TheprideCaptainCuttlehad，ingivinghisarmtoFlorence，andescortinghersometwoorthreehundredyards，keepingabrightlook-outallthetime，andattractingtheattentionofeveryonewhopassedthem，byhisgreatvigilanceandnumerousprecautions，wasextreme。Arrivedattheshop，theCaptainfeltitapointofdelicacytoretireduringthemakingofthepurchases，astheyweretoconsistofwearingapparel；buthepreviouslydepositedhistincanisteronthecounter，andinformingtheyoungladyoftheestablishmentthatitcontainedfourteenpoundtwo，requestedher，incasethatamountofpropertyshouldnotbesufficienttodefraytheexpensesofhisniece'slittleoutfit——attheword`niece，'
　　hebestowedamostsignificantlookonFlorence，accompaniedwithpantomime，expressiveofsagacityandmystery——tohavethegoodnessto`singout，'
　　andhewouldmakeupthedifferencefromhispocket。Casuallyconsultinghisbigwatch，asadeepmeansofdazzlingtheestablishment，andimpressingitwithasenseofproperty，theCaptainthenkissedhishooktohisniece，andretiredoutsidethewindow，whereitwasachoicesighttoseehisgreatfacelookinginfromtimetotime，amongthesilksandribbons，withanobviousmisgivingthatFlorencehadbeenspiritedawaybyabackdoor。
　　`DearCaptainCuttle，'saidFlorence，whenshecameoutwithaparcel，thesizeofwhichgreatlydisappointedtheCaptain，whohadexpectedtoseeaporterfollowingwithabaleofgoods，`Idon'twantthismoney，indeed。Ihavenotspentanyofit。Ihavemoneyofmyown。'
　　`Myladylass，'returnedthebaffledCaptain，lookingstraightdownthestreetbeforethem，`takecareonitforme，willyoubesogood，tillsuchtimeasIaskyeforit？'
　　`MayIputitbackinitsusualplace，'saidFlorence，`andkeepitthere？'
　　TheCaptainwasnotatallgratifiedbythisproposal，butheanswered，`Aye，aye，putitanywheres，myladylass，solongasyouknowwheretofinditagain。Itan'to'nousetome，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`IwonderIhaven'tchuckeditawayaforenow。'
　　TheCaptainwasquitedisheartenedforthemoment，butherevivedatthefirsttouchofFlorence'sarm，andtheyreturnedwiththesameprecautionsastheyhadcome；theCaptainopeningthedoorofthelittleMidshipman'sberth，anddivingin，withasuddennesswhichhisgreatpracticeonlycouldhavetaughthim。DuringFlorence'sslumberinthemorning，hehadengagedthedaughterofanelderlylady，whousuallysatunderablueumbrellainLeadenhallMarket，sellingpoultry，tocomeandputherroominorder，andrenderheranylittleservicessherequired；andthisdamselnowappearing，Florencefoundeverythingaboutherasconvenientandorderly，ifnotashandsome，asintheterribledreamshehadoncecalledHome。
　　Whentheywerealoneagain，theCaptaininsistedonhereatingasliceofdrytoast，anddrinkingaglassofspicedneguswhichhemadetoperfection；and，encouragingherwitheverykindwordandinconsequentialquotationhecouldpossiblythinkof，ledherupstairstoherbedroom。
　　Buthetoohadsomethingonhismind，andwasnoteasyinhismanner。
　　`Goodnight，dearheart，'saidCaptainCuttletoheratherchamber-door。
　　Florenceraisedhislipstohisface，andkissedhim。
　　AtanyothertimetheCaptainwouldhavebeenoverbalancedbysuchatokenofheraffectionandgratitude；butnow，althoughhewasverysensibleofit，helookedinherfacewithevenmoreuneasinessthanhehadtestifiedbefore，andseemedunwillingtoleaveher。
　　`PoorWal'r！'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Poor，poorWalter！'sighedFlorence。
　　`Drownded，an'the？'saidtheCaptain。
　　Florenceshookherhead，andsighed。
　　`Goodnight，myladylass！'saidCaptainCuttle，puttingouthishand。
　　`Godblessyou，dear，kindfriend！'
　　ButtheCaptainlingeredstill。
　　`Isanythingthematter，dearCaptainCuttle？'saidFlorence，easilyalarmedinherthenstateofmind。`Haveyouanythingtotellme？'
　　`Totellyou，ladylass！'repliedtheCaptain，meetinghereyesinconfusion。`No，no；whatshouldIhavetotellyou，pretty！Youdon'texpectasI'vegotanythinggoodtotellyou，sure？'
　　`No！'saidFlorence，shakingherhead。
　　TheCaptainlookedatherwistfully，andrepeated`No，'——stilllingering，andstillshowingembarrassment。
　　`PoorWal'r！'saidtheCaptain。`MyWal'r，asIusedtocallyou！
　　OldSolGills'snevy！Welcometoallasknowedyou，astheflowersinMay！
　　Whereareyougotto，braveboy？Drownded，an'the？'
　　ConcludinghisapostrophewiththisabruptappealtoFlorence，theCaptainbadehergoodnight，anddescendedthestairs，whileFlorenceremainedatthetop，holdingthecandleouttolighthimdown。Hewaslostintheobscurity，and，judgingfromthesoundofhisrecedingfootsteps，wasintheactofturningintothelittleparlour，whenhisheadandshouldersunexpectedlyemergedagain，asfromthedeep，apparentlyfornootherpurposethantorepeat，`Drownded，an'the，pretty？'Forwhenhehadsaidthatinatoneoftendercondolence，hedisappeared。
　　Florencewasverysorrythatsheshouldunwittingly，thoughnaturally，haveawakenedtheseassociationsinthemindofherprotector，bytakingrefugethere；andsittingdownbeforethelittletablewheretheCaptainhadarrangedthetelescopeandsong-book，andthoseotherrarities，thoughtofWalter，andofallthatwasconnectedwithhiminthepast，untilshecouldhavealmostwishedtoliedownonherbedandfadeaway。Butinherlonelyyearningtothedeadwhomshehadloved，nothoughtofhome——nopossibilityofgoingback——nopresentationofitasyetexisting，orasshelteringherfather——onceenteredherthoughts。Shehadseenthemurderdone。Inthelastlingeringnaturalaspectinwhichshehadcherishedhimthroughsomuch，hehadbeentornoutofherheart，defaced，andslain。
　　Thethoughtofitwassoappallingtoher，thatshecoveredhereyes，andshrunktremblingfromtheleastremembranceofthedeed，orofthecruelhandthatdidit。Ifherfondheartcouldhaveheldhisimageafterthat，itmusthavebroken；butitcouldnot；andthevoidwasfilledwithawilddreadthatfledfromallconfrontingwithitsshatteredfragments——withsuchadreadascouldhaverisenoutofnothingbutthedepthsofsuchalove，sowronged。
　　Shedarednotlookintotheglass；forthesightofthedarkeningmarkuponherbosommadeherafraidofherself，asifsheboreabouthersomethingwicked。Shecovereditup，withahasty，falteringhand，andinthedark；andlaidherwearyheaddown，weeping。
　　TheCaptaindidnotgotobedforalongtime。Hewalkedtoandfrointheshopandinthelittleparlour，forafullhour，and，appearingtohavecomposedhimselfbythatexercise，satdownwithagraveandthoughtfulface，andreadoutofaPrayer-booktheformsofprayerappointedtobeusedatsea。Thesewerenoteasilydisposedof；thegoodCaptainbeingamightyslow，gruffreader，andfrequentlystoppingatahardwordtogivehimselfsuchencouragementas`Now，mylad！Withawill！'or，`Steady，Ed'ardCuttle，steady！'whichhadagreateffectinhelpinghimoutofanydifficulty。Moreover，hisspectaclesgreatlyinterferedwithhispowersofvision。Butnotwithstandingthesedrawbacks，theCaptain，beingheartilyinearnest，readtheservicetotheverylastline，andwithgenuinefeelingtoo；andapprovingofitverymuchwhenhehaddone，turnedinunderthecounterbutnotbeforehehadbeenupstairs，andlistenedatFlorence'sdoor，withaserenebreast，andamostbenevolentvisage。
