'Well; let it be so.' Newman, who had stood during the foregoing conversation with his back planted against the door, ready to oppose any egress from the apartment by force, if necessary, resumed his seat with much satisfaction; and as the water in the kettle was by this time boiling, made a glassful of spirits and water for Nicholas, and a cracked mug-full for the joint accommodation of himself and Smike, of which the two partook in great harmony, while Nicholas, leaning his head upon his hand, remained buried in melancholy meditation.
Meanwhile, the company below stairs, after listening attentively and not hearing any noise which would justify them in interfering for the gratification of their curiosity, returned to the chamber of the Kenwigses, and employed themselves in hazarding a great variety of conjectures relative to the cause of Mr Noggs' sudden disappearance and detention.
'Lor, I'll tell you what,' said Mrs Kenwigs.

'Suppose it should be an express sent up to say that his property has all come back again!' 'Dear me,' said Mr Kenwigs; 'it's not impossible.

Perhaps, in that case, we'd better send up and ask if he won't take a little more punch.' 'Kenwigs!' said Mr Lillyvick, in a loud voice, 'I'm surprised at you.' 'What's the matter, sir ?' asked Mr Kenwigs, with becoming submission to the collector of water-rates.
'Making such a remark as that, sir,' replied Mr Lillyvick, angrily.

'He has had punch already, has he not, sir?
I consider the way in which that punch was cut off, if I may use the expression, highly disrespectful to this company; scandalous, perfectly scandalous.

It may be the custom to allow such things in this house, but it's not the kind of behaviour that I've been used to see displayed, and so I don't mind telling you, Kenwigs.