Cleopatraskippingoffhercouchwithtolerablebriskness，afterthelastbenediction，Mr。Dombeytookherarminhisandledherceremoniouslydownstairs；oneoftheverytallyoungmenonhire，whoseorganofvenerationwasimperfectlydeveloped，thrustinghistongueintohischeek，fortheentertainmentoftheotherverytallyoungmanonhire，asthecoupleturnedintothedining-room。
　　FlorenceandEdithwerealreadythere，andsittingsidebyside。
　　Florencewouldhaverisenwhenherfatherentered，toresignherchairtohim；butEdithopenlyputherhanduponherarm，andMr。Dombeytookanoppositeplaceattheroundtable。
　　TheconversationwasalmostentirelysustainedbyMrs。Skewton。
　　Florencehardlydaredtoraisehereyes，lesttheyshouldrevealthetracesoftears；farlessdaredtospeak；andEdithneverutteredoneword，unlessinanswertoaquestion。Verily，Cleopatraworkedhard，fortheestablishmentthatwassonearlyclutched；andverilyitshouldhavebeenarichonetorewardher！
　　`Andsoyourpreparationsarenearlyfinishedatlast，mydearDombey？'saidCleopatra，whenthedessertwasputuponthetable，andthesilver-headedbutlerhadwithdrawn。`Eventhelawyers'preparations！'
　　`Yes，madam，'repliedMr。Dombey；`thedeedofsettlement，theprofessionalgentlemeninformme，isnowready，andasIwasmentioningtoyou，Edithhasonlytodousthefavourtosuggestherowntimeforitsexecution。'
　　Edithsatlikeahandsomestatue；ascold，assilent，andasstill。
　　`Mydearestlove，'saidCleopatra，`doyouhearwhatMr。Dombeysays？Ah，mydearDombey！'asidetothatgentleman，`howherabsence，asthetimeapproaches，remindsmeofthedays，whenthatmostagreeableofcreatures，herpapa，wasinyoursituation！'
　　`Ihavenothingtosuggest。Itshallbewhenyouplease，'saidEdith，scarcelylookingoverthetableatMr。Dombey。
　　`To-morrow？'suggestedMr。Dombey。
　　`Ifyouplease。'
　　`Orwouldnextday，'saidMr。Dombey，`suityourengagementsbetter？'
　　`Ihavenoengagements。Iamalwaysatyourdisposal。Letitbewhenyoulike。
　　`Noengagements，mydearEdith！'remonstratedhermother，`whenyouareinamostterriblestateofflurryalldaylong，andhaveathousandandoneappointmentswithallsortsoftradespeople！'
　　`Theyareofyourmaking，'returnedEdith，turningonherwithaslightcontractionofherbrow。`YouandMr。Dombeycanarrangebetweenyou。'
　　`Verytrueindeed，mylove，andmostconsiderateofyou！'saidCleopatra。`MydarlingFlorence，youmustreallycomeandkissmeoncemore，ifyouplease，mydear！'
　　Singularcoincidence，thatthesegushesofinterestinFlorencehurriedCleopatraawayfromalmosteverydialogueinwhichEdithhadashare，howevertrifling！Florencehadcertainlyneverundergonesomuchembracing，andperhapshadneverbeen，unconsciously，sousefulinherlife。
　　Mr。Dombeywasfarfromquarrelling，inhisownbreast，withthemannerofhisbeautifulbetrothed。Hehadthatgoodreasonforsympathywithhaughtinessandcoldness，whichisfoundinafellow-feeling。Itflatteredhimtothinkhowthesedeferredtohim，inEdith'scase，andseemedtohavenowillapartfromhis。Itflatteredhimtopicturetohimself，thisproudandstatelywomandoingthehonoursofhishouse，andchillinghisguestsafterhisownmanner。ThedignityofDombeyandSonwouldbeheightenedandmaintained，indeed，insuchhands。
　　SothoughtMr。Dombey，whenhewasleftaloneatthedining-table，andmuseduponhispastandfuturefortunes：findingnouncongenialityinanairofscantandgloomystatethatpervadedtheroom，incolouradarkbrown，withblackhatchmentsofpicturesblotchingthewalls，andtwenty-fourblackchairs，withalmostasmanynailsinthemassomanycoffins，waitinglikemutes，uponthethresholdoftheTurkeycarpet；andtwoexhaustednegroesholdinguptwowitheredbranchesofcandelabraonthesideboard，andamustysmellprevailingasiftheashesoftenthousanddinnerswereentombedinthesarcophagusbelowit。Theownerofthehouselivedmuchabroad；theairofEnglandseldomagreedlongwithamemberoftheFeenixfamily；andtheroomhadgraduallyputitselfintodeeperandstilldeepermourningforhim，untilitwasbecomesofunerealastowantnothingbutabodyinittobequitecomplete。
　　Nobadrepresentationofthebody，forthenonce，inhisunbendingform，ifnotinhisattitude，Mr。Dombeylookeddownintothecolddepthsofthedeadseaofmahoganyonwhichthefruitdishesanddecanterslayatanchor：asifthesubjectsofhisthoughtswererisingtowardsthesurfaceonebyone，andplungingdownagain。Edithwasthereinallhermajestyofbrowandfigure；andclosetohercameFlorence，withhertimidheadturnedtohim，asithadbeen，foraninstant，whenshelefttheroom；
　　andEdith'seyesuponher，andEdith'shandputoutprotectingly。Alittlefigureinalowarm-chaircamespringingnextintothelight，andlookeduponhimwonderingly，withitsbrighteyesanditsold-youngface，gleamingasintheflickeringofaneveningfire。AgaincameFlorencecloseuponit，andabsorbedhiswholeattention。Whetherasafore-doomeddifficultyanddisappointmenttohim；whetherasarivalwhohadcrossedhiminhisway，andmightagain；whetherashischild，ofwhom，inhissuccessfulwooing，hecouldstooptothink，asclaiming，atsuchatime，tobenomoreestranged；orwhetherasahinttohimthatthemereappearanceofcaringforhisownbloodshouldbemaintainedinhisnewrelations；hebestknew。Indifferentlywell，perhaps，atbest；formarriagecompanyandmarriagealtars，andambitiousscenes——stillblottedhereandtherewithFlorence——alwaysFlorence——turnedupsofast，andsoconfusedly，thatherose，andwentupstairs，toescapethem。
　　Itwasquitelateatnightbeforecandleswerebrought；foratpresenttheymadeMrs。Skewton'sheadache，shecomplained；andinthemeantimeFlorenceandMrs。SkewtontalkedtogetherCleopatrabeingveryanxioustokeepherclosetoherself，orFlorencetouchedthepianosoftlyforMrs。Skewton'sdelight；tomakenomentionofafewoccasionsinthecourseoftheevening，whenthataffectionateladywasimpelledtosolicitanotherkiss，andwhichalwayshappenedafterEdithhadsaidanything。
　　Theywerenotmany，however，forEdithsatapartbyanopenwindowduringthewholetimeinspiteofhermother'sfearsthatshewouldtakecold，andremainedthereuntilMr。Dombeytookleave。HewasserenelygracioustoFlorencewhenhedidso；andFlorencewenttobedinaroomwithinEdith's，sohappyandhopeful，thatshethoughtofherlateselfasifitweresomeotherpoordesertedgirlwhowastobepitiedforhersorrow；andinherpity，sobbedherselftosleep。
　　Theweekfledfast。Thereweredrivestomilliners，dress-makers，jewellers，lawyers，florists，pastry-cooks；andFlorencewasalwaysoftheparty。Florencewastogotothewedding。Florencewastocastoffhermourning，andtowearabrilliantdressontheoccasion。Themilliner'sintentionsonthesubjectofthisdress——themillinerwasaFrenchwoman，andgreatlyresembledMrs。Skewton——weresochasteandelegant，thatMrs。
　　Skewtonbespokeonelikeitforherself。Themillinersaiditwouldbecomehertoadmiration，andthatalltheworldwouldtakeherfortheyounglady'ssister。
　　Theweekfledfaster。Edithlookedatnothingandcaredfornothing。
　　Herrichdressescamehome，andweretriedon，andwereloudlycommendedbyMrs。Skewtonandthemilliners，andwereputawaywithoutawordfromher。Mrs。Skewtonmadetheirplansforeveryday，andexecutedthem。SometimesEdithsatinthecarriagewhentheywenttomakepurchases；sometimes，whenitwasabsolutelynecessary，shewentintotheshops。ButMrs。Skewtonconductedthewholebusiness，whateverithappenedtobe：andEdithlookedonasuninterestedandwithasmuchapparentindifferenceasifshehadnoconcerninit。Florencemightperhapshavethoughtshewashaughtyandlistless，butthatshewasneversotoher。SoFlorencequenchedherwonderinhergratitudewheneveritbrokeout，andsoonsubduedit。
