PRINCIPAL INCIDENTS.

CHAPTER I.-Sketch of the history of the Nickleby family previous to the time of our story, and death of Mr. Nickleby, father of its hero. -II. Description of Mr. Ralph Nickleby, and of his business; formation of the Crumpet Company. - III. Ralph Nickleby receives the news of his brother's death, and the arrival of the widow and her children in London; he finds them in lodgings at Miss La Creevy's, and proceeds to provide for them by promi❤ ing to secure Nicholas a situation as assistant in the academy of Mr. Wackford Squeer in Yorkshire. IV. Interview between Mr. Squeers and Mr. Snawley; Ralph and his nephew call upon Mr. Squeers, and Nicholas secures the situation; Nicholas informs Newman Noggs of his uncle's intentions in regard to him.-V. Nicholas bids adieu to Miss La Creevy, and leaves the house without disturbing his mother and sister; how Mr. Squeers and his boys breakfasted; Ralph, Mrs. Nickleby, and Kate come to see Nicholas off, also Newman Noggs, who secretly gives him a letter. VI. On the journey to Yorkshire the coach is overturned; while waiting for another, one gentleman entertains his fellow-passengers with the story of the Five Sisters of York; and another one relates the story of the Baron of Grogzwig; they leave the stage at Greta Bridge, and Mr. Squeers "stretches his legs," as he has frequently done on the journey. VII. They reach Dotheboys Hall, with which Nicholas is not favorably impressed; he is introduced to Mrs. Squeers; notices the sad appearance of Smike, and gets an idea of the internal economy of Squeers's establishment; he reads Newman Noggs's letter.VIII. Mrs. Squeers improves the boys' appetites by dosing them with brimstone and treacle; Mr. Squeers shows his practical mode of teaching, makes a report to the school of his journey to London, and adds a liberal discipline with the cane; Nicholas shows his sympathy for Smike. -IX. Mrs. Squeers expresses her opinion of Nicholas; Miss Fanny Squeers makes an errand into the schoolroom, in her father's absence, for the purpose of inspecting Nicholas; his appearance being satisfactory, she at once falls in love with him, and hastens to inform her bosom-friend, Miss Price, of her attachment and its return; Miss Squeers makes a little party for the purpose of introducing Nicholas to her friends; he excites the jealousy of Mr. John Browdie; and Miss Price does the same service for Fanny Squeers.-X. Miss La Creevy paints Kate Nickleby's portrait; discussing the character of Ralph Nickleby, they are interrupted by the appearance of that gentleman; Ralph informs Kate and her mother of the situation he has obtained for her in the establishment of Madame Mantalini; Kate has an interview with Mr. and Madame Mantalini. - XI. Newman Noggs moves Mrs. Nickleby and Kate into the house of which Ralph Nickleby has given them possession.XII. Miss Price informs Miss Squeers that her wedding-day is fixed; Nicholas in his soli tary walk is met by Miss Squeers and her friend, and a scene follows in which he declares his sentiments for the schoolmaster's daughter; Nicholas has a conversation with Smike. -XIII. Smike runs away, is pursued in one direction by Squeers, and in another by his wife, and is overtaken and brought back by Mrs. Squeers; Mr. Squeers is about to flog Smike, when he is stopped by Nicholas, who beats the brute severely, and leaves the house; meeting John Browdie, that worthy individual is greatly delighted to hear of Nicholas'o exploit, and assists him on his way; Nicholas is joined by Smike.-XIV. Newman Noggs attends the party of the Kenwigses on their wedding-day, and is called away by the arrival of Nicholas and Smike. - XV. Newman reads to Nicholas the copy of Fanny Squeers's letter to Ralph Nickleby; Nicholas rescues the infant Kenwigs from a dangerous position and makes a favorable impression on the company.-XVI. Nicholas, visiting an intelli gence-office in search of employment, is struck with the appearance of a young lady whom ne meets there; being referred to Mr. Gregsbury, M.P., he visits that gentleman just ag he is waited upon by his constituents; he finds the situation not adapted to his wants. and he accepts, as Mr. Johnson, the position of private tutor to the Kenwigs children. enters upon the duties of that position under the inspection of Mr. Lillyvick.-XVII. Kato Nickleby commences her labors at Madame Mantalini's, and is introduced to Miss Knag. → XVIII. Miss Knag conceives a warm affection for Kate, and makes the acquaintance of Mrs. Nickleby, Kate and her mother go home with Miss Knag to her brother's, and learn

