delightful village of Dotheboys, near Greta Bridge in Yorkshire,
where youth are boarded, clothed, booked, washed, furnished with
pocket-money--'

'Yes, we know all about that, sir,' interrupted Ralph, testily. 'It's in
the advertisement.'

'You are very right, sir; it IS in the advertisement,' replied Squeers.

'And in the matter of fact besides,' interrupted Mr Snawley. 'I feel
bound to assure you, sir, and I am proud to have this opportunity OF
assuring you, that I consider Mr Squeers a gentleman highly virtuous,
exemplary, well conducted, and--'

'I make no doubt of it, sir,' interrupted Ralph, checking the torrent of
recommendation; 'no doubt of it at all. Suppose we come to business?'

'With all my heart, sir,' rejoined Squeers. '"Never postpone business,"
is the very first lesson we instil into our commercial pupils. Master
Belling, my dear, always remember that; do you hear?'

'Yes, sir,' repeated Master Belling.

'He recollects what it is, does he?' said Ralph.

'Tell the gentleman,' said Squeers.

'"Never,"' repeated Master Belling.

'Very good,' said Squeers; 'go on.'