　　TheCaptainturnedoutseveraltimesinthecourseofthenight，toassurehimselfthathischargewasrestingquietly；andonce，atdaybreak，foundthatshewasawake：forshecalledtoknowifitwerehe，onhearingfootstepsnearherdoor。
　　`Yes，myladylass，'repliedtheCaptain，inagrowlingwhisper。
　　`Areyouallright，di'mond？'
　　Florencethankedhim，andsaid`Yes。'
　　TheCaptaincouldnotlosesofavourableanopportunityofapplyinghismouthtothekeyhole，andcallingthroughit，likeahoarsebreeze，`PoorWal'r！Drownded，an'the？'Afterwhichhewithdrew，andturninginagain，slepttillseveno'clock。
　　Norwashefreefromhisuneasyandembarrassedmannerallthatday；thoughFlorence，beingbusywithherneedleinthelittleparlour，wasmorecalmandtranquilthanshehadbeenonthedaypreceding。Almostalwayswhensheraisedhereyesfromherwork，sheobservedtheCaptainlookingather，andthoughtfullystrokinghischin；andhesooftenhitchedhisarm-chairclosetoher，asifheweregoingtosaysomethingveryconfidential，andhitcheditawayagain，asnotbeingabletomakeuphismindhowtobegin，thatinthecourseofthedayhecruisedcompletelyroundtheparlourinthatfrailbark，andmorethanoncewentashoreagainstthewainscotortheclosetdoor，inaverydistressedcondition。
　　ItwasnotuntilthetwilightthatCaptainCuttle，fairlydroppinganchor，atlast，bythesideofFlorence，begantotalkatallconnectedly。
　　Butwhenthelightofthefirewasshiningonthewallsandceilingofthelittleroom，andontheteaboardandthecupsandsaucersthatwererangeduponthetable，andonhercalmfaceturnedtowardstheflame，andreflectingitinthetearsthatfilledhereyes，theCaptainbrokealongsilencethus：
　　`Youneverwasatsea，myown？'
　　`No，'repliedFlorence。
　　`Aye，'saidtheCaptain，reverentially；`it'saalmightyelement。
　　There'swondersinthedeep，mypretty。Thinkonitwhenthewindsisroaringandthewavesisrowling。Thinkonitwhenthestormynightsissopitchdark，'saidtheCaptain，solemnlyholdinguphishook，`asyoucan'tseeyourhandaforeyou，exceptingwhenthewiwidlightningrewealsthesame；
　　andwhenyoudrive，drive，drivethroughthestormanddark，asifyouwasadriving，headon，totheworldwithoutend，evermore，amen，andwhenfoundmakinganoteof。Them'sthetimes，mybeauty，whenamanmaysaytohismessmatepreviouslyaoverhaulingofthewollume，“Astiffnor'wester'sblowing，Bill；harkdon'tyouhearitroarnow！Lordhelp'em，howIpitysallunhappyfolksashorenow！”'Whichquotation，asparticularlyapplicabletotheterrorsoftheocean，theCaptaindeliveredinamostimpressivemanner，concludingwithasonorous`Standby！'
　　`Wereyoueverinadreadfulstorm？'askedFlorence。
　　`Whyaye，myladylass，I'veseenmyshareofbadweather，'saidtheCaptain，tremulouslywipinghishead，`andI'vehadmyshareofknockingabout；but——butitan'tmyselfasIwasameaningtospeak。Ourdearboy，'
　　drawingclosertoher，`Wal'r，darling，aswasdrownded。'
　　TheCaptainspokeinsuchatremblingvoice，andlookedatFlorencewithafacesopaleandagitated，thatsheclungtohishandinaffright。
　　`Yourfaceischanged，'criedFlorence。`Youarealteredinamoment。Whatisit？DearCaptainCuttle，itturnsmecoldtoseeyou！'
　　`What！Ladylass，'returnedtheCaptain，supportingherwithhishand，`don'tbetookaback。No，no！All'swell，all'swell，mydear。AsIwasasaying——Wal'r——he's——he'sdrownded。An'the？'
　　Florencelookedathimintently；hercolourcameandwent；andshelaidherhanduponherbreast。
　　`There'sperilsanddangersonthedeep，mybeauty，'saidtheCaptain；`andovermanyabraveship，andmanyandmanyabouldheart，thesecretwatershasclosedup，andnevertoldnotales。Butthere'sescapesuponthedeep，too，andsometimesonemanoutofascore，——ah！maybeoutofahundred，pretty，——hasbeensavedbythemercyofGod，andcomehomeafterbeinggivenoverfordead，andtoldofallhandslost。I——Iknowastory，Heart'sDelight，'stammeredtheCaptain，`o'thisnatur，aswastoldtomeonce；andbeingonthisheretack，andyouandmesittingalonebythefire，maybeyou'dliketohearmetellit。Wouldyou，deary？'
　　Florence，tremblingwithanagitationwhichshecouldnotcontrolorunderstand，involuntarilyfollowedhisglance，whichwentbehindherintotheshop，wherealampwasburning。Theinstantthatsheturnedherhead，theCaptainsprungoutofhischair，andinterposedhishand。
　　`There'snothingthere，mybeauty，'saidtheCaptain。`Don'tlookthere。'
　　`Whynot？'askedFlorence。
　　TheCaptainmurmuredsomethingaboutitsbeingdullthatway，andaboutthefirebeingcheerful。Hedrewthedoorajar，whichhadbeenstandingopenuntilnow，andresumedhisseat。Florencefollowedhimwithhereyes，andlookedintentlyinhisface。
　　`Thestorywasaboutaship，myladylass，'begantheCaptain，`assailedoutofthePortofLondon，withafairwindandinfairweather，boundfor——don'tbetookaback，myladylass，shewasonlyout'ardbound，pretty，onlyout'ardbound！'
　　TheexpressiononFlorence'sfacealarmedtheCaptain，whowashimselfveryhotandflurried，andshowedscarcelylessagitationthanshedid。
　　`ShallIgoon，Beauty？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Yes，yes，pray！'criedFlorence。
　　TheCaptainmadeagulpasiftogetdownsomethingthatwasstickinginhisthroat，andnervouslyproceeded：
　　`Thatthereunfort'nateshipmetwithsuchfoulweather，outatsea，asdon'tblowonceintwentyyear，mydarling。Therewashurricanesashoreastoreupforestsandbloweddowntowns，andtherewasgalesatseainthemlatitudes，asnotthestoutestwesseleverlaunchedcouldlivein。Dayarterdaythatthereunfort'nateshipbehavednoble，I'mtold，anddidherdutybrave，mypretty，butatoneblowa'mostherbulwarkswasstovein，hermastsandruddercarriedaway，herbestmensweptoverboard，andshelefttothemercyofthestormashadnomercybutblowedharderandharderyet，whilethewavesdashedoverher，andbeatherin，andeverytimetheycomeathunderingather，brokeherlikeashell。Everyblackspotineverymountainofwaterthatrolledawaywasabito'theship'slifeoralivingman，andsoshewenttopieces，Beauty，andnograsswillnevergrowuponthegravesofthemasmannedthatship。'
　　`Theywerenotalllost！'criedFlorence。`Someweresaved！——Wasone？'
　　`Aboardo'thatthereunfort'natewessel，'saidtheCaptain，risingfromhischair，andclenchinghishandwithprodigiousenergyandexultation，`wasalad，agallantlad——asI'veheerdtell——thathadloved，whenhewasaboy，toreadandtalkaboutbraveactionsinshipwrecks——I'veheerdhim！I'veheerdhim！——andherememberedof'eminhishourofneed；forwhenthestoutestheartsandoldesthandswashovedown，hewasfirmandcheery。Itwarn'tthewantofobjectstolikeandloveashorethatgavehimcourage，itwashisnat'ralmind。I'veseenitinhisface，whenhewasnomorethanachild——aye，manyatime！——andwhenIthoughtitnothingbuthisgoodlooks，blesshim！'
　　`Andwashesaved！'criedFlorence。`Washesaved！'
　　`Thatbravelad，'saidtheCaptain，——`lookatme，pretty！Don'tlookround——'
　　Florencehadhardlypowertorepeat，`Whynot？'
