ChickorMissTox——daredeverwhispertohimthattherehad，onanyoneoccasion，beentheleastreasonforuneasinessinreferencetolittlePaul。
　　Hehadsettled，withinhimself，thatthechildmustnecessarilypassthroughacertainroutineofminormaladies，andthatthesoonerhedidsothebetter。Ifhecouldhaveboughthimoff，orprovidedasubstitute，asinthecaseofanunluckydrawingforthemilitia，hewouldhavebeengladtodosoonliberalterms。Butasthiswasnotfeasible，hemerelywondered，inhishaughtymanner，nowandthen，whatNaturemeantbyit；andcomfortedhimselfwiththereflectionthattherewasanothermilestonepassedupontheroad，andthatthegreatendofthejourneylaysomuchthenearer。
　　Forthefeelinguppermostinhismind，nowandconstantlyintensifying，andincreasinginitasPaulgrewolder，wasimpatience。Impatienceforthetimetocome，whenhisvisionsoftheirunitedconsequenceandgrandeurwouldbetriumphantlyrealized。
　　SomePhilosopherstellusthatselfishnessisattherootofourbestlovesandaffections。Mr。Dombey'syoungchildwas，fromthebeginning，sodistinctlyimportanttohimasapartofhisowngreatness，orwhichisthesamethingofthegreatnessofDombeyandSon，thatthereisnodoubthisparentalaffectionmighthavebeeneasilytraced，likemanyagoodlysuper-structureoffairfame，toaverylowfoundation。Buthelovedhissonwithallthelovehehad。Iftherewereawarmplaceinhisfrostyheart，hissonoccupiedit；ifitsveryhardsurfacecouldreceivetheimpressionofanyimage，theimageofthatsonwasthere；thoughnotsomuchasaninfant，orasaboy，butasagrownman——the`Son'oftheFirm。
　　Thereforehewasimpatienttoadvanceintothefuture，andtohurryovertheinterveningpassagesofhishistory。Thereforehehadlittleornoanxietyaboutthem，inspiteofhislove；feelingasiftheboyhadacharmedlife，andmustbecomethemanwithwhomheheldsuchconstantcommunicationinhisthoughts，andforwhomheplannedandprojected，asforanexistingreality，everyday。
　　ThusPaulgrewtobenearlyfiveyearsold。Hewasaprettylittlefellow；thoughtherewassomethingwanandwistfulinhissmallface，thatgaveoccasiontomanysignificantshakesofMrs。Wickam'shead，andmanylong-drawninspirationsofMrs。Wickam'sbreath。Histempergaveabundantpromiseofbeingimperiousinafter-life；andhehadashopefulanapprehensionofhisownimportance，andtherightfulsubservienceofallotherthingsandpersonstoit，asheartcoulddesire。Hewaschildishandsportiveenoughattimes，andnotofasullendisposition；buthehadastrange，old-fashioned，thoughtfulway，atothertimes，ofsittingbroodinginhisminiaturearmchair，whenhelookedandtalkedlikeoneofthoseterriblelittleBeingsintheFairytales，who，atahundredandfiftyortwohundredyearsofage，fantasticallyrepresentthechildrenforwhomtheyhavebeensubstituted。Hewouldfrequentlybestrickenwiththisprecociousmoodupstairsinthenursery；andwouldsometimeslapseintoitsuddenly，exclaimingthathewastired：evenwhileplayingwithFlorence，ordrivingMissToxinsingleharness。Butatnotimedidhefallintoitsosurely，aswhen，hislittlechairbeingcarrieddownintohisfather'sroom，hesattherewithhimafterdinner，bythefire。Theywerethestrangestpairatsuchatimethateverfirelightshoneupon。Mr。Dombeysoerectandsolemn，gazingattheblaze；hislittleimage，withanold，oldface，peeringintotheredperspectivewiththefixedandraptattentionofasage。Mr。Dombeyentertainingcomplicatedworldlyschemesandplans；thelittleimageentertainingHeavenknowswhatwildfancies，half-formedthoughts，andwanderingspeculations。
　　Mr。Dombeystiffwithstarchandarrogance；thelittleimagebyinheritance，andinunconsciousimitation。Thetwosoverymuchalike，andyetsomonstrouslycontrasted。
　　Ononeoftheseoccasions，whentheyhadbothbeenperfectlyquietforalongtime，andMr。Dombeyonlyknewthatthechildwasawakebyoccasionallyglancingathiseye，wherethebrightfirewassparklinglikeajewel，littlePaulbrokesilencethus：
　　`Papa！what'smoney？'
　　TheabruptquestionhadsuchimmediatereferencetothesubjectofMr。
　　Dombey'sthoughts，thatMr。Dombeywasquitedisconcerted。
　　`Whatismoney，Paul？'heanswered。`Money？'
　　`Yes，'saidthechild，layinghishandsupontheelbowsofhislittlechair，andturningtheoldfaceuptowardsMr。Dombey's；`whatismoney？'
　　Mr。Dombeywasinadifficulty。Hewouldhavelikedtogivehimsomeexplanationinvolvingthetermscirculating-medium，currency，depreciationofcurrency，paper，bullion，ratesofexchange，valueofpreciousmetalsinthemarket，andsoforth；butlookingdownatthelittlechair，andseeingwhatalongwaydownitwas，heanswered：`Gold，andsilver，andcopper。Guineas，shillings，half-pence。Youknowwhattheyare？'
　　`Ohyes，Iknowwhattheyare，'saidPaul。`Idon'tmeanthat，Papa。Imeanwhat'smoneyafterall？'
　　HeavenandEarth，howoldhisfacewasasheturneditupagaintowardshisfather's！
　　`Whatismoneyafterall！'saidMr。Dombey，backinghischairalittle，thathemightthebettergazeinsheeramazementatthepresumptuousatomthatpropoundedsuchaninquiry。
　　`Imean，Papa，whatcanitdo？'returnedPaul，foldinghisarmstheywerehardlylongenoughtofold，andlookingatthefire，andupathim，andatthefire，andupathimagain。
　　Mr。Dombeydrewhischairbacktoitsformerplace，andpattedhimonthehead。`You'llknowbetterby-and-by，myman，'hesaid。`Money，Paul，candoanything。'Hetookholdofthelittlehand，andbeatitsoftlyagainstoneofhisown，ashesaidso。
　　ButPaulgothishandfreeassoonashecould；andrubbingitgentlytoandfroontheelbowofhischair，asifhiswitwereinthepalm，andheweresharpeningit——andlookingatthefireagain，asthoughthefirehadbeenhisadviserandprompter——repeated，afterashortpause：
　　`Anything，Papa？'
　　`Yes。Anything——almost，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Anythingmeanseverything，don'tit，Papa？'askedhisson：notobserving，orpossiblynotunderstanding，thequalification。
　　`Itincludesit：yes，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Whydidn'tmoneysavememyMama？'returnedthechild。`Itisn'tcruel，isit？'
　　`Cruel！'saidMr。Dombey，settlinghisneckcloth，andseemingtoresenttheidea。`No。Agoodthingcan'tbecruel。'
　　`Ifit'sagoodthing，andcandoanything，'saidthelittlefellow，thoughtfully，ashelookedbackatthefire，`Iwonderwhyitdidn'tsavememyMama。'
　　Hedidn'taskthequestionofhisfatherthistime。Perhapshehadseen，withachild'squickness，thatithadalreadymadehisfatheruncomfortable。Butherepeatedthethoughtaloud，asifitwerequiteanoldonetohim，andhadtroubledhimverymuch；andsatwithhischinrestingonhishand，stillcogitatingandlookingforanexplanationinthefire。
　　Mr。Dombeyhavingrecoveredfromhissurprise，nottosayhisalarmforitwastheveryfirstoccasiononwhichthechildhadeverbroachedthesubjectofhismothertohim，thoughhehadhadhimsittingbyhisside，inthissamemanner，eveningafterevening，expoundedtohimhowthatmoney，thoughaverypotentspirit，nevertobedisparagedonanyaccountwhatever，couldnotkeeppeoplealivewhosetimewascometodie；
　　andhowthatwemustalldie，unfortunately，evenintheCity，thoughwewereneversorich。Buthowthatmoneycausedustobehonoured，feared，respected，courted，andadmired，andmadeuspowerfulandgloriousintheeyesofallmen；andhowthatitcould，veryoften，evenkeepoffdeath，foralongtimetogether。How，forexample，ithadsecuredtohisMamatheservicesofMr。Pilkins，bywhichhe，Paul，hadoftenprofitedhimself；
　　likewiseofthegreatDoctorParkerPeps，whomhehadneverknown。Andhowitcoulddoall，thatcouldbedone。This，withmoretothesamepurpose，Mr。Dombeyinstilledintothemindofhisson，wholistenedattentively，andseemedtounderstandthegreaterpartofwhatwassaidtohim。
　　`Itcan'tmakemestrongandquitewell，either，Papa；canit？'
　　askedPaul，afterashortsilence；rubbinghistinyhands。
　　`Why，youarestrongandquitewell，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`Areyounot？'
　　Oh！theageofthefacethatwasturnedupagain，withanexpression，halfofmelancholy，halfofslyness，onit！
　　`Youareasstrongandwellassuchlittlepeopleusuallyare？
