Thecolourdawnedinherface，andshetimidlyandthoughtfullywithdrewherhand；stilllookingathimwithunabatedearnestness。
　　`Ihavenotabrother'sright，'saidWalter。`Ihavenotabrother'sclaim。Ileftachild。Ifindawoman。'
　　Thecolouroverspreadherface。Shemadeagestureasifofentreatythathewouldsaynomore，andherfacedroppeduponherhands。
　　Theywerebothsilentforatime；sheweeping。
　　`Ioweittoaheartsotrusting，pure，andgood，'saidWalter，`eventotearmyselffromit，thoughIrendmyown。HowdareIsayitismysister's！'
　　Shewasweepingstill。
　　`Ifyouhadbeenhappy；surroundedasyoushouldbebylovingandadmiringfriends，andbyallthatmakesthestationyouwereborntoenviable，'saidWalter；`andifyouhadcalledmebrother，then，inyouraffectionateremembranceofthepast，Icouldhaveansweredtothenamefrommydistantplace，withnoinwardassurancethatIwrongedyourspotlesstruthbydoingso。Buthere——andnow！'——
　　`Ohthankyou，thankyou，Walter！Forgivemyhavingwrongedyousomuch。Ihadnoonetoadviseme。Iamquitealone。'
　　`Florence！'saidWalter，passionately。`Iamhurriedontosay，whatIthought，butafewmomentsago，nothingcouldhaveforcedfrommylips。IfIhadbeenprosperous；ifIhadanymeansorhopeofbeingonedayabletorestoreyoutoastationnearyourown；Iwouldhavetoldyouthattherewasonenameyoumightbestowuponme——arightaboveallothers，toprotectandcherishyou——thatIwasworthyofinnothingbuttheloveandhonourthatIboreyou，andinmywholeheartbeingyours。Iwouldhavetoldyouthatitwastheonlyclaimthatyoucouldgivemetodefendandguardyou，whichIdareacceptanddareassert；butthatifIhadthatright，Iwouldregarditasatrustsopreciousandsopriceless，thattheundividedtruthandfervourofmylifewouldpoorlyacknowledgeitsworth。'
　　Theheadwasstillbentdown，thetearsstillfalling，andthebosomswellingwithitssobs。
　　`DearFlorence！DearestFlorence！whomIcalledsoinmythoughtsbeforeIcouldconsiderhowpresumptuousandwilditwas。Onelasttimeletmecallyoubyyourowndearname，andtouchthisgentlehandintokenofyoursisterlyforgetfulnessofwhatIhavesaid。'
　　Sheraisedherhead，andspoketohimwithsuchasolemnsweetnessinhereyes；withsuchacalm，bright，placidsmileshiningonhimthroughhertears；withsuchalow，softtrembleinherframeandvoice；thattheinnermostchordsofhisheartweretouched，andhissightwasdimashelistened。
　　`No，Walter，Icannotforgetit。Iwouldnotforgetit，fortheworld。Areyou——areyouverypoor？'
　　`Iambutawanderer，'saidWalter，`makingvoyagestoliveacrossthesea。Thatismycallingnow。'
　　`Areyousoongoingawayagain，Walter？'
　　`Verysoon。'
　　Shesatlookingathimforamoment；thentimidlyputhertremblinghandinhis。
　　`Ifyouwilltakemeforyourwife，Walter，Iwillloveyoudearly。
　　Ifyouwillletmegowithyou，Walter，Iwillgototheworld'sendwithoutfear。Icangiveupnothingforyou——Ihavenothingtoresign，andnoonetoforsake；butallmyloveandlifeshallbedevotedtoyou，andwithmylastbreathIwillbreatheyournametoGodifIhavesenseandmemoryleft。'
　　Hecaughthertohisheart，andlaidhercheekagainsthisown，andnow，nomorerepulsed，nomoreforlorn，sheweptindeed，uponthebreastofherdearlover。
　　BlessedSundayBells，ringingsotranquillyintheirentrancedandhappyears！BlessedSundaypeaceandquiet，harmonisingwiththecalmnessintheirsouls，andmakingholyairaroundthem！Blessedtwilightstealingon，andshadinghersosoothinglyandgravely，asshefallsasleep，likeahushedchild，uponthebosomshehasclungto！
　　Ohloadofloveandtrustfulnessthatliessolightlythere！Aye，lookdownontheclosedeyes，Walter，withaproudlytendergaze；forinallthewidewideworldtheyseekbuttheenow——onlythee！
　　TheCaptainremainedinthelittleparlouruntilitwasquitedark。HetookthechaironwhichWalterhadbeensitting，andlookedupattheskylight，untiltheday，bylittleandlittle，fadedaway，andthestarspeepeddown。Helightedacandle，lightedapipe，smokeditout，andwonderedwhatonearthwasgoingonupstairs，andwhytheydidn'tcallhimtotea。
　　Florencecametohissidewhilehewasintheheightofhiswonderment。
　　`Aye！ladylass！'criedtheCaptain。`Why，youandWal'rhavehadalongspello'talk，mybeauty。'
　　Florenceputherlittlehandroundoneofthegreatbuttonsofhiscoat，andsaid，lookingdownintohisface：
　　`DearCaptain，Iwanttotellyousomething，ifyouplease。'
　　TheCaptainraisedhisheadprettysmartly，tohearwhatitwas。
　　CatchingbythismeansamoredistinctviewofFlorence，hepushedbackhischair，andhimselfwithitasfarastheycouldgo。
　　`What！Heart'sDelight！'criedtheCaptain，suddenlyelated。`Isitthat？'
　　`Yes！'saidFlorence，eagerly。
　　`Wal'r！Husband！THAT？'roaredtheCaptain，tossinguphisglazedhatintotheskylight。
　　`Yes！'criedFlorence，laughingandcryingtogether。
　　TheCaptainimmediatelyhuggedher；andthen，pickinguptheglazedhatandputtingiton，drewherarmthroughhis，andconductedherupstairsagain；wherehefeltthatthegreatjokeofhislifewasnowtobemade。
　　`What，Wal'rmylad！'saidtheCaptain，lookinginatthedoor，withhisfacelikeanamiablewarming-pan。`Sothereain'tNOothercharacter，ain'tthere？'
　　Hehadliketohavesuffocatedhimselfwiththispleasantry，whichherepeatedatleastfortytimesduringtea；polishinghisradiantfacewiththesleeveofhiscoat，anddabbinghisheadalloverwithhispocket-handkerchief，intheintervals。Buthewasnotwithoutagraversourceofenjoymenttofallbackupon，whensodisposed，forhewasrepeatedlyheardtosayinanundertone，ashelookedwithineffabledelightatWalterandFlorence：
　　`Ed'ardCuttle，mylad，younevershapedabettercourseinyourlife，thanwhenyoumadethattherelittlepropertyover，jintly！'
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter51[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIMr。DombeyandtheWorldWHATistheproudmandoing，whilethedaysgoby？Doesheeverthinkofhisdaughter，orwonderwheresheisgone？Doeshesupposeshehascomehome，andisleadingheroldlifeinthewearyhouse？Noonecananswerforhim。Hehasneverutterhername，since。Hishouseholddreadhimtoomuchtoapproachasubjectonwhichheisresolutelydumb；andtheonlypersonwhodaresquestionhim，hesilencesimmediately。
　　`MydearPaul！'murmurshissister，sidlingintotheroom，onthedayofFlorence'sdeparture，`yourwife！thatupstartwoman！IsitpossiblethatwhatIhearconfusedly，istrue，andthatthisisherreturnforyourunparalleleddevotiontoher；extending，Iamsure，eventothesacrificeofyourownrelations，tohercapricesandhaughtiness？Mypoorbrother！'
　　Withthisspeech，feelinglyreminiscentofhernothavingbeenaskedtodinneronthedayofthefirstparty，Mrs。Chickmakesgreatuseofherpocket-handkerchief，andfallsonMr。Dombey'sneck。ButMr。Dombeyfrigidlyliftsheroff，andhandshertoachair。
　　`Ithankyou，Louisa，'hesays，`forthismarkofyouraffection；
　　butdesirethatourconversationmayrefertoanyothersubject。WhenI
　　bewailmyfate，Louisa，orexpressmyselfasbeinginwantofconsolation，youcanofferit，ifyouwillhavethegoodness。'
