Moreaffableandpleasantyet，andhumminghissonguntilhismanyteethvibratedtoit，Mr。Carkerpickedhiswayalong，andturnedatlastintotheshadystreetwhereMr。Dombey'shousestood。Hehadbeensobusy，windingwebsroundgoodfaces，andobscuringthemwithmeshes，thathehardlythoughtofbeingatthispointofhisride，until，glancingdownthecoldperspectiveoftallhouses，hereinedinhishorsequicklywithinafewyardsofthedoor。ButtoexplainwhyMr。Carkerreinedinhishorsequickly，andwhathelookedatinnosmallsurprise，afewdigressivewordsarenecessary。
　　Mr。Toots，emancipatedfromtheBlimberthraldomandcomingintothepossessionofacertainportionofhisworldlywealth，`which，'ashehadbeenwont，duringhislasthalf-year'sprobation，tocommunicatetoMr。Feedereveryeveningasanewdiscovery，`theexecutorscouldn'tkeephimoutof，'hadappliedhimself，withgreatdiligence，tothescienceofLife。Firedwithanobleemulationtopursueabrilliantanddistinguishedcareer，Mr。Tootshadfurnishedachoicesetofapartments；hadestablishedamongthemasportingbower，embellishedwiththeportraitsofwinninghorses，inwhichhetooknoparticleofinterest；andadivan，whichmadehimpoorly。Inthisdeliciousabode，Mr。Tootsdevotedhimselftothecultivationofthosegentleartswhichrefineandhumaniseexistence，hischiefinstructorinwhichwasaninterestingcharactercalledtheGameChicken，whowasalwaystobeheardofatthebaroftheBlackBadger，woreashaggywhitegreat-coatinthewarmestweather，andknockedMr。Tootsabouttheheadthreetimesaweek，forthesmallconsiderationoftenandsixpervisit。
　　TheGameChicken，whowasquitetheApolloofMr。Toots'sPantheon，hadintroducedtohimamarkerwhotaughtbilliards，aLifeGuardwhotaughtfencing，ajob-masterwhotaughtriding，aCornishgentlemanwhowasuptoanythingintheathleticline，andtwoorthreeotherfriendsconnectednolessintimatelywiththefinearts。UnderwhoseauspicesMr。Tootscouldhardlyfailtoimproveapace，andunderwhosetuitionhewenttowork。
　　Buthoweveritcameabout，itcametopass，evenwhilethesegentlemenhadtheglossofnoveltyuponthem，thatMr。Tootsfelt，hedidn'tknowhow，unsettledanduneasy。Therewerehusksinhiscorn，thatevenGameChickenscouldn'tpeckup；gloomygiantsinhisleisure，thatevenGameChickenscouldn'tknockdown。NothingseemedtodoMr。TootssomuchgoodasincessantlyleavingcardsatMr。Dombey'sdoor。Notax-gathererintheBritishdominions——thatwide-spreadterritoryonwhichthesunneversets，andwherethetax-gatherernevergoestobed——wasmoreregularandperseveringinhiscallsthanMr。Toots。
　　Mr。Tootsneverwentupstairs；andalwaysperformedthesameceremonies，richlydressedforthepurpose，atthehalldoor。
　　`Oh！Goodmorning！'wouldbeMr。Toots'sfirstremarktotheservant。
　　`ForMr。Dombey，'wouldbeMr。Toots'snextremark，ashehandedinacard。
　　`ForMissDombey，'wouldbehisnext，ashehandedinanother。
　　Mr。Tootswouldthenturnroundasiftogoaway；butthemanknewhimbythistime，andknewhewouldn't。
　　`Oh，Ibegyourpardon，'Mr。Tootswouldsay，asifathoughthadsuddenlydescendedonhim。`Istheyoungwomanathome？'
　　Themanwouldratherthinkshewas，butwouldn'tquiteknow。Thenhewouldringabellthatrangupstairs，andwouldlookupthestaircase，andwouldsay，yes，shewasathome，andwascomingdown。ThenMissNipperwouldappear，andthemanwouldretire。
　　`Oh！Howdedo？'Mr。Tootswouldsay，withachuckleandablush。
　　Susanwouldthankhim，andsayshewasverywell。
　　`How'sDiogenesgoingon？'wouldbeMr。Toot'ssecondinterrogation。
　　Verywellindeed。MissFlorencewasfonderandfonderofhimeveryday。Mr。Tootswassuretohailthiswithaburstofchuckles，liketheopeningofabottleofsomeeffervescentbeverage。
　　`MissFlorenceisquitewell，Sir，'Susanwouldadd。
　　`Oh，it'sofnoconsequence，thank'ee，'wastheinvariablereplyofMr。Toots；andwhenhehadsaidso，healwayswentawayveryfast。
　　NowitiscertainthatMr。Tootshadafilmysomethinginhismind，whichledhimtoconcludethatifhecouldaspiresuccessfullyinthefulnessoftime，tothehandofFlorence，hewouldbefortunateandblest。ItiscertainthatMr。Toots，bysomeremoteandroundaboutroad，hadgottothatpoint，andthattherehemadeastand。Hisheartwaswounded；
　　hewastouched；hewasinlove。Hehadmadeadesperateattempt，onenight，andhadsatupallnightforthepurpose，towriteanacrosticonFlorence，whichaffectedhimtotearsintheconception。Butheneverproceededintheexecutionfurtherthanthewords`ForwhenIgaze，'——theflowofimaginationinwhichhehadpreviouslywrittendowntheinitiallettersoftheothersevenlines，desertinghimatthatpoint。
　　BeyonddevisingthatveryartfulandpoliticmeasureofleavingacardforMr。Dombeydaily，thebrainofMr。Tootshadnotworkedmuchinreferencetothesubjectthatheldhisfeelingsprisoner。ButdeepconsiderationatlengthassuredMr。Tootsthatanimportantsteptogain，was，theconciliationofMissSusanNipper，preparatorytogivinghersomeinklingofhisstateofmind。
　　Alittlelightandplayfulgallantrytowardsthisladyseemedthemeanstoemployinthatearlychapterofthehistory，forwinninghertohisinterests。Notbeingablequitetomakeuphismindaboutit，heconsultedtheChicken——withouttakingthatgentlemanintohisconfidence；
　　merelyinforminghimthatafriendinYorkshirehadwrittentohimMr。
　　Tootsforhisopiniononsuchaquestion。TheChickenreplyingthathisopinionalwayswas，`Goinandwin，'andfurther，`Whenyourman'sbeforeyouandyourworkcutout，goinanddoit，'Mr。Tootsconsideredthisafigurativewayofsupportinghisownviewofthecase，andheroicallyresolvedtokissMissNippernextday。
　　Uponthenextday，therefore，Mr。Toots，puttingintorequisitionsomeofthegreatestmarvelsthatBurgessandCo。hadeverturnedout，wentofftoMr。Dombey'suponthisdesign。Buthisheartfailedhimsomuchasheapproachedthesceneofaction，that，althoughhearrivedonthegroundatthreeo'clockintheafternoon，itwassixbeforeheknockedatthedoor。
　　Everythinghappenedasusual，downtothepointwhereSusansaidheryoungmistresswaswell，andMr。Tootssaiditwasofnoconsequence。
　　Toheramazement，Mr。Toots，insteadofgoingofflikearocket，afterthatobservation，lingeredandchuckled。
　　`Perhapsyou'dliketowalkupstairs，Sir！'saidSusan。
　　`Well，IthinkIwillcomein！'saidMr。Toots。
　　Butinsteadofwalkingupstairs，theboldTootsmadeanawkwardplungeatSusanwhenthedoorwasshut，andembracingthatfaircreature，kissedheronthecheek。
　　`Goalongwithyou！'criedSusan，`orI'lltearyoureyesout。'
　　`Justanother！'saidMr。Toots。
　　`Goalongwithyou！'exclaimedSusan，givinghimapush。`Innocentslikeyou，too！Who'llbeginnext？Goalong，Sir！'
　　Susanwasnotinanyseriousstrait，forshecouldhardlyspeakforlaughing；butDiogenes，onthestaircase，hearingarustlingagainstthewall，andashufflingoffeet，andseeingthroughthebanistersthattherewassomecontentiongoingon，andforeigninvasioninthehouse，formedadifferentopinion，dasheddowntotherescue，andinthetwinklingofaneyehadMr。Tootsbytheleg。
　　Susanscreamed，laughed，openedthestreet-door，andrandownstairs；theboldTootstumbledstaggeringoutintothestreet，withDiogenesholdingontoonelegofhispantaloons，asifBurgessandCo。werehiscooks，andhadprovidedthatdaintymorselforhisholidayentertainment；
　　Diogenesshakenoff，rolledoverandoverinthedust，gotupagain，whirledroundthegiddyTootsandsnappedathim：andallthisturmoil，Mr。Carker，reininguphishorseandsittingalittleatadistance，sawtohisamazement，issuefromthestatelyhouseofMr。Dombey。
　　Mr。CarkerremainedwatchingthediscomfitedToots，whenDiogeneswascalledin，andthedoorshut：andwhilethatgentleman，takingrefugeinadoorwaynearathand，boundupthetornlegofhispantaloonswithacostlysilkhandkerchiefthathadformedpartofhisexpensiveoutfitfortheadventure。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'saidMr。Carker，ridingup，withhismostpropitiatorysmile。`Ihopeyouarenothurt？'
