Original subtitles

Thank you.

Good morning, Mr. Noggs.

Morn for one for old Nickleby.

Only fourpence, though.

That'll please him.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Ah, sorry for him, Mr. Bray doesn't realize the thought of debtor's prison.

I thought he'd send the money somehow.

He hasn't.

Hmm. I know something of that hand.

My brother's dead.

The widow and both children are in London.

found them.

Anything else you want? Not now.

I must go out.

Reasonable.

Very reasonable.

He never did anything for me and I never expected it.

The breath is no soon out of his body and the family looks here for support.

What are they to me?

I never saw them. That'll cost you a pretty penny.

I can't keep them.

They must find something.

If they won't do it for themselves, I shall.

Is Mrs. Nickleby at home, girl?

Hannah!

Who is Monty?

Are you Miss La... what's her name?

Creevey. La Creevey.

A miniature, I presume.

And a very strongly marked countenance for the purpose.

I've no money to throw away on miniatures, ma.

I'd only give them to her if I had.

I came to see my sister-in-law, Mrs. Nickleby.

Oh, then you want the second floor. Hannah, show the gentleman up.

What name?

Nickleby.

Mrs. Nickleby.

Here's Mr. Nickleby.

Uncle Ralph.

Good morning, sir.

Nicholas, I suppose.

Yes. How do you do, ma'am?

Ah, you must bear up against sorrow, ma'am. I always do.

Mine was no common loss.

It was no uncommon loss, ma'am. Husbands die every day.

Wives also.

And brothers too, sir.

Yes, sir, and puppies and pup dogs likewise.

When my wife died, ma'am, many years ago, I learned to survive the calamity.

Doubtless you will do the same.

Well, ma'am, you say in your letter there's nothing left, hmm?

And you spent what little you had in coming all the way to London to see what

I can do for you.

I'd hoped you might do something for your brother's children.

It was his last wish.

I don't know how it is, but whenever a man dies without property, he seems to

think it gives him the right to dispose of other people's.

And this is Kate.

What sort of work is your daughter fitted for?

She was the cleverest girl in the school of 25.

Or was it 55?

Well, anyway, I... You must try and get your apprentice.

And you, have you ever done anything?

No, sir. I suppose you are willing to work. Of course I am.

Then listen, this caught my eye this morning. You may thank your lucky stars.

Education at Mr. Wackford's Queer's Academy.

Do the boys' hall, and so on, and so on, and so on. N.B.

An able assistant wanted.

Annual salary, 15 pounds.

A master of arts would be preferred.

There, let him get that and his fortune's made.

If he doesn't like it, let him get something for himself.

But he's not an N.B. M.A., master of arts. That, I think, can be got over.

But it's so far away, Mama.

Shh, Kate.

Nicholas, I wish you would say something.

I'm fortunate enough to be appointed, sir. What will become of my mother?

My sister. In that case, but not otherwise, they will be provided for by

me. Then I'll do anything you wish. I'm very pleased to hear it.

We'll visit Mr. Squeers tomorrow. He's in town and attends daily from one till

four. The Saracens get...

Every awesome luxury,

Mr. Snorley, that Yorkshire can afford.

Every comfort of an home that a boy could wish for.

A father in me and a mother in Mrs. Squeers.

But I have a few words with you, by all means.

Up to what age will you keep the boys?

Just as long as the quarterly payments are kept up.

What are they, natural children?

We have a good many of them. No, they ain't.

The fact is, I'm not the father, Mr. Squires.

I'm only the father-in-law, as you might say.

I married the mother.

Oh, is that it? Twenty pounds per annum, I believe, Mr. Squires.

Guinness, Mr.

Snorley. Pounds for two, I think, Mr. Squeers. Very well.

Payment in advance, of course.

They ain't great eaters.

Mr. Squeers?

Why, it's Mr... Yes, sir.

Won't you be seated?

Good day, Mr. Starley.

Ralph Nickleby is my name.

You've advertised for an able assistant.

Here is my nephew, Nicholas, straight from school.

with everything he learnt there fermenting in his head and nothing

fermenting in his pocket.

I'm afraid, sir, I'm not a master of arts. Well, that is an objection.

Look here, let me put this matter in its true light.

A young man, wholly ignorant of the world.

Look at him.

Think of the use he can be in half a dozen ways.

Your uncle's recommendation has done it, Mr. Nickleby.

From this moment, you are nominated to and installed in the office of first

assistant master of Do the Boys All.

Thank you, Mr. Squares. Very much indeed, sir. And thank you, Uncle, for

getting me this opportunity.

I shan't forget your kindness. You'd better go home and pack up what you have

to pack.

The coach starts at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Be here the quarter before.

Now, now, my little man.

There's nothing to cry for.

All baggage ready for the old coach, please.

The milk and water, sir.

Two pittas?

Here's richness.

When I say number one, the point is the Wyndham will take a drink.

And she never saw her son again?

Never in all her life?

I was just saying to Kate.

No, I won't listen to myself.

Just you make yourself useful to this Mr. Squires, as I know you will, and you

rise. to be a part of the establishment in no time at all. Come on, come on,

come on.

Hold that noise, boy. I want more breakfast.

I'll give you more breakfast.

Anybody else want more?

No, sir.

That's right.

Subdue your appetites, my dears, and your cult of human nature.

Oh, there you are.

Get them boys on top of the coach, will you?

That can't be the schoolmaster, surely? He does seem an odd-looking man.

So is Dr. Johnson.

All his bookworms are.

Well, I never expected... I expected to find you here, ma'am.

The house of mine in town is empty. I can put you in there rent-free till it's

left. Of all the kindness.

Do you hear that, Kate? A house in town, too? That would be near you, I suppose.

East End.

Oh. Oh, well, all the same.

After all, it's somewhere to live.

My clog-nogs will take you down there as soon as the coach is gone. Oh, thank

you. Good morning, most delightful of you. Furthermore, I found a situation

for Kate with a milliner and dressmaker.

Milliner? And dressmaker, ma'am. Montalinas.

A very well-known house.

The York coach is leaving now.

Hurry up, now.

Goodbye, Uncle. Goodbye, Nicholas. I trust you'll take care of them.

Goodbye, Mother.

Kate, you'll write to me.

Yes, your love. Goodbye.

That's right, Nickleby. You get up on top.

I'm afraid of one of them boys falling off.

That's 20 pounds good.

Please, sir, I fell asleep over the fire.

Fire? What fire?

Where's the fire? Only in the kitchen, sir.

Mrs. said as I was sitting up, I might go in for a warm. Mrs. is a fool.

We do more wakeful in the cold.

It's either the pony, then the boxes and the boys.

Hurry up, little pig. This wind's fit to blow you down.

It's cold enough up here, yet the boys is always getting fevers.

Obstinacy, that's what it is. Is that my squeary? There you are, my love.

And that is my squeary.

Quite well, my love.

Now the pigs and the cows.

All right, every one of them. That's a blessing.

Boys are bobbish, I suppose.

Oh, they're well enough.

The new young man, my dear.

Good evening.

Oh. I'll give him a take-down for the night.

Sure.

What they want, write a letter to them boys, I don't know, when they can't

read.

What do you want? Have you... Has nothing been heard about me, sir?

Never a bit.

Not a word, and never will be.

A pretty thing.

Left here all these years, and nothing paid off for the first six.

