Dombeywasabouteight-and-fortyyearsofage。Sonabouteight-and-fortyminutes。Dombeywasratherbald，ratherred，andthoughahandsomewell-mademan，toosternandpompousinappearance，tobeprepossessing。Sonwasverybald，andveryred，andthoughofcourseanundeniablyfineinfant，somewhatcrushedandspottyinhisgeneraleffect，asyet。OnthebrowofDombey，TimeandhisbrotherCarehadsetsomemarks，asonatreethatwastocomedowningoodtime——remorselesstwinstheyareforstridingthroughtheirhumanforests，notchingastheygo——whilethecountenanceofSonwascrossedandrecrossedwithathousandlittlecreases，whichthesamedeceitfulTimewouldtakedelightinsmoothingoutandwearingawaywiththeflatpartofhisscythe，asapreparationofthesurfaceforhisdeeperoperations。
　　Dombey，exultinginthelong-looked-forevent，jingledandjingledtheheavygoldwatch-chainthatdependedfrombelowhistrimbluecoat，whereofthebuttonssparkledphosphorescentlyinthefeebleraysofthedistantfire。Son，withhislittlefistscurledupandclenched，seemed，inhisfeebleway，tobesquaringatexistenceforhavingcomeuponhimsounexpectedly。
　　`Thehousewillonceagain，Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，`benotonlyinnamebutinfactDombeyandSon；Dom-beyandSon！'
　　Thewordshadsuchasofteninginfluence，thatheappendedatermofendearmenttoMrs。Dombey'snamethoughnotwithoutsomehesitation，asbeingamanbutlittleusedtothatformofaddress：andsaid，`Mrs。
　　Dombey，my——mydear。'
　　Atransientflushoffaintsurpriseoverspreadthesicklady'sfaceassheraisedhereyestowardshim。
　　`HewillbechristenedPaul，my——Mrs。Dombey——ofcourse。'
　　Shefeeblyechoed，`Ofcourse，'orratherexpresseditbythemotionofherlips，andclosedhereyesagain。
　　`Hisfather'sname，Mrs。Dombey，andhisgrandfather's！Iwishhisgrandfatherwerealivethisday！'Andagainhesaid`Dom-beyandSon，'
　　inexactlythesametoneasbefore。
　　ThosethreewordsconveyedtheoneideaofMr。Dombey'slife。
　　TheearthwasmadeforDombeyandSontotradein，andthesunandmoonweremadetogivethemlight。Riversandseaswereformedtofloattheirships；rainbowsgavethempromiseoffairweather；windsblewfororagainsttheirenterprises；starsandplanetscircledintheirorbits，topreserveinviolateasystemofwhichtheywerethecentre。Commonabbreviationstooknewmeaningsinhiseyes，andhadsolereferencetothem：A。D。hadnoconcernwithannoDomini，butstoodforannoDombei——andSon。
　　Hehadrisen，ashisfatherhadbeforehim，inthecourseoflifeanddeath，fromSontoDombey，andfornearlytwentyyearshadbeenthesolerepresentativeofthefirm。Ofthoseyearshehadbeenmarried，ten——married，assomesaid，toaladywithnohearttogivehim；whosehappinesswasinthepast，andwhowascontenttobindherbrokenspirittothedutifulandmeekenduranceofthepresent。SuchidletalkwaslittlelikelytoreachtheearsofMr。Dombey，whomitnearlyconcerned；andprobablynooneintheworldwouldhavereceiveditwithsuchutterincredulityashe，ifithadreachedhim。DombeyandSonhadoftendealtinhides，butneverinhearts。Theyleftthatfancywaretoboysandgirls，andboarding-schoolsandbooks。Mr。Dombeywouldhavereasoned：Thatamatrimonialalliancewithhimselfmust，inthenatureofthings，begratifyingandhonourabletoanywomanofcommonsense。Thatthehopeofgivingbirthtoanewpartnerinsuchahouse，couldnotfailtoawakenagloriousandstirringambitioninthebreastoftheleastambitiousofhersex。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadenteredonthatsocialcontractofmatrimony：almostnecessarilypartofagenteelandwealthystation，evenwithoutreferencetotheperpetuationoffamilyfirms：withhereyesfullyopentotheseadvantages。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadhaddailypracticalknowledgeofhispositioninsociety。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadalwayssatattheheadofhistable，anddonethehonoursofhishouseinaremarkablylady-likeandbecomingmanner。ThatMrs。Dombeymusthavebeenhappy。Thatshecouldn'thelpit。
　　Or，atallevents，withonedrawback。Yes。Thathewouldhaveallowed。Withonlyone；butthatonecertainlyinvolvingmuch。Theyhadbeenmarriedtenyears，anduntilthispresentdayonwhichMr。Dombeysatjinglingandjinglinghisheavygoldwatch-chaininthegreatarm-chairbythesideofthebed，hadhadnoissue——
　　Tospeakof；noneworthmentioning。Therehadbeenagirlsomesixyearsbefore，andthechild，whohadstolenintothechamberunobserved，wasnowcrouchingtimidly，inacornerwhenceshecouldseehermother'sface。ButwhatwasagirltoDombeyandSon！InthecapitaloftheHouse'snameanddignity，suchachildwasmerelyapieceofbasecointhatcouldn'tbeinvested——abadBoy——nothingmore。
　　Mr。Dombey'scupofsatisfactionwassofullatthismoment，however，thathefelthecouldaffordadroportwoofitscontents，eventosprinkleonthedustintheby-pathofhislittledaughter。
　　Sohesaid，`Florence，youmaygoandlookatyourprettybrother，ifyoulike，Idaresay。Don'ttouchhim！'
　　Thechildglancedkeenlyatthebluecoatandstiffwhitecravat，which，withapairofcreakingbootsandaveryloudtickingwatch，embodiedherideaofafather；buthereyesreturnedtohermother'sfaceimmediately，andsheneithermovednoranswered。
　　Nextmoment，theladyhadopenedhereyesandseenthechild；
　　andthechildhadruntowardsher；and，standingontip-toe，thebettertohideherfaceinherembrace，hadclungaboutherwithadesperateaffectionverymuchatvariancewithheryears。
　　`OhLordblessme！'saidMr。Dombey，risingtestily。`Averyill-advisedandfeverishproceedingthis，Iamsure。IhadbetteraskDoctorPepsifhe'llhavethegoodnesstostepupstairsagainperhaps。I'llgodown。
　　I'llgodown。Ineedn'tbegyou，'headded，pausingforamomentatthesetteebeforethefire，`totakeparticularcareofthisyounggentleman，Mrs——'
　　`Blockitt，Sir？'suggestedthenurse，asimperingpieceoffadedgentility，whodidnotpresumetostatehernameasafact，butmerelyoffereditasamildsuggestion。
　　`Ofthisyounggentleman，Mrs。Blockitt。'
　　`No，Sir，indeed。IrememberwhenMissFlorencewasborn——'
　　`Ay，ay，ay，'saidMr。Dombey，bendingoverthebasketbedstead，andslightlybendinghisbrowsatthesametime。`MissFlorencewasallverywell，butthisisanothermatter。Thisyounggentlemanhastoaccomplishadestiny。Adestiny，littlefellow！'Ashethusapostrophisedtheinfantheraisedoneofhishandstohislips，andkissedit；then，seemingtofearthattheactioninvolvedsomecompromiseofhisdignity，went，awkwardlyenough，away。
　　DoctorParkerPeps，oneoftheCourtPhysicians，andamanofimmensereputationforassistingattheincreaseofgreatfamilies，waswalkingupanddownthedrawing-roomwithhishandsbehindhim，totheunspeakableadmirationofthefamilySurgeon，whohadregularlypuffedthecaseforthelastsixweeks，amongallhispatients，friends，andacquaintances，asonetowhichhewasinhourlyexpectationdayandnightofbeingsummoned，inconjunctionwithDoctorParkerPeps。
　　`Well，Sir，'saidDoctorParkerPepsinaround，deep，sonorousvoice，muffledfortheoccasion，liketheknocker；`doyoufindthatyourdearladyisatallrousedbyyourvisit？'
　　`Stimulatedasitwere？'saidthefamilypractitionerfaintly：
　　bowingatthesametimetotheDoctor，asmuchastosay，`Excusemyputtinginaword，butthisisavaluableconnexion。'
