AftershakinghandswithMr。ToodleandPolly，andkissingallthechildren，MissToxleftthehouse，therefore，withunlimitedpopularity，andcarryingawaywithhersolightaheartthatitmighthavegivenMrs。
　　Chickoffenceifthatgoodladycouldhaveweighedit。
　　RobtheGrinder，inhismodesty，wouldhavewalkedbehind，butMissToxdesiredhimtokeepbesideher，forconversationalpurposes；and，assheafterwardsexpressedittohismother，`drewhimout'upontheroad。
　　Hedrewoutsobright，andclear，andshining，thatMissToxwascharmedwithhim。ThemoreMissToxdrewhimout，thefinerhecame——likewire。Thereneverwasbetterormorepromisingyouth——amoreaffectionate，steady，prudent，sober，honest，meek，candidyoungman——thanRobdrewoutthatnight。
　　`Iamquiteglad，'saidMissTox，arrivedatherowndoor，`toknowyou。Ihopeyou'llconsidermeyourfriend，andthatyou'llcomeandseemeasoftenasyoulike。Doyoukeepamoney-box？'
　　`Yes，Ma'am，'returnedRob；`I'msavingupagainstI'vegotenoughtoputintheBank，ma'am。'
　　`Verylaudableindeed，'saidMissTox。`I'mgladtohearit。Putthishalf-crownintoit，ifyouplease。'
　　`Ohthankyou，Ma'am，'repliedRob，`butreallyIcouldn'tthinkofdeprivingyou。'
　　`Icommendyourindependentspirit，'saidMissTox，`butit'snodeprivation，Iassureyou。Ishallbeoffendedifyoudon'ttakeit，asamarkofmygood-will。Goodnight，Robin。'
　　`Goodnight，Ma'am，'saidRob，`andthankyou！'
　　Whoransniggeringofftogetchange，andtosseditwaywithapieman。
　　ButtheynevertaughthonourattheGrinders'School，wherethesystemthatprevailedwasparticularlystrongintheengenderingofhypocrisy。Insomuch，thatmanyofthefriendsandmastersofpastGrinderssaid，ifthiswerewhatcameofeducationforthecommonpeople，lethavenone。
　　Somemorerationalsaid，letushaveabetterone。ButthegoverningpowersoftheGrinders'Companywerealwaysreadyforthem，bypickingoutafewboyswhohadturnedoutwell，inspiteofthesystem，androundlyassertingthattheycouldhaveonlyturnedoutwellbecauseofit。Whichsettledthebusinessofthoseobjectorsoutofhand，andestablishedthegloryoftheGrinders'Institution。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter39[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIXFurtherAdventuresofCaptainEdwardCuttle，MarinerTIME，sureoffootandstrongofwill，hadsopressedonward，thattheyearenjoinedbytheoldInstrument-maker，asthetermduringwhichhisfriendshouldrefrainfromopeningthesealedpacketaccompanyingtheletterhehadleftforhim，wasnownearlyexpired，andCaptainCuttlebegantolookatit，ofanevening，withfeelingsofmysteryanduneasiness。
　　TheCaptain，inhishonour，wouldassoonhavethoughtofopeningtheparcelonehourbeforetheexpirationoftheterm，ashewouldhavethoughtofopeninghimself，tostudyhisownanatomy。Hemerelybroughtitout，atacertainstageofhisfirsteveningpipe，laiditonthetable，andsatgazingattheoutsideofit，throughthesmoke，insilentgravity，fortwoorthreehoursataspell。Sometimes，whenhehadcontemplateditthusforaprettylongwhile，theCaptainwouldhitchhischair，bydegrees，fartherandfartheroff，asiftogetbeyondtherangeofitsfascination；butifthiswerehisdesign，heneversucceeded：forevenwhenhewasbroughtupbytheparlourwall，thepacketstillattractedhim；orifhiseyes，inthoughtfulwandering，rovedtotheceilingorthefire，itsimageimmediatelyfollowed，andposteditselfconspicuouslyamongthecoals，ortookupanadvantageouspositiononthewhitewash。
　　InrespectofHeart'sDelight，theCaptain'sparentalregardandadmirationknewnochange。ButsincehislastinterviewwithMr。Carker，CaptainCuttlehadcometoentertaindoubtswhetherhisformerinterventioninbehalfofthatyoungladyandhisdearboyWal'r，hadprovedaltogethersofavourableashecouldhavewished，andasheatthetimebelieved。
　　TheCaptainwastroubledwithaseriousmisgivingthathehaddonemoreharmthangood，inshort；andinhisremorseandmodestyhemadethebestatonementhecouldthinkof，byputtinghimselfoutofthewaydoinganyharmtoanyone，and，asitwere，throwinghimselfoverboardforadangerousperson。
　　Self-buried，therefore，amongtheinstruments，theCaptainneverwentnearMr。Dombey'shouse，orreportedhimselfinanywaytoFlorenceorMissNipper。HeevenseveredhimselffromMr。Perch，ontheoccasionofhisnextvisit，bydrylyinformingthatgentleman，thatthethankedhimforhiscompany，buthadcuthimselfadriftfromallsuchacquaintance，ashedidn'tknowwhatmagazinehemightn'tblowup，withoutmeaningofit。Inthisself-imposedretirement，theCaptainpassedwholedaysandweekswithoutinterchangingawordwithanyonebutRobtheGrinder，whomheesteemedasapatternofdisinterestedattachmentandfidelity。Inthisretirement，theCaptain，gazingatthepacketofanevening，wouldsitsmoking，andthinkingofFlorenceandpoorWalter，untiltheybothseemedtohishomelyfancytobedead，andtohavepassedawayintoeternalyouth，thebeautifulandinnocentchildrenofhisfirstremembrance。
　　TheCaptaindidnot，however，inhismusings，neglecthisownimprovement，orthementalcultureofRobtheGrinder。ThatyoungmanwasgenerallyrequiredtoreadoutofsomebooktotheCaptain，foronehour，everyevening；andastheCaptainimplicitlybelievedthatallbooksweretrue，heaccumulated，bythismeans，manyremarkablefacts。OnSundaynights，theCaptainalwaysreadforhimself，beforegoingtobed，acertainDivineSermononcedeliveredonaMount；andalthoughhewasaccustomedtoquotethetext，withoutbook，afterhisownmanner，heappearedtoreaditwithasreverentanunderstandingofitsheavenlyspirit，asifhehadgotitallbyheartinGreek，andhadbeenabletowriteanynumberoffiercetheologicaldisquisitionsonitseveryphrase。
　　RobtheGrinder，whosereverencefortheinspiredwritings，undertheadmirablesystemoftheGrinders'School，hadbeendevelopedbyaperpetualbruisingofhisintellectualshinsagainstallthepropernamesofallthetribesofJudah，andbythemonotonousrepetitionofhardverses，especiallybywayofpunishment，andbytheparadingofhimatsixyearsoldinleatherbreeches，threetimesaSunday，veryhighup，inaveryhotchurch，withagreatorganbuzzingagainsthisdrowsyhead，likeanexceedinglybusybee——RobtheGrindermadeamightyshowofbeingedifiedwhentheCaptainceasedtoread，andgenerallyyawnedandnoddedwhilethereadingwasinprogress。ThelatterfactbeingneversomuchassuspectedbythegoodCaptain。
　　CaptainCuttle，also，asamanofbusiness，tooktokeepingbooks。
　　Intheseheenteredobservationsontheweather，andonthecurrentsofthewaggonsandothervehicles：whichheobserved，inthatquarter，tosetwestwardinthemorningandduringthegreaterpartoftheday，andeastwardtowardstheevening。Twoorthreestragglersappearinginoneweek，who`spokehim'——sothecaptainenteredit——onthesubjectofspectacles，andwho，withoutpositivelypurchasing，saidtheywouldlookinagain，theCaptaindecidedthatthebusinesswasimproving，andmadeanentryintheday-booktothateffect：thewindthenblowingwhichhefirstrecorded
　　prettyfresh，westandbynorth；havingchangedinthenight。
　　OneoftheCaptain'schiefdifficultieswasMr。Toots，whocalledfrequently，andwhowithoutsayingmuchseemedtohaveanideathatthelittlebackparlourwasaneligibleroomtochucklein，ashewouldsitandavailhimselfofitsaccommodationsinthatregardbythehalf-hourtogether，withoutatalladvancinginintimacywiththeCaptain。TheCaptain，renderedcautiousbyhislateexperience，wasunablequitetosatisfyhismindwhetherMr。Tootswasthemildsubjectheappearedtobe，orwasaprofoundlyartfulanddissimulatinghypocrite。HisfrequentreferencetoMissDombeywassuspicious；buttheCaptainhadasecretkindnessforMr。
　　Toots'sapparentrelianceonhim，andforboretodecideagainsthimforthepresent；merelyeyeinghim，withasagacitynottobedescribed，wheneverheapproachedthesubjectthatwasnearesttohisheart。
　　`CaptainGills，'blurtedoutMr。Toots，onedayallatonce，ashismannerwas，`doyouthinkyoucouldthinkfavourablyofthatpropositionofmine，andgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance？'
　　`Why，Itellyouwhatitis，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain，whohadatlengthconcludedonacourseofaction；`I'vebeenturningthatthereover。'
