TheMajoradvancinghisdoublechin，andpursinguphisbluelipsintoasoothingexpression，affectedtheprofoundestsympathy。
　　`Theconfidence，'saidMrs。Skewton，`thathassubsistedbetweenus——thefreedevelopmentofsoul，andopennessofsentiment——istouchingtothinkof。Wehavebeenmorelikesistersthanmamaandchild。'
　　`J。B。'sownsentiment，'observedtheMajor，`expressedbyJ。
　　B。fiftythousandtimes！'
　　`Donotinterrupt，rudeman！'saidCleopatra。`Whataremyfeelings，then，whenIfindthatthereisonesubjectavoidedbyus！Thatthereisawhat's-his-name——agulf——openedbetweenus。ThatmyownartlessEdithischangedtome！Theyareofthemostpoignantdescription，ofcourse。'
　　TheMajorlefthischair，andtookonenearertothelittletable。
　　`FromdaytodayIseethis，mydearMajor，'proceededMrs。Skewton。
　　`FromdaytodayIfeelthis。FromhourtohourIreproachmyselfforthatexcessoffaithandtrustfulnesswhichhasledtosuchdistressingconsequences；
　　andalmostfromminutetominute，IhopethatMr。Dombeymayexplainhimself，andrelievethetortureIundergo，whichisextremelywearing。Butnothinghappens，mydearMajor；Iamthesalveofremorse——takecareofthecoffee-cup：
　　youaresoveryawkward——mydarlingEdithisanalteredbeing；andIreallydon'tseewhatistobedone，orwhatgoodcreatureIcanadvisewith。'
　　MajorBagstock，encouragedperhapsbythesoftenedandconfidentialtoneintowhichMrs。Skewton，afterseveraltimeslapsingintoitforamoment，seemednowtohavesubsidedforgood，stretchedouthishandacrossthelittletable，andsaidwithaleer，`AdvisewithJoe，Ma'am。'
　　`Then，youaggravatingmonster，'saidCleopatra，givingonehandtotheMajor，andtappinghisknuckleswithherfan，whichsheheldintheother：`whydon'tyoutalktome？youknowwhatImean。Whydon'tyoutellmesomethingtothepurpose？'
　　TheMajorlaughed，andkissedthehandshehadbestoweduponhim，andlaughedagainimmensely。
　　`IsthereasmuchHeartinMr。DombeyasIgavehimcreditfor？'
　　languishedCleopatratenderly。`Doyouthinkheisinearnest，mydearMajor？Wouldyourecommendhisbeingspokento，orhisbeingleftalone？
　　Nowtellme，likeadearman，whatwouldyouadvise。'
　　`ShallwemarryhimtoEdithGranger，Ma'am？'chuckledtheMajor，hoarsely。
　　`Mysteriouscreature！'returnedCleopatra，bringingherfantobearupontheMajor'snose。`Howcanwemarryhim？'
　　`ShallwemarryhimtoEdithGranger，Ma'am，Isay？'chuckledtheMajoragain。
　　Mrs。Skewtonreturnednoanswerinwords，butsmiledupontheMajorwithsomucharchnessandvivacity，thatthatgallantofficerconsideringhimselfchallenged，wouldhaveimprintedakissonherexceedinglyredlips，butforherinterposingthefanwithaverywinningandjuveniledexterity。Itmighthavebeeninmodesty；itmighthavebeeninapprehensionofsomedangertotheirbloom。
　　`Dombey，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，`isagreatcatch。'
　　`Oh，mercenarywretch！'criedCleopatra，withalittleshriek，`Iamshocked。'
　　`AndDombey，Ma'am，'pursuedtheMajor，thrustingforwardhishead，anddistendinghiseyes，`isinearnest。Josephsaysit；Bagstockknowsit；J。B。keepshimtothemark。LeaveDombeytohimself，Ma'am。
　　Dombeyissafe，Ma'am。Doasyouhavedone；donomore；andtrusttoJ。
　　B。fortheend。'
　　`Youreallythinkso，mydearMajor？'returnedCleopatra，whohadeyedhimverycautiously，andverysearchingly，inspiteofherlistlessbearing。
　　`Sureofit，Ma'am，'rejoinedtheMajor。`Cleopatrathepeerless，andherAntonyBagstock，willoftenspeakofthis，triumphantly，whensharingtheeleganceandwealthofEdithDombey'sestablishment。Dombey'sright-handman，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，stoppingabruptlyinachuckle，andbecomingserious，`hasarrived。'
　　`Thismorning？'saidCleopatra。
　　`Thismorning，Ma'am，'returnedtheMajor。`AndDombey'sanxietyforhisarrival，ma'am，istobereferred——takeJ。B。'swordforthis；
　　forJoeisde-vilishsly'——theMajortappedhisnose，andscreweduponeofhiseyestight：whichdidnotenhancehisnativebeauty——`tohisdesirethatwhatisinthewindshouldbecomeknowntohim，withoutDombey'stellingandconsultinghim。ForDombeyisasproud，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，`asLucifer。'
　　`Acharmingquality，'lispedMrs。Skewton；`remindingoneofdearestEdith。'
　　`WellMa'am，'saidtheMajor。`Ihavethrownouthintsalready，andtheright-handmanunderstands'em；andI'llthrowoutmore，beforethedayisdone。DombeyprojectedthismorningaridetoWarwickCastle，andtoKenilworth，to-morrow，tobeprecededbyabreakfastwithus。I
　　undertookthedeliveryofthisinvitation。Willyouhonourussofar，Ma'am？'
　　saidtheMajor，swellingwithshortnessofbreathandslyness，asheproducedanote，addressedtotheHonourableMrs。Skewton，byfavourofMajorBagstock，whereinherseverfaithfully，PaulDombey，besoughtherandheramiableandaccomplisheddaughtertoconsenttotheproposedexcursion；andinapostscriptuntowhich，thesameeverfaithfullyPaulDombeyentreatedtoberecalledtotheremembranceofMrs。Granger。
　　`Hush！'saidCleopatra，suddenly，`Edith！'
　　Thelovingmothercanscarcelybedescribedasresumingherinsipidandaffectedairwhenshemadethisexclamation；forshehadnevercastitoff；norwasitlikelythatsheeverwouldorcould，inanyotherplacethaninthegrave。Buthurriedlydismissingwhatevershadowofearnestness，orfaintconfessionofapurpose，laudableorwicked，thatherface，orvoice，ormanner，had，forthemoment，betrayed，sheloungeduponthecouch，hermostinsipidandmostlanguidselfagain，asEdithenteredtheroom。
　　Edith，sobeautifulandstately，butsocoldandsorepelling。
　　Who，slightlyacknowledgingthepresenceofMajorBagstock，anddirectingakeenglanceathermother，drewbackthecurtainfromawindow，andsatdownthere，lookingout。
　　`MydearestEdith，'saidMrs。Skewton，`whereonearthhaveyoubeen？Ihavewantedyou，mylove，mostsadly。'
　　`Yousaidyouwereengaged，andIstayedaway，'sheanswered，withoutturningherhead。
　　`ItwascrueltoOldJoe，Ma'am，'saidtheMajorinhisgallantry。
　　`Itwasverycruel，Iknow，'shesaid，stilllookingout——andsaidwithsuchcalmdisdain，thattheMajorwasdiscomfited，andcouldthinkofnothinginreply。
　　`MajorBagstock，mydarlingEdith，'drawledhermother，`whoisgenerallythemostuselessanddisagreeablecreatureintheworld：asyouknow——'
　　`Itissurelynotworthwhile，Mama，'saidEdith，lookinground，`toobservetheseformsofspeech。Wearequitealone。Weknoweachother。'
　　Thequitescornthatsatuponherhandsomeface——ascornthatevidentlylightedonherself，nolessthanthem——wassointenseanddeep，thathermother'ssimper，fortheinstant，thoughofahardyconstitution，droopedbeforeit。
　　`Mydarlinggirl，'shebeganagain。
　　`Notwomanyet？'saidEdith，withasmile。
　　`Howveryoddyouareto-day，mydear！Prayletmesay，mylove，thatMajorBagstockhasbroughtthekindestofnotesfromMr。Dombey，proposingthatweshouldbreakfastwithhimto-morrow，andridetoWarwickandKenilworth。
　　Willyougo，Edith？'
　　`willIgo！'sherepeated，turningveryred，andbreathingquicklyasshelookedroundathermother。
　　`Iknewyouwould，myown，'observedthelattercarelessly。`Itis，asyousay，quiteaformtoask。HereisMr。Dombey'sletter，Edith。'
　　`Thankyou。Ihavenodesiretoreadit，'washeranswer。
　　`ThenperhapsIhadbetteransweritmyself，'saidMrs。Skewton，`thoughIhadthoughtofaskingyoutobemysecretary，darling。'
　　AsEdithmadenomovementandnoanswer，Mrs。SkewtonbeggedtheMajortowheelherlittletablenearer，andtosetopenthedeskitcontained，andtotakeoutpenandpaperforher；allwhichcongenialofficesofgallantrytheMajordischarged，withmuchsubmissionanddevotion。
