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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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802 The repetition of the word ‘gone’ seemed to afford Newman Noggs inexpressible delight, in proportion as it annoyed Ralph Nickleby. He uttered the word with a full round emphasis, dwelling upon it as long as he decently could, and when he could hold out no longer without attracting observation, stood gasping it to himself as if even that were a satisfaction. ‘And where has he gone?’ said Ralph. ‘France,’ replied Newman. ‘Danger of another attack of erysipelas--a worse attack--in the head. So the doctors ordered him off. And he’s gone.’ ‘And Lord Frederick--?’ began Ralph. ‘He’s gone too,’ replied Newman. ‘And he carries his drubbing with him, does he?’ said Ralph, turning away; ‘pockets his bruises, and sneaks off without the retaliation of a word, or seeking the smallest reparation!’ ‘He’s too ill,’ said Newman. ‘Too ill!’ repeated Ralph. ‘Why I would have it if I were dying; in that case I should only be the more determined to have it, and that without delay--I mean if I were he. But he’s too ill! Poor Sir Mulberry! Too ill!’ Uttering these words with supreme contempt and great irritation of manner, Ralph signed hastily to Newman to leave the room; and throwing himself into his chair, beat his foot impatiently upon the ground. ‘There is some spell about that boy,’ said Ralph, grinding his teeth. ‘Circumstances conspire to help him. Talk of fortune’s favours! What is even money to such Devil’s luck as this?’ He thrust his hands impatiently into his pockets, but notwithstanding his previous reflection there was some |
