Histeethgleamedthroughhismaliciousrelishofthisconceit，ashewentontalking：
　　`Mr。Dombeyisreallycapableofnomoretrueconsiderationforyou，Madam，thanforme。Thecomparisonisanextremeone；Iintendittobeso；butquitejust。Mr。Dombey，intheplenitudeofhispower，askedme——Ihaditfromhisownlipsyesterdaymorning——tobehisgobetweentoyou，becauseheknowsIamnotagreeabletoyou，andbecauseheintendsthatIshallbeapunishmentforyourcontumacy；andbesidesthat，becausehereallydoesconsider，thatI，hispaidservant，amanambassadorwhomitisderogatorytothedignity——notoftheladytowhomIhavethehappinessofspeaking；shehasnoexistenceinhismind——butofhiswife，apartofhimself，toreceive。Youmayimaginehowregardlessofme，howobtusetothepossibilityofmyhavinganyindividualsentimentoropinionheis，whenhetellsme，openly，thatIamsoemployed。Youknowhowperfectlyindifferenttoyourfeelingsheis，whenhethreatensyouwithsuchamessenger。
　　Asyou，ofcourse，havenotforgottenthathedid。'
　　Shewatchedhimstillattentively。Buthewatchedhertoo；andhesawthatthisindicationofaknowledgeonhispart，ofsomethingthathadpassedbetweenherselfandherhusband，rankledandsmartedinherhaughtybreast，likeapoisonedarrow。
　　`IdonotrecallallthistowidenthebreachbetweenyourselfandMr。Dombey，Madam——Heavenforbid！whatwoulditprofitme？——butasanexampleofthehopelessnessofimpressingMr。Dombeywithasensethatanybodyistobeconsideredwhenheisinquestion。Wewhoareabouthim，have，inourvariouspositions，doneourpart，Idaresay，toconfirmhiminhiswayofthinking；butifwehadnotdoneso，otherswould——ortheywouldnothavebeenabouthim；andithasalwaysbeenfromthebeginning，theverystapleofhislife。Mr。Dombeyhashadtodeal，inshort，withnonebutsubmissiveanddependentpersons，whohavebowedtheknee，andbenttheneck，beforehim。Hehasneverknownwhatitistohaveangryprideandstrongresentmentopposedtohim。'
　　`Buthewillknowitnow！'sheseemedtosay；thoughherlipsdidnotpart，nothereyesfalter。Hesawthesoftdowntrembleonceagain，andhesawherlaytheplumageofthebeautifulbirdagainstherbosomforamoment；andheunfoldedonemoreringofthecoilintowhichhehadgatheredhimself。
　　`Mr。Dombey，thoughamosthonourablegentleman，'hesaid，`issopronetopervertevenfactstohisownview，whenheisatallopposed，inconsequenceofthewarpinhismind，thathe——canIgiveabetterinstancethanthis！——hesincerelybelievesyouwillexcusethefollyofwhatI
　　amabouttosay；itnotbeingminethathissevereexpressionofopiniontohispresentwife，onacertainspecialoccasionshemayremember，beforethelamenteddeathofMrs。Skewton，producedawitheringeffect，andforthemomentquitesubduedher！'
　　Edithlaughed。Howharshlyandunmusicallyneednotbedescribed。
　　Itisenoughthathewasgladtohearher。
　　`Madam，'heresumed，`Ihavedonewiththis。Yourownopinionsaresostrong，and，Iampersuaded，sounalterable，'herepeatedthosewordsslowlyandwithgreatemphasis，`thatIamalmostafraidtoincuryourdispleasureanew，whenIsaythatinspiteofthesedefectsandmyfullknowledgeofthem，IhavebecomehabituatedtoMr。Dombey，andesteemhim。ButwhenIsayso，itisnot，believeme，forthemeresakeofvauntingafeelingthatissoutterlyatvariancewithyourown，andforwhichyoucanhavesympathy'——ohhowdistinctandplainandemphasizedthiswas！——`buttogiveyouanassuranceofthezealwithwhich，inthisunhappymatter，Iamyours，andtheindignationwithwhichIregardthepartIamrequiredtofill！'
　　Shesatasifwereafraidtotakehereyesfromhisface。
　　Andnowtounwindthelastringofthecoil！
　　`Itisgrowinglate，'saidCarker，afterapause，`andyouare，asyousaid，fatigued。Butthesecondobjectofthisinterview，Imustnotforget。Imustrecommendyou，Imustentreatyouinthemostearnestmanner，forsufficientreasonsthatIhave，tobecautiousinyourdemonstrationsofregardforMissDombey。'
　　`Cautious！Whatdoyoumean？'
　　`Tobecarefulhowyouexhibittoomuchaffectionforthatyounglady。'
　　`Toomuchaffection，Sir！'saidEdith，knittingherbroadbrowandrising。`Whojudgesmyaffection，ormeasuresitout？You？'
　　`ItisnotIwhodoso。'Hewas，orfeignedtobe，perplexed。
　　`Whothen？'
　　`Canyounotguesswhothen？'
　　`Idonotchoosetoguess，'sheanswered。
　　`Madam，'hesaidafteralittlehesitation；meantimetheyhadbeen，andstillwere，regardingeachotherasbefore；`Iaminadifficultyhere。Youhavetoldmeyouwillreceivenomessage，andyouhaveforbiddenmetoreturntothatsubject；butthetwosubjectsaresocloselyentwined，Ifind，thatunlessyouwillacceptthisvaguecautionfromonewhohasnowthehonourtopossessyourconfidence，thoughthewaytoithasbeenthroughyourdispleasure，Imustviolatetheinjunctionyouhavelaiduponme。'
　　`Youknowthatyouarefreetodoso，Sir，'saidEdith。`Doit。'
　　Sopale，sotremblingsoimpassioned！Hehadnotmiscalculatedtheeffectthen！
　　`Hisinstructionswere，'hesaid，inalowvoice，`thatIshouldinformyouthatyourdemeanourtowardsMissDombeyisnotagreeabletohim。Thatitsuggestscomparisonstohimwhicharenotfavourabletohimself。
　　Thathedesiresitmaybewhollychanged；andthatifyouareinearnest，heisconfidentitwillbe；foryourcontinuedshowofaffectionwillnotbenefititsobject。'
　　`Thatisathreat，'shesaid。
　　`Thatisathreat，'heanswered，inhisvoicelessmannerofassent：
　　addingaloud，`butnotdirectedagainstyou。'
　　Proud，erect，anddignified，asshestoodconfrontinghim；andlookingthroughhimasshedid，withherfullbrightflashingeye；andsmiling，asshewas，withscornandbitterness；shesunkasifthegroundhasdroppedbeneathher，andinaninstantwouldhavefallenonthefloor，butthathecaughtherinhisarms。Asinstantaneouslyshethrewhimoff，themomentthathetouchedher，and，drawingback，confrontedhimagain，immoveable，withherhandstretchedout。
　　`Pleasetoleaveme。Saynomoreto-night。'
　　`Ifeeltheurgencyofthis，'saidMr。Carker，`becauseitisimpossibletosaywhatunforeseenconsequencesmightarise，orhowsoon，fromyourbeingunacquaintedwithhisstateofmind。IunderstandMissDombeyisconcerned，now，atthedismissalofheroldservant，whichislikelytohavebeenaminorconsequenceinitself。Youdon'tblamemeforrequestingthatMissDombeymightnotbepresent。MayIhopeso？'
　　`Idonot。Pleasetoleaveme，Sir。'
　　`Iknewthatyourregardfortheyounglady，whichisverysincereandstrong，Iamwellpersuaded，wouldrenderitagreatunhappinesstoyou，evertobeapreytothereflectionthatyouhadinjuredherpositionandruinedherfuturehopes，'saidCarkerhurriedly，buteagerly。
　　`Nomoreto-night。Leaveme，ifyouplease。'
　　`Ishallbehereconstantlyinmyattendanceuponhim，andinthetransactionofbusinessmatters。Youwillallowmetoseeyouagainandtoconsultwhatshouldbedone，andlearnyourwishes？'
　　Shemotionedhimtowardsthedoor。
　　`IcannotevendecidewhethertotellhimIhavespokentoyouyet；ortoleadhimtosupposethatIhavedeferreddoingso，forwantofopportunity，orforanyotherreason。Itwillbenecessarythatyoushouldenablemetoconsultwithyouverysoon。'
　　`Atanytimebutnow，'sheanswered。
　　`Youwillunderstand，whenIwishtoseeyou，thatMissDombeyisnottobepresent；andthatIseekaninterviewasonewhohasthehappinesstopossessyourconfidence，andwhocomestorenderyoueveryassistanceinhispower，and，perhaps，onmanyoccasions，towardoffevilfromher？'
