SkettlesJunior，muchstiffenedastohiscravat，andsobereddownastohisspirits，wasathomefortheholidays，andappearedtofeelhimselfaggrievedbythesolicitudeofhisexcellentmotherthatheshouldbeattentivetoFlorence。AnotherandadeeperinjuryunderwhichthesoulofyoungBarnetchafed，wasthecompanyofDr。andMrs。Blimber，whohadbeeninvitedonavisittothepaternalroof-tree，andofwhomtheyounggentlemanoftensaidhewouldhavepreferredtheirpassingthevacationatJericho。
　　`Isthereanybodyyoucansuggestnow，DoctorBlimber？'
　　saidSirBarnetSkettles，turningtothatgentleman。
　　`Youareverykind，SirBarnet，'returnedDoctorBlimber。`ReallyIamnotawarethatthereis，inparticular。Iliketoknowmyfellow-meningeneral，SirBarnet。WhatdoesTerencesay？Anyonewhoistheparentofasonisinterestingtome。'
　　`HasMrs。Blimberanywishtoseeanyremarkableperson？'askedSirBarnet，courteously。
　　Mrs。Blimberreplied，withasweetsmileandashakeofhersky-bluecap，thatifSirBarnetcouldhavemadeherknowntoCicero，shewouldhavetroubledhim；butsuchanintroductionnotbeingfeasible，andshealreadyenjoyingthefriendshipofhimselfandhisamiablelady，andpossessingwiththeDoctorherhusbandtheirjointconfidenceinregardtotheirdearson——hereyoungBarnetwasobservedtocurlhisnose——sheaskednomore。
　　SirBarnetwasfain，underthesecircumstances，tocontenthimselfforthetimewiththecompanyassembled。Florencewasgladofthat；forshehadastudytopursueamongthem，anditlaytoonearherheart，andwastoopreciousandmomentous，toyieldtoanyotherinterest。
　　Thereweresomechildrenstayinginthehouse。Childrenwhowereasfrankandhappywithfathersandwithmothersasthoserosyfacesoppositehome。Childrenwhohadnorestraintupontheirlove，andfreelyshowedit。Florencesoughttolearntheirsecret；soughttofindoutwhatitwasshehadmissed；whatsimplearttheyknew，andsheknewnot；howshecouldbetaughtbythemtoshowherfatherthatshelovedhim，andtowinhisloveagain。
　　ManyadaydidFlorencethoughtfullyobservethesechildren。Onmanyabrightmorningdidsheleaveherbedwhentheglorioussunrose，andwalkingupanddownupontheriver'sbank，beforeanyoneinthehousewasstirring，lookupatthewindowsoftheirrooms，andthinkofthem，asleep，sogentlytendedandaffectionatelythoughtof。Florencewouldfeelmorelonelythen，thaninthegreathouseallalone；andwouldthinksometimesthatshewasbettertherethanhere，andthattherewasgreaterpeaceinhidingherselfthaninminglingwithothersofherage，andfindinghowunlikethemallshewas。Butattentivetoherstudy，thoughittouchedhertothequickateverylittleleafsheturnedinthehardbook，Florenceremainedamongthem，andtriedwithpatienthope，togaintheknowledgethatsheweariedfor。
　　Ah！howtogainit！howtoknowthecharminitsbeginning！Thereweredaughtershere，whoroseupinthemorning，andlaydowntorestatnight，possessedoffathers'heartsalready。Theyhadnorepulsetoovercome，nocoldnesstodread，nofrowntosmoothaway。Asthemorningadvanced，andthewindowsopenedonebyone，andthedewbegantodryupontheflowersandgrass，andyouthfulfeetbegantomoveuponthelawn，Florence，glancingroundatthebrightfaces，thoughtwhatwasthereshecouldlearnfromthesechildren？Itwastoolatetolearnfromthem；eachcouldapproachherfatherfearlessly，andputupherlipstomeetthereadykiss，andwindherarmabouttheneckthatbentdowntocaressher。Shecouldnotbeginbybeingsobold。Oh！coulditbethattherewaslessandlesshopeasshestudiedmoreandmore！
　　Sherememberedwell，thateventheoldwomanwhohadrobbedherwhenalittlechild——whoseimageandwhosehouse，andallshehadsaidanddone，werestampeduponherrecollection，withtheenduringsharpnessofafearfulimpressionmadeatthatearlyperiodoflife——hadspokenfondlyofherdaughter，andhowterriblyevenshehadcriedoutinthepainofhopelessseparationfromherchild。Butherownmother，shewouldthinkagain，whensherecalledthis，hadlovedherwell。Then，sometimes，whenherthoughtsrevertedswiftlytothevoidbetweenherselfandherfather，Florencewouldtremble，andthetearswouldstartuponherface，asshepicturedtoherselfhermotherlivingon，andcomingalsotodislikeher，becauseofherwantingtheunknowngracethatshouldconciliatethatfathernaturally，andhadneverdonesofromhercradle。Sheknewthatthisimaginationdidwrongtohermother'smemory，andhadnotruthinit，orbasetorestupon；andyetshetriedsohardtojustifyhim，andtofindthewholeblameinherself，thatshecouldnotresistitspassing，likeawildcloud，throughthedistanceofhermind。
　　Therecameamongtheothervisitors，soonafterFlorence，onebeautifulgirl，threeorfouryearsyoungerthanshe，whowasanorphanchild，andwhowasaccompaniedbyheraunt，agrey-hairedlady，whospokemuchtoFlorence，andwhogreatlylikedbutthattheyalldidtohearhersingofanevening，andwouldalwayssitnearheratthattime，withmotherlyinterest。Theyhadonlybeentwodaysinthehouse，whenFlorence，beinginanarbourinthegardenonewarmmorning，musinglyobservantofayouthfulgroupupontheturf，throughsomeinterveningboughs，andwreathingflowersfortheheadofonelittlecreatureamongthemwhowasthepetandplaythingoftherest，heardthissameladyandherniece，inplacingupanddownashelterednookcloseby，speakofherself。
　　`IsFlorenceanorphanlikeme，aunt？'saidthechild。
　　`No，mylove。Shehasnomother，butherfatherisliving。'
　　`Issheinmourningforherpoormama，now？'inquiredthechildquickly。
　　`No；forheronlybrother。'
　　`Hasshenootherbrother？'
　　`None。'
　　`Nosister？'
　　`None。'
　　`Iamvery，verysorry！'saidthelittlegirl。
　　Astheystoppedsoonafterwardstowatchsomeboats，andhadbeensilentinthemeantime，Florence，whohadrisenwhensheheardhername，andhadgatheredupherflowerstogoandmeetthem，thattheymightknowofherbeingwithinhearing，resumedherseatandwork，expectingtohearnomore；buttheconversationrecommencednextmoment。
　　`Florenceisafavouritewitheveryonehere，anddeservestobe，Iamsure，'saidthechild，earnestly。`Whereisherpapa？'
　　Theauntreplied，afteramoment'spause，thatshedidnotknow。
　　HertoneofvoicearrestedFlorence，whohadstartedfromherseatagain；
　　andheldherfastenedtothespot，withherworkhastilycaughtuptoherbosom，andhertwohandssavingitfrombeingscatteredontheground。
　　`HeisinEngland，Ihope，aunt？'saidthechild。
　　`Ibelieveso。Yes；Iknowheis，indeed。'
　　`Hasheeverbeenhere？'
　　`Ibelievenot。No。'
　　`Ishecomingheretoseeher？'
　　`Ibelievenot。'
　　`Ishelame，orblind，orill，aunt？'askedthechild。
　　TheflowersthatFlorenceheldtoherbreastbegantofallwhensheheardthosewords，sowonderinglyspoken。Sheheldthemcloser；andherfacehungdownuponthem。
　　`Kate，'saidthelady，afteranothermomentofsilence，`IwilltellyouthewholetruthaboutFlorenceasIhaveheardit，andbelieveittobe。Tellnooneelse，mydear，becauseitmaybelittleknownhere，andyourdoingsowouldgiveherpain。'
　　`Ineverwill！'exclaimedthechild。
　　`Iknowyouneverwill，'returnedthelady。`Icantrustyouasmyself。Ifearthen，Kate，thatFlorence'sfathercareslittleforher，veryseldomseesher，neverwaskindtoherinherlife，andnowquiteshunsherandavoidsher。Shewouldlovehimdearlyifhewouldsufferher，buthewillnot——thoughfornofaultofhers；andsheisgreatlytobelovedandpitiedbyallgentlehearts。'
