with two + flaxen tails, and all good for sixpence apiece, once a month at least, + promptly deserted an old gentleman whom he had just lathered for shaving, + and handing him over to the journeyman, (who was not very popular among + the ladies, by reason of his obesity and middle age,) waited on the young + lady himself. + </p> + <p> + Just as this change had been effected, there presented himself for + shaving, a big, burly, good-humoured coal-heaver with a pipe in his mouth, + who, drawing his hand across his chin, requested to know when a shaver + would be disengaged. + </p> + <p> + The journeyman, to whom this question was put, looked doubtfully at the + young proprietor, and the young proprietor looked scornfully at the + coal-heaver: observing at the same time: + </p> + <p> + ‘You won’t get shaved here, my man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said the coal-heaver. + </p> + <p> + ‘We don’t shave gentlemen in your line,’ remarked the young proprietor. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I see you a shaving of a baker, when I was a looking through the + winder, last week,’ said the coal-heaver. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s necessary to draw the line somewheres, my fine feller,’ replied the + principal. ‘We draw the line there. We can’t go beyond bakers. If we was + to get any lower than bakers, our customers would desert us, and we might + shut up shop. You must try some other establishment, sir. We couldn’t do + it here.’ + </p> + <p> + The applicant stared; grinned at Newman Noggs, who appeared highly + entertained; looked slightly round the shop, as if in depreciation of the + pomatum pots and other articles of stock; took his pipe out of his mouth + and gave a very loud whistle; and then put it in again, and walked out. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman who had just been lathered, and who was sitting in a + melancholy manner with his face turned towards the wall, appeared quite + unconscious of this incident, and to be insensible to everything around + him in the depth of a reverie—a very mournful one, to judge from the + sighs he occasionally vented—in which he was absorbed. Affected by + this example, the proprietor began to clip Miss Kenwigs, the journeyman to + scrape the old gentleman, and Newman Noggs to read last Sunday’s paper, + all three in silence: when Miss Kenwigs uttered a shrill little scream, + and Newman, raising his eyes, saw that it had been elicited by the + circumstance of the old gentleman turning his head, and disclosing the + features of Mr. Lillyvick the collector. + </p> + <p> + The features of Mr. Lillyvick they were, but strangely altered. If ever an + old gentleman had made a point of appearing in public, shaved close and + clean, that old gentleman was Mr. Lillyvick. If ever a collector had borne + himself like a collector, and assumed, before all men, a solemn and + portentous dignity as if he had the world on his books and it was all two + quarters in arrear, that collector was Mr. Lillyvick. And now, there he + sat, with the remains of a beard at least a week old encumbering his chin; + a soiled and crumpled shirt-frill crouching, as it were, upon his breast, + instead of standing boldly out; a demeanour so abashed and drooping, so + despondent, and expressive of such humiliation, grief, and shame; that if + the souls of forty unsubstantial housekeepers, all of whom had had their + water cut off for non-payment of the rate, could have been concentrated in + one body, that one body could hardly have expressed such mortification and + defeat as were now expressed in the person of Mr. Lillyvick the collector. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0700m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0700m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0700.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Newman Noggs uttered his name, and Mr. Lillyvick groaned: then coughed to + hide it. But the groan was a full-sized groan, and the cough was but a + wheeze. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is anything the matter?’ said Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Matter, sir!’ cried Mr. Lillyvick. ‘The plug of life is dry, sir, and but + the mud is left.’ + </p> + <p> + This speech—the style of which Newman attributed to Mr. Lillyvick’s + recent association with theatrical characters—not being quite + explanatory, Newman looked as if he were about to ask another question, + when Mr. Lillyvick prevented him by shaking his hand mournfully, and then + waving his own. + </p> + <p> + ‘Let me be shaved!’ said Mr. Lillyvick. ‘It shall be done before Morleena; + it <i>is</i> Morleena, isn’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kenwigses have got a boy, haven’t they?’ inquired the collector. + </p> + <p> + Again Newman said ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Is it a nice boy?’ demanded the collector. + </p> + <p> + ‘It ain’t a very nasty one,’ returned Newman, rather embarrassed by the + question. + </p> + <p> + ‘Susan Kenwigs used to say,’ observed the collector, ‘that if ever she had + another boy, she hoped it might be like me. Is this one like me, Mr + Noggs?’ + </p> + <p> + This was a puzzling inquiry; but Newman evaded it, by replying to Mr + Lillyvick, that he thought the baby might possibly come like him in time. + </p> + <p> + ‘I should be glad to have somebody like me, somehow,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, + ‘before I die.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean to do that, yet awhile?’ said Newman. + </p> + <p> + Unto which Mr. Lillyvick replied in a solemn voice, ‘Let me be shaved!’ and + again consigning himself to the hands of the journeyman, said no more. + </p> + <p> + This was remarkable behaviour. So remarkable did it seem to Miss Morleena, + that that young lady, at the imminent hazard of having her ear sliced off, + had not been able to forbear looking round, some score of times, during + the foregoing colloquy. Of her, however, Mr. Lillyvick took no notice: + rather striving (so, at least, it seemed to Newman Noggs) to evade her + observation, and to shrink into himself whenever he attracted her regards. + Newman wondered very much what could have occasioned this altered + behaviour on the part of the collector; but, philosophically reflecting + that he would most likely know, sooner or later, and that he could + perfectly afford to wait, he was very little disturbed by the singularity + of the old gentleman’s deportment. + </p> + <p> + The cutting and curling being at last concluded, the old gentleman, who + had been some time waiting, rose to go, and, walking out with Newman and + his charge, took Newman’s arm, and proceeded for some time without making + any observation. Newman, who in power of taciturnity was excelled by few + people, made no attempt to break silence; and so they went on, until they + had very nearly reached Miss Morleena’s home, when Mr. Lillyvick said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Were the Kenwigses very much overpowered, Mr. Noggs, by that news?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What news?’ returned Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘That about—my—being—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Married?’ suggested Newman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ replied Mr. Lillyvick, with another groan; this time not even + disguised by a wheeze. + </p> + <p> + ‘It made ma cry when she knew it,’ interposed Miss Morleena, ‘but we kept + it from her for a long time; and pa was very low in his spirits, but he is + better now; and I was very ill, but I am better too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Would you give your great-uncle Lillyvick a kiss if he was to ask you, + Morleena?’ said the collector, with some hesitation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; uncle Lillyvick, I would,’ returned Miss Morleena, with the energy + of both her parents combined; ‘but not aunt Lillyvick. She’s not an aunt + of mine, and I’ll never call her one.’ + </p> + <p> + Immediately upon the utterance of these words, Mr. Lillyvick caught Miss + Morleena up in his arms, and kissed her; and, being by this time at the + door of the house where Mr. Kenwigs lodged (which, as has been before + mentioned, usually stood wide open), he walked straight up into Mr + Kenwigs’s sitting-room, and put Miss Morleena down in the midst. Mr. and + Mrs. Kenwigs were at supper. At sight of their perjured relative, Mrs + Kenwigs turned faint and pale, and Mr. Kenwigs rose majestically. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kenwigs,’ said the collector, ‘shake hands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘the time has been, when I was proud to shake + hands with such a man as that man as now surweys me. The time has been, + sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘when a wisit from that man has excited in me and + my family’s boozums sensations both nateral and awakening. But, now, I + look upon that man with emotions totally surpassing everythink, and I ask + myself where is his Honour, where is his straight-for’ardness, and where + is his human natur?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Susan Kenwigs,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, turning humbly to his niece, ‘don’t + you say anything to me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is not equal to it, sir,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, striking the table + emphatically. ‘What with the nursing of a healthy babby, and the + reflections upon your cruel conduct, four pints of malt liquor a day is + hardly able to sustain her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am glad,’ said the poor collector meekly, ‘that the baby is a healthy + one. I am very glad of that.’ + </p> + <p> + This was touching the Kenwigses on their tenderest point. Mrs. Kenwigs + instantly burst into tears, and Mr. Kenwigs evinced great emotion. + </p> + <p> + ‘My pleasantest feeling, all the time that child was expected,’ said Mr + Kenwigs, mournfully, ‘was a thinking, “If it’s a boy, as I hope it may be; + for I have heard its uncle Lillyvick say again and again he would prefer + our having a boy next, if it’s a boy, what will his uncle Lillyvick say? + What will he like him to be called? Will he be Peter, or Alexander, or + Pompey, or Diorgeenes, or what will he be?” And now when I look at him; a + precious, unconscious, helpless infant, with no use in his little arms but + to tear his little cap, and no use in his little legs but to kick his + little self—when I see him a lying on his mother’s lap, cooing and + cooing, and, in his innocent state, almost a choking hisself with his + little fist—when I see him such a infant as he is, and think that + that uncle Lillyvick, as was once a-going to be so fond of him, has + withdrawed himself away, such a feeling of wengeance comes over me as no + language can depicter, and I feel as if even that holy babe was a telling + me to hate him.’ + </p> + <p> + This affecting picture moved Mrs. Kenwigs deeply. After several imperfect + words, which vainly attempted to struggle to the surface, but were drowned + and washed away by the strong tide of her tears, she spake. + </p> + <p> + ‘Uncle,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘to think that you should have turned your back + upon me and my dear children, and upon Kenwigs which is the author of + their being—you who was once so kind and affectionate, and who, if + anybody had told us such a thing of, we should have withered with scorn + like lightning—you that little Lillyvick, our first and earliest + boy, was named after at the very altar! Oh gracious!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Was it money that we cared for?’ said Mr. Kenwigs. ‘Was it property that + we ever thought of?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ cried Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘I scorn it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So do I,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘and always did.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My feelings have been lancerated,’ said Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘my heart has been + torn asunder with anguish, I have been thrown back in my confinement, my + unoffending infant has been rendered uncomfortable and fractious, Morleena + has pined herself away to nothing; all this I forget and forgive, and with + you, uncle, I never can quarrel. But never ask me to receive <i>her</i>, never do + it, uncle. For I will not, I will not, I won’t, I won’t, I won’t!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Susan, my dear,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, ‘consider your child.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ shrieked Mrs. Kenwigs, ‘I will consider my child! I will consider my + child! My own child, that no uncles can deprive me of; my own hated, + despised, deserted, cut-off little child.’ And, here, the emotions of Mrs + Kenwigs became so violent, that Mr. Kenwigs was fain to administer + hartshorn internally, and vinegar externally, and to destroy a staylace, + four petticoat strings, and several small buttons. + </p> + <p> + Newman had been a silent spectator of this scene; for Mr. Lillyvick had + signed to him not to withdraw, and Mr. Kenwigs had further solicited his + presence by a nod of invitation. When Mrs. Kenwigs had been, in some + degree, restored, and Newman, as a person possessed of some influence with + her, had remonstrated and begged her to compose herself, Mr. Lillyvick said + in a faltering voice: + </p> + <p> + ‘I never shall ask anybody here to receive my—I needn’t mention the + word; you know what I mean. Kenwigs and Susan, yesterday was a week she + eloped with a half-pay captain!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs started together. + </p> + <p> + ‘Eloped with a half-pay captain,’ repeated Mr. Lillyvick, ‘basely and + falsely eloped with a half-pay captain. With a bottle-nosed captain that + any man might have considered himself safe from. It was in this room,’ + said Mr. Lillyvick, looking sternly round, ‘that I first see Henrietta + Petowker. It is in this room that I turn her off, for ever.’ + </p> + <p> + This declaration completely changed the whole posture of affairs. Mrs + Kenwigs threw herself upon the old gentleman’s neck, bitterly reproaching + herself for her late harshness, and exclaiming, if she had suffered, what + must his sufferings have been! Mr. Kenwigs grasped his hand, and vowed + eternal friendship and remorse. Mrs. Kenwigs was horror-stricken to think + that she should ever have nourished in her bosom such a snake, adder, + viper, serpent, and base crocodile as Henrietta Petowker. Mr. Kenwigs + argued that she must have been bad indeed not to have improved by so long + a contemplation of Mrs. Kenwigs’s virtue. Mrs. Kenwigs remembered that Mr + Kenwigs had often said that he was not quite satisfied of the propriety of + Miss Petowker’s conduct, and wondered how it was that she could have been + blinded by such a wretch. Mr. Kenwigs remembered that he had had his + suspicions, but did not wonder why Mrs. Kenwigs had not had hers, as she + was all chastity, purity, and truth, and Henrietta all baseness, + falsehood, and deceit. And Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs both said, with strong + feelings and tears of sympathy, that everything happened for the best; and + conjured the good collector not to give way to unavailing grief, but to + seek consolation in the society of those affectionate relations whose arms + and hearts were ever open to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Out of affection and regard for you, Susan and Kenwigs,’ said Mr + Lillyvick, ‘and not out of revenge and spite against her, for she is below + it, I shall, tomorrow morning, settle upon your children, and make payable + to the survivors of them when they come of age of marry, that money that I + once meant to leave ‘em in my will. The deed shall be executed tomorrow, + and Mr. Noggs shall be one of the witnesses. He hears me promise this, and + he shall see it done.’ + </p> + <p> + Overpowered by this noble and generous offer, Mr. Kenwigs, Mrs. Kenwigs, and + Miss Morleena Kenwigs, all began to sob together; and the noise of their + sobbing, communicating itself to the next room, where the children lay + a-bed, and causing them to cry too, Mr. Kenwigs rushed wildly in, and + bringing them out in his arms, by two and two, tumbled them down in their + nightcaps and gowns at the feet of Mr. Lillyvick, and called upon them to + thank and bless him. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now,’ said Mr. Lillyvick, when a heart-rending scene had ensued and + the children were cleared away again, ‘give me some supper. This took + place twenty mile from town. I came up this morning, and have being + lingering about all day, without being able to make up my mind to come and + see you. I humoured her in everything, she had her own way, she did just + as she pleased, and now she has done this. There was twelve teaspoons and + twenty-four pound in sovereigns—I missed them first—it’s a + trial—I feel I shall never be able to knock a double knock again, + when I go my rounds—don’t say anything more about it, please—the + spoons were worth—never mind—never mind!’ + </p> + <p> + With such muttered outpourings as these, the old gentleman shed a few + tears; but, they got him into the elbow-chair, and prevailed upon him, + without much pressing, to make a hearty supper, and by the time he had + finished his first pipe, and disposed of half-a-dozen glasses out of a + crown bowl of punch, ordered by Mr. Kenwigs, in celebration of his return + to the bosom of his family, he seemed, though still very humble, quite + resigned to his fate, and rather relieved than otherwise by the flight of + his wife. + </p> + <p> + ‘When I see that man,’ said Mr. Kenwigs, with one hand round Mrs. Kenwigs’s + waist: his other hand supporting his pipe (which made him wink and cough + very much, for he was no smoker): and his eyes on Morleena, who sat upon + her uncle’s knee, ‘when I see that man as mingling, once again, in the + spear which he adorns, and see his affections deweloping themselves in + legitimate sitiwations, I feel that his nature is as elewated and + expanded, as his standing afore society as a public character is + unimpeached, and the woices of my infant children purvided for in life, + seem to whisper to me softly, “This is an ewent at which Evins itself + looks down!”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 53 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span><i>ontaining the further Progress of the Plot contrived by Mr. Ralph Nickleby + and Mr. Arthur Gride</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + With that settled resolution, and steadiness of purpose to which extreme + circumstances so often give birth, acting upon far less excitable and more + sluggish temperaments than that which was the lot of Madeline Bray’s + admirer, Nicholas started, at dawn of day, from the restless couch which + no sleep had visited on the previous night, and prepared to make that last + appeal, by whose slight and fragile thread her only remaining hope of + escape depended. + </p> + <p> + Although, to restless and ardent minds, morning may be the fitting season + for exertion and activity, it is not always at that time that hope is + strongest or the spirit most sanguine and buoyant. In trying and doubtful + positions, youth, custom, a steady contemplation of the difficulties which + surround us, and a familiarity with them, imperceptibly diminish our + apprehensions and beget comparative indifference, if not a vague and + reckless confidence in some relief, the means or nature of which we care + not to foresee. But when we come, fresh, upon such things in the morning, + with that dark and silent gap between us and yesterday; with every link in + the brittle chain of hope, to rivet afresh; our hot enthusiasm subdued, + and cool calm reason substituted in its stead; doubt and misgiving revive. + As the traveller sees farthest by day, and becomes aware of rugged + mountains and trackless plains which the friendly darkness had shrouded + from his sight and mind together, so, the wayfarer in the toilsome path of + human life sees, with each returning sun, some new obstacle to surmount, + some new height to be attained. Distances stretch out before him which, + last night, were scarcely taken into account, and the light which gilds + all nature with its cheerful beams, seems but to shine upon the weary + obstacles that yet lie strewn between him and the grave. + </p> + <p> + So thought Nicholas, when, with the impatience natural to a situation like + his, he softly left the house, and, feeling as though to remain in bed + were to lose most precious time, and to be up and stirring were in some + way to promote the end he had in view, wandered into London; perfectly + well knowing that for hours to come he could not obtain speech with + Madeline, and could do nothing but wish the intervening time away. + </p> + <p> + And, even now, as he paced the streets, and listlessly looked round on the + gradually increasing bustle and preparation for the day, everything + appeared to yield him some new occasion for despondency. Last night, the + sacrifice of a young, affectionate, and beautiful creature, to such a + wretch, and in such a cause, had seemed a thing too monstrous to succeed; + and the warmer he grew, the more confident he felt that some interposition + must save her from his clutches. But now, when he thought how regularly + things went on, from day to day, in the same unvarying round; how youth + and beauty died, and ugly griping age lived tottering on; how crafty + avarice grew rich, and manly honest hearts were poor and sad; how few they + were who tenanted the stately houses, and how many of those who lay in + noisome pens, or rose each day and laid them down each night, and lived + and died, father and son, mother and child, race upon race, and generation + upon generation, without a home to shelter them or the energies of one + single man directed to their aid; how, in seeking, not a luxurious and + splendid life, but the bare means of a most wretched and inadequate + subsistence, there were women and children in that one town, divided into + classes, numbered and estimated as regularly as the noble families and + folks of great degree, and reared from infancy to drive most criminal and + dreadful trades; how ignorance was punished and never taught; how + jail-doors gaped, and gallows loomed, for thousands urged towards them by + circumstances darkly curtaining their very cradles’ heads, and but for + which they might have earned their honest bread and lived in peace; how + many died in soul, and had no chance of life; how many who could scarcely + go astray, be they vicious as they would, turned haughtily from the + crushed and stricken wretch who could scarce do otherwise, and who would + have been a greater wonder had he or she done well, than even they had + they done ill; how much injustice, misery, and wrong, there was, and yet + how the world rolled on, from year to year, alike careless and + indifferent, and no man seeking to remedy or redress it; when he thought + of all this, and selected from the mass the one slight case on which his + thoughts were bent, he felt, indeed, that there was little ground for + hope, and little reason why it should not form an atom in the huge + aggregate of distress and sorrow, and add one small and unimportant unit + to swell the great amount. + </p> + <p> + But youth is not prone to contemplate the darkest side of a picture it can + shift at will. By dint of reflecting on what he had to do, and reviving + the train of thought which night had interrupted, Nicholas gradually + summoned up his utmost energy, and when the morning was sufficiently + advanced for his purpose, had no thought but that of using it to the best + advantage. A hasty breakfast taken, and such affairs of business as + required prompt attention disposed of, he directed his steps to the + residence of Madeline Bray: whither he lost no time in arriving. + </p> + <p> + It had occurred to him that, very possibly, the young lady might be + denied, although to him she never had been; and he was still pondering + upon the surest method of obtaining access to her in that case, when, + coming to the door of the house, he found it had been left ajar—probably + by the last person who had gone out. The occasion was not one upon which + to observe the nicest ceremony; therefore, availing himself of this + advantage, Nicholas walked gently upstairs and knocked at the door of the + room into which he had been accustomed to be shown. Receiving permission + to enter, from some person on the other side, he opened the door and + walked in. + </p> + <p> + Bray and his daughter were sitting there alone. It was nearly three weeks + since he had seen her last, but there was a change in the lovely girl + before him which told Nicholas, in startling terms, how much mental + suffering had been compressed into that short time. There are no words + which can express, nothing with which can be compared, the perfect pallor, + the clear transparent whiteness, of the beautiful face which turned + towards him when he entered. Her hair was a rich deep brown, but shading + that face, and straying upon a neck that rivalled it in whiteness, it + seemed by the strong contrast raven black. Something of wildness and + restlessness there was in the dark eye, but there was the same patient + look, the same expression of gentle mournfulness which he well remembered, + and no trace of a single tear. Most beautiful—more beautiful, + perhaps, than ever—there was something in her face which quite + unmanned him, and appeared far more touching than the wildest agony of + grief. It was not merely calm and composed, but fixed and rigid, as though + the violent effort which had summoned that composure beneath her father’s + eye, while it mastered all other thoughts, had prevented even the + momentary expression they had communicated to the features from subsiding, + and had fastened it there, as an evidence of its triumph. + </p> + <p> + The father sat opposite to her; not looking directly in her face, but + glancing at her, as he talked with a gay air which ill disguised the + anxiety of his thoughts. The drawing materials were not on their + accustomed table, nor were any of the other tokens of her usual + occupations to be seen. The little vases which Nicholas had always seen + filled with fresh flowers were empty, or supplied only with a few withered + stalks and leaves. The bird was silent. The cloth that covered his cage at + night was not removed. His mistress had forgotten him. + </p> + <p> + There are times when, the mind being painfully alive to receive + impressions, a great deal may be noted at a glance. This was one, for + Nicholas had but glanced round him when he was recognised by Mr. Bray, who + said impatiently: + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, sir, what do you want? Name your errand here, quickly, if you + please, for my daughter and I are busily engaged with other and more + important matters than those you come about. Come, sir, address yourself + to your business at once.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas could very well discern that the irritability and impatience of + this speech were assumed, and that Bray, in his heart, was rejoiced at any + interruption which promised to engage the attention of his daughter. He + bent his eyes involuntarily upon the father as he spoke, and marked his + uneasiness; for he coloured and turned his head away. + </p> + <p> + The device, however, so far as it was a device for causing Madeline to + interfere, was successful. She rose, and advancing towards Nicholas paused + half-way, and stretched out her hand as expecting a letter. + </p> + <p> + ‘Madeline,’ said her father impatiently, ‘my love, what are you doing?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Miss Bray expects an inclosure perhaps,’ said Nicholas, speaking very + distinctly, and with an emphasis she could scarcely misunderstand. ‘My + employer is absent from England, or I should have brought a letter with + me. I hope she will give me time—a little time. I ask a very little + time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If that is all you come about, sir,’ said Mr. Bray, ‘you may make yourself + easy on that head. Madeline, my dear, I didn’t know this person was in + your debt?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘A—a trifle, I believe,’ returned Madeline, faintly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I suppose you think now,’ said Bray, wheeling his chair round and + confronting Nicholas, ‘that, but for such pitiful sums as you bring here, + because my daughter has chosen to employ her time as she has, we should + starve?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not thought about it,’ returned Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘You have not thought about it!’ sneered the invalid. ‘You know you <i>have</i> + thought about it, and have thought that, and think so every time you come + here. Do you suppose, young man, that I don’t know what little purse-proud + tradesmen are, when, through some fortunate circumstances, they get the + upper hand for a brief day—or think they get the upper hand—of + a gentleman?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My business,’ said Nicholas respectfully, ‘is with a lady.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With a gentleman’s daughter, sir,’ returned the sick man, ‘and the + pettifogging spirit is the same. But perhaps you bring <i>orders</i>, eh? Have + you any fresh <i>orders </i>for my daughter, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas understood the tone of triumph in which this interrogatory was + put; but remembering the necessity of supporting his assumed character, + produced a scrap of paper purporting to contain a list of some subjects + for drawings which his employer desired to have executed; and with which + he had prepared himself in case of any such contingency. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Mr. Bray. ‘These are the orders, are they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Since you insist upon the term, sir, yes,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then you may tell your master,’ said Bray, tossing the paper back again, + with an exulting smile, ‘that my daughter, Miss Madeline Bray, condescends + to employ herself no longer in such labours as these; that she is not at + his beck and call, as he supposes her to be; that we don’t live upon his + money, as he flatters himself we do; that he may give whatever he owes us, + to the first beggar that passes his shop, or add it to his own profits + next time he calculates them; and that he may go to the devil for me. + That’s my acknowledgment of his orders, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And this is the independence of a man who sells his daughter as he has + sold that weeping girl!’ thought Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + The father was too much absorbed with his own exultation to mark the look + of scorn which, for an instant, Nicholas could not have suppressed had he + been upon the rack. ‘There,’ he continued, after a short silence, ‘you + have your message and can retire—unless you have any further—ha!—any + further orders.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have none,’ said Nicholas; ‘nor, in the consideration of the station + you once held, have I used that or any other word which, however harmless + in itself, could be supposed to imply authority on my part or dependence + on yours. I have no orders, but I have fears—fears that I will + express, chafe as you may—fears that you may be consigning that + young lady to something worse than supporting you by the labour of her + hands, had she worked herself dead. These are my fears, and these fears I + found upon your own demeanour. Your conscience will tell you, sir, whether + I construe it well or not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For Heaven’s sake!’ cried Madeline, interposing in alarm between them. + ‘Remember, sir, he is ill.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ill!’ cried the invalid, gasping and catching for breath. ‘Ill! Ill! I am + bearded and bullied by a shop-boy, and she beseeches him to pity me and + remember I am ill!’ + </p> + <p> + He fell into a paroxysm of his disorder, so violent that for a few moments + Nicholas was alarmed for his life; but finding that he began to recover, + he withdrew, after signifying by a gesture to the young lady that he had + something important to communicate, and would wait for her outside the + room. He could hear that the sick man came gradually, but slowly, to + himself, and that without any reference to what had just occurred, as + though he had no distinct recollection of it as yet, he requested to be + left alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ thought Nicholas, ‘that this slender chance might not be lost, and + that I might prevail, if it were but for one week’s time and + reconsideration!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You are charged with some commission to me, sir,’ said Madeline, + presenting herself in great agitation. ‘Do not press it now, I beg and + pray you. The day after tomorrow; come here then.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It will be too late—too late for what I have to say,’ rejoined + Nicholas, ‘and you will not be here. Oh, madam, if you have but one + thought of him who sent me here, but one last lingering care for your own + peace of mind and heart, I do for God’s sake urge you to give me a + hearing.’ + </p> + <p> + She attempted to pass him, but Nicholas gently detained her. + </p> + <p> + ‘A hearing,’ said Nicholas. ‘I ask you but to hear me: not me alone, but + him for whom I speak, who is far away and does not know your danger. In + the name of Heaven hear me!’ + </p> + <p> + The poor attendant, with her eyes swollen and red with weeping, stood by; + and to her Nicholas appealed in such passionate terms that she opened a + side-door, and, supporting her mistress into an adjoining room, beckoned + Nicholas to follow them. + </p> + <p> + ‘Leave me, sir, pray,’ said the young lady. + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot, will not leave you thus,’ returned Nicholas. ‘I have a duty to + discharge; and, either here, or in the room from which we have just now + come, at whatever risk or hazard to Mr. Bray, I must beseech you to + contemplate again the fearful course to which you have been impelled.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What course is this you speak of, and impelled by whom, sir?’ demanded + the young lady, with an effort to speak proudly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I speak of this marriage,’ returned Nicholas, ‘of this marriage, fixed + for tomorrow, by one who never faltered in a bad purpose, or lent his aid + to any good design; of this marriage, the history of which is known to me, + better, far better, than it is to you. I know what web is wound about you. + I know what men they are from whom these schemes have come. You are + betrayed and sold for money; for gold, whose every coin is rusted with + tears, if not red with the blood of ruined men, who have fallen + desperately by their own mad hands.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You say you have a duty to discharge,’ said Madeline, ‘and so have I. And + with the help of Heaven I will perform it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Say rather with the help of devils,’ replied Nicholas, ‘with the help of + men, one of them your destined husband, who are—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must not hear this,’ cried the young lady, striving to repress a + shudder, occasioned, as it seemed, even by this slight allusion to Arthur + Gride. ‘This evil, if evil it be, has been of my own seeking. I am + impelled to this course by no one, but follow it of my own free will. You + see I am not constrained or forced. Report this,’ said Madeline, ‘to my + dear friend and benefactor, and, taking with you my prayers and thanks for + him and for yourself, leave me for ever!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not until I have besought you, with all the earnestness and fervour by + which I am animated,’ cried Nicholas, ‘to postpone this marriage for one + short week. Not until I have besought you to think more deeply than you + can have done, influenced as you are, upon the step you are about to take. + Although you cannot be fully conscious of the villainy of this man to whom + you are about to give your hand, some of his deeds you know. You have + heard him speak, and have looked upon his face. Reflect, reflect, before + it is too late, on the mockery of plighting to him at the altar, faith in + which your heart can have no share—of uttering solemn words, against + which nature and reason must rebel—of the degradation of yourself in + your own esteem, which must ensue, and must be aggravated every day, as + his detested character opens upon you more and more. Shrink from the + loathsome companionship of this wretch as you would from corruption and + disease. Suffer toil and labour if you will, but shun him, shun him, and + be happy. For, believe me, I speak the truth; the most abject poverty, the + most wretched condition of human life, with a pure and upright mind, would + be happiness to that which you must undergo as the wife of such a man as + this!’ + </p> + <p> + Long before Nicholas ceased to speak, the young lady buried her face in + her hands, and gave her tears free way. In a voice at first inarticulate + with emotion, but gradually recovering strength as she proceeded, she + answered him: + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not disguise from you, sir—though perhaps I ought—that + I have undergone great pain of mind, and have been nearly broken-hearted + since I saw you last. I do <i>not </i>love this gentleman. The difference between + our ages, tastes, and habits, forbids it. This he knows, and knowing, + still offers me his hand. By accepting it, and by that step alone, I can + release my father who is dying in this place; prolong his life, perhaps, + for many years; restore him to comfort—I may almost call it + affluence; and relieve a generous man from the burden of assisting one, by + whom, I grieve to say, his noble heart is little understood. Do not think + so poorly of me as to believe that I feign a love I do not feel. Do not + report so ill of me, for <i>that </i>I could not bear. If I cannot, in reason or + in nature, love the man who pays this price for my poor hand, I can + discharge the duties of a wife: I can be all he seeks in me, and will. He + is content to take me as I am. I have passed my word, and should rejoice, + not weep, that it is so. I do. The interest you take in one so friendless + and forlorn as I, the delicacy with which you have discharged your trust, + the faith you have kept with me, have my warmest thanks: and, while I make + this last feeble acknowledgment, move me to tears, as you see. But I do + not repent, nor am I unhappy. I am happy in the prospect of all I can + achieve so easily. I shall be more so when I look back upon it, and all is + done, I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your tears fall faster as you talk of happiness,’ said Nicholas, ‘and you + shun the contemplation of that dark future which must be laden with so + much misery to you. Defer this marriage for a week. For but one week!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He was talking, when you came upon us just now, with such smiles as I + remember to have seen of old, and have not seen for many and many a day, + of the freedom that was to come tomorrow,’ said Madeline, with momentary + firmness, ‘of the welcome change, the fresh air: all the new scenes and + objects that would bring fresh life to his exhausted frame. His eye grew + bright, and his face lightened at the thought. I will not defer it for an + hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘These are but tricks and wiles to urge you on,’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll hear no more,’ said Madeline, hurriedly; ‘I have heard too much—more + than I should—already. What I have said to you, sir, I have said as + to that dear friend to whom I trust in you honourably to repeat it. Some + time hence, when I am more composed and reconciled to my new mode of life, + if I should live so long, I will write to him. Meantime, all holy angels + shower blessings on his head, and prosper and preserve him.’ + </p> + <p> + She was hurrying past Nicholas, when he threw himself before her, and + implored her to think, but once again, upon the fate to which she was + precipitately hastening. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is no retreat,’ said Nicholas, in an agony of supplication; ‘no + withdrawing! All regret will be unavailing, and deep and bitter it must + be. What can I say, that will induce you to pause at this last moment? + What can I do to save you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ she incoherently replied. ‘This is the hardest trial I have + had. Have mercy on me, sir, I beseech, and do not pierce my heart with + such appeals as these. I—I hear him calling. I—I—must + not, will not, remain here for another instant.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If this were a plot,’ said Nicholas, with the same violent rapidity with + which she spoke, ‘a plot, not yet laid bare by me, but which, with time, I + might unravel; if you were (not knowing it) entitled to fortune of your + own, which, being recovered, would do all that this marriage can + accomplish, would you not retract?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no! It is impossible; it is a child’s tale. Time would bring his + death. He is calling again!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It may be the last time we shall ever meet on earth,’ said Nicholas, ‘it + may be better for me that we should never meet more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For both, for both,’ replied Madeline, not heeding what she said. ‘The + time will come when to recall the memory of this one interview might drive + me mad. Be sure to tell them, that you left me calm and happy. And God be + with you, sir, and my grateful heart and blessing!’ + </p> + <p> + She was gone. Nicholas, staggering from the house, thought of the hurried + scene which had just closed upon him, as if it were the phantom of some + wild, unquiet dream. The day wore on; at night, having been enabled in + some measure to collect his thoughts, he issued forth again. + </p> + <p> + That night, being the last of Arthur Gride’s bachelorship, found him in + tiptop spirits and great glee. The bottle-green suit had been brushed, + ready for the morrow. Peg Sliderskew had rendered the accounts of her past + housekeeping; the eighteen-pence had been rigidly accounted for (she was + never trusted with a larger sum at once, and the accounts were not usually + balanced more than twice a day); every preparation had been made for the + coming festival; and Arthur might have sat down and contemplated his + approaching happiness, but that he preferred sitting down and + contemplating the entries in a dirty old vellum-book with rusty clasps. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well-a-day!’ he chuckled, as sinking on his knees before a strong chest + screwed down to the floor, he thrust in his arm nearly up to the shoulder, + and slowly drew forth this greasy volume. ‘Well-a-day now, this is all my + library, but it’s one of the most entertaining books that were ever + written! It’s a delightful book, and all true and real—that’s the + best of it—true as the Bank of England, and real as its gold and + silver. Written by Arthur Gride. He, he, he! None of your storybook + writers will ever make as good a book as this, I warrant me. It’s composed + for private circulation, for my own particular reading, and nobody else’s. + He, he, he!’ + </p> + <p> + Muttering this soliloquy, Arthur carried his precious volume to the table, + and, adjusting it upon a dusty desk, put on his spectacles, and began to + pore among the leaves. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a large sum to Mr. Nickleby,’ he said, in a dolorous voice. ‘Debt to + be paid in full, nine hundred and seventy-five, four, three. Additional + sum as per bond, five hundred pound. One thousand, four hundred and + seventy-five pounds, four shillings, and threepence, tomorrow at twelve + o’clock. On the other side, though, there’s the <i>per contra</i>, by means of + this pretty chick. But, again, there’s the question whether I mightn’t + have brought all this about, myself. “Faint heart never won fair lady.” + Why was my heart so faint? Why didn’t I boldly open it to Bray myself, and + save one thousand four hundred and seventy-five, four, three?’ + </p> + <p> + These reflections depressed the old usurer so much, as to wring a feeble + groan or two from his breast, and cause him to declare, with uplifted + hands, that he would die in a workhouse. Remembering on further + cogitation, however, that under any circumstances he must have paid, or + handsomely compounded for, Ralph’s debt, and being by no means confident + that he would have succeeded had he undertaken his enterprise alone, he + regained his equanimity, and chattered and mowed over more satisfactory + items, until the entrance of Peg Sliderskew interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aha, Peg!’ said Arthur, ‘what is it? What is it now, Peg?