　　Lookingathimstillwiththesameapparentdreadofreleasinghimforamomentfromtheinfluenceofhersteadygaze，whateverthatmightbe，sheanswered，`Yes！'andoncemorebadehimgo。
　　Hebowed，asifincompliance；butturningback，whenhehadnearlyreachedthedoor，said：
　　`Iamforgiven，andhaveexplainedmyfault。MayI——forMissDombey'ssakeandformyown——takeyourhandbeforeIgo？'
　　Shegavehimtheglovedhandshehadmaimedlastnight。Hetookitinoneofhis，andkissedit，andwithdrew。Andwhenhehadclosedthedoor，hewavedthehandwithwhichhehadtakenhers，andthrustitinhisbreast。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter46[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIRecognizantandReflectiveAMONGsundryminoralterationsinMr。Carker'slifeandhabitsthatbegantotakeplaceatthistime，nonewasmoreremarkablethantheextraordinarydiligencewithwhichheappliedhimselftobusiness，andtheclosenesswithwhichheinvestigatedeverydetailthattheaffairsoftheHouselaidopentohim。Alwaysactiveandpenetratinginsuchmatters，hislynx-eyedvigilancenowincreasedtwenty-fold。Notonlydidhiswearywatchkeeppacewitheverypresentpointthateverydaypresentedtohiminsomenewform，butinthemidstoftheseengrossingoccupationshefoundleisure——thatis，hemadeit——toreviewthepasttransactionsoftheFirm，andhisshareinthem，duringalongseriesofyears。Frequentlywhentheclerkswereallgone，theofficesdarkandempty，andallsimilarplacesofbusinessshutup，Mr。Carker，withthewholeanatomyoftheironroomlaidbarebeforehim，wouldexplorethemysteriesofbooksandpapers，withthepatientprogressofamanwhowasdissectingtheminutestnervesandfibresofhissubject。Perch，themessenger，whousuallyremainedontheseoccasions，toentertainhimselfwiththeperusalofthePriceCurrentbythelightofonecandle，ortodozeoverthefireintheouteroffice，attheimminentriskeverymomentofdivingheadforemostintothecoal-box，couldnotwithholdthetributeofhisadmirationfromthiszealousconduct，althoughitmuchcontractedhisdomesticenjoyments；andagain，andagain，expatiatedtoMrs。PerchnownursingtwinsontheindustryandacutenessoftheirmanaginggentlemanintheCity。
　　ThesameincreasedandsharpattentionthatMr。CarkerbestowedonthebusinessoftheHouse，heappliedtohisownpersonalaffairs。Thoughnotapartnerintheconcern——adistinctionhithertoreservedsolelytoinheritorsofthegreatnameofDombey——hewasinthereceiptofsomepercentageonitsdealings；and，participatinginallitsfacilitiesfortheemploymentofmoneytoadvantage，wasconsidered，bytheminnowsamongthetritonsoftheEast，arichman。Itbegantobesaid，amongtheseshrewdobservers，thatJemCarker，ofDombey's，waslookingabouthimtoseewhathewasworth；andthathewascallinginhismoneyatagoodtime，likethelong-headedfellowhewas；andbetswereevenofferedontheStockExchangethatJemwasgoingtomarryarichwidow。
　　YetthesecaresdidnotintheleastinterferewithMr。Carker'swatchingofhischief，orwithhiscleanness，neatness，sleekness，oranycat-likequalityhepossessed。Itwasnotsomuchthattherewasachangeinhim，inreferencetoanyofhishabits，asthatthewholemanwasintensified。
　　Everythingthathadbeenobservableinhimbefore，wasobservablenow，butwithagreateramountofconcentration。Hedideachsinglething，asifhedidnothingelse——aprettycertainindicationinamanofthatrangeofabilityandpurpose，thatheisdoingsomethingwhichsharpensandkeepsalivehiskeenestpowers。
　　Theonlydecidedalterationinhimwas，thatasherodetoandfroalongthestreets，hewouldfallintodeepfitsofmusing，likethatinwhichhehadcomeawayfromMr。Dombey'shouse，onthemorningofthatgentleman'sdisaster。Atsuchtimes，hewouldkeepclearoftheobstaclesinhisway，mechanically；andwouldappeartoseeandhearnothinguntilarrivalathisdestination，orsomesuddenchanceoreffortrousedhim。
　　Walkinghiswhite-leggedhorsethus，tothecounting-houseofDombeyandSononeday，hewasasunconsciousoftheobservationoftwopairsofwomen'seyes，asofthefascinatedorbsofRobtheGrinder，who，inwaitingastreet'slengthfromtheappointedplace，asademonstrationofpunctuality，vainlytouchedandretouchedhishattoattractattention，andtrottedalongonfoot，byhismaster'sside，preparedtoholdhisstirrupwhenheshouldalight。
　　`Seewherehegoes！'criedoneofthesetwowomen，anoldcreature，whostretchedouthershrivelledarmtopointhimouttohercompanion，ayoungwoman，whostoodclosebesideher，withdrawnlikeherselfintoagateway。
　　Mrs。Brown'sdaughterlookedout，atthisbiddingonthepartofMrs。Brown；andtherewerewrathandvengeanceinherface。
　　`Ineverthoughttolookathimagain，'shesaid，inalowvoice；
　　`butit'swellIshould，perhaps。Isee。Isee！'
　　`Notchanged！'saidtheoldwoman，withalookofeagermalice。
　　`Hechanged！'returnedtheother。`Whatfor？Whathashesuffered？Thereischangeenoughfortwentyinme。Isn'tthatenough？'
　　`Seewherehegoes！'mutteredtheoldwoman，watchingherdaughterwithherredeyes；`soeasyandsotrim，a-horseback，whileweareinthemud——'
　　`Andofit，'saidherdaughterimpatiently。`Wearemud，underneathhishorse'sfeet。Whatshouldwebe？'
　　Intheintentnesswithwhichshelookedafterhimagain，shemadeahastygesturewithherhandwhentheoldwomanbegantoreply，asifherviewcouldbeobstructedbymeresound。Hermotherwatchingher，andnothim，remainedsilent；untilherkindlingglancesubsided，andshedrewalongbreath，asifinthereliefofhisbeinggone。
　　`Deary！'saidtheoldwomanthen。`Alice！Handsomegal！Ally！'
　　Shegentlyshookhersleevetoarouseherattention。`Willyoulethimgolikethat，whenyoucanwringmoneyfromhim？Why，it'sawickedness，mydaughter。'
　　`Haven'tItoldyou，that，Iwillnothavemoneyfromhim？'shereturned。`Anddon'tyouyetbelieveme？DidItakehissister'smoney？
　　WouldItouchapenny，ifIknewit，thathadgonethroughhiswhitehands——unlessitwas，indeed，thatIcouldpoisonit，andsenditbacktohim？Peace，mother，andcomeaway。'
　　`Andhimsorich？'murmuredtheoldwoman。`Andussopoor！'
　　`Poorinnotbeingabletopayhimanyoftheharmweowehim，'
　　returnedherdaughter。`Lethimgivemethatsortofriches，andI'lltakethemfromhim，andusethem。Comeaway。It'snogoodlookingathishorse。
　　Comeaway，mother！'
　　Buttheoldwoman，forwhomthespectacleofRobtheGrinderreturningdownthestreet，leadingtheriderlesshorse，appearedtohavesomeextraneousinterestthatitdidnotpossessinitself，surveyedthatyoungmanwiththeutmostearnestness；andseemingtohavewhateverdoubtssheentertained，resolvedashedrewnearer，glancedatherdaughterwithbrightenedeyesandwithherfingeronherlip，andemergingfromthegatewayatthemomentofhispassing，touchedhimontheshoulder。
　　`Why，where'smysprightlyRobbeen，allthistime！'shesaid，asheturnedround。
　　ThesprightlyRob，whosesprightlinesswasverymuchdiminishedbythesalutation，lookedexceedinglydismayed，andsaid，withthewaterrisinginhiseyes：