　　Mr。Dombeywasquitediscomfitedbythequestion。Hehadthoughtsolittleofthepatient，thathewasnotinaconditiontoanswerit。
　　Hesaidthatitwouldbeasatisfactiontohim，ifDoctorParkerPepswouldwalkupstairsagain。
　　`Good！Wemustnotdisguisefromyou，Sir，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thatthereisawantofpowerinHerGracetheDuchess——Ibegyourpardon；Iconfoundnames；Ishouldsay，inyouramiablelady。Thatthereisacertaindegreeoflanguor，andageneralabsenceofelasticity，whichwewouldrather——not——'
　　`See，'interposedthefamilypractitionerwithanotherinclinationofthehead。
　　`Quiteso，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`whichwewouldrathernotsee。ItwouldappearthatthesystemofLadyCankaby——excuseme：IshouldsayofMrs。Dombey：Iconfusethenamesofcases——'
　　`Soverynumerous，'murmuredthefamilypractitioner——`can'tbeexpectedI'msure——quitewonderfulifotherwise——DoctorParkerPeps'sWest-Endpractice——'
　　`Thankyou，'saidtheDoctor，`quiteso。Itwouldappear，Iwasobserving，thatthesystemofourpatienthassustainedashock，fromwhichitcanonlyhopetorallybyagreatandstrong——'
　　`Andvigorous，'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。
　　`Quiteso，'assentedtheDoctor——`andvigorouseffort。Mr。Pilkinshere，whofromhispositionofmedicaladviserinthisfamily——noonebetterqualifiedtofillthatposition，Iamsure。'
　　`Oh！'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。`“PraisefromSirHubertStanley！”'
　　`Youaregoodenough，'returnedDoctorParkerPeps，`tosayso。
　　Mr。Pilkinswho，fromhisposition，isbestacquaintedwiththepatient'sconstitutioninitsnormalstateanacquaintanceveryvaluabletousinformingouropinionsontheseoccasions，isofopinion，withme，thatNaturemustbecalledupontomakeavigorouseffortinthisinstance；
　　andthatifourinterestingfriendtheCountessofDombey——Ibegyourpardon；Mrs。Dombey——shouldnotbe——'
　　`Able，'saidthefamilypractitioner。
　　`Tomakethateffortsuccessfully，'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thenacrisismightarise，whichweshouldbothsincerelydeplore。'
　　Withthat，theystoodforafewsecondslookingattheground。
　　Then，onthemotion——madeindumbshow——ofDoctorParkerPeps，theywentupstairs；thefamilypractitioneropeningtheroomdoorforthatdistinguishedprofessional，andfollowinghimout，withmostobsequiouspoliteness。
　　TorecordofMr。Dombeythathewasnotinhiswayaffectedbythisintelligence，wouldbetodohimaninjustice。Hewasnotamanofwhomitcouldproperlybesaidthathewaseverstartledorshocked；buthecertainlyhadasensewithinhim，thatifhiswifeshouldsickenanddecay，hewouldbeverysorry，andthathewouldfindasomethinggonefromamonghisplateandfurniture，andotherhouseholdpossessions，whichwaswellworththehaving，andcouldnotbelostwithoutsincereregret。
　　Thoughitwouldbeacool，business-like，gentlemanly，self-possessedregret，nodoubt。
　　Hismeditationsonthesubjectweresooninterrupted，firstbytherustlingofgarmentsonthestaircase，andthenbythesuddenwhiskingintotheroomofaladyratherpastthemiddleagethanotherwise，butdressedinaveryjuvenilemanner，particularlyastothetightnessofherbodice，who，runninguptohimwithakindofscrewinherfaceandcarriage，expressiveofsuppressedemotion，flungherarmsroundhisneck，andsaidinachokingvoice，`MydearPaul！He'squiteaDombey！'
　　`Well，well！'returnedherbrother——forMr。Dombeywasherbrother——`I
　　thinkheislikethefamily。Don'tagitateyourself，Louisa。'
　　`It'sveryfoolishofme，'saidLouisa，sittingdown，andtakingoutherpocket-handkerchief，`buthe's——he'ssuchaperfectDombey！Ineversawanythinglikeitinmylife！'
　　`ButwhatisthisaboutFanny，herself？'saidMr。Dombey。`HowisFanny？'
　　`MydearPaul，'returnedLouisa，`it'snothingwhatever。Takemyword，it'snothingwhatever。Thereisexhaustion，certainly，butnothinglikewhatIunderwentmyself，eitherwithGeorgeorFrederick。Aneffortisnecessary。That'sall。IfdearFannywereaDombey！——ButIdaresayshe'llmakeit；Ihavenodoubtshe'llmakeit。Knowingittoberequiredofher，asaduty，ofcourseshe'llmakeit。MydearPaul，it'sveryweakandsillyofme，Iknow，tobesotremblyandshakyfromheadtofoot；
　　butIamsoveryqueerthatImustaskyouforaglassofwineandamorselofthatcake。IthoughtIshouldhavefallenoutofthestaircasewindowasIcamedownfromseeingdearFanny，andthattiddyicklesing。'Theselastwordsoriginatedinasuddenvividreminiscenceofthebaby。
　　Theyweresucceededbyagentletapatthedoor。
　　`Mrs。Chick，'saidaveryblandfemalevoiceoutside，`howareyounow，mydearfriend？'
　　`MydearPaul，'saidLouisainalowvoice，assherosefromherseat，`it'sMissTox。Thekindestcreature！Inevercouldhavegotherewithouther！MissTox，mybrotherMr。Dombey。Paul，mydear，myveryparticularfriendMissTox。'
　　Theladythusspeciallypresented，wasalongleanfigure，wearingsuchafadedairthatsheseemednottohavebeenmadeinwhatlinen-draperscall`fastcolours'originally，andtohave，bylittleandlittle，washedout。Butforthisshemighthavebeendescribedastheverypinkofgeneralpropitiationandpoliteness。Fromalonghabitoflisteningadmirablytoeverythingthatwassaidinherpresence，andlookingatthespeakersasifshewerementallyengagedintakingoffimpressionsoftheirimagesuponhersoul，nevertopartwiththesamebutwithlife，herheadhadquitesettledononeside。Herhandshadcontractedaspasmodichabitofraisingthemselvesoftheirownaccordasininvoluntaryadmiration。Hereyeswereliabletoasimilaraffection。Shehadthesoftestvoicethateverwasheard；andhernose，stupendouslyaquiline，hadalittleknobintheverycentreorkey-stoneofthebridge，whenceittendeddownwardstowardsherface，asinaninvincibledeterminationnevertoturnupatanything。
　　MissTox'sdress，thoughperfectlygenteelandgood，hadacertaincharacterofangularityandscantiness。Shewasaccustomedtowearoddweedylittleflowersinherbonnetsandcaps。Strangegrassesweresometimesperceivedinherhair；anditwasobservedbythecurious，ofallhercollars，frills，tuckers，wristbands，andothergossamerarticles——indeedofeverythingsheworewhichhadtwoendstoitintendedtounite——thatthetwoendswereneverongoodterms，andwouldn'tquitemeetwithoutastruggle。Shehadfurryarticlesforwinterwear，astippets，boas，andmuffs，whichstooduponendinarampantmanner，andwerenotatallsleek。Shewasmuchgiventothecarryingaboutofsmallbagswithsnapstothem，thatwentofflikelittlepistolswhentheywereshutup；andwhenfull-dressed，sheworeroundherneckthebarrenestoflockets，representingafishyoldeye，withnoapproachtospeculationinit。Theseandotherappearancesofasimilarnature，hadservedtopropagatetheopinion，thatMissToxwasaladyofwhatiscalledalimitedindependence，whichsheturnedtothebestaccount。Possiblyhermincinggaitencouragedthebelief，andsuggestedthatherclippingastepofordinarycompassintotwoorthree，originatedinherhabitofmakingthemostofeverything。
　　`Iamsure，'saidMissTox，withaprodigiouscurtsey，`thattohavethehonourofbeingpresentedtoMr。DombeyisadistinctionwhichIhavelongsought，butverylittleexpectedatthepresentmoment。MydearMrs。Chick——mayIsayLouisa！'
　　Mrs。ChicktookMissTox'shandinhers，restedthefootofherwine-glassuponit，repressedatear，andsaidinalowvoice`Blessyou！'
