 of mind (expressed, when she had become too resigned for
speech, by nods of the head, upliftings of the eyes, and little beginnings of
groans, converted as they attracted attention into short coughs), Mrs. Nickleby
remained until Nicholas and Kate returned with the object of their solicitude;
when, having by this time asserted her own importance, and becoming besides
interested in the trials of one so young and beautiful, she not only displayed
the utmost zeal and solicitude, but took great credit to herself for
recommending the course of procedure which her son had adopted: frequently
declaring, with an expressive look, that it was very fortunate things were as
they were: and hinting, that but for great encouragement and wisdom on her own
part, they never could have been brought to that pass.
    Not to strain the question whether Mrs. Nickleby had or had not any great
hand in bringing matters about, it is unquestionable that she had strong ground
for exultation. The brothers, on their return, bestowed such commendations on
Nicholas for the part he had taken, and evinced so much joy at the altered state
of events and the recovery of their young friend from trials so great and
dangers so threatening, that, as she more than once informed her daughter, she
now considered the fortunes of the family as good as made. Mr. Charles
Cheeryble, indeed, Mrs. Nickleby positively asserted, had, in the first
transports of his surprise and delight as good as said so. Without precisely
explaining what this qualification meant, she subsided, whenever she mentioned
the subject, into such a mysterious and important state, and had such visions of
wealth and dignity in perspective, that (vague and clouded though they were) she
was, at such times, almost as happy as if she had really been permanently
provided for, on a scale of great splendour.
    The sudden and terrible shock she had received, combined with the great
affliction and anxiety of mind which she had for a long time endured, proved too
much for Madeline's strength. Recovering from the state of stupefaction into
which the sudden death of her father happily plunged her, she only exchanged
that condition for one of dangerous and active illness. When the delicate
physical powers which have been sustained by an unnatural strain upon the mental
energies and a resolute determination not to yield, at last give way, their
degree of prostration is usually proportionate to the strength of the effort
which has previously upheld them. Thus it was that the illness which fell on
Madeline was of no slight or temporary nature, but one which, for a time,
