Mr。Dombeymovedhishead，asifinasarcasticacknowledgmentoftheattention，andresumed。Butnotwithsomuchself-possessionasbefore；forEdith'sindifferencetohimandhiscensure，chafedandgalledhimlikeastiffeningwound。
　　`Mrs。Dombey，'saidhe，`itmaynotbeinconsistentwithmydaughter'simprovementtoknowhowverymuchtobelamented，andhownecessarytobecorrected，astubborndispositionis，especiallywhenitisindulgedin——unthankfullyindulgedin，Iwilladd——afterthegratificationofambitionandinterest。Bothofwhich，Ibelieve，hadsomeshareininducingyoutooccupyyourpresentstationatthisboard。'
　　`No！Iwouldnotrise，andgoaway，andsaveyoutheutteranceofoneword，'sherepeated，exactlyasbefore，`iftheroomwereburning。'
　　`Itmaybenaturalenough，Mrs。Dombey，'hepursued，`thatyoushouldbeuneasyinthepresenceofanyauditorsofthesedisagreeabletruths；thoughwhy'——hecouldnothidehisrealfeelingshere，orkeephiseyesfromglancinggloomilyatFlorence——`whyanyonecangivethemgreaterforceandpointthanmyself，whomtheysonearlyconcern，Idonotpretendtounderstand。Itmaybenaturalenoughthatyoushouldobjecttohear，inanybody'spresence，thatthereisarebelliousprinciplewithinyouwhichyoucannotcurbtoosoon；whichyoumustcurb，Mrs。Dombey；andwhich，Iregrettosay，Iremembertohaveseenmanifested——withsomedoubtanddispleasure，onmorethanoneoccasionbeforeourmarriage-towardsyourdeceasedmother。Butyouhavetheremedyinyourownhands。Ibynomeansforgot，whenIbegan，thatmydaughterwaspresent，Mrs。Dombey。
　　Ibegyouwillnotforget，to-morrow，thatthereareseveralpersonspresent；andthat，withsomeregardtoappearances，youwillreceiveyourcompanyinabecomingmanner。'
　　`Soitisnotenough，'saidEdith，`thatyouknowwhathaspassedbetweenyourselfandme；itisnotenoughthatyoucanlookhere，'pointingatCarker，whostilllistened，withhiseyescastdown，`andberemindedoftheaffrontsyouhaveputuponme；itisnotenoughthatyoucanlookhere，'pointingtoFlorencewithahandthatslightlytrembledforthefirstandonlytime，`andthinkofwhatyouhavedone，andoftheingeniousagony，daily，hourly，constant，youhavemademefeelindoingit；itisnotenoughthatthisday，ofallothersintheyear，ismemorabletomeforastrugglewell-deserved，butnotconceivablebysuchasyouinwhichIwishIhaddied！Youaddtoallthis，doyou，thelastcrowningmeannessofmakingherawitnessofthedepthtowhichIhavefallen；whenyouknowthatyouhavemademesacrificetoherpeace，theonlygentlefeelingandinterestofmylife，whenyouknowthatforhersake，Iwouldnowifcould——butIcannot，mysoulrecoilsfromyoutoomuch——submitmyselfwhollytoyourwillandbethemeekestvassalthatyouhave！'
　　ThiswasnotthewaytoministertoMr。Dombey'sgreatness。Theoldfeelingwasrousedbywhatshesaid，intoastrongerandfiercerexistencethanithadeverhad。Again，hisneglectedchild，atthisroughpassageofhislife，putforthbyeventhisrebelliouswoman，aspowerfulwherehewaspowerless，andeverythingwherehewasnothing！
　　HeturnedonFlorence，asifitwereshewhohadspoken，andbadeherleavetheroom。Florencewithhercoveredfaceobeyed，tremblingandweepingasshewent。
　　`Iunderstand，Madam，'saidMr。Dombey，withanangryflushoftriumph，`thespiritofoppositionthatturnedyouraffectionsinthatchannel，buttheyhavebeenmet，Mrs。Dombey；theyhavebeenmet，andturnedback！'
　　`Theworseforyou！'sheanswered，withhervoiceandmannerstillunchanged。`Aye！'forheturnedsharplywhenshesaidso，`whatistheworseforme，istwentymilliontimestheworseforyou。Heedthat，ifyouheednothingelse。'
　　Thearchofdiamondsspanningherdarkhair，flashedandglitteredlikeastarrybridge。Therewasnowarninginthem，ortheywouldhaveturnedasdullanddimastarnishedhonour。Carkerstillsatandlistened，withhiseyescastdown。
　　`Mrs。Dombey，'saidMr。Dombey，resumingasmuchashecouldofhisarrogantcomposure，`youwillnotconciliateme，orturnmefromanypurpose，bythiscourseofconduct。'
　　`Itistheonlytruealthoughitisafaintexpressionofwhatiswithinme，'shereplied。`ButifIthoughtitwouldconciliateyou，Iwouldrepressit，ifitwererepressiblebyanyhumaneffort。Iwilldonothingthatyouask。'
　　`Iamnotaccustomedtoask，Mrs。Dombey，'heobserved；`Idirect。'
　　`Iwillholdnoplaceinyourhouseto-morrow，oronanyrecurrenceofto-morrow。Iwillbeexhibitedtonoone，astherefractoryslaveyoupurchased，suchatime。IfIkeptmymarriage-day，Iwouldkeepitasadayofshame。Self-respect！appearancesbeforetheworld！whatarethesetome？Youhavedoneallyoucantomakethemnothingtome，andtheyarenothing。'
　　`Carker，'saidMr。Dombey，speakingwithknittedbrows，andafteramoment'sconsideration，`Mrs。Dombeyissoforgetfulofherselfandmeinallthis，andplacesmeinapositionsounsuitedtomycharacter，thatImustbringthisstateofmatterstoaclose。'
　　`Releaseme，then，'saidEdith，immoveableinvoice，inlook，andbearing，asshehadbeenthroughout，`fromthechainbywhichIambound。Letmego。'
　　`Madam？'exclaimedMr。Dombey。
　　`Looseme。Setmefree！'
　　`Madam？'herepeated。`Mrs。Dombey？'
　　`Tellhim，'saidEdith，addressingherproudfacetoCarker，`thatIwishforaseparationbetweenus。Thattherehadbetterbeone。ThatIrecommendittohim。Tellhimitmaytakeplaceonhisownterms——hiswealthisnothingtome——butthatitcannotbetoosoon。'
　　`GoodHeaven，Mrs。Dombey！'saidherhusband，withsupremeamazement，`doyouimagineitpossiblethatIcouldeverlistentosuchaproposition？
　　DoyouknowwhoIam，Madam？DoyouknowwhatIrepresent？DidyoueverhearofDombeyandSon？PeopletosaythatMr。Dombey——Mr。Dombey！——wasseparatedfromhiswife！CommonpeopletotalkofMr。Dombeyandhisdomesticaffairs！Doyouseriouslythink，Mrs。Dombey，thatIwouldpermitmynametobehandedaboutinsuchconnexion？Pooh，pooh，Madam！Fieforshame！
　　You'reabsurd。'Mr。Dombeyabsolutelylaughed。
　　Butnotasshedid。Shehadbetterhavebeendeadthanlaughasshedid，inreply，withherintentlookfixeduponhim。Hehadbetterhavebeendead，thansittingthere，inhismagnificence，tohearher。
　　`No，Mrs。Dombey，'heresumed。`No，Madam。Thereisnopossibilityofseparationbetweenyouandme，andthereforeIthemoreadviseyoutobeawakenedtoasenseofduty。And，Carker，asIwasabouttosaytoyou——'
　　Mr。Carker，whohadsatandlistenedallthistime，nowraisedhiseyes，inwhichtherewasabrightunusuallight。
　　`——AsIwasabouttosaytoyou，'resumedMr。Dombey，`Imustbegyou，nowthatmattershavecometothis，toinformMrs。Dombey，thatitisnottheruleofmylifetoallowmyselftobethwartedbyanybody——anybody，Carker——ortosufferanybodytobeparadedasastrongermotiveforobedienceinthosewhooweobediencetomethanIammyself。Thementionthathasbeenmadeofmydaughter，andtheusethatismadeofmydaughter，inoppositiontome，areunnatural。WhethermydaughterisinactualconcertwithMrs。
　　Dombey，Idonotknow，anddonotcare；butafterwhatMrs。Dombeyhassaidto-day，andmydaughterhasheardto-day，IbegyoutomakeknowntoMrs。Dombey，thatifshecontinuestomakethishousethesceneofcontentionithasbecome，Ishallconsidermydaughterresponsibleinsomedegree，onthatlady'sownavowal，andshallvisitherwithmyseveredispleasure。
　　Mrs。Dombeyhasasked“whetheritisnotenough，“thatshehaddonethisandthat。Youwillpleasetoanswerno，itisnotenough。'
　　`Amoment！'criedCarker，interposing，`permitme！painfulasmypositionis，atthebest，andunusuallypainfulinseemingtoentertainadifferentopinionfromyou，'addressingMr。Dombey，`Imustask，hadyounotbetterreconsiderthequestionofaseparation？Iknowhowincompatibleitappearswithyourhighpublicposition，andIknowhowdeterminedyouarewhenyougiveMrs。Dombeytounderstand'——thelightinhiseyesfelluponherasheseparatedhiswordseachfromeach，withthedistinctnessofsomanybells——`thatnothingbutdeathcaneverpartyou。Nothingelse。