We'll put you in your regular bedroom tomorrow.

Let me see. Who sleeps in Brooks's bed, my dear?

Brooks's? There's Jennings, Little Boulder, Gray Marsh, and what's his

name? So there is.

Yes, Brooks's fault.

There's a place somewhere, I know.

I think that smite's turning silly.

I hope not.

He's a handy fellow for rough work.

That'll do, Phoebe.

Remember, Nickleby.

Seven o'clock in the morning.

I should be ready, sir.

The pump's in the yard.

You'll find a bit of soap in the kitchen window.

Blow that light out as soon as you can now. Candles cost money.

Don't like the look of him.

Nasty, stuck-up monkey.

Ah, you've had your breakfast.

I've had some porridge, sir. That's it?

Then you're ready for work. I wasn't able to wash. Of course you wasn't. The

punch froze.

Never mind.

A dry polish is almost as good.

That's the thing.

It's Brimston morning and I can't find a school spoon anywhere.

We purify the boys' blood now and then. Purify fiddlesticks.

We don't buy Brimston and Treacle for that.

They have it part because it keeps them from ailing and part because it spoils

their appetites.

It comes cheaper than breakfast and dinner.

Here's the blessed thing.

He was sleeping on it.

The most invaluable woman, that.

She's more than a mother to them boys.

Ten times more.

She does things for them boys that half the mothers going wouldn't do for their

own sons.

I can well imagine that, sir.

Yeah, the boy died here only last winter.

And dorker.

Mrs. Squeers was as partial to that lad as had been her own.

The attention that boy got in his illness.

The motherly love what was showered on him.

Dried toast and warm tea offered him every night and morning when he couldn't

swallow anything.

That's my son, that is.

Little Weckford.

The image of his mother and me.

And a bit more beside.

Yes, that boy Dawker had a candle in his pit at the very night he died.

And the best dictionary set up to lay his head on.

This is our shop, Mickleby.

No, you don't.

I'll advance and I'll have the hide off you.

Next boy, come on.

Please, ma'am, that boy's got our clothes on.

That'll do.

You shut up and mind your own business.

Don't physic in over. Just over.

Well, third, you can do that later. Bring the basin and come with your

mother. Hurry up, places.

And stop that snivelling.

Or I'll give you something to snivel for.

Well, boys, I've paid my arc yearly visit to London.

And you'll be glad to see I've come back as strong and as vigorous as ever.

Eh, Pip?

English and philosophy.

Brooks.

Starwinder.

W.

I.

W.

I.

N. Win.

D.

E. R.

Der. Winder.

A casement.

Go out and clean them.

We go on the practical mode of teaching.

When a boy knows his subject, he goes out and does it.

B-O... B-O-T.

What?

T-I-N.

What in?

N-E-Y.

Botany. Now, in substantive knowledge of plants, how do you go and take the snow

off the garden paths?

Here, what's your name?

What's an horse?

It's a beast, sir. So it is.

An horse is a quadruped, and quadrupeds let him for beast.

Seeing that you're perfectly met, go and look after my horse.

And rub him down well.

I'll rub you down.

It's washing day tomorrow.

I know what the copper's filled.

The rest of the class go and draw water until somebody tells you to leave off.

That's our sister, Nickleby.

What do you think of it? It's a very useful one at any rate.

You're right there.

I'll just take the second class and explain them some reading.

The Pilgrim's Progress.

As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place

where was a den.

And I laid me down in that place to sleep.

And as I slept, I dreamed a dream.

Nickleby! Of course, David, I remember your niece.

Follow me, my dear.

Will you?

They all follow me.

Always did, David.

Always. Mr.

Nickleby. Good morning.

This is my niece, ma'am.

I spoke to you about a vacancy for her, you remember?

Just so.

What work can you do, child?

I can turn him, ma'am.

Or so it seems.

And that is all?

She can learn.

Oh, quite.

And I can do with another pair of hands.

We keep 20 young women constantly employed here.

Yes, and some of them damned handsome, too.

Mantellini, do you want to break my heart?

My sense is idle.

Not for 20,000 hemispheres populated with little ballet dancers.

Alfred.

The hours are from nine to nine.

There's extra work when we're very full of business, for which I'll outpayment

us over time.

Your wages should average from five to seven shillings a week.

Yes, ma'am. You can begin as soon as it's convenient.

She can begin now.

Oh.

Very well.

Come to the showroom.

There. Now you are provided for.

I'm very much obliged to you, uncle. I've merely done my duty.

I hope that you'll do yours.

I'll do my best. I'm very pleased to hear it. You'll find your way home this

evening. Goodbye, then.

Good day, ma'am. Good day, Mr. Nickleby.

Oh, Miss Nagg, this young person is beginning here today.

Try her with some easy work at first. Oh, very good, madame. I quite

understand. And she might come into the showroom with you. Her appearance will

suit very well with mine.

Very clever of you to think of it.

That way.

Damn it. Who would have thought old Nickleby would have had such a damned...

Pretty young creature for a niece, eh? If it weren't for your wicked

extravagance, we wouldn't have to keep borrowing from him. Or employ his poor

relations.

My life and soul.

You were here mistakenly.

You'd better begin by hemming this petticoat.

If you want anything, come to me.

Thank you.

Where are you from?

From Devonshire. Oh, I don't mean that.

Where did you work before?

Nowhere. Oh, nowhere.

Oh, superior, aren't we?

Grace.

For what we have received, may the Lord make us truly thankful.

Amen. Amen.

I'm going

out. You'll have to take the rest of the classes by yourself.

You can do that, I suppose.

Yes, Mr. Square.

afraid of me.

You've been here a long time, haven't you?

Since I was five, they tell me, sir.

I don't know.

Don't you remember your mother, your home?

No, I don't remember.

I don't remember anything.

Someone must have brought you here.

Your father, perhaps. He wasn't my father.

I don't think he was.

I was afraid of him.

I was glad to leave him. Glad?

But surely you're not happy here.

Happy.

Smythe!

Beg pardon, Mr. Nickleby.

Smythe, Miss Fanny's back. I need you to fetch her box upstairs as quick as you

can.

I will do. Go on, now, Price.

Theodore Price has gone and got spliced. Theodore... Ow!

You'll never get spliced, you won't.

Phoebe. Yes, miss.

Was it a pretty wedding, Miss Fanny, over to Miss Price's? Come on.

She must have made a lovely bride.

And done well by herself, too, hasn't she?

Well, enough for her, I've no doubt.

Who's Mr.

Nickleby? He's their new assistant.

Here you ought to see him. He's a real gentleman born, if ever there was one.

The way he talks and acts and carries on.

And you've only to look at him. Such beautiful eyes he's got and such a sweet

smile. And as for his legs... Phoebe, that's quite enough.

Oh, but miss, you ought to see him for yourself.

Write the address at the top. And then the date.

17th of December, 1830.

Come in.

I'm sorry, Father, but... Oh.

I beg your pardon. I thought my father was... or might be... doing me a

very awkward... Mr. Squares is out.

Oh, how tiresome.

I'm sorry I intruded, I'm sure.

It must look so very strange.

I only wanted my pen mended.

Perhaps I can do it for you. Oh, no, no, I couldn't put you to the trouble.

Hard knit or soft?

Such a sweet smile.

What did you say?

Demi, I think of something else for the moment.

