AstheCaptain，withadejectedface，stoodrevolvingthesethoughts，andpolishingtheMidshipman，partlyinthetendernessofoldacquaintance，andpartlyintheabsenceofhismind，aknockingattheshop-doorcommunicatedafrightfulstarttotheframeofRobtheGrinder，seatedonthecounter，whoselargeeyeshadbeenintentlyfixedontheCaptain'sface，andwhohadbeendebatingwithinhimself，forthefivehundredthtime，whethertheCaptaincouldhavedoneamurder，thathehadsuchanevilconscience，andwasalwaysrunningaway。
　　`What'sthat？'saidCaptainCuttle，softly。
　　`Somebody'sknuckles，Captain，'answeredRobtheGrinder。
　　TheCaptain，withanabashedandguiltyair，immediatelysneakedontiptoetothelittleparlourandlockedhimselfin。Rob，openingthedoor，wouldhaveparleyedwiththevisitoronthethresholdifthevisitorhadcomeinfemaleguise；butthefigurebeingofthemalesex，andRob'sordersonlyapplyingtowomen，Robheldthedooropenandallowedittoenter：whichitdidveryquickly，gladtogetoutofthedrivingrain。
　　`AjobforBurgessandCo。atanyrate，'saidthevisitor，lookingoverhisshouldercompassionatelyathisownlegs，whichwereverywetandcoveredwithsplashes。`Oh，how-de-do，Mr。Gills？'
　　ThesalutationwasaddressedtotheCaptain，nowemergingfromthebackparlourwithamosttransparentandutterlyfutileaffectationofcomingoutbyaccident。
　　`Thankee，'thegentlemanwentontosayinthesamebreath；`I'mverywellindeed，myself，I'mmuchobligedtoyou。MynameisToots，——MisterToots。'
　　TheCaptainrememberedtohaveseenthisyounggentlemanatthewedding，andmadehimabow。Mr。Tootsrepliedwithachuckle；andbeingembarrassed，ashegenerallywas，breathedhard，shookhandswiththeCaptainforalongtime，andthenfallingonRobtheGrinder，intheabsenceofanyotherresource，shookhandswithhiminamostaffectionateandcordialmanner。
　　`Isay；Ishouldliketospeakawordtoyou，Mr。Gills，ifyouplease，'saidTootsatlength，withsurprisingpresenceofmind。`Isay！
　　MissD。O。M。youknow！'
　　TheCaptain，withresponsivegravityandmystery，immediatelywavedhishooktowardsthelittleparlour，whitherMr。Tootsfollowedhim。
　　`Oh！Ibegyourpardonthough，'saidMr。Toots，lookingupintheCaptain'sfaceashesatdowninachairbythefire，whichtheCaptainplacedforhim；`youdon'thappentoknowtheChickenatall；doyou，Mr。
　　Gills？'
　　`TheChicken？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`TheGameChicken，'saidMr。Toots。
　　TheCaptainshakinghishead，Mr。TootsexplainedthatthemanalludedtowasthecelebratedpubliccharacterwhohadcoveredhimselfandhiscountrywithgloryinhiscontestwiththeNobbyShropshireOne；
　　butthispieceofinformationdidnotappeartoenlightentheCaptainverymuch。
　　`Becausehe'soutside：that'sall，'saidMr。Toots。`Butit'sofnoconsequence；hewon'tgetverywet，perhaps。'
　　`Icanpassthewordforhiminamoment，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Well，ifyouwouldhavethegoodnesstolethimsitintheshopwithyouryoungman，'chuckledMr。Toots，`Ishouldbeglad；because，youknow，he'seasilyoffended，andthedamp'sratherbadforhisstamina。I'llcallhimin，Mr。Gills。'
　　Withthat，Mr。Tootsrepairingtotheshop-door，sentapeculiarwhistleintothenight，whichproducedastoicalgentlemaninashaggywhitegreat-coatandaflat-brimmedhat，withveryshorthair，abrokennose，andaconsiderabletractofbareandsterilecountrybehindeachear。
　　`Sitdown，Chicken，'saidMr。Toots。
　　ThecompliantChickenspatoutsomesmallpiecesofstrawonwhichhewasregalinghimself，andtookinafreshsupplyfromareservehecarriedinhishand。
　　`Therean'tnodrainofnothingshorthandy，isthere？'saidtheChicken，generally。`Thisheresluicingnightishardlinestoamanaslivesonhiscondition。'
　　CaptainCuttleprofferedaglassofrum，whichtheChicken，throwingbackhishead，emptiedintohimself，asintoacask，afterproposingthebriefsentiment，`Towardsus！'Mr。TootsandtheCaptainreturningthentotheparlour，andtakingtheirseatsbeforethefire，Mr。Tootsbegan：
　　`Mr。Gills——'
　　`Awast！'saidtheCaptain。`Myname'sCuttle。'
　　Mr。Tootslookedgreatlydisconcerted，whiletheCaptainproceededgravely。
　　`Cap'enCuttleismyname，andEnglandismynation，thishereismydwelling-place，andblessedbecreation——Job，'saidtheCaptain，asanindextohisauthority。
　　`Oh！Icouldn'tseeMr。Gills，couldI？'saidMr。Toots；`because——'
　　`IfyoucouldseeSolGills，younggen'l'm'n，'saidtheCaptain，impressively，andlayinghisheavyhandonMr。Toots'sknee，`oldSol，mindyou——withyourowneyes——asyousitthere——you'dbewelcometome，thanawindastarn，toashipbecalmed。Butyoucan'tseeSolGills。Andwhycan'tyouseeSolGills？'saidtheCaptain，apprisedbythefaceofMr。Tootsthathewasmakingaprofoundimpressiononthatgentleman'smind。`Becausehe'sinwisible。'
　　Mr。Tootsinhisagitationwasgoingtoreplythatitwasofnoconsequenceatall。Buthecorrectedhimself，andsaid，`Lorblessme！'
　　`Thatthereman，'saidtheCaptain，`hasleftmeinchargeherebyapieceofwriting，butthoughhewasa'mostasgoodasmyswornbrother，Iknownomorewherehe'sgone，orwhyhe'sgone；ifsobetoseekhisnevy，orifsobealongofbeingnotquitesettledinhismind；thanyoudo。Onemorningatdaybreak，hewentovertheside，'saidtheCaptain，`withoutasplash，withoutaripple。Ihavelookedforthatmanhighandlow，andneverseteyes，norears，nornothingelse，uponhim，fromthathour。'
　　`But，goodGracious，MissDombeydon'tknow——'Mr。Tootsbegan。
　　`Why，Iaskyou，asafeelingheart，'saidtheCaptain，droppinghisvoice，`whyshouldsheknow？whyshouldshebemadetoknow，untilsuchtimeastherewarn'tanyhelpforit？ShetooktooldSolGills，didthatsweetcreetur，withakindness，withaaffability，witha——what'sthegoodofsayingso？youknowher。'
　　`Ishouldhopeso，'chuckledMr。Toots，withaconsciousblushthatsuffusedhiswholecountenance。
　　`Andyoucomeherefromher？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Ishouldthinkso，'chuckledMr。Toots。
　　`ThenallIneedobserve，is，'saidtheCaptain，`thatyouknowaangel，andarecharteredbyaangel。'
　　Mr。TootsinstantlyseizedtheCaptain'shand，andrequestedthefavourofhisfriendship。
　　`Uponmywordandhonour，'saidMr。Toots，earnestly，`Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyouifyou'dimprovemyacquaintance。Ishouldliketoknowyou，Captain，verymuch。Ireallyaminwantofafriend，Iam。LittleDombeywasmyfriendatoldBlimber's，andwouldhavebeennow，ifhe'dhavelived。TheChicken，'saidMr。Toots，inaforlornwhisper，`isverywell——admirableinhisway——thesharpestmanperhapsintheworld；
　　there'snotamoveheisn'tupto，everybodysaysso——butIdon'tknow——he'snoteverything。Sosheisanangel，Captain。Ifthereisanangelanywhere，it'sMissDombey。That'swhatI'vealwayssaid。Reallythough，youknow，'saidMr。Toots，`Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyouifyou'dcultivatemyacquaintance。'
　　CaptainCuttlereceivedthisproposalinapolitemanner，butstillwithoutcommittinghimselftoitsacceptance；merelyobserving，`Aye，aye，mylad。Weshallsee，weshallsee；'andremindingMr。Tootsofhisimmediatemission，byinquiringtowhathewasindebtedforthehonourofthatvisit。
　　`Whythefactis，'repliedMr。Toots，`thatit'stheyoungwomanIcomefrom。NotMissDombey——Susan，youknow。'