　　Eh？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`FlorenceisolderthanIam，butI'mnotasstrongandwellasFlorence，Iknow，'returnedthechild；`butIbelievethatwhenFlorencewasaslittleasme，shecouldplayagreatdeallongeratatimewithouttiringherself。Iamsotiredsometimes，'saidlittlePaul，warminghishands，andlookinginbetweenthebarsofthegrate，asifsomeghostlypuppet-showwereperformingthere，`andmybonesachesoWickamsaysit'smybones，thatIdon'tknowwhattodo。'
　　`Aye！Butthat'satnight，'saidMr。Dombey，drawinghisownchairclosertohisson's，andlayinghishandgentlyonhisback；`littlepeopleshouldbetiredatnight，forthentheysleepwell。'
　　`Oh，it'snotatnight，Papa，'returnedthechild，`it'sintheday；andIliedowninFlorence'slap，andshesingstome。AtnightI
　　dreamaboutsuchcuri-ousthings！'
　　Andhewenton，warminghishandsagain，andthinkingaboutthem，likeanoldmanorayounggoblin。
　　Mr。Dombeywassoastonished，andsouncomfortable，andsoperfectlyatlosshowtopursuetheconversation，thathecouldonlysitlookingathissonbythelightofthefire，withhishandrestingonhisback，asifitweredetainedtherebysomemagneticattraction。Onceheadvancedhisotherhand，andturnedthecontemplativefacetowardshisownforamoment。Butitsoughtthefireagainassoonashereleasedit；andremained，addressedtowardstheflickeringblaze，untilthenurseappeared，tosummonhimtobed。
　　`IwantFlorencetocomeforme，'saidPaul。
　　`Won'tyoucomewithyourpoorNurseWickam，MasterPaul？'inquiredthatattendant，withgreatpathos。
　　`No，Iwon't，'repliedPaul，composinghimselfinhisarmchairagain，likethemasterofhouse。
　　Invokingablessinguponhisinnocence，Mrs。Wickamwithdrew，andpresentlyFlorenceappearedinherstead。Thechildimmediatelystartedupwithsuddenreadinessandanimation，andraisedtowardshisfatherinbiddinghimgoodnight，acountenancesomuchbrighter，somuchyounger，andsomuchmorechildlikealtogether，thatMr。Dombey，whilehefeltgreatlyreassuredbythechange，wasquiteamazedatit。
　　Aftertheyhadlefttheroomtogether，hethoughtheheardasoftvoicesinging；andrememberingthatPaulhadsaidhissistersungtohim，hehadthecuriositytoopenthedoorandlisten，andlookafterthem。
　　Shewastoilingupthegreat，wide，vacantstaircase，withhiminherarms；
　　hisheadwaslyingonhershoulder，oneofhisarmsthrownnegligentlyroundherneck。Sotheywent，toilingup；shesingingalltheway，andPaulsometimescrooningoutafeebleaccompaniment。Mr。Dombeylookedafterthemuntiltheyreachedthetopofthestaircase——notwithouthaltingtorestbytheway——andpassedoutofhissight；andthenhestillstoodgazingupwards，untilthedullraysofthemoon，glimmeringinamelancholymannerthroughthedimskylight，senthimbacktohisownroom。
　　Mrs。ChickandMissToxwereconvokedincouncilatdinnernextday；andwhentheclothwasremoved，Mr。Dombeyopenedtheproceedingsbyrequiringtobeinformed，withoutanyglossorreservation，whethertherewasanythingthematterwithPaul，andwhatMr。Pilkinssaidabouthim。
　　`Forthechildishardly，'saidMr。Dombey，`asstoutasIcouldwish。'
　　`Withyourusualhappydiscrimination，mydearPaul，'returnedMrs。Chick，`youhavehitthepointatonce。Ourdarlingisnotaltogetherasstoutaswecouldwish。Thefactis，thathismindistoomuchforhim。Hissoulisagreatdealtoolargeforhisframe。Iamsurethewayinwhichthatdearchildtalks！'saidMrs。Chick，shakingherhead；
　　`noonewouldbelieve。Hisexpressions，Lucretia，onlyyesterdayuponthesubjectofFunerals！——'
　　`Iamafraid，'saidMr。Dombey，interruptinghertestily，`thatsomeofthosepersonsupstairssuggestimpropersubjectstothechild。
　　Hewasspeakingtomelastnightabouthis——abouthisBones，'saidMr。
　　Dombey，layinganirritatedstressupontheword。`Whatonearthhasanybodytodowiththe——withthe——Bonesofmyson？Heisnotalivingskeleton，Isuppose。'
　　`Veryfarfromit，'saidMrs。Chick，withunspeakableexpression。
　　`Ihopeso，'returnedherbrother。`Funeralsagain！whotalkstothechildoffunerals？Wearenotundertakers，ormutes，orgrave-diggers，Ibelieve。'
　　`Veryfarfromit，'interposedMrs。Chick，withthesameprofoundexpressionasbefore。
　　`Thenwhoputssuchthingsintohishead？'saidMr。Dombey。`ReallyIwasquitedismayedandshockedlastnight。Whoputssuchthingsintohishead，Louisa？'
　　`MydearPaul，'saidMrs。Chick，afteramoment'ssilence，`itisofnouseinquiring。Idonotthink，Iwilltellyoucandidly，thatWickamisapersonofverycheerfulspirit，orwhatonewouldcalla——'
　　`AdaughterofMomus，'MissToxsoftlysuggested。
　　`Exactlyso，'saidMrs。Chick；`butsheisexceedinglyattentiveanduseful，andnotatallpresumptuous；indeedIneversawamorebiddablewoman。Ifthedearchild，'pursuedMrs。Chick，inthetoneofonewhowassummingupwhathadbeenpreviouslyquiteagreedupon，insteadofsayingitallforthefirsttime，`isalittleweakenedbythatlastattack，andisnotinquitesuchvigoroushealthaswecouldwish；andifhehassometemporaryweaknessinhissystem，anddoesoccasionallyseemabouttolose，forthemoment，theuseofhis——'
　　Mrs。Chickwasafraidtosaylimbs，afterMr。Dombey'srecentobjectiontobones，andthereforewaitedforasuggestionfromMissTox，who，truetoheroffice，hazarded`members。'
　　`Members！'repeatedMr。Dombey。
　　`Ithinkthemedicalgentlemanmentionedlegsthismorning，mydearLouisa，didhenot？'saidMissTox。
　　`Why，ofcoursehedid，mylove，'retortedMrs。Chick，mildlyreproachful。`Howcanyouaskme？Youheardhim。Isay，ifourdearPaulshouldlose，forthemoment，theuseofhislegs，thesearecasualtiescommontomanychildrenathistimeoflife，andnottobepreventedbyanycareorcaution。Thesooneryouunderstandthat，Paul，andadmitthat，thebetter。'
　　`Surelyyoumustknow，Louisa，'observedMr。Dombey，`thatIdon'tquestionyournaturaldevotionto，andregardfor，thefutureheadofmyhouse。Mr。PilkinssawPaulthismorning，Ibelieve？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Yes，hedid，'returnedhissister。`MissToxandmyselfwerepresent，MissToxandmyselfarealwayspresent。Wemakeapointofit。
　　Mr。Pilkinshasseenhimforsomedayspast，andaveryclevermanIbelievehimtobe。Hesaysitisnothingtospeakof；whichIcanconfirm，ifthatisanyconsolation；butherecommended，to-day，sea-air。Verywisely，Paul，Ifeelconvinced。'
　　`Sea-air，'repeatedMr。Dombey，lookingathissister。
　　`Thereisnothingtobemadeuneasyby，inthat，'saidMrs。Chick。
　　`MyGeorgeandFrederickwerebothorderedsea-air，whentheywereabouthisage；andIhavebeenordereditmyselfagreatmanytimes。Iquiteagreewithyou，Paul，thatperhapstopicsmaybeincautiouslymentionedupstairsbeforehim，whichitwouldbeaswellforhislittlemindnottoexpatiateupon；butIreallydon'tseehowthatistobehelpedinthecaseofachildofhisquickness。Ifhewereacommonchild，therewouldbenothinginit。ImustsayIthink，withMissTox，thatashortabsencefromthishouse，theairofBrighton，andthebodilyandmentaltrainingofsojudiciousapersonasMrs。Pipchinforinstance——'
　　`WhoisMrs。Pipchin，Louisa？'askedMr。Dombey；aghastatthisfamiliarintroductionofanamehehadneverheardbefore。
　　`Mrs。Pipchin，mydearPaul，'returnedhissister，`isanelderlylady——MissToxknowsherwholehistory——whohasforsometimedevotedalltheenergiesofhermind，withthegreatestsuccess，tothestudyandtreatmentofinfancy，andwhohasbeenextremelywellconnected。Herhusbandbrokehisheartin——howdidyousayherhusbandbrokehisheart，mydear？Iforgettheprecisecircumstances。'
　　`InpumpingwateroutofthePeruvianMines，'repliedMissTox。
　　`NotbeingaPumperhimself，ofcourse，'saidMrs。chick，glancingatherbrother；anditreallydidseemnecessarytooffertheexplanation，forMissToxhadspokenofhimasifhehaddiedatthehandle；`buthavinginvestedmoneyinthespeculation，whichfailed。IbelievethatMrs。Pipchin'smanagementofchildrenisquiteastonishing。IhavehearditcommendedinprivatecircleseversinceIwas——dearme——howhigh！'Mrs。Chick'seyewanderedaboutthebookcasenearthebustofMr。Pitt，whichwasabouttenfeetfromtheground。
