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!' 'Mrs Nickleby!' cried Sir Mulberry Hawk, as his friend looked back, and stared him in the face.
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.
'Nobody YOU know,' said Ralph.

'Step into the office, my--my--dear.

I'll be with you directly.' '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.