As soft as possible, if you please.

Oh, I quite forgot. I'm Miss Squeers. I imagined that.

Oh, did you really?

There's a strong family resemblance.

Oh, I beg your pardon. Very awkward of me.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's my fault.

Mine entirely.

It's so embarrassing.

I scarcely know what I'm... Careful, you're biting a nip off now.

Oh.

Mike was having his supper. I told him to finish it. If you have any

objections, you better make them to me.

I didn't see you was there, Mr. Nickleby.

It's quite all right, of course.

Now that you explain, there's no call to run away.

Pa's still out.

And Ma's with him.

You can have a glass of port, if you like.

Come and sit down.

Thank you. I'm going to bed.

No!

Mr. Nickleby likes you, doesn't he, Spike?

Oh, yes, he does.

And you've been having a fine idle time since he's been here.

Wait till I tell father.

Just wait!

He's not here, sir.

Where is he, then? At the bottom of the nearest pond, for all I know.

Come on.

Someone knows where he is?

No.

Sneaking off up the yacht road he was.

Oh, he was, was he?

Each boy keep his seat.

Little bit to your place.

Stand a little out of the way, my dear.

I've hardly room enough.

to say?

I was driven to do it. Oh, driven were you? Then I'll have to spare you.

I'll flog you within an inch of your life and spare you that.

Let that boy go.

Hold your tongue. You've done him enough harm. Get back to your desk.

I've seen these last few weeks, nothing but blows and stripes. I'm in my rights.

Your rights? To beat and starve these boys?

This isn't a school, it's a hell on earth.

You young scum!

Nickleby, Esquire.

Sir, my part requests me to write to you. The doctor's being doubtful whether

he will recover the use of his legs, which prevents his holding a pen.

When your nephew had done this to me and jumped upon him with his feet and also

language, which I will not pollute my pen with describing, he assaulted my ma

with dreadful violence and drove her back home.

several inches into her head. The monster, having satiated his thirst for

blood, ran away, taking with him a boy of desperate character who he had

incited to rebellion.

My power begs that if he comes to you, you will let the assassin go, as he is

sure to be hung before long, which will save us trouble and be much more

satisfactory.

recommend you against my convictions and what is the result?

Conduct which you might hold up your hand at the old bailey. It isn't true.

Nicholas, tell him. He was ill-treating the boy. I'd do the same again.

Penitence. I never would have believed it. Mama, please.

What have you done with him?

Did you take this boy away or didn't you? The boy's in my charge until I can

find him a home or give him one myself.

The whole thing proved, even on his own confession. One thing is true. But

uncle. Let me say a word.

What I have done for you, my niece,

Or what I intended to do.

I shall say nothing.

But this boy, headstrong and willful as he is, shall not have one penny of my

money. Knowing full well the consequences, he has come back to be a

burden on his sister's scanty wages.

Very well.

I have no wish to desert you, ma'am, or Kate.

But I will not help him or those who do help him.

But I can't renounce my own son, even if he has done all you say.

Mama, you know he hasn't. I don't know what to think.

Never mind.

We can go to the workhouse or the refuge for the destitute.

Wait, sir.

You needn't leave here.

I shall be gone in one minute.

No, Nicholas.

Then go away again, please.

Kate, I never meant to stay here with you.

When I'm aware, you will be helped.

Mother sees that, and she's right.

I'm taking at your word, sir.

But if you break it...

I beg your pardon.

I'm in your way, perhaps.

Oh, no.

Not at all, thank you.

But if I'm in yours... No.

There doesn't seem to be very much.

No.

So hard to find work of any kind.

You understand, of course, my secretary must make himself master of foreign

policy, run his eye over all accounts of public meetings, get on a few little

arguments now and then on the effects of a return to cash payments, the

exportation of bullion, the emperor of Russia, banknotes and all that kind of

thing. And then, of course, wait in the lobby every night in case I need fresh

crammy. And during debates, sit in the gallery and point me out to people as

the celebrated Mr. Grigsbury and any other little eulogium that might strike

him. And for salary, in round figures, 15 shillings a week and

find yourself there. 15 shillings? It's not much.

Door, Matthews. I mean for the duties and responsibilities.

Door, Matthews.

Secretaries.

Nothing else.

Tuition.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenwigs, to instruct the daughters in French.

A shilling per week for each Miss Kenwigs, and a shilling over until the

baby can take it out in grammar. Thank you.

My aunt's pen.

La plume de ma tante.

La plume de ma tante.

My uncle... Hold on a minute, sir.

Do you... Do you consider French a cheerful language?

Yes, I'd say that it was.

Oh, it very much changes my time then, very much.

My uncle's garden... What is the French for water?

Low. Low.

And he called that a cheerful language.

Shall the gentleman go on, uncle?

Oh, yes, yes, let him go on.

My uncle's garden. Le chat?

Even the uncle.

The baby was too much for me.

I must find real work somewhere.

Then there's Mike.

He can't go on hiding forever in one wretched little room.

We're leaving London, Mr. Knox.

But I could look after the boy.

Bring down trouble on your own head.

Better you've never seen him. Know nothing of him.

I must go.

But there's one thing I wanted to ask.

It's about Kate.

And my mother.

If anything should happen... I'll let you know. You didn't need to ask.

Thank you.

All right.

I'll send an address.

As soon as I can.

Don't you forget them.

I'm not like it.

I haven't so many friends that I should forget my best one.

Coming, Father.

Let me take those.

We met before, at the agency.

Yes.

I remember.

Madeline! What is it, Madeline?

Who is... This gentleman's just helping me, Father.

We've no money, young man, if that's what you're hoping for. Please, Father.

Get the rest of the luggage and let's be off. Just a minute.

Oh, no, you don't. Trying to do a flit, eh? Trying to clear my pitch for me, eh?

I'm not too partial to that kind of lark. Leave my father alone.

You've no right to. Let him go. Stop that, my little lady. Take your hands

off her. That'll do, young shaver. This is not your business.

I'll soon make it, mine. Please.

There's nothing you can do. Here's my warrant. Debt's unpaid to the sum of 1

,700 pounds. Detaining creditors. Yes, yes. There's no need to cry. My finance

is all over the town. You accomplish me forthwith and present yourself at the

King's Bench prison before noon.

He's not well. I must go with him. If you want to live with him, you can

apply. Go on.

Might as well use the acne.

If there's anything I can do.

Any message to friends?

No. There's nothing.

You're very kind.

I only wish I could do something to him. Thank you.

Come on, come on, if you're coming.

Cheer up, Governor.

Perhaps they live in the rules.

The rules?

Lodgings, just outside the prison.

Pay so much a week for the privilege.

Cheer up there, Judy.

Are you tired, Smike?

No, I'm not tired.

Well, if you're not, I am. Let's try in here.

Landlord?

I shouldn't have come with you.

Nothing but a trouble to you. A trouble?

You're far from that, Smike.

I'm only too glad of your company.

I haven't enough money even for you, sir.

It hadn't been for me.

Yes, gentlemen?

We're looking for some supper and a room, perhaps, afterwards.

Supper? I'm a bit short tonight.

I'll tell you what. There's a gentleman in the parlor who's ordered a beefsteak,

pudding and potatoes, and there's more than he can manage.

If I ask leave, I've no doubt you could sup with him. We're very dusty and

dirty. Oh, Lord love you. Why, it's only Mr. Crummels.

