Whendinnerwasannounced，Mr。Dombeytookdownanoldladylikeacrimsonvelvetpincushionstuffedwithbanknotes，whomighthavebeentheidenticaloldladyofThreadneedleStreet，shewassorich，andlookedsounaccommodating；CousinFeenixtookdownMrs。Dombey；MajorBagstocktookdownMrs。Skewton；theyoungthingwiththeshoulderswasbestowed，asanextinguisher，upontheEastIndiaDirector；andtheremainingladieswereleftonviewinthedrawing-roombyremaininggentlemen，untilaforlornhopevolunteeredtoconductthemdownstairs，andthosebravespiritswiththeircaptivesblockedupthedining-roomdoor，shuttingoutsevenmildmeninthestony-heartedhall。Whenalltherestweregotinandwereseated，oneofthesemildmenstillappeared，insmilingconfusion，totallydestituteandunprovidedfor，andescortedbythebutler，madethecompletecircuitofthetabletwicebeforehischaircouldbefound，whichitfinallywas，onMrs。Dombey'slefthand；afterwhichthemildmanneverhelduphisheadagain。
　　Now，thespaciousdining-room，withthecompanyseatedroundtheglitteringtable，busywiththeirglitteringspoons，andknivesandforks，andplates，mighthavebeentakenforagrown-upexpositionofTomTiddler'sground，wherechildrenpickupgoldandsilver。Mr。Dombey，asTiddler，lookedhischaractertoadmiration；andthelongplateauofpreciousmetalfrosted，separatinghimfromMrs。Dombey，whereonfrostedCupidsofferedscentlessflowerstoeachofthem，wasallegoricaltosee。
　　CousinFeenixwasingreatforce，andlookedastonishinglyyoung。
　　Buthewassometimesthoughtlessinhisgoodhumour——hismemoryoccasionallywanderinglikehislegs——andonthisoccasioncausedthecompanytoshudder。
　　Ithappenedthus。Theyoungladywiththeback，whoregardedCousinFeenixwithsentimentsoftenderness，hadentrappedtheEastIndiaDirectorintoleadinghertotheChairnexthim；inreturnforwhichgoodoffice，sheimmediatelyabandonedtheDirector，who，beingshadedontheothersidebyagloomyblackvelvethatsurmountingabonyandspeechlessfemalewithafan，yieldedtoadepressionofspiritsandwithdrewintohimself。CousinFeenixandtheyoungladywereverylivelyandhumorous，andtheyoungladylaughedsomuchatsomethingCousinFeenixrelatedtoher，thatMajorBagstockbeggedleavetoinquireonbehalfofMrs。Skewtontheyweresittingopposite，alittlelowerdown，whetherthatmightnotbeconsideredpublicproperty。
　　`Why，uponmylife，'saidCousinFeenix，`there'snothinginit；
　　itreallyisnotworthrepeating；inpointoffact，it'smerelyananecdoteofJackAdams。IdaresaymyfriendDombey；'forthegeneralattentionwasconcentratedonCousinFeenix；`mayrememberJackAdams，JackAdams，notJoe；thatwashisbrother。Jack——littleJack——manwithacastinhiseye，andslightimpedimentinhisspeech——manwhosatforsomebody'sborough。
　　WeusedtocallhiminmyparliamentarytimeW。P。Adams，inconsequenceofhisbeingWarmingPanforayoungfellowwhowasinhisminority。PerhapsmyfriendDombeymayhaveknowntheman？'
　　Mr。Dombey，whowasaslikelytohaveknownGuyFawkes，repliedinthenegative。Butoneofthesevenmildmenunexpectedlyleapedintodistinction，bysayinghehadknownhim，andadding——`alwaysworeHessianboots！'
　　`Exactly，'saidCousinFeenix，bendingforwardtoseethemildman，andsmileencouragementathisdownthetable。`ThatwasJack。Joewore——'
　　`Tops！'criedthemildman，risinginpublicestimationeveryinstant。
　　`Ofcourse，'saidCousinFeenix，`youwereintimatewith'em？'
　　`Iknewthemboth，'saidthemildman。WithwhomMr。Dombeyimmediatelytookwine。
　　`Devilishgoodfellow，Jack！'saidCousinFeenix，againbendingforward，andsmiling。
　　`Excellent，'returnedthemildman，becomingboldonhissuccess。
　　`OneofthebestfellowsIeverknew。'
　　`Nodoubtyouhaveheardthestory？'saidCousinFeenix。
　　`Ishallknow，'repliedtheboldmildman，`whenIhaveheardyourLudshiptellit。'Withthat，heleanedbackinhischairandsmiledattheceiling，asknowingitbyheart，andbeingalreadytickled。
　　`Inpointoffact，it'snothingofastoryinitself，'saidCousinFeenix，addressingthetablewithasmile，andagayshakeofhishead，`andnotworthawordofpreface。Butit'sillustrativeoftheneatnessofJack'shumour。Thefactis，thatJackwasinviteddowntoamarriage——whichIthinktookplaceinBarkshire？'
　　`Shropshire，'saidtheboldmildman，findinghimselfappealedto。
　　`Wasit？Well！Inpointoffactitmighthavebeeninanyshire，'
　　saidCousinFeenix。`SomyfriendbeinginviteddowntothismarriageinAnyshire，'withapleasantsenseofthereadinessofthisjoke，`goes。
　　Justassomeofus，havinghadthehonourofbeinginvitedtothemarriageofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativewithmyfriendDombey，didn'trequiretobeaskedtwice，andweredevilishgladtobepresentonsointerestinganoccasion——Goes——Jackgoes。Now，thismarriagewas，inpointoffact，themarriageofanuncommonlyfinegirlwithamanforwhomshedidn'tcareabutton，butwhomsheacceptedonaccountofhisproperty，whichwasimmense。WhenJackreturnedtotown，afterthenuptials，amanheknew，meetinghiminthelobbyoftheHouseofCommons，says，'“Well，Jack，howaretheill-matchedcouple？”“Illmatched，“saysJack。“Notatall。It'saperfectlyfairandequaltransaction。Sheisregularlybought，andyoumaytakeyouroathheisasregularlysold！”'
　　Inhisfullenjoymentofthisculminatingpointofhisstory，theshudder，whichhadgoneallroundthetablelikeanelectricspark，struckCousinFeenix，andhestopped。Notasmileoccasionedbytheonlygeneraltopicofconversationbroachedthatday，appearedonanyface。
　　Aprofoundsilenceensued；andthewretchedmildman，whohadbeenasinnocentofanyrealforeknowledgeofthestoryasthechildunborn，hadtheexquisitemiseryofreadingineveryeyethathewasregardedastheprimemoverofthemischief。
　　Mr。Dombey'sfacewasachangefulone，andbeingcastinitsmouldofstatethatday，showedlitterotherapprehensionofthestory，ifany，thanthatwhichheexpressedwhenhesaidsolemnly，amidstthesilence，thatitwas`Verygood。'TherewasarapidglancefromEdithtowardsFlorence，butotherwisesheremained，externally，impassiveandunconscious。
　　Throughthevariousstagesofrichmeatsandwines，continualgoldandsilver，daintiesofearth，air，fire，andwater，heaped-upfruits，andthatunnecessaryarticleinMr。Dombey'sbanquets——ice——thedinnerslowlymadeitsway：thelaterstagesbeingachievedtothesonorousmusicofincessantdoubleknocks，announcingthearrivalofvisitors，whoseportionofthefeastwaslimitedtothesmellthereof。WhenMrs。Dombeyrose，itwasasighttoseeherlord，withstiffthroatanderecthead，holdthedooropenforthewithdrawaloftheladies；andtoseehowshesweptpasthimwithhisdaughteronherarm。
　　Mr。Dombeywasagravesight，beingthedecanters，inastateofdignity；andtheEastIndiaDirectorwasaforlornsightneartheunoccupiedendofthetable，inastateofsolitude；andtheMajorwasamilitarysight，relatingstoriesoftheDukeofYorktosixofthesevenmildmentheambitiousonewasutterlyquenched；andtheBankDirectorwasalowlysight，makingaplanofhislittleattemptatapinery，withdessertknives，foragroupofadmirers；andCousinFeenixwasathoughtfulsight，ashesmoothedhislongwristbandsandstealthilyadjustedhiswig。Butallthesesightswereofshortduration，beingspeedilybrokenupbycoffee，andthedesertionoftheroom。
　　Therewasathronginthestate-roomsupstairs，increasingeveryminute；butstillMr。Dombey'slistofvisitorsappearedtohavesomenativeimpossibilityofamalgamationwithMrs。Dombey'slist，andnoonecouldhavedoubtedwhichwaswhich。ThesingleexceptiontothisruleperhapswasMr。Carker，whonowsmiledamongthecompany，andwho，ashestoodinthecirclethatwasgatheredaboutMrs。Dombey——watchfulofher，ofthem，hischief，CleopatraandtheMajor，Florence，andeverythingaround——appearedateasewithbothdivisionsofguests，andnotmarkedasexclusivelybelongingtoeither。
