In which Mr Ralph Nickleby is relieved, by a very expeditious Process, from all Commerce with his Relations 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.
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.
'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.' '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 ?' '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.