　　`Yourregards，Edith，mydear？'saidMrs。Skewton，pausing，peninhand，atthepostscript。
　　`Whatyouwill，Mama，'sheanswered，withoutturningherhead，andwithsupremeindifference。
　　Mrs。Skewtonwrotewhatshewould，withoutseekingforanymoreexplicitdirections，andhandedherlettertotheMajor，whoreceivingitasapreciouscharge，madeashowoflayingitnearhisheart，butwasfaintoputitinthepocketofhispantaloonsonaccountoftheinsecurityofhiswaistcoat。TheMajorthentookaverypolishedandchivalrousfarewellofbothladies，whichtheelderoneacknowledgedinherusualmanner，whiletheyounger，sittingwithherfaceaddressedtothewindow，bentherheadsoslightlythatitwouldhavebeenagreatercomplimenttotheMajortohavemadenosignatall，andtohavelefthimtoinferthathehadnotbeenheardorthoughtof。
　　`Astoalterationinher，Sir，'musedtheMajoronhiswayback；
　　onwhichexpedition——theafternoonbeingsunnyandhot——heorderedtheNativeandthelightbaggagetothefront，andwalkedintheshadowofthatexpatriatedprince：`astoalteration，Sir，andpining，andsoforth，thatwon'tgodownwithJosephBagstock。Noneofthat，Sir。Itwon'tdohere。Butastotherebeingsomethingofadivisionbetween'em——oragulfasthemothercallsit——damme，Sir，thatseemstrueenough。Andit'soddenough！Well，Sir！'pantedtheMajor，`EdithGrangerandDombeyarewellmatched；let'emfightitout！Bagstockbacksthewinner！'
　　TheMajor，bysayingtheselatterwordsaloud，inthevigourofhisthoughts，causedtheunhappyNativetostop，andturnround，inthebeliefthathewaspersonallyaddressed。Exasperatedtothelastdegreebythisactofinsubordination，theMajorthoughhewasswellingwithenjoymentofhisownhumour，atthemomentofitsoccurrenceinstantlythrusthiscaneamongtheNative'sribs，andcontinuedtostirhimup，atshortintervals，allthewaytotheHotel。
　　NorwastheMajorlessexasperatedashedressedfordinner，duringwhichoperationthedarkservantunderwentthepeltingofashowerofmiscellaneousobjects，varyinginsizefromaboottoahairbrush，andincludingeverythingthatcamewithinhismaster'sreach。FortheMajorplumbedhimselfonhavingtheNativeinaperfectstateofdrill，andvisitedtheleastdeparturefromstrictdisciplinewiththiskindoffatigueduty。Addtothis，thathemaintainedtheNativeabouthispersonasacounter-irritantagainstthegout，andallothervexations，mentalaswellasbodily；andtheNativewouldappeartohaveearnedhispay——whichwasnotlarge。
　　Atlength，theMajorhavingdisposedofallthemissilesthatwereconvenienttohishand，andhavingcalledtheNativesomanynewnamesasmusthavegivenhimgreatoccasiontomarvelattheresourcesoftheEnglishlanguage，submittedtohavehiscravatputon；andbeingdressed，andfindinghimselfinabriskflowofspiritsafterthisexercise，wentdownstairstoenliven`Dombey'andhisright-handman。
　　Dombeywasnotyetintheroom，buttheright-handmanwasthere，andhisdentaltreasureswere，asusual，readyfortheMajor。
　　`Well，Sir！'saidtheMajor。`HowhaveyoupassedthetimesinceIhadthehappinessofmeetingyou？Haveyouwalkedatall？'
　　`Asaunterofbarelyhalfanhour'sduration，'returnedCarker。
　　`Wehavebeensomuchoccupied。'
　　`Business，eh？'saidtheMajor。
　　`Avarietyoflittlemattersnecessarytobegonethrough，'repliedCarker。`Butdoyouknow——thisisquiteunusualwithme，educatedinadistrustfulschool，andwhoamnotgenerallydisposedtobecommunicative，'
　　hesaid，breakingoff，andspeakinginacharmingtoneoffrankness——`butIfeelquiteconfidentialwithyou，MajorBagstock。'
　　`Youdomehonour，Sir，'returnedtheMajor。`Youmaybe。'
　　`Doyouknow，then，'pursuedCarker，`thatIhavenotfoundmyfriend——ourfriend，Ioughtrathertocallhim——'
　　`MeaningDombey，Sir？'criedtheMajor。`Youseeme，Mr。Carker，standinghere！J。B。？'
　　Hewaspuffyenoughtosee，andblueenough；andMr。Carkerintimatedthathehadthatpleasure。
　　`Thenyouseeaman，Sir，whowouldgothroughfireandwatertoserveDombey，'returnedMajorBagstock。
　　Mr。Carkersmiled，andsaidhewassureofit。`Doyouknow，Major，'
　　heproceeded：`toresumewhereIleftoff：thatIhavenotfoundourfriendsoattentivetobusinessto-day，asusual？'
　　`No？'observedthedelightedMajor。
　　`Ihavefoundhimalittleabstracted，andwiththisattentiondisposedtowander，'saidCarker。
　　`ByJove，Sir，'criedtheMajor，`there'saladyinthecase。'
　　`Indeed，Ibegintobelievetherereallyis，'returnedCarker；
　　`Ithoughtyoumightbejestingwhenyouseemedtohintatit；forIknowyoumilitarymen——'
　　TheMajorgavethehorse'scough，andshookhisheadandshoulders，asmuchastosay，`Well！wearegaydogs，there'snodenying。'
　　HethenseizedMr。Carkerbythebutton-hole，andwithstartingeyeswhisperedinhisear，thatshewasawomanofextraordinarycharms，Sir。Thatshewasayoungwidow，Sir。Thatshewasofafinefamily，Sir。ThatDombeywasoverheadandearsinlovewithher，Sir，andthatitwouldbeagoodmatchonbothsides；forshehasbeauty，blood，andtalent，andDombeyhadfortune；andwhatmorecouldanycouplehave？HearingMr。Dombey'sfootstepswithout，theMajorcuthimselfshortbysaying，thatMr。Carkerwouldseeherto-morrowmorning，andwouldjudgeforhimself；andbetweenhismentalexcitement，andtheexertionofsayingallthisinwheezywhispers，theMajorsatgurglinginthethroatandwateringattheeyes，untildinnerwasready。
　　TheMajor，likesomeothernobleanimals，exhibitedhimselftogreatadvantageatfeeding-time。Onthisoccasion，heshoneresplendentatoneendofthetable，supportedbythemilderlustreofMr。Dombeyattheother；whileCarkerononesidelenthisraytoeitherlight，orsufferedittomergeintoboth，asoccasionarose。
　　Duringthefirstcourseortwo，theMajorwasusuallygrave；fortheNative，inobediencetogeneralorders，secretlyissued，collectedeverysauceandcruetroundhim，andgavehimagreatdealtodo，intakingoutthestoppers，andmixingupthecontentsinhisplate。Besideswhich，theNativehadprivatezestsandflavoursonaside-table，withwhichtheMajordailyscorchedhimself；tosaynothingofstrangemachinesoutofwhichhespirtedunknownliquidsintotheMajor'sdrink。Butonthisoccasion，MajorBagstock，evenamidstthesemanyoccupations，foundtimetobesocial；
　　andhissocialityconsistedinexcessiveslynessforthebehoofofMr。
　　Carker，andthebetrayalofMr。Dombey'sstateofmind。
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，`youdon'teat；what'sthematter？'
　　`Thankyou，'returnedthatgentleman，`Iamdoingverywell；Ihavenogreatappetiteto-day。'
　　`Why，Dombey，what'sbecomeofit？'askedtheMajor。`Where'sitgone？Youhaven'tleftitwithourfriends，I'llswear，forIcananswerfortheirhavingnoneto-dayatluncheon。Icananswerforoneof'em，atleast：Iwon'tsaywhich。'
　　ThentheMajorwinkedatCarker，andbecamesofrightfullysly，thathisdarkattendantwasobligedtopathimontheback，withoutorders，orhewouldprobablyhavedisappearedunderthetable。
　　Inalaterstageofthedinner：thatistosay，whentheNativestoodattheMajor'selbowreadytoservethefirstbottleofchampagne：
　　theMajorbecamestillslyer。
　　`Fillthistothebrim，youscoundrel，'saidtheMajor，holdinguphisglass。`FillMr。Carker'stothebrimtoo。AndMr。Dombey'stoo。
　　ByGad，gentlemen，'saidtheMajor，winkingathisnewfriend，whileMr。
　　Dombeylookedintohisplatewithaconsciousair，`we'llconsecratethisglassofwinetoaDivinitywhomJoeisproudtoknow，andatadistancehumblyandreverentlytoadmire。Edith，'saidtheMajor，`ishername；
　　angelicEdith！'
　　`ToangelicEdith！'criedthesmilingCarker。