　　`Oh！whycan'tyouleaveapoorcovealone，MissesBrown，whenhe'sgettinganhonestlivelihoodandconductinghimselfrespectable？Whatdoyoucomeanddepriveacoveofhischaracterfor，bytalkingtohiminthestreets，whenhe'stakinghismaster'shorsetoahoneststable——ahorseyou'dgoandsellforcats'anddogs'meatifyouhadyourway！Why，Ithought，'saidtheGrinder，producinghisconcludingremarkasifitweretheclimaxofallhisinjuries，`thatyouwasdeadlongago！'
　　`Thisistheway，'criedtheoldwoman，appealingtoherdaughter，`thathetalkstome，whoknewhimweeksandmonthstogether，mydeary，andhavestoodhisfriendmanyandmanyatimeamongthepigeon-fancyingtrampsandbirdcatchers。'
　　`Letthebirdsbe，willyou，MissesBrown？'retortedRob，inatoneoftheacutestanguish。`Ithinkacovehadbetterhavetodowithlionsthanthemlittlecreeturs，forthey'realwaysflyingbackinyourfacewhenyouleastexceptit。Well，howd'yedoandwhatdoyouwant？'
　　ThesepoliteinquiriestheGrinderuttered，asitwereunderprotest，andwithgreatexasperationandvindictiveness。
　　`Harkhowhespeakstoanoldfriend，mydeary！'saidMrs。Brown，againappealingtoherdaughter。`Butthere'ssomeofhisoldfriendsnosopatientasme。IfIwastotellsomethatheknows，andhassportedandcheatedwith，wheretofindhim——'
　　`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？'interruptedthemiserableGrinder，glancingquicklyround，asthoughheexceptedtoseehismaster'steethshiningathiselbow。`Whatdoyoutakeapleasureinruiningacovefor？Atyourtimeoflifetoo！whenyououghttobethinkingofavarietyofthings！'
　　`Whatagallanthours！'saidtheoldwoman，pattingtheanimal'sneck。
　　`Lethimalone，willyou，MissesBrown？'criedRob，pushingawayherhand。`You'reenoughtodriveapenitentcovemad！'
　　`Why，whathurtdoIdohim，child？'returnedtheoldwoman。
　　`Hurt？'saidRob。`He'sgotamasterthatwouldfinditoutifhewastouchedwithastraw。'Andheblewupontheplacewheretheoldwoman'shandhadrestedforamoment，andsmootheditgentlywithhisfinger，asifheseriouslybelievedwhathesaid。
　　Theoldwomanlookingbacktomumbleandmouthatherdaughter，whofollowed，keptclosetoRob'sheelsashewalkedonwiththebridleinhishand；andpursuedtheconversation。
　　`Agoodplace，Rob，eh？'saidshe。`You'reluck，mychild。'
　　`Ohdon'ttalkaboutluck，MissesBrown，'returnedthewretchedGrinder，facingroundandstopping。`Ifyou'dnevercome，orifyou'dgoaway，thenindeedacovemightbeconsideredtolerablylucky。Can'tyougoalong，MissesBrown，andnotfollerme！'blubberedRob，withsuddendefiance。`Iftheyoungwoman'safriendofyours，whydon'tshetakeyouaway，insteadoflettingyoumakeyourselfsodisgraceful！'
　　`What！'croakedtheoldwoman，puttingherfaceclosetohis，withamalevolentgrinuponitthatpuckeredupthelooseskindowninherverythroat。`Doyoudenyyouroldchum！Haveyoulurkedtomyhousefiftytimes，andsleptsoundinacornerwhenyouhadnootherbedbutthepaving-stones，anddoyoutalktomelikethis！HaveIboughtandsoldwithyou，andhelpedyouinmywayofbusiness，schoolboy，sneak，andwhatnot，anddoyoutellmetogoalong！CouldIraiseacrowdofoldcompanyaboutyouto-morrowmorning，thatwouldfollowyoutoruinlikecopiesofyourownshadow，anddoyouturnonmewithyourboldlooks！I'llgo。Come，Alice。'
　　`Stop，MissesBrown！'criedthedistractedGrinder。`Whatareyoudoingof？Don'tputyourselfinapassion！Don'tlethergo，ifyouplease。Ihaven'tmeantanyoffence。Isaid“howd'yedo，“atfirst，didn'tI？Butyouwouldn'tanswer。Howdoyoudo？Besides，'saidRobpiteously，`lookhere！Howcanacovestandtalkinginthestreetwithhismaster'spradawantingtobetooktoberubbeddown，andhismasteruptoeveryindividglethingthathappens！'
　　Theoldwomanmadeashowofbeingpartiallyappeased，butshookherhead，andmouthedandmutteredstill。
　　`Comealongtothestables，andhaveaglassofsomethingthat'sgoodforyou，MissesBrown，can'tyou？'saidRob，`insteadofgoingon，likethat，whichisnogoodtoyou，noranybodyelse。Comealongwithher，willyoubesokind？'saidRob。`I'mdelightedtoseeher，ifitwasn'tforthehorse！'
　　Withthisapology，Robturnedaway，aruefulpictureofdespair，andwalkedhischargedownabyestreet。Theoldwoman，mouthingatherdaughter，followedcloseuponhim。Thedaughterfollowed。
　　Turningintoasilentlittlesquareofcourt-yardthathadagreatchurchtowerrisingaboveit，andapacker'swarehouse，andabottle-maker'swarehouse，foritsplaceofbusiness，RobtheGrinderdeliveredthewhite-leggedhorsetothehostlerofaquaintstableatthecorner；andinvitingMrs。
　　Brownandherdaughtertoseatthemselvesuponastonebenchatthegateofthatestablishment，soonreappearedfromaneighbouringpublic-housewithapewtermeasureandaglass。
　　`Here'smaster——Mr。Carker，child！'saidtheoldwoman，slowly，ashersentimentbeforedrinking。`Lordblesshim！'
　　`Why，Ididn'ttellyouwhohewas？'observedRob，withstaringeyes。
　　`Weknowhimbyslight，'saidMrs。Brown，whoseworkingmouthandnoddingheadstoppedforthemoment，inthefixednessofherattention。
　　`Wesawhimpassthismorning，aforehegotoffhishorse；whenyouwerereadytotakeit。'
　　`Aye，aye，'returnedRob，appearingtowishthathisreadinesshadcarriedhimtoanyotherplace——`What'sthematterwithher？Won'tshedrink？'
　　ThisinquiryhadreferencetoAlice，who，foldedinhercloak，satalittleapartprofoundlyinattentivetohisofferofthereplenishedglass。
　　Theoldwomanshookherhead。`Don'tmindher，'shesaid；`she'sastrangecreetur，ifyouknow'dher，Rob。ButMr。Carker——'
　　`Hush！'saidRob，glancingcautiouslyupatthepacker's，andatthebottle-maker's，asif，fromanyoneofthetiersofwarehouses，Mr。Carkermightbelookingdown。`Softly。'
　　`Why，heain'there！'criedMrs。Brown。
　　`Idon'tknowthat，'mutteredRob，whoseglanceevenwanderedtothechurchtower，asifhemightbethere，withasupernaturalpowerofhearing。
　　`Goodmaster？'inquiredMrs。Brown。
　　Rodnodded；andadded，inalowvoice，`precioussharp。'
　　`Livesoutoftown，don'the，lovey？'saidtheoldwoman。
　　`Whenhe'sathome，'returnedRob；`butwedon'tliveathomejustnow。'
　　`Wherethen？'askedtheoldwoman。
　　`Lodgings；upnearMr。Dombey's'returnedRob。
　　Theyoungerwomanfixedhereyessosearchinglyuponhim，andsosuddenly，thatRobwasquiteconfounded，andofferedtheglassagain，butwithnomoreeffectuponherthanbefore。
　　`Mr。Dombey——youandIusedtotalkabouthim，sometimes，youknow，'saidRobtoMrs。Brown。`Youusedtogetmetotalkabouthim。'
　　Theoldwomannodded。
　　`Well，Mr。Dombey，he'shadafallfromhishorse，'saidRob，unwillingly；`andmymasterhastobeupthere，morethanusual，eitherwithhim，orMrs。Dombey，orsomeof'em；andsowe'vecometotown。'
　　`Aretheygoodfriends，lovey？'askedtheoldwoman。
　　`Who？'retortedRob。
　　`Heandshe？'
　　`What，Mr。andMrs。Dombey？'saidRob。`HowshouldIknow！'
　　`Notthem——MasterandMrs。Dombey，chick，'repliedtheoldwoman，coaxingly。
　　`Idon'tknow，'saidRob，lookingroundhimagain。`Isupposeso。Howcuriousyouare，MissesBrown！Leastsaid，soonestmended。'
　　`Whythere'snoharminit！'exclaimedtheoldwoman，withalaugh，andaclapofherhands。`SprightlyRobhasgrowntamesincehehasbeenwelloff！There'snoharminit。'
　　`No，there'snoharminit，Iknow，'returnedRob，withthesamedistrustfulglanceatthepacker'sandthebottle-maker's，andthechurch；