　　ButwhenyouconsiderthatMrs。Dombey，bylivinginthishouse，andmakingitasyouhavesaid，asceneofcontention，notonlyhasherpartinthatcontention，butcompromisesMissDombeyeverydayforIknowhowdeterminedyouare，willyounotrelieveherfromacontinualirritationofspirit，andacontinualsenseofbeingunjusttoanother，almostintolerable？Doesthisnotseemlike——Idonotsayitis——sacrificingMrs。Dombeytothepreservationofyourpre-eminentandunassailableposition？'
　　Againthelightinhiseyesfelluponher，asshestoodlookingatherhusband：nowwithanextraordinaryandawfulsmileuponherface。
　　`Carker，'returnedMr。Dombey，withasuperciliousfrown，andinatonethatwasintendedtobefinal，`youmistakeyourpositioninofferingadvicetomeonsuchapoint，andyoumistakemeIamsurprisedtofindinthecharacterofyouradvice。Ihavenomoretosay。'
　　`Perhaps，'saidCarker，withanunusualandindefinabletauntinhisair，`youmistookmyposition，whenyouhonouredmewiththenegotiationsinwhichIhavebeenengagedhere'——withamotionofhishandtowardsMrs。Dombey。
　　`Notatall，Sir，notatall，'returnedtheotherhaughtily。`Youwereemployed——'
　　`Beinganinferiorperson，forthehumiliationofMrs。Dombey。
　　Iforgot。Oh，yes，itwasexpresslyunderstood！'saidCarker。`Ibegyourpardon！'
　　AshebenthisheadtoMr。Dombey，withanairofdeferencethataccordedillwithhiswords，thoughtheywerehumblyspoken，hemoveditroundtowardsher，andkepthiswatchingeyesthatway。
　　Shehadbetterhaveturnedhideousanddroppeddead，thanhavestoodupwithsuchasmileuponherface，insuchafallenspirit'smajestyofscornandbeauty。Sheliftedherhandtothetiaraofbrightjewelsradiantonherhead，and，pluckingitoffwithaforcethatdraggedandstrainedherrichblackhairwithheedlesscruelty，andbroughtittumblingwildlyonhershoulders，castthegemsupontheground。Fromeacharm，sheunclaspedadiamondbracelet，flungitdown，andtrodupontheglitteringheap。Withoutaword，withoutashadowonthefireofherbrighteye，withoutabatementofherawfulsmile，shelookedonMr。Dombeytothelast，inmovingtothedoor；andlefthim。
　　Florencehadheardenoughbeforequittingtheroom，toknowthatEdithlovedheryet；thatshehadsufferedforhersake；andthatshehadkepthersacrificesquiet，lesttheyshouldtroubleherpeace。Shedidnotwanttospeaktoherofthis——shecouldnot，rememberingtowhomshewasopposed——butshewished，inonesilentandaffectionateembrace，toassureherthatshefeltitall，andthankedher。
　　Herfatherwentoutalone，thatevening，andFlorenceissuingfromherownchambersoonafterwards，wentaboutthehouseinsearchofEdith，butunavailingly。Shewasinherownrooms，whereFlorencehadlongceasedtogo，anddidnotdaretoventurenow，lestsheshouldunconsciouslyengendernewtrouble。StillFlorencehopingtomeetherbeforegoingtobed，changedfromroomtoroom，andwanderedthroughthehousesosplendidandsodreary，withoutremaininganywhere。
　　Shewascrossingagalleryofcommunicationthatopenedatsomelittledistanceonthestaircase，andwasonlylightedongreatoccasions，whenshesaw，throughtheopening，whichwasanarch，thefigureofamancomingdownsomefewstairsopposite。Instinctivelyapprehensiveofherfather，whomshesupposeditwas，shestopped，inthedark，gazingthroughthearchintothelight。ButitwasMr。Carkercomingdownalone，andlookingovertherailingintothehall。Nobellwasrungtoannouncehisdeparture，andnoservantwasinattendance。Hewentdownquietly，openedthedoorforhimself，glidedout，andshutitsoftlyafterhim。
　　Herinvinciblerepugnancetothisman，andperhapsthestealthyactofwatchinganyone，which，evenundersuchinnocentcircumstances，isinamannerguiltyandoppressive，madeFlorenceshakefromheadtofoot。Herbloodseemedtoruncold。Assoonasshecould——foratfirstshefeltaninsurmountabledreadofmoving——shewentquicklytoherownroomandlockedherdoor；buteventhen，shutinwithherdogbesideher，feltachillsensationofhorror，asifthereweredangerbroodingsomewherenearher。
　　Itinvadedherdreamsanddisturbedthewholenight。Risinginthemorning，unrefreshed，andwithaheavyrecollectionofthedomesticunhappinessoftheprecedingday，shesoughtEdithagaininalltherooms，anddidso，fromtimetotime，allthemorning。Butsheremainedinherownchamber，andFlorencesawnothingofher。Learning，however，thattheprojecteddinnerathomewasputoff，Florencethoughtitlikelythatshewouldgooutintheeveningtofulfiltheengagementshehadspokenof；
　　andresolvedtotryandmeether，then，uponthestaircase。
　　Whentheeveninghadsetin，sheheard，fromtheroominwhichshesatonpurpose，afootsteponthestairsthatshethoughttobeEdith's。
　　Hurryingout，anduptowardsherroom，Florencemetherimmediately，comingdownalone。
　　WhatwasFlorence'saffrightandwonderwhen，atsightofher，withhertearfulface，andoutstretchedarms，Edithrecoiledandshrieked！
　　`Don'tcomenearme！'shecried。`Keepaway！Letmegoby！'
　　`Mama！'saidFlorence。
　　`Don'tcallmebythatname！Don'tspeaktome！Don'tlookatme！Florence！'shrinkingback，asFlorencemovedasteptowardsher，`don'ttouchme！'
　　AsFlorencestoodtransfixedbeforethehaggardfaceandstaringeyes，shenoted，asinadream，thatEdithspreadherhandsoverthem，andshudderingthroughallherform，andcrouchingdownagainstthewall，crawledbyherlikesomeloweranimal，sprangup，andfledaway。
　　Florencedroppeduponthestairsinaswoon；andwasfoundtherebyMrs。Pipchin，shesupposed。Sheknewnothingmore，untilshefoundherselflyingonherownbed，withMrs。Pipchinandsomeservantsstandingroundher。
　　`WhereisMama？'washerfirstquestion。
　　`Goneouttodinner，'saidMrs。Pipchin。
　　`AndPapa？'
　　`Mr。Dombeyisinhisownroom，MissDombey，'saidMrs。Pipchin，`andthebestthingyoucando，istotakeoffyourthingsandgotobedthisminute。'Thiswasthesagaciouswoman'sremedyforallcomplaints，particularlylownessofspirits，andinabilitytosleep；forwhichoffences，manyyoungvictimsinthedaysoftheBrightonCastlehadbeencommittedtobedatteno'clockinthemorning。
　　Withoutpromisingobedience，butonthepleaofdesiringtobeveryquiet，Florencedisengagedherself，assoonasshecould，fromtheministrationofMrs。Pipchinandherattendants。Leftalone，shethoughtofwhathadhappenedonthestaircase，atfirstindoubtofitsreality；
　　thenwithtears；thenwithanindescribableandterriblealarm，likethatshehadfeltthenightbefore。
　　ShedeterminednottogobeduntilEdithreturned，andifshecouldnotspeaktoher，atleasttobesurethatshewassafeathome。
　　WhatindistinctandshadowydreadmovedFlorencetothisresolution，shedidnotknow，anddidnotdaretothink。SheonlyknewthatuntilEdithcameback，therewasnoreposeforherachingheadorthrobbingheart。
　　Theeveningdeepenedintonight：midnightcame；noEdith。
　　Florencecouldnotread，orrestamoment。Shepacedherownroom，openedthedoorandpacedthestaircase-galleryoutside，lookedoutofwindowonthenight，listenedtothewindblowingandtherainfalling，satdownandwatchedthefacesinthefire，gotupandwatchedthemoonflyinglikeastorm-drivenshipthroughtheseaofclouds。
　　Allthehousewasgonetobed，excepttwoservantswhowerewaitingthereturnoftheirmistress，downstairs。
　　Oneo'clock。Thecarriagesthatrumbledinthedistance，turnedaway，orstoppedshort，orwentpast；thesilencegraduallydeepened，andwasmoreandmorerarelybroken，savebyarushofwindorsweepofrain。
　　Twoo'clock。NoEdith！