　　`Edith，byallmeans，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　TheentranceofthewaiterswithnewdishescausedtheMajortobeslyeryet，butinamoreseriousvein。`Forthoughamongourselves，JoeBagstockminglesjestandearnestonthissubject，Sir，'saidtheMajor，layinghisfingeronhislips，andspeakinghalfaparttoCarker，`heholdsthatnametoosacredtobemadethepropertyofthesefellows，orofanyfellows。Notaword，Sir，whiletheyarehere！'
　　ThiswasrespectfulandbecomingontheMajor'spart，andMr。
　　Dombeyplainlyfeltitso。Althoughembarrassedinhisownfrigidway，bytheMajor'sallusions，Mr。Dombeyhasnoobjectiontosuchrallying，itwasclear，butrathercourtedit。PerhapstheMajorhadbeenprettynearthetruth，whenhehaddivinedthatmorningthatthegreatmanwhowastoohaughtyformallytoconsultwith，orconfideinhisprimeminister，onsuchamatter，yetwishedhimtobefullypossessedofit。Letthisbehowitmay，heoftenglancedatMr。CarkerwhiletheMajorpliedhislightartillery，andseemedwatchfulofitseffectuponhim。
　　ButtheMajor，havingsecuredanattentivelistener，andasmilerwhohadnothismatchinalltheworld——`inshort，ade-vilishintelligentandagreeablefellow，'asheoftenafterwardsdeclared——wasnotgoingtolethimoffwithalittleslynesspersonaltoMr。Dombey。Therefore，ontheremovalofthecloth，theMajordevelopedhimselfasachoicespiritinthebroaderandmorecomprehensiverangeofnarratingregimentalstories，andcrackingregimentaljokes，whichhedidwithsuchprodigalexuberance，thatCarkerwasorfeignedtobequiteexhaustedwithlaughterandadmiration：
　　whileMr。Dombeylookedonoverhisstarchedcravat，liketheMajor'sproprietor，orlikeastatelyshowmanwhowasgladtoseehisbeardancingwell。
　　WhentheMajorwastoohoarsewithmeatanddrink，andthedisplayofhissocialpowers，torenderhimselfintelligibleanylonger，theyadjournedtocoffee。Afterwhich，theMajorinquiredofMr。CarkertheManager，withlittleapparenthopeofananswerintheaffirmative，ifheplayedpicquet。
　　`Yes，Iplaypicquetalittle，'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Backgammon，perhaps？'observedtheMajor，hesitating。
　　`Yes，Iplaybackgammonalittletoo，'repliedthemanofteeth。
　　`Carkerplaysatallgames，Ibelieve，'saidMr。Dombey，layinghimselfonasofalikeamanofwood，withoutahingeorajointinhim；
　　`andplaysthemwell。'
　　Insooth，heplayedthetwoinquestion，tosuchperfection，thattheMajorwasastonished，andaskedhim，atrandom，ifheplayedchess。
　　`Yes，Iplaychessalittle，'answeredCarker。`Ihavesometimesplayed，andwonagame——it'sameretrick——withoutseeingtheboard。'
　　`ByGad，Sir！'saidtheMajor，staring，`youareacontrasttoDombey，whoplaysnothing。'
　　`Oh！He！'returnedtheManager。`Hehasneverhadoccasiontoacquiresuchlittlearts。Tomenlikeme，theyaresometimesuseful。Asatpresent，MajorBagstock，whentheyenablemetotakeahandwithyou。'
　　Itmightbeonlythefalsemouth，sosmoothandwide；andyetthereseemedtolurkbeneaththehumilityandsubserviencyofthisshortspeech，asomethinglikeasnarl；and，foramoment，onemighthavethoughtthatthewhiteteethwerepronetobitethehandtheyfawnedupon。ButtheMajorthoughtnothingaboutit；andMr。Dombeylaymeditatingwithhiseyeshalfshut，duringthewholeoftheplay，whichlasteduntilbed-time。
　　Bythattime，Mr。Carker，thoughthewinner，hadmountedhighintotheMajor'sgoodopinion，insomuchthatwhenhelefttheMajorathisownroombeforegoingtobed，theMajorasaspecialattention，senttheNative——whoalwaysrestedonamattressspreaduponthegroundathismaster'sdoor——alongthegallery，tolighthimtohisroominstate。
　　TherewasafaintbluronthesurfaceofthemirrorinMr。Carker'schamber，anditsreflectionwas，perhaps，afalseone。Butitshowed，thatnight，theimageofaman，whosaw，inhisfancy，acrowdofpeopleslumberingonthegroundathisfeet，likethepoorNativeathismaster'sdoor：whopickedhiswayamongthem：lookingdown，maliciouslyenough：buttroduponnoupturnedface——asyet。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter27[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIIDeeperShadowsMr。CARKERtheMangerrosewiththelark，andwentout，walkinginthesummerday。Hismeditations——andhemeditatedwithcontractedbrowswhilehestrolledalong——hardlyseemedtosoarashighasthelark，ortomountinthatdirection；rathertheykeptclosetotheirnestupontheearth，andlookedabout，amongthedustandworms。Buttherewasnotabirdintheair，singingunseen，fartherbeyondthereachofhumaneyethanMr。
　　Carker'sthoughts。Hehadhisfacesoperfectlyundercontrol，thatfewcouldsaymore，indistinctterms，ofitsexpression，thanthatitsmiledorthatitpondered。Itponderednow，intently。Asthelarkrosehigher，hesankdeeperinthought。Asthelarkpouredouthermelodyclearerandstronger，hefellintoagraverandprofoundersilence。Atlength，whenthelarkcameheadlongdown，withanaccumulatingstreamofsong，anddroppedamongthegreenwheatnearhim，ripplinginthebreathofthemorninglikeariver，hesprangupfromhisreverie，andlookedroundwithasuddensmile，ascourteousandassoftasifhehadhadnumerousobserverstopropitiate；nordidherelapse，afterbeingthusawakened；butclearinghisface，likeonewhobethoughthimselfthatitmightotherwisewrinkleandtelltales，wentsmilingon，asifforpractice。
　　Perhapswithaneyetofirstimpressions，Mr。Carkerwasverycarefullyandtrimlydressed，thatmorning。Thoughalwayssomewhatformal，inhisdress，inintimationofthegreatmanwhomheserved，hestoppedshortoftheextentofMr。Dombey'sstiffness：atonceperhapsbecauseheknewittobeludicrous，andbecauseindoingsohefoundanothermeansofexpressinghissenseofthedifferenceanddistancebetweenthem。Somepeoplequotedhimindeed，inthisrespect，asapointedcommentary，andnotaflatteringone，onhisicypatron——buttheworldispronetomisconstruction，andMr。Carkerwasnotaccountableforitsbadpropensity。
　　Cleanandflorid：withhislightcomplexion，fadingasitwere，inthesun，andhisdaintystepenhancingthesoftnessoftheturf：Mr。
　　CarkertheManagerstrolledaboutmeadows，andgreenlanes，andglidedamongavenuesoftrees，untilitwastimetoreturntobreakfast。Takinganearerwayback，Mr。Carkerpursued，airinghisteeth，andsaidaloudashedidso，`NowtoseethesecondMrs。Dombey！'
　　Hehadstrolledbeyondthetown，andre-entereditbyapleasantwalk，wheretherewasadeepshadeofleafytrees，andwheretherewereafewbencheshereandthereforthosewhochosetorest。Itnotbeingaplaceofgeneralresortatanyhour，andwearingatthattimeofthestillmorningtheairofbeingquitedesertedandretired，Mr。Carkerhadit，orthoughthehadit，alltohimself。So，withthewhimofanidleman，towhomthereyetremainedtwentyminutesforreachingadestinationeasilyaccessibleinten，Mr。Carkerthreadedthegreatbolesofthetrees，andwentpassinginandout，beforethisoneandbehindthat，weavingachainoffootstepsonthedewyground。
　　Buthefoundhewasmistakeninsupposingtherewasnooneinthegrove，forashesoftlyroundedthetrunkofonelargetree，onwhichtheobduratebarkwasknottedandoverlappedlikethehideofarhinocerosorsomekindredmonsteroftheancientdaysbeforetheFlood，hesawanunexpectedfiguresittingonabenchnearathand，aboutwhich，inanothermoment，hewouldhavewoundthechainhewasmaking。
　　Itwasthatofalady，elegantlydressedandveryhandsome，whosedarkproudeyeswerefixedupontheground，andinwhomsomepassionorstrugglewasraging。Forasshesatlookingdown，sheheldacornerofherunderlipwithinhermouth，herbosomheaved，hernostrilquivered，herheadtrembled，indignanttearswereonhercheek，andherfootwassetuponthemossasthoughshewouldhavecrusheditintonothing。Andyetalmosttheself-sameglancethatshowedhimthis，showedhimtheself-sameladyrisingwithascornfulairofwearinessandlassitude，andturningawaywithnothingexpressedinfaceorfigurebutcarelessbeautyandimperiousdisdain。