　　`CaptainGills，it'sverykindofyou，'retortedMr。Toots。`I'mmuchobligedtoyou。Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainGills，itwouldbeacharitytogivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。Itreallywould。'
　　`Yousee，brother，'arguedtheCaptainslowly，`Idon'tknowyou。'
　　`Butyounevercanknowme，CaptainGills，'repliedMr。
　　Toots，steadfasttohispoint，`ifyoudon'tgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。'
　　TheCaptainseemedstruckbytheoriginalityandpowerofthisremark，andlookedatMr。Tootsasifhethoughttherewasagreatdealmoreinhimthanhehadexpected。
　　`Wellsaid，mylad，'observedthecaptain，noddinghisheadthoughtfully；
　　`andtrue。Nowlook'eehere：You'vemadesomeobservationstome，whichgivesmetounderstandasyouadmireacertainsweetcreetur。Hey？'
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，gesticulatingviolentlywiththehandinwhichheheldhishat，`Admirationisnottheword。Uponmyhonour，youhavenoconceptionwhatmyfeelingsare。IfIcouldbedyedblack，andmadeMissDombey'sslave，Ishouldconsideritacompliment。
　　If，atthesacrificeofallmyproperty，IcouldgettransmigratedintoMissDombey'sdog——I——IreallythinkIshouldneverleaveoffwaggingmytail。Ishouldbesoperfectlyhappy，CaptainGills！'
　　Mr。Tootssaiditwithwateryeyes，andpressedhishatagainsthisbosomwithdeepemotion。
　　`Mylad，'returnedtheCaptain，movedtocompassion，`ifyou'reinarnest——'
　　`CaptainGills，'criedMr。Toots，`I'minsuchastateofmind，andamsodreadfullyinearnest，thatifIcouldsweartoituponahotpieceofiron，oralivecoal，ormeltedlead，orburningsealing-wax，oranythingofthatsort，Ishouldbegladtohurtmyself，asarelieftomyfeelings。'AndMr。Tootslookedhurriedlyabouttheroom，asifforsomesufficientlypainfulmeansofaccomplishinghisdreadpurpose。
　　TheCaptainpushedhisglazedhatbackuponhishead，strokedhisfacedownwithhisheavyhand——makinghisnosemoremottledintheprocess——andplantinghimselfbeforeMr。Toots，andhookinghimbythelapelofhiscoat，addressedhiminthesewords，whileMr。Tootslookedupintohisface，withmuchattentionandsomewonder。
　　`Ifyou'reinarnest，yousee，mylad，'saidtheCaptain，`you'reaobjectofclemency，andclemencyisthebrightestjewelinthecrownofaBriton'shead，forwhichyou'lloverhaultheconstitutionaslaiddowninRuleBritannia，and，whenfound，thatisthecharterasthemgardenangelswasasingingof，somanytimesover。Standby！Thishereproposalo'you'rntakesmealittleaback。Andwhy？BecauseIholdsmyownonly，youunderstand，intheseherewaters，andhaven'tgotnoconsort，andmaybedon'twishfornone。Steady！Youhailedmefirst，alongofacertainyounglady，asyouwascharteredby。Nowifyouandmeistokeeponeanother'scompanyatall，thatthereyoungcreetur'snamemustneverbenamednorreferredto。Idon'tknowwhatharmmayn'thavebeendonebynamingofittoofree，aforenow，andtherebyIbringsupshort。D'yemakemeoutprettyclear，brother？'
　　`Well，you'llexcuseme，CaptainGills，'repliedMr。Toots，`ifIdon'tquitefollowyousometimes。ButuponmywordI——it'sahardthing，CaptainGills，nottobeabletomentionMissDombey。Ireallyhavegotsuchadreadfulloadhere！'——Mr。Tootspatheticallytouchedhisshirt-frontwithbothhands——`thatIfeelnightandday，exactlyasifsomebodywassittinguponme。'
　　`Them，'saidtheCaptain，`isthetermsIoffer。Ifthey'reharduponyou，brother，asmayhaptheyare，give'emawideberth，sheeroff，andpartcompanycheerily！'
　　`CaptainGills，'returnedMr。Toots，`Ihardlyknowhowitis，butafterwhatyoutoldmewhenIcamehere，forthefirsttime，I——IfeelthatI'dratherthinkaboutMissDombeyinyoursocietythantalkaboutherinalmostanybodyelse's。Therefore，CaptainGills，ifyou'llgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance，Ishallbeveryhappytoacceptitonyourownconditions。Iwishtobehonourable，CaptainGills，'saidMr。
　　Toots，holdingbackhisextendedhandforamoment，`andthereforeIamobligedtosaythatIcannothelpthinkingaboutMissDombey。It'simpossibleformetomakeapromisenottothinkabouther。'
　　`Mylad，'saidtheCaptain，whoseopinionofMr。Tootswasmuchimprovedbythiscandidavowal，`aman'sthoughtsislikethewinds，andnobodycan'tanswerfor'emforcertain，anylengthoftimetogether。Isitatreatyastowords？'
　　`Astowords，CaptainGills，'returnedMr。Toots，`IthinkIcanbindmyself。'
　　Mr。TootsgaveCaptainCuttlehishanduponit，thenandthere；
　　andtheCaptainwithapleasantandgraciousshowofcondescension，bestowedhisacquaintanceuponhimformally。Mr。Tootsseemedmuchrelievedandgladdenedbytheacquisition，andchuckledrapturouslyduringtheremainderofhisvisit。TheCaptain，forhispart，wasnotillpleasedtooccupythatpositionofpatronage，andwasexceedinglywellsatisfiedbyhisownprudenceandforesight。
　　ButrichasCaptainCuttlewasinthelatterquality，hereceivedasurprisethatsameeveningfromanolessingenuousandsimpleyouth，thanRobtheGrinder。Thatartlesslad，drinkingteaatthesametable，andbendingmeeklyoverhiscupandsaucer，havingtakensidelongobservationsofhismasterforsometime，whowasreadingthenewspaperwithgreatdifficulty，butmuchdignity，throughhisglasses，brokesilencebysaying——
　　`Oh！Ibegyourpardon，Captain，butyoumayn'tbeinwantofanypigeons，mayyou，Sir？'
　　`No，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain。
　　`BecauseIwaswishingtodisposeofmine，Captain，'saidRob。
　　`Aye，aye？'criedtheCaptain，liftinguphisbushyeyebrowsalittle。
　　`Yes；I'mgoing，Captain，ifyouplease，'saidRob。
　　`Going？Whereareyougoing？'askedtheCaptain，lookingroundathimovertheglasses。
　　`What？didn'tyouknowthatIwasgoingtoleaveyou，Captain？'
　　askedRob，withasneakingsmile。
　　TheCaptainputdownthepaper，tookoffhisspectacles，andbroughthiseyestobearonthedeserter。
　　`Ohyes，Captain，Iamgoingtogiveyouwarning。Ithoughtyou'dhaveknownthatbeforehand，perhaps，'saidRob，rubbinghishands，andgettingup。`Ifyoucouldbesogoodasprovideyourselfsoon，Captain，itwouldbeagreatconveniencetome。Youcouldn'tprovideyourselfbyto-morrowmorning，Iamafraid，Captain：couldyou，doyouthink？'
　　`Andyou'reagoingtodesertyourcolours，areyou，mylad？'
　　saidtheCaptain，afteralongexaminationofhisface。
　　`Oh，it'sveryharduponacove，Captain，'criedthetenderRob，injuredandindignantinamoment，`thathecan'tgivelawfulwarning，withoutbeingfrownedatinthatway，andcalledadeserter。Youhaven'tanyrighttocallapoorcovenames，Captain。Itain'tbecauseI'maservantandyou'reamaster，thatyou'retogoandlibelme。WhatwronghaveI
　　done？Come，Captain，letmeknowwhatmycrimeis，willyou？'
　　ThestrickenGrinderwept，andputhiscoat-cuffinhiseye。
　　`Come，Captain，'criedtheinjuredyouth，`givemycrimeaname！
　　WhathaveIbeenanddone？HaveIstolenanyoftheproperty？haveIsetthehousea-fire？IfIhave，whydon'tyougivemeincharge，andtryit？
　　Buttotakeawaythecharacterofaladthat'sbeenagoodservanttoyou，becausehecan'taffordtostandinhisownlightforyourgood，whatainjuryitis，andwhatabadreturnforfaithfulservice！Thisisthewayyoungcovesisspiledanddrovewrong。Iwonderatyou，Captain，Ido。'
　　AllofwhichtheGrinderhowledforthinalachrymosewhine，andbackingcarefullytowardsthedoor。
　　`Andsoyou'vegotanotherberth，haveyou，mylad？'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimintently。
　　`Yes，Captain，sinceyouputitinthatshape，Ihavegotanotherberth，'criedRob，backingmoreandmore；`abetterberththanI'vegothere，andonewhereIdon'tsomuchaswantyourgoodword，Captain，whichisfort'nateforme，afterallthedirtyou'vethrow'datme，becauseI'mpoor，andcan'taffordtostandinmyownlightforyourgood。Yes，Ihavegotanotherberth；andifitwasn'tforleavingyouunprovided，Captain，I'dgotoitnow，soonerthanI'dtakethemnamesfromyou，becauseI'mpoor，andcan'taffordtostandinmyownlightforyourgood。Whydoyoureproachmeforbeingpoor，andnotstandinginmyownlightforyourgood，Captain？Howcanyousodemeanyourself？'
　　`Lookyehere，myboy，'repliedthepeacefulCaptain。`Don'tyoupayoutnomoreofthemwords。'
　　`Well，then，don'tyoupayinnomoreofyourwords，Captain，'