　　Florence，moreagitated，pacedherroom，andpacedthegalleryoutside；andlookedoutatthenight，blurredandwavywiththeraindropsontheglass，andthetearsinherowneyes；andlookedupatthehurryinthesky，sodifferentfromthereposebelow，andyetsotranquilandsolitary。Threeo'clock！Therewasaterrorineveryashthatdroppedoutofthefire。NoEdithyet。
　　MoreandMoreagitated，Florencepacedherroom，andpacedthegallery，andlookedoutatthemoonwithanewfancyofherlikenesstoapalefugitivehurryingawayandhidingherguiltyface。Fourstruck！
　　Five！NoEdithyet。
　　Butnowtheresomecautiousstirinthehouse；andFlorencefoundthatMrs。Pipchinhadbeenawakenedbyoneofthosewhosatup，hadrisenandhadgonedowntoherfather'sdoor。Stealinglowerdownthestairs，andobservingwhatpassed，shesawherfathercomeoutinhismorninggown，andstartwhenhewastoldhiswifehadnotcomehome。Hedispatchedamessengertothestablestoinquirewhetherthecoachmanwasthere；andwhilethemanwasgone，dressedhimselfveryhurriedly。
　　Themancameback，ingreathaste，bringingthecoachmanwithhim，whosaidhehadbeenathomeandinbedsinceteno'clock。HehaddrivenhismistresstoheroldhouseinBrookStreet，whereshehadbeenmetbyMr。Carker——
　　Florencestoodupontheveryspotwhereshehadseenhimcomingdown。Againsheshiveredwiththenamelessterrorofthatsight，andhadhardlysteadinessenoughtohearandunderstandwhatfollowed——
　　Whohadtoldhim，themanwentontosay，thathismistresswouldnotwantthecarriagetogohomein；andhaddismissedhim。
　　Shesawherfatherturnwhiteintheface，andheardhimaskinaquick，tremblingvoiceforMrs。Dombey'smaid。Thewholehousewasroused；
　　forshewasthere，inamoment，verypaletoo，andspeakingincoherently。
　　Shesaidshehaddressedhermistressearly——fulltwohoursbeforeshewentout——andhadbeentold，assheoftenwas，thatshewouldnotbewantedatnight。Shehadjustcomefromhermistress'srooms，but——
　　`Butwhat！whatwasit？'Florenceheardherfatherdemandlikeamadman。
　　`Buttheinnerdressing-roomwaslocked，andthekeygone。'
　　Herfatherseizedacandlethatwasflamingontheground——someonehadputitdownthere，andforgottenit——andcamerunningupstairswithsuchfury，thatFlorence，inherfear，hadhardlytimetoflybeforehim。Sheheardhimstrikinginthedoorassheranon，withherhandswidelyspread，andherhairstreaming，andherfacelikeadistractedperson's，backtoherownroom。
　　Whenthedooryielded，andherushedin，whatdidheseethere？
　　Nooneknew。Butthrowndowninacostlymassupontheground，waseveryornamentshehadhad，sinceshehadbeenhiswife：everydressshehadworn；andeverythingshehadpossessed。Thiswastheroominwhichhehadseen，inyondermirror，theproudfacediscardhim。Thiswastheroominwhichhehadwondered，idly，howthesethingswouldlookwhenheshouldseethemnext！
　　Heapingthembackintothedrawers，andlockingthemupinarageofhaste，hesawsomepapersonthetable。Thedeedofsettlementhehadexecutedontheirmarriage，andaletter。Hereadthatshewasgone。Hereadthathewasdishonoured。Hereadthatshehadfled，uponhershamefulwedding-day，withthemanwhomhehadchosenforherhumiliation；andhetoreoutoftheroom，andoutofthehouse，withafranticideaoffindingheryet，attheplacetowhichshehadbeentaken，andbeatingalltraceofbeautyoutofthetriumphantfacewithhisbarehand。
　　Florence，notknowingwhatshedid，putonashawlandbonnet，inadreamofrunningthroughthestreetsuntilshefoundEdith，andthenclaspingherinherarms，tosaveandbringherback。Butwhenshehurriedoutuponthestaircase，andsawthefrightenedservantsgoingupanddownwithlights，andwhisperingtogether，andfallingawayfromherfatherashepasseddown，sheawoketoasenseofherownpowerlessness；andhidinginoneofthegreatroomsthathadbeenmadegorgeousforthis，feltasifherheartwouldburstwithgrief。
　　Compassionforherfatherwasthefirstdistinctemotionthatmadeheadagainstthefloodofsorrowwhichoverwhelmedher。Herconstantnatureturnedtohiminhisdistress，asferventlyandfaithfully，asif，inhisprosperity，hehadbeentheembodimentofthatideawhichhadgraduallybecomesofaintanddim。Althoughshedidnotknow，otherwisethanthroughthesuggestionsofashapelessfear，thefullextentofhiscalamity，hestoodbeforeherwrongedanddeserted；andagainheryearningloveimpelledhertohisside。
　　Hewasnotlongaway：forFlorencewasyetweepinginthegreatroomandnourishingthesethoughts，whensheheardhimcomeback。Heorderedtheservantstosetabouttheirordinaryoccupations，andwentintohisownapartment，wherehetrodsoheavilythatshecouldhearhimwalkingupanddownfromendtoend。
　　Yieldingatoncetotheimpulseofheraffection，timidatallothertimes，butboldinitstruthtohiminhisadversity，andundauntedbypastrepulse，Florence，dressedasshewas，hurrieddownstairs。Asshesetherlightfootinthehall，hecameoutofhisroom。Shehastenedtowardshimunchecked，withherarmsstretchedout，andcrying`Ohdear，dearPapa！'
　　asifshewouldhaveclaspedhimroundtheneck。
　　Andsoshewouldhavedone。Butinhisfrenzy，helifteduphiscruelarm，andstruckher，crosswise，withthatheaviness，thatshetotteredonthemarblefloor；andashedealttheblow，hetoldherwhatEdithwas，andbadeherfollowher，sincetheyhadalwaysbeeninleague。
　　Shedidnotsinkdownathisfeet；shedidnotshutoutthesightofhimwithhertremblinghands；shedidnotweep；shedidnotutteronewordofreproach。Butshelookedathim，andacryofdesolationissuedfromherheart。Forasshelooked，shesawhimmurderingthatfondideatowhichshehadheldinspiteofhim。Shesawhiscruelty，neglect，andhatreddominantaboveit，andstampingitdown。Shesawshehadnofatheruponearth，andranout，orphaned，fromhishouse。
　　Ranoutofhishouse。Amoment，andherhandwasonthelock，thecrywasonherlips，hisfacewasthere，madepalerbytheyellowcandleshastilyputdownandgutteringaway，andbythedaylightcominginabovethedoor。Anothermoment，andtheclosedarknessoftheshut-uphouseforgottentobeopened，thoughitwaslongsincedayyieldedtotheunexpectedglareandfreedomofthemorning；andFlorence，withherheadbentdowntohideheragonyoftears，wasinthestreets。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter48[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIIITheFlightofFlorenceINthewildnessofhersorrow，shame，andterror，theforlorngirlhurriedthroughthesunshineofabrightmorning，asifitwerethedarknessofawinternight。Wringingherhandsandweepingbitterly，insensibletoeverythingbutthedeepwoundinherbreast，stunnedbythelossofallsheloved，leftlikethesolesurvivoronalonelyshorefromthewreckofagreatvessel，shefledwithoutathought，withoutahope，withoutapurpose，buttoflysomewhere——anywhere。
　　Thecheerfulvistaofthelongstreet，burnishedbythemorninglight，thesightoftheblueskyandairyclouds，thevigorousfreshnessoftheday，soflushedandrosyinitsconquestofthenight，awakenednoresponsivefeelingsinhersohurtbosom。Somewhere，anywhere，tohideherhead！somewhere，anywhere，forrefuge，nevermoretolookupontheplacefromwhichshefled！
　　Buttherewerepeoplegoingtoandfro；therewereopeningshops，andservantsatthedoorsofhouses；therewastherisingclashandroaroftheday'sstruggle。Florencesawsurpriseandcuriosityinthefacesflittingpasther；sawlongshadowscomingbackuponthepavement；andheardvoicesthatwerestrangetoheraskingherwhereshewent，andwhatthematterwas；andthoughthesefrightenedherthemoreatfirst，andmadeherhurryonthefaster，theydidherthegoodserviceofrecallingherinsomedegreetoherself，andremindingherofthenecessityofgreatercomposure。