　　`MydearPaul，'rejoinshissister，withherhandkerchieftoherface，andshakingherhead，`Iknowyourgreatspirit，andwillsaynomoreuponathemesopainfulandrevolting；'ontheheadsofwhichtwoadjectives，Mrs。Chickvisitsscathingindignation；`butprayletmeaskyou——thoughIdreadtohearsomethingthatwillshockanddistressme——thatunfortunatechildFlorence——'
　　`Louisa！'saysherbrother，sternly，`silence。Notanotherwordofthis！'
　　Mrs。Chickcanonlyshakeherhead，anduseherhandkerchief，andmoanoverdegenerateDombeys，whoarenoDombeys。ButwhetherFlorencehasbeeninculpatedintheflightofEdith，orhasfollowedher，orhasdonetoomuch，ortoolittle，oranything，ornothing，shehasnottheleastidea。
　　Hegoeson，withoutdeviation，keepinghisthoughtsandfeelingsclosewithinhisownbreast，andimpartingthemtonoone。Hemakesnosearchforhisdaughter。Hemaythinkthatsheiswithhissister，orthatsheisunderhisownroof。Hemaythinkofherconstantly，orhemayneverthinkabouther。Itisalloneforanysignhemakes。
　　Butthisissure；hedoesnotthinkthathehaslosther。
　　Hehasnosuspicionofthetruth。Hehaslivedtoolongshutupinhistoweringsupremacy，seeingher，apatientgentlecreature，inthepathbelowit，tohaveanyfearofthat。Shakenasheisbyhisdisgrace，heisnotyethumbledtothelevelearth。Therootisbroadanddeep，andinthecourseofyearsitsfibreshavespreadoutandgatherednourishmentfromeverythingaroundit。Thetreeisstruck，butnotdown。
　　Thoughhehidetheworldwithinhimfromtheworldwithout——whichhebelieveshasbutonepurposeforthetime，andthat，towatchhimeagerlywhereverhegoes——hecannothidethoserebeltracesofit，whichescapeinholloweyesandcheeks，ahaggardforehead，andamoody，broodingair。
　　Impenetrableasbefore，heisstillanalteredman：and，proudasever，heishumbled，orthosemarkswouldnotbethere。
　　Theworld。Whattheworldthinksofhim，howitlooksathim，whatitseesinhim，andwhatitsays——thisisthehauntingdemonofhismind。Itiseverywherewhereheis；and，worsethanthat，itiseverywherewhereheisnot。Itcomesoutwithhimamonghisservants，andyetheleavesitwhisperingbehind；heseesitpointingafterhiminthestreet；itiswaitingforhiminhiscounting-house；itleersovertheshouldersofrichmenamongthemerchants；itgoesbeckoningandbabblingamongthecrowd；
　　italwaysanticipateshim，ineveryplace；andisalwaysbusiest，heknows，whenhehasgoneaway。Whenheisshutupinhisroomatnight，itisinhishouse，outsideit，audibleinfootstepsonthepavement，visibleinprintuponthetable，steamingtoandfroonrailroadsandinships：restlessandbusyeverywhere，withnothingelsebuthim。
　　Itisnotaphantomofhisimagination。Itisasactiveinotherpeople'smindsasinhis。WitnessCousinFeenix，whocomesfromBaden-Baden，purposelytotalktohim。WitnessMajorBagstock，whoaccompaniesCousinFeenixonthatfriendlymission。
　　Mr。Dombeyreceivesthemwithhisusualdignity，andstandserect，inhisoldattitude，beforethefire。Hefeelsthattheworldislookingathimoutoftheireyes。Thatitisinthestareofthepictures。ThatMr。Pitt，uponthebookcase，representsit。Thatthereareeyesinitsownmap，hangingonthewall。
　　`Anunusuallycoldspring，'saysMr。Dombey——todeceivetheworld。
　　`Damme，Sir，'saystheMajor，inthewarmthoffriendship，`JosephBagstockisabadhandatacounterfeit。Ifyouwanttoholdyourfriendsoff，Dombey，andtogivethemthecoldshoulder，J。B。isnotthemanforyourpurpose。Joeisroughandtough，Sir；blunt，Sir，blunt，isJoe。HisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkdidmethehonourtosay，deservedlyorundeservedly——nevermindthat——“IfthereisamanintheserviceonwhomIcandependforcomingtothepoint，thatmanisJoe——JoeBagstock。“'
　　Mr。Dombeyintimateshisacquiescence。
　　`Now，Dombey，'saystheMajor，`Iamamanoftheworld。OurfriendFeenix——ifImaypresumeto——'
　　`Honoured，Iamsure，'saysCousinFeenix。
　　`——is，'proceedstheMajor，withawagofhishead，`alsoamanoftheworld，Dombey，youareamanoftheworld。Now，whenthreemenoftheworldmeettogether，andarefriends——asIbelieve'——againappealingtoCousinFeenix。
　　`Iamsure，'saysCousinFeenix，`mostfriendly。'
　　`——andarefriends，'resumestheMajor，`OldJoe'sopinionisJ。
　　maybewrong，thattheopinionoftheworldonanyparticularsubject，isveryeasilygotat。'
　　`Undoubtedly，'saysCousinFeenix。`Inpointoffact，it'squiteaself-evidentsortofthing。Iamextremelyanxious，Major，thatmyfriendDombeyshouldhearmeexpressmyverygreatastonishmentandregret，thatmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，whowaspossessedofeveryqualificationtomakeamanhappy，shouldhavesofarforgottenwhatwasdueto——inpointoffact，totheworld——astocommitherselfinsuchaveryextraordinarymanner。Ihavebeeninadevilishstateofdepressioneversince；andsaidindeedtoLongSaxbylastnight——manofsixfootten，withwhommyfriendDombeyisprobablyacquainted——thatithadupsetmeinaconfoundedway，andmademebilious。Itinducesamantoreflect，thiskindoffatalcatastrophe，'
　　saysCousinFeenix，`thateventsdooccurinquiteaprovidentialmanner；
　　forifmyAunthadbeenlivingatthetime，Ithinktheeffectuponadevilishlivelywomanlikeherself，wouldhavebeenprostration，andthatshewouldhavefallen，inpointoffact，avictim。'
　　`Now，Dombey！——'saystheMajor，resuminghisdiscoursewithgreatenergy。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，'interposesCousinFeenix。`Allowmeanotherword。MyfriendDombeywillpermitmetosay，thatifanycircumstancecouldhaveaddedtothemostinfernalstateofpaininwhichIfindmyselfonthisoccasion，itwouldbethenaturalamazementoftheworldatmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativeasImuststillbegleavetocallher
　　beingsupposedtohavesocommittedherselfwithaperson——manwithwhiteteeth，inpointoffact——ofveryinferiorstationtoherhusband。ButwhileImust，ratherperemptorily，requestmyfriendDombeynottocriminatemylovelyandaccomplishedrelativeuntilhercriminalityisperfectlyestablished，IbegtoassuremyfriendDombeythatthefamilyIrepresent，andwhichisnowalmostextinctdevilishsadreflectionforaman，willinterposenoobstacleinhisway，andwillbehappytoassenttoanyhonourablecourseofproceeding，withaviewtothefuture，thathemaypointout。
　　ItrustmyfriendDombeywillgivemecreditfortheintentionsbywhichIamanimatedinthisverymelancholyaffair，and——a——inpointoffact，IamnotawarethatIneedtroublemyfriendDombeywithanyfurtherobservations。'
　　Mr。Dombeybows，withoutraisinghiseyes，andissilent。
　　`Now，Dombey，'saystheMajor`ourfriendFeenixhaving，withanamountofeloquencethatOldJoeB。Hasneverheardsurpassed——no，bytheLord，Sir！never！'——saystheMajor，veryblue，indeed，andgraspinghiscaneinthemiddle——`statedthecaseasregardsthelady，Ishallpresumeuponourfriendship，Dombey，toofferawordonanotheraspectofit。Sir，'
　　saystheMajor，withthehorse'scough，`theworldinthesethingshasopinions，whichmustbesatisfied。'
