Theringingandknockingstillcontinuing——hispanictoo——hewentbacktothedoorinthebed-chamber，andwithsomenewefforts，eachmorestubbornthanthelast，wrencheditopen。Seeingthelittlestaircasenotfaroff，andfeelingthenight-aircomingup，hestolebackforhishatandcoat，madethedoorassecureafterhimashecould，creptdownlampinhand，extinguisheditonseeingthestreet，andhavingputitinacorner，wentoutwherethestarswereshining。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter55[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVRobtheGrinderloseshisPlaceTHEporterattheirongatewhichshutthecourt-yardfromthestreet，hadleftthelittlewicketofhishouseopen，andwasgoneaway；nodoubttomingleinthedistantnoiseatthedoorofthegreatstaircase。Liftingthelatchsoftly，Carkercreptout，andshuttingthejanglinggateafterhimwithaslittlenoiseaspossible，hurriedoff。
　　Inthefeverofhismortificationandunavailingrage，thepanicthathadseizeduponhimmasteredhimcompletely。Itrosetosuchaheightthathewouldhaveblindlyencounteredalmostanyrisk，ratherthanmeetthemanofwhom，twohoursago，hehadbeenutterlyregardless。Hisfiercearrival，whichhehadneverexpected；thesoundofhisvoice；theirhavingbeensonearameeting，facetoface，hewouldhavebravedoutthis，afterthefirstmomentaryshockofalarm，andwouldhaveputasboldafrontuponhisguiltasanyvillain。Butthespringingofhismineuponhimself，seemedtohaverentandshiveredallhishardihoodandself-reliance。Spurnedlikeanyreptile；entrappedandmocked；turnedupon，andtroddendownbytheproudwomanwhosemindhehadslowlypoisoned，ashethought，untilshehadsunkintothemerecreatureofhispleasure；undeceivedinhisdeceit，andwithhisfox'shidestrippedoff，hesneakedaway，abashed，degraded，andafraid。
　　Someotherterrorcameuponhimquiteremovedfromthisofbeingpursued，suddenly，likeanelectricshock，ashewascreepingthroughthestreets。Somevisionaryterror，unintelligibleandinexplicable，associatedwithatremblingoftheground，——arushandsweepofsomethingthroughtheair，likeDeathuponthewing。Heshrunk，asiftoletthethinggoby。Itwasnotgone，itneverhadbeenthere，yetwhatastartlinghorrorithadleftbehind。
　　Heraisedhiswickedface，sofulloftrouble，tothenightsky，wherethestars，sofullofpeace，wereshiningonhimastheyhadbeenwhenhefirststoleoutintotheair；andstoppedtothinkwhatheshoulddo。Thedreadofbeinghuntedinastrangeremoteplace，wherethelawsmightnotprotecthim——thenoveltyofthefeelingthatitwasstrangeandremote，originatinginhisbeingleftalonesosuddenlyamidtheruinsofhisplans——hisgreaterdreadofseekingrefugenow，inItalyorinSicily，wheremenmightbehiredtoassassinatehim，hethought，atanydarkstreetcorner——thewaywardnessofguiltandfear——perhapssomesympathyofactionwiththeturningbackofallhisschemes——impelledhimtoturnbacktoo，andgotoEngland。
　　`Iamsaferthere，inanycase。IfIshouldnotdecide，'hethought，`togivethisfoolameeting，Iamlesslikelytobetracedthere，thanabroadhere，now。AndifIshouldthiscursedfitbeingover，atleastIshallnotbealone，withoutasoultospeakto，oradvisewith，orstandbyme。Ishallnotberuninuponandworriedlikearat。'
　　HemutteredEdith'sname，andclenchedhishand。Ashecreptalong，intheshadowofthemassivebuildings，hesethisteeth，andmuttereddreadfulimprecationsonherhead，andlookedfromsidetoside，asifinsearchofher。Thus，hestoleontothegateofaninn-yard。Thepeoplewerea-bed；buthisringingatthebellsoonproducedamanwithalantern，incompanywithwhomhewaspresentlyinadimcoach-house，bargainingforthehireofanoldphaeton，toParis。
　　Thebargainwasashortone；andthehorsesweresoonsentfor。
　　Leavingwordthatthecarriagewastofollowhimwhentheycame，hestoleawayagain，beyondthetown，pasttheoldramparts，outontheopenroad，whichseemedtoglideawayalongthedarkplain，likeastream。
　　Whitherdiditflow？Whatwastheendofit？Ashepaused，withsomesuchsuggestionwithinhim，lookingoverthegloomyflatwheretheslendertreesmarkedouttheway，againthatflightofDeathcamerushingup，againwenton，impetuousandresistless，againwasnothingbutahorrorinhismind，darkasthesceneandundefinedasitsremotestverge。
　　Therewasnowind；therewasnopassingshadowonthedeepshadeofthenight；therewasnonoise。Thecitylaybehindhim，lightedhereandthere，andstarryworldswerehiddenbythemasonryofspireandroofthathardlymadeoutanyshapesagainstthesky。Darkandlonelydistancelayaroundhimeverywhere，andtheclockswerefaintlystrikingtwo。
　　Hewentforwardforwhatappearedalongtime，andalongway；
　　oftenstoppingtolisten。Atlasttheringingofhorses'bellsgreetedhisanxiousears。Nowsofter，andnowlouder，nowinaudible，nowringingveryslowlyoverbadground，nowbriskandmerry，itcameon；untilwithaloudshoutingandlashing，ashadowypostillionmuffledtotheeyes，checkedhisfourstrugglinghorsesathisside。
　　`Whogoesthere！Monsieur？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Monsieurhaswalkedalongwayinthedarkmidnight。'