something of the history of that gentleman; Kate, being preferred by some ladies to Miss Knag, loses the forewoman's good opinion. - XIX. Ralph Nickleby invites Kate to dine with him; she is astonished to find his house richly furnished; Ralph introduces her to his guests, Lord Frederick Verisopht and Sir Mulberry Hawk; Kate bears their insulting manner as long as she can, and then hurries from the room; Sir Mulberry finds her alone, and, pursuing his attentions, is interrupted by Ralph Nickleby; Ralph and Sir Mulberry understand each other. - XX. Miss La Creevy has an interview with Miss Knag; Miss La Creevy is astonished at the return of Nicholas, and undertakes to prepare his mother an Kate for his coining; Ralph visits the widow to inform her of her son's misdemeanors, and is confronted by Nicholas himself, who repels his charges, but who, for the sake of his mother and Kate, leaves them to the care of his uncle, and departs. - XXI. Madame Mantalin's establishment falls into the hands of the sheriff; Mr. Mantalini threatens suicide; and Kate finds herself without a situation; Mrs. Nickleby urges Kate to answer an advertisement for a companion, and she applies for and secures a situation in that capacity in the family of Mrs. Wititterly.-XXII. Nicholas and Smike leave London for Portsmouth, in search of fortune; Nicholas attempts to revive Smike's recollections of his childhood; they fall in with Mr. Vincent Crummles, witness the rehearsal of a stage-combat by the Masters Crummles, and Nicholas embraces the offer of Mr. Crummles, and joins the theatrical profession. -XXIII. They proceed to Portsmouth, Mr. Crummles giving an account of his wonderful pony by the way, and Nicholas is introduced to the company; Mr. Crummles announces a new play, of which Nicholas is to be the author, and shows him how to make use of the French original; Nicholas dines with Mr. and Mrs. Crummles, and then finds lodgings for himself and Smike.-XXIV. Mr. Folair and Mr. Lenville give Nicholas some hints of value in his task of composition; Nicholas accompanies Miss Snevellicci in her calls on the occasion of her "bespeak; " Nicholas appears in his new piece, and meets with decided success.-XXV. Mr. Crummles's company is joined by Miss Henrietta Petowker from London, and Mr. Lillyvick follows her; Mr. Lillyvick makes known to Nicholas his intentions in regard to Miss Petowker; Mr. Lillyvick and Miss Petowker are married, and have their wedding-breakfast; Nicholas instructs Smike in the part of the Apothecary.- XXVI. Lord Verisopht and Sir Mulberry Hawk determine to find out Kate Nickleby, and Lord Frederick learns her address from Ralph; they encounter Mrs. Nickleby, and show her particular attention, which sets that good lady castle-building. XXVII. Messrs. Pyke and Pluck call upon Mrs. Nickleby as the friends of Sir Mulberry Hawk, and invite her to make one of their party at the play; at the play she finds herself in the next box to Kate, who is in company with the Wititterlys; Sir Mulberry makes a division of the party, so as to secure Kate's society to himself, and becomes more insulting in his attentions. XXVIII. Sir Mulberry and Lord Frederick, backed by Pyke and Pluck, follow up their advantage, and call at the Wititterlys': Kate, harassed beyond endurance, seeks her uncle, and claims his protection, but he ceclines to interfere. - XXIX. Mr. Lenville, jealous of Nicholas's increasing popularity, threatens him with punishment; attempting to execute his threat in the presence of the company, he finds himself disappointed; Nicholas receives warning from Newman Noggs that his presence in London may be necessary for Kate's protection. - XXX. Mr. Crummles ar ranges three "last appearances " for Mr. Johnson; Nicholas, at Miss Snevellicci's earnest invitation, accompanies that young lady home, where he becomes the hero of the dinnerfeast, and Miss Snevellicci gives way to her feelings; the appearance of a London manager In the audience creates an unusual excitement behind the curtain: Nicholas receives another letter from Newman, and hurries his departure for London. - XXXI. Ralph Nickleby detects Newman watching him; Newman consults with Miss La Creevy in regard to Kate and the return of Nicholas. — XXXII. Nicholas returns to London, aud, not finding Newman or Miss La Creevy, strolls into a hotel, where he overhears Sir Mulberry and his Darty licentiously jesting about Kate, and demands satisfaction; receiving only insuit in reply, he assaults Sir Mulberry as he is entering his carriage to leave, the horse takes fright, and Sir Mulberry receives serious injury. XXXIII. Newman relates to Nicholas the position of affairs in regard to Kate, and Nicholas loses no time in removing her from Mrs. Wittitterly's; be also removes his mother and Kate back to the lodgings at Miss La Creevy's, and returns the key of Ralpt. Nickleby's house to the owner. XXXIV. Mrs. and Mr Mantalini transact a little business with Ralph Nickleby; Mr. Mantalini informs

