ThisconductonthepartofMr。Carker，andherhabitofoftenconsideringitwithwonderanduneasiness，begantoinvesthimwithanuncomfortablefascinationinFlorence'sthoughts。Amoredistinctremembranceofhisfeatures，voice，andmanner：whichshesometimescourted，asameansofreducinghimtothelevelofarealpersonage，capableofexertingnogreatercharmoverherthananother：didnotremovethevagueimpression。
　　Andyetheneverfrowned，orlookeduponherwithanairofdislikeoranimosity，butwasalwayssmilingandserene。
　　Again，Florence，inpursuitofherstrongpurposewithreferencetoherfather，andhersteadyresolutiontobelievethatshewasherselfunwittinglytoblamefortheirsocoldanddistantrelations，wouldrecalltomindthatthisgentlemanwashisconfidentialfriend，andwouldthink，withananxiousheart，couldherstrugglingtendencytodislikeandfearhimbeapartofthatmisfortuneinher，whichhadturnedherfather'sloveadrift，andlefthersoalone？Shedreadedthatitmightbe；sometimesbelieveditwas：thensheresolvedthatshewouldtrytoconquerthiswrongfeeling；persuadedherselfthatshewashonouredandencouragedbythenoticeofherfather'sfriend；andhopedthatpatientobservationofhimandtrustinhimwouldleadherbleedingfeetalongthatstonyroadwhichendedinherfather'sheart。
　　Thus，withnoonetoadviseher——forshecouldadvisewithnoonewithoutseemingtocomplainagainsthim——gentleFlorencetossedonanuneasyseaofdoubtandhope；andMr。Carker，likeascalymonsterofthedeep，swamdownbelow，andkepthisshiningeyeuponher。
　　Florencehadanewreasoninallthisforwishingtobeathomeagain。Herlonelylifewasbettersuitedtohercourseoftimidhopeanddoubt；andshefearedsometimes，thatinherabsenceshemightmisssomehopefulchanceoftestifyingheraffectionforherfather。Heavenknows，shemighthavesethermindatrest，poorchild！onthislastpoint；butherslightedlovewasflutteringwithinher，and，eveninhersleep，itflewawayindreams，andnestled，likeawanderingbirdcomehome，uponherfather'sneck。
　　OfWaltershethoughtoften。Ah！howoften，whenthenightwasgloomy，andthewindwasblowingroundthehouse！Buthopewasstronginherbreast。Itissodifficultfortheyoungandardent，evenwithsuchexperienceashers，toimagineyouthandardourquenchedlikeaweakflame，andthebrightdayoflifemergingintonight，atnoon，thathopewasstrongyet。HertearsfellfrequentlyforWalter'ssufferings；butrarelyforhissupposeddeath，andneverlong。
　　ShehadwrittentotheoldInstrument-maker，buthadreceivednoanswertohernote：whichindeedrequirednone。ThusmattersstoodwithFlorenceonthemorningwhenshewasgoinghome，gladly，toheroldsecludedlife。
　　DoctorandMrs。Blimber，accompaniedmuchagainsthiswillbytheirvaluedcharge，MasterBarnet，werealreadygonebacktoBrighton，wherethatyounggentlemanandhisfellow-pilgrimstoParnassuswerethen，nodoubt，inthecontinualresumptionoftheirstudies。Theholidaytimewaspastandover；mostofthejuvenileguestsatthevillahadtakentheirdeparture：andFlorence'slongvisitwascometoanend。
　　Therewasoneguest，however，albeitnotresidentwithinthehouse，whohadbeenveryconstantinhisattentiontothefamily，andwhostillremaineddevotedtothem。ThiswasMr。Toots，whoafterrenewing，someweeksago，theacquaintancehehadhadthehappinessofformingwithSkettlesJunior，onthenightwhenhebursttheBlimberianbondsandsoaredintofreedomwithhisringon，calledregularlyeveryotherday，andleftaperfectpackofcardsatthehall-door；somanyindeed，thattheceremonywasquiteadealonthepartofMr。Toots，andahandatwhistonthepartoftheservant。
　　Mr。Toots，likewise，withtheboldandhappyideaofpreventingthefamilyfromforgettinghimbutthereisreasontosupposethatthisexpedientoriginatedintheteemingbrainoftheChicken，hadestablishedasix-oaredcutter，mannedbyaquaticfriendsoftheChicken'sandsteeredbythatillustriouscharacterinperson，whoworeabrightredfireman'scoatforthepurpose，andconcealedtheperpetualblackeyewithwhichhewasafflicted，beneathagreenshade。Previoustotheinstitutionofthisequipage，Mr。TootssoundedtheChickenonahypotheticalcase，as，supposingtheChickentobeenamouredofayoungladynamedMary，andtohaveconceivedtheintentionofstartingaboatofhisown，whatwouldhecallthatboat？TheChickenreplied，withdiversstrongasseverations，thathewouldeitherchristenitPollorTheChicken'sDelight。Improvingonthisidea，Mr。Toots，afterdeepstudyandtheexerciseofmuchinvention，resolvedtocallhisboatTheToots'sJoy，asadelicatecomplimenttoFlorence，ofwhichnomanknowingtheparties，couldpossiblymisstheappreciation。
　　Stretchedonacrimsoncushioninhisgallantbark，withhisshoesintheair，Mr。Toots，intheexerciseofhisproject，hadcomeuptheriver，dayafterday，andweekafterweek，andhadflittedtoandfro，nearSirBarnet'sgarden，andhadcausedhiscrewtocutacrossandacrosstheriveratsharpangles，forhisbetterexhibitiontoanylookers-outfromSirBarnet'swindows，andhadhadsuchevolutionsperformedbytheToots'sJoyashadfilledalltheneighbouringpartofthewater-sidewithastonishment。ButwheneverhesawanyoneinSirBarnet'sgardenonthebrinkoftheriver，Mr。Tootsalwaysfeignedtobepassingthere，byacombinationofcoincidencesofthemostsingularandunlikelydescription。
　　`Howareyou，Toots？'SirBarnetwouldsay，wavinghishandfromthelawn，whiletheartfulChickensteeredcloseinshore。
　　`Howdedo，SirBarnet？'Mr。Tootswouldanswer，`WhatasurprisingthingthatIshouldseeyouhere！'
　　Mr。Toots，inhissagacity，alwayssaidthis，asif，insteadofthatbeingSirBarnet'shouse，itweresomedesertededificeonthebanksoftheNile，orGanges。
　　`Ineverwassosurprised！'Mr。Tootswouldexclaim——`IsMissDombeythere？'
　　WhereuponFlorencewouldappear，perhaps。
　　`Oh，Diogenesisquitewell，MissDombey，'Mr。Tootswouldcry。
　　`Icalledtoaskthismorning。'
　　`Thankyouverymuch！'thepleasantvoiceofFlorencewouldreply。
　　`Won'tyoucomeashore，Toots？'SirBarnetwouldsaythen。`Come！
　　you'reinnohurry。Comeandseeus。'
　　`Oh，it'sofnoconsequence，thankyou！'Mr。Tootswouldblushinglyrejoin。`IthoughtMissDombeymightliketoknow，that'sall。Good-bye！'
　　AndpoorMr。Toots，whowasdyingtoaccepttheinvitation，buthadn'tthecouragetodoit，signedtotheChicken，withanachingheart，andawaywenttheJoy，cleavingthewaterlikeanarrow。
　　TheJoywaslyinginastateofextraordinarysplendour，atthegardensteps，onthemorningofFlorence'sdeparture。Whenshewentdownstairstotakeleave，afterhertalkwithSusan，shefoundMr。Tootsawaitingherinthedrawing-room。
　　`Oh，howdedo，MissDombey？'saidthestrickenToots，alwaysdreadfullydisconcertedwhenthedesireofhisheartwasgained，andhewasspeakingtoher；`thankyou，I'mverywellindeed，Ihopeyou'rethesame，sowasDiogenesyesterday。'
　　`Youareverykind，'saidFlorence。
　　`Thankyou，it'sofnoconsequence，'retortedMr。Toots。`Ithoughtperhapsyouwouldn'tmind，inthisfineweather，cominghomebywater，MissDombey。There'splentyofroomintheboatforyourmaid。'
　　`Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，'saidFlorence，hesitating。`I
　　reallyam——butIwouldrathernot。'
　　`Oh，it'sofnoconsequence，'retortedMr。Toots。`Goodmorning！'
　　`Won'tyouwaitandseeLadySkettles？'askedFlorence，kindly。
　　`Ohno，thankyou，'returnedMr。Toots，`it'sofnoconsequenceatall。'
　　SoshywasMr。Tootsonsuchoccasions，andsoflurried！ButLadySkettlesenteringatthemoment，Mr。Tootswassuddenlyseizedwithapassionforaskingherhowshedid，andhopingshewasverywell；norcouldMr。