　　Awitheredandveryuglyoldwoman，dressednotsomuchlikeagipsyaslikeanyofthatmedleyraceofvagabondswhotrampaboutthecountry，begging，andstealing，andtinkering，andweavingrushes，byturns，oralltogether，hadbeenobservingthelady，too；for，assherose，thissecondfigurestrangelyconfrontingthefirst，scrambledupfromtheground——outofit，italmostappeared——andstoodintheway。
　　`Letmetellyourfortune，myprettylady，'saidtheoldwoman，munchingwithherjaws，asiftheDeath'sHeadbeneathheryellowskinwereimpatienttogetout。
　　`Icantellitformyself，'wasthereply。
　　`Aye，aye，prettylady；butnotright。Youdidn'ttellitrightwhenyouweresittingthere。Iseeyou！Givemeapieceofsilver，prettylady，andI'lltellyourfortunetrue。There'sriches，prettylady，inyourface。'
　　`Iknow，'returnedthelady，passingherwithadarksmile，andaproudstep。`Iknewitbefore。'
　　`What！Youwon'tgivemenothing？'criedtheoldwoman。`Youwon'tgivemenothingtotellyourfortune，prettylady？Howmuchwillyougivemenottotellit，then？Givemesomething，orI'llcallitafteryou！'croakedtheoldwoman，passionately。
　　Mr。Carker，whomtheladywasabouttopassclose，slinkingagainsthistreeasshecrossedtogainthepath，advancedsoastomeether，andpullingoffhishatasshewentby，badetheoldwomenholdherpeace。
　　Theladyacknowledgedhisinterferencewithaninclinationofthehead，andwentherway。
　　`Yougivemesomethingthen，orI'llcallitafterher！'screamedtheoldwoman，throwingupherarms，andpressingforwardagainsthisoutstretchedhand。`Orcome，'sheadded，droppinghervoicesuddenly，lookingathimearnestly，andseeminginamomenttoforgettheobjectofherwrath，`givemesomething，orI'llcallitafteryou！'
　　`Afterme，oldlady！'returnedtheManager，puttinghishandinhispocket。
　　`Yes，'saidthewoman，steadfastinherscrutiny，andholdingouthershrivelledhand。`Iknow！'
　　`Whatdoyouknow？'demandedCarker，throwingherashilling。
　　`Doyouknowwhothehandsomeladyis？'
　　Munchinglikethatsailor'swifeofyore，whohadchestnutsinherlap，andscowlinglikethewitchwhoaskedforsomeinvain，theoldwomanpickedtheshillingup，andgoingbackwards，likeacrab，orlikeaheapofcrabs：forheralternatelyexpandingandcontractinghandsmighthaverepresentedtwoofthatspecies，andhercreepingface，somehalf-a-dozenmore：crouchedontheveinousrootofanoldtree，pulledoutashortblackpipefromwithinthecrownofherbonnet，lighteditwithamatch，andsmokedinsilence，lookingfixedlyatherquestioner。
　　Mr。Carkerlaughed，andturneduponhisheel。
　　`Good！'saidtheoldwoman。`Onechilddead，andonechildliving：
　　onewifedead，andonewifecoming。Goandmeether！'
　　Inspiteofhimself，theManagerlookedroundagain，andstopped。
　　Theoldwoman，whohadnotremovedherpipe，andwasmunchingandmumblingwhileshesmoked，asifinconversationwithininvisiblefamiliar，pointedwithherfingerinthedirectionhewasgoing，andlaughed。
　　`Whatwasthatyousaid，Bedlamite？'hedemanded。
　　Thewomanmumbled，andchattered，andsmoked，andstillpointedbeforehim；butremainedsilent。Mutteringafarewellthatwasnotcomplimentary，Mr。Carkerpursuedhisway；butasheturnedoutofthatplace，andlookedoverhisshoulderattherootoftheoldtree，hecouldyetseethefingerpointingbeforehim，andthoughtheheardthewomanscreaming，`Goandmeether！'
　　Preparationsforachoicerepastwerecompleted，hefound，atthehotel；andMr。Dombey，andtheMajor，andthebreakfast，wereawaitingtheladies。Individualconstitutionhasmuchtodowiththedevelopmentofsuchfacts，nodoubt；butinthiscase，appetitecarriedithollowoverthetenderpassion；Mr。Dombeybeingverycoolandcollected，andtheMajorfrettingandfuminginastateofviolentheatandirritation。AtlengththedoorwasthrownopenbytheNative，and，afterapause，occupiedbyherlanguishingalongthegallery，averyblooming，butnotveryyouthfullady，appeared。
　　`MydearMr。Dombey，'saidthelady，`Iamafraidwearelate，butEdithhasbeenoutalreadylookingforafavourablepointofviewforasketch，andkeptmewaitingforher。FalsestofMajors，'givinghimherlittlefinger，`howdoyoudo？'
　　`Mrs。Skewton，'saidMr。Dombey，`letmegratifymyfriendCarker：'
　　Mr。Dombeyunconsciouslyemphasisedthewordfriend，assaying“noreally；
　　Idoallowhimtotakecreditforthatdistinction；“`bypresentinghimtoyou。YouhaveheardmementionMr。Carker。'
　　`Iamcharmed，Iamsure，'saidMrs。Skewton，graciously。
　　Mr。Carkerwascharmed，ofcourse。WouldhehavebeenmorecharmedonMr。Dombey'sbehalf，ifMrs。SkewtonhadbeenasheatfirstsupposedhertheEdithwhomtheyhadtoastedovernight？
　　`Why，where，forHeaven'ssake，isEdith？'exclaimedMrs。Skewton，lookinground。`Stillatthedoor，givingWithersordersaboutthemountingofthosedrawings！MydearMr。Dombey，willyouhavethekindness——'
　　Mr。Dombeywasalreadygonetoseekher。Nextmomenthereturned，bearingonhisarmthesameelegantlydressedandveryhandsomeladywhomMr。Carkerhadencounteredunderneaththetrees。
　　`Carker——'beganMr。Dombey。Buttheirrecognitionofeachotherwassomanifest，thatMr。Dombeystoppedsurprised。
　　`Iamobligedtothegentleman，'saidEdith，withastatelybend，`forsparingmesomeannoyancefromanimportunatebeggarjustnow。'
　　`Iamobligedtomygoodfortune，'saidMr。Carker，bowinglow，`fortheopportunityofrenderingsoslightaservicetoonewhoseservantIamproudtobe。'
　　Ashereyerestedonhimforaninstant，andthenlightedontheground，hesawinitsbrightandsearchingglanceasuspicionthathehadnotcomeupatthemomentofhisinterference，buthadsecretlyobservedhersooner。Ashesawthat，shesawinhiseyethatherdistrustwasnotwithoutfoundation。
　　`Really，'criedMrs。Skewton，whohadtakenthisopportunityofinspectingMr。Carkerthroughherglass，andsatisfyingherselfasshelispedaudiblytotheMajorthathewasallheart；`reallynow，thisisoneofthemostenchantingcoincidencesthatIeverheardof。Theidea！
　　MydearestEdith，thereissuchanobviousdestinyinit，thatreallyonemightalmostbeinducedtocrossone'sarmsuponone'sfrock，andsay，likethosewickedTurks，thereisnoWhat's-his-namebutThingummy，andWhat-you-may-call-itishisprophet！'
　　EdithdeignednorevisionofthisextraordinaryquotationfromtheKoran，butMr。Dombeyfeltitnecessarytoofferafewpoliteremarks。
　　`Itgivesmegreatpleasure，'saidMr。Dombey，withcumbrousgallantry，`thatagentlemansonearlyconnectedwithmyselfasCarkeris，shouldhavehadthehonourandhappinessofrenderingtheleastassistancetoMrs。Granger。'Mr。Dombeybowedtoher。`Butitgivesmesomepain，anditoccasionsmetobereallyenviousofCarker；'heunconsciouslylaidstressonthesewords，assensiblethattheymustappeartoinvolveaverysurprisingproposition；`enviousofCarker，thatIhadnotthathonourandthathappinessmyself。'Mr。Dombeybowedagain。Edith，savingforacurlofherlip，wasmotionless。
　　`BytheLord，Sir，'criedtheMajor，burstingintospeechatsightofthewaiter，whowascometoannouncebreakfast，`it'sanextraordinarythingtomethatnoonecanhavethehonourandhappinessofshootingallsuchbeggarsthroughtheheadwithoutbeingbroughttobookforit。Buthere'sanarmforMrs。Grangerifshe'lldoJ。B。thehonourtoacceptit；andthegreatestserviceJoecanrenderyou，ma'am，justnow，is，toleadyouintotable！'
　　Withthis，theMajorgavehisarmtoEdith；Mr。DombeyledthewaywithMrs。Skewton；Mr。Carkerwentlast，smilingontheparty。