　　retortedtherousedinnocent，gettinglouderinhiswhine，andbackingintotheshop。`I'dsooneryoutookmybloodthanmycharacter。'
　　`Because，'pursuedtheCaptaincalmly，`youhaveheerd，maybe，ofsuchathingasarope'send。'
　　`Oh，haveIthough，Captain？'criedthetauntingGrinder。`NoIhaven't。Ineverheerdofanysuchaarticle！'
　　`Well，'saidtheCaptain，`it'smybeliefasyou'llknowmoreaboutitprettysoon，ifyoudon'tkeepabrightlook-out。Icanreadyoursignals，mylad。Youmaygo。'
　　`Oh！Imaygoatonce，mayI，Captain？'criedRob，exultinginhissuccess。
　　`Butmind！Ineveraskedtogoatonce，Captain。Youarenottotakeawaymycharacteragain，becauseyousendmeoffofyourownaccord。
　　Andyou'renottostopanyofmywages，Captain！'
　　HisemployersettledthelastpointbyproducingthetincanisterandtellingtheGrinder'smoneyoutinfulluponthetable。Rob，snivellingandsobbing，andgrievouslywoundedinhisfeelings，tookupthepiecesonebyone，withasobandasnivelforeach，andtiedthemupseparatelyinknotsinhispocket-handkerchief；thenheascendedtotheroofofthehouseandfilledhishatandpocketswithpigeons；then，camedowntohisbedunderthecounterandmadeuphisbundle，snivellingandsobbinglouderasifhewerecuttotheheartbyoldassociations；thenhewhined，`Goodnight，Captain。Ileaveyouwithoutmalice！'andthen，goingoutuponthedoor-step，pulledthelittleMidshipman'snoseasapartingindignity，andwentawaydownthestreetgrinningtriumph。
　　TheCaptain，lefttohimself，resumedhisperusalofthenewsasifnothingunusualorunexpectedhadtakenplace，andwentreadingonwiththegreatestassiduity。ButneveraworddidCaptainCuttleunderstand，thoughhereadavastnumber，forRobtheGrinderwasscamperinguponecolumnanddownanotherallthroughthenewspaper。
　　ItisdoubtfulwhethertheworthyCaptainhadeverfelthimselfquiteabandoneduntilnow；butnow，oldSolGills，Walter，andHeart'sDelightwerelosttohimindeed，andnowMr。Carkerdeceivedandjeeredhimcruelly。TheywereallrepresentedinthefalseRob，towhomhehadheldforthmanyatimeontherecollectionsthatwerewarmwithinhim；
　　hehadbelievedinthefalseRob，andhadbeengladtobelieveinhim；
　　hehadmadeacompanionofhimasthelastoftheoldship'scompany；hehadtakenthecommandofthelittleMidshipmanwithhimathisrighthand；
　　hehadmeanttodohisdutybyhim，andhadfeltalmostaskindlytowardstheboyasiftheyhadbeenshipwreckedandcastuponadesertplacetogether。
　　Andnow，thatthefalseRobhadbroughtdistrust，treachery，andmeannessintotheveryparlour，whichwasakindofsacredplace，CaptainCuttlefeltasiftheparlourmighthavegonedownnext，andnotsurprisedhimmuchbyitssinking，orgivenhimanyverygreatconcern。
　　ThereforeCaptainCuttlereadthenewspaperwithprofoundattentionandnocomprehension，andthereforeCaptainCuttlesaidnothingwhateveraboutRobtohimself，oradmittedtohimselfthathewasthinkingabouthim，orwouldrecogniseinthemostdistantmannerthatRobhadanythingtodowithhisfeelingaslonelyasRobinsonCrusoe。
　　Inthesamecomposed，business-likeway，theCaptainsteppedovertoLeadenhallMarketinthedusk，andeffectedanarrangementwithaprivatewatchmanondutythere，tocomeandputupandtakedowntheshuttersoftheWoodenMidshipmaneverynightandmorning。Hethencalledinattheeating-housetodiminishbyonehalfthedailyrationstheretoforesuppliedtotheMidshipman，andatthepublichousetostopthetraitor'sbeer。`Myyoungman，'saidtheCaptain，inexplanationtotheyoungladyatthebar，`myyoungmanhavingbetteredhimself，Miss。'Lastly，theCaptainresolvedtotakepossessionofthebedunderthecounter，andtoturninthereo'
　　nightsinsteadofupstairs，assoleguardianoftheproperty。
　　Fromthis，bedCaptainCuttledailyrosethenceforth，andclappedonhisglazedhatatsixo'clockinthemorning，withthesolitaryairofCrusoefinishinghistoiletwithhisgoat-skincap；andalthoughhisfearsofavisitationfromthesavagetribe，MacStinger，weresomewhatcooled，assimilarapprehensionsonthepartofthatlonemarinerusedtobebythelapseofalongintervalwithoutanysymptomsofthecannibals，hestillobservedaregularroutineofdefensiveoperations，andneverencounteredabonnetwithoutprevioussurveyfromhiscastleofretreat。
　　InthemeantimeduringwhichhereceivednocallfromMr。Toots，whowrotetosayhewasoutoftownhisownvoicebegantohaveastrangesoundinhisears；andheacquiredsuchhabitsofprofoundmeditationfrommuchpolishingandstowingawayofthestock，andfrommuchsittingbehindthecounterreading，orlookingoutofwindow，thattheredrimmadeonhisforeheadbythehardglazedhat，sometimesachedagainwithexcessofreflection。
　　Theyearbeingnowexpired，CaptainCuttledeemeditexpedienttoopenthepacket；butashehadalwaysdesigneddoingthisinthepresenceofRobtheGrinder，whohadbroughtittohim，andashehadanideathatitwouldberegularandship-shapetoopenitinthepresenceofsomebody，hewassadlyputtoitforwantofawitness。Inthisdifficulty，hehailedonedaywithunusualdelighttheannouncementintheShippingIntelligenceofthearrivaloftheCautiousClara，CaptainJohnBunsby，fromacoastingvoyage；andtothatphilosopherimmediatelydispatchedaletterbypost，enjoininginviolablesecrecyastohisplaceofresidence，andrequestingtobefavouredwithanearlyvisit，intheeveningseason。
　　Bunsby，whowasoneofthosesageswhoactuponconviction，tooksomedaystogettheconvictionthoroughlyintohismind，thathehadreceivedalettertothiseffect。Butwhenhehadgrappledwiththefact，andmasteredit，hepromptlysenthisboywiththemessage，`He'sacomingto-night。'
　　Whobeinginstructedtodeliverthosewordsanddisappear，fulfilledhismissionlikeatarryspirit，chargedwithamysteriouswarning。
　　TheCaptain，wellpleasedtoreceiveit，madepreparationofpipesandrumandwater，andawaitedhisvisitorinthebackparlour。Atthehourofeight，adeeplowing，asofanauticalBull，outsidetheshop-door，succeededbytheknockingofastickonthepanel，announcedtothelisteningearofCaptainCuttle，thatBunsbywasalongside：whomheinstantlyadmitted，shaggyandloose，andwithhisstolidmahoganyvisage，asusual，appearingtohavenoconsciousnessofanythingbeforeit，buttobeattentivelyobservingsomethingthatwastakingplaceinquiteanotherpartoftheworld。
　　`Bunsby，'saidtheCaptain，graspinghimbythehand，`whatcheer，mylad，whatcheer？'
　　`Shipmet，'repliedthevoicewithinBunsby，unaccompaniedbyanysignonthepartoftheCommanderhimself，`hearty，hearty。'
　　`Bunsby！'saidtheCaptain，renderingirrepressiblehomagetohisgenius，`hereyouare！amanascangiveanopinionasisbrighterthandi'monds——andgivemetheladwiththetarrytrousersasshinestomelikedi'mondsbright，forwhichyou'lloverhaultheStanfell'sBudget，andwhenfoundmakeanote。Hereyouare，amanasgaveanopinioninthishereveryplace，thathascometrue，everyletteronit，'whichtheCaptainsincerelybelieved。
　　`Aye，aye？'growledBunsby。
　　`Everyletter，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Forwhy？'growledBunsby，lookingathisfriendforthefirsttime。`Whichway？Ifso，whynot？Therefore。'Withtheseoracularwords——theyseemedalmosttomaketheCaptaingiddy；theylaunchedhimuponsuchaseaofspeculationandconjecture——thesagesubmittedtobehelpedoffwithhispilotcoat，andaccompaniedhisfriendintothebackparlour，wherehishandpresentlyalightedontherum-bottle，fromwhichhebrewedastiffglassofgrog；andpresentlyafterwardsonapipe，whichhefilled，lighted，andbegantosmoke。
　　CaptainCuttle，imitatinghisvisitorinthematteroftheseparticulars，thoughtheraptandimperturbablemannerofthegreatCommanderwasfarabovehispowers，satintheoppositecornerofthefireside，observinghimrespectfully，andasifhewaitedforsomeencouragementorexpressionofcuriosityonBunsby'spartwhichshouldleadhimtohisownaffairs。
　　Butasthemahoganyphilosophergavenoevidenceofbeingsentientofanythingbutwarmthandtobacco，exceptonce，whentakinghispipefromhislipstomakeroomforhisglass，heincidentallyremarkedwithexceedinggruffness，thathisnamewasJackBunsby——adeclarationthatpresentedbutsmallopeningforconversation——theCaptainbespeakinghisattentioninashortcomplimentaryexordium，narratedthewholehistoryofUncleSol'sdeparture，withthechangeithadproducedinhisownlifeandfortunes；andconcludedbyplacingthepacketonthetable。
