'Oh! uncle, must we be separated so soon!' '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.' '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 ?' '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.' '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.' 'He won't do that,' said Ralph.