　　Tootsbyanypossibilityleaveoffshakinghandswithher，untilSirBarnetappeared：towhomheimmediatelyclungwiththetenacityofdesperation。
　　`Wearelosing，to-day，Toots，'saidSirBarnet，turningtowardsFlorence，`thelightofourhouse，Iassureyou。'
　　`Oh，it'sofnoconseqImeanyes，tobesure，'falteredtheembarrassedToots。`GOODmorning！'
　　Notwithstandingtheemphaticnatureofthisfarewell，Mr。Toots，insteadofgoingaway，stoodleeringabouthim，vacantly。Florence，torelievehim，badeadieu，withmanythanks，toLadySkettles，andgaveherarmtoSirBarnet。
　　`MayIbegofyou，mydearMissDombey，'saidherhost，asheconductedhertothecarriage，`topresentmybestcomplimentstoyourdearPapa？'
　　ItwasdistressingtoFlorencetoreceivethecommission，forshefeltasifshewereimposingonSirBarnetbyallowinghimtobelievethatakindnessrenderedtoher，wasrenderedtoherfather。Asshecouldnotexplain，however，shebowedherheadandthankedhim；andagainshethoughtthatthedullhome，freefromsuchembarrassments，andsuchremindersofhersorrow，washernaturalandbestretreat。
　　Suchofherlatefriendsandcompanionsaswereyetremainingatthevilla，camerunningfromwithin，andfromthegarden，tosaygood-bye。
　　Theywereallattachedtoher，andveryearnestintakingleaveofher。
　　Eventhehouseholdweresorryforhergoing，andtheservantscamenoddingandcurtseyingroundthecarriagedoor。AsFlorencelookedroundonthekindfaces，andsawamongthemthoseofSirBarnetandhislady，andofMr。Toots，whowaschucklingandstaringatherfromadistance，shewasremindedofthenightwhenPaulandshehadcomefromDoctorBlimber's：
　　andwhenthecarriagedroveaway，herfacewaswetwithtears。
　　Sorrowfultears，buttearsofconsolation，too；forallthesoftermemoriesconnectedwiththedulloldhousetowhichshewasreturningmadeitdeartoher，astheyroseup。Howlongitseemedsinceshehadwanderedthroughthesilentrooms：sinceshehadlastcrept，softlyandafraid，intothoseherfatheroccupied：sinceshehadfeltthesolemnbutyetsoothinginfluenceofthebeloveddeadineveryactionofherdailylife！Thisnewfarewellremindedher，besides，ofherpartingwithpoorWalter：ofhislooksandwordsthatnight：andofthegraciousblendingshehadnoticedinhim，oftendernessforthoseheleftbehind，withcourageandhighspirit。
　　Hislittlehistorywasassociatedwiththeoldhousetoo，andgaveitanewclaimandholduponherheart。
　　EvenSusanNippersoftenedtowardsthehomeofsomanyyears，astheywereontheirwaytowardsit。Gloomyasitwas，andrigidjusticeassherenderedtoitsgloom，sheforgaveitagreatdeal。`Ishallbegladtoseeitagain，Idon'tdeny，Miss，'saidtheNipper。`Thereain'tmuchinittoboastof，butIwouldn'thaveitburntorpulleddown，neither！'
　　`You'llbegladtogothroughtheoldrooms，won'tyou，Susan？'
　　saidFlorence，smiling。
　　`Well，Miss，'returnedtheNipper，softeningmoreandmoretowardsthehouse，astheyapproacheditnearer，`Iwon'tdenybutwhatIshall，thoughIshallhate'emagain，to-morrow，verylikely。'
　　Florencefeltthat，forher，therewasgreaterpeacewithinitthanelsewhere。Itwasbetterandeasiertokeephersecretshutupthere，amongthetalldarkwalls，thantocarryitabroadintothelight，andtrytohideitfromacrowdofhappyeyes。Itwasbettertopursuethestudyofherlovingheart，alone，andfindnonewdiscouragementsinlovingheartsabouther。Itwaseasiertohope，andpray，andloveon，alluncaredfor，yetwithconstancyandpatience，inthetranquilsanctuaryofsuchremembrances：althoughitmouldered，rusted，anddecayedabouther：thaninanewscene，letitsgaietybewhatitwould。Shewelcomedbackheroldenchanteddreamoflife，andlongedfortheolddarkdoortocloseuponher，onceagain。
　　Fullofsuchthoughts，theyturnedintothelongandsombrestreet。
　　Florencewasnotonthatsideofthecarriagewhichwasnearesttoherhome，andasthedistancelessenedbetweenthemandit，shelookedoutofherwindowforthechildrenovertheway。
　　Shewasthusengaged，whenanexclamationfromSusancausedhertoturnquicklyround。
　　`Why，Graciousme！'criedSusan，breathless，`where'sourhouse！'
　　`Ourhouse！'saidFlorence。
　　Susan，drawinginherheadfromthewindow，thrustitoutagain，drewitinagainasthecarriagestopped，andstaredathermistressinamazement。
　　Therewasalabyrinthofscaffoldingraisedallroundthehousefromthebasementtotheroof。Loadsofbricksandstones，andheapsofmortar，andpilesofwood，blockeduphalfthewidthandlengthofthebroadstreetattheside。Ladderswereraisedagainstthewalls：labourerswereclimbingupanddown；menwereatworkuponthestepsofthescaffolding：
　　paintersanddecoratorswerebusyinside；greatrollsofornamentalpaperwerebeingdeliveredfromacartatthedoor；anupholsterer'swaggonalsostoppedtheway；nofurniturewastobeseenthroughthegapingandbrokenwindowsinanyoftherooms；nothingbutworkmen，andtheimplementsoftheirseveraltradesswarmingfromthekitchenstothegarrets。Insideandoutsidealike：bricklayers，painters，carpenters，masons：hammer，hod，brush，pickaxe，saw，andtrowel：allatworktogether，infullchorus。
　　Florencedescendedfromthecoach，halfdoubtingifitwere，orcouldbetherighthouse，untilsherecognizedTowlinson，withasun-burntface，standingatthedoortoreceiveher。
　　`Thereisnothingthematter？'inquiredFlorence。
　　`Ohno，Miss。'
　　`Therearegreatalterationsgoingon。'
　　`Yes，Miss，greatalterations，'saidTowlinson。
　　Florencepassedhimasifshewereinadream，andhurriedupstairs。Thegarishlightwasinthelong-darkeneddrawing-room，andtherewerestepsandplatforms，andmeninpapercaps，inthehighplaces。Hermother'spicturewasgonewiththerestofthemoveables，andonthemarkwhereithadbeen，wasscrawledinchalk，`thisroomin-panel。Greenandgold。'Thestaircasewasalabyrinthofpostsandplanksliketheout-sideofthehouse，andawholeOlympusofplumbersandglazierswasreclininginvariousattitudes，ontheskylight。Herownroomwasnotyettouchedwithin，buttherewerebeamsandboardsraisedagainstitwithout，baulkingthedaylight。Shewentupswiftlytothatotherbedroom，wherethelittlebedwas；andadarkgiantofamanwithapipeinhismouth，andhisheadtiedupinapocket-handkerchief，wasstaringinatthewindow。
　　ItwasherethatSusanNipper，whohadbeeninquestofFlorence，foundher，andsaid，wouldshegodownstairstoherPapa，whowishedtospeaktoher。
　　`Athome！andwishingtospeaktome！'criedFlorence，trembling。
　　Susan，whowasinfinitelymoredistraughtthanFlorenceherself，repeatedhererrand；andFlorence，paleandagitated，hurrieddownagain，withoutamoment'shesitation。Shethoughtuponthewaydown，wouldshedaretokisshim？Thelongingofherheartresolvedher，andshethoughtshewould。
　　Herfathermighthaveheardthatheartbeat，whenitcameintohispresence。Oneinstant，anditwouldhavebeatagainsthisbreast——
　　Buthewasnotalone。Thereweretwoladiesthere；andFlorencestopped。Strivingsohardwithheremotion，thatifherbrutefriendDihadnotburstinandoverwhelmedherwithhiscaressesasawelcomehome——atwhichoneoftheladiesgavealittlescream，andthatdivertedherattentionfromherself——shewouldhaveswooneduponthefloor。
　　`Florence，'saidherfather，puttingouthishand：sostifflythatitheldheroff：`howdoyoudo？'
　　Florencetookthehandbetweenherown，andputtingittimidlytoherlips，yieldedtoitswithdrawal。Ittouchedthedoorinshuttingit，withquiteasmuchendearmentasithadtouchedher。
　　`Whatdogisthat？'saidMr。Dombey，displeased。