Smart.

Don't you believe what I've said?

Tried to go away when we were in London.

Couldn't. You want a hot meal and a good sleep.

And I want no more talk of that kind.

Understand, Spike?

All right. I knew it would be. Come this way, gentlemen.

Wait till you see them in here and the way they're going on it.

Into it. One, two.

Reverse.

One, two.

That's better.

Mr. Vincent Crumbles, this is the young gentleman.

There's a picture the little one has him. If the big one doesn't knock under

in three seconds, he's a dead man.

Bravo, boys.

Bravo. That'll be a double encore.

What do you think of that, sir? Very good.

Indeed. If only they were a little better match.

Why, that's the essence of the combat, that there should be a foot or two

between them. How else are you going to get up the sympathies of the audience?

I see, I beg your pardon. Ah, the ample pleasures of the table.

Now, gents, draw up and make yourselves comfortable.

I'm glad you thought well of the combat.

We open the ports from today out to tomorrow.

The company are there already.

My son, take your hat off.

My sons and I are on our way to join them.

Where are you bound for? We're making for the coast.

We thought it was nothing ashore. We might get work aboard some ship or

other.

Practised hands as plentiful as oysters? If not a skipper, we'll think you're

worth your salt.

Tell me.

Does no other profession occur to you that a young man of your figure and

address could take up? Can't say it does.

No? Then I'll tell you one.

The stage.

The stage?

The theatrical profession.

I am in it myself.

My wife is in it. My children are in it. I had a dog that lived and died in it.

My puppy.

and my chaise pony goes on in time of the tartar.

I'll bring you out, and your friend too.

Capital countenance for the starved business.

Say the word.

I've never acted a part in my life except at school.

Gentile comedy in your walking manner, juvenile tragedy in your eye, and touch

-and-go farce in your laugh.

Could I live by it?

Live by it like a prince.

By with your salary and your friend, you'd earn a pound a week.

Well, Spike, what do you...

the arms of morpheus and with the run of good houses nearly double the money what

do you say

We find my wife rehearsing, no doubt.

A astonishing woman.

Mrs. Crumbles was the original blood drinker. She had to give it up, though.

Did you disagree with her? Not so much with her as with the audiences.

Ah, what a woman. What a woman!

Mother of six children, three of them alive and all upon the stage.

Extraordinary.

Extraordinary indeed.

time I saw that admirable woman, Nickleby, she stood on her head on the

butt end of a spear surrounded by blazing fireworks.

Such grace, coupled with such dignity, I adored her from that moment.

And yet another blow.

My daughter lost.

Wild beasts beset my path.

Girls, my darling, allow me to introduce Mr. Nicholas Nickleby and his friend.

I'm very glad to meet you, sir.

Act Four, Scene Two, The Mortal Struggle. A most heart-rending piece.

Ah, the infant phenomenon, Miss Ninetta Crumbles, age ten.

She's practicing for a little ballet interlude, The Indian Savage and the

Maiden.

The idol of every place we go into.

How old do you say she was?

She is ten.

Amazing.

Mr. Fuller, Mr. Nickleby. Very happy to know you, sir. How do you do, sir?

Beautiful pirouette, darling.

Talent there, gentlemen.

Did you ever see such a set-up? You mean the infant phenomenon?

The infant humbug, sir. She's only ten after all. Ten?

She's been ten for the last five years at least.

Boy, she's no taller.

Up late every night and kept on a diet of gin and water.

Unlimited. From infancy.

Ladies and gentlemen, we'll call the mortal struggle for tomorrow, Saturday.

On Monday morning, we shall read a new piece. The name is not known yet, but

there'll be good parts for everyone.

Mr. Nickleby, a new performer of genius and learning, will take care of that.

What? But I... On Monday morning at ten, and everybody, please.

Everyone at ten.

Mr. Cromwell, I can't write a play. I'm afraid you misunderstood.

And by Monday morning, my invention isn't equal to it.

Invention? What's that to do with it? You said you could read French, didn't

you? Yes.

There. Turn that into English and put your name on the title page.

What do you say, dear?

We must consider the question of suitable parts.

Quite, quite.

I'll tell you what.

You shall study Romeo when you've done that piece.

Romeo? It'll do very well. And you might get up Rover while you're about it. And

Cassio. And Jeremy Didler.

Ah.

The apothecary for you.

And Pelonius and Tony Lumpkin. Oh.

and bottom the weaver but i doubt if you can easily knock them off one part helps

the other so much it's all their cues of all come along my dear

miss

bright waiting to see you ray

A daughter of the old man, I suppose.

Or is it a sister?

It's Bray?

I hadn't expected anyone so young or so... You've come to clear the debt,

I take it?

No.

I came to ask if you... you and Mr. Gride would give my father another

chance.

Set him free.

Set him free?

My dear child, your father has been arrested.

Nothing can free him now until he has paid both his debts. Surely he must know

the law.

I know nothing of the law.

I only know this imprisonment at his age.

But you're not in the prison itself, surely. You're in the rules.

It's not so bad there.

Bad enough, Mr. Nickleby.

If you would only give me... My dear Miss Bay, I've already told you I can do

nothing. As for Gride, he will tell you precisely the same.

Your father was once a man of wealth.

Before he squandered his money, he should have thought of the consequences.

Now I have some work to do.

Good night.

Good night, my dear.

saying to me, what was his name now? It began with a V and ended with a C, but

whether it was Watkins or... No, it couldn't have been that.

Uncle, I... Ah, my dear.

As you see, we were just talking about you. Kate, my love, you're to die with

your uncle at half past six tomorrow. I'm having a small party of business,

friends. Your mother has promised that you shall keep house for me. I'm sure

you won't mind obliging me.

I shall be very glad to, of course, Uncle, but...

We don't finish work until nine o'clock.

I've already spoken to Madam Mantellini. You may leave early.

Well, of all the thoughts... Come in good time in the hackney coach. I'll pay

for it.

Good night and... God bless you.

My dear, your uncle has taken a strong sense of you. That's quite clear.

Let me see. Your black silk frock will be dressed enough with that pretty

little scarf and a plain band in your hair.

Well, if this is a discounting dinner, Hawk, all I... have to say is devil take

me if it wouldn't be a good plan to get discount every day. You'll have plenty

of it in your time.

Nickleby will tell you that. What do you say, Nickleby? Am I to be a good

customer? It depends in time and law on circumstances.

On your lordship's circumstances.

And here's our hostess wondering why the deuce someone doesn't make love to her.

No, indeed I... There, she can't look me in the face and deny it.

I'll hold any man fifty pounds she can't.

Done. Within two minutes.

Pike, you're the timekeeper.

Please, don't make me the subject of your bets.

Uncle, do ask them not. Why not, my dear, if the gentleman insists.

It's done in a moment.

Oh, I don't insist.

If Miss Nickleby makes the denial, I lose.

But I'd be glad to see those bright eyes of hers.

Especially as they favour the table so much.

So they do.

And it's too bad of you.

How goes the enemy? One minute gone. Bravo.

Won't you make an effort for me, Miss Nickleby? You needn't trouble yourself

to inquire, my buck. She and I understand each other.

Time? Minute and a half gone.

Get the money ready.

I've asked my niece not to leave until I've spoken to her.

Thanks. That's a girl of spirit.