　　`Ohno，thankyou，'repliedMr。Toots，raisinghisflushedface，`it'sofnoconsequence。'Mr。Tootswouldhavesignified，ifhecould，thathelikeditverymuch。
　　`Ifthedog'steethhaveenteredtheleg，Sir——'beganCarker，withadisplayofhisown。
　　`No，thankyou，'saidMr。Toots，`it'sallquiteright。It'sverycomfortable，thankyou。'
　　`IhavethepleasureofknowingMr。Dombey，'observedCarker。
　　`Haveyouthough？'rejoinedtheblushingToots。
　　`Andyouwillallowme，perhaps，toapologise，inhisabsence，'
　　saidMr。Carker，takingoffhishat，`forsuchamisadventure，andtowonderhowitcanpossiblyhavehappened。'
　　Mr。Tootsissomuchgratifiedbythispoliteness，andtheluckychanceofmakingfriendswithafriendofMr。Dombey，thathepullsouthiscard-case，whichheneverlosesanopportunityofusing，andhandshisnameandaddresstoMr。Carker：whorespondstothatcourtesybygivinghimhisown，andwiththattheypart。
　　AsMr。Carkerpickshiswaysosoftlypastthehouse，glancingupatthewindows，andtryingtomakeoutthepensivefacebehindthecurtainlookingatthechildrenopposite，theroughheadofDiogenescameclamberingupclosebyit，andthedog，regardlessofallsoothing，barksandgrowls，andmakesathimfromthatheight，asifhewouldspringdownandtearhimlimbfromlimb。
　　Wellspoken，Di，sonearyourMistress！Another，andanotherwithyourheadup，youreyesflashing，andyourvexedmouthworryingitself，forwantofhim！Another，ashepickshiswayalong！Youhaveagoodscent，Di，——cats，boy，cats！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIIFlorencesolitary，andtheMidshipmanmysteriousFLORENCElivedaloneinthegreatdrearyhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone；andtheblankwallslookeddownuponherwithavacantstare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likemindtostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
　　Nomagicdwelling-placeinmagicstory，shutupintheheartofathickwood，wasevermoresolitaryanddesertedtothefancy，thanwasherfather'smansioninitsgrimreality，asitstoodloweringonthestreet：
　　alwaysbynight，whenlightswereshiningfromneighbouringwindows，ablotuponitsscantybrightness；alwaysbyday，afrownuponitsnever-smilingface。
　　Therewerenottwodragonsentrieskeepingwardbeforethegateofthisabode，asinmagiclegendareusuallyfoundondutyoverthewrongedinnocenceimprisoned；butbesidesagloweringvisage，withitsthinlipspartedwickedly，thatsurveyedallcomersfromabovethearchwayofthedoor，therewasamonstrousfantasyofrustyiron，curlingandtwistinglikeapetrifactionofanarbouroverthethreshold，buddinginspikesandcorkscrewpoints，andbearing，oneoneitherside，twoominousextinguishers，thatseemedtosay，`Whoenterhere，leavelightbehind！'Therewerenotalismaniccharactersengravenontheportal，butthehousewasnowsoneglectedinappearance，thatboyschalkedtherailingsandthepavement——particularlyroundthecornerwherethesidewallwas——anddrewghostsonthestabledoor；andbeingsometimesdrivenoffbyMr。Towlinson，madeportraitsofhim，inreturn，withhisearsgrowingouthorizontallyfromunderhishat。
　　Noiseceasedtobe，withintheshadowoftheroof。Thebrassbandthatcameintothestreetonceaweek，inthemorning，neverbrayedanoteinatthosewindows；butallsuchcompany，downtoapoorlittlepipingorganofweakintellect，withanimbecilepartyofautomatondancers，waltzinginandoutatfolding-doors，fellofffromitwithoneaccord，andshunneditasahopelessplace。
　　Thespelluponitwasmorewastingthanthespellthatusedtosetenchantedhousessleepingonceuponatimebutlefttheirwakingfreshnessunimpaired。
　　Thepassivedesolationofdisusewaseverywheresilentlymanifestaboutit。Withindoors，curtains，droopingheavily，losttheiroldfoldsandshapes，andhunglikecumbrouspalls。Hecatombsoffurniture，stillpiledandcoveredup，shrunklikeimprisonedandforgottenmen，andchangedinsensibly。Mirrorsweredimaswiththebreathofyears。Patternsofcarpetsfadedandbecameperplexedandfaint，likethememoryofthoseyears'triflingincidents。Boards，startingatunwontedfootsteps，creakedandshook。Keysrustedinthelocksofdoors。Dampstartedonthewalls，andasthestainscameout，thepicturesseemedtogoinandsecretethemselves。Mildewandmouldbegantolurkinclosets。Fungustreesgrewincornersofthecellars。
　　Dustaccumulated，nobodyknewwhencenorhow；spiders，moths，andgrubswereheardofeveryday。Anexploratoryblackbeetlenowandthenwasfoundimmovableuponthestairs，orinanupperroom，aswonderinghowhegotthere。Ratsbegantosqueakandscuffleinthenighttime，throughdarkgalleriestheyminedbehindthepanelling。
　　Thedrearymagnificenceofthestaterooms，seenimperfectlybythedoubtfullightadmittedthroughclosedshutters，wouldhaveansweredwellenoughforanenchantedabode。Suchasthetarnishedpawsofgildedlions，stealthilyputoutfrombeneaththeirwrappers；themarblelineamentsofbustsonpedestals，fearfullyrevealingthemselvesthroughveils；theclocksthatnevertoldthetime，or，ifwoundupbyanychance，tolditwrong，andstruckunearthlynumbers，whicharenotuponthedial；theaccidentaltinklingsamongthependantlustres，morestartlingthanalarm-bells；thesoftenedsoundsandlaggardairthatmadetheirwayamongtheseobjects，andaphantomcrowdofothers，shroudedandhooded，andmadespectralofshade。But，besides，therewasthegreatstaircase，wherethelordoftheplacesorarelysethisfoot，andbywhichhislittlechildhadgoneuptoHeaven。Therewereotherstaircasesandpassageswherenoonewentforweekstogether；thereweretwoclosedroomsassociatedwithdeadmembersofthefamily，andwithwhisperedrecollectionsofthem；andtoallthehousebutFlorence，therewasagentlefiguremovingthroughthesolitudeandgloom，thatgavetoeverylifelessthingatouchofpresenthumaninterestandwonder。
　　ForFlorencelivedaloneinthedesertedhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone，andthecoldwallslookeddownuponherwithavacantstare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likemindtostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
　　Thegrassbegantogrowupontheroof，andinthecrevicesofthebasementpaving。Ascalycrumblingvegetationsproutedroundthewindow-sills。
　　Fragmentsofmortarlosttheirholdupontheinsidesoftheunusedchimneys，andcamedroppingdown。Thetwotreeswiththesmokytrunkswereblightedhighup，andthewitheredbranchesdomineeredabovetheleaves。Throughthewholebuildingwhitehadturnedyellow，yellownearlyblack；andsincethetimewhenthepoorladydied，ithadslowlybecomeadarkgapinthelongmonotonousstreet。
　　ButFlorencebloomedthere，liketheking'sfairdaughterinthestory。Herbooks，hermusic，andherdailyteachers，wereheronlyrealcompanions，SusanNipperandDiogenesexcepted：ofwhomtheformer，inherattendanceonthestudiesofheryoungmistress，begantogrowquitelearnedherself，whilethelatter，softenedpossiblybythesameinfluences，wouldlayhisheaduponthewindow-ledge，andplacidlyopenandshuthiseyesuponthestreet，allthroughasummermorning；sometimesprickinguphisheadtolookwithgreatsignificanceaftersomenoisydoginacart，whowasbarkinghiswayalong，andsometimes，withanexasperatedandunaccountablerecollectionofhissupposedenemyintheneighbourhood，rushingtothedoor，whence，afteradeafeningdisturbance，hewouldcomejoggingbackwitharidiculouscomplacencythatbelongedtohim，andlayhisjawuponthewindow-ledgeagain，withtheairofadogwhohaddoneapublicservice。