　　Florencehadadreadofhim，whichmadehispresenceintheroomanightmaretoher。Shecouldnotavoidtherecollectionofit，forhereyesweredrawntowardshimeverynowandthen，byanattractionofdislikeanddistrustthatshecouldnotresist。Yetherthoughtswerebusywithotherthings；forasshesatapart——notunadmiredorunsought，butinthegentlenessofherquietspirit——shefelthowlittlepartherfatherhadinwhatwasgoingon，andsaw，withpain，howillateaseheseemedtobe，andhowlittleregardedhewasashelingeredaboutnearthedoor，forthosevisitorswhomhewishedtodistinguishwithparticularattention，andtookthemuptointroducethemtohiswife，whoreceivedthemwithproudcoldness，butshowednointerestorwishtoplease，andnever，afterthebareceremonyofreception，inconsultationofhiswishes，orinwelcomeofhisfriends，openedherlips。ItwasnotthelessperplexingorpainfultoFlorence，thatshewhoactedthus，treatedhersokindlyandwithsuchlovingconsideration，thatitalmostseemedanungratefulreturnonherparteventoknowofwhatwaspassingbeforehereyes。
　　HappyFlorencewouldhavebeen，mightshehaveventuredtobearherfathercompany，bysomuchasalook：andhappyFlorencewas，inlittlesuspectingthemaincauseofhisuneasiness。Butafraidofseemingtoknowthathewasplacedatanydisadvantage，lestheshouldberesentfulofthatknowledge；anddividedbetweenherimpulsetowardshim，andhergratefulaffectionforEdith；shescarcelydaredtoraisehereyestowardseither。
　　Anxiousandunhappyforthemboth，thethoughtstoleonherthroughthecrowd，thatitmighthavebeenbetterforthemifthisnoiseoftonguesandtreadoffeethadnevercomethere，——iftheolddulnessanddecayhadneverbeenreplacedbynoveltyandsplendour，——iftheneglectedchildhadfoundnofriendinEdith，buthadlivedhersolitarylife，unpitiedandforgotten。
　　Mrs。Chickhadsomesuchthoughtstoo，buttheywerenotsoquietlydevelopedinhermind。Thisgoodmatronhadbeenoutragedinthefirstinstancebynotreceivinganinvitationtodinner。Thatblowpartiallyrecovered，shehadgonetoavastexpensetomakesuchafigurebeforeMrs。Dombeyathome，asshoulddazzlethesensesofthatlady，andheapmortification，mountainshigh，ontheheadofMrs。Skewton。
　　`ButIammade，'saidMrs。ChicktoMr。Chick，`ofnomoreaccountthanFlorence！Whotakesthesmallestnoticeofme？Noone！'
　　`Noone，mydear，'assentedMr。Chick，whowasseatedbythesideofMrs。Chickagainstthewall，andcouldconsolehimself，eventhere，bysoftlywhistling。
　　`DoesitatallappearasifIwaswantedhere？'exclaimedMrs。
　　Chick，withflashingeyes。
　　`No，mydear，Idon'tthinkitdoes，'saidMr。Chick。
　　`Paul'smad！'saidMrs。Chick。
　　Mr。Chickwhistled。
　　`Unlessyouareamonster，whichIsometimesthinkyouare，'saidMrs。Chickwithcandour，`don'tsittherehummingtunes。Howanyonewiththemostdistantfeelingsofaman，canseethatmother-in-lawofPaul's，dressedassheis，goingonlikethat，withMajorBagstock，forwhom，amongotherpreciousthings，weareindebtedtoyourLucretiaTox——'
　　`MyLucretiaTox，mydear！'saidMr。Chick，astounded。
　　`Yes，'retortedMrs。Chick，withgreatseverity，`yourLucretiaTox——Isayhowanybodycanseethatmother-in-lawofPaul's，andthathaughtywifeofPaul's，andtheseindecentoldfrightswiththeirbacksandshoulders，andinshortthisathomegenerally，andhum——，'onwhichwordMrs。ChicklaidascornfulemphasisthatmadeMr。Chickstart，`is，IthankHeaven，amysterytome！'
　　Mr。Chickscrewedhismouthintoaformirreconcilablewithhummingorwhistling，andlookedverycontemplative。
　　`ButIhopeIknowwhatisduetomyself，'saidMrs。Chick，swellingwithindignation，`thoughPaulhasforgottenwhatisduetome。Iamnotgoingtosithere，amemberofthisfamily，tobetakennonoticeof。I
　　amnotthedirtunderMrs。Dombey'sfeet，yet——notquiteyet，'saidMrs。
　　Chick，asifsheexpectedtobecomeso，aboutthedayafterto-morrow。
　　`AndIshallgo。IwillnotsaywhateverImaythinkthatthisaffairhasbeengotupsolelytodegradeandinsultme。Ishallmerelygo。Ishallnotbemissed！'
　　Mrs。Chickroseerectwiththesewords，andtookthearmofMr。
　　Chick，whoescortedherfromtheroom，afterhalfanhour'sshadysojournthere。Anditisduetoherpenetrationtoobservethatshecertainlywasnotmissedatall。
　　Butshewasnottheonlyindignantguest；forMr。Dombey'sliststillconstantlyindifficultieswere，asabody，indignantwithMrs。
　　Dombey'slistforlookingatthemthrougheyeglasses，andaudiblywonderingwhoallthosepeoplewere；whileMrs。Dombey'slistcomplainedofweariness，andtheyoungthingwiththeshoulders，deprivedoftheattentionsofthatgayyouthCousinFeenixwhowentawayfromthedinnertable，confidentiallyallegedtothirtyorfortyfriendsthatshewasboredtodeath。Alltheoldladieswiththeburdensontheirheads，hadgreaterorlesscauseofcomplaintagainstMrs。Dombey；andtheDirectorsandChairmencoincidedinthinkingthatifDombeymustmarry，hehadbetterhavemarriedsomebodynearerhisownage，notquitesohandsome，andalittlebetteroff。Thegeneralopinionamongthisclassofgentlemenwas，thatitwasaweakthinginDombey，andhe'dlivetorepentit。Hardlyanybodythere，exceptthemildmen，stayed，orwentaway，withoutconsideringhimselforherselfneglectedandaggrievedbyMr。DombeyorMrs。Dombey；andthespeechlessfemaleintheblackvelvethatwasfoundtohavebeenstrickenmute，becausetheladyinthecrimsonvelvethadbeenhandeddownbeforeher。Thenatureevenofthemildmengotcorrupted，eitherfromtheircurdlingitwithtoomuchlemonade，orfromthegeneralinoculationthatprevailed；andtheymadesarcasticjokestooneanother，andwhispereddisparagementonstairsandinbye-places。Thegeneraldissatisfactionanddiscomfortsodiffuseditself，thattheassembledfootmeninthehallwereaswellacquaintedwithitasthecompanyabove。Nay，theverylinkmenoutsidegotholdofit，andcomparedthepartytoafuneraloutofmourning，withnoneofthecompanyrememberedinthewill。
　　Atlast，theguestswereallgone，andthelinkmentoo；andthestreet，crowdedsolongwithcarriages，wasclear；andthedyinglightsshowednooneintherooms，butMr。DombeyandMr。Carker，whoweretalkingtogetherapart，andMrs。Dombeyandhermother：theformerseatedonanottoman；thelatterrecliningintheCleopatraattitude，awaitingthearrivalofhermaid。Mr。DombeyhavingfinishedhiscommunicationtoCarker，thelatteradvancedobsequiouslytotakeleave。
　　`Itrust，'hesaid，`thatthefatiguesofthisdelightfuleveningwillnotinconvenienceMrs。Dombeyto-morrow。'
　　`Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，advancing，`hassufficientlysparedherselffatigue，torelieveyoufromanyanxietyofthatkind。Iregrettosay，Mrs。Dombey，thatIcouldhavewishedyouhadfatiguedyourselfalittlemoreonthisoccasion。'
　　Shelookedathimwithasuperciliousglance，thatitseemednotworthherwhiletoprotract，andturnedawayhereyeswithoutspeaking。
　　`Iamsorry，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，`thatyoushouldnothavethoughtityourduty——'
　　Shelookedathimagain。
　　`Yourduty，Madam，'pursuedMr。Dombey，`tohavereceivedmyfriendswithalittlemoredeference。Someofthosewhomyouhavebeenpleasedtoslightto-nightinaverymarkedmanner，Mrs。Dombey，conferadistinctionuponyou，Imusttellyou，inanyvisittheypayyou。'
　　`Doyouknowthatthereissomeonehere？'shereturned，nowlookingathimsteadily。