We'll drink her health.

Miss Nickleby, with those bright and beautiful eyes. Miss Nickleby, an

unexpected pleasure.

Your niece, I mean.

Designed to surprise you, Lord Frederick.

Nickleby knows well enough how to please a new client.

Speaking of clients, Mr. Grime, I was honored yesterday by a visit from Bray's

daughter. She merely wants to set the whole course of law in reverse, free her

father without payment of his debt. You're not giving me... She's a young

lady. Yes.

And rather a good-looking one.

You've seen it, Kirby.

The estate is large enough.

But the ready cash is not.

That's the devil of it.

Now, I'm wondering, you mean it's no go?

I never digest my dinner and business at the same time, nor should you. Come to

my office one day. You're a deuced good fellow, Nickleby.

Hawk said you'd come to the rescue. The most knowing card in the pack, I always

call him. Eh, Hawk?

Oh, the devil is he.

Ah, how delightfully studious.

And such eyelashes.

Upon me so, they're perfect.

Now, why did I speak and destroy such a pretty little picture?

Let me go! Oh, no, I want to talk to you.

Let me go!

Let me leave here, please.

Just a moment.

Sit down, my dear.

I advise you, sir, to rejoin the party.

You wanted our young friend, didn't you?

If he'd found his way in here instead of me, you would have been a little blinder

and a little deafer, eh?

Who brought him to you?

Without me, what chance would you have to land him in that net of yours?

It's a large net and rather full.

I shouldn't like anyone to be choked in the meshes.

Now, Kate. I won't stay in this house a moment longer. You must calm yourself,

my dear.

Yes, yes, you shall go. Of course you shall.

What that man said was true. You brought me here for your business.

My dear child, how could I know this would happen?

I sent the fellow off quickly enough. You saw that for yourself.

Think no more of it.

I should say nothing of this to your mother.

After all, it was only an instant.

One thousand.

Many thanks.

Thank you, my lord.

Nickleby's losing by it, take my word.

He wouldn't give those terms to everyone.

I wouldn't.

That niece of yours.

Fiddlish pretty girl.

She is considered so, I believe.

Where did the beauty live, eh?

I should like to have another peep.

I'm sure, my lord, no good would come of your knowing.

Oh, come.

You know you're going to make a fortune out of me. Let me see her again, and

I'll never deal with anyone else.

If you could call back later.

But I had a letter just before Kate left this morning. Or didn't leave, rather.

I found you, Nudge. I told you to show Mrs. Hickleby.

Oh, there you are after all. Kate, my dear.

I'm sure if you had been engaged, you'd have said so in the letter.

And in that case, of course, you wouldn't have written it.

I couldn't quite make out why we had to come, but... Oh?

I beg your pardon?

Allow me to present my sister-in-law. Not the mother of Miss Nickleby. The

delightful creature we met when last we dined here.

No, I can't believe it. The lady is too young for that. But I assure you... Sir

Mulberry Hogg.

Lord, very soft.

A great pleasure.

How do you do?

My lord, Sir Marbury.

Really, I... Now that we've met, ma'am, we must improve on the acquaintance.

I have a private box at the opera.

The opera? If you and your daughter would do me the honour.

It's a new opera on Saturday.

First performance.

Come now, a refusal is out of the quest.

I'll send my carriage for you. You're so very pressing. I scarce do know what

to... Kate, are you here? Yes, ma'am. Of course, we shall be delighted.

Capital. Now we must be off.

Good day, Nickleby. I will see you out.

Eh?

What?

Oh, are we going?

Good day, Miss Nickleby.

Good day, Mrs. Nickleby.

I shall look forward to Saturday.

Two more handsome, delightful gentlemen I never saw.

And titles both of them. What a wicked girl not to tell your mother you'd met

them. I declare you must have had some reason for it.

Please, Mama, must we go to the opera?

Delightful. Quite delightful.

And so different from Shakespeare.

I'm always in love to Shakespeare. It's the most extraordinary thing.

This is the most happy evening for me, my darling.

Suppose we slip out for a little supper together.

Your mother won't miss you.

What do you say?

You're quite pale, my dear. You've gone quite pale.

It's nothing, Mama.

You'll imagine it.

I was thinking the same, Miss Sniff.

Your daughter needs country air.

Now, I've a little place near Windsor. Windsor? A few hundred acres.

Why not let her come down there next weekend?

Accompanied by yourself, of course.

Lord Frederick will be there, too.

Oh, well, really, this is too kind.

Isn't it, Kate?

Just think of it. Hundreds of acres.

It'll do you all the good in the world, won't it, Lord Frederick?

She's more of a come-hider, isn't she, Margot?

Well, you've quite taken her just now, isn't she?

It reminds me of the day you caught that very cold, the very lady you had gently

called whose father and mother married an archbishop. Oh, were they married by

one? I'm sure you must mean...

for sorrow will not show his head.

Go hence to have more talk of these sad things.

Some shall be pardoned, and some punished.

For never was a story of more...

start, love, will you be a dear?

Now, I've another novelty. What's that, the performing pony?

Oh, no, we never come to the podium until everything else has failed.

A bespeak, my boy.

A benefit night, in your honour.

Excuse me, this just came on the London coach.

Newman Mark.

Is it bad news?

No wish to alarm you, but your uncle being the man he is, and his friends the

men they are, events may soon occur which would put your sister in sore need

of protection.

I hope you'll forgive me. I shall have to leave the company.

Leave? At the height of your success?

Nonsense. I just heard from London.

Oh, a superior offer.

I'll double it. It's nothing of that kind. My sister needs me.

Oh, short of money, I suppose, and the mortgage threatening.

How often I've played in that situation.

My boy, after you'll bespeak, you'll be able to send her every penny she needs.

More than that. You're very kind, Mr. Crummles, but you don't understand.

It's not really a question of money.

Family affection.

Advice from a brother on an affair of the heart. You must write her, my boy.

I'll help you with the letter myself. You'd better read this.

What? You can see how serious it is.

Seems I'm ungrateful of me.

If there was anything else I could do... You must go.

You must go at once.

There's not a moment to lose.

What drama!

What drama!

If I could take the morning coach... Yes, yes, by all means.

Attention, everyone!

Attention, everyone!

Mike, you'll be safe here with Mr. Crummles, won't you?

I want to go with you.

I'm afraid you can't do that.

I'll send for you immediately things are more settled.

We shall see him off first thing tomorrow, the entire company.

Costumes from the funeral scene, ways and means, act three.

Everyone much affected.

And the infant phenomenon to present a bouquet.

Afterward, the full rehearsal for the entire company.

Romeo and Juliet?

No, no, we have no Romeo.

If you have tears, forbear to shed them now.

Save them for the departure. Mr. Crumbles, a great personal sacrifice.

My Romeo was notorious. I can well believe it. It'll take more than that to

save the day.

Off you go, my boy, and make ready. And remember, our good wishes go with you

every inch of the way. Thank you, sir, for all the goodness you've shown to

Smike and me.

I know you'll look after him.

Thank you, everyone, for all your help and your kindness.

I shall never forget you.

Adieu. Goodbye. We'll see you off tomorrow.

Born for the lamps, too.

Grudden, call the pony for tomorrow.

Yes.

little silly shows of faces.

Come, let's give her the first blast in the new Meg.

Little Kate Nickleby.

