Mr。Carker，quickofeye，steadyofhand，andagoodhorseman，wasafoot，andhadthestrugglinganimaluponhislegsandbythebridle，inamoment。Otherwisethatmorning'sconfidencewouldhavebeenMr。Dombey'slast。Yetevenwiththeflushandhurryofthisactionreduponhim，hebentoverhisprostratechiefwitheverytoothdisclosed，andmutteredashestoopeddown，`IhavegivengoodcauseofoffencetoMrs。Dombeynow，ifsheknewit！'
Mr。Dombeybeinginsensible，andbleedingfromtheheadandface，wascarriedbycertainmendersoftheroad，underCarker'sdirection，tothenearestpublic-house，whichwasnotfaroff，andwherehewassoonattendedbydiverssurgeons，whoarrivedinquicksuccessionfromallparts，andwhoseemedtocomebysomemysteriousinstinct，asvulturesaresaidtogatheraboutacamelwhodiesinthedesert。Afterbeingatsomepainstorestorehimtoconsciousness，thesegentlemenexaminedintothenatureofhisinjuries。Onesurgeonwholivedhardbywasstrongforacompoundfractureoftheleg，whichwasthelandlord'sopinionalso；buttwosurgeonswholivedatadistance，andwereonlyinthatneighbourhoodbyaccident，combatedthisopinionsodisinterestedly，thatitwasdecidedatlastthatthepatient，thoughseverelycutandbruised，hadbrokennobonesbutalesserriborso，andmightbecarefullytakenhomebeforenight。Hisinjuriesbeingdressedandbandaged，whichwasalongoperation，andheatlengthlefttorepose，Mr。Carkermountedhishorseagain，androdeawaytocarrytheintelligencehome。
Craftyandcruelashisfacewasatthebestoftimes，thoughitwasasufficientlyfairfaceastoformandregularityoffeature，itwasatitsworstwhenhesetforthonthiserrand；animatedbythecraftandcrueltyofthoughtswithinhim，suggestionsofremotepossibilityratherthanofdesignorplot，thatmadehimrideasifhehuntedmenandwomen。
Drawingreinatlength，andslackeninginhisspeed，ashecameintothemorepublicroads，hecheckedhiswhite-leggedhorseintopickinghiswayalongasusual，andhidhimselfbeneathhissleek，hushed，crouchedmanner，andhisivorysmile，ashebestcould。
HerodedirecttoMr。Dombey'shouse，alightedatthedoor，andbeggedtoseeMrs。Dombeyonanaffairofimportance。TheservantwhoshowedhimtoMr。Dombey'sownroom，soonreturnedtosaythatitwasnotMrs。
Dombey'shourforreceivingvisitors，andthathebeggedpardonfornothavingmentioneditbefore。
Mr。Carker，whowasquitepreparedforacoldreception，wroteuponacardthathemusttakethelibertyofpressingforaninterview，andthathewouldnotbesoboldastodoso，forthesecondtimethisheunderlined，ifhewerenotequallysureoftheoccasionbeingsufficientforhisjustification。Afteratriflingdelay，Mrs。Dombey'smaidappeared，andconductedhimtoamorningroomupstairs，whereEdithandFlorenceweretogether。
HehadneverthoughtEdithhalfsobeautifulbefore。Muchasheadmiredthegracesofherfaceandform，andfreshlyastheydweltwithinhissensualremembrance，hehadneverthoughtherhalfsobeautiful。
Herglancefellhaughtilyuponhiminthedoorway；buthelookedatFlorence——thoughonlyintheactofbendinghishead，ashecamein——withsomeirrepressibleexpressionofthenewpowerheheld；anditwashistriumphtoseetheglancedroopandfalter，andtoseethatEdithhalfroseuptoreceivehim。
Hewasverysorry，hewasdeeplygrieved；hecouldn'tsaywithwhatunwillingnesshecametoprepareherfortheintelligenceofaveryslightaccident。HeentreatedMrs。Dombeytocomposeherself。Uponhissacredwordofhonour，therewasnocauseofalarm。ButMr。DombeyFlorenceutteredasuddencry。Hedidnotlookather，butatEdith。Edithcomposedandreassuredher。Sheutterednocryofdistress。
No，no。
Mr。Dombeyhadmetwithanaccidentinriding。Hishorsehadslipped，andhehadbeenthrown。
Florencewildlyexclaimedthathewasbadlyhurt；thathewaskilled！
No。Uponhishonour，Mr。Dombey，thoughstunnedatfirst，wassoonrecovered，andthoughcertainlyhurtwasinnokindofdanger。Ifthiswerenotthetruth，he，thedistressedintruder，nevercouldhavehadthecouragetopresenthimselfbeforeMrs。Dombey。Itwasthetruthindeed，hesolemnlyassuredher。
AllthishesaidasifhewereansweringEdith，andnotFlorence，andwithhiseyesandhissmilefastenedonEdith。
HethenwentontotellherwhereMr。Dombeywaslying，andtorequestthatacarriagemightbeplacedathisdisposaltobringhimhome。
`Mama，'falteredFlorenceintears，`ifImightventuretogo！'
Mr。Carker，havinghiseyesonEdithwhenheheardthesewords，gaveherasecretlookandslightlyshookhishead。Hesawhowshebattledwithherselfbeforesheansweredhimwithherhandsomeeyes，buthewrestedtheanswerfromher——heshowedherthathewouldhaveit，orthathewouldspeakandcutFlorencetotheheart——andshegaveittohim。Ashehadlookedatthepictureinthemorning，sohelookedatherafterwards，whensheturnedhereyesaway。
`Iamdirectedtorequest，'hesaid，`thatthenewhousekeeper——Mrs。
Pipchin，Ithink，isthename——'
Nothingescapedhim。Hesawinaninstant，thatshewasanotherslightofMr。Dombey'sonhiswife。
`——maybeinformedthatMr。Dombeywishestohavehisbedpreparedinhisownapartmentsdownstairs，asheprefersthoseroomstoanyother。
IshallreturntoMr。Dombeyalmostimmediately。Thateverypossibleattentionhasbeenpaidtohiscomfort，andthatheistheobjectofeverypossiblesolicitude，Ineednotassureyou，Madam。Letmeagainsay，thereisnocausefortheleastalarm。Evenyoumaybequiteatease，believeme。'
Hebowedhimselfout，withhisextremestshowofdeferenceandconciliation；andhavingreturnedtoMr。Dombey'sroom，andtherearrangedforacarriagebeingsentafterhimtotheCity，mountedhishorseagain，androdeslowlythither。Hewasverythoughtfulashewentalong，andverythoughtfulthere，andverythoughtfulinthecarriageonhiswaybacktotheplacewhereMr。Dombeyhadbeenleft。Itwasonlywhensittingbythatgentleman'scouchthathewasquitehimselfagain，andconsciousofhisteeth。
Aboutthetimeoftwilight，Mr。Dombey，grievouslyafflictedwithachesandpains，washelpedintohiscarriage，andproppedwithcloaksandpillowsononesideofit，whilehisconfidentialagentborehimcompanyupontheother。Ashewasnottobeshaken，theymovedatlittlemorethanafootpace；andhenceitwasquitedarkwhenhewasbroughthome。Mrs。
Pipchin，bitterandgrim，andnotobliviousofthePeruvianmines，astheestablishmentingeneralhadgoodreasontoknow，receivedhimatthedoor，andfreshenedthedomesticswithseverallittlesprinklingsofwordyvinegar，whiletheyassistedinconveyinghimtohisroom。Mr。Carkerremainedinattendanceuntilhewassafeinbed，andthen，ashedeclinedtoreceiveanyfemalevisitor，buttheexcellentOgresswhopresidedoverhishousehold，waitedonMrs。Dombeyoncemore，withhisreportonherlord'scondition。
HeagainfoundEdithalonewithFlorence，andheagainaddressedthewholeofhissoothingspeechtoEdith，asifshewereapreytotheliveliestandmostaffectionateanxieties。Soearnesthewasinhisrespectfulsympathy，thatontakingleave，heventured——withonemoreglancetowardsFlorenceatthemoment——totakeherhand，andbendingoverit，totouchitwithhislips。