　　`Iknowit，'rejoinsMr。Dombey。
　　`Ofcourseyouknowit，Dombey，'saystheMajor。`Damme，Sir，Iknowyouknowit。Amanofyourcalibreisnotlikelytobeignorantofit。'
　　`Ihopenot，'repliesMr。Dombey。
　　`Dombey！'saystheMajor，`youwillguesstherest。Ispeakout——prematurely，perhaps——becausetheBagstockbreedhavealwaysspokenout。Little，Sir，havetheyevergotbydoingit；butit'sintheBagstockblood。Ashotistobetakenatthisman。YouhaveJ。B。atyourelbow。Heclaimsthenameoffriend。Godblessyou！'
　　`Major，'returnsMr。Dombey，`Iamobliged。Ishallputmyselfinyourhandswhenthetimecomes。Thetimenotbeingcome，Ihaveforbornetospeaktoyou。'
　　`Whereisthefellow，Dombey？'inquirestheMajor，aftergaspingandlookingathim，foraminute。
　　`Idon'tknow。'
　　`Anyintelligenceofhim？'askstheMajor。
　　`Yes。'
　　`Dombey，Iamrejoicedtohearit，'saystheMajor。`Icongratulateyou。'
　　`Youwillexcuse——evenyou，Major，'repliesMr。Dombey，`myenteringintoanyfurtherdetailatpresent。Theintelligenceisofasingularkind，andsingularlyobtained。Itmayturnouttobevalueless；itmayturnouttobetrue；Icannotsayatpresent。Myexplanationmuststophere。'
　　AlthoughthisisbutadryreplytotheMajor'spurpleenthusiasm，theMajorreceivesitgraciously，andisdelightedtothinkthattheworldhassuchafairprospectofsoonreceivingitsdue。CousinFeenixisthenpresentedwithhismeedofacknowledgmentbythehusbandofhislovelyandaccomplishedrelative，andCousinFeenixandMajorBagstockretire，leavingthathusbandtotheworldagain，andtoponderatleisureontheirrepresentationofitsstateofmindconcerninghisaffairs，andonitsjustandreasonableexpectations。
　　Butwhositsinthehousekeeper'sroom，sheddingtears，andtalkingtoMrs。Pipchininalowtone，withupliftedhands？Itisaladywithherfaceconcealedinaverycloseblackbonnet，whichappearsnottobelongtoher。ItisMissTox，whohasborrowedthisdisguisefromherservant，andcomesfromPrincess'sPlace，thussecretly，toreviveheroldacquaintancewithMrs。Pipchin，inordertogetcertaininformationofthestateofMr。Dombey。
　　`Howdoeshebearit，mydearcreature？'asksMissTox。
　　`Well，'saysMrs。Pipchin，inhersnappishway，`he'sprettymuchasusual。'
　　`Externally，'suggestsMissTox。`Butwhathefeelswithin！'
　　Mrs。Pipchin'shardgreyeyelooksdoubtfulassheanswers，inthreedistinctjerks，`Ah！Perhaps。Isupposeso。'
　　`Totellyoumymind，Lucretia，'saysMrs。Pipchin；shestillcallsMissToxLucretia，onaccountofhavingmadeherfirstexperimentsinthechild-quellinglineofbusinessonthatlady，whenanunfortunateandweazenlittlegirloftenderyears；`totellyoumymind，Lucretia，Ithinkit'sagoodriddance。Idon'twantanyofyourbrazenfaceshere，myself！'
　　`Brazenindeed！Wellmayyousaybrazen，Mrs。Pipchin！'returnsMissTox。`Toleavehim！Suchanoblefigureofaman！'AndhereMissToxisovercome。
　　`Idon'tknowaboutnoble，I'msure，'observesMrs。Pipchin，irasciblyrubbinghernose。`ButIknowthis——thatwhenpeoplemeetwithtrails，theymustbear'em。Hoity，toity！Ihavehadenoughtobearmyself，inmytime！Whatafussthereis！She'sgoneandwellgotridof。Nobodywantsherback，Ishouldthink！'
　　ThishintofthePeruvianMines，causesMissToxtorisetogoaway；whenMrs。PipchinringsthebellforTowlinsontoshowherout。Mr。
　　Towlinson，nothavingseenMissToxforages，grins，andhopesshe'swell；
　　observingthathedidn'tknowheratfirst，inthatbonnet。
　　`Prettywell，Towlinson，Ithankyou，'saysMissTox。`Ibegyou'llhavethegoodness，whenyouhappentoseemehere，nottomentionit。MyvisitsaremerelytoMrs。Pipchin。'
　　`Verygood，Miss，'saysTowlinson。
　　`Shockingcircumstancesoccur，Towlinson，'saysMissTox。
　　`Verymuchsoindeed，Miss，'rejoinsTowlinson。
　　`Ihope，Towlinson，'saysMissTox，who，inherinstructionoftheToodlefamily，hasacquiredanadmonitorialtone，andahabitofimprovingpassingoccasions，`thatwhathashappenedhere，willbeawarningtoyou，Towlinson。'
　　`Thankyou，Miss，I'msure，'saysTowlinson。
　　Heappearstobefallingintoaconsiderationofthemannerinwhichthiswarningoughttooperateinhisparticularcase，whenthevinegaryMrs。Pipchin，suddenlystirringhimupwitha`Whatareyoudoing？Whydon'tyoushowtheladytothedoor？'heushersMissToxforth。AsshepassesMr。Dombey'sroom，sheshrinksintotheinmostdepthsoftheblackbonnet，andwalksontip-toe；andthereisnotanotheratomintheworldwhichhauntshimso，thatfeelssuchsorrowandsolicitudeabouthim，asMissToxtakesoutundertheblackbonnetintothestreet，andtriestocarryhomeshadowedfromthenewly-lightedlamps。
　　ButMissToxisnotapartofMr。Dombey'sworld。Shecomesbackeveryeveningatdusk；addingclogsandanumbrellatothebonnetonwetnights；andbearsthegrinsofTowlinson，andthehuffsandrebuffsofMrs。Pipchin，andalltoaskhowhedoes，andhowhebearshismisfortune：
　　butshehasnothingtodowithMr。Dombey'sworld。Exactingandharassingasever，itgoesonwithouther；andshe，abynomeansbrightorparticularstar，movesinherlittleorbitinthecornerofanothersystem，andknowsitquitewell，andcomes，andcries，andgoesaway，andissatisfied。VerilyMissToxiseasierofsatisfactionthantheworldthattroublesMr。Dombeysomuch！
　　AttheCountingHouse，theclerksdiscussthegreatdisasterinallitslightsandshades，butchieflywonderwhowillgetMr。Carker'splace。Theyaregenerallyofopinionthatitwillbeshornofsomeofitsemoluments，andmadeuncomfortablebynewly-devisedchecksandrestriction；
　　andthosewhoarebeyondallhopeofit，arequitesuretheywouldrathernothaveit，anddon'tatallenvythepersonforwhomitmayprovetobereserved。NothingliketheprevailingsensationhasexistedintheCountingHousesinceMr。Dombey'slittlesondied；butallsuchexcitementstheretakeasocial，nottosayajovialturn，andleadtothecultivationofgoodfellowship。AreconciliationisestablishedonthispropitiousoccasionbetweentheacknowledgedwitoftheCountingHouseandanaspiringrival，withwhomhehasbeenatdeadlyfeudformonths；andalittledinnerbeingproposed，incommemorationoftheirhappilyrestoredamity，takesplaceataneighbouringtavern；thewitinthechair；therivalactingasVice-President。
　　TheorationsfollowingtheremovaloftheclothareopenedbytheChair，whosays，Gentlemen，hecan'tdisguisefromhimselfthatthisisnotatimeforprivatedissensions。Recentoccurrencestowhichheneednotmoreparticularlyallude，butwhichhavenotbeenaltogetherwithoutnoticeinsomeSundayPapers，andinadailypaperwhichheneednotnamehereeveryothermemberofthecompanynamesitinanaudiblemurmur，havecausedhimtoreflect；andhefeelsthatforhimandRobinsontohaveanypersonaldifferencesatsuchamoment，wouldbeforevertodenythatgoodfeelinginthegeneralcause，forwhichhehasreasontothinkandhopethatthegentlemeninDombey'sHousehavealwaysbeendistinguished。Robinsonrepliestothislikeamanandabrother；andonegentlemanwhohasbeenintheofficethreeyears，undercontinualnoticetoquitonaccountoflapsesinhisarithmetic，appearsinaperfectlynewlight，suddenlyburstingoutwithathrillingspeech，inwhichhesays，Maytheirrespectedchiefneveragainknowthedesolationwhichhasfallenonhishearth！andsaysagreatvarietyofthings，beginningwith`Mayheneveragain，'whicharereceivedwiththundersofapplause。Inshort，amostdelightfuleveningispassed，onlyinterruptedbyadifferencebetweentwojuniors，who，quarrellingabouttheprobableamountofMr。Carker'slatereceiptsperannum，defyeachotherwithdecanters，andaretakenoutgreatlyexcited。Sodawaterisingeneralrequestattheofficenextday，andmostofthepartydeemthebillanimposition。