　　`No！Carker！Ibegthatyoudonot。Iinsistthatyoudonot，'
　　criedMr。Dombey，stoppingthatnoiselessgentlemaninhiswithdrawal。
　　`Mr。Carker，Madam，asyouknow，possessesmyconfidence。HeisaswellacquaintedasmyselfwiththesubjectonwhichIspeak。Ibegtotellyou，foryourinformation，Mrs。Dombey，thatIconsiderthesewealthyandimportantpersonsconferadistinctionuponme：'andMr。Dombeydrewhimselfup，ashavingnowrenderedthemofthehighestpossibleimportance。
　　`Iaskyou，'sherepeated，bendingherdisdainful，steadygazeuponhim，`doyouknowthatthereissomeonehere，Sir？'
　　`Imustentreat，'saidMr。Carker，steppingforward，`Imustbeg，Imustdemand，tobereleased。Slightandunimportantasthisdifferenceis——'
　　Mrs。Skewton，whohadbeenintentuponherdaughter'sface，tookhimuphere。
　　`MysweetestEdith，'shesaid，`andmydearestDombey；ourexcellentfriendMr。Carker，forsoIamsureIoughttomentionhim——'
　　Mr。Carkermurmured，`Toomuchhonour。'
　　`——hasusedtheverywordsthatwereinmymind，andthatIhavebeendying，theseages，foranopportunityofintroducing。Slightandunimportant！
　　MysweetestEdith，andmydearestDombey，dowenotknowthatanydifferencebetweenyoutwo——No，Flowers；notnow。'
　　Flowerswasthemaid，who，findinggentlemenpresent，retreatedwithprecipitation。
　　`Thatanydifferencebetweenyoutwo，'resumedMrs。Skewton，`withtheHeartyoupossessincommon，andtheexcessivelycharmingbondoffeelingthatthereisbetweenyou，mustbeslightandunimportant？Whatwordscouldbetterdefinethefact？None。ThereforeIamgladtotakethisslightoccasion——thistriflingoccasion，thatissorepletewithNature，andyourindividualcharacters，andallthat——sotrulycalculatedtobringthetearsintoaparent'seyes——tosaythatIattachnoimportancetothemintheleast，exceptasdevelopingtheseminorelementsofSoul；andthat，unlikemostmamas-inlawthatodiousphrase，dearDombey！astheyhavebeenrepresentedtometoexistinthisIfeartooartificialworld，I
　　nevershallattempttointerposebetweenyou，atsuchatime，andnevercanmuchregret，afterall，suchlittleflashesofthetorchofWhat's-his-name——notCupid，buttheotherdelightfulcreature。'
　　Therewasasharpnessinthegoodmother'sglanceatbothherchildrenasshespoke，thatmayhavebeenexpressiveofadirectandwell-consideredpurposehiddenbetweentheseramblingwords。Thatpurpose，providentlytodetachherselfinthebeginningfromalltheclankingsoftheirchainthatweretocome，andtoshelterherselfwiththefictionofherinnocentbeliefintheirmutualaffection，andtheiradaptationtoeachother。
　　`IhavepointedouttoMrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，inhismoststatelymanner，`thatinherconductthusearlyinourmarriedlife，towhichIobject，andwhich，Irequest，maybecorrected。Carker，'withanodofdismissal，`goodnighttoyou！'
　　Mr。CarkerbowedtotheimperiousformoftheBride，whosesparklingeyewasfixeduponherhusband；andstoppingatCleopatra'scouchonhiswayout，raisedtohislipsthehandshegraciouslyextendedtohim，inlowlyandadmiringhomage。
　　Ifhishandsomewifehadreproachedhim，orevenchangedcountenance，orbrokenthesilenceinwhichsheremained，byoneword，nowthattheywerealoneforCleopatramadeoffwithallspeed，Mr。Dombeywouldhavebeenequaltosomeassertionofhiscaseagainsther。Buttheintense，unutterable，witheringscorn，withwhich，afterlookinguponhim，shedroppedhereyes，asifheweretooworthlessandindifferenttohertobechallengedwithasyllable——theineffabledisdainandhaughtinessinwhichshesatbeforehim——thecoldinflexibleresolvewithwhichhereveryfeatureseemedtobearhimdown，andputhimby——these，hehadnoresourceagainst；andhelefther，withherwholeoverbearingbeautyconcentratedondespisinghim。
　　Washecowardenoughtowatchher，anhourafterwards，ontheoldwellstaircase，wherehehadonceseenFlorenceinthemoonlight，toilingupwithPaul？Orwasheinthedarkbyaccident，when，lookingup，hesawhercoming，withalight，fromtheroomwhereFlorencelay，andmarkedagainthefacesochanged，whichhecouldnotsubdue？
　　Butitcouldneveralterashisowndid。Itnever，initsutmostprideandpassion，knewtheshadowthathadfallenonhis，inthedarkcorner，onthenightofthereturn；andoftensince；andwhichdeepenedonitnowashelookedup。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter37[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIIMoreWarningsthanOneFLORENCE，Edith，andMrs。Skewtonweretogethernextday，andthecarriagewaswaitingatthedoortotakethemout。ForCleopatrahadhergalleyagainnow，andWithers，nolongerthewan，stooduprightinapigeon-breastedjacketandmilitarytrousers，behindherwheel-lesschairatdinner-time，andbuttednomore。ThehairofWitherswasradiantwithpomatum，inthesedaysofdown，andheworekidglovesandsmeltofthewaterofCologne。
　　TheywereassembledinCleopatra'sroom。TheSerpentofoldNilenottomentionherdisrespectfullywasreposingonhersofa，sippinghermorningchocolateatthreeo'clockintheafternoon，andFlowerstheMaidwasfasteningonheryouthfulcuffsandfrills，andperformingakindofprivatecoronationceremonyonher，withapeach-colouredvelvetbonnet；
　　theartificialrosesinwhichnoddedtouncommonadvantage，asthepalsytrifledwiththem，likeabreeze。
　　`IthinkIamalittlenervousthismorning，Flowers，'saidMrs。
　　Skewton。`Myhandquiteshakes。'
　　`Youwerethelifeofthepartylastnight，Ma'am，youknow，'
　　returnedFlowers，`andyousufferforit，to-day，yousee。'
　　Edith，whohadbeckonedFlorencetothewindow，andwaslookingout，withherbackturnedonthetoiletofheresteemedmother，suddenlywithdrewfromit，asifithadlightened。
　　`Mydarlingchild，'criedCleopatra，languidly，`youarenotnervous？Don'ttellme，mydearEdith，thatyou，soenviablyself-possessed，arebeginningtobeamartyrtoo，likeyourunfortunatelyconstitutedmother！
　　Withers，someoneatthedoor。'
　　`Card，Ma'am，'saidWithers，takingittowardsMrs。Dombey。
　　`Iamgoingout，'shesaidwithoutlookingatit。
　　`Mydearlove，'drawledMrs。Skewton，`howveryoddtosendthatmessagewithoutseeingthename！Bringithere，Withers。Dearme，mylove；
　　Mr。Carker，too！Thatverysensibleperson！'
　　`Iamgoingout，'repeatedEdith，insoimperiousatonethatWithers，goingtothedoor，imperiouslyinformedtheservantwhowaswaiting，`Mrs。
　　Dombeyisgoingout。Getalongwithyou，'andshutitonhim。
　　Buttheservantcamebackafterashortabsence，andwhisperedtoWithersagain，whooncemore，andnotverywillingly，presentedhimselfbeforeMrs。Dombey。
　　`Ifyouplease，Ma'am，Mr。Carkersendshisrespectfulcompliments，andbegsyouwouldsparehimoneminute，ifyoucould——forbusiness，Ma'am，ifyouplease。'
　　`Really，mylove，'saidMrs。Skewtoninhermildestmanner；forherdaughter'sfacewasthreatening；`ifyouwouldallowmetoofferaword，Ishouldrecommend——'
　　`Showhimthisway，'saidEdith。AsWithersdisappearedtoexecutethecommand，sheadded，frowningonhermother，`Ashecomesatyourrecommendation，lethimcometoyourroom。'
　　`MayI——shallIgoaway？'askedFlorence，hurriedly。
　　Edithnoddedyes，butonherwaytothedoorFlorencemetthevisitorcomingin。Withthesamedisagreeablemixtureoffamiliarityandforbearancewithwhichhehadfirstaddressedher，headdressedhernowinhissoftestmanner——hopedshewasquitewell——needednottoask，withsuchlookstoanticipatetheanswer——hadscarcelyhadthehonourtoknowher，lastnight，shewassogreatlychanged——andheldthedooropenforhertopassout；withasecretsenseofpowerinhershrinkingfromhim，thatallthedeferenceandpolitenessofhismannercouldnotquiteconceal。
