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A momentary expression of astonishment, not unmixed with some confusion, appeared in the face of Sir Mulberry as he read the name; but he subdued it in an instant, and tossing the card to Lord Verisopht, who sat opposite, drew a toothpick from a glass before him, and very leisurely applied it to his mouth. 'Your name and address? said Nicholas, turning paler as his passion kindled.
'Your object being only to see her again, said Ralph, 'you could effect it at any time you chose by that means. Lord Verisopht acknowledged the hint with a great many squeezes of Ralph's hard, horny hand, and whispering that they would now do well to close the conversation, called to Sir Mulberry Hawk that he might come back.
As Ralph, somewhat to the surprise of his old client, vented this little piece of sound family feeling, and took up his hat preparatory to departing, Lord Frederick Verisopht looked in. 'Why what in the deyvle's name, Hawk, have you and Nickleby been talking about? said the young man. 'I neyver heard such an insufferable riot. Croak, croak, croak. Bow, wow, wow. What has it all been about?
'I'm always ill after Shakespeare, said Mrs Wititterly. 'I scarcely exist the next day; I find the reaction so very great after a tragedy, my lord, and Shakespeare is such a delicious creature. 'Ye es! replied Lord Verisopht. 'He was a clayver man.
It was in vain for Kate to protest that she was unwell, for the footsteps of the knockers, whoever they were, were already on the stairs. She resumed her seat, and had scarcely done so, when the doubtful page darted into the room and announced, Mr Pyke, and Mr Pluck, and Lord Verisopht, and Sir Mulberry Hawk, all at one burst.
Nor, if the truth must be told, do I greatly care for the description of the duel between Sir Mulberry Hawk and Lord Verisopht, though it was evidently very much admired at the time, and is quoted, as a favourable specimen of Dickens' style, in Charles Knight's "Half-hours with the Best Authors." The writing is a little too tall.
'Introduce me, Nickleby, said this second gentleman, who was lounging with his back to the fire, and both elbows on the chimneypiece. 'Sir Mulberry Hawk, said Ralph. 'Otherwise the most knowing card in the pa-ack, Miss Nickleby, said Lord Frederick Verisopht. 'Don't leave me out, Nickleby, cried a sharp-faced gentleman, who was sitting on a low chair with a high back, reading the paper.
Mrs Wititterly's answer was lost in the noise of a tremendous rapping at the street-door, and before it had ceased to vibrate, there drove up a handsome cabriolet, out of which leaped Sir Mulberry Hawk and his friend Lord Verisopht. 'They are here now, said Kate, rising and hurrying away.
So saying, Lord Frederick Verisopht walked out of the room, leaving Ralph Nickleby and Sir Mulberry in most unpleasant astonishment. 'Is this your pupil? asked Ralph, softly, 'or has he come fresh from some country parson? 'Green fools take these fits sometimes, replied Sir Mulberry Hawk, biting his lip, and pointing to the door. 'Leave him to me.
Nor was the intensity of these feelings at all diminished, when she found herself placed at the top of the table, with Sir Mulberry Hawk and Lord Frederick Verisopht on either side. 'Oh, you've found your way into our neighbourhood, have you? said Sir Mulberry as his lordship sat down. 'Of course, replied Lord Frederick, fixing his eyes on Miss Nickleby, 'how can you a-ask me?
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