`It must be; it can't be a yard less,' said Mrs :Nickleby. `All down Newgate Street, all down Cheapside, all up Lombard Street, down Gracechurch Street, and along Thames Street, as far as Spigwiffin's Wharf. Oh! It's a mile.'
`Yes, on second thoughts I should say it was,' replied Sir Mulberry.
`But you don't surely mean to walk all the way back?'
`Oh, no,' rejoined Mrs Nickleby. `I shall go back in an omnibus. I didn't travel about in omnibuses, when my poor dear Nicholas was alive, brother-in-law.
But as it is, you know--'
`Yes, yes,' replied Ralph impatiently, `and you had better get back before dark.'
`Thank you, brother-in-law, so I had,' returned Mrs Nickleby. `I think I had better say goodbye, at once.'
`Not stop and -- rest?' said Ralph, who seldom offered refreshments unless something was to be got by it.
`Oh dear me no,' returned Mrs Nickleby, glancing at the dial.
`Lord Frederick,' said Sir Mulberry, `we are going Mrs Nickleby's way.
We'll see her safe to the omnibus?'
`By all means. Ye-es.'
`Oh! I really couldn't think of it!' said Mrs Nickleby.
But Sir Mulberry Hawk and Lord Verisopht were peremptory in their politeness, and leaving Ralph, who seemed to think, not unwisely, that he looked less ridiculous as a mere spectator, than he would have done if he had taken any part in these proceedings, they quitted the house with Mrs Nickleby between them; that good lady in a perfect ecstasy of satisfaction, no less with the attentions shown her by two titled gentlemen, than with the conviction that Kate might now pick and choose, at least between two large fortunes, and most unexceptionable husbands.
As she was carried away for the moment by an irresistible train of thought, all connected with her daughter's future greatness, Sir Mulberry Hawk and his friend exchanged glances over the top of the bonnet which the poor lady so much regretted not having left at home, and proceeded to dilate with great rapture, but much respect on the manifold perfections of Miss Nickleby.
`What a delight, what a comfort, what a happiness, this amiable creature must be to you,' said Sir Mulberry, throwing into his voice an indication of the warmest feeling.
`She is indeed, sir,' replied Mrs Nickleby; `she is the sweetest-tempered, kindest-hearted creature -- and so clever!'
`She looks clayver,' said Lord Verisopht, with the air of a judge of cleverness.