　　SoFlorencelivedinherwildernessofahome，withinthecircleofherinnocentpursuitsandthoughts，andnothingharmedher。Shecouldgodowntoherfather'sroomsnow，andthinkofhim，andsufferherlovinghearthumblytoapproachhim，withoutfearofrepulse。Shecouldlookupontheobjectsthathadsurroundedhiminhissorrow，andcouldnestlenearhischair，andnotdreadtheglancethatshesowellremembered。Shecouldrenderhimsuchlittletokensofherdutyandservice，asputtingeverythinginorderforhimwithherownhands，bindinglittlenosegaysforhistable，changingthemasonebyonetheywithered，andhedidnotcomeback，preparingsomethingforhimeveryday，andleavingsometimidmarkofherpresencenearhisusualseat。To-day，itwasalittlepaintedstandforhiswatch；
　　to-morrowshewouldbeafraidtoleaveit，andwouldsubstitutesomeothertrifleofhermakingnotsolikelytoattracthiseye。Wakinginthenight，perhaps，shewouldtrembleatthethoughtofhiscominghomeandangrilyrejectingit，andwouldhurrydownwithslipperedfeetandquicklybeatingheart，andbringitaway。Atanothertime，shewouldonlylayherfaceuponhisdesk，andleaveakissthere，andatear。
　　Stillnooneknewofthis。Unlessthehouseholdfounditoutwhenshewasnotthere——andtheyallheldMr。Dombey'sroomsinawe——itwasasdeepasecretinherbreastaswhathadgonebeforeit。Florencestoleintothoseroomsattwilight，earlyinthemorning，andattimeswhenmealswereserveddownstairs。Andalthoughtheywereineverynookthebetterandthebrighterforhercare，sheenteredandpassedoutasquietlyasanysunbeam，exceptingthatsheleftherlightbehind。
　　ShadowycompanyattendedFlorenceupanddowntheechoinghouse，andsatwithherinthedismantledrooms。Asifherlifewereanenchantedvision，therearoseoutofhersolitudeministeringthoughts，thatmadeitfancifulandunreal。Sheimaginedsooftenwhatherlifewouldhavebeenifherfathercouldhavelovedherandshehadbeenafavouritechild，thatsometimes，forthemoment，shealmostbelieveditwasso，and，borneonbythecurrentofthatpensivefiction，seemedtorememberhowtheyhadwatchedherbrotherinhisgravetogether；howtheyhadfreelysharedhisheartbetweenthem；howtheywereunitedinthedearremembranceofhim；howtheyoftenspokeabouthimyet；andherkindfather，lookingathergently，toldheroftheircommonhopeandtrustinGod。Atothertimesshepicturedtoherselfhermotheryetalive。Andohthehappinessoffallingonherneck，andclingingtoherwiththeloveandconfidenceofallhersoul！Andohthedesolationofthesolitaryhouseagain，witheveningcomingon，andnoonethere！
　　Buttherewasonethought，scarcelyshapedouttoherself，yetferventandstrongwithinher，thatupheldFlorencewhenshestrove，andfilledhertrueyoungheart，sosorelytried，withconstancyofpurpose。
　　Intohermind，asintoallotherscontendingwiththegreatafflictionofourmortalnature，therehadstolensolemnwonderingsandhopes，arisinginthedimworldbeyondthepresentlife，andmurmuring，likefaintmusic，ofrecognitioninthefar-offlandbetweenherbrotherandhermother：
　　ofsomepresentconsciousnessinbothofher：someloveandcommiserationforher：andsomeknowledgeofherasshewentherwayupontheearth。
　　ItwasasoothingconsolationtoFlorencetogivesheltertothesethoughts，untiloneday——itwassoonaftershehadlastseenherfatherinhisownroom，lateatnight——thefancycameuponher，that，inweepingforhisalienatedheart，shemightstirthespiritsofthedeadagainsthim。Wild，weak，childish，asitmayhavebeentothinkso，andtotrembleatthehalf-formedthought，itwastheimpulseofherlovingnature；andfromthathourFlorencestroveagainstthecruelwoundinherbreast，andtriedtothinkofhimwhosehandhadmadeitonlywithhope。
　　Herfatherdidnotknow——sheheldtoitfromthattime——howmuchshelovedhim。Shewasveryyoung，andhadnomother，andhadneverlearned，bysomefaultormisfortune，howtoexpresstohimthatshelovedhim。
　　Shewouldbepatient，andwouldtrytogainthatartintime，andwinhimtoabetterknowledgeofhisonlychild。
　　Thisbecamethepurposeofherlife。Themorningsunshonedownuponthefadedhouse，andfoundtheresolutionbrightandfreshwithinthebosomofitssolitarymistress。Throughallthedutiesoftheday，itanimatedher；forFlorencehopedthatthemoresheknew，andthemoreaccomplishedshebecame，themoregladhewouldbewhenhecametoknowandlikeher。Sometimesshewondered，withaswellingheartandrisingtear，whethershewasproficientenoughinanythingtosurprisehimwhentheyshouldbecomecompanions。Sometimesshetriedtothinkiftherewereanykindofknowledgethatwouldbespeakhisinterestmorereadilythananother。Always：atherbooks，hermusic，andherwork：inhermorningwalks，andinhernightlyprayers：shehadherengrossingaiminview。
　　Strangestudyforachild，tolearntheroadtoahardparent'sheart！
　　Thereweremanycarelessloungersthroughthestreet，asthesummereveningdeepenedintonight，whoglancedacrosstheroadatthesombrehouse，andsawtheyouthfulfigureatthewindow，suchacontrasttoit，lookingupwardatthestarsastheybegantoshine，whowouldhaveslepttheworseiftheyhadknownonwhatdesignshemusedsosteadfastly。Thereputationofthemansionasahauntedhouse，wouldnothavebeenthegayerwithsomehumbledwellerselsewhere，whowerestruckbyitsexternalgloominpassingandrepassingontheirdailyavocations，andsonamedit，iftheycouldhavereaditsstoryinthedarkeningface。ButFlorenceheldhersacredpurpose，unsuspectedandunaided：andstudiedonlyhowtobringherfathertotheunderstandingthatshelovedhim，andmadenoappealagainsthiminanywanderingthought。
　　ThusFlorencelivedaloneinthedesertedhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone，andthemonotonouswallslookeddownuponherwithastare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likeintenttostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
　　SusanNipperstoodoppositetoheryoungmistressonemorning，asshefoldedandsealedanoteshehadbeenwriting：andshowedinherlooksanapprovingknowledgeofitscontents。
　　`Betterlatethannever，dearMissFloy，'saidSusan，`andIdosay，thatevenavisittothemoldSkettleseswillbeaGod-send。'
　　`ItisverygoodofSirBarnetandLadySkettles，Susan，'returnedFlorence，withamildcorrectionofthatyounglady'sfamiliarmentionofthefamilyinquestion，`torepeattheirinvitationsokindly。'
　　MissNipper，whowasperhapsthemostthoroughgoingpartisanonthefaceoftheearth，andwhocarriedherpartisanshipintoallmattersgreatorsmall，andperpetuallywagedwarwithitagainstsociety，screwedupherlipsandshookherhead，asaprotestagainstanyrecognitionofdisinterestednessintheSkettleses，andapleainbarthattheywouldhavevaluableconsiderationfortheirkindness，inthecompanyofFlorence。
　　`Theyknowwhatthey'reabout，ifeverpeopledid，'murmuredMissNipper，drawinginherbreath，`oh！trustthemSkettlesesforthat！'
　　`IamnotveryanxioustogotoFulham，Susan，Iconfess，'saidFlorencethoughtfully：`butitwillberighttogo。Ithinkitwillbebetter。'
　　`Muchbetter，'interposedSusan，withanotheremphaticshakeofherhead。
　　`Andso，'saidFlorence，`thoughIwouldprefertohavegonewhentherewasnoonethere，insteadofinthisvacationtime，whenitseemstherearesomeyoungpeoplestayinginthehouse，Ihavethankfullysaidyes。'
　　`ForwhichIsay，MissFloy，Ohbejoyful！'returnedSusan。
　　`Ah！h——h！'
　　Thislastejaculation，withwhichMissNipperfrequentlywoundupasentence，ataboutthatepochoftime，wassupposedbelowthelevelofthehalltohaveageneralreferencetoMr。Dombey，andtobeexpressiveofayearninginMissNippertofavourthatgentlemanwithapieceofhermind。Butsheneverexplainedit；andithad，inconsequence，thecharmofmystery，inadditiontotheadvantageofthesharpestexpression。
　　`HowlongitisbeforewehaveanynewsofWalter，Susan！'observedFlorence，afteramoment'ssilence。
　　`Longindeed，MissFloy！'repliedhermaid。`AndPerchsaid，whenhecamejustnowtoseeforletters——butwhatsignifieswhathesays！'exclaimedSusan，reddeningandbreakingoff。`Muchheknowsaboutit！'
　　Florenceraisedhereyesquickly，andaflushoverspreadherface。