　　Wheretogo？Stillsomewhere，anywhere！stillgoingon；butwhere！
　　ShethoughtoftheonlyothertimeshehadbeenlostinthewildwildernessofLondon——thoughnotlostasnow——andwentthatway。TothehomeofWalter'suncle。
　　Checkinghersobs，anddryingherswolleneyes，andendeavouringtocalmtheagitationofhermanner，soastoavoidattractingnotice，Florence，resolvingtokeeptothemorequietstreetsaslongasshecould，wasgoingonmorequietlyherself，whenafamiliarlittleshadowdartedpastuponthesunnypavement，stoppedshort，wheeledabout，cameclosetoher，madeoffagain，boundedroundandroundher，andDiogenes，pantingforbreath，andyetmakingthestreetringwithhisgladbark，wasatherfeet。
　　`Oh，Di！oh，dear，true，faithfulDi，howdidyoucomehere？HowcouldIeverleaveyou，Di，whowouldneverleaveme？'
　　Florencebentdownonthepavement，andlaidhisrough，old，loving，foolishheadagainstherbreast，andtheygotuptogether，andwentontogether；Dimoreoffthegroundthanonit，endeavouringtokisshismistressflying，tumblingoverandgettingupagainwithouttheleastconcern，dashingatbigdogsinajocosedefianceofhisspecies，terrifyingwithtouchesofhisnoseyounghousemaidswhowerecleaningdoorsteps，andcontinuallystopping，inthemidstofathousandextravagances，tolookbackatFlorence，andbarkuntilallthedogswithinhearinganswered，andallthedogswhocouldcomeout，cameouttostareathim。
　　Withthislastadherent，Florencehurriedawayintheadvancingmorning，andthestrengtheningsunshine，totheCity。Theroarsoongrewmoreloud，thepassengersmorenumerous，theshopsmorebusy，untilshewascarriedonwardinastreamoflifesettingthatway，andflowing，indifferently，pastmartsandmansions，prisons，churches，market-places，wealth，poverty，good，andevil，likethebroadriversidebysidewithit，awakenedfromitsdreamsofrushes，willows，andgreenmoss，androllingon，turbidandtroubled，amongtheworksandcaresofmen，tothedeepsea。
　　AtlengththequartersofthelittleMidshipmanaroseinview。
　　Neareryet，andthelittleMidshipmanhimselfwasseenuponhispost，intentaseveronhisobservations。Neareryet，andthedoorstoodopen，invitinghertoenter。Florence，whohadagainquickenedherpace，assheapproachedtheendofherjourney，ranacrosstheroadcloselyfollowedbyDiogenes，whomthebustlehadsomewhatconfused，ranin，andsankuponthethresholdofthewell-rememberedlittleparlour。
　　TheCaptain，inhisglazedhat，wasstandingoverthefire，makinghismorning'scocoa，withthateleganttrifle，hiswatch，uponthechimney-piece，foreasyreferenceduringtheprogressofthecookery。Hearingafootstepandtherustleofadress，theCaptainturnedwithapalpitatingremembranceofthedreadfulMrs。MacStinger，attheinstantwhenFlorencemadeamotionwithherhandtowardshim，reeled，andfelluponthefloor。
　　TheCaptain，paleasFlorence，paleintheveryknobsuponhisface，raisedherlikeababy，andlaidheronthesameoldsofauponwhichshehadslumberedlongago。
　　`It'sHeart'sDelight！'saidtheCaptain，lookingintentlyinherface。`It'sthesweetcreeturgrow'dawoman！'
　　CaptainCuttlewassorespectfulofher，andhadsuchareverenceforher，inthisnewcharacter，thathewouldnothaveheldherinhisarms，whileshewasunconscious，forathousandpounds。
　　`MyHeart'sDelight！'saidtheCaptain，withdrawingtoalittledistance，withthegreatestalarmandsympathydepictedonhiscountenance。
　　`IfyoucanhailNedCuttlewithafinger，doit！'
　　ButFlorencedidnotstir。
　　`MyHeart'sDelight！'saidthetremblingCaptain。`ForthesakeofWal'rdrowndedinthebrinydeep，turnto，andhisteupsomethingoranother，ifable。'
　　Findingherinsensibletothisimpressiveadjurationalso，CaptainCuttlesnatchedfromhisbreakfast-tableabasinofcoldwater，andsprinkledsomeuponherface。Yieldingtotheurgencyofthecase，theCaptainthen，usinghisimmensehandwithextraordinarygentleness，relievedherofherbonnet，moistenedherlipsandforehead，putbackherhair，coveredherfeetwithhisowncoatwhichhepulledoffforthepurpose，pattedherhand——sosmallinhis，thathewasstruckwithwonderwhenhetouchedit——andseeingthathereyelidsquivered，andthatherlipsbegantomove，continuedtheserestorativeapplicationswithabetterheart。
　　`Cheerily，'saidtheCaptain。`Cheerily！Standby，myprettyone，standby！There！You'rebetternow。Steady'stheword，andsteadyitis。
　　Keepherso！Drinkalittledropo'thishere，'saidtheCaptain。`Thereyouare！Whatcheernow，mypretty，whatcheernow？'
　　Atthisstageofherrecovery，CaptainCuttle，withanimperfectassociationofaWatchwithaPhysician'streatmentofapatient，tookhisowndownfromthemantel-shelf，andholdingitoutonhishook，andtakingFlorence'shandinhis，lookedsteadilyfromonetotheother，asexpectingthedialtodosomething。
　　`Whatcheer，mypretty？'saidtheCaptain。`Whatcheernow？You'vedonehersomegood，mylad，Ibelieve，'saidtheCaptain，underhisbreath，andthrowinganapprovingglanceuponhiswatch。`Putyoubackhalf-an-houreverymorning，andaboutanotherquartertowardstheafternoon，andyou'reawatchascanbeekalledbyfewandexcelledbynone。Whatcheer，myladylass？'
　　`CaptainCuttle！Isityou？'exclaimedFlorence，raisingherselfalittle。
　　`Yes，yes，myladylass，'saidtheCaptain，hastilydecidinginhisownminduponthesuperioreleganceofthatformofaddress，asthemostcourtlyhecouldthinkof。
　　`IsWalter'sunclehere？'askedFlorence。
　　`Here，pretty？'returnedtheCaptain。`Hean'tbeenherethismanyalongday。Hean'tbeenheerdon，sincehesheeredoffarterpoorWal'r。But，'saidtheCaptain，asaquotation，`Thoughlosttosight，tomemorydear，andEngland，Home，andBeauty！'
　　`Doyoulivehere？'askedFlorence。
　　`Yes，myladylass，'returnedtheCaptain。
　　`Oh，CaptainCuttle！'criedFlorence，puttingherhandstogether，andspeakingwildly。`Saveme！keepmehere！LetnooneknowwhereIam！
　　I'lltellyouwhathashappenedby-and-by，whenIcan。Ihavenooneintheworldtogoto。Donotsendmeaway！'
　　`Sendyouaway，myladylass！'exclaimedtheCaptain。`You，myHeart'sDelight！Stayabit！We'llputupthisheredeadlight，andtakeadoubleturnonthekey！'
　　Withthesewords，theCaptain，usinghisonehandandhishookwiththegreatestdexterity，gotouttheshutterofthedoor，putitup，madeitallfast，andlockedthedooritself。
　　WhenhecamebacktothesideofFlorence，shetookhishand，andkissedit。Thehelplessnessoftheaction，theappealitmadetohim，theconfidenceitexpressed，theunspeakablesorrowinherface，thepainofmindshehadtooplainlysuffered，andwassufferingthen，hisknowledgeofherpasthistory，herpresentlonely，worn，andunprotectedappearance，allsorusheduponthegoodCaptaintogether，thathefairlyoverflowedwithcompassionandgentleness。
　　`Myladylass，'saidtheCaptain，polishingthebridgeofhisnosewithhisarmuntilitshonelikeburnishedcopper，`don'tyousayawordtoEd'ardCuttle，untilsuchtimesasyoufindsyourselfaridingsmoothandeasy；whichwon'tbeto-day，noryetto-morrow。Andastogivingofyouup，orreportingwhereyouare，yesverily，andbyGod'shelp，soIwon't，Churchcatechism，makeanoteon！'
　　ThistheCaptainsaid，referenceandall，inonebreath，andwithmuchsolemnity；takingoffhishatat`yesverily，'andputtingitonagain，whenhehadquiteconcluded。
　　Florencecoulddobutonethingmoretothankhim，andtoshowhimhowshetrustedinhim；andshedidit。Clingingtothisroughcreatureasthelastasylumofherbleedingheart，shelaidherheaduponhishonestshoulder，andclaspedhimroundhisneck，andwouldhavekneeleddowntoblesshim，butthathedivinedherpurpose，andheldheruplikeatrueman。