　　`Becausethere'snothingthere，mydeary，'saidtheCaptain。`Don'tbetookaback，prettycreetur！Don't，forthesakeofWal'r，aswasdeartoallonus！Thattherelad，'saidtheCaptain，`arterworkingwiththebest，andstandingbythefaint-hearted，andnevermakingnocomplaintnorsignoffear，andkeepingupaspiritinallhandsthatmade'emhonourhimasifhe'dbeenaadmiral——thatlad，alongwiththesecondmateandoneseaman，wasleft，ofallthebeatin'heartsthatwentaboardthatship，theonlylivingcreeturs——lashedtoafragmentofthewreck，anddriftin'
　　onthestormysea。'
　　`Weretheysaved？'criedFlorence。
　　`Daysandnightstheydriftedonthemendlesswaters，'saidtheCaptain，`untilatlast——No！Don'tlookthatway，pretty！——asailboredownupon'em，andtheywas，bytheLord'smercy，tookaboard：twolivingandonedead。'
　　`Whichofthemwasdead？'criedFlorence。
　　`NottheladIspeakon，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`ThankGod！ohthankGod！'
　　`Amen！'returnedtheCaptainhurriedly。`Don'tbetookaback！
　　Aminutemore，myladylass！withagoodheart！——aboardthatship，theywentalongvoyage，rightawayacrossthechartfortherewarn'tnotouchingnowhere，andonthatvoyagetheseamanaswaspickedupwithdimdied。
　　Buthewasspared，and'
　　TheCaptain，withoutknowingwhathedid，hadcutasliceofbreadfromtheloaf，andputitonhishookwhichwashisusualtoasting-fork，onwhichhenowheldittothefire；lookingbehindFlorencewithgreatemotioninhisface，andsufferingthebreadtoblazeandburnlikefuel。
　　`Wasspared，'repeatedFlorence，`and？'
　　`Andcomehomeinthatship，'saidtheCaptain，stilllookinginthesamedirection，`and——don'tbefrightened，pretty——andlanded；andonemorningcomecautiouslytohisowndoortotakeaobserwation，knowingthathisfriendswouldthinkhimdrownded，whenhesheeredoffattheunexpected'
　　`Attheunexpectedbarkingofadog？'criedFlorencequickly。
　　`Yes，'roaredtheCaptain。`Steady，darling！courage！Don'tlookroundyet。Seethere！uponthewall！'
　　Therewastheshadowofamanuponthewallclosetoher。Shestartedup，lookedround，andwithapiercingcry，sawWalterGaybehindher！
　　Shehadnothoughtofhimbutasabrother，abrotherrescuedfromthegrave；ashipwreckedbrothersavedandatherside；andrushedintohisarms。Inalltheworld，heseemedtobeherhope，hercomfort，refuge，naturalprotector。`TakecareofWalter，IwasfondofWalter！'
　　Thedearremembranceoftheplaintivevoicethatsaidso，rusheduponhersoul，likemusicinthenight。`Ohwelcomehome，dearWalter！Welcometothisstrickenbreast！'Shefeltthewords，althoughshecouldnotutterthem，andheldhiminherpureembrace。
　　CaptainCuttle，inafitofdelirium，attemptedtowipehisheadwiththeblackenedtoastuponhishook：andfindingitanuncongenialsubstanceforthepurpose，putitintothecrownofhisglazedhat，puttheglazedhatonwithsomedifficulty，essayedtosingaverseofLovelyPeg，brokedownatthefirstword，andretiredintotheshop，whencehepresentlycameback，express，withafaceallflushedandbesmeared，andthestarchcompletelytakenoutofhisshirt-collar，tosaythesewords：
　　`Wal'r，mylad，hereisalittlebitofpropertyasIshouldwishtomakeover，jintly！'
　　TheCaptainhastilyproducedthebigwatch，theteaspoons，thesugar-tongs，andthecanister，andlayingthemonthetable，sweptthemwithhisgreathandintoWalter'shat；butinhandingthatsingularstrongboxtoWalter，hewassoovercomeagain，thathewasfaintomakeanotherretreatintotheshop，andabsenthimselfforalongerspaceoftimethanonhisfirstretirement。
　　ButWaltersoughthimout，andbroughthimback；andthentheCaptain'sgreatapprehensionwas，thatFlorencewouldsufferfromthisnewshock。Hefeltitsoearnestly，thatheturnedquiterational，andpositivelyinterdictedanyfurtherallusiontoWalter'sadventuresforsomedaystocome。CaptainCuttlethenbecamesufficientlycomposedtorelievehimselfofthetoastinhishat，andtotakehisplaceattheteaboard；
　　butfindingWalter'sgraspuponhisshoulder，ononeside，andFlorencewhisperinghertearfulcongratulationsontheother，theCaptainsuddenlyboltedagain，andwasmissingforagoodtenminutes。
　　ButneverinallhislifehadtheCaptain'sfacesoshoneandglistened，aswhen，atlast，hesatstationaryatthetea-board，lookingfromFlorencetoWalter，andfromWaltertoFlorence。Norwasthiseffectproducedoratallheightenedbytheimmensequantityofpolishinghehadadministeredtohisfacewithhiscoat-sleeveduringthelasthalf-hour。
　　Itwassolelytheeffectofhisinternalemotions。TherewasagloryanddelightwithintheCaptainthatspreaditselfoverhiswholevisage，andmadeaperfectilluminationthere。
　　ThePridewithwhichtheCaptainlookeduponthebronzedcheekandthecourageouseyesofhisrecoveredboy；withwhichhesawthegenerousfervourofhisyouth，andallitsfrankandhopefulqualities，shiningoncemore，inthefresh，wholesomemanner，andtheardentface，wouldhavekindledsomethingofthislightinhiscountenance。TheadmirationandsympathywithwhichheturnedhiseyesonFlorence，whosebeauty，grace，andinnocencecouldhavewonnotruerormorezealouschampionthanhimself，wouldhavehadanequalinfluenceuponhim。Butthefulnessoftheglowheshedaroundhimcouldonlyhavebeenengenderedinhiscontemplationofthetwotogether，andinallthefanciesspringingoutofthatassociation，thatcamesparklingandbeamingintohishead，anddancedaboutit。
　　HowtheytalkedofpooroldUncleSol，anddweltoneverylittlecircumstancerelatingtohisdisappearance；howtheirjoywasmoderatedbytheoldman'sabsenceandbythemisfortunesofFlorence；howtheyreleasedDiogenes，whomtheCaptainhaddecoyedupstairssometimebefore，lestheshouldbarkagain；theCaptain，thoughhewasinonecontinualflutter，andmademanymoreshortplungesintotheshop，fullycomprehended。ButhenomoredreamedthatWalterlookedonFlorence，asitwere，fromanewandfar-offplace；thatwhilehiseyesoftensoughtthelovelyface，theyseldommetitsopenglanceofsisterlyaffection，butwithdrewthemselveswhenherswereraisedtowardshim；thanbebelievedthatitwasWalter'sghostwhosatbesidehim。Hesawthemtheretogetherintheiryouthandbeauty，andheknewthestoryoftheiryoungerdays，andhehadnoinchofroombeneathhisgreatbluewaistcoatforanythingsaveadmirationofsuchapair，andgratitudefortheirbeingreunited。
　　Theysatthus，untilitgrewlate。TheCaptainwouldhavebeencontenttositsoforaweek。ButWalterrose，totakeleaveforthenight。
　　`Going，Walter！'saidFlorence。`Where？'
　　`Heslingshishammockforthepresent，ladylass，'saidCaptainCuttle，`roundatBrogley's。Withinhail，Heart'sDelight。'
　　`Iamthecauseofyourgoingaway，Walter，'saidFlorence。`Thereisahouselesssisterinyourplace。'
　　`DearMissDombey，'repliedWalter，hesitating——`ifitisnottooboldtocallyouso！——'
　　`——Walter！'sheexclaimed，surprised。
　　`Ifanythingcouldmakemehappierinbeingallowedtoseeandspeaktoyou，woulditnotbethediscoverythatIhadanymeansonearthofdoingyouamoment'sservice！WherewouldInotgo，whatwouldInotdoforyoursake？'
　　Shesmiled，andcalledhimbrother。
　　`Youaresochanged，'saidWalter——
