
the Grimbles, and connected with them in marriage; so you see it's not so very
unlikely, after all.«
    Having put down Nicholas in this triumphant manner, Mrs. Nickleby was
suddenly seized with a forgetfulness of Smike's real name, and an irresistible
tendency to call him Mr. Slammons; which circumstance she attributed to the
remarkable similarity of the two names in point of sound, both beginning with an
S, and moreover being spelt with an M. But whatever doubt there might be on this
point, there was none as to his being a most excellent listener; which
circumstance had considerable influence in placing them on the very best terms,
and in inducing Mrs. Nickleby to express the highest opinion of his general
deportment and disposition.
    Thus, the little circle remained, on the most amicable and agreeable
footing, until the Monday morning, when Nicholas withdrew himself from it for a
short time, seriously to reflect upon the state of his affairs, and to
determine, if he could, upon some course of life which would enable him to
support those who were so entirely dependent upon his exertions.
    Mr. Crummles occurred to him more than once; but although Kate was
acquainted with the whole history of his connection with that gentleman, his
mother was not; and he foresaw a thousand fretful objections, on her part, to
his seeking a livelihood upon the stage. There were graver reasons, too, against
his returning to that mode of life. Independently of those arising out of its
spare and precarious earnings, and his own internal conviction that he could
never hope to aspire to any great distinction, even as a provincial actor, how
could he carry his sister from town to town, and place to place, and debar her
from any other associates than those with whom he would be compelled, almost
without distinction, to mingle? »It won't do,« said Nicholas, shaking his head;
»I must try something else.«
    It was much easier to make this resolution than to carry it into effect.
With no greater experience of the world than he had acquired for himself in his
short trials; with a sufficient share of headlong rashness and precipitation
(qualities not altogether unnatural at his time of life); with a very slender
stock of money, and a still more scanty stock of friends; what could he do?
»Egad!« said Nicholas, »I'll try that Register Office again.«
    He smiled at himself as he walked away, with a quick step; for, an instant
before, he had been internally blaming