　　`IfIhadn't，'saidSusanNipper，evidentlystrugglingwithsomelatentanxietyandalarm，andlookingfullatheryoungmistress，whileendeavouringtoworkherselfintoastateofresentmentwiththeunoffendingMr。Perch'simage，`ifIhadn'tmoremanlinessthanthatinsipidestofhissex，I'dnevertakeprideinmyhairagain，butturnitupbehindmyears，andwearcoarsecaps，withoutabitofborder，untildeathreleasedmefrommyinsignificance。ImaynotbeaAmazon，MissFloy，andwouldn'tsodemeanmyselfbysuchdisfigurement，butanywaysI'mnotagiverup，Ihope。'
　　`Giveup！What？'criedFlorence，withafaceofterror。
　　`Why，nothing，Miss，'saidSusan。`Goodgracious，nothing！It'sonlythatwetcurl-paperofamanPerch，thatanyonemightalmostmakeawaywith，withatouch，andreallyitwouldbeablessedeventforallpartiesifsomeonewouldtakepityonhim，andwouldhavethegoodness！'
　　`Doeshegiveuptheship，Susan？'inquiredFlorence，verypale。
　　`No，Miss，'returnedSusan，`Ishouldliketoseehimmakesoboldasdoittomyface！No，Miss，buthegoesonaboutsomebotheringgingerthatMr。WalterwastosendtoMrs。Perch，andshakeshisdismalhead，andsayshehopesitmaybecoming；anyhow，hesays，itcan'tcomenowintimefortheintendedoccasion，butmaydofornext，whichreally，'
　　saidMissNipper，withaggravatedscorn，`putsmeoutofpatiencewiththeman，forthoughIcanbearagreatdeal，Iamnotacamel，neitheramI，'addedSusan，afteramoment'sconsideration，`ifIknowmyself，adromedaryneither。'
　　`Whatelsedoeshesay，Susan？'inquiredFlorence，earnestly。
　　`Won'tyoutellme？'
　　`AsifIwouldn'ttellyouanything，MissFloy，andeverything！'
　　saidSusan。`Why，Miss，hesaysthattherebeginstobeageneraltalkabouttheship，andthattheyhaveneverhadashiponthatvoyagehalfsolongunheardof，andthattheCaptain'swifewasattheofficeyesterday，andseemedalittleputoutaboutit，butanyonecouldsaythat，weknewnearlythatbefore。'
　　`ImustvisitWalter'suncle，'saidFlorence，hurriedly，`beforeIleavehome。Iwillgoandseehimthismorning。Letuswalkthere，directly，Susan。'
　　MissNipperhavingnothingtourgeagainsttheproposal，butbeingperfectlyacquiescent，theyweresoonequipped，andinthestreets，andontheirwaytowardsthelittleMidshipman。
　　ThestateofmindinwhichpoorWalterhadgonetoCaptainCuttle's，onthedaywhenBrogleythebrokercameintopossession，andwhenthereseemedtohimtobeanexecutionintheverysteeples，wasprettymuchthesameasthatinwhichFlorencenowtookherwaytoUncleSol's；withthisdifference，thatFlorencesufferedtheaddedpainofthinkingthatshehadbeen，perhaps，theinnocentoccasionofinvolvingWalterinperil，andalltowhomhewasdear，herselfincluded，inanagonyofsuspense。
　　Fortherest，uncertaintyanddangerseemedwrittenuponeverything。Theweathercocksonspiresandhousetopsweremysteriouswithhintsofstormywind，andpointed，likesomanyghostlyfingers，outtodangerousseas，wherefragmentsofgreatwrecksweredrifting，perhaps，andhelplessmenwererockeduponthemintoasleepasdeepastheunfathomablewaters。
　　WhenFlorencecameintotheCity，andpassedgentlemenwhoweretalkingtogether，shedreadedtohearthemspeakingoftheship，andsayingitwaslost。Picturesandprintsofvesselsfightingwiththerollingwavesfilledherwithalarm。Thesmokeandclouds，thoughmovinggently，movedtoofastforherapprehensions，andmadeherfeartherewasatempestblowingatthatmomentontheocean。
　　SusanNippermayormaynothavebeenaffectedsimilarly，buthavingherattentionmuchengagedinstruggleswithboys，whenevertherewasanypressofpeople——for，betweenthatgradeofhumankindandherself，therewassomenaturalanimositythatinvariablybrokeout，whenevertheycametogether——itwouldseemthatshehadnotmuchleisureontheroadforintellectualoperations。
　　ArrivingingoodtimeabreastoftheWoodenMidshipmanontheoppositesideoftheway，andwaitingforanopportunitytocrossthestreet，theywerealittlesurprisedatfirsttosee，attheInstrument-maker'sdoor，around-headedlad，withhischubbyfaceaddressedtowardsthesky，who，astheylookedathim，suddenlythrustintohiscapaciousmouthtwofingersofeachhand，andwiththeassistanceofthatmachinerywhistled，withastonishingshrillness，tosomepigeonsataconsiderableelevationintheair。
　　`Mrs。Richards'seldest，Miss！'saidSusan，`andtheworritofMrs。Richards'slife！'
　　AsPollyhadbeentotellFlorenceoftheresuscitatedprospectsofhersonandheir，Florencewaspreparedforthemeeting：so，afavourablemomentpresentingitself，theybothhastenedacross，withoutanyfurthercontemplationofMrs。Richards'sbane。Thatsportingcharacter，unconsciousoftheirapproach，againwhistledwithhisutmostmight，andthenyelledinaraptureofexcitement，`Strays！Whoo-oop！Strays！'whichidentificationhadsuchaneffectupontheconscious-strickenpigeons，thatinsteadofgoingdirecttosometownintheNorthofEngland，asappearedtohavebeentheiroriginalintention，theybegantowheelandfalter；whereuponMrs。Richards'sfirstbornpiercedthemwithanotherwhistle，andagainyelled，inavoicethatroseabovetheturmoilofthestreet，`Strays！
　　Whoo-oop！Strays！'
　　Fromthistransport，hewasabruptlyrecalledtoterrestrialobjects，byapokefromMissNipper，whichsenthimintotheshop。
　　`Isthisthewayyoushowyourpenitence，whenMrs。Richardshasbeenfrettingforyoumonthsandmonths？'saidSusan，followingthepoke。
　　`Where'sMr。Gills？'
　　Rob，whosmoothedhisfirstrebelliousglanceatMissNipperwhenhesawFlorencefollowing，puthisknucklestohishair，inhonourofthelatter，andsaidtotheformer，thatMr。Gillswasout。
　　`Fetchhimhome，'saidMissNipper，withauthority，`andsaythatmyyounglady'shere。'
　　`Idon'tknowwherehe'sgone，'saidRob。
　　`Isthatyourpenitence？'criedSusan，withstingingsharpness。
　　`WhyhowcanIgoandfetchhimwhenIdon'tknowwheretogo？'
　　whimperedthebaitedRob。`Howcanyoubesounreasonable？'
　　`DidMr。Gillssaywhenheshouldbehome？'askedFlorence。
　　`Yes，Miss，'repliedRob，withanotherapplicationofhisknucklestohishair。`Hesaidheshouldbehomeearlyintheafternoon；inaboutacoupleofhoursfromnow，Miss。'
　　`Isheveryanxiousabouthisnephew？'inquiredSusan。
　　`Yes，Miss，'returnedRob，preferringtoaddresshimselftoFlorenceandslightingNipper；`Ishouldsayhewasverymuchso。Heain'tindoors，Miss，notaquarterofanhourtogether。Hecan'tsettleinoneplacefiveminutes。Hegoesabout，likea——justlikeastray，'saidRob，stoopingtogetaglimpseofthepigeonsthroughthewindow，andcheckinghimself，withhisfingershalf-waytohismouth，onthevergeofanotherwhistle。
　　`DoyouknowafriendofMr。Gills，calledCaptainCuttle？'inquiredFlorence，afteramoment'sreflection。
　　`Himwithahook，Miss？'rejoinedRob，withanillustrativetwistofhislefthand。`Yes，Miss。Hewasherethedaybeforeyesterday。'
　　`Hashenotbeenheresince？'askedSusan。
　　`No，Miss，'returnedRob，stilladdressinghisreplytoFlorence。
　　`PerhapsWalter'sunclehasgonethere，Susan，'observedFlorence，turningtoher。
　　`ToCaptainCuttle's，Miss？'interposedRob；`no，he'snotgonethere，Miss。BecauseheleftparticularwordthatifCaptainCuttlecalled，Ishouldtellhimhowsurprisedhewas，nottohaveseenhimyesterday，andshouldmakehimstoptillhecameback。'
　　`DoyouknowwhereCaptainCuttlelives？'askedFlorence。
　　Robrepliedintheaffirmative，andturningtoagreasyparchmentbookontheshopdesk，readtheaddressaloud。
　　Florenceagainturnedtohermaidandtookcounselwithherinalowvoice，whileRobtheround-eyed，mindfulofhispatron'ssecretcharge，lookedonandlistened。FlorenceproposedthattheyshouldgotoCaptainCuttle'shouse；hearfromhisownlips，whathethoughtoftheabsenceofanytidingsoftheSonandHeir；andbringhim，iftheycould，tocomfortUncleSol。Susanatfirstobjectedslightly，onthescoreofdistance；