　　`Itisadog，Papa——fromBrighton。'
　　`Well！'saidMr。Dombey；andacloudpassedoverhisface，forheunderstoodher。
　　`Heisverygood-tempered，'saidFlorence，addressingherselfwithhernaturalgraceandsweetnesstothetwoladystrangers。`Heisonlygladtoseeme。Prayforgivehim。'
　　Shesawintheglancetheyinterchanged，thattheladywhohadscreamed，andwhowasseated，wasold；andthattheotherlady，whostoodnearherPapa，wasverybeautiful，andofanelegantfigure。
　　`Mrs。Skewton，'saidherfather，turningtothefirst，andholdingouthishand，`thisismydaughterFlorence。'
　　`Charming，Iamsure，'observedthelady，puttingupherglass。
　　`Sonatural！MydarlingFlorence，youmustkissme，ifyouplease。'
　　Florencehavingdoneso，turnedtowardstheotherlady，bywhomherfatherstoodwaiting。
　　`Edith，'saidMr。Dombey，`thisismydaughterFlorence。Florence，thisladywillsoonbeyourMama。'
　　Florencestarted，andlookedupatthebeautifulfaceinaconflictofemotions，amongwhichthetearsthatnameawakened，struggledforamomentwithsurprise，interest，admiration，andanindefinablesortoffear。Thenshecriedout，`Oh，Papa，mayyoubehappy！mayyoubevery，veryhappyallyourlife！'andthenfellweepingonthelady'sbosom。
　　Therewasashortsilence。Thebeautifullady，whoatfirsthadseemedtohesitatewhetherornosheshouldadvancetoFlorence，heldhertoherbreast，andpressedthehandwithwhichsheclaspedher，closeaboutherwaist，asiftoreassureherandcomforther。Notonewordpassedthelady'slips。ShebentherheaddownoverFlorence，andshekissedheronthecheek，butshesaidnoword。
　　`Shallwegoonthroughtherooms，'saidMr。Dombey，`andseehowourworkmenaredoing？Prayallowme，mydearmadam。'
　　HesaidthisinofferinghisarmtoMrs。Skewton，whohadbeenlookingatFlorencethroughherglass，asthoughpicturingtoherselfwhatshemightbemade，bythefashion——fromherowncopiousstorehouse，nodoubt——ofalittlemoreHeartandNature。Florencewasstillsobbingonthelady'sbreast，andholdingtoher，whenMr。DombeywasheardtosayfromtheConservatory：
　　`LetusaskEdith。Dearme，whereisshe？'
　　`Edith，mydear！'criedMrs。Skewton，`whereareyou？LookingforMr。Dombeysomewhere，Iknow。Wearehere，mylove。'
　　ThebeautifulladyreleasedherholdofFlorence，andpressingherlipsoncemoreuponherface，withdrewhurriedly，andjoinedthem。
　　Florenceremainedstandinginthesameplace：happy，sorry，joyful，andintears，sheknewnothow，orhowlong，butallatonce：whenhernewMamacameback，andtookherinherarmsagain。
　　`Florence，'saidthelady，hurriedly，andlookingintoherfacewithgreatearnestness。`Youwillnotbeginbyhatingme？'
　　`Byhatingyou，Mama？'criedFlorence，windingherarmroundherneck，andreturningthelook。
　　`Hush！Beginbythinkingwellofme，'saidthebeautifullady。
　　`BeginbybelievingthatIwilltrytomakeyouhappy，andthatIampreparedtoloveyou，Florence。Good-bye。Weshallmeetagainsoon。Good-bye！Don'tstayhere，now。'
　　Againshepressedhertoherbreast——shehadspokeninarapidmanner，butfirmly——andFlorencesawherrejointhemintheotherroom。
　　AndnowFlorencebegantohopethatshewouldlearnfromhernewandbeautifulMama，howtogainherfather'slove；andinhersleepthatnight，inherlostoldhome，herownMamasmiledradiantlyuponthehope，andblessedit。DreamingFlorence！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter29[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIXTheOpeningoftheEyesofMrs。ChickMISSTOX，allunconsciousofanysuchrareappearancesinconnexionwithMr。Dombey'shouse，asscaffoldingsandladders，andmenwiththeirheadstiedupinpocket-handkerchiefs，glaringinatthewindowslikeflyinggeniiorstrangebirds，——havingbreakfastedonemorningataboutthiseventfulperiodoftime，onhercustomaryviands；towit，oneFrenchrollrasped，oneeggnewlaidorwarrantedtobe，andonelittlepotoftea，whereinwasinfusedonelittlesilverscoopfulofthatherbonbehalfofMissTox，andonelittlesilverscoopfulonbehalfoftheteapot——aflightoffancyinwhichgoodhousekeepersdelight；wentupstairstosetforththebirdwaltzontheharpsichord，towaterandarrangetheplants，todustthenick-nacks，andaccordingtoherdailycustom，tomakeherlittledrawing-roomthegarlandofPrincess'sPlace。
　　MissToxenduedherselfwithapairofancientgloves，likedeadleaves，inwhichshewasaccustomedtoperformtheseavocations——hiddenfromhumansightatothertimesinatabledrawer——andwentmethodicallytowork；beginningwiththebirdwaltz；passing，byanaturalassociationofideas，toherbird——averyhigh-shoulderedcanary，strickeninyears，andmuchrumpled，butapiercingsinger，asPrincess'sPlacewellknew；
　　taking，nextinorder，thelittlechinaornaments，paperfly-cages，andsoforth；andcominground，ingoodtime，totheplants，whichgenerallyrequiredtobesnippedhereandtherewithapairofscissors，forsomebotanicalreasonthatwasverypowerfulwithMissTox。
　　MissToxwasslowincomingtotheplants，thismorning。Theweatherwaswarm，thewindsoutherly；andtherewasasighofthesummer-timeinPrincess'sPlace，thatturnedMissTox'sthoughtsuponthecountry。Thepot-boyattachedtothePrincess'sArmshadcomeoutwithacanandtrickledwater，inaflowingpattern，alloverPrincess'sPlace，anditgavetheweedygroundafreshscent——quiteagrowingscent，MissToxsaid。Therewasatinyblinkofsunpeepinginfromthegreatstreetroundthecorner，andthesmokysparrowshoppedoveritandbackagain，brighteningastheypassed：orbathedinit，likeastream，andbecameglorifiedsparrows，unconnectedwithchimneys。LegendsinpraiseofGinger-Beer，withpictorialrepresentationsofthirstycustomerssubmergedintheeffervescence，orstunnedbytheflyingcorks，wereconspicuousinthewindowofthePrincess'sArms。Theyweremakinglatehay，somewhereoutoftown；andthoughthefragrancehadalongwaytocome，andmanycounterfragrancestocontendwithamongthedwellingsofthepoormayGodrewardtheworthygentlemenwhostickleforthePlagueaspartandparcelofthewisdomofourancestors，andwhodotheirlittlebesttokeepthosedwellingsmiserable！，yetitwaswaftedfaintlyintoPrincess'sPlace，whisperingofNatureandherwholesomeair，assuchthingswill，evenuntoprisonersandcaptives，andthosewhoaredesolateandoppressed，inveryspiteofaldermenandknightstoboot：atwhosesagenod——andhowtheynod！——therollingworldstandsstill！
　　MissToxsatdownuponthewidow-seat，andthoughtofhergoodpapadeceased——Mr。Tox，oftheCustomsDepartmentofthepublicservice；
　　andofherchildhood，passedataseaport，amongaconsiderablequantityofcoldtar，andsomerusticity。Shefellintoasoftenedremembranceofmeadows，inoldtime，gleamingwithbuttercups，likesomanyinvertedfirmamentsofgoldenstars；andhowshehadmadechainsofdandelion-stalksforyouthfulvowersofeternalconstancy，dressedchieflyinnankeen；andhowsoonthosefettershadwitheredandbroken。
　　Sittingonthewindow-seat，andlookingoutuponthesparrowsandtheblinkofsun，MissToxthoughtlikewiseofhergoodmamadeceased——sistertotheownerofthepowderedheadandpigtail——ofhervirtuesandherrheumatism。
　　Andwhenamanwithbulgylegs，andaroughvoice，andaheavybasketonhisheadthatcrushedhishatintoamereblackmuffin，camecryingflowersdownPrincess'sPlace，makinghistimidlittlerootsofdaisiesshudderinthevibrationofeveryyellhegave，asthoughhehadbeenanogre，hawkinglittlechildren，summerrecollectionsweresostronguponMissTox，thatsheshookherhead，andmurmuredshewouldbecomparativelyoldbeforesheknewit——whichseemedlikely。