　　Afteralongpause，Mr。Bunsbynoddedhishead。
　　`Open？'saidtheCaptain。
　　Bunsbynoddedagain。
　　TheCaptainaccordinglybroketheseal，anddisclosedtoviewtwofoldedpapers，ofwhichheseverallyreadtheendorsements，thus：`LastWillandTestamentofSolomonGills。'`LetterforNedCuttle。'
　　Bunsby，withhiseyeonthecoastofGreenland，seemedtolistenforthecontents。TheCaptainthereforehemmedtoclearhisthroat，andreadtheletteraloud。
　　`“MydearNedCuttle。WhenIlefthomefortheWestIndies“'
　　HeretheCaptainstopped，andlookedhardatBunsby，wholookedfixedlyatthecoastofGreenland——
　　`“inforlornsearchofintelligenceofmydearboy，Iknewthatifyouwereacquaintedwithmydesign，youwouldthwartit，oraccompanyme；andthereforeIkeptitsecret。Ifyoueverreadthisletter，Ned，Iamlikelytobedead。Youwilleasilyforgiveanoldfriend'sfollythen，andwillfeelfortherestlessnessanduncertaintyinwhichhewanderedawayonsuchawildvoyage。Sonomoreofthat。Ihavelittlehopethatmypoorboywilleverreadthesewords，orgladdenyoureyeswiththesightofhisfrankfaceanymore。“No，no；nomore，'saidCaptainCuttle，sorrowfullymeditating；`nomore。Therehelays，allhisdays——'
　　Mr。Bunsby，whohadamusicalear，suddenlybellowed，`IntheBaysofBiscay，O！'whichsoaffectedthegoodCaptain，asanappropriatetributetodepartedworth，thatheshookhimbythehandinacknowledgment，andwasfaintowipehiseyes。
　　`Well，well！'saidtheCaptainwithasigh，astheLamentofBunsbyceasedtoringandvibrateintheskylight。`Afflictionsore，longtimehebore，andletusoverhaulthewollume，andtherefindit。'
　　`Physicians，'observedBunsby，`wasinvain。'
　　`Aye，aye，tobesure，'saidtheCaptain，`what'sthegoodo'themintwoorthreehundredfathomso'water！'Thenreturningtotheletter，hereadon：——`“Butifheshouldbeby，whenitisopened；“'
　　theCaptaininvoluntarilylookedround，andshookhishead；`“orshouldknowofitatanyothertime；“'theCaptainshookhisheadagain；`“myblessingonhim！Incasetheaccompanyingpaperisnotlegallywritten，itmattersverylittle，forthereisnooneinterestedbutyouandhe，andmyplainwishis，thatifheislivingheshouldhavewhatlittletheremaybe，andifasIfearotherwise，thatyoushouldhaveit，Ned。Youwillrespectmywish，Iknow。Godblessyouforit，andforallyourfriendlinessbesides，toSOLOMONGILLS。“Bunsby！'saidtheCaptain，appealingtohimsolemnly，`whatdoyoumakeofthis？Thereyousit，amanashashadhisheadbrokefrominfancyup'ards，andhasgotanewopinionintoitateveryseamashasbeenopened。Now，whatdoyoumakeo'this？'
　　`Ifsobe，'returnedBunsby，withunusualpromptitude，`ashe'sdead，myopinionishewon'tcomebacknomore。Ifsobeashe'salive，myopinionishewill。DoIsayhewill？No。Whynot？Becausethebearingsofthisobserwationlaysintheapplicationonit。'
　　`Bunsby！'saidCaptainCuttle，whowouldseemtohaveestimatedthevalueofhisdistinguishedfriend'sopinionsinproportiontotheimmensityofthedifficultyheexperiencedinmakinganythingoutofthem；`Bunsby，'
　　saidtheCaptain，quiteconfoundedbyadmiration，`youcarryaweightofmindeasy，aswouldswamponeofmytonnagesoon。Butinregardo'thisherewill，Idon'tmeantotakenostepstowardstheproperty——Lordforbid！——excepttokeepitforamorerightfulowner；andIhopeyetastherightfulowner，SolGills，islivingand'llcomeback，strangeasitisthatheain'tforwardednodispatches。Now，whatisyouropinion，Bunsby，astostowingoftheseherepapersawayagain，andmarkingoutsideastheywasopened，suchaday，inthepresenceofJohnBunsbyandEd'ardCuttle？'
　　Bunsby，descryingnoobjection，onthecoastofGreenlandorelsewhere，tothisproposal，itwascarriedintoexecution；andthatgreatman，bringinghiseyeintothepresentforamoment，affixedhissign-manualtothecover，totallyabstaining，withcharacteristicmodesty，fromtheuseofcapitalletters。CaptainCuttle，havingattachedhisownleft-handedsignature，andlockedupthepacketintheironsafe，entreatedhisguesttomixanotherglassandsmokeanotherpipe；anddoingthelikehimself，fellamusingoverthefireonthepossiblefortunesofthepooroldInstrument-maker。
　　Andnowasurpriseoccurred，sooverwhelmingandterrificthatCaptainCuttle，unsupportedbythepresenceofBunsby，musthavesunkbeneathit，andbeenalostmanfromthatfatalhour。
　　HowtheCaptain，eveninthesatisfactionofadmittingsuchaguest，couldhaveonlyshutthedoor，andnotlockedit，ofwhichnegligencehewasundoubtedlyguilty，isoneofthosequestionsthatmustforeverremainmerepointsofspeculation，orvaguechargesagainstdestiny。Butbythatunlockeddoor，atthisquietmoment，didthefellMacStingerdashintotheparlour，bringingAlexanderMacStingerinherparentalarms，andconfusionandvengeancenottomentionJulianaMacStinger，andthesweetchild'sbrother，CharlesMacStinger，popularlyknownaboutthescenesofhisyouthfulsports，asChowleyinhertrain。Shecamesoswiftlyandsosilently，likearushingairfromtheneighbourhoodoftheEastIndiaDocks，thatCaptainCuttlefoundhimselfintheveryactofsittinglookingather，beforethecalmfacewithwhichhehadbeenmeditating，changedtooneofhorroranddismay。
　　ButthemomentCaptainCuttleunderstoodthefullextentofhismisfortune，self-preservationdictatedanattemptatflight。Dartingatlittledoorwhichopenedfromtheparlouronthesteeplittlerangeofcellar-steps，theCaptainmadearush，head-foremost，atthelatter，likeamanindifferenttobruisesandcontusions，whoonlysoughttohidehimselfinthebowelsoftheearth。Inthisgallantefforthewouldprobablyhavesucceeded，butfortheaffectionatedispositionsofJulianaandChowley，whopinninghimbythelegs——oneofthosedearchildrenholdingontoeach——claimedhimastheirfriend，withlamentablecries。Inthemeantime，Mrs。MacStinger，whoneverentereduponanyactionofimportancewithoutpreviouslyinvertingAlexanderMacStinger，tobringhimwithintherangeofabriskbatteryofslaps，andthensittinghimdowntocoolasthereaderfirstbeheldhim，performedthatsolemnrite，asifonthisoccasionitwereasacrificetotheFuries；andhavingdepositedthevictimonthefloor，madeattheCaptainwithastrengthofpurposethatappearedtothreatenscratchestotheinterposingBunsby。
　　ThecriesofthetwoelderMacStingers，andthewailingofyoungAlexander，whomaybesaidtohavepassedapiebaldchildhood，forasmuchashewasblackinthefaceduringonehalfofthatfairyperiodofexistence，combinedtomakethisvisitationthemoreawful。Butwhensilencereignedagain，andtheCaptain，inaviolentperspiration，stoodmeeklylookingatMrs。MacStinger，itsterrorswereattheirheight。
　　`Oh，Cap'enCuttle，Cap'enCuttle！'saidMrs。MacStinger，makingherchinrigid，andshakingitinunisonwithwhat，butfortheweaknessofhersex，mightbedescribedasherfist。`Oh，Cap'enCuttle，Cap'enCuttle，doyoudaretolookmeintheface，andnotbestruckdownintheherth！'
　　TheCaptain，wholookedanythingbutdaring，feeblymuttered`Standby！'
　　`OhIwasaweakoftrustingFoolwhenItookyouundermyroof，Cap'enCuttle，Iwas！'criedMrs。MacStinger。`TothinkofthebenefitsI'veshoweredonthatman，andthewayinwhichIbroughtmychildrenuptoloveandhonourhimasifhewasafatherto'em，whentherean'ta'ousekeeper，nonoralodgerinourstreet，don'tknowthatIlostmoneybythatman，andbyhisguzzlingsandhismuzzlings'——Mrs。MacStingerusedthelastwordforthejointsakeofalliterationandaggravation，ratherthanfortheexpressionofanyidea——`andwhentheycriedoutoneandall，shameuponhimforputtinguponanindustriouswoman，upearlyandlateforthegoodofheryoungfamily，andkeepingherpoorplacesocleanthataindividualmighthaveatehisdinner，yes，andhisteatoo，ifhewassodisposed，offanyoneofthefloorsorstairs，inspiteofallhisguzzlingsandhismuzzlings，suchwasthecareandpainsbestoweduponhim！'
　　Mrs。MacStingerstoppedtofetchherbreath；andherfaceflushedwithtriumphinthissecondhappyintroductionofofCaptainCuttle'smuzzlings。
　　`Andherunsawa-a-a-y！'criedMrs。MacStinger，withalengtheningoutofthelastsyllablethatmadetheunfortunateCaptainregardhimselfasthemeanestofmen；`andkeepsawayatwelvemonth！Fromawoman！Sitchishisconscience！Hehasn'tthecouragetomeetherhi-i-i-igh；'longsyllableagain；`butstealsaway，likeafelion。Why，ifthatbabyofmine，'saidMrs。MacStinger，withsuddenrapidity，`wastooffertogoandstealaway，I'ddomydutyasamotherbyhim，tillhewascoveredwithwales！'