　　Theweekfledfaster。Ithadnearlywingeditsflightaway。Thelastnightoftheweek，thenightbeforethemarriagewascome。Inthedarkroom——forMrs。Skewton'sheadwasnobetteryet，thoughsheexpectedtorecoverpermanentlyto-morrow——werethatlady，Edith，andMr。Dombey。Edithwasatheropenwindowlookingoutintothestreet；Mr。DombeyandCleopatraweretalkingsoftlyonthesofa。Itwasgrowinglate；andFlorencebeingfatigued，hadgonetobed。
　　`MydearDombey，'saidCleopatra，`youwillleavemeFlorenceto-morrow，whenyoudeprivemeofmysweetestEdith。'
　　Mr。Dombeysaidhewould，withpleasure。
　　`Tohaveheraboutme，here，whileyouarebothatParis，andtothinkthat，atherage，Iamassistingintheformationofhermind，mydearDombey，'saidCleopatra，`willbeaperfectbalmtomeintheextremelyshatteredstatetowhichIshallbereduced。'
　　Edithturnedherheadsuddenly。Herlistlessmannerwasexchanged，inamoment，tooneofburninginterest，and，unseeninthedarkness，sheattendedcloselytotheirconversation。
　　Mr。DombeywouldbedelightedtoleaveFlorenceinsuchadmirableguardianship。
　　`MydearDombey，'returnedCleopatra，`athousandthanksforyourgoodopinion。Ifearedyouweregoing，withmaliceaforethought，asthedreadfullawyerssay——thosehorridproses！——tocondemnmetouttersolitude。'
　　`Whydomesogreataninjustice，mydearmadam？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`BecausemycharmingFlorencetellsmesopositivelyshemustgohometo-morrow，'returnedCleopatra，`thatIbegantobeafraid，mydearestDombey，youwerequiteaBashaw。'
　　`Iassureyou，madam！'saidMr。Dombey，`IhavelaidnocommandsonFlorence；andifIhad，therearenocommandslikeyourwish。'
　　`MydearDombey，'repliedCleopatra，`whatacourtieryouare！
　　ThoughI'llnotsayso，either；forcourtiershavenoheart，andyourspervadesyourcharminglifeandcharacter。Andareyoureallygoingsoearly，mydearDombey！'
　　Oh，indeed！itwaslate，andMr。Dombeyfearedhemust。
　　`Isthisafact，orisitalladream！'lispedCleopatra。`CanIbelieve，mydearestDombey，thatyouarecomingbackto-morrowmorningtodeprivemeofmysweetcompanion；myownEdith！'
　　Mr。Dombey，whowasaccustomedtotakethingsliterally，remindedMrs。Skewtonthattheyweretomeetfirstatthechurch。
　　`Thepang，'saidMrs。Skewton，`ofconsigningachild，eventoyou，mydearDombey，isoneofthemostexcruciatingimaginable；andcombinedwithanaturallydelicateconstitution，andtheextremestupidityofthepastry-cookwhohasundertakenthebreakfast，isalmosttoomuchformypoorstrength。ButIshallrally，mydearDombey，inthemorning；donotfearforme，orbeuneasyonmyaccount。Heavenblessyou！MydearestEdith！'
　　shecriedarchly。`Somebodyisgoing，pet。'
　　Edith，whohadturnedherheadagaintowardsthewindow，andwhoseinterestintheirconversationhadceased，roseupinherplace，butmadenoadvancetowardshim，andsaidnothing。Mr。Dombey，withaloftygallantryadaptedtohisdignityandtheoccasion，betookhiscreakingbootstowardsher，putherhandtohislips，said，`To-morrowmorningIshallhavethehappinessofclaimingthishandasMrs。Dombey's，'andbowedhimselfsolemnlyout。
　　Mrs。Skewtonrangforcandlesassoonasthehouse-doorhadcloseduponhim。Withthecandlesappearedhermaid，withthejuveniledressthatwastodeludetheworldto-morrow。Thedresshadsavageretributioninit，assuchdresseseverhave，andmadeherinfinitelyolderandmorehideousthanhergreasyflannelgown。ButMrs。Skewtontrieditonwithmincingsatisfaction；smirkedathercadaverousselfintheglass，asshethoughtofitskillingeffectupontheMajor；andsufferinghermaidtotakeitoffagain，andtoprepareherforrepose，tumbledintoruinslikeahouseofpaintedcards。
　　Allthistime，Edithremainedatthedarkwindowlookingoutintothestreet。Whensheandhermotherwereatlastleftalone，shemovedfromitforthefirsttimethatevening，andcameoppositetoher。Theyawning，shaking，peevishfigureofthemother，withhereyesraisedtoconfronttheprouderectformofthedaughter，whoseglanceoffirewasbentdownwarduponher，hadaconsciousairuponit，thatnolevityortempercouldconceal。
　　`Iamtiredtodeath，'saidshe。`Youcan'tbetrustedforamoment。
　　Youareworsethanachild。Child！Nochildwouldbehalfsoobstinateandundutiful。'
　　`Listentome，mother，'returnedEdith，passingthesewordsbywithascornthatwouldnotdescendtotriflewiththem。`Youmustremainalonehere，untilIreturn。'
　　`Mustremainalonehere，Edith，untilyoureturn！'repeatedhermother。
　　`OrinthatnameuponwhichIshallcallto-morrowtowitnesswhatIdo，sofalsely，andsoshamefully，IswearIwillrefusethehandofthismaninthechurch。IfIdonot，mayIfalldeaduponthepavement！'
　　Themotheransweredwithalookofquickalarm，innodegreediminishedbythelookshemet。
　　`Itisenough，'saidEdith，steadily，`thatwearewhatweare。
　　Iwillhavenoyouthandtruthdraggeddowntomylevel。Iwillhavenoguilelessnatureundermined，corrupted，andperverted，toamusetheleisureofaworldofmothers。Youknowmymeaning。Florencemustgohome。'
　　`Youareanidiot，Edith，'criedherangrymother。`Doyouexpecttherecaneverbepeaceforyouinthathouse，tillsheismarried，andaway？'
　　`Askme，oraskyourself，ifIeverexpectpeaceinthathouse，'
　　saidherdaughter，`andyouknowtheanswer。'
　　`AndamItobetoldto-night，afterallmypainsandlabour，andwhenyouaregoing，throughme，toberenderedindependent，'hermotheralmostshriekedinherpassion，whileherpalsiedheadshooklikealeaf，`thatthereiscorruptionandcontagioninme，andthatIamnotfitcompanyforagirl！Whatareyou，pray？Whatareyou？'
　　`Ihaveputthequestiontomyself，'saidEdith，ashypale，andpointingtothewindow，`morethanoncewhenIhavebeensittingthere，andsomethinginthefadedlikenessofmysexhaswanderedpastoutside；
　　andGodknowsIhavemetwithmyreply。Ohmother，mother，ifyouhadbutleftmetomynaturalheartwhenItoowasagirl——ayoungergirlthanFlorence——howdifferentImighthavebeen！'
　　Sensiblethatanyshowofangerwasuselesshere，hermotherrestrainedherself，andfellawhimpering，andbewailedthatshehadlivedtoolong，andthatheronlychildhadcastheroff，andthatdutytowardsparentswasforgottenintheseevildays，andthatshehadheardunnaturaltaunts，andcaredforlifenolonger。
　　`Ifoneistogoonlivingthroughcontinualsceneslikethis，'
　　shewhined，`Iamsureitwouldbemuchbetterformetothinkofsomemeansofputtinganendtomyexistence。Oh！Theideaofyourbeingmydaughter，Edith，andaddressingmeinsuchastrain！'
　　`Betweenus，mother，'returnedEdith，mournfully，`thetimeformutualreproachesispast。'
　　`Thenwhydoyoureviveit？'whimperedhermother。`Youknowthatyouarelaceratingmeinthecruellestmanner。YouknowhowsensitiveI
　　amtounkindness。Atsuchamoment，too，whenIhavesomuchtothinkof，andamnaturallyanxioustoappeartothebestadvantage！Iwonderatyou，Edith。Tomakeyourmotherafrightuponyourwedding-day！'
　　Edithbentthesamefixedlookuponher，asshesobbedandrubbedhereyes；andsaidinthesamelowsteadyvoice，whichhadneitherrisennorfallensinceshefirstaddressedher，`IhavesaidthatFlorencemustgohome。'
　　`Lethergo！'criedtheafflictedandaffrightedparent，hastily。
　　`IamsureIamwillingsheshouldgo。Whatisthegirltome？'
　　`Sheissomuchtome，thatratherthancommunicate，orsuffertobecommunicatedtoher，onegrainoftheevilthatisinmybreast，mother，Iwouldrenounceyou，asIwouldifyougavemecauserenouncehiminthechurchto-morrow，'repliedEdith。`Leaveheralone。Sheshallnot，whileIcaninterpose，betamperedwithandtaintedbythelessonsIhavelearned。Thisisnohardconditiononthisbitternight。'
　　`Ifyouhadproposeditinafilialmanner，Edith，'whinedhermother，`perhapsnot；verylikelynot。Butsuchextremelycuttingwords——'
　　`Theyarepastandatanendbetweenusnow，'saidEdith。`Takeyourownway，mother；shareasyoupleaseinwhatyouhavegained；spend，enjoy，makemuchofit；andbeashappyasyouwill。Theobjectofourlivesiswon。Henceforthletuswearitsilently。Mylipsarecloseduponthepastfromthishour。Iforgiveyouyourpartinto-morrow'swickedness。