　　`Nomatter。Everyonetohistaste。WerethereanyotherhorsesorderedatthePost-house？'
　　`Athousanddevils！——andpardons！otherhorses？atthishour？
　　No。'
　　`Listen，myfriend。Iammuchhurried。Letusseehowfastwecantravel！Thefaster，themoremoneytherewillbetodrink。Offwegothen！Quick！'
　　`Halloa！whoop！Halloa！Hi！'Away，atagallop，overtheblacklandscape，scatteringthedustanddirtlikespray！
　　Theclatterandcommotionechoedtothehurryanddiscordanceofthefugitive'sideas。Nothingclearwithout，andnothingclearwithin。
　　Objectsflittingpast，mergingintooneanother，dimlydescried，confusedlylostsightof，gone！Beyondthechangingscrapsoffenceandcottageimmediatelyupontheroad，aloweringwaste。Beyondtheshiftingimagesthatroseupinhismindandvanishedastheyshowedthemselves，ablackexpanseofdreadandrageandbaffledvillany。Occasionally，asighofmountainaircamefromthedistantJura，fadingalongtheplain。Sometimesthatrushwhichwassofuriousandhorrible，againcamesweepingthroughhisfancy，passedaway，andleftachilluponhisblood。
　　Thelamps，gleamingonthemedleyofhorses'heads，jumbledwiththeshadowydriver，andtheflutteringofhiscloak，madeathousandindistinctshapes，answeringtohisthoughts。Shadowsoffamiliarpeople，stoopingattheirdesksandbooks，intheirrememberedattitudes；strangeapparitionsofthemanwhomhewasflyingfrom，orofEdith；repetitionsintheringingbellsandrollingwheels，ofwordsthathadbeenspoken；confusionsoftimeandplace，makinglastnightamonthago，amonthagolastnight——homenowdistantbeyondhope，nowinstantlyaccessible；commotion，discord，hurry，darkness，andconfusioninhismind，andallaroundhim——Hallo！
　　Hi！awayatagallopovertheblacklandscape；dustanddirtflyinglikespray，thesmokinghorsessnortingandplungingasifeachofthemwereriddenbyademon，awayinafrantictriumphonthedarkroad——whither？
　　Againthenamelessshockcomesspeedingup，andasitpasses，thebellsringinhisears`whither？'Thewheelsroarinhisears`whither？'
　　Allthenoiseandrattleshapesitselfintothatcry。Thelightsandshadowsdanceuponthehorses'headslikeimps。Nostoppingnow：noslackening！
　　On，on！Awaywithhimuponthedarkroadwildly！
　　Hecouldnotthinktoanypurpose。Hecouldnotseparateonesubjectofreflectionfromanother，sufficientlytodwelluponit，byitself，foraminuteatatime。Thecrashofhisprojectforthegainingofavoluptuouscompensationforpastrestraint；theoverthrowofhistreacherytoonewhohadbeentrueandgeneroustohim，butwhoseleastproudwordandlookhehadtreasuredup，atinterest，foryears——forfalseandsubtlemenwillalwayssecretlydespiseanddisliketheobjectuponwhichtheyfawn，andalwaysresentthepaymentandreceiptofhomagethattheyknowtobeworthless；
　　thesewerethethemesuppermostinhismind。Alurkingrageagainstthewomanwhohadsoentrappedhimandavengedherselfwasalwaysthere；crudeandmisshapenschemesofretaliationuponher，floatedinhisbrain；butnothingwasdistinct。Ahurryandcontradictionpervadedallhisthoughts。
　　Evenwhilehewassobusywiththisfevered，ineffectualthinking，hisoneconstantideawas，thathewouldpostponereflectionuntilsomeindefinitetime。
　　Then，theolddaysbeforethesecondmarriageroseupinhisremembrance。
　　Hethoughthowjealoushehadbeenoftheboy，howjealoushehadbeenofthegirl，howartfullyhehadkeptintrudersatadistance，anddrawnacircleroundhisdupethatnonebuthimselfshouldcross；andthenhethought，hadhedoneallthistobeflyingnow，likeascaredthief，fromonlythepoordupe？
　　Hecouldhavelaidhandsuponhimselfforhiscowardice，butitwastheveryshadowofhisdefeat，andcouldnotbeseparatedfromit。
　　Tohavehisconfidenceinhisownknaverysoshatteredatablow——tobewithinhisownknowledgesuchamiserabletool——waslikebeingparalysed。
　　WithanimpotentferocityheragedatEdith，andhatedMr。Dombeyandhatedhimself，butstillhefled，andcoulddonothingelse。
　　Againandagainhelistenedforthesoundofwheelsbehind。Againandagainhisfancyheardit，comingonlouderandlouder。Atlasthewassopersuadedofthis，thathecriedout，`Stop！'preferringeventhelossofgroundtosuchuncertainty。
　　Thewordsoonbroughtcarriage，horses，driver，allinaheaptogether，acrosstheroad。
　　`Thedevil！'criedthedriver，lookingoverhisshoulder，`what'sthematter？'
　　`Hark！What'sthat？'
　　`What？'
　　`Thatnoise？'
　　`AhHeaven，bequiet，cursedbrigand！'toahorsewhoshookhisbells。`Whatnoise？'
　　`Behind。Isitnotanothercarriageatagallop？There！what'sthat？'
　　`Miscreantwithapig'shead，standstill！'toanotherhorse，whobitanother，whofrightenedtheothertwo，whoplungedandbacked。
　　`Thereisnothingcoming。'
　　`Nothing。'
　　`No，nothingbutthedayyonder。'
　　`Youareright，Ithink。Ihearnothingnow，indeed。Goon！'
　　Theentangledequipage，halfhiddeninthereekingcloudfromthehorses，goesonslowlyatfirst，forthedriver，checkedunnecessarilyinhisprogress，sulkilytakesoutapocket-knife，andputsanewlashtohiswhip。Then`Hallo，whoop！Hallo，hi！'Awayoncemore，savagely。