　　`Steady！'saidtheCaptain。`Steady！You'retooweaktostand，yousee，mypretty，andmustliedownhereagain。There，there！'ToseetheCaptainliftheronthesofa，andcoverherwithhiscoat，wouldhavebeenworthahundredstatesights。`Andnow，'saidtheCaptain，`youmusttakesomebreakfast，ladylass，andthedogshallhavesometoo。AndarterthatyoushallgoalofttooldSolGills'sroom，andfallasleepthere，likeaangel。'
　　CaptainCuttlepattedDiogeneswhenhemadeallusiontohim，andDiogenesmetthatoverturegraciously，half-way。DuringtheadministrationoftherestorativeshehadclearlybeenintwomindswhethertoflyattheCaptainortoofferhimhisfriendship；andhehadexpressedthatconflictoffeelingbyalternatewaggingsofhistail，anddisplaysofhisteeth，withnowandthenagrowlorso。Butbythistimehisdoubtswereallremoved。ItwasplainthatheconsideredtheCaptainoneofthemostamiableofmen，andamanwhomitwasanhonourtoadogtoknow。
　　Inevidenceoftheseconvictions，DiogenesattendedontheCaptainwhilehemadesometeaandtoast，andshowedalivelyinterestinhishousekeeping。
　　ButitwasinvainforthekindCaptaintomakesuchpreparationsforFlorence，whosorelytriedtodosomehonourtothem，butcouldtouchnothing，andcouldonlyweepandweepagain。
　　`Well，well！'saidthecompassionateCaptain，`arterturningin，myHeart'sDelight，you'llgetmorewayuponyou。Now，I'llserveoutyourallowance，mylad。'ToDiogenes。`Andyoushallkeepguardonyourmistressaloft。'
　　Diogenes，however，althoughhehadbeeneyeinghisintendedbreakfastwithawateringmouthandglisteningeyes，insteadoffallingto，ravenously，whenitwasputbeforehim，prickeduphisears，dartedtotheshop-door，andbarkedtherefuriously：burrowingwithhisheadatthebottom，asifhewerebentonmininghiswayout。
　　`Cantherebeanybodythere！'askedFlorence，inalarm。
　　`No，myladylass，'returnedtheCaptain。`Who'dstaythere，withoutmakinganynoise！Keepupagoodheart，pretty。It'sonlypeoplegoingby。'
　　Butforallthat，Diogenesbarkedandbarked，andburrowedandburrowed，withpertinaciousfury；andwheneverhestoppedtolisten，appearedtoreceivesomenewconvictionintohismind，forhesetto，barkingandburrowingagain，adozentimes。Evenwhenhewaspersuadedtoreturntohisbreakfast，hecamejoggingbacktoit，withaverydoubtfulair；andwasoffagain，inanotherparoxysm，beforetouchingamorsel。
　　`Ifthereshouldbesomeonelisteningandwatching，'whisperedFlorence。`Someonewhosawmecome——whofollowedme，perhaps。'
　　`Itan'ttheyoungwoman，ladylass，isit？'saidtheCaptain，takenwithabrightidea。
　　`Susan？'saidFlorence，shakingherhead。`Ahno！Susanhasbeengonefrommealongtime。'
　　`Notdeserted，Ihope？'saidtheCaptain。`Don'tsaythatthatthereyoungwoman'srun，mypretty！'
　　`Oh，no，no！'criedFlorence。`Sheisoneofthetruestheartsintheworld！'
　　TheCaptainwasgreatlyrelievedbythisreply，andexpressedhissatisfactionbytakingoffhishardglazedhat，anddabbinghisheadalloverwithhishandkerchief，rolleduplikeaball，observingseveraltimes，withinfinitecomplacency，andwithabeamingcountenance，thatheknow'dit。
　　`Soyou'requietnow，areyou，brother？'saidtheCaptaintoDiogenes。
　　`Therewarn'tnobodythere，myladylass，blessyou！'
　　Diogeneswasnotsosureofthat。Thedoorstillhadanattractionforhimatintervals；andhewentsnuffingaboutit，andgrowlingtohimself，unabletoforgetthesubject。Thisincident，coupledwiththeCaptain'sobservationofFlorence'sfatigueandfaintness，decidedhimtoprepareSolGills'schamberasaplaceofretirementforherimmediately。Hethereforehastilybetookhimselftothetopofthehouse，andmadethebestarrangementofitthathisimaginationandhismeanssuggested。
　　Itwasverycleanalready；andtheCaptainbeinganorderlyman，andaccustomedtomakethingsship-shape，convertedthebedintoacouch，bycoveringitalloverwithacleanwhitedrapery。Byasimilarcontrivance，theCaptainconvertedthelittledressing-tableintoaspeciesofalter，onwhichhesetforthtwosilverteaspoons，aflower-pot，atelescope，hiscelebratedwatch，apocket-comb，andasong-book，asasmallcollectionofrarities，thatmadeachoiceappearance。Havingdarkenedthewindow，andstraightenedthepiecesofcarpetonthefloor，theCaptainsurveyedthesepreparationswithgreatdelight，anddescendedtothelittleparlouragain，tobringFlorencetoherbower。
　　NothingwouldinducetheCaptaintobelievethatitwaspossibleforFlorencetowalkupstairs。Ifhecouldhavegottheideaintohishead，hewouldhaveconsidereditanoutrageousbreachofhospitalitytoallowhertodoso。Florencewastooweaktodisputethepoint，andtheCaptaincarriedherupoutofhand，laidherdown，andcoveredherwithagreatwatch-coat。
　　`Myladylass！'saidtheCaptain，`you'reassafehereasifyouwasatthetopofSt。Paul'sCathedral，withtheladdercastoff。Sleepiswhatyouwant，aforeallotherthings，andmayyoubeabletoshowyourselfsmartwiththattherebalsamforthestillsmallwoiceofawowndedmind！
　　Whenthere'sanythingyouwant，myHeart'sDelight，asthisherehumblehouseortowncanoffer，passthewordtoEd'ardCuttle，as'llstandoffandonoutsidethatdoor，andthattheremanwillwibratewithjoy。'TheCaptainconcludedbykissingthehandthatFlorencestretchedouttohim，withthechivalryofanyoldknight-errant，andwalkingontip-toeoutoftheroom。
　　Descendingtothelittleparlour，CaptainCuttle，afterholdingahastycouncilwithhimself，decidedtoopentheshopdoorforafewminutes，andsatisfyhimselfthatnow，atallevents，therewasnooneloiteringaboutit。Accordinglyhesetitopen，andstooduponthethreshold，keepingabrightlook-out，andsweepingthewholestreetwithhisspectacles。
　　`Howdedo，CaptainGills？'saidavoicebesidehim。TheCaptain，lookingdown，foundthathehadbeenboardedbyMr。Tootswhilesweepingthehorizon。
　　`Howareyou，mylad？'repliedtheCaptain。
　　`Well，I'mprettywell，thank'ee，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots。
　　`YouknowI'mneverquitewhatIcouldwishtobe，now。Idon'texpectthatIevershallbeanymore。'
　　Mr。Tootsneverapproachedanynearerthanthistothegreatthemeofhislife，wheninconversationwithCaptainCuttle，onaccountoftheagreementbetweenthem。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`ifIcouldhavethepleasureofawordwithyou，it's——it'sratherparticular。'
　　`Why，yousee，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain，leadingthewayintotheparlour，`Ian'twhatyoumaycallexactlyfreethismorning；andthereforeifyoucanclaponabit，Ishouldtakeitkindly。'
　　`Certainly，CaptainGills，'repliedMr。Toots，whoseldomhadanynotionoftheCaptain'smeaning。`Toclapon，isexactlywhatIcouldwishtodo。Naturally。'
　　`Ifsobe，mylad，'returnedtheCaptain，`doit！'
　　TheCaptainwassoimpressedbythepossessionofhistremendoussecret——bythefactofMissDombeybeingatthatmomentunderhisroof，whiletheinnocentandunconsciousTootssatoppositetohim——thataperspirationbrokeoutonhisforehead，andhefounditimpossiblewhileslowlydryingthesame，glazedhatinhand，tokeephiseyesoffMr。Toots'sface。Mr。
　　Toots，whohimselfappearedtohavesomesecretreasonsforbeinginanervousstate，wassounspeakablydisconcertedbytheCaptain'sstare，thatafterlookingathimvacantlyforsometimeinsilence，andshiftinguneasilyonhischair，hesaid：
　　`Ibegyourpardon，CaptainGills，butyoudon'thappentoseeanythingparticularinme，doyou？'
　　`No，mylad，'returnedtheCaptain。`No。'
　　`Becauseyouknow，'saidMr。Tootswithachuckle，`IKNOWI'mwastingaway。Youneedn'tatallmindalludingtothat。I——Ishouldlikeit。BurgessandCo。havealteredmymeasure，I'minthatstateofthinness。It'sagratificationtome。I——I'mgladofit。I——I'dagreatdealrathergointoadecline，ifIcould。I'mamerebruteyouknow，grazinguponthesurfaceoftheearth，CaptainGills。'