　　MayGodforgivemyown！'
　　Withoutatremorinhervoice，orframe，andpassingonwardwithafootthatsetitselfupontheneckofeverysoftemotion，shebadehermothergoodnight，andrepairedtoherownroom。
　　Butnottorest；fortherewasnorestinthetumultofheragitationwhenalone。Toandfro，andtoandfro，andtoandfroagain，fivehundredtimes，amongthesplendidpreparationsforheradornmentonthemorrow；
　　withherdarkhairshakendown，herdarkeyesflashingwitharaginglight，herbroadwhitebosomredwiththecruelgraspoftherelentlesshandwithwhichshespurneditfromher，pacingupanddownwithanavertedhead，asifshewouldavoidthesightofherownfairperson，anddivorceherselffromitscompanionship。Thus，inthedeadtimeofthenightbeforeherbridal，EdithGrangerwrestledwithherunquietspirit，tearless，friendless，silent，proud，anduncomplaining。
　　AtlengthithappenedthatshetouchedtheopendoorwhichledintotheroomwhereFlorencelay。
　　Shestarted，stopped，andlookedin。
　　Alightwasburningthere，andshowedherFlorenceinherbloomofinnocenceandbeauty，fastasleep。Edithheldherbreath，andfeltherselfdrawnontowardsher。
　　Drawnnearer，nearer，neareryet；atlast，drawnsonear，thatstoopingdown，shepressedherlipstothegentlehandthatlayoutsidethebed，andputitsoftlytoherneck。Itstouchwasliketheprophet'srodofoldupontherock。Hertearssprungforthbeneathit，asshesunkuponherknees，andlaidherachingheadandstreaminghairuponthepillowbyitsside。
　　ThusEdithGrangerpassedthenightbeforeherbridal。Thusthesunfoundheronherbridalmorning。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter31[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXITheWeddingDAWN，withitspassionlessblankface，stealsshiveringtothechurchbeneathwhichliesthedustoflittlePaulandhismother，andlooksinatthewindows。Itiscoldanddark。Nightcrouchesyet，uponthepavement，andbroods，sombreandheavy，innooksandcornersofthebuilding。Thesteeple-clock，perchedupabovethehouses，emergingfrombeneathanotherofthecountlessripplesinthetideoftimethatregularlyrollandbreakontheeternalshore，isgreylyvisible，likeastonebeacon，recordinghowtheseaflowson；butwithindoors，dawn，atfirst，canonlypeepatnight，andseethatitisthere。
　　Hoveringfeeblyroundthechurch，andlookingin，dawnmoansandweepsforitsshortreign，anditstearstrickleonthewindow-glass，andthetreesagainstthechurch-wallbowtheirheads，andwringtheirmanyhandsinsympathy。Night，growingpalebeforeit，graduallyfadesoutofthechurch，butlingersinthevaultsbelow，andsitsuponthecoffins。
　　Andnowcomesbrightday，burnishingthesteeple-clock，andreddeningthespire，anddryingupthetearsofdawn，andstiflingitscomplaining；andthescareddawn，followingthenight，andchasingitfromitslastrefuge，shrinksintothevaultsitselfandhides，withafrightenedface，amongthedead，untilnightreturns，refreshed，todriveitout。
　　Andnow，themice，whohavebeenbusierwiththeprayer-booksthantheirproperowners，andwiththehassocks，morewornbytheirlittleteethbyhumanknees，hidetheirbrighteyesintheirholes，andgatherclosetogetherinaffrightattheresoundingclashingofthechurch-door。
　　Forthebeadle，thatmanofpower，comesearlythismorningwiththesexton；
　　andMrs。Miff，thewheezylittlepew-opener——amightydryoldlady，sparelydressed，withnotaninchoffulnessanywhereabouther——isalsohere，andhasbeenwaitingatthechurch-gatehalf-an-hour，asherplaceis，forthebeadle。
　　AvinegaryfacehasMrs。Miff，andamortifiedbonnet，andekeathirstysoulforsixpencesandshillings。Beckoningtostraypeopletocomeintopews，hasgivenMrs。Miffanairofmystery；andthereisreservationintheeyeofMrs。Miff，asalwaysknowingofasofterseat，buthavinghersuspicionsofthefee。ThereisnosuchfactasMr。Miff，norhastherebeen，thesetwentyyears，andMrs。Miffwouldrathernotalludetohim。
　　Heheldsomebadopinions，itwouldseem，aboutfreeseats，andthoughMrs。Miffhopeshemaybegoneupwards，shecouldn'tpositivelyundertaketosayso。
　　BusyisMrs。Miffthismorningatthechurch-door，beatinganddustingthealtar-cloth，thecarpet，andthecushions；andmuchhasMrs。
　　Mifftosay，abouttheweddingtheyaregoingtohave。Mrs。Miffistold，thatthenewfurnitureandalterationsinthehousecostfullfivethousandpoundiftheycostapenny；andMrs。Miffhasheard，uponthebestauthority，thattheladyhasn'tgotasixpencewherewithaltoblessherself。Mrs。
　　Miffremembers，likewise，asifithadhappenedyesterday，thefirstwife'sfuneral，andthenthechristening，andthentheotherfuneral；andMrs。
　　Miffsays，by-the-byeshe'llsoap-and-waterthat'eretabletpresently，againstthecompanyarrive。Mr。Sownds，theBeadle，whoissittinginthesunuponthechurchstepsallthistimeandseldomdoesanythingelse，except，incoldweather，sittingbythefire，approvesofMrs。Miff'sdiscourse，andasksifMrs。Miffhashearditsaid，thattheladyisuncommonhandsome？TheinformationMrs。Miffhasreceived，beingofthisnature，Mr。SowndstheBeadle，who，thoughorthodoxandcorpulent，isstillanadmireroffemalebeauty，observes，withunction，yes，hehearssheisaspanker——anexpressionthatseemssomewhatforcibletoMrs。Miff，orwould，fromanylipsbutthoseofMr。SowndstheBeadle。
　　InMr。Dombey'shouse，atthissametime，thereisgreatstirandbustle，moreespeciallyamongthewomen：notoneofwhomhashadawinkofsleepsincefouro'clock，andallofwhomwerefullydressedbeforesix。Mr。Towlinsonisanobjectofgreaterconsiderationthanusualtothehousemaid，andthecooksaysatbreakfast-timethatoneweddingmakesmany，whichthehousemaidcan'tbelieve，anddon'tthinktrueatall。Mr。
　　Towlinsonreserveshissentimentsonthisquestion；beingrenderedsomethinggloomybytheengagementofaforeignerwithwhiskersMr。Towlinsoniswhiskerlesshimself，whohasbeenhiredtoaccompanythehappypairtoParis，andwhoisbusypackingthenewchariot。Inrespectofthispersonage，Mr。Towlinsonadmits，presently，thatheneverknewofanygoodthatevercomeofforeigners；andbeingchargedbytheladieswithprejudice，says，lookatBonapartewhowasattheheadof'em，andseewhathewasalwaysupto！Whichthehousemaidsaysisverytrue。
　　Thepastry-cookishardatworkinthefuneralroominBrookStreet，andtheverytallyoungmenarebusylookingon。Oneoftheverytallyoungmenalreadysmellsofsherry，andhiseyeshaveatendencytobecomefixedinhishead，andtostareatobjectswithoutseeingthem。Theverytallyoungmanisconsciousofthisfailinginhimself；andinformshiscomradethatit'shis`exciseman。'Theverytallyoungmanwouldsayexcitement，buthisspeechishazy。
　　Themenwhoplaythebellshavegotscentofthemarriage；andthemarrow-bonesandcleaverstoo；andabrassbandtoo。Thefirst，arepractisinginabacksettlementnearBattle-bridge；thesecond，putthemselvesincommunication，throughtheirchief，withMr。Towlinson，towhomtheyoffertermstobeboughtoff；andthethird，inthepersonofanartfultrombone，lurksanddodgesroundthecorner，waitingforsometraitortradesmantorevealtheplaceandhourofbreakfast，forabribe。Expectationandexcitementextendfurtheryet，andtakeawiderrange。FromBallsPond，Mr。PerchbringsMrs。PerchtospendthedaywithMr。Dombey'sservants，andaccompanythem，surreptitiously，toseethewedding。InMr。Toots'slodgings，Mr。TootsattireshimselfasifhewereatleasttheBridegroom；
　　determinedtobeholdthespectacleinsplendourfromasecretcornerofthegallery，andthithertoconveytheChicken：foritisMr。Toots'sdesperateintenttopointoutFlorencetotheChicken，thenandthere，andopenlytosay，`Now，Chicken，Iwillnotdeceiveyouanylonger；thefriendI