　　HethenbowedhimselfforamomentoverMrs。Skewton'scondescendinghand，andlastlybowedtoEdith。Coldlyreturninghissalutewithoutlookingathim，andneitherseatingherselfnorinvitinghimtobeseated，shewaitedforhimtospeak。
　　Entrenchedinherprideandpower，andwithalltheobduracyofherspiritsummonedabouther，stillheroldconvictionthatsheandhermotherhadbeenknownbythismanintheirworstcolours，fromtheirfirstacquaintance；thateverydegradationshehadsufferedinherowneyeswasplaintohimastoherself；thathereadherlifeasthoughitwereavilebook，andflutteredtheleavesbeforeherinslightlooksandtonesofvoicewhichnooneelsecoulddetect；weakenedandunderminedher。Proudlyassheopposedherselftohim，withhercommandingfaceexactinghishumility，herdisdainfulliprepulsinghim，herbosomangryathisintrusion，andthedarklashesofhereyessullenlyveilingtheirlight，thatnorayofitmightshineuponhim——andsubmissivelyashestoodbeforeher，withanentreatinginjuredmanner，butwithcompletesubmissiontoherwill——sheknew，inherownsoul，thatthecaseswerereversed，andthatthetriumphandsuperioritywerehis，andthatheknewitfullwell。
　　`Ihavepresumed，'saidMr。Carker，`tosolicitaninterview，andIhaveventuredtodescribeitasbeingoneofbusiness，because——'
　　`PerhapsyouarechargedbyMr。Dombeywithsomemessageofreproof，'
　　saidEdith。`YoupossessMr。Dombey'sconfidenceinsuchanunusualdegree，Sir，thatyouwouldscarcelysurprisemeifthatwereyourbusiness。'
　　`Ihavenomessagetotheladywhoshedsalustreuponhisname，'
　　saidMr。Carker。`ButIentreatthatlady，onmyownbehalf，tobejusttoaveryhumbleclaimantforjusticeatherhands——ameredependantofMr。Dombey's——whichisapositionofhumility；andtoreflectuponmyperfecthelplessnesslastnight，andtheimpossibilityofmyavoidingthesharethatwasforceduponmeinaverypainfuloccasion。'
　　`MydearestEdith，'hintedCleopatrainalowvoice，assheheldhereye-glassaside，`reallyverycharmingofMr。What'shis-name。Andfullofheart！'
　　`ForIdo，'saidMr。Carker，appealingtoMrs。Skewtonwithalookofgratefuldeference，——`Idoventuretocallitapainfuloccasion，thoughmerelybecauseitwassotome，whohadthemisfortunetobepresent。
　　Solightadifference，asbetweentheprincipals——betweenthosewholoveeachotherwithdisinteresteddevotion，andwouldmakeanysacrificeofself，insuchacause——isnothing。AsMrs。Skewtonherselfexpressed，withsomuchtruthandfeelinglastnight，itisnothing。'
　　Edithcouldnotlookathim，butshesaidafterafewmoments，`Andyourbusiness，Sir——'
　　`Edith，mypet，'saidMrs。Skewton，`allthistimeMr。Carkerisstanding！MydearMr。Carker，takeaseat，Ibeg。'
　　Heofferednoreplytothemother，butfixedhiseyesontheprouddaughter，asthoughhewouldonlybebiddenbyher，andwasresolvedtobebiddenbyher。Edith，inspiteofherself，satdown，andslightlymotionedwithherhandtohimtobeseatedtoo。Noactioncouldbecolder，haughtier，moreinsolentinitsairofsupremacyanddisrespect，butshehadstruggledagainsteventhatconcessionineffectually，anditwaswrestedfromher。
　　Thatwasenough！Mr。Carkersatdown。
　　`MayIbeallowed，Madam，'saidCarker，turninghiswhiteteethonMrs。Skewtonlikealight——`aladyofyourexcellentsenseandquickfeelingwillgivemecredit，forgoodreason，Iamsure——toaddresswhatIhavetosay，toMrs。Dombey，andtoleavehertoimpartittoyouwhoareherbestanddearestfriend——nexttoMr。Dombey？'
　　Mrs。Skewtonwouldhaveretired，butEdithstoppedher。Edithwouldhavestoppedhimtoo，andindignantlyorderedhimtospeakopenlyornotatall，butthathesaid，inalowvoice——`MissFlorence——theyoungladywhohasjustlefttheroom——'
　　Edithsufferedhimtoproceed。Shelookedathimnow。Ashebentforward，tobenearer，withtheutmostshowofdelicacyandrespect，andwithhisteethpersuasivelyarrayed，inaselfdepreciatingsmile，shefeltasifshecouldhavestruckhimdead。
　　`MissFlorence'sposition，'hebegan，`hasbeenanunfortunateone。Ihaveadifficultyinalludingtoittoyou，whoseattachmenttoherfatherisnaturallywatchfulandjealousofeverywordthatappliestohim。'Alwaysdistinctandsoftinspeech，nolanguagecoulddescribetheextentofhisdistinctnessandsoftness，whenhesaidthesewords，orcametoanyothersofasimilarimport。`But，asonewhoisdevotedtoMr。Dombeyinhisdifferentway，andwhoselifeispassedinadmirationofMr。Dombey'scharacter，mayIsay，withoutoffencetoyourtendernessasawife，thatMissFlorencehasunhappilybeenneglected——byherfather？
　　MayIsaybyherfather？'
　　Edithreplied，`Iknowit。'
　　`Youknowit！'saidMr。Carker，withagreatappearanceofrelief。
　　`Itremovesamountainfrommybreast。MayIhopeyouknowhowtheneglectoriginated；inwhatanamiablephaseofMr。Dombey'spride——characterI
　　mean？'
　　`Youmaypassthatby，Sir，'shereturned，`andcomethesoonertotheendofwhatyouhavetosay。'
　　`Indeed，Iamsensible，Madam，'repliedCarker，——`trustme，I
　　amdeeplysensible，thatMr。Dombeycanrequirenojustificationinanythingtoyou。But，kindlyjudgeofmybreastbyyourown，andyouwillforgivemyinterestinhim，ifinitsexcess，itgoesatallastray。'
　　Whatastabtoherproudheart，tositthere，facetofacewithhim，andhavehimtenderingherfalseoathatthealtaragainandagainforheracceptance，andpressingituponherlikethedregsofasickeningcupshecouldnotownherloathingof，orturnawayfrom！Howshame，remorse，andpassionragedwithinher，when，uprightandmajesticinherbeautybeforehim，sheknewthatinherspiritshewasdownathisfeet！
　　`MissFlorence，'saidCarker，`lefttothecare——ifonemaycallitcare——ofservantsandmercenarypeople，ineverywayherinferiors，necessarilywantedsomeguideandcompassinheryoungerdays，and，naturally，forwantofthem，hasbeenindiscreet，andhasinsomedegreeforgottenherstation。TherewassomefollyaboutoneWalter，acommonlad，whoisfortunatelydeadnow：andsomeveryundesirableassociation，Iregrettosay，withcertaincoastingsailors，ofanythingbutgoodrepute，andarunawayoldbankrupt。'
　　`Ihaveheardthecircumstances，Sir，'saidEdith，flashingherdisdainfulglanceuponhim，`andIknowthatyoupervertthem。Youmaynotknowit，Ihopeso。'
　　`Pardonme，'saidMr。Carker，`IbelievethatnobodyknowsthemsowellasI。Yourgenerousandardentnature，Madam——thesamenaturewhichissonoblyimperativeinvindicationofyourbelovedandhonouredhusband，andwhichhasblessedhimasevenhismeritsdeserve——Imustrespect，deferto，bowbefore。But，asregardsthecircumstances，whichisindeedthebusinessIpresumedtosolicityourattentionto，Icanhavenodoubt，since，intheexecutionofmytrustasMr。Dombey'sconfidential——Ipresumetosay——friend，Ihavefullyascertainedthem。Inmyexecutionofthattrust；inmydeepconcern，whichyoucansowellunderstand，foreverythingrelatingtohim，intensified，ifyouwillforIfearIlabourunderyourdispleasure，bythelowermotiveofdesiretoprovemydiligence，andmakemyselfthemoreacceptable；Ihavelongpursuedthesecircumstancesbymyselfandtrustworthyinstruments，andhaveinnumerableandmostminuteproofs。'
　　Sheraisedhereyesnohigherthanhismouth，butshesawthemeansofmischiefvauntedineverytoothitcontained。
　　`Pardonme，Madam，'hecontinued，`ifinmyperplexity，Ipresumetotakecounselwithyou，andtoconsultyourpleasure。IthinkIhaveobservedthatyouaregreatlyinterestedinMissFlorence？'
　　Whatwasthereinherhehadnotobserved，anddidnotknow？Humbledandyetmaddenedbythethought，ineverynewpresentmentofit，howeverfaint，shepressedherteethuponherquiveringliptoforcecomposureonit，anddistantlyinclinedherheadinreply。