　　TheyoungAlexander，interpretingthisintoapositivepromise，tobeshortlyredeemed，tumbledoverwithfearandgrief，andlayuponthefloor，exhibitingthesolesofhisshoesandmakingsuchadeafeningoutcry，thatMrs。MacStingerfounditnecessarytotakehimupinherarms，whereshequietedhim，everandanon，ashebrokeoutagain，byashakethatseemedenoughtoloosenhisteeth。
　　`AprettysortofmanisCap'enCuttle，'saidMrs。MacStinger，withasharpstressonthefirstsyllableoftheCaptain'sname，`totakeonfor——andtolosesleepfor——andtofaintalongof——andtothinkdeadforsooth——andtogoupanddowntheblessedtownlikeamadwoman，askingquestionsafter！Oh，aprettysortofman！Hahahaha！He'sworthallthattroubleanddistressofmind，andmuchmore。That'snothing，blessyou！Hahahaha！Cap'enCuttle，'saidMrs。MacStinger，withseverereactioninhervoiceandmanner，`Iwishtoknowifyou'rea-cominghome？'
　　ThefrightenedCaptainlookedintohishat，asifhesawnothingforitbuttoputiton，andgivehimselfup。
　　`Cap'enCuttle，'repeatedMrs。MacStinger，inthesamedeterminedmanner，`Iwishtoknowifyou'rea-cominghome，Sir？'
　　TheCaptainseemedquitereadytogo，butfaintlysuggestedsomethingtotheeffectof`notmakingsomuchnoiseaboutit。'
　　`Aye，aye，aye，'saidBunsby，inasoothingtone。`Awast，mylass，awast！'
　　`AndwhomayYOUbe，ifyouplease！'retortedMrs。
　　MacStinger，withchasteloftiness。`DidyoueverlodgeatNumberNine，BrigPlace，Sir？Mymemorymaybebad，butnotwithme，Ithink。TherewasaMrs。JollsonlivedatNumberNinebeforeme，andperhapsyou'remistakingmeforher。Thatismyonlywaysofaccountingforyourfamiliarity，Sir。'
　　`Come，come，mylass，awast，awast！'saidBunsby。
　　CaptainCuttlecouldhardlybelieveit，evenofthisgreatman，thoughhesawitdonewithhiswakingeyes；butBunsby，advancingboldly，puthisshaggybluearmroundMrs。MacStinger，andsosoftenedherbyhismagicwayofdoingit，andbythesefewwords——hesaidnomore——thatshemeltedintotears，afterlookinguponhimforafewmoments，andobservedthatachildmightconquerhernow，shewassolowinhercourage。
　　Speechlessandutterlyamazed，theCaptainsawhimgraduallypersuadethisinexorablewomanintotheshop，returnforrumandwaterandacandle，takethemtoher，andpacifyherwithoutappearingtoutteroneword。Presentlyhelookedinwithhispilot-coaton，andsaid，`Cuttle，I'ma-goingtoactasconvoyhome；'andCaptainCuttle，moretohisconfusionthanifhehadbeenputinironshimself，forsafetransporttoBrigPlace，sawthefamilypacificallyfilingoff，withMrs。MacStingerattheirhead。
　　Hehadscarcelytimetotakedownhiscanister，andstealthilyconveysomemoneyintothehandsofJulianaMacStinger，hisformerfavourite，andChowley，whohadtheclaimuponhimthathewasnaturallyofamaritimebuild，beforetheMidshipmanwasabandonedbythemall；andBunsbywhisperingthathe'dcarryonsmart，andhailNedCuttleagainbeforehewentaboard，shutthedooruponhimself，asthelastmemberoftheparty。
　　Someuneasyideasthathemustbewalkinginhissleep，orthathehadbeentroubledwithphantoms，andnotafamilyoffleshandblood，besettheCaptainatfirst，whenhewentbacktothelittleparlour，andfoundhimselfalone。Illimitablefaithin，andimmeasurableadmirationof，theCommanderoftheCautiousClara，succeeded，andthrewtheCaptainintoawonderingtrance。
　　Still，astimeworeon，andBunsbyfailedtoreappear，theCaptainbegantoentertainuncomfortabledoubtsofanotherkind。WhetherBunsbyhadbeenartfullydecoyedtoBrigPlace，andwastheredetainedinsafecustodyashostageforhisfriend；inwhichcaseitwouldbecometheCaptain，asamanofhonour，toreleasehim，bythesacrificeofhisownliberty。
　　WhetherhehadbeenattackedanddefeatedbyMrs。MacStinger，andwasashamedtoshowhimselfafterhisdiscomfiture。WhetherMrs。MacStinger，thinkingbetterofit，intheuncertaintyofhertemper，hadturnedbacktoboardtheMidshipmanagain，andBunsby，pretendingtoconductherbyashortcut，wasendeavouringtolosethefamilyamidthewildsandsavageplacesoftheCity。Aboveall，whatitwouldbehovehim，CaptainCuttle，todo，incaseofhishearingnomore，eitheroftheMacStingersorofBunsby，which，inthesewonderfulandunforeseenconjunctionsofevents，mightpossiblyhappen。
　　Hedebatedallthisuntilhewastired；andstillnoBunsby。Hemadeuphisbedunderthecounter，allreadyforturningin；andstillnoBunsby。Atlength，whentheCaptainhadgivenhimup，forthatnightatleast，andhadbeguntoundress，thesoundofapproachingwheelswasheard，and，stoppingatthedoor，wassucceededbyBunsby'shail。
　　TheCaptaintrembledtothinkthatMrs。MacStingerwasnottobegotridof，andhadbeenbroughtbackinacoach。
　　Butno。Bunsbywasaccompaniedbynothingbutalargebox，whichhehauledintotheshopwithhisownhands，andassoonashehadhauledin，satupon。CaptainCuttleknewitforthechesthehadleftatMrs。
　　MacStinger'shouse，andlooking，candleinhand，atBunsbymoreattentively，believedthathewasthreesheetsinthewind，or，itplainwords，drunk。
　　Itwasdifficult，however，tobesureofthis；theCommanderhavingnotraceofexpressioninhisfacewhensober。
　　`Cuttle，'saidtheCommander，gettingoffthechest，andopeningthelid，`arethesehereyourtraps？'
　　CaptainCuttlelookedinandidentifiedhisproperty。
　　`Doneprettytautandtrim，hey，shipmet？'saidBunsby。
　　ThegratefulandbewilderedCaptaingraspedhimbythehand，andwaslaunchingintoareplyexpressiveofhisastonishedfeelings，whenBunsbydisengagedhimselfbyajerkofhiswrist，andseemedtomakeanefforttowinkwithhisrevolvingeye，theonlyeffectofwhichattempt，inhiscondition，wasnearlytooverbalancehim。Hethenabruptlyopenedthedoor，andshotawaytorejointheCautiousClarawithallspeed——supposedtobehisinvariablecustom，wheneverheconsideredhehadmadeapoint。
　　Asitwasnothishumourtobeoftensought，CaptainCuttledecidednottogoorsendtohimnextday，oruntilheshouldmakehisgraciouspleasureknowninsuchwise，orfailingthat，untilsomelittletimeshouldhaveelapsed。TheCaptain，therefore，renewedhissolitarylifenextmorning，andthoughtprofoundly，manymornings，noons，andnights，ofoldSolGills，andBunsby'ssentimentsconcerninghim，andthehopestherewereofhisreturn。MuchofsuchthinkingstrengthenedCaptainCuttle'shopes；andhehumouredthemandhimselfbywatchingfortheInstrument-makeratthedoorasheventuredtodonow，inhisstrangeliberty——andsettinghischairinitsplace，andarrangingthelittleparlourasitusedtobe，incaseheshouldcomehomeunexpectedly。Helikewise，inhisthoughtfulness，tookdownacertainlittleminiatureofWalterasaschoolboy，fromitsaccustomednail，lestitshouldshocktheoldmanonhisreturn。TheCaptainhadhispresentiments，too，sometimes，thathewouldcomeonsuchaday；
　　andoneparticularSunday，evenorderedadoubleallowanceofdinner，hewassosanguine。Butcome，oldSolomondidnot；andstilltheneighboursnoticedhowtheseafaringmanintheglazedhat，stoodattheshop-doorofanevening，lookingupanddownthestreet。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter40[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLDomesticRelationsITwasnotinthenatureofthingsthatamanofMr。Dombey'smood，opposedtosuchaspiritashehadraisedagainsthimself，shouldbesoftenedintheimperiousasperityofhistemper；orthatthecoldhardarmourofprideinwhichhelivedencased，shouldbemademoreflexiblebyconstantcollisionwithhaughtyscornanddefiance。Itisthecurseofsuchanature——itisamainpartoftheheavyretributiononitselfitbearswithinitself——thatwhiledeferenceandconcessionswellitsevilqualities，andarethefooditgrowsupon，resistanceandaquestioningofitsexactingclaims，fosterittoo，noless。Theevilthatisinitfindsequallyitsmeansofgrowthandpropagationinopposites。Itdrawssupportandlifefromsweetsandbitters；boweddownbefore，orunacknowledged，itstillenslavesthebreastinwhichithasitsthrone；and，worshippedorrejected，isashardamasterastheDevilindarkfables。