　　`PerhapsIshouldsayofMrs。Pipchin，mydearSir，'observedMissTox，withaningenuousblush，`havingbeensopointedlyreferredto，thattheencomiumwhichhasbeenpasseduponherbyyoursweetsisteriswellmerited。Manyladiesandgentlemen，nowgrownuptobeinterestingmembersofsociety，havebeenindebtedtohercare。Thehumbleindividualwhoaddressesyouwasonceunderhercharge。IbelieveJuvenilenobilityitselfisnostrangertoherestablishment。'
　　`DoIunderstandthatthisrespectablematronkeepsanestablishment，MissTox？'inquiredMr。Dombey，condescendingly。
　　`Why，Ireallydon'tknow，'rejoinedthatlady，`whetherIamjustifiedincallingitso。ItisnotaPreparatorySchoolbyanymeans。
　　ShouldIexpressmymeaning，'saidMissTox，withpeculiarsweetness，`ifIdesignateditaninfantineBoarding-Houseofaveryselectdescription？'
　　`Onanexceedinglylimitedandparticularscale，'suggestedMrs。Chick，withaglanceatherbrother。
　　`Oh！Exclusionitself！'saidMissTox。
　　Therewassomethinginthis。Mrs。Pipchin'shusbandhavingbrokenhisheartofthePeruvianmineswasgood。Ithadarichsound。Besides，Mr。DombeywasinastatealmostamountingtoconsternationattheideaofPaulremainingwherehewasonehourafterhisremovalhadbeenrecommendedbythemedicalpractitioner。Itwasastoppageanddelayupontheroadthechildmusttraverse，slowlyatthebest，beforethegoalwasreached。
　　TheirrecommendationofMrs。Pipchinhadgreatweightwithhim；forheknewthattheywerejealousofanyinterferencewiththeircharge，andheneverforamomenttookitintoaccountthattheymightbesolicitoustodividearesponsibility，ofwhichhehad，asshownjustnow，hisownestablishedviews。BrokehisheartofthePeruvianmines，musedMr。Dombey。
　　Well，averyrespectablewayofdoingit。
　　`Supposingweshoulddecide，onto-morrow'sinquiries，tosendPauldowntoBrightontothislady，whowouldgowithhim？'inquiredMr。
　　Dombey，aftersomereflection。
　　`Idon'tthinkyoucouldsendthechildanywhereatpresentwithoutFlorence，mydearPaul，'returnedhissister，hesitating。`It'squiteaninfatuationwithhim。He'sveryyoung，youknow，andhashisfancies。'
　　Mr。Dombeyturnedhisheadaway，andgoingslowlytothebookcase，andunlockingit，broughtbackabooktoread。
　　`Anybodyelse，Louisa？'hesaid，withoutlookingup，andturningovertheleaves。
　　`Wickam，ofcourse。Wickamwouldbequitesufficient，Ishouldsay，'returnedhissister。`PaulbeinginsuchhandsasMrs。Pipchin's，youcouldhardlysendanybodywhowouldbeafurthercheckuponher。Youwouldgodownyourselfoncea-weekatleast，ofcourse。'
　　`Ofcourse，'saidMr。Dombey；andsatlookingatonepageforanhourafterwards，withoutreadingoneword。
　　ThiscelebratedMrs。Pipchinwasamarvellousill-favoured，ill-conditionedoldlady，ofastoopingfigure，withamottledface，likebadmarble，ahooknose，andahardgreyeye，thatlookedasifitmighthavebeenhammeredatonananvilwithoutsustaininganyinjury。FortyyearsatleasthadelapsedsincethePeruvianmineshadbeenthedeathofMr。Pipchin；buthisrelictstillworeblackbombazeen，ofsuchalustreless，deep，dead，sombreshade，thatgasitselfcouldn'tlightherupafterdark，andherpresencewasaquenchertoanynumberofcandles。Shewasgenerallyspokenofas`agreatmanager'ofchildren；andthesecretofhermanagementwas，togivethemeverythingthattheydidn'tlike，andnothingthattheydid——whichwasfoundtosweetentheirdispositionsverymuch。Shewassuchabitteroldlady，thatonewastemptedtobelievetherehadbeensomemistakeintheapplicationofthePeruvianmachinery，andthatallherwatersofgladnessandmilkofhumankindness，hadbeenpumpedoutdry，insteadofthemines。
　　TheCastleofthisogressandchild-quellerwasinasteepby-streetatrighton；wherethesoilwasmorethanusuallychalky，flinty，andsterile，andthehousesweremorethanusuallybrittleandthin；wherethesmallfrontgardenshadtheunaccountablepropertyofproducingnothingbutmarigolds，whateverwassowninthem；andwheresnailswereconstantlydiscoveredholdingontothestreetdoors，andotherpublicplacestheywerenotexpectedtoornament，withthetenacityofcupping-glasses。Inthewintertimetheaircouldn'tbegotoutoftheCastle，andinthesummertimeitcouldn'tbegotin。Therewassuchacontinualreverberationofwindinit，thatitsoundedlikeagreatshell，whichtheinhabitantswereobligedtoholdtotheirearsnightandday，whethertheylikeditorno。Itwasnot，naturally，afreshsmellinghouse；andinthewindowofthefrontparlour，whichwasneveropened，Mrs。Pipchinkeptacollectionofplantsinpots，whichimpartedanearthyflavouroftheirowntotheestablishment。Howeverchoiceexamplesoftheirkind，too，theseplantswereofakindpeculiarlyadaptedtotheembowermentofMrs。Pipchin。Therewerehalf-a-dozenspecimensofthecactus，writhingroundbitsoflath，likehairyserpents；anotherspecimenshootingoutbroadclaws，likeagreenlobster；severalcreepingvegetables，possessedofstickyandadhesiveleaves；andoneuncomfortableflower-pothangingtotheceiling，whichappearedtohaveboiledover，andticklingpeopleunderneathwithitslonggreenends，remindedthemofspiders——inwhichMrs。Pipchin'sdwellingwasuncommonlyprolific，thoughperhapsitchallengedcompetitionstillmoreproudly，intheseason，inpointofearwigs。
　　Mrs。Pipchin'sscaleofchargesbeinghigh，however，toallwhocouldaffordtopay，andMrs。Pipchinveryseldomsweeteningtheequableacidityofhernatureinfavourofanybody，shewasheldtobeanoldladyofremarkablefirmness，whowasquitescientificinherknowledgeofthechildishcharacter。Onthisreputation，andonthebrokenheartofMr。
　　Pipchin，shehadcontrived，takingoneyearwithanother，toekeoutatolerablesufficientlivingsinceherhusband'sdemise。WithinthreedaysafterMrs。Chick'sfirstallusiontoher，thisexcellentoldladyhadthesatisfactionofanticipatingahandsomeadditiontohercurrentreceipts，fromthepocketofMr。Dombey；andofreceivingFlorenceandherlittlebrotherPaul，asinmatesoftheCastle。
　　Mrs。ChickandMissTox，whohadbroughtthemdownonthepreviousnightwhichtheyallpassedatanHotel，hadjustdrivenawayfromthedoor，ontheirjourneyhomeagain；andMrs。Pipchin，withherbacktothefire，stood，reviewingthenew-comers，likeanoldsoldier。Mrs。Pipchin'smiddle-agedniece，hergood-naturedanddevotedslave，butpossessingagauntandironboundaspect，andmuchafflictedwithboilsonhernose，wasdivestingMasterBitherstoneofthecleancollarhehadwornonparade。
　　MissPankey，theonlyotherlittleboarderatpresent，hadthatmomentbeenwalkedofftotheCastleDungeonanemptyapartmentattheback，devotedtocorrectionalpurposes，forhavingsniffedthrice，inthepresenceofvisitors。
　　`Well，Sir，'saidMrs。PipchintoPaul，`howdoyouthinkyoushalllikeme？'
　　`Idon'tthinkIshalllikeyouatall，'repliedPaul。`Iwanttogoaway。Thisisn'tmyhouse。'
　　`No。It'smine，'retortedMrs。Pipchin。
　　`It'saverynastyone，'saidPaul。
　　`There'saworseplaceinitthanthisthough，'saidMrs。Pipchin，`whereweshutupourbadboys。'
　　`Hasheeverbeeninit？'askedPaul：pointingoutMasterBitherstone。
　　Mrs。Pipchinnoddedassent；andPaulhadenoughtodo，fortherestofthatday，insurveyingMasterBitherstonefromheadtofoot，andwatchingalltheworkingsofhiscountenance，withtheinterestattachingtoaboyofmysteriousandterribleexperiences。
　　Atoneo'clocktherewasadinner，chieflyofthefarinaceousandvegetablekind，whenMissPankeyamildlittleblue-eyedmorselofachild，whowasshampoo'deverymorning，andseemedindangerofbeingrubbedaway，altogetherwasledinfromcaptivitybytheogressherself，andinstructedthatnobodywhosniffedbeforevisitorseverwenttoHeaven。
　　Whenthisgreattruthhadbeenthoroughlyimpresseduponher，shewasregaledwithrice；andsubsequentlyrepeatedtheformofgraceestablishedintheCastle，inwhichtherewasaspecialclause，thankingMrs。Pipchinforagooddinner。Mrs。Pipchin'sniece，Berinthia，tookcoldpork。Mrs。Pipchin，whoseconstitutionrequiredwarmnourishment，madeaspecialrepastofmutton-chops，whichwerebroughtinhotandhot，betweentwoplates，andsmeltverynice。
