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.' '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.' 'Oh, I'm sure,' returned Miss Ledrook, with considerable vivacity, 'if YOU 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.
'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 ?' 'Surely,' returned Nicholas, 'I can require no possible inducement beyond your invitation.' '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.
'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.' 'My dear Led,' remonstrated Miss Snevellicci, 'how you do talk!' 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 TETE-A-TETE under the circumstances, to do at once.
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.