　　`Ichanged！'sheinterrupted。
　　`Tome，'saidWalter，softly，asifhewerethinkingaloud，`changedtome。Ileftyousuchachild，andfindyou——oh！somethingsodifferent——'
　　`Butyoursister，Walter。Youhavenotforgottenwhatwepromisedtoeachother，whenweparted？'
　　`Forgotten！'Buthesaidnomore。
　　`Andifyouhad——ifsufferinganddangerhaddrivenitfromyourthoughts——whichithasnot——youwouldrememberitnow，Walter，whenyoufindmepoorandabandoned，withnohomebutthis，andnofriendsbutthetwowhohearmespeak！'
　　`Iwould！HeavenknowsIwould！'saidWalter。
　　`Oh，Walter，'exclaimedFlorence，throughhersobsandtears。
　　`Dearbrother！Showmesomewaythroughtheworld——somehumblepaththatImaytakealone，andlabourin，andsometimesthinkofyouasonewhowillprotectandcareformeasforasister！Oh，helpme，Walter，forIneedhelpsomuch！'
　　`MissDombey！Florence！Iwoulddietohelpyou。Butyourfriendsareproudandrich。Yourfather'
　　`No，no！Walter！'Sheshrieked，andputherhandsuptoherhead，inanattitudeofterrorthattransfixedhimwherehestood。`Don'tsaythatword！'
　　Henever，fromthathour，forgotthevoiceandlookwithwhichshestoppedhimatthename。Hefeltthatifheweretoliveahundredyears，henevercouldforgetit。
　　Somewhere——anywhere——butneverhome！Allpast，allgone，alllost，andbrokenup！Thewholehistoryofheruntoldslightandsufferingwasinthecryandlook；andhefelthenevercouldforgetit，andheneverdid。
　　ShelaidhergentlefaceupontheCaptain'sshoulder，andrelatedhowandwhyshehadfled。Ifeverysorrowingtearsheshedindoingso，hadbeenacurseupontheheadofhimshenevernamedorblamed，itwouldhavebeenbetterforhim，Walterthought，withawe，thantoberenouncedoutofsuchastrengthandmightoflove。
　　`There，precious！'saidtheCaptain，whensheceased；anddeepattentiontheCaptainhadpaidtoherwhileshespoke；listening，withhisglazedhatallawryandhismouthwideopen。`Awast，awast，myeyes！
　　Wal'r，dearlad，sheeroffforto-night，andleavetheprettyonetome！'
　　Waltertookherhandinbothofhis，andputittohislips，andkissedit。Heknewnowthatshewas，indeed，ahomelesswanderingfugitive；
　　but，richertohimso，thaninallthewealthandprideofherrightstation，sheseemedfartheroffthanevenontheheightthathadmadehimgiddyinhisboyishdreams。
　　CaptainCuttle，perplexedbynosuchmeditations，guardedFlorencetoherroom，andwatchedatintervalsuponthecharmedgroundoutsideherdoor——forsuchittrulywastohim——untilhefeltsufficientlyeasyinhismindabouther，toturninunderthecounter。Onabandoninghiswatchforthatpurpose，hecouldnothelpcallingonce，rapturously，throughthekeyhole，`Drownded。An'the，pretty？'——or，whenhegotdownstairs，makinganothertrialatthatverseofLovelyPeg。Butitstuckinhisthroatsomehow，andhecouldmakenothingofit；sohewenttobed，anddreamedthatoldSolGillswasmarriedtoMrs。MacStinger，andkeptprisonerbythatladyinasecretchamberonashortallowanceofvictuals。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter50[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLMr。Toots'sComplaintTHEREwasanemptyroomabove-stairsattheWoodenMidshipman's，which，indaysofyore，hadbeenWalter'sbedroom。Walter，rousinguptheCaptainbetimesinthemorning，proposedthattheyshouldcarrythithersuchfurnitureoutofthelittleparlouraswouldgraceitbest，sothatFlorencemighttakepossessionofitwhensherose。AsnothingcouldbemoreagreeabletoCaptainCuttlethanmakinghimselfveryredandshortofbreathinsuchacause，heturnedtoashehimselfsaidwithawill；and，inacoupleofhours，thisgarretwastransformedintoaspeciesofland-cabin，adornedwithallthechoicestmoveablesoutoftheparlour，inclusiveevenoftheTartarfrigate，whichtheCaptainhungupoverthechimneypiecewithsuchextremedelight，thathecoulddonothingforhalf-an-hourafterwardsbutwalkbackwardfromit，lostinadmiration。
　　TheCaptaincouldbeinducedbynopersuasionofWalter'stowindupthebigwatch，ortotakebackthecanister，ortotouchthesugar-tongsandteaspoons。`No，no，mylad，'wastheCaptain'sinvariablereplytoanysolicitationofthekind，`I'vemadethattherelittlepropertyover，jintly。'Thesewordsherepeatedwithgreatunctionandgravity，evidentlybelievingthattheyhadthevirtueofanActofParliament，andthatunlesshecommittedhimselfbysomenewadmissionofownership，noflawcouldbefoundinsuchaformofconveyance。
　　Itwasanadvantageofthenewarrangement，thatbesidesthegreaterseclusionitaffordedFlorence，itadmittedoftheMidshipmanbeingrestoredtohisusualpostofobservation，andalsooftheshopshuttersbeingtakendown。Thelatterceremony，howeverlittleimportancetheunconsciousCaptainattachedtoit，wasnotwhollysuperfluous；for，onthepreviousday，somuchexcitementhadbeenoccasionedintheneighbourhood，bytheshuttersremainingunopened，thattheInstrument-maker'shousehadbeenhonouredwithanunusualshareofpublicobservation，andhadbeenintentlystaredatfromtheoppositesideoftheway，bygroupsofhungrygazers，atanytimebetweensunriseandsunset。TheidlersandvagabondshadbeenparticularlyinterestedintheCaptain'sfate；constantlygrovellinginthemudtoapplytheireyestothecellar-grating，undertheshop-window，anddelightingtheirimaginationswiththefancythattheycouldseeapieceofhiscoatashehunginacorner；thoughthissettlementofhimwasstoutlydisputedbyanoppositefaction，whowereofopinionthathelaymurderedwithahammer，onthestairs。Itwasnotwithoutexcitingsomediscontent，therefore，thatthesubjectoftheserumourswasseenearlyinthemorningstandingathisshop-doorashaleandheartyasifnothinghadhappened；andthebeadleofthatquarter，amanofanambitiouscharacter，whohadexpectedtohavethedistinctionofbeingpresentatthebreakingopenofthedoor，andofgivingevidenceinfulluniformbeforethecorner，wentsofarastosaytoanoppositeneighbour，thatthechapintheglazedhathadbetternottryitonthere——withoutmoreparticularlymentioningwhat——andfurther，thathe，theBeadle，wouldkeephiseyeuponhim。
　　`CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，musing，whentheystoodrestingfromtheirlaboursattheshop-door，lookingdowntheoldfamiliarstreet；
　　itbeingstillearlyinthemorning；`nothingatallofUncleSol，inallthattime！'
　　`Nothingatall，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain，shakinghishead。
　　`Goneinsearchofme，dear，kindoldman，'saidWalter：`yetneverwritetoyou！Butwhynot？Hesays，ineffect，inthispacketthatyougaveme，'takingthepaperfromhispocket，whichhadbeenopenedinthepresenceoftheenlightenedBunsby，`thatifyouneverhearfromhimbeforeopeningit，youmaybelievehimdead。Heavenforbid！Butyouwouldhaveheardofhim，evenifheweredead！Someonewouldhavewritten，surely，byhisdesire，ifhecouldnot；andhavesaid，“onsuchaday，therediedinmyhouse，“or“undermycare，“orsoforth，“Mr。SolomonGillsofLondon，wholeftthislastremembranceandthislastrequesttoyou。“'