　　Asitrainedafterdinner，andtheycouldn'tgooutwalkingonthebeach，andMrs。Pipchin'sconstitutionrequiredrestafterchops，theywentawaywithBerryotherwiseBerinthiatotheDungeon；anemptyroomlookingoutuponachalkwallandawater-butt，andmadeghastlybyaraggedfireplacewithoutanystoveinit。Enlivenedbycompany，however，thiswasthebestplaceafterall；forBerryplayedwiththemthere，andseemedtoenjoyagameatrompsasmuchastheydid；untilMrs。Pipchinknockingangrilyatthewall，liketheCockLaneGhostrevived，theyleftoff，andBerrytoldthemstoriesinawhisperuntiltwilight。
　　Forteatherewasplentyofmilkandwater，andbreadandbutter，withalittleblacktea-potforMrs。PipchinandBerry，andbutteredtoastunlimitedforMrs。Pipchin，whichwasbroughtin，hotandhot，likethechops。ThoughMrs。Pipchingotverygreasy，outside，overthisdish，itdidn'tseemtolubricateherinternally，atall；forshewasasfierceasever，andthehardgreyeyeknewnosoftening。
　　Aftertea，Berrybroughtoutalittlework-box，withtheRoyalPaviliononthelid，andfelltoworkingbusily；whileMrs。Pipchin，havingputonherspectaclesandopenedagreatvolumeboundingreenbaize，begantonod。AndwheneverMrs。Pipchincaughtherselffallingforwardintothefire，andwokeup，shefillipedMasterBitherstoneonthenosefornoddingtoo。
　　Atlastitwasthechildren'sbedtime，andafterprayerstheywenttobed。AslittleMissPankeywasafraidofsleepingaloneinthedark，Mrs。Pipchinalwaysmadeapointofdrivingherupstairsherself，likeasheep；anditwascheerfultohearMissPankeymoaninglongafterwards，intheleasteligiblechamber，andMrs。Pipchinnowandthengoingintoshakeher。Atabouthalfpastnineo'clocktheodourofawarmsweet-breadMrs。Pipchin'sconstitutionwouldn'tgotosleepwithoutsweet-bread
　　diversifiedtheprevailingfragranceofthehouse，whichMrs。Wickamsaidwas`asmellofbuilding；'andslumberfellupontheCastleshortlyafter。
　　Thebreakfastnextmorningwasliketheteaovernight，exceptthatMrs。Pipchintookherrollinsteadoftoast，andseemedalittlemoreiratewhenitwasover。MasterBitherstonereadaloudtotherestapedigreefromGenesisjudi-ciouslyselectedbyMrs。Pipchin，gettingoverthenameswiththeeaseandclearnessofapersontumblingupthetreadmill。
　　Thatdone，MissPankeywasborneawaytobeshampoo'd；andMasterBitherstonetohavesomethingelsedonetohimwithsaltwater，fromwhichhealwaysreturnedveryblueanddejected。PaulandFlorencewentoutinthemeantimeonthebeachwithWickam——whowasconstantlyintears——andataboutnoonMrs。PipchinpresidedoversomeEarlyReadings。ItbeingapartofMrs。
　　Pipchin'ssystemnottoencourageachild'smindtodevelopandexpanditselflikeayoungflower，buttoopenitbyforcelikeanoyster，themoraloftheselessonswasusuallyofaviolentandstunningcharacter：
　　thehero——anaughtyboy——seldom，inthemildestcatastrophe，beingfinishedoffbyanythinglessthanalion，orabear。
　　SuchwaslifeatMrs。Pipchin's。OnSaturdayMr。Dombeycamedown；
　　andFlorenceandPaulwouldgotohisHotel，andhavetea。TheypassedthewholeofSundaywithhim，andgenerallyrodeoutbeforedinner；andontheseoccasionsMr。Dombeyseemedtogrow，likeFalstaff'sassailants，andinsteadofbeingonemaninbuckram，tobecomeadozen。Sundayeveningwasthemostmelancholyeveningintheweek；forMrs。PipchinalwaysmadeapointofbeingparticularlycrossonSundaynights。MissPankeywasgenerallybroughtbackfromanaunt'satRottingdean，indeepdistress；andMasterBitherstone，whoserelativeswereallinIndia，andwhowasrequiredtosit，betweentheservices，inanerectpositionwithhisheadagainsttheparlourwall，neithermovinghandnorfoot，sufferedsoacutelyinhisyoungspiritsthatheonceaskedFlorence，onaSundaynight，ifshecouldgivehimanyideaofthewaybacktoBengal。
　　ButitwasgenerallysaidthatMrs。Pipchinwasawomanofsystemwithchildren；andnodoubtshewas。Certainlythewildoneswenthometameenough，aftersojourningforafewmonthsbeneathherhospitableroof。
　　Itwasgenerallysaid，too，thatitwashighlycreditableofMrs。Pipchintohavedevotedherselftothiswayoflife，andtohavemadesuchasacrificeofherfeelings，andsucharesolutestandagainsthertroubles，whenMr。
　　PipchinbrokehisheartinthePeruvianmines。
　　Atthisexemplaryoldlady，Paulwouldsitstaringinhislittlearm-chairbythefire，foranylengthoftime。Heneverseemedtoknowwhatwearinesswas，whenhewaslookingfixedlyatMrs。Pipchin。Hewasnotfondofher；hewasnotafraidofher；butinthoseold，oldmoodsofhis，sheseemedtohaveagrotesqueattractionforhim。Therehewouldsit，lookingather，andwarminghishands，andlookingather，untilhesometimesquiteconfoundedMrs。Pipchin，Ogressasshewas。Oncesheaskedhim，whentheywerealone，whathewasthinkingabout。
　　`You，'saidPaul，withouttheleastreserve。
　　`Andwhatareyouthinkingaboutme？'askedMrs。Pipchin。
　　`I'mthinkinghowoldyoumustbe，'saidPaul。
　　`Youmustn'tsaysuchthingsasthat，younggentleman，'returnedthedame。`That'llneverdo。'
　　`Whynot？'askedPaul。
　　`Becauseit'snotpolite，'saidMrs。Pipchin，snappishly。
　　`Notpolite？'saidPaul。
　　`No。'
　　`It'snotpolite，'saidPaul，innocently，`toeatallthemutton-chopsandtoast，Wickamsays。'
　　`Wickam，'retortedMrs。Pipchin，colouring，`isawicked，impudent，boldfacedhussy。'
　　`What'sthat？'inquiredPaul。
　　`Neveryoumind，Sir，'retortedMrs。Pipchin。`Rememberthestoryofthelittleboythatwasgoredtodeathbyamadbullforaskingquestions。'
　　`Ifthebullwasmad，'saidPaul，`howdidheknowthattheboyhadaskedquestions？Nobodycangoandwhispersecretstoamadbull。Idon'tbelievethatstory。'
　　`Youdon'tbelieveit，Sir？'repeatedMrs。Pipchin，amazed。
　　`No，'saidPaul。
　　`Notifitshouldhappentohavebeenatamebull，youlittleInfidel？'saidMrs。Pipchen。
　　AsPaulhadnotconsideredthesubjectinthatlight，andhadfoundedhisconclusionsontheallegedlunacyofthebull，heallowedhimselftobeputdownforthepresent。Buthesatturningitoverinhismind，withsuchanobviousintentionoffixingMrs。Pipchinpresently，thateventhathardyoldladydeemeditprudenttoretreatuntilheshouldhaveforgottenthesubject。
　　Fromthattime，Mrs。PipchinappearedtohavesomethingofthesameoddkindofattractiontowardsPaul，asPaulhadtowardsher。Shewouldmakehimmovehischairtohersideofthefire，insteadofsittingopposite；andtherehewouldremaininanookbetweenMrs。Pipchinandthefender，withallthelightofhislittlefaceabsorbedintotheblackbombazeendrapery，studyingeverylineandwrinkleofhercountenance，andpeeringatthehardgreyeye，untilMrs。Pipchinwassometimesfaintoshutitonpretenceofdozing。Mrs。Pipchinhadanoldblackcat，whogenerallylaycoileduponthecentrefootofthefender，purringegotistically，andwinkingatthefireuntilthecontractedpupilsofhiseyeswereliketwonotesofadmiration。Thegoodoldladymighthavebeen——nottorecorditdisrespectfully——awitch，andPaulandthecathertwofamiliars，astheyallsatbythefiretogether。Itwouldhavebeenquiteinkeepingwiththeappearanceofthepartyiftheyhadallsprungupthechimneyinahighwindonenight，andneverbeenheardofanymore。
　　This，however，nevercametopass。Thecat，andPaul，andMrs。
　　Pipchin，wereconstantlytobefoundintheirusualplacesafterdark；
　　andPaul，eschewingthecompanionshipofMasterBitherstone，wentonstudyingMrs。Pipchin，andthecat，andthefire，nightafternight，asiftheywereabookofnecromancy，inthreevolumes。
　　Mrs。WickamputherownconstructiononPaul'seccentricities：
　　andbeingconfirmedinherlowspiritsbyaperplexedviewofchimneysfromtheroomwhereshewasaccustomedtosit，andbythenoiseofthewind，andbythegeneraldulnessgashlinesswasMrs。Wickam'sstrongexpression
　　ofherpresentlife，deducedthemostdismalreflectionsfromtheforegoingpremises。ItwasapartofMrs。Pipchin'spolicytopreventherown`younghussy'——thatwasMrs。Pipchin'sgenericnameforfemaleservant——fromcommunicatingwithMrs。Wickam：towhichendshedevotedmuchofhertimetoconcealingherselfbehinddoors，andspringingoutonthatdevotedmaiden，whenevershemadeanapproachtowardsMrs。Wickam'sapartment。ButBerrywasfreetoholdwhatconverseshecouldinthatquarterconsistentlywiththedischargeofthemultifariousdutiesatwhichshetoiledincessantlyfrommorningtonight；andtoBerryMrs。Wickamunburdenedhermind。
