Nextnight，shefoundhimwalkingabouttheconservatorywhenshecamedown。Asshestoppedatthedoor，checkedbythisunusualsight，anduncertainwhethertoadvanceorretreat，hecalledherin。
　　`Ifyoureallythinkthatsortofsocietyisgoodthechild，'
　　hesaidsharply，asiftherehadbeennointervalsincesheproposedit，`where'sMissFlorence？'
　　`NothingcouldbebetterthanMissFlorence，Sir，'saidPollyeagerly，`butIunderstoodfromherlittlemaidthattheywerenotto——'
　　Mr。Dombeyrangthebell，andwalkedtillitwasanswered。
　　`TellthemalwaystoletMissFlorencebewithRichardswhenshechooses，andgooutwithher，andsoforth。Tellthemtoletthechildrenbetogether，whenRichardswishesit。'
　　Theironwasnowhot，andRichardsstrikingonitboldly——itwasagoodcauseandshewasboldinit，thoughinstinctivelyafraidofMr。Dombey——requestedthatMissFlorencemightbesentdownthenandthere，tomakefriendswithherelittlebrother。
　　Shefeignedtobedandlingthechildastheservantretiredonthiserrand，butshethoughtthatshesawMr。Dombey'scolourchanged；
　　thattheexpressionofhisfacequitealtered；thatheturned，hurriedly，asiftogainsaywhathehadsaid，orshehadsaid，orboth，andwasonlydeterredbyveryshame。
　　Andshewasright。Thelasttimehehadseenhisslightedchild，therehadbeenthatinthesadembracebetweenherandherdyingmother，whichwasatoncearevelationandareproachtohim。LethimbeabsorbedashewouldintheSononwhomhebuiltsuchhighhopes，hecouldnotforgetthatclosingscene。Hecouldnotforgetthathehadhadnopartinit。
　　That，atthebottomofitscleardepthsoftendernessandtruth，laythosetwofiguresclaspedineachother'sarms，whilehestoodonthebankabovethem，lookingdownamerespectator——notasharerwiththem——quiteshutout。
　　Unabletoexcludethesethingsfromhisremembrance，ortokeephismindfreefromsuchimperfectshapesofthemeaningwithwhichtheywerefraught，aswereabletomakethemselvesvisibletohimthroughthemistofhispride，hispreviousfeelingsofindifferencetowardslittleFlorencechangedintoanuneasinessofanextraordinarykind。Healmostfeltasifshewatchedanddistrustedhim。Asifsheheldthecluetosomethingsecretinhisbreast，ofthenatureofwhichhewashardlyinformedhimself。
　　Asifshehadaninnateknowledgeofonejarringanddiscordantstringwithinhim，andherverybreathcouldsoundit。
　　Hisfeelingaboutthechildhadbeennegativefromherbirth。
　　Hehadneverconceivedanaversiontoher：ithadnotbeenworthhiswhileorinhishumour。Shehadneverbeenapositivelydisagreeableobjecttohim。Butnowhewasillateaseabouther。Shetroubledhispeace。Hewouldhavepreferredtoputherideaasidealtogether，ifhehadknownhow。Perhaps——whoshalldecideonsuchmysteries！——hewasafraidthathemightcometohateher。
　　WhenlittleFlorencetimidlypresentedherself，Mr。Dombeystoppedinhispacingupanddownandlookedtowardsher。Hadhelookedwithgreaterinterestandwithafather'seye，hemighthavereadinherkeenglancetheimpulsesandfearsthatmadeherwaver；thepassionatedesiretorunclingingtohim，crying，asshehidherfaceinhisembrace，`Ohfather，trytoloveme！there'snooneelse！'thedreadofarepulse；thefearofbeingtoobold，andofoffendinghim；thepitiableneedinwhichshestoodofsomeassuranceandencouragement；andhowheroverchargedyoungheartwaswanderingtofindsomenaturalresting-place，foritssorrowandaffection。
　　Buthesawnothingofthis。Hesawherpauseirresolutelyatthedoorandlooktowardshim；andhesawnomore。
　　`Comein，'hesaid，`comein：whatisthechildafraidof？'
　　Shecamein；andafterglancingroundherforamomentwithanuncertainair，stoodpressinghersmallhandshardtogether，closewithinthedoor。
　　`Comehere，Florence，'saidherfather，coldly。`DoyouknowwhoIam？'
　　`Yes，Papa。'
　　`Haveyounothingtosaytome？'
　　Thetearsthatstoodinhereyesassheraisedthemquicklytohisface，werefrozenbytheexpressionitwore。Shelookeddownagain，andputouthertremblinghand。
　　Mr。Dombeytookitlooselyinhisown，andstoodlookingdownuponherforamoment，asifheknewaslittleasthechild，whattosayordo。
　　`There！Beagoodgirl，'hesaid，pattingheronthehead，andregardingherasitwerebystealthwithadisturbedanddoubtfullook。
　　`GotoRichards！Go！'
　　Hislittledaughterhesitatedforanotherinstantasthoughshewouldhaveclungabouthimstill，orhadsomelingeringhopethathemightraiseherinhisarmsandkissher。Shelookedupinhisfaceoncemore。
　　Hethoughthowlikeherexpressionwasthen，towhatithadbeenwhenshelookedroundattheDoctor——thatnight——andinstinctivelydroppedherhandandturnedaway。
　　ItwasnotdifficulttoperceivethatFlorencewasatagreatdisadvantageinherfather'spresence。Itwasnotonlyaconstraintuponthechild'smind，butevenuponthenaturalgraceandfreedomofheractions。
　　StillPollyperseveredwithallthebetterheartforseeingthis；and，judgingofMr。Dombeybyherself，hadgreatconfidenceinthemuteappealofpoorlittleFlorence'smourningdress。`It'shardindeed，'thoughtPolly，`ifhetakesonlytoonelittlemotherlesschild，whenhehasanother，andthatagirl，beforehiseyes。'
　　So，Pollykeptherbeforehiseyes，aslongasshecould，andmanagedsowellwithlittlePaul，astomakeitveryplainthathewasallthelivelierforhissister'scompany。Whenitwastimetowithdrawupstairsagain，shewouldhavesentFlorenceintotheinnerroomtosaygood-nighttoherfather，butthechildwastimidanddrewback：andwhensheurgedheragain，said，spreadingherhandsbeforehereyes，asiftoshutoutherownunworthiness，`Ohno，no！Hedon'twantme。Hedon'twantme！'
　　ThelittlealtercationbetweenthemhadattractedthenoticeofMr。Dombey，whoinquiredfromthetablewherehewassittingathiswine，whatthematterwas。
　　`MissFlorencewasafraidofinterrupting，Sir，ifshecameintosaygood-night，'saidRichards。
　　`Itdoesn'tmatter，'returnedMr。Dombey。`Youcanlethercomeandgowithoutregardingme。'
　　Thechildshrunkasshelistened——andwasgonebeforeherhumblefriendlookedroundagain。
　　However，Pollytriumphednotalittleinthesuccessofherwell-intentionedscheme，andintheaddresswithwhichshehadbroughtittobear：whereofshemadeafulldisclosuretoSpitfirewhenshewasoncemoresafelyintrenchedupstairs。MissNipperreceivedthatproofofherconfidence，aswellastheprospectoftheirfreeassociationforthefuture，rathercoldly，andwasanythingbutenthusiasticinherdemonstrationsofjoy。
　　`Ithoughtyouwouldhavebeenpleased，'saidPolly。
　　`Ohyes，Mrs。Richards，I'mverywellpleased，thankyou，'returnedSusan，whohadsuddenlybecomesoveryuprightthatsheseemedtohaveputanadditionalboneinherstays。
　　`Youdon'tshowit，'saidPolly。
　　`Oh！BeingonlyapermanencyIcouldn'tbeexpectedtoshowitlikeatemporary，'saidSusanNipper。`Temporariescarriesitallbefore'emhere，Ifind，butthoughthere'saexcellentparty-wallbetweenthishouseandthenext，Imayn'texactlyliketogotoit，Mrs。Richards，notwithstanding！'
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter4[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIVInwhichsomemoreFirstAppearancesaremadeontheStageoftheseAdventuresTHOUGHtheofficesofDombeyandSonwerewithinthelibertiesoftheCityofLondon，andwithinhearingofBowBells，whentheirclashingvoiceswerenotdrownedbytheuproarinthestreets，yetweretherehintsofadventurousandromanticstorytobeobservedinsomeoftheadjacentobjects。
　　GogandMagogheldtheirstatewithintenminutes'walk；theRoyalExchangewascloseathand；theBankofEngland，withitsvaultsofgoldandsilver`downamongthedeadmen'underground，wastheirmagnificentneighbour。
　　JustroundthecornerstoodtherichEastIndiaHouse，teemingwithsuggestionsofpreciousstuffsandstones，tigers，elephants，howdahs，hookahs，umbrellas，palmtrees，palanquins，andgorgeousprincesofabrowncomplexionsittingoncarpets，withtheirslippersverymuchturnedupatthetoes。Anywhereintheimmediatevicinitytheremightbeseenpicturesofshipsspeedingawayfullsailtoallpartsoftheworld；outfittingware-housesreadytopackoffanybodyanywhere，fullyequippedinhalfanhour；andlittletimbermidshipmeninobsoletenavaluniforms，eternallyemployedoutsidetheshopdoorsofnauticalinstrument-makersintakingobservationsofthehackneycoaches。