　　TheCaptain，whohadneverclimbedtosuchaclearheightofprobabilitybefore，wasgreatlyimpressedbythewideprospectitopened，andanswered，withathoughtfulshakeofhishead，`Wellsaid，mylad；werywellsaid。'
　　`Ihavebeenthinkingofthis，or，atleast，'saidWalter，colouring，`Ihavebeenthinkingofonethingandanother，allthroughasleeplessnight，andIcannotbelieve，CaptainCuttle，butthatmyUncleSolLordblesshim！isalive，andwillreturn。Idon'tsomuchwonderathisgoingaway，because，leavingoutofconsiderationthatspiceofthemarvellouswhichwasalwaysinhischaracter，andhisgreataffectionforme，beforewhicheveryotherconsiderationofhislifebecamenothing，asnooneoughttoknowsowellasIwhohadthebestoffathersinhim，'——Walter'svoicewasindistinctandhuskyhere，andhelookedaway，alongthestreet，——`leavingthatoutofconsideration，Isay，Ihaveoftenreadandheardofpeoplewho，havingsomenearanddearrelative，whowassupposedtobeshipwreckedatsea，havegonedowntoliveonthatpartofthesea-shorewhereanytidingsofthemissingshipmightbeexpectedtoarrive，thoughonlyanhourortwosoonerthanelsewhere，orhaveevengoneuponhertracktotheplacewhithershewasbound，asiftheirgoingwouldcreateintelligence。
　　IthinkIshoulddosuchathingmyself，assoonasanother，orsoonerthanmany，perhaps。Butwhymyuncleshouldn'twritetoyou，whenhesoclearlyintendedtodoso，orhowheshoulddieabroad，andyounotknowitthroughsomeotherhand，Icannotmakeout。'
　　CaptainCuttleobserved，withashakeofhishead，thatJackBunsbyhimselfhadn'tmadeitout，andthathewasamanascouldgiveaprettytautopiniontoo。
　　`Ifmyunclehadbeenaheedlessyoungman，likelytobeentrappedbyjovialcompanytosomedrinking-place，wherehewastobegotridofforthesakeofwhatmoneyhemighthaveabouthim，'saidWalter；`orifhehadbeenarecklesssailor，goingashorewithtwoorthreemonths'payinhispocket，Icouldunderstandhisdisappearing，andleavingnotracebehind。But，beingwhathewas——andis，Ihope——Ican'tbelieveit。'
　　`Wal'r，mylad，'inquiredtheCaptainwistfullyeyeinghimasheponderedandpondered，`Whatdoyoumakeofit，then？'
　　`CaptainCuttle，'returnedWalter，`Idon'tknowwhattomakeofit。Isupposeheneverhaswritten！Thereisnodoubtaboutthat？'
　　`IfsobeasSolGillswrote，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain，argumentatively，`where'shisdispatch？'
　　`Saythatheintrustedittosomeprivatehand，'suggestedWalter，`andthatithasbeenforgotten，orcarelesslythrownaside，orlost。Eventhatismoreprobabletome，thantheotherevent。Inshort，Inotonlycannotbeartocontemplatethatotherevent，CaptainCuttle，butIcan't，andwon't。'
　　`Hope，yousee，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，sagely，`Hope。It'sthatasanimatesyou。Hopeisabuoy，forwhichyouoverhaulyourLittleWarbler，sentimentaldiwision，butLord，mylad，likeanyotherbuoy，itonlyfloats；itcan'tbesteerednowhere。Alongwiththefigure-headofHope，'saidtheCaptain，`there'saanchor；butwhat'sthegoodofmyhavingaanchor，ifIcan'tfindnobottomtoletitgoin？'
　　CaptainCuttlesaidthisratherinhischaracterofasagaciouscitizenandhouseholder，boundtoimpartamorselfromhisstoresofwisdom，toaninexperiencedyouth，thaninhisownproperperson。Indeed，hisfacewasquiteluminousashespoke，withnewhope，caughtfromWalter；andheappropriatelyconcludedbyslappinghimontheback；andsaying，withenthusiasm，`Hooroar，mylad！Indiwidually，I'mo'youropinion。'
　　Walter，withhischeerfullaugh，returnedthesalutation，andsaid：
　　`Onlyonewordmoreaboutmyuncleatpresent，CaptainCuttle。
　　Isupposeitisimpossiblethathecanhavewrittenintheordinarycourse——bymailpacket，orshipletter，youunderstand——'
　　`Aye，aye，mylad，'saidtheCaptainapprovingly。
　　`——Andthatyouhavemissedtheletteranyhow？'
　　`Why，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，turninghiseyesuponhimwithafaintapproachtoasevereexpression，`an'tIbeenonthelookoutforanytidingsofthatmano'science，oldSolGills，youruncle，dayandnight，eversinceIlosthim？'An'tmyheartbeenheavyandwatchfulalways，alongofhimandyou？Sleepingandwaking，an'tIbeenuponmypost，andwouldn'tIscorntoquititwhilethishereMidshipmanheldtogether！'
　　`Yes，CaptainCuttle，'repliedWalter，graspinghishand，`Iknowyouwould，andIknowhowfaithfulandearnestallyousayandfeelis。
　　Iamsureofit。Youdon'tdoubtthatIamassureofitasIamthatmyfootisagainuponthisdoor-steporthatIagainhaveholdofthistruehand。Doyou？'
　　`No，no，Wal'r，'returnedtheCaptain，withhisbeamingface。
　　`I'llhazardnomoreconjectures，'saidWalter，ferventlyshakingthehardhandoftheCaptain，whoshookhiswithnolessgood-will。`AllIwilladdis，HeavenforbidthatIshouldtouchmyuncle'spossessions，CaptainCuttle！Everythingthathelefthere，shallremaininthecareofthetruestofstewardsandkindestofmen——andifhisnameisnotCuttle，hehasnoname！Now，bestoffriends，about——MissDombey。'
　　TherewasachangeinWalter'smanner，ashecametothesetwowords；andwhenheutteredthem，allhisconfidenceandcheerfulnessappearedtohavedesertedhim。
　　`Ithought，beforeMissDombeystoppedmewhenIspokeofherfatherlastnight，'saidWalter，`——yourememberhow？'
　　TheCaptainwellremembered，andshookhishead。
　　`Ithought，'saidWalter，`beforethat，thatwehadbutoneharddutytoperform，andthatitwas，toprevailuponhertocommunicatewithherfriends，andtoreturnhome。'
　　TheCaptainmutteredafeeble`Awast！'ora`Standby！'orsomethingorother，equallypertinenttotheoccasion；butitwasrenderedsoextremelyfeeblebythetotaldiscomfiturewithwhichhereceivedthisannouncement，thatwhatitwas，ismerematterofconjecture。
　　`But，'saidWalter，`thatisover。Ithinksonolonger。Iwouldsoonerbeputbackagainuponthatpieceofwreck，onwhichIhavesooftenfloated，sincemypreservation，inmydreams，andtherelefttodrift，anddrive，anddie！'
　　`Hooroar，mylad！'exclaimedtheCaptain，inaburstofuncontrollablesatisfaction。`Hooroar！hooroar！hooroar！'
　　`Tothinkthatshe，soyoung，sogood，andbeautiful，'saidWalter，`sodelicatelybroughtup，andborntosuchadifferentfortune，shouldstrivewiththeroughworld！Butwehaveseenthegulfthatcutsoffallbehindher，thoughnoonebutherselfcanknowhowdeepitis；andthereisnoreturn。'
　　CaptainCuttle，withoutquiteunderstandingthis，greatlyapprovedofit，andobservedinatoneofstrongcorroboration，thatthewindwasquiteabaft。
　　`Sheoughtnottobealonehere；oughtshe，CaptainCuttle？'saidWalter，anxiously。
　　`Well，mylad，'repliedtheCaptain，afteralittlesagaciousconsideration。`Idon'tknow。Youbeingheretokeephercompany，yousee，andyoutwobeingjintly'
　　`DearCaptainCuttle！'remonstratedWalter。`Ibeinghere！MissDombey，inherguilelessinnocentheart，regardsmeasheradoptedbrother；
　　butwhatwouldtheguileandguiltofmyheartbe，ifIpretendedtobelievethatIhadanyrighttoapproachher，familiarly，inthatcharacter——ifIpretendedtoforgetthatIambound，inhonour，nottodoit？'
　　`Wal'r，mylad，'hintedtheCaptain，withsomerevivalofhisdiscomfiture，`an'ttherenoothercharacteras'