Ralph of the altercation between Nicholas and Sir Mulberry Hawk; Mr. Squeers surprises Ralph by calling upon him; they plan to retaliate upon Nicholas through his affection for Smike.-XXXV. Smike is introduced to Mrs. Nickleby and Kate; Nicholas tries the Regis ter Office again for employment, and meets Mr. Charles Cheeryble, who takes him to his warehouse, where he meets Mr. Ned Cheeryble and Tim Linkinwater; he enters the em ploy of Cheeryble Brothers, and removes his mother and Kate to a cottage which his employers let him at Bow. - XXXVI. The Kenwigses, rejoicing over an addition to their family, have their joy turned to grief by the news Nicholas brings of the marriage of Mr. Lillyvick. - XXXVII. Nicholas's labors meet the entire approval of Tim Linkinwater; Cheeryble Brothers give Tim Linkinwater a dinner on his birthday; Mrs. Nickleby informs Nicholas of the singular proceedings of their next neighbor. XXXVIII. Miss La Creevy notices a sorrowful change in Smike; Ralph Nickleby waits upon Sir Mulberry Hawk and they discuss his injury from the attack of Nicholas; Lord Frederick refuses to be a party to any assault upon Nicholas; Smike is arrested in the street by Mr. Squeers, and carried to Snawley's house. -XXXIX. John Browdie and his wife, with Miss Squeers, arrive in London, and stop at the Saracen's Head; Mr. Squeers reports to them the capture of Smike; accepting the schoolmaster's invitation to tea at Mr. Snawley's, John Browdie feigns sickness, and assists Smike to escape. - XL. Smike finds his way to Newman Noggs, and is restored to Nicholas; Nicholas encounters a young lady in the room of Mr. Charles Cheeryble, whom he recognizes as the one he met at the intelligence-office, and falls in love with her at sight; Nicholas employs Newman to follow her servant, and find out who she is: Newman faithfully performs his trust, and appoints a meeting, on keeping which Nicholas finds that his mediator has made a mistake in the lady. - XLI. Mrs. Nickleby and Kate, conversing in their garden, are interrupted by the gentleman next door, who proceeds to declare his passion for Mrs. Nickleby, when he is arrested by his keeper. - XLII. Nicholas takes supper with Mr. and Mrs. John Browdie at the Saracen's Head, and hears from John the particulars of Smike's escape from Squeers; sudden appearance of Miss Squeers, with her father and brother; her indignation, and her departure with her relatives. - XLIII. Nicholas first meets Mr. Frank Cheeryble; Mr. Charles Cheeryble and his nephew take tea with the Nicklebys. - XLIV. Ralph Nickleby learns with contempt that Sir Mulberry Hawk has left the country; Ralph is accosted by a beggar who claims an old acquaintance with him; he refuses to assist him, and threatens him with arrest; Ralph witnesses a falling-out between Mr. and Madame Mantalini; returning home, Ralph finds Squeers and Snawley, and goes away with them; Newman Noggs, following, encounters a stranger, in whom he becomes greatly interested. XLV. Mr. and Mrs. John Browdie spend a merry evening at the Nicklebys'; their pleasure is interrupted by the entrance of Ralph Nickleby and Squeers, who claim Smike in the name of his father, whom they produce in the person of Snawley; Nicholas refuses to give up Smike; and Squeers gets some rough 'reatment from John Browdie. - XLVI. Nicholas, relating the circumstances to Mr. Charles Cheeryble, finds that Ralph has been before him; Mr. Charles relates to Nicholas the history of the young lady whom he has met, and employs him as his confidential messenger in communicating with her, and Nicholas makes his first call upon Miss Bray. XLVII. Newman Noggs, concealing himself in a closet in his room, becomes witness to an interview between Ralph Nickleby and Arthur Gride, in which the latter details his plans for securing Madeline Bray as his bride, and compounds with Ralph for his assistance; they visit Bray, and urge Gride's suit for his daughter's hand.-XLVIII. Nicholas encounters Mr. Vincent Crummles, and attends a farewell supper given to that gentleman and his family previous to their departure for America; Nicholas discusses the morality of a certain class of playwrights, and takes his final leave of the Crummleses. - XLIX. Mrs. Nickleby appropriates to herself the attentions of Mr. Frank Cheeryble; Frank, and Tim Linkinwater, drop in at the Nicklebys'; they are astonished by the entrance, down the shimney, of the Gentleman in Small-Clothes; an abrupt change in his manner towards Mrs. Nickleby convinces her of his insanity, of which she thinks herself the cause; Nich olas becomes alarmed at Smike's melancholy.-L. Sir Mulberry Hawk threatens revenge on Nicholas, and Lord Frederick remonstrates; a quarrel between them in a gamblingbrothel leads to a duel, in which Lord Verisopht is killed.-LI. Arthur Gride selects his wedding-garments; Newman Noggs bears a letter from his master to Gride, and improves good opportunity to acquaint himself with its contents; Ralph questions Newman abou