　　Solemasterandproprietorofoneoftheseeffigies——ofthatwhichmightbecalled，familiarly，thewoodenest——ofthatwhichthrustitselfoutabovethepavement，rightlegforemost，withasuavitytheleastendurable，andhadtheshoebucklesandflappedwaistcoattheleastreconcileabletohumanreason，andboreatitsrighteyethemostoffensivelydisproportionatepieceofmachinery——solemasterandproprietorofthatmidshipman，andproudofhimtoo，anelderlygentlemaninaWelshwighadpaidhouse-rent，taxes，anddues，formoreyearsthanmanyafull-grownmidshipmanoffleshandbloodhasnumberedinhislife；andmidshipmenwhohaveattainedaprettygreenoldage，havenotbeenwantingintheEnglishnavy。
　　Thestock-in-tradeofthisoldgentlemancomprisedchronometers，barometers，telescopes，compasses，charts，maps，sextants，quadrants，andspecimensofeverykindofinstrumentusedintheworkingofaship'scourse，orthekeepingofaship'sreckoning，ortheprosecutingofaship'sdiscoveries。
　　Objectsinbrassandglasswereinhisdrawersandonhisshelves，whichnonebuttheinitiatedcouldhavefoundthetopof，orguessedtheuseof，orhavingonceexamined，couldhaveevergotbackagainintotheirmahoganynestswithoutassistance。Everythingwasjammedintothetightestcases，fittedintothenarrowestcorners，fencedupbehindthemostimpertinentcushions，andscrewedintotheacutestangles，topreventitsphilosophicalcomposurefrombeingdisturbedbytherollingofthesea。Suchextraordinaryprecautionsweretakenineveryinstancetosaveroom，andkeepthethingcompact；andsomuchpracticalnavigationwasfitted，andcushioned，andscrewedintoeveryboxwhethertheboxwasamereslab，assomewere，orsomethingbetweenacockedhatandastar-fish，asotherswere，andthosequitemildandmodestboxesascomparedwithothers；thattheshopitself，partakingofthegeneralinfection，seemedalmosttobecomeasnug，sea-going，ship-shapeconcern，wantingonlygoodsea-room，intheeventofanunexpectedlaunch，toworkitswaysecurelytoanydesertislandintheworld。
　　ManyminorincidentsinthehouseholdlifeoftheShips'Instrument-makerwhowasproudofhislittlemidshipman，assistedandboreoutthisfancy。
　　Hisacquaintancelyingchieflyamongship-chandlersandsoforth，hehadalwaysplentyoftheveritableships'biscuitonhistable。Itwasfamiliarwithdriedmeatsandtongues，possessinganextraordinaryflavourofropeyarn。Pickleswereproduceduponit，ingreatwholesalejars，with`dealerinallkindsofShips'Provisions'onthelabel；spiritsweresetforthincasebottleswithnothroats。Oldprintsofshipswithalphabeticalreferencestotheirvariousmysteries，hunginframesuponthewalls；theTartarFrigateunderweigh，wasontheplates；outlandishshells，seaweeds，andmosses，decoratedthechimney-piece；thelittlewainscottedbackparlourwaslightedbyasky-light，likeacabin。
　　Herehelivedtoo，inskipper-likestate，allalonewithhisnephewWalter：aboyoffourteenwholookedquiteenoughlikeamidshipman，tocarryouttheprevailingidea。Butthereitended，forSolomonGillshimselfmoregenerallycalledoldSolwasfarfromhavingamaritimeappearance。
　　TosaynothingofhisWelshwig，whichwasasplainandstubbornaWelshwigaseverwasworn，andinwhichhelookedlikeanythingbutaRover，hewasaslow，quiet-spoken，thoughtfuloldfellow，witheyesasredasiftheyhadbeensmallsunslookingatyouthroughafog；andanewly-awakenedmanner，suchashemighthaveacquiredbyhavingstaredforthreeorfourdayssuccessivelythrougheveryopticalinstrumentinhisshop，andsuddenlycamebacktotheworldagain，tofinditgreen。Theonlychangeeverknowninhisoutwardman，wasfromacompletesuitofcoffee-colourcutverysquare，andornamentedwithglaringbuttons，tothesamesuitofcoffee-colourminustheinexpressibles，whichwerethenofapalenankeen。Heworeaverypreciseshirt-frill，andcarriedapairoffirst-ratespectaclesonhisforehead，andatremendouschronometerinhisfob，ratherthandoubtwhichpreciouspossession，hewouldhavebelievedinaconspiracyagainstitonthepartofalltheclocksandwatchesintheCity，andevenoftheverySunitself。Suchashewas，suchhehadbeenintheshopandparlourbehindthelittlemidshipman，foryearsuponyears；goingregularlyalofttobedeverynightinahowlinggarretremotefromthelodgers，where，whengentlemenofEnglandwholivedbelowateasehadlittleornoideaofthestateoftheweather，itoftenblewgreatguns。
　　Itishalf-pastfiveo'clock，andanautumnafternoon，whenthereaderandSolomonGillsbecomeacquainted。SolomonGillsisintheactofseeingwhattimeitisbytheunimpeachablechronometer。TheusualdailyclearancehasbeenmakingintheCityforanhourormore；andthehumantideisstillrollingwestward。`Thestreetshavethinned，'asMr。Gillssays，`verymuch。'Itthreatenstobewetto-night。Alltheweather-glassesintheshipareinlowspirits，andtherainalreadyshinesuponthecockedhatofthewoodenmidshipman。
　　`Where'sWalter，Iwonder！'saidSolomonGills，afterhehadcarefullyputupthechronometeragain。`Here'sdinnerbeenready，halfanhour，andnoWalter！'
　　Turningrounduponhisstoolbehindthecounter，Mr。Gillslookedoutamongtheinstrumentsinthewindow，toseeifhisnephewmightbecrossingtheroad。No。Hewasnotamongthebobbingumbrellas，andhecertainlywasnotthenewspaperboyintheoilskincapwhowasslowlyworkinghiswayalongthepieceofbrassoutside，writinghisnameoverMr。Gills'namewithhisforefinger。
　　`IfIdidn'tknowhewastoofondofmetomakearunofit，andgoandenterhimselfaboardshipagainstmywishes，Ishouldbegintobefidgetty，'saidMr。Gills，tappingtwoorthreeweather-glasseswithhisknuckles。`Ireallyshould。AllintheDowns，eh！Lotsofmoisture！Well！
　　it'swanted。'
　　`Ibelieve，'saidMr。Gills，blowingthedustofftheglasstopofacompass-case，`thatyoudon'tpointmoredirectandduetothebackparlourthantheboy'sinclinationdoesafterall。Andtheparlourcouldn'tbearstraightereither。Duenorth。Notthetwentiethpartofapointeitherway。'
　　`Halloa，UncleSol！'
　　`Halloa，myboy！'criedtheInstrument-maker，turningbrisklyround。`What！youarehere，areyou？'
　　Acheerfullooking，merryboy，freshwithrunninghomeintherain；fair-faced，bright-eyed，andcurly-haired。
　　`Well，Uncle，howhaveyougotonwithoutmeallday？Isdinnerready？I'msohungry。'
　　`Astogettingon，'saidSolomongood-naturedly，`itwouldbeoddifIcouldn'tgetonwithoutayoungdoglikeyouagreatdealbetterthanwithyou。Astodinnerbeingready，it'sbeenreadythishalfhourandwaitingforyou。Astobeinghungry，Iam！
　　`Comealongthen，Uncle！'criedtheboy。`Hurrahfortheadmiral！'
　　`Confoundtheadmiral！'returnedSolomonGills。`YoumeantheLordMayor。'
　　`NoIdon't！'criedtheboy。`Hurrahfortheadmiral！Hurrahfortheadmiral！For——ward！'
　　Atthiswordofcommand，theWelshwiganditswearerwerebornewithoutresistanceintothebackparlour，asattheheadofaboardingpartyoffivehundredmen；andUncleSolandhisnephewwerespeedilyengagedonafriedsolewithaprospectofsteaktofollow。
　　`TheLordMayor，Wally，'saidSolomon，`forever！Nomoreadmirals。
　　TheLordMayor'syouradmiral。'
　　`Oh，ishethough！'saidtheboy，shakinghishead。`Why，theSwordBearer'sbetterthanhim。Hedrawshisswordsometimes。'
　　`Andaprettyfigurehecutswithitforhispains，'returnedtheUncle。`Listentome，Wally，listentome。Lookonthemantel-shelf。'
　　`Whywhohascockedmysilvermugupthere，onanail？'exclaimedtheboy。
　　`Ihave，'saidhisUncle。`Nomoremugsnow。Wemustbegintodrinkoutofglassesto-day，Walter。Wearemenofbusiness。WebelongtotheCity。Westartedinlifethismorning。'
　　`Well，Uncle，'saidtheboy，`I'lldrinkoutofanythingyoulike，solongasIcandrinktoyou。Here'stoyouUncleSol，andHurrahforthe——'