　　MoreoftheflowersthatFlorenceheld，fellscatteringontheground；thosethatremainedwerewet，butnotwithdew；andherfacedroppeduponherladenhands。
　　`PoorFlorence！Dear，goodFlorence！'criedthechild。
　　`DoyouknowwhyIhavetoldyouthis，Kate？'saidthelady。
　　`ThatImaybeverykindtoher，andtakegreatcaretotrytopleaseher。Isthatthereason，aunt？'
　　`Partly，'saidthelady，`butnotall。Thoughweseehersocheerful；
　　withapleasantsmileforeveryone；readytoobligeusall，andbearingherpartineveryamusementhere：shecanhardlybequitehappy，doyouthinkshecan，Kate？'
　　`Iamafraidnot，'saidthelittlegirl。
　　`Andyoucanunderstand，'pursuedthelady，`whyherobservationofchildrenwhohaveparentswhoarefondofthem，andproudofthem——likemanyhere，justnow——shouldmakehersorrowfulinsecret？'
　　`Yes，dearaunt，'saidthechild，`Iunderstandthatverywell。
　　PoorFlorence！'
　　Moreflowersstrayedupontheground，andthosesheyetheldtoherbreasttrembledasifawintrywindwererustlingthem。
　　`MyKate，'saidthelady，whosevoicewasserious，butverycalmandsweet，andhadsoimpressedFlorencefromthefirstmomentofherhearingit，`ofalltheyouthfulpeoplehere，youarehernaturalandharmlessfriend；youhavenottheinnocentmeans，thathappierchildrenhave——'
　　`Therearenonehappier，aunt！'exclaimedthechild，whoseemedtoclingabouther。
　　`——Asotherchildrenhave，dearKate，ofremindingherofhermisfortune。ThereforeIwouldhaveyou，whenyoutrytobeherlittlefriend，tryallthemoreforthat，andfeelthatthebereavementyousustained——thankHeaven！beforeyouknewitsweight——givesyouclaimandholduponpoorFlorence。'
　　`ButIamnotwithoutaparent'slove，aunt，andIneverhavebeen，'saidthechild，`withyou。'
　　`Howeverthatmaybe，mydear，'returnedthelady，`yourmisfortuneisalighteronethanFlorence's；fornotanorphaninthewideworldcanbesodesertedasthechildwhoisanoutcastfromalivingparent'slove。'
　　Theflowerswerescatteredonthegroundlikedust；theemptyhandswerespreadupontheface；andorphanedFlorence，shrinkingdownupontheground，weptlongandbitterly。
　　Buttrueofheartandresoluteinhergoodpurpose，FlorenceheldtoitasherdyingmotherheldbyheruponthedaythatgavePaullife。
　　Hedidnotknowhowmuchshelovedhim。Howeverlongthetimeincoming，andhoweverslowtheinterval，shemusttrytobringthatknowledgetoherfather'sheartonedayorother。Meantimeshemustbecarefulinnothoughtlessword，orlook，orburstoffeelingawakenedbyanychancecircumstance，tocomplainagainsthim，ortogiveoccasionforthesewhisperstohisprejudice。
　　Evenintheresponseshemadetheorphanchild，towhomshewasattractedstrongly，andwhomshehadsuchoccasiontoremember，Florencewasmindfulofhim。IfshesingledherouttooplainlyFlorencethought
　　fromamongtherest，shewouldconfirm——inonemindcertainly：perhapsinmore——thebeliefthathewascruelandunnatural。Herowndelightwasnoset-offtothis。Whatshehadoverheardwasareason，notforsoothingherself，butforsavinghim；andFlorencedidit，inpursuanceofthestudyofherheart。
　　Shedidsoalways。Ifabookwerereadaloud，andtherewereanythinginthestorythatpointedatanunkindfather，shewasinpainfortheirapplicationofittohim；notforherself。Sowithanytrifleofaninterludethatwasacted，orpicturethatwasshown，orgamethatwasplayed，amongthem。Theoccasionsforsuchtendernesstowardshimweresomany，thathermindmisgaveheroften，itwouldindeedbebettertogobacktotheoldhouse，andliveagainwithintheshadowofitsdullwalls，undisturbed。
　　HowfewwhosawsweetFlorence，inherspringofwomanhood，themodestlittlequeenofthosesmallrevels，imaginedwhataloadofsacredcarelayheavyinherbreast！Howfewofthosewhostiffenedinherfather'sfreezingatmosphere，suspectedwhataheapoffierycoalswaspileduponhishead！
　　Florencepursuedherstudypatiently，and，failingtoacquirethesecretofthenamelessgraceshesought，amongtheyouthfulcompanywhowereassembledinthehouse，oftenwalkedoutalone，intheearlymorning，amongthechildrenofthepoor。Butstillshefoundthemalltoofaradvancedtolearnfrom。Theyhadwontheirhouseholdplaceslongago，anddidnotstandwithout，asshedid，withabaracrossthedoor。
　　Therewasonemanwhomsheseveraltimesobservedatworkveryearly，andoftenwithagirlofaboutherownageseatednearhim。Hewasaverypoorman，whoseemedtohavenoregularemployment，butnowwentroamingaboutthebanksoftheriverwhenthetidewaslow，lookingoutforbitsandscrapsinthemud；andnowworkedattheunpromisinglittlepatchofgarden-groundbeforehiscottage；andnowtinkeredupamiserableoldboatthatbelongedtohim；ordidsomejobofthatkindforaneighbour，aschanceoccurred。Whatevertheman'slabour，thegirlwasneveremployed；
　　butsat，whenshewaswithhim，inalistless，mopingstate，andidle。
　　Florencehadoftenwishedtospeaktothisman；yetshehadnevertakencouragetodoso，ashemadenomovementtowardsher。Butonemorningwhenshehappenedtocomeuponhimsuddenly，fromaby-pathamongsomepollardwillowswhichterminatedinthelittleshelvingpieceofstonygroundthatlaybetweenhisdwellingandthewater，wherehewasbendingoverafirehehadmadetocaulktheoldboatwhichwaslyingbottomupwards，closeby，heraisedhisheadatthesoundofherfootstep，andgaveherGoodmorning。
　　`Goodmorning，'saidFlorence，approachingnearer，`youareatworkearly。'
　　`I'dbegladtobeoftenatworkearlier，Miss，ifIhadworktodo。'
　　`Isitsohardtoget？'askedFlorence。
　　`Ifinditso，'repliedtheman。
　　Florenceglancedtowherethegirlwassitting，drawntogether，withherelbowsonherknees，andherchinonherhands，andsaid：
　　`Isthatyourdaughter？'
　　Heraisedhisheadquickly，andlookingtowardsthegirlwithabrightenedface，noddedtoher，andsaid`Yes。'Florencelookedtowardshertoo，andgaveherakindsalutation；thegirlmutteredsomethinginreturn，ungraciouslyandsullenly。
　　`Issheinwantofemploymentalso？'saidFlorence。
　　Themanshookhishead。`No，Miss，'hesaid。`Iworkforboth。'
　　`Arethereonlyyoutwo，then？'inquiredFlorence。
　　`Onlyustwo，'saidtheman。`Hermotherhasbeendeadthesetenyear。Martha！'helifteduphisheadagain，andwhistledtoher`won'tyousayawordtotheprettyyounglady？'
　　Thegirlmadeanimpatientgesturewithhercoweringshoulders，andturnedherheadanotherway。Ugly，misshapen，peevish，ill-conditioned，ragged，dirty——butbeloved！Oh，yes！Florencehadseenherfather'slooktowardsher，andsheknewwhoselookithadnolikenessto。
　　`I'mafraidshe'sworsethismorning，mypoorgirl！'saidtheman，suspendinghiswork，andcontemplatinghisill-favouredchild，withacompassionthatwasthemoretenderforbeingrough。
　　`Sheisill，then！'saidFlorence。
　　Themandrewadeepsigh。`Idon'tbelievemyMartha'shadfiveshortdays'goodhealth，'heanswered，lookingatherstill，`inasmanylongyears。'
　　`Aye！andmorethanthat，John，'saidaneighbour，whohadcomedowntohelphimwiththeboat。
　　`Morethanthat，yousay，doyou？'criedtheother，pushingbackhisbatteredhat，anddrawinghishandacrosshisforehead。`Verylike。
