'You would hardly have known me from my voice, I suppose, Mr Nickleby?'
he said.
'No,' returned Ralph, bending a severe look upon him. 'Though there is
something in that, that I remember now.'
'There is little in me that you can call to mind as having been there
eight years ago, I dare say?' observed the other.
'Quite enough,' said Ralph, carelessly, and averting his face. 'More
than enough.'
'If I had remained in doubt about YOU, Mr Nickleby,' said the other,
'this reception, and YOUR manner, would have decided me very soon.'
'Did you expect any other?' asked Ralph, sharply.
'No!' said the man.
'You were right,' retorted Ralph; 'and as you feel no surprise, need
express none.'
'Mr Nickleby,' said the man, bluntly, after a brief pause, during which
he had seemed to struggle with an inclination to answer him by some
reproach, 'will you hear a few words that I have to say?'
'I am obliged to wait here till the rain holds a little,' said Ralph,
looking abroad. 'If you talk, sir, I shall not put my fingers in my
ears, though your talking may have as much effect as if I did.'
'I was once in your confidence--' thus his companion began.
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