　　AstoPerch，themessenger，heisinafairwayofbeingruinedforlife。Hefindshimselfagainconstantlyinbarsofpublic-houses，beingtreatedandlyingdreadfully。Itappearsthathemeteverybodyconcernedinthelatetransaction，everywhere，andsaidtothem，`Sir，'or`Madam，'
　　asthecasewas`whydoyoulooksopale？'atwhicheachshudderedfromheadtofoot，andsaid，`Oh，Perch！'andranaway。Eithertheconsciousnessoftheseenormities，orthereactionconsequentonliquor，reducesMr。
　　PerchtoanextremestateoflowspiritsatthathouroftheeveningwhenheusuallyseeksconsolationinthesocietyofMrs。PerchatBallsPond；
　　andMrs。Perchfretsagooddeal，forshefearshisconfidenceinwomanisshakennow，andthathehalfexpectsoncominghomeatnighttofindhergoneoffwithsomeViscount。
　　Mr。Dombey'sservantsarebecoming，atthesametime，quitedissipated，andunfitforotherservice。Theyhavehotsupperseverynight，and`talkitover'withsmokingdrinksupontheboard。Mr。Towlinsonisalwaysmaudlinafterhalfpastten，andfrequentlybegstoknowwhetherhedidn'tsaythatnogoodwouldevercomeoflivinginacornerhouse？TheywhisperaboutMissFlorence，andwonderwheresheis；butagreethatifMr。Dombeydon'tknow，Mrs。Dombeydoes。Thisbringsthemtothelatter，ofwhomCooksays，Shehadastatelywaythough，hadn'tshe？Butshewastoohigh！Theyallagreethatshewastoohigh，andMr。Towlinson'soldflame，thehousemaidwhoisveryvirtuous，entreatsthatyouwillnevertalktoheranymoreaboutpeoplewhoholdtheirheadsup，asifthegroundwasn'tgoodenoughfor'em。
　　Everythingthatissaidanddoneaboutit，exceptbyMr。Dombey，isdoneinchorus。Mr。Dombeyandtheworldarealonetogether。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter52[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIISecretIntelligenceGOODMrs。BrownandherdaughterAlicekeptsilentcompanytogether，intheirowndwelling。Itwasearlyintheevening，andlateinthespring。
　　ButafewdayshadelapsedsinceMr。DombeyhadtoldmajorBagstockofhissingularintelligence，singularlyobtained，whichmightturnouttobevalueless，andmightturnouttobetrue；andtheworldwasnotsatisfiedyet。
　　Themotheranddaughtersatforalongtimewithoutinter-changingaword：almostwithoutmotion。Theoldwoman'sfacewasshrewdlyanxiousandexpectant；thatofherdaughterwasexpectanttoo，butinalesssharpdegree，andsometimesitdarkened，asifwithgatheringdisappointmentandincredulity。Theoldwoman，withoutheedingthesechangesinitsexpression，thoughhereyeswereoftenturnedtowardsit，satmumblingandmunching，andlisteningconfidently。
　　Theirabode，thoughpoorandmiserable，wasnotsoutterlywretchedasinthedayswhenonlyGoodMrs。Browninhabitedit。Somefewattemptsatcleanlinessandorderweremanifest，thoughmadeinareckless，gipsyway，thatmighthaveconnectedthem，ataglance，withtheyoungerwoman。
　　Theshadesofeveningthickenedanddeepenedasthetwokeptsilence，untiltheblackenedwallswerenearlylostintheprevailinggloom。
　　ThenAlicebrokethesilencewhichhadlastedsolong，andsaid：
　　`Youmaygivehimup，mother。He'llnotcomehere。'
　　`Deathgivehimup！'returnedtheoldwoman，impatiently。`Hewillcomehere。'
　　`Weshallsee，'saidAlice。
　　`Weshallseehim，'returnedhermother。
　　`Anddoomsday，'saidthedaughter。
　　`YouthinkI'minmysecondchildhood，Iknow！'croakedtheoldwoman。`That'stherespectanddutythatIgetfrommyowngal，butI'mwiserthanyoutakemefor。He'llcome。T'otherdaywhenItouchedhiscoatinthestreet，helookedroundasifIwasatoad。ButLord，toseehimwhenIsaidtheirnames，andaskedhimifhe'dliketofindoutwheretheywas！'
　　`Wasitsoangry？'askedherdaughter，rousedtointerestinamoment。
　　`Angry？askifitwasbloody。That'smoreliketheword。Angry？
　　Ha，ha！Tocallthatonlyangry！'saidtheoldwoman，hobblingtothecupboard，andlightingacandle，whichdisplayedtheworkingsofhermouthtouglyadvantage，asshebroughtittothetable。`Imightaswellcallyourfaceonlyangry，whenyouthinkortalkabout'em。'
　　Itwassomethingdifferentfromthat，truly，asshesatasstillasacrouchedtigress，withherkindlingeyes。
　　`Hark！'saidtheoldwoman，triumphantly。`Ihearastepcoming。
　　It'snotthetreadofanyonethatlivesabouthere，orcomesthiswayoften。Wedon'twalklikethat。Weshouldgrowproudonsuchneighbours！
　　Doyouhearhim？'
　　`Ibelieveyouareright，mother，'repliedAlice，inalowvoice。
　　`Peace！openthedoor。'
　　Asshedrewherselfwithinhershawl，andgathereditabouther，theoldwomancomplied；andpeeringout，andbeckoning，gaveadmissiontoMr。Dombey，whostoppedwhenhehadsethisfootwithinthedoor，andlookeddistrustfullyaround。
　　`It'sapoorplaceforagreatgentlemanlikeyourworship，'saidtheoldwoman，curtseyingandchattering。`Itoldyouso，butthere'snoharminit。'
　　`Whoisthat？'askedMr。Dombey，lookingathercompanion。
　　`That'smyhandsomedaughter，'saidtheoldwoman。
　　`Yourworshipwon'tmindher。Sheknowsallaboutit。'
　　Ashadowfelluponhisfacenotlessexpressivethanifhehadgroanedaloud，`Whodoesnotknowallaboutit！'buthelookedathersteadily，andshe，withoutanyacknowledgmentofhispresence，lookedathim。Theshadowonhisfacewasdarkerwhenheturnedhisglanceawayfromher；
　　andeventhenitwanderedbackagain，furtively，asifhewerehauntedbyherboldeyes，andsomeremembrancetheyinspired。
　　`Woman，'saidMr。Dombeytotheoldwitchwhowaschucklingandleeringcloseathiselbow，andwho，whenheturnedtoaddressher，pointedstealthilyatherdaughter，andrubbedherhands，andpointedagain，`Woman！
　　IbelievethatIamweakandforgetfulofmystationincominghere，butyouknowwhyIcome，andwhatyouofferedwhenyoustoppedmeinthestreettheotherday。WhatisitthatyouhavetotellmeconcerningwhatIwanttoknow；andhowdoesithappenthatIcanfindvoluntaryintelligenceinahovellikethis，'withadisdainfulglanceabouthim，`whenIhaveexertedmypowerandmeanstoobtainitinvain？Idonotthink，'hesaid，afteramoment'spause，duringwhichhehadobservedher，sternly，`thatyouaresoaudaciousastomeantotriflewithme，orendeavourtoimposeuponme。Butifyouhavethatpurpose，youhadbetterstoponthethresholdofyourscheme。Myhumourisnotatriflingone，andmyacknowledgmentwillbesevere。'
　　`Ohaproud，hardgentleman！'chuckledtheoldwoman，shakingherhead，andrubbinghershrivelledhands，`ohhard，hard，hard！Butyouworshipshallseewithyourowneyesandhearwithyourownears；notwithours——andifyourworship'sputupontheirtrack，youwon'tmindpayingsomethingforit，willyou，honourabledeary？'