　　butahackney-coachbeingmentionedbyhermistress，withdrewthatopposition，andgaveinherassent。Thereweresomeminutesofdiscussionbetweenthembeforetheycametothisconclusion，duringwhichthestaringRobpaidcloseattentiontobothspeakers，andinclinedhiseartoeachbyturns，asifhewereappointedarbitratorofthearguments。
　　Infine，Robwasdespatchedforacoach，thevisitorskeepingshopmeanwhile；andwhenhebroughtit，theygotintoit，leavingwordforUncleSolthattheywouldbesuretocallagain，ontheirwayback。
　　Robhavingstaredafterthecoachuntilitwasasinvisibleasthepigeonshadnowbecome，satdownbehindthedeskwithamostassiduousdemeanour；
　　andinorderthathemightforgetnothingofwhathadtranspired，madenotesofitonvarioussmallscrapsofpaper，withavastexpenditureofink。Therewasnodangerofthesedocumentsbetrayinganything，ifaccidentallylost；forlongbeforeawordwasdry，itbecameasprofoundamysterytoRob，asifhehadhadnopartwhateverinitsproduction。
　　Whilehewasyetbusywiththeselabours，thehackney-coach，afterencounteringunheard-ofdifficultiesfromswivel-bridges，softroads，impassablecanals，caravansofcasks，settlementsofscarlet-beansandlittlewash-houses，andmanysuchobstaclesaboundinginthatcountry，stoppedatthecornerofBrigPlace。Alightinghere，FlorenceandSusanNipperwalkeddownthestreet，andsoughtouttheabodeofCaptainCuttle。
　　IthappenedbyevilchancetobeoneofMrs。MacStinger'sgreatcleaningdays。Ontheseoccasions，Mrs。MacStingerwasknockedupbythepolicemanataquarterbeforethreeinthemorning，andrarelysuccumbedbeforetwelveo'clocknextnight。Thechiefobjectofthisinstitutionappearedtobe，thatMrs。MacStingershouldmoveallthefurnitureintothebackgardenatearlydawn，walkaboutthehouseinpattensallday，andmovethefurniturebackagainafterdark。TheseceremoniesgreatlyflutteredthosedovestheyoungMacStingers，whowerenotonlyunableatsuchtimestofindanyresting-placeforthesolesoftheirfeet，butgenerallycameinforagooddealofpeckingfromthematernalbirdduringtheprogressofthesolemnities。
　　AtthemomentwhenFlorenceandSusanNipperpresentedthemselvesatMrs。MacStinger'sdoor，thatworthybutredoubtablefemalewasintheactofconveyingAlexanderMacStinger，agedtwoyearsandthreemonths，alongthepassageforforcibledepositioninasittingpostureonthestreetpavement；Alexanderbeingblackinthefacewithholdinghisbreathafterpunishment，andacoolpaving-stonebeingusuallyfoundtoactasapowerfulrestorativeinsuchcases。
　　ThefeelingsofMrs。MacStinger，asawomanandamother，wereoutragedbythelookofpityforAlexanderwhichsheobservedonFlorence'sface。Therefore，Mrs。MacStingerassertingthosefinestemotionsofournature，inpreferencetoweaklygratifyinghercuriosity，shookandbuffetedAlexanderbothbeforeandduringtheapplicationofthepaving-stone，andtooknofurthernoticeofthestrangers。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，ma'am，'saidFlorence，whenthechildhadfoundhisbreathagain，andwasusingit。`IsthisCaptainCuttle'shouse？'
　　`No，'saidMrs。MacStinger。
　　`NotNumberNine？'askedFlorence，hesitating。
　　`Whosaiditwasn'tNumberNine？'saidMrs。MacStinger。
　　SusanNipperinstantlystruckin，andbeggedtoinquirewhatMrs。
　　MacStingermeantbythat，andifsheknewwhomshewastalkingto。
　　Mrs。MacStingerinretort，lookedatherallover。`WhatdoyouwantwithCaptainCuttle，Ishouldwishtoknow？'saidMrs。MacStinger。
　　`Shouldyou？ThenI'msorrythatyouwon'tbesatisfied，'returnedMissNipper。
　　`Hush，Susan！Ifyouplease！'saidFlorence。`PerhapsyoucanhavethegoodnesstotelluswhereCaptainCuttlelives，ma'am，ashedon'tlivehere。'
　　`Whosayshedon'tlivehere？'retortedtheimplacableMacStinger。
　　`Isaiditwasn'tCap'enCuttle'shouse——anditain'thishouse——andforbidit，thatitevershouldbehishouse——forCap'enCuttledon'tknowhowtokeepahouse——anddon'tdeservetohaveahouse——it'smyhouse——andwhenIlettheupperfloortoCap'enCuttle，ohIdoathanklessthing，andcastpearlsbeforeswine！'
　　Mrs。MacStingerpitchedhervoicefortheupperwindowsinofferingtheseremarks，andcrackedoffeachclausesharplybyitselfasiffromariflepossessinganinfinityofbarrels。Afterthelastshot，theCaptain'svoicewasheardtosay，infeebleremonstrancefromhisownroom，`Steadybelow！'
　　`SinceyouwantCap'enCuttle，thereheis！'saidMrs。MacStinger，withanangrymotionofherhand。OnFlorencemakingboldtoenter，withoutanymoreparley，andonSusanfollowing，Mrs。MacStingerrecommencedherpedestrianexerciseinpattens，andAlexanderMacStingerstillonthepaving-stone，whohadstoppedinhiscryingtoattendtotheconversation，begantowailagain，entertaininghimselfduringthatdismalperformance，whichwasquitemechanical，withageneralsurveyoftheprospect，terminatinginthehackney-coach。
　　TheCaptaininhisownapartmentwassittingwithhishandsinhispocketsandhislegsdrawnupunderhischair，onaverysmalldesolateisland，lyingaboutmidwayinanoceanofsoapandwater。TheCaptain'swindowshadbeencleaned，thewallshadbeencleaned，thestovehadbeencleaned，andeverything，thestoveexcepted，waswet，andshiningwithsoftsoapandsand：thesmellofwhichdry-salteryimpregnatedtheair。
　　Inthemidstofthedrearyscene，theCaptain，castawayuponhisisland，lookedroundonthewasteofwaterswitharuefulcountenance，andseemedwaitingforsomefriendlybarktocomethatway，andtakehimoff。
　　ButwhentheCaptain，directinghisforlornvisagetowardsthedoor，sawFlorenceappearwithhermaid，nowordscandescribehisastonishment。
　　Mrs。MacStinger'seloquencehavingrenderedallothersoundsbutimperfectlydistinguishable，hehadlookedfornorarervisitorthanthepotboyorthemilkman；wherefore，whenFlorenceappeared，andcomingtotheconfinesoftheisland，putherhandinhis，theCaptainstoodup，aghast，asifhesupposedher，forthemoment，tobesomeyoungmemberoftheFlyingDutchman'sfamily。
　　Instantlyrecoveringhisself-possession，however，theCaptain'sfirstcarewastoplaceherondryland，whichhehappilyaccomplished，withonemotionofhisarm。Issuingforth，then，uponthemain，CaptainCuttletookMissNipperroundthewaist，andborehertotheislandalso。
　　CaptainCuttle，then，withgreatrespectandadmiration，raisedthehandofFlorencetohislips，andstandingoffalittlefortheislandwasnotlargeenoughforthree，beamedonherfromthesoapandwaterlikeanewdescriptionofTriton。
　　`Youareamazedtoseeus，Iamsure，'saidFlorence，withasmile。
　　TheinexpressiblygratifiedCaptainkissedhishookinreply，andgrowled，asifachoiceanddelicatecomplimentwereincludedinthewords，`Standby！Standby！'
　　`ButIcouldn'trest，'saidFlorence，`withoutcomingtoaskyouwhatyouthinkaboutdearWalter——whoismybrothernow——andwhetherthereisanythingtofear，andwhetheryouwillnotgoandconsolehispooruncleeveryday，untilwehavesomeintelligenceofhim？'
　　AtthesewordsCaptainCuttle，asbyaninvoluntarygesture，clappedhishandtohishead，onwhichthehardglazedhatwasnot，andlookeddiscomfited。
　　`HaveyouanyfearsforWalter'ssafety？'inquiredFlorence，fromwhosefacetheCaptainsoenrapturedhewaswithitcouldnottakehiseyes：whileshe，inherturn，lookedearnestlyathim，tobeassuredofthesincerityofhisreply。
　　`No，Heart's-delight，'saidCaptainCuttle，`Iamnotafeard。
　　Wal'risaladas'llgothroughadealo'hardweather。Wal'risaladas'llbringasmuchsuccesstothat'erebrigasaladiscapableon。Wal'r，'
　　saidtheCaptain，hiseyesglisteningwiththepraiseofhisyoungfriend，andhishookraisedtoannounceabeautifulquotation，`iswhatyoumaycallaout'ardandvisiblesignofanin'ardandspiritedgrasp，andwhenfoundmakeanoteof。'
　　Florence，whodidnotquiteunderstandthis，thoughtheCaptainevidentlythoughtitfullofmeaning，andhighlysatisfactory，mildlylookedtohimforsomethingmore。