Brooker, but without satisfactory result; Newman informs Nicholas of the plot between Ralph and Gride, by which the latter is to marry Madeline Bray; in the absence of the Cheeryble Brothers, Nicholas determines to take upon himself the responsibility of remonstrating with Miss Bray. -LII. Mr. Lillyvick returns to the Kenwigses, relates the story of his wife's elopement, and they become friends again. — LIII. Pursuing his purpose, Nicholas counsels Miss Bray to prevent the approaching marriage; finding she will Bacrifice herself for her father's sake, he goes to Gride, and tries threats upon him, but without effect. - LIV. Arthur Gride and Ralph Nickleby go to Mr. Bray's to consummate the narriage; while waiting for the appearance of Bray and Madeline, they are surprised by the entrance of Nicholas and Kate; sudden death of Mr. Bray; Nicholas accuses Ralph and Gride of their evil designs, threatens them with discovery and punishment, and takes Madeline under his protection. -LV. Mrs. Nickleby surprises Nicholas by informing him of her discovery that Frank Cheery ble has fallen in love with Kate; Smike becomes very ill, and Nicholas takes him to Devonshire. - LVI. Ralph Nickleby and Gride return to the latter's house, and find it closed; forcing an entrance, they find that Peg Sliderskew has robbed him of his papers, and absconded; Ralph Nickleby sends for Squeers, informs him of the theft of the papers, and engages him to recover them.LVII. Squeers having found Mrs. Sliderskew, and secured her confidence, proceeds to examine the stolen papers; Frank Cheeryble and Newman Noggs steal in upon them, and prevent the destruction of the will. LVIII. Smike has his fears excited by the apparition of the man who first carried him to Dotheboys Hall; Smike confesses to Nicholas his love for Kate, and dies.-LIX. Ralph is surprised by the absence of Newman Noggs, and also by the appearance of Mr. Charles Cheeryble, to whom he refuses to listen; Ralph goes in search of Squeers, but does not find him, and then to Gride's, who refuses him entrance; he then goes to Cheeryble Brothers', where Newman Noggs confronts him, and tells him how he has watched his actions, and overheard his plots; they also relate to Ralph the discoveries they have made in regard to the imposture of Snawley, the occupation of Squeers, his arrest, and the implication of Ralph in these villanies; he spurns their counsel, and defles them to do the worst. LX. Ralph visits Squeers at the police-office, learns that the will in favor of Madeline Bray has been lost to him, and that Squeers no longer will aid his schemes; Tim Linkinwater carries the announcement of a fresh discovery to Ralph, and conveys him again to Cheeryble Brothers' counting-room, where they tell him of Smike's death, and confront him with Brooker, who proves to him that Smike was his own son.LXI. Nicholas confesses 15 Kate his love for Madeline, and she informs him that she has declined the hand of Frank Cheeryble; Nicholas also makes known the state of his feelings to Mr. Charles Cheeryble; Mr. Cheery ble informs Nicholas of the occurrences of the preceding day, and that his uncle has fixed an appointment for a meeting with him.LXII. Ralph Nickleby, when leaving the Cheeryble Brothers, goes home, filled with remorse; on keeping his appointment, they find him dead, hanged by his own act. - LXIII. The Cheeryble Brothers invite the Nicklebys and Miss La Creevy to a dinner, where they are surprised to find Frank Cheeryble and Made..e Bray; Brother Charles explains the position of Madeline's affairs, and approves her choice of Nicholas, and also the union of Frank with Kate; Tim Linkinwater and Miss La Creevy agree to unite their fortunes; Newman Noggs appears in a new character. - LXIV. Nicholas and Kate discover Mr. Mantalini in reduced circumstances; Nicholas visits John Browdie in Yorkshire; breakmig-up of Dotheboys Hall. - LXV. Conclusion, in which the subsequent history of the sharacters is briefly told.