　　ThemoreMr。Tootswentoninthisway，themoretheCaptainwasweigheddownbyhissecret，andstaredathim。Whatwiththiscauseofuneasiness，andhisdesiretogetridofMr。Toots，theCaptainwasinsuchascaredandstrangecondition，indeed，thatifhehadbeeninconversationwithaghost，hecouldhardlyhaveevincedgreaterdiscomposure。
　　`ButIwasgoingtosay，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots。`Happeningtobethiswayearlythismorning——totellyouthetruth，Iwascomingtobreakfastwithyou。Astosleep，youknow，Ineversleepnow。ImightbeaWatchman，exceptthatIdon'tgetanypay，andhe'sgotnothingonhismind。'
　　`Carryon，mylad！'saidtheCaptain，inanadmonitoryvoice。
　　`Certainly，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots。`Perfectlytrue！Happeningtobethiswayearlythismorninganhourorsoago，andfindingthedoorshut——'
　　`What！wereyouwaitingthere，brother？'demandedtheCaptain。
　　`Notatall，CaptainGills，'returnedMr。Toots。`Ididn'tstopamoment。Ithoughtyouwereout。Butthepersonsaid——bythebyeyoudon'tkeepadog，doyou，CaptainGills？'
　　TheCaptainshookhishead。
　　`Tobesure，'saidMr。Toots，`that'sexactlywhatIsaid。Iknewyoudidn't。Thereisadog，CaptainGills，connectedwith——butexcuseme。That'sforbiddenground。'
　　TheCaptainstaredatMr。Tootsuntilheseemedtoswelltotwicehisnaturalsize；andagaintheperspirationbrokeoutontheCaptain'sforehead，whenhethoughtofDiogenestakingitintohisheadtocomedownandmakeathirdintheparlour。
　　`Thepersonsaid，'continuedMr。Toots，`thathehadheardadogbarkingintheshop：whichIknewcouldn'tbe，andItoldhimso。Buthewasaspositiveasifhehadseenthedog。'
　　`Whatperson，mylad？'inquiredtheCaptain。
　　`Why，youseethereitis，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，withaperceptibleincreaseinthenervousnessofhismanner。`It'snotformetosaywhatmayhavetakenplace，orwhatmaynothavetakenplace。
　　Indeed，Idon'tknow。IgetmixedupwithallsortsofthingsthatIdon'tquiteunderstand，andIthinkthere'ssomethingratherweakinmy——inmyhead，inshort。'
　　TheCaptainnoddedhisown，asamarkofassent。
　　`Butthepersonsaid，aswewerewalkingaway，'continuedMr。
　　Toots，`thatyouknewwhat，underexistingcircumstances，mightoccur——hesaid“Might，“verystrongly——andthatifyouwererequestedtoprepareyourself，youwould，nodoubt，comeprepared。'
　　`Person，mylad！'theCaptainrepeated。
　　`Idon'tknowwhatperson，I'msure，CaptainGills，'repliedMr。
　　Toots，`Ihaven'ttheleastidea。Butcomingtothedoor，Ifoundhimwaitingthere；andhesaidwasIcomingbackagain，andIsaidyes；andhesaiddidIknowyou，andIsaidyes，Ihadthepleasureofyouracquaintance——youhadgivenmethepleasureofyouracquaintance，aftersomepersuasion；
　　andhesaid，ifthatwasthecase，wouldIsaytoyouwhatIhavesaid，aboutexistingcircumstancesandcomingprepared，andassoonaseverIsawyou，wouldIaskyoutosteproundthecorner，ifitwasonlyforoneminute，onmostimportantbusiness，toMr。Brogley'stheBroker's。
　　Now，Itellyouwhat，CaptainGills——whateveritis，Iamconvincedit'sveryimportant；andifyouliketostepround，now，I'llwaitheretillyoucomeback。'
　　TheCaptain，dividedbetweenhisfearofcompromisingFlorenceinsomewaybynotgoing，andhishorrorofleavingMr。Tootsinpossessionofthehousewithachanceoffindingoutthesecret，wasaspectacleofmentaldisturbancethatevenMr。Tootscouldnotbeblindto。Butthatyounggentleman，consideringhisnauticalfriendasmerelyinastateofpreparationfortheinterviewhewasgoingtohave，wasquitesatisfied，anddidnotreviewhisowndiscreetconductwithoutchuckles。
　　AtlengththeCaptaindecided，asthelesseroftwoevils，torunroundtoBrogley'stheBroker's：previouslylockingthedoorthatcommunicatedwiththeupperpartofthehouse，andputtingthekeyinhispocket。`Ifsobe，'saidtheCaptaintoMr。Toots，withnotalittleshameandhesitation，`asyou'llexcusemydoingofit，brother。'
　　`CaptainGills，'returnedMr。Toots，`whateveryoudo，issatisfactorytome。'
　　TheCaptainthankedhimheartily，andpromisingtocomebackinlessthatfiveminutes，wentoutinquestofthepersonwhohadintrustedMr。Tootswiththismysteriousmessage。PoorMr。Toots，lefttohimself，laydownuponthesofa，littlethinkingwhohadreclinedtherelast，andgazingupattheskylightandresigninghimselftovisionsofMissDombey，lostallheedoftimeandplace。
　　Itwasaswellthathedidso；foralthoughtheCaptainwasnotgonelong，hewasgonemuchlongerthanhehadproposed。Whenhecameback，hewasverypaleindeed，andgreatlyagitated，andevenlookedasifhehadbeensheddingtears。Heseemedtohavelostthefacultyofspeech，untilhehadbeentothecupboardandtakenadramofrumfromthecase-bottle，whenhefetchedadeepbreath，andsatdowninachairwithhishandbeforehisface。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidToots，kindly，`Ihopeandtrustthere'snothingwrong？'
　　`Thank'ee，mylad，notabit，'saidtheCaptain。`Quitecontrary。'
　　`Youhavetheappearanceofbeingovercome，CaptainGills，'observedMr。Toots。
　　`Why，mylad，Iamtookaback，'theCaptainadmitted。`I
　　am。'
　　`IsthereanythingIcando，CaptainGills？'inquiredMr。Toots。
　　`Ifthereis，makeuseofme。'
　　TheCaptainremovedhishandfromhisface，lookedathimwitharemarkableexpressionofpityandtenderness，andtookhimbythehandandshookithard。
　　`No，thank'ee，'saidtheCaptain。`Nothing。OnlyI'lltakeitasafavourifyou'llpartcompanyforthepresent。Ibelieve，brother，'
　　wringinghishandagain，`that，afterWal'r，andonadifferentmodel，you'reasgoodaladaseverstepped。'
　　`Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainGills，'returnedMr。Toots，givingtheCaptain'shandapreliminaryslapbeforeshakingitagain，`it'sdelightfultometopossessyourgoodopinion。Thank'ee。'
　　`Andbearhandandcheerup，'saidtheCaptain，pattinghimontheback。`What！There'smorethanonesweetcreeturintheworld！'
　　`Nottome，CaptainGills，'repliedMr。Tootsgravely。`Nottome，Iassureyou。ThestateofmyfeelingstowardsMissDombeyisofthatunspeakabledescription，thatmyheartisadesertisland，andshelivesinitalone。I'mgettingmoreusedupeveryday，andI'mproudtobeso。
　　IfyoucouldseemylegswhenItakemybootsoff，you'dformsomeideaofwhatunrequitedaffectionis。Ihavebeenprescribedbark，butIdon'ttakeit，forIdon'twishtohaveanytonewhatevergiventomyconstitution。
　　I'drathernot。This，however，isforbiddenground。CaptainGills，good-bye！'
　　CaptainCuttlecordiallyreciprocatingthewarmthofMr。Toots'sfarewell，lockedthedoorbehindhim，andshakinghisheadwiththesameremarkableexpressionofpityandtendernessashehadregardedhimwithbefore，wentuptoseeifFlorencewantedhim。
　　TherewasanentirechangeintheCaptain'sfaceashewentupstairs。
　　Hewipedhiseyeswithhishandkerchief，andhepolishedthebridgeofhisnosewithhissleeveashehaddonealreadythatmorning，buthisfacewasabsolutelychanged。Now，hemighthavebeenthoughtsupremelyhappy；
　　now，hemighthavebeenthoughtsad；butthekindofgravitythatsatuponhisfeatureswasquitenewtothem，andwasasgreatanimprovementtothemasiftheyhadundergonesomesublimatingprocess。
　　Heknockedsoftly，withhishook，atFlorence'sdoor，twiceorthrice；but，receivingnoanswer，venturedfirsttopeepin，andthentoenter：emboldenedtotakethelatterstep，perhaps，bythefamiliarrecognitionofDiogenes，who，stretcheduponthegroundbythesideofhercouch，waggedhistail，andwinkedhiseyesattheCaptain，withoutbeingatthetroubleofgettingup。
