I'd beat it out of him; and I told you that, six months ago.' 'So you did, my love,' rejoined Squeers.

'We'll try what can be done.' Pending these little endearments, Nicholas had stood, awkwardly enough, in the middle of the room: not very well knowing whether he was expected to retire into the passage, or to remain where he was.

He was now relieved from his perplexity by Mr Squeers.
'This is the new young man, my dear,' said that gentleman.
'Oh,' replied Mrs Squeers, nodding her head at Nicholas, and eyeing him coldly from top to toe.
'He'll take a meal with us tonight,' said Squeers, 'and go among the boys tomorrow morning.

You can give him a shake-down here, tonight, can't you ?' 'We must manage it somehow,' replied the lady.

'You don't much mind how you sleep, I suppose, sir ?' No, indeed,' replied Nicholas, 'I am not particular.' 'That's lucky,' said Mrs Squeers.