　　`Iamnotafeard，myHeart's-delight，'resumedtheCaptain。`There'sbeenmostuncommonbadweatherinthemlatitudes，there'snodenyin'，andtheyhavedroveanddroveandbeenbeatoff，maybet'othersidetheworld。
　　Buttheship'sagoodship，andthelad'sagoodlad；anditain'teasy，thanktheLord，'theCaptainmadealittlebow，`tobreakupheartsofoak，whetherthey'reinbrigsorbuzzums。Herewehave'embothways，whichisbringingitupwitharoundturn，andsoIain'tabitafeardasyet。'
　　`Asyet？'repeatedFlorence。
　　`Notabit，'returnedtheCaptain，kissinghisironhand；`andaforeIbegintobe，myHeart's-delight，Wal'rwillhavewrotehomefromtheisland，orfromsomeportoranother，andmadealltautandship-shape。
　　AndwithregardtooldSolGills，'heretheCaptainbecamesolemn，`whoI'llstandby，andnotdesertuntildeathdoeuspart，andwhenthestormywindsdoblow，doblow，doblow——overhaultheCatechism，'saidtheCaptainparenthetically，`andthereyou'llfindthemexpressions——ifitwouldconsoleSolGillstohavetheopinionofaseafaringmanashasgotamindequaltoanyundertakingthatheputsitalongsideof，andaswasallbutsmashedinhis'prenticeship，andofwhichthenameisBunsby，that'eremanshallgivehimsuchanopinioninhisownparlouras'llstunhim。Ah！'saidCaptainCuttle，vauntingly，`asmuchasifhe'dgoneandknockedhisheadagainadoor！'
　　`Letustakethisgentlemantoseehim，andletushearwhathesays，'criedFlorence。`Willyougowithusnow？Wehaveacoachhere。'
　　AgaintheCaptainclappedhishandtohishead，onwhichthehardglazedhatwasnot，andlookeddiscomfited。Butatthisinstantamostremarkablephenomenonoccurred。Thedooropening，withoutanynoteofpreparation，andapparentlyofitself，thehardglazedhatinquestionskimmedintotheroomlikeabird，andalightedheavilyattheCaptain'sfeet。Thedoorthenshutasviolentlyasithadopened，andnothingensuedinexplanationoftheprodigy。
　　CaptainCuttlepickeduphishat，andhavingturneditoverwithalookofinterestandwelcome，begantopolishitonhissleeve。Whiledoingso，theCaptaineyedhisvisitorsintently，andsaidinalowvoice：
　　`YouseeIshouldhaveboredownonSolGillsyesterday，andthismorning，butshe——shetookitawayandkepit。That'sthelongandshortofthesubject。'
　　`Whodid，forgoodnesssake？'askedSusanNipper。
　　`Theladyofthehouse，mydear，'returnedtheCaptain，inagruffwhisper，andmakingsignalsofsecrecy。`Wehadsomewordsabouttheswabbingofthesehereplanks，andshe——inshort，'saidtheCaptain，eyeingthedoor，andrelievinghimselfwithalongbreath，`shestoppedmyliberty。'
　　`Oh！Iwishshehadmetodealwith！'saidSusan，reddeningwiththeenergyofthewish。`I'dstopher！'
　　`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？'rejoinedtheCaptain，shakinghisheaddoubtfully，butregardingthedesperatecourageofthefairaspirantwithobviousadmiration。`Idon'tknow。It'sdifficultnavigation。She'sveryhardtocarryonwith，mydear。Younevercantellhowshe'llhead，yousee。She'sfulloneminute，androunduponyounext。Andwhensheisatartar，'saidtheCaptain，withtheperspirationbreakingoutuponhisforehead。Therewasnothingbutawhistleemphaticenoughfortheconclusionofthesentence，sotheCaptainwhistledtremulously。Afterwhichheagainshookhishead，andrecurringtohisadmirationofMissNipper'sdevotedbravery，timidlyrepeated，`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？'
　　Susanonlyrepliedwithabridlingsmile，butthatwassoveryfullofdefiance，thatthereisnoknowinghowlongCaptainCuttlemighthavestoodentrancedinitscontemplation，ifFlorenceinheranxietyhadnotagainproposedtheirimmediatelyresortingtotheoracularBunsby。
　　Thusremindedofhisduty，CaptainCuttleputontheglazedhatfirmly，tookupanotherknobbystick，withwhichhehadsuppliedtheplaceofthatonegiventoWalter，andofferinghisarmtoFlorence，preparedtocuthiswaythroughtheenemy。
　　Itturnedout，however，thatMrs。MacStingerhadalreadychangedhercourse，andthatsheheaded，astheCaptainhadremarkedsheoftendid，inquiteanewdirection。Forwhentheygotdownstairs，theyfoundthatexemplarywomanbeatingthematsonthedoorsteps，withAlexander，stilluponthepaving-stone，dimlyloomingthroughafogofdust；andsoabsorbedwasMrs。MacStingerinherhouseholdoccupation，thatwhenCaptainCuttleandhisvisitorspassed，shebeattheharder，andneitherbywordnorgestureshowedanyconsciousnessoftheirvicinity。TheCaptainwassowellpleasedwiththiseasyescape——althoughtheeffectofthedoor-matsonhimwaslikeacopiousadministrationofsnuff，andmadehimsneezeuntilthetearsrandownhisface——thathecouldhardlybelievehisgoodfortune；butmorethanonce，betweenthedoorandthehackney-coach，lookedoverhisshoulder，withanobviousapprehensionofMrs。MacStinger'sgivingchaseyet。
　　However，theygottothecornerofBrigPlacewithoutanymolestationfromthatterriblefire-ship；andtheCaptainmountingthecoach-box——forhisgallantrywouldnotallowhimtorideinsidewiththeladies，thoughbesoughttodoso——pilotedthedriveronhiscourseforCaptainBunsby'svessel，whichwascalledtheCautiousClara，andwaslyinghardbyRatcliffe。
　　Arrivedatthewharfoffwhichthisgreatcommander'sshipwasjammedinamongsomefivehundredcompanions，whosetangledrigginglookedlikemonstrouscobwebshalfsweptdown，CaptainCuttleappearedatthecoach-window，andinvitedFlorenceandMissNippertoaccompanyhimonboard；observingthatBunsbywastothelastdegreesoft-heartedinrespectofladies，andthatnothingwouldsomuchtendtobringhisexpansiveintellectintoastateofharmonyastheirpresentationtotheCautiousClara。
　　Florencereadilyconsented；andtheCaptain，takingherlittlehandinhisprodigiouspalm，ledher，withamixedexpressionofpatronage，paternity，pride，andceremony，thatwaspleasanttosee，overseveralverydirtydecks，until，comingtotheClara，theyfoundthatcautiouscraftwhichlayoutsidethetierwithhergangwayremoved，andhalf-a-dozenfeetofriverinterposedbetweenherselfandhernearestneighbour。Itappeared，fromCaptainCuttle'sexplanation，thatthegreatBunsby，likehimself，wascruellytreatedbyhislandlady，andthatwhenherusageofhimforthetimebeingwassohardthathecouldbearitnolonger，hesetthisgulfbetweenthemasalastresource。
　　`Claraa-hoy！'criedtheCaptain，puttingahandtoeachsideofhismouth。
　　`A-hoy！'criedaboy，liketheCaptain'secho，tumblingupfrombelow。
　　`Bunsbyaboard？'criedtheCaptain，hailingtheboyinastentorianvoice，asifhewerehalf-a-mileoffinsteadoftwoyards。
　　`Aye，aye！'criedtheboy，inthesametone。
　　TheboythenshovedoutaplanktoCaptainCuttle，whoadjusteditcarefully，andledFlorenceacross：returningpresentlyforMissNipper。
　　SotheystooduponthedeckoftheCautiousClara，inwhosestandingrigging，diversflutteringarticlesofdresswerecuring，incompanywithafewtonguesandsomemackerel。
　　Immediatelythereappeared，comingslowlyupabovethebulk-headofthecabin，anotherbulk-head——human，andverylarge——withonestationaryeyeinthemahoganyface，andonerevolvingone，ontheprincipleofsomelighthouses。Thisheadwasdecoratedwithshaggyhair，likeoakum，whichhadnogoverninginclinationtowardsthenorth，east，west，orsouth，butinclinedtoallfourquartersofthecompass，andtoeverypointuponit。
　　Theheadwasfollowedbyaperfectdesertofchin，andbyashirt-collarandneckerchief，andbyadreadnoughtpilot-coat，andbyapairofdreadnoughtpilot-trousers，whereofthewaistbandwassoverybroadandhigh，thatitbecameasuccedaneumforawaistcoat：beingornamentednearthewearer'sbreast-bonewithsomemassivewoodenbuttons，likebackgammonmen。Asthelowerportionsofthesepantaloonsbecamerevealed，Bunsbystoodconfessed；
　　hishandsintheirpockets，whichwereofvastsize；andhisgazedirected，nottoCaptainCuttleortheladies，butthemast-head。