Kate Nickleby.

Just a minute.

Well, little Jane, she's a worthy imitation of her Uncle Ralph.

Hangs back to be the more sort of.

That's to increase the interest.

Will you come outside for a moment?

On this soul, a mysterious stranger.

Name your business here or nowhere.

The lady you named is my sister. My business, you'll guess.

I must say, Hook, I still think you should have accepted the fellow's

challenge. And I still think otherwise.

He wasn't in his rights, you know. I'm not interested in one way or the other.

What the devil?

You can answer what you said.

To you? No.

You call yourself a gentleman.

Oh, go to the juice.

Let go of her head. You better not.

Let her go, I tell you.

Get off.

Not till you...

Bless my soul.

Kate, I must... I

went away on one condition,

that you would care for my mother and Kate.

I left them to you, and this is how you treat them. Young girls like to imagine

things.

Kate is no exception.

Kate imagined nothing. She told me nothing of her trouble. Your loose

-tongued friends made it clear enough.

You broke your promise, and one day you'll pay for it.

I see.

An IOU of some kind.

Due on some indefinite date. You can sneer if you want to. I may be young. I

may have no money and no experience.

But I know the difference between good and evil. And I know how people of your

type come to an end.

From the very first, you took advantage of our helplessness.

I should have known better than to trust your second... I've heard enough!

Ask your mother and sister from now on you can careful. I fully intend to.

You'll never make use of my sister again for your business schemes.

They will have to leave the home I provided. They've already left it. They

never want to see it again.

Or you.

I'll tell Mr. Nickleby.

Some of those things you said oughtn't to have said them.

But they was good to hear.

It's easy enough to talk.

I have to make good my words.

Miss Bray's here.

Who?

Miss Bray? You in or out? You didn't tell me. Perhaps you don't want to see

anybody.

Well, my dear?

I had to come, Mr. Nickleby.

It's my father's health.

For some time now, he's not been very strong.

Yesterday, he had an attack.

The doctor always told him to be careful of his heart.

Dear me.

If this imprisonment has to go on, I don't know what might happen.

You'd always beg me to cancel the debt, to say nothing of Greide.

Oh, no.

If you could see your way to... Reduce the interest, I suppose.

Yes.

Father can earn nothing.

And the little I manage to make is barely enough to keep us in the rules,

out of the prison itself.

After paying the interest to you and Mr. Greide, what chance have we to pay off

the debts?

How could we ever be free?

Child, child, you must not distress yourself.

You'd do a great deal to free your father, wouldn't you?

Yes.

Perhaps something can be managed.

Something even more practical than a reduction in the interest.

I shall come in tomorrow or the day after.

It's very kind of you. Thank you.

Have a word or two with your father.

And then, of course, we shall have to see Mr. Grimes.

How much?

I thought two pounds a week.

Is that asking for so very much?

Might as well ask for the moon.

Good morning, sir. Good morning.

I'll wait till you've finished with the young gentleman.

What's this one? Under tuition.

Knowledge of French required.

Dancing master.

Now, sir.

Just a moment, young man.

Am I to understand you are seeking employment?

If I can find it, sir. And you speak French? Fairly well, sir.

Education. A great thing.

I ain't never had any.

Come along with me.

But I... Now, turn another way.

I saw from the Times that you were in London again.

Very little is the clock, sir.

What do you think of Wackford Junior?

As a specimen of do the boys all feed him?

I brought him up to show parents and guardians.

He has flesh.

He has firmness.

Look at them tears, sir.

There's oil in this.

Yeah, he looks well indeed.

And are you quite recovered from that young scoundrel's attack?

I've only just done it, sir. I was one blessed bruise from here to there.

Been eating a brown paper from morning till night.

You might have thought I was a big brown paper parcel, chock full of nothing else

but groans.

It's like a word with you.

Wexford, run and buy yourself a tart.

Pastry makes their flesh shine.

Parents like it.

Now, sir.

I suppose you're not adult enough to forgive or forget.

The file won't stunt you by that nephew of mine.

Devil a bit.

Or to lose an opportunity of repaying him.

Show me one.

Where is he? I know where he is. We shan't lose track of him.

Tell me, who was this boy he took with him? Was he young or old?

He might have been nigh twenty.

And was just beginning to be useful about the place.

I had hopes of him. He'd know me a bit in the village.

Perhaps he will yet.

My nephew will find it harder than he thinks to get the better of me.

Mother! Kate! What in the world? What's happened? Everything's happened.

Everything's settled. Did you speak to your uncle? Yes.

But never mind about that.

Don't you want to hear my news? I only wish we could. I went to the agency.

Lo and behold, there he was.

Who was?

Mr. Cherrible. The chubbiest, tubbiest, most wonderful old gentleman you've ever

seen. I never have seen him. I'll show him to you.

White cravat.

Double chin.

Very poor clip.

Young man.

You are looking for work, are you not?

And you speak French, do you not?

But how did you know that? Not another word, young man. Follow me.

And off we go. Into the city, down Fednegal Street, off to the left, off to

the right, and up to an office door.

Open the door.

And what do you think's inside?

Another Mr. Cherubel. White cravat, double chin, very portly.

Twins! As you say, madam.

And the first Mr. Cherubel says to the second Mr. Cherubel, Brother Ned?

He's just the young gentleman we've been looking for. And he even speaks French,

Brother Ned. Oh, but what has that got to do with it? Silk and porters do half

their business with France.

Young man, we offer you the vacant stool in our counting house at a salary of

£120 a year.

£120? Just to start with, of course.

And as they're looking for somewhere to live, Brother Charles, why can't they

have the little cottage at Bow?

Cottage? Oh, you're home again. Bow is the sweetest little village.

What is it, Smyke?

Are you sure they'll want me? Of course they will. This is your home now.

I'm sure I heard her happy.

Here we are, Mother.

This is Smyke, just back from Portsmouth.

Any friend of Nicholas is more than welcome.

And this is my sister, Kate.

I've heard so much about you. We are only just sitting in.

So I hope you'll forgive us if there's not much in the house, I mean.

Well, now, Nicholas, much as you'd like me to stand here talking, I've so much

to do. Then we mustn't keep your mother. So like your dear papa.

Never able to keep his thoughts on one subject for two minutes together.

Now, what was I saying?

Oh, yes, clouds through Mrs. Lamond's room.

You know, a five-second morning like this always puts me in my diversity.

I'll wager no one dragged you so far out of the city this last ten years.

Oh, I've got it wrong.

Well, now do come inside.

We were strolling by this way and we thought we'd call to see if you were

settling in comfortably.

Of course, in Devonshire, the earrings always used to fall in one's tea on

Sunday evenings.

Cutting a world out of me.

Let me help you.

There. Oh?

Very kind of you. I want to get to the kitchen.

Oh, but I haven't introduced them.

Isn't there some work you can put me to?

Please come in and sit down. No, no, Miss Nittleby. I insist on helping.

Now, what can I do?

Well... If we could put the books away. Oh, that doesn't sound very arduous.

I'm a very good furniture mover, you know. And as for hanging pictures, well,

I... Oh, no. I must dust them first.

Oh, forgive my ignorance.

In my bookshelves, they only get dusted if they're taken out.

So the dry and dusty authors get dusted still, I suppose.

Naturally. It's a very good system.

You can tell at a glance what's worth reading and what isn't.

