send him abroad with an iron ring upon his leg, and rid me of
him. Better still, if I could throw temptation in his way, and lure him
on to rob me. He should be welcome to what he took, so I brought the law
upon him; for he is a traitor, I swear! How, or when, or where, I don't
know, though I suspect.'

After waiting for another half-hour, he dispatched the woman who kept
his house to Newman's lodging, to inquire if he were ill, and why he had
not come or sent. She brought back answer that he had not been home all
night, and that no one could tell her anything about him.

'But there is a gentleman, sir,' she said, 'below, who was standing at
the door when I came in, and he says--'

'What says he?' demanded Ralph, turning angrily upon her. 'I told you I
would see nobody.'

'He says,' replied the woman, abashed by his harshness, 'that he comes
on very particular business which admits of no excuse; and I thought
perhaps it might be about--'

'About what, in the devil's name?' said Ralph. 'You spy and speculate on
people's business with me, do you?'

'Dear, no, sir! I saw you were anxious, and thought it might be about Mr
Noggs; that's all.'

'Saw I was anxious!' muttered Ralph; 'they all watch me, now. Where is
this person? You did not say I was not down yet, I hope?'

The woman replied that he was in the little office, and that she had
said her master was engaged, but she would take the message.

'Well,' said Ralph, 'I'll see him. Go you to your kitchen, and keep
there. Do you mind me?'

Glad to be released, the woman quickly disappeared. Collecting himself,
and assuming as much of his accustomed manner as his utmost resolution
could summon, Ralph descended the stairs. After pausing for a few
moments, with his hand upon the lock, he entered Newman's room, and
confronted Mr Charles Cheeryble.

Of all men alive, this was one of the last he would have wished to meet
at any time; but, now that he recognised in him only the patron
and protector of Nicholas, he would rather have seen a spectre. One
beneficial effect, however, the encounter had upon him. It instantly
roused all his dormant energies; rekindled in his breast the passions
that, for many years, had found an improving home there; called up all
his wrath, hatred, and malice; restored the sneer to his lip, and the
scowl to his brow; and made him again, in all outward appearance, the
same Ralph Nickleby whom so many had bitter cause to remember.

'Humph!