　　`MydearLouisathen，'saidMissTox，`mysweetfriend，howareyounow？'
　　`Better，'Mrs。Chickreturned。`Takesomewine。YouhavebeenalmostasanxiousasIhavebeen，andmustwantit，Iamsure。'
　　Mr。Dombeyofcourseofficiated。
　　`MissTox，Paul，'pursuedMrs。Chick，stillretainingherhand，`knowinghowmuchIhavebeeninterestedintheanticipationoftheeventofto-day，hasbeenworkingatalittlegiftforFanny，whichIpromisedtopresent。Itisonlyapin-cushionforthetoilettetable，Paul，butIdosay，andwillsay，andmustsay，thatMissToxhasveryprettilyadaptedthesentimenttotheoccasion。Icall`WelcomelittleDombey'Poetry，myself！'
　　`Isthatthedevice？'inquiredherbrother。
　　`Thatisthedevice，'returnedLouisa。
　　`Butdomethejusticetoremember，mydearLouisa，'saidMissToxinatoneoflowandearnestentreaty，`thatnothingbutthe——Ihavesomedifficultyinexpressingmyself——thedubiousnessoftheresultwouldhaveinducedmetotakesogreataliberty：“Welcome，MasterDombey，“wouldhavebeenmuchmorecongenialtomyfeelings，asIamsureyouknow。Buttheuncertaintyattendantonangelicstrangers，will，Ihope，excusewhatmustotherwiseappearanunwarrantablefamiliarity。'MissToxmadeagracefulbendasshespoke，infavourofMr。Dombey，whichthatgentlemangraciouslyacknowledged。EventhesortofrecognitionofDombeyandSon，conveyedintheforegoingconversation，wassopalatabletohim，thathissister，Mrs。Chick——thoughheaffectedtoconsiderheraweakgood-naturedperson——hadperhapsmoreinfluenceoverhimthananybodyelse。
　　`Well'saidMrs。Chick，withasweetsmile，`afterthis，IforgiveFannyeverything！'
　　ItwasadeclarationinaChristianspirit，andMrs。Chickfeltthatitdidhergood。Notthatshehadanythingparticulartoforgiveinhersister-in-law，norindeedanythingatall，exceptherhavingmarriedherbrother——initselfaspeciesofaudacity——andherhaving，inthecourseofevents，givenbirthtoagirlinsteadofaboy：which，asMrs。Chickhadfrequentlyobserved，wasnotquitewhatshehadexpectedofher，andwasnotapleasantreturnforalltheattentionanddistinctionshehadmetwith。
　　Mr。Dombeybeinghastilysummonedoutoftheroomatthismoment，thetwoladieswereleftalonetogether。MissToximmediatelybecamespasmodic。
　　`Iknewyouwouldadmiremybrother。Itoldyousobefore-hand，mydear，'saidLouisa。
　　MissTox'shandsandeyesexpressedhowmuch。
　　`Andastohisproperty，mydear！'
　　`Ah！'saidMissTox，withdeepfeeling。
　　`Im——mense！'
　　`Buthisdeportment，mydearLouisa！'saidMissTox。`Hispresence！
　　Hisdignity！NoportraitthatIhaveeverseenofanyonehasbeenhalfsorepletewiththosequalities。Somethingsostately，youknow：souncompromising：
　　soverywideacrossthechest：soupright！ApecuniaryDukeofYork，mylove，andnothingshortofit！'saidMissTox。`That'swhatIshoulddesignatehim。'
　　`Why，mydearPaul！'exclaimedhissister，ashereturned，`youlookquitepale！There'snothingthematter？'
　　`Iamsorrytosay，Louisa，thattheytellmethatFanny——'
　　`Now，mydearPaul，'returnedhissisterrising，`don'tbelieveit。Ifyouhaveanyrelianceonmyexperience，Paul，youmayrestassuredthatthereisnothingwantingbutaneffortonFanny'spart。Andthateffort，'
　　shecontinued，takingoffherbonnet，andadjustinghercapandgloves，inabusiness-likemanner，`shemustbeencouraged，andreally，ifnecessary，urgedtomake。Now，mydearPaul，comeupstairswithme。'
　　Mr。Dombey，who，besidesbeinggenerallyinfluencedbyhissisterforthereasonalreadymentioned，hadreallyfaithinherasanexperiencedandbustlingmatron，acquiesced：andfollowedher，atonce，tothesickchamber。
　　Theladylayuponherbedashehadlefther，claspingherlittledaughtertoherbreast。Thechildclungcloseabouther，withthesameintensityasbefore，andneverraisedherhead，ormovedhersoftcheekfromhermother'sface，orlookedonthosewhostoodaround，orspoke，ormoved，orshedatear。
　　`Restlesswithoutthelittlegirl，'theDoctorwhisperedMr。Dombey。
　　`Wefounditbesttohaveherinagain。'
　　Therewassuchasolemnstillnessroundthebed；andthetwomedicalattendantsseemedtolookontheimpassiveformwithsomuchcompassionandsolittlehope，thatMrs。Chickwasforthemomentdivertedfromherpurpose。Butpresentlysummoningcourage，andwhatshecalledpresenceofmind，shesatdownbythebedside，andsaidinthelowprecisetoneofonewhoendeavourstoawakenasleeper：
　　`Fanny！Fanny！'
　　TherewasnosoundinanswerbuttheloudtickingofMr。Dombey'swatchandDoctorParkerPeps'swatch，whichseemedinthesilencetoberunningarace。
　　`Fanny，mydear，'saidMrs。Chick，withassumedlightness，`here'sMr。Dombeycometoseeyou。Won'tyouspeaktohim？Theywanttolayyourlittleboy——thebaby，Fanny，youknow；youhavehardlyseenhimyet，I
　　think——inbed；buttheycan'ttillyourouseyourselfalittle。Don'tyouthinkit'stimeyourousedyourselfalittle？Eh？'
　　Shebenthereartothebed，andlistened：atthesametimelookingroundatthebystanders，andholdingupherfinger。
　　`Eh？'sherepeated，`whatwasityousaid，Fanny？Ididn'thearyou。'
　　Nowordorsoundinanswer。Mr。Dombey'swatchandDr。ParkerPeps'swatchseemedtoberacingfaster。
　　`Now，really，Fannymydear，'saidthesister-in-law，alteringherposition，andspeakinglessconfidently，andmoreearnestly，inspiteofherself，`Ishallhavetobequitecrosswithyou，ifyoudon'trouseyourself。It'snecessaryforyoutomakeaneffort，andperhapsaverygreatandpainfuleffortwhichyouarenotdisposedtomake；butthisisaworldofeffortyouknow，Fanny，andwemustneveryield，whensomuchdependsuponus。Come！Try！Imustreallyscoldyouifyoudon't！'
　　Theraceintheensuingpausewasfierceandfurious。Thewatchesseemedtojostle，andtotripeachotherup。
　　`Fanny！'saidLouisa，glancinground，withagatheringalarm。
　　`Onlylookatme。Onlyopenyoureyestoshowmethatyouhearandunderstandme；willyou？GoodHeaven，gentlemen，whatistobedone！'
　　Thetwomedicalattendantsexchangedalookacrossthebed；andthePhysician，stoopingdown，whisperedinthechild'sear。Nothavingunderstoodthepurportofhiswhisper，thelittlecreatureturnedherperfectlycolourlessface，anddeepdarkeyestowardshim；butwithoutlooseningherholdintheleast。
　　Thewhisperwasrepeated。
　　`Mama！'saidthechild。
　　Thelittlevoice，familiaranddearlyloved，awakenedsomeshowofconsciousness，evenatthatebb。Foramoment，theclosedeye-lidstrembled，andthenostrilquivered，andthefaintestshadowofasmilewasseen。
　　`Mama！'criedthechildsobbingaloud。`OhdearMama！ohdearMama！'
　　TheDoctorgentlybrushedthescatteredringletsofthechild，asidefromthefaceandmouthofthemother。Alashowcalmtheylaythere；
　　howlittlebreaththerewastostirthem！
　　Thus，clingingfasttothatslightsparwithinherarms，themotherdriftedoutuponthedarkandunknownseathatrollsroundalltheworld。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DombeyandSon：Chapter2[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIInwhichTimelyProvisionismadeforanEmergencythatwillsometimesariseinthebest-regulatedFamilies`ISHALLneverceasetocongratulatemyself，'saidMrs。Chick，`onhavingsaid，whenIlittlethoughtwhatwasinstoreforus，——reallyasifIwasinspiredbysomething，——thatIforgavepoordearFannyeverything。Whateverhappens，thatmustalwaysbeacomforttome！'