　　`butblabbing，ifit'sonlyaboutthenumberofbuttonsonmymaster'scoat，won'tdo。Itellyouitwon'tdowithhim。Acovehadbetterdrownhimself。Hesaysso。Ishouldn'thavesomuchastoldyouwhathisnamewas，ifyouhadn'tknownit。Talkaboutsomebodyelse。'
　　AsRobtookanothercautioussurveyoftheyard，theoldwomanmadeasecretmotiontoherdaughter。Itwasmomentary，butthedaughter，withaslightlookofintelligence，withdrewhereyesfromtheboy'sface，andsatfoldedinhercloakasbefore。
　　`Rob，lovey！'saidtheoldwoman，beckoninghimtotheotherendofthebench。`Youwerealwaysapetandfavouriteofmine。Now，weren'tyou？Don'tyouknowyouwere？'
　　`Yes，MissesBrown，'repliedtheGrinder，withaverybadgrace。
　　`Andyoucouldleaveme！'saidtheoldwoman，flingingherarmsabouthisneck。`Youcouldgoaway，andgrowalmostoutofknowledge，andnevercometotellyourpooroldfriendhowfortunateyouwere，proudlad！
　　Oho，Oho！'
　　`Ohhere'sadreadfulgoforacovethat'sgotamasterwideawakeintheneighbourhood！'exclaimedthewretchedGrinder。`Tobehowledoverlikethishere！'
　　`Won'tyoucomeandseeme，Robby？'criedMrs。Brown。`Oho，won'tyouevercomeandseeme？'
　　`Yes，Itellyou！Yes，Iwill！'returnedtheGrinder。
　　`That'smyownRob！That'smylovey！'saidMrs。Brown，dryingthetearsuponhershrivelledface，andgivinghimatendersqueeze。`Attheoldplace，Rob？'
　　`Yes，'repliedtheGrinder。
　　`Soon，Robbydear？'criedMrs。Brown；`andoften？'
　　`Yes。Yes。Yes，'repliedRob。`Iwillindeed，uponmysoulandbody。'
　　`Andthen，'saidMrs。Brown，withherarmsupliftedtowardsthesky，andherheadthrownbackandshaking，`ifhe'struetohisword，I'llnevercomea-nearhim，thoughIknowwhereheis，andneverbreatheasyllableabouthim！Never！'
　　ThisejaculationseemedadropofcomforttothemiserableGrinder，whoshookMrs。Brownbythehanduponit，andimploredherwithtearsinhiseyestoleaveacoveandnotdestroyhisprospects。Mrs。Brown，withanotherfondembrace，assented；butintheactoffollowingherdaughter，turnedback，withherfingerstealthilyraised，andaskedinahoarsewhisperforsomemoney。
　　`Ashilling，dear！'shesaid，withhereageravariciousface，`orsixpence！'Foroldacquaintancesake。I'msopoor。Andmyhandsomegal'——lookingoverhershoulder——`she'smygal，Rob——halfstarvesme。'
　　ButasthereluctantGrinderputitinherhand，herdaughter，comingquietlyback，caughtthehandinhers，andtwistedoutthecoin。
　　`What，'shesaid，`mother！alwaysmoney！moneyfromthefirst，andtothelast。DoyoumindsolittlewhatIsaidbutnow？Here。Takeit！'
　　Theoldwomanutteredamoanasthemoneywasrestored，butwithoutinanyotherwayopposingitsrestoration，hobbledatherdaughter'ssideoutoftheyard，andalongthebyestreetuponwhichitopened。TheastonishedanddismayedRobstaringafterthem，sawthattheystopped，andfelltoearnestconversationverysoon；andmorethanonceobservedadarklythreateningactionoftheyoungerwoman'shandobviouslyhavingreferencetosomeoneofwhomtheyspoke，andacrooningfeebleimitationofitonthepartofMrs。Brown，thatmadehimearnestlyhopehemightnotbethesubjectoftheirdiscourse。
　　Withthepresentconsolationthattheyweregone，andwiththeprospectivecomfortthatMrs。Browncouldnotliveforever，andwasnotlikelytolivelongtotroublehim，theGrinder，nototherwiseregrettinghismisdeedsthanastheywereattendedwithsuchdisagreeableincidentalconsequences，composedhisruffledfeaturestoamoresereneexpressionbythinkingoftheadmirablemannerinwhichhehaddisposedofCaptainCuttleareflectionthatseldomfailedtoputhiminaflowofspirits，andwenttotheDombeyCountingHousetoreceivehismaster'sorders。
　　Therehismaster，sosubtleandvigilantofeye，thatRobquakedbeforehim，morethanhalfexpectingtobetaxedwithMrs。Brown，gavehimtheusualmorning'sboxofpapersforMr。Dombey，andanoteforMrs。
　　Dombey：merelynoddinghisheadasanenjoindertobecareful，andtousedispatch——amysteriousadmonition，fraughtintheGrinder'simaginationwithdismalwarningsandthreats；andmorepowerfulwithhimthananywords。
　　Aloneagain，inhisownroom，Mr。Carkerappliedhimselftowork，andworkedallday。Hesawmanyvisitors；overlookedanumberofdocuments；
　　wentinandout，toandfrom，sundryplacesofmercantileresort；andindulgedinnomoreabstractionuntiltheday'sbusinesswasdone。But，whentheusualclearanceofpapersfromhistablewasmadeatlast，hefellintohisthoughtfulmoodoncemore。
　　Hewasstandinginhisaccustomedplaceandattitude，withhiseyesintentlyfixedupontheground，whenhisbrotherenteredtobringbacksomelettersthathadbeentakenoutinthecourseoftheday。Heputthemquietlyonthetable，andwasgoingimmediately，whenMr。CarkertheManager，whoseeyeshadrestedonhim，onhisentrance，asiftheyhasallthistimehadhimforthesubjectoftheircontemplation，insteadoftheoffice-floor，said：
　　`Well，JohnCarker，andwhatbringsyouhere？'
　　Hisbrotherpointedtotheletters，andwasagainwithdrawing。
　　`Iwonder，'saidtheManager，`thatyoucancomeandgo，withoutinquiringhowourmasteris。'
　　`Wehadwordthismorninginthecounting-house，thatMr。Dombeywasdoingwell，'repliedhisbrother。
　　`Youaresuchameekfellow，'saidtheManager，withasmile，——`butyouhavegrownso，inthecourseofyears——thatifanyharmcametohim，you'dbemiserable，Idareswearnow。'
　　`Ishouldbetrulysorry，James，'returnedtheother。
　　`Hewouldbesorry！'saidtheManager，pointingathim，asifthereweresomeotherpersonpresenttowhomhewasappealing。`Hewouldbetrulysorry！Thisbrotherofmine！Thisjunioroftheplace，thisslightedpieceoflumber，pushedasidewithhisfacetothewall，likearottenpicture，andleftso，forHeavenknowshowmanyyears：he'sallgratitudeandrespect，anddevotiontoo，hewouldhavemebelieve！'
　　`Iwouldhaveyoubelievenothing，James，'returnedtheother。
　　`Beasjusttomeasyouwouldtoanyothermanbelowyou。Youaskaquestion，andIanswerit。'
　　`Andhaveyounothing，Spaniel，'saidtheManager，withunusualirascibility，`tocomplainofinhim？Noproudtreatmenttoresent，noinsolence，nofooleryofstate，noexactionofanysort！Whatthedevil！
　　areyoumanormouse？'
　　`Itwouldbestrangeifanytwopersonscouldbetogetherforsomanyyears，especiallyassuperiorandinferior，withouteachhavingsomethingtocomplainofintheother——ashethought，atallevents，'repliedJohnCarker。`Butapartfrommyhistoryhere'
　　`Hishistoryhere！'exclaimedtheManager。`Why，thereitis。
　　Theveryfactthatmakeshimanextremecase，putshimoutofthewholechapter！Well？'
　　`Apartfromthat，which，asyouhint，givesmeareasontobethankfulthatIalonehappilyforalltherestpossess，surelythereisnooneintheHousewhowouldnotsayandfeelatleastasmuch。YoudonotthinkthatanybodyherewouldbeindifferenttoamischanceormisfortunehappeningtotheheadoftheHouse，oranythingthantrulysorryforit？'
　　`Youhavegoodreasontobeboundtohimtoo！'saidtheManager，contemptuously。`Why，don'tyoubelievethatyouarekepthere，asacheapexample，andafamousinstanceoftheclemencyofDombeyandSon，redoundingtothecreditoftheillustriousHouse？'
　　`No，'repliedhisbrother，mildly，`IhavelongbelievedthatIamkepthereformorekindanddisinterestedreasons。'
　　`Butyouweregoing，'saidtheManager，withthesnarlofatiger-cat，`torecitesomeChristianprecept，Iobserved。'
　　`Nay，James，'returnedtheother，`thoughthetieofbrotherhoodbetweenushasbeenlongbrokenandthrownaway'