　　TheCaptainnoddedhisheadonce，withagraveexpressionofface，indicativeofhisregardingthatyoungwomanwithseriousrespect。
　　`AndI'lltellyouhowithappens，'saidMr。Toots。`Youknow，Igoandcallsometimes，onMissDombey。Idon'tgothereonpurpose，youknow，butIhappentobeintheneighbourhoodveryoften；andwhenIfindmyselfthere，why——whyIcall。'
　　`Nat'rally，'observedtheCaptain。
　　`Yes，'saidMr。Toots。`Icalledthisafternoon。Uponmywordandhonour，Idon'tthinkit'spossibletoformanideaoftheangelMissDombeywasthisafternoon。'
　　TheCaptainansweredwithajerkofhishead，implyingthatitmightnotbeeasytosomepeople，butwasquitesotohim。
　　AsIwascomingout，'saidMr。Toots，`theyoungwoman，inthemostunexpectedmanner，tookmeintothepantry。'
　　TheCaptainseemed，forthemoment，toobjecttothisproceeding：
　　andleaningbackinhischair，lookedatMr。Tootswithadistrustful，ifnotthreateningvisage。
　　`Whereshebroughtout，'saidMr。Toots，`thisnewspaper。ShetoldmethatshehadkeptitfromMissDombeyallday，onaccountofsomethingthatwasinit，aboutsomebodythatsheandDombeyusedtoknow；andthenshereadthepassagetome。Verywell。Thenshesaid——waitaminute；whatwasitshesaid，though！'
　　Mr。Toots，endeavouringtoconcentratehismentalpowersonthisquestion，unintentionallyfixedtheCaptain'seye，andwassomuchdiscomposedbyitssternexpression，thathisdifficultyinresumingthethreadofhissubjectwasenhancedtoapainfulextent。
　　`Oh！'saidMr。Tootsafterlongconsideration。`Oh，ah！Yes！Shesaidthatshehopedtherewasabarepossibilitythatitmightn'tbetrue；
　　andthatasshecouldn'tverywellcomeoutherself，withoutsurprisingMissDombey，wouldIgodowntoMr。SolomonGillstheInstrument-maker'sinthisstreet，whowastheparty'suncle，andaskwhetherhebelieveditwastrue，orhadheardanythingelseintheCity。Shesaid，ifhecouldn'tspeaktome，nodoubtCaptainCuttlecould。Bythebye！'saidMr。Toots，asthediscoveryflasheduponhim，`you，youknow！'
　　TheCaptainglancedatthenewspaperinMr。Toots'shand，andbreathedshortandhurriedly。
　　`Well，'pursuedMr。Toots，`thereasonwhyI'mratherlateis，becauseIwentupasfarasFinchleyfirst，togetsomeuncommonlyfinechickweedthatgrowsthere，forMissDombey'sbird。ButIcameonhere，directlyafterwards。You'veseenthepaper，Isuppose？'
　　TheCaptain，whohadbecomecautiousofreadingthenews，lestheshouldfindhimselfadvertisedatfulllengthbyMrs。MacStinger，shookhishead。
　　`ShallIreadthepassagetoyou？'inquiredMr。Toots。
　　TheCaptainmakingasignintheaffirmative，Mr。Tootsreadasfollows，fromtheShippingIntelligence：
　　`“Southampton。ThebarqueDefiance，HenryJames，Commander，arrivedinthisportto-day，withacargoofsugar，coffee，andrum，reportsthatbeingbecalmedonthesixthdayofherpassagehomefromJamaica，in“——insuchandsuchalatitude，youknow，'saidMr。Toots，aftermakingafeebledashatthefigures，andtumblingoverthem。
　　`Aye！'criedtheCaptain，strikinghisclenchedhandonthetable。
　　`Heaveahead，mylad！'
　　`——latitude，'repeatedMr。Toots，withastartledglanceattheCaptain，`andlongitudeso-and-so，——“thelook-outobserved，halfanhourbeforesunset，somefragmentsofawreck，driftingataboutthedistanceofamile。Theweatherbeingclear，andthebarquemakingnoway，aboatwashoistedout，withorderstoinspectthesame，whentheywerefoundtoconsistofsundrylargespars，andapartofthemainriggingofanEnglishbrig，ofaboutfivehundredtonsburden，togetherwithaportionofthesternonwhichthewordsandletters`SonandH——'wereyetplainlylegible。Novestigeofanydeadbodywastobeseenuponthefloatingfragments。
　　LogoftheDefiancestates，thatabreezespringingupinthenight，thewreckwasseennomore。Therecanbenodoubtthatallsurmisesastothefateofthemissingvessel，theSonandHeir，portofLondon，boundforBarbadoes，arenowsetatrestforever；thatshebrokeupinthelasthurricane；andthateverysoulonboardperished。“'
　　CaptainCuttle，likeallmankind，littleknewhowmuchhopehadsurvivedwithinhimunderdiscouragement，untilhefeltitsdeath-shock。
　　Duringthereadingoftheparagraph，andforaminuteortwoafterwards，hesatwithhisgazefixedonthemodestMr。Toots，likeamanentranced；
　　then，suddenlyrising，andputtingonhisglazedhat，which，inhisvisitor'shonour，hehadlaiduponthetable，theCaptainturnedhisback，andbenthisheaddownonthelittlechimneypiece。
　　`Oh，uponmywordandhonour，'criedMr。Toots，whosetenderheartwasmovedbytheCaptain'sunexpecteddistress，`thisisamostwretchedsortofaffairthisworldis！Somebody'salwaysdying，orgoinganddoingsomethinguncomfortableinit。I'msureInevershouldhavelookedforwardsomuch，tocomingintomyproperty，ifIhadknownthis。Ineversawsuchaworld。It'sagreatdealworsethanBlimber's。'
　　CaptainCuttle，withoutalteringhisposition，signedtoMr。Tootsnottomindhim；andpresentlyturnedround，withhisglazedhatthrustbackuponhisears，andhishandcomposingandsmoothinghisbrownface。
　　`Wal'r，mydearlad，'saidtheCaptain，`farewell！Wal'rmychild，myboy，andman，Ilovedyou！Hewarn'tmyfleshandblood，'saidtheCaptain，lookingatthefire——`Ian'tgotnone——butsomethingofwhatafatherfeelswhenhelosesason，IfeelinlosingWal'r。Forwhy？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Becauseitan'toneloss，butarounddozen。Where'sthatthereyoungschool-boywiththerosyfaceandcurlyhair，thatusedtobeasmerryinthishereparlour，comeroundeveryweek，asapieceofmusic？GonedownwithWal'r。Where'sthattherefreshlad，thatnothingcouldn'ttirenorputout，andthatsparkledupandblushedso，whenwejokedhimaboutHeart'sDelight，thathewasbeautifultolookat？GonedownwithWal'r。
　　Where'sthatthereman'sspirit，allafire，thatwouldn'tseetheoldmanhovedownforaminute，andcarednothingforitself？GonedownwithWal'r。
　　Itan'toneWal'r。TherewasadozenWal'rsthatIknow'dandloved，allholdingroundhisneckwhenhewentdown，andthey'rea-holdingroundminenow！'
　　Mr。Tootssatsilent：foldingandrefoldingthenewspaperassmallaspossibleuponhisknee。
　　`AndSolGills，'saidtheCaptain，gazingatthefire，`poornevylessoldSol，whereareyougotto！youwasleftinchargeofme；hislastwordswas，“Takecareofmyuncle！”Whatcameoveryou，Sol，whenyouwentandgavethego-byetoNedCuttle；andwhatamItoputinmyaccountsthathe'salookingdownupon，respectingyou！SolGills，SolGills！'saidtheCaptain，shakinghisheadslowly，`catchsightofthattherenewspaper，awayfromhome，withnooneasknow'dWal'rby，tosayaword；andbroadsidetoyoubroach，anddownyoupitch，headforemost！'
　　Drawingaheavysigh，theCaptainturnedtoMr。Toots，androusedhimselftoasustainedconsciousnessofthatgentleman'spresence。
　　`Mylad，'saidtheCaptain，`youmusttelltheyoungwomanhonestlythatthisherefatalnewsistoocorrect。Theydon'tromance，yousee，onsuchpints。It'senteredontheship'slog，andthat'sthetruestbookasamancanwrite。To-morrowmorning，'saidtheCaptain，`I'llstepoutandmakeinquiries；butthey'llleadtonogood。Theycan'tdoit。Ifyou'llgivemealook-inintheforenoon，youshallknowwhatIhaveheerd；buttelltheyoungwomanfromCap'enCuttle，thatit'sover。Over！'AndtheCaptain，hookingoffhisglazedhat，pulledhishandkerchiefoutofthecrown，wipedhisgrizzledheaddespairingly，andtossedthehandkerchiefinagain，withtheindifferenceofdeepdejection。