　　`Thisinterest，Madam——sotouchinganevidenceofeverythingassociatedwithMr。Dombeybeingdeartoyou——inducesmetopausebeforeImakehimacquaintedwiththesecircumstances，which，asyet，hedoesnotknow。Itsofarshakesme，ifImaymaketheconfession，inmyallegiance，thatontheintimationoftheleastdesiretothateffectfromyou，Iwouldsuppressthem。'
　　Edithraisedherheadquickly，andstartingback，bentherdarkglanceuponhim。Hemetitwithhisblandestandmostdeferentialsmile，andwenton。
　　`YousaythatasIdescribethem，theyareperverted。Ifearnot——I
　　fearnot：butletusassumethattheyare。TheuneasinessIhaveforsometimefeltonthesubject，arisesinthis：thatthemerecircumstanceofsuchassociationoftenrepeated，onthepartofMissFlorence，howeverinnocentlyandconfidingly，wouldbeconclusivewithMr。Dombey，alreadypredisposedagainsther，andwouldleadhimtotakesomestepIknowhehasoccasionallycontemplateditofseparationandalienationofherfromhishome。Madam，bearwithme，andremembermyintercoursewithMr。Dombey，andmyknowledgeofhim，andmyreverenceforhim，almostfromchildhood，whenIsaythatifhehasafault，itisaloftystubbornness，rootedinthatnobleprideandsenseofpowerwhichbelongtohim，andwhichwemustalldeferto；whichisnotassailableliketheobstinacyofothercharacters；
　　andwhichgrowsuponitselffromdaytoday，andyeartoyear。'
　　Shebentherglanceuponhimstill；but，lookassteadfastasshewould，herhaughtynostrilsdilated，andherbreathcamesomewhatdeeper，andherlipwouldslightlycurl，ashedescribedthatinhispatrontowhichtheymustallbowdown。Hesawit；andthoughhisexpressiondidnotchange，sheknewhesawit。
　　`Evensoslightanincidentaslastnight's，'hesaid，`ifImightrefertoitoncemore，wouldservetoillustratemymeaning，betterthanagreaterone。DombeyandSonknowneithertime，norplace，norseason，butbearthemalldown。ButIrejoiceinitsoccurrence，forithasopenedthewayformetoapproachMrs。Dombeywiththissubjectto-day，evenifithasentaileduponmethepenaltyofhertemporarydispleasure。Madam，inthemidstofmyuneasinessandapprehensiononthissubject，IwassummonedbyMr。DombeytoLeamington。ThereIsawyou。ThereIcouldnothelpknowingwhatrelationyouwouldshortlyoccupytowardshim——tohisenduringhappinessandyours。ThereIresolvedtoawaitthetimeofyourestablishmentathomehere，andtodoasIhavenowdone。Ihave，atheart，nofearthatIshallbewantinginmydutytoMr。Dombey，ifIburywhatIknowinyourbreast；forwherethereisbutoneheartandmindbetweentwopersons——asinsuchamarriage——onealmostrepresentstheother。Icanacquitmyconsciencetherefore，almostequally，byconfidence，onsuchatheme，inyouorhim。
　　ForthereasonsIhavementionedIwouldselectyou。MayIaspiretothedistinctionofbelievingthatmyconfidenceisaccepted，andthatIamrelievedfrommyresponsibility？'
　　Helongrememberedthelookshegavehim——whocouldseeit，andforgetit？——andthestrugglethatensuedwithinher。Atlastshesaid：
　　`Iacceptit，Sir。Youwillpleasetoconsiderthismatteratanend，andthatitgoesnofarther。'
　　Hebowedlow，androse。Sherosetoo，andhetookleavewithallhumility。ButWithers，meetinghimonthestairs，stoodamazedatthebeautyofhisteeth，andathisbrilliantsmile；andasherodeawayuponhiswhite-leggedhorse，thepeopletookhimforadentist，suchwasthedazzlingshowhemade。Thepeopletookher，whensherodeoutinhercarriagepresently，foragreatlady，ashappyasshewasrichandfine。Buttheyhadnotseenher，justbefore，inherownroomwithnooneby；andtheyhadnotheardherutteranceofthethreewords，`OhFlorence，Florence！'
　　Mrs。Skewton，reposingonhersofa，andsippingherchocolate，hadheardnothingbutthelowwordbusiness，forwhichshehadamortalaversion，insomuchthatshehadlongbanisheditfromhervocabulary，andhadgonenigh，inacharmingmannerandwithanimmenseamountofheart，tosaynothingofsoul，toruindiversmillinersandothersinconsequence。
　　ThereforeMrs。Skewtonaskednoquestions，andshowednocuriosity。Indeed，thepeach-velvetbonnetgavehersufficientoccupationoutofdoors；forbeingperchedonthebackofherhead，andthedaybeingratherwindy，itwasfrantictoescapefromMrs。Skewton'scompany，andwouldbecoaxedintonosortofcompromise。Whenthecarriagewasclosed，andthewindshutout，thepalsyplayedamongtheartificialrosesagainlikeanalmshouse-fullofsuperannuatedzephyrs；andaltogetherMrs。Skewtonhadenoughtodo，andgotonbutindifferently。
　　Shegotonnobettertowardsnight；forwhenMrs。Dombey，inherdressing-room，hadbeendressedandwaitingforherhalfanhour，andMr。
　　Dombey，inthedrawing-room，hadparadedhimselfintoastateofsolemnfretfulnesstheywereallthreegoingouttodinner，FlowerstheMaidappearedwithapalefacetoMrs。Dombey，saying：
　　`Ifyouplease，Ma'am，Ibegyourpardon，butIcan'tdonothingwithmissis！'
　　`Whatdoyoumean？'askedEdith。
　　`Well，Ma'am，'repliedthefrightenedmaid，`Ihardlyknow。She'smakingfaces！'
　　Edithhurriedwithhertohermother'sroom。Cleopatrawasarrayedinfulldress，withthediamonds，shortsleeves，rouge，curls，teeth，andotherjuvenilityallcomplete；butParalysiswasnottobedeceived，hadknownherfortheobjectofitserrand，andhadstruckheratherglass，whereshelaylikeahorribledollthathadtumbleddown。
　　Theytookhertopiecesinveryshame，andputthelittleofherthatwasrealonabed。Doctorsweresentfor，andsooncame。Powerfulremedieswereresortedto；opinionsgiventhatshewouldrallyfromthisshock，butwouldnotsurviveanother；andthereshelayspeechless，andstaringattheceilingfordays；sometimesmakinginarticulatesoundsinanswertosuchquestionsasdidsheknowwhowerepresent，andthelike：
　　sometimesgivingnoreplyeitherbysignorgesture，orinherunwinkingeyes。
　　Atlengthshebegantorecoverconsciousness，andinsomedegreethepowerofmotion，thoughnotyetofspeech。Onedaytheuseofherrighthandreturned；andshowingittohermaidwhowasinattendanceonher，andappearingveryuneasyinhermind，shemadesignsforapencilandsomepaper。Thisthemaidimmediatelyprovided，thinkingshewasgoingtomakeawill，orwritesomelastrequest；andMrs。Dombeybeingfromhome，themaidawaitedtheresultwithsolemnfeelings。
　　Aftermuchpainfulscrawlinganderasing，andputtinginofwrongcharacters，whichseemedtotumbleoutofthepenciloftheirownaccord，theoldwomanproducedthisdocument：
　　`Rose-colouredcurtains。'
　　Themaidbeingperfectlytransfixed，andwithtolerablereason，Cleopatraamendedthemanuscriptbyaddingtwowordsmore，whenitstoodthus：
　　`Rose-colouredcurtainsfordoctors。'
　　Themaidnowperceivedremotelythatshewishedthesearticlestobeprovidedforthebetterpresentationofhercomplexiontothefaculty；
　　andasthoseinthehousewhoknewherbest，hadnodoubtofthecorrectnessofthisopinion，whichshewassoonabletoestablishforherself，therose-colouredcurtainswereaddedtoherbed，andshemendedwithincreasedrapidityfromthathour。Shewassoonabletositup，incurlsandalacedcapandnight-gown，andtohavealittleartificialbloomdroppedintothehollowcavernsofhercheeks。
　　ItwasatremendoussighttoseethisoldwomaninherfineryleeringandmincingatDeath，andplayingoffheryouthfultricksuponhimasifhehadbeentheMajor；butanalterationinhermindthatensuedontheparalyticstrokewasfraughtwithasmuchmatterforreflection，andwasquiteasghastly。