　　havesometimesmentionedtoyouismyself；MissDombeyistheobjectofmypassion；whatareyouropinions，Chicken，inthisstateofthings，andwhat，onthespot，doyouadvise？'Theso-much-to-be-astonishedChicken，inthemeanwhile，dipshisbeakintoatankardofstrongbeer，inMr。Toots'skitchen，andpecksuptwopoundsofbeefsteaks。InPrincess'sPlace，MissToxisupanddoing；forshetoo，thoughinsoredistress，isresolvedtoputashillinginthehandsofMrs。Miff，andseetheceremonywhichhasacruelfascinationforher，fromsomelonelycorner。ThequartersoftheWoodenMidshipmanareallalive；forCaptainCuttle，inhisankle-jacksandwithahugeshirt-collar，isseatedathisbreakfast，listeningtoRobtheGrinderashereadsthemarriageservicetohimbeforehand，underorders，totheendthattheCaptainmayperfectlyunderstandthesolemnityheisabouttowitness：forwhichpurpose，theCaptaingravelylaysinjunctionsonhischaplain，fromtimetotime，to`putabout，'orto`overhaulthat'erearticleagain，'ortosticktohisownduty，andleavetheAmenstohim，theCaptain；oneofwhichherepeats，wheneverapauseismadebyRobtheGrinder，withsonoroussatisfaction。
　　Besidesallthis，andmuchmore，twentynursery-maidsinMr。Dombey'sstreetalone，havepromisedtwentyfamiliesoflittlewomen，whoseinstinctiveinterestinnuptialsdatesfromtheircradles，thattheyshallgoandseethemarriage。Truly，Mr。SowndstheBeadlehasgoodreasontofeelhimselfinoffice，ashesunshisportlyfigureonthechurchsteps，waitingforthemarriagehour。Truly，Mrs。Miffhascausetopounceonanunluckydwarfchild，withagiantbaby，whopeepsinattheporch，anddriveherforthwithindignation！
　　CousinFeenixhascomeoverfromabroad，expresslytoattendthemarriage。CousinFeenixwasamanabouttown，fortyyearsago；butheisstillsojuvenileinfigureandinmanner，andsowellgotup，thatstrangersareamazedwhentheydiscoverlatentwrinklesinhislordship'sface，andcrows'feetinhiseyes；andfirstobservehim，notexactlycertainwhenhewalksacrossaroom，ofgoingquitestraighttowherehewantstogo。
　　ButCousinFeenix，gettingupathalf-pastseveno'clockorso，isquiteanotherthingfromCousinFeenixgotup；andverydim，indeed，helooks，whilebeingshavedatLong'sHotel，inBondStreet。
　　Mr。Dombeyleaveshisdressing-room，amidstageneralwhiskingawayofthewomenonthestaircase，whodisperseinalldirections，withagreatrustlingofskirts，exceptMrs。Perch，who，beingbutthatshealwaysisinaninterestingsituation，isnotnimble，andisobligedtofacehim，andisreadytosinkwithconfusionasshecurtseys；——mayHeavenavertallevilconsequencesfromthehouseofPerch！Mr。Dombeywalksuptothedrawing-room，tobidehistime。GorgeousareMr。Dombey'snewbluecoat，fawn-colouredpantaloons，andlilacwaistcoat；andawhispergoesaboutthehouse，thatMr。Dombey'shairiscurled。
　　AdoubleknockannouncesthearrivaloftheMajor，whoisorgeoustoo，andwearsawholegeraniuminhisbutton-hole，andhashishaircurledtightandcrisp，aswelltheNativeknows`Dombey！'saystheMajor，puttingoutbothhands，`howareyou？'
　　`Major，'saysMr。Dombey，`howareYou？'
　　`ByJove，Sir，'saystheMajor，`JoeyB。isinsuchcasethismorning，Sir，'——andherehehitshimselfharduponthebreast——`insuchcasethismorning，Sir，that，damme，Dombey，hehashalfamindtomakeadoublemarriageofit，Sir，andtakethemother。'
　　Mr。Dombeysmiles；butfaintly，evenforhim；forMr。Dombeyfeelsthatheisgoingtoberelatedtothemother，andthat，underthosecircumstances，sheisnottobejokedabout。
　　`Dombey，'saystheMajor，seeingthis，`Igiveyoujoy。Icongratulateyou，Dombey。BytheLord，Sir，'saystheMajor，`youaremoretobeenvied，thisday，thananymaninEngland！'
　　HereagainMr。Dombey'sassentisqualified；becauseheisgoingtoconferagreatdistinctiononalady；and，nodoubt，sheistobeenviedmost。
　　`AstoEdithGranger，Sir，'pursuestheMajor，`thereisnotawomaninallEuropebutmight——andwould，Sir，youwillallowBagstocktoadd——andwouldgiveherears，andherearrings，too，tobeinEdithGranger'splace。'
　　`Youaregoodenoughtosayso，Major，'saysMr。Dombey。
　　`Dombey，'returnstheMajor，`youknowit。Letushavenofalsedelicacy。Youknowit。Doyouknowit，ordoyounot，Dombey？'saystheMajor，almostinapassion。
　　`Oh，really，Major——'
　　`Damme，Sir，'retortstheMajor，`doyouknowthatfact，ordoyounot？Dombey！IsoldJoeyourfriend？Areweonthatfootingofunreservedintimacy，Dombey，thatmayjustifyaman——abluntoldJosephB。，Sir——inspeakingout；oramItotakeopenorder，Dombey，andtokeepmydistance，andtostandonforms？'
　　`MydearMajorBagstock。'saysMr。Dombey，withagratifiedair，`youarequitewarm。'
　　`ByGad，Sir，'saystheMajor，`Iamwarm。JosephB。doesnotdenyit，Dombey。Heiswarm。Thisisanoccasion，Sir，thatcallsforthallthehonestsympathiesremaininginanold，infernal，battered，used-up，invalided，J。B。carcase。AndItellyouwhat，Dombey——atsuchatimeamanmustblurtoutwhathefeels，orputamuzzleon；andJosephBagstocktellsyoutoyourface，Dombey，ashetellshisclubbehindyourback，thatheneverwillbemuzzledwhenPaulDombeyisinquestion。Now，damme，Sir，'concludestheMajor，withgreatfirmness，`whatdoyoumakeofthat？'
　　`Major，'saysMr。Dombey，`IassureyouthatIamreallyobligedtoyou。Ihadnoideaofcheckingyourtoopartialfriendship。'
　　`Nottoopartial，Sir！'exclaimsthecholericMajor。`Dombey，Idenyit。'
　　`YourfriendshipIwillsaythen，'pursuesMr。Dombey，`onanyaccount。NorcanIforget，Major，onsuchanoccasionasthepresent，howmuchIamindebtedtoit。'
　　`Dombey，'saystheMajor，withappropriateaction，`thatisthehandofJosephBagstock：ofplainoldJoeyB。，Sir，ifyoulikethatbetter！
　　ThatisthehandofwhichHisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkdidmethehonourtoobserve，Sir，toHisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofKent，thatitwasthehandofJosh。：aroughandtough，andpossiblyanup-to-snuff，oldvagabond。Dombey，maythepresentmomentbetheleastunhappyofourlives。Godblessyou！'
　　NowentersMr。Carker，gorgeouslikewise，andsmilinglikeawedding-guestindeed。HecanscarcelyletMr。Dombey'shandgo，heissocongratulatory；
　　andheshakestheMajor'shandsoheartilyatthesametime，thathisvoiceshakestoo，inaccordwithhisarms，asitcomesslidingfrombetweenhisteeth。
　　`Theverydayisauspicious，'saysMr。Carker。`Thebrightestandmostgenialweather！IhopeIamnotamomentlate？'
　　`Punctualtoyourtime，Sir，'saystheMajor。
　　`Iamrejoiced，Iamsure，'saysMr。Carker。`IwasafraidImightbeafewsecondsaftertheappointedtime，forIwasdelayedbyaprocessionofwaggons；andItookthelibertyofridingroundtoBrookStreet'——thistoMr。Dombey——`toleaveafewpoorraritiesofflowersforMrs。Dombey。
　　Amaninmyposition，andsodistinguishedastobeinvitedhere，isproudtooffersomehomageinacknowledgmentofhisvassalage：andasIhavenodoubtMrs。Dombeyisoverwhelmedwithwhatiscostlyandmagnificent；'
　　withastrangeglanceathispatron；`Ihopetheverypovertyofmyoffering，mayfindfavourforit。'
　　`Mrs。Dombey，thatistobe，'returnsMr。Dombey，condescending，`willbeverysensibleofyourattention，Carker，Iamsure。'
　　`AndifsheistobeMrs。Dombeythismorning，Sir，saystheMajor，puttingdownhiscoffee-cup，andlookingathiswatch，`it'shightimewewereoff！'
　　Forth，inabarouche，rideMr。Dombey，MajorBagstock，andMr。
　　Carker，tothechurch。Mr。SowndstheBeadlehaslongrisenfromthesteps，andisinwaitingwithhiscockedhatinhishand。Mrs。Miffcurtseysandproposeschairsinthevestry。Mr。Dombeyprefersremaininginthechurch。
　　Ashelooksupattheorgan，MissToxinthegalleryshrinksbehindthefatlegofacherubonamonument，withcheekslikeayoungWind。CaptainCuttle，onthecontrary，standsupandwaveshishook，intokenofwelcomeandencouragement。Mr。TootsinformstheChicken，behindhishand，thatthemiddlegentleman，heinthefawn-colouredpantaloons，isthefatherofhislove。TheChickenhoarselywhispersMr。Tootsthathe'sasstiffacoveaseverhesee，butthatitiswithintheresourcesofSciencetodoublehimup，withoneblowinthewaistcoat。
　　Mr。SowndsandMrs。MiffareeyeingMr。Dombeyfromalittledistance，whenthenoiseofapproachingwheelsisheard，andMr。Sowndsgoesout；
