unhappiness her young friend could possibly have had.

'I can't think of anything,' said the little portrait painter. 'Nothing
at all, unless it was the behaviour of that old bear. Cross to her, I
suppose? Unpleasant brute!'

Relieved by this expression of opinion, albeit it was vented upon empty
air, Miss La Creevy trotted on to Madame Mantalini's; and being informed
that the governing power was not yet out of bed, requested an interview
with the second in command; whereupon Miss Knag appeared.

'So far as I am concerned,' said Miss Knag, when the message had been
delivered, with many ornaments of speech; 'I could spare Miss Nickleby
for evermore.'

'Oh, indeed, ma'am!' rejoined Miss La Creevy, highly offended. 'But,
you see, you are not mistress of the business, and therefore it's of no
great consequence.'

'Very good, ma'am,' said Miss Knag. 'Have you any further commands for
me?'

'No, I have not, ma'am,' rejoined Miss La Creevy.

'Then good-morning, ma'am,' said Miss Knag.

'Good-morning to you, ma'am; and many obligations for your extreme
politeness and good breeding,' rejoined Miss La Creevy.

Thus terminating the interview, during which both ladies had trembled