　　Itseemslong，longtime。'
　　`Andthemorethetime，'pursuedtheneighbour，`themoreyou'vefavouredandhumouredher，John，tillshe'sgottobeaburdentoherself，andeverybodyelse。'
　　`Nottome，'saidherfather，fallingtohisworkagain。`Nottome。'
　　Florencecouldfeel——whobetter？——howtrulyhespoke。Shedrewalittleclosertohim，andwouldhavebeengladtotouchhisruggedhand，andthankhimforhisgoodnesstothemiserableobjectthathelookeduponwitheyessodifferentfromanyotherman's。
　　`Whowouldfavourmypoorgirl——tocallitfavouring——ifIdidn't？'saidthefather。
　　`Aye，aye，'criedtheneighbour。`Inreason，John。Butyou！Yourobyourselftogivetoher。Youbindyourselfhandandfootonheraccount。Youmakeyourlifemiserablealongofher。Andwhatdoesshecare！Youdon'tbelievesheknowsit？'
　　Thefatherlifteduphisheadagain，andwhistledtoher。Marthamadethesameimpatientgesturewithhercrouchingshoulders，inreply；
　　andhewasgladandhappy。
　　`Onlyforthat，Miss，'saidtheneighbour，withasmile，inwhichtherewasmoreofsecretsympathythanheexpressed；`onlytogetthat，heneverletsheroutofhissight！'
　　`Becausetheday'llcome，andhasbeencomingalongwhile，'observedtheother，bendinglowoverhiswork，`whentogethalfasmuchfromthatunfort'natechildofmine——togetthetremblingofafinger，orthewavingofahair——wouldbetoraisethedead。'
　　Florencesoftlyputsomemoneynearhishandontheoldboat，andlefthim。
　　AndnowFlorencebegantothink，ifsheweretofallill，ifsheweretofadelikeherdearbrother，wouldhethenknowthatshehadlovedhim；wouldshethengrowdeartohim；wouldhecometoherbedside，whenshewasweakanddimofsight，andtakeherintohisembrace，andcancelallthepast？Wouldhesoforgiveher，inthatchangedcondition，fornothavingbeenabletolayopenherchildishhearttohim，astomakeiteasytorelatewithwhatemotionsshehadgoneoutofhisroomthatnight；whatshehadmeanttosayifshehadhadthecourage；andhowshehadendeavoured，afterwards，tolearnthewaysheneverknewininfancy？
　　Yes，shethoughtifsheweredying，hewouldrelent。Shethought，thatifshelay，sereneandnotunwillingtodepart，uponthebedthatwascurtainedroundwithrecollectionsoftheirdarlingboy，hewouldbetouchedhome，andwouldsay，`DearFlorence，liveforme，andwewillloveeachotheraswemighthavedone，andbeashappyaswemighthavebeenthesemanyyears！'Shethoughtthatifsheheardsuchwordsfromhim，andhadherarmsclaspedroundhim，shecouldanswerwithasmile，`Itistoolateforanythingbutthis；Inevercouldbehappier，dearfather！'andsoleavehim，withablessingonherlips。
　　Thegoldenwatersherememberedonthewall，appearedtoFlorence，inthelightofsuchreflections，onlyasacurrentflowingontorest，andtoaregionwherethedearones，gonebefore，werewaiting，handinhand；andoftenwhenshelookeduponthedarkerriverripplingatherfeet，shethoughtwithawfulwonder，butnotterror，ofthatriverwhichherbrotherhadsooftensaidwasbearinghimaway。
　　ThefatherandhissickdaughterwereyetfreshinFlorence'smind，and，indeed，thatincidentwasnotaweekold，whenSirBarnetandhisladygoingoutwalkinginthelanesoneafternoon，proposedtohertobearthemcompany。Florencereadilyconsenting，LadySkettlesorderedoutyoungBarnetasamatterofcourse。FornothingdelightedLadySkettlessomuch，asbeholdinghereldestsonwithFlorenceonhisarm。
　　Barnet，tosaythetruth，appearedtoentertainanoppositesentimentonthesubject，andonsuchoccasionsfrequentlyexpressedhimselfaudibly，thoughindefinitely，inreferenceto`aparcelofgirls。'Asitwasnoteasytorufflehersweettemper，however，Florencegenerallyreconciledtheyounggentlemantohisfateafterafewminutes，andtheystrolledonamicably：LadySkettlesandSirBarnetfollowing，inastateofperfectcomplacencyandhighgratification。
　　Thiswastheorderofprocedureontheafternooninquestion：
　　andFlorencehadalmostsucceededinoverrulingthepresentobjectionsofSkettlesJuniortohisdestiny，whenagentlemanonhorsebackcameridingby，lookedatthemearnestlyashepassed，drewinhisrein，wheeledround，ancameridingbackagain，hatinhand。
　　ThegentlemanhadlookedparticularlyatFlorence；andwhenthelittlepartystopped，onhisridingback，hebowedtoher，beforesalutingSirBarnetandhislady。Florencehadnoremembranceofhavingeverseenhim，butshestartedinvoluntarilywhenhecamenearher，anddrewback。
　　`Myhorseisperfectlyquiet，Iassureyou，'saidthegentleman。
　　Itwasnotthat，butsomethinginthegentlemanhimself——Florencecouldnothavesaidwhat——thatmadeherrecoilasifshehadbeenstung。
　　`IhavethehonourtoaddressMissDombey，Ibelieve？'saidthegentleman，withamostpersuasivesmile。OnFlorenceincliningherhead，headded，`MynameisCarker。IcanhardlyhopetoberememberedbyMissDombey，exceptbyname。Carker。'
　　Florence，sensibleofastrangeinclinationtoshiver，thoughthedaywashot，presentedhimtoherhostandhostess；bywhomhewasverygraciouslyreceived。
　　`Ibegpardon，'saidMr。Carker，`athousandtimes！ButIamgoingdownto-morrowmorningtoMr。Dombey，atLeamington，andifMissDombeycanintrustmewithanycommission，needIsayhowveryhappyI
　　shallbe？'
　　SirBarnetimmediatelydiviningthatFlorencewoulddesiretowritealettertoherfather，proposedtoreturn，andbesoughtMr。Carkertocomehomeanddineinhisridinggear。Mr。Carkerhadthemisfortunetobeengagedtodinner，butifMissDombeywishedtowrite，nothingwoulddelighthimmorethantoaccompanythemback，andtobeherfaithfulslaveinwaitingaslongasshepleased。Ashesaidthiswithhiswidestsmile，andbentdownclosetohertopathishorse'sneck，Florencemeetinghiseyes，saw，ratherthanheardhimsay，`Thereisnonewsoftheship！'
　　Confused，frightened，shrinkingfromhim，andnotevensurethathehadsaidthosewords，forheseemedtohaveshownthemtoherinsomeextraordinarymannerthroughhissmile，insteadofutteringthem，Florencefaintlysaidthatshewasobligedtohim，butshewouldnotwrite；shehadnothingtosay。
　　`Nothingtosend，MissDombey？'saidthemanofteeth。
　　`Nothing，'saidFlorence，`butmy——butmydearlove——ifyouplease。'
　　DisturbedasFlorencewas，sheraisedhereyestohisfacewithanimploringandexpressivelook，thatplainlybesoughthim，ifheknew——whichheasplainlydid——thatanymessagebetweenherandherfatherwasanuncommoncharge，butthatonemostofall，tospareher。Mr。Carkersmiledandbowedlow，andbeingchargedbySirBarnetwiththebestcomplimentsofhimselfandLadySkettles，tookhisleaveandrodeaway：leavingafavourableimpressiononthatworthycouple。Florencewasseizedwithsuchashudderashewent，thatSirBarnet，adoptingthepopularsuperstition，supposedsomebodywaspassingoverhergrave。Mr。Carker，turningacorner，ontheinstant，lookedback，andbowed，anddisappeared，asifherodeofftothechurchyardstraight，todoit。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter25[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVStrangeNewsofUncleSolCAPTAINCUTTLE，thoughnosluggard，didnotturnoutsoearlyonthemorningafterhehadseenSolGills，throughtheshop-window，writingintheparlour，withtheMidshipmanuponthecounter，andRobtheGrindermakinguphisbedbelowit，butthattheclocksstrucksixasheraisedhimselfonhiselbow，andtookasurveyofhislittlechamber。TheCaptain'seyesmusthavedonesevereduty，ifheusuallyopenedthemaswideonawakingashedidthatmorning；andwerebutroughlyrewardedfortheirvigilance，ifhegenerallyrubbedthemhalfashard。Buttheoccasionwasnocommonone，forRobtheGrinderhadcertainlyneverstoodinthedoorwayofCaptainCuttle'sbedroombefore，andinithestoodthen，pantingattheCaptain，withaflushedandtouzledairofbedabouthim，thatgreatlyheightenedbothhiscolourandexpression。