　　Whethertheweakeningofherintellectmadehermorecunningandfalsethanbefore，orwhetheritconfusedherbetweenwhatshehadassumedtobeandwhatshereallyhadbeen，orwhetherithadawakenedanyglimmeringofremorse，whichcouldneitherstruggleintolightnorgetbackintototaldarkness，orwhether，inthejumbleofherfaculties，acombinationoftheseeffectshadbeenshakenup，whichisperhapsthemorelikelysupposition，theresultwasthis：——ThatshebecamehugelyexactinginrespectofEdith'saffectionandgratitudeandattentiontoher；highlylaudatoryofherselfasamostinestimableparent；andveryjealousofhavinganyrivalinEdith'sregard。Further，inplaceofrememberingthatcompactmadebetweenthemforanavoidanceofthesubject，sheconstantlyalludedtoherdaughter'smarriageasaproofofherbeinganincomparablemother；andallthis，withtheweaknessandpeevishnessofsuchastate，alwaysservingforasarcasticcommentaryonherlevityandyouthfulness。
　　`WhereisMrs。Dombey？'shewouldsaytohermaid。
　　`Goneout，Ma'am。'
　　`Goneout！Doesshegoouttoshunhermama，Flowers？'
　　`Lablessyou，no，Ma'am。Mrs。DombeyhasonlygoneoutforaridewithMissFlorence。'
　　`MissFlorence。Who'sMissFlorence？Don'ttellmeaboutMissFlorence。What'sMissFlorencetoher，comparedtome？'
　　Theappositedisplayofthediamonds，orthepeach-velvetbonnetshesatinthebonnettoreceivevisitors，weeksbeforeshecouldstiroutofdoors，orthedressingofherupinsomegaudorother，usuallystoppedthetearsthatbegantoflowhereabouts；andshewouldremaininacomplacentstateuntilEdithcametoseeher；when，ataglanceoftheproudface，shewouldrelapseagain。
　　`Well，Iamsure，Edith！'shewouldcry，shakingherhead。
　　`Whatisthematter，mother？'
　　`Matter！Ireallydon'tknowwhatisthematter。Theworldiscomingtosuchanartificialandungratefulstate，thatIbegintothinkthere'snoHeart——oranythingofthatsort——leftinit，positively。Withersismoreachildtomethanyouare。Heattendstomemuchmorethanmyowndaughter。IalmostwishIdidn'tlooksoyoung——andallthatkindofthing——andthenperhapsIshouldbemoreconsidered。'
　　`whatwouldyouhave，mother？'
　　`Oh，agreatdeal，Edith，'impatiently。
　　`Isthereanythingyouwantthatyouhavenot？Itisyourownfaultiftherebe。'
　　`Myownfault！'beginningtowhimper。`TheparentIhavebeentoyou，Edith：makingyouacompanionfromyourcradle！Andwhenyouneglectme，andhavenomorenaturalaffectionformethanifIwasastranger——notatwentiethpartoftheaffectionthatyouhaveforFlorence——butIamonlyyourmother，andshouldcorruptherinaday！——youreproachmewithitsbeingmyownfault。'
　　`Mother，mother，Ireproachyouwithnothing。Whywillyoualwaysdwellonthis？'
　　`Isn'titnaturalthatIshoulddwellonthis，whenIamallaffectionandsensitiveness，andamwoundedinthecruelestway，wheneveryoulookatme？'
　　`Idonotmeantowoundyou，mother。Haveyounoremembranceofwhathasbeensaidbetweenus？LetthePastrest。'
　　`Yes，rest！Andletgratitudetomerest；andletaffectionformerest；andletmerestinmyout-of-the-wayroom，withnosocietyandnoattention，whileyoufindnewrelationstomakemuchof，whohavenoearthlyclaimuponyou！Goodgracious，Edith，doyouknowwhatanelegantestablishmentyouareattheheadof？'
　　`Yes，Hush！'
　　`Andthatgentlemanlycreature，Dombey？Doyouknowthatyouaremarriedtohim，Edith，andthatyouhaveasettlement，andaposition，andacarriage，andIdon'tknowwhat？'
　　`Indeed，Iknowit，mother；well。'？？？`Asyouwouldhavehadwiththatdelightfulgoodsoul——whatdidtheycallhim？——Granger——ifhehadn'tdied。Andwhohaveyoutothankforallthis，Edith？'
　　`You，mother；you。'
　　`Thenputyourarmsroundmyneck，andkissme；andshowme，Edith，thatyouknowthereneverwasabettermamathanIhavebeentoyou。Anddon'tletmebecomeaperfectfrightwithteasingandwearingmyselfatyouringratitude，orwhenI'moutagaininsocietynosoulwillknowme，noteventhathatefulanimal，theMajor。'
　　But，sometimes，whenEdithwentnearertoher，andbendingdownherstatelyhead，puthercoldcheektohers，themotherwoulddrawbackasifshewereafraidofher，andwouldfallintoafitoftrembling，andcryoutthattherewasawanderinginherwits。Andsometimesshewouldentreather，withhumility，tositdownonthechairbesideherbed，andwouldlookatherasshesattherebroodingwithafacethateventherosecolouredcurtainscouldnotmakeotherwisethansearedandwild。
　　Therose-colouredcurtainsblushed，incourseoftime，onCleopatra'sbodilyrecovery，andonherdress——morejuvenilethanevertorepairtheravagesofillness——andontherouge，andontheteeth，andonthecurls，andonthediamonds，andtheshortsleeves，andthewholewardrobeofthedollthathadtumbleddownbeforethemirror。Theyblushed，too，nowandthen，uponanindistinctnessinherspeechwhichsheturnedoffwithagirlishgiggle，andonanoccasionalfailinginhermemory，thathadnoruleinit，butcameandwentfantastically，asifinmockeryofherfantasticself。
　　Buttheyneverblusheduponachangeinthenewmannerofherthoughtandspeechtowardsherdaughter。Andthoughthatdaughteroftencamewithintheirinfluence，theyneverblusheduponherlovelinessirradiatedbyasmile，orsoftenedbythelightoffiliallove，initssternbeauty。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter38[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIIIMissToximprovesanOldAcquaintanceTHEforlornMissTox，abandonedbyherfriendLouisaChick，andbereftofMr。Dombey'scountenance——forondelicatepairofweddingcards，unitedbyasilverthread，gracedthechimney-glassinPrincess'sPlace，ortheharpsichord，oranyofthoselittlepostsofdisplaywhichLucretiareservedforholidayoccupation——becamedepressedinherspirits，andsufferedmuchfrommelancholy。ForatimetheBirdWaltzwasunheardinPrincess'sPlace，theplantswereneglected，anddustcollectedontheminiatureofMissTox'sancestorwiththepowderedheadandpigtail。
　　MissTox，however，wasnotofanageorofadispositionlongtoabandonherselftounavailingregrets。OnlytwonotesoftheharpsichordweredumbfromdisusewhentheBirdWaltzagainwarbledandtrilledinthecrookeddrawing-room：onlyoneslipofgeraniumfellavictimtoimperfectnursing，beforeshewasgardeningathergreenbasketsagain，regularlyeverymorning；thepowdered-headedancestorhadnotbeenunderacloudformorethansixweeks，whenMissToxbreathedonhisbenignantvisage，andpolishedhimupwithapieceofwash-leather。
　　Still，MissToxwaslonely，andataloss。Herattachments，howeverludicrouslyshown，wererealandstrong；andshewas，assheexpressedit，`deeplyhurtbytheunmeritedcontumelyshehadmetwithfromLouisa。'
　　ButtherewasnosuchthingasangerinMissTox'scomposition。Ifshehadambledonthroughlife，inhersoft-spokenway，withoutanyopinions，shehad，atleast，gotsofarwithoutanyharshpassions。ThemeresightofLouisaChickinthestreetoneday，ataconsiderabledistance，sooverpoweredhermilkynature，thatshewasfaintoseekimmediaterefugeinapastrycook's，andthere，inamustylittlebackroomusuallydevotedtotheconsumptionofsoups，andpervadedbyanox-tailatmosphere，relieveherfeelingsbyweepingplentifully。
　　AgainstMr。DombeyMissToxhardlyfeltthatshehadanyreasonofcomplaint。Hersenseofthatgentleman'smagnificencewassuch，thatonceremovedfromhim，shefeltasifherdistancealwayshadbeenimmeasurable，andasifhehadgreatlycondescendedintoleratingheratall。Nowifecouldbetoohandsomeortoostatelyforhim，accordingtoMissTox'ssincereopinion。Itwasperfectlynaturalthatinlookingforone，heshouldlookhigh。MissToxwithtearslaiddownthisproposition，andfullyadmittedit，twentytimesaday。SheneverrecalledtheloftymannerinwhichMr。