　　`Oh！'returnedWalter，`wouldyouhavemedieinheresteem——insuchesteemashers——andputaveilbetweenmyselfandherangel'sfaceforever，bytakingadvantageofherbeinghereforrefuge，sotrustingandsounprotected，toendeavourtoexaltmyselfintoherlover？WhatdoIsay？ThereisnooneintheworldwhowouldbemoreopposedtomeifIcoulddoso，thanyou。'
　　`Wal'r，mylad，'saidtheCaptain，droopingmoreandmore，`prowidingasthereisanyjustcauseorimpedimentwhytwopersonsshouldnotbejinedtogetherinthehouseofbondage，forwhichyou'lloverhaultheplaceandmakeanote，IhopeIshoulddeclareitaspromisedandwowedinthebanns。Sotherean'tnoothercharacter；an'tthere，mylad？'
　　Walterbrisklywavedhishandinthenegative。
　　`Well，mylad，'growledtheCaptainslowly，`Iwon'tdenybutwhatIfindmyselfwerymuchdownbythehead，alongo'thishere，orbutwhatI'vegonecleanabout。ButastoLady-lass，Wal'r，mindyou，wot'srespectanddutytoherisrespectanddutyinmyarticles，howsumiverdisapinting；andthereforeIfollowsinyourwake，mylad，andfeelasyouare，nodoubt，actinguptoyourself。Andtherean'tnoothercharacter，an'tthere？'saidtheCaptain，musingovertheruinsofhisfallencastlewithaverydespondentface。
　　`Now，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，startingafreshpointwithagayerair，tocheertheCaptainup——butnothingcoulddothat；hewastoomuchconcerned——`IthinkweshouldexertourselvestofindsomeonewhowouldbeaproperattendantforMissDombeywhilesheremainshere，andwhomaybetrusted。Noneofherrelationsmay。It'sclearMissDombeyfeelsthattheyareallsubservienttoherfather。WhathasbecomeofSusan？'
　　`Theyoungwoman？'returnedtheCaptain。`It'smybeliefasshewassentawayagainthewillofHeart'sDelight。ImadeasignalforherwhenLady-lassfirstcome，andsheratedofherweryhigh，andsaidshehadbeengonealongtime。'
　　`Then，'saidWalter，`doyouaskMissDombeywhereshe'sgone，andwe'lltrytofindher。Themorning'sgettingon，andMissDombeywillsoonberising。Youareherbestfriend。Waitforherupstairs，andleavemetotakecareofalldownhere。'
　　TheCaptain，verycrest-fallenindeed，echoedthesighwithwhichWaltersaidthis，andcomplied。Florencewasdelightedwithhernewroom，anxioustoseeWalter，andoverjoyedattheprospectofgreetingheroldfriendSusan。ButFlorencecouldnotsaywhereSusanwasgone，exceptthatitwasinEssex，andnoonecouldsay，sheremembered，unlessitwereMr。
　　Toots。
　　WiththisinformationthemelancholyCaptainreturnedtoWalter，andgavehimtounderstandthatMr。Tootswastheyounggentlemanwhomhehadencounteredonthedoor-step，andthathewasafriendofhis，andthathewasayounggentlemanofproperty，andthathehopelesslyadoredMissDombey。TheCaptainalsorelatedhowtheintelligenceofWalter'ssupposedfatehadfirstmadehimacquaintedwithMr。Toots，andhowtherewassolemntreatyandcompactbetweenthem，thatMr。Tootsshouldbemuteuponthesubjectofhislove。
　　Thequestionthenwas，whetherFlorencecouldtrustMr。Toots；
　　andFlorencesaying，withasmile，`Oh，yes，withherwholeheart！'itbecameimportanttofindoutwhereMr。Tootslived。ThisFlorencedidn'tknow，andtheCaptainhadforgotten；andtheCaptainwastellingWalter，inthelittleparlour，thatMr。Tootswassuretobetheresoon，whenincameMr。Tootshimself。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，rushingintotheparlourwithoutanyceremony，`I'minastateofmindborderingondistraction！'
　　Mr。Tootshaddischargedthosewords，asfromamortar，beforeheobservedWalter，whomherecognisedwithwhatmaybedescribedasachuckleofmisery。
　　`You'llexcuseme，Sir，'saidMr。Toots，holdinghisforehead，`butI'matpresentinthatstatethatmybrainisgoing，ifnotgone，andanythingapproachingtopolitenessinanindividualsosituatedwouldbeahollowmockery。CaptainGills，Ibegtorequestthefavourofaprivateinterview。'
　　`Why，Brother，'returnedtheCaptain，takinghimbythehand，`youarethemanaswewasonthelook-outfor。'
　　`Oh，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`whatalook-outthatmustbe，ofwhichIamtheobject！Ihaven'tdaredtoshave，I'minthatrashstate。Ihaven'thadmyclothesbrushed。Myhairismatteredtogether。
　　ItoldtheChickenthatifheofferedtocleanmyboots，I'dstretchhimacorpsebeforeme！'
　　AlltheseindicationsofadisorderedmindwereverifiedinMr。
　　Toots'sappearance，whichwaswildandsavage。
　　`Seehere，Brother，'saidtheCaptain。`Thishere'soldSolGills'snevyWal'r。Himaswassupposedtohaveperishedatsea。'
　　Mr。Tootstookhishandfromhisforehead，andstaredatWalter。
　　`Goodgraciousme！'stammeredMr。Toots。`Whatacomplicationofmisery！How-de-do？I——I——I'mafraidyoumusthavegotverywet。CaptainGills，willyouallowmeawordintheshop？'
　　HetooktheCaptainbythecoat，andgoingoutwithhimwhispered：
　　`Thatthen，CaptainGills，isthepartyyouspokeof，whenyousaidthatheandMissDombeyweremadeforoneanother？'
　　`Why，aye，mylad，'repliedthedisconsolateCaptain；`Iwasofthatmindonce。'
　　`Andatthistime！'exclaimedMr。Toots，withhishandtohisforeheadagain。`Ofallothers！——ahatedrival！Atleast，hean'tahatedrival，'saidMr。Toots，stoppingshort，onsecondthoughts，andtakingawayhishand；`whatshouldIhatehimfor？No。Ifmyaffectionhasbeentrulydisinterested，CaptainGills，letmeproveitnow！'
　　Mr。Tootsshotbackabruptlyintotheparlour，andsaid，wringingWalterbythehand：
　　`How-de-do？Ihopeyoudidn'ttakeanycold。I——Ishallbeverygladifyou'llgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。Iwishyoumanyhappyreturnsoftheday。Uponmywordandhonour，'saidMr。Toots，warmingashebecamebetteracquaintedwithWalter'sfaceandfigure，`I'mverygladtoseeyou！'
　　`Thankyou，heartily，'saidWalter。`Icouldn'tdesireamoregenuineandgenialwelcome。'
　　`Couldn'tyou，though？'saidMr。Toots，stillshakinghishand。
　　`It'sverykindofyou。I'mmuchobligedtoyou。How-de-do？Ihopeyoulefteverybodyquitewelloverthe——thatis，uponthe——Imeanwhereveryoucamefromlast，youknow。'
　　Allthesegoodwishes，andbetterintentions，Walterrespondedtomanfully。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`Ishouldwishtobestrictlyhonourable；butItrustImaybeallowednow，toalludetoacertainsubjectthat'
　　`Aye，aye，mylad，'returnedtheCaptain。`Freely，freely。'
　　`Then，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`andLieutenantWalters，areyouawarethatthemostdreadfulcircumstanceshavebeenhappeningatMr。Dombey'shouse，andthatMissDombeyherselfhasleftherfather，who，inmyopinion，'saidMr。Toots，withgreatexcitement，`itaBrute，thatitwouldbeaflatterytocalla——amarblemonument，orabirdofprey，——andthatsheisnottobefound，andhasgonenooneknowswhere？'
　　`MayIaskhowyouheardthis？'inquiredWalter。