　　Andnowthestarsfaded，andthedayglimmered，andstandinginthecarriage，lookingback，hecoulddiscernthetrackbywhichhehadcome，andseethattherewasnotravellerwithinview，onalltheheavyexpanse。Andsoonitwasbroadday，andthesunbegantoshineoncornfieldsandvineyards；andsolitarylabourers，risenfromlittletemporaryhutsbyheapsofstonesupontheroad，were，hereandthere，atworkrepairingthehighway，oreatingbread。Byandby，therewerepeasantsgoingtotheirdailylabour，ortomarket，orloungingatthedoorsofpoorcottages，gazingidlyathimashepassed。Anthentherewasapostyard，ankle-deepinmud，withsteamingdunghillsandvastouthouseshalfruined；andlookingonthisdaintyprospect，animmense，oldshadeless，glaring，stonechateau，withhalfitswindowsblinded，andgreendampcrawlinglazilyoverit，fromthebalustradedterracetothetapertipsoftheextinguishersupontheturrets。
　　Gatheredupmoodilyinacornerofthecarriage，andonlyintentongoingfast——exceptwhenhestoodup，foramiletogether，andlookedback；whichhewoulddowhenevertherewasapieceofopencountry——hewenton，stillpostponingthoughtindefinitely，andstillalwaystormentedwiththinkingtonopurpose。
　　Shame，disappointment，anddiscomfituregnawedathisheart；aconstantapprehensionofbeingovertaken，ormet——forhewasgroundlesslyafraidevenoftravellers，whocametowardshimbythewayhewasgoing——oppressedhimheavily。Thesameintolerableaweanddreadthathadcomeuponhisinthenight，returnedunweakenedintheday。Themonotonousringingofthebellsandtrampingofthehorses；themonotonyofhisanxiety，anduselessrage；themonotonouswheeloffear，regret，andpassion，hekeptturningroundandround；madethejourneylikeavision，inwhichnothingwasquiterealbuthisowntorment。
　　Itwasavisionoflongroads；thatstretchedawaytoanhorizon，alwaysrecedingandnevergained；ofill-pavedtowns，uphillanddown，wherefacescametodarkdoorsandill-glazedwindows，andwhererowsofmud-bespatteredcowsandoxenweretiedupforsaleinthelongnarrowstreets，buttingandlowing，andreceivingblowsontheirbluntheadsfrombludgeonsthatmighthavebeatenthemin；ofbridges，crosses，churches，postyards，newhorsesbeingputinagainsttheirwills，andthehorsesofthelaststagereeking，panting，andlayingtheirdroopingheadstogetherdolefullyatstabledoors；oflittlecemeterieswithblackcrossessettledsidewaysinthegraves，andwitheredwreathsuponthemdroppingaway；againoflong，longroads，draggingthemselvesout，uphillanddown，tothetreacheroushorizon。
　　Ofmorning，noon，andsunset；night，andtherisingofanearlymoon。Oflongroadstemporarilyleftbehind，andaroughpavementreached；
　　ofbatteringandclatteringoverit，andlookingup，amonghouse-roofs，atagreatchurch-tower；ofgettingoutandeatinghastily，anddrinkingdraughtsofwinethathadnocheeringinfluence；ofcomingforthafoot，amongahostofbeggars——blindmenwithquiveringeyelids，ledbyoldwomenholdingcandlestotheirfaces；idiotgirls；thelame，theepileptic，andthepalsied——ofpassingthroughtheclamour，andlookingfromhisseatattheupturnedcountenancesandoutstretchedhands，withahurrieddreadofrecognisingsomepursuerpressingforward——ofgallopingawayagain，uponthelong，longroad，gatheredup，dullandstunned，inhiscorner，orrisingtoseewherethemoonshonefaintlyonapatchofthesameendlessroadmilesaway，orlookingbacktoseewhofollowed。
　　Ofneversleeping，butsometimesdozingwithunclosedeyes，andspringingupwithastart，andareplyaloudtoanimaginaryvoice。Ofcursinghimselfforbeingthere，forhavingfled，forhavinglethergo，fornothavingconfrontedanddefiedhim。Ofhavingadeadlyquarrelwiththewholeworld，butchieflywithhimself。Ofblightingeverythingwithhisblackmoodashewascarriedonandaway。
　　Itwasafeveredvisionofthingspastandpresentallconfoundedtogether；ofhislifeandjourneyblendedintoone。Ofbeingmadlyhurriedsomewhere，whitherhemustgo。Ofoldscenesstartingupamongthenoveltiesthroughwhichhetravelled。Ofmusingandbroodingoverwhatwaspastanddistant，andseemingtotakenonoticeoftheactualobjectsheencountered，butwithawearisomeexhaustingconsciousnessofbeingbewilderedbythem，andhavingtheirimagesallcrowdedinhishotbrainaftertheyweregone。
　　Avisionofchangeuponchange，andstillthesamemonotonyofbellsandwheels，andhorses'feet，andnorest。Oftownandcountry，postyards，horses，drivers，hillandvalley，lightanddarkness，roadandpavement，heightandhollow，wetweatheranddry，andstillthesamemonotonyofbellsandwheels，andhorses'feet，andnorest。Avisionoftendingonatlast，towardsthedistantcapital，bybusierroads，andsweepinground，byoldcathedrals，anddashingthroughsmalltownsandvillages，lessthinlyscatteredontheroadthanformerly，andsittingshroudedinhiscorner，withhiscloakuptohisface，aspeoplepassingbylookedathim。
　　Ofrollingonandon，alwayspostponingthought，andalwaysrackedwiththinking；ofbeingunabletoreckonupthehourshehadbeenupontheroad，ortocomprehendthepointsoftimeandplaceinhisjourney。
