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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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190 have been!’ ‘I didn’t even know Mr Nickleby was here, my love,’ said Madame Mantalini. ‘Then what a doubly demd infernal rascal that footman must be, my soul,’ remonstrated Mr Mantalini. ‘My dear,’ said Madame, ‘that is entirely your fault.’ ‘My fault, my heart’s joy?’ ‘Certainly,’ returned the lady; ‘what can you expect, dearest, if you will not correct the man?’ ‘Correct the man, my soul’s delight!’ ‘Yes; I am sure he wants speaking to, badly enough,’ said Madame, pouting. ‘Then do not vex itself,’ said Mr Mantalini; ‘he shall be horse- whipped till he cries out demnebly.’ With this promise Mr Mantalini kissed Madame Mantalini, and, after that performance, Madame Mantalini pulled Mr Mantalini playfully by the ear: which done, they descended to business. ‘Now, ma’am,’ said Ralph, who had looked on, at all this, with such scorn as few men can express in looks, ‘this is my niece.’ ‘Just so, Mr Nickleby,’ replied Madame Mantalini, surveying Kate from head to foot, and back again. ‘Can you speak French, child?’ ‘Yes, ma’am,’ replied Kate, not daring to look up; for she felt that the eyes of the odious man in the dressing-gown were directed towards her. ‘Like a demd native?’ asked the husband. Miss Nickleby offered no reply to this inquiry, but turned her back upon the questioner, as if addressing herself to make answer to what his wife might demand. |
