s before.

While he was thus occupied, his man appeared, to announce that Mr Ralph
Nickleby was below, and wished to know how he was, tonight.

'Better,' said Sir Mulberry, impatiently.

'Mr Nickleby wishes to know, sir--'

'I tell you, better,' replied Sir Mulberry, striking his hand upon the
table.

The man hesitated for a moment or two, and then said that Mr Nickleby
had requested permission to see Sir Mulberry Hawk, if it was not
inconvenient.

'It IS inconvenient. I can't see him. I can't see anybody,' said his
master, more violently than before. 'You know that, you blockhead.'

'I am very sorry, sir,' returned the man. 'But Mr Nickleby pressed so
much, sir--'

The fact was, that Ralph Nickleby had bribed the man, who, being anxious
to earn his money with a view to future favours, held the door in his
hand, and ventured to linger still.

'Did he say whether he had any business to speak about?' inquired Sir
Mulberry, after a little impatient consideration.

'No, sir. He said he wished to see you, sir. Particularly, Mr Nickleby
said, sir.'

'Tell him to come up. Here,' cried Sir Mulberry, calling the man back,
as he passed his hand over his disfigured face, 'move that lamp, and
put it on the stand behind me. Wheel that table away, and place a chair
there--further off. Leave it so.'

The man obeyed these directions as if he quite comprehended the motive
with which they were dictated, and left the room. Lord Frederick
Verisopht, remarking that he would look in presently, strolled into the
adjoining apartment, and closed the folding door behind him.

Then was heard a subdued footstep on the stairs; and Ralph Nickleby, hat
in hand, crept softly into the room, with his body bent forward as if in
profound respect, and his eyes fixed upon the face of his worthy client.

'Well, Nickleby,' said Sir Mulberry, motioning him to the chair by the
couch side, and waving his hand in assumed carelessness, 'I have had a
bad accident, you see.'

'I see,' rejoined Ralph, with the same steady gaze. 'Bad, indeed! I
should not have known you, Sir Mulberry. Dear, dear! This IS bad.'

Ralph's manner was one of profound humility and respect; and the low
tone of voice was that, which the gentlest consideration for a sick man
would have taught a visitor to assume. But the expression of his face,
Sir Mulberry's being averted, was in extraordinary contrast; and as
he stood, in his usual attitude, calmly looking on the prostrat