Nicholas, overjoyed at his success, shook his uncle's hand warmly, and could have worshipped Squeers upon the spot.
"He is an odd-looking man," thought Nicholas. "What of that? Porson was an odd-looking man, and so was Doctor Johnson; all these bookworms are."
"At eight o'clock to-morrow morning, Mr. Nickleby," said Squeers, "the coach starts. You must be here at a quarter before, as we take these boys with us."
"Certainly, Sir," said Nicholas.
"And your fare down, I have paid," growled Ralph. "So you'll have nothing to do but keep yourself warm."
Here was another instance of his uncle's generosity. Nicholas felt his unexpected kindness so much, that he could scarcely find words to thank him; indeed, he had not found half enough, when they took leave of the schoolmaster and emerged from the Saracen's Head gateway.
"I shall be here in the morning to see you fairly off," said Ralph. "No skulking!"
"Thank you, Sir," replied Nicholas; "I never shall forget this kindness."
"Take care you don't," replied his uncle. "You had better go home now, and pack up what you have got to pack. Do you think you could find your way to Golden Square first?"
"Certainly," said Nicholas, "I can easily inquire."
"Leave these papers with my clerk, then," said Ralph, producing a small parcel, "and tell him to wait till I come home."
Nicholas cheerfully undertook the errand, and bidding his worthy uncle an affectionate farewell, which that warm-hearted old gentleman acknowledged by a growl, hastened away to execute his commission.
He found Golden Square in due course; and Mr. Noggs, who had stepped out for a minute or so to the public-house, was opening the door with a latch-key as he reached the steps.
"What's that?" inquired Noggs, pointing to the parcel.
"Papers from my uncle," replied Nicholas; "and you're to have the goodness to wait till he comes home, if you please."
"Uncle!" cried Noggs.
"Mr. Nickleby," said Nicholas in explanation.
"Come in," said Newman.
Without another word he led Nicholas into the passage, and thence into the official pantry at the end of it, where he thrust him into a chair, and mounting upon his high stool, sat with his arms hanging straight down by his sides, gazing fixedly upon him as from a tower of observation.
"There is no answer," said Nicholas, laying the parcel on a table beside him.
Newman said nothing, but folding his arms, and thrusting his head forward so as to obtain a nearer view of Nicholas's face, scanned his features closely.