　　Mrs。Miff，meetingMr。Dombey'seyeasitiswithdrawnfromthepresumptuousmaniacupstairs，whosaluteshimwithsomuchurbanity，dropsacurtsey，andinformshimthatshebelieveshis`goodlady'iscome。Thenthereisacrowdingandawhisperingatthedoor，andthegoodladyenters，withahaughtystep。
　　Thereisnosignuponherface，oflastnight'ssuffering；thereisnotraceinhermanner，ofthewomanonthebendedkneesreposingherwildhead，inbeautifulabandonment，uponthepillowofthesleepinggirl。
　　Thatgirl，allgentleandlovely，isatherside——astrikingcontrasttoherowndisdainfulanddefiantfigure，standingthere，composed，erect，inscrutableofwill，resplendentandmajesticinthezenithofitscharms，yetbeatingdown，andtreadingon，theadmirationthatitchallenges。
　　ThereisapausewhileMr。SowndstheBeadleglidesintothevestryfortheclergymanandclerk。Atthisjuncture，Mrs。SkewtonspeakstoMr。
　　Dombey：moredistinctlyandemphaticallythanhercustomis，andmovingatthesametime，closetoEdith。
　　`MydearDombey，'saidthegoodMama，`IfearImustrelinquishdarlingFlorenceafterall，andsufferhertogohome，assheherselfproposed。
　　Aftermylossofto-day，mydearDombey，IfeelIshallnothavespirits，evenforhersociety。'
　　`Hadshenotbetterstaywithyou？'returnstheBridegroom。
　　`Ithinknot，mydearDombey。No，Ithinknot。Ishallbebetteralone。Besides，mydearestEdithwillbehernaturalandconstantguardianwhenyoureturn，andIhadbetternotencroachuponhertrust，perhaps。
　　Shemightbejealous。Eh，dearEdith？'
　　TheaffectionateMamaPressesherdaughter'sarm，asshesaysthis；perhapsentreatingherattentionearnestly。
　　`Tobeserious，mydearDombey，'sheresumes，`Iwillrelinquishourdearchild，andnotinflictmygloomuponher。Wehavesettledthat，justnow。Shefullyunderstands，dearDombey。Edith，mydear，——shefullyunderstands。'
　　Again，thegoodmotherpressesherdaughter'sarm。Mr。Dombeyoffersnoadditionalremonstrance；fortheclergymanandclerkappear；
　　andMrs。Miff，andMr。SowndstheBeadle，groupthepartyintheirproperplacesatthealtarrails。
　　`“Whogiveththiswomantobemarriedtothisman？”'
　　CousinFeenixdoesthat。HehascomefromBaden-Badenorpurpose。
　　`Confoundit，'CousinFeenixsays——good-naturedcreature，CousinFeenix——`whenwedogetarichCityfellowintothefamily，letusshowhimsomeattention；letusdosomethingforhim。'
　　`Igivethiswomantobemarriedtothisman，'saithCousinFeenixtherefore。CousinFeenix，meaningtogoinastraightline，butturningoffsidewaysbyreasonofhiswilfullegs，givesthewrongwomantobemarriedtothisman，atfirst——towit，abridesmaidofsomecondition，distantlyconnectedwiththefamily，andtenyearsMrs。Skewton'sjunior——butMrs。Miff，interposinghermortifiedbonnet，dexterouslyturnshimback，andrunshim，asoncastors，fullatthe`goodlady：'whomCousinFeenixgivethtobemarriedtothismanaccordingly。
　　Andwilltheyinthesightofheaven——？
　　Aye，thattheywill：Mr。Dombeysayshewill。AndwhatsaysEdith？Shewill。
　　So，fromthatdayforward，forbetterforworse，forricherforpoorer，insicknessandinhealth，toloveandtocherish，tilldeathdothempart，theyplighttheirtrothtooneanother，andaremarried。
　　Inafirm，freehand，theBridesubscribeshernameintheregister，whentheyadjourntothevestry。`Therean'tamanyladiescomehere，'
　　Mrs。Miffsayswithacurtsey——tolookatMrs。Miff，atsuchaseason，istomakehermortifiedbonnetgodownwithadip——`writestheirnameslikethisgoodlady！'Mr。SowndstheBeadlethinksitisatrulyspankingsignature，andworthyofthewriter——this，however，betweenhimselfandconscience。
　　Florencesignstoo，butunapplauded，forherhandshakes。Allthepartysign；CousinFeenixlast；whoputshisnoblenameintoawrongplace，andenrolshimselfashavingbeenbornthatmorning。
　　TheMajornowsalutestheBriderightgallantly，andcarriesoutthatbranchofmilitarytacticsinreferencetoalltheladies：notwithstandingMrs。Skewton'sbeingextremelyhardtokiss，andsqueakingshrillyinthesacrededifice。TheexampleisfollowedbyCousinFeenix，andevenbyMr。
　　Dombey。Lastly，Mr。Carker，withhiswhiteteethglistening，approachesEdith，moreasifhemeanttobiteher，thantotastethesweetsthatlingeronherlips。
　　Thereisaglowuponherproudcheek，andaflashinginhereyes，thatmaybemeanttostayhim；butitdoesnot，forhesalutesherastheresthavedone，andwishesherallhappiness。
　　`Ifwishes，'saysheinalowvoice，`arenotsuperfluous，appliedtosuchaunion。'
　　`Ithankyou，Sir，'sheanswers，withacurledlip，andaheavingbosom。
　　But，doesEdithfeelstill，asonthenightwhensheknewthatMr。Dombeywouldreturntoofferhisalliance，thatCarkerknowsherthoroughly，andreadsherright，andthatsheismoredegradedbyhisknowledgeofher，thanbyaughtelse？Isitforthisreasonthatherhaughtinessshrinksbeneathhissmile，likesnowwithinthehandthatgraspsitfirmly，andthatherimperiousglancedroopsinmeetinghis，andseekstheground？
　　`Iamproudtosee，'saidMr。Carker，withaservilestoopingofhisneck，whichtherevelationsmakingbyhiseyesandteethproclaimtobealie，`IamproudtoseethatmyhumbleofferingisgracedbyMrs。
　　Dombey'shand，andpermittedtoholdsofavouredaplaceinsojoyfulanoccasion。'
　　Thoughshebendsherhead，inanswer，thereissomethinginthemomentaryactionofherhand，asifshewouldcrushtheflowersitholds，andflingthem，withcontempt，upontheground。But，sheputsthehandthroughthearmofhernewhusband，whohasbeenstandingnear，conversingwiththeMajor，andisproudagain，andmotionless，andsilent。
　　Thecarriagesareoncemoreatthechurchdoor。Mr。Dombey，withhisbrideuponhisarm，conductsherthroughthetwentyfamiliesoflittlewomenwhoareonthesteps，andeveryoneofwhomremembersthefashionandthecolourofhereveryarticleofdressfromthatmoment，andreproducesitonherdoll，whoisforeverbeingmarried。CleopatraandCousinFeenixenterthesamecarriage。TheMajorhandsintoasecondcarriage，Florence，andthebridesmaidwhosonarrowlyescapedbeinggivenawaybymistake，andthenentersithimself，andisfollowedbyMr。Carker。Horsespranceandcaper；coachmenandfootmenshineinflutteringfavours，flowers，andnew-madeliveries。Awaytheydashandrattlethroughthestreets：andastheypassalong，athousandheadsareturnedtolookatthem，andathousandsobermoralistsrevengethemselvesfornotbeingmarriedtoo，thatmorning，byreflectingthatthesepeoplelittlethinksuchhappinesscan'tlast。
　　MissToxemergesfrombehindthecherub'sleg，whenallisquiet，andcomesslowlydownfromthegallery。MissTox'seyesarered，andherpocket-handkerchiefisdamp。Sheiswounded，butnotexasperated，andshehopestheymaybehappy。Shequiteadmitstoherselfthebeautyofthebride，andherowncomparativelyfeebleandfadedattractions；butthestatelyimageofMr。Dombeyinhislilacwaistcoat，andhisfawn-colouredpantaloons，ispresenttohermind，andMissToxweepsafresh，behindherveil，onherwayhometoPrincess'sPlace。CaptainCuttle，havingjoinedinalltheamensandresponses，withadevoutgrowl，feelsmuchimprovedbyhisreligiousexercises；andinapeacefulframeofmind，pervadesthebodyofthechurch，glazedhatinhand，andreadsthetablettothememoryoflittlePaul。ThegallantMr。Toots，attendedbythefaithfulChicken，leavesthebuildingintormentsoflove。TheChickenisasyetunabletoelaborateaschemeforwinningFlorence，buthisfirstideahasgainedpossessionofhim，andhethinksthedoublingupofMr。Dombeywouldbeamoveintherightdirection。Mr。Dombey'sservantscomeoutoftheirhiding-places，andpreparetorushtoBrookStreet，whentheyaredelayedbysymptomsofindispositiononthepartofMrs。Perch，whoentreatsaglassofwater，andbecomesalarming；Mrs。Perchgetsbettersoon，however，andisborneaway；andMrs。Miff，andMr。SowndstheBeadle，situponthestepstocountwhattheyhavegainedbytheaffair，andtalkitover，whilethesextontollsafuneral。