　　`Oh！Iassureyou，'saidMr。Toots，`reallyIamdreadfullysorry。
　　UponmywordIam，thoughIwasn'tacquaintedwiththeparty。DoyouthinkMissDombeywillbeverymuchaffected，CaptainGills——ImeanMr。Cuttle？'
　　`Why，Lordloveyou，'returnedtheCaptain，withsomethingofcompassionforMr。Toots'sinnocence。`Whenshewarn'tnohigherthanthat，theywereasfondofoneanotherastwoyoungdoves。'
　　`Weretheythough！'saidMr。Toots，withaconsiderablylengthenedface。
　　`Theyweremadeforoneanother，'saidtheCaptain，mournfully；
　　`butwhatsignifiesthatnow！'
　　`Uponmywordandhonour，'criedMr。Toots，blurtingouthiswordsthroughasingularcombinationofawkwardchucklesandemotion，`I'mevenmoresorrythanIwasbefore。Youknow，CaptainGills，I——IpositivelyadoreMissDombey；——I——Iamperfectlysorewithlovingher；'theburstwithwhichthisconfessionforceditselfoutoftheunhappyMr。Toots，bespokethevehemenceofhisfeelings；`butwhatwouldbethegoodofmyregardingherinthismanner，ifIwasn'ttrulysorryforherfeelingpain，whateverwasthecauseofit。Minean'taselfishaffection，youknow，'
　　saidMr。Toots，intheconfidenceengenderedbyhishavingbeenawitnessoftheCaptain'stenderness。`It'sthesortofthingwithme，CaptainGills，thatifIcouldberunover——or——ortrampledupon——or——orthrownoffaveryhighplace——oranythingofthatsort——forMissDombey'ssake，itwouldbethemostdelightfulthingthatcouldhappentome。'
　　Allthis，Mr。Tootssaidinasuppressedvoice，topreventitsreachingthejealousearsoftheChicken，whoobjectedtothesofteremotions；
　　whicheffortofrestraint，coupledwiththeintensityofhisfeelings，madehimredtothetipsofhisears，andcausedhimtopresentsuchanaffectingspectacleofdisinterestedlovetotheeyesofCaptainCuttle，thatthegoodCaptainpattedhimconsolinglyontheback，andbadehimcheerup。
　　`Thankee，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`it'skindofyou，inthemidstofyourowntroubles，tosayso。I'mverymuchobligedtoyou。
　　AsIsaidbefore，Ireallywantafriend，andshouldbegladtohaveyouracquaintance。AlthoughIamverywelloff，'saidMr。Toots，withenergy，`youcan'tthinkwhatamiserableBeastIam。Thehollowcrowd，youknow，whentheyseemewiththeChicken，andcharactersofdistinctionlikethat，supposemetobehappy；butI'mwretched。IsufferforMissDombey，CaptainGills。Ican'tgetthroughmymeals；Ihavenopleasureinmytailor；I
　　oftencrywhenI'malone。Iassureyouit'llbeasatisfactiontometocomebackto-morrow，ortocomebackfiftytimes。'
　　Mr。Toots，withthesewords，shooktheCaptain'shand；anddisguisingsuchtracesofhisagitationascouldbedisguisedonsoshortanotice，beforetheChicken'spenetratingglance，rejoinedthateminentgentlemanintheshop。TheChicken，whowasapttobejealousofhisascendancy，eyedCaptainCuttlewithanythingbutfavourashetookleaveofMr。Toots；
　　butfollowedhispatronwithoutbeingotherwisedemonstrativeofhisill-will：
　　leavingtheCaptainoppressedwithsorrow；andRobtheGrinderelevatedwithjoy，onaccountofhavinghadthehonourofstaringfornearlyhalfanhourattheconqueroroftheNobbyShropshireOne。
　　LongafterRobwasfastasleepinhisbedunderthecounter，theCaptainsatlookingatthefire；andlongaftertherewasnofiretolookattheCaptainsatgazingontherustybars，withunavailingthoughtsofWalterandoldSolcrowdingthroughhismind。Retirementtothestormychamberatthetopofthehousebroughtnorestwithit；andtheCaptainroseupinthemorning，sorrowfulandunrefreshed。
　　AssoonastheCityofficeswereopen，theCaptainissuedforthtothecounting-houseofDombeyandSon。ButtherewasnoopeningoftheMidshipman'swindowsthatmorning。RobtheGrinder，bytheCaptain'sorders，lefttheshuttersclosed，andthehousewasasahouseofdeath。
　　ItchancedthatMr。Carkerwasenteringtheoffice，asCaptainCuttlearrivedatthedoor。ReceivingtheManager'sbenisongravelyandsilently，CaptainCuttlemadeboldtoaccompanyhimintohisownroom。
　　`Well，CaptainCuttle，'saidMr。Carker，takinguphisusualpositionbeforethefireplace，andkeepingonhissat，`thisisabadbusiness。'
　　`Youhavereceivedthenewsaswasinprintyesterday，Sir？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Yes，'saidMr。Carker，`wehavereceivedit！Itwasaccuratelystated。Theunderwriterssufferaconsiderableloss。Weareverysorry。
　　Nohelp！Suchislife！'
　　Mr。Carkerparedhisnailsdelicatelywithapenknife，andsmiledattheCaptain，whowasstandingbythedoorlookingathim。
　　`IexcessivelyregretpoorGay，'saidCarker，`andthecrew。I
　　understandthereweresomeofourverybestmenamong'em。Italwayshappensso。Manymenwithfamiliestoo。AcomforttoreflectthatpoorGayhadnofamily，CaptainCuttle！'
　　TheCaptainstoodrubbinghischin，andlookingattheManager。
　　TheManagerglancedattheunopenedletterslyingonhisdesk，andtookupthenewspaper。
　　`IsthereanythingIcandoforyou，CaptainCuttle？'heasked，lookingoffit，withasmilingandexpressiveglanceatthedoor。
　　`Iwishyoucouldsetmymindatrest，Sir，onsomethingit'suneasyabout，'returnedtheCaptain。
　　`Aye！'exclaimedtheManager，`what'sthat？Come，CaptainCuttle，Imusttroubleyoutobequick，ifyouplease。Iammuchengaged。'
　　`Lookeehere，Sir'saidtheCaptain，advancingastep。`AforemyfriendWal'rwentonthisheredisastrousvoyage'
　　`Come，come，CaptainCuttle，'interposedthesmilingManager，`don'ttalkaboutdisastrousvoyagesinthatway。Wehavenothingtodowithdisastrousvoyageshere，mygoodfellow。Youmusthavebegunveryearlyonyourday'sallowance，Captain，ifyoudon'trememberthattherearehazardsinallvoyageswhetherbyseaorland。Youarenotmadeuneasybythesuppositionthatyoungwhat's-his-namewaslostinbadweatherthatwasgotupagainsthimintheseoffices——areyou？Fie，Captain！Sleep，andsoda-water，arethebestcuresforsuchuneasinessasthat。'
　　`Mylad，'returnedtheCaptain，slowly——`youarea'mostaladtome，andsoIdon'taskyourpardonforthatslipofaword，——ifyoufindanypleasureinthisheresport，youan'tthegentlemanItookyoufor，andifyouan'tthegentlemanItookyoufor，maybemymindhascalltobeuneasy。Nowthisiswhatitis，Mr。Carker——Aforethatpoorladwentaway，accordingtoorders，hetoldmethathewarn'tagoingawayforhisowngood，orforpromotion，heknow'd。Itwasmybeliefthathewaswrong，andItoldhimso，andIcomehere，yourheadgovernorbeingabsent，toaskaquestionortwoofyouinacivilway，formyownsatisfaction。Themquestionsyouanswered——free。Nowit'lleasemymindtoknow，whenallisover，asitis，andwhenwhatcan'tbecuredmustbeendoored——forwhich，asascholar，you'lloverhaulthebookit'sin，andthereofmakeanote——toknowoncemore，inaword，thatIwarn'tmistaken；thatIwarn'tback'ardinmydutywhenIdidn'ttelltheoldmanwhatWal'rtoldme；andthatthewindwastrulyinhissail，whenhehighstedofitforBarbadoesHarbour。
　　Mr。Carker，'saidtheCaptain，inthegoodnessofhisnature，`whenIwasherelast，wewasverypleasanttogether。IfIain'tbeenaltogethersopleasantmyselfthismorning，onaccountofthispoorlad，andifIhavechafedagainanyobservationofyoursthatImighthavefendedoff，mynameisEd'ardCuttle，andIaskyourpardon。'
　　`CaptainCuttle，'returnedtheManager，withallpossiblepoliteness，`Imustaskyoutodomeafavour。'
　　`Andwhatisit，Sir？'inquiredtheCaptain。