　　`Holloa！'roaredtheCaptain。`What'sthematter？'
　　BeforeRobcouldstammerawordinanswer，CaptainCuttleturnedout，allinaheap，andcoveredtheboy'smouthwithhishand。
　　`Steady，mylad，'saidtheCaptain，`don'tyespeakawordtomeasyet！'
　　TheCaptain，lookingathisvisitoringreatconsternation，gentlyshoulderedhimintothenextroom，afterlayingthisinjunctionuponhim；
　　anddisappearingforafewmoments，forthwithreturnedinthebluesuit。
　　Holdinguphishandintokenoftheinjunctionnotyetbeingtakenoff，CaptainCuttlewalkeduptothecupboard，andpouredhimselfoutadram；
　　acounterpartofwhichhehandedtothemessenger。TheCaptainthenstoodhimselfupinacorner，againstthewall，asiftoforestallthepossibilityofbeingknockedbackwardsbythecommunicationthatwastobemadetohim；andhavingswallowedhisliquor，withhiseyesfixedonthemessenger，andhisfaceaspaleashisfacecouldbe，requestedhimto`heaveahead。'
　　`Doyoumean，tellyou，Captain？'askedRob，whohadbeengreatlyimpressedbytheseprecautions。
　　`Aye！'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Well，sir，'saidRob，`Iain'tgotmuchtotell。Butlookhere！'
　　Robproducedabundleofkeys。TheCaptainsurveyedthem，remainedinhiscorner，andsurveyedthemessenger。
　　`Andlookhere！'pursuedRob。
　　Theboyproducedasealedpacket，whichCaptainCuttlestaredatashehadstaredatthekeys。
　　`WhenIwokethismorning，Captain，'saidRob，`whichwasaboutaquarterafterfive，Ifoundtheseonmypillow。Theshop-doorwasunboltedandunlocked，andMr。Gillsgone。'
　　`Gone！'roaredtheCaptain。
　　`Flowed，sir，'returnedRob。
　　TheCaptain'svoicewassotremendous，andhecameoutofhiscornerwithsuchwayonhim，thatRobretreatedbeforehimintoanothercorner：holdingoutthekeysandpacket，topreventhimselffrombeingrundown。
　　`“ForCaptainCuttle，“sir，'criedRob，`isonthekeys，andonthepackettoo。Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainCuttle，Idon'tknowanythingmoreaboutit。IwishImaydieifIdo！Here'sasitiwationforaladthat'sjustgotasitiwation，'criedtheunfortunateGrinder，screwinghiscuffintohisface；`hismasterboltedwithhisplace，andhimblamedforit！'
　　TheselamentationshadreferencetoCaptainCuttle'sgaze，orratherglare，whichwasfullofvaguesuspicions，threatenings，anddenunciations。
　　Takingtheprofferedpacketfromhishand，theCaptainopeneditandreadasfollows：`MydearNedCuttle。Enclosedismywill！'TheCaptainturneditover，withadoubtfullook——`andTestament——Where'stheTestament？'
　　saidtheCaptain，instantlyimpeachingtheill-fatedGrinder。`Whathaveyoudonewiththat，mylad？'
　　`Ineverseeit，'whimperedRod。`Don'tkeeponsuspectinganinnocentlad，Captain。InevertouchedtheTestament。'
　　CaptainCuttleshookhishead，implyingthatsomebodymustbemadeanswerableforit；andgravelyproceeded：——
　　`Whichdon'tbreakopenforayear，oruntilyouhavedecisiveintelligenceofmydearWalter，whoisdeartoyouNed，too，Iamsure。'
　　TheCaptainpausedandshookhisheadinsomeemotion；then，asare-establishmentofhisdignityinthistryingposition，lookedwithexceedingsternnessattheGrinder。`Ifyoushouldneverhearofme，orseememore，Ned，rememberanoldfriendashewillrememberyoutothelast——kindly；andatleastuntiltheperiodIhavementionedhasexpired，keepahomeintheoldplaceforWalter。Therearenodebts，theloanfromDombey'shouseispaidoff，andallmykeysIsendwiththis。Keepthisquite，andmakenoinquiryforme；itisuseless。Sonomore，dearNed，fromyourtruefriend，SolomonGills。'TheCaptaintookalongbreath，andthenreadthesewords，writtenbelow：`“TheboyRob，wellrecommended，asItoldyou，fromDombey'shouse。
　　Ifallelseshouldcometothehammer，takecare，Ned，ofthelittleMidshipman。“'
　　ToconveytoposterityanyideaofthemannerinwhichtheCaptain，afterturningthisletteroverandover，andreadingitascoreoftimes，satdowninhischair，andheldacourt-martialonthesubjectinhisownmind，wouldrequiretheunitedgeniusofallthegreatmen，who，discardingtheirownuntowarddays，havedeterminedtogodowntoposterity，andhavenevergotthere。AtfirsttheCaptainwastoomuchconfoundedanddistressedtothinkofanythingbuttheletteritself；andevenwhenhisthoughtsbegantoglanceuponthevariousattendantfacts，theymight，perhaps，aswellhaveoccupiedthemselveswiththeirformertheme，foranylighttheyreflectedonthem。Inthisstateofmind，CaptainCuttlehavingtheGrinderbeforethecourt，andnooneelse，founditagreatrelieftodecide，generally，thathewasanobjectofsuspicion：whichtheCaptainsoclearlyexpressedinhisvisage，thatRobremonstrated。
　　`Oh，don't，Captain！'criedtheGrinder。`Iwonderhowyoucan！
　　whathaveIdonetobelookedat，likethat？'
　　`Mylad，'saidCaptainCuttle，`don'tyousingoutaforeyou'rehurt。Anddon'tyoucommityourself，whateveryoudo。'
　　`Ihaven'tbeenandcommittednothing，Captain！'answeredRob。
　　`Keepherfree，then，'saidtheCaptain，impressively，`andrideeasy。'
　　Withadeepsenseoftheresponsibilityimposeduponhim，andthenecessityofthoroughlyfathomingthismysteriousaffair，asbecameamaninhisrelationswiththeparties，CaptainCuttleresolvedtogodownandexaminethepremises，andtokeeptheGrinderwithhim。Consideringthatyouthasunderarrestatpresent，theCaptainwasinsomedoubtwhetheritmightnotbeexpedienttohandcuffhim，ortiehisanklestogether，orattachaweighttohislegs；butnotbeingclearastothelegalityofsuchformalities，theCaptaindecidedmerelytoholdhimbytheshoulderalltheway，andknockhimdownifhemadeanyobjection。
　　However，hemadenone，andconsequentlygottotheInstrument-maker'shousewithoutbeingplacedunderanymorestringentrestraint。Astheshutterswerenotyettakendown，theCaptain'sfirstcarewastohavetheshopopened；andwhenthedaylightwasfreelyadmitted，heproceeded，withitsaid，tofurtherinvestigation。
　　TheCaptain'sfirstcarewastoestablishhimselfinachairintheshop，asPresidentofthesolemntribunalthatwassittingwithinhim；
　　andtorequireRobtoliedowninhisbedunderthecounter，showexactlywherehediscoveredthekeysandpacketwhenheawoke，howhefoundthedoorwhenhewenttotryit，howhestartedofftoBrigPlace——cautiouslypreventingthelatterimitationfrombeingcarriedfartherthanthethreshold——andsoontotheendofthechapter。Whenallthishadbeendoneseveraltimes，theCaptainshookhisheadandseemedtothinkthematterhadabadlook。