　　Ofbeingparchedandgiddy，andhalfmad。Ofpressingon，inspiteofall，asifhecouldnotstop，andcomingintoParis，wheretheturbidriverhelditsswiftcourseundisturbed，betweentwobrawlingstreamsoflifeandmotion。
　　Atroubledvision，then，ofbridges，quays，interminablestreets；
　　ofwine-shops，water-carriers，greatcrowdsofpeople，soldiers，coaches，militarydrums，arcades。Ofthemonotonyofbellsandwheelsandhorses'
　　feetbeingatlengthlostintheuniversaldinanduproar。Ofthegradualsubsidenceofthatnoiseashepassedoutinanothercarriagebyadifferentbarrierfromthatbywhichhehadentered。Oftherestoration，ashetravelledontowardsthesea-coast，ofthemonotonyofbellsandwheels，andhorses'
　　feet，andnorest。
　　Ofsunsetonceagain，andnightfall。Oflongroadsagain，anddeadofnight，andfeeblelightsinwindowsbytheroad-side；andstilltheoldmonotonyofbellsandwheels，andhorses'feet，andnorest。Ofdawn，anddaybreak，andtherisingofthesun。Oftoilingslowlyupahill，andfeelingonitstopthefreshsea-breeze；andseeingthemorninglightupontheedgesofthedistantwaves。Ofcomingdownintoaharbourwhenthetidewasatitsfull，andseeingfishing-boatsfloaton，andgladwomenandchildrenwaitingforthem。Ofnetsandseamen'sclothesspreadouttodryupontheshore；ofbusysailors，andtheirvoiceshighamongships'
　　mastsandrigging；ofthebuoyancyandbrightnessofthewater，andtheuniversalsparkling。
　　Ofrecedingfromthecoast，andlookingbackuponitfromthedeckwhenitwasahazeuponthewater，withhereandtherealittleopeningofbrightlandwheretheSunstruck。Oftheswell，andflash，andmurmurofthecalmsea。Ofanothergreylineontheocean，onthevessel'strack，fastgrowingclearerandhigher。Ofcliffsandbuildings，andawindmill，andachurch，becomingmoreandmorevisibleuponit。Ofsteamingonatlastintosmoothwater，andmooringtoapierwhencegroupsofpeoplelookeddown，greetingfriendsonboard。Ofdisembarking，passingamongthemquickly，shunningeveryone；andofbeingatlastagaininEngland。
　　Hehadthought，inhisdream，ofgoingdownintoaremotecountry-placeheknew，andlyingquietthere，whilehesecretlyinformedhimselfofwhattranspired，anddeterminedhowtoact。Stillinthesamestunnedcondition，herememberedacertainstationontherailway，wherehewouldhavetobranchofftohisplaceofdestination，andwheretherewasaquietInn。
　　Here，heindistinctlyresolvedtotarryandrest。
　　Withthispurposeheslunkintoarailwaycarriageasquicklyashecould，andlyingtherewrappedinhiscloakasifhewereasleep，wassoonbornefarawayfromthesea，anddeepintotheinlandgreen。Arrivedathisdestinationhelookedout，andsurveyeditcarefully。Hewasnotmistakeninhisimpressionoftheplace。Itwasaretiredspot，onthebordersofalittlewood。Onlyonehouse，newly-builtoralteredforthepurpose，stoodthere，surroundedbyitsneatgarden；thesmalltownthatwasnearest，wassomemilesaway。Herehealightedthen；andgoingstraightintothetavern，unobservedbyanyone，securedtworoomsupstairscommunicatingwitheachother，sufficientlyretired。
　　Hisobjectwastorest，andrecoverthecommandofhimself，andthebalanceofhismind。Imbecilediscomfitureandrage——sothat，ashewalkedabouthisroom，hegroundhisteeth——hadcompletepossessionofhim。Histhoughts，nottobestoppedordirected，stillwanderedwheretheywould，anddraggedhimafterthem。Hewasstupefied，andhewasweariedtodeath。
　　But，asiftherewereacurseuponhimthatheshouldneverrestagain，hisdrowsysenseswouldnotlosetheirconsciousness。Hehadnomoreinfluencewiththeminthisregard，thaniftheyhadbeenanotherman's。Itwasnotthattheyforcedhimtotakenoteofpresentsoundsandobjects，butthattheywouldnotbedivertedfromthewholehurriedvisionofhisjourney。Itwasconstantlybeforehimallatonce。Shestoodthere，withherdarkdisdainfuleyesagainuponhim；andhewasridingonnevertheless，throughtownandcountry，lightanddarkness，wetweatheranddry，overroadandpavement，hillandvalley，heightandhollow，jadedandscaredbythemonotonyofbellsandwheels，andhorses'feet，andnorest。
　　`Whatdayisthis？'heaskedofthewaiter，whowasmakingpreparationsforhisdinner。
　　`Day，Sir？'
　　`IsitWednesday？'
　　`Wednesday，Sir？No，Sir。Thursday，Sir。'
　　`Iforgot。Howgoesthetime？Mywatchisunwound。'
　　`Wantsafewminutesoffiveo'clock，Sir。Beentravellingalongtime，Sir，perhaps？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Byrail，Sir？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Veryconfusing，Sir。Notmuchinthehabitoftravellingbyrailmyself，Sir，butgentlemenfrequentlysayso。'
　　`Domanygentlemencomehere？'
　　`Prettywell，Sir，ingeneral。Nobodyhereatpresent。Ratherslackjustnow，Sir。Everythingisslack，Sir。'
　　Hemadenoanswer；buthadrisenintoasittingpostureonthesofawherehehadbeenlying，andleanedforwardwithanarmoneachknee，staringattheground。Hecouldnotmasterhisownattentionforaminutetogether。Itrushedawaywhereitwould，butitnever，foraninstant，lostitselfinsleep。
　　Hedrankaquantityofwineafterdinner，invain。Nosuchartificialmeanswouldbringsleeptohiseyes。Histhoughts，moreincoherent，draggedhimmoreunmercifullyafterthem——asifawretch，condemnedtosuchexpiation，weredrawnattheheelsofwildhorses。Nooblivion，andnorest。