　　Dombeyhadmadehersubservienttohisconvenienceandcaprices，andhadgraciouslypermittedhertobeoneofthenursesofhislittleson。Sheonlythought，inherownwords，`thatshehadpassedagreatmanyhappyhoursinthathouse，whichshemusteverrememberwithgratification，andthatshecouldneverceasetoregardMr。Dombeyasoneofthemostimpressiveanddignifiedtomen。'
　　Cutoff，however，fromtheimplacableLouisa，andbeingshyoftheMajorwhomsheviewedwithsomedistrustnow，MissToxfounditveryirksometoknownothingofwhatwasgoingoninMr。Dombey'sestablishment。
　　AndasshereallyhadgotintothehabitofconsideringDombeyandSonasthepivotonwhichtheworldingeneralturned，sheresolved，ratherthanbeignorantofintelligencewhichsostronglyinterestedher，tocultivateheroldacquaintance，Mrs。Richards，whosheknew，sinceherlastmemorableappearancebeforeMr。Dombey，wasinthehabitofsometimesholdingcommunicationwithhisservants。PerhapsMissTox，inseekingouttheToodlefamily，hadthetendermotivehiddeninherbreastofhavingsomebodytowhomshecouldtalkaboutMr。Dombey，nomatterhowhumblethatsomebodymightbe。
　　Atallevents，towardstheToodlehabitationMissToxdirectedherstepsoneevening，whattimeMr。Toodle，cinderyandswart，wasrefreshinghimselfwithtea，inthebosomofhisfamily。Mr。Toodlehadonlythreestagesofexistence。Hewaseithertakingrefreshmentinthebosomjustmentioned，orhewastearingthroughthecountryatfromtwenty-fivetofiftymilesanhour，orhewassleepingafterhisfatigues。Hewasalwaysinawhirlwindoracalm，andapeaceable，contented，easy-goingmanMr。
　　Toodlewasineitherstate，whoseemedtohavemadeoverallhisowninheritanceoffumingandfrettingtotheengineswithwhichhewasconnected，whichpanted，andgasped，andchafed，andworethemselvesout，inamostunsparingmanner，whileMr。Toodleledamildandequablelife。
　　`Polly，mygal，'saidMr。Toodle，withayoungToodleoneachknee，andtwomoremakingteaforhim，andplentymorescatteredabout——Mr。
　　Toodlewasneveroutofchildren，butalwayskeptagoodsupplyonhand——`youan'tseenourBilerlately，haveyou？'
　　`No，'repliedPolly，`buthe'salmostcertaintolookintonight。
　　It'shisrightevening，andhe'sveryregular。'
　　`Isuppose，'saidMr。Toodle，relishinghismealinfinitely，`asourBilerisadoin'nowaboutaswellasaboycando，eh，Polly？'
　　`Oh！he'sadoingbeautiful！'respondedPolly。
　　`Hean'tgottobeatallsecret-like——hashe，Polly？'inquiredMr。Toodle。
　　`No！'saidMrs。Toodle，plumply。
　　`I'mgladhean'tgottobeatallsecret-like，Polly，'observedMr。Toodleinhisslowandmeasuredway，andshovellinginhisbreadandbutterwithaclaspknife，asifhewerestokinghimself，`becausethatdon'tlookwell；doit，Polly？'
　　`Why，ofcourseitdon't，father。Howcanyouask！'
　　`Yousee，myboysandgals，'saidMr。Toodle，lookingrounduponhisfamily，`woteveryou'reuptoinahonestway，it'smyopinionasyoucan'tdobetterthanbeopen。Ifyoufindyourselvesincuttingsorintunnels，don'tyouplaynosecretgames。Keepyourwhistlesgoing，andlet'sknowwhereyouare。'
　　TherisingToodlessetupashrillmurmur，expressiveoftheirresolutiontoprofitbythepaternaladvice。
　　`ButwhatmakesyousaythisalongofRob，father？'askedhiswife，anxiously。
　　`Polly，old'ooman，'saidMr。Toodle，`Idon'tknowasIsaiditpartickleralongo'Rob，I'msure。IstartslightwithRobonly；Icomestoabranch；ItakesonwhatIfindsthere；andawholetrainofideasgetscoupledontohim，aforeIknowswhereIam，orwheretheycomesfrom。
　　WhataJunctionaman'sthoughtsis，'saidMr。Toodle，`to-be-sure！'
　　ThisprofoundreflectionMr。Toodlewasheddownwithapintmugoftea，andproceededtosolidifywithagreatweightofbreadandbutter；
　　charginghisyoungdaughtersmeanwhile，tokeepplentyofhotwaterinthepot，ashewasuncommondry，andshouldtaketheindefinitequantityof`asightofmugs，'beforehisthirstwasappeased。
　　Insatisfyinghimself，however，Mr。Toodlewasnotregardlessoftheyoungerbranchesabouthim，who，althoughtheyhadmadetheirowneveningrepast，wereonthelook-outforirregularmorsels，aspossessingarelish。Thesehedistributednowandthentotheexpectantcircle，byholdingoutgreatwedgesofbreadandbutter，tobebittenatbythefamilyinlawfulsuccession，andbyservingoutsmalldosesofteainlikemannerwithaspoon；whichsnackshadsucharelishinthemouthsoftheseyoungToodles，that，afterpartakingofthesame，theyperformedprivatedancesofecstasyamongthemselves，andstoodononelegapiece，andhopped，andindulgedinothersaltatorytokensofgladness。Theseventsfortheirexcitementfound，theygraduallyclosedaboutMr。Toodleagain，andeyedhimhardashegotthroughmorebreadandbutterandtea；affecting，however，tohavenofurtherexpectationsoftheirowninreferencetothoseviands，buttobeconversingonforeignsubjects，andwhisperingconfidently。
　　Mr。Toodle，inthemidstofthisfamilygroup，andsettinganawfulexampletohischildreninthewayofappetite，wasconveyingthetwoyoungToodlesonhiskneestoBirminghambyspecialengine，andwascontemplatingtherestoverabarrierofbreadandbutter，whenRobtheGrinder，inhissou'westerhatandmourningslops，presentedhimself，andwasreceivedwithageneralrushofbrothersandsisters。
　　`Well，mother！'saidRob，dutifullykissingher；`howareyou，mother？'
　　`There'smyboy！'criedPolly，givinghimahugandapatontheback。`Secret！Blessyou，father，nothe！'
　　ThiswasintendedforMr。Toodle'sprivateedification，butRobtheGrinder，whosewitherswerenotunwrung，caughtthewordsastheywerespoken。
　　`What！father'sbeenasayingsomethingmoreagainme，hashe？'
　　criedtheinjuredinnocent。`Oh，whatahardthingitisthatwhenacovehasoncegonealittlewrong，acove'sownfathershouldbealwaysathrowingitinhisfacebehindhisback！It'senough，'criedRob，resortingtohiscoat-cuffinanguishofspirit，`tomakeacovegoanddosomethingoutofspite！'
　　`Mypoorboy！'criedPolly，`fatherdidn'tmeananything。'
　　`Iffatherdidn'tmeananything，'blubberedtheinjuredGrinder，`whydidhegoandsayanything，mother？Nobodythinkshalfsobadofmeasmyownfatherdoes。Whataunnaturalthing！Iwishsomebody'dtakeandchopmyheadoff。Fatherwouldn'tminddoingit，Ibelieve，andI'dmuchratherhedidthatthant'other。'
　　AtthesedesperatewordsalltheyoungToodlesshrieked；apatheticeffect，whichtheGrinderimprovedbyironicallyadjuringthemnottocryforhim，fortheyoughttohatehim，theyought，iftheywasgoodboysandgirls；andthissotouchedtheyoungestToodlebutone，whowaseasilymoved，thatittouchedhimnotonlyinhisspiritbutinhiswindtoo；
　　makinghimsopurplethatMr。Toodleinconsternationcarriedhimouttothewater-butt，andwouldhaveputhimunderthetap，butforhisbeingrecoveredbythesightofthatinstrument。
　　Mattershavingreachedthispoint，Mr。Toodleexplained，andthevirtuousfeelingsofhissonbeingtherebycalmed，theyshookhands，andharmonyreignedagain。
　　`WillyoudoasIdo，Biler，myboy？'inquiredhisfather，returningtohisteawithnewstrength。
　　`No，thank'ee，father。MasterandIhadteatogether。'
　　`Andhowismaster，Rob？saidPolly。
　　`Well，Idon'tknow，mother；notmuchtoboaston。Thereain'tnobis'nessdone，yousee。Hedon'tknowanythingaboutit，theCap'endon't。Therewasamancomeintotheshopthisveryday，andsays，“Iwantaso-and-so，“hesays——somehardnameoranother。“Awhich？”saystheCap'en。
　　“Aso-and-so，“saystheman。“Brother，“saystheCap'en，“willyoutakeaobservationroundtheshop？”“Well，“saystheman，“I'vedoneit。““Doyouseewotyouwant？”saystheCap'en。“No，Idon't，“saystheman。“Doyouknowitwenyoudoseeit？”saystheCap'en。“No，Idon't，“
　　saystheman。“Why，thenItellyouwot，mylad，“saystheCap'en，“you'dbettergobackandaskwotit'slike，outside，fornomoredon'tI！”'