　　Now，thecarriagesarriveattheBride'sresidence，andtheplayersonthebellsbegintojingle，andthebandstrikesup，andMr。Punch，thatmodelofconnubialbliss，saluteshiswife。Now，thepeoplerunandpush，andpressroundinagapingthrong，whileMr。Dombey，leadingMrs。Dombeybythehand，advancessolemnlyintotheFeenixHalls。Now，therestoftheweddingpartyalight，andenterafterthem。AndwhydoesMr。Carker，passingthroughthepeopletothehall-door，thinkoftheoldwomanwhocalledtohimintheGrovethatmorning？OrwhydoesFlorence，asshepasses，think，withatremble，ofherchildhood，whenshewaslost，andofthevisageofgoodMrs。Brown？
　　Now，therearemorecongratulationsonthishappiestofdays，andmorecompany，thoughnotmuch；andnowtheyleavethedrawing-room，andrangethemselvesattableinthedark-browndining-room，whichnoconfectionercanbrightenup，lethimgarnishtheexhaustednegroeswithasmanyflowersandlove-knotsashewill。
　　Thepastry-cookhasdonehisdutylikeaman，though，andarichbreakfastissetforth。Mr。andMrs。Chickhavejoinedtheparty，amongothers。Mrs。ChickadmiresthatEdithshouldbe，bynature，suchaperfectDombey；andisaffableandconfidentialtoMrs。Skewton，whosemindisrelievedofagreatload，andwhotakeshershareofthechampagne。Theverytallyoungmanwhosufferedfromexcitementearly，isbetter；butavaguesentimentofrepentancehasseizeduponhim，andhehatestheotherverytallyoungman，andwrestsdishesfromhimbyviolence，andtakesagrimdelightindisobligingthecompany。Thecompanyarecoolandcalm，anddonotoutragetheblackhatchmentsofpictureslookingdownuponthem，byanyexcessofmirth。CousinFeenixandtheMajorarethegayestthere；
　　butMr。Carkerhasasmileforthewholetable。HehasanespecialsmilefortheBride，whovery，veryseldommeetsit。
　　CousinFeenixrises，whenthecompanyhavebreakfasted，andtheservantshavelefttheroom；andwonderfullyyounghelooks，withhiswhitewristbandsalmostcoveringhishandsotherwiseratherbony，andthebloomofthechampagneinhischeeks。
　　`Uponmyhonour，'saysCousinFeenix，`althoughit'sanunusualsortofthingisaprivategentleman'shouse，Imustbegleavetocalluponyoutodrinkwhatisusuallycalleda——infactatoast。'
　　TheMajorveryhoarselyindicateshisapproval。Mr。Carker，bendinghisheadforwardoverthetableinthedirectionofCousinFeenix，smilesandnodsagreatmanytimes。
　　`A——infactit'snota——'CousinFeenixbeginningagain，thus，comestoadeadstop。
　　`Hear，hear！'saystheMajor，inatoneofconviction。
　　Mr。Carkersoftlyclapshishands，andbendingforwardoverthetableagain，smilesandnodsagreatmanymoretimesthanbefore，asifhewereparticularlystruckbythislastobservation，anddesiredpersonallytoexpresshissenseofthegoodithasdonehim。
　　`Itis，'saysCousinFeenix，`anoccasioninfact，whenthegeneralusagesoflifemaybealittledepartedfrom，withoutimpropriety；andalthoughIneverwasanoratorinmylife，andwhenIwasintheHouseofCommons，andhadthehonourofsecondingtheaddress，was——infact，waslaidupforafort-nightwiththeconsciousnessoffailure——'
　　TheMajorandMr。Carkeraresomuchdelightedbythisfragmentofpersonalhistory，thatCousinFeenixlaughs，andaddressingthemindividually，goesontosay：
　　`Andinpointoffact，whenIwasdevilishill——still，youknow，Ifeelthatadutydevolvesuponme。AndwhenadutydevolvesuponanEnglishman，heisboundtogetoutofit，inmyopinion，inthebestwayhecan。Well！
　　ourfamilyhashadthegratification，to-day，ofconnectingitself，inthepersonofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，whomInowsee——inpointoffact，present——'
　　Herethereisgeneralapplause。
　　`Present，'repeatsCousinFeenix，feelingthatitisaneatpointwhichwillbearrepetition，——`withonewho——thatistosay，withaman，atwhomthefingerofscorncannever——infact，withmyhonourablefriendDombey，ifhewillallowmetocallhimso。'
　　CousinFeenixbowstoMr。Dombey；Mr。Dombeysolemnlyreturnsthebow；
　　everybodyismoreorlessgratifiedandaffectedbythisextraordinary，andperhapsunprecedented，appealtothefeelings。
　　`Ihavenot，'saysCousinFeenix，`enjoyedthoseopportunitieswhichIcouldhavedesired，ofcultivatingtheacquaintanceofmyfriendDombey，andstudyingthosequalitieswhichdoequalhonourtohishead，and，inpointoffact，tohisheart；forithasbeenmymisfortunetobe，asweusedtosayinmytimeintheHouseofCommons，whenitwasnotthecustomtoalludetotheLords，andwhentheorderofparliamentaryproceedingswasperhapsbetterobservedthanitisnow——tobein——inpointoffact，'
　　saysCousinFeenix，cherishinghisjoke，withgreatslyness，andfinallybringingitoutwithajerk，`“inanotherplace！”'
　　TheMajorfallsintoconvulsions，andisrecoveredwithdifficulty。
　　`ButIknowsufficientofmyfriendDombey，'resumesCousinFeenixinagravertone，asifhehadsuddenlybecomeasadderandwiserman，`toknowthatheis，inpointoffact，whatmaybeemphaticallycalleda——amerchant——aBritishmerchant——anda——andaman。AndalthoughIhavebeenresidentabroadforsomeyearsitwouldgivemegreatpleasuretoreceivemyfriendDombey，andeverybodyhere，atBaden-Baden，andtohaveanopportunityofmaking'emknowntotheGrandDuke，stillIknowenough，Iflattermyself，ofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，toknowthatshepossesseseveryrequisitetomakeamanhappy，andthathermarriagewithmyfriendDombeyisoneofinclinationandaffectiononbothsides。'
　　ManysmilesandnodsfromMr。Carker。
　　`Therefore，'saysCousinFeenix，`IcongratulatethefamilyofwhichIamamember，ontheacquisitionofmyfriendDombey。IcongratulatemyfriendDombeyonhisunionwithmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativewhopossesseseveryrequisitetomakeamanhappy；andItakethelibertyofcallingonyouall，inpointoffact，tocongratulatebothmyfriendDombeyandmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，onthepresentoccasion。'
　　ThespeechofCousinFeenixisreceivedwithgreatapplause，andMr。DombeyreturnsthanksonbehalfofhimselfandMrs。Dombey。J。B。shortlyafterwardsproposesMr。Skewton。Thebreakfastlanguisheswhenthatisdone，theviolatedhatchmentsareavenged，andEdithrisestoassumehertravellingdress。
　　Alltheservantsinthemeantime，havebeenbreakfastingbelow。
　　Champagnehasgrowntoocommonamongthemtobementioned，androastfowls，raisedpies，andlobster-salad，havebecomemeredrugs。Theverytallyoungmanhasrecoveredhisspirits，andagainalludestotheexciseman。Hiscomrade'seyebeginstoemulatehisown，andhe，too，staresatobjectswithouttakingcognizancethereof。Thereisageneralrednessinthefacesoftheladies；inthefaceofMrs。Perchparticularly，whoisjoyousandbeaming，andliftedsofarabovethecaresoflife，thatifshewereaskedjustnowtodirectawayfarertoBall'sPond，whereherowncareslodge，shewouldhavesomedifficultyinrecallingtheway。Mr。Towlinsonhasproposedthehappypair；towhichthesilver-headedbutlerhasrespondedneatly，andwithemotion；forhehalfbeginstothinkheisanoldretainerofthefamily，andthatheisboundtobeaffectedbythesechanges。
　　Thewholeparty，andespeciallytheladies，areveryfrolicsome。Mr。Dombey'scook，whogenerallytakestheleadinsociety，hassaid，itisimpossibletosettledownafterthis，andwhynotgo，inaparty，totheplay？EverybodyMrs。Perchincludedhasagreedtothis：eventheNative，whoistigerishinhisdrink，andwhoalarmstheladiesMrs。Perchparticularlybytherollingofhiseyes。Oneoftheverytallyoungmenhasevenproposedaballaftertheplay，anditpresentsitselftonooneMrs。Perchincluded
　　inthelightofanimpossibility。WordshavearisenbetweenthehousemaidandMr。Towlinson；she，ontheauthorityofanoldsaw，assertingmarriagestobemadeinHeaven：he，affectingtotracethemanufactureelsewhere；