　　`Iamquiterejoiced，Mr。Carker，'saidthelady-mother，atbreakfast，afteranotherapprovingsurveyofhimthroughherglass，`thatyouhavetimedyourvisitsohappily，astogowithusto-day。Itisthemostenchantingexpedition！'
　　`Anyexpeditionwouldbeenchantinginsuchsociety，'returnedCarker；
　　`butIbelieveitis，initself，fullofinterest。'
　　`Oh！'criedMrs。Skewton，withafadedlittlescreamofrapture，`theCastleischarming！——associationsoftheMiddleAges——andallthat——whichissotrulyexquisite。Don'tyoudoatupontheMiddleAges，Mr。Carker？'
　　`Verymuch，indeed，'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Suchcharmingtimes！'criedCleopatra。`Sofulloffaith！Sovigorousandforcible！Sopicturesque！Soperfectlyremovedfromcommonplace！Ohdear！Iftheywouldonlyleaveusalittlemoreofthepoetryofexistenceintheseterribledays！'
　　Mrs。SkewtonwaslookingsharpafterMr。Dombeyallthetimeshesaidthis，whowaslookingatEdith：whowaslistening，butwhoneverlifteduphereyes。
　　`Wearedreadfullyreal，Mr。Carker，'saidMrs。Skewton；`arewenot？'
　　FewpeoplehaslessreasontocomplainoftheirrealitythanCleopatra，whohadasmuchthatwasfalseaboutherascouldwellgotothecompositionofanybodywitharealindividualexistence。ButMr。Carkercommiseratedourrealitynevertheless，andagreedthatwewereveryhardlyusedinthatregard。
　　`PicturesattheCastle，quitedivine！'saidCleopatra。`Ihopeyoudoatuponpictures？'
　　`Iassureyou，Mrs。Skewton，'saidMr。Dombey，withsolemnencouragementofhisManager，`thatCarkerhasaverygoodtasteforpictures；quiteanaturalpowerofappreciatingthem。Heisaverycreditableartisthimself。
　　Hewillbedelighted，Iamsure，withMrs。Granger'stasteandskill。'
　　`Damme，Sir！'criedMajorBagstock，`myopinionis，thatyou'retheadmirableCarker，andcandoanything。'
　　`Oh！'smiledCarker，withhumility，`youaremuchtoosanguine，MajorBagstock。Icandoverylittle。ButMr。Dombeyissogenerousinhisestimationofanytrivialaccomplishmentamanlikemyselfmayfinditalmostnecessarytoacquire，andtowhich，inhisverydifferentsphere，heisfarsuperior，that——'Mr。Carkershruggedhisshoulders，deprecatingfurtherpraise，andsaidnomore。
　　Allthistime，Edithneverraisedhereyes，unlesstoglancetowardshermotherwhenthatlady'sferventspiritshoneforthinwords。ButasCarkerceased，shelookedatMr。Dombeyforamoment。Foramomentonly；
　　butwithatransientgleamofscornfulwonderonherface，notlostononeobserver，whowassmilingroundtheboard。
　　Mr。Dombeycaughtthedarkeyelashinitsdescent，andtooktheopportunityofarrestingit。
　　`YouhavebeentoWarwickoften，unfortunately？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Severaltimes'
　　`Thevisitwillbetedioustoyou，Iamafraid。'
　　`Ohno；notatall。'
　　`Ah！YouarelikeyourcousinFeenix，mydearestEdith，'saidMrs。Skewton。`HehasbeentoWarwickCastlefiftytimes，ifhehasbeenthereonce；yetifhecametoLeamingtonto-morrow——Iwishhewould，dearangel！——hewouldmakehisfifty-secondvisitnextday。'
　　`Weareallenthusiastic，arewenot，mama？'saidEdith，withacoldsmile。
　　`Toomuchso，forourpeace，perhaps，mydear，'returnedhermother；
　　`butwewon'tcomplain。Ourownemotionsareourrecompense。If，asyourcousinFeenixsays，theswordwearsoutthewhat's-its-name——'
　　`Thescabbard，perhaps，'saidEdith。
　　`Exactly——alittletoofast，itisbecauseitisbrightandglowing，youknow，mydearestlove。'
　　Mrs。Skewtonheavedagentlesigh，supposedtocastashadowonthesurfaceofthatdaggeroflath，whereofhersusceptiblebosomwasthesheath：andleaningherheadononeside，intheCleopatramanner，lookedwithpensiveaffectiononherdarlingchild。
　　EdithhadturnedherfacetowardsMr。Dombeywhenhefirstaddressedher，andhadremainedinthatattitude，whilespeakingtohermother，andwhilehermotherspoketoher，asthoughofferinghimherattention，ifhehadanythingmoretosay。Therewassomethinginthemannerofthissimplecourtesy：almostdefiant，andgivingitthecharacterofbeingrenderedoncompulsion，orasamatteroftraffictowhichshewasareluctantparty：
　　againnotlostuponthatsameobserverwhowassmilingroundtheboard。
　　Itsethimthinkingofherashehadfirstseenher，whenshehadbelievedherselftobealoneamongthetrees。
　　Mr。Dombeyhavingnothingelsetosay，proposed——thebreakfastbeingnowfinished，andtheMajorgorged，likeanyBoaConstrictor——thattheyshouldstart。Abarouchebeinginwaiting，accordingtotheordersofthatgentleman，thetwoladies，theMajorandhimself，tooktheirseatsinit；theNativeandthewanpagemountedthebox，Mr。Towlinsonbeingleftbehind；andMr。Carker，onhorseback，broughtuptherear。
　　Mr。Carkercanteredbehindthecarriage，atthedistanceofahundredyardsorso，andwatchedit，duringalltheride，asifhewereacat，indeed，anditsfouroccupants，mice。Whetherhelookedtoonesideoftheroad，ortotheother——overdistantlandscape，withitssmoothundulations，wind-mills，corn，grass，beanfields，wild-flowers，farm-yards，hayricks，andthespireamongthewood——orupwardsinthesunnyair，wherebutterfliesweresportingroundhishead，andbirdswerepouringouttheirsongs——ordownward，wheretheshadowsofthebranchesinterlaced，andmadeatremblingcarpetontheroad——oronward，wheretheoverhangingtreesformedaislesandarches，dimwiththesoftenedlightthatsteepedthroughleaves——onecornerofhiseyewaseverontheformalheadofMr。Dombey，addressedtowardshim，andthefeatherinthebonnet，droopingsoneglectfullyandscornfullybetweenthem；muchashehadseenthehaughtyeyelidsdroop；
　　notleastso，whenthefacemetthatnowfrontingit。Once，andonceonly，didhiswaryglancereleasetheseobjects；andthatwas，whenaleapoveralowhedge，andagallopacrossafield，enabledhimtoanticipatethecarriagecomingbytheroad，andtobestandingready，atthejourney'send，tohandtheladiesout。Then，andbutthen，hemetherglanceforaninstantinherfirstsurprise；butwhenhetouchedher，inalighting，withhissoftwhitehand，itoverlookedhimaltogetherasbefore。
　　Mrs。SkewtonwasbentontakingchargeofMr。Carkerherself，andshowinghimthebeautiesoftheCastle。Shewasdeterminedtohavehisarm，andtheMajor'stoo。Itwoulddothatincorrigiblecreature：whowasthemostbarbarousinfidelinpointofpoetry：goodtobeinsuchcompany。
　　ThischancearrangementleftMr。DombeyatlibertytoescortEdith：whichhedid，stalkingbeforethemthroughtheapartmentswithagentlemanlysolemnity。
　　`Thosedarlingbyegonetimes，Mr。Carker，'saidCleopatra，`withtheirdeliciousfortresses，andtheirdearolddungeons，andtheirdelightfulplacesoftorture，andtheirromanticvengeances，andtheirpicturesqueassaultsandsieges，andeverythingthatmakeslifetrulycharming！Howdreadfullywehavedegenerated！'
　　`Yes，wehavefallenoffdeplorably，'saidMr。Carker。
　　Thepeculiarityoftheirconversationwas，thatMrs。Skewton，inspiteofherecstasies，andMr。Carker，inspiteofhisurbanity，werebothintentonwatchingMr。DombeyandEdith。Withalltheirconversationalendowments，theyspokesomewhatdistractedly，andatrandominconsequence。
　　`WehavenoFaithleft，positively，'saidMrs。Skewton，advancinghershrivelledear；forMr。DombeywassayingsomethingtoEdith。`WehavenoFaithinhedearoldBarons，whowerethemostdelightfulcreatures——orinthedearoldPriests，whowerethemostwarlikeofmen——oreveninthedaysofthatinestimableQueenBess，uponthewallthere，whichweresoextremelygolden。Dearcreature！ShewasallHeart！Andthatcharmingfatherofhers！IhopeyoudoatonHarrytheEighth！'
　　`Iadmirehimverymuch，'saidCarker。