　　Mrs。Chickmadethisimpressiveobservationinthedrawing-room，afterhavingdescendedthitherfromtheinspectionoftheMantua-Makersupstairs，whowerebusyonthefamilymourning。ShedelivereditforthebehoofofMr。Chick，whowasastoutbaldgentleman，withaverylargeface，andhishandscontinuallyinhispockets，andwhohadatendencyinhisnaturetowhistleandhumtunes，which，sensibleoftheindecorumofsuchsoundsinahouseofgrief，hewasatsomepainstorepressatpresent。
　　`Don'tyouover-exertyourself，Loo，'saidMr。Chick，`oryou'llbelaidupwithspasms，Isee。Righttolloorrul！Blessmysoul，Iforgot！
　　We'rehereonedayandgonethenext！'
　　Mrs。Chickcontentedherselfwithaglanceofreproof，andthenproceededwiththethreadofherdiscourse。
　　`Iamsure，'shesaid，`Ihopethisheart-rendingoccurrencewillbeawarningtoallofus，toaccustomourselvestorouseourselves，andtomakeeffortsintimewherethey'rerequiredofus。There'samoralineverything，ifwewouldonlyavailourselvesofit。Itwillbeourownfaultsifwelosesightofthisone。'
　　Mr。Chickinvadedthegravesilencewhichensuedonthisremarkwiththesingularlyinappropriateairof`Acobblertherewas；'andcheckinghimself，insomeconfusion，observed，thatitwasundoubtedlyourownfaultsifwedidn'timprovesuchmelancholyoccasionsasthepresent。
　　`Whichmightbebetterimproved，Ishouldthink，Mr。C。，'retortedhishelpmate，afterashortpause，`thanbytheintroduction，eitherofthecollegehornpipe，ortheequallyunmeaningandunfeelingremarkofrump-te-iddity，bow-wow-wow！'——whichMr。Chickhadindeedindulgedinunderhisbreath，andwhichMrs。Chickrepeatedinatoneofwitheringscorn。
　　`Merelyhabit，mydear，'pleadedMr。Chick。
　　`Nonsense！Habit！'returnedhiswife。`Ifyou'rearationalbeing，don'tmakesuchridiculousexcuses。Habit！IfIwastogetahabitasyoucallitofwalkingontheceiling，liketheflies，Ishouldhearenoughofit，Idaresay。'
　　Itappearedsoprobablethatsuchahabitmightbeattendedwithsomedegreeofnotoriety，thatMr。Chickdidn'tventuretodisputetheposition。
　　`How'stheBaby，Loo？'askedMr。Chick：tochangethesubject。
　　`WhatBabydoyoumean？'answeredMrs。Chick。`IamsurethemorningIhavehad，withthatdining-roomdownstairsonemassofbabies，nooneintheirsenseswouldbelieve。'
　　`Onemassofbabies！'repeatedMr。Chick，staringwithanalarmedexpressionabouthim。
　　`Itwouldhaveoccurredtomostmen，'saidMrs。Chick，`thatpoordearFannybeingnomore，itbecomesnecessarytoprovideaNurse。'
　　`Oh！Ah！'saidMr。Chick。`Toor-rul——suchislife，Imean。Ihopeyouaresuited，mydear。'
　　`IndeedIamnot，'saidMrs。Chick；`norlikelytobe，sofarasIcansee。Meanwhile，ofcourse，thechildis——'
　　`GoingtotheveryDeuce，'saidMr。Chick，thoughtfully，`tobesure。'
　　Admonished，however，thathehadcommittedhimself，bytheindignationexpressedinMrs。Chick'scountenanceattheideaofaDombeygoingthere；
　　andthinkingtoatoneforhismisconductbyabrightsuggestion，headded：
　　`Couldn'tsomethingtemporarybedonewithateapot？'
　　Ifhehadmeanttobringthesubjectprematurelytoaclose，hecouldnothavedoneitmoreeffectually。Afterlookingathimforsomemomentsinsilentresignation，Mrs。Chickwalkedmajesticallytothewindowandpeepedthroughtheblind，attractedbythesoundofwheels。Mr。Chick，findingthathisdestinywas，forthetime，againsthim，saidnomore，andwalkedoff。ButitwasnotalwaysthuswithMr。Chick。Hewasoftenintheascendanthimself，andatthosetimespunishedLouisaroundly。Intheirmatrimonialbickeringstheywere，uponthewhole，awell-matched，fairly-balanced，give-and-takecouple。Itwouldhavebeen，generallyspeaking，verydifficulttohavebettedonthewinner。OftenwhenMr。Chickseemedbeaten，hewouldsuddenlymakeastart，turnthetables，clatterthemabouttheearsofMrs。Chick，andcarryallbeforehim。BeingliablehimselftosimilarunlookedforchecksfromMrs。Chick，theirlittlecontestsusuallypossessedacharacterofuncertaintythatwasveryanimating。
　　MissToxhadarrivedonthewheelsjustnowalludedto，andcamerunningintotheroominabreathlesscondition。
　　`MydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`isthevacancystillunsupplied？'
　　`Yougoodsoul，yes，'saidMrs。Chick。
　　`Then，mydearLouisa，'returnedMissTox，`Ihopeandbelieve——butinonemoment，mydear，I'llintroducetheparty。'
　　Runningdownstairsagainasfastasshehadrunup，MissToxgotthepartyoutofthehackney-coach，andsoonreturnedwithitunderconvoy。
　　Itthenappearedthatshehadusedtheword，notinitslegalorbusinessacceptation，whenitmerelyexpressesanindividual，butasanounofmultitude，orsignifyingmany：forMissToxescortedaplumprosy-cheekedwholesomeapple-facedyoungwoman，withaninfantinherarms；
　　ayoungerwomannotsoplump，butapple-facedalso，wholedaplumpandapple-facedchildineachhand；anotherplumpandalsoapple-facedboywhowalkedbyhimself；andfinally，aplumpandapple-facedman，whocarriedinhisarmsanotherplumpandapple-facedboy，whomhestooddownonthefloor，andadmonished，inahuskywhisper，to`kitchholdofhisbrotherJohnny。'
　　`MydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`knowingyourgreatanxiety，andwishingtorelieveit，IpostedoffmyselftotheQueenCharlotte'sRoyalMarriedFemales，whichyouhadforgot，andputthequestion，Wasthereanybodytherethattheythoughtwouldsuit？No，theysaidtherewasnot。Whentheygavemethatanswer，Idoassureyou，mydear，Iwasalmostdriventodespaironyouraccount。Butitdidsohappen，thatoneoftheRoyalMarriedFemales，hearingtheinquiry，remindedthematronofanotherwhohadgonetoherownhome，andwho，shesaid，wouldinalllikelihoodbemostsatisfactory。ThemomentIheardthis，andhaditcorroboratedbythematron——excellentreferencesandunimpeachablecharacter——Igottheaddress，mydear，andpostedoffagain。'
　　`LikethedeargoodTox，youare！'saidLouisa。
　　`Notatall，'returnedMissTox。`Don'tsayso。Arrivingatthehousethecleanestplace，mydear！Youmighteatyourdinneroffthefloor，Ifoundthewholefamilysittingattable；andfeelingthatnoaccountofthemcouldbehalfsocomfortabletoyouandMr。Dombeyasthesightofthemalltogether，Ibroughtthemallaway。Thisgentleman，'saidMissTox，pointingouttheapple-facedman，`isthefather。Willyouhavethegoodnesstocomealittleforward，Sir？'
　　Theapple-facedmanhavingsheepishlycompliedwiththisrequest，stoodchucklingandgrinninginafrontrow。
　　`Thisishiswife，ofcourse，'saidMissTox，singlingouttheyoungwomanwiththebaby。`Howdoyoudo，Polly？'
　　`I'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma'am，'saidPolly。
　　Bywayofbringingheroutdexterously，MissToxhadmadetheinquiryasincondescensiontoanoldacquaintancewhomshehadn'tseenforafortnightorso。
　　`I，mgladtohearit，'saidMissTox。`Theotheryoungwomanisherunmarriedsisterwholiveswiththem，andwouldtakecareofherchildren。Hername'sJemima。Howdoyoudo，Jemima？'
　　`I'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma'am，'returnedJemima。
　　`I'mverygladindeedtohearit，'saidMissTox。`Ihopeyou'llkeepso。Fivechildren。Youngestsixweeks。Thefinelittleboywiththeblisteronhisnoseistheeldest。Theblister，Ibelieve，'saidMissTox，lookingrounduponthefamily，`isnotconstitutional，butaccidental？'
　　Theapple-facedmanwasunderstoodtogrowl，`Flatiron。'
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'saidMissTox，`didyou？——'
