Nicholas Nickleby, Chapter 40 summary

What happens

1. Smike escapes into the countryside, returns to London, and reaches Newman Noggs, who accompanies him to a joyful reunion with the Nicklebys.
2. At work, Tim Linkinwater describes his concern for a sick boy whose flowers and window connect their otherwise separate lives.
3. Nicholas interrupts an unnamed young woman’s meeting with Charles Cheeryble, recognizes her, and watches her faint before being sent away.
4. Tim refuses to explain her circumstances, and Nicholas’s attraction grows as he waits unsuccessfully for another visit.
5. Nicholas asks Newman to follow her servant, but Newman exceeds his instructions and arranges a meeting with Miss Cecilia Bobster.
6. Mr. Bobster’s arrival interrupts the meeting, and Nicholas explains afterward that Newman has mistaken both mistress and servant.

In this chapter

What to notice

Nicholas identifies the source of Newman’s mistake. The successful arrangements concern neither the woman he loves nor her servant.

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