　　he，supposingthatshesaysso，becauseshethinksofbeingmarriedherownself：she，saying，Lordforbid，atanyrate，thatsheshouldevermarryhim。Tocalmtheseflyingtaunts，thesilver-headedbutlerrisestoproposethehealthofMr。Towlinson，whomtoknowistoesteem，andtoesteemistowishwellsettledinlifewiththeobjectofhischoice，whereverherethesilver-headedbutlereyesthehousemaidshemaybe。
　　Mr。Towlinsonreturnsthanksinaspeechrepletewithfeeling，ofwhichtheperorationturnsonforeigners，regardingwhomhesaystheymayfindfavour，sometimeswithweakandinconstantintellectsthatcanbeledawaybyhair，butallhehopes，is，hemayneverhearofnoforeignerneverboningnothingoutofnotravellingchariot。TheeyeofMr。Towlinsonissosevereandsoexpressivehere，thatthehousemaidisturninghysterical，whensheandalltherest，rousedbytheintelligencethattheBrideisgoingaway，hurryupstairstowitnessherdeparture。
　　Thechariotisatthedoor；theBrideisdescendingtothehall，whereMr。Dombeywaitsforher。Florenceisreadyonthestaircasetodeparttoo；andMissNipper，whohasheldamiddlestatebetweentheparlourandthekitchen，ispreparedtoaccompanyher。AsEdithappears，Florencehastenstowardsher，tobidherfarewell。
　　IsEdithcold，thatsheshouldtremble！IsthereanythingunnaturalorunwholesomeinthetouchofFlorence，thatthebeautifulformrecedesandcontracts，asifitcouldnotbearit！Istheresomuchhurryinthisgoingaway，thatEdith，withawaveofherhand，sweepson，andisgone！
　　Mrs。Skewton，overpoweredbyherfeelingsasamother，sinksonhersofaintheCleopatraattitude，whentheclatterofthechariotwheelsislost，andshedsseveraltears。TheMajor，comingwiththerestofthecompanyfromtable，endeavourstocomforther；butshewillnotbecomfortedonanyterms，andsotheMajortakeshisleave。CousinFeenixtakeshisleave，andMr。Carkertakeshisleave。Theguestsallgoaway。Cleopatra，leftalone，feelsalittlegiddyfromherstrongemotion，andfallsasleep。
　　Giddinessprevailsbelowstairstoo。Theverytallyoungmanwhoseexcitementcameonsosoon，appearstohavehisheadgluedtothetableinthepantry，andcannotbedetachedfromit。AviolentrevulsionhastakenplaceinthespiritsofMrs。Perch，whoislowonaccountofMr。
　　Perch，andtellscookthatshefearsheisnotsomuchattachedtohishome，asheusedtobe，whentheywereonlynineinfamily。Mr。Towlinsonhasasinginginhisearsandalargewheelgoingroundandroundinsidehishead。Thehousemaidwishesitwasn'twickedtowiththatonewasdead。
　　Thereisageneraldelusionlikewise，intheselowerregions，onthesubjectoftime；everybodyconceivingthatitoughttobe，attheearliest，teno'clockatnight，whereasitisnotyetthreeintheafternoon。
　　Ashadowyideaofwickednesscommitted，hauntseveryindividualintheparty；andeachonesecretlythinkstheotheracompanioninguilt，whomitwouldbeagreeabletoavoid。Nomanorwomanhasthehardihoodtohintattheprojectedvisittotheplay。Anyonerevivingthenotionoftheball，wouldbescoutedasamalignantidiot。
　　Mrs。Skewtonsleepsupstairs，twohoursafterwards，andnapsarenotyetoverinthekitchen。Thehatchmentsinthedining-roomlookdownoncrumbs，dirtyplates，spillingsofwine，half-thawedice，stalediscolouredheel-taps，scrapsoflobster，drumsticksoffowls，andpensivejellies，graduallyresolvingthemselvesintoalukewarmgummysoup。Themarriageis，bythistime，almostasdenudedtoitsshowandgarnishasthebreakfast。Mr。Dombey'sservantsmoralisesomuchaboutit，andaresorepentantovertheirearlytea，athome，thatbyeighto'clockorso，theysettledownintoconfirmedseriousness；andMr。Perch，arrivingatthattimefromtheCity，freshandjocular，withawhitewaistcoatandacomicsong，readytospendtheevening，andpreparedforanyamountofdissipation，isamazedtofindhimselfcoldlyreceived，andMrs。Perchbutpoorly，andtohavethepleasingdutyofescortingthatladyhomebythenextomnibus。
　　Nightclosesin。Florencehavingrambledthroughthehandsomehouse，fromroomtoroom，seeksherownchamber，wherethecareofEdithhassurroundedherwithluxuriesandcomforts；anddivestingherselfofherhandsomedress，putsonheroldsimplemourningfordearPaul，andsitsdowntoread，withDiogeneswinkingandblinkingonthegroundbesideher。ButFlorencecannotreadto-night。Thehouseseemsstrangeandnew，andthereareloudechoesinit。Thereisashadowonherheart：sheknowsnotwhyorwhat：butitisheavy。Florenceshutsherbook，andgruffDiogenes，whotakesthatforasignal，putshispawsuponherlap，andrubshisearsagainsthercaressinghands。ButFlorencecannotseehimplainly，inalittletime，forthereisamistbetweenhereyesandhim，andherdeadbrotheranddeadmothershineinitlikeangels。Walter，too，poorwanderingshipwreckedboy，oh，whereishe？
　　TheMajordon'tknow；that'sforcertain；anddon'tcare。TheMajor，havingchokedandslumbered，alltheafternoon，hastakenalatedinnerathisclub，andnowsitsoverhispintofwine，drivingamodestyoungman，withafresh-colouredface，atthenexttablewhowouldgiveahandsomesumtobeabletoriseandgoaway，butcannotdoittothevergeofmadness，byanecdotesofBagstock，Sir，atDombey'swedding，andOldJoe'sdevilishgentlemanlyfriend，LordFeenix。WhileCousinFeenix，whooughttobeatLong's'andinbed，findshimself，instead，atagaming-table，wherehiswilfullegshavetakenhim，perhaps，inhisowndespite。
　　Night，likeagiant，fillsthechurch，frompavementtoroof，andholdsdominionthroughthesilenthours。Paledawnagaincomespeepingthroughthewindows；and，givingplacetoday，seesnightwithdrawintothevaults，andfollowsit，anddrivesitout，andhidesamongthedead。Thetimidmiceagaincowerclosetogether，whenthegreatdoorclashes，andMr。SowndsandMrs。Miff，treadingthecircleoftheirdailylives，unbrokenasamarriagering，comein。Again，thecockedhatandthemortifiedbonnetstandinthebackgroundatthemarriagehour；andagainthismantakeththiswoman，andthiswomantakeththisman，onthesolemnterms：
　　`Tohaveandtohold，fromthisdayforward，forbetterforworse，forricherforpoorer，insicknessandinhealth，toloveandtocherish，untildeathdothempart。'
　　TheverywordsthatMr。Carkerridesintotownrepeating，withhismouthstretchedtotheutmost，ashepickshisdaintyway。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter32[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIITheWoodenMidshipmangoestoPiecesHONESTCaptainCuttle，astheweeksflewoverhiminhisfortifiedretreat，bynomeansabatedanyofhisprudentprovisionsagainstsurprise，becauseofthenon-appearanceoftheenemy。TheCaptainarguedthathispresentsecuritywastooprofoundandwonderfultoenduremuchlonger；heknewthatwhenthewindstoodinafairquarter，theweathercockwasseldomnailedthere；andhewastoowellacquaintedwiththedeterminedanddauntlesscharacterofMrs。MacStinger，todoubtthatthatheroicwomanhaddevotedherselftothetaskofhisdiscoveryandcapture。Tremblingbeneaththeweightofthesereasons，CaptainCuttlelivedaverycloseandretiredlife；seldomstirringabroaduntilafterdark；venturingeventhenonlyintotheobscureststreets；nevergoingforthatallonSundays；andbothwithinandwithoutthewallsofhisretreat，avoidingbonnets，asiftheywerewornbyraginglions。
　　TheCaptainneverdreamedthatintheeventofhisbeingpounceduponbyMrs。MacStinger，inhiswalks，itwouldbepossibletoofferresistance。
　　Hefeltthatitcouldnotbedone。Hesawhimself，inhismind'seye，putmeeklyinahackney-coach，andcarriedofftohisoldlodgings。Heforesawthat，onceimmuredthere，hewasalostman：hishatgone；Mrs。MacStingerwatchfulofhimdayandnight；reproachesheapeduponhishead，beforetheinfantfamily；himselftheguiltyobjectofsuspicionanddistrust；
　　anogreinthechildren'seyes，andintheirmother'sadetectedtraitor。
　　Aviolentperspiration，andalownessofspiritsalwayscameovertheCaptainasthisgloomypicturepresenteditselftohisimagination。
