'I feel bound to assure you, sir, and I am proud to have this opportunity OF assuring you, that I consider Mr Squeers a gentleman highly virtuous, exemplary, well conducted, and--' 'I make no doubt of it, sir,' interrupted Ralph, checking the torrent of recommendation; 'no doubt of it at all.

Suppose we come to business ?' 'With all my heart, sir,' rejoined Squeers.

'"Never postpone business," is the very first lesson we instil into our commercial pupils.

Master Belling, my dear, always remember that; do you hear ?' 'Yes, sir,' repeated Master Belling.
'He recollects what it is, does he ?' said Ralph.
'Tell the gentleman,' said Squeers.
'"Never,"' repeated Master Belling.
'Very good,' said Squeers; 'go on.' 'Never,' repeated Master Belling again.
'Very good indeed,' said Squeers.

'Yes.' 'P,' suggested Nicholas, good-naturedly.
'Perform--business!' said Master Belling.