I thought this was a clever bit of writing from chapter 20. I liked the way it's from Oliver's perspective, who does not understand that it is his good nature and affection for Nancy that is making her feel so bad about what she is doing.
He had concluded his prayer, but still remained with his head buried in his hands, when a rustling noise aroused him.
'What's that!' he cried, starting up, and catching sight of a figure standing by the door. 'Who's there?'
'Me - only me,' replied a tremulous voice.
Oliver raised the candle above his head, and looked towards the door. It was Nancy.
'Put down the light,' said the girl, turning away her head: 'it hurts my eyes.'
Oliver saw that she was very pale, and gently inquired if she was ill. The girl threw herself into a chair, with her back towards him, and wrung her hands, but made no reply.
'God forgive me!' she cried after awhile, 'I never thought of all this.'
'Has anything happened?' asked Oliver. 'Can I help you? I will if I can; I will indeed.'
She rocked herself to an fro, and then, wringing her hands violently, caught her throat, and, uttering a gurgling sound, struggled and gasped for breath.
'Nancy!' cried Oliver, greatly alarmed. 'What is it?'
The girl burst into a fit of loud laughter, beating her hands upon her knees, and her feet upon the ground, meanwhile; and, suddenly stopping, drew her shawl close round her, and shivered with cold.
Oliver stirred the fire. Drawing her chair close to it, she sat there for a little time without speaking, but at length she raised her head and looked around.
'I don't know what comes over me sometimes,' said the girl, affecting to busy herself in arranging her dress; 'it's this damp, dirty room, I think. Now, Nolly, dear, are you ready?'
'Am I to go with you?' asked Oliver.
'Yes; I have come from Bill,' replied the girl. 'You are to go with me.'
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