　　Towardshisfirstwife，Mr。Dombey，inhiscoldandloftyarrogance，hadbornehimselfliketheremovedBeinghealmostconceivedhimselftobe。Hehadbeen`Mr。Dombey'withherwhenshefirstsawhim，andhewas`Mr。Dombey'whenshedied。Hehadassertedhisgreatnessduringtheirwholemarriedlife，andshehadmeeklyrecognisedit。Hehadkepthisdistantseatofstateonthetopofhisthrone，andsheherhumblestationonitsloweststep；andmuchgoodithaddonehim，sotoliveinsolitarybondagetohisoneidea！Hehadimaginedthattheproudcharacterofhissecondwifewouldhavebeenaddedtohisown——wouldhavemergedintoit，andexaltedhisgreatness。Hehadpicturedhimselfhaughtierthanever，withEdith'shaughtinesssubservienttohis。Hehadneverentertainedthepossibilityofitsarrayingitselfagainsthim。Andnow，whenhefounditrisinginhispathateverystepandturnofhisdailylife，fixingitscold，defiant，andcontemptuousfaceuponhim，thisprideofhis，insteadofwithering，orhangingdownitsheadbeneaththeshock，putforthnewshoots，becamemoreconcentratedandintense，moregloomy，sullen，irksome，andunyielding，thanithadeverbeenbefore。
　　Whowearssucharmour，too，bearswithhimeveranotherheavyretribution。Itisofproofagainstconciliation，love，andconfidence！
　　againstallgentlesympathyfromwithout，alltrust，alltenderness，allsoftemotion；buttodeepstabsintheselflove，itisasvulnerableasthebarebreasttosteel；andsuchtormentingfestersranklethere，asfollowonnootherwounds，no，thoughdealtwiththemailedhandofPrideitself，onweakerpride，disarmedandthrowndown。
　　Suchwoundswerehis。Hefeltthemsharply，inthesolitudeofhisoldrooms；whitherhenowbeganoftentoretireagain，andpasslongsolitaryhours。Itseemedhisfatetobeeverproudandpowerful；everhumbledandpowerlesswherehewouldbemoststrong。Whoseemedfatedtoworkoutthatdoom？
　　Who？Whowasitwhocouldwinhiswifeasshehadwonhisboy？
　　Whowasitwhohadshownhimthatnewvictory，ashesatinthedarkcorner？
　　Whowasitwhoseleastworddidwhathisutmostmeanscouldnot？Whowasitwho，unaidedbyhislove，regardornotice，thrivedandgrewbeautifulwhenthosesoaideddied？Whocoulditbe，butthesamechildatwhomhehadoftenglanceduneasilyinhermotherlessinfancy，withakindofdread，lesthemightcometohateher；andofwhomhisforebodingwasfulfilled，forheDIDhateherinhisheart？
　　Yes，andhewouldhaveithatred，andhemadeithatred，thoughsomesparklesofthelightinwhichshehadappearedbeforehimonthememorablenightofhisreturnhomewithhisBride，occasionallyhungaboutherstill。Heknewnowthatshewasbeautiful；hedidnotdisputethatshewasgracefulandwinning，andthatinthebrightdawnofherwomanhoodshehadcomeuponhim，asurprise。Butheturnedeventhisagainsther。
　　Inhissullenandunwholesomebrooding，theunhappyman，withadullperceptionofhisalienationfromallhearts，andavagueyearningforwhathehadallhisliferepelled，madeadistortedpictureofhisrightsandwrongs，andjustifiedhimselfwithitagainsther。Theworthiershepromisedtobeofhim，thegreaterclaimhewasdisposedtoante-dateuponherdutyandsubmission？Whenhadsheevershownhimdutyandsubmission？Didshegracehislife——orEdith's？Hadherattractionsbeenmanifestedfirsttohim——orEdith？Why，heandshehadneverbeen，fromherbirth，likefatherandchild！Theyhadalwaysbeenestranged。Shehadcrossedhimeverywayandeverywhere。Shewasleaguedagainsthimnow。Herverybeautysoftenednaturesthatwereobduratetohim，andinsultedhimwithanunnaturaltriumph。
　　Itmayhavebeenthatinallthisthereweremutteringsofanawakenedfeelinginhisbreast，howeverselfishlyarousedbyhispositionofdisadvantage，incomparisonwithwhatshemighthavemadehislife。
　　Buthesilencedthedistantthunderwiththerollingofhisseaofpride。
　　Hewouldbearnothingbuthispride。Andinhispride，aheapofinconsistency，andmisery，andself-inflictedtorment，hehatedher。
　　Tothemoody，stubborn，sullendemon，thatpossessedhim，hiswifeopposedherdifferentprideinitsfullforce。Theynevercouldhaveledahappylifetogether；butnothingcouldhavemadeitmoreunhappy，thanthewilfulanddeterminedwarfareofsuchelements。Hispridewassetuponmaintaininghismagnificentsupremacy，andforcingrecognitionofitfromher。Shewouldhavebeenrackedtodeath，andturnedbutherhaughtyglanceofcalminflexibledisdainuponhim，tothelast。SuchrecognitionfromEdith！Helittleknewthroughwhatastormandstruggleshehadbeendrivenonwardtothecrowninghonourofhishand。Helittleknewhowmuchshethoughtshehadconceded，whenshesufferedhimtocallherwife。
　　Mr。Dombeywasresolvedtoshowherthathewassupreme。Theremustbenowillbuthis。Proudhedesiredthatsheshouldbe，butshemustbeproudfor，notagainsthim。Ashesatalone，hardening，hewouldoftenhearhergooutandcomehome，treadingtheroundofLondonlifewithnomoreheedofhislikingordisliking，pleasureordispleasure，thanifhehadbeenhergroom。Hercoldsupremeindifference——hisownunquestionedattributeusurped——stunghimmorethananyotherkindoftreatmentcouldhavedone；andhedeterminedtobendhertohismagnificentandstatelywill。
　　Hehadbeenlongcommuningwiththesethoughts，whenonenighthesoughtherinherownapartment，afterhehadheardherreturnhomelate。Shewasalone，inherbrilliantdress，andhadbutthatmomentcomefromhermother'sroom。Herfacewasmelancholyandpensive，whenhecameuponher；butitmarkedhimatthedoor；for，glancingatthemirrorbeforeit，hesawimmediately，asinapicture-frame，theknittedbrow，anddarkenedbeautythatheknewsowell。
　　`Mrs。Dombey，'hesaid，entering，`Imustbegleavetohaveafewwordswithyou。'
　　`To-morrow，'shereplied。
　　`Thereisnotimelikethepresent，Madam，'hereturned。`Youmistakeyourposition。Iamusedtochoosemyowntimes；nottohavethemchosenforme。IthinkyouscarcelyunderstandwhoandwhatIam，Mrs。
　　Dombey。'
　　`Ithink，'sheanswered，`thatIunderstandyouverywell。'
　　Shelookeduponhimasshesaidso，andfoldingherwhitearms，sparklingwithgoldandgems，uponherswellingbreast，turnedawayhereyes。
　　Ifshehadbeenlesshandsome，andlessstatelyinhercoldcomposure，shemightnothavehadthepowerofimpressinghimwiththesenseofdisadvantagethatpenetratedthroughhisutmostpride。Butshehadthepower，andhefeltitkeenly。Heglancedroundtheroom：sawhowthesplendidmeansofpersonaladornment，andtheluxuriesofdress，werescatteredhereandthere，anddisregarded；notinmerecapriceandcarelessnessorsohethought，butinasteadfasthaughtydisregardofcostlythings：andfeltitmoreandmore。Chapletsofflowers，plumesoffeathers，jewels，laces，silksandsatins；lookwherehewould，hesawriches，despised，pouredout，andmadeofnoaccount。Theverydiamonds——amarriagegift——thatroseandfellimpatientlyuponherbosom，seemedtopanttobreakthechainthatclaspedthemroundherneck，androlldownonthefloorwhereshemighttreaduponthem。
　　Hefelthisdisadvantage，andheshowedit。Solemnandstrangeamonghiswealthofcolourandvoluptuousglitter，strangeandconstrainedtowardsitshaughtymistress，whoserepellentbeautyitrepeated，andpresentedallaroundhim，asinsomanyfragmentsofamirror，hewasconsciousofembarrassmentandawkwardness。Nothingthatministeredtoherdisdainfulself-possessioncouldfailtogallhim。Galledandirritatedwithhimself，hesatdown，andwentoninnoimprovedhumour：
　　`Mrs。Dombey，itisverynecessarythatthereshouldbesomeunderstandingarrivedatbetweenus。YourconductdoesnotpleaseMe，madam。'
　　Shemerelyglancedathimagain，andagainavertedhereyes；butshemighthavespokenforanhour，andexpressedless。
　　`Irepeat，Mrs。Dombey，doesnotpleaseme。Ihavealreadytakenoccasiontorequestthatitmaybecorrected。Inowinsistuponit。'
　　`Youchoseafittingoccasionforyourfirstremonstrance，Sir，andyouadoptafittingmanner，andafittingwordforyoursecond。Youinsist！Tome！'
　　`Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，withhismostoffensiveairofstate，`Ihavemadeyoumywife。Youbearmyname。Youareassociatedwithmypositionandmyreputation。Iwillnotsaythattheworldingeneralmaybedisposedtothinkyouhonouredbythatassociation；butIwillsaythatIamaccustomedto“insist，“tomyconnectionsanddependents。'
　　`Whichmayyoubepleasedtoconsiderme？'sheasked。
　　`PossiblyImaythinkthatmywifeshouldpartake——ordoespartake，andcannothelpherself——ofbothcharacters，Mrs。Dombey。'
　　Shebenthereyesuponhimsteadily，andsethertremblinglips。