Edithdidnotwithdrawthehand，nordidshestrikehisfairfacewithit，despitetheflushuponhercheek，thebrightlightinhereyes，andthedilationofherwholeform。Butwhenshewasaloneinherownroom，shestruckitonthemarblechimney-shelf，sothat，atoneblow，itwasbruised，andbled；andhelditfromher，neartheshiningfire，asifshecouldhavethrustitinandburnedit。
Farintothenightshesatalone，bythesinkingblaze，indarkandthreateningbeauty，watchingthemurkyshadowsloomingonthewall，asifherthoughtsweretangible，andcastthemthere。Whatevershapesofoutrageandaffront，andblackforeshadowingsofthingsthatmighthappen，flickered，indistinctandgiant-like，beforeher，oneresentedfiguremarshalledthemagainsther。Andthatfigurewasherhusband。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter43[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIIITheWatchesoftheNightFLORENCE，longsinceawakenedfromherdream，mournfullyobservedtheestrangementbetweenherfatherandEdith，andsawitwidenmoreandmore，andknewthattherewasgreaterbitternessbetweenthemeveryday。Eachday'saddedknowledgedeepenedtheshadeuponherloveandhope，rouseduptheoldsorrowthathadslumberedforalittletime，andmadeitevenheaviertobearthanithadbeenbefore。
Ithadbeenhard——howhardmaynonebutFlorenceeverknow！——tohavethenaturalaffectionofatrueandearnestnatureturnedtoagony；
andslight，orsternrepulse，substitutedforthetenderestprotectionandthedearestcare。Ithadbeenhardtofeelinherdeepheartwhatshehadfelt，andneverknowthehappinessofonetouchofresponse。ButitwasmuchmorehardtobecompelledtodoubteitherherfatherorEdith，soaffectionateanddeartoher，andtothinkofherloveforeachofthem，byturns，withfear，distrust，andwonder。
YetFlorencenowbegantodoso；andthedoingofitwasataskimposeduponherbytheverypurityofhersoul，asoneshecouldnotflyfrom。ShesawherfathercoldandobduratetoEdith，astoher；hard，inflexible，unyielding。Coulditbe，sheaskedherselfwithstartingtears，thatherowndearmotherhadbeenmadeunhappybysuchtreatment，andhadpinedawayanddied？ThenshewouldthinkhowproudandstatelyEdithwastoeveryonebuther，withwhatdisdainshetreatedhim，howdistantlyshekeptapartfromhim，andwhatshehadsaidonthenightwhenshecamehome；
andquicklyitwouldcomeonFlorence，almostasacrime，thatshelovedonewhowassetinoppositiontoherfather，andthatherfatherknowingofit，mustthinkofherinhissolitaryroomastheunnaturalchildwhoaddedthiswrongtotheoldfault，somuchweptfor，ofneverhavingwonhisfatherlyaffectionfromherbirth。ThenextkindwordfromEdith，thenextkindglance，wouldshakethesethoughtsagain，andmakethemseemlikeblackingratitude；forwhobutshehadcheeredthedroopingheartofFlorence，solonelyandsohurt，andbeenitsbestofcomforters！Thus，withhergentlenatureyearningtothemboth，feelingthemiseryofboth，andwhisperingdoubtsofherowndutytoboth，Florenceinherwiderandexpandedlove，andbythesideofEdith，enduredmorethanwhenshehadhoardedupherundividedsecretinthemournfulhouse，andherbeautifulMamahadneverdawneduponit。
Oneexquisiteunhappinessthatwouldhavefaroutweighedthis，Florencewasspared。SheneverhadtheleastsuspicionthatEdithbyhertendernessforherwidenedtheseparationfromherfather，orgavehimnewcauseofdislike。IfFlorencehadconceivedthepossibilityofsuchaneffectbeingwroughtbysuchacause，whatgriefshewouldhavefelt，whatsacrificeshewouldhavetriedtomake，poorlovinggirl，howfastandsureherquietpassagemighthavebeenbeneathittothepresenceofthathigherFatherwhodoesnotrejecthischildren'slove，orspurntheirtriedandbrokenhearts，Heavenknows！Butitwasotherwise，andthatwaswell。
NowordwaseverspokenbetweenFlorenceandEdithnow，onthesesubjects。Edithhadsaidthereoughttobebetweenthem，inthatwise，adivisionandasilencelikethegraveitself：andFlorencefeltthatshewasright。
Inthisstateofaffairsherfatherwasbroughthomesufferinganddisabled：andgloomilyretiredtohisownrooms，wherehewastendedbyservants，notapproachedbyEdith，andhadnofriendorcompanionbutMr。Carker，whowithdrewnearmidnight。
`Andnicecompanyheis，MissFloy，'saidSusanNipper。
`Oh，he'sapreciouspieceofgoods！Ifeverhewantsacharacterdon'tlethimcometomewhateverhedoes，that'sallItellhim。'
`DearSusan，'urgedFlorence，`don't！'
`Oh，it'sverywelltosay“don't“MissFloy，'returnedtheNipper，muchexasperated；`butralybeggingyourpardonwe'recomingtosuchpassesthatitturnsallthebloodinaperson'sbodyintopinsandneedles，withtheirpintsallways。Don'tmistakeme，MissFloy，Idon'tmeannothingagainyourma-in-lawwhohasalwaystreatedmeasaladyshouldthoughsheisratherhighImustsaynotthatIhaveanyrighttoobjecttothatparticular，butwhenwecometoMrs。Pipchinsesandhavingthemputoverusandkeepingguardatyourpa'sdoorlikecrocodilesonlymakeusthankfulthattheylaynoeggs！weareagrowingtoooutrageous！'
`PapathinkswellofMrs。Pipchin，Susan，'returnedFlorence，`andhasarighttochoosehishousekeeper，youknow。Praydon't！'
`WellMissFloy，'returnedtheNipper，`whenyousaydon't，I
neverdoIhopebutMrs。PipchinactslikeearlygooseberriesuponmeMiss，andnothingless。'
Susanwasunusuallyemphaticanddestituteofpunctuationinherdiscourseonthisnight，whichwasthenightofMr。Dombey'sbeingbroughthome，because，havingbeensentdownstairsbyFlorencetoinquireafterhim，shehadbeenobligedtodeliverhermessagetohermortalenemyMrs。
Pipchin；who，withoutcarryingitintoMr。Dombey，hadtakenuponherselftoreturnwhatMissNippercalledahuffishanswer，onherownresponsibility。
This，SusanNipperconstruedintopresumptiononthepartofthatexemplarysuffererbythePeruvianmines，andadeedofdisparagementuponheryounglady，thatwasnottobeforgiven；andsofarheremphaticstatewasspecial。
Butshehadbeeninaconditionofgreatlyincreasedsuspicionanddistrust，eversincethemarriage；for，likemostpersonsofherqualityofmind，whoformastrongandsincereattachmenttooneinthedifferentstationwhichFlorenceoccupied，Susanwasveryjealous，andherjealousynaturallyattachedtoEdith，whodividedheroldempire，andcamebetweenthem。ProudandgladasSusanNippertrulywas，thatheryoungmistressshouldbeadvancedtowardsherproperplaceinthesceneofheroldneglect，andthatsheshouldhaveherfather'shandsomewifeforhercompanionandprotectress，shecouldnotrelinquishanypartofherowndominiontothehandsomewife，withoutagrudgeandavaguefeelingofill-will，forwhichshedidnotfailtofindadisinterestedjustificationinhersharpperceptionoftheprideandpassionofthelady'scharacter。Fromthebackgroundtowhichshehadnecessarilyretiredsomewhat，sincethemarriage，MissNipperlookedon，therefore，atdomesticaffairsingeneral，witharesoluteconvictionthatnogoodwouldcomeofMrs。Dombey：alwaysbeingverycarefultopublishonallpossibleoccasions，thatshehadnothingtosayagainsther。
`Susan，'saidFlorence，whowassittingthoughtfullyathertable，`itisverylate。Ishallwantnothingmoreto-night。'
`Ah，MissFloy！'returnedtheNipper，`I'msureIoftenwishforthemoldtimeswhenIsatupwithyouhourslaterthanthisandfellasleepthroughbeingtiredoutwhenyouwasasbroadawakeasspectacles，butyou'vema's-in-lawtocomeandsitwithyounowMissFloyandI'mthankfulforitI'msure。I'venotawordtosayagainst'em。'