　　`Sobluff！'criedMrs。Skewton，`wasn'the？Soburly。SotrulyEnglish。Suchapicture，too，hemakes，withhisdearlittlepeppyeyes，andhisbenevolentchin！'
　　`Ah，ma'am！'saidCarker，stoppingshort；`butifyouspeakofpictures，there'sacomposition！Whatgalleryintheworldcanproducethecounterpartofthat？'
　　Asthesmilinggentlemanthusspake，hepointedthroughadoorwaytowhereMr。DombeyandEdithwerestandingaloneinthecentreofanotherroom。
　　Theywerenotinterchangingawordoralook。Standingtogether，arminarm，theyhadtheappearanceofbeingmoredividedthanifseashadrolledbetweenthem。Therewasadifferenceevenintheprideofthetwo，thatremovedthemfartherfromeachother，thanifonehadbeentheproudestandtheotherthehumblestspecimenofhumanityinallcreation。
　　He，self-important，unbending，formal，austere。She，lovelyandgracefulinanuncommondegree，buttotallyregardlessofherselfandhimandeverythingaround，andspurningherownattractionswithherhaughtybrowandlip，asiftheywereabadgeorliveryshehated。Sounmatchedwerethey，andopposed，soforcedandlinkedtogetherbyachainwhichadversehazardandmischancehadforged：thatfancymighthaveimaginedthepicturesonthewallsaroundthem，startledbytheunnaturalconjunction，andobservantofitintheirseveralexpressions。Grimknightsandwarriorslookedscowlingonthem。Achurchman，withhishandupraised，denouncedthemockeryofsuchacouplecomingtoGod'saltar。Quietwatersinlandscapes，withthesunreflectedintheirdepths，asked，ifbettermeansofescapewerenotathand，wastherenodrowningleft？Ruinscried，`Lookhere，andseewhatWeare，weddedtouncongenialTime！'Animals，opposedbynature，worriedoneanother，asamoraltothem。LovesandCupidstooktoflightafraid，andMartyrdomhadnosuchtormentinitspaintedhistoryofsuffering。
　　Nevertheless，Mrs。SkewtonwassocharmedbythesighttowhichMr。Carkerinvokedherattention，thatshecouldnotrefrainfromsaying，halfaloud，howsweet，howveryfullofsoulitwas！Edith，overhearing，lookedround，andflushedindignantscarlettoherhair。
　　`MydearestEdithknowsIwasadmiringher！'saidCleopatra，tappingher，almosttimidly，onthebackwithherparasol。`Sweetpet！'
　　AgainMr。Carkersawthestrifehehadwitnessedsounexpectedlyamongthetrees。Againhesawthehaughtylanguorandindifferencecomeoverit，andhideitlikeacloud。
　　Shedidnotraisehereyestohim；butwithaslightperemptorymotionofthem，seemedtobidhermothercomenear。Mrs。Skewtonthoughtitexpedienttounderstandthehint，andadvancingquickly，withhertwocavaliers，keptnearherdaughterfromthattime。
　　Mr。Carkernow，havingnothingtodistracthisattention，begantodiscourseuponthepicturesandtoselectthebest，andpointthemouttoMr。Dombey：speakingwithhisusualfamiliarrecognitionofMr。Dombey'sgreatness，andrenderinghomagebyadjustinghiseye-glassforhim，orfindingouttherightplaceinhiscatalogue，orholdinghisstick，orthelike。TheseservicesdidnotsomuchoriginatewithMr。Carker，intruth，aswithMr。Dombeyhimself，whowasapttoasserthischieftainshipbysaying，withsubduedauthority，andinaneasyway——forhim——`Here，Carker，havethegoodnesstoassistme，willyou？'whichthesmilinggentlemanalwaysdidwithpleasure。
　　Theymadethetourofthepictures，thewalls，crow'snest，andsoforth；andastheywerestillonelittleparty，andtheMajorwasratherintheshade：beingsleepyduringtheprocessofdigestion：Mr。Carkerbecamecommunicativeandagreeable。Atfirst，headdressedhimselfforthemostparttoMrs。Skewton；butasthatsensitiveladywasinsuchecstasieswiththeworksofart，afterthefirstquarterofanhour，thatshecoulddonothingbutyawntheyweresuchperfectinspirations，sheobservedasareasonforthatmarkofrapture，hetransferredhisattentionstoMr。Dombey。Mr。Dombeysaidlittlebeyondanoccasional`Verytrue，Carker，'
　　or`Indeed，Carker，'buthetacitlyencouragedCarkertoproceed，andinwardlyapprovedofhisbehaviourverymuch：deemingitaswellthatsomebodyshouldtalk，andthinkingthathisremarks，whichwere，asonemightsay，abranchoftheparentestablishment，mightamuseMrs。Granger。Mr。Carker，whopossessedanexcellentdiscretion，nevertookthelibertyofaddressingthatlady，direct；butsheseemedtolisten，thoughsheneverlookedathim；andonceortwice，whenhewasemphaticinhispeculiarhumility，thetwilightsmilestoleoverherface，notasalight，butasadeepblackshadow。
　　WarwickCastlebeingatlengthprettywellexhausted，andtheMajorverymuchso：tosaynothingofMrs。Skewton，whosepeculiardemonstrationsofdelighthadbecomeveryfrequentindeed：thecarriagewasagainputinrequisition，andtheyrodetoseveraladmiredpointsofviewintheneighbourhood。Mr。Dombeyceremoniouslyobservedofoneofthese，thatasketch，howeverslight，fromthefairhandofMrs。Granger，wouldbearemembrancetohimofthatagreeableday：thoughhewantednoartificialremembrance，hewassurehereMr。Dombeymadeanotherofhisbows，whichhemustalwayshighlyvalue。WitherstheleanhavingEdith'ssketch-bookunderhisarm，wasimmediatelycalleduponbyMrs。Skewtontoproducethesame：andthecarriagestopped，thatEdithmightmakethedrawing，whichMr。Dombeywastoputawayamonghistreasures。
　　`ButIamafraidItroubleyoutoomuch，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Bynomeans。Wherewouldyouwishittakenfrom？'sheanswered，turningtohimwiththesameenforcedattentionasbefore。
　　Mr。Dombey，withanotherbow，whichcrackedthestarchinhiscravat，wouldbegtoleavethattotheArtist。
　　`Iwouldratheryouchoseforyourself，'saidEdith。
　　`Supposethen，'saidMr。Dombey，`wesayfromhere。Itappearsagoodspotforthepurpose，or——Carker，whatdoyouthink？'
　　Therehappenedtobeintheforeground，atsomelittledistance，agroveoftrees，notunlikethatinwhichMr。Carkerhadmadehischainoffootstepsinthemorning，andwithaseatunderonetree，greatlyresembling，inthegeneralcharacterofitssituation，thepointwherehischainhadbroken。
　　`MightIventuretosuggesttoMrs。Granger，'saidCarker，`thatthatisaninteresting——almostacurious——pointofview？'
　　Shefollowedthedirectionofhisriding-whipwithhereyes，andraisedthemquicklytohisface。Itwasthesecondglancetheyhadexchangedsincetheirintroduction；andwouldhavebeenexactlylikethefirst，butthatitsexpressionwasplainer。
　　`Willyoulikethat？'saidEdithtoMr。Dombey。
　　`Ishallbecharmed，'saidMr。DombeytoEdith。
　　ThereforethecarriagewasdriventothespotwhereMr。Dombeywastobecharmed；andEdith，withoutmovingfromherseat，andopeninghersketch-bookwithherusualproudindifference，begantosketch。
　　`Mypencilsareallpointless，'shesaid，stoppingandturningthemover。
　　`Prayallowme，'saidMr。Dombey。`OrCarkerwilldoitbetter，asheunderstandsthesethings。Carker，havethegoodnesstoseetothesepencilsforMrs。Granger。'
　　Mr。Carkerrodeupclosetothecarriage-dooronMrs。Granger'sside，andlettingthereinfallonhishorse'sneck，tookthepencilsfromherhandwithasmileandabow，andsatinthesaddleleisurelymendingthem。Havingdoneso，hebeggedtobeallowedtoholdthem，andtohandthemtoherastheywererequired；andthusMr。Carker，withmanycommendationsofMrs。Granger'sextraordinaryskill——especiallyintrees——remainedcloseatherside，lookingoverthedrawingasshemadeit。Mr。Dombeyinthemeantimestoodboltuprightinthecarriagelikeahighlyrespectableghost，lookingontoo；whileCleopatraandtheMajordalliedastwoancientdovesmightdo。
　　`Areyousatisifiedwiththat，orshallIfinishitalittlemore？'
　　saidEdith，showingthesketchtoMr。Dombey。
　　Mr。Dombeybeggedthatitmightnotbetouched；itwasperfection。