　　`Whataprettyfellowheiswhenhe'sasleep！'saidBerry，stoppingtolookatPaulinbed，onenightwhenshetookupMrs。Wickam'ssupper。
　　`Ah！'sighedMrs。Wickam。`Heneedbe。'
　　`Why，he'snotuglywhenhe'sawake，'observedBerry。
　　`No，Ma'am。Oh，no。Nomorewasmyuncle'sBetseyJane，'saidMrs。Wickam。
　　BerrylookedasifshewouldliketotracetheconnexionofideasbetweenPaulDombeyandMrs。Wickam'sUncle'sBetseyJane。
　　`Myuncle'swife，'Mrs。Wickamwentontosay，`diedjustlikehismama。Myuncle'schildtookonjustasMasterPauldo。Myuncle'schildmadepeople'sbloodruncold，sometimes，shedid！'
　　R`How！'askedBerry。
　　`Iwouldn'thavesatupallnightalonewithBetseyJane！'saidMrs。Wickam，`notifyou'dhaveputWickamintobusinessnextmorningforhimself。Icouldn'thavedoneit，MissBerry。'
　　MissBerrynaturallyaskedwhynot？ButMrs。Wickam，agreeablytotheusageofsomeladiesinhercondition，pursuedherownbranchofthesubjectwithoutanycompunction。
　　`BetseyJane，'saidMrs。Wickam，`wasassweetachildasIcouldwishtosee。Icouldn'twishtoseeasweeter。Everythingthatachildcouldhaveinthewayofillnesses，BetseyJanehadcomethrough。Thecrampswasascommontoher，'saidMrs。Wickam，`asbilesistoyourself，MissBerry。'MissBerryinvoluntarilywrinkledhernose。
　　`ButBetseyJane，'saidMrs。Wickam，loweringhervoice，andlookingroundtheroom，andtowardsPaulinbed，`hadbeenminded，inhercradle，byherdepartedmother。Icouldn'tsayhow，norIcouldn'tsaywhen，norIcouldn'tsaywhetherthedearchildknewitornot，butBetseyJanehadbeenwatchedbyhermother，MissBerry！Youmaysaynonsense！Ian'toffended，Miss。Ihopeyoumaybeabletothinkinyourownconsciencethatitisnonsense；you'llfindyourspiritsallthebetterforitinthis——you'llexcusemybeingsofree——inthisburying-groundofaplace；whichiswearingofmedown。MasterPaul'salittlerestlessinhissleep。Pathisback，ifyouplease。'
　　`Ofcourseyouthink，'saidBerry，gentlydoingwhatshewasasked，`thathehasbeennursedbyhismother，too？'
　　`BetseyJane，'returnedMrs。Wickaminhermostsolemntones，`wasputuponasthatchildhasbeenputupon，andchangedasthatchildhaschanged。Ihaveseenhersit，oftenandoften，think，think，thinking，likehim。Ihaveseenherlook，oftenandoften，old，old，old，likehim。
　　Ihaveheardher，manyatime，talkjustlikehim。IconsiderthatchildandBetseyJaneonthesamefootingentirely，MissBerry。'
　　`Isyouruncle'schildalive？'askedBerry。
　　`Yes，Miss，sheisalive，'returnedMrs。Wickamwithanairoftriumph，foritwasevidentMissBerryexpectedthereverse；`andismarriedtoasilverchaser。Ohyes，Miss，SHEisalive，'saidMrs。Wickam，layingstrongstressonhernominativecase。
　　Itbeingclearthatsomebodywasdead，Mrs。Pipchin'snieceinquiredwhoitwas。
　　`Iwouldn'twishtomakeyouuneasy，'returnedMrs。Wickam，pursuinghersupper。`Don'taskme。'
　　Thiswasthesurestwayofbeingaskedagain。MissBerryrepeatedherquestion，therefore；andaftersomeresistance，andreluctance，Mrs。
　　Wickamlaiddownherknife，andagainglancingroundtheroomandatPaulinbed，replied：
　　`Shetookfanciestopeople；whimsicalfancies，someofthem；
　　others，affectionsthatonemightexpecttosee——onlystrongerthancommon。
　　Theyalldied。'
　　ThiswassoveryunexpectedandawfultoMrs。Pipchin'sniece，thatshesatuprightonthehardedgeofthebedstead，breathingshort，andsurveyingherinformantwithlooksofundisguisedalarm。
　　Mrs。Wickamshookherleftfore-fingerstealthilytowardsthebedwhereFlorencelay；thenturneditupsidedown，andmadeseveralemphaticpointsatthefloor；immediatelybelowwhichwastheparlourinwhichMrs。
　　Pipchinhabituallyconsumedthetoast。
　　`Remembermywords，MissBerry，'saidMrs。Wickam，`andbethankfulthatMasterPaulisnottoofondofyou。Iam，thathe'snottoofondofme，Iassureyou；thoughthereisn'tmuchtolivefor——you'llexcusemybeingsofree——inthisjailofahouse！'
　　MissBerry'semotionmighthaveledtoherpattingPaultoohardontheback，ormighthaveproducedacessationofthatsoothingmonotony，butheturnedinhisbedjustnow，and，presentlyawaking，satupinitwithhishairhotandwetfromtheeffectsofsomechildishdream，andaskedforFlorence。
　　Shewasoutofherownbedatthefirstsoundofhisvoice；andbendingoverhispillowimmediately，sanghimtosleepagain。Mrs。Wickamshakingherhead，andlettingfallseveraltears，pointedoutthelittlegrouptoBerry，andturnedhereyesuptotheceiling。
　　`Goodnight，Miss！'saidWickam，softly。`Goodnight！Yourauntisanoldlady，MissBerry，andit'swhatyoumusthavelookedfor，often。'
　　Thisconsolatoryfarewell，Mrs。Wickamaccompaniedwithalookofheartfeltanguish；andbeingleftalonewiththetwochildrenagain，andbecomingconsciousthatthewindwasblowingmournfully，sheindulgedinmelancholy——thatcheapestandmostaccessibleofluxuries——untilshewasoverpoweredbyslumber。
　　AlthoughthenieceofMrs。Pipchindidnotexpecttofindthatexemplarydragonprostrateonthehearth-rugwhenshewentdownstairs，shewasrelievedtofindherunusuallyfractiousandsevere，andwitheverypresentappearanceofintendingtolivealongtimetobeacomforttoallwhoknewher。Norhadsheanysymptomsofdeclining，inthecourseoftheensuingweek，whentheconstitutionalviandsstillcontinuedtodisappearinregularsuccession，notwithstandingthatPaulstudiedherasattentivelyasever，andoccupiedhisusualseatbetweentheblackskirtsandthefender，withunwaveringconstancy。
　　ButasPaulhimselfwasnostrongerattheexpirationofthattimethanhehadbeenonhisfirstarrival，thoughhelookedmuchhealthierintheface，alittlecarriagewasgotforhim，inwhichhecouldlieathisease，withanalphabetandotherelementaryworksofreference，andbewheeleddowntothesea-side。Consistentinhisoddtastes，thechildsetasidearuddy-facedladwhowasproposedasthedrawerofthiscarriage，andselected，instead，hisgrandfather——aweazen，old，crab-facedman，inasuitofbatteredoilskin，whohadgottoughandstringyfromlongpicklinginsaltwater，andwhosmeltlikeaweedysea-beachwhenthetideisout。
　　Withthisnotableattendanttopullhimalong，andFlorencealwayswalkingbyhisside，andthedespondentWickambringinguptherear，hewentdowntothemarginoftheoceaneveryday；andtherehewouldsitorlieinhiscarriageforhourstogether：neversodistressedasbythecompanyofchildren——Florencealoneexcepted，always。
　　`Goaway，ifyouplease，'hewouldsaytoanychildwhocametobearhimcompany。`Thankyou，butIdon'twantyou。'
　　Somesmallvoice，nearhisear，wouldaskhimhowhewas，perhaps。
　　`Iamverywell，Ithankyou，'hewouldanswer。`Butyouhadbettergoandplay，ifyouplease。'
　　Thenhewouldturnhishead，andwatchthechildaway，andsaytoFlorence，`Wedon'twantanyothers，dowe？Kissme，Floy。'
　　Hehadevenadislike，atsuchtimes，tothecompanyofWickam，andwaswellpleasedwhenshestrolledaway，asshegenerallydid，topickupshellsandacquaintances。Hisfavouritespotwasquitealonelyone，farawayfrommostloungers；andwithFlorencesittingbyhissideatwork，orreadingtohim，ortalkingtohim，andthewindblowingonhisface，andthewatercomingupamongthewheelsofhisbed，hewantednothingmore。
　　`Floy，'hesaidoneday，`where'sIndia，wherethatboy'sfriendslive？'
　　`Oh，it'salong，longdistanceoff，'saidFlorence，raisinghereyesfromherwork。
　　`Weeksoff？'askedPaul。
　　`Yes，dear。Manyweeks'journey，nightandday。'
　　`IfyouwereinIndia，Floy，'saidPaul，afterbeingsilentforaminute，`Ishould——whatisthatMamadid？Iforget。'
　　`Lovedme！'answeredFlorence。
　　`No，no。Don'tIloveyounow，Floy？Whatisit？——Died。IfyouwereinIndia，Ishoulddie，Floy。'
　　Shehurriedlyputherworkaside，andlaidherheaddownonhispillow，caressinghim。Andsowouldshe，shesaid，ifhewerethere。Hewouldbebettersoon。
　　`Oh！Iamagreatdealbetternow！'heanswered。`Idon'tmeanthat。ImeanthatIshoulddieofbeingsosorryandsolonely，Floy！'
　　Anothertime，inthesameplace，hefellasleep，andsleptquietlyforalongtime。Awakingsuddenly，helistened，startedup，andsatlistening。