　　Shewassleepingheavily，andmoaninginhersleep；andCaptainCuttle，withaperfectaweofheryouthandbeauty，andhersorrow，raisedherhead，andadjustedthecoatthatcoveredher，whereithadfallenoff，anddarkenedthewindowalittlemorethatshemightsleepon，andcreptoutagain，andtookhispostofwatchuponthestairs。Allthis，withatouchandtreadaslightasFlorence'sown。
　　Longmayitremaininthismixedworldapointnoteasyofdecision，whichisthemorebeautifulevidenceoftheAlmighty'sgoodness——thedelicatefingersthatareformedforsensitivenessandsympathyoftouch，andmadetoministertopainandgrief，ortheroughhardCaptainCuttlehand，thattheheartteaches，guides，andsoftensinamoment！
　　Florencesleptuponhercouch，forgetfulofherhomelessnessandorphanage，andCaptainCuttlewatcheduponthestairs。Aloudersobormoanthanusual，broughthimsometimestoherdoor；butbydegreesshesleptmorepeacefully，andtheCaptain'swatchwasundisturbed。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter49[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIXTheMidshipmanmakesaDiscoveryITwaslongbeforeFlorenceawoke。Thedaywasinitsprime，thedaywasinitswane，andstill，uneasyinmindandbody，sheslepton；unconsciousofherstrangebed，ofthenoiseandturmoilinthestreet，andofthelightthatshoneoutsidetheshadedwindow。Perfectunconsciousnessofwhathadhappenedinthehomethatexistednomore，eventhedeepslumberofexhaustioncouldnotproduce。Someundefinedandmournfulrecollectionofit，dozinguneasilybutneversleeping，pervadedallherrest。Adullsorrow，likeahalf-lulledsenseofpain，wasalwayspresenttoher；andherpalecheekwasoftenerwetwithtearsthanthehonestCaptain，softlyputtinginhisheadfromtimetotimeatthehalf-closeddoor，couldhavedesiredtoseeit。
　　Thesunwasgettinglowinthewest，andglancingoutofaredmist，piercedwithitsraysoppositeloop-holesandpiecesoffret-workinthespiresofcitychurches，asifwithgoldenarrowsthatstruckthroughandthroughthem——andfarawayathwarttheriveranditsflatblanks，itwasgleaminglikeapathoffire——andoutatseaitwasirradiatingsailsofships——and，lookedtowards，fromquietchurchyards，uponhill-topsinthecountry，itwassteepingdistantprospectsinaflushandglowthatseemedtomingleearthandskytogetherinoneglorioussuffusion——whenFlorence，openingherheavyeyes，layatfirst，lookingwithoutinterestorrecognitionattheunfamiliarwallsaroundher，andlisteninginthesameregardlessmannertothenoisesinthestreet。Butpresentlyshestartedupuponhercouch，gazedroundwithasurprisedandvacantlook，andrecollectedall。
　　`Mypretty，'saidtheCaptain，knockingatthedoor，`whatcheer？'
　　`Dearfriend，'criedFlorence，hurryingtohim，`isityou？'
　　TheCaptainfeltsomuchprideinthename，andwassopleasedbythegleamofpleasureinherface，whenshesawhim，thathekissedhishook，bywayofreply，inspeechlessgratification。
　　`Whatcheer，brightdi'mond？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Ihavesurelysleptverylong，'returnedFlorence。`WhendidIcomehere？Yesterday？'
　　`Thishereblessedday，myladylass，'repliedtheCaptain。
　　`Hastherebeennonight？Isitstillday？'askedFlorence。
　　`Gettingonforeveningnow，mypretty，'saidtheCaptain，drawingbackthecurtainofthewindow。`See！'
　　Florence，withherhandupontheCaptain'sarm，sosorrowfulandtimid，andtheCaptainwithhisroughfaceandburlyfigure，soquietlyprotectiveofher，stoodintherosylightofthebrighteveningsky，withoutsayingaword。Howeverstrangetheformofspeechintowhichhemighthavefashionedthefeeling，ifhehadhadtogiveitutterance，theCaptainfelt，assensiblyasthemosteloquentofmencouldhavedone，thattherewassomethinginthetranquiltimeandinitssoftenedbeautythatwouldmakethewoundedheartofFlorenceoverflow；andthatitwasbetterthatsuchtearsshouldhavetheirway。SonotawordspakeCaptainCuttle。Butwhenhefelthisarmclaspedcloser，andwhenhefeltthelonelyheadcomenearertoit，andlayitselfagainsthishomelycoarsebluesleeve，hepresseditgentlywithhisruggedhand，andunderstoodit，andwasunderstood。
　　`Betternow，mypretty！'saidtheCaptain。`Cheerily，cheerily；
　　I'llgodownbelow，andgetsomedinnerready。Willyoucomedownofyourownself，arterwards，pretty，orshallEd'ardCuttlecomeandfetchyou？'
　　AsFlorenceassuredhimthatshewasquiteabletowalkdownstairs，theCaptain，thoughevidentlydoubtfulofhisownhospitalityinpermittingit，lefthertodoso，andimmediatelysetaboutroastingafowlatthefireinthelittleparlour。Toachievehiscookerywiththegreaterskill，hepulledoffhiscoat，tuckeduphiswristbands，andputonhisglazedhat，withoutwhichassistantheneverappliedhimselftoanyniceordifficultundertaking。
　　AftercoolingherachingheadandburningfaceinthefreshwaterwhichtheCaptain'scarehadprovidedforherwhilesheslept，Florencewenttothelittlemirrortobindupherdisorderedhair。Thensheknew——inamoment，forsheshunneditinstantly——thatonherbreasttherewasthedarkeningmarkofanyangryhand。
　　Hertearsburstforthafreshatthesight；shewasashamedandafraidofit；butitmovedhertonoangeragainsthim。Homelessandfatherless，sheforgavehimeverything；hardlythoughtthatshehadneedtoforgivehim，orthatshedid；butshefledfromtheideaofhimasshehadfledfromthereality，andhewasutterlygoneandlost。TherewasnosuchBeingintheworld。
　　Whattodo，orwheretolive，Florence——poor，inexperiencedgirl！——couldnotyetconsider。Shehadindistinctdreamsoffinding，alongwayoff，somelittlesisterstoinstruct，whowouldbegentlewithher，andtowhom，undersomefeignedname，shemightattachherself，andwhowouldgrowupintheirhappyhome，andmarry，andbegoodtotheiroldgoverness，andperhapsintrusther，intime，withtheeducationoftheirowndaughters。
　　Andshethoughthowstrangeandsorrowfulitwouldbe，thustobecomeagrey-hairedwoman，carryinghersecrettothegrave，whenFlorenceDombeywasforgotten。Butitwasalldimandcloudedtohernow。SheonlyknewthatshehadnoFatheruponearth，andshesaidso，manytimes，withhersuppliantheadhiddenfromall，butherFatherwhowasinHeaven。
　　Herlittlestockofmoneyamountedtobutafewguineas。Withapartofthis，itwouldbenecessarytobuysomeclothes，forshehadnonebutthoseshewore。Shewastoodesolatetothinkhowsoonhermoneywouldbegone——toomuchachildinworldlymatterstobegreatlytroubledonthatscoreyet，evenifherothertroublehadbeenless。Shetriedtocalmherthoughtsandstayhertears；toquietthehurryinherthrobbinghead，andbringherselftobelievethatwhathadhappenedwerebuttheeventsofafewhoursago，insteadofweeksormonths，astheyappeared；
　　andwentdowntoherkindprotector。
　　TheCaptainhadspreadtheclothwithgreatcare，andwasmakingsomeegg-sauceinalittlesaucepan：bastingthefowlfromtimetotimeduringtheprocesswithastronginterest，asitturnedandbrownedonastringbeforethefire。HavingproppedFlorenceupwithcushionsonthesofa，whichwasalreadywheeledintoawarmcornerforhergreatercomfort，theCaptainpursuedhiscookingwithextraordinaryskill，makinghotgravyinasecondlittlesaucepan，boilingahandfulofpotatoesinathird，neverforgettingtheegg-sauceinthefirst，andmakinganimpartialroundofbastingandstirringwiththemostusefulofspoonseveryminute。Besidesthesecares，theCaptainhadtokeephiseyeonadiminutivefryingpan，inwhichsomesausageswerehissingandbubblinginamostmusicalmanner；
　　andtherewasneversucharadiantcookastheCaptainlooked，intheheightandheatofthesefunctions：itbeingimpossibletosaywhetherhisfaceorhisglazedhatshonethebrighter。
