Most women can do that, but especially one of your age and condition, in circumstances like these, which are unworthy of a serious thought.

I would not shame you by seeming to take them to heart, or treat them earnestly for an instant.

Absurd old idiot!' So saying, Nicholas kissed his mother, and bade her good-night, and they retired to their respective chambers.
To do Mrs Nickleby justice, her attachment to her children would have prevented her seriously contemplating a second marriage, even if she could have so far conquered her recollections of her late husband as to have any strong inclinations that way.

But, although there was no evil and little real selfishness in Mrs Nickleby's heart, she had a weak head and a vain one; and there was something so flattering in being sought (and vainly sought) in marriage at this time of day, that she could not dismiss the passion of the unknown gentleman quite so summarily or lightly as Nicholas appeared to deem becoming.
'As to its being preposterous, and doting, and ridiculous,' thought Mrs Nickleby, communing with herself in her own room, 'I don't see that, at all.

It's hopeless on his part, certainly; but why he should be an absurd old idiot, I confess I don't see.