　　`LieutenantWalters，'saidMr。Toots，whohadarrivedatthatappellationbyaprocesspeculiartohimself；probablybyjumblinguphisChristiannamewiththeseafaringprofession，andsupposingsomerelationshipbetweenhimandtheCaptain，whichwouldextend，asamatterofcourse，totheirtitles；`LieutenantWalters，Icanhaveonobjectiontomakeastraightforwardreply。Thefactis，thatfeelingextremelyinterestedineverythingthatrelatestoMissDombey——notforanyselfishreason，LieutenantWalters，forIamwellawarethatthemostagreeablethingIcoulddoforallpartieswouldbetoputanendtomyexistence，whichcanonlyberegardedasaninconvenience——Ihavebeeninthehabitofbestowingatriflenowandthenuponafootman；amostrespectableyoungman，ofthenameofTowlinson，whohaslivedinthefamilysometime；andTowlinsoninformedme，yesterdayevening，thatthiswasthestateofthings。Sincewhich，CaptainGills——andLieutenantWalters——Ihavebeenperfectlyfrantic，andhavebeenlyingdownonthesofaallnight，theRuinyoubehold。'
　　`Mr。Toots，'saidWalter，`Iamhappytobeabletorelieveyourmind。Praycalmyourself。MissDombeyissafeandwell。'
　　`Sir！'criedMr。Toots，startingfromhischairandshakinghandswithhimanew，`thereliefissoexcessive，andunspeakable，thatifyouweretotellmenowthatMissDombeywasmarriedeven，Icouldsmile。Yes，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，appealingtohim，`uponmysoulandbody，Ireallythink，whateverImightdotomyselfimmediatelyafterwards，thatIcouldsmile，Iamsorelieved。'
　　`Itwillbeagreaterreliefanddelightstill，tosuchagenerousmindasyours，'saidWalter，notatallslowinreturninghisgreeting，`tofindthatyoucanrenderservicetoMissDombey。CaptainCuttle，willyouhavethekindnesstotakeMr。Tootsupstairs？'
　　TheCaptainbeckonedtoMr。Toots，whofollowedhimwithabewilderedcountenance，and，ascendingtothetopofthehouse，wasintroduced，withoutawordofpreparationfromhisconductor，intoFlorence'snewretreat。
　　PoorMr。Toots'samazementandpleasureatsightofherweresuch，thattheycouldfindaventinnothingbutextravagance。Heranuptoher，seizedherhand，kissedit，droppedit，seizeditagain，fellupononeknee，shedtears，chuckled，andwasquiteregardlessofhisdangerofbeingpinnedbyDiogenes，who，inspiredbythebeliefthattherewassomethinghostiletohismistressinthesedemonstrations，workedroundandroundhim，asifonlyundecidedatwhatparticularpointtogoinfortheassault，butquiteresolvedtodohimafearfulmischief。
　　`OhDi，youbad，forgetfuldog！DearMr。Toots，Iamsorejoicedtoseeyou！'
　　`Thankee，'saidMr。Toots，`Iamprettywell，I'mmuchobligedtoyou，MissDombey。Ihopeallthefamilyarethesame。'
　　Mr。Tootssaidthiswithouttheleastnotionofwhathewastalkingabout，andsatdownonachair，staringatFlorencewiththeliveliestcontentionofdelightanddespairgoingoninhisfacethatanyfacecouldexhibit。
　　`CaptainGillsandLieutenantWaltershavementioned，MissDombey，'
　　gaspedMr。Toots，`thatIcandoyousomeservice。IfIcouldbyanymeanswashouttheremembranceofthatdayatBrighton，whenIconductedmyself——muchmorelikeaParricidethanapersonofindependentproperty，'saidMr。
　　Toots，withsevereself-accusation，`Ishouldsinkintothesilenttombwithagleamofjoy。'
　　`Pray，Mr。Toots，'saidFlorence，`donotwishmetoforgetanythinginouracquaintance。Inevercan，believeme。Youhavebeenfartookindandgoodtomealways。'
　　`MissDombey，'returnedMr。Toots，`yourconsiderationformyfeelingsisapartofyourangeliccharacter。Thankyouathousandtimes。
　　It'sofnoconsequenceatall。'
　　`Whatwethoughtofaskingyou，'saidFlorence，`is，whetheryourememberwhereSusan，whomyouweresokindastoaccompanytothecoach-officewhensheleftme，istobefound。'
　　`WhyIdonotcertainly，MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots，afteralittleconsideration，`remembertheexactnameoftheplacethatwasonthecoach；andIdorecollectthatshesaidshewasnotgoingtostopthere，butwasgoingfartheron。But，MissDombey，ifyourobjectistofindher，andtohaveherhere，myselfandtheChickenwillproduceherwitheverydispatchthatdevotiononmypart，andgreatintelligenceontheChicken's，caninsure。'
　　Mr。Tootswassomanifestlydelightedandrevivedbytheprospectofbeinguseful，andthedisinterestedsincerityofhisdevotionwassounquestionable，thatitwouldhavebeencrueltorefusehim。Florence，withaninstinctivedelicacy，forboretourgetheleastobstacle，thoughshedidnotforbeartoover-powerhimwiththanks；andMr。Tootsproudlytookthecommissionuponhimselfforimmediateexecution。
　　`MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots，touchingherprofferedhand，withapangofhopelesslovevisiblyshootingthroughhim，andflashingoutinhisface，`Good-bye！Allowmetotakethelibertyofsaying，thatyourmisfortunesmakemeperfectlywretched，andthatyoumaytrustme，nexttoCaptainGillshimself。Iamquiteaware，MissDombey，ofmyowndeficiencies——they'renotoftheleastconsequence，thankyou——butIamentirelytobereliedupon，Idoassureyou，MissDombey。'
　　WiththatMr。Tootscameoutoftheroom，againaccompaniedbytheCaptain，who，standingatalittledistance，holdinghishatunderhisarmandarranginghisscatteredlockswithhishook，hadbeenanotuninterestedwitnessofwhatpassed。Andwhenthedoorclosedbehindthem，thelightofMr。Toots'slifewasdarklycloudedagain。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidthatgentleman，stoppingnearthebottomofthestairs，andturninground，`totellyouthetruth，Iamnotinaframeofmindatthepresentmoment，inwhichIcouldseeLieutenantWalterswiththatentirelyfriendlyfeelingtowardshimthatIshouldwishtoharbourinmybreast。Wecannotalwayscommandourfeelings，CaptainGills，andIshouldtakeitasaparticularfavourifyou'dletmeoutattheprivatedoor。'
　　`Brother，'returnedtheCaptain，`youshallshapeyourowncourse。
　　Wotevercourseyoutake，isplainandseamanlike，I'mwerysure。'
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`you'reextremelykind。Yourgoodopinionisaconsolationtome。Thereisonething，'saidMr。Toots，standinginthepassage，behindthehalf-openeddoor，`thatIhopeyou'llbearinmind，CaptainGills，andthatIshouldwishLieutenantWalterstobemadeacquaintedwith。Ihavequitecomeintomypropertynow，youknow，and——andIdon'tknowwhattodowithit。IfIcouldbeatallusefulinapecuniarypointofview，Ishouldglideintothesilenttombwitheaseandsmoothness。'
　　Mr。Tootssaidnomore，butslippedoutquietlyandshutthedooruponhimself，tocuttheCaptainofffromanyreply。
　　Florencethoughtofthisgoodcreature，longafterhehadlefther，withmingledemotionsofpainandpleasure。Hewassohonestandwarm-hearted，thattoseehimagainandbeassuredofhistruthtoherinherdistress，wasajoyandcomfortbeyondallprice；butforthatveryreason，itwassoaffectingtothinkthatshecausedhimamoment'sunhappiness，orruffled，byabreath，theharmlesscurrentofhislife，thathereyesfilledwithtears，andherbosomoverflowedwithpity。CaptainCuttle，inhisdifferentway，thoughtmuchofMr。Tootstoo；andsodidWalter；andwhentheeveningcame，andtheywereallsittingtogetherinFlorence'snewroom，Walterpraisedhiminamostimpassionedmanner，andtoldFlorencewhathehadsaidonleavingthehouse，witheverygracefulsetting-offinthewayofcommentandappreciationthathisownhonestyandsympathycouldsurrounditwith。
