Thinking it best to take the hint in good part, Nicholas descended, without further remonstrance, but with a countenance bespeaking anything rather than the hope and rapture of a passionate lover.

Newman followed--he would have followed head first, but for the timely assistance of Nicholas--and, taking his hand, led him through a stone passage, profoundly dark, into a back-kitchen or cellar, of the blackest and most pitchy obscurity, where they stopped.
'Well!' said Nicholas, in a discontented whisper, 'this is not all, I suppose, is it ?' 'No, no,' rejoined Noggs; 'they'll be here directly.

It's all right.' 'I am glad to hear it,' said Nicholas.

'I shouldn't have thought it, I confess.' They exchanged no further words, and there Nicholas stood, listening to the loud breathing of Newman Noggs, and imagining that his nose seemed to glow like a red-hot coal, even in the midst of the darkness which enshrouded them.

Suddenly the sound of cautious footsteps attracted his ear, and directly afterwards a female voice inquired if the gentleman was there.
'Yes,' replied Nicholas, turning towards the corner from which the voice proceeded.