　　`Flatiron，'herepeated。
　　`Ohyes，'saidMissTox。`Yes！quitetrue。Iforgot。Thelittlecreature，inhismother'sabsence，smeltawarmflatiron。You'requiteright，Sir。Youweregoingtohavethegoodnesstoinformme，whenwearrivedatthedoorthatyouwerebytrade，a——'
　　`Stoker，'saidtheman。
　　`Achoker！'saidMissTox，quiteaghast。
　　`Stoker，'saidtheman。`Streamingine。'
　　`Oh-h！Yes！'returnedMissTox，lookingthoughtfullyathim，andseemingstilltohavebutaveryimperfectunderstandingofhismeaning。
　　`Andhowdoyoulikeit，Sir？'
　　`Which，Mum？'saidtheman。
　　`That，'repliedMissTox。`Yourtrade。'
　　`Oh！Prettywell，Mum。Theashessometimesgetsinhere；'touchinghischest：`andmakesamanspeakgruff，asatthepresenttime。Butitisashes，Mum，notcrustiness。'
　　MissToxseemedtobesolittleenlightenedbythisreply，astofindadifficultyinpursuingthesubject。ButMrs。Chickrelievedher，byenteringintoacloseprivateexaminationofPolly，herchildren，hermarriagecertificate，testimonials，andsoforth。Pollycomingoutunscathedfromthisordeal，Mrs。Chickwithdrewwithherreporttoherbrother'sroom，andasanemphaticcommentonit，andcorroborationofit，carriedthetworosiestlittleToodleswithher，Toodlebeingthefamilynameoftheapple-facedfamily。
　　Mr。Dombeyhadremainedinhisownapartmentsincethedeathofhiswife，absorbedinvisionsoftheyouth，education，anddestinationofhisbabyson。Somethinglayatthebottomofhiscoolheart，colderandheavierthanitsordinaryload；butitwasmoreasenseofthechild'slossthanhisown，awakeningwithinhimanalmostangrysorrow。Thatthelifeandprogressonwhichhebuiltsuchhopes，shouldbeendangeredintheoutsetbysomeanawant；thatDombeyandSonshouldbetotteringforanurse，wasasorehumiliation。Andyetinhisprideandjealousy，heviewedwithsomuchbitternessthethoughtofbeingdependentfortheveryfirststeptowardstheaccomplishmentofhissoul'sdesire，onahiredserving-womanwhowouldbetothechild，forthetime，allthatevenhisalliancecouldhavemadehisownwife，thatineverynewrejectionofacandidatehefeltasecretpleasure。Thetimehadnowcome，however，whenhecouldnolongerbedividedbetweenthesetwosetsoffeelings。Thelessso，asthereseemedtobenoflawinthetitleofPollyToodleafterhissisterhadsetitforth，withmanycommendationsontheindefatigablefriendshipofMissTox。
　　`Thesechildrenlookhealthy，'saidMr。Dombey。`ButtothinkoftheirsomedayclaimingasortofrelationshiptoPaul！Takethemaway，Louisa！Letmeseethiswomanandherhusband。'
　　Mrs。ChickboreoffthetenderpairofToodles，andpresentlyreturnedwiththattoughercouplewhosepresenceherbrotherhadcommanded。
　　`Mygoodwoman，'saidMr。Dombey，turningroundinhiseasychair，asonepiece，andnotasamanwithlimbsandjoints，`Iunderstandyouarepoor，andwishtoearnmoneybynursingthelittleboy，myson，whohasbeensoprematurelydeprivedofwhatcanneverbereplaced。Ihavenoobjectiontoyouraddingtothecomfortsofyourfamilybythatmeans。
　　SofarasIcantell，youseemtobeadeservingobject。ButImustimposeoneortwoconditionsonyou，beforeyouentermyhouseinthatcapacity。
　　whileyouarehere，Imuststipulatethatyouarealwaysknownas——sayasRichards——anordinaryname，andconvenient。HaveyouanyobjectiontobeknownasRichards？Youhadbetterconsultyourhusband。'
　　Asthehusbanddidnothingbutchuckleandgrin，andcontinuallydrawhisrighthandacrosshismouth，moisteningthepalm，Mrs。Toodle，afternudginghimtwiceorthriceinvain，droppedacurtseyandreplied`thatperhapsifshewastobecalledoutofhername，itwouldbeconsideredinthewages。'
　　`Oh，ofcourse，'saidMr。Dombey。`Idesiretomakeitaquestionofwages，altogether。Now，Richards，ifyounursemybereavedchild，I
　　wishyoutorememberthisalways。Youwillreceivealiberalstipendinreturnforthedischargeofcertainduties，intheperformanceofwhich，Iwishyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Whenthosedutiesceasetoberequiredandrendered，andthestipendceasestobepaid，thereisanendofallrelationsbetweenus。Doyouunderstandme？'
　　Mrs。Toodleseemeddoubtfulaboutit；andastoToodlehimself，hehadevidentlynodoubtwhatever，thathewasallabroad。
　　`Youhavechildrenofyourown，'saidMr。Dombey。`Itisnotatallinthisbargainthatyouneedbecomeattachedtomychild，orthatmychildneedbecomeattachedtoyou。Idon'texpectordesireanythingofthekind。Quitethereverse。Whenyougoawayfromhere，youwillhaveconcludedwhatisamerematterofbargainandsale，hiringandletting：
　　andwillstayaway。Thechildwillceasetorememberyou；andyouwillcease，ifyouplease，torememberthechild。'
　　Mrs。Toodle，withalittlemorecolourinhercheeksthanshehadhadbefore，said`shehopedsheknewherplace。'
　　`Ihopeyoudo，Richards，'saidMr。Dombey。`Ihavenodoubtyouknowitverywell。Indeeditissoplainandobviousthatitcouldhardlybeotherwise。Louisa，mydear，arrangewithRichardsaboutmoney，andletherhaveitwhenandhowshepleases。Mr。what's-yourname，awordwithyou，ifyouplease！'
　　Thusarrestedonthethresholdashewasfollowinghiswifeoutoftheroom，ToodlereturnedandconfrontedMr。Dombeyalone。Hewasastrong，loose，round-shouldered，shuffling，shaggyfellow，onwhomhisclothessatnegligently：withagooddealofhairandwhisker，deepenedinitsnaturaltint，perhapsbysmokeandcoal-dust：hardknottyhands：
　　andasquareforehead，ascoarseingrainasthebarkofanoak。AthoroughcontrastinallrespectstoMr。Dombey，whowasoneofthoseclose-shavedclose-cutmoneyedgentlemenwhoareglossyandcrisplikenewbank-notes，andwhoseemtobeartificiallybracedandtightenedasbythestimulatingactionofgoldenshower-baths。
　　`Youhaveason，Ibelieve？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Fouron'em，Sir。Fourhimsandaher。Allalive！'
　　`Why，it'sasmuchasyoucanaffordtokeepthem！'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Icouldn'thardlyaffordbutonethingintheworldless，Sir。'
　　`Whatisthat？'
　　`Tolose'em，Sir。'
　　`Canyouread？'askedMr。Dombey。
　　`Why，notpartick'ler，Sir。'
　　`Write？'
　　`Withchalk，Sir？'
　　`Withanything？'
　　`Icouldmakeshifttochalkalittlebit，Ithink，ifIwasputtoit，'saidToodleaftersomereflection。
　　`Andyet，'saidMr。Dombey，`youaretwoorthreeandthirty，Isuppose？'
　　`Thereabouts，Isuppose，Sir，'answeredToodle，aftermorereflection。
　　`Thenwhydon'tyoulearn？'askedMr。Dombey。
　　`SoI'magoingto，Sir。Oneofmylittleboysisagoingtolearnme，whenhe'soldenough，andbeentoschoolhimself。'
　　`Well，'saidMr。Dombey，afterlookingathimattentively，andwithnogreatfavour，ashestoodgazingroundtheroomprincipallyroundtheceilingandstilldrawinghishandacrossandacrosshismouth。`YouheardwhatIsaidtoyourwifejustnow？'
　　`Pollyheerdit，'saidToodle，jerkinghishatoverhisshoulderinthedirectionofthedoor，withanairofperfectconfidenceinhisbetterhalf。`It'sallright。'
　　`Asyouappeartoleaveeverythingtoher，'saidMr。Dombey，frustratedinhisintentionofimpressinghisviewsstillmoredistinctlyonthehusband，asthestrongercharacter，`Isupposeitisofnousemysayinganythingtoyou。'
　　`Notabit，'saidToodle。`Pollyheerdit。She'sawake，Sir。'
　　`Iwon'tdetainyouanylongerthen，'returnedMr。Dombeydisappointed。
　　`Wherehaveyouworkedallyourlife？'
　　`Mostlyunderground，Sir，'tillIgotmarried。Icometothelevelthen。I'magoingononeofthesehererailroadswhentheycomesintofullplay。'