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s the fowl,’ replied Peg, holding up a plate containing a little, a + very little one. Quite a phenomenon of a fowl. So very small and skinny. + </p> + <p> + ‘A beautiful bird!’ said Arthur, after inquiring the price, and finding it + proportionate to the size. ‘With a rasher of ham, and an egg made into + sauce, and potatoes, and greens, and an apple pudding, Peg, and a little + bit of cheese, we shall have a dinner for an emperor. There’ll only be she + and me—and you, Peg, when we’ve done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t you complain of the expense afterwards,’ said Mrs. Sliderskew, + sulkily. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am afraid we must live expensively for the first week,’ returned + Arthur, with a groan, ‘and then we must make up for it. I won’t eat more + than I can help, and I know you love your old master too much to eat more + than <i>you </i>can help, don’t you, Peg?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t I what?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Love your old master too much—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, not a bit too much,’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, dear, I wish the devil had this woman!’ cried Arthur: ‘love him too + much to eat more than you can help at his expense.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At his what?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh dear! she can never hear the most important word, and hears all the + others!’ whined Gride. ‘At his expense—you catamaran!’ + </p> + <p> + The last-mentioned tribute to the charms of Mrs. Sliderskew being uttered + in a whisper, that lady assented to the general proposition by a harsh + growl, which was accompanied by a ring at the street-door. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s the bell,’ said Arthur. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, ay; I know that,’ rejoined Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why don’t you go?’ bawled Arthur. + </p> + <p> + ‘Go where?’ retorted Peg. ‘I ain’t doing any harm here, am I?’ + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride in reply repeated the word ‘bell’ as loud as he could roar; + and, his meaning being rendered further intelligible to Mrs. Sliderskew’s + dull sense of hearing by pantomime expressive of ringing at a street-door, + Peg hobbled out, after sharply demanding why he hadn’t said there was a + ring before, instead of talking about all manner of things that had + nothing to do with it, and keeping her half-pint of beer waiting on the + steps. + </p> + <p> + ‘There’s a change come over you, Mrs. Peg,’ said Arthur, following her out + with his eyes. ‘What it means I don’t quite know; but, if it lasts, we + shan’t agree together long I see. You are turning crazy, I think. If you + are, you must take yourself off, Mrs. Peg—or be taken off. All’s one + to me.’ Turning over the leaves of his book as he muttered this, he soon + lighted upon something which attracted his attention, and forgot Peg + Sliderskew and everything else in the engrossing interest of its pages. + </p> + <p> + The room had no other light than that which it derived from a dim and + dirt-clogged lamp, whose lazy wick, being still further obscured by a dark + shade, cast its feeble rays over a very little space, and left all beyond + in heavy shadow. This lamp the money-lender had drawn so close to him, + that there was only room between it and himself for the book over which he + bent; and as he sat, with his elbows on the desk, and his sharp + cheek-bones resting on his hands, it only served to bring out his ugly + features in strong relief, together with the little table at which he sat, + and to shroud all the rest of the chamber in a deep sullen gloom. Raising + his eyes, and looking vacantly into this gloom as he made some mental + calculation, Arthur Gride suddenly met the fixed gaze of a man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thieves! thieves!’ shrieked the usurer, starting up and folding his book + to his breast. ‘Robbers! Murder!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What is the matter?’ said the form, advancing. + </p> + <p> + ‘Keep off!’ cried the trembling wretch. ‘Is it a man or a—a—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For what do you take me, if not for a man?’ was the inquiry. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ cried Arthur Gride, shading his eyes with his hand, ‘it is a + man, and not a spirit. It is a man. Robbers! robbers!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For what are these cries raised? Unless indeed you know me, and have some + purpose in your brain?’ said the stranger, coming close up to him. ‘I am + no thief.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What then, and how come you here?’ cried Gride, somewhat reassured, but + still retreating from his visitor: ‘what is your name, and what do you + want?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My name you need not know,’ was the reply. ‘I came here, because I was + shown the way by your servant. I have addressed you twice or thrice, but + you were too profoundly engaged with your book to hear me, and I have been + silently waiting until you should be less abstracted. What I want I will + tell you, when you can summon up courage enough to hear and understand + me.’ + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride, venturing to regard his visitor more attentively, and + perceiving that he was a young man of good mien and bearing, returned to + his seat, and muttering that there were bad characters about, and that + this, with former attempts upon his house, had made him nervous, requested + his visitor to sit down. This, however, he declined. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good God! I don’t stand up to have you at an advantage,’ said Nicholas + (for Nicholas it was), as he observed a gesture of alarm on the part of + Gride. ‘Listen to me. You are to be married tomorrow morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N—n—no,’ rejoined Gride. ‘Who said I was? How do you know + that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No matter how,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I know it. The young lady who is to + give you her hand hates and despises you. Her blood runs cold at the + mention of your name; the vulture and the lamb, the rat and the dove, + could not be worse matched than you and she. You see I know her.’ + </p> + <p> + Gride looked at him as if he were petrified with astonishment, but did not + speak; perhaps lacking the power. + </p> + <p> + ‘You and another man, Ralph Nickleby by name, have hatched this plot + between you,’ pursued Nicholas. ‘You pay him for his share in bringing + about this sale of Madeline Bray. You do. A lie is trembling on your lips, + I see.’ + </p> + <p> + He paused; but, Arthur making no reply, resumed again. + </p> + <p> + ‘You pay yourself by defrauding her. How or by what means—for I + scorn to sully her cause by falsehood or deceit—I do not know; at + present I do not know, but I am not alone or single-handed in this + business. If the energy of man can compass the discovery of your fraud and + treachery before your death; if wealth, revenge, and just hatred, can hunt + and track you through your windings; you will yet be called to a dear + account for this. We are on the scent already; judge you, who know what we + do not, when we shall have you down!’ + </p> + <p> + He paused again, and still Arthur Gride glared upon him in silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘If you were a man to whom I could appeal with any hope of touching his + compassion or humanity,’ said Nicholas, ‘I would urge upon you to remember + the helplessness, the innocence, the youth, of this lady; her worth and + beauty, her filial excellence, and last, and more than all, as concerning + you more nearly, the appeal she has made to your mercy and your manly + feeling. But, I take the only ground that can be taken with men like you, + and ask what money will buy you off. Remember the danger to which you are + exposed. You see I know enough to know much more with very little help. + Bate some expected gain for the risk you save, and say what is your + price.’ + </p> + <p> + Old Arthur Gride moved his lips, but they only formed an ugly smile and + were motionless again. + </p> + <p> + ‘You think,’ said Nicholas, ‘that the price would not be paid. Miss Bray + has wealthy friends who would coin their very hearts to save her in such a + strait as this. Name your price, defer these nuptials for but a few days, + and see whether those I speak of, shrink from the payment. Do you hear + me?’ + </p> + <p> + When Nicholas began, Arthur Gride’s impression was, that Ralph Nickleby + had betrayed him; but, as he proceeded, he felt convinced that however he + had come by the knowledge he possessed, the part he acted was a genuine + one, and that with Ralph he had no concern. All he seemed to know, for + certain, was, that he, Gride, paid Ralph’s debt; but that, to anybody who + knew the circumstances of Bray’s detention—even to Bray himself, on + Ralph’s own statement—must be perfectly notorious. As to the fraud + on Madeline herself, his visitor knew so little about its nature or + extent, that it might be a lucky guess, or a hap-hazard accusation. + Whether or no, he had clearly no key to the mystery, and could not hurt + him who kept it close within his own breast. The allusion to friends, and + the offer of money, Gride held to be mere empty vapouring, for purposes of + delay. ‘And even if money were to be had,’ thought Arthur Gride, as he + glanced at Nicholas, and trembled with passion at his boldness and + audacity, ‘I’d have that dainty chick for my wife, and cheat <i>you </i>of her, + young smooth-face!’ + </p> + <p> + Long habit of weighing and noting well what clients said, and nicely + balancing chances in his mind and calculating odds to their faces, without + the least appearance of being so engaged, had rendered Gride quick in + forming conclusions, and arriving, from puzzling, intricate, and often + contradictory premises, at very cunning deductions. Hence it was that, as + Nicholas went on, he followed him closely with his own constructions, and, + when he ceased to speak, was as well prepared as if he had deliberated for + a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear you,’ he cried, starting from his seat, casting back the + fastenings of the window-shutters, and throwing up the sash. ‘Help here! + Help! Help!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What are you doing?’ said Nicholas, seizing him by the arm. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll cry robbers, thieves, murder, alarm the neighbourhood, struggle with + you, let loose some blood, and swear you came to rob me, if you don’t quit + my house,’ replied Gride, drawing in his head with a frightful grin, ‘I + will!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wretch!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>You’ll</i> bring your threats here, will you?’ said Gride, whom jealousy of + Nicholas and a sense of his own triumph had converted into a perfect + fiend. ‘You, the disappointed lover? Oh dear! He! he! he! But you shan’t + have her, nor she you. She’s my wife, my doting little wife. Do you think + she’ll miss you? Do you think she’ll weep? I shall like to see her weep, I + shan’t mind it. She looks prettier in tears.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Villain!’ said Nicholas, choking with his rage. + </p> + <p> + ‘One minute more,’ cried Arthur Gride, ‘and I’ll rouse the street with + such screams, as, if they were raised by anybody else, should wake me even + in the arms of pretty Madeline.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You hound!’ said Nicholas. ‘If you were but a younger man—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes!’ sneered Arthur Gride, ‘If I was but a younger man it wouldn’t be + so bad; but for me, so old and ugly! To be jilted by little Madeline for + me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear me,’ said Nicholas, ‘and be thankful I have enough command over + myself not to fling you into the street, which no aid could prevent my + doing if I once grappled with you. I have been no lover of this lady’s. No + contract or engagement, no word of love, has ever passed between us. She + does not even know my name.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll ask it for all that. I’ll beg it of her with kisses,’ said Arthur + Gride. ‘Yes, and she’ll tell me, and pay them back, and we’ll laugh + together, and hug ourselves, and be very merry, when we think of the poor + youth that wanted to have her, but couldn’t because she was bespoke by + me!’ + </p> + <p> + This taunt brought such an expression into the face of Nicholas, that + Arthur Gride plainly apprehended it to be the forerunner of his putting + his threat of throwing him into the street in immediate execution; for he + thrust his head out of the window, and holding tight on with both hands, + raised a pretty brisk alarm. Not thinking it necessary to abide the issue + of the noise, Nicholas gave vent to an indignant defiance, and stalked + from the room and from the house. Arthur Gride watched him across the + street, and then, drawing in his head, fastened the window as before, and + sat down to take breath. + </p> + <p> + ‘If she ever turns pettish or ill-humoured, I’ll taunt her with that + spark,’ he said, when he had recovered. ‘She’ll little think I know about + him; and, if I manage it well, I can break her spirit by this means and + have her under my thumb. I’m glad nobody came. I didn’t call too loud. The + audacity to enter my house, and open upon me! But I shall have a very good + triumph tomorrow, and he’ll be gnawing his fingers off: perhaps drown + himself or cut his throat! I shouldn’t wonder! That would make it quite + complete, that would: quite.’ + </p> + <p> + When he had become restored to his usual condition by these and other + comments on his approaching triumph, Arthur Gride put away his book, and, + having locked the chest with great caution, descended into the kitchen to + warn Peg Sliderskew to bed, and scold her for having afforded such ready + admission to a stranger. + </p> + <p> + The unconscious Peg, however, not being able to comprehend the offence of + which she had been guilty, he summoned her to hold the light, while he + made a tour of the fastenings, and secured the street-door with his own + hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Top bolt,’ muttered Arthur, fastening as he spoke, ‘bottom bolt, chain, + bar, double lock, and key out to put under my pillow! So, if any more + rejected admirers come, they may come through the keyhole. And now I’ll go + to sleep till half-past five, when I must get up to be married, Peg!’ + </p> + <p> + With that, he jocularly tapped Mrs. Sliderskew under the chin, and + appeared, for the moment, inclined to celebrate the close of his bachelor + days by imprinting a kiss on her shrivelled lips. Thinking better of it, + however, he gave her chin another tap, in lieu of that warmer familiarity, + and stole away to bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 54 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span> + <i>he Crisis of the Project and its Result</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +There are not many men who lie abed too late, or oversleep themselves, on + their wedding morning. A legend there is of somebody remarkable for + absence of mind, who opened his eyes upon the day which was to give him a + young wife, and forgetting all about the matter, rated his servants for + providing him with such fine clothes as had been prepared for the + festival. There is also a legend of a young gentleman, who, not having + before his eyes the fear of the canons of the church for such cases made + and provided, conceived a passion for his grandmother. Both cases are of a + singular and special kind and it is very doubtful whether either can be + considered as a precedent likely to be extensively followed by succeeding + generations. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride had enrobed himself in his marriage garments of bottle-green, + a full hour before Mrs. Sliderskew, shaking off her more heavy slumbers, + knocked at his chamber door; and he had hobbled downstairs in full array + and smacked his lips over a scanty taste of his favourite cordial, ere + that delicate piece of antiquity enlightened the kitchen with her + presence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Faugh!’ said Peg, grubbing, in the discharge of her domestic functions, + among a scanty heap of ashes in the rusty grate. ‘Wedding indeed! A + precious wedding! He wants somebody better than his old Peg to take care + of him, does he? And what has he said to me, many and many a time, to keep + me content with short food, small wages, and little fire? “My will, Peg! + my will!” says he: “I’m a bachelor—no friends—no relations, + Peg.” Lies! And now he’s to bring home a new mistress, a baby-faced chit + of a girl! If he wanted a wife, the fool, why couldn’t he have one + suitable to his age, and that knew his ways? She won’t come in <i>my</i> way, he + says. No, that she won’t, but you little think why, Arthur boy!’ + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. Sliderskew, influenced possibly by some lingering feelings of + disappointment and personal slight, occasioned by her old master’s + preference for another, was giving loose to these grumblings below stairs, + Arthur Gride was cogitating in the parlour upon what had taken place last + night. + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t think how he can have picked up what he knows,’ said Arthur, + ‘unless I have committed myself—let something drop at Bray’s, for + instance—which has been overheard. Perhaps I may. I shouldn’t be + surprised if that was it. Mr. Nickleby was often angry at my talking to him + before we got outside the door. I mustn’t tell him that part of the + business, or he’ll put me out of sorts, and make me nervous for the day.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph was universally looked up to, and recognised among his fellows as a + superior genius, but upon Arthur Gride his stern unyielding character and + consummate art had made so deep an impression, that he was actually afraid + of him. Cringing and cowardly to the core by nature, Arthur Gride humbled + himself in the dust before Ralph Nickleby, and, even when they had not + this stake in common, would have licked his shoes and crawled upon the + ground before him rather than venture to return him word for word, or + retort upon him in any other spirit than one of the most slavish and + abject sycophancy. + </p> + <p> + To Ralph Nickleby’s, Arthur Gride now betook himself according to + appointment; and to Ralph Nickleby he related how, last night, some young + blustering blade, whom he had never seen, forced his way into his house, + and tried to frighten him from the proposed nuptials. Told, in short, what + Nicholas had said and done, with the slight reservation upon which he had + determined. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, and what then?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! nothing more,’ rejoined Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘He tried to frighten you,’ said Ralph, ‘and you <i>were </i>frightened I + suppose; is that it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I frightened <i>him </i>by crying thieves and murder,’ replied Gride. ‘Once I + was in earnest, I tell you that, for I had more than half a mind to swear + he uttered threats, and demanded my life or my money.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oho!’ said Ralph, eyeing him askew. ‘Jealous too!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear now, see that!’ cried Arthur, rubbing his hands and affecting to + laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why do you make those grimaces, man?’ said Ralph; ‘you <i>are </i>jealous—and + with good cause I think.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no; not with good cause, hey? You don’t think with good cause, do + you?’ cried Arthur, faltering. ‘Do you though, hey?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, how stands the fact?’ returned Ralph. ‘Here is an old man about to + be forced in marriage upon a girl; and to this old man there comes a + handsome young fellow—you said he was handsome, didn’t you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ snarled Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ rejoined Ralph, ‘I thought you did. Well! Handsome or not handsome, + to this old man there comes a young fellow who casts all manner of fierce + defiances in his teeth—gums I should rather say—and tells him + in plain terms that his mistress hates him. What does he do that for? + Philanthropy’s sake?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for love of the lady,’ replied Gride, ‘for he said that no word of + love—his very words—had ever passed between ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He said!’ repeated Ralph, contemptuously. ‘But I like him for one thing, + and that is, his giving you this fair warning to keep your—what is + it?—Tit-tit or dainty chick—which?—under lock and key. + Be careful, Gride, be careful. It’s a triumph, too, to tear her away from + a gallant young rival: a great triumph for an old man! It only remains to + keep her safe when you have her—that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What a man it is!’ cried Arthur Gride, affecting, in the extremity of his + torture, to be highly amused. And then he added, anxiously, ‘Yes; to keep + her safe, that’s all. And that isn’t much, is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Much!’ said Ralph, with a sneer. ‘Why, everybody knows what easy things + to understand and to control, women are. But come, it’s very nearly time + for you to be made happy. You’ll pay the bond now, I suppose, to save us + trouble afterwards.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh what a man you are!’ croaked Arthur. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why not?’ said Ralph. ‘Nobody will pay you interest for the money, I + suppose, between this and twelve o’clock; will they?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But nobody would pay you interest for it either, you know,’ returned + Arthur, leering at Ralph with all the cunning and slyness he could throw + into his face. + </p> + <p> + ‘Besides which,’ said Ralph, suffering his lip to curl into a smile, ‘you + haven’t the money about you, and you weren’t prepared for this, or you’d + have brought it with you; and there’s nobody you’d so much like to + accommodate as me. I see. We trust each other in about an equal degree. + Are you ready?’ + </p> + <p> + Gride, who had done nothing but grin, and nod, and chatter, during this + last speech of Ralph’s, answered in the affirmative; and, producing from + his hat a couple of large white favours, pinned one on his breast, and + with considerable difficulty induced his friend to do the like. Thus + accoutred, they got into a hired coach which Ralph had in waiting, and + drove to the residence of the fair and most wretched bride. + </p> + <p> + Gride, whose spirits and courage had gradually failed him more and more as + they approached nearer and nearer to the house, was utterly dismayed and + cowed by the mournful silence which pervaded it. The face of the poor + servant girl, the only person they saw, was disfigured with tears and want + of sleep. There was nobody to receive or welcome them; and they stole + upstairs into the usual sitting-room, more like two burglars than the + bridegroom and his friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘One would think,’ said Ralph, speaking, in spite of himself, in a low and + subdued voice, ‘that there was a funeral going on here, and not a + wedding.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He, he!’ tittered his friend, ‘you are so—so very funny!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I need be,’ remarked Ralph, drily, ‘for this is rather dull and chilling. + Look a little brisker, man, and not so hangdog like!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes, I will,’ said Gride. ‘But—but—you don’t think she’s + coming just yet, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I suppose she’ll not come till she is obliged,’ returned Ralph, + looking at his watch, ‘and she has a good half-hour to spare yet. Curb + your impatience.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I—I—am not impatient,’ stammered Arthur. ‘I wouldn’t be hard + with her for the world. Oh dear, dear, not on any account. Let her take + her time—her own time. Her time shall be ours by all means.’ + </p> + <p> + While Ralph bent upon his trembling friend a keen look, which showed that + he perfectly understood the reason of this great consideration and regard, + a footstep was heard upon the stairs, and Bray himself came into the room + on tiptoe, and holding up his hand with a cautious gesture, as if there + were some sick person near, who must not be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ he said, in a low voice. ‘She was very ill last night. I thought + she would have broken her heart. She is dressed, and crying bitterly in + her own room; but she’s better, and quite quiet. That’s everything!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She is ready, is she?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite ready,’ returned the father. + </p> + <p> + ‘And not likely to delay us by any young-lady weaknesses—fainting, + or so forth?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘She may be safely trusted now,’ returned Bray. ‘I have been talking to + her this morning. Here! Come a little this way.’ + </p> + <p> + He drew Ralph Nickleby to the further end of the room, and pointed towards + Gride, who sat huddled together in a corner, fumbling nervously with the + buttons of his coat, and exhibiting a face, of which every skulking and + base expression was sharpened and aggravated to the utmost by his anxiety + and trepidation. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look at that man,’ whispered Bray, emphatically. ‘This seems a cruel + thing, after all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What seems a cruel thing?’ inquired Ralph, with as much stolidity of + face, as if he really were in utter ignorance of the other’s meaning. + </p> + <p> + ‘This marriage,’ answered Bray. ‘Don’t ask me what. You know as well as I + do.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph shrugged his shoulders, in silent deprecation of Bray’s impatience, + and elevated his eyebrows, and pursed his lips, as men do when they are + prepared with a sufficient answer to some remark, but wait for a more + favourable opportunity of advancing it, or think it scarcely worth while + to answer their adversary at all. + </p> + <p> + ‘Look at him. Does it not seem cruel?’ said Bray. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ replied Ralph, boldly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say it does,’ retorted Bray, with a show of much irritation. ‘It is a + cruel thing, by all that’s bad and treacherous!’ + </p> + <p> + When men are about to commit, or to sanction the commission of some + injustice, it is not uncommon for them to express pity for the object + either of that or some parallel proceeding, and to feel themselves, at the + time, quite virtuous and moral, and immensely superior to those who + express no pity at all. This is a kind of upholding of faith above works, + and is very comfortable. To do Ralph Nickleby justice, he seldom practised + this sort of dissimulation; but he understood those who did, and therefore + suffered Bray to say, again and again, with great vehemence, that they + were jointly doing a very cruel thing, before he again offered to + interpose a word. + </p> + <p> + ‘You see what a dry, shrivelled, withered old chip it is,’ returned Ralph, + when the other was at length silent. ‘If he were younger, it might be + cruel, but as it is—harkee, Mr. Bray, he’ll die soon, and leave her a + rich young widow! Miss Madeline consults your tastes this time; let her + consult her own next.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True, true,’ said Bray, biting his nails, and plainly very ill at ease. + ‘I couldn’t do anything better for her than advise her to accept these + proposals, could I? Now, I ask you, Nickleby, as a man of the world; could + I?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely not,’ answered Ralph. ‘I tell you what, sir; there are a hundred + fathers, within a circuit of five miles from this place; well off; good, + rich, substantial men; who would gladly give their daughters, and their + own ears with them, to that very man yonder, ape and mummy as he looks.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So there are!’ exclaimed Bray, eagerly catching at anything which seemed + a justification of himself. ‘And so I told her, both last night and + today.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You told her truth,’ said Ralph, ‘and did well to do so; though I must + say, at the same time, that if I had a daughter, and my freedom, pleasure, + nay, my very health and life, depended on her taking a husband whom I + pointed out, I should hope it would not be necessary to advance any other + arguments to induce her to consent to my wishes.’ + </p> + <p> + Bray looked at Ralph as if to see whether he spoke in earnest, and having + nodded twice or thrice in unqualified assent to what had fallen from him, + said: + </p> + <p> + ‘I must go upstairs for a few minutes, to finish dressing. When I come + down, I’ll bring Madeline with me. Do you know, I had a very strange dream + last night, which I have not remembered till this instant. I dreamt that + it was this morning, and you and I had been talking as we have been this + minute; that I went upstairs, for the very purpose for which I am going + now; and that as I stretched out my hand to take Madeline’s, and lead her + down, the floor sunk with me, and after falling from such an indescribable + and tremendous height as the imagination scarcely conceives, except in + dreams, I alighted in a grave.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And you awoke, and found you were lying on your back, or with your head + hanging over the bedside, or suffering some pain from indigestion?’ said + Ralph. ‘Pshaw, Mr. Bray! Do as I do (you will have the opportunity, now + that a constant round of pleasure and enjoyment opens upon you), and, + occupying yourself a little more by day, have no time to think of what you + dream by night.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph followed him, with a steady look, to the door; and, turning to the + bridegroom, when they were again alone, said, + </p> + <p> + ‘Mark my words, Gride, you won’t have to pay <i>his </i>annuity very long. You + have the devil’s luck in bargains, always. If he is not booked to make the + long voyage before many months are past and gone, I wear an orange for a + head!’ + </p> + <p> + To this prophecy, so agreeable to his ears, Arthur returned no answer than + a cackle of great delight. Ralph, throwing himself into a chair, they both + sat waiting in profound silence. Ralph was thinking, with a sneer upon his + lips, on the altered manner of Bray that day, and how soon their + fellowship in a bad design had lowered his pride and established a + familiarity between them, when his attentive ear caught the rustling of a + female dress upon the stairs, and the footstep of a man. + </p> + <p> + ‘Wake up,’ he said, stamping his foot impatiently upon the ground, ‘and be + something like life, man, will you? They are here. Urge those dry old + bones of yours this way. Quick, man, quick!’ + </p> + <p> + Gride shambled forward, and stood, leering and bowing, close by Ralph’s + side, when the door opened and there entered in haste—not Bray and + his daughter, but Nicholas and his sister Kate. + </p> + <p> + If some tremendous apparition from the world of shadows had suddenly + presented itself before him, Ralph Nickleby could not have been more + thunder-stricken than he was by this surprise. His hands fell powerless by + his side, he reeled back; and with open mouth, and a face of ashy + paleness, stood gazing at them in speechless rage: his eyes so prominent, + and his face so convulsed and changed by the passions which raged within + him, that it would have been difficult to recognise in him the same stern, + composed, hard-featured man he had been not a minute ago. + </p> + <p> + ‘The man that came to me last night,’ whispered Gride, plucking at his + elbow. ‘The man that came to me last night!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see,’ muttered Ralph, ‘I know! I might have guessed as much before. + Across my every path, at every turn, go where I will, do what I may, he + comes!’ + </p> + <p> + The absence of all colour from the face; the dilated nostril; the + quivering of the lips which, though set firmly against each other, would + not be still; showed what emotions were struggling for the mastery with + Nicholas. But he kept them down, and gently pressing Kate’s arm to + reassure her, stood erect and undaunted, front to front with his unworthy + relative. + </p> + <p> + As the brother and sister stood side by side, with a gallant bearing which + became them well, a close likeness between them was apparent, which many, + had they only seen them apart, might have failed to remark. The air, + carriage, and very look and expression of the brother were all reflected + in the sister, but softened and refined to the nicest limit of feminine + delicacy and attraction. More striking still was some indefinable + resemblance, in the face of Ralph, to both. While they had never looked + more handsome, nor he more ugly; while they had never held themselves more + proudly, nor he shrunk half so low; there never had been a time when this + resemblance was so perceptible, or when all the worst characteristics of a + face rendered coarse and harsh by evil thoughts were half so manifest as + now. + </p> + <p> + ‘Away!’ was the first word he could utter as he literally gnashed his + teeth. ‘Away! What brings you here? Liar, scoundrel, dastard, thief!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I come here,’ said Nicholas in a low deep voice, ‘to save your victim if + I can. Liar and scoundrel you are, in every action of your life; theft is + your trade; and double dastard you must be, or you were not here today. + Hard words will not move me, nor would hard blows. Here I stand, and will, + till I have done my errand.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Girl!’ said Ralph, ‘retire! We can use force to him, but I would not hurt + you if I could help it. Retire, you weak and silly wench, and leave this + dog to be dealt with as he deserves.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will not retire,’ cried Kate, with flashing eyes and the red blood + mantling in her cheeks. ‘You will do him no hurt that he will not repay. + You may use force with me; I think you will, for I <i>am</i> a girl, and that + would well become you. But if I have a girl’s weakness, I have a woman’s + heart, and it is not you who in a cause like this can turn that from its + purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And what may your purpose be, most lofty lady?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘To offer to the unhappy subject of your treachery, at this last moment,’ + replied Nicholas, ‘a refuge and a home. If the near prospect of such a + husband as you have provided will not prevail upon her, I hope she may be + moved by the prayers and entreaties of one of her own sex. At all events + they shall be tried. I myself, avowing to her father from whom I come and + by whom I am commissioned, will render it an act of greater baseness, + meanness, and cruelty in him if he still dares to force this marriage on. + Here I wait to see him and his daughter. For this I came and brought my + sister even into your presence. Our purpose is not to see or speak with + you; therefore to you we stoop to say no more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed!’ said Ralph. ‘You persist in remaining here, ma’am, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + His niece’s bosom heaved with the indignant excitement into which he had + lashed her, but she gave him no reply. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Gride, see here,’ said Ralph. ‘This fellow—I grieve to say my + brother’s son: a reprobate and profligate, stained with every mean and + selfish crime—this fellow, coming here today to disturb a solemn + ceremony, and knowing that the consequence of his presenting himself in + another man’s house at such a time, and persisting in remaining there, + must be his being kicked into the streets and dragged through them like + the vagabond he is—this fellow, mark you, brings with him his sister + as a protection, thinking we would not expose a silly girl to the + degradation and indignity which is no novelty to him; and, even after I + have warned her of what must ensue, he still keeps her by him, as you see, + and clings to her apron-strings like a cowardly boy to his mother’s. Is + not this a pretty fellow to talk as big as you have heard him now?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And as I heard him last night,’ said Arthur Gride; ‘as I heard him last + night when he sneaked into my house, and—he! he! he!—very soon + sneaked out again, when I nearly frightened him to death. And <i>he</i> wanting + to marry Miss Madeline too! Oh dear! Is there anything else he’d like? + Anything else we can do for him, besides giving her up? Would he like his + debts paid and his house furnished, and a few bank notes for shaving paper + if he shaves at all? He! he! he!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will remain, girl, will you?’ said Ralph, turning upon Kate again, + ‘to be hauled downstairs like a drunken drab, as I swear you shall if you + stop here? No answer! Thank your brother for what follows. Gride, call + down Bray—and not his daughter. Let them keep her above.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you value your head,’ said Nicholas, taking up a position before the + door, and speaking in the same low voice in which he had spoken before, + and with no more outward passion than he had before displayed; ‘stay where + you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind me, and not him, and call down Bray,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mind yourself rather than either of us, and stay where you are!’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you call down Bray?’ cried Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Remember that you come near me at your peril,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Gride hesitated. Ralph being, by this time, as furious as a baffled tiger, + made for the door, and, attempting to pass Kate, clasped her arm roughly + with his hand. Nicholas, with his eyes darting fire, seized him by the + collar. At that moment, a heavy body fell with great violence on the floor + above, and, in an instant afterwards, was heard a most appalling and + terrific scream. + </p> + <p> + They all stood still, and gazed upon each other. Scream succeeded scream; + a heavy pattering of feet succeeded; and many shrill voices clamouring + together were heard to cry, ‘He is dead!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stand off!’ cried Nicholas, letting loose all the passion he had + restrained till now; ‘if this is what I scarcely dare to hope it is, you + are caught, villains, in your own toils.’ + </p> + <p> + He burst from the room, and, darting upstairs to the quarter from whence + the noise proceeded, forced his way through a crowd of persons who quite + filled a small bed-chamber, and found Bray lying on the floor quite dead; + his daughter clinging to the body. + </p> + <p> + ‘How did this happen?’ he cried, looking wildly about him. + </p> + <p> + Several voices answered together, that he had been observed, through the + half-opened door, reclining in a strange and uneasy position upon a chair; + that he had been spoken to several times, and not answering, was supposed + to be asleep, until some person going in and shaking him by the arm, he + fell heavily to the ground and was discovered to be dead. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is the owner of this house?’ said Nicholas, hastily. + </p> + <p> + An elderly woman was pointed out to him; and to her he said, as he knelt + down and gently unwound Madeline’s arms from the lifeless mass round which + they were entwined: ‘I represent this lady’s nearest friends, as her + servant here knows, and must remove her from this dreadful scene. This is + my sister to whose charge you confide her. My name and address are upon + that card, and you shall receive from me all necessary directions for the + arrangements that must be made. Stand aside, every one of you, and give me + room and air for God’s sake!’ + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0731m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0731m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0731.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + The people fell back, scarce wondering more at what had just occurred, + than at the excitement and impetuosity of him who spoke. Nicholas, taking + the insensible girl in his arms, bore her from the chamber and downstairs + into the room he had just quitted, followed by his sister and the faithful + servant, whom he charged to procure a coach directly, while he and Kate + bent over their beautiful charge and endeavoured, but in vain, to restore + her to animation. The girl performed her office with such expedition, that + in a very few minutes the coach was ready. + </p> + <p> + Ralph Nickleby and Gride, stunned and paralysed by the awful event which + had so suddenly overthrown their schemes (it would not otherwise, perhaps, + have made much impression on them), and carried away by the extraordinary + energy and precipitation of Nicholas, which bore down all before him, + looked on at these proceedings like men in a dream or trance. It was not + until every preparation was made for Madeline’s immediate removal that + Ralph broke silence by declaring she should not be taken away. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who says so?’ cried Nicholas, rising from his knee and confronting them, + but still retaining Madeline’s lifeless hand in his. + </p> + <p> + ‘I!’ answered Ralph, hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush, hush!’ cried the terrified Gride, catching him by the arm again. + ‘Hear what he says.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay!’ said Nicholas, extending his disengaged hand in the air, ‘hear what + he says. That both your debts are paid in the one great debt of nature. + That the bond, due today at twelve, is now waste paper. That your + contemplated fraud shall be discovered yet. That your schemes are known to + man, and overthrown by Heaven. Wretches, that he defies you both to do + your worst.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘This man,’ said Ralph, in a voice scarcely intelligible, ‘this man claims + his wife, and he shall have her.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That man claims what is not his, and he should not have her if he were + fifty men, with fifty more to back him,’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who shall prevent him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By what right I should like to know,’ said Ralph. ‘By what right I ask?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘By this right. That, knowing what I do, you dare not tempt me further,’ + said Nicholas, ‘and by this better right; that those I serve, and with + whom you would have done me base wrong and injury, are her nearest and her + dearest friends. In their name I bear her hence. Give way!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘One word!’ cried Ralph, foaming at the mouth. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not one,’ replied Nicholas, ‘I will not hear of one—save this. Look + to yourself, and heed this warning that I give you! Your day is past, and + night is comin’ on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My curse, my bitter, deadly curse, upon you, boy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whence will curses come at your command? Or what avails a curse or + blessing from a man like you? I tell you, that misfortune and discovery + are thickening about your head; that the structures you have raised, + through all your ill-spent life, are crumbling into dust; that your path + is beset with spies; that this very day, ten thousand pounds of your + hoarded wealth have gone in one great crash!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis false!’ cried Ralph, shrinking back. + </p> + <p> + ‘’Tis true, and you shall find it so. I have no more words to waste. Stand + from the door. Kate, do you go first. Lay not a hand on her, or on that + woman, or on me, or so much a brush their garments as they pass you by!—You + let them pass, and he blocks the door again!’ + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride happened to be in the doorway, but whether intentionally or + from confusion was not quite apparent. Nicholas swung him away, with such + violence as to cause him to spin round the room until he was caught by a + sharp angle of the wall, and there knocked down; and then taking his + beautiful burden in his arms rushed out. No one cared to stop him, if any + were so disposed. Making his way through a mob of people, whom a report of + the circumstances had attracted round the house, and carrying Madeline, in + his excitement, as easily as if she were an infant, he reached the coach + in which Kate and the girl were already waiting, and, confiding his charge + to them, jumped up beside the coachman and bade him drive away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 55 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">O</span> + <i>f Family Matters, Cares, Hopes, Disappointments, and Sorrows</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +Although Mrs. Nickleby had been made acquainted by her son and daughter + with every circumstance of Madeline Bray’s history which was known to + them; although the responsible situation in which Nicholas stood had been + carefully explained to her, and she had been prepared, even for the + possible contingency of having to receive the young lady in her own house, + improbable as such a result had appeared only a few minutes before it came + about, still, Mrs. Nickleby, from the moment when this confidence was first + reposed in her, late on the previous evening, had remained in an + unsatisfactory and profoundly mystified state, from which no explanations + or arguments could relieve her, and which every fresh soliloquy and + reflection only aggravated more and more. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bless my heart, Kate!’ so the good lady argued; ‘if the Mr. Cheerybles + don’t want this young lady to be married, why don’t they file a bill + against the Lord Chancellor, make her a Chancery ward, and shut her up in + the Fleet prison for safety?—I have read of such things in the + newspapers a hundred times. Or, if they are so very fond of her as + Nicholas says they are, why don’t they marry her themselves—one of + them I mean? And even supposing they don’t want her to be married, and + don’t want to marry her themselves, why in the name of wonder should + Nicholas go about the world, forbidding people’s banns?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t think you quite understand,’ said Kate, gently. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well I am sure, Kate, my dear, you’re very polite!’ replied Mrs. Nickleby. + ‘I have been married myself I hope, and I have seen other people married. + Not understand, indeed!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know you have had great experience, dear mama,’ said Kate; ‘I mean that + perhaps you don’t quite understand all the circumstances in this instance. + We have stated them awkwardly, I dare say.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That I dare say you have,’ retorted her mother, briskly. ‘That’s very + likely. I am not to be held accountable for that; though, at the same + time, as the circumstances speak for themselves, I shall take the liberty, + my love, of saying that I do understand them, and perfectly well too; + whatever you and Nicholas may choose to think to the contrary. Why is such + a great fuss made because this Miss Magdalen is going to marry somebody + who is older than herself? Your poor papa was older than I was, four years + and a half older. Jane Dibabs—the Dibabses lived in the beautiful + little thatched white house one story high, covered all over with ivy and + creeping plants, with an exquisite little porch with twining honysuckles + and all sorts of things: where the earwigs used to fall into one’s tea on + a summer evening, and always fell upon their backs and kicked dreadfully, + and where the frogs used to get into the rushlight shades when one stopped + all night, and sit up and look through the little holes like Christians—Jane + Dibabs, she married a man who was a great deal older than herself, and + <i>would </i>marry him, notwithstanding all that could be said to the contrary, + and she was so fond of him that nothing was ever equal to it. There was no + fuss made about Jane Dibabs, and her husband was a most honourable and + excellent man, and everybody spoke well of him. Then why should there by + any fuss about this Magdalen?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Her husband is much older; he is not her own choice; his character is the + very reverse of that which you have just described. Don’t you see a broad + destinction between the two cases?’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + To this, Mrs. Nickleby only replied that she durst say she was very stupid, + indeed she had no doubt she was, for her own children almost as much as + told her so, every day of her life; to be sure she was a little older than + they, and perhaps some foolish people might think she ought reasonably to + know best. However, no doubt she was wrong; of course she was; she always + was, she couldn’t be right, she couldn’t be expected to be; so she had + better not expose herself any more; and to all Kate’s conciliations and + concessions for an hour ensuing, the good lady gave no other replies than + Oh, certainly, why did they ask <i>her?, her</i> opinion was of no consequence, + it didn’t matter what <i>she </i>said, with many other rejoinders of the same + class. + </p> + <p> + In this frame of mind (expressed, when she had become too resigned for + speech, by nods of the head, upliftings of the eyes, and little beginnings + of groans, converted, as they attracted attention, into short coughs), Mrs + Nickleby remained until Nicholas and Kate returned with the object of + their solicitude; when, having by this time asserted her own importance, + and becoming besides interested in the trials of one so young and + beautiful, she not only displayed the utmost zeal and solicitude, but took + great credit to herself for recommending the course of procedure which her + son had adopted: frequently declaring, with an expressive look, that it + was very fortunate things were <i>as</i> they were: and hinting, that but for + great encouragement and wisdom on her own part, they never could have been + brought to that pass. + </p> + <p> + Not to strain the question whether Mrs. Nickleby had or had not any great + hand in bringing matters about, it is unquestionable that she had strong + ground for exultation. The brothers, on their return, bestowed such + commendations on Nicholas for the part he had taken, and evinced so much + joy at the altered state of events and the recovery of their young friend + from trials so great and dangers so threatening, that, as she more than + once informed her daughter, she now considered the fortunes of the family + ‘as good as’ made. Mr. Charles Cheeryble, indeed, Mrs. Nickleby positively + asserted, had, in the first transports of his surprise and delight, ‘as + good as’ said so. Without precisely explaining what this qualification + meant, she subsided, whenever she mentioned the subject, into such a + mysterious and important state, and had such visions of wealth and dignity + in perspective, that (vague and clouded though they were) she was, at such + times, almost as happy as if she had really been permanently provided for, + on a scale of great splendour. + </p> + <p> + The sudden and terrible shock she had received, combined with the great + affliction and anxiety of mind which she had, for a long time, endured, + proved too much for Madeline’s strength. Recovering from the state of + stupefaction into which the sudden death of her father happily plunged + her, she only exchanged that condition for one of dangerous and active + illness. When the delicate physical powers which have been sustained by an + unnatural strain upon the mental energies and a resolute determination not + to yield, at last give way, their degree of prostration is usually + proportionate to the strength of the effort which has previously upheld + them. Thus it was that the illness which fell on Madeline was of no slight + or temporary nature, but one which, for a time, threatened her reason, and—scarcely + worse—her life itself. + </p> + <p> + Who, slowly recovering from a disorder so severe and dangerous, could be + insensible to the unremitting attentions of such a nurse as gentle, + tender, earnest Kate? On whom could the sweet soft voice, the light step, + the delicate hand, the quiet, cheerful, noiseless discharge of those + thousand little offices of kindness and relief which we feel so deeply + when we are ill, and forget so lightly when we are well—on whom + could they make so deep an impression as on a young heart stored with + every pure and true affection that women cherish; almost a stranger to the + endearments and devotion of its own sex, save as it learnt them from + itself; and rendered, by calamity and suffering, keenly susceptible of the + sympathy so long unknown and so long sought in vain? What wonder that days + became as years in knitting them together! What wonder, if with every hour + of returning health, there came some stronger and sweeter recognition of + the praises which Kate, when they recalled old scenes—they seemed + old now, and to have been acted years ago—would lavish on her + brother! Where would have been the wonder, even, if those praises had + found a quick response in the breast of Madeline, and if, with the image + of Nicholas so constantly recurring in the features of his sister that she + could scarcely separate the two, she had sometimes found it equally + difficult to assign to each the feelings they had first inspired, and had + imperceptibly mingled with her gratitude to Nicholas, some of that warmer + feeling which she had assigned to Kate? + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear,’ Mrs. Nickleby would say, coming into the room with an elaborate + caution, calculated to discompose the nerves of an invalid rather more + than the entry of a horse-soldier at full gallop; ‘how do you find + yourself tonight? I hope you are better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Almost well, mama,’ Kate would reply, laying down her work, and taking + Madeline’s hand in hers. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate!’ Mrs. Nickleby would say, reprovingly, ‘don’t talk so loud’ (the + worthy lady herself talking in a whisper that would have made the blood of + the stoutest man run cold in his veins). + </p> + <p> + Kate would take this reproof very quietly, and Mrs. Nickleby, making every + board creak and every thread rustle as she moved stealthily about, would + add: + </p> + <p> + ‘My son Nicholas has just come home, and I have come, according to custom, + my dear, to know, from your own lips, exactly how you are; for he won’t + take my account, and never will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He is later than usual to-night,’ perhaps Madeline would reply. ‘Nearly + half an hour.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, I never saw such people in all my life as you are, for time, up + here!’ Mrs. Nickleby would exclaim in great astonishment; ‘I declare I + never did! I had not the least idea that Nicholas was after his time, not + the smallest. Mr. Nickleby used to say—your poor papa, I am speaking + of, Kate my dear—used to say, that appetite was the best clock in + the world, but you have no appetite, my dear Miss Bray, I wish you had, + and upon my word I really think you ought to take something that would + give you one. I am sure I don’t know, but I have heard that two or three + dozen native lobsters give an appetite, though that comes to the same + thing after all, for I suppose you must have an appetite before you can + take ‘em. If I said lobsters, I meant oysters, but of course it’s all the + same, though really how you came to know about Nicholas—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We happened to be just talking about him, mama; that was it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You never seem to me to be talking about anything else, Kate, and upon my + word I am quite surprised at your being so very thoughtless. You can find + subjects enough to talk about sometimes, and when you know how important + it is to keep up Miss Bray’s spirits, and interest her, and all that, it + really is quite extraordinary to me what can induce you to keep on prose, + prose, prose, din, din, din, everlastingly, upon the same theme. You are a + very kind nurse, Kate, and a very good one, and I know you mean very well; + but I will say this—that if it wasn’t for me, I really don’t know + what would become of Miss Bray’s spirits, and so I tell the doctor every + day. He says he wonders how I sustain my own, and I am sure I very often + wonder myself how I can contrive to keep up as I do. Of course it’s an + exertion, but still, when I know how much depends upon me in this house, I + am obliged to make it. There’s nothing praiseworthy in that, but it’s + necessary, and I do it.’ + </p> + <p> + With that, Mrs. Nickleby would draw up a chair, and for some three-quarters + of an hour run through a great variety of distracting topics in the most + distracting manner possible; tearing herself away, at length, on the plea + that she must now go and amuse Nicholas while he took his supper. After a + preliminary raising of his spirits with the information that she + considered the patient decidedly worse, she would further cheer him up by + relating how dull, listless, and low-spirited Miss Bray was, because Kate + foolishly talked about nothing else but him and family matters. When she + had made Nicholas thoroughly comfortable with these and other inspiriting + remarks, she would discourse at length on the arduous duties she had + performed that day; and, sometimes, be moved to tears in wondering how, if + anything were to happen to herself, the family would ever get on without + her. + </p> + <p> + At other times, when Nicholas came home at night, he would be accompanied + by Mr. Frank Cheeryble, who was commissioned by the brothers to inquire how + Madeline was that evening. On such occasions (and they were of very + frequent occurrence), Mrs. Nickleby deemed it of particular importance that + she should have her wits about her; for, from certain signs and tokens + which had attracted her attention, she shrewdly suspected that Mr. Frank, + interested as his uncles were in Madeline, came quite as much to see Kate + as to inquire after her; the more especially as the brothers were in + constant communication with the medical man, came backwards and forwards + very frequently themselves, and received a full report from Nicholas every + morning. These were proud times for Mrs. Nickleby; never was anybody half + so discreet and sage as she, or half so mysterious withal; and never were + there such cunning generalship, and such unfathomable designs, as she + brought to bear upon Mr. Frank, with the view of ascertaining whether her + suspicions were well founded: and if so, of tantalising him into taking + her into his confidence and throwing himself upon her merciful + consideration. Extensive was the artillery, heavy and light, which Mrs + Nickleby brought into play for the furtherance of these great schemes; + various and opposite the means which she employed to bring about the end + she had in view. At one time, she was all cordiality and ease; at another, + all stiffness and frigidity. Now, she would seem to open her whole heart + to her unhappy victim; the next time they met, she would receive him with + the most distant and studious reserve, as if a new light had broken in + upon her, and, guessing his intentions, she had resolved to check them in + the bud; as if she felt it her bounden duty to act with Spartan firmness, + and at once and for ever to discourage hopes which never could be + realised. At other times, when Nicholas was not there to overhear, and + Kate was upstairs busily tending her sick friend, the worthy lady would + throw out dark hints of an intention to send her daughter to France for + three or four years, or to Scotland for the improvement of her health + impaired by her late fatigues, or to America on a visit, or anywhere that + threatened a long and tedious separation. Nay, she even went so far as to + hint, obscurely, at an attachment entertained for her daughter by the son + of an old neighbour of theirs, one Horatio Peltirogus (a young gentleman + who might have been, at that time, four years old, or thereabouts), and to + represent it, indeed, as almost a settled thing between the families—only + waiting for her daughter’s final decision, to come off with the sanction + of the church, and to the unspeakable happiness and content of all + parties. + </p> + <p> + It was in the full pride and glory of having sprung this last mine one + night with extraordinary success, that Mrs. Nickleby took the opportunity + of being left alone with her son before retiring to rest, to sound him on + the subject which so occupied her thoughts: not doubting that they could + have but one opinion respecting it. To this end, she approached the + question with divers laudatory and appropriate remarks touching the + general amiability of Mr. Frank Cheeryble. + </p> + <p> + ‘You are quite right, mother,’ said Nicholas, ‘quite right. He is a fine + fellow.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good-looking, too,’ said Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Decidedly good-looking,’ answered Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘What may you call his nose, now, my dear?’ pursued Mrs. Nickleby, wishing + to interest Nicholas in the subject to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + ‘Call it?’ repeated Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ returned his mother, ‘what style of nose? What order of + architecture, if one may say so. I am not very learned in noses. Do you + call it a Roman or a Grecian?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Upon my word, mother,’ said Nicholas, laughing, ‘as well as I remember, I + should call it a kind of Composite, or mixed nose. But I have no very + strong recollection on the subject. If it will afford you any + gratification, I’ll observe it more closely, and let you know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish you would, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, with an earnest look. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well,’ returned Nicholas. ‘I will.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas returned to the perusal of the book he had been reading, when the + dialogue had gone thus far. Mrs. Nickleby, after stopping a little for + consideration, resumed. + </p> + <p> + ‘He is very much attached to you, Nicholas, my dear.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas laughingly said, as he closed his book, that he was glad to hear + it, and observed that his mother seemed deep in their new friend’s + confidence already. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hem!’ said Mrs. Nickleby. ‘I don’t know about that, my dear, but I think + it is very necessary that somebody should be in his confidence; highly + necessary.’ + </p> + <p> + Elated by a look of curiosity from her son, and the consciousness of + possessing a great secret, all to herself, Mrs. Nickleby went on with great + animation: + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure, my dear Nicholas, how you can have failed to notice it, is, to + me, quite extraordinary; though I don’t know why I should say that, + either, because, of course, as far as it goes, and to a certain extent, + there is a great deal in this sort of thing, especially in this early + stage, which, however clear it may be to females, can scarcely be expected + to be so evident to men. I don’t say that I have any particular + penetration in such matters. I may have; those about me should know best + about that, and perhaps do know. Upon that point I shall express no + opinion, it wouldn’t become me to do so, it’s quite out of the question, + quite.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas snuffed the candles, put his hands in his pockets, and, leaning + back in his chair, assumed a look of patient suffering and melancholy + resignation. + </p> + <p> + ‘I think it my duty, Nicholas, my dear,’ resumed his mother, ‘to tell you + what I know: not only because you have a right to know it too, and to know + everything that happens in this family, but because you have it in your + power to promote and assist the thing very much; and there is no doubt + that the sooner one can come to a clear understanding on such subjects, it + is always better, every way. There are a great many things you might do; + such as taking a walk in the garden sometimes, or sitting upstairs in your + own room for a little while, or making believe to fall asleep + occasionally, or pretending that you recollected some business, and going + out for an hour or so, and taking Mr. Smike with you. These seem very + slight things, and I dare say you will be amused at my making them of so + much importance; at the same time, my dear, I can assure you (and you’ll + find this out, Nicholas, for yourself one of these days, if you ever fall + in love with anybody; as I trust and hope you will, provided she is + respectable and well conducted, and of course you’d never dream of falling + in love with anybody who was not), I say, I can assure you that a great + deal more depends upon these little things than you would suppose + possible. If your poor papa was alive, he would tell you how much depended + on the parties being left alone. Of course, you are not to go out of the + room as if you meant it and did it on purpose, but as if it was quite an + accident, and to come back again in the same way. If you cough in the + passage before you open the door, or whistle carelessly, or hum a tune, or + something of that sort, to let them know you’re coming, it’s always + better; because, of course, though it’s not only natural but perfectly + correct and proper under the circumstances, still it is very confusing if + you interrupt young people when they are—when they are sitting on + the sofa, and—and all that sort of thing: which is very nonsensical, + perhaps, but still they will do it.’ + </p> + <p> + The profound astonishment with which her son regarded her during this long + address, gradually increasing as it approached its climax in no way + discomposed Mrs. Nickleby, but rather exalted her opinion of her own + cleverness; therefore, merely stopping to remark, with much complacency, + that she had fully expected him to be surprised, she entered on a vast + quantity of circumstantial evidence of a particularly incoherent and + perplexing kind; the upshot of which was, to establish, beyond the + possibility of doubt, that Mr. Frank Cheeryble had fallen desperately in + love with Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘With whom?’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby repeated, with Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘What! <i>our </i>Kate! My sister!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Lord, Nicholas!’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘whose Kate should it be, if not + ours; or what should I care about it, or take any interest in it for, if + it was anybody but your sister?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mother,’ said Nicholas, ‘surely it can’t be!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Very good, my dear,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, with great confidence. ‘Wait + and see.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas had never, until that moment, bestowed a thought upon the remote + possibility of such an occurrence as that which was now communicated to + him; for, besides that he had been much from home of late and closely + occupied with other matters, his own jealous fears had prompted the + suspicion that some secret interest in Madeline, akin to that which he + felt himself, occasioned those visits of Frank Cheeryble which had + recently become so frequent. Even now, although he knew that the + observation of an anxious mother was much more likely to be correct in + such a case than his own, and although she reminded him of many little + circumstances which, taken together, were certainly susceptible of the + construction she triumphantly put upon them, he was not quite convinced + but that they arose from mere good-natured thoughtless gallantry, which + would have dictated the same conduct towards any other girl who was young + and pleasing. At all events, he hoped so, and therefore tried to believe + it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am very much disturbed by what you tell me,’ said Nicholas, after a + little reflection, ‘though I yet hope you may be mistaken.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t understand why you should hope so,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, ‘I + confess; but you may depend upon it I am not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What of Kate?’ inquired Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why that, my dear,’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘is just the point upon which + I am not yet satisfied. During this sickness, she has been constantly at + Madeline’s bedside—never were two people so fond of each other as + they have grown—and to tell you the truth, Nicholas, I have rather + kept her away now and then, because I think it’s a good plan, and urges a + young man on. He doesn’t get too sure, you know.’ + </p> + <p> + She said this with such a mingling of high delight and + self-congratulation, that it was inexpressibly painful to Nicholas to dash + her hopes; but he felt that there was only one honourable course before + him, and that he was bound to take it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear mother,’ he said kindly, ‘don’t you see that if there were really + any serious inclination on the part of Mr. Frank towards Kate, and we + suffered ourselves for a moment to encourage it, we should be acting a + most dishonourable and ungrateful part? I ask you if you don’t see it, but + I need not say that I know you don’t, or you would have been more strictly + on your guard. Let me explain my meaning to you. Remember how poor we + are.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby shook her head, and said, through her tears, that poverty was + not a crime. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Nicholas, ‘and for that reason poverty should engender an + honest pride, that it may not lead and tempt us to unworthy actions, and + that we may preserve the self-respect which a hewer of wood and drawer of + water may maintain, and does better in maintaining than a monarch in + preserving his. Think what we owe to these two brothers: remember what + they have done, and what they do every day for us with a generosity and + delicacy for which the devotion of our whole lives would be a most + imperfect and inadequate return. What kind of return would that be which + would be comprised in our permitting their nephew, their only relative, + whom they regard as a son, and for whom it would be mere childishness to + suppose they have not formed plans suitably adapted to the education he + has had, and the fortune he will inherit—in our permitting him to + marry a portionless girl: so closely connected with us, that the + irresistible inference must be, that he was entrapped by a plot; that it + was a deliberate scheme, and a speculation amongst us three? Bring the + matter clearly before yourself, mother. Now, how would you feel, if they + were married, and the brothers, coming here on one of those kind errands + which bring them here so often, you had to break out to them the truth? + Would you be at ease, and feel that you had played an open part?’ + </p> + <p> + Poor Mrs. Nickleby, crying more and more, murmured that of course Mr. Frank + would ask the consent of his uncles first. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, to be sure, that would place <i>him </i>in a better situation with them,’ + said Nicholas, ‘but we should still be open to the same suspicions; the + distance between us would still be as great; the advantages to be gained + would still be as manifest as now. We may be reckoning without our host in + all this,’ he added more cheerfully, ‘and I trust, and almost believe we + are. If it be otherwise, I have that confidence in Kate that I know she + will feel as I do—and in you, dear mother, to be assured that after + a little consideration you will do the same.’ + </p> + <p> + After many more representations and entreaties, Nicholas obtained a + promise from Mrs. Nickleby that she would try all she could to think as he + did; and that if Mr. Frank persevered in his attentions she would endeavour + to discourage them, or, at the least, would render him no countenance or + assistance. He determined to forbear mentioning the subject to Kate until + he was quite convinced that there existed a real necessity for his doing + so; and resolved to assure himself, as well as he could by close personal + observation, of the exact position of affairs. This was a very wise + resolution, but he was prevented from putting it in practice by a new + source of anxiety and uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + Smike became alarmingly ill; so reduced and exhausted that he could + scarcely move from room to room without assistance; and so worn and + emaciated, that it was painful to look upon him. Nicholas was warned, by + the same medical authority to whom he had at first appealed, that the last + chance and hope of his life depended on his being instantly removed from + London. That part of Devonshire in which Nicholas had been himself bred + was named as the most favourable spot; but this advice was cautiously + coupled with the information, that whoever accompanied him thither must be + prepared for the worst; for every token of rapid consumption had appeared, + and he might never return alive. + </p> + <p> + The kind brothers, who were acquainted with the poor creature’s sad + history, dispatched old Tim to be present at this consultation. That same + morning, Nicholas was summoned by brother Charles into his private room, + and thus addressed: + </p> + <p> + ‘My dear sir, no time must be lost. This lad shall not die, if such human + means as we can use can save his life; neither shall he die alone, and in + a strange place. Remove him tomorrow morning, see that he has every + comfort that his situation requires, and don’t leave him; don’t leave him, + my dear sir, until you know that there is no longer any immediate danger. + It would be hard, indeed, to part you now. No, no, no! Tim shall wait upon + you tonight, sir; Tim shall wait upon you tonight with a parting word or + two. Brother Ned, my dear fellow, Mr. Nickleby waits to shake hands and say + goodbye; Mr. Nickleby won’t be long gone; this poor chap will soon get + better, very soon get better; and then he’ll find out some nice homely + country-people to leave him with, and will go backwards and forwards + sometimes—backwards and forwards you know, Ned. And there’s no cause + to be downhearted, for he’ll very soon get better, very soon. Won’t he, + won’t he, Ned?’ + </p> + <p> + What Tim Linkinwater said, or what he brought with him that night, needs + not to be told. Next morning Nicholas and his feeble companion began their + journey. + </p> + <p> + And who but one—and that one he who, but for those who crowded round + him then, had never met a look of kindness, or known a word of pity—could + tell what agony of mind, what blighted thoughts, what unavailing sorrow, + were involved in that sad parting? + </p> + <p> + ‘See,’ cried Nicholas eagerly, as he looked from the coach window, ‘they + are at the corner of the lane still! And now there’s Kate, poor Kate, whom + you said you couldn’t bear to say goodbye to, waving her handkerchief. + Don’t go without one gesture of farewell to Kate!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I cannot make it!’ cried his trembling companion, falling back in his + seat and covering his eyes. ‘Do you see her now? Is she there still?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes!’ said Nicholas earnestly. ‘There! She waves her hand again! I + have answered it for you—and now they are out of sight. Do not give + way so bitterly, dear friend, don’t. You will meet them all again.’ + </p> + <p> + He whom he thus encouraged, raised his withered hands and clasped them + fervently together. + </p> + <p> + ‘In heaven. I humbly pray to God in heaven.’ + </p> + <p> + It sounded like the prayer of a broken heart. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 56 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span><i>alph Nickleby, baffled by his Nephew in his late Design, hatches a Scheme + of Retaliation which Accident suggests to him, and takes into his Counsels + a tried Auxiliary</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + The course which these adventures shape out for themselves, and + imperatively call upon the historian to observe, now demands that they + should revert to the point they attained previously to the commencement of + the last chapter, when Ralph Nickleby and Arthur Gride were left together + in the house where death had so suddenly reared his dark and heavy banner. + </p> + <p> + With clenched hands, and teeth ground together so firm and tight that no + locking of the jaws could have fixed and riveted them more securely, Ralph + stood, for some minutes, in the attitude in which he had last addressed + his nephew: breathing heavily, but as rigid and motionless in other + respects as if he had been a brazen statue. After a time, he began, by + slow degrees, as a man rousing himself from heavy slumber, to relax. For a + moment he shook his clasped fist towards the door by which Nicholas had + disappeared; and then thrusting it into his breast, as if to repress by + force even this show of passion, turned round and confronted the less + hardy usurer, who had not yet risen from the ground. + </p> + <p> + The cowering wretch, who still shook in every limb, and whose few grey + hairs trembled and quivered on his head with abject dismay, tottered to + his feet as he met Ralph’s eye, and, shielding his face with both hands, + protested, while he crept towards the door, that it was no fault of his. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who said it was, man?’ returned Ralph, in a suppressed voice. ‘Who said + it was?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You looked as if you thought I was to blame,’ said Gride, timidly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Pshaw!’ Ralph muttered, forcing a laugh. ‘I blame him for not living an + hour longer. One hour longer would have been long enough. I blame no one + else.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N—n—no one else?’ said Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Not for this mischance,’ replied Ralph. ‘I have an old score to clear + with that young fellow who has carried off your mistress; but that has + nothing to do with his blustering just now, for we should soon have been + quit of him, but for this cursed accident.’ + </p> + <p> + There was something so unnatural in the calmness with which Ralph Nickleby + spoke, when coupled with his face, the expression of the features, to + which every nerve and muscle, as it twitched and throbbed with a spasm + whose workings no effort could conceal, gave, every instant, some new and + frightful aspect—there was something so unnatural and ghastly in the + contrast between his harsh, slow, steady voice (only altered by a certain + halting of the breath which made him pause between almost every word like + a drunken man bent upon speaking plainly), and these evidences of the most + intense and violent passion, and the struggle he made to keep them under; + that if the dead body which lay above had stood, instead of him, before + the cowering Gride, it could scarcely have presented a spectacle which + would have terrified him more. + </p> + <p> + ‘The coach,’ said Ralph after a time, during which he had struggled like + some strong man against a fit. ‘We came in a coach. Is it waiting?’ + </p> + <p> + Gride gladly availed himself of the pretext for going to the window to + see. Ralph, keeping his face steadily the other way, tore at his shirt + with the hand which he had thrust into his breast, and muttered in a + hoarse whisper: + </p> + <p> + ‘Ten thousand pounds! He said ten thousand! The precise sum paid in but + yesterday for the two mortgages, and which would have gone out again, at + heavy interest, tomorrow. If that house has failed, and he the first to + bring the news!—Is the coach there?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ said Gride, startled by the fierce tone of the inquiry. ‘It’s + here. Dear, dear, what a fiery man you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come here,’ said Ralph, beckoning to him. ‘We mustn’t make a show of + being disturbed. We’ll go down arm in arm.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But you pinch me black and blue,’ urged Gride. + </p> + <p> + Ralph let him go impatiently, and descending the stairs with his usual + firm and heavy tread, got into the coach. Arthur Gride followed. After + looking doubtfully at Ralph when the man asked where he was to drive, and + finding that he remained silent, and expressed no wish upon the subject, + Arthur mentioned his own house, and thither they proceeded. + </p> + <p> + On their way, Ralph sat in the furthest corner with folded arms, and + uttered not a word. With his chin sunk upon his breast, and his downcast + eyes quite hidden by the contraction of his knotted brows, he might have + been asleep for any sign of consciousness he gave until the coach stopped, + when he raised his head, and glancing through the window, inquired what + place that was. + </p> + <p> + ‘My house,’ answered the disconsolate Gride, affected perhaps by its + loneliness. ‘Oh dear! my house.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘True,’ said Ralph ‘I have not observed the way we came. I should like a + glass of water. You have that in the house, I suppose?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall have a glass of—of anything you like,’ answered Gride, + with a groan. ‘It’s no use knocking, coachman. Ring the bell!’ + </p> + <p> + The man rang, and rang, and rang again; then, knocked until the street + re-echoed with the sounds; then, listened at the keyhole of the door. + Nobody came. The house was silent as the grave. + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s this?’ said Ralph impatiently. + </p> + <p> + ‘Peg is so very deaf,’ answered Gride with a look of anxiety and alarm. + ‘Oh dear! Ring again, coachman. She <i>sees </i>the bell.’ + </p> + <p> + Again the man rang and knocked, and knocked and rang again. Some of the + neighbours threw up their windows, and called across the street to each + other that old Gride’s housekeeper must have dropped down dead. Others + collected round the coach, and gave vent to various surmises; some held + that she had fallen asleep; some, that she had burnt herself to death; + some, that she had got drunk; and one very fat man that she had seen + something to eat which had frightened her so much (not being used to it) + that she had fallen into a fit. This last suggestion particularly + delighted the bystanders, who cheered it rather uproariously, and were, + with some difficulty, deterred from dropping down the area and breaking + open the kitchen door to ascertain the fact. Nor was this all. Rumours + having gone abroad that Arthur was to be married that morning, very + particular inquiries were made after the bride, who was held by the + majority to be disguised in the person of Mr. Ralph Nickleby, which gave + rise to much jocose indignation at the public appearance of a bride in + boots and pantaloons, and called forth a great many hoots and groans. At + length, the two money-lenders obtained shelter in a house next door, and, + being accommodated with a ladder, clambered over the wall of the back-yard—which + was not a high one—and descended in safety on the other side. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am almost afraid to go in, I declare,’ said Arthur, turning to Ralph + when they were alone. ‘Suppose she should be murdered. Lying with her + brains knocked out by a poker, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Suppose she were,’ said Ralph. ‘I tell you, I wish such things were more + common than they are, and more easily done. You may stare and shiver. I + do!’ + </p> + <p> + He applied himself to a pump in the yard; and, having taken a deep draught + of water and flung a quantity on his head and face, regained his + accustomed manner and led the way into the house: Gride following close at + his heels. + </p> + <p> + It was the same dark place as ever: every room dismal and silent as it was + wont to be, and every ghostly article of furniture in its customary place. + The iron heart of the grim old clock, undisturbed by all the noise + without, still beat heavily within its dusty case; the tottering presses + slunk from the sight, as usual, in their melancholy corners; the echoes of + footsteps returned the same dreary sound; the long-legged spider paused in + his nimble run, and, scared by the sight of men in that his dull domain, + hung motionless on the wall, counterfeiting death until they should have + passed him by. + </p> + <p> + From cellar to garret went the two usurers, opening every creaking door + and looking into every deserted room. But no Peg was there. At last, they + sat them down in the apartment which Arthur Gride usually inhabited, to + rest after their search. + </p> + <p> + ‘The hag is out, on some preparation for your wedding festivities, I + suppose,’ said Ralph, preparing to depart. ‘See here! I destroy the bond; + we shall never need it now.’ + </p> + <p> + Gride, who had been peering narrowly about the room, fell, at that moment, + upon his knees before a large chest, and uttered a terrible yell. + </p> + <p> + ‘How now?’ said Ralph, looking sternly round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Robbed! robbed!’ screamed Arthur Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Robbed! of money?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no. Worse! far worse!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what then?’ demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Worse than money, worse than money!’ cried the old man, casting the + papers out of the chest, like some beast tearing up the earth. ‘She had + better have stolen money—all my money—I haven’t much! She had + better have made me a beggar than have done this!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Done what?’ said Ralph. ‘Done what, you devil’s dotard?’ + </p> + <p> + Still Gride made no answer, but tore and scratched among the papers, and + yelled and screeched like a fiend in torment. + </p> + <p> + ‘There is something missing, you say,’ said Ralph, shaking him furiously + by the collar. ‘What is it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Papers, deeds. I am a ruined man. Lost, lost! I am robbed, I am ruined! + She saw me reading it—reading it of late—I did very often—She + watched me, saw me put it in the box that fitted into this, the box is + gone, she has stolen it. Damnation seize her, she has robbed me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of <i>what</i>?’ cried Ralph, on whom a sudden light appeared to break, for his + eyes flashed and his frame trembled with agitation as he clutched Gride by + his bony arm. ‘Of what?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘She don’t know what it is; she can’t read!’ shrieked Gride, not heeding + the inquiry. ‘There’s only one way in which money can be made of it, and + that is by taking it to her. Somebody will read it for her, and tell her + what to do. She and her accomplice will get money for it and be let off + besides; they’ll make a merit of it—say they found it—knew it—and + be evidence against me. The only person it will fall upon is me, me, me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Patience!’ said Ralph, clutching him still tighter and eyeing him with a + sidelong look, so fixed and eager as sufficiently to denote that he had + some hidden purpose in what he was about to say. ‘Hear reason. She can’t + have been gone long. I’ll call the police. Do you but give information of + what she has stolen, and they’ll lay hands upon her, trust me. Here! + Help!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no!’ screamed the old man, putting his hand on Ralph’s mouth. ‘I + can’t, I daren’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Help! help!’ cried Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no!’ shrieked the other, stamping on the ground with the energy + of a madman. ‘I tell you no. I daren’t, I daren’t!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Daren’t make this robbery public?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ rejoined Gride, wringing his hands. ‘Hush! Hush! Not a word of this; + not a word must be said. I am undone. Whichever way I turn, I am undone. I + am betrayed. I shall be given up. I shall die in Newgate!’ + </p> + <p> + With frantic exclamations such as these, and with many others in which + fear, grief, and rage, were strangely blended, the panic-stricken wretch + gradually subdued his first loud outcry, until it had softened down into a + low despairing moan, chequered now and then by a howl, as, going over such + papers as were left in the chest, he discovered some new loss. With very + little excuse for departing so abruptly, Ralph left him, and, greatly + disappointing the loiterers outside the house by telling them there was + nothing the matter, got into the coach, and was driven to his own home. + </p> + <p> + A letter lay on his table. He let it lie there for some time, as if he had + not the courage to open it, but at length did so and turned deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + ‘The worst has happened,’ he said; ‘the house has failed. I see. The + rumour was abroad in the city last night, and reached the ears of those + merchants. Well, well!’ + </p> + <p> + He strode violently up and down the room and stopped again. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ten thousand pounds! And only lying there for a day—for one day! + How many anxious years, how many pinching days and sleepless nights, + before I scraped together that ten thousand pounds!