　　`Money，'returnedMr。Dombey，apparentlyrelieved，andreassuredbythisinquiry，`willbringaboutunlikelythings，Iknow。Itmayturnevenmeansasunexpectedandunpromisingasthese，toaccount。Yes。ForandreliableinformationIreceive，Iwillpay。ButImusthavetheinformationfirst，andjudgeformyselfofitsvalue。'
　　`Doyouknownothingmorepowerfulthanmoney？'askedtheyoungerwoman，withoutrising，oralteringherattitude。
　　`Nothere，Ishouldimagine，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Youshouldknowofsomethingthatismorepowerfulelsewhere，asIjudge，'shereturned。`Doyouknownothingofawoman'sanger？'
　　`Youhaveasaucytongue，Jade，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Notusually，'sheanswered，withoutanyshowofemotion：`Ispeaktoyounow，thatyoumayunderstandusbetter，andrelymoreonus。Awoman'sangerisprettymuchthesamehere，asinyourfinehouse。Iamangry。Ihavebeenso，manyyears。Ihaveasgoodcauseformyangerasyouhaveforyours，anditsobjectisthesameman。'
　　Hestarted，inspiteofhimself，andlookedatherwithastonishment。
　　`Yes，'shesaid，withakindoflaugh。`Wideasthedistancemayseembetweenus，itisso。Howitisso，isnomatter；thatismystory，andIkeepmystorytomyself。Iwouldbringyouandhimtogether，becauseIhavearageagainsthim。Mymotherthere，isavariciousandpoor；andshewouldsellanytidingsshecouldglean，oranything，oranybody，formoney。Itisfairenough，perhaps，thatyoushouldpayhersome，ifshecanhelpyoutowhatyouwanttoknow。Butthatisnotmymotive。Ihavetoldyouwhatmineis，anditwouldbeasstrongandall-sufficientwithmeifyouhaggledandbargainedwithherforasixpence。Ihavedone。Mysaucytonguesaysnomore，ifyouwaitheretillsunriseto-morrow。'
　　Theoldwoman，whohadshowngreatuneasinessduringthisspeech，whichhadatendencytodepreciateherexpectedgains，pulledMr。Dombeysoftlybythesleeve，andwhisperedtohimnottomindher。Heglancedatthemboth，byturns，withahaggardlook，andsaid，inadeepervoicethanwasusualwithhim：
　　`Goon——whatdoyouknow？'
　　`Oh，notsofast，yourworship！wemustwaitforsomeone，'answeredtheoldwoman。`It'stobegotfromsomeoneelse——wormedout——screwedandtwistedfromhim。'
　　`Whatdoyoumean？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Patience，'shecroaked，layingherhand，likeaclaw，uponhisarm。`Patience。I'llgetatit。IknowIcan！Ifhewastoholditbackfromme，'saidGoodMrs。Brown，crookinghertenfingers，`I'dtearitoutofhim！'
　　Mr。Dombeyfollowedherwithhiseyesasshehobbledtothedoor，andlookedoutagain：andthenhisglancesoughtherdaughter；butsheremainedimpassive，silent，andregardlessofhim。
　　`Doyoutellme，woman，'hesaid，whenthebentfigureofMrs。
　　Browncameback，shakingitsheadandchatteringtoitself，`thatthereisanotherpersonexpectedhere？'
　　`Yes！'saidtheoldwoman，lookingupintohisface，andnodding。
　　`Fromwhomyouaretoexacttheintelligencethatistobeusefultome？'
　　`Yes，'saidtheoldwoman，noddingagain。
　　`Astranger？'
　　`Chut！'saidtheoldwoman，withashrilllaugh。`Whatsignifies！
　　Well，well；no。Nostrangertoyourworship。Buthewon'tseeyou。He'dbeafraidofyou，andwouldn'ttalk。You'llstandbehindthatdoor，andjudgehimforyourself。Wedon'tasktobebelievedontrust。What！Yourworshipdoubtstheroombehindthedoor？Ohthesuspicionofyourichgentlefolks！
　　Lookatit，then。'
　　Hersharpeyehaddetectedaninvoluntaryexpressionofthisfeelingonhispart，whichwasnotunreasonableunderthecircumstances。Insatisfactionofitshenowtookthecandletothedoorshespokeof。Mr。Dombeylookedin；assuredhimselfthatitwasanempty，crazyroom；andsignedtohertoputthelightbackinitsplace。
　　`Howlong，'heasked，`beforethispersoncomes？'
　　`Notlong，'sheanswered。`Wouldyourworshipsitdownforafewoddminutes？'
　　Hemadenoanswer；butbeganpacingtheroomwithanirresoluteair，asifhewereundecidedwhethertoremainordepart，andasifhehadsomequarrelwithhimselfforbeingthereatall。Butsoonhistreadgrewslowerandheavier，andhisfacemoresternlythoughtful：astheobjectwithwhichhehadcome，fixeditselfinhismind，anddilatedthereagain。
　　Whilehethuswalkedupanddownwithhiseyesontheground，Mrs。Brown，inthechairfromwhichshehadrisentoreceivehim，satlisteninganew。Themonotonyofhisstep，ortheuncertaintyofage，madehersoslowofhearing，thatafootfallwithouthadsoundedinherdaughter'searsforsomemoments，andshehadlookeduphastilytowarnhermotherofitsapproach，beforetheoldwomanwasrousedbyit。Butthenshestartedfromherseat，andwhispering`Hereheis！'hurriedhervisitortohisplaceofobservation，andputabottleandglassuponthetable，withsuchalacrityastobereadytoflingherarmsroundtheneckofRobtheGrinderonhisappearanceatthedoor。
　　`Andhere'smybonnyboy，'criedMrs。Brown，`atlast！——oho，oho！
　　You'relikemyownson，Robby！'
　　`Oh！MissesBrown！'remonstratedtheGrinder。`Don't！Can'tyoubefondofacovewithoutsqueedgingandthrottlingofhim？Takecareofthebirdcageinmyhand，willyou？'
　　`Thinksofabirdcage，aforeme！'criedtheoldwoman，apostrophizingtheceiling。`Methatfeelsmorethanamotherforhim！'
　　`Well，I'msureI'mverymuchobligedtoyou，MissesBrown，'saidtheunfortunateyouth，greatlyaggravated；`butyou'resojealousofacove。I'mveryfondofyoumyself，andallthat，ofcourse；butIdon'tsmotheryou，doI，MissesBrown？'
　　Helookedandspokeasifhewouldhavebeenfarfromobjectingtodoso，however，onafavourableoccasion。
　　`Andtotalkaboutbirdcages，too！'whimperedtheGrinder。`Asifthatwasacrime！Why，look'eehere！Doyouknowwhothisbelongsto？'
　　`ToMaster，dear？'saidtheoldwomanwithagrin。
　　`Ah！'repliedtheGrinder，liftingalargecagetiedupinawrapper，onthetable，anduntyingitwithhisteethandhands。`It'sourparrot，thisis。'
　　`Mr。Carker'sparrot，Rob？'
　　`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？'returnedthegoadedGrinder。`Whatdoyougonamingnamesfor？I'mblest，'saidRob，pullinghishairwithbothhandsintheexasperationofhisfeelings，`ifshean'tenoughtomakeacoverunwild！'
　　`What！Doyousnubme，thanklessboy！'criedtheoldwoman，withreadyvehemence。
　　`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，no！'returnedtheGrinder，withtearsinhiseyes。`Wasthereeversucha！Don'tIdoteuponyou，MissesBrown？'
　　`Doyou，sweetRob？Doyoutruly，chickabiddy？'Withthat，Mrs。
　　Brownheldhiminherfondembraceoncemore；anddidnotreleasehimuntilhehadmadeseveralviolentandineffectualstruggleswithhislegs，andhishairwasstandingonendalloverhishead。
　　`Oh！'returnedtheGrinder，`whatathingitistobeperfectlypitchedintowithaffectionlikethishere。IwishshewasHowhaveyoubeen，MissesBrown？'
　　`Ah！Notheresincethisnightweek！'saidtheoldwoman，contemplatinghimwithalookofreproach。