　　`Whobrokeit，goodSir？'saidtheManager。
　　`I，bymymisconduct。Idonotchargeituponyou。'
　　TheManagerreplied，withthatmuteactionofhisbristlingmouth，`Oh，youdon'tchargeituponme！'andbadehimgoon。
　　`Isay，thoughthereisnotthattiebetweenus，donot，Ientreat，assailmewithunnecessarytaunts，ormisinterpretwhatIsay，orwouldsay。Iwasonlygoingtosuggesttoyouthatitwouldbeamistaketosupposethatitisonlyyou，whohavebeenselectedhere，aboveallothers，foradvancement，confidenceanddistinctionselected，inthebeginning，I
　　know，foryourgreatabilityandtrustfulness，andwhocommunicatemorefreelywithMr。Dombeythananyone，andstand，itmaybesaid，onequaltermswithhim，andhavebeenfavouredandenrichedbyhim——thatitwouldbeamistaketosupposethatitisonlyyouwhoaretenderofhiswelfareandreputation。ThereisnooneintheHouse，fromyourselfdowntothelowest，Isincerelybelieve，whodoesnotparticipateinthatfeeling。'
　　`Youlie！'saidtheManager，redwithsuddenanger。`You'reahypocrite，JohnCarker，andyoulie。'
　　`James！'criedtheother，flushinginhisturn。`Whatdoyoumeanbytheseinsultingwords？Whydoyousobaselyusethemtome，unprovoked？'
　　`Itellyou，'saidtheManager，`thatyourhypocrisyandmeekness——thatallthehypocrisyandmeeknessofthisplace——isnotworththattome，'snappinghisthumbandfinger，`andthatIseethroughitasifitwereair！Thereisnotamanemployedhere，standingbetweenmyselfandthelowestinplaceofwhomyouareveryconsiderate，andwithreason，forheisnotfaroff，whowouldn'tbegladathearttoseehismasterhumbled：whodoesnothatehim，secretly：whodoesnotwishhimevilratherthangood：andwhowouldnotturnuponhim，ifhehadthepowerandboldness。
　　Thenearertohisfavour，thenearertohisinsolence；theclosertohim，thefartherfromhim。That'sthecreedhere！'
　　`Idon'tknow，'saidhisbrother，whoserousedfeelingshadsoonyieldedtosurprise，`whomayhaveabusedyourearwithsuchrepresentations；
　　orwhyhavechosentotryme，ratherthananother。Butthatyouhavebeentryingme，andtamperingwithme，Iamnowsure。YouhaveadifferentmannerandadifferentaspectfromanythatIeversawinyou。Iwillonlysaytoyou，oncemore，youaredeceived。'
　　`IknowIam，'saidtheManager。`Ihavetoldyouso。'
　　`Notbyme，'returnedhisbrother。`Byyourinformant，ifyouhaveone。Ifnot，byyourownthoughtsandsuspicious。'
　　`Ihavenosuspicions，'saidtheManager。`Minearecertainties。
　　Youpusillanimous，abject，cringingdogs！Allmakingthesameshow，allcantingthesamestory，allwhiningthesameprofessions，allharbouringthesametransparentsecret。'
　　Hisbrotherwithdrew，withoutsayingmore，andshutthedoorasheconcluded。
　　Mr。CarkertheManagerdrewachairclosebeforethefire，andfelltobeatingthecoalssoftlywiththepoker。
　　`Thefaint-hearted，fawningknaves，'hemuttered，withhistwoshiningrowsofteethlaidbare。`There'snotoneamongthem，whowouldn'tfeigntobesoshockedandoutraged——！Bah！There'snotoneamongthem，butifhehadatoncethepower，andthewitanddaringtouseit，wouldscatterDombey'sprideandlayitlow，asruthlesslyasIrakeouttheseashes。'
　　Ashebrokethemupandstewedtheminthegrate，helookedonwithathoughtfulsmileatwhathewasdoing。`Withoutthesamequeenbeckonertoo！'headdedpresently；`andthereispridethere，nottobeforgotten——witnessourownacquaintance！'Withthathefellintoadeeperreverie，andsatponderingovertheblackeninggrate，untilheroseuplikeamanwhohadbeenabsorbedinabook，andlookingroundhimtookhishatandgloves，wenttowherehishorsewaswaiting，mounted，androdeawaythroughthelightedstreets，foritwasevening。
　　HerodenearMr。Dombey'shouse；andfallingintoawalkasheapproachedit，lookedupatthewindows。ThewindowwherehehadonceseenFlorencesittingwithherdog，attractedhisattentionfirst，thoughtherewasnolightinit；buthesmiledashecarriedhiseyesupthetallfrontofthehouse，andseemedtoleavethatobjectsuperciliouslybehind。
　　`Timewas，'hesaid，`whenitwaswelltowatchevenyourrisinglittlestar，andknowinwhatquartertherewereclouds，toshadowyouifneedful。Butaplanethasarisen，andyouarelostinitslight。'
　　HeturnedtheWhite-leggedhorseroundthestreetcorner，andsoughtoneshiningwindowfromamongthoseatthebackofthehouse。Associatedwithitwasacertainstatelypresence，aglovedhand，theremembrancehowthefeathersofabeautifulbird'swinghadbeenshowereddownuponthefloor，andhowthelightwhitedownuponarobehadstirredandrustled，asintherisingofadistantstorm。Thesewerethethingshecarriedwithhimasheturnedawayagain，androdethroughthedarkeninganddesertedParksataquickrate。
　　Infataltruth，thesewereassociatedwithawoman，aproudwoman，whohatedhim，butwhobyslowandsuredegreeshadbeenledonbyhiscraft，andherprideandresentment，toendurehiscompany，andlittlebylittletoreceivehimasonewhohadtheprivilegetotalktoherofherowndefiantdisregardofherownhusband，andherabandonmentofhighconsiderationforherself。Theywereassociatedwithawomanwhohatedhimdeeply，andwhoknewhim，andwhomistrustedhimbecausesheknewhim，andbecauseheknewher；butwhofedherfierceresentmentbysufferinghimtodrawnearerandyetnearertohereveryday，inspiteofthehateshecherishedforhim。Inspiteofit！Forthatveryreason；sinceinitsdepths，toofardownforherthreateningeyetopierce，thoughshecouldseeintothemdimly，laythedarkretaliation，whosefaintestshadowseenonceandshudderedat，andneverseenagain，wouldhavebeensufficientstainuponhersoul。
　　Didthephantomofsuchawomanflitabouthimonhisride；truetothereality，andobvioustohim？
　　Yes。Hewasherinhismind，exactlyasshewas。Sheborehimcompanywithherpride，resentment，hatred，allasplaintohimasherbeauty；withnothingplainertohimthanherhatredofhim。Hesawhersometimeshaughtyandrepellentathisside，andsometimesdownamonghishorse'sfeet，fallenandinthedust。Buthealwayssawherasshewas，withoutdisguise，andwatchedheronthedangerouswaythatshewasgoing。
　　Andwhenhisridewasover，andhewasnewlydressed，andcameintothelightofherbrightroomwithhisbenthead，softvoice，andsoothingsmile，hesawheryetasplainly。Heevensuspectedthemysteryoftheglovedhand，andhelditallthelongerinhisownforthatsuspicion。
　　Uponthedangerouswaythatshewasgoing，hewasstill；andnotafootprintdidshemarkuponit，buthesethisownthere，straight。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter47[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIITheThunderboltTHEbarrierbetweenMr。Dombeyandhiswifewasnotweakenedbytime。Ill-assortedcouple，unhappyinthemselvesandineachother，boundtogetherbynotiebutthemanaclethatjoinedtheirfetteredhands，andstrainingthatsoharshly，intheirshrinkingasunder，thatitworeandchafedtothebone，Time，consolerofafflictionandsoftenerofanger，coulddonothingtohelpthem。Theirpride，howeverdifferentinkindandobject，wasequalindegree；and，intheirflintyopposition，struckoutfirebetweenthemwhichmightsmoulderormightblaze，ascircumstanceswere，butburnedupeverythingwithintheirmutualreach，andmadetheirmarriagewayaroadofashes。