　　`LordMayor，'interruptedtheoldman。
　　`FortheLordMayor，Sheriffs，CommonCouncil，andLivery，'saidtheboy。`Longlifeto'em！'
　　Theunclenoddedhisheadwithgreatsatisfaction。`Andnow，'
　　hesaid，`let'shearsomethingaboutthefirm。'
　　`Oh！there'snotmuchtobetoldabouttheFirm，Uncle，'saidtheboy，plyinghisknifeandfork。`It'sapreciousdarksetofoffices，andintheroomwhereIsit，there'sahighfender，andanironsafe，andsomecardsaboutshipsthataregoingtosail，andanalmanack，andsomedesksandstools，andaninkbottle，andsomebooks，andsomeboxes，andalotofcobwebs，andinoneof'em，justovermyhead，ashrivelled-upblue-bottlethatlooksasifithadhungthereeversolong。'
　　`Nothingelse？'saidtheuncle。
　　`No，nothingelse，exceptanoldbird-cageIwonderhowthatevercamethere！andacoal-scuttle。'
　　`No，bankers'books，orchequebooks，orbills，orsuchtokensofwealthrollinginfromdaytoday？'saidoldSol，lookingwistfullyathisnephewoutofthefogthatalwaysseemedtohangabouthim，andlayinganunctuousemphasisuponthewords。
　　`Ohyes，plentyofthatIsuppose，'returnedhisnephewcarelessly；
　　`butallthatsortofthing'sinMr。Carker'sroom，orMr。Morfin's，orMr。Dombey's。'
　　`HasMr。Dombeybeenthereto-day？'inquiredtheUncle。
　　`Ohyes！Inandoutallday。'
　　`Hedidn'ttakeanynoticeofyou，Isuppose？'
　　`Yeshedid。Hewalkeduptomyseat——Iwishhewasn'tsosolemnandstiff，Uncle，andsaid，“Oh！youarethesonofMr。GillstheShips'
　　Instrument-maker。““Nephew，Sir，“Isaid。“Isaidnephew，boy，“saidhe。
　　ButIcouldtakemyoathhesaidSon，uncle。'
　　`You'remistakenIdaresay。It'snomatter。'
　　`No，it'snomatter，butheneedn'thavebeensosharp，Ithought。
　　TherewasnoharminitthoughhedidsaySon。Thenhetoldmethatyouhadspokentohimaboutme，andthathehadfoundmeemploymentintheHouseaccordingly，andthatIwasexpectedtobeattentiveandpunctual，andthenhewentaway。Ithoughthedidn'tseemtolikememuch。'
　　`Youmean，Isuppose，'observedtheInstrument-maker，`thatyoudidn'tseemtolikehimmuch？'
　　`Well，Uncle，'returnedtheboy，laughing。`Perhapsso；Ineverthoughtofthat。'
　　Solomonlookedalittlegraverashefinishedhisdinner，andglancedfromtimetotimeattheboy'sbrightface。Whendinnerwasdone，andtheclothwasclearedawaytheentertainmenthadbeenbroughtfromaneighbouringeating-house，helightedacandle，andwentdownbelowintoalittlecellar，whilehisnephew，standingonthemouldystaircase，dutifullyheldthelight。Afteramoment'sgropinghereandthere，hepresentlyreturnedwithaveryancient-lookingbottle，coveredwithdustanddirt。
　　`Why，UncleSol！'saidtheboy，`whatareyouabout？that'sthewonderfulMadeira！——there'sonlyonemorebottle！'
　　UncleSolnoddedhishead，implyingthatheknewverywellwhathewasabout；andhavingdrawnthecorkinsolemnsilence，filledtwoglassesandsetthebottleandathirdcleanglassonthetable。
　　`Youshalldrinktheotherbottle，Wally，'hesaid，`whenyoucometogoodfortune；whenyouareathriving，respected，happyman；whenthestartinlifeyouhavemadeto-dayshallhavebroughtyou，asIprayHeavenitmay！——toasmoothpartofthecourseyouhavetorun，mychild。
　　Mylovetoyou！'
　　SomeofthefogthathungaboutoldSolseemedtohavegotintohisthroat；forhespokehuskily。Hishandshooktoo，asheclinkedhisglassagainsthisnephew's。Buthavingoncegotthewinetohislips，hetosseditofflikeaman，andsmackedthemafterwards。
　　`DearUncle，'saidtheboy，affectingtomakelightofit，whilethetearsstoodinhiseyes，`forthehonouryouhavedoneme，etcetera，etcetera。IshallnowbegtoproposeMr。SolomonGillswiththreetimesthreeandonecheermore。Hurrah！andyou'llreturnthanks，Uncle，whenwedrinkthelastbottletogether；won'tyou？'
　　Theyclinkedtheirglassesagain；andWalter，whowashoardinghiswine，tookasipofit，andheldtheglassuptohiseyewithascriticalanairashecouldpossiblyassume。
　　HisUnclesatlookingathimforsometimeinsilence。Whentheireyesatlastmet，hebeganatoncetopursuethethemethathadoccupiedhisthoughts，aloud，asifhehadbeenspeakingallthewhile。
　　`Yousee，Walter，'hesaid，`intruththisbusinessismerelyahabitwithme。IamsoaccustomedtothehabitthatIcouldhardlyliveifIrelinquishedit：butthere'snothingdoing，nothingdoing。Whenthatuniformwasworn，'pointingouttowardsthelittlemidshipman，`thenindeed，fortunesweretobemade，andweremade。Butcompetition，competition——newinvention，newinvention——alteration，alteration——theworld'sgonepastme。IhardlyknowwhereIammyself；muchlesswheremycustomersare。'
　　Nevermind'em，Uncle！'
　　`Sinceyoucamehomefromweeklyboarding-schoolatPeckham，forinstance——andthat'stendays，'saidSolomon，`Idon'tremembermorethanonepersonthathascomeintotheshop。'
　　`Two，Uncle，don'tyourecollect？Therewasthemanwhocametoaskforchangeforasovereign——'
　　`That'stheone，'saidSolomon。
　　`Why，Uncle！don'tyoucallthewomenanybody，whocametoaskthewaytoMile-EndTurnpike？'
　　`Oh！it'strue，'saidsolomon，`Iforgother。Twopersons。'
　　`Tobesure，theydidn'tbuyanything，'criedtheboy。
　　`No。Theydidn'tbuyanything，'saidSolomon，quietly。
　　`Norwantanything，'criedtheboy。
　　`No。Iftheyhad，they'dgonetoanothershop，'saidSolomon，inthesametone。
　　`Butthereweretwoof'em，Uncle，'criedtheboy，asifthatwereagreattriumph。`Yousaidonlyone。'
　　`Well，Wally，'resumedtheoldman，afterashortpause：`notbeingliketheSavageswhocameonRobinsonCrusoe'sIsland，wecan'tliveonamanwhoasksforchangeforasovereign，andawomanwhoinquiresthewaytoMile-EndTurnpike。AsIsaidjustnow，theworldhasgonepastme。Idon'tblameit；butInolongerunderstandit。Tradesmenarenotthesameastheyusedtobe，apprenticesarenotthesame，businessisnotthesame，businesscommoditiesarenotthesame。Seven-eighthsofmystockisold-fashioned。Iamanold-fashionedmaninanold-fashionedshop，inastreetthatisnotthesameasIrememberit。Ihavefallenbehindthetime，andamtoooldtocatchitagain。Eventhenoiseitmakesalongwayahead，confusesme。'
　　Walterwasgoingtospeak，buthisUnclehelduphishand。
　　`Therefore，Wally——thereforeitisthatIamanxiousyoushouldbeearlyinthebusyworld，andontheworld'strack。Iamonlytheghostofthisbusiness——itssubstancevanishedlongago；andwhenIdie，itsghostwillbelaid。Asitisclearlynoinheritanceforyouthen，Ihavethoughtitbesttouseforyouradvantage，almosttheonlyfragmentoftheoldconnexionthatstandsbyme，thoughtlonghabit。Somepeoplesupposemetobewealthy。Iwishforyoursaketheywereright。ButwhateverI
　　leavebehindme，orwhateverIcangiveyou，youinsuchahouseasDombey'sareintheroadtousewellandmakethemostof。Bediligent，trytolikeit，mydearboy，workforasteadyindependence，andbehappy！'
　　`I'lldoeverythingIcan，Uncle，todeserveyouraffection。IndeedIwill，'saidtheboy，earnestly。
　　`Iknowit，'saidSolomon。`Iamsureofit，'andheappliedhimselftoasecondglassoftheoldMadeira，withincreasedrelish。`AstotheSea，'hepursued，`that'swellenoughinfiction，wally，butitwon'tdoinfact：itwon'tdoatall。It'snaturalenoughthatyoushouldthinkaboutit，associatingitwithallthesefamiliarthings；butitwon'tdo，itwon'tdo。'
　　SolomonGillsrubbedhishandswithanairofstealthyenjoyment，ashetalkedofthesea，though；andlookedonthesea-faringobjectsabouthimwithinexpressiblecomplacency。
　　`Thinkofthiswineforinstance，'saidoldSol，`whichhasbeentotheEastIndiesandback，I'mnotabletosayhowoften，andhasbeenonceroundtheworld。Thinkofthepitch-darknights，theroaringwinds，androllingseas：'
　　`Thethunder，lightning，rain，hail，stormofallkinds，'saidtheboy。
　　`Tobesure，'saidSolomon，——`thatthiswinehaspassedthrough。
　　Thinkwhatastrainingandcreakingoftimbersandmasts：whatawhistlingandhowlingofthegalethroughropesandrigging：'
　　`Whataclamberingaloftofmen，vyingwitheachotherwhoshalllieoutfirstupontheyardstofurltheicysails，whiletheshiprollsandpitches，likemad！'criedhisnephew。