　　Florenceaskedhimwhathethoughtheheard。
　　`Iwanttoknowwhatitsays，'heanswered，lookingsteadilyinherface。`Thesea，Floy，whatisitthatitkeepsonsaying？'
　　Shetoldhimthatitwasonlythenoiseoftherollingwaves。
　　`Yes，yes，'hesaid。`ButIknowthattheyarealwayssayingsomething。
　　Alwaysthesamething。Whatplaceisoverthere？'Heroseup，lookingeagerlyatthehorizon。
　　Shetoldhimthattherewasanothercountryopposite，buthesaidhedidn'tmeanthat：hemeantfartheraway——fartheraway！
　　Veryoftenafterwards，inthemidstoftheirtalk，hewouldbreakoff，totrytounderstandwhatitwasthatthewaveswerealwayssaying；
　　andwouldriseupinhiscouchtolooktowardsthatinvisibleregion，faraway。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter9[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIXInwhichtheWoodenMidshipmangetsintoTroubleTHATspiceofromanceandloveofthemarvellous，ofwhichtherewasaprettystronginfusioninthenatureofyoungWalterGay，andwhichtheguardianshipofhisuncle，oldSolomonGills，hadnotverymuchweakenedbythewatersofsternpracticalexperience，wastheoccasionofhisattachinganuncommonanddelightfulinteresttotheadventureofFlorencewithgoodMrs。Brown。Hepamperedandcherisheditinhismemory，especiallythatpartofitwithwhichhehadbeenassociated：untilitbecamethespoiledchildofhisfancy，andtookitsownway，anddidwhatitlikedwithit。
　　Therecollectionofthoseincidents，andhisownshareinthem，mayhavebeenmadethemorecaptivating，perhaps，bytheweeklydreamingsofoldSolandCaptainCuttleonSundays。HardlyaSundaypassed，withoutmysteriousreferencesbeingmadebyoneorotherofthoseworthychumstoRichardWhittington；andthelattergentlemanhadevengonesofarastopurchaseaballadofconsiderableantiquity，thathadlongflutteredamongmanyothers，chieflyexpressiveofmaritimesentiments，onadeadwallintheCommercialRoads：whichpoeticalperformancessetforththecourtshipandnuptialsofapromisingyoungcoal-whipperwithacertain`lovelyPeg，'theaccomplisheddaughterofthemasterandpart-ownerofaNewcastlecollier。Inthisstirringlegend，CaptainCuttledescriedaprofoundmetaphysicalbearingonthecaseofWalterandFlorence；anditexcitedhimsomuch，thatonveryfestiveoccasions，asbirthdaysandfewothernon-Dominicalholidays，hewouldroarthroughthewholesonginthelittlebackparlour；makinganamazingshakeonthewordPe——e——eg，withwhicheveryverseconcluded，incomplimenttotheheroineofthepiece。
　　Butafrank，free-spirited，open-heartedboy，isnotmuchgiventoanalysingthenatureofhisownfeelings，howeverstrongtheirholduponhim：andWalterwouldhavefounditdifficulttodecidethispoint。
　　HehadagreataffectionforthewharfwherehehadencounteredFlorence，andforthestreetsalbeitnotenchantinginthemselvesbywhichtheyhadcomehome。Theshoesthathadsooftentumbledoffbyway，hepreservedinhisownroom；and，sittinginthelittlebackparlourofanevening，hehaddrawnawholegalleryoffancyportraitsofgoodMrs。Brown。Itmaybethathebecamealittlesmarterinhisdressafterthatmemorableoccasion；andhecertainlylikedinhisleisuretimetowalktowardsthatquarterofthetownwhereMr。Dombey'shousewassituated，onthevaguechanceofpassinglittleFlorenceinthestreet。Butthesentimentofallthiswasasboyishandinnocentascouldbe。Florencewasverypretty，anditispleasanttoadmireaprettyface。Florencewasdefencelessandweak，anditwasaproudthoughtthathehadbeenabletorenderheranyprotectionandassistantce。Florencewasthemostgratefullittlecreatureintheworld，anditwasdelightfultoseeherbrightgratitudebeaminginherface。Florencewasneglectedandcoldlylookedupon，andhisbreastwasfullofyouthfulinterestfortheslightedchildinherdull，statelyhome。
　　Thusitcameaboutthat，perhapssomehalf-a-dozentimesinthecourseoftheyear，WalterpulledoffhishattoFlorenceinthestreet，andFlorencewouldstoptoshakehands。Mrs。Wickamwho，withacharacteristicalterationofhisname，invariablyspokeofhimas`YoungGraves'wassowellusedtothis，knowingthestoryoftheiracquaintance，thatshetooknoheedofitatall。MissNipper，ontheotherhand，ratherlookedoutfortheseoccasions：hersensitiveyoungheartbeingsecretlypropitiatedbyWalter'sgoodlooks，andincliningtothebeliefthatitssentimentswererespondedto。
　　Inthisway，Walter，sofarfromforgettingorlosingsightofhisacquaintancewithFlorence，onlyremembereditbetterandbetter。Astoitsadventurousbeginning，andallthoselittlecircumstanceswhichgaveitadistinctivecharacterandrelish，hetookthemintoaccount，moreasapleasantstoryveryagreeabletohisimagination，andnottobedismissedfromit，thanasapartofanymatteroffactwithwhichhewasconcerned。TheysetoffFlorenceverymuch，tohisfancy；butnothimself。
　　Sometimeshethoughtandthenhewalkedveryfastwhatagrandthingitwouldhavebeenforhimtohavebeengoingtoseaonthedayafterthatfirstmeeting，andtohavegone，andtohavedonewondersthere，andtohavestoppedawayalongtime，andtohavecomebackanAdmiralofallthecoloursofthedolphin，oratleastaPost-Captainwithepaulettesofinsupportablebrightness，andhavemarriedFlorencethenabeautifulyoungwomaninspiteofMr。Dombey'steeth，cravat，andwatch-chain，andborneherawaytotheblueshoresofsomewhereorother，triumphantly。
　　ButtheseflightsoffancyseldomburnishedthebrassplateofDombeyandSon'sOfficesintoatabletofgoldenhope，orshedabrilliantlustreontheirdirtyskylights；andwhentheCaptainandUncleSoltalkedaboutRichardWhittingtonandmasters'daughters，WalterfeltthatheunderstoodhistruepositionatDombeyandSon'smuchbetterthantheydid。
　　Soitwasthathewentondoingwhathehadtodofromdaytoday，inacheerful，pains-taking，merryspirit；andsawthroughthesanguinecomplexionofUncleSolandCaptainCuttle；andyetentertainedathousandindistinctandvisionaryfanciesofhisown，towhichtheirswereword-a-dayprobabilities。SuchwashisconditionatthePipchinperiod，whenhelookedalittleolderthanofyore，butnotmuch；andwasthesamelight-footed，light-hearted，lightheadedlad，aswhenhechargedintotheparlourattheheadofUncleSolandtheimaginaryboarders，andlightedhimtobringuptheMadeira。
　　`UncleSol'，saidWalter，`Idon'tthinkyou'rewell。Youhaven'teatenanybreakfast。Ishallbringadoctortoyou，ifyougoonlikethis。'
　　`Hecan'tgivemewhatIwant，myboy，'saidUncleSol。`Atleastheisingoodpracticeifhecan——andthenhewouldn't。'
　　`Whatisit，Uncle？Customers？'
　　`Aye，'returnedSolomon，withasigh。`Customerswoulddo。'
　　`Confoundit，Uncle！'saidWalter，puttingdownhisbreakfastcupwithaclatter，andstrikinghishandonthetable：`whenIseethepeoplegoingupanddownthestreetinshoalsallday，andpassingandre-passingtheshopeveryminute，byscores，Ifeelhalftemptedtorushout，collarsomebody，bringhimin，andmakehimbuyfiftypounds'
　　worthofinstrumentsforreadymoney。Whatareyoulookinginatthedoorfor？——'continuedWalter，apostrophizinganoldgentlemanwithapowderedheadinaudiblytohimofcourse，whowasstaringataship'stelescopewithallhismightandmain。`That'snouse。Icoulddothat。Comeinandbuyit！'
　　Theoldgentleman，however，havingsatiatedhiscuriosity，walkedcalmlyaway。
　　`Therehegoes！'saidWalter。`That'sthewaywith'emall。But，Uncle——Isay，uncleSol'——fortheoldmanwasmeditating，andhadnotrespondedtohisfirstappeal。`Don'tbecastdown。Don'tbeoutofspirits，Uncle。
　　Whenordersdocome，they'llcomeinsuchacrowd，youwon'tbeabletoexecute'em。'
　　`Ishallbepastexecuting'em，whenevertheycome，myboy，'returnedSolomonGills。`They'llnevercometothisshopagain，tillIamoutofit。'
　　`Isay，Uncle！Youmusn'treally，youknow！urgedWalter。`Don't！'
　　OldSolendeavouredtoassumeacherrylook，andsmiledacrossthelittletableathimaspleasantlyashecould。
　　`There'snothingmorethanusualthematter；isthere，Uncle？'
　　saidWalter，leaninghiselbowsontheteatrayandbendingover，tospeakthemoreconfidentiallyandkindly。`Beopenwithme，Uncle，ifthereis，andtellmeallaboutit。'