　　Letusbejusttohim：Inthemonstrousdelusionofhislife，swellingwitheverygrainofsandthatshiftedinitsglass，heurgedheron，helittlethoughttowhat，orconsideredhow；butstillhisfeelingtowardsher，suchasitwas，remainedasatfirst。Shehadthegranddemeritofunaccountablyputtingherselfinoppositiontotherecognitionofhisvastimportance，andtotheacknowledgmentofhercompletesubmissiontoit，andsofaritwasnecessarytocorrectandreduceher；butotherwisehestillconsideredher，inhiscoldway，aladycapableofdoinghonour，ifshewould，tohischoiceandname，andofreflectingcreditonhisproprietorship。
　　Now，she，withallhermightofpassionateandproudresentment，bentherdarkglancefromdaytoday，andhourtohour——fromthatnightinherownchamber，whenshehadsatgazingattheshadowsonthewall，tothedeepernightfastcoming——upononefiguredirectingacrowdofhumiliationsandexasperationsagainsther；andthatfigure，stillherhusband's。
　　WasMr。Dombey'smaster-vice，thatruledhimsoinexorably，anunnaturalcharacteristic？Itmightbeworthwhile，sometimes，toinquirewhatNatureis，andhowmenworktochangeher，andwhether，intheenforceddistortionssoproduced，itisnotnaturaltobeunnatural。Coopanysonordaughterofourmightymotherwithinnarrowrange，andbindtheprisonertooneidea，andfosteritbyservileworshipofitonthepartofthefewtimidordesigningpeoplestandinground，andwhatisNaturetothewillingcaptivewhohasneverrisenupuponthewingsofafreemind——droopinganduselesssoon——toseeherinhercomprehensivetruth！
　　Alas！aretheresofewthingsintheworld，aboutus，mostunnatural，andyetmostnaturalinbeingso？Hearthemagistrateorjudgeadmonishtheunnaturaloutcastsofsociety；unnaturalinbrutalhabits，unnaturalinwantofdecency，unnaturalinlosingandconfoundingalldistinctionsbetweengoodandevil；unnaturalinignorance，invice，inrecklessness，incontumacy，inmind，inlooks，ineverything。Butfollowthegoodclergymanordoctor，who，withhislifeimperilledateverybreathhedraws，goesdownintotheirdens，lyingwithintheechoesofourcarriagewheelsanddailytreaduponthepavementstones。Lookroundupontheworldofodioussights——millionsofimmortalcreatureshavenootherworldonearth——atthelightestmentionofwhichhumanityrevolts，anddaintydelicacylivinginthenextstreet，stopsherears，andlisps`Idon'tbelieveit！'Breathethepollutedair，foulwitheveryimpuritythatispoisonoustohealthandlife；andhaveeverysense，conferreduponourraceforitsdelightandhappiness，offended，sickenedanddisgusted，andmadeachannelbywhichmiseryanddeathalonecanenter。Vainlyattempttothinkofanysimpleplant，orflower，orwholesomeweed，that，setinthisfoetidbed，couldhaveitsnaturalgrowth，orputitslittleleavesofftothesunasGODdesignedit。Andthen，callingupsomeghastlychild，withstuntedformandwickedface，holdforthonitsunnaturalsinfulness，andlamentitsbeing，soearly，farawayfromHeaven——butthinkalittleofitshavingbeenconceived，andbornandbred，inHell！
　　Thosewhostudythephysicalsciences，andbringthemtobearuponthehealthofMan，tellusthatifthenoxiousparticlesthatrisefromvitiatedairwerepalpabletothesight，weshouldseethemloweringinadenseblackcloudabovesuchhaunts，androllingslowlyontocorruptthebetterportionsofatown。ButifthemoralpestilencethatriseswiththemandintheeternallawsofoutragedNature，isinseparablefromthem，couldbemadediscernibletoo，howterribletherevelation！Thenshouldweseedepravity，impiety，drunkenness，theft，murder，andalongtrainofnamelesssinsagainstthenaturalaffectionsandrepulsionsofmankind，overhangingthedevotedspots，andcreepingon，toblighttheinnocentandspreadcontagionamongthepure。Thenshouldweseehowthesamepoisonedfountainsthatflowintoourhospitalsandlazarhouses，inundatethejails，andmaketheconvict-shipsswimdeep，androllacrosstheseas，andover-runvastcontinentswithcrime。Thenshouldwestandappalledtoknow，thatwherewegeneratediseasetostrikeourchildrendownandentailitselfonunborngenerations，therealsowebreed，bythesamecertainprocess，infancythatknowsnoinnocence，youthwithoutmodestyorshame，maturitythatismatureinnothingbutinsufferingandguilt，blastedoldagethatisascandalontheformwebear。Unnaturalhumanity！Whenweshallgathergrapesfromthorns，andfigsfromthistles；whenfieldsofgrainshallspringupfromtheoffalinthebye-waysofourwickedcities，androsesbloominthefactchurchyardsthattheycherish；thenwemaylookfornaturalhumanityandfinditgrowingfromsuchseed。
　　Ohforagoodspiritwhowouldtakethehouse-topsoff，withamorepotentandbenignanthandthanthelamedemoninthetale，andshowaChristianpeoplewhatdarkshapesissuefromamidsttheirhomes，toswelltheretinueoftheDestroyingAngelashemovesforthamongthem！Foronlyonenight'sviewofthepalephantomsrisingfromthescenesofourtoolongneglect；andfromthethickandsullenairwhereViceandFeverpropagatetogether，rainingthetremendoussocialretributionswhichareeverpouringdown，andevercomingthicker！Brightandblestthemorningthatshouldriseonsuchanight：formen，delayedtonomorebystumbling-blocksoftheirownmaking，whicharebutspecksofdustuponthepathbetweenthemandeternity，wouldthenapplythemselves，likecreaturesofonecommonorigin，owingonedutytotheFatherofonefamily，andtendingtoonecommonend，tomaketheworldabetterplace！
　　Notthelessbrightandblestwouldthatdaybeforrousingsomewhoneverhavelookedoutupontheworldofhumanlifearoundthem，toaknowledgeoftheirownrelationtoit，andformakingthemacquaintedwithaperversionofnatureintheirowncontractedsympathiesandestimates；
　　asgreat，andyetasnaturalinitsdevelopmentwhenoncebegun，asthelowestdegradationknown。
　　ButnosuchdayhadeverdawnedonMr。Dombey，orhiswife；andthecourseofeachwastaken。
　　Throughsixmonthsthatensueduponhisaccident，theyheldthesamerelationsonetowardstheother。Amarblerockcouldnothavestoodmoreobduratelyinhiswaythanshe；andnochilledspring，lyinguncheeredbyanyrayoflightinthedepthsofadeepcave，couldbemoresullenormorecoldthanhe。
　　Thehopethathadflutteredwithinherwhenthepromiseofhernewhomedawned，wasquitegonefromtheheartofFlorencenow。Thathomewasnearlytwoyearsold；andeventhepatienttrustthatwasinher，couldnotsurvivethedailyblightofsuchexperience。Ifshehadanylingeringfancyinthenatureofhopeleft，thatEdithandherfathermightbehappiertogether，insomedistanttime，shehadnone，now，thatherfatherwouldeverloveher。Thelittleintervalinwhichshehadimaginedthatshesawsomesmallrelentinginhim，wasforgotteninthelongremembranceofhiscoldnesssinceandbefore，oronlyrememberedasasorrowfuldelusion。
　　Florencelovedhimstill，but，bydegrees，hadcometolovehimratherassomedearonewhohadbeen，orwhomighthavebeen，thanasthehardrealitybeforehereyes。SomethingofthesoftenedsadnesswithwhichshelovedthememoryoflittlePaul，orofhermother，seemedtoenternowintoherthoughtsofhim，andtomakethem，asitwere，adearremembrance。