　　`Itismostextraordinary，'saidCarker，bringingeveryoneofhisredgumstobearuponhispraise。`Iwasnotpreparedforanythingsobeautiful，andsounusualaltogether。'
　　Thismighthaveappliedtothesketchernolessthantothesketch；
　　butMr。Carker'smannerwasopennessitself——notastohismouthalone，butastohiswholespirit。SoitcontinuedtobewhilethedrawingwaslaidasideforMr。Dombey，andwhilethesketchingmaterialswereputup；
　　thenhehandedinthepencilswhichwerereceivedwithadistantacknowledgmentofhishelp，butwithoutalook，andtighteninghisrein，fellback，andfollowedthecarriageagain。
　　Thinking，perhaps，asherode，thateventhistrivialsketchhadbeenmadeanddeliveredtoitsowner，asifithadbeenbargainedforandbought。Thinking，perhaps，thatalthoughshehadassentedwithsuchperfectreadinesstohisrequest，herhaughtyface，bentoverthedrawing，orglancingatthedistantobjectsrepresentedinit，hadbeenthefaceofaproudwoman，engagedinasordidandmiserabletransaction。Thinking，perhaps，ofsuchthings：butsmilingcertainly，andwhileheseemedtolookabouthimfreely，inenjoymentoftheairandexercise，keepingalwaysthatsharpcornerofhiseyeuponthecarriage。
　　AstrollamongthehauntedruinsofKenilworth，andmoreridestomorepointsofview；mostofwhich，Mrs。SkewtonremindedMr。Dombey，Edithhadalreadysketched，ashehadseeninlookingoverherdrawings：
　　broughttheday'sexpeditiontoaclose。Mrs。SkewtonandEdithweredriventotheirownlodgings；Mr。CarkerwasgraciouslyinvitedbyCleopatratoreturnthitherwithMr。DombeyandtheMajor，intheevening，tohearsomeofEdith'smusic；andthethreegentlemenrepairedtotheirhoteldinner。
　　Thedinnerwasthecounterpartofyesterday's，exceptthattheMajorwastwenty-fourhoursmoretriumphantandlessmysterious。Edithwastoastedagain。Mr。Dombeywasagainagreeablyembarrassed。AndMr。
　　Carkerwasfullofinterestandpraise。
　　TherewerenoothervisitorsatMrs。Skewton's。Edith'sdrawingswerestrewnabouttheroom，alittlemoreabundantlythanusualperhaps；
　　andWithers，thewanpage，handedroundalittlestrongertea。Theharpwasthere；thepianowasthere；andEdithsangandplayed。ButeventhemusicwasplayedbyEdithtoMr。Dombey'sorder，asitwere，inthesameuncompromisingway。Asthus。
　　`Edith，mydearestlove，'saidMrs。Skewton，halfanhouraftertea，`Mr。Dombeyisdyingtohearyou，Iknow。'
　　`Mr。Dombeyhaslifeenoughlefttosaysoforhimself，mama，Ihavenodoubt。'
　　`Ishallbeimmenselyobliged，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Whatdoyouwish？'
　　`Piano？'hesitatedMr。Dombey。
　　`Whateveryouplease。Youhaveonlytochoose。'
　　Accordingly，shebeganwiththepiano。Itwasthesamewiththeharp；thesamewithhersinging；thesamewiththeselectionofthepiecesthatshesangandplayed。Suchfrigidandconstrained，yetpromptandpointedacquiescencewiththewishesheimposeduponher，andonnooneelse，wassufficientlyremarkabletopenetratethroughallthemysteriesofpicquet，andimpressitselfonMr。Carker'skeenattention。NordidhelosesightofthefactthatMr。Dombeywasevidentlyproudofhispower，andlikedtoshowit。
　　Nevertheless，Mr。Carkerplayedsowell——somegameswiththeMajor，andsomewithCleopatra，whosevigilanceofeyeinrespectofMr。DombeyandEdithnolynxcouldhavesurpassed——thatheevenheightenedhispositioninthelady-mother'sgoodgraces；andwhenontakingleaveheregrettedthathewouldbeobligedtoreturntoLondonnextmorning，Cleopatratrusted：
　　communityoffeelingnotbeingmetwitheveryday：thatitwasfarfrombeingthelasttimetheywouldmeet。
　　`Ihopeso，'saidMr。Carker，withanexpressivelookatthecoupleinthedistance，ashedrewtowardsthedoor，followingtheMajor。`Ithinkso。'
　　Mr。Dombey，whohadtakenastatelyleaveofEdith，bent，ormadesomeapproachtoabend，overCleopatra'scouch，andsaid，inalowvoice：
　　`IhaverequestedMrs。Granger'spermissiontocallonherto-morrowmorning——forapurpose——andshehasappointedtwelveo'clock。MayIhopetohavethepleasureoffindingyouathome，madam，afterwards？'
　　Cleopatrawassomuchflutteredandmoved，byhearingthis，ofcourse，incomprehensiblespeech，thatshecouldonlyshuthereyes，andshakeherhead，andgiveMr。Dombeyherhand；whichMr。Dombey，notexactlyknowingwhattodowith，dropped。
　　`Dombey，comealong！'criedtheMajor，lookinginatthedoor。
　　`Damme，Sir，oldJoehasagreatmindtoproposeanalterationinthenameoftheRoyalHotel，andthatitshouldbecalledtheTreeJollyBachelors，inhonourofourselvesandCarker。'WiththistheMajorslappedMr。Dombeyontheback，andwinkingoverhisshoulderattheladies，withafrightfultendencyofbloodtothehead，carriedhimoff。
　　Mrs。Skewtonreposedonhersofa，andEdithsatapart，byherharp，insilence。Themother，triflingwithherfan，lookedstealthilyatthedaughtermorethanonce，butthedaughter，broodinggloomilywithdowncasteyes，wasnottobedisturbed。
　　Thustheyremainedforalonghour，withoutaword，untilMrs。
　　Skewton'smaidappeared，accordingtocustom，topreparehergraduallyfornight。Atnight，sheshouldhavebeenaskeleton，withdartandhour-glass，ratherthanawoman，thisattendant；forhertouchwasasthetouchofDeath。Thepaintedobjectshrivelledunderneathherhand；theformcollapsed，thehairdroppedoff，thearcheddarkeyebrowschangedtoscantytuftsofgrey；thepalelipsshrunk，theskinbecamecadaverousandloose；anold，worn，yellow，noddingwoman，withredeyes，aloneremainedinCleopatra'splace，huddledup，likeaslovenlybundle，inagreasyflannelgown。
　　Theveryvoicewaschanged，asitaddressedEdith，whentheywerealoneagain。
　　`Whydon'tyoutellme，'itsaidsharply，`thatheiscominghereto-morrowbyappointment？'
　　`Becauseyouknowit，'returnedEdith，`Mother。'
　　Themockingemphasisshelaidonthatoneword！
　　`Youknowhehasboughtme，'sheresumed。`Orthathewill，to-morrow。
　　Hehasconsideredofhisbargain；hehasshownittohisfriend；heisevenratherproudofit；hethinksthatitwillsuithim，andmaybehadsufficientlycheap；andhewillbuyto-morrow。God，thatIhavelivedforthis，andthatIfeelit！'
　　Compressintoonehandsomefacetheconsciousself-abasement，andtheburningindignationofahundredwomen，stronginpassionandinpride；andthereithiditselfwithtwowhiteshudderingarms。
　　`Whatdoyoumean？'returnedtheangrymother。`Haven'tyoufromachild——'
　　`Achild！'saidEdith，lookingather，`whenwasIachild？Whatchildhooddidyoueverleavetome？Iwasawoman——artful，designing，mercenary，layingsnaresformen——beforeIknewmyself，oryou，orevenunderstoodthebaseandwretchedaimofeverynewdisplayIlearnt。Yougavebirthtoawoman。Lookuponher。Sheisinherprideto-night。'
　　Andasshespoke，shestruckherhanduponherbeautifulbosom，asthoughshewouldhavebeatendownherself。
　　`Lookatme，'shesaid，`whohaveneverknownwhatitistohaveanhonestheart，andlove。Lookatme，taughttoschemeandplotwhenchildrenplay；andmarriedinmyyouth——anoldageofdesign——tooneforwhomI
　　hadnofeelingbutindifference。Lookatme，whomheleftawidow，dyingbeforehisinheritancedescendedtohim——ajudgmentonyou！welldeserved！——andtellmewhathasbeenmylifefortenyearssince。'
　　`Wehavebeenmakingeveryefforttoendeavourtosecuretoyouagoodestablishment，'rejoinedhermother。`Thathasbeenyourlife。Andnowyouhavegotit。'