Sketches of Young Couples.

[PUBLISHED IN 1840.]

THE YOUNG COUPLE.

Adams, Jane. A housemaid.

Anne. A housemaid at "No. 6;" friend to Jane Adams.
Fielding, Miss Emma. A young lady about to be married to

a Mr. Harvey, who is "an angel of a gentleman.”

Harvey, Mr. A young gentleman engaged to Miss Fielding.
John, Mr. A servant in the house of Miss Fielding's father.

THE LOVING COUPLE.

Leaver, Augustus. Two married persons, so tender, so affecLeaver, Augusta. tionate, so given to the interchange of soft endearments, as to be well-nigh intolerable to everybody else. Starling, Mrs. A widow-lady enraptured with the affectionate behavior of Mr. and Mrs. Leaver, whom she considers a perfect model of wedded felicity.

THE CONTRADICTORY COUPLE.

Charlotte. A married pair who seem to find a positive pleasure Edward. in contradiction, and agree in nothing else.

Charlotte, Miss. Their daughter

James, Master. Their son.

THE COUPLE WHO DOTE UPON THEIR CHILDREN. Saunders, Mr. A bachelor-friend of the Whifflers. Whiffler, Mr. and Mrs. A married pair, whose thoughts at all times and in all places are bound up in their children, and have no sphere beyond. They relate clever things their offspring say or do, and weary every company with their prolixity and absurdity.