　　Whetheritwasthathewasdeadtoher，andthatpartlyforthisreason，partlyforhisshareinthoseoldobjectsofheraffection，andpartlyforthelongassociationofhimwithhopesthatwerewitheredandtendernesseshehadfrozen，shecouldnothavetold；butthefatherwhomshelovedbegantobeavagueanddreamyideatoher：hardlymoresubstantiallyconnectedwithherreallife，thantheimageshewouldsometimesconjureup，ofherdearbrotheryetalive，andgrowingtobeaman，whowouldprotectandcherishher。
　　Thechange，ifitmaybecalledone，hadstolenonherlikethechangefromchildhoodtowomanhood，andhadcomewithit。Florencewasalmostseventeen，when，inherlonelymusings，shewasconsciousofthesethoughts。
　　Shewasoftenalonenow，fortheoldassociationbetweenherandhermamawasgreatlychanged。Atthetimeofherfather'saccident，andwhenhewaslyinginhisroomdownstairs，FlorencehadfirstobservedthatEdithavoidedher。Woundedandshocked，andyetunabletoreconcilethiswithheraffectionwhentheydidmeet，shesoughtherinherownroomatnight，oncemore。
　　`Mama，'saidFlorence，stealingsoftlytoherside，`haveIoffendedyou？'
　　Edithanswered`No。'
　　`Imusthavedonesomething，'saidFlorence。`Tellmewhatitis。Youhavechangedyourmannertome，dearMama。IcannotsayhowinstantlyIfeeltheleastchange；forIloveyouwithmywholeheart。'
　　`AsIdoyou，'saidEdith。`Ah，Florence，believemenevermorethannow！'
　　`Whydoyougoawayfrommesooften，andkeepaway？'askedFlorence。
　　`Andwhydoyousometimeslooksostrangelyonme，dearMama？Youdoso，doyounot？'
　　Edithsignifiedassentwithherdarkeyes。
　　`Why？'returnedFlorenceimploringly。`Tellmewhy，thatImayknowhowtopleaseyoubetter；andtellmethisshallnotbesoanymore。'
　　`MyFlorence，'answeredEdith，takingthehandthatembracedherneck，andlookingintotheeyesthatlookedintoherssolovingly，asFlorencekneltuponthegroundbeforeher；`whyitis，Icannottellyou。Itisneitherformetosay，noryoutohear；butthatitis，andthatitmustbe，Iknow。ShouldIdoitifIdidnot？'
　　`Arewetobeestranged，Mama？askedFlorence，gazingatherlikeonefrightened。
　　Edith'ssilentlipsformed`Yes。'
　　Florencelookedatherwithincreasingfearandwonder，untilshecouldseehernomorethroughtheblindingtearsthatrandownherface。
　　`Florence！mylife！'saidEdith，hurriedly，`listentome。Icannotbeartoseethisgrief。Becalmer。YouseethatIamcomposed，andisitnothingtome？'
　　Sheresumedhersteadyvoiceandmannerasshesaidthelatterwords，andaddedpresently：
　　`Notwhollyestranged。Partially：andonlythat，inappearance，Florence，forinmyownbreastIamstillthesametoyou，andeverwillbe。ButwhatIdoisnotdoneformyself。'
　　`Isitforme，Mama？'askedFlorence。
　　`Itisenough，'saidEdith，afterapause，`toknowwhatitis；
　　why，matterslittle。DearFlorence，itisbetter——itisnecessary——itmustbe——thatourassociationshouldbelessfrequent。Theconfidencetherehasbeenbetweenusmustbebrokenoff。'
　　`When？'criedFlorence。`Oh，Mama，when？'
　　`Now，'saidEdith。
　　`Foralltimetocome？'askedFlorence。
　　`Idonotsaythat，'answeredEdith。`Idonotknowthat。NorwillI
　　saythatcompanionshipbetweenusis，atthebest，anill-assortedandunholyunion，ofwhichImighthaveknownnogoodcouldcome。Mywayherehasbeenthroughpathsthatyouwillnevertread，andmywayhenceforthmaylie——Godknows——Idonotseeit——'
　　Hervoicediedawayintosilence；andshesat，lookingatFlorence，andalmostshrinkingfromher，withthesamestrangedreadandwildavoidancethatFlorencehadnoticedoncebefore。Thesamedarkprideandragesucceeded，sweepingoverherformandfeatureslikeanangrychordacrossthestringsofawildharp。Butnosoftnessorhumilityensuedonthat。Shedidnotlayherheaddownnow，andweep，andsaythatshehadnohopebutinFlorence。
　　ShehelditupasifshewereabeautifulMedusa，lookingonhim，facetoface，tostrikehimdead。Yes，andshewouldhavedoneit，ifshehadhadthecharm。
　　`Mama，'saidFlorence，anxiously，`thereisachangeinyou，inmorethanwhatyousaytome，whichalarmsme。Letmestaywithyoualittle。'
　　`No，'saidEdith，`no，dearest。Iambestleftalonenow，andIdobesttokeepapartfromyou，ofallelse。Askmenoquestions，butbelievethatwhatIamwhenIseemfickleorcapricioustoyou，Iamnotofmyownwill，orformyself。Believe，thoughwearestrangertoeachotherthanwehavebeen，thatIamunchangedtoyouwithin。Forgivemeforhavingeverdarkenedyourdarkhome——Iamashadowonit，Iknowwell——andletusneverspeakofthisagain。'
　　`Mama，'sobbedFlorence，`wearenottopart？'
　　`Wedothisthatwemaynotpart，'saidEdith。`Asknomore。Go，Florence！Myloveandmyremorsegowithyou！'
　　Sheembracedher，anddismissedher；andasFlorencepassedoutofherroom，Edithlookedontheretiringfigure，asifhergoodangelwentoutinthatform，andlefthertothehaughtyandindignantpassionsthatnowclaimedherfortheirown，andsettheirsealuponherbrow。
　　Fromthathour，Florenceandshewere，astheyhadbeen，nomore。
　　Fordaystogether，theywouldseldommeet，exceptattable，andwhenMr。
　　Dombeywaspresent。ThenEdith，imperious，inflexible，andsilent，neverlookedather。WheneverMr。Carkerwasoftheparty，asheoftenwas，duringtheprogressofMr。Dombey'srecovery，andafterwards，Edithheldherselfmoreremovedfromher，andwasmoredistanttowardsher，thanatothertimes。YetsheandFlorenceneverencountered，whentherewasnooneby，butshewouldembraceherasaffectionatelyasofold，thoughnotwiththesamerelentingofherproudaspect；andoften，whenshehadbeenoutlate，shewouldstealuptoFlorence'sroom，asshehadbeenusedtodo，inthedark，andwhisper`GoodNight，'onherpillow。Whenunconscious，inherslumber，ofsuchvisits，Florencewouldsometimesawake，asfromadreamofthosewords，softlyspoken，andwouldseemtofeelthetouchoflipsuponherface。Butlessandlessoftenasthemonthswenton。
　　AndnowthevoidFlorence'sownheartbeganagain，indeed，tomakeasolitudearoundher。Astheimageofthefatherwhomshelovedhadinsensiblybecomeamereabstraction，soEdith，followingthefateofalltherestaboutwhomheraffectionshadentwinedthemselves，wasfleeting，fading，growingpalerinthedistance，everyday。Littlebylittle，sherecededfromFlorence，liketheretiringghostofwhatshehadbeen；littlebylittle，thechasmbetweenthemwidenedandseemeddeeper；littlebylittle，allthepowerofearnestnessandtendernessshehadshown，wasfrozenupinthebold，angryhardihoodwithwhichshestood，uponthebrinkofadeepprecipiceunseenbyFlorence，daringtolookdown。
　　TherewasbutoneconsiderationtosetagainsttheheavylossofEdith，andthoughitwasslightcomforttoherburdenedheart，shetriedtothinkitsomerelief。Nolongerdividedbetweenheraffectionanddutytothetwo，Florencecouldlovebothanddonoinjusticetoeither。Asshadowsofherfondimagination，shecouldgivethemequalplaceinherownbosom，andwrongthemwithnodoubts。
　　Soshetriedtodo。Attimes，andoftentoo，wonderingspeculationsonthecauseofthischangeinEdithwouldobtrudethemselvesuponhermindandfrightenher；butinthecalmofitsabandonmentoncemoretosilentgriefandloneliness，itwasnotacuriousmind。Florencehadonlytorememberthatherstarofpromisewascloudedinthegeneralgloomthathunguponthehouse，andtoweepandberesigned。
　　Thusliving，inadreamwhereintheoverflowingloveofheryoungheartexpendeditselfonairyforms，andinarealworldwhereshehadexperiencedlittlebuttherollingbackofthatstrongtideuponitself，Florencegrewtobeseventeen。Timidandretiringashersolitarylifehadmadeher，ithadnotembitteredhersweettemper，orherearnestnature。