　　Hesawherbosomthrob，andsawherfaceflushandturnwhite。Allthishecouldknow，anddid：buthecouldnotknowthatonewordwaswhisperinginthedeeprecessesofherheart，tokeepherquiet；andthatthewordwasFlorence。
　　Blindidiot，rushingtoaprecipice！Hethoughtshestoodinaweofhim！
　　`Youaretooexpensive，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey。`Youareextravagant。
　　Youwasteagreatdealofmoney——orwhatwouldbeagreatdealinthepocketsofmostgentlemen——incultivatingakindofsocietythatisuselesstome，and，indeed，thatuponthewholeisdisagreeabletome。Ihavetoinsistuponatotalchangeinalltheserespects。IknowthatinthenoveltyofpossessingatitheofsuchmeansasFortunehasplacedatyourdisposal，ladiesareapttorunintoasuddenextreme。Therehasbeenmorethanenoughofthatextreme。IbegthatMrs。Granger'sverydifferentexperiencesmaynowcometotheinstructionofMrs。Dombey。'
　　Stillthefixedlook，thetremblinglips，thethrobbingbreast，thefacenowcrimsonandnowwhite；andstillthedeepwhisperFlorence，Florence，speakingtoherinthebeatingofherheart。
　　Hisinsolenceofself-importancedilatedashesawthisalterationinher。Swollennolessbyherpastscornofhim，andhissorecentfeelingofdisadvantage，thanbyherpresentsubmissionashetookittobe，itbecametoomightyforhisbreast，andburstallbounds。Why，whocouldlongresisthisloftywillandpleasure！Hehadresolvedtoconquerher，andlookhere！
　　`Youwillfurtherplease，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，inatoneofsovereigncommand，`tounderstanddistinctly，thatIamtobedeferredtoandobeyed。ThatImusthaveapositiveshowandconfessionofdeferencebeforetheworld，Madam。Iamusedtothis。Irequireitasmyright。InshortIwillhaveit。Iconsideritnounreasonablereturnfortheworldlyadvancementthathasbefallenyou；andIbelievenobodywillbesurprised，eitheratitsbeingrequiredfromyou，oratyourmakingit——ToMe——ToMe！'headded，withemphasis。
　　Nowordfromher。Nochangeinher。Hereyesuponhim。
　　`Ihavelearntfromyourmother，Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，withmagisterialimportance，`whatnodoubtyouknow，namely，thatBrightonisrecommendedforherhealth。Mr。Carkerhasbeensogood'
　　Shechangedsuddenly。Herfaceandbosomglowedasiftheredlightofanangrysunsethadbeenflunguponthem。Notunobservantofthechange，andputtinghisowninterpretationuponit，Mr。Dombeyresumed：
　　`Mr。Carkerhasbeensogoodastogodownandsecureahousethere，foratime。OnthereturnoftheestablishmenttoLondon，IshalltakesuchstepsforitsbettermanagementasIconsidernecessary。Oneofthese，willbetheengagementatBrightonifitistobeeffected，ofaveryrespectablereducedpersonthere，aMrs。Pipchin，formerlyemployedinasituationoftrustinmyfamily，toactashousekeeper。Anestablishmentlikethis，presidedoverbutnominally，Mrs。Dombey，requiresacompetenthead。'
　　Shehadchangedherattitudebeforehearrivedatthesewords，andnowsat——stilllookingathimfixedly——turningabraceletroundandrounduponherarm；notwindingitaboutwithalight，womanlytouch，butpressinganddraggingitoverthesmoothskin，untilthewhitelimbshowedabarofred。
　　`Iobserved，'saidMr。Dombey——`andthisconcludeswhatIdeemitnecessarytosaytoyouatpresent，Mrs。Dombey——Iobservedamomentago，Madam，thatmyallusiontoMr。Carkerwasreceivedinapeculiarmanner。
　　Ontheoccasionofmyhappeningtopointouttoyou，beforethatconfidentialagent，theobjectionIhadtoyourmodeofreceivingmyvisitors，youwerepleasedtoobjecttohispresence。Youwillhavetogetthebetterofthatobjection，Madam，andtoaccustomyourselftoitveryprobablyonmanysimilaroccasions；unlessyouadopttheremedywhichisinyourownhands，ofgivingmenocauseofcomplaint。Mr。Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，who，aftertheemotionhehadjustseen，setgreatstorebythismeansofreducinghisproudwife，andwhowasperhapssufficientlywillingtoexhibithispowertothatgentlemaninanewandtriumphantaspect，`Mr。Carkerbeinginmyconfidence，Mrs。Dombey，mayverywellbeinyourstosuchanextent。
　　Ihope，Mrs。Dombey，'hecontinued，afterafewmoments，duringwhich，inhisincreasinghaughtiness，hehadimprovedonhisidea，`ImaynotfinditnecessaryevertointrustMr。Carkerwithanymessageofobjectionorremonstrancetoyou；butasitwouldbederogatorytomypositionandreputationtobefrequentlyholdingtrivialdisputeswithaladyuponwhomIhaveconferredthehighestdistinctionthatitisinmypowertobestow，IshallnotscrupletoavailmyselfofhisservicesifIseeoccasion。'
　　`Andnow，'hethought，risinginhismoralmagnificence，andrisingastifferandmoreimpenetrablemanthanever，`sheknowsmeandmyresolution。'
　　Thehandthathadsopressedthebraceletwaslaidheavilyuponherbreast，butshelookedathimstill，withanunalteredface，andsaidinalowvoice：
　　`Wait！ForGod'ssake！Imustspeaktoyou。'
　　Whydidshenot，andwhatwastheinwardstrugglethatrenderedherincapableofdoingso，forminutes，while，inthestrongconstraintsheputuponherface，itwasasfixedasanystatue's——lookinguponhimwithneitheryieldingnorunyielding，likingnorhatred，pridenorhumility：
　　nothingbutasearchinggaze？
　　`DidIevertemptyoutoseekmyhand？DidIeveruseanyarttowinyou？WasIevermoreconciliatingtoyouwhenyoupursuedme，thanIhavebeensinceourmarriage？WasIeverothertoyouthanIam？'
　　`Itiswhollyunnecessary，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，`toenteruponsuchdiscussions。'
　　`DidyouthinkIlovedyou？DidyouknowIdidnot？Didyouevercare，Man！formyheart，orproposetoyourselftowintheworthlessthing？
　　Wasthereanypoorpretenceofanyinourbargain？Uponyourside，oronmine？'
　　`Thesequestions，'saidMr。Dombey，`areallwideofthepurpose，Madam。'
　　Shemovedbetweenhimandthedoortopreventhisgoingaway，anddrawinghermajesticfiguretoitsheight，lookedsteadilyuponhimstill。
　　`Youanswereachofthem。YouanswermebeforeIspeak，Isee。
　　Howcanyouhelpit；youwhoknowthemiserabletruthaswellasI？Now，tellme。IfIlovedyoutodevotion，couldIdomorethanrenderupmywholewillandbeingtoyou，asyouhavejustdemanded？Ifmyheartwerepureandalluntried，andyouitsidol，couldyouaskmore；couldyouhavemore？'
　　`Possiblynot，Madam，'hereturnedcoolly。
　　`YouknowhowdifferentIam。Youseemelookingonyounow，andyoucanreadthewarmthofpassionforyouthatisbreathinginmyface。'
　　Notacurloftheproudlip，notaflashofthedarkeye，nothingbutthesameintentandsearchinglook，accompaniedthesewords。`Youknowmygeneralhistory。Youhavespokenofmymother。Doyouthinkyoucandegrade，orbendorbreak，metosubmissionandobedience？'
　　Mr。Dombeysmiled，ashemighthavesmiledataninquirywhetherhethoughthecouldraisetenthousandpounds。
　　`Ifthereisanythingunusualhere，'shesaid，withaslightmotionofherhandbeforeherbrow，whichdidnotforamomentflinchfromitsimmovableandotherwiseexpressionlessgaze，`asIknowthereareunusualfeelingshere，'raisingthehandshepresseduponherbosom，andheavilyreturningit，`considerthatthereisnocommonmeaningintheappealI
　　amgoingtomakeyou。Yes，forIamgoing；'shesaiditasinpromptreplytosomethinginhisface；`toappealtoyou。'
　　Mr。Dombey，withaslightlycondescendingbendofhischinthatrustledandcrackledhisstiffcravat，satdownonasofathatwasnearhim，toheartheappeal。
　　`IfyoucanbelievethatIamofsuchanaturenow，'——hefanciedhesawtearsglisteninginhereyes，andhethought，complacently，thathehadforcedthemfromher，thoughnonefellonhercheek，andsheregardedhimassteadilyasever，——`aswouldmakewhatInowsayalmostincredibletomyself，saidtoanymanwhohadbecomemyhusband，but，aboveall，saidtoyou，youmay，perhaps，attachthegreaterweighttoit。Inthedarkendtowhichwearetending，andmaycome，weshallnotinvolveourselvesalonethatmightnotbemuchbutothers。'
　　Others！Heknewatwhomthatwordpointed，andfrownedheavily。
　　`Ispeaktoyouforthesakeofothers。Alsoyourownsake；andformine。Sinceourmarriage，youhavebeenarroganttome；andIhaverepaidyouinkind。Youhaveshowntomeandeveryonearoundus，everydayandhour，thatyouthinkIamgracedanddistinguishedbyyouralliance。