　　`Exactlyso，'saidSolomon：`hasgoneon，overtheoldcaskthatheldthiswine。Why，whenthecharmingSallywentdowninthe——'
　　`IntheBalticSea，inthedeadofthenight；five-and-twentyminutespasttwelvewhenthecaptain'swatchstoppedinhispocket；helyingdeadagainstthemain-mast——onthefourteenthofFebruary，seventeenforty-nine！'criedWalter，withgreatanimation。
　　`Ay，tobesure！'criedoldSol，`quiteright！Then，therewerefivehundredcasksofsuchwineaboard；andallhandsexceptthefirstmate，firstlieutenant，twoseamen，andalady，inaleakyboatgoingtoworktostavethecasks，gotdrunkanddieddrunk，singing，`RuleBritannia，'
　　whenshesettledandwentdown，andendingwithoneawfulscreaminchorus。'
　　`ButwhentheGeorgetheSeconddroveashore，uncle，onthecoastofCornwall，inadismalgale，twohoursbeforedaybreak，onthefourthofMarch，'seventy-one，shehadneartwohundredhorsesaboard；andthehorsesbreakingloosedownbelow，earlyinthegale，andtearingtoandfro，andtramplingeachothertodeath，madesuchnoises，andsetupsuchhumancries，thatthecrewbelievingtheshiptobefullofdevils，someofthebestmen，losingheartandhead，wentoverboardindespair，andonlytwowereleftalive，atlast，totellthetale。'
　　`Andwhen，'saidoldSol，`whenthePolyphemus——'
　　`PrivateWestIndiaTrader，burdenthreehundredandfiftytons，Captain，JohnBrownofDeptford。Owners，WiggsandCo。，'criedWalter。
　　`Thesame，'saidSol；`whenshetookfire，fourdays'sailwithafairwindoutofJamaicaHarbour，inthenight——'
　　`Thereweretwobrothersonboard，'interposedhisnephew，speakingveryfastandloud，`andtherenotbeingroomforbothofthemintheonlyboatthatwasn'tswamped，neitherofthemwouldconsenttogo，untiltheeldertooktheyoungerbythewaistandflunghimin。Andthentheyoungerrisingintheboat，criedout，“DearEdward，thinkofyourpromisedwifeathome。I'monlyaboy。Noonewaitsathomeforme。Leapdownintomyplace！”andflunghimselfinthesea！'
　　Thekindlingeyeandheightenedcolouroftheboy，whohadrisenfromhisseatintheearnestnessofwhathesaidandfelt，seemedtoremindoldSolofsomethinghehadforgotten，orthathisencirclingmisthadhithertoshutout。Insteadofproceedingwithanymoreanecdotes，ashehadevidentlyintendedbutamomentbefore，hegaveashortdrycough，andsaid，`Well！supposewechangethesubject。'
　　Thetruthwas，thatthesimple-mindeduncleinhissecretattractiontowardsthemarvellousandadventurous——ofwhichhewas，insomesort，adistantrelation，byhistrade——hadgreatlyencouragedthesameattractioninthenephew；andthateverythingthathadeverbeenputbeforetheboytodeterhimfromalifeofadventure，hadhadtheusualunaccountableeffectofsharpeninghistasteforit。Thisisinvariable。Itwouldseemasifthereneverwasabookwritten，orastorytold，expresslywiththeobjectofkeepingboysonshore，whichdidnotlureandcharmthemtotheocean，asamatterofcourse。
　　Butanadditiontothelittlepartynowmadeitsappearance，intheshapeofagentlemaninawidesuitofblue，withahookinsteadofahandattachedtohisrightwrist；verybushyblackeyebrows；andathickstickinhislefthand，coveredalloverlikehisnosewithknobs。Heworealooseblacksilkhandkerchiefroundhisneck，andsuchaverylargecoarseshirtcollar，thatitlookedlikeasmallsail。Hewasevidentlythepersonforwhomthesparewine-glasswasintended，andevidentlyknewit；forhavingtakenoffhisroughoutercoat，andhungup，onaparticularpetbehindthedoor，suchahardglazedhatasasympatheticperson'sheadmightacheatthesightof，andwhichleftaredrimroundhisownforeheadasifhehadbeenwearingatightbasin，hebroughtachairtowherethecleanglasswas，andsathimselfdownbehindit。HewasusuallyaddressedasCaptain，thisvisitor；andhadbeenapilot，oraskipper，oraprivateers-man，orallthreeperhaps；andwasaverysalt-lookingmanindeed。
　　Hisface，remarkableforabrownsolidity，brightenedasheshookhandswithuncleandnephew；butheseemedtobeofalaconicdisposition，andmerelysaid：
　　`Howgoesit？'
　　`Allwell，'saidMr。Gills，pushingthebottletowardshim。
　　Hetookitup，andhavingsurveyedandsmeltit，saidwithextraordinaryexpression：
　　`The？'
　　`The，'returnedtheInstrument-maker。
　　Uponthathewhistledashefilledhisglass，andseemedtothinktheyweremakingholidayindeed。
　　`Wal'r！'hesaid，arranginghishairwhichwasthinwithhishook，andthenpointingitattheInstrument-maker，`Lookathim！Love！
　　Honour！AndObey！Overhaulyourcatechismtillyoufindthatpassage，andwhenfoundturntheleafdown。Success，myboy！'
　　Hewassoperfectlysatisfiedbothwithhisquotationandhisreferencetoit，thathecouldnothelprepeatingthewordsagaininalowvoice，andsayinghehadforgotten'emthesefortyyear。
　　`ButIneverwantedtwoorthreewordsinmylifethatIdidn'tknowwheretolaymyhandupon'em，Gills，'heobserved。`Itcomesofnotwastinglanguageassomedo。'
　　Thereflectionperhapsremindedhimthathehadbetter，likeyoungNorval'sfather，`increasehisstore。'Atanyratehebecamesilent，andremainedso，untiloldSolwentoutintotheshoptolightitup，whenheturnedtoWalter，andsaid，withoutanyintroductoryremark：
　　`Isupposehecouldmakeaclockifhetried？'
　　`Ishouldn'twonder，CaptainCuttle，returnedtheboy。
　　`Anditwouldgo！'saidCaptainCuttle，makingaspeciesofserpentintheairwithhishook。`Lord，howthatclockwouldgo！'
　　Foramomentortwoheseemedquitelostincontemplatingthepaceofthisidealtimepiece，andsatlookingattheboyasifhisfacewerethedial。
　　`Buthe'schockfullofscience，'heobserved，wavinghishooktowardsthestock-in-trade。`Look'yehere！Here'sacollectionof'em。
　　Earth，air，orwater。It'sallone。Onlysaywhereyou'llhaveit。Upinaballoon？Thereyouare。Downinabell？Thereyouare。D'yewanttoputtheNorthStarinapairofscalesandweighit？He'lldoitforyou。'
　　ItmaybegatheredfromtheseremarksthatCaptainCuttle'sreverenceforthestockofinstrumentswasprofound，andthathisphilosophyknewlittleornodistinctionbetweentradinginitandinventingit。
　　`Ah！'hesaid，withasigh，`it'safinethingtounderstand'em。
　　Andyetit'safinethingnottounderstand'em。Ihardlyknowwhichisbest。It'ssocomfortabletosithereandfeelthatyoumightbeweighed，measured，magnified，electrified，polarized，playedtheverydevilwith：
　　andneverknowhow。'
　　NothingshortofthewonderfulMadeira，combinedwiththeoccasionwhichrendereditdesirabletoimproveandexpandWalter'smind，couldhaveeverloosenedhistonguetotheextentofgivingutterancetothisprodigiousoration。Heseemedquiteamazedhimselfatthemannerinwhichitopeneduptoviewthesourcesofthetaciturndelight，hehadhadineatingSundaydinnersinthatparlourfortenyears。Becomingasadderandawiserman，hemusedandheldhispeace。
　　`Come！'criedthesubjectofhisadmiration，returning。`Beforeyouhaveyourglassofgrog，Ned，wemustfinishthebottle。'
　　`Standby！'saidNed，fillinghisglass。`Givetheboysomemore。'
　　`Nomore，thank'e，uncle！'
　　`Yes，yes，'saidSol，`alittlemore。We'llfinishthebottle，totheHouse，Ned——Walter'shouse。Whyitmaybehishouseoneofthesedays，inpart。Whoknows？SirRichardWhittingtonmarriedhismaster'sdaughter。'
　　`“TurnagainWhittington，LordMayorofLondon，andwhenyouareoldyouwillneverdepartfromit，“'interposedtheCaptain。`Wal'r！Overhaulthebook，mylad。'
　　`AndalthoughMr。Dombeyhasn'tadaughter，'Solbegan。
　　`Yes，yes，hehas，Uncle，'saidtheboy，reddeningandlaughing。
　　`Hashe？'criedtheoldman。`IndeedIthinkhehastoo。'
　　`Oh！Iknowhehas，'saidtheboy。`Someof'emweretalkingaboutitintheofficeto-day。Andtheydosay，UncleandCaptainCuttle，'loweringhisvoice，`thathe'stakenadisliketoher，andthatshe'sleft，unnoticed，amongtheservants，andthathismind'ssosetallthewhileuponhavinghissonintheHouse，thatalthoughhe'sonlyababynow，heisgoingtohavebalancesstruckoftenerthanformerly，andthebookskeptcloserthantheyusedtobe，andhasevenbeenseenwhenhethoughthewasn'twalkingintheDocks，lookingathisshipsandpropertyandallthat，asifhewasexultinglike，overwhatheandhissonwillpossesstogether。That'swhattheysay。OfcourseIdon'tknow。'