　　Inherpensivemood，MissTox'sthoughtswentwanderingonMr。Dombey'strack；probablybecausetheMajorhadreturnedhometohislodgingsopposite，andhadjustbowedtoherfromhiswindow。WhatotherreasoncouldMissToxhaveforconnectingMr。Dombeywithhersummerdaysanddandelionfetters？
　　Washemorecheerful？thoughtMissTox。Washereconciledtothedecreesoffate？Wouldheevermarryagain？andifyes，whom？Whatsortofpersonnow！
　　Aflush——itwaswarmweather——overspreadMissTox'sface，as，whileentertainingthesemeditations，sheturnedherhead，andwassurprisedbythereflectionofherthoughtfulimageinthechimney-glass。AnotherflushsucceededwhenshesawalittlecarriagedriveintoPrincess'sPlace，andmakestraightforherowndoor。MissToxarose，tookupherscissorshastily，andsocoming，atlast，totheplants，wasverybusywiththemwhenMrs。Chickenteredtheroom。
　　`Howismysweetestfriend！'exclaimedMissTox，withopenarms。
　　AlittlestatelinesswasmingledwithMissTox'ssweetestfriend'sdemeanour，butshekissedMissTox，andsaid，`Lucretia，thankyou，Iamprettywell。Ihopeyouarethesame。Hem！'
　　Mrs。Chickwaslabouringunderapeculiarlittlemonosyllabiccough；asortofprimer，oreasyintroductiontotheartofcoughing。
　　`Youcallveryearly，andhowkindthatis，mydear！'pursuedMissTox。`Now，haveyoubreakfasted？'
　　`Thankyou，Lucretia，'saidMrs。Chick。`Ihave。Itookanearlybreakfast'——thegoodladyseemedcuriousonthesubjectofPrincess'sPlace，andlookedallrounditasshespoke——`withmybrother，whohascomehome。'
　　`Heisbetter，Itrust，mylove，'falteredMissTox。
　　`Heisgreatlybetter，thankyou。Hem！'
　　`MydearLouisamustbecarefulofthatcough，'remarkedMissTox。
　　`It'snothing，'returnedMrs。Chick。`It'smerelychangeofweather。
　　Wemustexpectchange。'
　　`Ofweather？'askedMissTox，inhersimplicity。
　　`Ofeverything，'returnedMrs。Chick。`Ofcoursewemust。It'saworldofchange。Anyonewouldsurprisemeverymuch，Lucretia，andwouldgreatlyaltermyopinionoftheirunderstanding，iftheyattemptedtocontradictorevadewhatissoperfectlyevident。Change！'exclaimedMrs。Chick，withseverephilosophy。`Why，mygraciousme，whatistherethatdoesnotchange！eventhesilkworm，whoIamsuremightbesupposednottotroubleitselfaboutsuchsubjects，changesintoallsortsofunexpectedthingscontinually。'
　　`MyLouisa，'saidthemildMissTox，`iseverhappyinherillustrations。'
　　`Youaresokind，Lucretia，'returnedMrs。Chick，alittlesoftened，`astosayso，andtothinkso，Ibelieve。Ihopeneitherofusmayeverhaveanycausetolessenouropinionoftheother，Lucretia。'
　　`Iamsureofit，'returnedMissTox。
　　Mrs。Chickcoughedasbefore，anddrewlinesonthecarpetwiththeivoryendofherparasol。MissTox，whohadexperienceofherfairfriend，andknewthatunderthepressureofanyslightfatigueorvexationshewaspronetoadiscursivekindofirritability，availedherselfofthepause，tochangethesubject。
　　`Pardonme，mydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`buthaveIcaughtsightofthemanlyformofMr。Chickinthecarriage？'
　　`Heisthere，'saidMrs。Chick，`butprayleavehimthere。Hehashisnewspaper，andwouldbequitecontentedforthenexttwohours。
　　Goonwithyourflowers，Lucretia，andallowmetosithereandrest。'
　　`MyLouisaknows，'observedMissTox，`thatbetweenfriendslikeourselves，anyapproachtoceremonywouldbeoutofthequestion。Therefore——'
　　ThereforeMissToxfinishedthesentence，notinwordsbutaction；andputtingonherglovesagain，whichshehadtakenoff，andarmingherselfoncemorewithherscissors，begantosnipandclipamongtheleaveswithmicroscopicindustry。
　　`Florencehasreturnedhomealso，'saidMrs。Chick，aftersittingsilentforsometime，withherheadononeside，andherparasolsketchingonthefloor；`andreallyFlorenceisagreatdealtoooldnow，tocontinuetoleadthatsolitarylifetowhichshehasbeenaccustomed。Ofcoursesheis。Therecanbenodoubtaboutit。Ishouldhaveverylittlerespect，indeed，foranybodywhocouldadvocateadifferentopinion。Whatevermywishesmightbe，Icouldnotrespectthem。Wecannotcommandourfeelingstosuchanextentasthat。'
　　MissToxassented，withoutbeingparticularastotheintelligibilityoftheproposition。
　　`Ifshe'sastrangegirl，'saidMrs。Chick，`andifmybrotherPaulcannotfeelperfectlycomfortableinhersociety，afterallthesadthingsthathavehappened，andalltheterribledisappointmentsthathavebeenundergone，then，whatisthereply？Thathemustmakeaneffort。Thatheisboundtomakeaneffort。Wehavealwaysbeenafamilyremarkableforeffort。Paulisattheheadofthefamily；almosttheonlyrepresentativeofitleft——forwhatamI——Iamofnoconsequence——'
　　`Mydearestlove，'remonstratedMissTox。
　　Mrs。Chickdriedhereyes，whichwere，forthemoment，overflowing；
　　andproceeded：
　　`Andconsequentlyheismorethaneverboundtomakeaneffort。
　　Andthoughhishavingdoneso，comesuponmewithasortofshock——formineisaveryweakandfoolishnature；whichisanythingbutablessingIamsure；Ioftenwishmyheartwasamarbleslab，orapaving-stone——'
　　`MysweetLouisa，'remonstratedMissToxagain。
　　`Still，itisatriumphtometoknowthatheissotruetohimself，andtohisnameofDombey；although，ofcourse，Ialwaysknewhewouldbe。Ionlyhope，'saidMrs。Chick，afterapause，`thatshemaybeworthyofthenametoo。'
　　MissToxfilledalittlegreenwatering-potfromajug，andhappeningtolookupwhenshehaddoneso，wassosurprisedbytheamountofexpressionMrs。Chickhadconveyedintoherface，andwasbestowinguponher，thatsheputthelittlewatering-potonthetableforthepresent，andsatdownnearit。
　　`MydearLouisa，'saidMissTox，`willitbetheleastsatisfactiontoyou，ifIventuretoobserveinreferencetothatremark，thatI，asahumbleindividual，thinkyoursweetnieceineverywaymostpromising？'
　　`Whatdoyoumean，Lucretia？'returnedMrs。Chick，withincreasedstatelinessofmanner。`Towhatremarkofmine，mydear，doyourefer？'
　　`Herbeingworthyofhername，mylove。'repliedMissTox。
　　`If，'saidMrs。Chick，withsolemnpatience，`Ihavenotexpressedmyselfwithclearness，Lucretia，thefaultofcourseismine。Thereis，perhaps，noreasonwhyIshouldexpressmyselfatall，excepttheintimacythathassubsistedbetweenus，andwhichIverymuchhope，Lucretia——confidentlyhope——nothingwilloccurtodisturb。Because，whyshouldIdoanythingelse？Thereisnoreason；itwouldbeabsurd。ButIwishtoexpressmyselfclearly，Lucretia；andthereforetogobacktothatremark，ImustbegtosaythatitwasnotintendedtorelatetoFlorence，inanyway。'
　　`Indeed！'returnedMissTox。
　　`No，'saidMrs。Chickshortlyanddecisively。
　　`Pardonme，mydear，'rejoinedhermeekfriend；`butIcannothaveunderstoodit。IfearIamdull。'
　　Mrs。Chicklookedroundtheroomandovertheway；attheplants，atthebird，atthewatering-pot，atalmosteverythingwithinview，exceptMissTox；andfinallydroppingherglanceuponMissTox，foramoment，onitswaytotheground，said，lookingmeanwhilewithelevatedeyebrowsatthecarpet：
　　`WhenIspeak，Lucretia，ofherbeingworthyofthename，IspeakofmybrotherPaul'ssecondwife。IbelieveIhavealreadysaid，ineffect，ifnotintheverywordsInowuse，thatitishisintentiontomarryasecondwife。'
　　MissToxleftherseatinahurry，andreturnedtoherplants；
　　clippingamongthestemsandleaves，withaslittlefavourasabarberworkingatsomanypauperheadsofhair。
　　`Whethershewillbefullysensibleofthedistinctionconferreduponher，'saidMrs。Chick，inaloftytone，`isquiteanotherquestion。