　　`Tohavethegoodnesstowalkoff，ifyouplease，'rejoinedtheManager，stretchingforthhisarm，`andtocarryyourjargonsomewhereelse。'
　　EveryknobintheCaptain'sfaceturnedwhitewithastonishmentandindignation；eventheredrimonhisforeheadfaded，likearainbowamongthegatheringclouds。
　　`Itellyouwhat，CaptainCuttle，'saidtheManager，shakinghisforefingerathim，andshowinghimallhisteeth，butstillamiablysmiling，`Iwasmuchtoolenientwithyouwhenyoucameherebefore。Youbelongtoanartfulandaudacioussetofpeople。Inmydesiretosaveyoungwhat's-his-namefrombeingkickedoutthisplace，neckandcrop，mygoodCaptain，Itoleratedyou；butforonce，andonlyonce。Now，go，myfriend！'
　　TheCaptainwasabsolutelyrootedtotheground，andspeechless。
　　`Go，'saidthegood-humouredManager，gatheringuphisskirts，andstandingastrideuponthehearth-rug，`likeasensiblefellow，andletushavenoturningout，oranysuchviolentmeasures。IfMr。Dombeywerehere，Captain，youmightbeobligedtoleaveinamoreignominiousmanner，possibly。Imerelysay，Go！'
　　TheCaptain，layinghisponderoushanduponhischest，toassisthimselfinfetchingadeepbreath，lookedatMr。Carkerfromheadtofoot，andlookedroundthelittleroom，asifhedidnotclearlyunderstandwherehewas，orinwhatcompany。
　　`Youaredeep，CaptainCuttle，'pursuedCarker，withtheeasyandvivaciousfranknessofamanoftheworldwhoknewtheworldtoowelltoberuffledbyanydiscoveryofmisdoing，whenitdidnotimmediatelyconcernhimself；`butyouarenotquiteoutofsoundings，either——neitheryounoryourabsentfriend，Captain。Whathaveyoudonewithyourabsentfriend，hey？'
　　AgaintheCaptainlaidhishanduponhischest。Afterdrawinganotherdeepbreath，heconjuredhimselfto`standby！'Butinawhisper。
　　`Youhatchnicelittleplots，andholdnicelittlecouncils，andmakenicelittleappointments，andreceivenicelittlevisitors，too，Captain，hey？'saidCarker，bendinghisbrowsuponhim，withoutshowinghisteethanytheless：`butit'saboldmeasuretocomehereafterwards。Notlikeyourdiscretion！Youconspirators，andhiders，andrunners-away，shouldknowbetterthanthat。Willyouobligemebygoing？'
　　`Mylad，'gaspedtheCaptain，inachokedandtremblingvoice，andwithacuriousactiongoingonintheponderousfist；`there'samanywordsIcouldwishtosaytoyou，butIdon'trightlyknowwherethey'restowedjustatpresent。Myyoungfriend，Wal'r，wasdrowndedonlylastnight，accordingtomyreckoning，anditputsmeout，yousee。Butyouandmewillcomealongsideo'oneanotheragain，mylad，'saidtheCaptain，holdinguphishook，`ifwelive。'
　　`Itwillbeanythingbutshrewdinyou，mygoodfellow，ifwedo，'returnedtheManager，withthesamefrankness；`foryoumayrely，Igiveyoufairwarning，uponmydetectingandexposingyou。Idon'tpretendtobeamoremoralmanthanmyneighbours，mygoodCaptain；buttheconfidenceofthishouse，orofanymemberofthishouse，isnottobeabusedandunderminedwhileIhaveeyesandears。Goodday！'saidMr。Carker，noddinghishead。
　　CaptainCuttle，lookingathimsteadilyMr。CarkerlookedfullassteadilyattheCaptain，wentoutoftheofficeandlefthimstandingastridebeforethefire，ascalmandpleasantasiftherewerenomorespotsuponhissoulthanonhispurewhitelinen，andhissmoothsleekskin。
　　TheCaptainglanced，inpassingthroughtheoutercounting-house，atthedeskwhereheknewpoorWalterhadbeenusedtosit，nowoccupiedbyanotheryoungboy，withafacealmostasfreshandhopefulashisonthedaywhentheytappedthefamouslastbottlebutoneoftheoldMadeira，inthelittlebackparlour。Theassociationofideas，thusawakened，didtheCaptainagreatdealofgood；itsoftenedhimintheveryheightofhisanger，andbroughtthetearsintohiseyes。
　　ArrivedattheWoodenMidshipman'sagain，andsittingdowninacornerofthedarkshop，theCaptain'sindignation，strongasitwas，couldmakenoheadagainsthisgrief。Passionseemednotonlytodowrongandviolencetothememoryofthedead，buttobeinfectedbydeath，andtodroopanddeclinebesideit。Allthelivingknavesandliarsintheworld，werenothingtothehonestyandtruthofonedeadfriend。
　　TheonlythingthehonestCaptainmadeoutclearly，inthisstateofmind，besidesthelossofWalterwas，thatwithhimalmostthewholeworldofCaptainCuttlehadbeendrowned。Ifhereproachedhimselfsometimes，andkeenlytoo，forhavingeverconnivedatWalter'sinnocentdeceit，hethoughtatleastasoftenoftheMr。Carkerwhomnoseacouldeverrenderup；andtheMr。Dombey，whomhenowbegantoperceivewasasfarbeyondhumanrecall；andthe`Heart'sDelight，'withwhomhemustneverforgatheragain；andtheLovelyPeg，thatteak-builtandtrimballad，thathadgoneashoreuponarock，andsplitintomereplanksandbeamsofrhyme。TheCaptainsatinthedarkshop，thinkingofthesethings，totheentireexclusionofhisowninjury；andlookingwithassadaneyeupontheground，asifincontemplationoftheiractualfragmentsastheyfloatedpasthim。
　　ButtheCaptainwasnotunmindful，forallthat，ofsuchdecentandrespectfulobservancesinmemoryofpoorWalter，ashefeltwithinhispower。Rousinghimself，androusingRobtheGrinderwhointheunnaturaltwilightwasfastasleep，theCaptainsalliedforthwithhisattendantathisheels，andthedoor-keyinhispocket，andrepairingtooneofthoseconvenientslop-sellingestablishmentsofwhichthereisabundantchoiceattheeasternendofLondon，purchasedonthespottwosuitsofmourning——oneforRobtheGrinder，whichwasimmenselytoosmall，andoneforhimself，whichwasimmenselytoolarge。HealsoprovidedRobwithaspeciesofhat，greatlytobeadmiredforitssymmetryandusefulness，aswellasforahappyblendingofthemarinerwiththecoal-heaver；whichisusuallytermedasou'wester；andwhichwassomethingofanoveltyinconnexionwiththeinstrumentbusiness。Intheirseveralgarments，whichthevendordeclaredtobesuchamiracleinpointoffitasnothingbutararecombinationoffortuitouscircumstanceseverbroughtabout，andthefashionofwhichwasunparalleledwithinthememoryoftheoldestinhabitant，theCaptainandGrinderimmediatelyarrayedthemselves：presentingaspectaclefraughtwithwondertoallwhobeheldit。
　　Inthisalteredform，theCaptainreceivedMr。Toots。`I'mtookaback，mylad，atpresent，'saidtheCaptain，`andwillonlyconfirmthatthereillnews。Telltheyoungwomantobreakitgentletotheyounglady，andforneitherof'emnevertothinkofmenomore——'special，mindyou，thatis——thoughIwillthinkofthem，whennightcomesonahurricaneandseasismountainsrowling，forwhichoverhaulyourDoctorWatts，brother，andwhenfoundmakeanoteon。'
　　TheCaptainreserved，untilsomefittertime，theconsiderationofMr。Toots'sofferoffriendship，andthusdismissedhim。CaptainCuttle'sspiritsweresolow，intruth，thathehalfdetermined，thatday，totakenofurtherprecautionsagainstsurprisefromMrs。MacStinger，buttoabandonhimselfrecklesslytochance，andbeindifferenttowhatmighthappen。
　　Aseveningcameon，hefellintoabetterframeofmind，however；andspokemuchofWaltertoRobtheGrinder，whoseattentionandfidelityhelikewiseincidentallycommended。RobdidnotblushtoheartheCaptainearnestinhispraises，butsatstaringathim，andaffectingtosnivelwithsympathy，andmakingafeintofbeingvirtuous，andtreasuringupeverywordhesaidlikeayoungspyashewaswithverypromisingdeceit。
