You don't mind obliging me ?' 'Mind!' cried Mrs Nickleby.

'My dear Kate, why--' 'Pray,' interrupted Ralph, motioning her to be silent.

'I spoke to my niece.' 'I shall be very glad, of course, uncle,' replied Kate; 'but I am afraid you will find me awkward and embarrassed.' 'Oh no,' said Ralph; 'come when you like, in a hackney coach--I'll pay for it.

Good-night--a--a--God bless you.' 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.
'What a very strongly marked countenance your uncle has!' said Mrs Nickleby, quite struck with his parting look.