55 "Ironically, Dickens seems to have been susceptible to Double Gloucester cheeses himself with children; Wilfred Meynell in a private memoir telling of Dickens's relations to his wife Alice's family, says that 'Nine times nine?' in his demanding voice still resounded in the grown-up Alices ears But if Pip and David both hated sums, Jemmy, the small boy in the Christmas story, MRS LIRRIPER'S LODGINGS, really loved them. The reason is not far to seek; he was not bullied during his arithmetic lessons. It will be recalled that the little boy had been adopted by Mrs Lirriper and her lodger, Major Jackman, and it may also be recalled that Mrs Lirriper did not like the idea of encouraging the small boy's talent too vigorously. When Major Jackman opined that Jemmy might well become another "Calculating Boy" she became ectremely worried and told the Major very forcefully: "Major I'll be candid with you, and tell you openly, that if ever I find the dear child fall off his appetite I shall know it's his calculations and shall put a stop to them at two minutes' notice." Jemmy, however, took to mathematics like a duck to water. When the Major set the problem "Three saucepans, an Italian iron, a handbell, a toasting-fork, a nutmeg grater, four pot lids, a spice box, two egg-cups, and a chopping-board how many?" Jemmy answered without a pause "Tifteen, tut down tive and carry ler toppin' board" and then clapped his hands, drew up his legs, and danced on his chair. Soon he was ready for the higher branches of mathematics, which are, of course, "Tickleication" and "Umtraction" When Nicholas Nickleby became inquisitive about the young lady who had fainted in the office of the Brothers Cheeryblehe was quickly diverted from the subject by a much harder sum than the one given above. When Tim Linkinwater came out of the office, Nicholas pounced on him. 'Is she quite recovered asked Nicholas impetuously. 'Who returned Tim Linkinwater. 'Who repeated Nicholas. "Why The young lady "What do you make, Mr Nickleby,' said Tim, taking his pen out of his mouth. 'What do you make of four hundred and twenty seven

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The Dutch Dickensian | 1985 | | pagina 57