Oh, Miss Lockreavy did that.

It can't be you, surely.

It is?

I should never have guessed it were it not for the brooch.

She's no flatterer, this Miss La... Creavy.

Better not let her hear you, okay?

Nicholas! Mr.

Lavenderwater's found out how to light the boiler. Isn't it the cleverest

thing? Why, Mr. Terrible, that's Kate's miniature you have there.

Isn't it a most delightful likeness? This is Miss La Creavy.

I was just admiring your work.

Especially the brooch.

Quite the sweetest portrait I've ever done.

Now come, everyone.

It's homemade cordial.

At least I think it is.

Well, did you collect the money?

I couldn't.

His lordship wasn't in.

At this hour?

Wasn't Hawke there?

Gone abroad?

I'll do it.

Had to run for it.

After the duel.

What are you babbling about, man? What duel?

What story is this that you've been fobbed off with? No story.

They had an argument, him and Lord Beresoft, about Hawke's accident.

Accident? Attempted murder?

Go on.

Go on!

His lordship said Hawke was to blame.

Well, they'd been drinking and tempers ran high, so they fought it out.

Pistols. His lordship lost.

You mean to tell me that he's... Dead as a doornail.

That's why he wasn't in.

Dead.

Your nephew's lost an enemy, and you've lost 6,000 pounds. That's enough!

Buried him at Twickenham.

Are you at home?

No!

News, Mr. Nickleby.

Watford's done it, he has. I've seen him, didn't I, Father?

You did, my boy. And you shall have the best button-over jacket the new boys

bring down as a reward.

And another thing.

I've found the very man for you.

You might remember Mr. Snorley.

He's done it.

His capital B's and D's are exactly like mine.

And not a figure scratched out.

There ain't such a young man in all London.

Well said, Tim. I was certain our young friend would succeed in no time.

Didn't I say so, Brother John? Brother Ned, you did.

Come into our room, Mr. Nickleby.

Just look at those B's and D's, Mr. Ned. I've only to look at your face, my dear

fellow. They're written there as plain as on the ledger.

We have to go to the continent.

So for the next month or two, Frank will be in charge here.

He will have much to occupy him. So we want you to take off his hands a little

matter he's been attending to. It concerns a father and child. They're in

financial distress, Mr. Nickleby.

The mother was an old friend of ours.

She's been dead now some years.

We're anxious to help for her sake and the girls.

But if her father knew, he'd make her life a misery. Yes, Brother John. He

always resented our friendship with the mother. In fact, he seems to resent

everything. So we're doing what we can without his knowledge.

The child has some artistic talent, and we have become dealers in the fine arts.

Excuse

me,

sir. I'm looking for Mr. Bray's lodging.

Next landing.

Thank you.

Lodging, see?

Yes,

with a turnkey for the landlord.

Sure, Miss Bray.

I never thought we'd meet again.

I didn't even know your name, where to find you.

It seemed too much to hope for a third time.

You were so kind that day.

I had no chance to thank you.

Who is it, Madeleine? What do they want?

I'm from your friends, the Gerables, the dealers.

I should be coming in future.

Miss Bray, many times since I've... Madeleine!

Madeleine!

Yes, Father?

Please come in.

You may remember this gentleman, Father.

He helped us the day we left home.

Never mind that. What's his business here? I've called about the pair of hand

screens. My employers ask you to proceed with them.

And I'm to pay for the two drawings.

With many thanks.

I see the money's right, Madeline. Open it, my dear.

It's quite right, Father, I'm sure.

Sure?

How can you be sure?

Five pounds.

Well, is that right?

Yes. Well, get a change.

Get me a newspaper. Buy me some grapes.

There'll be other things, but you can go out again later.

What are you waiting for?

A receipt?

No, sir.

There's no need for that.

No need? What do you mean?

Do you think you bring your paltry money here as a gift? Is that it?

Father. Give him a receipt.

Just because you can't appreciate the time and taste bestowed on the goods you

deal in?

I suppose you think you'll give your money away.

Good day, sir.

Thank you.

The way my father spoke to you, he's been very ill.

He's worse than usual, isn't he? I've forgotten it already.

Thank you. Miss Bray.

Miss Bray.

I'm not very good at disguising my feelings.

My interest isn't confined to my mission here.

If there's anything I can do for you at any time, I want you to know you've only

to call on me.

I still don't understand it.

Wealth, Nick, will become a charitable institution.

Now, now. What's that to you?

You're getting the money Bray owes you, paid in full. That's more than you ever

expected. And more than Bray or his daughter expected either, I warrant.

His daughter!

Of course!

Good-looking as well as optimistic, eh?

Does Bray suspect your intentions?

Should do.

I've asked his daughter's hand in marriage.

Marriage?

Oh, so that's the story, is it?

Somebody to grace your table, eh?

One who can't run away like your little niece did when the clients stopped their

wages.

Marriage for business as well as pleasure, eh?

Good day, Mr. Gride.

Ah, Miss Bray.

Or may I now presume to call you Madeline? Going out, my dear?

I was, for my father. Do then.

I trust I'll have time enough to enjoy your society.

The more congenial surroundings.

Well, Bray.

I've come for my answer.

The girl may hear you. She's gone out.

Besides, if she hadn't, what would it matter?

You've had time enough to give her a hint of your wishes.

A hint?

Do you think I have to hint to my own daughter?

I was about to add that a hint from you is doubtless the equivalent of a

command.

Do I take it as settled, then?

I don't know.

It seems a cruel thing.

Cruel? To make a good marriage.

My hundreds do it every year.

The girl might fancy a younger man, I suppose.

She'd like to fall in love.

Can't she see what this means to you?

You're a new man, brave, but you're not too ill to recover.

If only you had your freedom.

Gaiety is your element. France, the money to support you there in luxury.

And what's the reverse side of the picture?

A pauper's grave out there. She understands that well enough. Then she

understands her plain duty.

I thought you'd never be home. Oh, my dear, I'm so glad you've come. I really

didn't know what to do for the best. It was early this afternoon. I wasn't in,

and Mama couldn't stop them. Stop who? What's happened?

Smike's gone.

Gone? What do you mean? Taken away. Two men came. That schoolmaster was one of

them. Square?

No, Mr.

Snowley. The other one said his name. What? The most unpleasant man.

He said he was Smike's father.

He had a birth certificate to prove it in letters, too.

He's going to hand him back to Mr.

Square. Poor soul.

He was just planting the window box there. And the look on his face, I'll

never forget it. Not Mr. Snorley's face, I don't mean. But perhaps now I should

call him young Mr. Snorley, being the son of that... No, no, not. What kind of

a father to send him back to Squares? You should have stopped... But they were

so violent.

Who's that?

Mr. Noggs.

I've come to warn you about the boy.

He's gone already. He's gone. He isn't halfway to Hampshire by now. I mean

Yorkshire.

But there's no coach till tomorrow.

The Samson's hit.

I've never thrashed a boy in a coach before.

There's inconvenience in it, but the novelty gives it a sort of relish, too.

Not feeling quite so bobbish, are you now?

Let's go home.

You'll be home very soon, you will, in the peaceful village of Do-the-Boys.

Your mother wouldn't fit to jump out of her skin, Wackford, when she hears about

this. I caught hold of his leg when you pulled him in, didn't I?

Like a good'un.