—Ten thousand + pounds! How many proud painted dames would have fawned and smiled, and how + many spendthrift blockheads done me lip-service to my face and cursed me + in their hearts, while I turned that ten thousand pounds into twenty! + While I ground, and pinched, and used these needy borrowers for my + pleasure and profit, what smooth-tongued speeches, and courteous looks, + and civil letters, they would have given me! The cant of the lying world + is, that men like me compass our riches by dissimulation and treachery: by + fawning, cringing, and stooping. Why, how many lies, what mean and abject + evasions, what humbled behaviour from upstarts who, but for my money, + would spurn me aside as they do their betters every day, would that ten + thousand pounds have brought me in! Grant that I had doubled it—made + cent. per cent.—for every sovereign told another—there would + not be one piece of money in all the heap which wouldn’t represent ten + thousand mean and paltry lies, told, not by the money-lender, oh no! but + by the money-borrowers, your liberal, thoughtless, generous, dashing + folks, who wouldn’t be so mean as save a sixpence for the world!’ + </p> + <p> + Striving, as it would seem, to lose part of the bitterness of his regrets + in the bitterness of these other thoughts, Ralph continued to pace the + room. There was less and less of resolution in his manner as his mind + gradually reverted to his loss; at length, dropping into his elbow-chair + and grasping its sides so firmly that they creaked again, he said: + </p> + <p> + ‘The time has been when nothing could have moved me like the loss of this + great sum. Nothing. For births, deaths, marriages, and all the events + which are of interest to most men, have (unless they are connected with + gain or loss of money) no interest for me. But now, I swear, I mix up with + the loss, his triumph in telling it. If he had brought it about,—I + almost feel as if he had,—I couldn’t hate him more. Let me but + retaliate upon him, by degrees, however slow—let me but begin to get + the better of him, let me but turn the scale—and I can bear it.’ + </p> + <p> + His meditations were long and deep. They terminated in his dispatching a + letter by Newman, addressed to Mr. Squeers at the Saracen’s Head, with + instructions to inquire whether he had arrived in town, and, if so, to + wait an answer. Newman brought back the information that Mr. Squeers had + come by mail that morning, and had received the letter in bed; but that he + sent his duty, and word that he would get up and wait upon Mr. Nickleby + directly. + </p> + <p> + The interval between the delivery of this message, and the arrival of Mr + Squeers, was very short; but, before he came, Ralph had suppressed every + sign of emotion, and once more regained the hard, immovable, inflexible + manner which was habitual to him, and to which, perhaps, was ascribable no + small part of the influence which, over many men of no very strong + prejudices on the score of morality, he could exert, almost at will. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Mr. Squeers,’ he said, welcoming that worthy with his accustomed + smile, of which a sharp look and a thoughtful frown were part and parcel: + ‘how do <i>you </i>do?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, sir,’ said Mr. Squeers, ‘I’m pretty well. So’s the family, and so’s + the boys, except for a sort of rash as is a running through the school, + and rather puts ‘em off their feed. But it’s a ill wind as blows no good + to nobody; that’s what I always say when them lads has a wisitation. A + wisitation, sir, is the lot of mortality. Mortality itself, sir, is a + wisitation. The world is chock full of wisitations; and if a boy repines + at a wisitation and makes you uncomfortable with his noise, he must have + his head punched. That’s going according to the Scripter, that is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Squeers,’ said Ralph, drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We’ll avoid these precious morsels of morality if you please, and talk of + business.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘With all my heart, sir,’ rejoined Squeers, ‘and first let me say—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘First let <i>me</i> say, if you please.—Noggs!’ + </p> + <p> + Newman presented himself when the summons had been twice or thrice + repeated, and asked if his master called. + </p> + <p> + ‘I did. Go to your dinner. And go at once. Do you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It an’t time,’ said Newman, doggedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘My time is yours, and I say it is,’ returned Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘You alter it every day,’ said Newman. ‘It isn’t fair.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t keep many cooks, and can easily apologise to them for the + trouble,’ retorted Ralph. ‘Begone, sir!’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph not only issued this order in his most peremptory manner, but, under + pretence of fetching some papers from the little office, saw it obeyed, + and, when Newman had left the house, chained the door, to prevent the + possibility of his returning secretly, by means of his latch-key. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have reason to suspect that fellow,’ said Ralph, when he returned to + his own office. ‘Therefore, until I have thought of the shortest and least + troublesome way of ruining him, I hold it best to keep him at a distance.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It wouldn’t take much to ruin him, I should think,’ said Squeers, with a + grin. + </p> + <p> + ‘Perhaps not,’ answered Ralph. ‘Nor to ruin a great many people whom I + know. You were going to say—?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph’s summary and matter-of-course way of holding up this example, and + throwing out the hint that followed it, had evidently an effect (as + doubtless it was designed to have) upon Mr. Squeers, who said, after a + little hesitation and in a much more subdued tone: + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what I was a-going to say, sir, is, that this here business + regarding of that ungrateful and hard-hearted chap, Snawley senior, puts + me out of my way, and occasions a inconveniency quite unparalleled, + besides, as I may say, making, for whole weeks together, Mrs. Squeers a + perfect widder. It’s a pleasure to me to act with you, of course.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of course,’ said Ralph, drily. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, I say of course,’ resumed Mr. Squeers, rubbing his knees, ‘but at the + same time, when one comes, as I do now, better than two hundred and fifty + mile to take a afferdavid, it does put a man out a good deal, letting + alone the risk.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And where may the risk be, Mr. Squeers?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I said, letting alone the risk,’ replied Squeers, evasively. + </p> + <p> + ‘And I said, where was the risk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I wasn’t complaining, you know, Mr. Nickleby,’ pleaded Squeers. ‘Upon my + word I never see such a—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I ask you where is the risk?’ repeated Ralph, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + ‘Where the risk?’ returned Squeers, rubbing his knees still harder. ‘Why, + it an’t necessary to mention. Certain subjects is best awoided. Oh, you + know what risk I mean.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How often have I told you,’ said Ralph, ‘and how often am I to tell you, + that you run no risk? What have you sworn, or what are you asked to swear, + but that at such and such a time a boy was left with you in the name of + Smike; that he was at your school for a given number of years, was lost + under such and such circumstances, is now found, and has been identified + by you in such and such keeping? This is all true; is it not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ replied Squeers, ‘that’s all true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, then,’ said Ralph, ‘what risk do you run? Who swears to a lie but + Snawley; a man whom I have paid much less than I have you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He certainly did it cheap, did Snawley,’ observed Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘He did it cheap!’ retorted Ralph, testily; ‘yes, and he did it well, and + carries it off with a hypocritical face and a sanctified air, but you! + Risk! What do you mean by risk? The certificates are all genuine, Snawley + <i>had </i>another son, he HAS been married twice, his first wife <i>is </i>dead, none + but her ghost could tell that she didn’t write that letter, none but + Snawley himself can tell that this is not his son, and that his son is + food for worms! The only perjury is Snawley’s, and I fancy he is pretty + well used to it. Where’s your risk?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, you know,’ said Squeers, fidgeting in his chair, ‘if you come to + that, I might say where’s yours?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You might say where’s mine!’ returned Ralph; ‘you may say where’s mine. I + don’t appear in the business, neither do you. All Snawley’s interest is to + stick well to the story he has told; and all his risk is, to depart from + it in the least. Talk of <i>your </i>risk in the conspiracy!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I say,’ remonstrated Squeers, looking uneasily round: ‘don’t call it + that! Just as a favour, don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Call it what you like,’ said Ralph, irritably, ‘but attend to me. This + tale was originally fabricated as a means of annoyance against one who + hurt your trade and half cudgelled you to death, and to enable you to + obtain repossession of a half-dead drudge, whom you wished to regain, + because, while you wreaked your vengeance on him for his share in the + business, you knew that the knowledge that he was again in your power + would be the best punishment you could inflict upon your enemy. Is that + so, Mr. Squeers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, sir,’ returned Squeers, almost overpowered by the determination + which Ralph displayed to make everything tell against him, and by his + stern unyielding manner, ‘in a measure it was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What does that mean?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, in a measure means,’ returned Squeers, ‘as it may be, that it wasn’t + all on my account, because you had some old grudge to satisfy, too.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If I had not had,’ said Ralph, in no way abashed by the reminder, ‘do you + think I should have helped you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why no, I don’t suppose you would,’ Squeers replied. ‘I only wanted that + point to be all square and straight between us.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How can it ever be otherwise?’ retorted Ralph. ‘Except that the account + is against me, for I spend money to gratify my hatred, and you pocket it, + and gratify yours at the same time. You are, at least, as avaricious as + you are revengeful. So am I. Which is best off? You, who win money and + revenge, at the same time and by the same process, and who are, at all + events, sure of money, if not of revenge; or I, who am only sure of + spending money in any case, and can but win bare revenge at last?’ + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Squeers could only answer this proposition by shrugs and smiles, + Ralph bade him be silent, and thankful that he was so well off; and then, + fixing his eyes steadily upon him, proceeded to say: + </p> + <p> + First, that Nicholas had thwarted him in a plan he had formed for the + disposal in marriage of a certain young lady, and had, in the confusion + attendant on her father’s sudden death, secured that lady himself, and + borne her off in triumph. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, that by some will or settlement—certainly by some + instrument in writing, which must contain the young lady’s name, and could + be, therefore, easily selected from others, if access to the place where + it was deposited were once secured—she was entitled to property + which, if the existence of this deed ever became known to her, would make + her husband (and Ralph represented that Nicholas was certain to marry her) + a rich and prosperous man, and most formidable enemy. + </p> + <p> + Thirdly, that this deed had been, with others, stolen from one who had + himself obtained or concealed it fraudulently, and who feared to take any + steps for its recovery; and that he (Ralph) knew the thief. + </p> + <p> + To all this Mr. Squeers listened, with greedy ears that devoured every + syllable, and with his one eye and his mouth wide open: marvelling for + what special reason he was honoured with so much of Ralph’s confidence, + and to what it all tended. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ said Ralph, leaning forward, and placing his hand on Squeers’s arm, + ‘hear the design which I have conceived, and which I must—I say, + must, if I can ripen it—have carried into execution. No advantage + can be reaped from this deed, whatever it is, save by the girl herself, or + her husband; and the possession of this deed by one or other of them is + indispensable to any advantage being gained. <i>That </i>I have discovered beyond + the possibility of doubt. I want that deed brought here, that I may give + the man who brings it fifty pounds in gold, and burn it to ashes before + his face.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers, after following with his eye the action of Ralph’s hand + towards the fire-place as if he were at that moment consuming the paper, + drew a long breath, and said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; but who’s to bring it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody, perhaps, for much is to be done before it can be got at,’ said + Ralph. ‘But if anybody—you!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers’s first tokens of consternation, and his flat relinquishment of + the task, would have staggered most men, if they had not immediately + occasioned an utter abandonment of the proposition. On Ralph they produced + not the slightest effect. Resuming, when the schoolmaster had quite talked + himself out of breath, as coolly as if he had never been interrupted, + Ralph proceeded to expatiate on such features of the case as he deemed it + most advisable to lay the greatest stress on. + </p> + <p> + These were, the age, decrepitude, and weakness of Mrs. Sliderskew; the + great improbability of her having any accomplice or even acquaintance: + taking into account her secluded habits, and her long residence in such a + house as Gride’s; the strong reason there was to suppose that the robbery + was not the result of a concerted plan: otherwise she would have watched + an opportunity of carrying off a sum of money; the difficulty she would be + placed in when she began to think on what she had done, and found herself + encumbered with documents of whose nature she was utterly ignorant; and + the comparative ease with which somebody, with a full knowledge of her + position, obtaining access to her, and working on her fears, if necessary, + might worm himself into her confidence and obtain, under one pretence or + another, free possession of the deed. To these were added such + considerations as the constant residence of Mr. Squeers at a long distance + from London, which rendered his association with Mrs. Sliderskew a mere + masquerading frolic, in which nobody was likely to recognise him, either + at the time or afterwards; the impossibility of Ralph’s undertaking the + task himself, he being already known to her by sight; and various comments + on the uncommon tact and experience of Mr. Squeers: which would make his + overreaching one old woman a mere matter of child’s play and amusement. In + addition to these influences and persuasions, Ralph drew, with his utmost + skill and power, a vivid picture of the defeat which Nicholas would + sustain, should they succeed, in linking himself to a beggar, where he + expected to wed an heiress—glanced at the immeasurable importance it + must be to a man situated as Squeers, to preserve such a friend as himself—dwelt + on a long train of benefits, conferred since their first acquaintance, + when he had reported favourably of his treatment of a sickly boy who had + died under his hands (and whose death was very convenient to Ralph and his + clients, but this he did <i>not </i>say), and finally hinted that the fifty + pounds might be increased to seventy-five, or, in the event of very great + success, even to a hundred. + </p> + <p> + These arguments at length concluded, Mr. Squeers crossed his legs, + uncrossed them, scratched his head, rubbed his eye, examined the palms of + his hands, and bit his nails, and after exhibiting many other signs of + restlessness and indecision, asked ‘whether one hundred pound was the + highest that Mr. Nickleby could go.’ Being answered in the affirmative, he + became restless again, and, after some thought, and an unsuccessful + inquiry ‘whether he couldn’t go another fifty,’ said he supposed he must + try and do the most he could for a friend: which was always his maxim, and + therefore he undertook the job. + </p> + <p> + ‘But how are you to get at the woman?’ he said; ‘that’s what it is as + puzzles me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I may not get at her at all,’ replied Ralph, ‘but I’ll try. I have hunted + people in this city, before now, who have been better hid than she; and I + know quarters in which a guinea or two, carefully spent, will often solve + darker riddles than this. Ay, and keep them close too, if need be! I hear + my man ringing at the door. We may as well part. You had better not come + to and fro, but wait till you hear from me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Good!’ returned Squeers. ‘I say! If you shouldn’t find her out, you’ll + pay expenses at the Saracen, and something for loss of time?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Ralph, testily; ‘yes! You have nothing more to say?’ + </p> + <p> + Squeers shaking his head, Ralph accompanied him to the streetdoor, and + audibly wondering, for the edification of Newman, why it was fastened as + if it were night, let him in and Squeers out, and returned to his own + room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now!’ he muttered, ‘come what come may, for the present I am firm and + unshaken. Let me but retrieve this one small portion of my loss and + disgrace; let me but defeat him in this one hope, dear to his heart as I + know it must be; let me but do this; and it shall be the first link in + such a chain which I will wind about him, as never man forged yet.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 57 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">H</span><i>ow Ralph Nickleby’s Auxiliary went about his Work, and how he prospered + with it</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + It was a dark, wet, gloomy night in autumn, when in an upper room of a + mean house situated in an obscure street, or rather court, near Lambeth, + there sat, all alone, a one-eyed man grotesquely habited, either for lack + of better garments or for purposes of disguise, in a loose greatcoat, with + arms half as long again as his own, and a capacity of breadth and length + which would have admitted of his winding himself in it, head and all, with + the utmost ease, and without any risk of straining the old and greasy + material of which it was composed. + </p> + <p> + So attired, and in a place so far removed from his usual haunts and + occupations, and so very poor and wretched in its character, perhaps Mrs + Squeers herself would have had some difficulty in recognising her lord: + quickened though her natural sagacity doubtless would have been by the + affectionate yearnings and impulses of a tender wife. But Mrs. Squeers’s + lord it was; and in a tolerably disconsolate mood Mrs. Squeers’s lord + appeared to be, as, helping himself from a black bottle which stood on the + table beside him, he cast round the chamber a look, in which very slight + regard for the objects within view was plainly mingled with some regretful + and impatient recollection of distant scenes and persons. + </p> + <p> + There were, certainly, no particular attractions, either in the room over + which the glance of Mr. Squeers so discontentedly wandered, or in the + narrow street into which it might have penetrated, if he had thought fit + to approach the window. The attic chamber in which he sat was bare and + mean; the bedstead, and such few other articles of necessary furniture as + it contained, were of the commonest description, in a most crazy state, + and of a most uninviting appearance. The street was muddy, dirty, and + deserted. Having but one outlet, it was traversed by few but the + inhabitants at any time; and the night being one of those on which most + people are glad to be within doors, it now presented no other signs of + life than the dull glimmering of poor candles from the dirty windows, and + few sounds but the pattering of the rain, and occasionally the heavy + closing of some creaking door. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers continued to look disconsolately about him, and to listen to + these noises in profound silence, broken only by the rustling of his large + coat, as he now and then moved his arm to raise his glass to his lips. Mr + Squeers continued to do this for some time, until the increasing gloom + warned him to snuff the candle. Seeming to be slightly roused by this + exertion, he raised his eye to the ceiling, and fixing it upon some + uncouth and fantastic figures, traced upon it by the wet and damp which + had penetrated through the roof, broke into the following soliloquy: + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, this is a pretty go, is this here! An uncommon pretty go! Here have + I been, a matter of how many weeks—hard upon six—a follering + up this here blessed old dowager petty larcenerer,’—Mr. Squeers + delivered himself of this epithet with great difficulty and effort,—‘and + Dotheboys Hall a-running itself regularly to seed the while! That’s the + worst of ever being in with a owdacious chap like that old Nickleby. You + never know when he’s done with you, and if you’re in for a penny, you’re + in for a pound.’ + </p> + <p> + This remark, perhaps, reminded Mr. Squeers that he was in for a hundred + pound at any rate. His countenance relaxed, and he raised his glass to his + mouth with an air of greater enjoyment of its contents than he had before + evinced. + </p> + <p> + ‘I never see,’ soliloquised Mr. Squeers in continuation, ‘I never see nor + come across such a file as that old Nickleby. Never! He’s out of + everybody’s depth, he is. He’s what you may call a rasper, is Nickleby. To + see how sly and cunning he grubbed on, day after day, a-worming and + plodding and tracing and turning and twining of hisself about, till he + found out where this precious Mrs. Peg was hid, and cleared the ground for + me to work upon. Creeping and crawling and gliding, like a ugly, old, + bright-eyed, stagnation-blooded adder! Ah! He’d have made a good ‘un in + our line, but it would have been too limited for him; his genius would + have busted all bonds, and coming over every obstacle, broke down all + before it, till it erected itself into a monneyment of—Well, I’ll + think of the rest, and say it when conwenient.’ + </p> + <p> + Making a halt in his reflections at this place, Mr. Squeers again put his + glass to his lips, and drawing a dirty letter from his pocket, proceeded + to con over its contents with the air of a man who had read it very often, + and now refreshed his memory rather in the absence of better amusement + than for any specific information. + </p> + <p> + ‘The pigs is well,’ said Mr. Squeers, ‘the cows is well, and the boys is + bobbish. Young Sprouter has been a-winking, has he? I’ll wink him when I + get back. “Cobbey would persist in sniffing while he was a-eating his + dinner, and said that the beef was so strong it made him.”—Very + good, Cobbey, we’ll see if we can’t make you sniff a little without beef. + “Pitcher was took with another fever,”—of course he was—“and + being fetched by his friends, died the day after he got home,”—of + course he did, and out of aggravation; it’s part of a deep-laid system. + There an’t another chap in the school but that boy as would have died + exactly at the end of the quarter: taking it out of me to the very last, + and then carrying his spite to the utmost extremity. “The juniorest Palmer + said he wished he was in Heaven.” I really don’t know, I do <i>not </i>know + what’s to be done with that young fellow; he’s always a-wishing something + horrid. He said once, he wished he was a donkey, because then he wouldn’t + have a father as didn’t love him! Pretty wicious that for a child of six!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers was so much moved by the contemplation of this hardened nature + in one so young, that he angrily put up the letter, and sought, in a new + train of ideas, a subject of consolation. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a long time to have been a-lingering in London,’ he said; ‘and this + is a precious hole to come and live in, even if it has been only for a + week or so. Still, one hundred pound is five boys, and five boys takes a + whole year to pay one hundred pounds, and there’s their keep to be + substracted, besides. There’s nothing lost, neither, by one’s being here; + because the boys’ money comes in just the same as if I was at home, and + Mrs. Squeers she keeps them in order. There’ll be some lost time to make + up, of course. There’ll be an arrear of flogging as’ll have to be gone + through: still, a couple of days makes that all right, and one don’t mind + a little extra work for one hundred pound. It’s pretty nigh the time to + wait upon the old woman. From what she said last night, I suspect that if + I’m to succeed at all, I shall succeed tonight; so I’ll have half a glass + more, to wish myself success, and put myself in spirits. Mrs. Squeers, my + dear, your health!’ + </p> + <p> + Leering with his one eye as if the lady to whom he drank had been actually + present, Mr. Squeers—in his enthusiasm, no doubt—poured out a + full glass, and emptied it; and as the liquor was raw spirits, and he had + applied himself to the same bottle more than once already, it is not + surprising that he found himself, by this time, in an extremely cheerful + state, and quite enough excited for his purpose. + </p> + <p> + What this purpose was soon appeared; for, after a few turns about the room + to steady himself, he took the bottle under his arm and the glass in his + hand, and blowing out the candle as if he purposed being gone some time, + stole out upon the staircase, and creeping softly to a door opposite his + own, tapped gently at it. + </p> + <p> + ‘But what’s the use of tapping?’ he said, ‘She’ll never hear. I suppose + she isn’t doing anything very particular; and if she is, it don’t much + matter, that I see.’ + </p> + <p> + With this brief preface, Mr. Squeers applied his hand to the latch of the + door, and thrusting his head into a garret far more deplorable than that + he had just left, and seeing that there was nobody there but an old woman, + who was bending over a wretched fire (for although the weather was still + warm, the evening was chilly), walked in, and tapped her on the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my Slider,’ said Mr. Squeers, jocularly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Is that you?’ inquired Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! it’s me, and me’s the first person singular, nominative case, + agreeing with the verb “it’s”, and governed by Squeers understood, as a + acorn, a hour; but when the h is sounded, the a only is to be used, as a + and, a art, a ighway,’ replied Mr. Squeers, quoting at random from the + grammar. ‘At least, if it isn’t, you don’t know any better, and if it is, + I’ve done it accidentally.’ + </p> + <p> + Delivering this reply in his accustomed tone of voice, in which of course + it was inaudible to Peg, Mr. Squeers drew a stool to the fire, and placing + himself over against her, and the bottle and glass on the floor between + them, roared out again, very loud, + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, my Slider!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear you,’ said Peg, receiving him very graciously. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve come according to promise,’ roared Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘So they used to say in that part of the country I come from,’ observed + Peg, complacently, ‘but I think oil’s better.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Better than what?’ roared Squeers, adding some rather strong language in + an undertone. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ said Peg, ‘of course not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I never saw such a monster as you are!’ muttered Squeers, looking as + amiable as he possibly could the while; for Peg’s eye was upon him, and + she was chuckling fearfully, as though in delight at having made a choice + repartee, ‘Do you see this? This is a bottle.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I see it,’ answered Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, and do you see <i>this</i>?’ bawled Squeers. ‘This is a glass.’ Peg saw + that too. + </p> + <p> + ‘See here, then,’ said Squeers, accompanying his remarks with appropriate + action, ‘I fill the glass from the bottle, and I say “Your health, + Slider,” and empty it; then I rinse it genteelly with a little drop, which + I’m forced to throw into the fire—hallo! we shall have the chimbley + alight next—fill it again, and hand it over to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>Your </i>health,’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘She understands that, anyways,’ muttered Squeers, watching Mrs. Sliderskew + as she dispatched her portion, and choked and gasped in a most awful + manner after so doing. ‘Now then, let’s have a talk. How’s the + rheumatics?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sliderskew, with much blinking and chuckling, and with looks + expressive of her strong admiration of Mr. Squeers, his person, manners, + and conversation, replied that the rheumatics were better. + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the reason,’ said Mr. Squeers, deriving fresh facetiousness from + the bottle; ‘what’s the reason of rheumatics? What do they mean? What do + people have’em for—eh?’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sliderskew didn’t know, but suggested that it was possibly because + they couldn’t help it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Measles, rheumatics, hooping-cough, fevers, agers, and lumbagers,’ said + Mr. Squeers, ‘is all philosophy together; that’s what it is. The heavenly + bodies is philosophy, and the earthly bodies is philosophy. If there’s a + screw loose in a heavenly body, that’s philosophy; and if there’s screw + loose in a earthly body, that’s philosophy too; or it may be that + sometimes there’s a little metaphysics in it, but that’s not often. + Philosophy’s the chap for me. If a parent asks a question in the + classical, commercial, or mathematical line, says I, gravely, “Why, sir, + in the first place, are you a philosopher?”—“No, Mr. Squeers,” he + says, “I an’t.” “Then, sir,” says I, “I am sorry for you, for I shan’t be + able to explain it.” Naturally, the parent goes away and wishes he was a + philosopher, and, equally naturally, thinks I’m one.’ + </p> + <p> + Saying this, and a great deal more, with tipsy profundity and a + serio-comic air, and keeping his eye all the time on Mrs. Sliderskew, who + was unable to hear one word, Mr. Squeers concluded by helping himself and + passing the bottle: to which Peg did becoming reverence. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s the time of day!’ said Mr. Squeers. ‘You look twenty pound ten + better than you did.’ + </p> + <p> + Again Mrs. Sliderskew chuckled, but modesty forbade her assenting verbally + to the compliment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Twenty pound ten better,’ repeated Mr. Squeers, ‘than you did that day + when I first introduced myself. Don’t you know?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Peg, shaking her head, ‘but you frightened me that day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Did I?’ said Squeers; ‘well, it was rather a startling thing for a + stranger to come and recommend himself by saying that he knew all about + you, and what your name was, and why you were living so quiet here, and + what you had boned, and who you boned it from, wasn’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + Peg nodded her head in strong assent. + </p> + <p> + ‘But I know everything that happens in that way, you see,’ continued + Squeers. ‘Nothing takes place, of that kind, that I an’t up to entirely. + I’m a sort of a lawyer, Slider, of first-rate standing, and understanding + too; I’m the intimate friend and confidential adwiser of pretty nigh every + man, woman, and child that gets themselves into difficulties by being too + nimble with their fingers, I’m—’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers’s catalogue of his own merits and accomplishments, which was + partly the result of a concerted plan between himself and Ralph Nickleby, + and flowed, in part, from the black bottle, was here interrupted by Mrs + Sliderskew. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ she cried, folding her arms and wagging her head; ‘and so he + wasn’t married after all, wasn’t he. Not married after all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied Squeers, ‘that he wasn’t!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And a young lover come and carried off the bride, eh?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘From under his very nose,’ replied Squeers; ‘and I’m told the young chap + cut up rough besides, and broke the winders, and forced him to swaller his + wedding favour which nearly choked him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell me all about it again,’ cried Peg, with a malicious relish of her + old master’s defeat, which made her natural hideousness something quite + fearful; ‘let’s hear it all again, beginning at the beginning now, as if + you’d never told me. Let’s have it every word—now—now—beginning + at the very first, you know, when he went to the house that morning!’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers, plying Mrs. Sliderskew freely with the liquor, and sustaining + himself under the exertion of speaking so loud by frequent applications to + it himself, complied with this request by describing the discomfiture of + Arthur Gride, with such improvements on the truth as happened to occur to + him, and the ingenious invention and application of which had been very + instrumental in recommending him to her notice in the beginning of their + acquaintance. Mrs. Sliderskew was in an ecstasy of delight, rolling her + head about, drawing up her skinny shoulders, and wrinkling her cadaverous + face into so many and such complicated forms of ugliness, as awakened the + unbounded astonishment and disgust even of Mr. Squeers. + </p> + <p> + ‘He’s a treacherous old goat,’ said Peg, ‘and cozened me with cunning + tricks and lying promises, but never mind. I’m even with him. I’m even + with him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More than even, Slider,’ returned Squeers; ‘you’d have been even with him + if he’d got married; but with the disappointment besides, you’re a long + way ahead. Out of sight, Slider, quite out of sight. And that reminds me,’ + he added, handing her the glass, ‘if you want me to give you my opinion of + them deeds, and tell you what you’d better keep and what you’d better + burn, why, now’s your time, Slider.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘There an’t no hurry for that,’ said Peg, with several knowing looks and + winks. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! very well!’ observed Squeers, ‘it don’t matter to me; you asked me, + you know. I shouldn’t charge you nothing, being a friend. You’re the best + judge of course. But you’re a bold woman, Slider.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘How do you mean, bold?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I only mean that if it was me, I wouldn’t keep papers as might hang + me, littering about when they might be turned into money—them as + wasn’t useful made away with, and them as was, laid by somewheres, safe; + that’s all,’ returned Squeers; ‘but everybody’s the best judge of their + own affairs. All I say is, Slider, I wouldn’t do it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come,’ said Peg, ‘then you shall see ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I don’t want to see ‘em,’ replied Squeers, affecting to be out of humour; + ‘don’t talk as if it was a treat. Show ‘em to somebody else, and take + their advice.’ + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers would, very likely, have carried on the farce of being offended + a little longer, if Mrs. Sliderskew, in her anxiety to restore herself to + her former high position in his good graces, had not become so extremely + affectionate that he stood at some risk of being smothered by her + caresses. Repressing, with as good a grace as possible, these little + familiarities—for which, there is reason to believe, the black + bottle was at least as much to blame as any constitutional infirmity on + the part of Mrs. Sliderskew—he protested that he had only been + joking: and, in proof of his unimpaired good-humour, that he was ready to + examine the deeds at once, if, by so doing, he could afford any + satisfaction or relief of mind to his fair friend. + </p> + <p> + ‘And now you’re up, my Slider,’ bawled Squeers, as she rose to fetch them, + ‘bolt the door.’ + </p> + <p> + Peg trotted to the door, and after fumbling at the bolt, crept to the + other end of the room, and from beneath the coals which filled the bottom + of the cupboard, drew forth a small deal box. Having placed this on the + floor at Squeers’s feet, she brought, from under the pillow of her bed, a + small key, with which she signed to that gentleman to open it. Mr. Squeers, + who had eagerly followed her every motion, lost no time in obeying this + hint: and, throwing back the lid, gazed with rapture on the documents + which lay within. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now you see,’ said Peg, kneeling down on the floor beside him, and + staying his impatient hand; ‘what’s of no use we’ll burn; what we can get + any money by, we’ll keep; and if there’s any we could get him into trouble + by, and fret and waste away his heart to shreds, those we’ll take + particular care of; for that’s what I want to do, and what I hoped to do + when I left him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I thought,’ said Squeers, ‘that you didn’t bear him any particular + good-will. But, I say, why didn’t you take some money besides?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Some what?’ asked Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Some money,’ roared Squeers. ‘I do believe the woman hears me, and wants + to make me break a wessel, so that she may have the pleasure of nursing + me. Some money, Slider, money!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, what a man you are to ask!’ cried Peg, with some contempt. ‘If I had + taken money from Arthur Gride, he’d have scoured the whole earth to find + me—aye, and he’d have smelt it out, and raked it up, somehow, if I + had buried it at the bottom of the deepest well in England. No, no! I knew + better than that. I took what I thought his secrets were hid in: and them + he couldn’t afford to make public, let’em be worth ever so much money. + He’s an old dog; a sly, old, cunning, thankless dog! He first starved, and + then tricked me; and if I could I’d kill him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘All right, and very laudable,’ said Squeers. ‘But, first and foremost, + Slider, burn the box. You should never keep things as may lead to + discovery. Always mind that. So while you pull it to pieces (which you can + easily do, for it’s very old and rickety) and burn it in little bits, I’ll + look over the papers and tell you what they are.’ + </p> + <p> + Peg, expressing her acquiescence in this arrangement, Mr. Squeers turned + the box bottom upwards, and tumbling the contents upon the floor, handed + it to her; the destruction of the box being an extemporary device for + engaging her attention, in case it should prove desirable to distract it + from his own proceedings. + </p> + <p> + ‘There!’ said Squeers; ‘you poke the pieces between the bars, and make up + a good fire, and I’ll read the while. Let me see, let me see.’ And taking + the candle down beside him, Mr. Squeers, with great eagerness and a cunning + grin overspreading his face, entered upon his task of examination. + </p> + <p> + If the old woman had not been very deaf, she must have heard, when she + last went to the door, the breathing of two persons close behind it: and + if those two persons had been unacquainted with her infirmity, they must + probably have chosen that moment either for presenting themselves or + taking to flight. But, knowing with whom they had to deal, they remained + quite still, and now, not only appeared unobserved at the door—which + was not bolted, for the bolt had no hasp—but warily, and with + noiseless footsteps, advanced into the room. + </p> + <p> + As they stole farther and farther in by slight and scarcely perceptible + degrees, and with such caution that they scarcely seemed to breathe, the + old hag and Squeers little dreaming of any such invasion, and utterly + unconscious of there being any soul near but themselves, were busily + occupied with their tasks. The old woman, with her wrinkled face close to + the bars of the stove, puffing at the dull embers which had not yet caught + the wood; Squeers stooping down to the candle, which brought out the full + ugliness of his face, as the light of the fire did that of his companion; + both intently engaged, and wearing faces of exultation which contrasted + strongly with the anxious looks of those behind, who took advantage of the + slightest sound to cover their advance, and, almost before they had moved + an inch, and all was silent, stopped again. This, with the large bare + room, damp walls, and flickering doubtful light, combined to form a scene + which the most careless and indifferent spectator (could any have been + present) could scarcely have failed to derive some interest from, and + would not readily have forgotten. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0765m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0765m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0765.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + Of the stealthy comers, Frank Cheeryble was one, and Newman Noggs the + other. Newman had caught up, by the rusty nozzle, an old pair of bellows, + which were just undergoing a flourish in the air preparatory to a descent + upon the head of Mr. Squeers, when Frank, with an earnest gesture, stayed + his arm, and, taking another step in advance, came so close behind the + schoolmaster that, by leaning slightly forward, he could plainly + distinguish the writing which he held up to his eye. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Squeers, not being remarkably erudite, appeared to be considerably + puzzled by this first prize, which was in an engrossing hand, and not very + legible except to a practised eye. Having tried it by reading from left to + right, and from right to left, and finding it equally clear both ways, he + turned it upside down with no better success. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ha, ha, ha!’ chuckled Peg, who, on her knees before the fire, was feeding + it with fragments of the box, and grinning in most devilish exultation. + ‘What’s that writing about, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing particular,’ replied Squeers, tossing it towards her. ‘It’s only + an old lease, as well as I can make out. Throw it in the fire.’ + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sliderskew complied, and inquired what the next one was. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ said Squeers, ‘is a bundle of overdue acceptances and renewed + bills of six or eight young gentlemen, but they’re all MPs, so it’s of no + use to anybody. Throw it in the fire!’ Peg did as she was bidden, and + waited for the next. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ said Squeers, ‘seems to be some deed of sale of the right of + presentation to the rectory of Purechurch, in the valley of Cashup. Take + care of that, Slider, literally for God’s sake. It’ll fetch its price at + the Auction Mart.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the next?’ inquired Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, this,’ said Squeers, ‘seems, from the two letters that’s with it, to + be a bond from a curate down in the country, to pay half a year’s wages of + forty pound for borrowing twenty. Take care of that, for if he don’t pay + it, his bishop will very soon be down upon him. We know what the camel and + the needle’s eye means; no man as can’t live upon his income, whatever it + is, must expect to go to heaven at any price. It’s very odd; I don’t see + anything like it yet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter?’ said Peg. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nothing,’ replied Squeers, ‘only I’m looking for—’ + </p> + <p> + Newman raised the bellows again. Once more, Frank, by a rapid motion of + his arm, unaccompanied by any noise, checked him in his purpose. + </p> + <p> + ‘Here you are,’ said Squeers, ‘bonds—take care of them. Warrant of + attorney—take care of that. Two cognovits—take care of them. + Lease and release—burn that. Ah! “Madeline Bray—come of age or + marry—the said Madeline”—here, burn <i>that</i>!’ + </p> + <p> + Eagerly throwing towards the old woman a parchment that he caught up for + the purpose, Squeers, as she turned her head, thrust into the breast of + his large coat, the deed in which these words had caught his eye, and + burst into a shout of triumph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ve got it!’ said Squeers. ‘I’ve got it! Hurrah! The plan was a good + one, though the chance was desperate, and the day’s our own at last!’ + </p> + <p> + Peg demanded what he laughed at, but no answer was returned. Newman’s arm + could no longer be restrained; the bellows, descending heavily and with + unerring aim on the very centre of Mr. Squeers’s head, felled him to the + floor, and stretched him on it flat and senseless. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 58 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">I</span> + <i>n which one Scene of this History is closed</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +Dividing the distance into two days’ journey, in order that his charge + might sustain the less exhaustion and fatigue from travelling so far, + Nicholas, at the end of the second day from their leaving home, found + himself within a very few miles of the spot where the happiest years of + his life had been passed, and which, while it filled his mind with + pleasant and peaceful thoughts, brought back many painful and vivid + recollections of the circumstances in which he and his had wandered forth + from their old home, cast upon the rough world and the mercy of strangers. + </p> + <p> + It needed no such reflections as those which the memory of old days, and + wanderings among scenes where our childhood has been passed, usually + awaken in the most insensible minds, to soften the heart of Nicholas, and + render him more than usually mindful of his drooping friend. By night and + day, at all times and seasons: always watchful, attentive, and solicitous, + and never varying in the discharge of his self-imposed duty to one so + friendless and helpless as he whose sands of life were now fast running + out and dwindling rapidly away: he was ever at his side. He never left + him. To encourage and animate him, administer to his wants, support and + cheer him to the utmost of his power, was now his constant and unceasing + occupation. + </p> + <p> + They procured a humble lodging in a small farmhouse, surrounded by meadows + where Nicholas had often revelled when a child with a troop of merry + schoolfellows; and here they took up their rest. + </p> + <p> + At first, Smike was strong enough to walk about, for short distances at a + time, with no other support or aid than that which Nicholas could afford + him. At this time, nothing appeared to interest him so much as visiting + those places which had been most familiar to his friend in bygone days. + Yielding to this fancy, and pleased to find that its indulgence beguiled + the sick boy of many tedious hours, and never failed to afford him matter + for thought and conversation afterwards, Nicholas made such spots the + scenes of their daily rambles: driving him from place to place in a little + pony-chair, and supporting him on his arm while they walked slowly among + these old haunts, or lingered in the sunlight to take long parting looks + of those which were most quiet and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + It was on such occasions as these, that Nicholas, yielding almost + unconsciously to the interest of old associations, would point out some + tree that he had climbed, a hundred times, to peep at the young birds in + their nest; and the branch from which he used to shout to little Kate, who + stood below terrified at the height he had gained, and yet urging him + higher still by the intensity of her admiration. There was the old house + too, which they would pass every day, looking up at the tiny window + through which the sun used to stream in and wake him on the summer + mornings—they were all summer mornings then—and climbing up + the garden-wall and looking over, Nicholas could see the very rose-bush + which had come, a present to Kate, from some little lover, and she had + planted with her own hands. There were the hedgerows where the brother and + sister had so often gathered wild flowers together, and the green fields + and shady paths where they had so often strayed. There was not a lane, or + brook, or copse, or cottage near, with which some childish event was not + entwined, and back it came upon the mind—as events of childhood do—nothing + in itself: perhaps a word, a laugh, a look, some slight distress, a + passing thought or fear: and yet more strongly and distinctly marked, and + better remembered, than the hardest trials or severest sorrows of a year + ago. + </p> + <p> + One of these expeditions led them through the churchyard where was his + father’s grave. ‘Even here,’ said Nicholas softly, ‘we used to loiter + before we knew what death was, and when we little thought whose ashes + would rest beneath; and, wondering at the silence, sit down to rest and + speak below our breath. Once, Kate was lost, and after an hour of + fruitless search, they found her, fast asleep, under that tree which + shades my father’s grave. He was very fond of her, and said when he took + her up in his arms, still sleeping, that whenever he died he would wish to + be buried where his dear little child had laid her head. You see his wish + was not forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + Nothing more passed at the time, but that night, as Nicholas sat beside + his bed, Smike started from what had seemed to be a slumber, and laying + his hand in his, prayed, as the tears coursed down his face, that he would + make him one solemn promise. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is that?’ said Nicholas, kindly. ‘If I can redeem it, or hope to do + so, you know I will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you will,’ was the reply. ‘Promise me that when I die, I shall + be buried near—as near as they can make my grave—to the tree + we saw today.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas gave the promise; he had few words to give it in, but they were + solemn and earnest. His poor friend kept his hand in his, and turned as if + to sleep. But there were stifled sobs; and the hand was pressed more than + once, or twice, or thrice, before he sank to rest, and slowly loosed his + hold. + </p> + <p> + In a fortnight’s time, he became too ill to move about. Once or twice, + Nicholas drove him out, propped up with pillows; but the motion of the + chaise was painful to him, and brought on fits of fainting, which, in his + weakened state, were dangerous. There was an old couch in the house, which + was his favourite resting-place by day; and when the sun shone, and the + weather was warm, Nicholas had this wheeled into a little orchard which + was close at hand, and his charge being well wrapped up and carried out to + it, they used to sit there sometimes for hours together. + </p> + <p> + It was on one of these occasions that a circumstance took place, which + Nicholas, at the time, thoroughly believed to be the mere delusion of an + imagination affected by disease; but which he had, afterwards, too good + reason to know was of real and actual occurrence. + </p> + <p> + He had brought Smike out in his arms—poor fellow! a child might have + carried him then—to see the sunset, and, having arranged his couch, + had taken his seat beside it. He had been watching the whole of the night + before, and being greatly fatigued both in mind and body, gradually fell + asleep. + </p> + <p> + He could not have closed his eyes five minutes, when he was awakened by a + scream, and starting up in that kind of terror which affects a person + suddenly roused, saw, to his great astonishment, that his charge had + struggled into a sitting posture, and with eyes almost starting from their + sockets, cold dew standing on his forehead, and in a fit of trembling + which quite convulsed his frame, was calling to him for help. + </p> + <p> + ‘Good Heaven, what is this?’ said Nicholas, bending over him. ‘Be calm; + you have been dreaming.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no!’ cried Smike, clinging to him. ‘Hold me tight. Don’t let me + go. There, there. Behind the tree!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas followed his eyes, which were directed to some distance behind + the chair from which he himself had just risen. But, there was nothing + there. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0770m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0770m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0770.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘This is nothing but your fancy,’ he said, as he strove to compose him; + ‘nothing else, indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know better. I saw as plain as I see now,’ was the answer. ‘Oh! say + you’ll keep me with you. Swear you won’t leave me for an instant!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do I ever leave you?’ returned Nicholas. ‘Lie down again—there! You + see I’m here. Now, tell me; what was it?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you remember,’ said Smike, in a low voice, and glancing fearfully + round, ‘do you remember my telling you of the man who first took me to the + school?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, surely.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I raised my eyes, just now, towards that tree—that one with the + thick trunk—and there, with his eyes fixed on me, he stood!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Only reflect for one moment,’ said Nicholas; ‘granting, for an instant, + that it’s likely he is alive and wandering about a lonely place like this, + so far removed from the public road, do you think that at this distance of + time you could possibly know that man again?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Anywhere—in any dress,’ returned Smike; ‘but, just now, he stood + leaning upon his stick and looking at me, exactly as I told you I + remembered him. He was dusty with walking, and poorly dressed—I + think his clothes were ragged—but directly I saw him, the wet night, + his face when he left me, the parlour I was left in, and the people that + were there, all seemed to come back together. When he knew I saw him, he + looked frightened; for he started, and shrunk away. I have thought of him + by day, and dreamt of him by night. He looked in my sleep, when I was + quite a little child, and has looked in my sleep ever since, as he did + just now.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas endeavoured, by every persuasion and argument he could think of, + to convince the terrified creature that his imagination had deceived him, + and that this close resemblance between the creation of his dreams and the + man he supposed he had seen was but a proof of it; but all in vain. When + he could persuade him to remain, for a few moments, in the care of the + people to whom the house belonged, he instituted a strict inquiry whether + any stranger had been seen, and searched himself behind the tree, and + through the orchard, and upon the land immediately adjoining, and in every + place near, where it was possible for a man to lie concealed; but all in + vain. Satisfied that he was right in his original conjecture, he applied + himself to calming the fears of Smike, which, after some time, he + partially succeeded in doing, though not in removing the impression upon + his mind; for he still declared, again and again, in the most solemn and + fervid manner, that he had positively seen what he had described, and that + nothing could ever remove his conviction of its reality. + </p> + <p> + And now, Nicholas began to see that hope was gone, and that, upon the + partner of his poverty, and the sharer of his better fortune, the world + was closing fast. There was little pain, little uneasiness, but there was + no rallying, no effort, no struggle for life. He was worn and wasted to + the last degree; his voice had sunk so low, that he could scarce be heard + to speak. Nature was thoroughly exhausted, and he had lain him down to + die. + </p> + <p> + On a fine, mild autumn day, when all was tranquil and at peace: when the + soft sweet air crept in at the open window of the quiet room, and not a + sound was heard but the gentle rustling of the leaves: Nicholas sat in his + old place by the bedside, and knew that the time was nearly come. So very + still it was, that, every now and then, he bent down his ear to listen for + the breathing of him who lay asleep, as if to assure himself that life was + still there, and that he had not fallen into that deep slumber from which + on earth there is no waking. + </p> + <p> + While he was thus employed, the closed eyes opened, and on the pale face + there came a placid smile. + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s well!’ said Nicholas. ‘The sleep has done you good.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have had such pleasant dreams,’ was the answer. ‘Such pleasant, happy + dreams!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + The dying boy turned towards him, and, putting his arm about his neck, + made answer, ‘I shall soon be there!’ + </p> + <p> + After a short silence, he spoke again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am not afraid to die,’ he said. ‘I am quite contented. I almost think + that if I could rise from this bed quite well I would not wish to do so, + now. You have so often told me we shall meet again—so very often + lately, and now I feel the truth of that so strongly—that I can even + bear to part from you.’ + </p> + <p> + The trembling voice and tearful eye, and the closer grasp of the arm which + accompanied these latter words, showed how they filled the speaker’s + heart; nor were there wanting indications of how deeply they had touched + the heart of him to whom they were addressed. + </p> + <p> + ‘You say well,’ returned Nicholas at length, ‘and comfort me very much, + dear fellow. Let me hear you say you are happy, if you can.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must tell you something, first. I should not have a secret from you. + You would not blame me, at a time like this, I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I blame you!’ exclaimed Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure you would not. You asked me why I was so changed, and—and + sat so much alone. Shall I tell you why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not if it pains you,’ said Nicholas. ‘I only asked that I might make you + happier, if I could.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know. I felt that, at the time.’ He drew his friend closer to him. ‘You + will forgive me; I could not help it, but though I would have died to make + her happy, it broke my heart to see—I know he loves her dearly—Oh! + who could find that out so soon as I?’ + </p> + <p> + The words which followed were feebly and faintly uttered, and broken by + long pauses; but, from them, Nicholas learnt, for the first time, that the + dying boy, with all the ardour of a nature concentrated on one absorbing, + hopeless, secret passion, loved his sister Kate. + </p> + <p> + He had procured a lock of her hair, which hung at his breast, folded in + one or two slight ribbons she had worn. He prayed that, when he was dead, + Nicholas would take it off, so that no eyes but his might see it, and that + when he was laid in his coffin and about to be placed in the earth, he + would hang it round his neck again, that it might rest with him in the + grave. + </p> + <p> + Upon his knees Nicholas gave him this pledge, and promised again that he + should rest in the spot he had pointed out. They embraced, and kissed each + other on the cheek. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now,’ he murmured, ‘I am happy.’ + </p> + <p> + He fell into a light slumber, and waking smiled as before; then, spoke of + beautiful gardens, which he said stretched out before him, and were filled + with figures of men, women, and many children, all with light upon their + faces; then, whispered that it was Eden—and so died. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 59 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span> + <i>he Plots begin to fail, and Doubts and Dangers to disturb the Plotter</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +Ralph sat alone, in the solitary room where he was accustomed to take his + meals, and to sit of nights when no profitable occupation called him + abroad. Before him was an untasted breakfast, and near to where his + fingers beat restlessly upon the table, lay his watch. It was long past + the time at which, for many years, he had put it in his pocket and gone + with measured steps downstairs to the business of the day, but he took as + little heed of its monotonous warning, as of the meat and drink before + him, and remained with his head resting on one hand, and his eyes fixed + moodily on the ground. + </p> + <p> + This departure from his regular and constant habit, in one so regular and + unvarying in all that appertained to the daily pursuit of riches, would + almost of itself have told that the usurer was not well. That he laboured + under some mental or bodily indisposition, and that it was one of no + slight kind so to affect a man like him, was sufficiently shown by his + haggard face, jaded air, and hollow languid eyes: which he raised at last + with a start and a hasty glance around him, as one who suddenly awakes + from sleep, and cannot immediately recognise the place in which he finds + himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘What is this,’ he said, ‘that hangs over me, and I cannot shake off? I + have never pampered myself, and should not be ill. I have never moped, and + pined, and yielded to fancies; but what <i>can </i>a man do without rest?’ + </p> + <p> + He pressed his hand upon his forehead. + </p> + <p> + ‘Night after night comes and goes, and I have no rest. If I sleep, what + rest is that which is disturbed by constant dreams of the same detested + faces crowding round me—of the same detested people, in every + variety of action, mingling with all I say and do, and always to my + defeat? Waking, what rest have I, constantly haunted by this heavy shadow + of—I know not what—which is its worst character? I must have + rest. One night’s unbroken rest, and I should be a man again.’ + </p> + <p> + Pushing the table from him while he spoke, as though he loathed the sight + of food, he encountered the watch: the hands of which were almost upon + noon. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is strange!’ he said; ‘noon, and Noggs not here! What drunken brawl + keeps him away? I would give something now—something in money even + after that dreadful loss—if he had stabbed a man in a tavern + scuffle, or broken into a house, or picked a pocket, or done anything that + would send him abroad with an iron ring upon his leg, and rid me of him. + Better still, if I could throw temptation in his way, and lure him on to + rob me. He should be welcome to what he took, so I brought the law upon + him; for he is a traitor, I swear! How, or when, or where, I don’t know, + though I suspect.’ + </p> + <p> + After waiting for another half-hour, he dispatched the woman who kept his + house to Newman’s lodging, to inquire if he were ill, and why he had not + come or sent. She brought back answer that he had not been home all night, + and that no one could tell her anything about him. + </p> + <p> + ‘But there is a gentleman, sir,’ she said, ‘below, who was standing at the + door when I came in, and he says—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What says he?’ demanded Ralph, turning angrily upon her. ‘I told you I + would see nobody.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He says,’ replied the woman, abashed by his harshness, ‘that he comes on + very particular business which admits of no excuse; and I thought perhaps + it might be about—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘About what, in the devil’s name?’ said Ralph. ‘You spy and speculate on + people’s business with me, do you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear, no, sir! I saw you were anxious, and thought it might be about Mr + Noggs; that’s all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Saw I was anxious!’ muttered Ralph; ‘they all watch me, now. Where is + this person? You did not say I was not down yet, I hope?’ + </p> + <p> + The woman replied that he was in the little office, and that she had said + her master was engaged, but she would take the message. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well,’ said Ralph, ‘I’ll see him. Go you to your kitchen, and keep there. + Do you mind me?’ + </p> + <p> + Glad to be released, the woman quickly disappeared. Collecting himself, + and assuming as much of his accustomed manner as his utmost resolution + could summon, Ralph descended the stairs. After pausing for a few moments, + with his hand upon the lock, he entered Newman’s room, and confronted Mr + Charles Cheeryble. + </p> + <p> + Of all men alive, this was one of the last he would have wished to meet at + any time; but, now that he recognised in him only the patron and protector + of Nicholas, he would rather have seen a spectre. One beneficial effect, + however, the encounter had upon him. It instantly roused all his dormant + energies; rekindled in his breast the passions that, for many years, had + found an improving home there; called up all his wrath, hatred, and + malice; restored the sneer to his lip, and the scowl to his brow; and made + him again, in all outward appearance, the same Ralph Nickleby whom so many + had bitter cause to remember. + </p> + <p> + ‘Humph!’ said Ralph, pausing at the door. ‘This is an unexpected favour, + sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And an unwelcome one,’ said brother Charles; ‘an unwelcome one, I know.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Men say you are truth itself, sir,’ replied Ralph. ‘You speak truth now, + at all events, and I’ll not contradict you. The favour is, at least, as + unwelcome as it is unexpected. I can scarcely say more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Plainly, sir—’ began brother Charles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Plainly, sir,’ interrupted Ralph, ‘I wish this conference to be a short + one, and to end where it begins. I guess the subject upon which you are + about to speak, and I’ll not hear you. You like plainness, I believe; + there it is. Here is the door as you see. Our way lies in very different + directions. Take yours, I beg of you, and leave me to pursue mine in + quiet.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘In quiet!’ repeated brother Charles mildly, and looking at him with more + of pity than reproach. ‘To pursue <i>his </i>way in quiet!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You will scarcely remain in my house, I presume, sir, against my will,’ + said Ralph; ‘or you can scarcely hope to make an impression upon a man who + closes his ears to all that you can say, and is firmly and resolutely + determined not to hear you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby, sir,’ returned brother Charles: no less mildly than before, + but firmly too: ‘I come here against my will, sorely and grievously + against my will. I have never been in this house before; and, to speak my + mind, sir, I don’t feel at home or easy in it, and have no wish ever to be + here again. You do not guess the subject on which I come to speak to you; + you do not indeed. I am sure of that, or your manner would be a very + different one.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph glanced keenly at him, but the clear eye and open countenance of the + honest old merchant underwent no change of expression, and met his look + without reserve. + </p> + <p> + ‘Shall I go on?’ said Mr. Cheeryble. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, by all means, if you please,’ returned Ralph drily. ‘Here are walls + to speak to, sir, a desk, and two stools: most attentive auditors, and + certain not to interrupt you. Go on, I beg; make my house yours, and + perhaps by the time I return from my walk, you will have finished what you + have to say, and will yield me up possession again.’ + </p> + <p> + So saying, he buttoned his coat, and turning into the passage, took down + his hat. The old gentleman followed, and was about to speak, when Ralph + waved him off impatiently, and said: + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a word. I tell you, sir, not a word. Virtuous as you are, you are not + an angel yet, to appear in men’s houses whether they will or no, and pour + your speech into unwilling ears. Preach to the walls I tell you; not to + me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am no angel, Heaven knows,’ returned brother Charles, shaking his head, + ‘but an erring and imperfect man; nevertheless, there is one quality which + all men have, in common with the angels, blessed opportunities of + exercising, if they will; mercy. It is an errand of mercy that brings me + here. Pray let me discharge it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I show no mercy,’ retorted Ralph with a triumphant smile, ‘and I ask + none. Seek no mercy from me, sir, in behalf of the fellow who has imposed + upon your childish credulity, but let him expect the worst that I can do.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘<i>He</i> ask mercy at your hands!’ exclaimed the old merchant warmly; ‘ask it + at his, sir; ask it at his. If you will not hear me now, when you may, + hear me when you must, or anticipate what I would say, and take measures + to prevent our ever meeting again. Your nephew is a noble lad, sir, an + honest, noble lad. What you are, Mr. Nickleby, I will not say; but what you + have done, I know. Now, sir, when you go about the business in which you + have been recently engaged, and find it difficult of pursuing, come to me + and my brother Ned, and Tim Linkinwater, sir, and we’ll explain it for you—and + come soon, or it may be too late, and you may have it explained with a + little more roughness, and a little less delicacy—and never forget, + sir, that I came here this morning, in mercy to you, and am still ready to + talk to you in the same spirit.’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, uttered with great emphasis and emotion, brother Charles + put on his broad-brimmed hat, and, passing Ralph Nickleby without any + other remark, trotted nimbly into the street. Ralph looked after him, but + neither moved nor spoke for some time: when he broke what almost seemed + the silence of stupefaction, by a scornful laugh. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ he said, ‘from its wildness, should be another of those dreams + that have so broken my rest of late. In mercy to me! Pho! The old + simpleton has gone mad.’ + </p> + <p> + Although he expressed himself in this derisive and contemptuous manner, it + was plain that, the more Ralph pondered, the more ill at ease he became, + and the more he laboured under some vague anxiety and alarm, which + increased as the time passed on and no tidings of Newman Noggs arrived. + After waiting until late in the afternoon, tortured by various + apprehensions and misgivings, and the recollection of the warning which + his nephew had given him when they last met: the further confirmation of + which now presented itself in one shape of probability, now in another, + and haunted him perpetually: he left home, and, scarcely knowing why, save + that he was in a suspicious and agitated mood, betook himself to Snawley’s + house. His wife presented herself; and, of her, Ralph inquired whether her + husband was at home. + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ she said sharply, ‘he is not indeed, and I don’t think he will be at + home for a very long time; that’s more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do you know who I am?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh yes, I know you very well; too well, perhaps, and perhaps he does too, + and sorry am I that I should have to say it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell him that I saw him through the window-blind above, as I crossed the + road just now, and that I would speak to him on business,’ said Ralph. ‘Do + you hear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hear,’ rejoined Mrs. Snawley, taking no further notice of the request. + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew this woman was a hypocrite, in the way of psalms and Scripture + phrases,’ said Ralph, passing quietly by, ‘but I never knew she drank + before.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Stop! You don’t come in here,’ said Mr. Snawley’s better-half, interposing + her person, which was a robust one, in the doorway. ‘You have said more + than enough to him on business, before now. I always told him what dealing + with you and working out your schemes would come to. It was either you or + the schoolmaster—one of you, or the two between you—that got + the forged letter done; remember that! That wasn’t his doing, so don’t lay + it at his door.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hold your tongue, you Jezebel,’ said Ralph, looking fearfully round. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah, I know when to hold my tongue, and when to speak, Mr. Nickleby,’ + retorted the dame. ‘Take care that other people know when to hold theirs.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You jade,’ said Ralph, ‘if your husband has been idiot enough to trust + you with his secrets, keep them; keep them, she-devil that you are!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not so much his secrets as other people’s secrets, perhaps,’ retorted the + woman; ‘not so much his secrets as yours. None of your black looks at me! + You’ll want ‘em all, perhaps, for another time. You had better keep ‘em.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Will you,’ said Ralph, suppressing his passion as well as he could, and + clutching her tightly by the wrist; ‘will you go to your husband and tell + him that I know he is at home, and that I must see him? And will you tell + me what it is that you and he mean by this new style of behaviour?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No,’ replied the woman, violently disengaging herself, ‘I’ll do neither.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You set me at defiance, do you?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ was the answer. I do.’ + </p> + <p> + For an instant Ralph had his hand raised, as though he were about to + strike her; but, checking himself, and nodding his head and muttering as + though to assure her he would not forget this, walked away. + </p> + <p> + Thence, he went straight to the inn which Mr. Squeers frequented, and + inquired when he had been there last; in the vague hope that, successful + or unsuccessful, he might, by this time, have returned from his mission + and be able to assure him that all was safe. But Mr. Squeers had not been + there for ten days, and all that the people could tell about him was, that + he had left his luggage and his bill. + </p> + <p> + Disturbed by a thousand fears and surmises, and bent upon ascertaining + whether Squeers had any suspicion of Snawley, or was, in any way, a party + to this altered behaviour, Ralph determined to hazard the extreme step of + inquiring for him at the Lambeth lodging, and having an interview with him + even there. Bent upon this purpose, and in that mood in which delay is + insupportable, he repaired at once to the place; and being, by + description, perfectly acquainted with the situation of his room, crept + upstairs and knocked gently at the door. + </p> + <p> + Not one, nor two, nor three, nor yet a dozen knocks, served to convince + Ralph, against his wish, that there was nobody inside. He reasoned that he + might be asleep; and, listening, almost persuaded himself that he could + hear him breathe. Even when he was satisfied that he could not be there, + he sat patiently on a broken stair and waited; arguing, that he had gone + out upon some slight errand, and must soon return. + </p> + <p> + Many feet came up the creaking stairs; and the step of some seemed to his + listening ear so like that of the man for whom he waited, that Ralph often + stood up to be ready to address him when he reached the top; but, one by + one, each person turned off into some room short of the place where he was + stationed: and at every such disappointment he felt quite chilled and + lonely. + </p> + <p> + At length he felt it was hopeless to remain, and going downstairs again, + inquired of one of the lodgers if he knew anything of Mr. Squeers’s + movements—mentioning that worthy by an assumed name which had been + agreed upon between them. By this lodger he was referred to another, and + by him to someone else, from whom he learnt, that, late on the previous + night, he had gone out hastily with two men, who had shortly afterwards + returned for the old woman who lived on the same floor; and that, although + the circumstance had attracted the attention of the informant, he had not + spoken to them at the time, nor made any inquiry afterwards. + </p> + <p> + This possessed him with the idea that, perhaps, Peg Sliderskew had been + apprehended for the robbery, and that Mr. Squeers, being with her at the + time, had been apprehended also, on suspicion of being a confederate. If + this were so, the fact must be known to Gride; and to Gride’s house he + directed his steps; now thoroughly alarmed, and fearful that there were + indeed plots afoot, tending to his discomfiture and ruin. + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the usurer’s house, he found the windows close shut, the dingy + blinds drawn down; all was silent, melancholy, and deserted. But this was + its usual aspect. He knocked—gently at first—then loud and + vigorously. Nobody came. He wrote a few words in pencil on a card, and + having thrust it under the door was going away, when a noise above, as + though a window-sash were stealthily raised, caught his ear, and looking + up he could just discern the face of Gride himself, cautiously peering + over the house parapet from the window of the garret. Seeing who was + below, he drew it in again; not so quickly, however, but that Ralph let + him know he was observed, and called to him to come down. + </p> + <p> + The call being repeated, Gride looked out again, so cautiously that no + part of the old man’s body was visible. The sharp features and white hair + appearing alone, above the parapet, looked like a severed head garnishing + the wall. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hush!’ he cried. ‘Go away, go away!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come down,’ said Ralph, beckoning him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Go a—way!’ squeaked Gride, shaking his head in a sort of ecstasy of + impatience. ‘Don’t speak to me, don’t knock, don’t call attention to the + house, but go away.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I’ll knock, I swear, till I have your neighbours up in arms,’ said Ralph, + ‘if you don’t tell me what you mean by lurking there, you whining cur.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can’t hear what you say—don’t talk to me—it isn’t safe—go + away—go away!’ returned Gride. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come down, I say. Will you come down?’ said Ralph fiercely. + </p> + <p> + ‘No—o—o—oo,’ snarled Gride. He drew in his head; and + Ralph, left standing in the street, could hear the sash closed, as gently + and carefully as it had been opened. + </p> + <p> + ‘How is this,’ said he, ‘that they all fall from me, and shun me like the + plague, these men who have licked the dust from my feet? <i>is</i> my day past, + and is this indeed the coming on of night? I’ll know what it means! I + will, at any cost. I am firmer and more myself, just now, than I have been + these many days.’ + </p> + <p> + Turning from the door, which, in the first transport of his rage, he had + meditated battering upon until Gride’s very fears should impel him to open + it, he turned his face towards the city, and working his way steadily + through the crowd which was pouring from it (it was by this time between + five and six o’clock in the afternoon) went straight to the house of + business of the brothers Cheeryble, and putting his head into the glass + case, found Tim Linkinwater alone. + </p> + <p> + ‘My name’s Nickleby,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know it,’ replied Tim, surveying him through his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Which of your firm was it who called on me this morning?’ demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Charles.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then, tell Mr. Charles I want to see him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You shall see,’ said Tim, getting off his stool with great agility, ‘you + shall see, not only Mr. Charles, but Mr. Ned likewise.’ + </p> + <p> + Tim stopped, looked steadily and severely at Ralph, nodded his head once, + in a curt manner which seemed to say there was a little more behind, and + vanished. After a short interval, he returned, and, ushering Ralph into + the presence of the two brothers, remained in the room himself. + </p> + <p> + ‘I want to speak to you, who spoke to me this morning,’ said Ralph, + pointing out with his finger the man whom he addressed. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have no secrets from my brother Ned, or from Tim Linkinwater,’ observed + brother Charles quietly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I have,’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby, sir,’ said brother Ned, ‘the matter upon which my brother + Charles called upon you this morning is one which is already perfectly + well known to us three, and to others besides, and must unhappily soon + become known to a great many more. He waited upon you, sir, this morning, + alone, as a matter of delicacy and consideration. We feel, now, that + further delicacy and consideration would be misplaced; and, if we confer + together, it must be as we are or not at all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, gentlemen,’ said Ralph with a curl of the lip, ‘talking in riddles + would seem to be the peculiar forte of you two, and I suppose your clerk, + like a prudent man, has studied the art also with a view to your good + graces. Talk in company, gentlemen, in God’s name. I’ll humour you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Humour!’ cried Tim Linkinwater, suddenly growing very red in the face. + ‘He’ll humour us! He’ll humour Cheeryble Brothers! Do you hear that? Do + you hear him? <i>Do</i> you hear him say he’ll humour Cheeryble Brothers?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tim,’ said Charles and Ned together, ‘pray, Tim, pray now, don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + Tim, taking the hint, stifled his indignation as well as he could, and + suffered it to escape through his spectacles, with the additional + safety-valve of a short hysterical laugh now and then, which seemed to + relieve him mightily. + </p> + <p> + ‘As nobody bids me to a seat,’ said Ralph, looking round, ‘I’ll take one, + for I am fatigued with walking. And now, if you please, gentlemen, I wish + to know—I demand to know; I have the right—what you have to + say to me, which justifies such a tone as you have assumed, and that + underhand interference in my affairs which, I have reason to suppose, you + have been practising. I tell you plainly, gentlemen, that little as I care + for the opinion of the world (as the slang goes), I don’t choose to submit + quietly to slander and malice. Whether you suffer yourselves to be imposed + upon too easily, or wilfully make yourselves parties to it, the result to + me is the same. In either case, you can’t expect from a plain man like + myself much consideration or forbearance.’ + </p> + <p> + So coolly and deliberately was this said, that nine men out of ten, + ignorant of the circumstances, would have supposed Ralph to be really an + injured man. There he sat, with folded arms; paler than usual, certainly, + and sufficiently ill-favoured, but quite collected—far more so than + the brothers or the exasperated Tim—and ready to face out the worst. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, sir,’ said brother Charles. ‘Very well. Brother Ned, will you + ring the bell?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Charles, my dear fellow! stop one instant,’ returned the other. ‘It will + be better for Mr. Nickleby and for our object that he should remain silent, + if he can, till we have said what we have to say. I wish him to understand + that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite right, quite right,’ said brother Charles. + </p> + <p> + Ralph smiled, but made no reply. The bell was rung; the room-door opened; + a man came in, with a halting walk; and, looking round, Ralph’s eyes met + those of Newman Noggs. From that moment, his heart began to fail him. + </p> + <p> + ‘This is a good beginning,’ he said bitterly. ‘Oh! this is a good + beginning. You are candid, honest, open-hearted, fair-dealing men! I + always knew the real worth of such characters as yours! To tamper with a + fellow like this, who would sell his soul (if he had one) for drink, and + whose every word is a lie. What men are safe if this is done? Oh, it’s a + good beginning!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I <i>will </i>speak,’ cried Newman, standing on tiptoe to look over Tim’s head, + who had interposed to prevent him. ‘Hallo, you sir—old Nickleby!—what + do you mean when you talk of “a fellow like this”? Who made me “a fellow + like this”? If I would sell my soul for drink, why wasn’t I a thief, + swindler, housebreaker, area sneak, robber of pence out of the trays of + blind men’s dogs, rather than your drudge and packhorse? If my every word + was a lie, why wasn’t I a pet and favourite of yours? Lie! When did I ever + cringe and fawn to you. Tell me that! I served you faithfully. I did more + work, because I was poor, and took more hard words from you because I + despised you and them, than any man you could have got from the parish + workhouse. I did. I served you because I was proud; because I was a lonely + man with you, and there were no other drudges to see my degradation; and + because nobody knew, better than you, that I was a ruined man: that I + hadn’t always been what I am: and that I might have been better off, if I + hadn’t been a fool and fallen into the hands of you and others who were + knaves. Do you deny that?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gently,’ reasoned Tim; ‘you said you wouldn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I said I wouldn’t!’ cried Newman, thrusting him aside, and moving his + hand as Tim moved, so as to keep him at arm’s length; ‘don’t tell me! + Here, you Nickleby! Don’t pretend not to mind me; it won’t do; I know + better. You were talking of tampering, just now. Who tampered with + Yorkshire schoolmasters, and, while they sent the drudge out, that he + shouldn’t overhear, forgot that such great caution might render him + suspicious, and that he might watch his master out at nights, and might + set other eyes to watch the schoolmaster? Who tampered with a selfish + father, urging him to sell his daughter to old Arthur Gride, and tampered + with Gride too, and did so in the little office, <i>with a closet in the + room?</i>’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph had put a great command upon himself; but he could not have + suppressed a slight start, if he had been certain to be beheaded for it + next moment. + </p> + <p> + ‘Aha!’ cried Newman, ‘you mind me now, do you? What first set this fag to + be jealous of his master’s actions, and to feel that, if he hadn’t crossed + him when he might, he would have been as bad as he, or worse? That + master’s cruel treatment of his own flesh and blood, and vile designs upon + a young girl who interested even his broken-down, drunken, miserable hack, + and made him linger in his service, in the hope of doing her some good + (as, thank God, he had done others once or twice before), when he would, + otherwise, have relieved his feelings by pummelling his master soundly, + and then going to the Devil. He would—mark that; and mark this—that + I’m here now, because these gentlemen thought it best. When I sought them + out (as I did; there was no tampering with me), I told them I wanted help + to find you out, to trace you down, to go through with what I had begun, + to help the right; and that when I had done it, I’d burst into your room + and tell you all, face to face, man to man, and like a man. Now I’ve said + my say, and let anybody else say theirs, and fire away!’ + </p> + <p> + With this concluding sentiment, Newman Noggs, who had been perpetually + sitting down and getting up again all through his speech, which he had + delivered in a series of jerks; and who was, from the violent exercise and + the excitement combined, in a state of most intense and fiery heat; + became, without passing through any intermediate stage, stiff, upright, + and motionless, and so remained, staring at Ralph Nickleby with all his + might and main. + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked at him for an instant, and for an instant only; then, waved + his hand, and beating the ground with his foot, said in a choking voice: + </p> + <p> + ‘Go on, gentlemen, go on! I’m patient, you see. There’s law to be had, + there’s law. I shall call you to an account for this. Take care what you + say; I shall make you prove it.