　　Theprofoundappearanceofthisphilosopher，whowasbulkyandstrong，andonwhoseextremelyredfaceanexpressionoftaciturnitysatenthroned，notinconsistentwithhischaracter，inwhichthatqualitywasproudlyconspicuous，almostdauntedCaptainCuttle，thoughonfamiliartermswithhim。WhisperingtoFlorencethatBunsbyhadneverinhislifeexpressedsurprise，andwasconsiderednottoknowwhatitmeant，theCaptainwatchedhimasheeyedhismast-head，andafterwardssweptthehorizon；
　　andwhentherevolvingeyeseemedtobecomingroundinhisdirection，said：
　　`Bunsby，mylad，howfaresit？'
　　Adeep，gruff，huskyutterance，whichseemedtohavenoconnexionwithBunsby，andcertainlyhadnottheleasteffectuponhisface，replied，`Aye，aye，shipmet，howgoesit？'AtthesametimeBunsby'srighthandandarm，emergingfromapocket，shooktheCaptain's，andwentbackagain。
　　`Bunsby，'saidtheCaptain，strikinghomeatonce，`hereyouare；
　　amanofmind，andamanascangiveasopinion。Here'sayoungladyaswantstotakethatopinion，inregardofmyfriendWal'r；likewisemyt'otherfriend，SolGills，whichisacharacterforyoutocomewithinhailof，beingamanofscience，whichisthemotherofinwention，andknowsnolaw。Bunsby，willyouwear，toobligeme，andcomealongwithus？'
　　Thegreatcommander，whoseemedbytheexpressionofhisvisagetobealwaysonthelook-outforsomethingintheextremestdistance，andtohavenoocularknowledgeofanythingwithintenmiles，madenoreplywhatever。
　　`Hereisaman，'saidtheCaptain，addressinghimselftohisfairauditors，andindicatingthecommanderwithhisoutstretchedhook，`thathasfelldownmorethananymanalive；thathashadmoreaccidentshappentohisownselfthantheSeamen'sHospitaltoallhands；thattookasmanysparsandbarsandboltsabouttheoutsideofhisheadwhenhewasyoung，asyou'dwantaorderforonChatham-yardtobuildapleasure-yachtwith；
　　andyetthatgothisopinionsinthatway，it'smybelief，fortherean'tnothinglike'emafloatorashore。'
　　Thestolidcommanderappeared，byaveryslightvibrationinhiselbows，toexpresssomesatisfactioninthisencomium；butifhisfacehadbeenasdistantashisgazewas，itcouldhardlyhaveenlightenedthebeholderslessinreferencetoanythingthatwaspassinginhisthoughts。
　　`Shipmet，'saidBunsby，allofasudden，andstoopingdowntolookoutundersomeinterposingspar，`what'lltheladiesdrink？'
　　CaptainCuttle，whosedelicacywasshockedbysuchaninquiryinconnectionwithFlorence，drewthesageaside，andseemingtoexplaininhisear，accompaniedhimbelow；where，thathemightnottakeoffence，theCaptaindrankadramhimself，whichFlorenceandSusan，glancingdowntheopenskylight，sawthesage，withdifficultyfindingroomforhimselfbetweenhisberthandaverylittlebrassfireplace，serveoutforselfandfriend。Theysoonreappearedondeck，andCaptainCuttle，triumphinginthesuccessofhisenterprise，conductedFlorencebacktothecoach，whileBunsbyfollowed，escortingMissNipper，whomhehuggeduponthewaymuchtothatyounglady'sindignationwithhispilot-coatedarm，likeabluebear。
　　TheCaptainputhisoracleinside，andgloriedsomuchinhavingsecuredhim，andhavinggotthatmindintoahackney-coach，thathecouldnotrefrainfromoftenpeepinginatFlorencethroughthelittlewindowbehindthedriver，andtestifyinghisdelightinsmiles，andalsointapsuponhisforehead，tohinttoherthatthebrainofBunsbywashardatit。Inthemeantime，Bunsby，stillhuggingMissNipperforhisfriend，theCaptain，hadnotexaggeratedthesoftnessofhisheart，uniformlypreservedhisgravityofdeportment，andshowednootherconsciousnessofheroranything。
　　UncleSol，whohadcomehome，receivedthematthedoor，andusheredthemimmediatelyintothelittlebackparlour：strangelyalteredbytheabsenceofWalter。Onthetable，andabouttheroom，werethechartsandmapsonwhichtheheavy-heartedInstrument-makerhadagainandagaintrackedthemissingvesselacrossthesea，andonwhich，withapairofcompassesthathestillhadinhishand，hehadbeenmeasuring，aminutebefore，howfarshemusthavedriven，tohavedrivenhereorthere：andtryingtodemonstratethatalongtimemustelapsebeforehopewasexhausted。
　　`Whethershecanhaverun，'saidUncleSol，lookingwistfullyoverthechart；`butno，that'salmostimpossible。Orwhethershecanhavebeenforcedbystressofweather，——butthat'snotreasonablylikely。Orwhetherthereisanyhopeshesofarchangedhercourseas——butevenI
　　canhardlyhopethat！'Withsuchbrokensuggestions，pooroldUncleSolroamedoverthegreatsheetbeforehim，andcouldnotfindaspeckofhopefulprobabilityinitlargeenoughtosetonesmallpointofthecompassesupon。
　　Florencesawimmediately——itwouldhavebeendifficulttohelpseeing——thattherewasasingularindescribablechangeintheoldman，andthatwhilehismannerwasfarmorerestlessandunsettledthanusual，therewasyetacurious，contradictorydecisioninit，thatperplexedherverymuch。Shefanciedoncethathespokewildly，andatrandom；foronhersayingsheregrettednottohaveseenhimwhenshehadbeentherebeforethatmorning，heatfirstrepliedthathehadbeentoseeher，anddirectlyafterwardsseemedtowishtorecallthatanswer。
　　`Youhavebeentoseeme？'saidFlorence。`To-day？'
　　`Yes，mydearyounglady，'returnedUncleSol，lookingatherandawayfromherinaconfusedmanner。`Iwishedtoseeyouwithmyowneyes，andtohearyouwithmyownears，oncemorebefore——'Therehestopped。
　　`Beforewhen？Beforewhat？'saidFlorence，puttingherhanduponhisarm。
　　`DidIsay“before？”'repliedoldSol。`IfIdid，Imusthavemeantbeforeweshouldhavenewsofmydearboy。'
　　`Youarenotwell，'saidFlorence，tenderly。`Youhavebeensoveryanxious。Iamsureyouarenotwell。'
　　`Iamaswell，'returnedtheoldman，shuttinguphisrighthand，andholdingitouttoshowher：`aswellandfirmasanymanatmytimeoflifecanhopetobe。See！It'ssteady。Isitsmasternotascapableofresolutionandfortitudeasmanyayoungerman？Ithinkso。Weshallsee。'
　　Therewasthatinhismannermorethaninhiswords，thoughtheyremainedwithhertoo，whichimpressedFlorencesomuch，thatshewouldhaveconfidedheruneasinesstoCaptainCuttleatthatmoment，iftheCaptainhadnotseizedthatmomentforexpoundingthestateofcircumstancesonwhichtheopinionofthesagaciousBunsbywasrequested，andentreatingthatprofoundauthoritytodeliverthesame。
　　Bunsby，whoseeyecontinuedtobeaddressedtosomewhereaboutthehalf-wayhousebetweenLondonandGravesend，twoorthreetimesputouthisroughrightarm，asseekingtowinditforinspirationroundthefairformofMissNipper；butthatyoungfemalehavingwithdrawnherself，indispleasure，totheoppositesideofthetable，thesoftheartoftheCommanderoftheCautiousClarametwithnoresponsetoitsimpulses。Aftersundryfailuresinthiswise，theCommander，addressinghimselftonobody，thusspake；orratherthevoicewithinhimsaidofitsownaccord，andquiteindependentofhimself，asifhewerepossessedbyagruffspirit：
　　`Myname'sJackBunsby！'
　　`HewaschristenedJohn，'criedthedelightedCaptainCuttle。
　　`Hearhim！'
　　`AndwhatIsays，'pursuedthevoice，aftersomedeliberation，`Istandsto。'
　　TheCaptain，withFlorenceonhisarm，noddedattheauditory，andseemedtosay，`Nowhe'scomingout。ThisiswhatImeantwhenIbroughthim。'
　　`Whereby，'proceededthevoice，`whynot？Ifso，whatodds？Cananymansayotherwise？No。Awastthen！'
　　Whenithadpursueditstrainofargumenttothispoint，thevoicestopped，andrested。Itthenproceededveryslowly，thus：
　　`DoIbelievethatthishereSonandHeir'sgonedown，mylads？Mayhap。
　　DoIsayso？Which？IfaskipperstandsoutbySen'George'sChannel，makingfortheDowns，what'srightaheadofhim？TheGoodwins。Heisn'tforcedtorunupontheGoodwins，buthemay。Thebearingsofthisobservationlaysintheapplicationonit。Thatan'tnopartofmyduty。Awastthen，keepabrightlook-outfor'ard，andgoodlucktoyou！'
　　Thevoiceherewentoutofthebackparlourandintothestreet，takingtheCommanderoftheCautiousClarawithit，andaccompanyinghimonboardagainwithallconvenientexpedition，whereheimmediatelyturnedin，andrefreshedhismindwithanap。