　　Asthelaststrawbreakstheladencamel'sback，thispieceofundergroundinformationcrushedthesinkingspiritsofMr。Dombey。Hemotionedhischild'sfoster-fathertothedoor，whodepartedbynomeansunwillingly：
　　andthenturningthekey，pacedupanddowntheroominsolitarywretchedness。
　　Forallhisstarched，impenetrabledignityandcomposure，hewipedblindingtearsfromhiseyesashedidso；andoftensaid，withanemotionofwhichhewouldnot，fortheworld，havehadawitness，`Poorlittlefellow！'
　　ItmayhavebeencharacteristicofMr。Dombey'spride，thathepitiedhimselfthroughthechild。Notpoorme。Notpoorwidower，confidingbyconstraintinthewifeofanignorantHindwhohasbeenworking`mostlyunderground'allhislife，andyetatwhosedoorDeathhadneverknocked，andatwhosepoortablefoursonsdailysit——butpoorlittlefellow！
　　Thosewordsbeingonhislips，itoccurredtohim——anditisaninstanceofthestrongattractionwithwhichhishopesandfearsandallhisthoughtsweretendingtoonecentre——thatagreattemptationwasbeingplacedinthiswoman'sway。Herinfantwasaboytoo。Now，woulditbepossibleforhertochangethem？
　　Thoughhewassoonsatisfiedthathehaddismissedtheideaasromanticandunlikely——thoughpossible，therewasnodenying——hecouldnothelppursuingitsofarastoentertainwithinhimselfapictureofwhathisconditionwouldbe，ifheshoulddiscoversuchanimposturewhenhewasgrownold。Whetheramansosituated，wouldbeabletopluckawaytheresultofsomanyyearsofusage，confidence，andbelief，fromtheimpostor，andendowastrangerwithit？
　　Ashisunusualemotionsubsided，thesemisgivingsgraduallymeltedaway，thoughsomuchoftheirshadowremainedbehind，thathewasconstantinhisresolutiontolookcloselyafterRichardshimself，withoutappearingtodoso。Beingnowinaneasierframeofmind，heregardedthewoman'sstationasratheranadvantageouscircumstancethanotherwise，byplacing，initself，abroaddistancebetweenherandthechild，andrenderingtheirseparationeasyandnatural。
　　MeanwhiletermswereratifiedandagreeduponbetweenMrs。ChickandRichards，withtheassistanceofMissTox；andRichardsbeingwithmuchceremonyinvestedwiththeDombeybaby，asifitwereanOrder，resignedherown，withmanytearsandkisses，toJemima。Glassesofwinewerethenproduced，tosustainthedroopingspiritsofthefamily。
　　`You'lltakeaglassyourself，Sir，won'tyou？'saidMissTox，asToodleappeared。
　　`Thankee，Mum，'saidToodle，`sinceyouaresuppressing。'
　　`Andyou'reverygladtoleaveyourdeargoodwifeinsuchacomfortablehome，ain'tyou，Sir？'saidMissTox，noddingandwinkingathimstealthily。
　　`No，Mum，'saidToodle。`Here'swishingofherbackagin。'
　　Pollycriedmorethaneveratthis。SoMrs。Chick，whohadhermatronlyapprehensionsthatthisindulgenceingriefmightbeprejudicialtothelittleDombey`acid，indeed，'shewhisperedMissTox，hastenedtotherescue。
　　`YourlittlechildwillthrivecharminglywithyoursisterJemima，Richards，'saidMrs。Chick；`andyouhaveonlytomakeaneffort——thisisaworldofeffort，youknow，Richards——tobeveryhappyindeed。Youhavebeenalreadymeasuredforyourmourning，haven'tyou，Richards？'
　　`Ye——es，Ma'am，'sobbedPolly。
　　`Andit'llfitbeautifully。Iknow，'saidMrs。Chick，`forthesameyoungpersonhasmadememanydresses。Theverybestmaterials，too！'
　　`Lor，you'llbesosmart，'saidMissTox，`thatyourhusbandwon'tknowyou；willyou，Sir？'
　　`Ishouldknowher，'saidToodle，gruffly，`anyhowsandanywheres。'
　　Toodlewasevidentlynottobeboughtover。
　　`Astoliving，Richards，youknow，'pursuedMrs。Chick，`whytheverybestofeverythingwillbeatyourdisposal。Youwillorderyourlittledinnereveryday；andanythingyoutakeafancyto，I'msurewillbeasreadilyprovidedasifyouwereaLady。'
　　`Yes，tobesure！'saidMissTox，keepinguptheballwithgreatsympathy。`Andastoporter！——quiteunlimited，willitnot，Louisa？'
　　`Oh，certainly！'returnedMrs。Chickinthesametone。`Withalittleabstinence，youknow，mydear，inpointofvegetables。'
　　`Andpickles，perhaps，'suggestedMissTox。
　　`Withsuchexceptions，'saidLouisa，`she'llconsultherchoiceentirely，andbeundernorestraintatall，mylove。'
　　`Andthen，ofcourse，youknow，'saidMissTox，`howeverfondsheisofherowndearlittlechild——andI'msure，Louisa，youdon'tblameherforbeingfondofit？'
　　`Ohno！'criedMrs。Chick，benignantly。
　　`Still，'resumedMissTox，`shenaturallymustbeinterestedinheryoungcharge，andmustconsideritaprivilegetoseealittlecherubcloselyconnectedwiththesuperiorclasses，graduallyunfoldingitselffromdaytodayatonecommonfountain。Isitnotso，Louisa？'
　　`Mostundoubtedly！'saidMrs。Chick。`Yousee，mylove，she'salreadyquitecontentedandcomfortable，andmeanstosaygood-byetohersisterJemimaandherlittlepets，andhergoodhonesthusband，withalightheartandasmile；don'tshe，mydear！'
　　`Ohyes！'criedMissTox。`Tobesureshedoes！'
　　Notwithstandingwhich，however，poorPollyembracedthemallroundingreatdistress，andfinallyranawaytoavoidanymoreparticularleave-takingbetweenherselfandthechildren。Butthestratagemhardlysucceededaswellasitdeserved；forthesmallestboybutonediviningherintent，immediatelybeganswarmingupstairsafterher——ifthatwordofdoubtfuletymologybeadmissible——onhisarmsandlegs；whiletheeldestknowninthefamilybythenameofBiler，inremembranceofthesteamengine
　　beatademoniacaltattoowithhisboots，expressiveofgrief；inwhichhewasjoinedbytherestofthefamily。
　　AquantityoforangesandhalfpencethrustindiscriminatelyoneachyoungToodle，checkedthefirstviolenceoftheirregret，andthefamilywerespeedilytransportedtotheirownhome，bymeansofthehackney-coachkeptinwaitingforthatpurpose。Thechildren，undertheguardianshipofJemima，blockedupthewindow，anddroppedoutorangesandhalfpenceallthewayalong。Mr。Toodlehimselfpreferredtoridebehindamongthespikes，asbeingthemodeofconveyancetowhichhewasbestaccustomed。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter3[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIIInwhichMr。Dombey，asaManandaFather，isseenattheHeadoftheHome-DepartmentTHEfuneralofthedeceasedladyhavingbeen`performed'totheentiresatisfactionoftheundertaker，aswellasoftheneighbourhoodatlarge，whichisgenerallydisposedtobecaptiousonsuchapoint，andispronetotakeoffenceatanyomissionsorshort-comingsintheceremonies，thevariousmembersofMr。Dombey'shouseholdsubsidedintotheirseveralplacesinthedomesticsystem。Thatsmallworld，likethegreatoneoutofdoors，hadthecapacityofeasilyforgettingitsdead；andwhenthecookhadsaidshewasaquiet-temperedlady，andthehouse-keeperhadsaiditwasthecommonlot，andthebutlerhadsaidwho'dhavethoughtit，andthehousemaidhadsaidshecouldn'thardlybelieveit，andthefootmanhadsaiditseemedexactlylikeadream，theyhadquitewornthesubjectout，andbegantothinktheirmourningwaswearingrustytoo。
　　OnRichards，whowasestablishedupstairsinastateofhonourablecaptivity，thedawnofhernewlifeseemedtobreakcoldandgrey。Mr。
　　Dombey'shousewasalargeone，ontheshadysideofatall，dark，dreadfullygenteelstreetintheregionbetweenPortlandPlaceandBryanstoneSquare。
　　Itwasacornerhouse，withgreatwideareascontainingcellarsfrowneduponbybarredwindow，andleeredatbycrooked-eyeddoorsleadingtodustbins。
