'Why, that leaves you fifty,' retorted Ralph. 'What would you have? Let
me see the names.'
'You are so demd hard, Nickleby,' remonstrated Mr Mantalini.
'Let me see the names,' replied Ralph, impatiently extending his hand
for the bills. 'Well! They are not sure, but they are safe enough. Do
you consent to the terms, and will you take the money? I don't want you
to do so. I would rather you didn't.'
'Demmit, Nickleby, can't you--' began Mr Mantalini.
'No,' replied Ralph, interrupting him. 'I can't. Will you take the
money--down, mind; no delay, no going into the city and pretending to
negotiate with some other party who has no existence, and never had. Is
it a bargain, or is it not?'
Ralph pushed some papers from him as he spoke, and carelessly rattled
his cash-box, as though by mere accident. The sound was too much for Mr
Mantalini. He closed the bargain directly it reached his ears, and Ralph
told the money out upon the table.
He had scarcely done so, and Mr Mantalini had not yet gathered it all
up, when a ring was heard at the bell, and immediately afterwards Newman
ushered in no less a person than Madame Mantalini, at sight of whom Mr
Mantalini evinced considerable discomposure, and swept the cash into his
pocket with remarkable alacrity.
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