　　Ihopeshemaybe。Weareboundtothinkwellofoneanotherinthisworld，andIhopeshemaybe。Ihavenotbeenadvisedwithmyself。IfIhadbeenadvisedwith，Ihavenodoubtmyadvicewouldhavebeencavalierlyreceived，andthereforeitisinfinitelybetterasitis。Imuchpreferitasitis。'
　　MissTox，withheadbentdown，stillclippedamongtheplants。
　　Mrs。Chick，withenergeticshakingsofherownheadfromtimetotime，continuedtoholdforth，asifindefianceofsomebody。
　　`IfmybrotherPaulhadconsultedwithme，whichhesometimesdoes——orrather，sometimesusedtodo；forhewillnaturallydothatnomorenow，andthisisacircumstancewhichIregardasarelieffromresponsibility，'
　　saidMrs。Chick，hysterically，`forIthankHeavenIamnotjealous——'
　　hereMrs。Chickagainshedtears：`ifmybrotherPaulhadcometome，andhadsaid，“Louisa，whatkindofqualitieswouldyouadvisemetolookoutfor，inawife？”Ishouldcertainlyhaveanswered，“Paul，youmusthavefamily，youmusthavebeauty，youmusthavedignity，youmusthaveconnexion。“
　　ThosearethewordsIshouldhaveused。Youmighthaveledmetotheblockimmediatelyafterwards，'saidMrs。Chick，asifthatconsequencewerehighlyprobable，`butIshouldhaveusedthem。Ishouldhavesaid，“Paul！Youtomarryasecondtimewithoutfamily！Youtomarrywithoutbeauty！Youtomarrywithoutdignity！Youtomarrywithoutconnexion！Thereisnobodyintheworld，notmad，whocoulddreamofdaringtoentertainsuchapreposterousidea！”'
　　MissToxstoppedclipping；andwithherheadamongtheplants，listenedattentively。PerhapsMissToxthoughttherewashopeinthisexordium，andthewarmthofMrs。Chick。
　　`Ishouldhaveadoptedthiscourseofargument，'pursuedthediscreetlady，`becauseItrustIamnotafool。Imakenoclaimtobeconsideredapersonofsuperiorintellect——thoughIbelievesomepeoplehavebeenextraordinaryenoughtoconsidermeso；onesolittlehumouredasIam，wouldverysoonbedisabusedofanysuchnotion；butItrustIamnotadownrightfool。AndtotellME，'saidMrs。Chickwithineffabledisdain，`thatmybrotherPaulDombeycouldevercontemplatethepossibilityofunitinghimselftoanybody——Idon'tcarewho'——shewasmoresharpandemphaticinthatshortclausethaninanyotherpartofherdiscourse——`notpossessingtheserequisites，wouldbetoinsultwhatunderstandingIhavegot，asmuchasifIwastobetoldthatIwasbornandbredanelephant，whichImaybetoldnext，'saidMrs。Chick，withresignation。`Itwouldn'tsurprisemeatall。Iexpectit。'
　　Inthemoment'ssilencethatensued，MissTox'sscissorsgaveafeeblecliportwo：butMissTox'sfacewasstillin-visible，andMissTox'smorninggownwasagitated。Mrs。Chicklookedsidewaysather，throughtheinterveningplants，andwentontosay，inatoneofblandconviction，andasonedwellingonapointoffactthathardlyrequiredtobestated：
　　`Therefore，ofcoursemybrotherPaulhasdonewhatwastobeexpectedofhim，andwhatanybodymighthaveforeseenhewoulddo，ifheenteredthemarriagestateagain。Iconfessittakesmeratherbysurprise，howevergratifying；becausewhenPaulwentoutoftownIhadnoideaatallthathewouldformanyattachmentoutoftown，andhecertainlyhadnoattachmentwhenhelefthere。However，itseemstobeextremelydesirableineverypointofview。Ihavenodoubtthemotherisamostgenteelandelegantcreature，andIhavenorightwhatevertodisputethepolicyofherlivingwiththem：whichisPaul'saffair，notmine——andastoPaul'schoice，herself，Ihaveonlyseenherpictureyet，butthatisbeautifulindeed。Hernameisbeautifultoo，'saidMrs。Chick，shakingherheadwithenergy，andarrangingherselfinherchair；`Edithisatonceuncommon，asitstrikeme，anddistinguished。Consequently，Lucretia，Ihavenodoubtyouwillbehappytohearthatthemarriageistotakeplaceimmediately——ofcourse，youwill：'greatemphasisagain：`andthatyouaredelightedwiththischangeintheconditionofmybrother，whohasshownyouagreatdealofpleasantattentionatvarioustimes。'
　　MissToxmadenoverbalanswer，buttookupthelittlewatering-potwithatremblinghand，andlookedvacantlyroundasifconsideringwhatarticleoffurniturewouldbeimprovedbythecontents。TheroomdooropeningatthiscrisisofMissTox'sfeelings，shestarted，laughedaloud，andfellintothearmsofthepersonentering；happilyinsensiblealikeofMrs。Chick'sindignantcountenanceandoftheMajorathiswindowovertheway，whohadhisdouble-barrelledeye-glassinfullaction，andwhosefaceandfigureweredilatedwithMephistopheleanjoy。
　　NotsotheexpatriatedNative，amazedsupporterofMissTox'sswooningform，who，comingstraightupstairs，withapoliteinquirytouchingMissTox'shealthinexactpursuanceoftheMajor'smaliciousinstructions，hadaccidentallyarrivedintheverynickoftimetocatchthedelicateburdeninhisarms，andtoreceivethecontentsofthelittlewatering-potinhisshoe；bothofwhichcircumstances，coupledwithhisconsciousnessofbeingcloselywatchedbythewrathfulMajor，whohadthreatenedtheusualpenaltyinregardofeveryboneinhisskinincaseofanyfailure，combinedtorenderhimamovingspectacleofmentalandbodilydistress。
　　Forsomemoments，thisafflictedforeignerremainedclaspingMissToxtohisheart，withanenergyofactioninremarkableoppositiontohisdisconcertedface，whilethatpoorladytrickledslowlydownuponhimtheverylastsprinklingsofthelittlewatering-pot，asifhewereadelicateexoticwhichindeedhewas，andmightbealmostexpectedtoblowwhilethegentleraindescended。Mrs。Chick，atlengthrecoveringsufficientpresenceofmindtointerpose，commandedhimtodropMissToxuponthesofaandwithdraw；andtheexilepromptlyobeying，sheappliedherselftopromoteMissTox'srecovery。
　　ButnoneofthatgentleconcernwhichusuallycharacterisesthedaughtersofEveintheirtendingofeachother；noneofthatfreemasonryinfainting，bywhichtheyaregenerallyboundtogetherinamysteriousbondofsisterhood；wasvisibleinMrs。Chick'sdemeanour。Ratherliketheexecutionerwhorestoresthevictimtosensationprevioustoproceedingwiththetortureorwaswonttodoso，inthegoodoldtimesforwhichalltruemenwearperpetualmourning，didMrs。Chickadministerthesmelling-bottle，theslappingonthehands，thedashingofcoldwaterontheface，andtheotherprovedremedies。Andwhen，atlength，MissToxopenedhereyes，andgraduallybecamerestoredtoanimationandconsciousness，Mrs。Chickdrewoffasformacriminal，andreversingtheprecedentofthemurderedkingofDenmark，regardedhermoreinangerthaninsorrow。
　　`Lucretia！'saidMrs。Chick。`IwillnotattempttodisguisewhatIfeel。Myeyesareopened，allatonce。Iwouldn'thavebelievedthis，ifaSainthadtoldittome。'
　　`Iamfoolishtogivewaytofaintness，'MissToxfaltered。`I
　　shallbebetterpresently。'
　　`Youwillbebetterpresently，Lucretia！'repeatedMrs。Chick，withexceedingscorn。`DoyousupposeIamblind？DoyouimagineIaminmysecondchildhood？No，Lucretia！Iamobligedtoyou！'
　　MissToxdirectedanimploring，helplesskindoflooktowardsherfriend，andputherhandkerchiefbeforeherface。
　　`Ifanyonehadtoldmethisyesterday，'saidMrs。Chick，withmajesty，`orevenhalf-an-hourago，Ishouldhavebeentempted，Ialmostbelieve，tostrikethemtotheearth，LucretiaTox，myeyesareopenedtoyouallatonce。Thescales：'hereMrs。Chickcastdownanimaginarypair，suchasarecommonlyusedingrocers'shops：`havefallenfrommysight。Theblindnessofmyconfidenceispast，Lucretia。Ithasbeenabusedandplayedupon，andevasionisquiteoutofthequestionnow，Iassureyou。'
　　`Oh！towhatdoyoualludesocruelly，mylove？'askedMissTox，throughhertears。
