about one to eight
There was none of the noise and clamour of a schoolroom ; none of its boisterous play , or hearty mirth . The children sat crouching and shivering together , and seemed to lack the spirit to move about . The only pupil who evinced the slightest tendency towards locomotion or playfulness was Master Squeers , and as his chief amusement was to tread upon the other boys ' toes in his new boots , his flow of spirits was rather disagreeable than otherwise . After some half-hour 's delay , Mr. Squeers reappeared , and the boys took their places and their books , of which latter commodity the average might be about one to eight learners . A few minutes having elapsed , during which Mr. Squeers looked very profound , as if he had a perfect apprehension of what was inside all the books , and could say every word of their contents by heart if he only chose to take the trouble , that gentleman called up the first class . Obedient to this summons there ranged themselves in front of the schoolmaster 's desk , half-a-dozen scarecrows , out at knees and elbows , one of whom placed a torn and filthy book beneath his learned eye . ` This is the first class in English spelling and philosophy , Nickleby , ' said Squeers , beckoning Nicholas to stand beside him .