`IshallnotforgetwhowasmyoldcompanionwhenIhadnone，Susan，'returnedFlorence，gently，`never。'Andlookingup，sheputherarmroundtheneckofherhumblefriend，drewherfacedowntohers，andbiddinghergoodnight，kissedit；whichsomollifiedMissNipper，thatshefellasobbing。
`NowmydearMissFloy，'saidSusan，`letmegodownstairsagainandseehowyourpais，Iknowyou'rewretchedabouthim，doletmegodownstairsagainandknockathisdoormyownself。'
`No，'saidFlorence，`gotobed。Weshallhearmoreinthemorning。
Iwillinquiremyselfinthemorning。Mamahasbeendown，Idaresay；'
Florenceblushed，forshehadnosuchhope；`oristherenow，perhaps，Goodnight！'
SusanwastoomuchsoftenedtoexpressherprivateopinionontheprobabilityofMrs。Dombey'sbeinginattendanceonherhusband；andsilentlywithdrew。Florenceleftalone，soonhidherheaduponherhandsasshehadoftendoneinotherdays，anddidnotrestrainthetearsfromcoursingdownherface。Themiseryofthisdomesticdiscordandunhappiness；
thewitheredhopeshecherishednow，ifhopeitcouldbecalled，ofeverbeingtakentoherfather'sheart；herdoubtsandfearsbetweenthetwo；
theyearningofherinnocentbreasttoboth；theheavydisappointmentandregretofsuchanendasthis，towhathadbeenavisionofbrighthopeandpromisetoher；allcrowdedonhermindandmadehertearsflowfast。
Hermotherandherbrotherdead，herfatherunmovedtowardsher，Edithopposedtohimandcastinghimaway，butlovingher，andlovedbyher，itseemedasifheraffectioncouldneverprosper，restwhereitwould。
Thatweakthoughtwassoonhushed，butthethoughtsinwhichithadarisenweretootrueandstrongtobedismissedwithit；andtheymadethenightdesolate。
Amongsuchreflectionsthereroseup，astherehadrisenupallday，theimageofherfather，woundedandinpain，aloneinhisownroom，untendedbythosewhoshouldbenearesttohim，andpassingthetardyhoursinlonelysuffering。Afrightenedthoughtwhichmadeherstartandclaspherhands——thoughitwasnotanewoneinhermind——thatthemightdie，andneverseeherorpronouncehername，thrilledherwholeframe。Inheragitationshethought，andtrembledwhileshethought，ofoncemorestealingdownstairs，andventuringtohisdoor。
Shelistenedatherown。Thehousewasquiet，andallthelightswereout。Itwasalong，longtime，shethought，sincesheusedtomakehernightlypilgrimagestohisdoor！Itwasalong，longtime，shetriedtothink，sinceshehadenteredhisroomatmidnight，andhehadledherbacktothestair-foot！
Withthesamechild'sheartwithinher，asofold：evenwiththechild'ssweettimideyesandclusteringhair：Florence，asstrangetoherfatherinherearlymaidenbloom，asinhernurserytime，creptdownthestaircaselisteningasshewent，anddrewneartohisroom。Noonewasstirringinthehouse。Thedoorwaspartyopentoadmitair；andallwassostillwithin，thatshecouldheartheburningofthefire，andcountthetickingoftheclockthatstooduponthechimney-piece。
Shelookedin。Inthatroom，thehousekeeperwrappedinablanketwasfastasleepinaneasychairbeforethefire。Thedoorsbetweenitandthenextwerepartlyclosed，andascreenwasdrawnbeforethem；buttherewasalightthere，anditshoneuponthecorniceofhisbed。Allwassoverystillthatshecouldhearfromhisbreathingthathewasasleep。
Thisgavehercouragetopassroundthescreen，andlookintohischamber。
Itwasasgreatastarttocomeuponhissleepingfaceasifshehadnotexpectedtoseeit。Florencestoodarrestedonthespot，andifhehadawakenedthen，musthaveremainedthere。
Therewasacutuponhisforehead，andtheyhadbeenwettinghishair，whichlaybedabbledandentangledonthepillow。Oneofhisarms，restingoutsidethebed，wasbandagedup，andhewasverywhite。Butitwasnotthis，thatafterthefirstquickglance，andfirstassuranceofhissleepingquietly，heldFlorencerootedtotheground。Itwassomethingverydifferentfromthis，andmorethanthis，thatmadehimlooksosolemninhereyes。
Shehadneverseenhisfaceinallherlife，buttherehadbeenuponit——orshefanciedso——somedisturbingconsciousnessofher。Shehadneverseenhisfaceinallherlife，buthopehadsunkwithinher，andhertimidglancehaddroopedbeforeitsstern，unloving，andrepellingharshness。Asshelookeduponitnow，shesawit，forthefirsttime，freefromthecloudthathaddarkenedherchildhood。Calm，tranquilnightwasreigninginitsstead。Hermighthavegonetosleep，foranythingshesawthere，blessingher。
Awake，unkindfather！Awake，now，sullenman！Thetimeisflittingby；thehouriscomingwithanangrytread。Awake！
Therewasnochangeuponhisface；andasshewatchedit，awfully，itsmotionlessreposerecalledthefacesthatweregone。Sotheylooked，sowouldhe；soshe，hisweepingchild，whoshouldsaywhen！soalltheworldofloveandhatredandindifferencearoundthem！Whenthattimeshouldcome，itwouldnotbetheheaviertohim，forthisthatshewasgoingtodo；anditmightfallsomethinglighteruponher。
Shestoleclosetothebed，anddrawinginherbreathbentdown，andsoftlykissedhimontheface，andlaidherownforonebriefmomentbyitsside，andputthearm，withwhichshedarednottouchhim，roundabouthimonthepillow。
Awake，doomedman，whilesheisnear。Thetimeisflittingby；
thehouriscomingwithanangrytread；itsfoodisinthehouse。Awake！
Inhermind，sheprayedtoGodtoblessherfather，andtosoftenhimtowardsher，ifitmightbeso；andifnot，toforgivehimifhewaswrong，andpardonhertheprayerwhichalmostseemedimpiety。Anddoingso，andlookingbackathimwithblindedeyes，andstealingtimidlyaway，passedoutofhisroom，andcrossedtheother，andwasgone。
Hemaysleeponnow。Hemaysleeponwhilehemay。Butlethimlookforthatslightfigurewhenhewakes，andfinditnearhimwhenthehouriscome！
SadandgrievingwastheheartofFlorence，asshecreptupstairs。
Thequiethousehadgrownmoredismalsinceshecamedown。Thesleepshehadbeenlookingon，inthedeadonnight，hadthesolemnitytoherofdeathandlifeinone。Thesecrecyandsilenceofherownproceedingmadethenightsecret，silent，andoppressive。Shefeltunwilling，almostunable，togoontoherownchamber；andturningintothedrawing-rooms，wherethecloudedmoonwasshiningthroughtheblinds，lookedoutintotheemptystreets。
Thewindwasblowingdrearily。Thelampslookedpale，andshookasiftheywerecold。Therewasadistantglimmerofsomethingthatwasnotquitedarkness，ratherthanoflight，inthesky；andforebodingnightwasshiveringandrestless，asthedyingarewhomakeatroubledend。Florencerememberedhow，asawatcher，byasick-bed，shehadnotedthisbleaktime，andfeltitsinfluence，asifinsomehiddennaturalantipathytoit；andnowitwasvery，verygloomy。
HerMamahadnotcometoherroomthatnight，whichwasonecauseofherhavingsatlateoutofherbed。Inhergeneraluneasiness，nolessthaninherardentlongingtohavesomebodytospeakto，andtobreakthespellofgloomandsilence，Florencedirectedherstepstowardsthechamberwheresheslept。
