Brimstone and Treacle
Mrs Squeers has lost the school spoon, and is uncomfortably frank about its importance.
1839
Mrs Squeers has lost the school spoon, and is uncomfortably frank about its importance.
1839
This post is number 2 in the series Nicholas Nickleby (Novel)
Impoverished young gentleman Nicholas Nickleby has accepted a position as junior master at Dotheboys Hall, a remote Yorkshire school managed by Mr Wackford Squeers and his wife. On his arrival, Nicholas is treated to a rapid initiation into the school’s educational vision.
‘DRAT the things,’ said the lady, opening the cupboard; ‘I can’t find the school spoon anywhere.’
‘Never mind it, my dear,’ observed Squeers in a soothing manner; ‘it’s of no consequence.’
‘No consequence, why how you talk!’ retorted Mrs Squeers sharply; ‘isn’t it brimstone morning?’
‘I forgot, my dear,’ rejoined Squeers; ‘yes, it certainly is. We purify the boys’ bloods now and then, Nickleby.’
‘Purify fiddlesticks’ ends,’ said his lady. ‘Don’t think, young man, that we go to the expense of flower of brimstone and molasses, just to purify them; because if you think we carry on the business in that way, you’ll find yourself mistaken, and so I tell you plainly.’
‘My dear,’ said Squeers frowning. ‘Hem!’
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why was Mrs Squeers exasperated that morning?
Because the School spoon had gone missing.