　　`Heknowsallaboutheralready，yousee，'saidtheInstrumentmaker。
　　`Nonsense，Uncle，'criedtheboy，stillreddeningandlaughing，boy-like。`HowcanIhelphearingwhattheytellme？'
　　`TheSon'salittleinourwayatpresent，I'mafraid，Ned，'saidtheoldman，humouringthejoke。
　　`Verymuch，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Nevertheless，we'lldrinkhim，'pursuedSol。`So，here'stoDombeyandSon。'
　　`Oh，verywell，Uncle，'saidtheboy，merrily。`Sinceyouhaveintroducedthementionofher，andhaveconnectedmewithher，andhavesaidthatIknowallabouther，Ishallmakeboldtoamendthetoast。Sohere'stoDombey——andSon——andDaughter！'
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter5[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVPaul'sProgressandChristeningLITTLEPaul，sufferingnocontamination，fromthebloodoftheToodles，grewstouterandstrongereveryday。Everyday，too，hewasmoreandmoreardentlycherishedbyMissTox，whosedevotionwassofarappreciatedbyMr。Dombeythathebegantoregardherasawomanofgreatnaturalgoodsense，whosefeelingsdidhercreditanddeservedencouragement。Hewassolavishofthiscondescension，thathenotonlybowedtoher，inaparticularmanner，onseveraloccasions，butevenentrustedsuchstatelyrecognitionsofhertohissisteras`praytellyourfriend，Louisa，thatsheisverygood，'or`mentiontoMissTox，Louisa，thatIamobligedtoher；'specialitieswhichmadeadeepimpressionontheladythusdistinguished。
　　MissToxwasofteninthehabitofassuringMrs。Chick，that`nothingcouldexceedherinterestinallconnectedwiththedevelopmentofthatsweetchild；'andanobserverofMissTox'sproceedingsmighthaveinferredsomuchwithoutdeclaratoryconfirmation。Shewouldpresideovertheinnocentrepastsoftheyoungheir，withineffablesatisfaction，almostwithanairofjointproprietorshipwithRichardsintheentertainment。Atthelittleceremoniesofthebathandtoilette，sheassistedwithenthusiasm。
　　Theadministrationofinfantinedosesofphysicawakenedalltheactivesympathyofhercharacter；andbeingononeoccasionsecretedinacupboardwhithershehadfledinmodesty，whenMr。Dombeywasintroducedintothenurserybyhissister，tobeholdhisson，inthecourseofpreparationforbed，takingashortwalkuphilloverRichards'sgown，inashortandairylinenjacket，MissToxwassotransportedbeyondtheignorantpresentastobeunabletorefrainfromcryingout，`IshenotbeautifulMr。Dombey！IshenotaCupid，Sir！'andthenalmostsinkingbehindtheclosetdoorwithconfusionandblushes。
　　`Louisa，'saidMr。Dombey，oneday，tohissister，`IreallythinkImustpresentyourfriendwithsomelittletoken，ontheoccasionofPaul'schristening。Shehasexertedherselfsowarmlyinthechild'sbehalffromthefirst，andseemstounderstandherpositionsothoroughlyaveryraremeritinthisworld，Iamsorrytosay，thatitwouldreallybeagreeabletometonoticeher。'
　　LetitbenodetractionfromthemeritsofMissTox，tohintthatinMr。Dombey'seyes，asinsomeothersthatoccasionallyseethelight，theyonlyachievedthatmightypieceofknowledge，theunderstandingoftheirownposition，whoshowedafittingreverenceforhis。Itwasnotsomuchtheirmeritthattheyknewthemselves，asthattheyknewhim，andbowedlowbeforehim。
　　`MydearPaul，'returnedhissister，`youdoMissToxbutjustice，asamanofyourpenetrationwassure，Iknew，todo。IbelieveiftherearethreewordsintheEnglishlanguageforwhichshehasarespectamountingalmosttoveneration，thosewordsare，DombeyandSon。'
　　`Well，'saidMr。Dombey，`Ibelieveit。ItdoesMissToxcredit。'
　　`Andastoanythingintheshapeofatoken，mydearPaul，'pursuedhissister，`allIcansayisthatanythingyougiveMissToxwillbehoardedandprized，Iamsure，likearelic。Butthereisaway，mydearPaul，ofshowingyoursenseofMissTox'sfriendlinessinastillmoreflatteringandacceptablemanner，ifyoushouldbesoinclined。'
　　`Howisthat？'askedMr。Dombey。
　　`Godfathers，ofcourse，'continuedMrs。Chick，`areimportantinpointofconnexionandinfluence。'
　　`Idon'tknowwhytheyshouldbe，tomyson，'saidMr。Dombey，coldly。
　　`Verytrue，mydearPaul，'retortedMrs。Chick，withanextraordinaryshowofanimation，tocoverthesuddennessofherconversion；`andspokenlikeyourself。Imighthaveexpectednothingelsefromyou。Imighthaveknownthatsuchwouldhavebeenyouropinion。Perhaps；'hereMrs。Chickflatteredagain，asnotquitecomfortablyfeelingherway；`perhapsthatisareasonwhyyoumighthavethelessobjectiontoallowingMissToxtobegodmothertothedearthing，ifitwereonlyasdeputyandproxyforsomeoneelse。Thatitwouldbereceivedasagreathonouranddistinction，Paul，Ineednotsay。'
　　`Louisa，'saidMr。Dombey，afterashortpause，`itisnottobesupposed——'
　　`Certainlynot，'criedMrs。Chick，hasteningtoanticipatearefusal，`Ineverthoughtitwas。'
　　Mr。Dombeylookedatherimpatiently。
　　`Don'tflurryme，mydearPaul，'saidhissister；`forthatdestroysme。Iamfarfromstrong。Ihavenotbeenquitemyself，sincepoordearFannydeparted。'
　　Mr。Dombeyglancedatthepocket-handkerchiefwhichhissisterappliedtohereyes，andresumed：
　　`Itisnottobesupposed，Isay——'
　　`AndIsay，'murmuredMrs。Chick，`thatIneverthoughtitwas。'
　　`GoodHeaven，Louisa！'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`No，mydearPaul，'sheremonstratedwithtearfuldignity，`I
　　mustreallybeallowedtospeak。Iamnotsoclever，orsoreasoning，orsoeloquent，orsoanything，asyouare。Iknowthatverywell。Somuchtheworseforme。Butiftheywerethelastwords。Ihadtoutter——andlastwordsshouldbeverysolemntoyouandme，Paul，afterpoordearFanny——I
　　shouldstillsayIneverthoughtitwas。Andwhatismore，'addedMrs。
　　Chickwithincreaseddignity，asifshehadwithheldhercrushingargumentuntilnow，`Ineverdidthinkitwas。'
　　Mr。Dombeywalkedtothewindowandbackagain。
　　`Itisnottobesupposed，Louisa，'hesaidMrs。Chickhadnailedhercolourstothemast，andrepeated`Iknowitisn't，'buthetooknonoticeofit，`butthattherearemanypersonswho，supposingthatIrecognisedanyclaimatallinsuchacase，haveaclaimuponmesuperiortoMissTox's。ButIdonot。Irecognisenosuchthing。Paulandmyselfwillbeable，whenthetimecomes，toholdourown——thehouse，inotherwords，willbeabletoholditsown，andmaintainitsown，andhanddownitsownofitself，andwithoutanysuchcommon-placeaids。Thekindofforeignhelpwhichpeopleusuallyseekfortheirchildren，Icanaffordtodespise；
　　beingaboveit，Ihope。SothatPaul'sinfancyandchildhoodpassawaywell，andIseehimbecomingqualifiedwithoutwasteoftimeforthecareeronwhichheisdestinedtoenter，Iamsatisfied。Hewillmakewhatpowerfulfriendshepleasesinafter-life，whenheisactivelymaintaining——andextending，ifthatispossible——thedignityandcreditoftheFirm。Untilthen，Iamenoughforhim，perhaps，andallinall。Ihavenowishthatpeopleshouldstepinbetweenus。Iwouldmuchrathershowmysenseoftheobligingconductofadeservingpersonlikeyourfriend。Thereforeletitbeso；andyourhusbandandmyselfwilldowellenoughfortheothersponsors，Idaresay。'
　　Inthecourseoftheseremarks，deliveredwithgreatmajestyandgrandeur，Mr。Dombeyhadtrulyrevealedthesecretfeelingsofhisbreast。
　　Anindescribabledistrustofanybodysteppinginbetweenhimselfandhisson；ahaughtydreadofhavinganyrivalorpartnerintheboy'srespectanddeference；asharpmisgiving，recentlyacquired，thathewasnotinfallibleinhispowerofbendingandbindinghumanwills；assharpajealousyofanysecondcheckorcross；thesewere，atthattime，themasterkeysofhissoul。Inallhislife，hehadnevermadeafriend。Hiscoldanddistantnaturehadneithersoughtonenorfoundone。Andnowwhenthatnatureconcentrateditswholeforcesostronglyonapartialschemeofparentalinterestandambition，itseemedasifitsicycurrent，insteadofbeingreleasedbythisinfluence，andrunningclearandfree，hadthawedforbutaninstanttoadmititsburden，andthenfrozenwithitintooneunyieldingblock。