Thedoorwasnotfastenedwithin，andyieldedsmoothlytoherhesitatinghand。Shewassurprisedtofindabrightlightburning；stillmoresurprised，onlookingin，toseethatherMama，butpartiallyundressed，wassittingneartheashesofthefire，whichhadcrumbledanddroppedaway。Hereyeswereintentlybentupontheair；andintheirlight，andinherface，andinherform，andinthegraspwithwhichsheheldtheelbowsofherchairasifabouttostartup，Florencesawsuchfierceemotionthatitterrifiedher。
`Mama！'shecried，`whatisthematter？'
Edithstarted；lookingatherwithsuchastrangedreadinherface，thatFlorencewasmorefrightenedthanbefore。
`Mama！'saidFlorence，hurriedlyadvancing。`DearMama！whatisthematter？'
`Ihavenotbeenwell，'saidEdith，shaking，andstilllookingatherinthesamestrangeway。`Ihavehadbaddreams，mylove。'
`Andnotyetbeentobed，Mama？'
`No，'shereturned。`Half-wakingdreams。'
Herfeaturesgraduallysoftened；andsufferingFlorencetocomeclosertoher，withinherembrace，shesaidinatendermanner，`Butwhatdoesmybirddohere？Whatdoesmybirddohere？'
`Ihavebeenuneasy，Mama，innotseeingyouto-night，andinnotknowinghowPapawas；andI'
Florencestoppedthere，andsaidnomore。
`Isitlate？'askedEdith，fondlyputtingbackthecurlsthatmingledwithherowndarkhair，andstrayeduponherface。
`Verylate。Nearday。'
`Nearday！'sherepeatedinsurprise。
`DearMama，whathaveyoudonetoyourhand？'saidFlorence。
Edithdrewitsuddenlyaway，and，foramoment，lookedatherwiththesamestrangedreadtherewasasortofwildavoidanceinit
asbefore；butshepresentlysaid，`Nothing，nothing。Ablow。'Andthenshesaid，`MyFlorence！'andthenherbosomheaved，andshewasweepingpassionately。
`Mama！'saidFlorence。`OhMama，whatcanIdo，whatshouldI
do，tomakeushappier？Isthereanything？'
`Nothing，'shereplied。
`Areyousureofthat？Canitneverbe？IfIspeaknowofwhatisinmythoughts，inspiteofwhatwehaveagreed，'saidFlorence，`youwillnotblameme，willyou？'
`Itisuseless，'shereplied，`useless。Ihavetoldyou，dear，thatIhavehadbaddreams。Nothingcanchangethem，orpreventtheircomingback。'
`Idonotunderstand，'saidFlorence，gazingonheragitatedface，whichseemedtodarkenasshelooked。
`Ihavedreamed，'saidEdithinalowvoice，`ofapridethatisallpowerlessforgood，allpowerfulforevil；ofapridethathasbeengalledandgoaded，throughmanyshamefulyears，andhasneverrecoiledexceptuponitself；apridethathasdebaseditsownerwiththeconsciousnessofdeephumiliation，andneverhelpeditsownerboldlytoresentitoravoidit，ortosay，“Thisshallnotbe！”apridethat，rightlyguided，mighthaveledperhapstobetterthings，butwhich，misdirectedandperverted，likeallelsebelongingtothesamepossessor，hasbeenself-contempt，merehardihood，andruin。'
SheneitherlookednorspoketoFlorencenow，butwentonasifshewerealone。
`Ihavedreamed，'shesaid，`ofsuchindifferenceandcallousness，arisingfromthisself-contempt；thiswretched，inefficient，miserablepride；thatithasgoneonwithlistlessstepseventothealtar，yieldingtotheold，familiar，beckoningfinger，——ohmother，ohmother！——whileitspurnedit；andwillingtobehatefultoitselfforonceandforall，ratherthantobestungdailyinsomenewform。Mean，poorthing！'
Andnowwithgatheringanddarkeningemotion，shelookedasshehadlookedwhenFlorenceentered。
`AndIhavedreamed，'shesaid，`thatinafirstlateefforttoachieveapurpose，ithasbeentroddenon，andtroddendownbyabasefoot，butturnsandlooksuponhim。Ihavedreamedthatitiswounded，hunted，setuponbydogs，butthatitstandsatbay，andwillnotyield；no，thatitcannotifitwould；butthatitisurgedontohatehim，riseagainsthim，anddefyhim！'
Herclenchedhandtightenedonthetremblingarmshehadinhers，andasshelookeddownonthealarmedandwonderingface，herownsubsided。
`OhFlorence！'shesaid，`IthinkIhavebeennearlymadto-night！'andhumbledherproudheaduponherneck，andweptagain。
`Don'tleaveme！benearme！Ihavenohopebutinyou！'Thesewordsshesaidascoreoftimes。
Soonshegrewcalmer，andwasfullofpityforthetearsofFlorence，andforherwakingatsuchuntimelyhours。Andthedaynowdrawing，Edithfoldedherinherarmsandlaidherdownuponherbed，and，notlyingdownherself，satbyher，andbadehertrytosleep。
`Foryouareweary，dearest，andunhappy，andshouldrest。'
`Iamindeedunhappy，dearMama，to-night，'saidFlorence。`Butyouarewearyandunhappy，too。'
`Notwhenyoulieasleepsonearme，sweet。'
Theykissedeachother，andFlorence，wornout，graduallyfellintoagentleslumber；butashereyesclosedonthefacebesideher，itwassosadtothinkuponthefacedownstairs，thatherhanddrewclosertoEdithforsomecomfort；yet，evenintheact，itfaltered，lestitshouldhedesertinghim。So，inhersleep，shetriedtoreconcilethetwotogether，andtoshowthemthatshelovedthemboth，butcouldnotdoit，andherwakinggriefwaspartofherdreams。
Edith，sittingby，lookeddownatthedarkeyelasheslyingwetontheflushedcheeks，andlookedwithgentlenessandpity，forsheknewthetruth。
Butnosleephunguponherowneyes。Asthedaycameonshestillsatwatchingandwaking，withtheplacidhandinhers，andsometimeswhispered，asshelookedatthehushedface，`Benearme，Florence，Ihavenohopebutinyou！'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter44[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIVASeparationWITHtheday，thoughnotsoearlyasthesun，uproseMissSusanNipper。
Therewasaheavinessinthisyoungmaiden'sexceedinglysharpblackeyes，thatabatedsomewhatoftheirsparkling，andsuggested——whichwasnottheirusualcharacter——thepossibilityoftheirbeingsometimesshut。Therewaslikewiseaswollenlookaboutthem，asiftheyhadbeencryingover-night。
ButtheNipper，sofarfrombeingcastdown，wassingularlybriskandbold，andallherenergiesappearedtobebracedupforsomegreatfeat。Thiswasnoticeableeveninherdress，whichwasmuchmoretightandtrimthanusual；andinoccasionaltwitchesofherheadasshewentaboutthehouse，whichweremightilyexpressiveofdetermination。
Inaword，shehadformedadetermination，andanaspiringone：
itbeingnothinglessthanthis——topenetratetoMr。Dombey'spresence，andhavespeechofthatgentlemanalone。`IhaveoftensaidIwould，'sheremarked，inathreateningmanner，toherself，thatmorning，withmanytwitchesofherhead，`andnowIwill！'
Spurringherselfontotheaccomplishmentofthisdesperatedesign，withasharpnessthatwaspeculiartoherself，SusanNipperhauntedthehallandstaircaseduringthewholeforenoon，withoutfindingafavourableopportunityfortheassault。Notatallbaffledbythisdiscomfiture，whichindeedhadastimulatingeffect，andputheronhermettle，shediminishednothingofhervigilance；andatlastdiscovered，towardsevening，thatherswornfoeMrs。Pipchin，underpretenceofhavingsatupallnight，wasdozinginherownroom，andthatMr。Dombeywaslyingonhissofa，unattended。
Withatwitch——notofherheadmerely，thistime，butofherwholeself——theNipperwentontiptoetoMr。Dombey'sdoor，andknocked。`Comein！'saidMr。Dombey。Susanencouragedherselfwithafinaltwitch，andwentin。
Mr。Dombey，whowaseyeingthefire，gaveanamazedlookathisvisitor，andraisedhimselfalittleonhisarm。TheNipperdroppedacurtsey。
`Whatdoyouwant？'saidMr。Dombey。
`Ifyouplease，Sir，Iwishtospeaktoyou。'saidSusan。