　　Itwasahouseofdismalstate，withacircularbacktoit，containingawholesuitofdrawing-roomslookinguponagravelledyard，wheretwogaunttrees，withblackenedtrunksandbranches，rattledratherthanrustled，theirleavesweresosmoke-dried。Thesummersunwasneveronthestreet，butinthemorningaboutbreakfast-time，whenitcamewiththewater-cartsandtheold-clothesmen，andthepeoplewithgeraniums，andtheumbrella-mender，andthemanwhotrilledthelittlebelloftheDutchclockashewentalong。
　　Itwassoongoneagaintoreturnnomorethatday；andthebandsofmusicandthestragglingPunch'sshowsgoingafterit，leftitapreytothemostdismaloforgans，andwhitemice；withnowandthenaporcupine，tovarytheentertainments；untilthebutlerswhosefamilieswerediningout，begantostandatthehouse-doorsinthetwilight，andthelamplightermadehisnightlyfailureinattemptingtobrightenupthestreetwithgas。
　　Itwasasblankahouseinsideasoutside。Whenthefuneralwasover，Mr。Dombeyorderedthefurnituretobecoveredup——perhapstopreserveitforthesonwithwhomhisplanswereallassociated——andtheroomstobeungarnished，savingsuchasheretainedforhimselfonthegroundfloor。
　　Accordingly，mysteriousshapesweremadeoftablesandchairs，heapedtogetherinthemiddleofrooms，andcoveredoverwithgreatwinding-sheets。Bell-handles，window-blinds，andlooking-glasses，beingpaperedupinjournals，dailyandweekly，obtrudedfragmentaryaccountsofdeathsanddreadfulmurders。
　　Everychandelierorlustre，muffledinHolland，lookedlikeamonstrousteardependingfromtheceiling'seye。Odours，asfromvaultsanddampplaces，cameoutofthechimneys。Thedeadandburiedladywasawfulinapicture-frameofghastlybandages。Everygustofwindthatrose，broughteddyingroundthecornerfromtheneighbouringmews，somefragmentsofthestrawthathadbeenstrewnbeforethehousewhenshewasill，mildewedremainsofwhichwerestillcleavingtotheneighbourhood；andthese，beingalwaysdrawnbysomeinvisibleattractiontothethresholdofthedirtyhousetoletimmediatelyopposite，addressedadismaleloquencetoMr。
　　Dombey'swindows。
　　TheapartmentswhichMr。Dombeyreservedforhisowninhabiting，wereattainablefromthehall，andconsistedofasitting-room；alibrary，whichwasinfactadressing-room，sothatthesmellofhot-pressedpaper，vellummorocco，andRussialeather，contendedinitwiththesmellofdiverspairsofboots；andakindofconservatoryorlittleglassbreakfast-roombeyond，commandingaprospectofthetreesbeforementioned，and，generallyspeaking，ofafewprowlingcats。Thesethreeroomsopenedupononeanother。
　　Inthemorning，whenMr。Dombeywasathisbreakfastinoneorotherofthetwofirst-mentionedofthem，aswellasintheafternoonwhenhecamehometodinner，abellwasrungforRichardstorepairtothisglasschamber，andtherewalktoandfrowithheryoungcharge。FromtheglimpsesshecaughtofMr。Dombeyatthesetimes，sittinginthedarkdistance，lookingouttowardstheinfantfromamongthedarkheavyfurniture——thehousehadbeeninhabitedforyearsbyhisfather，andinmanyofitsappointmentswasold-fashionedandgrim——shebegantoentertainideasofhiminhissolitarystate，asifhewerealoneprisonerinacell，orastrangeapparitionthatwasnottobeaccostedorunderstood。
　　LittlePaulDombey'sfoster-motherhadledthislifeherself，andhadcarriedlittlePaulthroughitforsomeweeks；andhadreturnedupstairsonedayfromamelancholysaunterthroughthedrearyroomsofstatesheneverwentoutwithoutMrs。Chick，whocalledonfinemornings，usuallyaccompaniedbyMissTox，totakeherandBabyforanairing——orinotherwords，tomarchthemgravelyupanddownthepavement；likeawalkingfuneral；when，asshewassittinginherownroom，thedoorwasslowlyandquietlyopened，andadark-eyedlittlegirllookedin。
　　`It'sMissFlorencecomehomefromheraunt's，nodoubt，'thoughtRichards，whohadneverseenthechildbefore。`HopeIseeyouwell，Miss。'
　　`Isthatmybrother？'askedthechild，pointingtotheBaby。
　　`Yes，mypretty，'answeredRichards。`Comeandkisshim。'
　　Butthechild，insteadofadvancing，lookedherearnestlyintheface，andsaid：
　　`WhathaveyoudonewithmyMama？'
　　`Lordblessthelittlecreeter！'criedRichards，`whatasadquestion！
　　Idone？Nothing，Miss。'
　　`WhathavetheydonewithmyMama？'inquiredthechild。
　　`Ineversawsuchameltingthinginallmylife！'saidRichards，whonaturallysubstitutedforthischildoneofherown，inquiringforherselfinlikecircumstances。`Comenearerhere，mydearMiss！Don'tbeafraidofme。'
　　`Iamnotafraidofyou，'saidthechild，drawingnearer。`ButIwanttoknowwhattheyhavedonewithmyMama。'
　　`Mydarling，'saidRichards，`youwearthatprettyblackfrockinremembranceofyourMama。'
　　`IcanremembermyMama，'returnedthechild，withtearsspringingtohereyes，`inanyfrock。'
　　`Butpeopleputonblack，torememberpeoplewhenthey'regone。'
　　`Wheregone？'askedthechild。
　　`Comeandsitdownbyme，'saidRichards，`andI'lltellyouastory。'
　　Withaquickperceptionthatitwasintendedtorelatetowhatshehadasked，littleFlorencelaidasidethebonnetshehadheldinherhanduntilnow，andsatdownonastoolattheNurse'sfeet，lookingupintoherface。
　　`Onceuponatime，'saidRichards，`therewasalady——averygoodlady，andherlittledaughterdearlylovedher。'
　　`Averygoodladyandherlittledaughterdearlylovedher，'repeatedthechild。
　　`Who，whenGoodthoughtitrightthatitshouldbeso，wastakenillanddied。'
　　Thechildshuddered。
　　`Died，nevertobeseenagainbyanyoneonearth，andwasburiedinthegroundwherethetreesgrow。'
　　`Thecoldground？'saidthechild，shudderingagain。
　　`No！Thewarmground，'returnedPolly，seizingheradvantage，`wheretheuglylittleseedsturnintobeautifulflowers，andintograss，andcorn，andIdon'tknowwhatallbesides。Wheregoodpeopleturnintobrightangels，andflyawaytoHeaven！'
　　Thechild，whohaddroopedherhead，raiseditagain，andsatlookingatherintently。
　　`So；letmesee，'saidPolly，notalittleflurriedbetweenthisearnestscrutiny，herdesiretocomfortthechild，hersuddensuccess，andherveryslightconfidenceinherownpowers。`So，whenthisladydied，wherevertheytookher，orwherevertheyputher，shewenttoGOD！andsheprayedtoHim，thisladydid，'saidPolly，affectingherselfbeyondmeasure；beingheartilyinearnest，`toteachherlittledaughtertobesureofthatinherheart：andtoknowthatshewashappythereandlovedherstill：andtohopeandtry——Oh，allherlife——tomeetherthereoneday，never，never，nevertopartanymore。'
　　`ItwasmyMama！'exclaimedthechild，springingup，andclaspingherroundtheneck。
　　`Andthechild'sheart，'saidPolly，drawinghertoherbreast：
　　`thelittledaughter'sheartwassofullofthetruthofthis，thatevenwhenshehearditfromastrangenursethatcouldn'ttellitright，butwasapoormotherherselfandthatwasall，shefoundacomfortinit——didn'tfeelsolonely——sobbedandcrieduponherbosom——tookkindlytothebabylyinginherlap——and——there，there，there！'saidPolly，smoothingthechild'scurlsanddroppingtearsuponthem。`There，poordear！'
　　`Ohwell，MissFloy！Andwon'tyourPabeangryneither！'criedaquickvoiceatthedoor，proceedingfromashort，brown，womanlygirloffourteen，withalittlesnubnose，andblackeyeslikejetbeads。`Whenitwas'tickerlerlygivenoutthatyouwasn'ttogoandworritthewetnurse。'
