# Concerning a young lady from London, who joins the company, and an elderly admirer who follows in her train; with an affecting ceremony consequent on their arrival. explained — Nicholas Nickleby

> Chapter companion for Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

The Crummles theatre troupe enjoys success, and Nicholas learns that the celebrated Miss Henrietta Petowker is joining the company. Mr. Lillyvick, the water-rate collector, reveals his secret plan to marry her, fearing the jealousy of his niece's family. The wedding takes place with much ceremony and celebration, after which Nicholas helps Smike learn his role as the Apothecary for Romeo and Juliet, leading to a successful performance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Mr. Lillyvick's marriage to Henrietta Petowker is driven by both affection and practical considerations, highlighting the transactional and secretive aspects of matrimony.

### Charity and Compassion

Nicholas's patient and kindhearted teaching of Smike demonstrates compassion and selflessness.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Mr. Lillyvick presents himself as a cautious bachelor but secretly marries, while the troupe's theatrical success masks the mundane realities behind the scenes.

## Character check-ins

### Nicholas Nickleby

Receives praise and payment for his acting; is taken into confidence by Mr. Lillyvick about his marriage; patiently coaches Smike in his role.

### Smike

Struggles to learn the Apothecary part but succeeds through Nicholas's patient teaching; performs well on stage.

### Vincent Crummles

Announces the arrival of Miss Petowker; praises his wife's past talents; hosts the wedding celebration.

### Henrietta Petowker

Arrives to join the troupe; marries Mr. Lillyvick in a secret ceremony.

### Mr. Lillyvick

Reveals his plan to marry Henrietta Petowker, fearing his family's reaction; marries her and departs for Ryde.

### Mrs. Crummles

Praised by her husband for her past talents; participates in the wedding ceremony and celebration.

## Key lines

> I've got another novelty, Johnson... What should you say to a young lady from London?

Mr. Crummles excitedly tells Nicholas about a new attraction: a young actress from London joining the company.

_Highlights the theatrical promotion and Crummles' enthusiasm._

> A bachelor is a miserable wretch, sir... The great reason for not being married is the expense; that's what's kept me off, or else—Lord! I might have had fifty women.

Mr. Lillyvick complains about the loneliness of bachelorhood and admits that financial concerns have prevented him from marrying, though he claims he could have had many wives.

_Reveals Mr. Lillyvick's conflicted views on marriage and money._

> Never had master a more anxious, humble, docile pupil. Never had pupil a more patient, unwearying, considerate, kindhearted master.

The narrator emphasizes the mutual dedication between Nicholas and Smike as teacher and student.

_Illustrates the deep bond and compassion between the two characters._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters/xxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nicholas_nickleby_se/chapters