Ha! ha! ha!' If the proprietor of Dotheboys Hall could have known what was passing in his assistant's breast at that moment, he would have discovered, with some surprise, that he was as near being soundly pummelled as he had ever been in his life.

Kate Nickleby, having a quicker perception of her brother's emotions, led him gently aside, and thus prevented Mr Squeers from being impressed with the fact in a peculiarly disagreeable manner.
'My dear Nicholas,' said the young lady, 'who is this man?
What kind of place can it be that you are going to ?' 'I hardly know, Kate,' replied Nicholas, pressing his sister's hand.

'I suppose the Yorkshire folks are rather rough and uncultivated; that's all.' 'But this person,' urged Kate.
'Is my employer, or master, or whatever the proper name may be,' replied Nicholas quickly; 'and I was an ass to take his coarseness ill.

They are looking this way, and it is time I was in my place.

Bless you, love, and goodbye! Mother, look forward to our meeting again someday! Uncle, farewell! Thank you heartily for all you have done and all you mean to do.