　　Howlonghesat，drinkingandbrooding，andbeingdraggedinimaginationhitherandthither，noonecouldhavetoldlesscorrectlythanhe。Butheknewthathehadbeensittingalongtimebycandle-light，whenhestartedupandlistened，inasuddenterror。
　　Fornow，indeed，itwasnofancy。Thegroundshook，thehouserattled，thefierceimpetuousrushwasintheair！Hefeltitcomeup，andgodartingby；andevenwhenhehadhurriedtothewindow，andsawwhatitwas，hestood，shrinkingfromit，asifitwerenotsafetolook。
　　Acurseuponthefierydevil，thunderingalongsosmoothly，trackedthroughthedistantvalleybyaglareoflightandluridsmoke，andgone！
　　Hefeltasifhehadbeenpluckedoutofitspath，andsavedfrombeingtornasunder。Itmadehimshrinkandshudderevennow，whenitsfaintesthumwashushed，andwhenthelinesofironroadhecouldtraceinthemoonlight，runningtoapoint，wereasemptyandassilentasadesert。
　　Unabletorest，andirresistiblyattracted——orhethoughtso——tothisroad，hewentoutandloungedonthebrinkofit，markingthewaythetrainhadgone，bytheyetsmokingcindersthatwerelyinginitstrack。
　　Afteraloungeofsomehalfhourinthedirectionbywhichithaddisappeared，heturnedandwalkedtheotherway——stillkeepingtothebrinkoftheroad——pasttheinngarden，andalongwaydown；lookingcuriouslyatthebridges，signals，lamps，andwonderingwhenanotherDevilwouldcomeby。
　　Atremblingoftheground，andquickvibrationinhisears；adistantshriek；adulllightadvancing，quicklychangedtotworedeyes，andafiercefire，droppingglowingcoals；anirresistiblebearingonofagreatroaringanddilatingmass；ahighwind，andarattle——anothercomeandgone，andheholdingtoagate，asiftosavehimself！
　　Hewaitedforanother，andforanother。Hewalkedbacktohisformerpoint，andbackagaintothat，andstill，throughthewearisomevisionofhisjourney，lookedfortheseapproachingmonsters。Heloiteredaboutthestation，waitinguntiloneshouldstaytocallthere；andwhenonedid，andwasdetachedforwater，hestoodparallelwithit，watchingitsheavywheelsandbrazenfront，andthinkingwhatacruelpowerandmightithad。Ugh！Toseethegreatwheelsslowlyturning，andtothinkofbeingrundownandcrushed！
　　Disorderedwithwineandwantofrest——thatwantwhichnothing，althoughhewassoweary，wouldappease——theseideasandobjectsassumedadiseasedimportanceinhisthoughts。Whenhewentbacktohisroom，whichwasnotuntilnearmidnight，theystillhauntedhim，andhesatlisteningforthecomingofanother。
　　Soinhisbed，whitherherepairedwithnohopeofsleep。Hestilllaylistening；andwhenhefeltthetremblingandvibration，gotupandwenttothewindow，towatchashecouldfromitspositionthedulllightchangingtothetworedeyes，andthefiercefiredroppingglowingcoals，andtherushofthegiantasitfledpast，andthetrackofglareandsmokealongthevalley。Thenhewouldglanceinthedirectionbywhichheintendedtodepartatsunrise，astherewasnorestforhimthere；andwouldliedownagain，tobetroubledbythevisionofhisjourney，andtheoldmonotonyofbellsandwheelsandhorses'feet，untilanothercame。Thislastedallnight。Sofarfromresumingthemasteryofhimself，heseemed，ifpossible，toloseitmoreandmore，asthenightcrepton。Whenthedawnappeared，hewasstilltormentedwiththinking，stillpostponingthoughtuntilheshouldbeinabetterstate；thepast，present，andfuture，allfloatedconfusedlybeforehim，andhehadlostallpoweroflookingsteadilyatanyoneofthem。
　　`Atwhattime，'heaskedthemanwhohadwaitedonhimover-night，nowenteringwithacandle，`doIleavehere，didyousay？'
　　`Aboutaquarterafterfour，Sir。Expresscomesthroughatfour，Sir——Itdon'tstop。'
　　Hepassedhishandacrosshisthrobbinghead，andlookedathiswatch。Nearlyhalf-pastthree。
　　`Nobodygoingwithyou，Sir，probably，'observedtheman。`Twogentlemenhere，Sir，butthey'rewaitingforthetraintoLondon。'
　　`Ithoughtyousaidtherewasnobodyhere，'saidCarker，turninguponhimwiththeghostofhisoldsmile，whenhewasangryorsuspicious。
　　`Notthen，Sir。Twogentlemencameinthenightbytheshorttrainthatstopshere，Sir。Warmwater，Sir？'
　　`No；andtakeawaythecandle。There'sdayenoughforme。'
　　Havingthrownhimselfuponthebed，half-dressed，hewasatthewindowasthemanlefttheroom。Thecoldlightofmorninghadsucceededtonight，andtherewasalready，inthesky，theredsuffusionofthecomingsun。Hebathedhisheadandfacewithwater——therewasnocoolinginfluenceinitforhim——hurriedlyputonhisclothes，paidwhatheowed，andwentout。
　　Theairstruckchillandcomfortless，asitbreatheduponhim。
　　Therewasaheavydew；and，hotashewas，itmadehimshiver。Afteraglanceattheplacewherehehadwalkedlastnight，andatthesignal-lightsburningfeeblyinthemorning，andbereftoftheirsignificance，heturnedtowherethesunwasrising，andbeheldit，initsglory，asitbrokeuponthescene。
　　Soawful，sotranscendentinitsbeauty，sodivinelysolemn。Ashecasthisfadedeyesuponit，whereitrose，tranquilandserene，unmovedbyallthewrongandwickednessonwhichitsbeamshadshonesincethebeginningoftheworld，whoshallsaythatsomeweaksenseofvirtueuponEarth，anditsrewardinHeaven，didnotmanifestitself，eventohim？