Mr。Dombeymovedhislipsasifhewererepeatingthewords，butheseemedsolostinastonishmentatthepresumptionoftheyoungwomanastobeincapableofgivingthemutterance。
`Ihavebeeninyourservice，Sir，'saidSusanNipper，withherusualrapidity，`nowtwelveyearawaitingonMissFloymyownyoungladywhocouldn'tspeakplainwhenIfirstcomehereandIwasoldinthishousewhenMrs。Richardswasnew，ImaynotbeMeethosalem，butIamnotachildinarms。'
Mr。Dombey，raiseduponhisarmandlookingather，offerednocommentonthispreparatorystatementoffacts。
`Thereneverwasadearerorablessederyoungladythanismyyounglady，Sir，'saidSusan，`andIoughttoknowagreatdealbetterthansomeforIhaveseenherinhergriefandIhaveseenherinherjoythere'snotbeenmuchofitandIhaveseenherwithherbrotherandIhaveseenherinherlonelinessandsomehaveneverseenher，andIsaytosomeandall——Ido！'andheretheblack-eyedshookherhead，andslightlystampedherfoot；`thatshe'sblessedestanddearestangelisMissFloythateverdrewthebreathoflife，themorethatIwastorntopiecesSirthemoreI'dsayitthoughImaynotbeaFox'sMartyr。'
Mr。Dombeyturnedyetpalerthanhisfallhadmadehim，withindignationandastonishment；andkepthiseyesuponthespeakerasifheaccusedthem，andhisearstoo，ofplayinghimfalse。
`NoonecouldbeanythingbuttrueandfaithfultoMissFloy，Sir，'pursuedSusan，`andItakenomeritformyserviceoftwelveyear，forIloveher——yes，IsaytosomeandallIdo！'——andheretheblack-eyedshookherheadagain，andslightlystampedherfootagain，andcheckedasob；`buttrueandfaithfulservicegivesmerighttospeakIhope，andspeakImustandwillnow，rightorwrong。'
`Whatdoyoumean，woman？'saidMr。Dombey，glaringather。`Howdoyoudare？'
`WhatImean，Sir，istospeakrespectfulandwithoutoffence，butout，andhowIdareIknownotbutIdo！'saidSusan。`Oh！youdon'tknowmyyoungladySiryoudon'tindeed，you'dneverknowsolittleofher，ifyoudid。'
Mr。Dombey，inafury，puthishandoutforthebell-rope；buttherewasnobell-ropeonthatsideofthefire，andhecouldnotriseandcrosstotheotherwithoutassistance。ThequickeyeoftheNipperdetectedhishelplessnessimmediately，andnow，assheafterwardsobserved，shefeltshehadgothim。
`MissFloy，'saidSusanNipper，`isthemostdevotedandmostpatientandmostdutifulandbeautifulofdaughters，therean'tnogentleman，noSir，thoughasgreatandrichasallthegreatestandrichestofEnglandputtogether，butmightbeproudofherandwouldandought。Ifheknewhervalueright，he'dratherlosehisgreatnessandhisfortunepiecebypieceandbeghiswayinragsfromdoortodoor，Isaytosomeandall，hewould！'criedSusanNipper，burstingintotears，`thanbringthesorrowonhertenderheartthatIhaveseenitsufferinthishouse！'
`Woman，'criedMr。Dombey，`leavetheroom。'
`Beggingyourpardon，notevenifIamtoleavethesituation，Sir，'repliedthesteadfastNipper，`inwhichIhavebeensomanyyearsandseensomuch——althoughIhopeyou'dneverhavethehearttosendmefromMissFloyforsuchacause——willIgonowtillIhavesaidtherest，ImaynotbeaIndianwidowSirandIamnotandIwouldnotsobecomebutifIoncemadeupmymindtoburnmyselfalive，I'ddoit！AndI'vemademyminduptogoon。'
WhichwasrenderednolessclearbytheexpressionofSusanNipper'scountenance，thanbyherwords。
`Therean'tapersoninyourservice，Sir，'pursuedtheblackeyed，`thathasalwaysstoodmoreinaweofyouthanmeandyoumaythinkhowtrueitiswhenImakesoboldassaythatIhavehundredsandhundredsoftimesthoughtofspeakingtoyouandneverbeenabletomakemyminduptoittilllastnight，butlastnightdecidedofme。'
Mr。Dombey，inaparoxysmofrage，madeanothergraspatthebell-ropethatwasnotthere，and，initsabsence，pulledhishairratherthannothing。
`Ihaveseen，'saidSusanNipper，`MissFloystriveandstrivewhennothingbutachildsosweetandpatientthatthebestofwomenmighthavecopiedfromher，I'veseenhersittingnightstogetherhalfthenightthroughtohelpherdelicatebrotherwithhislearning，I'veseenherhelpinghimandwatchinghimatothertimes——somewellknowwhen——I'veseenher，withnoencouragementandnohelp，growuptobealady，thankGod！thatisthegraceandprideofeverycompanyshegoesin，andI'vealwaysseenhercruellyneglectedandkeenlyfeelingofit——Isaytosomeandall，Ihave！——andneversaidoneword，butorderingone'sselflowlyandreverentlytowardsone'sbetters，isnottobeaworshipperofgravenimages，andIwillandmustspeak！'
`Isthereanybodythere？'criedMr。Dombey，callingout。`Wherearethemen？wherearethewomen？Istherenoonethere？'
`Ileftmydearyoungladyoutofbedlatelastnight，'saidSusan，nothingchecked，`andIknewwhy，foryouwasillSirandshedidn'tknowhowillandthatwasenoughtomakeherwretchedasIsawitdid。ImaynotbeaPeacock；butIhavemyeyes——andIsatupalittleinmyownroomthinkingshemightbelonesomeandmightwantme，andIsawherstealdownstairsandcometothisdoorasifitwasaguiltythingtolookatherownPa，andthenstealbackagainandgointothemlonelydrawing-rooms，acryingso，thatIcouldhardlybeartohearit。Icannotbeartohearit，'saidSusanNipper，wipingherblackeyes，andfixingthemundauntinglyonMr。Dombey'sinfuriatedface。`It'snotthefirsttimeIhaveheardit，notbymanyandmanyatimeyoudon'tknowyourowndaughter，Sir，youdon'tknowwhatyou'redoing，Sir，Isaytosomeandall，'criedSusanNipper，inafinalburst，`thatit'sasinfulshame！'
`Why，hoitytoity！'criedthevoiceofMrs。Pipchin，astheblackbombazeengarmentsofthatfairPeruvianMinersweptintotheroom。`What'sthis，indeed？'
SusanfavouredMrs。Pipchinwithalookshehadinventedexpresslyforherwhentheyfirstbecameacquainted，andresignedthereplytoMr。
Dombey。
`What'sthis？'repeatedMr。Dombey，almostfoaming。`What'sthis，Madam？Youwhoareattheheadofthishousehold，andboundtokeepitinorder，havereasontoinquire。Doyouknowthiswoman？'
`Iknowverylittlegoodofher，Sir，'croakedMrs。Pipchin。`Howdareyoucomehere，youhussy？Goalongwithyou！'
ButtheinflexibleNipper，merelyhonouringMrs。Pipchinwithanotherlook，remained。
`Doyoucallitmanagingthisestablishment，Madam，'saidMr。
Dombey，`toleaveapersonlikethisatlibertytocomeandtalktome！
Agentleman——inhisownhouse——inhisownroom——assailedwiththeimpertinencesofwomen-servants！'
`Well，Sir，'returnedMrs。Pipchin，withvengeanceinherhardgreyeye，`Iexceedinglydeploreit；nothingcanbemoreirregular；nothingcanbemoreoutofallboundsandreason；butIregrettosay，Sir，thatthisyoungwomanisquitebeyondcontrol。ShehasbeenspoiledbyMissDombey，andisamenabletonobody。Youknowyou'renot，'saidMrs。Pipchin，sharply，andshakingherheadatSusanNipper。`Forshame，youhussy！Goalongwithyou！'
`Ifyoufindpeopleinmyservicewhoarenottobecontrolled，Mrs。Pipchin，'saidMr。Dombey，turningbacktowardsthefire，`youknowwhattodowiththem，Ipresume。Youknowwhatyouareherefor？Takeheraway！'
`Sir，Iknowwhattodo，'retortedMrs。Pipchin，`andofcourseshalldoit。SusanNipper，'snappingherupparticularlyshort，`amonth'swarningfromthishour。'
`Ohindeed！'criedSusan，loftily。
`Yes，'returnedMrs。Pipchin，`anddon'tsmileatme，youminx，orI'llknowthereasonwhy！Goalongwithyouthisminute！'