　　Idonotthinkso，andhaveshownthattoo。Itseemsyoudonotunderstand，orsofarasyourpowercangointendthateachofusshalltakeaseparatecourse；andyouexpectfrommeinstead，ahomageyouwillneverhave。'
　　Althoughherfacewasstillthesame，therewasemphaticconfirmationofthis`Never'intheverybreathshedrew。
　　`Ifeelnotendernesstowardsyou；thatyouknow。Youwouldcarenothingforit，ifIdidorcould。Iknowaswellthatyoufeelnonetowardsme。Butwearelinkedtogether；andintheknotthattiesus，asIhavesaid，othersareboundup。Wemustbothdie；wearebothconnectedwiththedeadalready，eachbyalittlechild。Letusforbear。'
　　Mr。Dombeytookalongrespiration，asifhewouldhavesaid，Oh！wasthisall！
　　`Thereisnowealth，'shewenton，turningpalerasshewatchedhim，whilehereyesgrewyetmorelustrousintheirearnestness，`thatcouldbuythesewordsofme，andthemeaningthatbelongstothem。Oncecastawayasidlebreath，nowealthorpowercanbringthemback。Imeanthem；Ihaveweighedthem；andIwillbetruetowhatIundertake。Ifyouwillpromisetoforbearonyourpart，Iwillpromisetoforbearonmine。
　　Weareamostunhappypair，inwhom，fromdifferentcauses，everysentimentthatblessesmarriage，orjustifiesit，isrootedout；butinthecourseoftime，somefriendship，orsomefitnessforeachother，mayarisebetweenus。Iwilltrytohopeso，ifyouwillmaketheendeavourtoo；andIwilllookforwardtoabetterandahappieruseofagethanIhavemadeofyouthorprime。'
　　Throughoutshehadspokeninalowplainvoice，thatneitherrosenorfell；ceasing，shedroppedthehandwithwhichshehadenforcedherselftobesopassionlessanddistinct，butnottheeyeswithwhichshehadsosteadilyobservedhim。
　　`Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，withhisutmostdignity，`Icannotentertainanyproposalofthisextraordinarynature。'
　　Shelookedathimyet，withouttheleastchange。
　　`Icannot，'saidMr。Dombey，risingashespoke，`consenttotemporiseortreatwithyou，Mrs。Dombey，uponasubjectastowhichyouareinpossessionofmyopinionsandexpectations。Ihavestatedmyultimatum，Madam，andhaveonlytorequestyourveryseriousattentiontoit。'
　　Toseethefacechangetoitsoldexpression，deepenedinintensity！
　　Toseetheeyesdroopasfromsomemeanandodiousobject！Toseethelightingofthehaughtybrow！Toseescorn，anger，indignation，andabhorrencestartingintosight，andthepaleblankearnestnessvanishlikeamist！Hecouldnotchoosebutlook，althoughhelookedtohisdismay。
　　`Go，Sir！'shesaid，pointingwithanimperioushandtowardsthedoor。`Ourfirstandlastconfidenceisatanend。Nothingcanmakeusstrangertoeachotherthanwearehenceforth。'
　　`Ishalltakemyrightfulcourse，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，`undeterred，youmaybesure，byanygeneraldeclamation。'
　　Sheturnedherbackuponhim，and，withoutreply，satdownbeforeherglass。
　　`Iplacemyrelianceonyourimprovedsenseofduty，andmorecorrectfeeling，andbetterreflection，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　Sheanswerednotoneword。Hesawnomoreexpressionofanyheedofhim，inthemirror，thanifhehadbeenanunseenspideronthewall，orbeetleonthefloor，orrather，thanifhehadbeentheoneorother，seenandcrushedwhenshelastturnedfromhim，andforgottenamongtheignominiousanddeadverminoftheground。
　　Helookedback，ashewentoutatthedoor，uponthewelllightedandluxuriousroom，thebeautifulandglitteringobjectseverywheredisplayed，theshapeofEdithinitsrichdressseatedbeforeherglass，andthefaceofEdithastheglasspresentedittohim；andbetookhimselftohisoldchamberofcogitation，carryingawaywithhimavividpictureinhismindofallthesethings，andaramblingandunaccountablespeculationsuchassometimescomesintoaman'sheadhowtheywouldalllookwhenhesawthemnext。
　　Fortherest，Mr。Dombeywasverytaciturn，andverydignified，andveryconfidentofcarryingouthispurpose；andremainedso。
　　HedidnotdesignaccompanyingthefamilytoBrighton；buthegraciouslyinformedCleopatraatbreakfast，onthemorningofdeparture，whicharrivedadayortwoafterwards，thathemightbeexpecteddown，soon。TherewasnotimetobelostingettingCleopatratoanyplacerecommendedasbeingsalutary；for，indeed，sheseemeduponthewane，andturningoftheearth，earthy。
　　Withouthavingundergoneanydecidedsecondattackofhermalady，theoldwomanseemedtohavecrawledbackwardinherrecoveryfromthefirst。Shewasmoreleanandshrunken，moreuncertaininherimbecility，andmadestrangerconfusionsinhermindandmemory。Amongothersymptomsofthislastaffliction，shefellintothehabitofconfoundingthenamesofhertwosons-in-law，thelivingandthedeceased；andingeneralcalledMr。Dombey，either`Grangeby，'or`Domber，'orindifferently，both。
　　Butshewasyouthful，veryyouthfulstill；andinheryouthfulnessappearedatbreakfast，beforegoingaway，inanewbonnetmadeexpress，andatravellingrobethatwasembroideredandbraidedlikeanoldbaby's。
　　Itwasnoteasytoputherintoafly-awaybonnetnow，ortokeepthebonnetinitsplaceonthebackofherpoornoddinghead，whenitwasgoton。
　　Inthisinstance，ithadnotonlytheextraneouseffectofbeingalwaysononeside，butofbeingperpetuallytappedonthecrownbyFlowersthemaid，whoattendedinthebackgroundduringbreakfasttoperformthatduty。
　　`Now，mydearestGrangeby，'saidMrs。Skewton，`youmustposivelyprom，'shecutsomeofherwordsshort，andcutoutothersaltogether，`comedownverysoon。'
　　`Isaidjustnow，Madam，'returnedMr。Dombey，loudlyandlaboriously，`thatIamcominginadayortwo。'
　　`Blessyou，Domber！'
　　HeretheMajor，whowascometotakeleaveoftheladies，andwhowasstaringthroughhisapoplecticeyesatMrs。Skewton'sface，withthedisinterestedcomposureofanimmortalbeing，said：
　　`Begad，Ma'am，youdon'taskoldJoetocome！'
　　`Steriouswretch，who'she？'lispedCleopatra。ButataponthebonnetfromFlowersseemingtojoghermemory，sheadded，`Oh！Youmeanyourself，younaughtycreature！'
　　`Devilishqueer，Sir，'whisperedtheMajortoMr。Dombey。`Badcase。Neverdidwrapupenough；'theMajorbeingbuttonedtothechin。`WhywhoshouldJ。B。meanbyJoe，butoldJoeBagstock——Joseph——yourslave——Joe，Ma'am？Here！Here'stheman！HerearetheBagstockbellows，Ma'am！'criedtheMajor，strikinghimselfasoundingblowonthechest。
　　`MydearestEdith——Grangeby——it'smosttrordinrything，'saidCleopatra，pettishly，`thatMajor——'
　　`Bagstock！J。B。！'criedtheMajor，seeingthatshefalteredforhisname。
　　`Well，itdon'tmatter，'saidCleopatra。`Edith，mylove，youknowInevercouldremembernames——whatwasit？oh！——mosttrordinrythingthatsomanypeoplewanttocomedowntoseeme。I'mnotgoingforlong。
　　I'mcomingback。Surelytheycanwait，tillIcomeback！'
　　Cleopatralookedallroundthetableasshesaidit，andappearedveryuneasy。
　　`Iwon'thavevisitors——reallydon'twantvisitors，'shesaid；
　　`littlerepose——andallthatsortofthing——iswhatIquire。NoodiousbrutesmustproachmetillI'veshakenoffthisnumbness；'andinagrislyresumptionofhercoquettishways，shemadeadabattheMajorwithherfan，butoversetMr。Dombey'sbreakfastcupinstead，whichwasinquiteadifferentdirection。
　　ThenshecalledforWithers，andchargedhimtoseeparticularlythatwordwasleftaboutsometrivialalterationsinherroom，whichmustbeallmadebeforeshecameback，andwhichmustbesetaboutimmediately，astherewasnosayinghowsoonshemightcomeback；forshehadagreatmanyengagements，andallsortsofpeopletocallupon。Withersreceivedthesedirectionswithbecomingdeference，andgavehisguaranteefortheirexecution；butwhenhewithdrewapaceortwobehindher，itappearedasifhecouldn'thelplookingstrangelyattheMajor，whocouldn'thelplookingstrangelyatMr。Dombey，whocouldn'thelplookingstrangelyatCleopatra，whocouldn'thelpnoddingherbonnetoveroneeye，andrattlingherknifeandforkuponherplateinusingthem，asifshewereplayingcastanets。
　　Edithaloneneverliftedhereyestoanyfaceatthetable，andneverseemeddismayedbyanythinghermothersaidordid。Shelistenedtoherdisjointedtalk，oratleast，turnedherheadtowardsherwhenaddressed；
　　repliedinafewlowwordswhennecessary；andsometimesstoppedherwhenshewasrambling，orbroughtherthoughtsbackwithamonosyllable，tothepointfromwhichtheyhadstrayed。Themother，howeverunsteadyinotherthings，wasconstantinthis——thatshewasalwaysobservantofher。