　　Next，theCaptain，withsomeindistinctideaoffindingabody，institutedastrictsearchoverthewholehouse；gropinginthecellarswithalightedcandle，thrustinghishookbehinddoors，bringinghisheadintoviolentcontactwithbeams，andcoveringhimselfwithcobwebs。Mountinguptotheoldman'sbed-room，theyfoundthathehadnotbeeninbedonthepreviousnight，buthadmerelylaindownonthecoverlet，aswasevidentfromtheimpressionyetremainingthere。
　　`AndIthink，Captain，'saidRob，lookingroundtheroom，`thatwhenMr。Gillswasgoinginandoutsooften，theselastfewdays，hewastakinglittlethingsaway，piecemeal，nottoattractattention。'
　　`Aye！'saidtheCaptain，mysteriously。`Whenso，mylad？'
　　`Why，'returnedRob，lookingabout，`Idon'tseehisshavingtackle。
　　Norhisbrushes，Captain。Nornoshirts。Noryethisshoes。'
　　Aseachofthesearticleswasmentioned，CaptainCuttletookparticularnoticeofthecorrespondingdepartmentoftheGrinder，lestheshouldappeartohavebeeninrecentuse，orshouldprovetobeinpresentpossessionthereof。ButRobhadnooccasiontoshave，certainlywasnotbrushed，andworetheclotheshehadwornforalongtimepast，beyondallpossibilityofmistake。
　　`Andwhatshouldyousay，'saidtheCaptain——`notcommittingyourself——abouthistimeofsheeringoff？Hey？'
　　`Why，Ithink，Captain，'returnedRob，`thathemusthavegoneprettysoonafterIbegantosnore。'
　　`Whato'clockwasthat？'saidtheCaptain，preparedtobeveryparticularabouttheexacttime。
　　`HowcanItell，Captain！'answeredRob。`IonlyknowthatI'maheavysleeperatfirst，andalightonetowardsmorning；andifMr。Gillshascomethroughtheshopneardaybreak，thougheversomuchontip-toe，I'mprettysureIshouldhaveheardhimshutthedooratallevents。'
　　Onmatureconsiderationofthisevidence，CaptainCuttlebegantothinkthattheInstrument-makermusthavevanishedofhisownaccord；
　　towhichlogicalconclusionhewasassistedbytheletteraddressedtohimself，which，asbeingunquestionablyintheoldman'shandwriting，wouldseem，withnogreatforcing，tobeartheconstruction，thathearrangedofhisownwill，togo，andsowent。TheCaptainhadnexttoconsiderwhereandwhy？andastherewasnowaywhatsoeverthathesawtothesolutionofthefirstdifficulty，heconfinedhismedia-tuitionstothesecond。
　　Rememberingtheoldman'scuriousmanner，andthefarewellhehadtakenofhim；unaccountablyferventatthetime，butquiteintelligiblenow：aterribleapprehensionstrengthenedontheCaptain，that，overpoweredbyhisanxietiesandregretsforWalter，hehadbeendriventocommitsuicide。
　　Unequaltothewearandtearofdailylife，ashehadoftenprofessedhimselftobe，andshakenashenodoubtwasbytheuncertaintyanddeferredhopehehadundergone，itseemednoviolentlystrainedmisgiving，butonlytooprobable。
　　Freefromdebt，andwithnofearforhispersonalliberty，ortheseizureofhisgoods，whatelsebutsuchastateofmadnesscouldhavehurriedhimawayaloneandsecretly？Astohiscarryingsomeapparelwithhim，ifhehadreallydoneso——andtheywerenotevensureofthat——hemighthavedoneso，theCaptainargued，topreventinquiry，todistractattentionfromhisprobablefate，ortoeasetheverymindthatwasnowrevolvingallthesepossibilities。Such，reducedintoplainlanguage，andcondensedwithinasmallcompass，wasthefinalresultandsubstanceofCaptainCuttle'sdeliberations：whichtookalongtimetoarriveatthispass，andwere，likesomemorepublicdeliberations，verydiscursiveanddisorderly。
　　Dejectedanddespondentintheextreme，CaptainCuttlefeltitjusttoreleaseRobfromthearrestinwhichhehadplacedhim，andtoenlargehim，subjecttoakindofhonourableinspectionwhichhestillresolvedtoexercise；andhavinghiredaman，fromBrogleytheBroker，tositintheshopduringtheirabsence，theCaptain，takingRobwithhim，issuedforthuponadismalquestafterthemortalremainsofSolomonGills。
　　Notastation-houseorbone-house，orwork-houseinthemetropolisescapedavisitationfromthehardglazedhat。Alongthewharves，amongtheshippingonthebank-side，uptheriver，downtheriver，here，there，everywhere，itwentgleamingwheremenwerethickest，likethehero'shelmetinanepicbattle。ForawholeweektheCaptainreadofallthefoundandmissingpeopleinallthenewspapersandhandbills，andwentforthonexpeditionsatallhoursofthedaytoidentifySolomonGills，inpoorlittleship-boyswhohadfallenover-board，anintallforeignerswithdarkbeardswhohadtakenpoison——`tomakesure，'CaptainCuttlesaid，`thatitwarn'thim。'
　　Itisasurethingthatitneverwas，andthatthegoodCaptainhadnoothersatisfaction。
　　CaptainCuttleatlastabandonedtheseattemptsashopeless，andsethimselftoconsiderwhatwastobedonenext。Afterseveralnewperusalsofhispoorfriend'sletter，heconsideredthatthemaintenanceof`ahomeintheoldplaceforWalter'wastheprimarydutyimposeduponhim。Therefore，theCaptain'sdecisionwas，thathewouldkeephouseonthepremisesofSolomonGillshimself，andwouldgointotheinstrument-business，andseewhatcameofit。
　　ButasthisstepinvolvedtherelinquishmentofhisapartmentsatMrs。MacStinger's，andheknewthatresolutewomanwouldneverhearofhisdesertingthem，theCaptaintookthedesperatedeterminationofrunningaway。
　　`Now，lookyehere，mylad，'saidtheCaptaintoRob，whenhehadmaturedthisnotablescheme，`to-morrow，Ishan'tbefoundinthishereroadsteadtillnight——nottillartermidnightp'rhaps。Butyoukeepwatchtillyouhearmeknock，andthemomentyoudo，turn-to，andopenthedoor。'
　　`Verygood，Captain，'saidRob。
　　`You'llcontinuetoberatedontheseherebooks，'pursuedtheCaptaincondescendingly，`andIdon'tsaybutwhatyoumaygetpromotion，ifyouandmeshouldpulltogetherwithawill。Butthemomentyouhearmeknockto-morrownight，whatevertimeitis，turn-toandshowyourselfsmartwiththedoor。'
　　`I'llbesuretodoit，Captain，'repliedRob。
　　`Becauseyouunderstand，'resumedtheCaptain，comingbackagaintoenforcethischargeuponhismind，`theremaybe，foranythingIcansay，achase；andImightbetookwhileIwaswaiting，ifyoudidn'tshowyourselfsmartwiththedoor。'
　　RobagainassuredtheCaptainthathewouldbepromptandwakeful；
　　andtheCaptainhavingmadethisprudentarrangement，wenthometoMrs。
　　MacStinger'sforthelasttime。
　　ThesensetheCaptainhadofitsbeingthelasttime，andoftheawfulpurposehiddenbeneathhisbluewaistcoat，inspiredhimwithsuchamortaldreadofMrs。MacStinger，thatthesoundofthatlady'sfootdownstairsatanytimeoftheday，wassufficienttothrowhimintoafitoftrembling。Itfellout，too，thatMrs。MacStingerwasinacharmingtemper——mildandplacidasahouse-lamb；andCaptainCuttle'sconsciencesufferedterribletwinges，whenshecameuptoinquireifshecouldcookhimnothingforhisdinner。
　　`Anicesmallkidney-puddingnow，Cap'enCuttle，'saidhislandlady：
　　`orasheep'sheart。Don'tmindmytrouble。'
　　`Nothank'ee，Ma'am，'returnedtheCaptain。
　　`Havearoastfowl，'saidMrs。MacStinger，`withabitofwealstuffingandsomeeggsauce。Come，Cap'enCuttle！Giveyourselfalittletreat！'
　　`Nothank'ee，Ma'am，'returnedtheCaptainveryhumbly。
　　`I'amsureyou'reoutofsorts，andwanttobestimulated，'saidMrs。MacStinger。`Whynothave，foronceinaway，abottleofsherrywine？'
　　`Well，Ma'am，'rejoinedtheCaptain，`ifyou'dbesogoodastakeaglassortwo，IthinkIwouldtrythat。Wouldyoudomethefavour，Ma'am，'