　　`Shedon'tworryme，'wasthesurprisedrejoinderofPolly。`I
　　amveryfondofchildren。'
　　`Oh！butbeggingyourpardon，Mrs。Richards，thatdon'tmatter，youknow，'returnedtheblack-eyedgirl，whowassodesperatelysharpandbitingthatsheseemedtomakeone'seyeswater。`Imaybeveryfondofpennywinkles，Mrs。Richards，butitdon'tfollowthatI'mtohave'emfortea。'
　　`Well，itdon'tmatter，'saidPolly。
　　`Oh，thank'ee，Mrs。Richards，don'tit！'returnedthesharpgirl。
　　`Remembering，however，ifyou'llbesogood，thatMissFloy'sundermycharge，andMasterPaul'sunderyour'n。'
　　`Butstillweneedn'tquarrel，'saidPolly。
　　`Ohno，Mrs。Richards，'rejoinedSpitfire。`Notatall，Idon'twishit，weneedn'tstanduponthatfooting，MissFloybeingapermanency，MasterPaulatemporary。'Spitfiremadeuseofnonebutcommapauses；shootingoutwhatevershehadtosayinonesentence，andinonebreath，ifpossible。
　　`MissFlorencehasjustcomehome，hasn'tshe？'askedPolly。
　　`Yes，Mrs。Richards，justcome，andhere，MissFloy，beforeyou'vebeeninthehouseaquarterofanhour，yougoasmearingyourwetfaceagainsttheexpensivemourningthatMrs。RichardsisawearingforyourMa！'Withthisremonstrance，youngSpitfire，whoserealnamewasSusanNipper，detachedthechildfromhernewfriendbyawrench——asifshewereatooth。Butsheseemedtodoit，moreintheexcessivelysharpexerciseofherofficialfunctions，thanwithanydeliberateunkindness。
　　`She'llbequitehappy，nowshehascomehomeagain，'saidPolly，noddingtoherwithanencouragingsmileuponherwholesomeface，`andwillbesopleasedtoseeherdearPapato-night。'
　　`Lork，Mr。Richards！'criedMissNipper，takingupherwordswithajerk。`Don't。SeeherdearPapaindeed！Ishouldliketoseeherdoit！'
　　`Won'tshethen？'askedPolly。
　　`Lork，Mrs。Richards，no，herPa'sadealtoowrappedupinsomebodyelse，andbeforetherewasasomebodyelsetobewrappedupinsheneverwasafavourite，girlsarethrownawayinthishouse，Mrs。Richards，Iassureyou。'
　　Thechildlookedquicklyfromonenursetotheother，asifsheunderstoodandfeltwhatwassaid。
　　`Yousurpriseme！'criedPolly。`Hasn'tMr。Dombeyseenhersince——'
　　`No，'interruptedSusanNipper。`Notoncesince，andhehadn'thardlysethiseyesuponherbeforethatformonthsandmonths，andIdon'tthinkhe'dhaveknownherforhisownchildifhehadmetherinthestreets，orwouldknowherforhisownchildifhewastomeetherinthestreetsto-morrow，Mrs。Richards，astome，'saidSpitfire，withagiggle，`Idoubtifhe'saweerofmyexistence。'
　　`Prettydear！'saidRichards；meaning，notMissNipper，butthelittleFlorence。
　　`Oh！there'saTartarwithinahundredmilesofwherewe'renowinconversation，Icantellyou，Mrs。Richards，presentcompanyalwaysexceptedtoo，'saidSusanNipper；`wishyougoodmorning，Mrs。Richards，nowMissFloy，youcomealongwithme，anddon'tgohangingbacklikeanaughtywickedchildthatjudgmentsisnoexampleto，don't。'
　　Inspiteofbeingthusadjured，andinspitealsoofsomehaulingonthepartofSusanNipper，tendingtowardsthedislocationofherrightshoulder，littleFlorencebrokeaway，andkissedhernewfriend，affectionately。
　　`Good-bye！'saidthechild。`Godblessyou！Ishallcometoseeyouagainsoon，andyou'llcometoseeme？Susanwillletus。Won'tyou，Susan？'
　　Spitfireseemedtobeinthemainagood-naturedlittlebody，althoughadiscipleofthatschooloftrainersoftheyoungideawhichholdsthatchildhood，likemoney，mustbeshakenandrattledandjostledaboutagooddealtokeepitbright。For，beingthusappealedtowithsomeendearinggesturesandcaresses，shefoldedhersmallarmsandshookherhead，andconveyedarelentingexpressionintohervery-wide-openblackeyes。
　　`Itain'trightofyoutoaskit，MissFloy，foryouknowIcan'trefuseyou，butMrs。Richardsandmewillseewhatcanbedone，ifMrs。
　　Richardslikes，Imaywish，yousee，totakeavoyagetoChaney，Mrs。Richards，butImayn'tknowhowtoleavetheLondonDocks。'
　　Richardsassentedtotheproposition。
　　`Thishouseain'tsoexactlyringingwithmerry-making，'saidMissNipper，`thatoneneedbelonelierthanonemustbe。YourToxesandyourChicksesmaydrawoutmytwofrontdoubleteeth，Mrs。Richards，butthat'snoreasonwhyIneedoffer'emthewholeset。'
　　ThispropositionwasalsoassentedtobyRichards，asanobviousone。
　　`SoI'magreeable，I'msure，'saidSusanNipper，`tolivefriendly，Mrs。Richards，whileMasterPaulcontinuesapermanency，ifthemeanscanbeplannedoutwithoutgoingopenlyagainstorders，butgoodnessgraciousME，MissFloy，youhaven'tgotyourthingsoffyet，younaughtychild，youhaven't，comealong！'
　　Withthesewords，SusanNipper，inatransportofcoercion，madeachargeatheryoungward，andsweptheroutoftheroom。
　　Thechild，inhergriefandneglect，wassogentle，soquiet，anduncomplaining；waspossessedofsomuchaffectionthatnooneseemedtocaretohave，andsomuchsorrowfulintelligencethatnooneseemedtomindorthinkaboutthewoundingof；thatPolly'sheartwassorewhenshewasleftaloneagain。Inthesimplepassagethathadtakenplacebetweenherselfandthemotherlesslittlegirl，herownmotherlyhearthadbeentouchednolessthanthechild's；andshefelt，asthechilddid，thattherewassomethingofconfidenceandinterestbetweenthemfromthatmoment。
　　NothwithstandingMr。Toodle'sgreatrelianceonPolly，shewasperhapsinpointofartificialaccomplishmentsverylittlehissuperior。
　　Butshewasagoodplainsampleofanaturethatisever，inthemass，better，truer，higher，nobler，quickertofeel，andmuchmoreconstanttoretain，alltendernessandpity，self-denialanddevotion，thanthenatureofmen。And，perhaps，unlearnedasshewas，shecouldhavebroughtadawningknowledgehometoMr。Dombeyatthatearlyday，whichwouldnotthenhavestruckhimintheendlikelightning。
　　Butthisisfromthepurpose。Pollyonlythought，atthattime，ofimprovingonhersuccessfulpropitiationofMissNipper，anddevisingsomemeansofhavinglittleFlorencebesideher，lawfully，andwithoutrebellion。Anopeninghappenedtopresentitselfthatverynight。
　　Shehadbeenrungdownintotheglassroomasusual，andhadwalkedaboutandaboutitalongtime，withthebabyinherarms，when，tohergreatsurpriseanddismay，Mr。Dombeycameout，suddenly，andstoppedbeforeher。
　　`Goodevening，Richards。'
　　Justthesameaustere，stiffgentleman，ashehadappearedtoheronthatfirstday。Suchahard-lookinggentleman，thatsheinvoluntarilydroppedhereyesandhercurtseyatthesametime。
　　`HowisMasterPaul，Richards？'
　　`Quitethriving，Sir，andwell。'
　　`Helooksso，'saidMr。Dombey，glancingwithgreatinterestatthetinyfacesheuncoveredforhisobservation，andyetaffectingtobehalfcarelessofit。`Theygiveyoueverythingyouwant，Ihope？'
　　`Ohyes，thankyou，Sir。'
　　Shesuddenlyappendedsuchanobvioushesitationtothisreply，however，thatMr。Dombey，whohadturnedaway，stopped，andturnedroundagain，inquiringly。
　　`Ibelievenothingissogoodformakingchildrenlivelyandcheerful，Sir，asseeingotherchildrenplayingabout'em，'observedPolly，takingcourage。
　　`IthinkImentionedtoyou，Richards，whenyoucamehere，'saidMr。Dombey，withafrown，`thatIwishedyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Youcancontinueyourwalkifyouplease。'
　　Withthat，hedisappearedintohisinnerroom；andPollyhadthesatisfactionoffeelingthathehadthoroughlymisunderstoodherobject，andthatshehadfallenintodisgracewithouttheleastadvancementofherpurpose。