`For the parents of a boy named Dorker, who unfortunately --'
`-- Unfortunately died at Dotheboys Hall,' said Ralph, finishing the sentence.
`I remember very well, sir,' rejoined Squeers. `Ah! Mrs Squeers, sir, was as partial to that lad as if he had been her own; the attention, sir, that was bestowed upon that boy in his illness! Dry toast and warm tea offered him every night and morning when he couldn't swallow anything -- a candle in his bedroom on the very night he died -- the best dictionary sent up for him to lay his head upon -- I don't regret it though. It is a pleasant thing to reflect that one did one's duty by him.'
Ralph smiled, as if he meant anything but smiling, and looked round at the strangers present.
`These are only some pupils of mine,' said Wackford Squeers, pointing to the little boy on the trunk and the two little boys on the floor, who had been staring at each other without uttering a word, and writhing their bodies into most remarkable contortions, according to the custom of little boys when they first become acquainted. `This gentleman, sir, is a parent who is kind enough to compliment me upon the course of education adopted at Dotheboys Hall, which is situated, sir, at the 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.'
`"Never,"' repeated Master Belling again.
`Very good indeed,' said Squeers. `Yes.'
`P,' suggested Nicholas, good-naturedly.
`Perform -- business!' said Master Belling. `Never -- perform -- business!'
`Very well, sir,' said Squeers, darting a withering look at the culprit. `You and I will perform a little business on our private account by-and-by.'
`And just now,' said Ralph, `we had better transact our own, perhaps.'