　　`Thatain'tthewaytomakemoney，though，isit？'saidPolly。
　　`Money，mother！He'llnevermakemoney。HehassuchwaysasI
　　neversee。Heain'tabadmasterthough，I'llsaythatforhim。Butthatain'tmuchtome，forIdon'tthinkIshallstopwithhimlong。'
　　`Notstopinyourplace，Rob！'criedhismother；whileMr。Toodleopenedhiseyes。
　　`Notinthatplace，p'raps，'returnedtheGrinder，withawink。
　　`Ishouldn'twonder——friendsatcourtyouknow——butneveryoumind，mother，justnow；I'mallright，that'sall。'
　　Theindisputableproofaffordedinthesehints，andintheGrinder'smysteriousmanner，ofhisnotbeingsubjecttothatfailingwhichMr。Toodlehad，byimplication，attributedtohim，mighthaveledtoarenewalofhiswrongs，andofthesensationinthefamily，butfortheopportunearrivalofanothervisitor，who，toPolly'sgreatsurprise，appearedatthedoor，smilingpatronageandfriendshiponallthere。
　　`Howdoyoudo，Mrs。Richards？'saidMissTox。`Ihavecometoseeyou。MayIcomein？'
　　ThecheeryfaceofMrs。Richardsshonewithahospitablereply，andMissTox，acceptingtheprofferedchair，andgracefullyrecognisingMr。
　　Toodleonherwaytoit，unitedherbonnetstrings，andsaidthatinthefirstplaceshemustbegthedearchildren，oneandall，tocomeandkissher。
　　Theill-starredyoungestToodlebutone，whowouldappear，fromthefrequencyofhisdomestictroubles，tohavebeenbornunderanunluckyplanet，waspreventedfromperforminghispartinthisgeneralsalutationbyhavingfixedthesou'westerhatwithwhichhehadbeenpreviouslytrifling
　　deeponhishead，hindsidebefore，andbeingunabletogetitoffagain；
　　whichaccidentpresentingtohisterrifiedimaginationadismalpictureofhispassingtherestofhisdaysindarkness，andinhopelessseclusionfromhisfriendsandfamily，causedhimtostrugglewithgreatviolence，andtouttersuffocatingcries。Beingreleased，hisfacewasdiscoveredtobeveryhot，andred，anddamp；andMissToxtookhimonherlap，muchexhausted。
　　`Youhavealmostforgottenme，Sir，Idaresay，'saidMissToxtoMr。Toodle。
　　`No，Ma'am，no，'saidToodle。`Butwe'veallonusgotalittleoldersincethen。'
　　`Andhowdoyoufindyourself，Sir？'inquiredMissTox，blandly。
　　`Hearty，Ma'am，thank'ee，'repliedToodle。`Howdoyoufindyourself，Ma'am？Dotherheumatickskeepoffprettywell，Ma'am？
　　Wemustallexpecttogrowinto'em，aswegetson。'
　　`Thankyou，'saidMissTox。`Ihavenotfeltanyinconveniencefromthatdisorderyet。'
　　`You'reweryfortunate，Ma'am，'returnedMr。Toodle。`Manypeopleatyourtimeoflife，Ma'amismartyrstoit。Therewasmymother——'Butcatchinghiswife'seyehere，Mr。Toodlejudiciouslyburiedtherestinanothermugoftea。
　　`Younevermeantosay，Mrs。Richards，'criedMissTox，lookingatRob，`thatthatisyour——'
　　`Eldest，Ma'am，'saidPolly。`Yes，indeed，itis。That'sthelittlefellow，ma'am，thatwastheinnocentcauseofsomuch。'
　　`Thishere，Ma'am，'saidToodle，`ishimwiththeshortlegs——andtheywas，'saidMr。Toodle，withatouchofpoetryinhistone，`unusualshortforleathers——asMr。DombeymadeaGrinderon。'
　　TherecollectionofalmostoverpoweredMissTox。Thesubjectofithadapeculiarinterestforherdirectly。Sheaskedhimtoshakehands，andcongratulatedhismotheronhisfrank，ingenuousface。Rob，overhearingher，calledupalook，tojustifytheeulogium，butitwashardlytherightlook。
　　`Andnow，Mrs。Richards，'saidMissTox，——`andyoutoo，Sir，'
　　addressingToodle——`I'lltellyou，plainlyandtruly，whatIhavecomeherefor。Youmaybeaware，Mrs。Richards——and，possibly，youmaybeawaretoo，Sir——thatalittledistancehasinterposeditselfbetweenmeandsomeofmyfriends，andthatwhereIusedtovisitagooddeal，Idonotvisitnow。'
　　Polly，who，withawoman'stact，understoodthatatonce，expressedasmuchinalittlelook。Mr。Toodle，whohadnotthefaintestideaofwhatMissToxwastalkingabout，expressedthatalso，inastare。
　　`Ofcourse，'saidMissTox，`howourlittlecoolnesshasarisenisofnomoment，anddoesnotrequiretobediscussed。Itissufficientformetosay，thatIhavethegreatestpossiblerespectfor，andinterestin，Mr。Dombey；'MissTox'svoicefaltered；`andeverythingthatrelatestohim。'
　　Mr。Toodle，enlightened，shookhishead，andsaidhehadheerditsaid，and，forhisownpart，hedidthink，asMr。Dombeywasadifficultsubject。
　　`Praydon'tsayso，Sir，ifyouplease，'returnedMissTox。`Letmeentreatyounottosayso，Sir，eithernow，oratanyfuturetime。Suchobservationscannotbutbeverypainfultome；andtoagentleman，whosemindisconstitutedas，Iamquitesureyoursis，canaffordnopermanentsatisfaction。'
　　Mr。Toodle，whohadnotentertainedtheleastdoubtofofferingaremarkthatwouldreceivedwithacquiescence，wasgreatlyconfounded。
　　`AllthatIwishtosay，Mrs。Richards，'resumedMissTox，——`andIaddressmyselftoyoutoo，Sir，——isthis。Thatanyintelligenceoftheproceedingsofthefamily，ofthewelfareofthefamily，ofthehealthofthefamily，thatreachesyou，willbealwaysmostacceptabletome。
　　ThatIshallbealwaysverygladtochatwithMrs。Richardsaboutthefamily，andaboutoldtimes。AndasMrs。RichardsandIneverhadtheleastdifferencethoughIcouldwishnowthatwehadbeenbetteracquainted，butIhavenoonebutmyselftoblameforthat，Ihopeshewillnotobjecttoourbeingverygoodfriendsnow，andtomycomingbackwardsandforwardshere，whenIlike，withoutbeingastranger。Now，Ireallyhope，Mrs。Richards，'
　　saidMissTox，earnestly，`thatyouwilltakethis，asImeanit，likeagood-humouredcreature，asyoualwayswere。'
　　Pollywasgratified，andshowedit。Mr。Toodledidn'tknowwhetherhewasgratifiedornot，andpreservedastolidcalmness。
　　`Yousee，Mrs。Richards，'saidMissTox——`andIhopeyouseetoo，Sir——therearemanylittlewaysinwhichIcanbeslightlyusefultoyou，ifyouwillmakenostrangerofme；andinwhichIshallbedelightedtobeso。Forinstance，Icanteachyourchildrensomething。Ishallbringafewlittlebooks，ifyou'llallowme，andsomework，andofaneveningnowandthen，they'lllearn——dearme，they'lllearnagreatdeal，Itrust，andbeacredittotheirteacher。'
　　Mr。Toodle，whohadagreatrespectforlearning，jerkedhisheadapprovinglyathiswife，andmoistenedhishandswithdawningsatisfaction。
　　`Then，notbeingastranger，Ishallbeinnobody'sway，'saidMissTox，`andeverythingwillgoonjustasifIwerenothere。Mrs。Richardswilldohermending，orherironing，orhernursing，whateveritis，withoutmindingme：andyou'llsmokeyourpipe，too，ifyou'resodisposed，Sir，won'tyou？'
　　`Thank'ee，Mum，'saidMr。Toodle。`Yes；I'lltakemybitofbacker。'
　　`Verygoodofyoutosayso，Sir，'rejoinedMissTox，`andIreallydoassureyounow，unfeignedly，thatitwillbeagreatcomforttome，andthatwhatevergoodImaybefortunateenoughtodothechildren，youwillmorethanpaybacktome，ifyou'llenterintothislittlebargaincomfortably，andeasily，andgood-naturedly，withoutanotherwordaboutit。'
　　Thebargainwasratifiedonthespot；andMissToxfoundherselfsomuchathomealready，thatwithoutdelaysheinstitutedapreliminaryexaminationofthechildrenallroundwhichMr。Toodlemuchadmired——andbookedtheirages，names，andacquirements，onapieceofpaper。Thisceremony，andalittleattendantgossipprolongedthetimeuntilaftertheirusualhourofgoingtobed，anddetainedMrs。ToxattheToodlefiresideuntilitwastoolateforhertowalkhomealone。ThegallantGrinder，however，beingstillthere，politelyofferedtoattendhertoherowndoor；andasitwassomethingtoMissToxtobeseenhomebyayouthwhomMr。Dombeyhadfirstinductedintothosemanlygarmentswhicharerarelymentionedbyname，sheveryreadilyacceptedtheproposal。