　　ElevatedthustothegodmothershipoflittlePaul，invirtueofherinsignificance，MissToxwasfromthathourchosenandappointedtooffice；andMr。Dombeyfurthersignifiedhispleasurethattheceremony，alreadylongdelayed，shouldtakeplacewithoutfurtherpostponement。Hissister，whohadbeenfarfromanticipatingsosignalasuccess，withdrewassoonasshecould，tocommunicateittoherbestoffriends；andMr。
　　Dombeywasleftaloneinhislibrary。
　　Therewasanythingbutsolitudeinthenursery；forthere，Mrs。
　　ChickandMissToxwereenjoyingasocialevening，somuchtothedisgustofMissSusanNipper，thatthatyoungladyembracedeveryopportunityofmakingwryfacesbehindthedoor。Herfeelingsweresomuchexcitedontheoccasion，thatshefounditindispensabletoaffordthemthisrelief，evenwithouthavingthecomfortofanyaudienceorsympathywhatever。Astheknight-errantsofoldrelievedtheirmindsbycarvingtheirmistress'snamesindeserts，andwildernesses，andothersavageplaceswheretherewasnoprobabilityofthereeverbeinganybodytoredthem，sodidMissSusanNippercurlhersnubnoseintodrawersandwardrobes，putawaywinksofdisparagementincupboards，shedderisivesquintsintostonepitchers，andcontradictandcallnamesoutinthepassage。
　　Thetwointerlopers，however，blissfullyunconsciousoftheyounglady'ssentiments，sawlittlePaulsafethroughallthestagesofundressing，airyexercise，supperandbed；andthensatdowntoteabeforethefire。
　　Thetwochildrennowlay，throughthegoodofficesofPolly，inoneroom；
　　anditwasnotuntiltheladieswereestablishedattheirtea-tablethathappeningtolooktowardsthelittlebeds，theythoughtofFlorence。
　　`Howsoundshesleeps！'saidMissTox。
　　`Why，youknow，mydear，shetakesagreatdealofexerciseinthecourseoftheday，'returnedMrs。Chicks，`playingaboutlittlePaulsomuch。'
　　`Sheisacuriouschild，'saidMissTox。
　　`Mydear，'retortedMrs。Chick，inalowvoice：`Hermama，allover！'
　　`Indeed！'saidMissTox。`Ahdearme！'
　　AtoneofmostextraordinarycompassionMissToxsaiditin，thoughshehadnodistinctideawhy，exceptthatitwasexpectedofher。
　　`Florencewillnever，never，never，beaDombey，'saidMrs。Chick，`notifshelivestobeathousandyearsold。'
　　MissToxelevatedhereyebrows，andwasagainfullofcommiseration。
　　`Iquitefretandworrymyselfabouther，'saidMrs。Chick，withasighofmodestmerit。`Ireallydon'tseewhatistobecomeofherwhenshegrowsolder，orwhatpositionsheistotake。Shedon'tgainonherpapaintheleast。Howcanoneexpectsheshould，whensheissoveryunlikeaDombey？'
　　MissToxlookedasifshesawnowayoutofsuchacogentargumentasthat，atall。
　　`Andthechild，yousee，'saidMrs。Chick，indeepconfidence，`haspoorFanny'snature。She'llnevermakeaneffortinafter-lifeI'llventuretosay。Never！she'llneverwindandtwineherselfaboutherpapa'sheartlike——'
　　`Liketheivy？'suggestedMissTox。
　　`Liketheivy，'Mrs。Chickassented。`Never！she'llneverglideandnestleintothebosomofherpapa'saffectionslike——the——'
　　`Startledfawn？'suggestedMissTox。
　　`Likethestartledfawn，'saidMrs。Chick。`Never！PoorFanny！
　　Yet，howIlovedher！'
　　`Youmustnotdistressyourself，mydear，'saidMissTox，inasoothingvoice。`Nowreally！Youhavetoomuchfeeling。'
　　`Wehaveallourfaults，'saidMrs。Chick，weepingandshakingherhead。
　　`Idaresaywehave。Ineverwasblindtohers。IneversaidIwas。Farfromit。YethowIlovedher！'
　　WhatasatisfactionitwastoMrs。Chick——acommon-placepieceoffollyenough，comparedwithwhomhersister-in-lawhadbeenaveryangelofwhomanlyintelligenceandgentleness——topatroniseandbetendertothememoryofthatlady：inexactpursuanceofherconducttoherinherlifetime：andtothoroughlybelieveherself，andtakeherselfinandmakeherselfuncommonlycomfortableonthestrengthofhertoleration！Whatamightypleasantvirtuetolerationshouldbewhenweareright，tobesoverypleasantwhenwearewrong，andquiteunabletodemonstratehowwecometobeinvestedwiththeprivilegeofexercisingit！
　　Mrs。Chickwasyetdryinghereyesandshakingherhead，whenRichardsmadeboldtocautionherthatMissFlorencewasawakeandsittinginherbed。Shehadrisen，asthenursesaid，andthelashesofhereyeswerewetwithtears。ButnoonesawthemglisteningsavePolly。Nooneelseleantoverher，andwhisperedsoothingwordstoher，orwasnearenoughtoheartheflutterofherbeatingheart。
　　`Oh！dearnurse！'saidthechild，lookingearnestlyupinherface，`letmeliebymybrother！'
　　`Why，mypet？'saidRichards。
　　`Oh！Ithinkhelovesme，'criedthechildwildly。`Letmeliebyhim。Praydo！'
　　Mrs。Chickinterposedwithsomemotherlywordsaboutgoingtosleeplikeadear，butFlorencerepeatedhersupplication，withafrightenedlook，andinavoicebrokenbysobsandtears。
　　`I'llnotwakehim，'shesaid，coveringherfaceandhangingdownherhead。`I'llonlytouchhimwithmyhand，andgotosleep。Oh，pray，pray，letmeliebymybrotherto-night，forIbelievehe'sfondofme！'
　　Richardstookherwithoutaword，andcarryinghertothelittlebedinwhichtheinfantwassleeping，laidherdownbyhisside。Shecreptasnearhimasshecouldwithoutdisturbinghisrest；andstretchingoutonearmsothatittimidlyembracedhisneck，andhidingherfaceontheother，overwhichherdampandscatteredhairfellloose，laymotionless。
　　`Poorlittlething，'saidMissTox；`shehasbeendreaming，I
　　daresay。'
　　Thistrivialincidenthadsointerruptedthecurrentofconversation，thatitwasdifficultofresumption；andMrs。Chickmoreoverhadbeensoaffectedbythecontemplationofherowntolerantnature，thatshewasnotinspirits。Thetwofriendsaccordinglysoonmadeanendoftheirtea，andaservantwasdespatchedtofetchahackneycabrioletforMissTox。
　　MissToxhadgreatexperienceinhackneycabs，andherstartinginonewasgenerallyworkoftime，asshewassystematicinthepreparatoryarrangements。
　　`Havethegoodness，ifyouplease，Towlinson，'saidMissTox，`firstofall，tocarryoutapenandinkandtakehisnumberlegibly。'
　　`Yes，Miss，'saidTowlinson。
　　`Then，ifyouplease，Towlinson，'saidMissTox，`havethegoodnesstoturnthecushion。Which，'saidMissToxaparttoMrs。Chick，`isgenerallydamp，mydear。'
　　`Yes，Miss，'saidTowlinson。
　　`I'lltroubleyoualso，ifyouplease，'saidMissTox，`withthiscardandthisshilling。He'stodrivetothecard，andistounderstandthathewillnotonanyaccounthavemorethantheshilling。'
　　`No，Miss，'saidTowlinson。
　　`And——I'msorrytogiveyousomuchtrouble，Towlinson，'——saidMissTox，lookingathimpensively。
　　`Notatall，Miss，'saidTowlinson。
　　`Mentiontotheman，then，ifyouplease，Towlinson，'saidMissTox，`Thatthelady'suncleisamagistrate，andthatifhegivesheranyofhisimpertinencehewillbepunishedterribly。Youcanpretendtosaythat，ifyouplease，Towlinson，inafriendlyway，andbecauseyouknowitwasdonetoanotherman，whodied。'
　　`Certainly，Miss，'saidTowlinson。
　　`Andnowgoodnighttomysweet，sweet，sweet，godson，'saidMissTox，withasoftshowerofkissesateachrepetitionoftheadjective；
　　`andLouisa，mydearfriend，promisemetotakealittlesomethingwarmbeforeyougotobed，andnottodistressyourself！'
　　ItwaswithextremedifficultythatNipper，theblack-eyed，wholookedonsteadfastly，containedherselfatthiscrisis，and，untilthesubsequentdepartureofMrs。Chick。Butthenurserybeingatlengthfreeofvisitors，shemadeherselfsomerecompenseforherlaterestraint。
　　`Youmightkeepmeinastrait-waistcoatforsixweeks，'saidNipper，`andwhenIgotitoffI'donlybemoreaggravated，whoeverheardthelikeofthemtwoGriffins，Mrs。Richards？'
　　`Andthentotalkofhavingbeendreaming，poordear！'saidPolly。