　　Ifeverherememberedsisterorbrotherwithatouchoftendernessandremorse，whoshallsayitwasnotthen？
　　Heneededsomesuchtouchthen。Deathwasonhim。Hewasmarkedofffromthelivingworld，andgoingdownintohisgrave。
　　Hepaidthemoneyforhisjourneytothecountry-placehehadthoughtof；andwaswalkingtoandfro，alone，lookingalongthelinesofiron，acrossthevalleyinonedirection，andtowardsadarkbridgenearathandintheother；when，turninginhiswalk，whereitwasboundedbyoneendofthewoodenstageonwhichhepacedupanddown，hesawthemanfromwhomhehadfled，emergingfromthedoorbywhichhehimselfhadenteredthere。Andtheireyesmet。
　　Inthequickunsteadinessofthesurprise，hestaggered，andslippedontotheroadbelowhim。Butrecoveringhisfeetimmediately，hesteppedbackapaceortwouponthatroad，tointerposesomewiderspacebetweenthem，andlookedathispursuer，breathingshortandquick。
　　Heheardashout——another——sawthefacechangefromitsvindictivepassiontoafaintsicknessandterror——felttheearthtremble——knewinamomentthattherushwascome——utteredashriek——lookedround——sawtheredeyes，blearedanddim，inthedaylight，closeuponhim——wasbeatendown，caughtup，andwhirledawayuponajaggedmill，thatspunhimroundandround，andstruckhimlimbfromlimb，andlickedhisstreamoflifeupwithitsfieryheat，andcasthismutilatedfragmentsintheair。
　　Whenthetraveller，whohadbeenrecognised，recoveredfromaswoon，hesawthembringingfromadistancesomethingcovered，thatlayheavyandstill，uponaboard，betweenfourmen，andsawthatothersdrovesomedogsawaythatsniffedupontheroad，andsoakedhisbloodup，withatrainofashes。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter56[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVISeveralPeopledelighted，andtheGameChickendisgustedTHEMidshipmanwasallalive。Mr。TootsandSusanhadarrivedatlast。
　　Susanhasrunupstairslikeayoungwomanbereftofhersenses，andMr。
　　TootsandtheChickenhadgoneintotheparlour。
　　`OhmyownprettydarlingsweetMissFloy！'criedtheNipper，runningintoFlorence'sroom，`tothinkthatitshouldcometothisandIshouldfindyouheremyowndeardovewithnobodytowaituponyouandnohometocallyourownbutneverneverwillIgoawayagainMissFloyforthoughImaynotgathermossI'mnotarollingstonenorismyheartastoneorelseitwouldn'tbustasitisbustingnowohdearohdear！'
　　Pouringoutthesewords，withoutthefaintestindicationofastop，ofanysort，MissNipper，onherkneesbesidehermistress，huggedherclose。
　　`Ohlove！'criedSusan，`Iknowallthat'spastIknowitallmytenderpetandI'machokinggivemeair！'
　　`Susan，deargoodSusan！'saidFlorence。
　　`Ohblessher！Ithatwasherlittlemaidwhenshewasalittlechild！andisshereally，reallytrulygoingtobemarried？'exclaimedSusan，inaburstofpainandpleasure，prideandgrief，andHeavenknowshowmanyotherconflictingfeelings。
　　`Whotoldyouso？'saidFlorence。
　　`Ohgraciousme！thatinnocentestcreeturToots，'returnedSusanhysterically。`Iknewhemustberightmydearbecausehetookonso。He'sthedevotedestandinnocentestinfant！Andismydarling，'pursuedSusan，withanothercloseembraceandburstoftears，`reallyreallygoingtobemarried！'
　　Themixtureofcompassion，pleasure，tenderness，protection，andregretwithwhichtheNipperconstantlyrecurredtothissubject，andateverysuchrecurrence，raisedherheadtolookintheyoungfaceandkissit，andthenlaidherheadagainuponhermistress'sshoulder，caressingherandsobbing，wasaswomanlyandgoodathing，initsway，aseverwasseenintheworld。
　　`There，there！'saidthesoothingvoiceofFlorencepresently。
　　`Nowyou'requiteyourself，dearSusan！'
　　MissNipper，sittingdownuponthefloor，athermistress'sfeet，laughingandsobbing，holdingherpocket-handkerchieftohereyeswithonehand，andpattingDiogeneswiththeotherashelickedherface，confessedtobeingmorecomposed，andlaughedandcriedalittlemoreinproofofit。
　　`I——I——IneverdidseesuchacreeturasthatToots，'saidSusan，`inallmyborndaysnever！'
　　`Sokind，'suggestedFlorence。
　　`Andsocomic！'Susansobbed。`Thewayhe'sbeengoingoninsidewithmewiththatdisrespectableChickenonthebox！'
　　`Aboutwhat，Susan？'inquiredFlorencetimidly。
　　`OhaboutLieutenantWalters，andCaptainGills，andyoumydearMissFloy，andthesilenttomb，'saidSusan。
　　`Thesilenttomb！'repeatedFlorence。
　　`Hesays，'hereSusanburstintoaviolenthystericallaugh，`thathe'llgodownintoitnowimmediatelyandquitecomfortable，butblessyourheartmydearMissFloyhewon't，he'sagreatdealtoohappyinseeingotherpeoplehappyforthat，hemaynotbeaSolomon，'pursuedtheNipper，withherusualvolubility，`nordoIsayheisbutthisIdosayalessselfishhumancreaturehumannatureneverknew！'
　　MissNipperbeingstillhysterical，laughedimmoderatelyaftermakingthisenergeticdeclaration，andtheninformedFlorencethathewaswaitingbelowtoseeher；whichwouldbearichrepaymentforthetroublehehadhadinhislateexpedition。