　　`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder，`Isaidto-night'saweek，thatI'dcometo-night，didn'tI？AndhereIam。Howyoudogoon！Iwishyou'dbealittlerational，MissesBrown。I'mhoarsewithsayingthingsinmydefence，andmyveryfaceisshinywithbeinghugged。'Herubbedithardwithhissleeve，asiftoremovethetenderpolishinquestion。
　　`Drinkalittledroptocomfortyou，myRobin，'saidtheoldwoman，fillingtheglassfromthebottleandgivingittohim。
　　`Thank'ee，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder。`Here'syourhealth。
　　Andlongmayyou——etceterer。'Whichtojudgefromtheexpressionofhisface，didnotincludeanyverychoiceblessing。`Andhere'sherhealth，'saidtheGrinder，glancingatAlice，whosatwithhereyesfixed，asitseemedtohim，onthewallbehindhim，butinrealityonMr。Dombey'sfaceatthedoor，`andwishingherthesameandmanyof'em！'
　　Hedrainedtheglasstothesetwosentiments，andsetitdown。
　　`Well，Isay，MissesBrown！'heproceeded。`Togoonalittlerationalnow。You'reajudgeofbirds，anduptotheirways，asIknowtomycost。'
　　`Cost！'repeatedMrs。Brown。
　　`Satisfaction，Imean，'returnedtheGrinder。`Howyoudotakeupacove，MissesBrown！You'veputitalloutofmyheadagain。'
　　`Judgeofbirds，Robby，'suggestedtheoldwoman。
　　`Ah！'saidtheGrinder。`Well，I'vegottotakecareofthisparrot——certainthingsbeingsold，andacertainestablishmentbrokeup——andasIdon'twantnonoticetookatpresent，Iwishyou'dattendtoherforaweekorso，andgiveherboardandlodging，willyou？IfImustcomebackwardsandforwards，'musedtheGrinderwithadejectedface，`Imayaswellhavesomethingtocomefor。'
　　`Somethingtocomefor？'screamedtheoldwoman。
　　`Besidesyou，Imean，MissesBrown，'returnedthecravenRob。
　　`NotthatIwantanyinducementbutyourself，MissesBrown，I'msure。Don'tbeginagain，forgoodness'sake。'
　　`Hedon'tcareforme！Hedon'tcareforme，asIcareforhim！'
　　criedMrs。Brown，liftingupherskinnyhands。`ButI'lltakecareofhisbird。'
　　`Takegoodcareofittoo，youknow，Mrs。Brown，'saidRob，shakinghishead。`Ifyouwassomuchastostrokeitsfeathersoncethewrongway，Ibelieveitwouldbefoundout。'
　　`Ah，sosharpasthat，Rob？'saidMrs。Brown，quickly。
　　`Sharp，MissesBrown！'repeatedRob。`Butthisisnottobetalkedabout。'
　　Checkinghimselfabruptly，andnotwithoutafearfulglanceacrosstheroom，robfilledtheglassagain，andhavingslowlyemptiedit，shookhishead，andbegantodrawhisfingersacrossandacrossthewiresoftheparrot'scagebywayofadiversionfromthedangerousthemethathadjustbeenbroached。
　　Theoldwomaneyedhimslily，andhitchingherchairnearerhis，andlookinginattheparrot，whocamedownfromthegildeddomeathercall，said：
　　`Outofplacenow，Robby？'
　　`Neveryoumind，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder，shortly。
　　`Boardwages，perhaps，Rob？'saidMrs。Brown。
　　`PrettyPolly！'saidtheGrinder。
　　Theoldwomandartedaglanceathimthatmighthavewarnedhimtoconsiderhisearsindanger，butitwashisturntolookinattheparrotnow，andhoweverexpressivehisimaginationmayhavemadeherangryscowl，itwasunseenbyhisbodilyeyes。
　　`IwonderMasterdidn'ttakeyouwithhim，Rob，'saidtheoldwoman，inawheedlingvoice，butwithincreasedmalignityofaspect。
　　Robwassoabsorbedincontemplationoftheparrot，andintrollinghisforefingeronthewires，thathemadenoanswer。
　　Theoldwomanhadherclutchwithinahair'sbreadthofhisshockofhairasitstoopedoverthetable；butsherestrainedherfingers，andsaid，inavoicethatchokedwithitseffortstobecoaxing：
　　`Robby，mychild。'
　　`Well，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder。
　　`IsayIwonderMasterdidn'ttakeyouwithhim，dear。'
　　`Neveryou，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder。
　　Mrs。Browninstantlydirectedtheclutchofherrighthandathishair，andtheclutchofherlefthandathisthroat，andheldontotheobjectofherfondaffectionwithsuchextraordinaryfury，thathisfacebegantoblackeninamoment。
　　`MissesBrown！'exclaimedtheGrinder，`letgo，willyou？Whatareyoudoingof？Help，youngwoman！MissesBrow——Brow——！'
　　Theyoungwoman，however，equallyunmovedbyhisdirectappealtoher，andbyhisinarticulateutterance，remainedquiteneutral，until，afterstrugglingwithhisassailantintoacorner，Robdisengagedhimself，andstoodtherepantingandfencedinbyhisownelbows，whiletheoldwoman，pantingtoo，andstampingwithrageandeagerness，appearedtobecollectingherenergiesforanotherswoopuponhim。AtthiscrisisAliceinterposedhervoice，butnotintheGrinder'sfavour，bysaying，`Welldone，mother。Tearhimtopieces！'
　　`What，youngwoman！'blubberedRob；`areyouagainstmetoo？WhathaveIbeenanddone？WhatamItobetoretopiecesfor，Ishouldliketoknow？
　　Whydoyoutakeandchokeacovewhohasneverdoneyouanyharm，neitherofyou？Callyourselvesfemales，too！'saidthefrightenedandafflictedGrinder，withhiscoat-cuffathiseye。`I'msurprisedatyou！Where'syourfemininetenderness？'
　　`Youthanklessdog！'gaspedMrs。Brown。`Youimpudentinsultingdog！'
　　`WhathaveIbeenanddonetogoandgiveyouoffence，MissesBrown？'retortedthefearfulRob。`Youwasverymuchattachedtomeaminuteago。'
　　`Tocutmeoffwithhisshortanswersandhissulkywords，'saidtheoldwoman。`Me！BecauseIhappentobecurioustohavealittlebitofgossipaboutMasterandthelady，todaretoplayatfastandloosewithme！ButI'lltalktoyounomore，mylad。Nowgo！'
　　`I'msure，MissesBrown，'returnedtheabjectGrinder，`IneverinsiniwatedthatIwishedtogo。Don'ttalklikethat，MissesBrown，ifyouplease。'
　　`Iwon'ttalkatall，'saidMrs。Brown，withanactionofhercrookedfingersthatmadehimshrinkintohalfhisnaturalcompassinthecorner。`Notanotherwordwithhimshallpassmylips。He'sanungratefulhound。Icasthimoff。Nowlethimgo！AndI'llslipthoseafterhimthatshalltalktoomuch；thatwon'tbeshookaway；that'llhangtohimlikeleeches，andslinkarterhimlikefoxes。What！Heknows'em。Heknowshisoldgamesandhisoldways。Ifhe'sforgotten'em，they'llsoonremindhim。Nowlethimgo，andseehowhe'lldoMaster'sbusiness，andkeepMaster'ssecrets，withsuchcompanyalwaysfollowinghimupanddown。Ha，ha，ha！He'llfind'emadifferentsortfromyouandme，Ally；closeasheiswithyouandme。Nowlethimgo，nowlethimgo！'
　　Theoldwoman，totheunspeakabledismayoftheGrinder，walkedhertwistedfigureroundandround，inaringofsomefourfeetindiameter，constantlyrepeatingthesewords，andshakingherfistaboveherhead，andworkinghermouthabout。
　　`MissesBrown，'pleadedRob，comingalittleoutofhiscorner，`I'msureyouwouldn'tinjureacove，onsecondthoughts，andincoldblood，wouldyou？'
　　`Don'ttalktome，'saidMrs。Brown，stillwrathfullypursuinghercircle。`Nowlethimgo，nowlethimgo！'
　　`MissesBrown，'urgedthetormentedGrinder，`Ididn'tmeanto——Oh，whatathingitisforacovetogetintosuchalineasthis！——Iwasonlycarefuloftalking，MissesBrown，becauseIalwaysam，onaccountofhisbeinguptoeverything；butImighthaveknownitwouldn'thavegoneanyfurther。I'msureI'mquiteagreeable，'withawretchedface，`foranylittlebitofgossip，MissesBrown。Don'tgoonlikethis，ifyouplease。
