'It's shameful that such things should be allowed.

Shameful!' 'How can they be helped, mama ?' said Kate, mournfully.

'The infirmities of nature--' 'Nature!' said Mrs Nickleby.

'What! Do YOU suppose this poor gentleman is out of his mind ?' 'Can anybody who sees him entertain any other opinion, mama ?' 'Why then, I just tell you this, Kate,' returned Mrs Nickleby, 'that, he is nothing of the kind, and I am surprised you can be so imposed upon.

It's some plot of these people to possess themselves of his property--didn't he say so himself?
He may be a little odd and flighty, perhaps, many of us are that; but downright mad! and express himself as he does, respectfully, and in quite poetical language, and making offers with so much thought, and care, and prudence--not as if he ran into the streets, and went down upon his knees to the first chit of a girl he met, as a madman would! No, no, Kate, there's a great deal too much method in HIS madness; depend upon that, my dear.'.