　　`No，no，no，'returnedOldSol。`Morethanusual？No，no。whatshouldtherebethemattermorethanusual？'
　　Walteransweredwithanincredulousshakeofhishead。`That'swhatIwanttoknow，'hesaid，`andyouaskme！I'lltellyouwhat，Uncle，whenIseeyoulikethis，IamquitesorrythatIlivewithyou。'
　　OldSolopenedhiseyesinvoluntarily。
　　`Yes。ThoughnobodyeverwashappierthanIamandalwayshavebeenwithyou，IamquitesorrythatIlivewithyou，whenIseeyouwithanythingonyourmind。'
　　`Iamalittledullatsuchtimes，Iknow，'observedSolomon，meeklyrubbinghishands。
　　`WhatImean，UncleSol，'pursuedWalter，bendingoveralittlemoretopathimontheshoulder，`is，thatthenIfeelyououghttohave，sittinghereandpouringouttheteainsteadofme，anicelittledumplingofawife，youknow，——acomfortable，capital，coseyoldlady，whowasjustamatchforyou，andknewhowtomanageyou，andkeepyouingoodheart。
　　HereamI，aslovinganephewaseverwasIamsureIoughttobe！butIamonlyanephew，andIcan'tbesuchacompaniontoyouwhenyou'relowandoutofsortsasshewouldhavemadeherself，yearsago，thoughI'msureI'dgiveanymoneyifIcouldcheeryouup。AndsoIsay，whenIseeyouwithanythingonyourmind，thatIfeelquitesorryyouhaven'tgotsomebodybetteraboutyouthanablunderingyoungrough-and-toughboylikeme，whohasgotthewilltoconsoleyou，Uncle，buthasn'tgottheway——hasn'tgottheway，'repeatedWalter，reachingoverfurtheryet，toshakehisunclebythehand。
　　`Wally，mydearboy，'saidSolomon，`ifthecoseylittleoldladyhadtakenherplaceinthisparlourfiveandfortyyearsago，InevercouldhavebeenfonderofherthanIamofyou。'
　　`Iknowthat，UncleSol，'returnedWalter。`Lordblessyou，Iknowthat。Butyouwouldn'thavehadthewholeweightofanyuncomfortablesecretsifshehadbeenwithyou，becauseshewouldhaveknownhowtorelieveyouof'em，andIdon't。'
　　`Yes，yes，youdo，'returnedtheinstrument-maker。
　　`Wellthen，what'sthematter，UncleSol？'saidWalter，coaxingly。
　　`Come！What'sthematter？'
　　SolomonGillspersistedthattherewasnothingthematter；andmaintaineditsoresolutely，thathisnephewhadnoresourcebuttomakeaveryindifferentimitationofbelievinghim。
　　`AllIcansayis，UncleSol，thatifthereis'
　　`Butthereisn't'saidSolomon。
　　`Verywell，'saidWalter。`ThenI'venomoretosay；andthat'slucky，formytime'supforgoingtobusiness。Ishalllookinby-and-bywhenI'mout，toseehowyougeton，Uncle。Andmind，Uncle！I'llneverbelieveyouagain，andnevertellyouanythingmoreaboutMr。CarkertheJunior，ifIfindoutthatyouhavebeendeceivingme！'
　　SolomonGillslaughinglydefiedhimtofindoutanythingofthekind；andWalter，revolvinginhisthoughtsallsortsofimpracticablewaysofmakingfortunesandplacingthewoodenmidshipmaninapositionofindependence，betookhimselftotheofficesofDombeyandSonwithaheaviercountenancethanheusuallycarriedthere。
　　Therelivedinthosedays，roundthecorner——inBishopsgateStreetWithout——oneBrogley，swornbrokerandappraiser，whokeptashopwhereeverydescriptionofsecond-handfurniturewasexhibitedinthemostuncomfortableaspect，andundercircumstancesandincombinationsthemostcompletelyforeigntoitspurpose。Dozensofchairshookedontowashing-stands，whichwithdifficultypoisedthemselvesontheshouldersofsideboards，whichintheirturnstooduponthewrongsideofdining-tables，gymnasticwiththeirlegsupwardonthetopsofotherdining-tables，wereamongitsmostreasonablearrangements。Abanquetarrayofdish-covers，wine-glasses，anddecanterswasgenerallytobeseen，spreadforthuponthebosomofafour-postbedstead，fortheentertainmentofsuchgenialcompanyashalf-a-dozenpokers，andahalllamp。Asetofwindowcurtainswithnowindowsbelongingtothem，wouldbeseengracefullydrapingabarricadeofchestsofdrawers，loadedwithlittlejarsfromchemists'shops；whileahomelesshearthrugseveredfromitsnaturalcompanionthefireside，bravedtheshrewdeastwindinitsadversity，andtrembledinmelancholyaccordwiththeshrillcomplainingsofacabinetpiano，wastingaway，astringaday，andfaintlyresoundingtothenoisesofthestreetinitsjanglinganddistractedbrain。
　　Ofmotionlessclocksthatneverstirredafinger，andseemedasincapableofbeingsuccessfullywoundup，asthepecuniaryaffairsoftheirformerowners，therewasalwaysgreatchoiceinMr。Brogley'sshop；andvariouslooking-glasses，accidentallyplacedatcompoundinterestofreflectionandrefraction，presentedtotheeyeaneternalperspectiveofbankruptcyandruin。
　　Mr。Brogleyhimselfwasamoist-eyed，pink-complexioned，crisp-hairedman，ofabulkyfigureandaneasytemper——forthatclassofCaiusMariuswhositsupontheruinsofotherpeople'sCarthages，cankeepuphisspiritswellenough。HehadlookedinatSolomon'sshopsometimestoaskaquestionaboutarticlesinSolomon'swayofbusiness；andWalterknewhimsufficientlytogivehimgooddaywhentheymetinthestreet，butasthatwastheextentofthebroker'sacquaintancewithSolomonGillsalso，Walterwasnotalittlesurprisedwhenhecamebackinthecourseoftheforenoon，agreeablytohispromise，tofindMr。Brogleysittinginthebackparlourwithhishandsinhispockets，andhishathangingupbehindthedoor。
　　`Well，UncleSol！'saidWalter。Theoldmanwassittingruefullyontheoppositesideofthetable，withhisspectaclesoverhiseyes，forawonder，insteadonhisforehead。`Howareyounow？'
　　Solomonshookhishead，andwavedonehandtowardsthebrokeras，introducinghim。
　　`Isthereanythingthematter？'askedWalter，withacatchinginhisbreath。
　　`No，no。There'snothingthematter，'saidMr。Brogley。`Don'tletitputyououtoftheway。'
　　Walterlookedfromthebrokertohisuncleinmuteamazement。
　　`Thefactis，'saidMr。Brogley，`there'salittlepaymentonabonddebt——threehundredandseventyodd，overdue：andI'minpossession。'
　　`Inpossession！'criedWalter，lookingroundattheshop。
　　`Ah！'saidMr。Brogley，inconfidentialassent，andnoddinghisheadasifhewouldurgetheadvisabilityoftheirallbeingcomfortabletogether。`It'sanexecution。That'swhatitis。Don'tletitputyououtoftheway。Icomemyself，becauseofkeepingitquietandsociable。Youknowme。It'squiteprivate。'
　　`UncleSol！'falteredWalter。
　　`Wally，myboy，'returnedhisuncle。`It'sthefirsttime。Suchacalamityneverhappenedtomebefore。I'manoldmantobegin。'Pushinguphisspectaclesagainfortheywereuselessanylongertoconcealhisemotion，hecoveredhisfacewithhishand，andsobbedaloud，andhistearsfelldownuponhiscoffee-colouredwaistcoat。
　　`UncleSol！Pray！ohdon't！'exclaimedWalter，whoreallyfeltathrillofterrorinseeingtheoldmanweep。`ForGod'ssakedon'tdothat。Mr。Brogley，whatshallIdo？'
　　`Ishouldrecommendyoulookingupafriendorso，'saidMr。Brogley，`andtalkingitover。'
　　`Tobesure！'criedWalter，catchingatanything。`Certainly！
　　Thankee。CaptainCuttle'stheman，Uncle。WaittillIruntoCaptainCuttle。
　　KeepyoureyeuponmyUncle，willyou，Mr。Brogley，andmakehimascomfortableasyoucanwhileIamgone？Don'tdespair，UncleSol。Tryandkeepagoodheart，there'sadearfellow！'
　　Sayingthiswithgreatfervour，anddisregardingtheoldman'sbrokenremonstrances，Walterdashedoutoftheshopagainashardashecouldgo；andhavinghurriedroundtotheofficetoexcusehimselfonthepleaofhisuncle'ssuddenillness，setoff，fullspeed，forCaptainCuttle'sresidence。
　　Everythingseemedalteredasheranalongthestreets。Thereweretheusualentanglementandnoiseofcarts，drays，omni-buses，waggons，andfootpassengers，butthemisfortunethathadfallenonthewoodenmidshipmanmadeitstrangeandnew。Housesandshopsweredifferentfromwhattheyusedtobe，andboreMr。Brogley'swarrantontheirfrontsinlargecharacter。
　　Thebrokerseemedtohavegotholdoftheverychurches；fortheirspiresroseintotheskywithanunwontedair。Eventheskyitselfwaschanged，andhadanexecutioninitplainly。