　　FlorenceentreatedSusantobegofMr。Tootsasafavourthatshemighthavethepleasureofthankinghimforhiskindness；andSusan，inafewmoments，producedthatyounggentleman，stillverymuchdishevelledinappearance，andstammeringexceedingly。
　　`MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots。`Tobeagainpermittedto——to——gaze——atleast，nottogaze，but——Idon'texactlyknowwhatIwasgoingtosay，butit'sofnoconsequence。'
　　`Ihavetothankyousooften，'returnedFlorence，givinghimbothherhands，withallherinnocentgratitudebeaminginherface，`thatIhavenowordsleft，anddon'tknowhowtodoit。'
　　`MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots，inanawfulvoice，`ifitwaspossiblethatyoucould，consistentlywithyourangelicnature，Curseme，youwould——ifImaybeallowedtosayso——floormeinfinitelyless，thanbytheseundeservedexpressionsofkindness。Theireffectuponme——is——but，'saidMr。Toots，abruptly，`thisisadigression，and'sofnoconsequenceatall。'
　　Asthereseemedtobenomeansofreplyingtothis，butbythankinghimagain，Florencethankedhimagain。
　　`Icouldwish，'saidMr。Toots，`totakethisopportunity，MissDombey，ifImight，ofenteringintoawordofexplanation。Ishouldhavehadthepleasureof——ofreturningwithSusanatanearlierperiod；but，inthefirstplace，wedidn'tknowthenameoftherelationtowhosehouseshehadgone，and，inthesecond，asshehadleftthatrelation'sandgonetoanotheratadistance，IthinkthatscarcelyanythingshortofthesagacityoftheChicken，wouldhavefoundheroutinthetime。'
　　Florencewassureofit。
　　`This，however，'saidMr。Toots，`isnotthepoint。ThecompanyofSusanhasbeen，Iassureyou，MissDombey，aconsolationandsatisfactiontome，inmystateofmind，moreeasilyconceivedthandescribed。Thejourneyhasbeenitsownreward。That，however，still，isnotthepoint。MissDombey，IhavebeforeobservedthatIknowIamnotwhatisconsideredaquickperson。Iamperfectlyawareofthat。Idon'tthinkanybodycouldbebetteracquaintedwithhisown——ifitwasnottoostronganexpression，Ishouldsaywiththethicknessofhisownhead——thanmyself。But，MissDombey，Ido，notwithstanding，perceivethestateof——ofthings——withLieutenantWalters。Whateveragonythatstateofthingsmayhavecausedmewhichisofnoconsequenceatall，Iamboundtosay，thatLieutenantWaltersisapersonwhoappearstobeworthyoftheblessingthathasfallenonhis——onhisbrow。Mayhewearitlong，andappreciateit，asaverydifferent，andveryunworthyindividual，thatitisofnoconsequencetoname，wouldhavedone！That，however，still，isnotthepoint。MissDombey，CaptainGillsisafriendofmine；andduringtheintervalthatisnowelapsing，IbelieveitwouldaffordCaptainGillspleasuretoseemeoccasionallycomingbackwardsandforwardshere。Itwouldaffordmepleasuresotocome。
　　ButIcannotforgetthatIoncecommittedmyself，fatally，atthecorneroftheSquareatBrighton；andifmypresencewillbe，intheleastdegree，unpleasanttoyou，Ionlyaskyoutonameittomenow，andassureyouthatIshallperfectlyunderstandyou。Ishallnotconsideritatallunkind，andshallonlybetoodelightedandhappytobehonouredwithyourconfidence。'
　　`Mr。Toots，'returnedFlorence，`ifyou，whoaresooldandtrueafriendofmine，weretostayawayfromthishousenow，youwouldmakemeveryunhappy。Itcannever，never，givemeanyfeelingbutpleasuretoseeyou。'
　　`MissDombey，'saidMr。Toots，takingouthispocket-handkerchief，`ifIshedatear，itisatearofjoy。Itisofnoconsequence，andI
　　amverymuchobligedtoyou。Imaybeallowedtoremark，afterwhatyouhavesokindlysaid，thatitisnotmyintentiontoneglectmypersonanylonger。'
　　Florencereceivedthisintimationwiththeprettiestexpressionofperplexitypossible。
　　`Imean，'saidMr。Toots，`thatIshallconsideritmydutyasafellow-creaturegenerally，untilIamclaimedbythesilenttomb，tomakethebestofmyself，andto——tohavemybootsasbrightlypolished，as——ascircumstanceswilladmitof。Thisisthelasttime，MissDombey，ofmyintrudinganyobservationofaprivateandpersonalnature。Ithankyouverymuchindeed。IfIamnot，inageneralway，assensibleasmyfriendscouldwishmetobe，orasIcouldwishmyself，Ireallyam，uponmywordandhonour，particularlysensibleofwhatisconsiderateandkind。
　　Ifeel，'saidMr。Toots，inanimpassionedtone，`asifIcouldexpressmyfeelings，atthepresentmoment，inamostremarkablemanner，if——if——I
　　couldonlygetastart。'
　　Appearingnottogetit，afterwaitingaminuteortwotoseeifitwouldcome，Mr。Toots，tookahastyleave，andwentbelowtoseektheCaptain，whomhefoundintheshop。
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`whatisnowtotakeplacebetweenus，takesplaceunderthesacredsealofconfidence。Itisthesequel，CaptainGills，ofwhathastakenplacebetweenmyselfandMissDombey，upstairs。'
　　`Alowandaloft，eh，mylad？'murmuredtheCaptain。
　　`Exactlyso，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，whosefervourofacquiescencewasgreatlyheightenedbyhisentireignoranceoftheCaptain'smeaning。`MissDombey，Ibelieve，CaptainGills，istobeshortlyunitedtoLieutenantWalters？'