　　Oh，couldn'tyouhavethegoodnesstoputinawordforamiserablecove，here？'saidtheGrinder，appealingindesperationtothedaughter。
　　`Come，mother，youhearwhathesays，'sheinterposed，inhersternvoice，andwithanimpatientactionofherhead；`tryhimoncemore，andifyoufalloutwithhimagain，ruinhim，ifyoulike，andhavedonewithhim。'
　　Mrs。Brown，movedasitseemedbythisverytenderexhortation，presentlybegantohowl；andsofteningbydegrees，tooktheapologeticGrindertoherarms，whoembracedherwithafaceofunutterablewoe，andlikeavictimashewas，resumedhisformerseat，closebythesideofhisvenerablefriend，whomhesuffered，notwithoutmuchconstrainedsweetnessofcountenance，combatingveryexpressivephysiognomicalrevelationsofanoppositecharacter，todrawhisarmthroughhers，andkeepitthere。
　　`Andhow'sMaster，dearydear？'saidMrs。Brown，when，sittinginthisamicableposture，theyhadpledgedeachother。
　　`Hush！Ifyou'dbesogood，MissesBrown，astospeakalittlelower，'Robimplored。`Why，he'sprettywell，thank'ee，Isuppose。'
　　`You'renotoutofplace，Robby？'saidMrs。Browninawheedlingtone。
　　`Why，I'mnotexactlyoutofplace，norin，'falteredRob。`I——I'mstillinpay，MissesBrown。'
　　`Andnothingtodo，Rob？'
　　`Nothingparticulartodojustnow，MissesBrown，butto——keepmyeyesopen，'saidtheGrinder，rollingtheminaforlornway。
　　`Mastersabroad，Rob？'
　　`Oh，forgoodness'sake，MissesBrown，couldn'tyougossipwithacoveaboutanythingelse？'criedtheGrinder，inaburstofdespair。
　　TheimpetuousMrs。Brownrisingdirectly，thetorturedGrinderdetainedher，stammering`Ye-es，MissesBrown，Ibelievehe'sabroad。What'sshestaringat？'headded，inallusiontothedaughter，whoseeyeswerefixeduponthefacethatnowagainlookedoutbehindhim。
　　`Don'tmindher，lad，'saidtheoldwoman，holdinghimclosertopreventhisturninground。`It'sherway——herway。Tellme，Rob。Didyoueverseethelady，deary？'
　　`Oh，MissesBrown，whatlady？'criedtheGrinderinatoneofpiteoussupplication。
　　`Whatlady？'sheretorted。`Thelady；Mrs。Dombey。'
　　`Yes，IbelieveIseeheronce，'repliedRob。
　　`Thenightshewentaway，Robby，eh？'saidtheoldwomaninhisear，andtakingnoteofeverychangeinhisface。`Aha！Iknowitwasthatnight。'
　　`Well，ifyouknowitwasthatnight，youknow，MissesBrown，'
　　repliedRob，`it'snouseputtingpinchersintoacovetomakehimsayso。'
　　`Wheredidtheygothatnight，Rob？Straightaway？Howdidtheygo？Wheredidyouseeher？Didshelaugh？Didshecry？Tellmeallaboutit，'criedtheoldhag，holdinghimcloseryet，pattingthehandthatwasdrawnthroughhisarmagainstherotherhand，andsearchingeverylineinhisfacewithherblearedeyes。`Come！Begin！Iwanttobetoldallaboutit。What，Rob，boy！Youandmecankeepasecrettogether，eh？We'vedonesobeforenow。Wheredidtheygofirst，Rob？'
　　ThewretchedGrindermadeagasp，andapause。
　　`Areyoudumb？'saidtheoldwoman，angrily。
　　`Lord，MissesBrown，no！Youexpectacovetobeaflashoflightning。
　　IwishIwastheelectricfluency，'mutteredthebewilderedGrinder。
　　`I'dhaveashockatsomebody，thatwouldsettletheirbusiness。'
　　`Whatdoyousay？'askedtheoldwoman，withagrin。
　　`I'mwishingmylovetoyou，MissesBrown，'returnedthefalseRob，seekingconsolationintheglass。`Wheredidtheygotofirst，wasit？Himandher，doyoumean？'
　　`Ah！'saidtheoldwoman，eagerly。`Themtwo。'
　　`Why，theydidn'tgonowhere——nottogether，Imean，'answeredRob。
　　Theoldwomanlookedathim，asthoughshehadastrongimpulseuponhertomakeanotherclutchathisheadandthroat，butwasrestrainedbyacertaindoggedmysteryinhisface。
　　`Thatwastheartofit，'saidthereluctantGrinder；`that'sthewaynobodysaw'emgo，orhasbeenabletosayhowtheydidgo。Theywentdifferentways，Itellyou，MissesBrown。'
　　`Ay，ay，ay！Tomeetatanappointedplace，'chuckledtheoldwoman，afteramoment'ssilentandkeenscrutinyofhisface。
　　`Why，iftheyweren'tagoingtomeetsomewhere，Isupposetheymightaswellhavestayedathome，mightn'tthey，MissesBrown？'returnedtheunwillingGrinder。
　　`Well，Rob？Well？'saidtheoldwoman，drawinghisarmyettighterthroughherown，asif，inhereagerness，shewereafraidofhisslippingaway。
　　`What，haven'twetalkedenoughyet，MissesBrown？'returnedtheGrinder，who，betweenhissenseofinjury，hissenseofliquor，andhissenseofbeingontherack，hadbecomesolachrymose，thatatalmosteveryanswerhescoopedhiscoat-cuffintooneorotherofhiseyes，andutteredanunavailingwhineofremonstrance。`Didshelaughthatnight，wasit？
　　Didn'tyouaskifshelaughed，MissesBrown？'
　　`Orcried？'addedtheoldwoman，noddingassent。
　　`Neither，'saidtheGrinder。`Shekeptassteadywhensheandme——oh，Iseeyouwillhaveitoutofme，MissesBrown！Buttakeyoursolemnoathnow，thatyou'llnevertellanybody。'
　　ThisMrs。Brownveryreadilydid：beingnaturallyJesuitical；
　　andhavingnootherintentioninthematterthanthatherconcealedvisitorshouldhearforhimself。
　　`Shekeptassteady，then，whensheandmewentdowntoSouthampton，'
　　saidtheGrinder，`asaimage。Inthemorningshewasjustthesame，MissesBrown。Andwhenshewentawayinthepacketbeforedaylight，byherself——mepretendingtobeherservant，andseeinghersafeaboard——shewasjustthesame。Now，areyoucontented，MissesBrown？'
　　`No，Rob。Notyet，'answeredMrs。Brown，decisively。
　　`Oh，here'sawomanforyou！'criedtheunfortunateRob，inanoutburstoffeeblelamentationoverhisownhelplessness。`Whatdidyouwishtoknownext，MissesBrown？'
　　`WhatbecameofMaster？Wheredidhego？'sheinquired，stillholdinghimtight，andlookingcloseintohisface，withhersharpeyes。
　　`Uponmysoul，Idon'tknow，MissesBrown，'answeredRob。`UponmysoulIdon'tknowwhathedid，norwherehewent，noranythingabouthim。I
　　onlyknowwhathesaidtomeasacautiontoholdmytongue，whenweparted；
　　andItellyouthis，MissesBrown，asafriend，thatsoonerthaneverrepeatawordofwhatwe'resayingnow，youhadbettertakeandshootyourself，orshutyourselfupinthishouse，andsetita-fire，forthere'snothinghewouldn'tdo，toberevengeduponyou。Youdon'tknowhimhalfaswellasIdo，MissesBrown。You'reneversafefromhim，Itellyou。'
　　`Haven'tItakenanoath，'retortedtheoldwoman，`andwon'tIkeepit？'
　　`Well，I'msureIhopeyouwill，MissesBrown。'returnedRob，somewhatdoubtfully，andnotwithoutalatentthreateninginhismanner。
　　`Foryourownsakequiteasmuchasmine。'
　　Helookedatherashegaveherthisfriendlycaution，andemphasizeditwithanoddingofhishead；butfindingituncomfortabletoencountertheyellowfacewithitsgrotesqueaction，andtheferreteyeswiththeirkeenoldwintrygaze，soclosetohisown，helookeddownuneasilyandsatshufflinginhischair，asifheweretryingtobringhimselftoasullendeclarationthathewouldanswernomorequestions。Theoldwoman，stillholdinghimasbefore，tookthisopportunityofraisingtheforefingerofherrighthand，intheair，asastealthysignaltotheconcealedobservertogiveparticularattentiontowhatwasabouttofollow。