　　WhenRobhadturnedin，andwasfastasleep，theCaptaintrimmedthecandle，putonhisspectacles——hehadfeltitappropriatetotaketospectaclesonenteringintotheInstrumentTrade，thoughhiseyeswerelikeahawk's——andopenedtheprayer-bookattheBurialService。Andreadingsoftlytohimself，inthelittlebackparlour，andstoppingnowandthentowipehiseyes，theCaptain，inatrueandsimplespirit，committedWalter'sbodytothedeep。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter33[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIIIContrastsTURNweoureyesupontwohomes；notlyingsidebyside，butwideapart，thoughbothwithineasyrangeandreachofthegreatcityofLondon。
　　ThefirstissituatedinthegreenandwoodedcountrynearNorwood。
　　Itisnotamansion；itisofnopretensionsastosize；butitisbeautifullyarranged，andtastefullykept。Thelawn，thesoft，smoothslope，theflower-garden，theclumpsoftreeswheregracefulformsofashandwillowarenotwanting，theconservatory，therusticverandahwithsweet-smellingcreepingplantsentwinedaboutthepillars，thesimpleexteriorofthehouse，thewell-orderedoffices，thoughalluponthediminutivescalepropertoamerecottage，bespeakanamountofelegantcomfortwithin，thatmightserveforapalace。
　　Thisindicationisnotwithoutwarrant；forwithinitisahouseofrefinementandluxury。Richcolours，excellentlyblended，meettheeyeateveryturn；
　　inthefurniture——itsproportionsadmirablydevisedtosuittheshapesandsizesofthesmallrooms；onthewalls；uponthefloors；tingeingandsubduingthelightthatcomesinthroughtheoddglassdoorsandwindowshereandthere。Thereareafewchoiceprintsandpicturestoo；inquaintnooksandrecessesthereisnowantofbooks；andtherearegamesofskillandchancesetforthontables——fantasticchessmen，dice，backgammon，cards，andbilliards。
　　Andyetamidstthisopulenceofcomfort，thereissomethinginthegeneralairthatisnotwell。Isitthatthecarpetsandthecushionsaretoosoftandnoiseless，sothatthosewhomoveorreposeamongthemseemtoactbystealth？Isitthattheprintsandpicturesdonotcommemorategreatthoughtsordeeds，orrendernatureinthepoetryoflandscape，hall，orhut，butareofonevoluptuouscast——mereshowsofformandcolour——andnomore？Isitthatthebookshavealltheirgoldoutside，andthatthetitlesofthegreaterpartqualifythemtobecompanionsoftheprintsandpictures？Isitthatthecompletenessandthebeautyoftheplacearehereandtherebeliedbyanaffectationofhumility，insomeunimportantandinexpensiveregard，whichisasfalseasthefaceofthetootrulypaintedportraithangingyonder，oritsoriginalatbreakfastinhiseasychairbelowit？Orisitthat，withthedailybreathofthatoriginalandmasterofallhere，thereissuesforthsomesubtleportionofhimself，whichgivesavagueexpressionofhimselftoeverythingabouthim？
　　ItisMr。CarkertheManagerwhositsintheeasychair。Agaudyparrotinaburnishedcageuponthetabletearsatthewireswithherbeak，andgoeswalking，upsidedown，initsdome-top，shakingherhouseandscreeching；
　　butMr。Carkerisindifferenttothebird，andlookswithamusingsmileatapictureontheoppositewall。
　　`Amostextraordinaryaccidentallikeness，certainly，'sayshe。
　　PerhapsitisaJuno；perhapsaPotiphar'sWife；perhapssomescornfulNymph——accordingasthePictureDealersfoundthemarket，whentheychristenedit。Itisthefigureofawoman，supremelyhandsome，who，turningaway，butwithherfaceaddressedtothespectator，flashesherproudglanceuponhim。
　　ItislikeEdith。
　　Withapassinggestureofhishandatthepicture——what！amenace？
　　No；yetsomethinglikeit。Awaveasoftriumph？No；yetmorelikethat。
　　Aninsolentsalutewaftedfromhislips？No；yetlikethattoo——heresumeshisbreakfast，andcallstothechafingandimprisonedbird，whocomingdownintoapendantgildedhoopwithinthecage，likeagreatwedding-ring，swingsinit，forhisdelight。
　　ThesecondhomeisontheothersideofLondon，neartowherethebusygreatnorthroadofbygonedaysissilentandalmostdeserted，exceptbywayfarerswhotoilalongonfoot。Itisapoor，smallhouse，barelyandsparelyfurnished，butveryclean；andthereisevenanattempttodecorateit，showninthehomelyflowerstrainedabouttheporchandinthenarrowgarden。Theneighbourhoodinwhichitstandshasaslittleofthecountrytorecommendit，asithasofthetown。Itisneitherofthetownnorcountry。Theformer，likethegiantinhistravellingboots，hasmadeastrideandpassedit，andhassethisbrick-and-mortarheelalongwayinadvance；buttheintermediatespacebetweenthegiant'sfeet，asyet，isonlyblightedcountry，andnottown；and，here，amongafewtallchimneysbelchingsmokealldayandnight，andamongthebrick-fieldsandthelaneswhereturfiscut，andwherethefencestumbledown，andwherethedustynettlesgrow，andwhereascraportwoofhedgemayyetbeseen，andwherethebird-catcherstillcomesoccasionally，thoughheswearseverytimetocomenomore——thissecondhomeistobefound。
　　Shewhoinhabitsit，isshewholeftthefirstinherdevotiontoanoutcastbrother。Shewithdrewfromthathomeitsredeemingspirit，andfromitsmaster'sbreasthissolitaryangel：butthoughhislikingforherisgone，afterthisungratefulslightasheconsidersit；andthoughheabandonsheraltogetherinreturn，anoldideaofherisnotquiteforgottenevenbyhim。Letherflower-garden，inwhichheneversetshisfoot，butwhichisyetmaintained，amongallhiscostlyalterations，asifshehadquitteditbutyesterday，bearwitness！
　　HarrietCarkerhaschangedsincethen，andonherbeautytherehasfallenaheaviershadethanTimeofhisunassistedselfcancast，all-potentasheis——theshadowofanxietyandsorrow，andthedailystruggleofapoorexistence。Butitisbeautystill；andstillagentle，quiet，andretiringbeautythatmustbesoughtout，foritcannotvauntitself；ifitcould，itwouldbewhatitis，nomore。
　　Yes。Thisslight，small，patientfigure，neatlydressedinhomelystuffs，andindicatingnothingbutthedull，householdvirtues，thathavesolittleincommonwiththereceivedideaofheroismandgreatness，unless，indeed，anyrayofthemshouldshinethroughthelivesofthegreatonesoftheearth，whenitbecomesaconstellationandistrackedinHeavenstraightway——thisslight，small，patientfigure，leaningonthemanstillyoungbutwornandgrey，isshe，hissister，who，ofalltheworld，wentovertohiminhisshameandputherhandinhis，andwithasweetcomposureanddetermination，ledhimhopefullyuponhisbarrenway。
　　`Itisearly，John，'shesaid。`Whydoyougosoearly？'
　　`Notmanyminutesearlierthanusual，Harriet。IfIhavethetimetospare，Ishouldlike，Ithink——it'safancy——towalkoncebythehousewhereItookleaveofhim。'
　　`IwishIhadeverseenorknownhim，John。'
　　`Itisbetterasitis，mydear，rememberinghisfate。'
　　`ButIcouldnotregretitmore，thoughIhadknownhim。Isnotyoursorrowmine？AndifIhad，perhapsyouwouldfeelthatIwasabettercompaniontoyouinspeakingabouthim，thanImayseemnow。'
　　`Mydearestsister！Isthereanythingwithintherangeofrejoicingorregret，inwhichIamnotsureofyourcompanionship？'
　　`Ihopeyouthinknot，John，forsurelythereisnothing！'
　　`Howcouldyoubebettertome，ornearertomethen，thanyouareinthis，oranything？'saidherbrother。`Ifeelthatyoudidknowhim，Harriet，andthatyousharedmyfeelingstowardshim。'
　　Shedrewthehandwhichhadbeenrestingonhisshoulder，roundhisneck，andanswered，withsomehesitation：
　　`No，notquite。'
　　`True，true！'hesaid；`youthinkImighthavedonehimnoharmifIhadallowedmyselftoknowhimbetter？'