　　`Lucretia，'saidMrs。Chick，`askyourownheart。Imustentreatyounottoaddressmebyanysuchfamiliartermasyouhavejustused，ifyouplease。Ihavesomeself-respectleft，thoughyoumaythinkotherwise。'
　　`Oh，Louisa！'criedMissTox。`Howcanyouspeaktomelikethat？'
　　`HowcanIspeaktoyoulikethat？'retortedMrs。Chick，who，indefaultofhavinganyparticularargumenttosustainherselfupon，reliedprincipallyonsuchrepetitionsforhermostwitheringeffects。`Likethat！
　　Youmaywellsaylikethat，indeed！'
　　MissToxsobbedpitifully。
　　`Theidea！'saidMrs。Chick，`ofyourhavingbaskedatmybrother'sfireside，likeaserpent，andwouldyourself，throughme，almostintohisconfidence，Lucretia，thatyoumight，insecret，entertaindesignsuponhim，anddaretoaspiretocontemplatethepossibilityofhisunitinghimselftoyou！Why，itisandidea，'saidMrs。Chick，withsarcasticdignity，`theabsurdityofwhichalmostrelievesitstreachery。'
　　`Pray，Louisa，'urgedMissTox，`donotsaysuchdreadfulthings。'
　　`Dreadfulthings！'repeatedMrs。Chick。`Dreadfulthings！Isitnotafact，Lucretia，thatyouhavejustnowbeenunabletocommandyourfeelingsevenbeforeme，whoseeyesyouhadsocompletelyclosed？'
　　`Ihavemadenocomplaint，'sobbedMissTox。`Ihavesaidnothing。
　　IfIhavebeenalittleoverpoweredbyyournews，Louisa，andhaveeverhadanylingeringthoughtthatMr。Dombeywasinclinedtobeparticulartowardsme，surelyyouwillnotcondemnme。'
　　`Sheisgoingtosay。'saidMrs。Chick，addressingherselftothewholeofthefurniture，inacomprehensiveglanceofresignationandappeal，`Sheisgoingtosay——Iknowit——thatIhaveencouragedher！'
　　`Idon'twishtoexchangereproaches，dearLouisa，'sobbedMissTox。`NordoIwishtocomplain。But，inmyowndefence——'
　　`Yes，'criedMrs。Chick，lookingroundtheroomwithapropheticsmile，`that'swhatshe'sgoingtosay。Iknewit。Youhadbettersayit。
　　Sayitopenly！Beopen，LucretiaTox，'saidMrs。Chick，withdesperatesternness，`whateveryouare。'
　　`Inmyowndefence，'falteredMissTox，`andonlyinmyowndefenceagainstyourunkindwords，mydearLouisa，Iwouldmerelyaskyouifyouhaven'toftenfavouredsuchafancy，andevensaiditmighthappen，foranythingwecouldtell？'
　　`Thereisapoint，'saidMrs。Chick，rising，notasifsheweregoingtostopatthefloor，butasifshewereabouttosoarup，high，intohernativeskies，`beyondwhichendurancebecomesridiculous，ifnotculpable。Icanbearmuch；butnottoomuch。WhatspellwasonmewhenIcameintothishousethisday，Idon'tknow；butIhadapresentiment——adarkpresentiment，'saidMrs。Chick，withashiver，`thatsomethingwasgoingtohappen。WellmayIhavehadthatforeboding，Lucretia，whenmyconfidenceofmanyyearsisdestroyedinaninstant，whenmyeyesareopenedallatonce，andwhenIfindyourevealedinyourtruecolours。Lucretia，Ihavebeenmistakeninyou。Itisbetterforusboththatthissubjectshouldendhere。Iwishyouwell，andIshalleverwishyouwell。But，asanindividualwhodesirestobetruetoherselfinherownpoorposition，whateverthatpositionmaybe，ormaynotbe——andasthesisterofmybrother——andasthesister-in-lawofmybrother'swife——andasaconnexionbymarriageofmybrother'swife'smother——mayIbepermittedtoadd，asaDombey？——I
　　canwishyounothingelsebutgoodmorning。'
　　Thesewords，deliveredwithcuttingsuavity，temperedandchastenedbyaloftyairofmoralrectitude，carriedthespeakertothedoor。Theresheinclinedherheadinaghostlyandstatue-likemanner，andsowithdrewtohercarriage，toseekcomfortandconsolationinthearmsofMr。Chickherlord。
　　Figurativelyspeaking，thatistosay：forthearmsofMr。Chickwerefullofhisnewspaper。Neitherdidthatgentlemanaddresshiseyestowardshiswifeotherwisethanbystealth。Neitherdidheofferanyconsolationwhatever。Inshort，hesatreading，andhummingfagendsoftunes，andsometimesglancingfurtivelyatherwithoutdeliveringhimselfofaword，good，bad，orindifferent。
　　InthemeantimeMrs。Chicksatswellingandbridling，andtossingherhead，asifshewerestillrepeatingthatsolemnformulaoffarewelltoLucretiaTox。Atlength，shesaidaloud，`Ohtheextenttowhichhereyeshadbeenopenedthatday！'
　　`Towhichyoureyeshavebeenopened，，mydear！'repeatedMr。
　　Chick。
　　`Oh，don'ttalktome！'saidMrs。Chick。`Ifyoucanbeartoseemeinthisstate，andnotaskmewhatthematteris，youhadbetterholdyourtongueforever。'
　　`Whatisthematter，mydear？'askedMr。Chick。
　　`Tothink，'saidMrs。Chick，inastateofsoliloquy，`thatsheshouldeverhaveconceivedthebaseideaofconnectingherselfwithourfamilybyamarriagewithPaul！Tothinkthatwhenshewasplayingathorseswiththatdearchildwhoisnowinhisgrave——Ineverlikeditatthetime——sheshouldhavebeenhidingsuchadouble-faceddesign！Iwondershewasneverafraidthatsomethingwouldhappentoher。Sheisfortunateifnothingdoes。'
　　`Ireallythought，mydear，'saidMr。Chickslowly，afterrubbingthebridgeofhisnoseforsometimewithhisnewspaper，`thatyouhadgoneonthesametackyourself，allalong，untilthismorning；andhadthoughtitwouldbeaconvenientthingenough，ifitcouldhavebeenbroughtabout。'
　　Mrs。Chickinstantlyburstintotears，andtoldMr。Chickthatifhewishedtotrampleuponherwithhisboots，hehadbetterdoit。
　　`ButwithLucretiaToxIhavedone，'saidMrs。Chick，afterabandoningherselftoherfeelingsforsomeminutes，toMr。Chick'sgreatterror。
　　`IcanbeartoresignPaul'sconfidenceinfavourofonewho，Ihopeandtrust，maybedeservingofit，andwithwhomhehasaperfectrighttoreplacepoorFannyifhechooses；Icanbeartobeinformed，inPaul'scoolmanner，ofsuchachangeinhisplans，andnevertobeconsulteduntilallissettledanddetermined；butdeceitIcannotbear，andwithLucretiaToxIhavedone。Itisbetterasitis，'saidMrs。Chick，piously；
　　`muchbetter。ItwouldhavebeenalongtimebeforeIcouldhaveaccommodatedmyselfcomfortablywithher，afterthis；andIreallydon'tknow，asPaulisgoingtobeverygrand，andthesearepeopleofcondition，thatshewouldhavebeenquitepresentable，andmightnothavecompromisedmyself。
　　There'saprovidenceineverything；everythingworksforthebest；Ihavebeentriedto-day，but，uponthewholeIdon'tregretit。'
　　InwhichChristianspirit，Mrs。Chickdriedhereyes，andsmoothedherlap，andsatasbecameapersoncalmunderagreatwrong。Mr。Chick，feelinghisunworthinessnodoubt，tookanearlyopportunityofbeingsetdownatastreetcornerandwalkingaway，whistling，withhisshouldersverymuchraised，andhishandsinhispockets。
　　WhilepoorexcommunicatedMissTox，who，ifshewereafawnerandtoad-eater，wasatleastanhonestandaconstantone，andhadeverborneafaithfulfriendshiptowardsherimpeacher，andhadbeentrulyabsorbedandswallowedupindevotiontothemagnificenceofMr。Dombey——whilepoorexcommunicatedMissToxwateredherplantswithhertears，andfeltthatitwaswinterinPrincess'sPlace。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter30[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXTheIntervalbeforetheMarriageALTHOUGHtheenchantedhousewasnotmore，andtheworkingworldhadbrokenintoit，andwashammeringandcrashingandtrampingupanddownstairsalldaylong，keepingDiogenesinanincessantparoxysmofbarking，fromsunrisetosunset——evidentlyconvincedthathisenemyhadgotthebetterofhimatlast，andwasthensackingthepremisesintriumphantdefiance——therewas，atfirst，noothergreatchangeinthemethodofFlorence'slife。