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘The proof is ready,’ returned brother Charles, ‘quite ready to our hands. + The man Snawley, last night, made a confession.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who may “the man Snawley” be,’ returned Ralph, ‘and what may his + “confession” have to do with my affairs?’ + </p> + <p> + To this inquiry, put with a dogged inflexibility of manner, the old + gentleman returned no answer, but went on to say, that to show him how + much they were in earnest, it would be necessary to tell him, not only + what accusations were made against him, but what proof of them they had, + and how that proof had been acquired. This laying open of the whole + question brought up brother Ned, Tim Linkinwater, and Newman Noggs, all + three at once; who, after a vast deal of talking together, and a scene of + great confusion, laid before Ralph, in distinct terms, the following + statement. + </p> + <p> + That, Newman, having been solemnly assured by one not then producible that + Smike was not the son of Snawley, and this person having offered to make + oath to that effect, if necessary, they had by this communication been + first led to doubt the claim set up, which they would otherwise have seen + no reason to dispute, supported as it was by evidence which they had no + power of disproving. That, once suspecting the existence of a conspiracy, + they had no difficulty in tracing back its origin to the malice of Ralph, + and the vindictiveness and avarice of Squeers. That, suspicion and proof + being two very different things, they had been advised by a lawyer, + eminent for his sagacity and acuteness in such practice, to resist the + proceedings taken on the other side for the recovery of the youth as + slowly and artfully as possible, and meanwhile to beset Snawley (with whom + it was clear the main falsehood must rest); to lead him, if possible, into + contradictory and conflicting statements; to harass him by all available + means; and so to practise on his fears, and regard for his own safety, as + to induce him to divulge the whole scheme, and to give up his employer and + whomsoever else he could implicate. That, all this had been skilfully + done; but that Snawley, who was well practised in the arts of low cunning + and intrigue, had successfully baffled all their attempts, until an + unexpected circumstance had brought him, last night, upon his knees. + </p> + <p> + It thus arose. When Newman Noggs reported that Squeers was again in town, + and that an interview of such secrecy had taken place between him and + Ralph that he had been sent out of the house, plainly lest he should + overhear a word, a watch was set upon the schoolmaster, in the hope that + something might be discovered which would throw some light upon the + suspected plot. It being found, however, that he held no further + communication with Ralph, nor any with Snawley, and lived quite alone, + they were completely at fault; the watch was withdrawn, and they would + have observed his motions no longer, if it had not happened that, one + night, Newman stumbled unobserved on him and Ralph in the street together. + Following them, he discovered, to his surprise, that they repaired to + various low lodging-houses, and taverns kept by broken gamblers, to more + than one of whom Ralph was known, and that they were in pursuit—so + he found by inquiries when they had left—of an old woman, whose + description exactly tallied with that of deaf Mrs. Sliderskew. Affairs now + appearing to assume a more serious complexion, the watch was renewed with + increased vigilance; an officer was procured, who took up his abode in the + same tavern with Squeers: and by him and Frank Cheeryble the footsteps of + the unconscious schoolmaster were dogged, until he was safely housed in + the lodging at Lambeth. Mr. Squeers having shifted his lodging, the officer + shifted his, and lying concealed in the same street, and, indeed, in the + opposite house, soon found that Mr. Squeers and Mrs. Sliderskew were in + constant communication. + </p> + <p> + In this state of things, Arthur Gride was appealed to. The robbery, partly + owing to the inquisitiveness of the neighbours, and partly to his own + grief and rage, had, long ago, become known; but he positively refused to + give his sanction or yield any assistance to the old woman’s capture, and + was seized with such a panic at the idea of being called upon to give + evidence against her, that he shut himself up close in his house, and + refused to hold communication with anybody. Upon this, the pursuers took + counsel together, and, coming so near the truth as to arrive at the + conclusion that Gride and Ralph, with Squeers for their instrument, were + negotiating for the recovery of some of the stolen papers which would not + bear the light, and might possibly explain the hints relative to Madeline + which Newman had overheard, resolved that Mrs. Sliderskew should be taken + into custody before she had parted with them: and Squeers too, if anything + suspicious could be attached to him. Accordingly, a search-warrant being + procured, and all prepared, Mr. Squeers’s window was watched, until his + light was put out, and the time arrived when, as had been previously + ascertained, he usually visited Mrs. Sliderskew. This done, Frank Cheeryble + and Newman stole upstairs to listen to their discourse, and to give the + signal to the officer at the most favourable time. At what an opportune + moment they arrived, how they listened, and what they heard, is already + known to the reader. Mr. Squeers, still half stunned, was hurried off with + a stolen deed in his possession, and Mrs. Sliderskew was apprehended + likewise. The information being promptly carried to Snawley that Squeers + was in custody—he was not told for what—that worthy, first + extorting a promise that he should be kept harmless, declared the whole + tale concerning Smike to be a fiction and forgery, and implicated Ralph + Nickleby to the fullest extent. As to Mr. Squeers, he had, that morning, + undergone a private examination before a magistrate; and, being unable to + account satisfactorily for his possession of the deed or his companionship + with Mrs. Sliderskew, had been, with her, remanded for a week. + </p> + <p> + All these discoveries were now related to Ralph, circumstantially, and in + detail. Whatever impression they secretly produced, he suffered no sign of + emotion to escape him, but sat perfectly still, not raising his frowning + eyes from the ground, and covering his mouth with his hand. When the + narrative was concluded; he raised his head hastily, as if about to speak, + but on brother Charles resuming, fell into his old attitude again. + </p> + <p> + ‘I told you this morning,’ said the old gentleman, laying his hand upon + his brother’s shoulder, ‘that I came to you in mercy. How far you may be + implicated in this last transaction, or how far the person who is now in + custody may criminate you, you best know. But, justice must take its + course against the parties implicated in the plot against this poor, + unoffending, injured lad. It is not in my power, or in the power of my + brother Ned, to save you from the consequences. The utmost we can do is, + to warn you in time, and to give you an opportunity of escaping them. We + would not have an old man like you disgraced and punished by your near + relation; nor would we have him forget, like you, all ties of blood and + nature. We entreat you—brother Ned, you join me, I know, in this + entreaty, and so, Tim Linkinwater, do you, although you pretend to be an + obstinate dog, sir, and sit there frowning as if you didn’t—we + entreat you to retire from London, to take shelter in some place where you + will be safe from the consequences of these wicked designs, and where you + may have time, sir, to atone for them, and to become a better man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And do you think,’ returned Ralph, rising, ‘and do you think, you will so + easily crush <i>me</i>? Do you think that a hundred well-arranged plans, or a + hundred suborned witnesses, or a hundred false curs at my heels, or a + hundred canting speeches full of oily words, will move me? I thank you for + disclosing your schemes, which I am now prepared for. You have not the man + to deal with that you think; try me! and remember that I spit upon your + fair words and false dealings, and dare you—provoke you—taunt + you—to do to me the very worst you can!’ + </p> + <p> + Thus they parted, for that time; but the worst had not come yet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 60 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span> + <i>he Dangers thicken, and the Worst is Told</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +Instead of going home, Ralph threw himself into the first street cabriolet + he could find, and, directing the driver towards the police-office of the + district in which Mr. Squeers’s misfortunes had occurred, alighted at a + short distance from it, and, discharging the man, went the rest of his way + thither on foot. Inquiring for the object of his solicitude, he learnt + that he had timed his visit well; for Mr. Squeers was, in fact, at that + moment waiting for a hackney coach he had ordered, and in which he + purposed proceeding to his week’s retirement, like a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Demanding speech with the prisoner, he was ushered into a kind of + waiting-room in which, by reason of his scholastic profession and superior + respectability, Mr. Squeers had been permitted to pass the day. Here, by + the light of a guttering and blackened candle, he could barely discern the + schoolmaster, fast asleep on a bench in a remote corner. An empty glass + stood on a table before him, which, with his somnolent condition and a + very strong smell of brandy and water, forewarned the visitor that Mr + Squeers had been seeking, in creature comforts, a temporary forgetfulness + of his unpleasant situation. + </p> + <p> + It was not a very easy matter to rouse him: so lethargic and heavy were + his slumbers. Regaining his faculties by slow and faint glimmerings, he at + length sat upright; and, displaying a very yellow face, a very red nose, + and a very bristly beard: the joint effect of which was considerably + heightened by a dirty white handkerchief, spotted with blood, drawn over + the crown of his head and tied under his chin: stared ruefully at Ralph in + silence, until his feelings found a vent in this pithy sentence: + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, young fellow, you’ve been and done it now; you have!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What’s the matter with your head?’ asked Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, your man, your informing kidnapping man, has been and broke it,’ + rejoined Squeers sulkily; ‘that’s what’s the matter with it. You’ve come + at last, have you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why have you not sent to me?’ said Ralph. ‘How could I come till I knew + what had befallen you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘My family!’ hiccuped Mr. Squeers, raising his eye to the ceiling: ‘my + daughter, as is at that age when all the sensibilities is a-coming out + strong in blow—my son as is the young Norval of private life, and + the pride and ornament of a doting willage—here’s a shock for my + family! The coat-of-arms of the Squeerses is tore, and their sun is gone + down into the ocean wave!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You have been drinking,’ said Ralph, ‘and have not yet slept yourself + sober.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I haven’t been drinking <i>your </i>health, my codger,’ replied Mr. Squeers; ‘so + you have nothing to do with that.’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph suppressed the indignation which the schoolmaster’s altered and + insolent manner awakened, and asked again why he had not sent to him. + </p> + <p> + ‘What should I get by sending to you?’ returned Squeers. ‘To be known to + be in with you wouldn’t do me a deal of good, and they won’t take bail + till they know something more of the case, so here am I hard and fast: and + there are you, loose and comfortable.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And so must you be in a few days,’ retorted Ralph, with affected + good-humour. ‘They can’t hurt you, man.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I suppose they can’t do much to me, if I explain how it was that I + got into the good company of that there ca-daverous old Slider,’ replied + Squeers viciously, ‘who I wish was dead and buried, and resurrected and + dissected, and hung upon wires in a anatomical museum, before ever I’d had + anything to do with her. This is what him with the powdered head says this + morning, in so many words: “Prisoner! As you have been found in company + with this woman; as you were detected in possession of this document; as + you were engaged with her in fraudulently destroying others, and can give + no satisfactory account of yourself; I shall remand you for a week, in + order that inquiries may be made, and evidence got. And meanwhile I can’t + take any bail for your appearance.” Well then, what I say now is, that I + <i>can </i>give a satisfactory account of myself; I can hand in the card of my + establishment and say, “I am the Wackford Squeers as is therein named, + sir. I am the man as is guaranteed, by unimpeachable references, to be a + out-and-outer in morals and uprightness of principle. Whatever is wrong in + this business is no fault of mine. I had no evil design in it, sir. I was + not aware that anything was wrong. I was merely employed by a friend, my + friend Mr. Ralph Nickleby, of Golden Square. Send for him, sir, and ask him + what he has to say; he’s the man; not me!”’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What document was it that you had?’ asked Ralph, evading, for the moment, + the point just raised. + </p> + <p> + ‘What document? Why, <i>the </i>document,’ replied Squeers. ‘The Madeline + What’s-her-name one. It was a will; that’s what it was.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Of what nature, whose will, when dated, how benefiting her, to what + extent?’ asked Ralph hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + ‘A will in her favour; that’s all I know,’ rejoined Squeers, ‘and that’s + more than you’d have known, if you’d had them bellows on your head. It’s + all owing to your precious caution that they got hold of it. If you had + let me burn it, and taken my word that it was gone, it would have been a + heap of ashes behind the fire, instead of being whole and sound, inside of + my great-coat.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Beaten at every point!’ muttered Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ sighed Squeers, who, between the brandy and water and his broken + head, wandered strangely, ‘at the delightful village of Dotheboys near + Greta Bridge in Yorkshire, youth are boarded, clothed, booked, washed, + furnished with pocket-money, provided with all necessaries, instructed in + all languages living and dead, mathematics, orthography, geometry, + astronomy, trigonometry—this is a altered state of trigonomics, this + is! A double 1—all, everything—a cobbler’s weapon. U-p-up, + adjective, not down. S-q-u-double e-r-s-Squeers, noun substantive, a + educator of youth. Total, all up with Squeers!’ + </p> + <p> + His running on, in this way, had afforded Ralph an opportunity of + recovering his presence of mind, which at once suggested to him the + necessity of removing, as far as possible, the schoolmaster’s misgivings, + and leading him to believe that his safety and best policy lay in the + preservation of a rigid silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘I tell you, once again,’ he said, ‘they can’t hurt you. You shall have an + action for false imprisonment, and make a profit of this, yet. We will + devise a story for you that should carry you through twenty times such a + trivial scrape as this; and if they want security in a thousand pounds for + your reappearance in case you should be called upon, you shall have it. + All you have to do is, to keep back the truth. You’re a little fuddled + tonight, and may not be able to see this as clearly as you would at + another time; but this is what you must do, and you’ll need all your + senses about you; for a slip might be awkward.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh!’ said Squeers, who had looked cunningly at him, with his head stuck + on one side, like an old raven. ‘That’s what I’m to do, is it? Now then, + just you hear a word or two from me. I an’t a-going to have any stories + made for me, and I an’t a-going to stick to any. If I find matters going + again me, I shall expect you to take your share, and I’ll take care you + do. You never said anything about danger. I never bargained for being + brought into such a plight as this, and I don’t mean to take it as quiet + as you think. I let you lead me on, from one thing to another, because we + had been mixed up together in a certain sort of a way, and if you had + liked to be ill-natured you might perhaps have hurt the business, and if + you liked to be good-natured you might throw a good deal in my way. Well; + if all goes right now, that’s quite correct, and I don’t mind it; but if + anything goes wrong, then times are altered, and I shall just say and do + whatever I think may serve me most, and take advice from nobody. My moral + influence with them lads,’ added Mr. Squeers, with deeper gravity, ‘is a + tottering to its basis. The images of Mrs. Squeers, my daughter, and my son + Wackford, all short of vittles, is perpetually before me; every other + consideration melts away and vanishes, in front of these; the only number + in all arithmetic that I know of, as a husband and a father, is number + one, under this here most fatal go!’ + </p> + <p> + How long Mr. Squeers might have declaimed, or how stormy a discussion his + declamation might have led to, nobody knows. Being interrupted, at this + point, by the arrival of the coach and an attendant who was to bear him + company, he perched his hat with great dignity on the top of the + handkerchief that bound his head; and, thrusting one hand in his pocket, + and taking the attendant’s arm with the other, suffered himself to be led + forth. + </p> + <p> + ‘As I supposed from his not sending!’ thought Ralph. ‘This fellow, I + plainly see through all his tipsy fooling, has made up his mind to turn + upon me. I am so beset and hemmed in, that they are not only all struck + with fear, but, like the beasts in the fable, have their fling at me now, + though time was, and no longer ago than yesterday too, when they were all + civility and compliance. But they shall not move me. I’ll not give way. I + will not budge one inch!’ + </p> + <p> + He went home, and was glad to find his housekeeper complaining of illness, + that he might have an excuse for being alone and sending her away to where + she lived: which was hard by. Then, he sat down by the light of a single + candle, and began to think, for the first time, on all that had taken + place that day. + </p> + <p> + He had neither eaten nor drunk since last night, and, in addition to the + anxiety of mind he had undergone, had been travelling about, from place to + place almost incessantly, for many hours. He felt sick and exhausted, but + could taste nothing save a glass of water, and continued to sit with his + head upon his hand; not resting nor thinking, but laboriously trying to do + both, and feeling that every sense but one of weariness and desolation, + was for the time benumbed. + </p> + <p> + It was nearly ten o’clock when he heard a knocking at the door, and still + sat quiet as before, as if he could not even bring his thoughts to bear + upon that. It had been often repeated, and he had, several times, heard a + voice outside, saying there was a light in the window (meaning, as he + knew, his own candle), before he could rouse himself and go downstairs. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby, there is terrible news for you, and I am sent to beg you + will come with me directly,’ said a voice he seemed to recognise. He held + his hand above his eyes, and, looking out, saw Tim Linkinwater on the + steps. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come where?’ demanded Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘To our house, where you came this morning. I have a coach here.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should I go there?’ said Ralph. + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t ask me why, but pray come with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Another edition of today!’ returned Ralph, making as though he would shut + the door. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no!’ cried Tim, catching him by the arm and speaking most earnestly; + ‘it is only that you may hear something that has occurred: something very + dreadful, Mr. Nickleby, which concerns you nearly. Do you think I would + tell you so or come to you like this, if it were not the case?’ + </p> + <p> + Ralph looked at him more closely. Seeing that he was indeed greatly + excited, he faltered, and could not tell what to say or think. + </p> + <p> + ‘You had better hear this now, than at any other time,’ said Tim; ‘it may + have some influence with you. For Heaven’s sake come!’ + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, at, another time, Ralph’s obstinacy and dislike would have been + proof against any appeal from such a quarter, however emphatically urged; + but now, after a moment’s hesitation, he went into the hall for his hat, + and returning, got into the coach without speaking a word. + </p> + <p> + Tim well remembered afterwards, and often said, that as Ralph Nickleby + went into the house for this purpose, he saw him, by the light of the + candle which he had set down upon a chair, reel and stagger like a drunken + man. He well remembered, too, that when he had placed his foot upon the + coach-steps, he turned round and looked upon him with a face so ashy pale + and so very wild and vacant that it made him shudder, and for the moment + almost afraid to follow. People were fond of saying that he had some dark + presentiment upon him then, but his emotion might, perhaps, with greater + show of reason, be referred to what he had undergone that day. + </p> + <p> + A profound silence was observed during the ride. Arrived at their place of + destination, Ralph followed his conductor into the house, and into a room + where the two brothers were. He was so astounded, not to say awed, by + something of a mute compassion for himself which was visible in their + manner and in that of the old clerk, that he could scarcely speak. + </p> + <p> + Having taken a seat, however, he contrived to say, though in broken words, + ‘What—what have you to say to me—more than has been said + already?’ + </p> + <p> + The room was old and large, very imperfectly lighted, and terminated in a + bay window, about which hung some heavy drapery. Casting his eyes in this + direction as he spoke, he thought he made out the dusky figure of a man. + He was confirmed in this impression by seeing that the object moved, as if + uneasy under his scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + ‘Who’s that yonder?’ he said. + </p> + <p> + ‘One who has conveyed to us, within these two hours, the intelligence + which caused our sending to you,’ replied brother Charles. ‘Let him be, + sir, let him be for the present.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘More riddles!’ said Ralph, faintly. ‘Well, sir?’ + </p> + <p> + In turning his face towards the brothers he was obliged to avert it from + the window; but, before either of them could speak, he had looked round + again. It was evident that he was rendered restless and uncomfortable by + the presence of the unseen person; for he repeated this action several + times, and at length, as if in a nervous state which rendered him + positively unable to turn away from the place, sat so as to have it + opposite him, muttering as an excuse that he could not bear the light. + </p> + <p> + The brothers conferred apart for a short time: their manner showing that + they were agitated. Ralph glanced at them twice or thrice, and ultimately + said, with a great effort to recover his self-possession, ‘Now, what is + this? If I am brought from home at this time of night, let it be for + something. What have you got to tell me?’ After a short pause, he added, + ‘Is my niece dead?’ + </p> + <p> + He had struck upon a key which rendered the task of commencement an easier + one. Brother Charles turned, and said that it was a death of which they + had to tell him, but that his niece was well. + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t mean to tell me,’ said Ralph, as his eyes brightened, ‘that her + brother’s dead? No, that’s too good. I’d not believe it, if you told me + so. It would be too welcome news to be true.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Shame on you, you hardened and unnatural man,’ cried the other brother, + warmly. ‘Prepare yourself for intelligence which, if you have any human + feeling in your breast, will make even you shrink and tremble. What if we + tell you that a poor unfortunate boy: a child in everything but never + having known one of those tender endearments, or one of those lightsome + hours which make our childhood a time to be remembered like a happy dream + through all our after life: a warm-hearted, harmless, affectionate + creature, who never offended you, or did you wrong, but on whom you have + vented the malice and hatred you have conceived for your nephew, and whom + you have made an instrument for wreaking your bad passions upon him: what + if we tell you that, sinking under your persecution, sir, and the misery + and ill-usage of a life short in years but long in suffering, this poor + creature has gone to tell his sad tale where, for your part in it, you + must surely answer?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you tell me,’ said Ralph; ‘if you tell me that he is dead, I forgive + you all else. If you tell me that he is dead, I am in your debt and bound + to you for life. He is! I see it in your faces. Who triumphs now? Is this + your dreadful news; this your terrible intelligence? You see how it moves + me. You did well to send. I would have travelled a hundred miles afoot, + through mud, mire, and darkness, to hear this news just at this time.’ + </p> + <p> + Even then, moved as he was by this savage joy, Ralph could see in the + faces of the two brothers, mingling with their look of disgust and horror, + something of that indefinable compassion for himself which he had noticed + before. + </p> + <p> + ‘And <i>he</i> brought you the intelligence, did he?’ said Ralph, pointing with + his finger towards the recess already mentioned; ‘and sat there, no doubt, + to see me prostrated and overwhelmed by it! Ha, ha, ha! But I tell him + that I’ll be a sharp thorn in his side for many a long day to come; and I + tell you two, again, that you don’t know him yet; and that you’ll rue the + day you took compassion on the vagabond.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You take me for your nephew,’ said a hollow voice; ‘it would be better + for you, and for me too, if I were he indeed.’ + </p> + <p> + The figure that he had seen so dimly, rose, and came slowly down. He + started back, for he found that he confronted—not Nicholas, as he + had supposed, but Brooker. + </p> + <p> + Ralph had no reason, that he knew, to fear this man; he had never feared + him before; but the pallor which had been observed in his face when he + issued forth that night, came upon him again. He was seen to tremble, and + his voice changed as he said, keeping his eyes upon him, + </p> + <p> + ‘What does this fellow here? Do you know he is a convict, a felon, a + common thief?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hear what he has to tell you. Oh, Mr. Nickleby, hear what he has to tell + you, be he what he may!’ cried the brothers, with such emphatic + earnestness, that Ralph turned to them in wonder. They pointed to Brooker. + Ralph again gazed at him: as it seemed mechanically. + </p> + <p> + ‘That boy,’ said the man, ‘that these gentlemen have been talking of—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That boy,’ repeated Ralph, looking vacantly at him. + </p> + <p> + ‘Whom I saw, stretched dead and cold upon his bed, and who is now in his + grave—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Who is now in his grave,’ echoed Ralph, like one who talks in his sleep. + </p> + <p> + The man raised his eyes, and clasped his hands solemnly together: + </p> + <p> + ‘—Was your only son, so help me God in heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + In the midst of a dead silence, Ralph sat down, pressing his two hands + upon his temples. He removed them, after a minute, and never was there + seen, part of a living man undisfigured by any wound, such a ghastly face + as he then disclosed. He looked at Brooker, who was by this time standing + at a short distance from him; but did not say one word, or make the + slightest sound or gesture. + </p> + <p> + ‘Gentlemen,’ said the man, ‘I offer no excuses for myself. I am long past + that. If, in telling you how this has happened, I tell you that I was + harshly used, and perhaps driven out of my real nature, I do it only as a + necessary part of my story, and not to shield myself. I am a guilty man.’ + </p> + <p> + He stopped, as if to recollect, and looking away from Ralph, and + addressing himself to the brothers, proceeded in a subdued and humble + tone: + </p> + <p> + ‘Among those who once had dealings with this man, gentlemen—that’s + from twenty to five-and-twenty years ago—there was one: a rough + fox-hunting, hard-drinking gentleman, who had run through his own fortune, + and wanted to squander away that of his sister: they were both orphans, + and she lived with him and managed his house. I don’t know whether it was, + originally, to back his influence and try to over-persuade the young woman + or not, but he,’ pointing, to Ralph, ‘used to go down to the house in + Leicestershire pretty often, and stop there many days at a time. They had + had a great many dealings together, and he may have gone on some of those, + or to patch up his client’s affairs, which were in a ruinous state; of + course he went for profit. The gentlewoman was not a girl, but she was, I + have heard say, handsome, and entitled to a pretty large property. In + course of time, he married her. The same love of gain which led him to + contract this marriage, led to its being kept strictly private; for a + clause in her father’s will declared that if she married without her + brother’s consent, the property, in which she had only some life interest + while she remained single, should pass away altogether to another branch + of the family. The brother would give no consent that the sister didn’t + buy, and pay for handsomely; Mr. Nickleby would consent to no such + sacrifice; and so they went on, keeping their marriage secret, and waiting + for him to break his neck or die of a fever. He did neither, and meanwhile + the result of this private marriage was a son. The child was put out to + nurse, a long way off; his mother never saw him but once or twice, and + then by stealth; and his father—so eagerly did he thirst after the + money which seemed to come almost within his grasp now, for his + brother-in-law was very ill, and breaking more and more every day—never + went near him, to avoid raising any suspicion. The brother lingered on; Mr + Nickleby’s wife constantly urged him to avow their marriage; he + peremptorily refused. She remained alone in a dull country house: seeing + little or no company but riotous, drunken sportsmen. He lived in London + and clung to his business. Angry quarrels and recriminations took place, + and when they had been married nearly seven years, and were within a few + weeks of the time when the brother’s death would have adjusted all, she + eloped with a younger man, and left him.’ + </p> + <p> + Here he paused, but Ralph did not stir, and the brothers signed to him to + proceed. + </p> + <p> + ‘It was then that I became acquainted with these circumstances from his + own lips. They were no secrets then; for the brother, and others, knew + them; but they were communicated to me, not on this account, but because I + was wanted. He followed the fugitives. Some said to make money of his + wife’s shame, but, I believe, to take some violent revenge, for that was + as much his character as the other; perhaps more. He didn’t find them, and + she died not long after. I don’t know whether he began to think he might + like the child, or whether he wished to make sure that it should never + fall into its mother’s hands; but, before he went, he intrusted me with + the charge of bringing it home. And I did so.’ + </p> + <p> + He went on, from this point, in a still more humble tone, and spoke in a + very low voice; pointing to Ralph as he resumed. + </p> + <p> + ‘He had used me ill—cruelly—I reminded him in what, not long + ago when I met him in the street—and I hated him. I brought the + child home to his own house, and lodged him in the front garret. Neglect + had made him very sickly, and I was obliged to call in a doctor, who said + he must be removed for change of air, or he would die. I think that first + put it in my head. I did it then. He was gone six weeks, and when he came + back, I told him—with every circumstance well planned and proved; + nobody could have suspected me—that the child was dead and buried. + He might have been disappointed in some intention he had formed, or he + might have had some natural affection, but he <i>was </i>grieved at <i>that</i>, and I + was confirmed in my design of opening up the secret one day, and making it + a means of getting money from him. I had heard, like most other men, of + Yorkshire schools. I took the child to one kept by a man named Squeers, + and left it there. I gave him the name of Smike. Year by year, I paid + twenty pounds a-year for him for six years; never breathing the secret all + the time; for I had left his father’s service after more hard usage, and + quarrelled with him again. I was sent away from this country. I have been + away nearly eight years. Directly I came home again, I travelled down into + Yorkshire, and, skulking in the village of an evening-time, made inquiries + about the boys at the school, and found that this one, whom I had placed + there, had run away with a young man bearing the name of his own father. I + sought his father out in London, and hinting at what I could tell him, + tried for a little money to support life; but he repulsed me with threats. + I then found out his clerk, and, going on from little to little, and + showing him that there were good reasons for communicating with me, learnt + what was going on; and it was I who told him that the boy was no son of + the man who claimed to be his father. All this time I had never seen the + boy. At length, I heard from this same source that he was very ill, and + where he was. I travelled down there, that I might recall myself, if + possible, to his recollection and confirm my story. I came upon him + unexpectedly; but before I could speak he knew me—he had good cause + to remember me, poor lad!—and I would have sworn to him if I had met + him in the Indies. I knew the piteous face I had seen in the little child. + After a few days’ indecision, I applied to the young gentleman in whose + care he was, and I found that he was dead. He knows how quickly he + recognised me again, how often he had described me and my leaving him at + the school, and how he told him of a garret he recollected: which is the + one I have spoken of, and in his father’s house to this day. This is my + story. I demand to be brought face to face with the schoolmaster, and put + to any possible proof of any part of it, and I will show that it’s too + true, and that I have this guilt upon my soul.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Unhappy man!’ said the brothers. ‘What reparation can you make for this?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘None, gentlemen, none! I have none to make, and nothing to hope now. I am + old in years, and older still in misery and care. This confession can + bring nothing upon me but new suffering and punishment; but I make it, and + will abide by it whatever comes. I have been made the instrument of + working out this dreadful retribution upon the head of a man who, in the + hot pursuit of his bad ends, has persecuted and hunted down his own child + to death. It must descend upon me too. I know it must fall. My reparation + comes too late; and, neither in this world nor in the next, can I have + hope again!’ + </p> + <p> + He had hardly spoken, when the lamp, which stood upon the table close to + where Ralph was seated, and which was the only one in the room, was thrown + to the ground, and left them in darkness. There was some trifling + confusion in obtaining another light; the interval was a mere nothing; but + when the light appeared, Ralph Nickleby was gone. + </p> + <p> + The good brothers and Tim Linkinwater occupied some time in discussing the + probability of his return; and, when it became apparent that he would not + come back, they hesitated whether or no to send after him. At length, + remembering how strangely and silently he had sat in one immovable + position during the interview, and thinking he might possibly be ill, they + determined, although it was now very late, to send to his house on some + pretence. Finding an excuse in the presence of Brooker, whom they knew not + how to dispose of without consulting his wishes, they concluded to act + upon this resolution before going to bed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 61 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">W</span><i>herein Nicholas and his Sister forfeit the good Opinion of all worldly + and prudent People</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + On the next morning after Brooker’s disclosure had been made, Nicholas + returned home. The meeting between him and those whom he had left there + was not without strong emotion on both sides; for they had been informed + by his letters of what had occurred: and, besides that his griefs were + theirs, they mourned with him the death of one whose forlorn and helpless + state had first established a claim upon their compassion, and whose truth + of heart and grateful earnest nature had, every day, endeared him to them + more and more. + </p> + <p> + ‘I am sure,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, wiping her eyes, and sobbing bitterly, ‘I + have lost the best, the most zealous, and most attentive creature that has + ever been a companion to me in my life—putting you, my dear + Nicholas, and Kate, and your poor papa, and that well-behaved nurse who + ran away with the linen and the twelve small forks, out of the question, + of course. Of all the tractable, equal-tempered, attached, and faithful + beings that ever lived, I believe he was the most so. To look round upon + the garden, now, that he took so much pride in, or to go into his room and + see it filled with so many of those little contrivances for our comfort + that he was so fond of making, and made so well, and so little thought he + would leave unfinished—I can’t bear it, I cannot really. Ah! This is + a great trial to me, a great trial. It will be comfort to you, my dear + Nicholas, to the end of your life, to recollect how kind and good you + always were to him—so it will be to me, to think what excellent + terms we were always upon, and how fond he always was of me, poor fellow! + It was very natural you should have been attached to him, my dear—very—and + of course you were, and are very much cut up by this. I am sure it’s only + necessary to look at you and see how changed you are, to see that; but + nobody knows what my feelings are—nobody can—it’s quite + impossible!’ + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. Nickleby, with the utmost sincerity, gave vent to her sorrows + after her own peculiar fashion of considering herself foremost, she was + not the only one who indulged such feelings. Kate, although well + accustomed to forget herself when others were to be considered, could not + repress her grief; Madeline was scarcely less moved than she; and poor, + hearty, honest little Miss La Creevy, who had come upon one of her visits + while Nicholas was away, and had done nothing, since the sad news arrived, + but console and cheer them all, no sooner beheld him coming in at the + door, than she sat herself down upon the stairs, and bursting into a flood + of tears, refused for a long time to be comforted. + </p> + <p> + ‘It hurts me so,’ cried the poor body, ‘to see him come back alone. I + can’t help thinking what he must have suffered himself. I wouldn’t mind so + much if he gave way a little more; but he bears it so manfully.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, so I should,’ said Nicholas, ‘should I not?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, yes,’ replied the little woman, ‘and bless you for a good creature! + but this does seem at first to a simple soul like me—I know it’s + wrong to say so, and I shall be sorry for it presently—this does + seem such a poor reward for all you have done.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Nay,’ said Nicholas gently, ‘what better reward could I have, than the + knowledge that his last days were peaceful and happy, and the recollection + that I was his constant companion, and was not prevented, as I might have + been by a hundred circumstances, from being beside him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To be sure,’ sobbed Miss La Creevy; ‘it’s very true, and I’m an + ungrateful, impious, wicked little fool, I know.’ + </p> + <p> + With that, the good soul fell to crying afresh, and, endeavouring to + recover herself, tried to laugh. The laugh and the cry, meeting each other + thus abruptly, had a struggle for the mastery; the result was, that it was + a drawn battle, and Miss La Creevy went into hysterics. + </p> + <p> + Waiting until they were all tolerably quiet and composed again, Nicholas, + who stood in need of some rest after his long journey, retired to his own + room, and throwing himself, dressed as he was, upon the bed, fell into a + sound sleep. When he awoke, he found Kate sitting by his bedside, who, + seeing that he had opened his eyes, stooped down to kiss him. + </p> + <p> + ‘I came to tell you how glad I am to see you home again.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you, Kate.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘We have been wearying so for your return,’ said Kate, ‘mama and I, and—and + Madeline.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You said in your last letter that she was quite well,’ said Nicholas, + rather hastily, and colouring as he spoke. ‘Has nothing been said, since I + have been away, about any future arrangements that the brothers have in + contemplation for her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, not a word,’ replied Kate. ‘I can’t think of parting from her without + sorrow; and surely, Nicholas, <i>you </i>don’t wish it!’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas coloured again, and, sitting down beside his sister on a little + couch near the window, said: + </p> + <p> + ‘No, Kate, no, I do not. I might strive to disguise my real feelings from + anybody but you; but I will tell you that—briefly and plainly, Kate—that + I love her.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate’s eyes brightened, and she was going to make some reply, when + Nicholas laid his hand upon her arm, and went on: + </p> + <p> + ‘Nobody must know this but you. She, last of all.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Last of all; never, though never is a long day. Sometimes, I try to think + that the time may come when I may honestly tell her this; but it is so far + off; in such distant perspective, so many years must elapse before it + comes, and when it does come (if ever) I shall be so unlike what I am now, + and shall have so outlived my days of youth and romance—though not, + I am sure, of love for her—that even I feel how visionary all such + hopes must be, and try to crush them rudely myself, and have the pain + over, rather than suffer time to wither them, and keep the disappointment + in store. No, Kate! Since I have been absent, I have had, in that poor + fellow who is gone, perpetually before my eyes, another instance of the + munificent liberality of these noble brothers. As far as in me lies, I + will deserve it, and if I have wavered in my bounden duty to them before, + I am now determined to discharge it rigidly, and to put further delays and + temptations beyond my reach.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Before you say another word, dear Nicholas,’ said Kate, turning pale, + ‘you must hear what I have to tell you. I came on purpose, but I had not + the courage. What you say now, gives me new heart.’ She faltered, and + burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + There was that in her manner which prepared Nicholas for what was coming. + Kate tried to speak, but her tears prevented her. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, you foolish girl,’ said Nicholas; ‘why, Kate, Kate, be a woman! I + think I know what you would tell me. It concerns Mr. Frank, does it not?’ + </p> + <p> + Kate sunk her head upon his shoulder, and sobbed out ‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And he has offered you his hand, perhaps, since I have been away,’ said + Nicholas; ‘is that it? Yes. Well, well; it is not so difficult, you see, + to tell me, after all. He offered you his hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Which I refused,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes; and why?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I told him,’ she said, in a trembling voice, ‘all that I have since found + you told mama; and while I could not conceal from him, and cannot from + you, that—that it was a pang and a great trial, I did so firmly, and + begged him not to see me any more.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s my own brave Kate!’ said Nicholas, pressing her to his breast. ‘I + knew you would.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘He tried to alter my resolution,’ said Kate, ‘and declared that, be my + decision what it might, he would not only inform his uncles of the step he + had taken, but would communicate it to you also, directly you returned. I + am afraid,’ she added, her momentary composure forsaking her, ‘I am afraid + I may not have said, strongly enough, how deeply I felt such disinterested + love, and how earnestly I prayed for his future happiness. If you do talk + together, I should—I should like him to know that.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And did you suppose, Kate, when you had made this sacrifice to what you + knew was right and honourable, that I should shrink from mine?’ said + Nicholas tenderly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh no! not if your position had been the same, but—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘But it is the same,’ interrupted Nicholas. ‘Madeline is not the near + relation of our benefactors, but she is closely bound to them by ties as + dear; and I was first intrusted with her history, specially because they + reposed unbounded confidence in me, and believed that I was as true as + steel. How base would it be of me to take advantage of the circumstances + which placed her here, or of the slight service I was happily able to + render her, and to seek to engage her affections when the result must be, + if I succeeded, that the brothers would be disappointed in their darling + wish of establishing her as their own child, and that I must seem to hope + to build my fortunes on their compassion for the young creature whom I had + so meanly and unworthily entrapped: turning her very gratitude and warmth + of heart to my own purpose and account, and trading in her misfortunes! I, + too, whose duty, and pride, and pleasure, Kate, it is to have other claims + upon me which I will never forget; and who have the means of a comfortable + and happy life already, and have no right to look beyond it! I have + determined to remove this weight from my mind. I doubt whether I have not + done wrong, even now; and today I will, without reserve or equivocation, + disclose my real reasons to Mr. Cherryble, and implore him to take + immediate measures for removing this young lady to the shelter of some + other roof.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Today? so very soon?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have thought of this for weeks, and why should I postpone it? If the + scene through which I have just passed has taught me to reflect, and has + awakened me to a more anxious and careful sense of duty, why should I wait + until the impression has cooled? You would not dissuade me, Kate; now + would you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You may grow rich, you know,’ said Kate. + </p> + <p> + ‘I may grow rich!’ repeated Nicholas, with a mournful smile, ‘ay, and I + may grow old! But rich or poor, or old or young, we shall ever be the same + to each other, and in that our comfort lies. What if we have but one home? + It can never be a solitary one to you and me. What if we were to remain so + true to these first impressions as to form no others? It is but one more + link to the strong chain that binds us together. It seems but yesterday + that we were playfellows, Kate, and it will seem but tomorrow when we are + staid old people, looking back to these cares as we look back, now, to + those of our childish days: and recollecting with a melancholy pleasure + that the time was, when they could move us. Perhaps then, when we are + quaint old folks and talk of the times when our step was lighter and our + hair not grey, we may be even thankful for the trials that so endeared us + to each other, and turned our lives into that current, down which we shall + have glided so peacefully and calmly. And having caught some inkling of + our story, the young people about us—as young as you and I are now, + Kate—may come to us for sympathy, and pour distresses which hope and + inexperience could scarcely feel enough for, into the compassionate ears + of the old bachelor brother and his maiden sister.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate smiled through her tears as Nicholas drew this picture; but they were + not tears of sorrow, although they continued to fall when he had ceased to + speak. + </p> + <p> + ‘Am I not right, Kate?’ he said, after a short silence. + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite, quite, dear brother; and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I + have acted as you would have had me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You don’t regret?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘N—n—no,’ said Kate timidly, tracing some pattern upon the + ground with her little foot. ‘I don’t regret having done what was + honourable and right, of course; but I do regret that this should have + ever happened—at least sometimes I regret it, and sometimes I—I + don’t know what I say; I am but a weak girl, Nicholas, and it has agitated + me very much.’ + </p> + <p> + It is no vaunt to affirm that if Nicholas had had ten thousand pounds at + the minute, he would, in his generous affection for the owner of the + blushing cheek and downcast eye, have bestowed its utmost farthing, in + perfect forgetfulness of himself, to secure her happiness. But all he + could do was to comfort and console her by kind words; and words they were + of such love and kindness, and cheerful encouragement, that poor Kate + threw her arms about his neck, and declared she would weep no more. + </p> + <p> + ‘What man,’ thought Nicholas proudly, while on his way, soon afterwards, + to the brothers’ house, ‘would not be sufficiently rewarded for any + sacrifice of fortune by the possession of such a heart as Kate’s, which, + but that hearts weigh light, and gold and silver heavy, is beyond all + praise? Frank has money, and wants no more. Where would it buy him such a + treasure as Kate? And yet, in unequal marriages, the rich party is always + supposed to make a great sacrifice, and the other to get a good bargain! + But I am thinking like a lover, or like an ass: which I suppose is pretty + nearly the same.’ + </p> + <p> + Checking thoughts so little adapted to the business on which he was bound, + by such self-reproofs as this and many others no less sturdy, he proceeded + on his way and presented himself before Tim Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Mr. Nickleby!’ cried Tim, ‘God bless you! how d’ye do? Well? Say + you’re quite well and never better. Do now.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Quite,’ said Nicholas, shaking him by both hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ said Tim, ‘you look tired though, now I come to look at you. Hark! + there he is, d’ye hear him? That was Dick, the blackbird. He hasn’t been + himself since you’ve been gone. He’d never get on without you, now; he + takes as naturally to you as he does to me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dick is a far less sagacious fellow than I supposed him, if he thinks I + am half so well worthy of his notice as you,’ replied Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I’ll tell you what, sir,’ said Tim, standing in his favourite + attitude and pointing to the cage with the feather of his pen, ‘it’s a + very extraordinary thing about that bird, that the only people he ever + takes the smallest notice of, are Mr. Charles, and Mr. Ned, and you, and + me.’ + </p> + <p> + Here, Tim stopped and glanced anxiously at Nicholas; then unexpectedly + catching his eye repeated, ‘And you and me, sir, and you and me.’ And then + he glanced at Nicholas again, and, squeezing his hand, said, ‘I am a bad + one at putting off anything I am interested in. I didn’t mean to ask you, + but I should like to hear a few particulars about that poor boy. Did he + mention Cheeryble Brothers at all?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ said Nicholas, ‘many and many a time.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That was right of him,’ returned Tim, wiping his eyes; ‘that was very + right of him.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And he mentioned your name a score of times,’ said Nicholas, ‘and often + bade me carry back his love to Mr. Linkinwater.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, did he though?’ rejoined Tim, sobbing outright. ‘Poor fellow! I + wish we could have had him buried in town. There isn’t such a + burying-ground in all London as that little one on the other side of the + square—there are counting-houses all round it, and if you go in + there, on a fine day, you can see the books and safes through the open + windows. And he sent his love to me, did he? I didn’t expect he would have + thought of me. Poor fellow, poor fellow! His love too!’ + </p> + <p> + Tim was so completely overcome by this little mark of recollection, that + he was quite unequal to any more conversation at the moment. Nicholas + therefore slipped quietly out, and went to brother Charles’s room. + </p> + <p> + If he had previously sustained his firmness and fortitude, it had been by + an effort which had cost him no little pain; but the warm welcome, the + hearty manner, the homely unaffected commiseration, of the good old man, + went to his heart, and no inward struggle could prevent his showing it. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come, my dear sir,’ said the benevolent merchant; ‘we must not be + cast down; no, no. We must learn to bear misfortune, and we must remember + that there are many sources of consolation even in death. Every day that + this poor lad had lived, he must have been less and less qualified for the + world, and more and more unhappy in is own deficiencies. It is better as + it is, my dear sir. Yes, yes, yes, it’s better as it is.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have thought of all that, sir,’ replied Nicholas, clearing his throat. + ‘I feel it, I assure you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes, that’s well,’ replied Mr. Cheeryble, who, in the midst of all his + comforting, was quite as much taken aback as honest old Tim; ‘that’s well. + Where is my brother Ned? Tim Linkinwater, sir, where is my brother Ned?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Gone out with Mr. Trimmers, about getting that unfortunate man into the + hospital, and sending a nurse to his children,’ said Tim. + </p> + <p> + ‘My brother Ned is a fine fellow, a great fellow!’ exclaimed brother + Charles as he shut the door and returned to Nicholas. ‘He will be + overjoyed to see you, my dear sir. We have been speaking of you every + day.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘To tell you the truth, sir, I am glad to find you alone,’ said Nicholas, + with some natural hesitation; ‘for I am anxious to say something to you. + Can you spare me a very few minutes?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Surely, surely,’ returned brother Charles, looking at him with an anxious + countenance. ‘Say on, my dear sir, say on.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I scarcely know how, or where, to begin,’ said Nicholas. ‘If ever one + mortal had reason to be penetrated with love and reverence for another: + with such attachment as would make the hardest service in his behalf a + pleasure and delight: with such grateful recollections as must rouse the + utmost zeal and fidelity of his nature: those are the feelings which I + should entertain for you, and do, from my heart and soul, believe me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I do believe you,’ replied the old gentleman, ‘and I am happy in the + belief. I have never doubted it; I never shall. I am sure I never shall.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Your telling me that so kindly,’ said Nicholas, ‘emboldens me to proceed. + When you first took me into your confidence, and dispatched me on those + missions to Miss Bray, I should have told you that I had seen her long + before; that her beauty had made an impression upon me which I could not + efface; and that I had fruitlessly endeavoured to trace her, and become + acquainted with her history. I did not tell you so, because I vainly + thought I could conquer my weaker feelings, and render every consideration + subservient to my duty to you.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said brother Charles, ‘you did not violate the confidence I + placed in you, or take an unworthy advantage of it. I am sure you did + not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did not,’ said Nicholas, firmly. ‘Although I found that the necessity + for self-command and restraint became every day more imperious, and the + difficulty greater, I never, for one instant, spoke or looked but as I + would have done had you been by. I never, for one moment, deserted my + trust, nor have I to this instant. But I find that constant association + and companionship with this sweet girl is fatal to my peace of mind, and + may prove destructive to the resolutions I made in the beginning, and up + to this time have faithfully kept. In short, sir, I cannot trust myself, + and I implore and beseech you to remove this young lady from under the + charge of my mother and sister without delay. I know that to anyone but + myself—to you, who consider the immeasurable distance between me and + this young lady, who is now your ward, and the object of your peculiar + care—my loving her, even in thought, must appear the height of + rashness and presumption. I know it is so. But who can see her as I have + seen, who can know what her life has been, and not love her? I have no + excuse but that; and as I cannot fly from this temptation, and cannot + repress this passion, with its object constantly before me, what can I do + but pray and beseech you to remove it, and to leave me to forget her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Nickleby,’ said the old man, after a short silence, ‘you can do no + more. I was wrong to expose a young man like you to this trial. I might + have foreseen what would happen. Thank you, sir, thank you. Madeline shall + be removed.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘If you would grant me one favour, dear sir, and suffer her to remember me + with esteem, by never revealing to her this confession—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will take care,’ said Mr. Cheeryble. ‘And now, is this all you have to + tell me?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No!’ returned Nicholas, meeting his eye, ‘it is not.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know the rest,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, apparently very much relieved by + this prompt reply. ‘When did it come to your knowledge?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘When I reached home this morning.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You felt it your duty immediately to come to me, and tell me what your + sister no doubt acquainted you with?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I did,’ said Nicholas, ‘though I could have wished to have spoken to Mr + Frank first.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Frank was with me last night,’ replied the old gentleman. ‘You have done + well, Mr. Nickleby—very well, sir—and I thank you again.’ + </p> + <p> + Upon this head, Nicholas requested permission to add a few words. He + ventured to hope that nothing he had said would lead to the estrangement + of Kate and Madeline, who had formed an attachment for each other, any + interruption of which would, he knew, be attended with great pain to them, + and, most of all, with remorse and pain to him, as its unhappy cause. When + these things were all forgotten, he hoped that Frank and he might still be + warm friends, and that no word or thought of his humble home, or of her + who was well contented to remain there and share his quiet fortunes, would + ever again disturb the harmony between them. He recounted, as nearly as he + could, what had passed between himself and Kate that morning: speaking of + her with such warmth of pride and affection, and dwelling so cheerfully + upon the confidence they had of overcoming any selfish regrets and living + contented and happy in each other’s love, that few could have heard him + unmoved. More moved himself than he had been yet, he expressed in a few + hurried words—as expressive, perhaps, as the most eloquent phrases—his + devotion to the brothers, and his hope that he might live and die in their + service. + </p> + <p> + To all this, brother Charles listened in profound silence, and with his + chair so turned from Nicholas that his face could not be seen. He had not + spoken either, in his accustomed manner, but with a certain stiffness and + embarrassment very foreign to it. Nicholas feared he had offended him. He + said, ‘No, no, he had done quite right,’ but that was all. + </p> + <p> + ‘Frank is a heedless, foolish fellow,’ he said, after Nicholas had paused + for some time; ‘a very heedless, foolish fellow. I will take care that + this is brought to a close without delay. Let us say no more upon the + subject; it’s a very painful one to me. Come to me in half an hour; I have + strange things to tell you, my dear sir, and your uncle has appointed this + afternoon for your waiting upon him with me.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Waiting upon him! With you, sir!’ cried Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ay, with me,’ replied the old gentleman. ‘Return to me in half an hour, + and I’ll tell you more.’ + </p> + <p> + Nicholas waited upon him at the time mentioned, and then learnt all that + had taken place on the previous day, and all that was known of the + appointment Ralph had made with the brothers; which was for that night; + and for the better understanding of which it will be requisite to return + and follow his own footsteps from the house of the twin brothers. + Therefore, we leave Nicholas somewhat reassured by the restored kindness + of their manner towards him, and yet sensible that it was different from + what it had been (though he scarcely knew in what respect): so he was full + of uneasiness, uncertainty, and disquiet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 62 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">R</span> + <i>alph makes one last Appointment—and keeps it</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p> +Creeping from the house, and slinking off like a thief; groping with his + hands, when first he got into the street, as if he were a blind man; and + looking often over his shoulder while he hurried away, as though he were + followed in imagination or reality by someone anxious to question or + detain him; Ralph Nickleby left the city behind him, and took the road to + his own home. + </p> + <p> + The night was dark, and a cold wind blew, driving the clouds, furiously + and fast, before it. There was one black, gloomy mass that seemed to + follow him: not hurrying in the wild chase with the others, but lingering + sullenly behind, and gliding darkly and stealthily on. He often looked + back at this, and, more than once, stopped to let it pass over; but, + somehow, when he went forward again, it was still behind him, coming + mournfully and slowly up, like a shadowy funeral train. + </p> + <p> + He had to pass a poor, mean burial-ground—a dismal place, raised a + few feet above the level of the street, and parted from it by a low + parapet-wall and an iron railing; a rank, unwholesome, rotten spot, where + the very grass and weeds seemed, in their frouzy growth, to tell that they + had sprung from paupers’ bodies, and had struck their roots in the graves + of men, sodden, while alive, in steaming courts and drunken hungry dens. + And here, in truth, they lay, parted from the living by a little earth and + a board or two—lay thick and close—corrupting in body as they + had in mind—a dense and squalid crowd. Here they lay, cheek by jowl + with life: no deeper down than the feet of the throng that passed there + every day, and piled high as their throats. Here they lay, a grisly + family, all these dear departed brothers and sisters of the ruddy + clergyman who did his task so speedily when they were hidden in the + ground! + </p> + <p> + As he passed here, Ralph called to mind that he had been one of a jury, + long before, on the body of a man who had cut his throat; and that he was + buried in this place. He could not tell how he came to recollect it now, + when he had so often passed and never thought about him, or how it was + that he felt an interest in the circumstance; but he did both; and + stopping, and clasping the iron railings with his hands, looked eagerly + in, wondering which might be his grave. + </p> + <p> + While he was thus engaged, there came towards him, with noise of shouts + and singing, some fellows full of drink, followed by others, who were + remonstrating with them and urging them to go home in quiet. They were in + high good-humour; and one of them, a little, weazen, hump-backed man, + began to dance. He was a grotesque, fantastic figure, and the few + bystanders laughed. Ralph himself was moved to mirth, and echoed the laugh + of one who stood near and who looked round in his face. When they had + passed on, and he was left alone again, he resumed his speculation with a + new kind of interest; for he recollected that the last person who had seen + the suicide alive, had left him very merry, and he remembered how strange + he and the other jurors had thought that at the time. + </p> + <p> + He could not fix upon the spot among such a heap of graves, but he + conjured up a strong and vivid idea of the man himself, and how he looked, + and what had led him to do it; all of which he recalled with ease. By dint + of dwelling upon this theme, he carried the impression with him when he + went away; as he remembered, when a child, to have had frequently before + him the figure of some goblin he had once seen chalked upon a door. But as + he drew nearer and nearer home he forgot it again, and began to think how + very dull and solitary the house would be inside. + </p> + <p> + This feeling became so strong at last, that when he reached his own door, + he could hardly make up his mind to turn the key and open it. When he had + done that, and gone into the passage, he felt as though to shut it again + would be to shut out the world. But he let it go, and it closed with a + loud noise. There was no light. How very dreary, cold, and still it was! + </p> + <p> + Shivering from head to foot, he made his way upstairs into the room where + he had been last disturbed. He had made a kind of compact with himself + that he would not think of what had happened until he got home. He was at + home now, and suffered himself to consider it. + </p> + <p> + His own child, his own child! He never doubted the tale; he felt it was + true; knew it as well, now, as if he had been privy to it all along. His + own child! And dead too. Dying beside Nicholas, loving him, and looking + upon him as something like an angel. That was the worst! + </p> + <p> + They had all turned from him and deserted him in his very first need. Even + money could not buy them now; everything must come out, and everybody must + know all. Here was the young lord dead, his companion abroad and beyond + his reach, ten thousand pounds gone at one blow, his plot with Gride + overset at the very moment of triumph, his after-schemes discovered, + himself in danger, the object of his persecution and Nicholas’s love, his + own wretched boy; everything crumbled and fallen upon him, and he beaten + down beneath the ruins and grovelling in the dust. + </p> + <p> + If he had known his child to be alive; if no deceit had been ever + practised, and he had grown up beneath his eye; he might have been a + careless, indifferent, rough, harsh father—like enough—he felt + that; but the thought would come that he might have been otherwise, and + that his son might have been a comfort to him, and they two happy + together. He began to think now, that his supposed death and his wife’s + flight had had some share in making him the morose, hard man he was. He + seemed to remember a time when he was not quite so rough and obdurate; and + almost thought that he had first hated Nicholas because he was young and + gallant, and perhaps like the stripling who had brought dishonour and loss + of fortune on his head. + </p> + <p> + But one tender thought, or one of natural regret, in his whirlwind of + passion and remorse, was as a drop of calm water in a stormy maddened sea. + His hatred of Nicholas had been fed upon his own defeat, nourished on his + interference with his schemes, fattened upon his old defiance and success. + There were reasons for its increase; it had grown and strengthened + gradually. Now it attained a height which was sheer wild lunacy. That his, + of all others, should have been the hands to rescue his miserable child; + that he should have been his protector and faithful friend; that he should + have shown him that love and tenderness which, from the wretched moment of + his birth, he had never known; that he should have taught him to hate his + own parent and execrate his very name; that he should now know and feel + all this, and triumph in the recollection; was gall and madness to the + usurer’s heart. The dead boy’s love for Nicholas, and the attachment of + Nicholas to him, was insupportable agony. The picture of his deathbed, + with Nicholas at his side, tending and supporting him, and he breathing + out his thanks, and expiring in his arms, when he would have had them + mortal enemies and hating each other to the last, drove him frantic. He + gnashed his teeth and smote the air, and looking wildly round, with eyes + which gleamed through the darkness, cried aloud: + </p> + <p> + ‘I am trampled down and ruined. The wretch told me true. The night has + come! Is there no way to rob them of further triumph, and spurn their + mercy and compassion? Is there no devil to help me?’ + </p> + <p> + Swiftly, there glided again into his brain the figure he had raised that + night. It seemed to lie before him. The head was covered now. So it was + when he first saw it. The rigid, upturned, marble feet too, he remembered + well. Then came before him the pale and trembling relatives who had told + their tale upon the inquest—the shrieks of women—the silent + dread of men—the consternation and disquiet—the victory + achieved by that heap of clay, which, with one motion of its hand, had let + out the life and made this stir among them— + </p> + <p> + He spoke no more; but, after a pause, softly groped his way out of the + room, and up the echoing stairs—up to the top—to the front + garret—where he closed the door behind him, and remained. + </p> + <p> + It was a mere lumber-room now, but it yet contained an old dismantled + bedstead; the one on which his son had slept; for no other had ever been + there. He avoided it hastily, and sat down as far from it as he could. + </p> + <p> + The weakened glare of the lights in the street below, shining through the + window which had no blind or curtain to intercept it, was enough to show + the character of the room, though not sufficient fully to reveal the + various articles of lumber, old corded trunks and broken furniture, which + were scattered about. It had a shelving roof; high in one part, and at + another descending almost to the floor. It was towards the highest part + that Ralph directed his eyes; and upon it he kept them fixed steadily for + some minutes, when he rose, and dragging thither an old chest upon which + he had been seated, mounted on it, and felt along the wall above his head + with both hands. At length, they touched a large iron hook, firmly driven + into one of the beams. + </p> + <p> + At that moment, he was interrupted by a loud knocking at the door below. + After a little hesitation he opened the window, and demanded who it was. + </p> + <p> + ‘I want Mr. Nickleby,’ replied a voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘What with him?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘That’s not Mr. Nickleby’s voice, surely?’ was the rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + It was not like it; but it was Ralph who spoke, and so he said. + </p> + <p> + The voice made answer that the twin brothers wished to know whether the + man whom he had seen that night was to be detained; and that although it + was now midnight they had sent, in their anxiety to do right. + </p> + <p> + ‘Yes,’ cried Ralph, ‘detain him till tomorrow; then let them bring him + here—him and my nephew—and come themselves, and be sure that I + will be ready to receive them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘At what hour?’ asked the voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘At any hour,’ replied Ralph fiercely. ‘In the afternoon, tell them. At + any hour, at any minute. All times will be alike to me.’ + </p> + <p> + He listened to the man’s retreating footsteps until the sound had passed, + and then, gazing up into the sky, saw, or thought he saw, the same black + cloud that had seemed to follow him home, and which now appeared to hover + directly above the house. + </p> + <p> + ‘I know its meaning now,’ he muttered, ‘and the restless nights, the + dreams, and why I have quailed of late. All pointed to this. Oh! if men by + selling their own souls could ride rampant for a term, for how short a + term would I barter mine tonight!’ + </p> + <p> + The sound of a deep bell came along the wind. One. + </p> + <p> + ‘Lie on!’ cried the usurer, ‘with your iron tongue! Ring merrily for + births that make expectants writhe, and marriages that are made in hell, + and toll ruefully for the dead whose shoes are worn already! Call men to + prayers who are godly because not found out, and ring chimes for the + coming in of every year that brings this cursed world nearer to its end. + No bell or book for me! Throw me on a dunghill, and let me rot there, to + infect the air!’ + </p> + <p> + With a wild look around, in which frenzy, hatred, and despair were + horribly mingled, he shook his clenched hand at the sky above him, which + was still dark and threatening, and closed the window. + </p> + <p> + The rain and hail pattered against the glass; the chimneys quaked and + rocked; the crazy casement rattled with the wind, as though an impatient + hand inside were striving to burst it open. But no hand was there, and it + opened no more. + </p> + <p> + ‘How’s this?’ cried one. ‘The gentleman say they can’t make anybody hear, + and have been trying these two hours.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And yet he came home last night,’ said another; ‘for he spoke to somebody + out of that window upstairs.’ + </p> + <p> + They were a little knot of men, and, the window being mentioned, went out + into the road to look up at it. This occasioned their observing that the + house was still close shut, as the housekeeper had said she had left it on + the previous night, and led to a great many suggestions: which terminated + in two or three of the boldest getting round to the back, and so entering + by a window, while the others remained outside, in impatient expectation. + </p> + <p> + They looked into all the rooms below: opening the shutters as they went, + to admit the fading light: and still finding nobody, and everything quiet + and in its place, doubted whether they should go farther. One man, + however, remarking that they had not yet been into the garret, and that it + was there he had been last seen, they agreed to look there too, and went + up softly; for the mystery and silence made them timid. + </p> + <p> + After they had stood for an instant, on the landing, eyeing each other, he + who had proposed their carrying the search so far, turned the handle of + the door, and, pushing it open, looked through the chink, and fell back + directly. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s very odd,’ he whispered, ‘he’s hiding behind the door! Look!’ + </p> + <p> + They pressed forward to see; but one among them thrusting the others aside + with a loud exclamation, drew a clasp-knife from his pocket, and dashing + into the room, cut down the body. + </p> + <p> + He had torn a rope from one of the old trunks, and hung himself on an iron + hook immediately below the trap-door in the ceiling—in the very + place to which the eyes of his son, a lonely, desolate, little creature, + had so often been directed in childish terror, fourteen years before. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 63 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">T</span><i>he Brothers Cheeryble make various Declarations for themselves and + others. Tim Linkinwater makes a Declaration for himself</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Some weeks had passed, and the first shock of these events had subsided. + Madeline had been removed; Frank had been absent; and Nicholas and Kate + had begun to try in good earnest to stifle their own regrets, and to live + for each other and for their mother—who, poor lady, could in nowise + be reconciled to this dull and altered state of affairs—when there + came one evening, per favour of Mr. Linkinwater, an invitation from the + brothers to dinner on the next day but one: comprehending, not only Mrs + Nickleby, Kate, and Nicholas, but little Miss La Creevy, who was most + particularly mentioned. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, my dears,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, when they had rendered becoming honour + to the bidding, and Tim had taken his departure, ‘what does <i>this </i>mean?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘What do <i>you </i>mean, mother?’ asked Nicholas, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘I say, my dear,’ rejoined that lady, with a face of unfathomable mystery, + ‘what does this invitation to dinner mean? What is its intention and + object?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I conclude it means, that on such a day we are to eat and drink in their + house, and that its intent and object is to confer pleasure upon us,’ said + Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘And that’s all you conclude it is, my dear?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have not yet arrived at anything deeper, mother.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then I’ll just tell you one thing,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, you’ll find + yourself a little surprised; that’s all. You may depend upon it that this + means something besides dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Tea and supper, perhaps,’ suggested Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘I wouldn’t be absurd, my dear, if I were you,’ replied Mrs. Nickleby, in a + lofty manner, ‘because it’s not by any means becoming, and doesn’t suit + you at all. What I mean to say is, that the Mr. Cheerybles don’t ask us to + dinner with all this ceremony for nothing. Never mind; wait and see. You + won’t believe anything I say, of course. It’s much better to wait; a great + deal better; it’s satisfactory to all parties, and there can be no + disputing. All I say is, remember what I say now, and when I say I said + so, don’t say I didn’t.’ + </p> + <p> + With this stipulation, Mrs. Nickleby, who was troubled, night and day, with + a vision of a hot messenger tearing up to the door to announce that + Nicholas had been taken into partnership, quitted that branch of the + subject, and entered upon a new one. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a very extraordinary thing,’ she said, ‘a most extraordinary thing, + that they should have invited Miss La Creevy. It quite astonishes me, upon + my word it does. Of course it’s very pleasant that she should be invited, + very pleasant, and I have no doubt that she’ll conduct herself extremely + well; she always does. It’s very gratifying to think that we should have + been the means of introducing her into such society, and I’m quite glad of + it—quite rejoiced—for she certainly is an exceedingly + well-behaved and good-natured little person. I could wish that some friend + would mention to her how very badly she has her cap trimmed, and what very + preposterous bows those are, but of course that’s impossible, and if she + likes to make a fright of herself, no doubt she has a perfect right to do + so. We never see ourselves—never do, and never did—and I + suppose we never shall.’ + </p> + <p> + This moral reflection reminding her of the necessity of being peculiarly + smart on the occasion, so as to counterbalance Miss La Creevy, and be + herself an effectual set-off and atonement, led Mrs. Nickleby into a + consultation with her daughter relative to certain ribbons, gloves, and + trimmings: which, being a complicated question, and one of paramount + importance, soon routed the previous one, and put it to flight. + </p> + <p> + The great day arriving, the good lady put herself under Kate’s hands an + hour or so after breakfast, and, dressing by easy stages, completed her + toilette in sufficient time to allow of her daughter’s making hers, which + was very simple, and not very long, though so satisfactory that she had + never appeared more charming or looked more lovely. Miss La Creevy, too, + arrived with two bandboxes (whereof the bottoms fell out as they were + handed from the coach) and something in a newspaper, which a gentleman had + sat upon, coming down, and which was obliged to be ironed again, before it + was fit for service. At last, everybody was dressed, including Nicholas, + who had come home to fetch them, and they went away in a coach sent by the + brothers for the purpose: Mrs. Nickleby wondering very much what they would + have for dinner, and cross-examining Nicholas as to the extent of his + discoveries in the morning; whether he had smelt anything cooking at all + like turtle, and if not, what he had smelt; and diversifying the + conversation with reminiscences of dinners to which she had gone some + twenty years ago, concerning which she particularised not only the dishes + but the guests, in whom her hearers did not feel a very absorbing + interest, as not one of them had ever chanced to hear their names before. + </p> + <p> + The old butler received them with profound respect and many smiles, and + ushered them into the drawing-room, where they were received by the + brothers with so much cordiality and kindness that Mrs. Nickleby was quite + in a flutter, and had scarcely presence of mind enough, even to patronise + Miss La Creevy. Kate was still more affected by the reception: for, + knowing that the brothers were acquainted with all that had passed between + her and Frank, she felt her position a most delicate and trying one, and + was trembling on the arm of Nicholas, when Mr. Charles took her in his, and + led her to another part of the room. + </p> + <p> + ‘Have you seen Madeline, my dear,’ he said, ‘since she left your house?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir!’ replied Kate. ‘Not once.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘And not heard from her, eh? Not heard from her?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I have only had one letter,’ rejoined Kate, gently. ‘I thought she would + not have forgotten me quite so soon.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah,’ said the old man, patting her on the head, and speaking as + affectionately as if she had been his favourite child. ‘Poor dear! what do + you think of this, brother Ned? Madeline has only written to her once, + only once, Ned, and she didn’t think she would have forgotten her quite so + soon, Ned.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! sad, sad; very sad!’ said Ned. + </p> + <p> + The brothers interchanged a glance, and looking at Kate for a little time + without speaking, shook hands, and nodded as if they were congratulating + each other on something very delightful. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, well,’ said brother Charles, ‘go into that room, my dear—that + door yonder—and see if there’s not a letter for you from her. I + think there’s one upon the table. You needn’t hurry back, my love, if + there is, for we don’t dine just yet, and there’s plenty of time. Plenty + of time.’ + </p> + <p> + Kate retired as she was directed. Brother Charles, having followed her + graceful figure with his eyes, turned to Mrs. Nickleby, and said: + </p> + <p> + ‘We took the liberty of naming one hour before the real dinner-time, + ma’am, because we had a little business to speak about, which would occupy + the interval. Ned, my dear fellow, will you mention what we agreed upon? + Mr. Nickleby, sir, have the goodness to follow me.’ + </p> + <p> + Without any further explanation, Mrs. Nickleby, Miss La Creevy, and brother + Ned, were left alone together, and Nicholas followed brother Charles into + his private room; where, to his great astonishment, he encountered Frank, + whom he supposed to be abroad. + </p> + <p> + ‘Young men,’ said Mr. Cheeryble, ‘shake hands!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I need no bidding to do that,’ said Nicholas, extending his. + </p> + <p> + ‘Nor I,’ rejoined Frank, as he clasped it heartily. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman thought that two handsomer or finer young fellows could + scarcely stand side by side than those on whom he looked with so much + pleasure. Suffering his eyes to rest upon them, for a short time in + silence, he said, while he seated himself at his desk: + </p> + <p> + ‘I wish to see you friends—close and firm friends—and if I + thought you otherwise, I should hesitate in what I am about to say. Frank, + look here! Mr. Nickleby, will you come on the other side?’ + </p> + <p> + The young men stepped up on either hand of brother Charles, who produced a + paper from his desk, and unfolded it. + </p> + <p> + ‘This,’ he said, ‘is a copy of the will of Madeline’s maternal + grandfather, bequeathing her the sum of twelve thousand pounds, payable + either upon her coming of age or marrying. It would appear that this + gentleman, angry with her (his only relation) because she would not put + herself under his protection, and detach herself from the society of her + father, in compliance with his repeated overtures, made a will leaving + this property (which was all he possessed) to a charitable institution. He + would seem to have repented this determination, however, for three weeks + afterwards, and in the same month, he executed this. By some fraud, it was + abstracted immediately after his decease, and the other—the only + will found—was proved and administered. Friendly negotiations, which + have only just now terminated, have been proceeding since this instrument + came into our hands, and, as there is no doubt of its authenticity, and + the witnesses have been discovered (after some trouble), the money has + been refunded. Madeline has therefore obtained her right, and is, or will + be, when either of the contingencies which I have mentioned has arisen, + mistress of this fortune. You understand me?’ + </p> + <p> + Frank replied in the affirmative. Nicholas, who could not trust himself to + speak lest his voice should be heard to falter, bowed his head. + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, Frank,’ said the old gentleman, ‘you were the immediate means of + recovering this deed. The fortune is but a small one; but we love + Madeline; and such as it is, we would rather see you allied to her with + that, than to any other girl we know who has three times the money. Will + you become a suitor to her for her hand?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, sir. I interested myself in the recovery of that instrument, + believing that her hand was already pledged to one who has a thousand + times the claims upon her gratitude, and, if I mistake not, upon her + heart, that I or any other man can ever urge. In this it seems I judged + hastily.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘As you always do, sir,’ cried brother Charles, utterly forgetting his + assumed dignity, ‘as you always do. How dare you think, Frank, that we + would have you marry for money, when youth, beauty, and every amiable + virtue and excellence were to be had for love? How dared you, Frank, go + and make love to Mr. Nickleby’s sister without telling us first what you + meant to do, and letting us speak for you?