　　Thedinnerbeingatlengthquiteready，CaptainCuttledishedandserveditup，withnolessdexteritythanhehadcookedit。Hethendressedfordinner，bytakingoffhisglazedhatandputtingonhiscoat。
　　Thatdone，hewheeledthetablecloseagainstFlorenceonthesofa，saidgrace，unscrewedhishook，screwedhisforkintoitsplace，anddidthehonoursofthetable。
　　`Myladylass，'saidtheCaptain，`cheerup，andtrytoeatadeal。Standby，mydeary！Liverwingitis。Sarseitis。Sassageitis。
　　Andpotato！'allwhichtheCaptainrangedsymmetricallyonaplate，andpouringhotgravyonthewholewiththeusefulspoon，setbeforehischerishedguest。
　　`Thewholerowo'deadlightsisup，for'ard，ladylass，'observedtheCaptain，encouragingly，`andeverythingismadesnug。Tryandpickabit，mypretty。IfWal'rwashere——'
　　`Ah！IfIhadhimformybrothernow！'criedFlorence。
　　`Don't！don'ttakeon，mypretty！'saidtheCaptain，`awasttoobleegeme！Hewasyournat'ralbornfriendlike，warn'the，Pet？'
　　Florencehadnowordstoanswerwith。Sheonlysaid，`Oh，dear，dearPaul！oh，Walter！'
　　`Theweryplanksshewalkedon，'murmuredtheCaptain，lookingatherdroopingface，`wasashighesteemedbyWal'r，asthewaterbrooksisbythehartwhichneverrejices！Iseehimnow，thewerydayashewasratedonthemDombeybooks，aspeakingofherwithhisfaceaglisteningwithdoo——leastwayswithhismodestsentiments——likeanewblowedrose，atdinner。Well，well！IfourpoorWal'rwashere，myladylass——orifhecouldbe——forhe'sdrownded，an'the？'
　　Florenceshookherhead。
　　`Yes，yes；drownded，'saidtheCaptain，soothingly；`asIwassaying，ifhecouldbeherehe'dbegandprayofyou，myprecious，topickaleetlebit，withalook-outforyourownsweethealth。Whereby，holdyourown，myladylass，asifitwasforWal'r'ssake，andlayyourprettyheadtothewind。'
　　Florenceessayedtoeatamorsel，fortheCaptain'spleasure。
　　TheCaptain，meanwhile，whoseemedtohavequiteforgottenhisowndinner，laiddownhisknifeandfork，anddrewhischairtothesofa。
　　`Wal'rwasatrimlad，warn'the，precious？'saidtheCaptain，aftersittingforsometimesilentlyrubbinghischin，withhiseyesfixeduponher，`andabravelad，andagoodlad？'
　　Florencetearfullyassented。
　　`Andhe'sdrownded，Beauty，an'the？'saidtheCaptain，inasoothingvoice。
　　Florencecouldnotbutassentagain。
　　`Hewasolderthanyou，myladylass，'pursuedtheCaptain，`butyouwasliketwochildrentogether，atfirst；warn'tyou？'
　　Florenceanswered`Yes。'
　　`AndWal'r'sdrownded，'saidtheCaptain。`An'the？'
　　Therepetitionofthisinquirywasacurioussourceofconsolation，butitseemedtobeonetoCaptainCuttle，forhecamebacktoitagainandagain。Florence，faintopushfromherheruntasteddinner，andtoliebackonhersofa，gavehimherhand，feelingthatshehaddisappointedhim，thoughtrulywishingtohavepleasedhimafterallhistrouble，buthehelditinhisownwhichshookasheheldit，andappearingtohavequiteforgottenallaboutthedinnerandherwantofappetite，wentongrowlingatintervals，inaruminatingtoneofsympathy，`PoorWal'r。Aye，aye！Drownded。An'the？'Andalwayswaitedforheranswer，inwhichthegreatpointofthesesingularreflectionsappearedtoconsist。
　　Thefowlandsausageswerecold，andthegravyandtheegg-saucestagnant，beforetheCaptainrememberedthattheywereontheboard，andfelltowiththeassistanceofDiogenes，whoseunitedeffortsquicklydispatchedthebanquet。TheCaptain'sdelightandwonderatthequiethousewiferyofFlorenceinassistingtoclearthetable，arrangetheparlour，andsweepupthehearth——onlytobeequalledbythefervencyofhisprotestwhenshebegantoassisthim——weregraduallyraisedtothatdegree，thatatlasthecouldnotchoosebutdonothinghimself，andstandlookingatherasifsheweresomeFairy，daintilyperformingtheseofficesforhim；theredrimonhisforeheadglowingagain，inhisunspeakableadmiration。
　　ButwhenFlorence，takingdownhispipefromthemantelshelfgaveitintohishand，andentreatedhimtosmokeit，thegoodCaptainwassobewilderedbyherattentionthathehelditasifhehadneverheldapipeinallhislife。Likewise，whenFlorence，lookingintothelittlecupboard，tookoutthecasebottleandmixedaperfectglassofgrogforhim，unasked，andsetitathiselbow，hisruddynoseturnedpale，hefelthimselfsogracedandhonoured。Whenhehadfilledhispipeinanabsolutereverieofsatisfaction，Florencelighteditforhim——theCaptainhavingnopowertoobject，ortopreventher——andresumingherplaceontheoldsofa，lookedathimwithasmilesolovingandsograteful，asmilethatshowedhimsoplainlyhowherforlornheartturnedtohim，asherfacedid，throughgrief，thatthesmokeofthepipegotintotheCaptain'sthroatandmadehimcough，andgotintotheCaptain'seyes，andmadethemblinkandwater。
　　ThemannerinwhichtheCaptaintriedtomakebelievethatthecauseoftheseeffectslayhiddeninthepipeitself，andthewayinwhichhelookedintothebowlforit，andnotfindingitthere，pretendedtoblowitoutofthestem，waswonderfullypleasant。Thepipesoongettingintobettercondition，hefellintothatstateofreposebecomingagoodsmoker；butsatwithhiseyesfixedonFlorence，and，withabeamingplaciditynottobedescribed，andstoppingeverynowandthentodischargealittlecloudfromhislips，slowlypuffeditforth，asifitwereascrollcomingoutofhismouth，bearingthelegend`PoorWal'r，aye，aye。Drownded，an'the？'afterwhichhewouldresumehissmokingwithinfinitegentleness。
　　Unlikeastheywereexternally——andtherecouldscarcelybeamoredecidedcontrastthanbetweenFlorenceinherdelicateyouthandbeauty，andCaptainCuttlewithhisknobbyface，hisgreatbroadweather-beatenperson，andhisgruffvoice——insimpleinnocenceoftheworld'swaysandtheworld'sperplexitiesanddangers，theywerenearlyonalevel。NochildcouldhavesurpassedCaptainCuttleininexperienceofeverythingbutwindandweather；insimplicity，credulity，andgeneroustrustfulness。Faith，hope，andcharity，sharedhiswholenatureamongthem。Anoddsortofromance，perfectlyunimaginative，yetperfectlyunreal，andsubjecttonoconsiderationsofworldlyprudenceorpracticability，wastheonlypartnertheyhadinhischaracter。AstheCaptainsat，andsmoked，andlookedatFlorence，Godknowswhatimpossiblepictures，inwhichshewastheprincipalfigure，presentedthemselvestohismind。Equallyvagueanduncertain，thoughnotsosanguine，wereherownthoughtsofthelifebeforeher；andevenashertearsmadeprismaticcoloursinthelightshegazedatso，throughhernewandheavygrief，shealreadysawarainbowfaintlyshininginthefar-offsky。Awanderingprincessandagoodmonsterinastory-bookmighthavesatbythefireside，andtalkedasCaptainCuttleandpoorFlorencethought——andnothavelookedverymuchunlikethem。
　　TheCaptainwasnottroubledwiththefaintestideaofanydifficultyinretainingFlorence，orofanyresponsibilitytherebyincurred。Havingputuptheshuttersandlockedthedoor，hewasquitesatisfiedonthishead。IfshehadbeenaWardinChancery，itwouldhavemadenodifferenceatalltoCaptainCuttle。Hewasthelastmanintheworldtobetroubledbyanysuchconsiderations。
　　SotheCaptainsmokedhispipeverycomfortably，andFlorenceandhemeditatedaftertheirownmanner。Whenthepipewasout，theyhadsometea；andthenFlorenceentreatedhimtotakehertosomeneighbouringshop，whereshecouldbuythefewnecessariessheimmediatelywanted。Itbeingquitedark，theCaptainconsented；peepingcarefullyoutfirst，ashehadbeenwonttodoinhistimeofhidingfromMrs。MacStinger；andarminghimselfwithhislargestick，incaseofanappealtoarmsbeingrenderednecessarybyanyunforeseencircumstance。