　　Atnight，whenthework-peoplewentaway，thehousewasdrearyanddesertedagain；andFlorence，listeningtotheirvoicesechoingthroughthehallandstaircaseastheydeparted，picturedtoherselfthecheerfulhomestowhichtheywerereturning，andthechildrenwhowerewaitingforthem，andwasgladtothinkthattheyweremerryandwellpleasedtogo。
　　Shewelcomedbacktheeveningsilenceasonoldfriend，butitcamenowwithanalteredface，andlookedmorekindlyonher。Freshhopewasinit。Thebeautifulladywhohadsoothedandcaressedher，intheveryroominwhichherhearthadbeensowrung，wasaspiritofpromisetoher。Softshadowsofthebrightlifedawning，whenherfather'saffectionshouldbegraduallywon，andall，ormuchshouldberestored，ofwhatshehadlostonthedarkdaywhenamother'slovehadfadedwithamother'slastbreathonhercheek，movedaboutherinthetwilightandwerewelcomecompany。Peepingattherosychildrenherneighbours，itwasanewandprecioussensationtothinkthattheymightsoonspeaktogetherandknoweachother；whenshewouldnotfear，asofold，toshowherselfbeforethem，lesttheyshouldbegrievedtoseeherinherblackdresssittingtherealone！
　　Inherthoughtsofhernewmother，andintheloveandtrustoverflowingherpurehearttowardsher，Florencelovedherowndeadmothermoreandmore。Shehadnofearofsettinguparivalinherbreast。Thenewflowersprangfromthedeep-plantedandlong-cherishedroot，sheknew。Everygentlewordthathadfallenfromthelipsofthebeautifullady，soundedtoFlorencelikeanechoofthevoicelonghushedandsilent。Howcouldshelovethatmemorylessforlivingtenderness，whenitwashermemoryofallparentaltendernessandlove！
　　Florencewas，oneday，sittingreadinginherroom，andthinkingoftheladyandherpromisedvisitsoon——forherbookturnedonakindredsubject——when，raisinghereyes，shesawherstandinginthedoorway。
　　`Mama！'criedFlorence，joyfullymeetingher。`Comeagain！'
　　`NotMamayet，'returnedthelady，withaserioussmile，assheencircledFlorence'sneckwithherarm。
　　`Butverysoontobe，'criedFlorence。
　　`Verysoonnow，Florence：verysoon。'
　　Edithbentherheadalittle，soastopressthebloomingcheekofFlorenceagainstherown，andforsomefewmomentsremainedthussilent。
　　Therewassomethingsoverytenderinhermanner，thatFlorencewasevenmoresensibleofitthanonthefirstoccasionoftheirmeeting。
　　SheledFlorencetoachairbesideher，andsatdown：Florencelookinginherface，quitewonderingatitsbeauty，andwillinglyleavingherhandinhers。
　　`Haveyoubeenalone，Florence，sinceIwasherelast？'
　　`Ohyes！'smiledFlorence，hastily。
　　Shehesitatedandcastdownhereyes；forhernewMamawasveryearnestinherlook，andthelookwasintentlyandthoughtfullyfixeduponherface。
　　`I——I——amusedtobealone，'saidFlorence。`Idon'tminditatall。DiandIpasswholedaystogether，sometimes。'Florencemighthavesaid，wholeweeksandmonths。
　　`IsDiyourmaid，love？'
　　`Mydog，Mama，'saidFlorence，laughing。`Susanismymaid。'
　　`Andtheseareyourrooms，'saidEdith，lookinground。`Iwasnotshowntheseroomstheotherday。Wemusthavethemimproved，Florence。
　　Theyshallbemadetheprettiestinthehouse。'
　　`IfImightchangethem，Mama，'returnedFlorence；`thereisoneupstairsIshouldlikemuchbetter。'
　　`Isthisnothighenough，deargirl？'askedEdith，smiling。
　　`Theotherwasmybrother'sroom，'saidFlorence，`andIamveryfondofit。IwouldhavespokentoPapaaboutitwhenIcamehome，andfoundtheworkmenhere，andeverythingchanging：but——'
　　Florencedroppedhereyes，lestthesamelookshouldmakeherfalteragain。
　　`——butIwasafraiditmightdistresshim；andasyousaidyouwouldbehereagainsoon，Mama，andarethemistressofeverything，Ideterminedtotakecourageandaskyou。'
　　Edithsatlookingather，withherbrillianteyesintentuponherface，untilFlorenceraisingherown，she，inherturn，withdrewhergaze，andturneditontheground。ItwasthenthatFlorencethoughthowdifferentthislady'sbeautywas，fromwhatshehadsupposed。Shehadthoughtitofaproudandloftykind；yethermannerwassosubduedandgentle，thatifshehadbeenofFlorence'sownageandcharacter，itscarcelycouldhaveinvitedconfidencemore。
　　Exceptwhenaconstrainedandsingularreservecreptoverher；
　　andthensheseemedbutFlorencehardlyunderstoodthis，thoughshecouldnotchoosebutnoticeit，andthinkaboutitasifshewerehumbledbeforeFlorence，andillatease。WhenshehadsaidthatshewasnotherMamayet，andwhenFlorencehadcalledherthemistressofeverythingthere，thischangeinherwasquickandstartling；andnow，whiletheeyesofFlorencerestedonherface，shesatasthoughshewouldhaveshrunkandhiddenfromher，ratherthanasoneabouttoloveandcherishher，inrightofsuchanearconnexion。
　　ShegaveFlorenceherreadypromise，abouthernewroom，andsaidshewouldgivedirectionsaboutitherself。ShethenaskedsomequestionsconcerningpoorPaul；andwhentheyhadsatinconversationforsometime，toldFlorenceshehadcometotakehertoherownhome。
　　`WehavecometoLondonnow，mymotherandI，'saidEdith，`andyoushallstaywithusuntilIammarried。Iwishthatweshouldknowandtrusteachother，Florence。'
　　`Youareverykindtome。'saidFlorence，`dearMama。HowmuchIthankyou！'
　　`Letmesaynow，foritmaybethebestopportunity，'continuedEdith，lookingroundtoseethattheywerequitealone，andspeakinginalowervoice，`thatwhenIammarried，andhavegoneawayforsomeweeks，Ishallbeeasieratheartifyouwillcomehomehere。Nomatterwhoinvitesyoutostayelsewhere，comehomehere。Itisbettertobealonethen——whatIwouldsayis，'sheadded，checkingherself，`thatIknowwellyouarebestathome，dearFlorence。'
　　`Iwillcomehomeontheveryday，Mama。'
　　`Doso。Irelyonthatpromise。Now，preparetocomewithme，deargirl。Youwillfindmedownstairswhenyouareready。'
　　SlowlyandthoughtfullydidEdithwanderalonethroughthemansionofwhichshewassosoontobethelady：andlittleheedtooksheofalltheeleganceandsplendouritbegantodisplay。Thesameindomitablehaughtinessofsoul，thesameproudscornexpressedineyeandlip，thesamefiercebeauty，onlytamedbyasenseofitsownlittleworth，andofthelittleworthofeverythingaroundit，wentthroughthegrandsaloonsandhalls，thathadgotlooseamongtheshadytrees，andragedandrentthemselves。
　　Themimicrosesonthewallsandfloorsweresetroundwithsharpthorns，thattoreherbreast；ineveryscrapofgoldsodazzlingtotheeye，shesawsomehatefulatomofherpurchase-money；thebroadhighmirrorsshowedher，atfulllength，awomenwithanoblequalityyetdwellinginhernature，whowastoofalsetoherbetterself，andtoodebasedandlost，tosaveherself。Shebelievedthatallthiswassoplain，moreorless，toalleyes，thatshehadnoresourceorpowerofself-assertionbutinpride：
　　andwiththispride，whichtorturedherownheartnightandday，shefoughtherfateout，bravedit，anddefiedit。
　　WasthisthewomanwhomFlorence——aninnocentgirl，strongonlyinherearnestnessandsimpletruth——couldsoimpressandquell，thatbyhersideshewasanothercreature，withhertempestofpassionhushed，andherveryprideitselfsubdued？Wasthisthewomanwhonowsatbesideherinacarriage，withherarmsentwined，andwho，whileshecourtedandentreatedhertoloveandtrusther，drewherfairheadtonestleonherbreast，andwouldhavelaiddownlifetoshielditfromwrongorharm？
　　Oh，Edith！itwerewelltodie，indeed，atsuchatime！Betterandhappierfar，perhaps，todieso，Edith，thantoliveontotheend！