　　`Rob，'shesaid，inhermostcoaxingtone。
　　`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，what'sthematternow？'returnedtheexasperatedGrinder。
　　`Rob！wheredidtheladyandMasterappointtomeet？'
　　Robshuffledmoreandmore，andlookedupandlookeddown，andbithisthumb，anddrieditonhiswaistcoat，andfinallysaid，eyeinghistormentoraskant，`HowshouldIknow，MissesBrown？'
　　Theoldwomanheldupherfingeragain，asbefore，andreplying，`Come，lad！It'snouseleadingmetothat，andthereleavingme。Iwanttoknow'——waitedforhisanswer。
　　Rob，afteradiscomfitedpause，suddenlybrokeoutwith，`HowcanIpronouncethenamesofforeignplaces，Mrs。Brown？Whatanunreasonablewomanyouare！'
　　`Butyouhavehearditsaid，Robby，'sheretortedfirmly，`andyouknowwhatitsoundedlike。Come！'
　　`Ineverhearditsaid，MissesBrown，'returnedtheGrinder。
　　`Then，'retortedtheoldwomanquickly，`youhaveseenitwritten，andyoucanspellit。'
　　Rob，withapetulantexclamationbetweenlaughingandcrying——forhewaspenetratedwithsomeadmirationofMrs。Brown'scunning，eventhroughthispersecution——aftersomereluctantfumblinginhiswaistcoatpocket，producedfromitalittlepieceofchalk。Theoldwoman'seyessparkledwhenshesawitbetweenhisthumbandfinger，andhastilyclearingaspaceonthedealtable，thathemightwritethewordthere，sheoncemoremadehersignalwithashakinghand。
　　`NowItellyoubeforehandwhatitis，MissesBrown，'saidRob，`it'snouseaskingmeanythingelse。Iwon'tansweranythingelse；Ican't。
　　Howlongitwastobebeforetheymet，orwhoseplanitwasthattheywastogoawayalone，Idon'tknownomorethanyoudo。Idon'tknowanymoreaboutit。IfIwastotellyouhowIfoundoutthisword，you'dbelievethat。ShallItellyou，MissesBrown？'
　　`Yes，Rob。'
　　`Wellthen，MissesBrown。Theway——nowyouwon'taskanymore，youknow？'saidrob，turninghiseyes，whichwerenowfastgettingdrowsyandstupid，uponher。
　　`Notanotherword，'saidMrs。Brown。
　　`Wellthen，thewaywasthis。Whenacertainpersonlefttheladywithme，heputapieceofpaperwithadirectionwrittenonitinthelady'shand，sayingitwasincasesheshouldforget。Shewasn'tafraidofforgetting，forshetoreitupassoonashisbackwasturned，andwhenIputupthecarriagesteps，Ishookoutoneofthepieces——shesprinkledtherestoutofthewindow，Isuppose，fortherewasnonethereafterwards，thoughIlookedfor'em。Therewasonlyonewordonit，andthatwasthis，ifyoumustandwillknow。Butremember！You'reuponyouroath，MissesBrown！'
　　Mrs。Brownknewthat，shesaid。Rob，havingnothingmoretosay，begantochalk，slowlyandlaboriously，onthetable。
　　`“D，“'theoldwomanreadaloud，whenhehadformedtheletter。
　　`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？'heexclaimed，coveringitwithhishand，andturningimpatientlyuponher。`Iwon'thaveitreadout。Bequiet，willyou！'
　　`Thenwritelarge，Rob，'shereturned，repeatinghersecretsignal；
　　`formyeyesarenotgood，evenatprint。'
　　Mutteringtohimself，andreturningtohisworkwithanillwill，Robwentonwiththeword。Ashebenthisheaddown，thepersonforwhoseinformationhesounconsciouslylaboured，movedfromthedoorbehindhimtowithinashortstrideofhisshoulder，andlookedeagerlytowardsthecreepingtrackofhishanduponthetable。Atthesametime，Alice，fromheroppositechair，watcheditnarrowlyasitshapedtheletters，andrepeatedeachoneonherlipsashemadeit，withoutarticulatingitaloud。AttheendofeveryletterhereyesandMr。Dombey'smet，asifeachofthemsoughttobeconfirmedbytheother；andthustheybothspeltD。I。J。O。N。
　　`There！'saidtheGrinder，moisteningthepalmofhishandhastily，toobliteratetheword；andnotcontentwithsmearingitout，rubbingandplaningalltraceofitawaywithhiscoat-sleeve，untiltheverycolourofthechalkwasgonefromthetable。`Now，Ihopeyou'recontented，MissesBrown！'
　　Theoldwoman，intokenofherbeingso，releasedhisarmandpattedhisback；andtheGrinder，overcomewithmortification，cross-examination，andliquor，foldedhisarmsonthetable，laidhisheaduponthem，andfellasleep。
　　Notuntilhehadbeenheavilyasleepsometime，andwassnoringroundly，didtheoldwomanturntowardsthedoor，whereMr。Dombeystoodconcealed，andbeckonhimtocomethroughtheroom，andpassout。Eventhen，shehoveredoverRob，readytoblindhimwithherhands，orstrikehisheaddown，ifheshouldraiseitwhilethesecretstepwascrossingtothedoor。Butthoughherglancetooksharpcognizanceofthesleeper，itwassharptooforthewakingman；andwhenhetouchedherhandwithhis，andinspiteofallhiscaution，madeachinking，goldensound，itwasasbrightandgreedyasaraven's。
　　Thedaughter'sdarkgazefollowedhimtothedoor，andnotedwellhowpalehewas，andhowhishurriedtreadindicatedthattheleastdelaywasaninsupportablerestraintuponhim，andhowhewasburningtobeactiveandaway。Asheclosedthedoorbehindhim，shelookedroundathermother。
　　Theoldwomantrottedtoher；openedherhandtoshowwhatwaswithin；
　　and，tightlyclosingitagaininherjealousyandavarice，whispered：
　　`Whatwillhedo，Ally？'
　　`Mischief，'saidthedaughter。
　　`Murder？'askedtheoldwoman。
　　`He'samadman，inhiswoundedpride，andmaydothat，foranythingwecansay，orheeither。'
　　Herglancewasbrighterthanhermother's，andthefirethatshoneinitwasfiercer；butherfacewascolourless，eventoherlips。
　　Theysaidnomore，butsatapart；themothercommuningwithhermoney；thedaughterwithherthoughts；theglanceofeach，shininginthegloomofthefeeblylightedroom。Robsleptandsnored。Thedisregardedparrotonlywasinaction。Ittwistedandpulledatthewiresofitscage，withitscrookedbeak，andcrawleduptothedome，andalongitsrooflikeafly，anddownagainheadforemost，andshook，andbit，andrattledateveryslenderbar，asifitknewitsmaster'sdanger，andwaswildtoforceapassageout，andflyawaytowarnhimofit。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter53[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIIIMoreIntelligenceTHEREweretwoofthetraitor'sownblood——hisrenouncedbrotherandsister——onwhomtheweightofhisguiltrestedalmostmoreheavily，atthistime，thanonthemanwhomhehadsodeeplyinjured。Pryingandtormentingastheworldwas，itdidMr。Dombeytheserviceofnervinghimtopursuitandrevenge。Itrousedhispassion，stunghispride，twistedtheoneideaofhislifeintoanewshape，andmadesomegratificationofhiswrath，theobjectintowhichhiswholeintellectualexistenceresolveditself。
　　Allthestubbornnessandimplacabilityofhisnature，allitshardimpenetrablequality，allitsgloomandmoroseness，allitsexaggeratedsenseofpersonalimportance，allitsjealousdispositiontoresenttheleastflawintheamplerecognitionofhisimportancebyothers，setthiswaylikemanystreamsunitedintoone，andborehimonupontheirtide。ThemostimpetuouslypassionateandviolentlyimpulsiveofmankindwouldhavebeenamilderenemytoencounterthanthesullenMr。Dombeywroughttothis。Awildbeastwouldhavebeeneasierturnedorsoothedthanthegravegentlemanwithoutawrinkleinhisstarchedcravat。