Nicholas Attracted by the Mention of His Sister's Name in the Coffee-Room
Phiz (Hablot K. Browne)
Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby
1838
Steel engraving
Source: J. A. Hammerton, The Dickens Picture-Book, p. 160.
Image scan and text by Philip V. Allingham.
"Little Kate Nickleby!" cried a voice behind him.
"I was right," muttered Nicholas as the paper fell from his hand. "And it was the man I supposed.
As there was a proper objection to drinking her in heeltaps," said the voice, "we'll give her the first glass in the new magnum. Little Kate Nickleby!"
"Little Kate Nickleby," cried the other three. And the glasses were set down empty.
Keenly alive to the tone and manner of this slight and careless mention of his sister's name in a public place, Nicholas fired at once; but he kept himself quiet by a great effort, and did not even turn his head. [Ch. 32, "Relating chiefly to some remarkable Conversation, and some remarkable Proceedings to which it gives rise," Part 10, January 1839]
The stranger who is taking liberties with Kate's name in the luxurious hotel near Hyde Park is none other than Sir Mulberry Hawk. Although he restrains himself in order to follow their conversation about his family, Nicholas at last can bear no more and challenges him, demanding to know the stranger's name. Phiz has captured well Nicholas's indignation and suggests the looseness of the other two young men's conversation and morality by their postures (centre). The dissipation of Sir Mulberry's company is emphasized by the third roisterer seated behind Nicholas, whose paper still lies spread out before him. Phiz depicts that moment at which Nicholas, unable to restrain himself any longer, is about to rise to defend his sister's honour.
References
Hammerton, J. A. The Dickens Picture-Book. London: Educational Book, 1910.
Last modified 25 April 2009