　　saidtheCaptain，torntopiecesbyhisconscience，`toacceptaquarter'srentahead？'
　　`Andwhyso，Cap'enCuttle？'retortedMrs。MacStinger——sharply，astheCaptainthought。
　　TheCaptainwasfrightenedtodeath。`Ifyouwould，Ma'am，'hesaidwithsubmission，`itwouldobligeme。Ican'tkeepmymoneyverywell。
　　Itpaysitselfout。Ishouldtakeitkindifyou'dcomply。'
　　`Well，Cap'enCuttle，'saidtheunconsciousMacStinger，rubbingherhands，`youcandoasyouplease。It'snotforme，withmyfamily，torefuse，nomorethanitistoask。'
　　`Andwouldyou，Ma'am。'saidtheCaptain，takingdownthetincanisterinwhichhekepthiscash，fromthetopshelfofthecupboard，`besogoodasoffereighteen-pencea-piecetothelittlefamilyallround？
　　Ifyoucouldmakeitconvenient，Ma'am，topassthewordpresentlyforthemchildrentocomefor'ard，inabody，Ishouldbegladtosee'em。'
　　TheseinnocentMacStingersweresomanydaggerstotheCaptain'sbreast，whentheyappearedinaswarm，andtoreathimwiththeconfidingtrustfulnesshesolittledeserved。TheeyeofAlexanderMacStinger，whohadbeenhisfavourite，wasinsupportabletotheCaptain；thevoiceofJulianaMacStinger，whowasthepictureofhermother，madeacowardofhim。
　　CaptainCuttlekeptupappearances，nevertheless，tolerablywell，andforanhourortwowasveryhardlyusedandroughlyhandledbytheyoungMacStingers：whointheirchildishfrolics，didalittledamagealsototheglazedhat，bysittinginit，twoatatime，asinanest，anddrummingontheinsideofthecrownwiththeirshoes。AtlengththeCaptainsorrowfullydismissedthem：takingleaveofthesecherubswiththepoignantremorseandgriefofamanwhowasgoingtoexecution。
　　Inthesilenceofnight，theCaptainpackeduphisheavierpropertyinachest，whichhelocked，intendingtoleaveitthere，inallprobabilityforever，butontheforlornchanceofonedayfindingamansufficientlyboldanddesperatetocomeandaskforit。Ofhislighternecessaries，theCaptainmadeabundle；anddisposedhisplateabouthisperson，readyforflight。Atthehourofmidnight，whenBrigPlacewasburiedinslumber，andMrs。MacStingerwaslulledinsweetoblivion，withherinfantsaroundher，theguiltyCaptain，stealingdownontiptoe，inthedark，openedthedoor，closeditsoftlyafterhim，andtooktohisheels。
　　PursuedbytheimageofMrs。MacStingerspringingoutofbed，and，regardlessofcostume，followingandbringinghimback；pursuedalsobyaconsciousnessofhisenormouscrime；CaptainCuttleheldonatagreatpace，andallowednograsstogrowunderhisfeet，betweenBrigPlaceandtheInstrument-maker'sdoor。Itopenedwhenheknocked——forRobwasonthewatch——andwhenitwasboltedandlockedbehindhim，CaptainCuttlefeltcomparativelysafe。
　　`Whew！'criedtheCaptain，lookingroundhim。`It'sabreather！'
　　`Nothingthematter，isthere，Captain？'criedthegapingRob。
　　`No，no！'saidCaptainCuttle，afterchangingcolour，andlisteningtoapassingfootstepinthestreet。`Butmindye，mylad；ifanylady，excepteitherofthemtwoasyouseet'otherday，evercomesandasksforCap'enCuttle，besuretoreportnopersonofthatnameknown，norneverheardofhere；observethemorders，willyou？'
　　`I'lltakecare，Captain，'returnedRob。
　　`Youmightsay——ifyouliked，'hesitatedtheCaptain，`thatyou'dreadinthepaperthataCap'enofthatnamewasgonetoAustralia，emigrating，alongwithawholeship'scomplementofpeopleashadallsworenevertocomebacknomore。'
　　Robnoddedhisunderstandingoftheseinstructions；andCaptainCuttlepromisingtomakeamanofhim，ifheobeyedorders，dismissedhim，yawning，tohisbedunderthecounter，andwentalofttothechamberofSolomonGills。
　　WhattheCaptainsufferednextday，wheneverabonnetpassed，orhowoftenhedartedoutoftheshoptoeludeimaginaryMacStingers，andsoughtsafetyintheattic，cannotbetold。Buttoavoidthefatiguesattendantonthismeansofself-preservation，theCaptaincurtainedtheglassdoorofcommunicationbetweentheshopandparlour，ontheinside，fittedakeytoitfromthebunchthathadbeensenttohim：andcutasmallholeofespialinthewall。Theadvantageofthisfortificationisobvious。Onabonnetappearing，theCaptaininstantlyslippedintohisgarrison，lockedhimselfup，andtookasecretobservationoftheenemy。
　　Findingitafalsealarm，theCaptaininstantlyslippedoutagain。Andthebonnetsinthestreetweresoverynumerous，andalarmsweresoinseparablefromtheirappearance，thattheCaptainwasalmostincessantlyslippinginandoutalldaylong。
　　CaptainCuttlefoundtime，however，inthemidstofthisfatiguingservicetoinspectthestock；inconnexionwithwhichhehadthegeneralideaverylaborioustoRobthattoomuchfrictioncouldnotbebestoweduponit，andthatitcouldnotbemadetoobright。Healsoticketedafewattractive-lookingarticlesataventure，atpricesrangingfromtenshillingstofiftypounds，andexposedtheminthewindowtothegreatastonishmentofthepublic。
　　Aftereffectingtheseimprovements，CaptainCuttle，surroundedbytheinstruments，begantofeelscientific：andlookedupatthestarsatnight，throughtheskylight，whenhewassmokinghispipeinthelittlebackparlourbeforegoingtobed，asifhehadestablishedakindofpropertyinthem。AsatradesmanintheCity，too，hebegantohaveaninterestintheLordMayor，andtheSheriffs，andinPublicCompanies；andfeltboundtoreadthequotationsoftheFundseveryday，thoughhewasunabletomakeout，onanyprincipleofnavigation，whatthefiguresmeant，andcouldhaveverywelldispensedwiththefractions。Florence，theCaptainwaitedon，withhisstrangenewsofUncleSol，immediatelyaftertakingpossessionoftheMidshipman；butshewasawayfromhome。SotheCaptainsathimselfdowninhisalteredstationoflife，withnocompanybutRobtheGrinder；andlosingcountoftime，asmendowhengreatchangescomeuponthem，thoughtmusinglyofWalter，andofSolomonGills，andevenofMrs。MacStingerherself，asamongthethingsthathadbeen。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter26[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIShadowsofthePastandFuture`YOURmostobedient，Sir，'saidtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，afriendofmyfriendDombey'sisafriendofmine，andI'mgladtoseeyou！'
　　`Iaminfinitelyobliged，Carker，'explainedMr。Dombey，`toMajorBagstock，forhiscompanyandconversation。MajorBagstockhasrenderedmegreatservice，Carker。'
　　Mr。CarkertheManager，hatinhand，justarrivedatLeamington，andjustintroducedtotheMajor，showedtheMajorhiswholedoublerangeofteeth，andtrustedhemighttakethelibertyofthankinghimwithallhisheartforhavingeffectedsogreatanimprovementinMr。Dombey'slooksandspirits。
　　`ByGad，Sir，'saidtheMajor，inreply，`therearenothanksduetome，forit'sagiveandtakeaffair。AgreatcreaturelikeourfriendDombey，Sir，'saidtheMajor，loweringhisvoice，butnotloweringitsomuchastorenderitinaudibletothatgentleman，`cannothelpimprovingandexaltinghisfriends。Hestrengthensandinvigoratesaman，Sir，doesDombey，inhismoralnature。'
　　Mr。Carkersnappedattheexpression。Inhismoralnature。Exactly。
　　Theverywordshehadbeenonthepointofsuggesting。