　　Mr。Tootsdidnotreturnuponthenextday，orthenext，orforseveraldays；andinthemeanwhileFlorence，withoutanynewalarm，livelikeaquietbirdinacage，atthetopoftheoldInstrument-maker'shouse。
　　ButFlorencedroopedandhungherheadmoreandmoreplainly，asthedayswenton；andtheexpressionthathadbeenseeninthefaceofthedeadchild，wasoftenturnedtotheskyfromherhighwindow，asifitsoughthisangelout，onthebrightshoreofwhichhehadspoken：lyingonhislittlebed。
　　Florencehadbeenweakanddelicateoflate，andtheagitationshehadundergonewasnotwithoutitsinfluencesonherhealth。Butitwasnobodilyillnessthataffectedhernow。Shewasdistressedinmind；
　　andthecauseofherdistresswasWalter。
　　Interestedinher，anxiousforher，proudandgladtoserveher，andshowingallthiswiththeenthusiasmandardourofhischaracter，Florencesawthatheavoidedher。Allthelongdaythrough，heseldomapproachedherroom。Ifsheaskedforhim，hecame，againforthemomentasearnestandasbrightassherememberedhimwhenshewasalostchildinthestaringstreets；buthesoonbecameconstrained——herquickaffectionwastoowatchfulnottoknowit——anduneasy，andsoonlefther。Unsought，henevercame，allday，betweenthemorningandthenight。Whentheeveningclosedin，hewasalwaysthere，andthatwasherhappiesttime，forthenshehalfbelievedthattheoldWalterofherchildhoodwasnotchanged。But，eventhen，sometrivialword，look，orcircumstancewouldshowherthattherewasanindefinabledivisionbetweenthemwhichcouldnotbepassed。
　　AndshecouldnotbutseethattheserevealingsofagreatalterationinWaltermanifestedthemselvesindespiteofhisutmosteffortstohidethem。Inhisconsiderationforher，shethought，andintheearnestnessofhisdesiretospareheranywoundfromhiskindhand，heresortedtoinnumerablelittleartificesanddisguises。SomuchthemoredidFlorencefeelthegreatnessofthealterationinhim；somuchtheoftenerdidsheweepatthisestrangementofherbrother。
　　ThegoodCaptain——heruntiring，tender，everzealousfriend——sawit，too，Florencethought，anditpainedhim。Hewaslesscheerfulandhopefulthanhehadbeenatfirst，andwouldsteallooksatherandWalter，byturns，whentheywereallthreetogetherofanevening，withquiteasadface。
　　Florenceresolved，atlast，tospeaktoWalter。Shebelievedsheknewnowwhatthecauseofhisestrangementwas，andshethoughtitwouldbearelieftoherfullheart，andwouldsethimmoreatease，ifshetoldhimshehadfounditout，andquitesubmittedtoit，anddidnotreproachhim。
　　ItwasonacertainSundayafternoon，thatFlorencetookthisresolution。ThefaithfulCaptain，inanamazingshirt-collar，wassittingbyher，readingwithhisspectacleson，andsheaskedhimwhereWalterwas。
　　`Ithinkhe'sdownbelow，myladylass，'returnedtheCaptain。
　　`Ishouldliketospeaktohim，'saidFlorence，risinghurriedlyasiftogodownstairs。
　　`I'llrousehimuphere，Beauty，'saidtheCaptain，`inatrice。'
　　ThereupontheCaptain，withmuchalacrity，shoulderedhisbook——forhemadeitapointofdutytoreadnonebutverylargebooksonaSunday，ashavingamorestaidappearance：andhadbargained，yearsago，foraprodigiousvolumeatabook-stall，fivelinesofwhichutterlyconfoundedhimatanytime，insomuchthathehadnotyetascertainedofwhatsubjectittreated——andwithdrew。Waltersoonappeared。
　　`CaptainCuttletellsme，MissDombey，'heeagerlybeganoncomingin——butstoppedwhenhesawherface。
　　`Youarenotsowellto-day。Youlookdistressed。Youhavebeenweeping。'
　　Hespokesokindly，andwithsuchaferventtremorinhisvoice，thatthetearsgushedintohereyesatthesoundofhiswords。
　　`Walter，'saidFlorence，gently，`Iamnotquitewell，andIhavebeenweeping。Iwanttospeaktoyou。'
　　Hesatdownoppositetoher，lookingatherbeautifulandinnocentface：andhisownturnedpale，andhislipstrembled。
　　`Yousaid，uponthenightwhenIknewthatyouweresaved——andoh！dearWalter，whatIfeltthatnight，andwhatIhoped！'——
　　Heputhistremblinghanduponthetablebetweenthem，andsatlookingather——
　　`thatIwaschanged。Iwassurprisedtohearyousayso，butIunderstand，now，thatIam。Don'tbeangrywithme，Walter。Iwastoomuchoverjoyedtothinkofit，then。'
　　Sheseemedachildtohimagain。Itwastheingenuous，confiding，lovingchildhesawandheard。Notthedearwoman，atwhosefeethewouldhavelaidtherichesoftheearth。
　　`YourememberthelasttimeIsawyou，Walter，beforeyouwentaway？'
　　Heputhishandintohisbreast，andtookoutalittlepurse。
　　`Ihavealwayswornitroundmyneck！IfIhadgonedowninthedeep，itwouldhavebeenwithmeatthebottomofthesea。'
　　`Andyouwillwearitstill，Walter，formyoldsake？'
　　`UntilIdie！'
　　Shelaidherhandonhis，asfearlesslyandsimply，asifnotadayhadintervenedsinceshegavehimthelittletokenofremembrance。
　　`Iamgladofthat。Ishallbealwaysgladtothinkso，Walter。
　　Doyourecollectthatathoughtofthischangeseemedtocomeintoourmindsatthesametimethatevening，whenweweretalkingtogether？'
　　`No！'heanswered，inawonderingtone。
　　`Yes，Walter。Ihadbeenthemeansofinjuringyourhopesandprospectseventhen。Ifearedtothinkso，then，butIknowitnow。Ifyouwereable，then，inyourgenerosity，tohidefrommethatyouknewittoo，youcannotdosonow，althoughyoutryasgenerouslyasbefore。
　　Youdo。Ithankyouforit，Walter，deeply，truly；butyoucannotsucceed。Youhavesufferedtoomuchinyourownhardships，andinthoseofyourdearestrelation，quitetooverlooktheinnocentcauseofalltheperilandafflictionthathasbefallenyou。Youcannotquiteforgetmeinthatcharacter，andwecanbebrotherandsisternolonger。But，dearWalter，donotthinkthatIcomplainofyouinthis。Imighthaveknownit——oughttohaveknownit——butforgotitinmyjoy。AllIhopeisthatyoumaythinkofmelessirksomelywhenthisfeelingisnomoreasecretone；andallIaskis，Walter，inthenameofthepoorchildwhowasyoursisteronce，thatyouwillnotstrugglewithyourself，andpainyourself，formysake，nowthatIknowall！'
　　Walterhadlookeduponherwhileshesaidthis，withafacesofullofwonderandamazement，thatithadroomfornothingelse。Nowhecaughtupthehandthattouchedhis，soentreatingly，andhelditbetweenhisown。
　　`Oh，MissDombey，'hesaid，`isitpossiblethatwhileIhavebeensufferingsomuch，instrivingwithmysenseofwhatisduetoyou，andmustberenderedtoyou，Ihavemadeyousufferwhatyourwordsdisclosetome？Never，never，beforeHeaven，haveIthoughtofyoubutasthesingle，bright，pure，blessedrecollectionofmyboyhoodandmyyouth。NeverhaveIfromthefirst，andnevershallItothelast，regardyourpartinmylife，butassomethingsacred，nevertobelightlythoughtof，nevertobeesteemedenough，never，untildeath，tobeforgotten。Againtoseeyoulook，andhearyouspeak，asyoudidonthatnightwhenweparted，ishappinesstomethattherearenowordstoutter；andtobelovedandtrustedasyourbrother，isthenextgreatgiftIcouldreceiveandprize！'
　　`Walter，'saidFlorence，lookingathimearnestly，butwithachangingface，`whatisthatwhichisduetome，andmustberenderedtome，atthesacrificeofallthis？'
　　`Respect，'saidWalter，inalowtone。`Reverence。'