 in
the air and a newspaper in his hand.
    Madame Mantalini led the way down a flight of stairs, and through a passage,
to a large room at the back of the premises where were a number of young women
employed in sewing, cutting out, making up, altering, and various other
processes known only to those who are cunning in the arts of millinery and
dress-making. It was a close room with a sky-light, and as dull and quiet as a
room need be.
    On Madame Mantalini calling aloud for Miss Knag, a short, bustling,
over-dressed female, full of importance, presented herself, and all the young
ladies suspending their operations for the moment, whispered to each other
sundry criticisms upon the make and texture of Miss Nickleby's dress, her
complexion, cast of features, and personal appearance, with as much
good-breeding as could have been displayed by the very best society in a crowded
ball-room.
    »Oh, Miss Knag,« said Madame Mantalini, »this is the young person I spoke to
you about.«
    Miss Knag bestowed a reverential smile upon Madame Mantalini, which she
dexterously transformed into a gracious one for Kate, and said that certainly,
although it was a great deal of trouble to have young people who were wholly
unused to the business, still, she was sure the young person would try to do her
best - impressed with which conviction she (Miss Knag) felt an interest in her,
already.
    »I think that, for the present at all events, it will be better for Miss
Nickleby to come into the show-room with you, and try things on for people,«
said Madame Mantalini. »She will not be able for the present to be of much use
in any other way; and her appearance will -«
    »Suit very well with mine, Madame Mantalini,« interrupted Miss Knag. »So it
will; and to be sure I might have known that you would not be long in finding
that out; for you have so much taste in all those matters, that really, as I
often say, to the young ladies, I do not know how, when, or where, you possibly
could have acquired all you know - hem - Miss Nickleby and I are quite a pair,
Madame Mantalini, only I am a little darker than Miss Nickleby, and - hem - I
think my foot may be a little smaller. Miss Nickleby, I am sure, will not be
offended at my saying that, when she hears that our family always