　　`ButwhenmyfriendDombey，Sir，'addedtheMajor，`talkstoyouofMajorBagstock，Imustcraveleavetosethimandyouright。HemeansplainJoe，Sir——JoeyB——Josh。Bagstock——Joseph——roughandtoughOldJ。，Sir。Atyourservice。'
　　Mr。Carker'sexcessivelyfriendlyinclinationstowardstheMajor，andMr。Carker'sadmirationofhisroughness，toughness，andplainness，gleamedoutofeverytoothinMr。Carker'shead。
　　`Andnow，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`youandDombeyhavethedevil'sownamountofbusinesstotalkover。'
　　`Bynomeans，Major，'observedMr。Dombey。
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，defiantly，`Iknowbetter；amanofyourmark——theColossusofcommerce——isnottobeinterrupted。Yourmomentsareprecious。Weshallmeetatdinner-time。Intheinterval，oldJosephwillbescare。Thedinner-hourisasharpseven，Mr。Carker。'
　　Withthat，theMajor，greatlyswollenastohisface，withdrew；
　　butimmediatelyputtinginhisheadatthedooragain，said：
　　`Ibegyourpardon。Dombey，haveyouanymessageto'em？'
　　Mr。Dombeyinsomeembarrassment，andnotwithoutaglanceatthecourteouskeeperofhisbusinessconfidence，entrustedtheMajorwithhiscompliments。
　　`BytheLord，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`youmustmakeitsomethingwarmerthanthat，oroldJoewillbefarfromwelcome。'
　　`Regardsthen，ifyouwill，Major，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`Damme，Sir，'saidtheMajor，shakinghisshouldersandhisgreatcheeksjocularly：`makeitsomethingwarmerthanthat。'
　　`Whatyouplease，then，Major，'observedMr。Dombey。
　　`Ourfriendissly，Sir，sly，Sir，de-vilishsly，'saidtheMajorstaringroundthedooratCarker。`SoisBagstock。'Butstoppinginthemidstofachuckle，anddrawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，theMajorsolemnlyexclaimed，ashestruckhimselfonthechest，`Dombey！Ienvyyourfeelings。Godblessyou！'andwithdrew。
　　`Youmusthavefoundthegentlemanagreatresource，'saidCarker，followinghiswithhisteeth。
　　`Verygreatindeed，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Hehasfriendshere，nodoubt，'pursuedCarker。`Iperceive，fromwhathehassaid，thatyougointosocietyhere。Doyouknow，'smilinghorribly，`Iamsoverygladthatyougointosociety！'
　　Mr。Dombeyacknowledgedthisdisplayofinterestonthepartofhissecondincommand，bytwirlinghiswatch-chain，andslightlymovinghishead。
　　`Youwereformedforsociety。'saidCarker，`OfallthemenI
　　know，youarethebestadapted，bynatureandbyposition，forsociety。
　　DoyouknowIhavebeenfrequentlyamazedthatyoushouldhavehelditatarm'slengthsolong！'
　　`Ihavehadmyreasons，Carker。Ihavebeenalone，andindifferenttoit。Butyouhavegreatsocialqualificationsyourself，andarethemorelikelytohavebeensurprised。'
　　`Oh！I！'returnedtheother，withreadyself-disparagement。
　　`It'squiteanothermatterinthecaseofamanlikeme。Idon'tcomeintocomparisonwithyou。'
　　Mr。Dombeyputhishandtohisneckcloth，settledhischininit，coughed，andstoodlookingathisfaithfulfriendandservantforafewmomentsinsilence。
　　`Ishallhavethepleasure，Carker，'saidMr。Dombeyatlength：
　　makingasifheswallowedsomethingalittletoolargeforhisthroat：
　　`topresentyoutomy——totheMajor'sfriends。Highlyagreeablepeople。'
　　`Ladiesamongthem，Ipresume？'insinuatedthesmoothManager。
　　`Theyareall——thatistosay，theyareboth——ladies，'repliedMr。Dombey。
　　`Onlytwo？'smiledCarker。
　　`Theyareonlytwo。Ihaveconfinedmyvisitstotheirresidence，andhavemadenootheracquaintancehere。'
　　`Sisters，perhaps？'quothCarker。
　　`Motheranddaughter，'repliedMr。Dombey。
　　AsMr。Dombeydroppedhiseyes，andadjustedhisneck-clothagain，thesmilingfaceofMr。CarkertheManagerbecameinamoment，andwithoutanystageoftransition，transformedintoamostintentandfrowningface，scanninghisclosely，andwithanuglysneer。AsMr。Dombeyraisedhiseyes，itchangedback，nolessquickly，toitsoldexpression，andshowedhimeverygumofwhichitstoodpossessed。
　　`Youareverykind，'saidCarker，`Ishallbedelightedtoknowthem。Speakingofdaughters，IhaveseenMissDombey。'
　　TherewassuddenrushofbloodtoMr。Dombey'sface。
　　`Itookthelibertyofwaitingonher，'saidCarker，`toinquireifshecouldchargemewithanylittlecommission。Iamnotsofortunateastobethebearerofanybuther——butherdearlove。'
　　Wolf'sfacethatitwasthen，witheventhehottonguerevealingitselfthroughthestretchedmouth，astheeyesencounteredMr。Dombey's！
　　`Whatbusinessintelligenceisthere？'inquiredthelattergentleman，afterasilence，duringwhichMr。Carkerhadproducedsomememorandaandotherpapers。
　　`Thereisverylittle，'returnedCarker。`Uponthewholewehavenothadourusualgoodfortuneoflate，butthatisoflittlemomenttoyou。AtLloyd's，theygiveuptheSonandHeirforlost。Well，shewasinsured，fromherkeeltohermasthead。'
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，takingachairnearhim，`Icannotsaythatyoungman，Gay，everimpressedmefavourably——'
　　`Norme，'interposedtheManager。
　　`ButIwish，'saidMr。Dombey，withoutheedingtheinterruption，`hehadnevergoneonboardthatship。Iwishhehadneverbeensentout。'
　　`Itisapityyoudidn'tsayso，ingoodtime，isitnot？'retortedCarker，coolly。`However，Ithinkit'sallforthebest。Ireallythinkit'sallforthebest。DidImentionthattherewassomethinglikealittleconfidencebetweenMissDombeyandmyself？'
　　`No，'saidMr。Dombey，sternly。
　　`Ihavenodoubt，'returnedMr。Carker，afteranimpressivepause，`thatwhereverGayis，heismuchbetterwhereheis，thatathomehere。
　　IfIwere，orcouldbe，inyourplace，Ishouldbesatisfiedofthat。I
　　amquitesatisfiedofitmyself。MissDombeyisconfidingandyoung——perhapshardlyproudenough，foryourdaughter——ifshehaveafault。Notthatthatismuchthough，Iamsure。Willyoucheckthesebalanceswithme？'
　　Mr。Dombeyleanedbackinhischair，insteadofbendingoverthepapersthatwerelaidbeforehim，andlookedtheManagersteadilyintheface。TheManager，withhiseyelidsslightlyraised，affectedtobeglancingathisfigures，andtoawaittheleisureofhisprincipal。Heshowedthatheaffectedthis，asiffromgreatdelicacy，andwithadesigntospareMr。Dombey'sfeelings；andthelatter，ashelookedathim，wascognizantofhisintendedconsideration，andfeltthatbutforit，thisconfidentialCarkerwouldhavesaidagreatdealmore，whichhe，Mr。Dombey，wastooproudtoaskfor。Itwashiswayinbusiness，often。Littlebylittle，Mr。Dombey'sgazerelaxed，andhisattentionbecamedivertedtothepapersbeforehim；butwhilebusywiththeoccupationtheyaffordedhim，hefrequentlystopped，andlookedatMr。Carkeragain。Wheneverhedidso，Mr。Carkerwasdemonstrative，asbefore，inhisdelicacy，andimpresseditonhisgreatchiefmoreandmore。
　　Whiletheywerethusengaged；andundertheskilfulcultureoftheManager，angrythoughtsinreferencetopoorFlorencebroodedandbredinMr。Dombey'sbreast，usurpingtheplaceofthecolddislikethatgenerallyreignedthere；MajorBagstock，muchadmiredbytheoldladiesofLeamington，andfollowedbytheNative，carryingtheusualamountoflightbaggage，straddledalongtheshadysideoftheway，tomakeamorningcallonMrs。