　　TheHonourableMrs。Skewton，whowasthinkingofanythingratherthanofsuchsentiments——for，likemanygenteelpersonswhohaveexistedatvarioustimes，shesetherfaceagainstdeathaltogether，andobjectedtothementionofanysuchlowandlevellingupstart——hadborrowedahouseinBrookStreet，GrosvenorSquare，fromastatelyrelativeoneoftheFeenixbrood，whowasoutoftown，andwhodidnotobjecttolendingit，inthehandsomestmanner，fornuptialpurposes，astheloanimpliedhisfinalreleaseandacquittancefromallfurtherloansandgiftstoMrs。
　　Skewtonandherdaughter。Itbeingnecessaryforthecreditofthefamilytomakeahandsomeappearanceatsuchatime，Mrs。Skewton，withtheassistanceofanaccommodatingtradesmanresidentintheparishofMary-le-bone，wholentoutallsortsofarticlestothenobilityandgentry，fromaserviceofplatetoanarmyoffoot-men，clappedintothishouseasilver-headedbutlerwhowaschargedextraonthataccount，ashavingtheappearanceofanancientfamilyretainer，twoverytallyoungmeninlivery，andaselectstaffofkitchen-servants；sothatalegendarose，downstairs，thatWithersthepage，releasedatoncefromhisnumeroushouseholdduties，andfromthepropulsionofthewheeled-chairinconsistentwiththemetropolis，hadbeenseveraltimesobservedtorubhiseyesandpinchhislimbs，asifhemisdoubtedhishavingoverslepthimselfattheLeamingtonmilkman's，andbeingstillinacelestialdream。Avarietyofrequisitesinplateandchinabeingalsoconveyedtothesameestablishmentfromthesameconvenientsource，withseveralmiscellaneousarticles，includinganeatchariotandapairofbays，Mrs。Skewtoncushionedherselfontheprincipalsofa，intheCleopatraattitude，andheldhercourtinfairstate。
　　`Andhow，'saidMr。Skewton，ontheentranceofherdaughterandhercharge，`ismycharmingFlorence？Youmustcomeandkissme，Florence，ifyouplease，mylove。'
　　FlorencewastimidlystoopingtopickoutaplaceinthewhitepartofMrs。Skewton'sface，whenthatladypresentedherear，andrelievedherofherdifficulty。
　　`Edith，mydear，'saidMrs。Skewton，`positively，I——standalittlemoreinthelight，mysweetestFlorence，foramoment。'
　　Florenceblushinglycomplied。
　　`Youdon'tremember，dearestEdith，'saidhermother，`whatyouwerewhenyouwereaboutthesameageasourexceedinglypreciousFlorence，orafewyearsyounger？'
　　`Ihavelongforgotten，mother。'
　　`Forpositively，mydear，'saidMrs。Skewton，`IdothinkthatIseeadecidedresemblancetowhatyouwerethen，inourextremelyfascinatingyoungfriend。Anditshows，'saidMrs。Skewton，inalowervoice，whichconveyedheropinionthatFlorencewasinaveryunfinishedstate，`whatcultivationwilldo。'
　　`Itdoes，indeed，'wasEdith'ssternreply。
　　Hermothereyedhersharplyforamoment，andfeelingherselfonunsafeground，said，asadiversion：
　　`MycharmingFlorence，youmustcomeandkissmeoncemore，ifyouplease，mylove。'
　　Florencecomplied，ofcourse，andagainimprintedherlipsorMrs。Skewton'sear。
　　`Andyouhaveheard，nodoubt，mydarlingpet，'saidMrs。Skewton，detainingherhand，`thatyourPapa，whomweallperfectlyadoreanddoteupon，istobemarriedtomydearestEdiththisdayweek。'
　　`Iknewitwouldbeverysoon，'returnedFlorence，`butnotexactlywhen。'
　　`MydarlingEdith，'urgedhermother，gaily，`isitpossibleyouhavenottoldFlorence？'
　　`WhyshouldItellFlorence？'Shereturned，sosuddenlyandharshly，thatFlorencecouldscarcelybelieveitwasthesamevoice。
　　Mrs。SkewtonthentoldFlorence，asanotherandsaferdiversion，thatherfatherwascomingtodinner，andthathewouldnodoubtbecharminglysurprisedtoseeher；ashehadspokenlastnightofdressingintheCity，andhadknownnothingofEdith'sdesign，theexecutionofwhich，accordingtoMrs。Skewton'sexpectation，wouldthrowhimintoaperfectecstasy。
　　Florencewastroubledtohearthis；andherdistressbecamesokeen，asthedinner-hourapproached，thatifshehadknownhowtoframeanentreatytobesufferedtoreturnhome，withoutinvolvingherfatherinherexplanation，shewouldhavehurriedbackonfoot，bareheaded，breathless，andalone，ratherthanincurtheriskofmeetinghisdispleasure。
　　Asthetimedrewnearer，shecouldhardlybreathe。Shedarednotapproachawindow，lestheshouldseeherfromthestreet。Shedarednotgoupstairstohideheremotion，lest，inpassingoutatthedoor，sheshouldmeethimunexpectedly；besideswhichdread，sheleftasthoughshenevercouldcomebackagainifsheweresummonedtohispresence。Inthisconflictoffears，shewassittingbyCleopatra'scouch，endeavouringtounderstandandtoreplytothebalddiscourseofthatlady，whensheheardhisfootuponthestair。
　　`Ihearhimnow！'criedFlorence，starting。`Heiscoming！'
　　Cleopatra，whoinherjuvenilitywasalwaysplayfullydisposed，andwhoinherself-engrossmentdidnottroubleherselfaboutthenatureofthisagitation，pushedFlorencebehindhercouch，anddroppedashawloverher，preparatorytogivingMr。Dombeyaraptureofsurprise。Itwassoquicklydone，thatinamomentFlorenceheardhisawfulstepintheroom。
　　Hesalutedhisintendedmother-in-law，andhisintendedbride。
　　Thestrangesoundofhisvoicethrilledthroughthewholeframeofhischild。
　　`MydearDombey，'saidCleopatra，`comehereandtellmehowyourprettyFlorenceis。'
　　`Florenceisverywell，'saidMr。Dombey，advancingtowardsthecouch。
　　`Athome？'
　　`Athome，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`MydearDombey，'returnedCleopatra，withbewitchingvivacity；
　　`nowareyousureyouarenotdeceivingme？Idon'tknowwhatmydearestEdithwillsaytomewhenImakesuchadeclaration，butuponmyhonourIamafraidyouarethefalsestofmen，mydearDombey。'
　　Thoughhehadbeen；andhadbeendetectedonthespot，inthemostenormousfalsehoodthatwaseversaidordone；hecouldhardlyhavebeenmoredisconcertedthanhewas，whenMrs。Skewtonpluckedtheshawlaway，andFlorence，paleandtrembling，rosebeforehimlikeaghost。Hehadnotyetrecoveredhispresenceofmind，whenFlorencehadrunuptohim，claspedherhandsroundhisneck，kissedhisface，andhurriedoutoftheroom。Helookedroundasiftoreferthemattertosomebodyelse，butEdithhadgoneafterFlorence，instantly。
　　`Now，confess，mydearDombey，'saidMrs。Skewton，givinghimherhand，`thatyouneverweremoresurprisedandpleasedinyourlife。'
　　`Ineverwasmoresurprised，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Norpleased，mydearestDombey？'returnedMrs。Skewton，holdingupherfan。
　　`I——yes，IamexceedinglygladtomeetFlorencehere，'saidMr。
　　Dombey。Heappearedtoconsidergravelyaboutitforamoment，andthensaid，moredecidedly，`Yes，IreallyamverygladindeedtomeetFlorencehere。'
　　`Youwonderhowshecomeshere？'saidMrs。Skewton，`don'tyou？'
　　`Edith，perhaps——'suggestedMr。Dombey。
　　`Ah！wickedguesser！'repliedCleopatra，shakingherhead。`Ah！
　　cunning，cunningman！Oneshouldn'ttellthesethings；yoursex，mydearDombey，aresovain，andsoapttoabuseourweaknesses；butyouknowmyopensoul——verywell；immediately。'
　　Thiswasaddressedtooneoftheverytallyoungmenwhoannounceddinner。
　　`ButEdith，mydearDombey，'shecontinuedinawhisper，`whenshecannothaveyounearher——andasItellher，shecannotexpectthatalways——willatleasthavenearhersomethingorsomebodybelongingtoyou。Well，howextremelynaturalthatis！Andinthisspirit，nothingwouldkeepherfromridingoffto-daytofetchourdarlingFlorence。Well，howexcessivelycharmingthatis！'
　　Asshewaitedforananswer，Mr。Dombeyanswered，`Eminentlyso。'
　　`Blessyou，mydearDombey，forthatproofofheart！'criedCleopatra，squeezinghishand。`ButIamgrowingtooserious！Takemedownstairs，likeanangel，andletusseewhatthesepeopleintendtogiveusfordinner。
　　Blessyou，dearDombey！'