　　`Ohyoubeauties！'criedSusanNipper，affectingtosalutethedoorbywhichtheladieshaddeparted。`NeverbeaDombeywon'tshe？It'stobehopedshewon't，wedon'twantanymoresuch，one'senough。'
　　`Don'twakethechildren，Susandear，'Susandear，'saidPolly。
　　`I'mverymuchbeholdentoyou，Mrs。Richards，'saidSusan，whowasnotbyanymeansdiscriminatinginherwrath，`andreallyfeelitasahonourtoreceiveyourcommands，beingablackslaveandamulotter。
　　Mrs。Richards，ifthere'sanyotherorders，youcangiveme，praymention'em。'
　　`Nonsense；orders，'saidPolly。
　　`Oh！blessyourheart，Mrs。Richards，'criedSusan，`temporariesalwaysorderspermanencieshere，didn'tyouknowthat，whywhereverwasyouborn，Mrs。Richards？Butwhereveryouwasborn，Mrs。Richards，'pursueSpitfire，shakingherheadresolutely，`andwhenever，andhoweverwhichisbestknowntoyourself，youmaybearinmind，please，thatit'sonethingtogiveorders，andquiteanotherthingtotake'em。Apersonmaytellapersontodiveoffabridgeheadforemostintofive-and-fortyfeetofwater，Mrs。Richards，butapersonmaybeveryfarfromdiving。'
　　`Therenow，'saidPolly，`you'reangrybecauseyou'reagoodlittlething，andfondofMissFlorence；andyetyouturnroundonme，becausethere'snobodyelse。'
　　`It'sveryeasyforsometokeeptheirtempers，andbesoft-spoken，Mrs。Richards，'returnedSusan，slightlymollified，`Whentheirchild'smadeasmuchofasaprince，andispettedandpattedtillitwishesitsfriendsfurther，butwhenasweetyoungprettyinnocent，thatneveroughttohaveacrosswordspokentoorofit，isrundown，thecaseisverydifferentindeed。Mygoodnessgraciousme，MissFloy，younaughty，sinfulchildifyoudon'tshutyoureyesthisminute，I'llcallinthemhobgoblinsthatlivesinthecock-lofttocomeandeatyouupalive！'
　　HereMissNippermadeahorriblelowing，supposedtoissuefromaconscientiousgoblinofthebullspecies，impatienttodischargetheseveredutyofhisposition。Havingfurthercomposedheryoungchargebycoveringherheadwiththebed-clothes，andmakingthreeorfourangrydabsatthepillow，shefoldedherarms，andscreweduphermouth，andsatlookingatthefirefortherestoftheevening。
　　ThoughlittlePaulwassaid，innurseryphrase，`totakeadealofnoticeforhisage，'hetookaslittlenoticeofallthisasofthepreparationsforhischristeningonthenextdaybutone；whichneverthelesswentonabouthim，astohispersonalapparel，andthatofhissisterandthetwonurses，withgreatactivity。Neitherdidhe，onthearrivaloftheappointedmorning，showanysenseofitsimportance；being，onthecontrary，unusuallyinclinedtosleep，andunusuallyinclinedtotakeitillinhisattendantsthattheydressedhimtogoout。
　　Ithappenedtobeaniron-greyautumnalday，withashrewdeastwindblowing——adayinkeepingwiththeproceedings。Mr。Dombeyrepresentedinhimselfthewind，theshade，andtheautumnofthechristening。Hestoodinhislibrarytoreceivethecompany，ashardlandcoldastheweather；
　　andwhenhelookedoutthroughtheglassroom，atcameflutteringdown，asifheblightedthem。
　　Ugh！Theywereblack，coldrooms；andseemedtobeinmourning，liketheinmatesofthehouse。Thebookspreciselymatchedastosize，anddrawnupinline，likesoldiers，lookedintheircold，hard，slipperyuniforms，asiftheyhadbutoneideaamongthem，andthatwasafreezer。Thebookcase，glazedandlocked，repudiatedallfamiliarities。Mr。Pitt，inbronzeonthetopwithnotraceofhiscelestialoriginabouthim，guardedtheunattainabletreasurelikeanenchantedMoor。Adustyurnateachhighcorner，dugupfromanancienttomb，preacheddesolationanddecay，asfromtwopulpits；
　　andthechimmey-glass，reflectingMr。Dombeyandhisportraitatoneblow，seemedfraughtwithmelancholymeditations。
　　Thestiffandstarkfire-ironsappearedtoclaimanearerrelationshipthananythingelsetheretoMr。Dombey，withhisbuttonedcoat，hiswhitecravat，isheavygoldwatch-chain，andhiscreakingboots。ButthiswasbeforethearrivalofMr。andMrs。Chick，hislawfulrelatives，whosoonpresentedthemselves。
　　`MydearPaul，'Mrs。Chickmurmured，assheembracedhim，`thebeginning，Ihope，ofmanyjoyfuldays！'
　　`Thankyou，Louisa，'saidMr。Dombey，grimly。`Howdoyoudo，Mr。John？'
　　`Howdoyoudo，Sir？'saidChick。
　　HegaveMr。Dombeyhishand，asifhefeareditmightelectrifyhim。Mr。Dombeytookitasifitwereafish，orseaweed，orsomesuchclammysubstance，andimmediatelyreturnedittohimwithexaltedpoliteness。
　　`Perhaps，Louisa，'saidMr。Dombey，slightlyturninghisheadinhiscravat，asifitwereasocket，`youwouldhavepreferredafire？'
　　`Oh，mydearPaul，no，'saidMrs。chick，whohadmuchadotokeepherteethfromchattering；`notforme。'
　　`Mr。John，'saidMr。Dombey，`youarenotsensibleofanychill？'
　　Mr。John，whohadalreadygotbothhishandsinhispocketsoverthewrists，andwasontheverythresholdofthatsamecaninechoruswhichhadgivenMrs。Chicksomuchoffenceonaformeroccasion，protestedthathewasperfectlycomfortable。
　　Headdedinalowvoice，`Withmytiddletoltoorrul'——whenhewasprovidentiallystoppedbyTowlinson，whoannounced：
　　`MissTox！'
　　Andenterthatfairenslaver，withabluenoseandindescribablyfrostyface，referabletoherbeingverythinlycladinamazeofflutteringoddsandends，todohonourtotheceremony。
　　`Howdoyoudo，MissTox？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　MissTox，inthemidstofherspreadinggauzes，wentdownaltogetherlikeanopera-glassshutting-up；shecurtseyedsolow，inacknowledgmentofMr。Dombey'sadvancingasteportwotomeether。
　　`Icanneverforgetthisoccasion，Sir，'saidMissTox，softly。
　　`'Tisimpossible。MydearLouisa，Icanhardlybelievetheevidenceofmysenses。'
　　IfMissToxcouldbelievetheevidenceofoneofhersenses，itwasaverycoldday。Thatwasquiteclear。Shetookanearlyopportunityofpromotingthecirculationinthetipofhernosebysecretlychafingitwithherpocket-handkerchief，lest，byitsverylowtemperature，itshoulddisagreeablyastonishthebabywhenshecametokissit。
　　Thebabysoonappeared，carriedingreatglorybyRichards；whileFlorence，incustodyofthatactiveyoungconstable，SusanNipper，broughtuptherear。Thoughthewholenurserypartyweredressedbythistimeinlightermourningthanatfirst，therewasenoughintheappearanceofthebereavedchildrentomakethedaynobrighter。Thebabytoo——itmighthavebeenMissTox'snose——begantocry。Thereby，asithappened，preventingMr。chickfromtheawkwardfulfilmentofaveryhonestpurposehehad；
　　whichwas，tomakemuchofFlorence。Forthisgentleman，insensibletothesuperiorclaimsofaperfectDombeyperhapsonaccountofhavingthehonourtobeunitedtoaDombeyhimself，andbeingfamiliarwithexcellence，reallylikedher，andshowedthathelikedher，andwasabouttoshowitinhisownwaynow，whenPaulcried，andhishelpmatestoppedhimshort。
　　`NowFlorence，child！'saidheraunt，briskly，`whatareyoudoing，love？Showyourselftohim。Engagehisattention，mydear！'
　　Theatmospherebecameormighthavebecomecolderandcolder，whenMr。Dombeystoodfrigidlywatchinghislittledaughter，who，clappingherhands，andstandingontip-toebeforethethroneofhissonandheir，luredhimtobenddownfromhishighestate，andlookather。SomehonestactofRichards'smayhaveaidedtheeffect，buthedidlookdown，andheldhispeace。Ashissisterhidbehindhernurse，hefollowedherwithhiseyes；andwhenshepeepedoutwithamerrycrytohim，hesprangupandcrowedlustily——laughingoutrightwhensheraninuponhim；andseemingtofondlehercurlswithhistinyhands，whileshesmotheredhimwithkisses。
　　WasMr。Dombeypleasedtoseethis？Hetestifiednopleasurebytherelaxationofanerve；butoutwardtokensofanykingoffeelingwereunusualwithhim。Ifanysunbeamstoleintotheroomtolightthechildrenattheirplay，itneverreachedhisface。Helookedonsofixedlyandcoldly，thatthewarmlightvanishedevenfromthelaughingeyesoflittleFlorence，when，atlast，theyhappenedtomeethis。
　　Itwasadull，grey，autumndayindeed，andinaminute'spauseandsilencethattookplace，theleavesfellsorrowfully。