　　`Think！Iknowit。'
　　`Designedly，HeavenknowsIwouldnot，'hereplied，shakinghisheadmournfully；`buthisreputationwastooprecioustobeperilledbysuchassociation。Whetheryousharethatknowledge，ordonot，mydear——'
　　`Idonot，'shesaidquietly。
　　`Itisstillthetruth，Harriet，andmymindislighterwhenI
　　thinkofhimforthatwhichmadeitsomuchheavierthen。'Hecheckedhimselfinhistoneofmelancholy，andsmileduponherashesaid`Good-bye！'
　　`Good-bye，dearJohn！Intheevening，attheoldtimeandplace，Ishallmeetyouasusualonyourwayhome。Goodbye。'
　　Thecordialfaceshelifteduptohistokisshim，washishome，hislife，hisuniverse，andyetitwasaportionofhispunishmentandgrief；forinthecloudhesawuponit——thoughsereneandcalmasanyradiantcloudatsunset——andintheconstancyanddevotionofherlife，andinthesacrificeshehadmadeofease，enjoyment，andhope，hesawthebitterfruitsofhisoldcrime，foreverripeandfresh。
　　Shestoodatthedoorlookingafterhim，withherhandslooselyclaspedineachother，ashemadehiswayoverthefrowzyandunevenpatchofgroundwhichlaybeforetheirhouse，whichhadonceandnotlongago
　　beenapleasantmeadow，andwasnowaverywaste，withadisorderlycropofbeginningsofmeanhouses，risingoutoftherubbish，asiftheyhadbeenunskilfullysownthere。Wheneverhelookedback——asonceortwicehedid——hercordialfaceshonelikealightuponhisheart；butwhenheploddedonhisway，andsawhernot，thetearswereinhereyesasshestoodwatchinghim。
　　Herpensiveformwasnotlongidleatthedoor。Therewasdailydutytodischarge，anddailyworktodo——forsuchcommonplacespiritsthatarenotheroic，oftenworkhardwiththeirhands——andHarrietwassoonbusywithherhouseholdtasks。Thesedischarged，andthepoorhousemadequiteneatandorderly，shecountedherlittlestockofmoney，withananxiousface，andwentoutthoughtfullytobuysomenecessariesfortheirtable，planningandcontriving，asshewent，howtosave。Sosordidarethelivesofsuchlownatures，whoarenotonlynotheroictotheirvaletsandwaiting-women，buthaveneithervaletsnorwaiting-womentobeheroictowithal！
　　Whileshewasabsent，andtherewasnooneinthehouse，thereapproacheditbyadifferentwayfromthatthebrotherhadtaken，agentleman，averylittlepasthisprimeoflifeperhaps，butofahealthyfloridhue，anuprightpresence，andabrightclearaspect，thatwasgraciousandgood-humoured。
　　Hiseyebrowswerestillblack，andsowasmuchofhishair；thesprinklingofgreyobservableamongthelatter，gracedtheformerverymuch，andshowedhisbroadfrankbrowandhonesteyestogreatadvantage。
　　Afterknockingonceatthedoor，andobtainingnoresponse，thisgentlemansatdownonabenchinthelittleporchtowait。Acertainskilfulactionofhisfingersashehummedsomebars，andbeattimeontheseatbesidehim，seemedtodenotethemusician；andtheextraordinarysatisfactionhederivedfromhummingsomethingveryslowandlong，whichhadnorecognisabletune，seemedtodenotethathewasascientificone。
　　Thegentlemanwasstilltwirlingatheme，whichseemedtogoroundandroundandround，andinandinandin，andtoinvolveitselflikeacorkscrewtwirleduponatable，withoutgettinganynearertoanything，whenHarrietappearedreturning。Heroseupassheadvanced，andstoodwithhisheaduncovered。
　　`Youarecomeagain，Sir！'shesaid，faltering。
　　`Itakethatliberty，'heanswered。`MayIaskforfiveminutesofyourleisure？'
　　Afteramoment'shesitation，sheopenedthedoor，andgavehimadmissiontothelittleparlour。Thegentlemansatdownthere，drewhischairtothetableoveragainsther，andsaid，inavoicethatperfectlycorrespondedtohisappearance，andwithasimplicitythatwasveryengaging：
　　`MissHarriet，youcannotbeproud。Yousignifiedtome，whenIcalledt'othermorning，thatyouwere。PardonmeifIsaythatIlookedintoyourfacewhileyouspoke，andthatitcontradictedyou。Ilookintoitagain，'headded，layinghishandgentlyonherarm，foraninstant，`anditcontradictsyoumoreandmore。'
　　Shewassomewhatconfusedandagitated，andcouldmakenoreadyanswer。
　　`Itisthemirroroftruth，'saidhervisitor，`andgentleness。
　　Excusemytrustingtoit，andreturning。'
　　Hismannerofsayingthesewords，divestedthementirelyofthecharacterofcompliments。Itwassoplain，grave，unaffected，andsincere，thatshebentherhead，asifatoncetothankhim，andacknowledgehissincerity。
　　`Thedisparitybetweenourages，'saidthegentleman，`andtheplainnessofmypurpose，empowerme，Iamgladtothink，tospeakmymind。
　　Thatismymind；andsoyouseemeforthesecondtime。'
　　`Thereisakindofpride，Sir，'Shereturned，afteramoment'ssilence，`orwhatmaybesupposedtobepride，whichismereduty。IhopeIcherishnoother。'
　　`Foryourself，'hesaid。
　　`Formyself。'
　　`But——pardonme——'suggestedthegentleman。`ForyourbrotherJohn？'
　　`Proudofhislove，Iam，'saidHarriet，lookingfulluponhervisitor，andchanginghermannerontheinstant——notthatitwaslesscomposedandquiet，butthattherewasadeepimpassionedearnestnessinitthatmadetheverytrembleinhervoiceapartofherfirmness，`andproudofhim。Sir，youwhostrangelyknowthestoryofhislife，andrepeatedittomewhenyouwereherelast——'
　　`Merelytomakemywayintoyourconfidence，'interposedthegentleman。
　　`Forheaven'ssake，don'tsuppose——'
　　`Iamsure，'shesaid，`yourevivedit，inmyhearing，withakindandgoodpurpose。Iamquitesureofit。'
　　`Ithankyou，'returnedhervisitor，pressingherhandhastily。
　　`Iammuchobligedtoyou。Youdomejustice，Iassureyou。Youweregoingtosay，thatI，whoknowthestoryofJohnCarker'slife——'
　　`Maythinkitprideinme，'shecontinued，`whenIsaythatI
　　amproudofhim！Iam。Youknowthetimewas，whenIwasnot——whenIcouldnotbe——butthatispast。Thehumilityofmanyyears，theuncomplainingexpiation，thetruerepentance，theterribleregret，thepainIknowhehaseveninmyaffection，whichhethinkhascostmedear，thoughHeavenknowsIamhappy，butforhissorrow！——oh，Sir，afterwhatIhaveseen，letmeconjureyou，ifyouareinanyplaceofpower，andareeverwronged，never，foranywrong，inflictapunishmentthatcannotberecalled；whilethereisaGODaboveustoworkchangesintheheartsHemade。'
　　`Yourbrotherisanalteredman，'returnedthegentleman，compassionately。
　　`IassureyouIdon'tdoubtit。'
　　`Hewasanalteredmanwhenhedidwrong，'saidHarriet。`Heisanalteredmanagain，andishistrueselfnow，believeme，Sir。'
　　`Butwegoon，'saidhervisitor，rubbinghisforehead，inanabsentmanner，withhishand，andthendrummingthoughtfullyonthetable，`wegooninourclockworkroutine，fromdaytoday，andcan'tmakeout，orfollow，thesechanges。They——they'reametaphysicalsortofthing。We——wehaven'tleisureforit。We——wehaven'tcourage。They'renottaughtatschoolsorcolleges，andwedon'tknowhowtosetaboutit。Inshort，wearesoddbusiness-like，'saidthegentleman，walkingtothewindow，andback，andsittingdownagain，inastateofextremedissatisfactionandvexation。
　　`Iamsure，'saidthegentleman，rubbinghisforeheadagain；anddrummingonthetableasbefore，`Ihavegoodreasontobelievethatajog-trotlife，thesamefromdaytoday，wouldreconcileonetoanything。
　　Onedon'tseeanything，onedon'thearanything，onedon'tknowanything；