　　CaptainCuttlelivedonthebrinkofalittlecanalneartheIndiaDocks，wheretherewasaswivelbridgewhichopenednowandthentoletsomewanderingmonsterofashipcomeroamingupthestreetlikeastrandedleviathan。Thegradualchangefromlandtowater，ontheapproachtoCaptainCuttle'slodgings，wascurious。Itbeganwiththeerectionofflag-staffs，asappurtenancestopublic-houses；thencameslop-sellers'shops，withGuernseyshirts，sou'westerhats，andcanvaspantaloons，atoncethetightestandtheloosestoftheirorder，hangingupoutside。Theseweresucceededbyanchorandchain-cableforges，wheresledge-hammersweredinginguponironalldaylong。Thencamerowsofhouses，withlittlevanesurmountedmastsuprearingthemselvesfromamongthescarletbeans。Thenditches。
　　Thenpollardwillows。Thenmoreditches。Thenunaccountablepatchesofdirtywater，hardlytobedescried，fortheshipsthatcoveredthem。Then，theairwasperfumedwithchips；andallothertradeswereswallowedupinmast，oar，andblock-making，andboat-building。Then，thegroundgrewmarshyandunsettled。Then，therewasnothingtobesmeltbutrumandsugar。
　　Then，CaptainCuttle'slodgings——atonceafirstfloorandatopstory，inBrigPlace——wereclosebeforeyou。
　　Thecaptainwasoneofthosetimber-lookingmen，suitsofoakaswellashearts，whomitisalmostimpossiblefortheliveliestimaginationtoseparatefromanypartoftheirdress，howeverinsignificant。Accordingly，whenWalterknockedatthedoor，andtheCaptaininstantlypokedhisheadoutofoneofhislittlefrontwindows，andhailedhim，withthehardglazedhatalreadyonit，andtheshirt-collarlikeasail，andthewidesuiteofblue，allstandingasusual，Walterwasasfullypersuadedthathewasalwaysinthatstate，asiftheCaptainhadbeenabirdandthosehadbeenhisfeathers。
　　`Wal'r，mylad！'saidCaptainCuttle。`Standbyandknockagain。
　　Hard！It'swashingday。'
　　Walter，inhisimpatience，gaveaprodigiousthumpwiththeknocker。
　　`Harditis！'saidCaptainCuttle，andimmediatelydrewinhishead，asifheexpectedasquall。
　　Norwashemistaken：forawidowlady，withhersleevesrolleduptohershoulders，andherarmsfrothywithsoap-sudsandsmokingwithhotwater，repliedtothesummonswithstartlingrapidity。BeforeshelookedatWaltershelookedattheknocker，andthen，measuringhimwithhereyesfromheadtofoot，saidshewonderedhehadleftanyofit。
　　`CaptainCuttle'sathome，Iknow，'saidWalterwithaconciliatorysmile。
　　`Ishe？'repliedthewidowlady。`In-deed！'
　　`Hehasjustbeenspeakingtome，'saidWalter，inbreathlessexplanation。
　　`Hashe？'repliedthewidowlady。`Thenp'rapsyou'llgivehimMrs。MacStinger'srespects，andsaythatthenexttimehelowershimselfandhislodgingsbytalkingoutofwindershe'llthankhimtocomedownandopenthedoortoo。'Mrs。MacStingerspokeloud，andlistenedforanyobservationsthatmightbeofferedfromthefirstfloor。
　　`I'llmentionit，'saidWalter，`ifyou'llhavethegoodnesstoletmein，ma'am。'
　　Forhewasrepelledbyawoodenfortificationextendingacrossthedoorway，andputtheretopreventthelittleMacStingersintheirmomentsofrecreationfromtumblingdownthesteps。
　　`Aboythatcanknockmydoordown，'saidMrs。MacStinger，contemptuously，`cangetoverthat，Ishouldhope！'ButWalter，takingthisasapermissiontoenter，andgettingoverit，Mrs。MacStingerimmediatelydemandedwhetheranEnglishwoman'shousewashercastleornot；andwhethershewastobebrokeinuponby`raff。'Onthesesubjectsherthirstforinformationwasstillveryimportunate，whenWalter，havingmadehiswayupthelittlestaircasethroughanartificialfogoccasionedbythewashing，whichcoveredthebanisterswithaclammyperspiration，enteredCaptainCuttle'sroom，andfoundthatgentlemaninambushbehindthedoor。
　　`Neverowedherapenny，Wal'r，'saidCaptainCuttle，inalowvoice，andwithvisiblemarksoftrepidationonhiscountenance。`Doneheraworldofgoodturns，andthechildrentoo。Vixenattimes，though。
　　Whew！'
　　`Ishouldgoaway，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter。
　　`Dursn'tdoit，Wal'r，'returnedtheCaptain。`She'dfindmeout，whereverIwent。Sitdown。How'sGills？'
　　TheCaptainwasdininginhishatoffcoldloinofmutton，porter，andsomesmokinghotpotatoes，whichhehadcookedhimself，andtookoutofalittlesaucepanbeforethefireashewantedthem。Heunscrewedhishookatdinnertime，andscrewedaknifeintoitswoodensocketinstead，withwhichhehadalreadybeguntopeeloneofthesepotatoesforWalter。
　　Hisroomswereverysmall，andstronglyimpregnatedwithtobacco-smoke，butsnugenough：everythingbeingstowedaway，asiftherewereanearthquakeregularlyeveryhalf-hour。
　　`How'sGills？'inquiredtheCaptain。
　　Walter，whohadbythistimerecoveredhisbreath，andlosthisspirits——orsuchtemporaryspiritsashisrapidjourneyhadgivenhim——lookedathisquestionerforamoment，said`Oh，CaptainCuttle！'andburstintotears。
　　NowordscandescribetheCaptain'sconsternationatthissight。
　　Mrs。MacStingerfadedintonothingbeforeit。Hedroppedthepotatoandthefork——andwouldhavedroppedtheknifetooifhecould——andsatgazingattheboy，asifheexpectedtohearnextmomentthatagulfhadopenedintheCity，whichhadswalloweduphisoldfriend，coffee-colouredsuit，buttons，chronometer，spectaclesandall。
　　ButwhenWaltertoldhimwhatwasreallythematter，CaptainCuttle，afteramoment'sreflection，startedupintofullactivity。Heemptiedoutofalittletincanisteronthetopshelfofthecupboard，hiswholestockofreadymoneyamountingtothirteenpoundsandhalf-a-crown，whichhetransferredtooneofthepocketsofhissquarebluecoat；furtherenrichedthatrepositorywiththecontentsofhisplatechest，consistingoftwowitheredatomiesoftea-spoons，andanobsoletepairofknock-knee'dsugar-tongs；
　　pulleduphisimmensedoublecasedsilverwatchfromthedepthsinwhichitreposed，toassurehimselfthatthatvaluablewassoundandwhole；re-attachedthehooktohisrightwrist；andseizingthestickcoveredoverwithknobs，badeWaltercomealong。
　　Remembering，however，inthemidstofhisvirtuousexcitement，thatMrs。MacStingermightbelyinginwaitbelow，CaptainCuttlehesitatedatlast，notwithoutglancingatthewindow，asifhehadsomethoughtsofescapingbythatunusualmeansofegress，ratherthanencounterhisterribleenemy。Hedecided，however，infavourofstratagem。
　　`Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，withatimidwink，`goafore，mylad。
　　Singout，`good-bye，CaptainCuttle，'whenyou'reinthepassage，andshutthedoor。Thenwaitatthecornerofthestreet'tillyouseeme。'
　　Thesedirectionswerenotissuedwithoutapreviousknowledgeoftheenemy'stactics，forwhenWaltergotdownstairs，Mrs。MacStingerglidedoutofthelittlebackkitchen，likeanavengingspirit。ButnotglidingoutupontheCaptain，asshehadexpected，shemerelymadeafurtherallusiontotheknocker，andglidedinagain。
　　SomefiveminuteselapsedbeforeCaptainCuttlecouldsummoncouragetoattempthisescape；forWalterwaitedsolongatthestreetcorner，lookingbackatthehouse，beforetherewereanysymptomsofthehardglazedhat。AtlengththeCaptainburstoutofthedoorwiththesuddennessofanexplosion，andcomingtowardshimatagreatpace，andneveroncelookingoverhisshoulder，pretended，assoonastheywerewelloutofthestreet，towhistleatune。
　　`Unclemuchhovedown，Wal'r？'inquiredtheCaptain，astheywerewalkingalong。
　　`Iamafraidso。Ifyouhadseenhimthismorning，youwouldneverhaveforgottenit。'
　　`Walkfast，Wal'r，mylad，'returnedtheCaptain，mendinghispace；`andwalkthesameallthedaysofyourlife。Over-haulthecatechismforthatadvice，andkeepit！'
　　TheCaptainwastoobusywithhisownthoughtsofSolomonGills，mingledperhapswithsomereflectionsonhislateescapefromMrs。MacStinger，toofferanyfurtherquotationsonthewayforWalter'smoralimprovement。
　　TheyinterchangednootherworduntiltheyarrivedatoldSol'sdoor，wheretheunfortunatewoodenmidshipman，withhisinstrumentathiseye，seemedtobesurveyingthewholehorizoninsearchofsomefriendtohelphimoutofhisdifficulty。
　　`Gills！'saidtheCaptain，hurryingintothebackparlour，andtakinghimbythehandquitetenderly。`Layyourheadwelltothewind，andwe'llfightthroughit。Allyou'vegottodo，'saidtheCaptain，withthesolemnityofamanwhowasdeliveringhimselfofoneofthemostpreciouspracticaltenetseverdiscoveredbyhumanwisdom，`istolayyourheadwelltothewind，andwe'llfightthroughit！'