　　Itgenerallydidsoprevioustohisstealingoutofdoorsatnightforairandexercise。Sensibleoftheriskheran，theCaptaintookleaveofRob，atthosetimes，withthesolemnitywhichbecameamanwhomightneverreturn：exhortinghim，intheeventofhistheCaptain'sbeinglostsightof，foratime，totreadinthepathsofvirtue，andkeepthebrazeninstrumentswellpolished。
　　Butnottothrowawayachance；andtosecuretohimselfameans，incaseoftheworst，ofholdingcommunicationwiththeexternalworld；
　　CaptainCuttlesoonconceivedthehappyideaofteachingRobtheGrindersomesecretsignal，bywhichthatadherentmightmakehispresenceandfidelityknowntohiscommander，inthehourofadversity。Aftermuchcogitation，theCaptaindecidedinfavourofinstructinghimtowhistlethemarinemelody，`Ohcheerily，cheerily！'andRobtheGrinderattainingapointasnearperfectioninthataccomplishmentasalandsmancouldhopetoreach，theCaptainimpressedthesemysteriousinstructionsonhismind：
　　`Now，mylad，standby！IfeverI'mtook——'
　　`Took，Captain！'interposedRob，withhisroundeyeswideopen。
　　`Ah！'saidCaptainCuttledarkly，`ifeverIgoesaway，meaningtocomebacktosupper，anddon'tcomewithinhailagaintwenty-fourhoursartermyloss，goyoutoBrigPlaceandwhistlethat'eretunenearmyoldmoorings——notasifyouwasameaningofit，youunderstand，butasifyou'ddriftedthere，promiscuous。IfIanswerinthattune，yousheeroff，mylad，andcomebackfour-and-twentyhoursarterwards；ifIanswerinanothertune，doyoustandoffandon，andwaittillIthrowoutfurthersignals。Doyouunderstandthemorders，now？'
　　`WhatamItostandoffandonof，Captain？'inquiredRob。`Thehorse-road？'
　　`Here'sasmartladforyou！'criedtheCaptain，eyeinghimsternly，`asdon'tknowhisownnativealphabet！Goawayabitandcomebackagainalternate——d'yeunderstandthat？'
　　`Yes，Captain，'saidRob。
　　`Verygoodmylad，then，'saidtheCaptain，relenting。`Doit！'
　　Thathemightdoitthebetter，CaptainCuttlesometimescondescended，ofaneveningaftertheshopwasshut，torehearsethisscene：retiringintotheparlourforthepurpose，asintothelodgingsofasupposititiousMacStinger，andcarefullyobservingthebehaviourofhisally，fromtheholeofespialhehadcutinthewall。RobtheGrinderdischargedhimselfofhisdutywithsomuchexactnessandjudgment，whenthusputtotheproof，thattheCaptainpresentedhim，atdiverstimes，withsevensixpences，intokenofsatisfaction；andgraduallyfeltstealingoverhisspirittheresignationofamanwhohadmadeprovisionfortheworst，andtakeneveryreasonableprecautionagainstanunrelentingfate。
　　Nevertheless，theCaptaindidnottemptill-fortune，bybeingawhitmoreventuresomethanbefore。Thoughheconsidereditapointofgoodbreedinginhimself，asageneralfriendofthefamily，toattendMr。Dombey'sweddingofwhichhehadheardfromMr。Perch，andtoshowthatgentlemanapleasantandapprovingcountenancefromthegallery，hehadrepairedtothechurchinahackneycabrioletwithbothwindowsup；
　　andmighthavescrupledeventomakethatventure，inhisdreadofMrs。
　　MacStinger，butthatthelady'sattendanceontheministryoftheReverendMelchisedechrendereditpeculiarlyunlikelythatshewouldbefoundincommunionwiththeEstablishment。
　　TheCaptaingotsafehomeagain，andfellintotheordinaryroutineofhisnewlife，withoutencounteringanymoredirectalarmfromtheenemy，thanwassuggestedtohimbythedailybonnetsinthestreet。ButothersubjectsbegantolayheavyontheCaptain'smind。Walter'sshipwasstillunheardof。NonewscameofoldSolGills。Florencedidnotevenknowoftheoldman'sdisappearance，andCaptainCuttlehadnotthehearttotellher。IndeedtheCaptain，ashisownhopesofthegenerous，handsome，gallant-heartedyouth，whomhehadloved，accordingtohisroughmanner，fromachild，begantofade，andfadedmoreandmorefromdaytoday，shrinkwithinstinctivepainfromthethoughtofexchangingawordwithFlorence。Ifhehadhadgoodnewstocarrytoher，thehonestCaptainwouldhavebravedthenewlydecoratedhouseandsplendidfurniture——thoughthese，connectedwiththeladyhehadseenatchurch，wereawfultohim——andmadehisawayintoherpresence。Withadarkhorizongatheringaroundtheircommonhopes，however，thatdarkenedeveryhour，theCaptainalmostfeltasifhewereanewmisfortuneandafflictiontoher；andwasscarcelylessafraidofavisitfromFlorence，thanfromMrs。MacStingerherself。
　　Itwasachilldarkautumnevening，andCaptainCuttlehadorderedafiretobekindledinthelittlebackparlour，nowmorethaneverlikethecabinofaship。Therainfellfast，andthewindblewhard；andstrayingoutonthehouse-topbythatstormybedroomofhisoldfriend，totakeanobservationoftheweather，theCaptain'sheartdiedwithinhim，whenhesawhowwildanddesolateitwas。NotthatheassociatedtheweatherofthattimewithpoorWalter'sdestiny，ordoubtedthatifProvidencehaddoomedhimtobelostandshipwrecked，itwasover，longago；butthatbeneathanoutwardinfluence，quitedistinctfromthesubject-matterofhisthoughts，theCaptain'sspiritssank，andhishopesturnedpale，asthoseofwisermenhadoftendonebeforehim，andwilloftendoagain。
　　CaptainCuttle，addressinghisfacetothesharpwindandslantingrain，lookedupattheheavyscudthatwasflyingfastoverthewildernessofhouse-tops，andlookedforsomethingcheerythereinvain。Theprospectnearathandwasnobetter。Insundrytea-chestsandotherroughboxesathisfeet，thepigeonsofRobtheGrinderwerecooinglikesomanydismalbreezesgettingup。Acrazyweathercockofamidshipman，withatelescopeathiseye，oncevisiblefromthestreet，butlongbrickedout，creakedandcomplaineduponhisrustypivotastheshrillblastspunhimroundandround，andsportedwithhimcruelly。UpontheCaptain'scoarsebluevestthecoldraindropsstartedlikesteelbeads；andhecouldhardlymaintainhimselfaslantagainstthestiffNor'-Westerthatcamepressingagainsthim，importunatetotopplehimovertheparapet，andthrowhimonthepavementbelow。IftherewereanyHopealivethatevening，theCaptainthought，asheheldhishaton，itcertainlykepthouse，andwasn'toutofdoors；
　　sotheCaptain，shakinghisheadinadespondentmanner，wentintolookforit。
　　CaptainCuttledescendedslowlytothelittlebackparlour，and，seatedinhisaccustomedchair，lookedforitinthefire；butitwasnotthere，thoughthefirewasbright。Hetookouthistobacco-boxandpipe，andcomposinghimselftosmoke，lookedforitintheredglowfromthebowl，andinthewreathsofvapourthatcurledupwardfromhislips；buttherewasnotsomuchasanatomoftherustofHope'sanchorineither。
　　Hetriedaglassofgrog；butmelancholytruthwasatthebottomofthatwell，andhecouldn'tfinishit。Hemadeaturnortwointheshop，andlookedforHopeamongtheinstruments；buttheyobstinatelyworkedoutreckoningsforthemissingship，inspiteofanyoppositionhecouldoffer，thatendedatthebottomofthelonesea。
　　Thewindstillrushing，andtherainstillpattering，againsttheclosedshutters，theCaptainbroughttobeforetheWoodenMidshipmanuponthecounter，andthought，ashedriedthelittleofficer'suniformwithhissleeve，howmanyyearstheMidshipmanhadseen，duringwhichfewchanges——hardlyany——hadtranspiredamonghisship'scompany；howthechangeshadcomealltogether，oneday，asitmightbe；andofwhatasweepingkindtheywere。Herewasthelittlesocietyofthebackparlourbrokenup，andscatteredfarandwide。HerewasnoaudienceforLovelyPeg，eveniftherehadbeenanybodytosingit，whichtherewasnot，fortheCaptainwasasmorallycertainthatnobodybuthecouldexecutethatballad，ashewasthathehadnotthespirit，underexistingcircumstances，toattemptit。Therewasnobrightfaceof`Wal'r'inthehouse；——heretheCaptaintransferredhissleeveforamomentfromtheMidshipman'suniformtohisowncheek；——thefamiliarwigandbuttonsofSolGillswereavisionofthepast；RichardWhittingtonwasknockedonthehead；andeveryplanandproject，inconnexionwiththeMidshipman，laydrifting，withoutmastorrudder，onthewasteofwaters。