Smike’s decision to try and leave Nicholas mirrors Nicholas’s decision to leave his family. Just as Nicholas perceived that his presence would be a burden on his family if he were to stay in London, Smike believes he is becoming a burden to Nicholas. Nicholas, however, responds again by embracing Smike. Nicholas's relationship with Smike also shows how Nicholas, after leaving his family, looks for a new kind of family with Smike. He tells Smike that their fates are intertwined and pledges the same kind of loyalty to Smike that he feels toward his family.