`Iintendtogothisminute，youmayrelyuponit，'saidthevolubleNipper。`IhavebeeninthishousewaitingonmyyoungladyadozenyearandIwon'tstopinitonehourundernoticefromapersonowningtothenameofPipchin，trustme，Mrs。P。'
`Agoodriddanceofbadrubbish！'saidthatwrathfuloldlady。
`Getalongwithyou，orI'llhaveyoucarriedout！'
`Mycomfortis，'saidSusan，lookingbackatMr。Dombey，`thatIhavetoldapieceoftruththisdaywhichoughttohavebeentoldlongbeforeandcan'tbetoldtoooftenortooplainandthatnoamountofPipchinses——I
hopethenumberof'emmayn'tbegreat'hereMrs。Pipchinutteredaverysharp`Goalongwithyou！'andMissNipperrepeatedthelook`canunsaywhatIhavesaid，thoughtheygaveawholeyearfullofwarningsbeginningatteno'clockintheforenoonandneverleavingofftilltwelveatnightanddiedoftheexhaustionwhichwouldbeaJubilee！'
Withthesewords，MissNipperprecededherfoeoutoftheroom；
andwalkingupstairstoherownapartmentsingreatstate，tothechokingexasperationoftheirefulPipchin，satdownamongherboxesandbegantocry。
Fromthissoftmoodshewassoonaroused，withaverywholesomeandrefreshingeffect，bythevoiceofMrs。Pipchinoutsidethedoor。
`Doesthatbold-facedslut，'saidthefellPipchin，`intendtotakeherwarning，ordoesshenot？'
MissNipperrepliedfromwithinthatthepersondescribeddidnotinhabitthatpartofthehouse，butthathernamewasPipchin，andshewastobefoundinthehousekeeper'sroom。
`Yousaucybaggage！'retortedMrs。Pipchin，rattlingatthehandleofthedoor。`Goalongwithyouthisminute。Packupyourthingsdirectly！
Howdareyoutalkinthiswaytoagentlewomanwhohasseenbetterdays？'
TowhichMissNipperrejoinedfromhercastle，thatshepitiedthebetterdaysthathadseenMrs。Pipchin；andthatforherpartsheconsideredtheworstdaysintheyeartobeaboutthatlady'smark，exceptthattheyweremuchtoogoodforher。
`Butyouneedn'ttroubleyourselftomakeanoiseatmydoor，'
saidSusanNipper，`nortocontaminatethekey-holewithyoureye，I'mpackingupandgoingyoumaytakeyouraffidavit。'
TheDowagerexpressedherlivelysatisfactionatthisintelligence，andwithsomegeneralopinionsuponyounghussiesasarace，andespeciallyupontheirdemeritsafterbeingspoiledbyMissDombey，withdrewtopreparetheNipper'swages。Susanthenbestirredherselftogethertrunksinorder，thatshemighttakeanimmediateanddignifieddeparture；sobbingheartilyallthetime，asshethoughtofFlorence。
Theobjectofherregretwasnotlongincomingtoher，forthenewssoonspreadoverthehousethatSusanNipperhadhadadisturbancewithMrs。Pipchin，andthattheyhadbothappealedtoMr。Dombey，andthattherehadbeenanunprecedentedpieceofworkinMr。Dombey'sroom，andthatSusanwasgoing。Thelatterpartofthisconfusedrumour，Florencefoundtobesocorrect，thatSusanhadlockedthelasttrunkandwassittinguponitwithherbonneton，whenshecameintoherroom。
`Susan！'criedFlorence。`Goingtoleaveme！You！'
`Ohforgoodnessgracioussake，MissFloy，'saidSusan，sobbing，`don'tspeakawordtomeorIshalldemeanmyselfbeforethemPi-i-ipchinses，andIwouldn'thave'emseemecryMissFloyforworlds！'
`Susan！'saidFlorence。`Mydeargirl，myoldfriend！WhatshallIdowithoutyou！Canyoubeartogoawayso？'
`No-n-o-o，mydarlingdearMissFloy，Ican'tindeed，'sobbedSusan。`Butitcan'tbehelped，I'vedonemydutyMiss，Ihaveindeed。
It'snofaultofmine。Iamquiteresi-igned。Icouldn'tstaymymonthorIcouldneverleaveyouthenmydarlingandImustatlastaswellasatfirst，don'tspeaktomeMissFloy，forthoughI'mprettyfirmI'mnotamarbledoorpost，myowndear。'
`Whatisit？Whyisit？'saidFlorence。`Won'tyoutellme？'ForSusanwasshakingherhead。
`No-n-no，mydarling，'returnedSusan。`Don'taskme，forImustn't，andwhateveryoudodon'tputinawordformetostop，foritcouldn'tbeandyou'donlywrongyourself，andsoGodblessyoumyownpreciousandforgivemeanyharmIhavedone，oranytemperIhaveshowedinallthesemanyyears！'
Withwhichentreaty，veryheartilydelivered，Susanhuggedhermistressinherarms。
`Mydarlingthere'samanythatmaycometoserveyouandbegladtoserveyouandwho'llserveyouwellandtrue，'saidSusan，`buttherecan'tbeonewho'llserveyousoaffectionateasmeorloveyouhalfasdearly，that'smycomfort。Go-oodbye，sweetMissFloy！'
`Wherewillyougo，Susan？'askedherweepingmistress。
`I'vegotabrotherdowninthecountryMiss——afarmerinEssex，'
saidtheheart-brokenNipper，`thatkeepseversomanyco-o-owsandpigsandIshallgodowntherebythecoachandsto-opwithhim，anddon'tmindme，forI'vegotmoneyintheSavings'Banksmydear，andneedn'ttakeanotherservicejustyet，whichIcouldn't，couldn't，couldn'tdo，myheart'sownmistress！'Susanfinishedwithaburstofsorrow，whichwasopportunelybrokenbythevoiceofMrs。Pipchintalkingdownstairs；onhearingwhich，shedriedherredandswolleneyes，andmadeamelancholyfeintofcallingjauntilytoMr。Towlinsontofetchacabandcarrydownherboxes。
Florence，paleandhurriedanddistressed，butwithheldfromuselessinterferenceevenhere，byherdreadofcausinganynewdivisionbetweenherfatherandhiswifewhosestern，indignantfacehadbeenawarningtoherafewmomentssince，andbyherapprehensionofbeinginsomewayunconsciouslyconnectedalreadywiththedismissalofheroldservantandfriend，followed，weeping，downstairstoEdith'sdressingroom，whitherSusanbetookherselftomakeherpartingcurtsey。
`Now，here'sthecab，andhere'stheboxes，getalongwithyou，do！'saidMrs。Pipchin，presentingherselfatthesamemoment。`Ibegyourpardon，ma'am，butMr。Dombey'sordersareimperative。'
Edith，sittingunderthehandsofhermaid——shewasgoingouttodinner——preservedherhaughtyface，andtooknottheleastnotice。
`There'syourmoney，'saidMrs。Pipchin，whoinpursuanceofhersystem，andinrecollectionofthemines，wasaccustomedtorouttheservantsabout，asshehadroutedheryoungBrightonboarders；totheeverlastingacidulationofMasterBitherstone，`andthesoonerthishouseseesyourbackthebetter。'
SusanhadnospiritsevenforthelookthatbelongedtoMrs。Pipchinbyright；soshedroppedhercurtseytoMrs。Dombeywhoinclinedherheadwithoutoneword，andwhoseeyeavoidedeveryonebutFlorence，andgaveonelastpartinghugtoheryoungmistress，andreceivedherpartingembraceinreturn。PoorSusan'sfaceatthiscrisis，intheintensityofherfeelingsandthedeterminedsuffocationofhersobs，lestoneshouldbecomeaudibleandbeatriumphtoMrs。Pipchin，presentedaseriesofthemostextraordinaryphysiognomicalphenomenaeverwitnessed。
`Ibegyourpardon，Miss，I'msure，'saidTowlinson，outsidethedoorwiththeboxes，addressingFlorence，`butMr。Tootsisinthedrawing-room，andsendshiscompliments，andbegstoknowhowDiogenesandMasteris。'
Quickasthought，Florenceglidedoutandhasteneddownstairs，whereMr。Toots，inthemostsplendidvestments，wasbreathingveryhardwithdoubtandagitationonthesubjectofhercoming。
`Oh，howdedo，MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots，`Godblessmysoul！'
ThislastejaculationwasoccasionedbyMr。Toots'sdeepconcernatthedistresshesawinFlorence'sface；whichcausedhimtostopshortinafitofchuckles，andbecomeanimageofdespair。
