The attention of the company was then directed, by a natural transition, to the little girl who had had the audacity to burn her hair off, and who, after receiving sundry small slaps and pushes from the more energetic of the ladies, was mercifully sent home: the ninepence, with which she was to have been rewarded, being escheated to the Kenwigs family.
'And whatever we are to say to you, sir,' exclaimed Mrs Kenwigs, addressing young Lillyvick's deliverer, 'I am sure I don't know.' 'You need say nothing at all,' replied Nicholas.

'I have done nothing to found any very strong claim upon your eloquence, I am sure.' 'He might have been burnt to death, if it hadn't been for you, sir,' simpered Miss Petowker.
'Not very likely, I think,' replied Nicholas; 'for there was abundance of assistance here, which must have reached him before he had been in any danger.' 'You will let us drink your health, anyvays, sir!' said Mr Kenwigs motioning towards the table.
'-- In my absence, by all means,' rejoined Nicholas, with a smile.
'I have had a very fatiguing journey, and should be most indifferent company--a far greater check upon your merriment, than a promoter of it, even if I kept awake, which I think very doubtful.

If you will allow me, I'll return to my friend, Mr Noggs, who went upstairs again, when he found nothing serious had occurred.

Good-night.' Excusing himself, in these terms, from joining in the festivities, Nicholas took a most winning farewell of Mrs Kenwigs and the other ladies, and retired, after making a very extraordinary impression upon the company.
'What a delightful young man!' cried Mrs Kenwigs.
'Uncommon gentlemanly, really,' said Mr Kenwigs.

'Don't you think so, Mr Lillyvick ?' 'Yes,' said the collector, with a dubious shrug of his shoulders, 'He is gentlemanly, very gentlemanly--in appearance.' 'I hope you don't see anything against him, uncle ?' inquired Mrs Kenwigs.
'No, my dear,' replied the collector, 'no.