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Updated: June 4, 2025
The life to which poor Kate Nickleby was devoted, in consequence of the unforeseen train of circumstances already developed in this narrative, was a hard one; but lest the very dulness, unhealthy confinement, and bodily fatigue, which made up its sum and substance, should deprive it of any interest with the mass of the charitable and sympathetic, I would rather keep Miss Nickleby herself in view just now, than chill them in the outset, by a minute and lengthened description of the establishment presided over by Madame Mantalini.
'Oh you false traitor! cried the lady, threatening personal violence on Mr Mantalini's face. 'False! Oh dem! Now my soul, my gentle, captivating, bewitching, and most demnebly enslaving chick-a-biddy, be calm, said Mr Mantalini, humbly. 'I won't! screamed the woman. 'I'll tear your eyes out! 'Oh! What a demd savage lamb! cried Mr Mantalini.
'Will it not slap and pinch the envious dowager, that dares to reflect upon its own delicious? But the day of Mr Mantalini's blandishments had departed. 'Miss Knag, sir, said his wife, 'is my particular friend; and although Mr Mantalini leered till his eyes seemed in danger of never coming back to their right places again, Madame Mantalini showed no signs of softening.
'I beg your pardon, Madame Mantalini, what did you say last? asked Miss Knag, trembling. 'You needn't return, repeated the superior, sharply.
'You may put away those fooleries now, and live by your wits again, said Ralph, coolly putting on his hat. 'Demmit, Nickleby, you're not serious? 'I seldom joke, said Ralph. 'Good-night. 'No, but Nickleby said Mantalini. 'I am wrong, perhaps, rejoined Ralph. 'I hope so. You should know best. Good-night.
There was, then, a great deal of whispering, during which Madame Mantalini appeared to make reference, more than once, to certain debts incurred by Mr Mantalini previous to her coverture; and also to an unexpected outlay of money in payment of the aforesaid debts; and furthermore, to certain agreeable weaknesses on that gentleman's part, such as gaming, wasting, idling, and a tendency to horse-flesh; each of which matters of accusation Mr Mantalini disposed of, by one kiss or more, as its relative importance demanded.
'To put him, said Madame Mantalini, looking at Ralph, and prudently abstaining from the slightest glance at her husband, lest his many graces should induce her to falter in her resolution, 'to put him upon a fixed allowance; and I say that if he has a hundred and twenty pounds a year for his clothes and pocket-money, he may consider himself a very fortunate man.
'Charming creature, isn't she, Miss Nickleby? said Miss Knag, rubbing her hands together. 'I have seen very little of her, said Kate. 'I hardly know yet. 'Have you seen Mr Mantalini? inquired Miss Knag. 'Yes; I have seen him twice. 'Isn't HE a charming creature? 'Indeed he does not strike me as being so, by any means, replied Kate. 'No, my dear! cried Miss Knag, elevating her hands.
About five thousand able-bodied men are in the mines underground, here; some as far down as five hundred feet. The Gould and Curry Mine employs nine hundred men, and annually turns out about twenty million dollars' worth of "demnition gold and silver," as Mr. Mantalini might express it, though silver chiefly.
'It is but manner. 'It is a demd uncomfortable, private-madhouse-sort of a manner, said Mr Mantalini, picking up his cane. Ralph affected to smile, and once more inquired from whom Mr Mantalini had derived his information. 'From Pyke; and a demd, fine, pleasant, gentlemanly dog it is, replied Mantalini. 'Demnition pleasant, and a tip-top sawyer.
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