　　Achildininnocentsimplicity；awomaninhermodestself-reliance，andherdeepintensityoffeeling；bothchildandwomanseemedatonceexpressedinherfairfaceandfragiledelicacyofshape，andgracefullytominglethere；——asifthespringshouldbeunwillingtodepartwhensummercame，andsoughttoblendtheearlierbeautiesoftheflowerswiththeirbloom。
　　Butinherthrillingvoice，inhercalmeyes，sometimesinastrangeethereallightthatseemedtorestuponherhead，andalwaysinacertainpensiveairuponherbeauty，therewasanexpression，suchashadbeenseeninthedeadboy；andthecouncilintheServants'Hallwhisperedsoamongthemselves，andshooktheirheads，andateanddrankthemore，inacloserbondofgoodfellowship。
　　ThisobservantbodyhadplentytosayofMr。andMrs。Dombey，andofMr。Carker，whoappearedtobeamediatorbetweenthem，andwhocameandwentasifheweretryingtomakepeace，butnevercould。Theyalldeploredtheuncomfortablestateofaffairs，andallagreedthatMrs。
　　Pipchinwhoseunpopularitywasnottobesurpassedhadsomehandinit；
　　but，uponthewhole，itwasagreeabletohavesogoodasubjectforarallyingpoint，andtheymadeagreatdealofit，andenjoyedthemselvesverymuch。
　　Thegeneralvisitorswhocametothehouse，andthoseamongwhomMr。andMrs。Dombeyvisited，thoughtitaprettyequalmatch，astohaughtiness，atallevents，andthoughtnothingmoreaboutit。TheyoungladywiththebackdidnotappearforsometimeafterMrs。Skewton'sdeath；observingtosomeparticularfriends，withherusualengaginglittlescream，thatshecouldn'tseparatethefamilyfromanotionoftombstones，andhorrorsofthatsort；butwhenshedidcome，shesawnothingwrong，exceptMr。
　　Dombey'swearingabunchofgoldsealstohiswatch，whichshockedherverymuch，asanexplodedsuperstition。Thisyouthfulfascinatorconsideredadaughterin-lawobjectionableinprinciple；otherwise，shehadnothingtosayagainstFlorence，butthatshesadlywanted`style'——whichmightmeanback，perhaps。Many，whoonlycametothehouseonstateoccasions，hardlyknewwhoFlorencewas，andsaid，goinghome，`Indeed，wasthatMissDombey，inthecorner？Verypretty，butalittledelicateandthoughtfulinappearance！'
　　Nonethelessso，certainly，forherlifeofthelastsixmonths，Florencetookherseatatthedinner-table，onthedaybeforethesecondanniversaryofherfather'smarriagetoEdithMrs。Skewtonhadbeenlyingstrickenwithparalysiswhenthefirstcameround，withanuneasiness，amountingtodread。Shehadnootherwarrantforit，thantheoccasion，theexpressionofherfather'sface，inthehastyglanceshecaughtofit，andthepresenceofMr。Carker，which，alwaysunpleasanttoher，wasmoresoonthisday，thanshehadeverfeltitbefore。
　　Edithwasrichlydressed，forsheandMr。Dombeywereengagedintheeveningtosomelargeassembly，andthedinnerhourthatdaywaslate。Shedidnotappearuntiltheywereseatedattable，whenMr。Carkerroseandledhertoherchair。Beautifulandlustrousasshewas，therewasthatinherfaceandairwhichseemedtoseparateherhopelesslyfromFlorence，andfromeveryone，forevermore。Andyet，foraninstant，Florencesawabeamofkindnessinhereyes，whentheywereturnedonher，thatmadethedistancetowhichshehadwithdrawnherself，agreatercauseofsorrowandregretthanever。
　　Therewasverylittlesaidatdinner。FlorenceheardherfatherspeaktoMr。Carkersometimesonbusinessmatters，andheardhimsoftlyreply，butshepaidlittleattentiontowhattheysaid，andonlywishedthedinneratanend。Whenthedessertwasplaceduponthetable，andtheywereleftalone，withnoservantinattendance，Mr。Dombey，whohadbeenseveraltimesclearinghisthroatinamannerthataugurednogood，said：
　　`Mrs。Dombey，youknow，Isuppose，thatIhaveinstructedthehousekeeperthattherewillbesomecompanytodinnerhereto-morrow。'
　　`Idonotdineathome，'sheanswered。
　　`Notalargeparty，'pursuedMr。Dombey，withanindifferentassumptionofnothavingheardher；`merelysometwelveorfourteen。Mysister，MajorBagstock，andsomeotherswhomyouknowbutslightly。'
　　`Idonotdineathome，'sherepeated。
　　`HoweverdoubtfulreasonImayhave，Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，stillgoingmajesticallyon，asifshehadnotspoken，`toholdtheoccasioninverypleasantremembrancejustnow，thereareappearancesinthesethingswhichmustbemaintainedbeforetheworld。Ifyouhavenorespectforyourself，Mrs。Dombey——'
　　`Ihavenone，'shesaid。
　　`Madam，'criedMr。Dombey，strikinghishanduponthetable，`hearmeifyouplease。Isay，ifyouhavenorespectforyourself——'
　　`AndIsayIhavenone，'sheanswered。
　　Helookedather；butthefacesheshowedhiminreturnwouldnothavechanged，ifdeathitselfhadlooked。
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，turningmorequietlytothatgentleman，`asyouhavebeenmymediumofcommunicationwithMrs。Dombeyonformeroccasions，andasIchoosetopreservethedecenciesoflife，sofarasIamindividuallyconcerned，IwilltroubleyoutohavethegoodnesstoinformMrs。Dombeythatifshehasnorespectforherself，Ihavesomerespectformyself，andthereforeinsistonmyarrangementsforto-morrow。'
　　`Tellyoursovereignmaster，Sir，'saidEdith，`thatIwilltakeleavetospeaktohimonthissubjectby-and-bye，andthatIwillspeaktohimalone。'
　　`Mr。Carker，Madam，'saidherhusband，`beinginpossessionofthereasonwhichobligesmetorefuseyouthatprivilege，shallbeabsolvedfromthedeliveryofanysuchmessage。'Hesawhereyesmove，whilehespoke，andfollowedthemwithhisown。
　　`Yourdaughterispresent，Sir，'saidEdith。
　　`Mydaughterwillremainpresent，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　Florence，whohadrisen，satdownagain，hidingherfaceinherhands，andtrembling。
　　`Mydaughter，Madam'——beganMr。Dombey。
　　ButEdithstoppedhim，inavoicewhich，althoughnotraisedintheleast，wassoclear，emphatic，anddistinct，thatitmighthavebeenheardinawhirlwind。
　　`ItellyouIwillspeaktoyoualone，'shesaid。`Ifyouarenotmad，heedwhatIsay。'
　　`Ihaveauthoritytospeaktoyou，Madam，'returnedherhusband，`whenandwhereIplease；anditismypleasuretospeakhereandnow。'
　　Sheroseupasiftoleavetheroom；butsatdownagain，andlookingathimwithalloutwardcomposure，said，inthesamevoice：
　　`Youshall！'
　　`Imusttellyoufirst，thatthereisathreateningappearanceinyourmanner，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，`whichdoesnotbecomeyou。'
　　Shelaughed。Theshakendiamondsinherhairstartedandtrembled。
　　Therearefablesofpreciousstonesthatwouldturnpale，theirwearerbeingindanger。Hadthesebeensuch，theirimprisonedraysoflightwouldhavehavetakenflightthatmoment，andtheywouldhavebeenasdullaslead。
　　Carkerlistened，withhiseyescastdown。
　　`Astomydaughter，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，resumingthethreadofhisdiscourse，`itisbynomeansinconsistentwithherdutytome，thatsheshouldknowwhatconducttoavoid。Atpresentyouareaverystrongexampletoherofthiskind，andIhopeshemayprofitbyit。'
　　`Iwouldnotstopyounow，'returnedhiswife，immoveableineye，andvoice，andattitude；`Iwouldnotriseandgoaway，andsaveyoutheutteranceofoneword，iftheroomwereburning。'