　　Thestudentsofthesage'sprecepts，lefttotheirownapplicationofhiswisdomuponaprinciplewhichwasthemainlegoftheBunsbytripod，asitisperchanceofsomeotheroracularstools——lookedupononeanotherinalittleuncertainty；whileRobtheGrinder，whohadtakentheinnocentfreedomofpeeringin，andlistening，throughtheskylightintheroof，camesoftlydownfromtheleads，inastateofverydenseconfusion。CaptainCuttle，however，whoseadmirationofBunsbywas，ifpossible，enhancedbythesplendidmannerinwhichhehadjustifiedhisreputationandcomethroughthissolemnreference，proceededtoexplainthatBunsbymeantnothingbutconfidence；thatBunsbyhadnomisgivings；andthatsuchanopinionasthatmanhadgiven，comingfromsuchamindashis，wasHope'sownanchor，withgoodroadstocastitin。FlorenceendeavouredtobelievethattheCaptainwasright；buttheNipper，withherarmstightfolded，shookherheadinresolutedenial，andhadnomoretrustinBunsbythaninMr。Perchhimself。
　　ThephilosopherseemedtohaveleftUncleSolprettymuchwherehehadfoundhim，forhestillwentroamingaboutthewateryworld，compassesinhand，anddiscoveringnorestforthem。ItwasinpursuanceofawhisperinhisearfromFlorence，whiletheoldmanwasabsorbedinthispursuit，thatCaptainCuttlelaidhisheavyhanduponhisshoulder。
　　`Whatcheer，SolGills？'criedtheCaptain，heartily。
　　`Butso-so，Ned，'returnedtheInstrument-maker。`Ihavebeenremembering，allthisafternoon，thatontheverydaywhenmyboyenteredDombey'shouseandcamehomelatetodinner，sittingjusttherewhereyoustand，wetalkedofstormandshipwreck，andIcouldhardlyturnhimfromthesubject。'
　　ButmeetingtheeyesofFlorence，whichwerefixedwithearnestscrutinyuponhisface，theoldmanstoppedandsmiled。
　　`Standby，oldfriend！'criedtheCaptain。`Lookalive！Itellyouwhat，SolGills；arterI'veconvoyedHeart's-delightsafehome，'heretheCaptainkissedhishooktoFlorence，`I'llcomebackandtakeyouintowfortherestofthisblessedday。You'llcomeandeatyourdinneralongwithme，Sol，somewheresoranother。'
　　`Notto-day，Ned！'saidtheoldmanquickly，andappearingtobeunaccountablystartledbytheproposition。`Notto-day。Icouldn'tdoit！'
　　`Whynot？'returnedtheCaptain，gazingathiminastonishment。
　　`I——Ihavesomuchtodo。I——Imeantothinkof，andarrange。
　　Icouldn'tdoit，Ned，indeed。Imustgooutagain，andbealone，andturnmymindtomanythingsto-day。'
　　TheCaptainlookedattheInstrument-maker，andlookedatFlorence，andagainattheInstrument-maker。`To-morrow，then，'hesuggested，atlast。
　　`Yes，yes。To-morrow，'saidtheoldman。`Thinkofmeto-morrow。
　　Sayto-morrow。'
　　`Ishallcomehereearly，mind，SolGills，'stipulatedtheCaptain。
　　`Yes，yes。Thefirstthingto-morrowmorning，'saidoldSol；`andnowgood-bye，NedCuttle，andGodblessyou！'
　　SqueezingboththeCaptain'shands，withuncommonfervour，ashesaidit，theoldmanturnedtoFlorence，foldedhersinhisown，andputthemtohislips；thenhurriedherouttothecoachwithverysingularprecipitation。Altogether，hemadesuchaneffectonCaptainCuttlethattheCaptainlingeredbehind，andinstructedRobtobeparticularlygentleandattentivetohismasteruntilthemorning：whichinjunctionhestrengthenedwiththepaymentofoneshillingdown，andthepromiseofanothersixpencebeforenoonnextday。Thiskindofficeperformed，CaptainCuttle，whoconsideredhimselfthenaturalandlawfulbody-guardofFlorence，mountedtheboxwithamightysenseofhistrust，andescortedherhome。Atparting，heassuredherthathewouldstandbySolGills，closeandtrue；andonceagaininquiredofSusanNipper，unabletoforgethergallantwordsinreferencetoMrs。MacStinger，`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear，though？'
　　Whenthedesolatehousehadcloseduponthetwo，theCaptain'sthoughtsrevertedtotheoldInstrument-maker，andhefeltuncomfortable。
　　Therefore，insteadofgoinghome，hewalkedupanddownthestreetseveraltimes，and，ekingouthisleisureuntilevening，dinedlateatacertainangularlittletavernintheCity，withapublicparlourlikeawedge，towhichglazedhatsmuchresorted。TheCaptain'sprincipalintentionwastopassSolGills'safterdark，andlookinthroughthewindow：whichhedid。Theparlourdoorstoodopen，andhecouldseehisoldfriendwritingbusilyandsteadilyatthetablewithin，whilethelittleMidshipman，alreadyshelteredfromthenightdews，watchedhimfromthecounter；underwhichRobtheGrindermadehisownbed，preparatorytoshuttingtheshop。Reassuredbythetranquillitythatreignedwithintheprecinctsofthewoodenmariner，theCaptainheadedforBrigPlace，resolvingtoweighanchorbetimesinthemorning。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter24[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIVTheStudyofaLovingHeartSIRBARNETandLadySkettles，verygoodpeople，residedinaprettyvillaatFulham，onthebanksoftheThames；whichwasoneofthemostdesirableresidencesintheworldwhenarowing-matchhappenedtobegoingpast，buthaditslittleinconveniencesatothertimes，amongwhichmaybeenumeratedtheoccasionalappearanceoftheriverinthedrawing-room，andthecontemporaneousdisappearanceofthelawnandshrubbery。
　　SirBarnettSkettlesexpressedhispersonalconsequencechieflythroughanantiquegoldsnuff-box，andaponderoussilkpocket-handkerchief，whichhehadanimposingmannerofdrawingoutofhispocketlikeabanner，andusingwithbothhandsatonce。SirBarnet'sobjectinlifewasconstantlytoextendtherangeofhisacquaintance。Likeaheavybodydroppedintowater——nottodisparagesoworthyagentlemanbythecomparison——itwasinthenatureofthingsthatSirBarnetmustspreadanever-wideningcircleabouthim，untiltherewasnoroomleft。Or，likeasoundinair，thevibrationofwhich，accordingtothespeculationofaningeniousmodernphilosopher，maygoontravellingforeverthroughtheinterminablefieldsofspace，nothingbutcomingtotheendofhismoraltethercouldstopSirBarnetSkettlesinhisvoyageofdiscoverythroughthesocialsystem。
　　SirBarnetwasproudofmakingpeopleacquaintedwithpeople。
　　Helikedthethingforitsownsake，anditadvancedhisfavouriteobjecttoo。Forexample，ifSirBarnethadthegoodfortunetogetholdofarawrecruit，oracountrygentleman，andensnaredhimtohishospitablevilla，SirBarnetwouldsaytohim，onthemorningafterhisarrival，`Now，mydearSir，isthereanybodyyouwouldliketoknow？Whoisthereyouwouldwishtomeet？Doyoutakeanyinterestinwritingpeople，orinpaintingorsculpturingpeople，orinactingpeople，orinanythingofthatsort？'
　　Possiblythepatientansweredyes，andmentionedsomebody，ofwhomSirBarnethadnomorepersonalknowledgethanofPtolemytheGreat。SirBarnetreplied，thatnothingonearthwaseasier，asheknewhimverywell：immediatelycalledontheaforesaidsomebody，lefthiscard，wroteashortnote，——`MydearSir——penaltyofyoureminentposition——friendatmyhousenaturallydesirous——LadySkettlesandmyselfparticipate——trustthatgeniusbeingsuperiortoceremonies，youwilldousthedistinguishedfavourofgivingusthepleasure，'&；c。，&；c——andsokilledabraceofbirdswithonestone，deadasdoor-nails。
　　Withthesnuff-boxandbannerinfullforce，SirBarnetSkettlespropoundedhisusualinquirytoFlorenceonthefirstmorningofhervisit。
　　WhenFlorencethankedhim，andsaidtherewasnooneinparticularwhomshedesiredtosee，itwasnaturalsheshouldthinkwithapang，ofpoorlostWalter。WhenSirBarnetSkettles，urginghiskindoffer，said，`MydearMissDombey，areyousureyoucanremembernoonewhomyourgoodpapa——towhomIbegyoutopresentthebestcomplimentsofmyselfandLadySkettleswhenyouwrite——mightwishyoutoknow？'itwasnatural，perhaps，thatherpoorheadshoulddroopalittle，andthathervoiceshouldtrembleasitsoftlyansweredinthenegative。