`DearMr。Toots，'saidFlorence，`youaresofriendlytome，andsohonest，thatIamsureImayaskafavourofyou。'
`MissDombey，'returnedMr。Toots，`ifyou'llonlynameone，you'll——you'llgivemeanappetite。Towhich，'saidMr。Toots，withsomesentiment，`I
havelongbeenastranger。'
`Susan，whoisanoldfriendofmine，theoldestfriendIhave，'
saidFlorence，`isabouttoleaveheresuddenly，andquitealone，poorgirl。Sheisgoinghome，alittlewayintothecountry。MightIaskyoutotakecareofheruntilsheisinthecoach？'
`MissDombey，'returnedMr。Toots，`youreallydomeanhonourandakindness。Thisproofofyourconfidence，afterthemannerinwhichIwasBeastenoughtoconductmyselfatBrighton——'
`Yes，'saidFlorence，hurriedly——`no——don'tthinkofthat。Thenwouldyouhavethekindnessto——togo？andtobereadytomeetherwhenshecomesout？Thankyouathousandtimes！Youeasemymindsomuch。Shedoesn'tseemsodesolate。YoucannotthinkhowgratefulIfeeltoyou，orwhatagoodfriendIamsureyouare！'AndFlorenceinherearnestnessthankedhimagainandagain；andMr。Toots，inhisearnestness，hurriedaway——butbackwards，thathemightlosenoglimpseofher。
Florencehadnotthecouragetogoout，whenshesawpoorSusaninthehall，withMrs。Pipchindrivingherforth，andDiogenesjumpingabouther，andterrifyingMrs。Pipchintothelastdegreebymakingsnapsatherbombazeenskirts，andhowlingwithanguishatthesoundofhervoice——forthegoodduennawasthedearestandmostcherishedaversionofhisbreast。
ButshesawSusanshakehandswiththeservantsallround，andturnoncetolookatheroldhome；andshesawDiogenesboundoutafterthecab，andwanttofollowit，andtestifyanimpossibilityofconvictionthathehadnolongeranypropertyinthefare；andthedoorwasshut，andthehurryover，andhertearsflowedfastforthelossofanoldfriend，whomnoonecouldreplace。Noone。Noone。
Mr。Toots，likethelealandtrustysoulhewas，stoppedthecabrioletinatwinkling，andtoldSusanNipperofhiscommission，atwhichshecriedmorethanbefore。
`Uponmysoulandbody！'saidMr。Toots，takinghisseatbesideher，`Ifeelforyou。UponmywordandhonourIthinkyoucanhardlyknowyourownfeelingsbetterthanIimaginethem。IcanconceivenothingmoredreadfulthantohavetoleaveMissDombey。'
Susanabandonedherselftohergriefnow，anditreallywastouchingtoseeher。
`Isay，'saidMr。Toots，`now，don't！atleastImeannowdo，youknow！'
`Dowhat，Mr。Toots？'criedSusan。
`Why，comehometomyplace，andhavesomedinnerbeforeyoustart，'
saidMr。Toots。`Mycook'samostrespectablewoman——oneofthemostmotherlypeopleIeversaw——andshe'llbedelightedtomakeyoucomfortable。Herson，'saidMr。Toots，asanadditionalrecommendation，`waseducatedintheBlue-coatSchool，andblownupinapowder-mill。'
Susanacceptingthiskindoffer，Mr。Tootsconductedhertohisdwelling，wheretheywerereceivedbytheMatroninquestionwhofullyjustifiedhischaracterofher，andbytheChicken，whoatfirstsupposed，onseeingaladyinthevehicle，thatMr。Dombeyhadbeendoubledup，agreeablytohisoldrecommendation，andMissDombeyabducted。ThisgentlemanawakenedinMissNippersomeconsiderableastonishment；for，havingbeendefeatedbytheLarkeyBoy，hisvisagewasinastateofsuchgreatdilapidation，astobehardlypresentableinsocietywithcomforttothebeholders。TheChickenhimselfattributedthispunishmenttohishavinghadthemisfortunetogetintoChanceryearlyintheproceedings，whenhewasseverelyfibbedbytheLarkeyone，andheavilygrassed。ButitappearedfromthepublishedrecordsofthatgreatcontestthattheLarkeyBoyhadhaditallhisownwayfromthebeginning，andthattheChickenhadbeentapped，andbunged，andhadreceivedpepper，andhadbeenmadegroggy，andhadcomeuppiping，andhadenduredacomplicationofsimilarstrangeinconveniences，untilhehadbeengoneintoandfinished。
Afteragoodrepast，andmuchhospitality，Susansetoutforthecoach-officeinanothercabriolet，withMr。Tootsinside，asbefore，andtheChickenonthebox，who，whateverdistinctionheconferredonthelittlepartybythemoralweightandheroismofhischaracter，wasscarcelyornamentaltoit，physicallyspeaking，onaccountofhisplasters；whichwerenumerous。
ButtheChickenhadregisteredavow，insecret，thathewouldneverleaveMr。Tootswhowassecretlypiningtogetridofhim，foranylessconsiderationthanthegood-willandfixturesofapublic-house；andbeingambitioustogointothatline，anddrinkhimselftodeathassoonaspossible，hefeltithiscuetomakehiscompanyunacceptable。
Thenight-coachbywhichSusanwastogo，wasonthepointofdeparture。
Mr。Tootshavingputperinside，lingeredbythewindow，irresolutely，untilthedriverwasabouttomount；when，standingonthestep，andputtinginafacethatbythelightofthelampwasanxiousandconfused，hesaidabruptly：
`Isay，Susan！MissDombey，youknow——'
`Yes，Sir。'
`Doyouthinkshecould——youknow——eh？'
`Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Toots，'saidSusan，`butIdon'thearyou。'
`Doyouthinkshecouldbebrought，youknow——notexactlyatonce，butintime——inalongtime——to——toloveme，youknow？There！'saidpoorMr。Toots。
`Ohdearno！'returnedSusan，shakingherhead。`Ishouldsay，never。Ne——ver！'
`Thank'ee！'saidMr。Toots。`It'sofnoconsequence。Goodnight。
It'sofnoconsequence，thank'ee！'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter45[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVTheTrustyAgentEDITHwentoutalonethatday，andreturnedhomeearly。Itwasbutafewminutesafterteno'clock，whenhercarriagerolledalongthestreetinwhichshelived。
Therewasthesameenforcedcomposureonherface，thattherehadbeenwhenshewasdressing；andthewreathuponherheadencircledthesamecoldandsteadybrow。Butitwouldhavebeenbettertohaveseenitsleavesandflowersreftintofragmentsbyherpassionatehand，orrenderedshapelessbythefitfulsearchesofathrobbingandbewilderedbrainforanyresting-place，thanadorningsuchtranquillity。Soobdurate，sounapproachable，sounrelenting，onewouldhavethoughtthatnothingcouldsoftensuchawoman'snature，andthateverythinginlifehadhardenedit。
Arrivedatherowndoor，shewasalighting，whensomeonecomingquietlyfromthehall，andstandingbareheaded，offeredherhisarm。Theservantbeingthrustaside，shehadnochoicebuttotouchit；andshethenknewwhosearmitwas。
`Howisyourpatient，Sir？'shesaid，withacurledlip。
`Heisbetter，'returnedCarker。`Heisdoingverywell。Ihavelefthimforthenight。'
Shebentherhead，andwaspassingupthestaircase，whenhefollowedandsaid，speakingatthebottom：
`Madam！MayIbegthefavourofaminute'saudience？'
Shestoppedandturnedhereyesback。`Itisanunreasonabletime，Sir，andIamfatigued。Isyourbusinessurgent？'
`Itisveryurgent，'returnedCarker。`AsIamsofortunateastohavemetyou，letmepressmypetition。'
Shelookeddownforamomentathisglisteningmouth；andhelookedupather，standingabovehiminherstatelydress，andthought，again，howbeautifulshewas。
`WhereisMissDombey？'sheaskedtheservant，aloud。
`Inthemorningroom，Ma'am。'
`Showthewaythere！'Turninghereyesagainontheattentivegentlemanatthebottomofthestairs，andinforminghimwithaslightmotionofherhead，thathewasatlibertytofollow，shepassedon。