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I hardly dared to hope—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You hardly dared to hope! Then, so much the greater reason for having our + assistance! Mr. Nickleby, sir, Frank, although he judged hastily, judged, + for once, correctly. Madeline’s heart <i>is</i> occupied. Give me your hand, sir; + it is occupied by you, and worthily and naturally. This fortune is + destined to be yours, but you have a greater fortune in her, sir, than you + would have in money were it forty times told. She chooses you, Mr + Nickleby. She chooses as we, her dearest friends, would have her choose. + Frank chooses as we would have <i>him </i>choose. He should have your sister’s + little hand, sir, if she had refused it a score of times; ay, he should, + and he shall! You acted nobly, not knowing our sentiments, but now you + know them, sir, you must do as you are bid. What! You are the children of + a worthy gentleman! The time was, sir, when my dear brother Ned and I were + two poor simple-hearted boys, wandering, almost barefoot, to seek our + fortunes: are we changed in anything but years and worldly circumstances + since that time? No, God forbid! Oh, Ned, Ned, Ned, what a happy day this + is for you and me! If our poor mother had only lived to see us now, Ned, + how proud it would have made her dear heart at last!’ + </p> + <p> + Thus apostrophised, brother Ned, who had entered with Mrs. Nickleby, and + who had been before unobserved by the young men, darted forward, and + fairly hugged brother Charles in his arms. + </p> + <p> + ‘Bring in my little Kate,’ said the latter, after a short silence. ‘Bring + her in, Ned. Let me see Kate, let me kiss her. I have a right to do so + now; I was very near it when she first came; I have often been very near + it. Ah! Did you find the letter, my bird? Did you find Madeline herself, + waiting for you and expecting you? Did you find that she had not quite + forgotten her friend and nurse and sweet companion? Why, this is almost + the best of all!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Come, come,’ said Ned, ‘Frank will be jealous, and we shall have some + cutting of throats before dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then let him take her away, Ned, let him take her away. Madeline’s in the + next room. Let all the lovers get out of the way, and talk among + themselves, if they’ve anything to say. Turn ‘em out, Ned, every one!’ + </p> + <p> + Brother Charles began the clearance by leading the blushing girl to the + door, and dismissing her with a kiss. Frank was not very slow to follow, + and Nicholas had disappeared first of all. So there only remained Mrs + Nickleby and Miss La Creevy, who were both sobbing heartily; the two + brothers; and Tim Linkinwater, who now came in to shake hands with + everybody: his round face all radiant and beaming with smiles. + </p> + <p> + ‘Well, Tim Linkinwater, sir,’ said brother Charles, who was always + spokesman, ‘now the young folks are happy, sir.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You didn’t keep ‘em in suspense as long as you said you would, though,’ + returned Tim, archly. ‘Why, Mr. Nickleby and Mr. Frank were to have been in + your room for I don’t know how long; and I don’t know what you weren’t to + have told them before you came out with the truth.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Now, did you ever know such a villain as this, Ned?’ said the old + gentleman; ‘did you ever know such a villain as Tim Linkinwater? He + accusing me of being impatient, and he the very man who has been wearying + us morning, noon, and night, and torturing us for leave to go and tell ‘em + what was in store, before our plans were half complete, or we had arranged + a single thing. A treacherous dog!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So he is, brother Charles,’ returned Ned; ‘Tim is a treacherous dog. Tim + is not to be trusted. Tim is a wild young fellow. He wants gravity and + steadiness; he must sow his wild oats, and then perhaps he’ll become in + time a respectable member of society.’ + </p> + <p> + This being one of the standing jokes between the old fellows and Tim, they + all three laughed very heartily, and might have laughed much longer, but + that the brothers, seeing that Mrs. Nickleby was labouring to express her + feelings, and was really overwhelmed by the happiness of the time, took + her between them, and led her from the room under pretence of having to + consult her on some most important arrangements. + </p> + <p> + Now, Tim and Miss La Creevy had met very often, and had always been very + chatty and pleasant together—had always been great friends—and + consequently it was the most natural thing in the world that Tim, finding + that she still sobbed, should endeavour to console her. As Miss La Creevy + sat on a large old-fashioned window-seat, where there was ample room for + two, it was also natural that Tim should sit down beside her; and as to + Tim’s being unusually spruce and particular in his attire that day, why it + was a high festival and a great occasion, and that was the most natural + thing of all. + </p> + <p> + Tim sat down beside Miss La Creevy, and, crossing one leg over the other + so that his foot—he had very comely feet and happened to be wearing + the neatest shoes and black silk stockings possible—should come + easily within the range of her eye, said in a soothing way: + </p> + <p> + ‘Don’t cry!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must,’ rejoined Miss La Creevy. + </p> + <p> + ‘No, don’t,’ said Tim. ‘Please don’t; pray don’t.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I am so happy!’ sobbed the little woman. + </p> + <p> + ‘Then laugh,’ said Tim. ‘Do laugh.’ + </p> + <p> + What in the world Tim was doing with his arm, it is impossible to + conjecture, but he knocked his elbow against that part of the window which + was quite on the other side of Miss La Creevy; and it is clear that it + could have no business there. + </p> + <p> + ‘Do laugh,’ said Tim, ‘or I’ll cry.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why should you cry?’ asked Miss La Creevy, smiling. + </p> + <p> + ‘Because I’m happy too,’ said Tim. ‘We are both happy, and I should like + to do as you do.’ + </p> + <p> + Surely, there never was a man who fidgeted as Tim must have done then; for + he knocked the window again—almost in the same place—and Miss + La Creevy said she was sure he’d break it. + </p> + <p> + ‘I knew,’ said Tim, ‘that you would be pleased with this scene.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It was very thoughtful and kind to remember me,’ returned Miss La Creevy. + ‘Nothing could have delighted me half so much.’ + </p> + <p> + Why on earth should Miss La Creevy and Tim Linkinwater have said all this + in a whisper? It was no secret. And why should Tim Linkinwater have looked + so hard at Miss La Creevy, and why should Miss La Creevy have looked so + hard at the ground? + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s a pleasant thing,’ said Tim, ‘to people like us, who have passed all + our lives in the world alone, to see young folks that we are fond of, + brought together with so many years of happiness before them.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah!’ cried the little woman with all her heart, ‘that it is!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Although,’ pursued Tim ‘although it makes one feel quite solitary and + cast away. Now don’t it?’ + </p> + <p> + Miss La Creevy said she didn’t know. And why should she say she didn’t + know? Because she must have known whether it did or not. + </p> + <p> + ‘It’s almost enough to make us get married after all, isn’t it?’ said Tim. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, nonsense!’ replied Miss La Creevy, laughing. ‘We are too old.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Not a bit,’ said Tim; ‘we are too old to be single. Why shouldn’t we both + be married, instead of sitting through the long winter evenings by our + solitary firesides? Why shouldn’t we make one fireside of it, and marry + each other?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, Mr. Linkinwater, you’re joking!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, I’m not. I’m not indeed,’ said Tim. ‘I will, if you will. Do, my + dear!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘It would make people laugh so.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Let ‘em laugh,’ cried Tim stoutly; ‘we have good tempers I know, and + we’ll laugh too. Why, what hearty laughs we have had since we’ve known + each other!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So we have,’ cried Miss La Creevy—giving way a little, as Tim + thought. + </p> + <p> + ‘It has been the happiest time in all my life; at least, away from the + counting-house and Cheeryble Brothers,’ said Tim. ‘Do, my dear! Now say + you will.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, we mustn’t think of it,’ returned Miss La Creevy. ‘What would the + brothers say?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, God bless your soul!’ cried Tim, innocently, ‘you don’t suppose I + should think of such a thing without their knowing it! Why they left us + here on purpose.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I can never look ‘em in the face again!’ exclaimed Miss La Creevy, + faintly. + </p> + <p> + ‘Come,’ said Tim, ‘let’s be a comfortable couple. We shall live in the old + house here, where I have been for four-and-forty year; we shall go to the + old church, where I’ve been, every Sunday morning, all through that time; + we shall have all my old friends about us—Dick, the archway, the + pump, the flower-pots, and Mr. Frank’s children, and Mr. Nickleby’s + children, that we shall seem like grandfather and grandmother to. Let’s be + a comfortable couple, and take care of each other! And if we should get + deaf, or lame, or blind, or bed-ridden, how glad we shall be that we have + somebody we are fond of, always to talk to and sit with! Let’s be a + comfortable couple. Now, do, my dear!’ + </p> + <p> + Five minutes after this honest and straightforward speech, little Miss La + Creevy and Tim were talking as pleasantly as if they had been married for + a score of years, and had never once quarrelled all the time; and five + minutes after that, when Miss La Creevy had bustled out to see if her eyes + were red and put her hair to rights, Tim moved with a stately step towards + the drawing-room, exclaiming as he went, ‘There an’t such another woman in + all London! I <i>know </i>there an’t!’ + </p> + <p> + By this time, the apoplectic butler was nearly in fits, in consequence of + the unheard-of postponement of dinner. Nicholas, who had been engaged in a + manner in which every reader may imagine for himself or herself, was + hurrying downstairs in obedience to his angry summons, when he encountered + a new surprise. + </p> + <p> + On his way down, he overtook, in one of the passages, a stranger genteelly + dressed in black, who was also moving towards the dining-room. As he was + rather lame, and walked slowly, Nicholas lingered behind, and was + following him step by step, wondering who he was, when he suddenly turned + round and caught him by both hands. + </p> + <p> + ‘Newman Noggs!’ cried Nicholas joyfully + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! Newman, your own Newman, your own old faithful Newman! My dear boy, + my dear Nick, I give you joy—health, happiness, every blessing! I + can’t bear it—it’s too much, my dear boy—it makes a child of + me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Where have you been?’ said Nicholas. ‘What have you been doing? How often + have I inquired for you, and been told that I should hear before long!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I know, I know!’ returned Newman. ‘They wanted all the happiness to come + together. I’ve been helping ‘em. I—I—look at me, Nick, look at + me!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You would never let <i>me</i> do that,’ said Nicholas in a tone of gentle + reproach. + </p> + <p> + ‘I didn’t mind what I was, then. I shouldn’t have had the heart to put on + gentleman’s clothes. They would have reminded me of old times and made me + miserable. I am another man now, Nick. My dear boy, I can’t speak. Don’t + say anything to me. Don’t think the worse of me for these tears. You don’t + know what I feel today; you can’t, and never will!’ + </p> + <p> + They walked in to dinner arm-in-arm, and sat down side by side. + </p> + <p> + Never was such a dinner as that, since the world began. There was the + superannuated bank clerk, Tim Linkinwater’s friend; and there was the + chubby old lady, Tim Linkinwater’s sister; and there was so much attention + from Tim Linkinwater’s sister to Miss La Creevy, and there were so many + jokes from the superannuated bank clerk, and Tim Linkinwater himself was + in such tiptop spirits, and little Miss La Creevy was in such a comical + state, that of themselves they would have composed the pleasantest party + conceivable. Then, there was Mrs. Nickleby, so grand and complacent; + Madeline and Kate, so blushing and beautiful; Nicholas and Frank, so + devoted and proud; and all four so silently and tremblingly happy; there + was Newman so subdued yet so overjoyed, and there were the twin brothers + so delighted and interchanging such looks, that the old servant stood + transfixed behind his master’s chair, and felt his eyes grow dim as they + wandered round the table. + </p> + <p> + When the first novelty of the meeting had worn off, and they began truly + to feel how happy they were, the conversation became more general, and the + harmony and pleasure if possible increased. The brothers were in a perfect + ecstasy; and their insisting on saluting the ladies all round, before they + would permit them to retire, gave occasion to the superannuated bank clerk + to say so many good things, that he quite outshone himself, and was looked + upon as a prodigy of humour. + </p> + <p> + ‘Kate, my dear,’ said Mrs. Nickleby, taking her daughter aside, as soon as + they got upstairs, ‘you don’t really mean to tell me that this is actually + true about Miss La Creevy and Mr. Linkinwater?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Indeed it is, mama.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Why, I never heard such a thing in my life!’ exclaimed Mrs. Nickleby. + </p> + <p> + ‘Mr. Linkinwater is a most excellent creature,’ reasoned Kate, ‘and, for + his age, quite young still.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For <i>his </i>age, my dear!’ returned Mrs. Nickleby, ‘yes; nobody says anything + against him, except that I think he is the weakest and most foolish man I + ever knew. It’s <i>her </i>age I speak of. That he should have gone and offered + himself to a woman who must be—ah, half as old again as I am—and + that she should have dared to accept him! It don’t signify, Kate; I’m + disgusted with her!’ + </p> + <p> + Shaking her head very emphatically indeed, Mrs. Nickleby swept away; and + all the evening, in the midst of the merriment and enjoyment that ensued, + and in which with that exception she freely participated, conducted + herself towards Miss La Creevy in a stately and distant manner, designed + to mark her sense of the impropriety of her conduct, and to signify her + extreme and cutting disapprobation of the misdemeanour she had so + flagrantly committed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 64 + </h2> +<p class="pfirst"><span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">A</span><i>n old Acquaintance is recognised under melancholy Circumstances, and + Dotheboys Hall breaks up for ever</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + Nicholas was one of those whose joy is incomplete unless it is shared by + the friends of adverse and less fortunate days. Surrounded by every + fascination of love and hope, his warm heart yearned towards plain John + Browdie. He remembered their first meeting with a smile, and their second + with a tear; saw poor Smike once again with the bundle on his shoulder + trudging patiently by his side; and heard the honest Yorkshireman’s rough + words of encouragement as he left them on their road to London. + </p> + <p> + Madeline and he sat down, very many times, jointly to produce a letter + which should acquaint John at full length with his altered fortunes, and + assure him of his friendship and gratitude. It so happened, however, that + the letter could never be written. Although they applied themselves to it + with the best intentions in the world, it chanced that they always fell to + talking about something else, and when Nicholas tried it by himself, he + found it impossible to write one-half of what he wished to say, or to pen + anything, indeed, which on reperusal did not appear cold and + unsatisfactory compared with what he had in his mind. At last, after going + on thus from day to day, and reproaching himself more and more, he + resolved (the more readily as Madeline strongly urged him) to make a hasty + trip into Yorkshire, and present himself before Mr. and Mrs. Browdie without + a word of notice. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that between seven and eight o’clock one evening, he and Kate + found themselves in the Saracen’s Head booking-office, securing a place to + Greta Bridge by the next morning’s coach. They had to go westward, to + procure some little necessaries for his journey, and, as it was a fine + night, they agreed to walk there, and ride home. + </p> + <p> + The place they had just been in called up so many recollections, and Kate + had so many anecdotes of Madeline, and Nicholas so many anecdotes of + Frank, and each was so interested in what the other said, and both were so + happy and confiding, and had so much to talk about, that it was not until + they had plunged for a full half-hour into that labyrinth of streets which + lies between Seven Dials and Soho, without emerging into any large + thoroughfare, that Nicholas began to think it just possible they might + have lost their way. + </p> + <p> + The possibility was soon converted into a certainty; for, on looking + about, and walking first to one end of the street and then to the other, + he could find no landmark he could recognise, and was fain to turn back + again in quest of some place at which he could seek a direction. + </p> + <p> + It was a by-street, and there was nobody about, or in the few wretched + shops they passed. Making towards a faint gleam of light which streamed + across the pavement from a cellar, Nicholas was about to descend two or + three steps so as to render himself visible to those below and make his + inquiry, when he was arrested by a loud noise of scolding in a woman’s + voice. + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh come away!’ said Kate, ‘they are quarrelling. You’ll be hurt.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Wait one instant, Kate. Let us hear if there’s anything the matter,’ + returned her brother. ‘Hush!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You nasty, idle, vicious, good-for-nothing brute,’ cried the woman, + stamping on the ground, ‘why don’t you turn the mangle?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘So I am, my life and soul!’ replied the man’s voice. ‘I am always + turning. I am perpetually turning, like a demd old horse in a demnition + mill. My life is one demd horrid grind!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Then why don’t you go and list for a soldier?’ retorted the woman; + ‘you’re welcome to.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘For a soldier!’ cried the man. ‘For a soldier! Would his joy and gladness + see him in a coarse red coat with a little tail? Would she hear of his + being slapped and beat by drummers demnebly? Would she have him fire off + real guns, and have his hair cut, and his whiskers shaved, and his eyes + turned right and left, and his trousers pipeclayed?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Dear Nicholas,’ whispered Kate, ‘you don’t know who that is. It’s Mr + Mantalini I am confident.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Do make sure! Peep at him while I ask the way,’ said Nicholas. ‘Come down + a step or two. Come!’ + </p> + <p> + Drawing her after him, Nicholas crept down the steps and looked into a + small boarded cellar. There, amidst clothes-baskets and clothes, stripped + up to his shirt-sleeves, but wearing still an old patched pair of + pantaloons of superlative make, a once brilliant waistcoat, and moustache + and whiskers as of yore, but lacking their lustrous dye—there, + endeavouring to mollify the wrath of a buxom female—not the lawful + Madame Mantalini, but the proprietress of the concern—and grinding + meanwhile as if for very life at the mangle, whose creaking noise, mingled + with her shrill tones, appeared almost to deafen him—there was the + graceful, elegant, fascinating, and once dashing Mantalini. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0825m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0825m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0825.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Oh you false traitor!’ cried the lady, threatening personal violence on + Mr. Mantalini’s face. + </p> + <p> + ‘False! Oh dem! Now my soul, my gentle, captivating, bewitching, and most + demnebly enslaving chick-a-biddy, be calm,’ said Mr. Mantalini, humbly. + </p> + <p> + ‘I won’t!’ screamed the woman. ‘I’ll tear your eyes out!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh! What a demd savage lamb!’ cried Mr. Mantalini. + </p> + <p> + ‘You’re never to be trusted,’ screamed the woman; ‘you were out all day + yesterday, and gallivanting somewhere I know. You know you were! Isn’t it + enough that I paid two pound fourteen for you, and took you out of prison + and let you live here like a gentleman, but must you go on like this: + breaking my heart besides?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I will never break its heart, I will be a good boy, and never do so any + more; I will never be naughty again; I beg its little pardon,’ said Mr + Mantalini, dropping the handle of the mangle, and folding his palms + together; ‘it is all up with its handsome friend! He has gone to the + demnition bow-wows. It will have pity? It will not scratch and claw, but + pet and comfort? Oh, demmit!’ + </p> + <p> + Very little affected, to judge from her action, by this tender appeal, the + lady was on the point of returning some angry reply, when Nicholas, + raising his voice, asked his way to Piccadilly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Mantalini turned round, caught sight of Kate, and, without another + word, leapt at one bound into a bed which stood behind the door, and drew + the counterpane over his face: kicking meanwhile convulsively. + </p> + <p> + ‘Demmit,’ he cried, in a suffocating voice, ‘it’s little Nickleby! Shut + the door, put out the candle, turn me up in the bedstead! Oh, dem, dem, + dem!’ + </p> + <p> + The woman looked, first at Nicholas, and then at Mr. Mantalini, as if + uncertain on whom to visit this extraordinary behaviour; but Mr. Mantalini + happening by ill-luck to thrust his nose from under the bedclothes, in his + anxiety to ascertain whether the visitors were gone, she suddenly, and + with a dexterity which could only have been acquired by long practice, + flung a pretty heavy clothes-basket at him, with so good an aim that he + kicked more violently than before, though without venturing to make any + effort to disengage his head, which was quite extinguished. Thinking this + a favourable opportunity for departing before any of the torrent of her + wrath discharged itself upon him, Nicholas hurried Kate off, and left the + unfortunate subject of this unexpected recognition to explain his conduct + as he best could. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he began his journey. It was now cold, winter weather: + forcibly recalling to his mind under what circumstances he had first + travelled that road, and how many vicissitudes and changes he had since + undergone. He was alone inside the greater part of the way, and sometimes, + when he had fallen into a doze, and, rousing himself, looked out of the + window, and recognised some place which he well remembered as having + passed, either on his journey down, or in the long walk back with poor + Smike, he could hardly believe but that all which had since happened had + been a dream, and that they were still plodding wearily on towards London, + with the world before them. + </p> + <p> + To render these recollections the more vivid, it came on to snow as night + set in; and, passing through Stamford and Grantham, and by the little + alehouse where he had heard the story of the bold Baron of Grogzwig, + everything looked as if he had seen it but yesterday, and not even a flake + of the white crust on the roofs had melted away. Encouraging the train of + ideas which flocked upon him, he could almost persuade himself that he sat + again outside the coach, with Squeers and the boys; that he heard their + voices in the air; and that he felt again, but with a mingled sensation of + pain and pleasure now, that old sinking of the heart, and longing after + home. While he was yet yielding himself up to these fancies he fell + asleep, and, dreaming of Madeline, forgot them. + </p> + <p> + He slept at the inn at Greta Bridge on the night of his arrival, and, + rising at a very early hour next morning, walked to the market town, and + inquired for John Browdie’s house. John lived in the outskirts, now he was + a family man; and as everbody knew him, Nicholas had no difficulty in + finding a boy who undertook to guide him to his residence. + </p> + <p> + Dismissing his guide at the gate, and in his impatience not even stopping + to admire the thriving look of cottage or garden either, Nicholas made his + way to the kitchen door, and knocked lustily with his stick. + </p> + <p> + ‘Halloa!’ cried a voice inside. ‘Wa’et be the matther noo? Be the toon + a-fire? Ding, but thou mak’st noise eneaf!’ + </p> + <p> + With these words, John Browdie opened the door himself, and opening his + eyes too to their utmost width, cried, as he clapped his hands together, + and burst into a hearty roar: + </p> + <p> + ‘Ecod, it be the godfeyther, it be the godfeyther! Tilly, here be Misther + Nickleby. Gi’ us thee hond, mun. Coom awa’, coom awa’. In wi ‘un, doon + beside the fire; tak’ a soop o’ thot. Dinnot say a word till thou’st + droonk it a’! Oop wi’ it, mun. Ding! but I’m reeght glod to see thee.’ + </p> + <p> + Adapting his action to his text, John dragged Nicholas into the kitchen, + forced him down upon a huge settle beside a blazing fire, poured out from + an enormous bottle about a quarter of a pint of spirits, thrust it into + his hand, opened his mouth and threw back his head as a sign to him to + drink it instantly, and stood with a broad grin of welcome overspreading + his great red face like a jolly giant. + </p> + <p> + ‘I might ha’ knowa’d,’ said John, ‘that nobody but thou would ha’ coom wi’ + sike a knock as you. Thot was the wa’ thou knocked at schoolmeasther’s + door, eh? Ha, ha, ha! But I say; wa’at be a’ this aboot schoolmeasther?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘You know it then?’ said Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + ‘They were talking aboot it, doon toon, last neeght,’ replied John, ‘but + neane on ‘em seemed quite to un’erstan’ it, loike.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘After various shiftings and delays,’ said Nicholas, ‘he has been + sentenced to be transported for seven years, for being in the unlawful + possession of a stolen will; and, after that, he has to suffer the + consequence of a conspiracy.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Whew!’ cried John, ‘a conspiracy! Soom’at in the pooder-plot wa’? Eh? + Soom’at in the Guy Faux line?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘No, no, no, a conspiracy connected with his school; I’ll explain it + presently.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Thot’s reeght!’ said John, ‘explain it arter breakfast, not noo, for thou + be’est hoongry, and so am I; and Tilly she mun’ be at the bottom o’ a’ + explanations, for she says thot’s the mutual confidence. Ha, ha, ha! Ecod, + it’s a room start, is the mutual confidence!’ + </p> + <p> + The entrance of Mrs. Browdie, with a smart cap on, and very many apologies + for their having been detected in the act of breakfasting in the kitchen, + stopped John in his discussion of this grave subject, and hastened the + breakfast: which, being composed of vast mounds of toast, new-laid eggs, + boiled ham, Yorkshire pie, and other cold substantials (of which heavy + relays were constantly appearing from another kitchen under the direction + of a very plump servant), was admirably adapted to the cold bleak morning, + and received the utmost justice from all parties. At last, it came to a + close; and the fire which had been lighted in the best parlour having by + this time burnt up, they adjourned thither, to hear what Nicholas had to + tell. + </p> + <p> + Nicholas told them all, and never was there a story which awakened so many + emotions in the breasts of two eager listeners. At one time, honest John + groaned in sympathy, and at another roared with joy; at one time he vowed + to go up to London on purpose to get a sight of the brothers Cheeryble; + and, at another, swore that Tim Linkinwater should receive such a ham by + coach, and carriage free, as mortal knife had never carved. When Nicholas + began to describe Madeline, he sat with his mouth wide open, nudging Mrs + Browdie from time to time, and exclaiming under his breath that she must + be ‘raa’ther a tidy sart,’ and when he heard at last that his young friend + had come down purposely to communicate his good fortune, and to convey to + him all those assurances of friendship which he could not state with + sufficient warmth in writing—that the only object of his journey was + to share his happiness with them, and to tell them that when he was + married they must come up to see him, and that Madeline insisted on it as + well as he—John could hold out no longer, but after looking + indignantly at his wife, and demanding to know what she was whimpering + for, drew his coat sleeve over his eyes and blubbered outright. + </p> + <p> + ‘Tell’ee wa’at though,’ said John seriously, when a great deal had been + said on both sides, ‘to return to schoolmeasther. If this news aboot ‘un + has reached school today, the old ‘ooman wean’t have a whole boan in her + boddy, nor Fanny neither.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Oh, John!’ cried Mrs. Browdie. + </p> + <p> + ‘Ah! and Oh, John agean,’ replied the Yorkshireman. ‘I dinnot know what + they lads mightn’t do. When it first got aboot that schoolmeasther was in + trouble, some feythers and moothers sent and took their young chaps awa’. + If them as is left, should know waat’s coom tiv’un, there’ll be sike a + revolution and rebel!—Ding! But I think they’ll a’ gang daft, and + spill bluid like wather!’ + </p> + <p> + In fact, John Browdie’s apprehensions were so strong that he determined to + ride over to the school without delay, and invited Nicholas to accompany + him, which, however, he declined, pleading that his presence might perhaps + aggravate the bitterness of their adversity. + </p> + <p> + ‘Thot’s true!’ said John; ‘I should ne’er ha’ thought o’ thot.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘I must return tomorrow,’ said Nicholas, ‘but I mean to dine with you + today, and if Mrs. Browdie can give me a bed—’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Bed!’ cried John, ‘I wish thou couldst sleep in fower beds at once. Ecod, + thou shouldst have ‘em a’. Bide till I coom back; on’y bide till I coom + back, and ecod we’ll make a day of it.’ + </p> + <p> + Giving his wife a hearty kiss, and Nicholas a no less hearty shake of the + hand, John mounted his horse and rode off: leaving Mrs. Browdie to apply + herself to hospitable preparations, and his young friend to stroll about + the neighbourhood, and revisit spots which were rendered familiar to him + by many a miserable association. + </p> + <p> + John cantered away, and arriving at Dotheboys Hall, tied his horse to a + gate and made his way to the schoolroom door, which he found locked on the + inside. A tremendous noise and riot arose from within, and, applying his + eye to a convenient crevice in the wall, he did not remain long in + ignorance of its meaning. + </p> + <p> + The news of Mr. Squeers’s downfall had reached Dotheboys; that was quite + clear. To all appearance, it had very recently become known to the young + gentlemen; for the rebellion had just broken out. + </p> + <p> + It was one of the brimstone-and-treacle mornings, and Mrs. Squeers had + entered school according to custom with the large bowl and spoon, followed + by Miss Squeers and the amiable Wackford: who, during his father’s + absence, had taken upon him such minor branches of the executive as + kicking the pupils with his nailed boots, pulling the hair of some of the + smaller boys, pinching the others in aggravating places, and rendering + himself, in various similar ways, a great comfort and happiness to his + mother. Their entrance, whether by premeditation or a simultaneous + impulse, was the signal of revolt. While one detachment rushed to the door + and locked it, and another mounted on the desks and forms, the stoutest + (and consequently the newest) boy seized the cane, and confronting Mrs + Squeers with a stern countenance, snatched off her cap and beaver bonnet, + put them on his own head, armed himself with the wooden spoon, and bade + her, on pain of death, go down upon her knees and take a dose directly. + Before that estimable lady could recover herself, or offer the slightest + retaliation, she was forced into a kneeling posture by a crowd of shouting + tormentors, and compelled to swallow a spoonful of the odious mixture, + rendered more than usually savoury by the immersion in the bowl of Master + Wackford’s head, whose ducking was intrusted to another rebel. The success + of this first achievement prompted the malicious crowd, whose faces were + clustered together in every variety of lank and half-starved ugliness, to + further acts of outrage. The leader was insisting upon Mrs. Squeers + repeating her dose, Master Squeers was undergoing another dip in the + treacle, and a violent assault had been commenced on Miss Squeers, when + John Browdie, bursting open the door with a vigorous kick, rushed to the + rescue. The shouts, screams, groans, hoots, and clapping of hands, + suddenly ceased, and a dead silence ensued. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0830m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0830m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0830.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + ‘Ye be noice chaps,’ said John, looking steadily round. ‘What’s to do + here, thou yoong dogs?’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Squeers is in prison, and we are going to run away!’ cried a score of + shrill voices. ‘We won’t stop, we won’t stop!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Weel then, dinnot stop,’ replied John; ‘who waants thee to stop? Roon + awa’ loike men, but dinnot hurt the women.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah!’ cried the shrill voices, more shrilly still. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah?’ repeated John. ‘Weel, hurrah loike men too. Noo then, look out. + Hip—hip,—hip—hurrah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah!’ cried the voices. + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah! Agean;’ said John. ‘Looder still.’ + </p> + <p> + The boys obeyed. + </p> + <p> + ‘Anoother!’ said John. ‘Dinnot be afeared on it. Let’s have a good ‘un!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Hurrah!’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noo then,’ said John, ‘let’s have yan more to end wi’, and then coot off + as quick as you loike. Tak’a good breath noo—Squeers be in jail—the + school’s brokken oop—it’s a’ ower—past and gane—think o’ + thot, and let it be a hearty ‘un! Hurrah!’ + </p> + <p> + Such a cheer arose as the walls of Dotheboys Hall had never echoed before, + and were destined never to respond to again. When the sound had died away, + the school was empty; and of the busy noisy crowd which had peopled it but + five minutes before, not one remained. + </p> + <p> + ‘Very well, Mr. Browdie!’ said Miss Squeers, hot and flushed from the + recent encounter, but vixenish to the last; ‘you’ve been and excited our + boys to run away. Now see if we don’t pay you out for that, sir! If my pa + <i>is</i> unfortunate and trod down by henemies, we’re not going to be basely + crowed and conquered over by you and ‘Tilda.’ + </p> + <p> + ‘Noa!’ replied John bluntly, ‘thou bean’t. Tak’ thy oath o’ thot. Think + betther o’ us, Fanny. I tell ‘ee both, that I’m glod the auld man has been + caught out at last—dom’d glod—but ye’ll sooffer eneaf wi’out + any crowin’ fra’ me, and I be not the mun to crow, nor be Tilly the lass, + so I tell ‘ee flat. More than thot, I tell ‘ee noo, that if thou need’st + friends to help thee awa’ from this place—dinnot turn up thy nose, + Fanny, thou may’st—thou’lt foind Tilly and I wi’ a thout o’ old + times aboot us, ready to lend thee a hond. And when I say thot, dinnot + think I be asheamed of waa’t I’ve deane, for I say again, Hurrah! and dom + the schoolmeasther. There!’ + </p> + <p> + His parting words concluded, John Browdie strode heavily out, remounted + his nag, put him once more into a smart canter, and, carolling lustily + forth some fragments of an old song, to which the horse’s hoofs rang a + merry accompaniment, sped back to his pretty wife and to Nicholas. + </p> + <p> + For some days afterwards, the neighbouring country was overrun with boys, + who, the report went, had been secretly furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Browdie, + not only with a hearty meal of bread and meat, but with sundry shillings + and sixpences to help them on their way. To this rumour John always + returned a stout denial, which he accompanied, however, with a lurking + grin, that rendered the suspicious doubtful, and fully confirmed all + previous believers. + </p> + <p> + There were a few timid young children, who, miserable as they had been, + and many as were the tears they had shed in the wretched school, still + knew no other home, and had formed for it a sort of attachment, which made + them weep when the bolder spirits fled, and cling to it as a refuge. Of + these, some were found crying under hedges and in such places, frightened + at the solitude. One had a dead bird in a little cage; he had wandered + nearly twenty miles, and when his poor favourite died, lost courage, and + lay down beside him. Another was discovered in a yard hard by the school, + sleeping with a dog, who bit at those who came to remove him, and licked + the sleeping child’s pale face. + </p> + <p> + They were taken back, and some other stragglers were recovered, but by + degrees they were claimed, or lost again; and, in course of time, + Dotheboys Hall and its last breaking-up began to be forgotten by the + neighbours, or to be only spoken of as among the things that had been. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER 65 + </h2> + <p class="pfirst"> + <span class="dropcap" style="font-size: 4.00em">C</span> + <i>onclusion</i> + </p> +<p> + <br /> + </p> +<p>When her term of mourning had expired, Madeline gave her hand and fortune + to Nicholas; and, on the same day and at the same time, Kate became Mrs + Frank Cheeryble. It was expected that Tim Linkinwater and Miss La Creevy + would have made a third couple on the occasion, but they declined, and two + or three weeks afterwards went out together one morning before breakfast, + and, coming back with merry faces, were found to have been quietly married + that day. + </p> + <p> + The money which Nicholas acquired in right of his wife he invested in the + firm of Cheeryble Brothers, in which Frank had become a partner. Before + many years elapsed, the business began to be carried on in the names of + ‘Cheeryble and Nickleby,’ so that Mrs. Nickleby’s prophetic anticipations + were realised at last. + </p> + <p> + The twin brothers retired. Who needs to be told that <i>they </i>were happy? They + were surrounded by happiness of their own creation, and lived but to + increase it. + </p> + <p> + Tim Linkinwater condescended, after much entreaty and brow-beating, to + accept a share in the house; but he could never be prevailed upon to + suffer the publication of his name as a partner, and always persisted in + the punctual and regular discharge of his clerkly duties. + </p> + <p> + He and his wife lived in the old house, and occupied the very bedchamber + in which he had slept for four-and-forty years. As his wife grew older, + she became even a more cheerful and light-hearted little creature; and it + was a common saying among their friends, that it was impossible to say + which looked the happier, Tim as he sat calmly smiling in his elbow-chair + on one side of the fire, or his brisk little wife chatting and laughing, + and constantly bustling in and out of hers, on the other. + </p> + <p> + Dick, the blackbird, was removed from the counting-house and promoted to a + warm corner in the common sitting-room. Beneath his cage hung two + miniatures, of Mrs. Linkinwater’s execution; one representing herself, and + the other Tim; and both smiling very hard at all beholders. Tim’s head + being powdered like a twelfth cake, and his spectacles copied with great + nicety, strangers detected a close resemblance to him at the first glance, + and this leading them to suspect that the other must be his wife, and + emboldening them to say so without scruple, Mrs. Linkinwater grew very + proud of these achievements in time, and considered them among the most + successful likenesses she had ever painted. Tim had the profoundest faith + in them, likewise; for on this, as on all other subjects, they held but + one opinion; and if ever there were a ‘comfortable couple’ in the world, + it was Mr. and Mrs. Linkinwater. + </p> + <p> + Ralph, having died intestate, and having no relations but those with whom + he had lived in such enmity, they would have become in legal course his + heirs. But they could not bear the thought of growing rich on money so + acquired, and felt as though they could never hope to prosper with it. + They made no claim to his wealth; and the riches for which he had toiled + all his days, and burdened his soul with so many evil deeds, were swept at + last into the coffers of the state, and no man was the better or the + happier for them. + </p> + <p> + Arthur Gride was tried for the unlawful possession of the will, which he + had either procured to be stolen, or had dishonestly acquired and retained + by other means as bad. By dint of an ingenious counsel, and a legal flaw, + he escaped; but only to undergo a worse punishment; for, some years + afterwards, his house was broken open in the night by robbers, tempted by + the rumours of his great wealth, and he was found murdered in his bed. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Sliderskew went beyond the seas at nearly the same time as Mr. Squeers, + and in the course of nature never returned. Brooker died penitent. Sir + Mulberry Hawk lived abroad for some years, courted and caressed, and in + high repute as a fine dashing fellow. Ultimately, returning to this + country, he was thrown into jail for debt, and there perished miserably, + as such high spirits generally do. + </p> + <p> + The first act of Nicholas, when he became a rich and prosperous merchant, + was to buy his father’s old house. As time crept on, and there came + gradually about him a group of lovely children, it was altered and + enlarged; but none of the old rooms were ever pulled down, no old tree was + ever rooted up, nothing with which there was any association of bygone + times was ever removed or changed. + </p> + <p> + Within a stone’s throw was another retreat, enlivened by children’s + pleasant voices too; and here was Kate, with many new cares and + occupations, and many new faces courting her sweet smile (and one so like + her own, that to her mother she seemed a child again), the same true + gentle creature, the same fond sister, the same in the love of all about + her, as in her girlish days. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Nickleby lived, sometimes with her daughter, and sometimes with her + son, accompanying one or other of them to London at those periods when the + cares of business obliged both families to reside there, and always + preserving a great appearance of dignity, and relating her experiences + (especially on points connected with the management and bringing-up of + children) with much solemnity and importance. It was a very long time + before she could be induced to receive Mrs. Linkinwater into favour, and it + is even doubtful whether she ever thoroughly forgave her. + </p> + <p> + There was one grey-haired, quiet, harmless gentleman, who, winter and + summer, lived in a little cottage hard by Nicholas’s house, and, when he + was not there, assumed the superintendence of affairs. His chief pleasure + and delight was in the children, with whom he was a child himself, and + master of the revels. The little people could do nothing without dear + Newman Noggs. + </p> + <p> + The grass was green above the dead boy’s grave, and trodden by feet so + small and light, that not a daisy drooped its head beneath their pressure. + Through all the spring and summertime, garlands of fresh flowers, wreathed + by infant hands, rested on the stone; and, when the children came to + change them lest they should wither and be pleasant to him no longer, + their eyes filled with tears, and they spoke low and softly of their poor + dead cousin. + </p> +<div class="fig" style="width:60%;"> + <img src="images/0834m.jpg" style="width:100%;" alt="0834m " /><br /> + </div> + <h5> + <a href="images/0834.jpg" style="width:100%;" ><i>Original</i></a> + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life And Adventures Of Nicholas +Nickleby, by Charles Dickens + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NICHOLAS NICKLEBY *** + +***** This file should be named 967-h.htm or 967-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/6/967/ + +Produced by Donald Lainson and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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