　　`Thereisnoslaveinamarket；thereisnohorseinafair：soshownandofferedandexaminedandparaded，mother，asIhavebeen，fortenshamefulyears，'criedEdith，withaburningbrow，andthesamebitteremphasisontheoneword。`Isitnotso？HaveIbeenmadethebye-wordofallkindsofmen？Havefools，haveprofligates，haveboys，havedotards，dangledafterme，andonebyonerejectedme，andfallenoff，becauseyouweretooplainwithallyourcunning：yes，andtootrue，withallthosefalsepretences：untilwehavealmostcometobenotorious？Thelicenceoflookandtouch，'shesaid，withflashingeyes，`haveIsubmittedtoit，inhalftheplacesofresortuponthemapofEngland。HaveIbeenhawkedandvendedhereandthereuntilthelastgrainofself-respectisdeadwithinme，andIloathemyself？Hasthisbeenmylatechildhood？
　　Ihadnonebefore。DonottellmethatIhad，to-night，ofallnightsinmylife！'
　　`Youmighthavebeenwellmarried，'saidhermother，`twentytimesatleast，Edith，ifyouhadgivenencouragementenough。'
　　`No！Whotakesme，refusethatIam，andasIwelldeservetobe，'sheanswered，raisingherhead，andtremblinginherenergyofshameandstormypride，`shalltakeme，asthismandoes，withnoartofmineputforthtolurehim。Heseesmeattheauction，andhethinksitwelltobuyme。Lethim！Whenhecametoviewme——perhapstobid——herequiredtoseetherollofmyaccomplishments。Igaveittohim。Whenhewouldhavemeshowoneofthem，tojustifyhispurchasetohismen，Irequireofhimtosaywhichhedemands，andIexhibitit。Iwilldonomore。Hemakesthepurchaseofhisownwill，andwithhisownsenseofitsworth，andthepowerofhismoney；andIhopeitmayneverdisappointhim。Ihavenotvauntedandpressedthebargain；neitherhaveyou，sofarasI
　　havebeenabletopreventyou。'
　　`Youtalkstrangelyto-night，Edith，toyourownmother。'
　　`Itseemssotome；strangertomethanyou，'saidEdith。`Butmyeducationwascompletedlongago。Iamtoooldnow，andhavefallentoolow，bydegrees，totakeanewcourse，andtostopyours，andtohelpmyself。Thegermofallthatpurifiesawoman'sbreast，andmakesittrueandgood，hasneverstirredinmine，andIhavenothingelsetosustainmewhenIdespisemyself。'Therehadbeenatouchingsadnessinhervoice，butitwasgone，whenshewentontosay，withacurledlip，`So，aswearegenteelandpoor，Iamcontentthatweshouldbemaderichbythesemeans；allIsayis，IhavekepttheonlypurposeIhavehadthestrengthtoform——Ihadalmostsaidthepower，withyouatmyside，mother——andhavenottemptedthismanon。'
　　`Thisman！Youspeak，'saidhermother，`asifyouhatedhim。'
　　`AndyouthoughtIlovedhim，didyounot？'sheanswered，stoppingonherwayacrosstheroom，andlookinground。`ShallItellyou，'shecontinued，withhereyesfixedonhermother，`whoalreadyknowsusthoroughly，andreadsusright，andbeforewhomIhaveevenlessofself-respectorconfidencethanbeforemyowninwardself；beingsomuchdegradedbyhisknowledgeofme？'
　　`Thisisanattack，Isuppose，'returnedhermothercoldly，`onpoor，unfortunatewhat's-his-name——Mr。Carker！Yourwantofself-respectandconfidence，mydear，inreferencetothatpersonwhoisveryagreeable，itstrikesme，isnotlikelytohavemucheffectonyourestablishment。
　　Whydoyoulookatmesohard？Areyouill？'
　　Edithsuddenlyletfallherface，asifithadbeenstung，andwhileshepressedherhandsuponit，aterribletremblecreptoverherwholeframe。Itwasquicklygone；andwithherusualstep，shepassedoutoftheroom。
　　Themaidwhoshouldhavebeenaskeleton，thenreappeared，andgivingonearmtohermistress，whoappearedtohavetakenoffhermannerwithhercharms，andtohaveputonparalysiswithherflannelgown，collectedtheashesofCleopatra，andcarriedthemawayintheother，readyfortomorrow'srevivification。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter28[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIIIAlterations`SOthedayhascomeatlength，Susan，'saidFlorencetotheexcellentNipper，`whenwearegoingbacktoourquiethome！'
　　Susandrewinherbreathwithanamountofexpressionnoteasilydescribed，andfurtherrelievingherfeelingswithasmartcough，answered，`Veryquietindeed，MissFloy，nodoubt。Excessiveso。'
　　`WhenIwasachild，'saidFlorence，thoughtfully，andaftermusingforsomemoments，`didyoueverseethatgentlemanwhohastakenthetroubletoridedownheretospeaktome，nowthreetimes——threetimes，Ithink，Susan？'
　　`Threetimes，Miss，'returnedtheNipper。`OncewhenyouwasoutawalkingwiththemSket——'
　　Florencegentlylookedather，andMissNippercheckedherself。
　　`WithSirBarnetandhislady，Imeantosay，Miss，andtheyounggentleman。Andtwoeveningssincethen。'
　　`WhenIwasachild，andwhencompanyusedtocometovisitpapa，didyoueverseethatgentlemanathome，Susan？'askedFlorence。
　　`Well，Miss，'returnedhermaid，afterconsidering，`Ireallycouldn'tsayIeverdid。Whenyourpoordearmadied，MissFloy，Iwasverynewinthefamily，yousee，andmyelement：'theNipperbridled，asopiningthathermeritshadbeenalwaysdesignedlyextinguishedbyMr。
　　Dombey：`wasthefloorbelowtheattics。'
　　`Tobesure，'saidFlorence，stillthoughtfully；`youarenotlikelytohaveknownwhocametothehouse。Iquiteforgot。'
　　`Not，Miss，butwhatwetalkedaboutthefamilyandvisitors，'
　　saidSusan，`andbutwhatIheardmuchsaid，althoughthenursebeforeMrs。RichardsdidmakeunpleasantremarkswhenIwasincompany，andhintatlittlePitchers，butthatcouldonlybeattributed，poorthing，'
　　observedSusan，withcomposedforbearance，`tohabitsofintoxication，forwhichshewasrequiredtoleave，anddid。'
　　Florence，whowasseatedatherchamberwindow，withherfacerestingonherhand，satlookingout，andhardlyseemedtohearwhatSusansaid，shewassolostinthought。
　　`Atallevents，Miss，'saidSusan，`Irememberverywellthatthissamegentleman，Mr。Carker，wasalmost，ifnotquite，asgreatagentlemanwithyourPapathen，asheisnow。Itusedtobesaidinthehousethen，Miss，thathewasattheheadofallyourPa'saffairsintheCity，andmanagedthewhole，andthatyourPamindedhimmorethananybody，which，beggingyourpardon，MissFloy，hemighteasydo，forhenevermindedanybodyelse。Iknewthat，PitcherasImighthavebeen。'
　　SusanNipper，withaninjuredremembranceofthenursebeforeMrs。Richards，emphasised`Pitcher'strongly。
　　`AndthatMr。Carkerhasnotfallenoff，Miss，'shepursued，`buthasstoodhisground，andkepthiscreditwithyourPa，IknowfromwhatisalwayssaidamongourpeoplebythatPerch，wheneverhecomestothehouse；andthoughhe'stheweakestweedintheworld，MissFloy，andnoonecanhaveamoment'spatiencewiththeman，heknowswhatgoesonintheCitytolerablewell，andsaysthatyourPadoesnothingwithoutMr。
　　Carker，andleavesalltoMr。Carker，andactsaccordingtoMr。Carker，andhasMr。Carkeralwaysathiselbow，andIdobelievethathebelievesthatwashiestofPerches！thatafteryourPa，theEmperorofIndiaisthechildunborntoMr。Carker。'
　　NotawordofthiswaslostonFlorence，who，withanawakenedinterestinSusan'sspeech，nolongergazedabstractedlyontheprospectwithout，butlookedather，andlistenedwithattention。
　　`Yes，Susan，'shesaid，whenthatyoungladyhadconcluded。`HeisinPapa'sconfidence，andishisfriend，Iamsure。'
　　Florence'smindranhighonthistheme，andhaddoneforsomedays。Mr。Carker，inthetwovisitswithwhichhehadfolloweduphisfirstone，hadassumedaconfidencebetweenhimselfandher——arightonhisparttobemysteriousandstealthy，intellingherthattheshipwasstillunheardof——akindofmildlyrestrainedpowerandauthorityoverher——thatmadeherwonder，andcausedhergreatuneasiness。Shehadnomeansofrepellingit，oroffreeingherselffromthewebhewasgraduallywindingabouther；
　　forthatwouldhaverequiredsomeartandknowledgeoftheworld，opposedtosuchaddressishis；andFlorencehadnone。True，hehadsaidnomoretoherthanthattherewasnonewsoftheship，andthathefearedtheworst；buthowhecametoknowthatshewasinterestedintheship，andwhyhehadtherighttosignifyhisknowledgetoher，soinsidiouslyanddarkly，troubledFlorenceverymuch。