`Ibegyourpardon！Madam！Mrs。Dombey！'criedthesoftandnimbleCarkerathersideinamoment。`MayIbepermittedtoentreatthatMissDombeyisnotpresent？'
Sheconfrontedhim，withaquicklook，butwiththesameself-possessionandsteadiness。
`IwouldspareMissDombey，'saidCarker，inalowvoice，`theknowledgeofwhatIhavetosay。Atleast，Madam，Iwouldleaveittoyoutodecidewhethersheshallknowofitornot。Iowethattoyou。Itismyboundendutytoyou。Afterourformerinterview，itwouldbemonstrousinmeifIdidotherwise。'
Sheslowlywithdrewhereyesfromhisface，andturningtotheservant，said，`Someotherroom。'Heledthewaytoadrawing-room，whichhespeedilylightedupandthenleftthem。Whileheremained，notawordwasspoken。Edithenthronedherselfuponacouchbythefire；andMr。Carker，withhishatinhishandandhiseyesbentuponthecarpet，stoodbeforeher，atsomelittledistance。
`BeforeIhearyou，Sir，'saidEdith，whenthedoorwasclosed，`Iwishyoutohearme。'
`TobeaddressedbyMrs。Dombey，'hereturned，`eveninaccentsofunmeritedreproach，isanhonourIsogreatlyesteem，thatalthoughIwerenotherservantinallthings，Ishoulddefertosuchawish，mostreadily。'
`Ifyouarechargedbythemanwhomyouhavejustnowleft，Sir；'
Mr。Carkerraisedhiseyes，asifheweregoingtocounterfeitsurprise，butshemetthem，andstoppedhim，ifsuchwerehisintention；`withanymessagetome，donotattempttodeliverit，forIwillnotreceiveit。
Ineedscarcelyaskyouifyouarecomeonsuchanerrand。Ihaveexpectedyousometime。'
`Itismymisfortune，'hereplied，`tobehere，whollyagainstmywill，forsuchapurpose。AllowmetosaythatIamherefortwopurposes。
Thatisone。'
`Thatone，Sir，'shereturned，`isended。Or，ifyoureturntoit'
`CanMrs。Dombeybelieve，'saidCarker，comingnearer，`thatI
wouldreturntoitinthefaceofherprohibition？IsitpossiblethatMrs。Dombey，havingnoregardtomyunfortunateposition，issodeterminedtoconsidermeinseparablefrommyinstructorastodomegreatandwilfulinjustice？'
`Sir，'returnedEdith，bendingherdarkgazefulluponhim，andspeakingwitharisingpassionthatinflatedherproudnostrilandherswellingneck，andstirredthedelicatewhitedownuponarobeshewore，thrownlooselyovershouldersthatcouldbearitssnowyneighbourhood。
`Whydoyoupresentyourselftome，asyouhavedone，andspeaktomeofloveanddutytomyhusband，andpretendtothinkthatIamhappilymarried，andthatIhonourhim？Howdareyouventuresotoaffrontme，whenyouknow——Idonotknowbetter，Sir：Ihaveseenitinyoureveryglance，andhearditinyoureveryword——thatinplaceofaffectionbetweenusthereisaversionandcontempt，andthatIdespisehimhardlylessthanIdespisemyselfforbeinghis！Injustice！IfIhaddonejusticetothetormentyouhavemademefeel，andtomysenseoftheinsultyouhaveputuponme，Ishouldhaveslainyou！'
Shehadaskedhimwhyhedidthis。Hadshenotbeenblindedbyherprideandwrath，andself-humiliation，——whichshewas，fiercelyasshebenthergazeuponhim，——shewouldhavebeentheanswerinhisface。
Tobringhertothisdeclaration。
Shesawitnot，andcarednotwhetheritwasthereorno。Shesawonlytheindignitiesandstrugglesshehadundergone，andhadtoundergo，andwaswrithingunderthem。Asshesatlookingfixedlyatthem，ratherthanathim，shepluckedthefeathersfromapinionofsomerareandbeautifulbird，whichhungfromherwristbyagoldenthread，toserveherasafan，andrainedthemontheground。
Hedidnotshrinkbeneathhergaze，butstood，untilsuchoutwardsignsofherangerashadescapedhercontrolsubsided，withtheairofamanwhohadhissufficientreplyinreserveandwouldpresentlydeliverit。Andhethenspoke，lookingstraightintoherkindlingeyes。
`Madam，'hesaid，`Iknow，andknewbeforeto-day，thatIhavefoundnofavourwithyou；andIknewwhy。Yes。Iknewwhy。Youhavespokensoopenlytome；Iamsorelievedbythepossessionofyourconfidence'
`Confidence！'sherepeated，withdisdain。
Hepasseditover。
`——thatIwillmakenopretenceofconcealment。Ididseefromthefirst，thattherewasnoaffectiononyourpartforMr。Dombey——howcoulditpossiblyexistbetweensuchdifferentsubjects？AndIhaveseen，since，thatstrongerfeelingsthanindifferencehavebeenengenderedinyourbreast——howcouldthatpossiblybeotherwise，either，circumstancedasyouhavebeen？Butwasitformetopresumetoavowthisknowledgetoyouinsomanywords？'
`Wasitforyou，Sir，'shereplied，`tofeignthatotherbelief，andaudaciouslytothrustitonemedaybyday？'
`Madam，itwas，'heeagerlyretorted。`IfIhaddoneless，ifIhaddoneanythingbutthat，Ishouldnotbespeakingtoyouthus；andIforesaw——whocouldbetterforesee，forwhohashadgreaterexperienceofMr。Dombeythanmyself？——thatunlessyourcharactershouldprovetobeasyieldingandobedientasthatofhisfirstsubmissivelady，whichIdidnotbelieve'
Ahaughtysmilegavehimreasontoobservethathemightrepeatthis。
`Isay，whichIdidnotbelieve，——thetimewaslikelytocome，whensuchanunderstandingaswehavenowarrivedat，wouldbeserviceable。'
`Serviceabletowhom，Sir？'shedemandedscornfully。
`Toyou。Iwillnotaddtomyself，aswarningmetorefrainevenfromthatlimitedcommendationofMr。Dombey，inwhichIcanhonestlyindulge，inorderthatImaynothavethemisfortuneofsayinganythingdistastefultoonewhoseaversionandcontempt，'withgreatexpression，`aresokeen。'
`Isithonestinyou，Sir，'saidEdith，`toconfesstoyour“limitedcommendation，“andtospeakinthattoneofdisparagement，evenofhim：
beinghischiefcounsellorandflatterer！'
`Counsellor，——yes，'saidCarker。Flatterer，——no。AlittlereservationIfearImustconfessto。Butourinterestandconveniencecommonlyobligemanyofustomakeprofessionsthatwecannotfeel。Wehavepartnershipsofinterestandconvenience，friendshipsofinterestandconvenience，dealingsofinterestandconvenience，marriagesofinterestandconvenience，everyday。'
Shebitherblood-redlip；butwithoutwaveringinthedark，sternwatchshekeptuponhim。
`Madam，'saidMr。Carker，sittingdowninachairthatwasnearher，withanairofthemostprofoundandmostconsideraterespect，`whyshouldIhesitatenow，beingaltogetherdevotedtoyourservice，tospeakplainly？Itwasnaturalthatalady，endowedasyouare，shouldthinkitfeasibletochangeherhusband'scharacterinsomerespects，andmouldhimtoabetterform。'
`Itwasnotnaturaltome，Sir，'sherejoined。`Ihadneveranyexpectationorintentionofthatkind。'
Theproudundauntedfaceshowedhimitwasresolutetowearnomaskheoffered，butwassetuponarecklessdisclosureofitself，indifferenttoanyaspectinwhichitmightpresentitselftosuchashe。
`Atleastitwasnatural，'heresumed，`thatyoushoulddeemitquitepossibletolivewithMr。Dombeyashiswife，atoncewithoutsubmittingtohim，andwithoutcomingintosuchviolentcollisionwithhim。But，Madam，youdidnotknowMr。Dombeyasyouhavesinceascertained，whenyouthoughtthat。Youdidnotknowhowexactingandhowproudheis，orhowheis，ifImaysayso，theslaveofhisowngreatness，andgoesyokedtohisowntriumphalcarlikeabeastofburden，withnoideaonearthbutthatitisbehindhimandistobedrawnon，overeverythingandthrougheverything。'