　　that'sthefact。Wegoontakingeverythingforgranted，andsowegoon，untilwhateverwedo，good，bad，orindifferent，wedofromhabit。HabitisallIshallhavetoreport，whenIamcalledupontopleadtomyconscience，onmydeath-bed。“Habit，“saysI；“Iwasdeaf，dumb，blind，andparalytic，toamillionthings，fromhabit。““Verybusiness-likeindeed，Mr。What's-your-name，“
　　saysConscience，“butitwon'tdohere！”'
　　Thegentlemangotupandwalkedtothewindowagainandback：
　　seriouslyuneasy，thoughgivinghisuneasinessthispeculiarexpression。
　　`MissHarriet，'hesaid，resuminghischair，`Iwishyouwouldletmeserveyou。Lookatme；Ioughttolookhonest，forIknowIamso，atpresent。DoI？'
　　`Yes，'sheansweredwithasmile。
　　`Ibelieveeverywordyouhavesaid，'hereturned。`Iamfullofself-reproachthatImighthaveknownthisandseenthis，andknownyouandseenyou，anytimethesedozenyears，andthatIneverhave。I
　　hardlyknowhowIevergothere——creaturethatIam，notonlyofmyownhabit，butofotherpeople's！Buthavingdoneso，letmedosomething。I
　　askitinallhonourandrespect。Youinspiremewithboth，inthehighestdegree。Letmedosomething。'
　　`Wearecontented，Sir。'
　　`No，no，notquite，'returnedthegentleman。`Ithinknotquite。
　　Therearesomelittlecomfortsthatmightsmoothyourlife，andhis。Andhis！'herepeated，fancyingthathadmadesomeimpressiononher。`Ihavebeeninthehabitofthinkingthattherewasnothingwantingtobedoneforhim；thatitwasallsettledandover；inshort，ofnotthinkingatallaboutit。Iamdifferentnow。Letmedosomethingforhim。Youtoo，'
　　saidthevisitor，withcarefuldelicacy，`haveneedtowatchyourhealthclosely，forhissake，andIfearitfails。'
　　`Whoeveryoumaybe，Sir，'answeredHarriet，raisinghereyestohisface，`Iamdeeplygratefultoyou。Ifeelcertainthatinallyousay，youhavenoobjectintheworldbutkindnesstous。Butyearshavepassedsincewebeganthislife；andtotakefrommybrotheranypartofwhathassoendearedhimtome，andsoprovedhisbetterresolution——anyfragmentofthemeritofhisunassisted，obscure，andforgottenreparation——wouldbetodiminishthecomfortitwillbetohimandme，whenthattimecomestoeachofus，ofwhichyouspokejustnow。Ithankyoubetterwiththesetearsthananywords。Believeit，pray。'
　　Thegentlemanwasmoved，andputthehandsheheldout，tohislips，muchasatenderfathermightkissthehandofadutifulchild。Butmorereverently。
　　`Ifthedayshouldevercome，'saidHarriet，`whenheisrestored，inpart，tothepositionhelost'
　　`Restored！'criedthegentleman，quickly。`Howcanthatbehopedfor？Inwhosehandsdoesthepowerofanyrestorationlie？Itisnomistakeofmine，surely，tosupposethathishavinggainedthepricelessblessingofhislife，isonecauseoftheanimosityshowntohimbyhisbrother。'
　　`Youtouchuponasubjectthatisneverbreathedbetweenus；notevenbetweenus，'saidHarriet。
　　`Ibegyourforgiveness，'saidthevisitor。`Ishouldhaveknownit。IentreattoyoutoforgetthatIhavedoneso，inadvertently。Andnow，asIdareurgenomore——asIamnosurethatIhavearighttodoso——thoughHeavenknows，eventhatdoubtmaybehabit，'saidthegentleman，rubbinghishead，asdespondentlyasbefore，`letme；thoughastranger，yetnostranger；asktwofavours。'
　　`Whatarethey？'sheinquired。
　　`Thefirst，thatifyoushouldseecausetochangeyourresolution，youwillsuffermetobeasyourrighthand。Mynameshallthenbeatyourservice：itisuselessnow，andalwaysinsignificant。'
　　`Ourchoiceoffriends，'sheanswered，smilingfaintly，`isnotsogreat，thatIneedanytimeforconsideration。Icanpromisethat。'
　　`Thesecond，thatyouwillallowmesometimes，sayeveryMondaymorning，atnineo'clock——habitagain——Imustbebusiness-like，'saidthegentleman，withawhimsicalinclinationtoquarrelwithhimselfonthathead，`inwalkingpast，toseeyouatthedoororwindow。Idon'tasktocomein，asyourbrotherwillbegoneoutatthathour。Idon'tasktospeaktoyou。Imerelyasktosee，forthesatisfactionofmyownmind，thatyouarewell，andwithoutintrusiontoremindyou，bythesightofme，thatyouhaveafriend——anelderlyfriend，grey-hairedalready，andfastgrowinggreyer——whomyoumayevercommand。'
　　Thecordialfacelookedupinhis；confidedinit；andpromised。
　　`Iunderstand，asbefore，'saidthegentleman，rising，`thatyoupurposenottomentionmyvisittoJohnCarker，lestheshouldbeatalldistressedbymyacquaintancewithhishistory。Iamgladofit，foritisoutoftheordinarycourseofthings，and——habitagain！'saidthegentleman，checkinghimselfimpatiently，`asiftherewerenobettercoursethantheordinarycourse！'
　　Withthatheturnedtogo，andwalking，bareheaded，totheoutsideofthelittleporch，tookleaveofherwithsuchahappymixtureofunconstrainedrespectandunaffectedinterest，asnobreedingcouldhavetaught，notruthmistrusted，andnothingbutapureandsingleheartexpressed。
　　Manyhalf-forgottenemotionswereawakenedinthesister'smindbythisvisit。Itwassoverylongsinceanyothervisitorhadcrossedtheirthreshold；itwassoverylongsinceanyvoiceofsympathyhadmadesadmusicinherears；thatthestranger'sfigureremainedpresenttoher，hoursafterwards，whenshesatatthewindow，plyingherneedle；andhiswordsseemednewlyspoken，againandagain。Hehadtouchedthespringthatopenedherwholelife；andifshelosthimforashortspace，itwasonlyamongthemanyshapesoftheonegreatrecollectionofwhichthatlifewasmade。
　　Musingandworkingbyturns；nowconstrainingherselftobesteadyatherneedleforalongtimetogether，andnowlettingherworkfall，unregarded，onherlap，andstrayingwheresoeverherbusierthoughtsled，HarrietCarkerfoundthehoursglidebyher，andthedaystealon。Themorning，whichhadbeenbrightandclear，graduallybecameovercast；asharpwindsetin；therainfellheavily；andadarkmistdroopingoverthedistanttown，hiditfromtheview。
　　Sheoftenlookedwithcompassion，atsuchatime，uponthestragglerswhocamewanderingintoLondon，bythegreathighwayhardby，andwho，footsoreandweary，andgazingfearfullyatthehugetownbeforethem，asifforebodingthattheirmiserytherewouldbebutasadropofwaterinthesea，orasagrainofsea-sandontheshore，wentshrinkingon，coweringbeforetheangryweather，andlookingasiftheveryelementsrejectedthem。Dayafterday，suchtravellerscreptpast，butalways，asshethought，inonedirection——alwaystowardsthetown。Swallowedupinonephaseorotherofitsimmensity，towardswhichtheyseemedimpelledbyadesperatefascination，theyneverreturned。Foodforthehospitals，thechurchyards，theprisons，theriver，fever，madness，vice，anddeath，——theypassedontothemonster，roaringinthedistance，andwerelost。
　　Thechillwindwashowling，andtherainwasfalling，andthedaywasdarkeningmoodily，whenHarriet，raisinghereyesfromtheworkonwhichshehadlongsincebeenengagedwithunremittingconstancy，sawoneofthesetravellersapproaching。
　　Awoman。Asolitarywomanofsomethirtyyearsofage；tall；wellformed；handsome；miserablydressed；thesoilofmanycountryroadsinvariedweather——dust，chalk，clay，gravel——clottedonhergreycloakbythestreamingwet；nobonnetonherhead，nothingtodefendherrichblackhairfromtherain，butatornhandkerchief；withtheflutteringendsofwhich，andwithherhair，thewindblindedhersothatsheoftenstoppedtopushthemback，andlookuponthewayshewasgoing。