　　`Mr。John，'saidMr。Dombey，referringtohiswatch，andassuminghishatandgloves。`Takemysister，ifyouplease：myarmto-dayisMissTox's。
　　YouhadbettergofirstwithMasterPaul，Richards。Beverycareful。'
　　InMr。Dombey'scarriage，DombeyandSon，MissTox，Mrs。Chick，Richards，andFlorence。Inalittlecarriagefollowingit，SusanNipperandtheownerMr。Chick。Susanlookingoutofwindow，withoutintermission，asarelieffromtheembarrassmentofconfrontingthelargefaceofthathegentleman，andthinkingwheneveranythingrattledthathewasputtingupinpaperanappropriatepecuniarycomplimentforherself。
　　Onceupontheroadtochurch，Mr。Dombeyclappedhishandsfortheamusementofhisson。AtwhichinstanceofparentalenthusiasmMissToxwasenchanted。Butexclusiveofthisincident，thechiefdifferencebetweenthechristeningpartyandapartyinamourningcoach，consistedinthecoloursofthecarriageandhorses。
　　Arrivedatthechurchsteps，theywerereceivedbyaportentousbeadle。Mr。Dombeydismountingfirsttohelptheladiesout，andstandingnearhimatthechurchdoor，lookedlikeanotherbeadle。Abeadlelessgorgeousbutmoredreadful；thebeadleofprivatelife；thebeadleofourbusinessandourbosoms。
　　MissTox'shandtrembledassheslippeditthroughMr。Dombey'sarm，andfeltherselfescortedupthesteps，precededbyacockedhatandaBabyloniancollar。Itseemedforamomentlikethatothersolemninstitution，`Wiltthouhavethisman，Lucretia？'`Yes，Iwill。'
　　`Pleasetobringthechildinquickoutoftheairthere，'whisperedthebeadle，holdingopentheinnerdoorofthechurch。
　　LittlePaulmighthaveaskedwithHamlet`intomygrave？'sochillandearthywastheplace。Thetallshroudedpulpitandreadingdesk；thedrearyperspectiveofemptypewsstretchingawayunderthegalleries，andemptybenchesmountingtotheroofandlostintheshadowofthegreatgrimorgan；thedustymattingandcoldstoneslabs；thegrislyfreeseatsintheaisles；andthedampcornerbythebell-rope，wheretheblacktrestlesusedforfuneralswerestowedaway，alongwithsomeshovelsandbaskets，andacoilortwoofdeadly-lookingrope；thestrange，unusual，uncomfortablesmell，andthecadaverouslight；wereallinunison。Itwasacoldanddismalscene。
　　`There'saweddingjuston，Sir，'saidthebeadle，`butit'llbeoverdirectly，ifyou'llwalkintothewestryhere。'
　　Beforeheturnedagaintoleadtheway，hegaveMr。Dombeyabowandahalfsmileofrecognition，importingthathethebeadlerememberedtohavehadthepleasureofattendingonhimwhenheburiedhiswife，andhopedhehadenjoyedhimselfsince。
　　Theveryweddinglookingdismalastheypassedinfrontofthealtar。Thebridewastoooldandthebridegroomtooyoung，andasuperannuatedbeauwithoneeyeandaneye-glassstuckinitsblankcompanion，wasgivingawaythelady，whilethefriendswereshivering。Inthevestrythefirewassmoking；andanover-agedandover-workedandunder-paidattorney'sclerk，`makingasearch，'wasrunninghisforefingerdowntheparchmentpagesofanimmenseregisteroneofalongseriesofsimilarvolumes
　　gorgedwithburials。Overthefireplacewasaground-planofthevaultsunderneaththechurch；andMr。Chick，skimmingtheliteraryportionofitaloud，bywayofenliveningthecompany，readthereferencetoMrs。
　　Dombey'stombinfull，beforehecouldstophimself。
　　Afteranothercoldinterval，awheezylittlepew-openerafflictedwithanasthma，appropriatetothechurchyard，ifnottothechurch，summonedthemtothefont。Heretheywaitedsomelittletimewhilethemarriagepartyenrolledthemselves；andmeanwhilethewheezylittlepew-opener——partlyinconsequenceofherinfirmity，andpartlythatthemarriagepartymightnotforgether——wentaboutthebuildingcoughinglikeagrampus。
　　Presentlytheclerktheonlycheerful-lookingobjectthere，andwasanundertakercameupwithajugofwarmwater，andsaidsomething，ashepoureditintothefont，abouttakingthechilloff；whichmillionsofgallonsboilinghotcouldnothavedonefortheoccasion。Thentheclergyman，anamiableandmild-lookingyoungcurate，butobviouslyafraidofthebaby，appearedliketheprincipalcharacterinaghost-story，`atallfigureallinwhite；'atsightofwhomPaulrenttheairwithhiscries，andneverleftagaintillhewastakenoutblackintheface。
　　Evenwhenthateventhadhappened，tothegreatreliefofeverybody，hewasheardundertheportico，duringtherestoftheceremony，nowfainter，nowlouder，nowhushed，nowburstingforthagainwithanirrepressiblesenseofhiswrongs。Thissodistractedtheattentionofthetwoladies，thatMrs。Chickwasconstantlydeployingintothecentreaisle，tosendoutmessagesbythepew-opener，whileMissToxkeptherPrayer-bookopenattheGunpowderPlot，andoccasionallyreadresponsesfromthatservice。
　　Duringthewholeoftheseproceedings，Mr。Dombeyremainedasimpassiveandgentlemanlyasever，andperhapsassistedinmakingitsocold，thattheyoungcuratesmokedatthemouthasheread。Theonlytimethatheunbenthisvisageintheleast，waswhentheclergyman，indeliveringveryunaffectedlyandsimplytheclosingexhortation，relativetothefutureexaminationofthechildbythesponsors，happenedtoresthiseyeonMr。Chick；andthenMr。Dombeymighthavebeenseentoexpressbyamajesticlook，thathewouldliketocatchhimatit。
　　ItmighthavebeenwellforMr。Dombey，ifhehadthoughtofhisowndignityalittleless；andhadthoughtofthegreatoriginandpurposeoftheceremonyinwhichhetooksoformalandsostiffapart，alittlemore。Hisarrogancecontrastedstrangelywithitshistory。
　　Whenitwasallover，heagaingavehisarmtoMissTox，andconductedhertothevestry，whereheinformedtheclergymanhowmuchpleasureitwouldhavegivenhimtohavesolicitedthehonourofhiscompanyatdinner，butfortheunfortunatestateofhishouseholdaffairs。Theregistersigned，andthefeespaid，andthepew-openerwhosecoughwasverybadagain
　　remembered，andthebeadlegratified，andthesextonwhowasaccidentallyonthedoor-steps，lookingwithgreatinterestattheweathernotforgotten，theygotintothecarriageagain，anddrovehomeinthesamebleakfellowship。
　　TheretheyfoundMr。Pittturninguphisnoseatacoldcollation，setforthinacoldpompofglassandsilver，andlookingmorelikeadeaddinnerlyinginstatethanasocialrefreshment。OntheirarrivalMissToxproducedamugforhergodson，andMr。Chickaknifeandforkandspooninacase。Mr。DombeyalsoproducedabraceletforMissTox；and，onthereceiptofthistoken，MissToxwastenderlyaffected。
　　`Mr。John，'saidMr。Dombey，`willyoutakethebottomofthetable，ifyouplease？Whathaveyougotthere，Mr。John？'
　　`Ihavegotacoldfilletofvealhere，Sir，'repliedMr。Chick，rubbinghisnumbedhandshardtogether。`Whathaveyougotthere，Sir？'
　　`This，'returnedMr。Dombey，`issomecoldpreparationofcalf'shead，Ithink。Iseecoldfowls——ham——patties——salad——lobster。MissToxwilldomethehonouroftakingsomewine？ChampagnetoMissTox。'
　　Therewasatoothacheineverything。ThewinewassobittercoldthatitforcedalittlescreamfromMissTox，whichshehadgreatdifficultyinturningintoa`Hem！'Thevealhadcomefromsuchanairypantry，thatthefirsttasteofithadstruckasensationasofcoldleadtoMr。Chick'sextremities。Mr。Dombeyaloneremainedunmoved。HemighthavebeenhungupforsaleataRussianfairasaspecimenofafrozengentleman。
　　Theprevailinginfluencewastoomuchevenforhissister。Shemadenoeffortatflatteryorsmalltalk，anddirectedallhereffortstolookingaswarmasshecould。
　　`Well，Sir，'saidMr。Chick，makingadesperateplunge，afteralongsilence，andfillingaglassofsherry；`Ishalldrinkthis，ifyou'llallowme，Sir，tolittlePaul。'
　　`Blesshim！'murmuredMissTox，takingasipofwine。
　　`DearlittleDombey！'murmuredMrs。Chick。
　　`Mr。John，'saidMr。Dombey，withseveregravity，`mysonwouldfeelandexpresshimselfobligedtoyou，Ihavenodoubt，ifhecouldappreciatethefavouryouhavedonehim。Hewillprove，intimetocome，Itrust，equaltoanyresponsibilitythattheobligingdispositionofhisrelationsandfriends，inprivate，ortheonerousnatureofourposition，inpublic，mayimposeuponhim。'