　　Skewton。Itbeingmid-daywhentheMajorreachedthebowerofCleopatra，hehadthegoodfortunetofindhisPrincessonherusualsofa，languishingoveracupofcoffee，withtheroomsodarkenedandshadedforhermoreluxuriousrepose，thatWithers，whowasinattendanceonher，loomedlikeaphantompage。
　　`Whatinsupportablecreatureisthis，comingin？'saidMrs。Skewton。
　　`Icannotbearit。Goaway，whoeveryouare！'
　　`YouhavenotthehearttobanishJ。B。Ma'am！'saidtheMajor，haltingmidway，toremonstrate，withhiscaneoverhisshoulder。
　　`Ohit'syou，isit？Onsecondthoughts，youmayenter，'observedCleopatra。
　　TheMajorenteredaccordingly，andadvancingtothesofapressedhercharminghandtohislips。
　　`Sitdown，'saidCleopatra，listlesslywavingherfan，`alongwayoff。Don'tcometoonearme，forIamfrightfullyfaintandsensitivethismorning，andyousmelloftheSun。Youareabsolutelytropical。'
　　`ByGeorge，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，`thetimehasbeenwhenJosephBagstockhasbeengrilledandblisteredbytheSun；thetimewas，whenhewasforced，Ma'am，intosuchfullblow，byhighhothouseheatintheWestIndies，thathewasknownastheFlower。AmanneverheardofBagstock，Ma'am，inthosedays；heheardoftheFlower——theFlowerofOurs。TheFlowermayhavefaded，moreorless，Ma'am，'observedtheMajor，droppingintoamuchnearerchairthanhadbeenindicatedbyhiscruelDivinity，`butitisatoughplantyet，andconstantastheevergreen。'
　　HeretheMajor，undercoverofthedarkroom，shutuponeeye，rolledhisheadlikeaHarlequin，and，inhisgreatself-satisfaction，perhapswentnearertotheconfinesofapoplexythanhehadevergonebefore。
　　`WhereisMrs。Granger？'inquiredCleopatraofherpage。
　　Withersbelievedshewasinherownroom。
　　`Verywell，'saidMrs。Skewton。`Goaway，andshutthedoor。I
　　amengaged。'
　　AsWithersdisappeared，Mrs。SkewtonturnedherheadlanguidlytowardstheMajor，withoutotherwisemoving，andaskedhimhowhisfriendwas？
　　`Dombey，Ma'am，'returnedtheMajor，withafacetiousgurglinginhisthroat，`isaswellasamaninhisconditioncanbe。Hisconditionisadesperateone，Ma'am。Heistouched，isDombey！Touched！'
　　criedtheMajor。`Heisbayonettedthroughthebody。'
　　CleopatracastasharplookattheMajor，thatcontrastedforciblywiththeaffecteddrawlinwhichshepresentlysaid——
　　`MajorBagstock，althoughIknowbutlittleoftheworld，——norcanIreallyregretmyinexperience，forIfearitisafalseplace，fullofwitheringconventionalities：whereNatureisbutlittleregarded，andwherethemusicoftheheart，andthegushingofthesoul，andallthatsortofthing，whichissotrulypoetical，isseldomheard，——Icannotmisunderstandyourmeaning。ThereisanallusiontoEdith——tomyextremelydearchild，'
　　saidMrs。Skewton，tracingtheoutlineofhereyebrowswithherforefinger，`inyourwords，towhichthetenderestofchordsvibratesexcessively！'
　　`Bluntness，Ma'am，'returnedtheMajor，`haseverbeenthecharacteristicoftheBagstockbreed。Youareright，Joeadmitsit。'
　　`Andthatallusion，'pursuedCleopatra，`wouldinvolveoneofthemost——ifnotpositivelythemost——touching，andthrilling，andsacredemotionsofwhichoursadly-fallennatureissusceptible，Iconceive。'
　　TheMajorlaidhishanduponhislips，andwaftedakisstoCleopatra，asiftoidentifytheemotioninquestion。
　　`IfeelthatIamweak。IfeelthatIamwantinginthatenergy，whichshouldsustainamama：nottosayaparent：onsuchasubject，'saidMrs。Skewton，trimmingherlipswiththelacededgeofherpocket-handkerchief；
　　`butIcanhardlyapproachatopicsoexcessivelymomentoustomydearestEdithwithoutafeelingoffaintness。Nevertheless，badman，asyouhaveboldlyremarkeduponit，andasithasoccasionedmegreatanguish：'Mrs。
　　Skewtontouchedherleftsidewithherfan：`Iwillnotshrinkfrommyduty。'
　　TheMajor，undercoverofthedimness，swelled，andswelled，androlledhispurplefaceabout，andwinkedhislobstereye，untilhefellintoafitofwheezing，whichobligedhimtoriseandtakeaturnortwoabouttheroom，beforehisfairfriendcouldproceed。
　　`Mr。Dombey，'saidMrs。Skewton，whensheatlengthresumed，`wasobligingenough，nowmanyweeksago，todousthehonourofvisitingushere；incompany，mydearMajor，withyourself。Iacknowledge——letmebeopen——thatitismyfailingtobethecreatureofimpulse，andtowearmyheart，asitwere，outside。Iknowmyfailingfullwell。Myenemycannotknowitbetter。ButIamnotpenitent；Iwouldrathernotbefrozenbytheheartlessworld，andamcontenttobearthisimputationjustly。'
　　Mrs。Skewtonarrangedhertucker，pinchedherwirythroattogiveitasoftsurface，andwenton，withgreatcomplacency。
　　`ItgavememydearestEdithtoo，IamsureinfinitepleasuretoreceiveMr。Dombey。Asafriendofyours，mydearMajor，wewerenaturallydisposedtobeprepossessedinhisfavour；andIfanciedthatIobservedanamountofHeartinMr。Dombey，thatwasexcessivelyrefreshing。'
　　`ThereisdevilishlittleheartinDombeynow，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor。
　　`Wretchedman！'criedMrs。Skewton，lookingathimlanguidly，`praybesilent。'
　　`J。B。isdumb，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor。
　　`Mr。Dombey，'pursuedCleopatra，smoothingtherosyhueuponhercheeks，`accordinglyrepeatedhisvisit；andpossiblyfindingsomeattractioninthesimplicityandprimitivenessofourtastes——forthereisalwaysacharminnature——itissoverysweet——becameoneofourlittlecircleeveryevening。LittledidIthinkoftheawfulresponsibilityintowhichIplungedwhenIencouragedMr。Dombey——to——'
　　`Tobeatupthesequarters，Ma'am，'suggestedMajorBagstock。
　　`Coarseperson！'saidMrs。Skewton，`youanticipatemymeaning，thoughinodiouslanguage。'
　　HereMrs。Skewtonrestedherelbowonthelittletableatherside，andsufferingherwristtodroopinwhatsheconsideredagracefulandbecomingmanner，dangledherfantoandfro，andlazilyadmiredherhandwhilespeaking。
　　`TheagonyIhaveendured，'shesaidmincingly，`asthetruthhasbydegreesdawneduponme，hasbeentooexceedinglyterrifictodilateupon。MywholeexistenceisboundupinmysweetestEdith；andtoseeherchangefromdaytoday——mybeautifulpet，whohaspositivelygarneredupherheartsincethedeathofthatmostdelightfulcreature，Granger——isthemostaffectingthingintheworld。'
　　Mrs。Skewton'sworldwasnotaverytryingone，ifonemightjudgeofitbytheinfluenceofitsmostaffectingcircumstanceuponher；butthisbytheway。
　　`Edith，'simperedMrs。Skewton，`whoistheperfectpearlofmylife，issaidtoresembleme。Ibelievewearealike。'
　　`Thereisonemanintheworldwhoneverwilladmitthatanyoneresemblesyou，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor；`andthatman'snameisOldJoeBagstock。'
　　Cleopatramadeasifshewouldbraintheflattererwithherfan，butrelenting，smileduponhimandproceeded：
　　`Ifmycharminggirlinheritsanyadvantagesfromme，wickedone！'：
　　theMajorwasthewickedone：`sheinheritsalsomyfoolishnature。Shehasgreatforceofcharacter——mineshasbeensaidtobeimmense，thoughIdon'tbelieveit——butoncemoved，sheissusceptibleandsensitivetothelastextent。WhataremyfeelingswhenIseeherpining！Theydestroyme。'