　　Shewasintheactofdoingso，whenHarrietobservedher。Asherhands，partingonhersunburntforehead，sweptacrossherface，andthrewasidethehindrancesthatencroacheduponit，therewasarecklessandregardlessbeautyinit：adauntlessanddepravedindifferencetomorethanweather：acarelessnessofwhatwascastuponherbareheadfromHeavenorearth：thatcoupledwithhermiseryandloneliness，touchedtheheartofherfellow-woman。Shethoughtofallthatwaspervertedanddebasedwithinher，nolessthanwithout：ofmodestgracesofthemind，hardenedandsteeled，liketheseattractionsoftheperson：ofthemanygiftsoftheCreatorflungtothewindslikethewildhair；ofallthebeautifulruinuponwhichthestormwasbeatingandthenightwascoming。
　　Thinkingofthis，shedidnotturnawaywithadelicateindignation——toomanyofherowncompassionateandtendersextoooftendo——butpitiedher。
　　Herfallensistercameon，lookingfarbeforeher，tryingwithhereagereyestopiercethemistinwhichthecitywasenshrouded，andglancing，nowandthen，fromsidetoside，withthebewilderedanduncertainaspectofastranger。Thoughhertreadwasboldandcourageous，shewasfatigued，andafteramomentofirresolution，satdownuponaheapofstones；
　　seekingnoshelterfromtherain，butlettingitrainonherasitwould。
　　Shewasnowoppositethehouse；raisingherheadafterrestingitforamomentonbothhands，hereyesmetthoseofHarriet。
　　Inamoment，Harrietwasatthedoor：andtheother，risingfromherseatatherbeck，cameslowly，andwithnoconciliatorylook，towardsher。
　　`Whydoyourestintherain？'saidHarriet，gently。
　　`BecauseIhavenootherresting-place，'wasthereply。
　　`Buttherearemanyplacesofshelternearhere。This，'referringtothelittleporch，`isbetterthanwhereyouwere。Youareverywelcometoresthere。'
　　Thewandererlookedather，indoubtandsurprise，butwithoutanyexpressionofthankfulness；andsittingdown，andtakingoffoneofherwornshoestobeatoutthefragmentsofstoneanddustthatwereinside，showedthatherfootwascutandbleeding。
　　Harrietutteringanexpressionofpity，thetravellerlookedupwithacontemptuousandincreduloussmile。
　　`Why，what'satornfoottosuchasme？'shesaid。`Andwhat'satornfootinsuchasme，tosuchasyou？'
　　`Comeinandwashit，'answeredHarriet，mildly，`andletmegiveyousomethingtobinditup。'
　　Thewomancaughtherarm，anddrawingitbeforeherowneyes，hidthemagainstit，andwept。Notlikeawoman，butlikeasternmansurprisedintothatweakness；withaviolentheavingofherbreast，andstruggleforrecovery，thatshowedhowunusualtheemotionwaswithher。
　　Shesubmittedtobeledintothehouse，and，evidentlymoreingratitudethaninanycareforherself，washedandboundtheinjuredplace。
　　Harrietthenputbeforeherfragmentsofherownfrugaldinner，andwhenshehadeatenofthem，thoughsparingly，besoughther，beforeresumingherroadwhichsheshowedheranxietytodo，todryherclothesbeforethefire。Again，moreingratitudethanwithanyevidenceofconcerninherownbehalf，shesatdowninfrontofit，andunbindingthehandkerchiefaboutherhead，andlettingherthickwethairfalldownbelowherwaist，satdryingitwiththepalmsofherhands，andlookingattheblaze。
　　`Idaresayyouarethinking'shesaid，liftingherheadsuddenly，`thatIusedtobehandsome，once。IbelieveIwas——IknowIwas。Lookhere！'
　　Sheheldupherhairroughlywithbothhands；seizingitasifshewouldhavetornitout；then，threwitdownagain，andflungitbackasthoughitwereaheapofserpents。
　　`Areyouastrangerinthisplace？'askedHarriet。
　　`Astranger！'shereturned，stoppingbetweeneachshortreply，andlookingatthefire。`Yes。Tenoradozenyearsastranger。IhavehadnoalmanackwhereIhavebeen。Tenoradozenyears。Idon'tknowthispart。It'smuchalteredsinceIwentaway。'
　　`Haveyoubeenfar？'
　　`Veryfar。Monthsuponmonthsoverthesea，andfarawayeventhen。Ihavebeenwhereconvictsgo，'sheaddedlookingfulluponherentertainer。
　　`Ihavebeenonemyself。'
　　`Heavenhelpyouandforgiveyou！'wasthegentleanswer。
　　`Ah！Heavenhelpmeandforgiveme！'shereturned，noddingherheadatthefire。`Ifmanwouldhelpsomeofusalittlemore，Godwouldforgiveusallthesoonerperhaps。'
　　Butshewassoftenedbytheearnestmanner，andthecordialfacesofullofmildnessandsofreefromjudgment，ofher，andsaid，lesshardily：
　　`Wemaybeaboutthesameage，youandme。IfIamolder，itisnotaboveayearortwo。Ohthinkofthat！'
　　Sheopenedherarms，asthoughtheexhibitionofheroutwardformwouldshowthemoralwretchshewas；andlettingthemdropathersides，hungdownherhead。
　　`Thereisnothingwemaynothopetorepair；itisnevertoolatetoamend，'saidHarriet。`Youarepenitent——'
　　`No，'sheanswered。`Iamnot！Ican'tbe。Iamnosuchthing。
　　WhyshouldIbepenitent，andalltheworldgofree？Theytalktomeofmypenitence。Who'spenitentforthewrongsthathavebeendonetome？'
　　Sheroseup，boundherhandkerchiefaboutherhead，andturnedtomoveaway。
　　`Whereareyougoing？'saidHarriet。
　　`Yonder，'sheanswered，pointingwithherhand。`ToLondon。'
　　`Haveyouanyhometogoto？'
　　`IthinkIhaveamother。She'sasmuchamother，asherdwellingisahome，'sheansweredwithabitterlaugh。
　　`Takethis，'criedHarriet，puttingmoneyinherhand。`Trytodowell。Itisverylittle，butforonedayitmaykeepyoufromharm。'
　　`Areyoumarried？'saidtheother，faintly，asshetookit。
　　`No。Iliveherewithmybrother。Wehavenotmuchtospare，orIwouldgiveyoumore。'
　　`Willyouletmekissyou？'
　　Seeingnoscornorrepugnanceinherface，theobjectofhercharitybentoverherassheaskedthequestion，andpressedherlipsagainsthercheek。Oncemoreshecaughtherarm，andcoveredhereyeswithit；andthenwasgone。
　　Goneintothedeepeningnight，andhowlingwind，andpeltingrain；
　　urgingherwayontowardsthemist-enshroudedcitywheretheblurredlightsgleamed；andwithherblackhair，anddisorderedhead-gear，flutteringroundherrecklessface。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter34[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]]CHAPTERXXXIVAnotherMotherandDaughterINanuglyanddarkroom，anoldwoman，uglyanddarktoo，satlisteningtothewindandrain，andcrouchingoverameagrefire。Moreconstanttothelast-namedoccupationthanthefirst，sheneverchangedherattitude，unless，whenanystraydropsofrainfellhissingonthesmoulderingembers，toraiseherheadwithanawakenedattentiontothewhistlingandpatteringoutside，andgraduallytoletitfallagainlowerandlowerandlowerasshesunkintoabroodingstateofthought，inwhichthenoisesofthenightwereasindistinctlyregardedasisthemonotonousrollingofaseabyonewhositsincontemplationonitsshore。
　　Therewasnolightintheroomsavethatwhichthefireafforded。
　　Glaringsullenlyfromtimetotimeliketheeyeofafiercebeasthalfasleep，itrevealednoobjectsthatneededtobejealousofabetterdisplay。
　　Aheapofrags，aheapofbones，awretchedbed，twoorthreemutilatedchairsorstools，theblackwallsandblackerceiling，wereallitswinkingbrightnessshoneupon。Astheoldwoman，withagiganticanddistortedimageofherselfthrownhalfuponthewallbehindher，halfupontheroofabove，satbendingoverthefewloosebrickswithinwhichitwaspent，onthedamphearthofthechimney——fortherewasnostove——shelookedasifshewerewatchingatsomewitch'saltarforafavourabletoken；andbutthatthemovementofherchatteringjawsandtremblingchinwastoofrequentandtoofastfortheslowflickeringofthefire，itwouldhaveseemedanillusionwroughtbythelight，asitcameandwent，uponafaceasmotionlessastheformtowhichitbelonged。