You always do as your father does, and when you die, you'll go right slap to

heaven with no questions asked. What a gal.

What a delicious gal.

I'll teach her to start running off.

to come back with me is? I thrashed you once.

If that's not enough... Come,

Spike. I'll help you.

You haven't heard the last of this.

No kidnapping boys, would you?

Heaven bless me.

Poor boy.

It seems impossible.

Why? What is it?

All those years back.

Poor boy.

Now come, Smyke. I'm not hungry.

But you must eat.

To build up your strength.

Nicholas will be angry with you.

And I shall be angry, too.

You won't be angry.

Yes, I shall.

Now are you going to finish it for me?

Come in, come in.

Supposedly, anybody?

Nicholas, my dear. Oh, why, you're not with him. He's not with you, I mean. He

had to stay behind to see someone. A message came this afternoon. Then that

explains everything, I suppose.

Well, this is a pleasure.

Kate's in the garden, Mr. Terrible. Why don't you go out there and tell her

you're in here?

That is, I mean, well... You see, you can, if you make up your mind to it.

Only because you made me. Is there anything else you'd like?

Then I'll go in.

Oh, it's you. I couldn't knock at this bedroom door.

Better, I hope?

Yes, thank you. Good.

Then you'd forgive me if I steal her away from you.

Tell me, Miss Littleby, do you believe that history repeats itself?

Why do you ask that? I was thinking of the last family that lived in this

cottage. They were a mother, son, and daughter, too.

I only hope that life here will be as kind to you and your family as it was to

them. It has been kind already.

It's brought us new friends, your uncles, Mr. Lincoln Water, and you.

But what happened to the other family?

Do tell me. Well, the mother lived here to a ripe old age, the son made a career

in the city, and the daughter met a young man and married him.

She always said that this cottage brought her a lifetime of happiness.

You seem to have known her quite well. She was my mother.

I think that history does repeat itself sometimes.

Don't you?

Kate?

Five years old, eh? When the schoolmaster first took him in. And the

man that brought him wasn't his father.

Yes, it all fits.

What does?

Date, facts, everything.

Answer him if you can, Mr. Ralph Nickleby.

Smyke. Uncle Ralph?

You mean there's some connection?

Do I? Perhaps I do. Well, we shall soon know.

I'll have a free hand tomorrow.

He hasn't asked you to the wedding, has he?

Wedding? Who?

Didn't you know?

Your uncle.

Getting married. Twenty years since his wife died, now he suddenly decides to

take another.

Married? Uncle Ralph?

You're doing in one way, you know. You stopped him using your sister as a bait

for his business. If he marries Miss Bray, he's got her for good.

Not Miss Bray who lives in Southwark.

In the rules of the prison.

That's the one.

But she couldn't. She can't know what he is.

She knows.

But old Bray's deep in debt. And even my generous employer couldn't leave his

father-in-law on the king's bench.

You? I heard of your marriage.

I came to beg you to reconsider it.

You don't understand.

I understand everything.

I know what you're doing.

But I know my uncle, too. No one better.

Your uncle? If all he's done to his own family isn't enough, to my mother and

sister, to me, you can't marry him.

You don't know what it would mean. My father's dying in this place.

I must get him out of it.

I won't disguise it.

I've been through great unhappiness.

If you'd only wait just a week or two.

My employers are abroad.

They're expected back soon. I'm sure if they knew, they'd... No.

No, I've taken so much from them.

Besides, if I were to disappoint Father now...

You haven't seen him as I have, growing weaker every day.

He's better already at the thought of it.

I won't put it on, even for an hour. He's playing on your feelings.

I'm his daughter.

I'm not unhappy now.

I'm happy at all I can achieve for him so easily. How can you be happy? How can

you ever be? Miss Bray.

Madeline, I've no right to interfere. I know that.

But from the first moment I saw you at the agency, I've held you in the deepest

regard.

And since then, I've come to... No, I beg of you. I'm not here because of

that, believe me. It's not many thought of my own feelings.

I don't presume to imagine you've even spared me a thought.

Why should you?

I have many.

You must go.

What are you doing here? I'm here to save Miss Bray, if I can, from you. It's

no business of yours.

You'd better go while you can save your skin.

If you were a younger man... Please!

I'm ready to come.

No, I won't let you. I must. I must.

Come.

Kate, speak to her.

If there's anything I can say to beg you to listen to my brother.

The girl, too.

The whole parcel of them.

I advise you to leave here, my lady.

I can use force with your brother.

You can use force with me.

I've no doubt you'd like to.

Will you go?

No, I'll not go.

From the moment we came to London, you thought you could do as you liked with

us. Your ma trusted you. We all did.

We found you out now, and we're free of your charity.

I'm not afraid of you. If you won't get out, I'll have you turned out, the pair

of you.

Where's Bray?

No, let me... Bray!

Bray!

If you don't want that daughter of yours to change her mind... Are you there?

Write down this letter.

To Mr. Squeers, the Saracen's head, Snow Hill.

I have decided to finance any

legal action you may care to take against my nephew.

He isn't there.

Who isn't? Mr. Squeers.

He's at Bow Street Police Station.

You're lying. Oh, no, I'm not. And Mr. Squeers hasn't been lying either. Mr.

Squeers has confessed to conspiracy with regard to a birth certificate and

certain letters purporting to prove that a Mr. Snorley was the father. I don't

know what you're talking about. Don't you? Mr.

Squeers says otherwise.

So does Mr.

Snorley. So do the police. Hold your tongue, you treacherous speaking. I've

held my tongue for 15 years.

Stood by helpless while you ruined many another's once you ruined me.

You ruined yourself.

You'd sell your soul if you had one for a nip of gin.

I wouldn't sell my own flesh and blood.

And it's not only little Kate I'm thinking of.

I've seen the boy, Smyke, the living image of his mother, of your wife.

Your wife?

Didn't know I knew that, did you, that you had a son?

Your wife died, but the child lived, and you had to keep his birth a secret or

the money would have gone to him. You put him out with a poor family, didn't

you, to bring up as their own. You paid them well for it, haven't you, ever

since. Well, they didn't keep the boy.

It isn't true.

They put him to school in Yorkshire.

They put him into the boys' hall.

They cheated me.

Yes.

They cheated you.

Just as you've cheated hundreds of others.

I'm a guffer for this.

And I'll deal with you too.

Will you?

Will you?

I've waited all these years for a chance to settle our account.

And now at last it's come.

The police have been here.

And I've told them everything.

There'll be another charge against you now. Depriving your own son of his

birthright. Robbing him of a fortune.

They'll transport you for that, you know.

They'll confiscate every penny you've got.

You can't escape now.

It doesn't matter where you go.

Off to see your lawyer, is that it? See if he can help you. Or are you going to

bring the boy home?

Own him as your own son. Give him back the money. No use, no good. Nothing can

help you now, money or lawyers.

It doesn't matter where...

What did the doctor say?

I bought you for that.

And let us try to remember always the beautiful words of the marriage service

we have just heard.

For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, the love and the cherish

in death must be. Well, of course, I didn't have three bridegrooms.

Not that I was ever short of suitors. I must have had a dozen at least. Let me

see. There was young Lukey, Mowgli, Tipslock. He was hung afterwards.

Then there was Cadbury.

Smith, sir? The young gentleman who went to the same dancing school?

Oh, and my poor dear husband.