　　`Why，aye，mylad。We'reallshipmentshere，——Wal'randsweetheartwillbejinedtogetherinthehouseofbondage，assoonastheaskingsisover，'whisperedCaptainCuttle，inhisear。
　　`Theaskings，CaptainGills！'repeatedMr。Toots。
　　`Inthechurch，downyonder，'saidtheCaptain，pointinghisthumboverhisshoulder。
　　`Oh！Yes！'returnedMr。Toots。
　　`Andthen，'saidtheCaptain，inhishoarsewhisper，andtappingMr。Tootsonthechestwiththebackofhishand，andfallingfromhimwithalookofinfiniteadmiration，`whatfollers？Thatthereprettycreetur，asdelicatelybroughtupasaforeignbird，goesawayupontheroaringmainwithWal'ronawoyagetoChina！'
　　`Lord，CaptainGills！'saidMr。Toots。
　　`Aye！'noddedtheCaptain。`Theshipastookhimup，whenhewaswreckedinthehurricanethathaddrovehercleanoutofhercourse，wasaChinatrader，andWal'rmadethewoyage，andgotintofavour，aboardandashore——beingassmartandgoodaladaseverstepped——andso，thesupercargodyingatCanton，hegotmadehavingactedasclerkafore，andnowhe'ssupercargoaboardanothership，sameowners。Andso，yousee，'
　　repeatedtheCaptain，thoughtfully，`theprettycreeturgoesawayupontheroaringmainwithWal'r，onawoyagetoChina。'
　　Mr。TootsandCaptainCuttleheavedasighinconcert。
　　`Whatthen？'saidtheCaptain。`Sheloveshimtrue。Heloveshertrue。Themasshouldhavelovedandtendedofher，treatedofherlikethebeastsasperish。Whenshe，castoutofhome，comeheretome，anddroppeduponthemplanks，herwowndedheartwasbroke。Iknowit。I，Ed'ardCuttle，seeit。There'snowtbuttrue，kind，steadylove，ascaneverpieceitupagain。IfsobeIdidn'tknowthat，anddidn'tknowasWal'rwashertruelove，brother，andshehis，I'dhavetheseherebluearmsandlegschoppedoff，aforeI'dlethergo。ButIdoknowit，andwhatthen？Why，then，Isay，Heavengowith'emboth，andsoitwill！Amen！'
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`letmehavethepleasureofshakinghands。You'veawayofsayingthings，thatgivesmeanagreeablewarmth，allupmyback。IsayAmen。Youareaware，CaptainGills，thatI，too，haveadoredMissDombey。'
　　`Cheerup！'saidtheCaptain，layinghishandonMr。Toots'sshoulder。
　　`Standby，boy！'
　　`Itismyintention，CaptainGills，'returnedthespiritedMr。
　　Toots，`tocheerup。Alsotostandby，asmuchaspossible。Whenthesilenttombshallyawn，CaptainGills，Ishallbereadyforburial；
　　notbefore。Butnotbeingcertain，justatpresent，ofmypowerovermyself，whatIwishtosaytoyou，andwhatIshalltakeitasaparticularfavourifyouwillmentiontoLieutenantWalters，isasfollows。'
　　`Isasfollers，'echoedtheCaptain。`Steady！'
　　`MissDombeybeingsoinexpressiblykind，'continuedMr。Tootswithwateryeyes，`astosaythatmypresenceisthereverseofdisagreeabletoher，andyouandeverybodyherebeingnolessforbearingandtoleranttowardsonewho——whocertainly，'saidMr。Toots，withmomentarydejection，`wouldappeartohavebeenbornbymistake，Ishallcomebackwardsandforwardsofanevening，duringtheshorttimewecanallbetogether。
　　ButwhatIaskisthis。If，atanymoment，IfindthatIcannotendurethecontemplationofLieutenantWalters'sbliss，andshouldrushout，I
　　hope，CaptainGills，thatyouandhewillbothconsideritasmymisfortuneandnotmyfault，orthewantofinwardconflict。Thatyou'llfeelconvincedIbearnomalicetoanylivingcreature——leastofalltoLieutenantWaltershimself——andthatyou'llcasuallyremarkthatIhavegoneoutforawalk，orprobablytoseewhato'clockitisbytheRoyalExchange。CaptainGills，ifyourcouldenterintothisarrangement，andcouldanswerforLieutenantWalters，itwouldbearelieftomyfeelingsthatIshouldthinkcheapatthesacrificeofaconsiderableportionofmyproperty。'
　　`Mylad，'returnedtheCaptain，`saynomore。Thereain'tacolouryoucanrunup，aswon'tbemadeout，andansweredto，byWal'randself。'
　　`CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots，`mymindisgreatlyrelieved。
　　Iwishtopreservethegoodopinionofallhere。I——I——meanwell，uponmyhonour，howeverbadlyImayshowit。Youknow，'saidMr。Toots，`it'sexactlyasifBurgessandCo。wishedtoobligeacustomerwithamostextraordinarypairoftrousers，andcouldnotcutoutwhattheyhadintheirminds。'
　　Withthisappositeillustration，ofwhichheseemedalittleproud，Mr。TootsgavecaptainCuttlehisblessinganddeparted。
　　ThehonestCaptain，withhisHeart'sDelightinthehouse，andSusantendingher，wasabeamingandahappyman。Asthedaysflewby，hegrewmorebeamingandmorehappy，everyday。AftersomeconferenceswithSusanforwhosewisdomtheCaptainhadaprofoundrespect，andwhosevaliantprecipitationofherselfonMrs。MacStingerhecouldneverforget，heproposedtoFlorencethatthedaughteroftheelderlyladywhousuallysatundertheblueumbrellainLeadenhallMarket，should，forprudentialreasonsandconsiderationsofprivacy，besupersededinthetemporarydischargeofthehouseholdduties，bysomeonewhowasnotunknowntothem，andinwhomtheycouldsafelyconfide。Susan，beingpresent，thennamed，infurtheranceofasuggestionshehadpreviouslyofferedtotheCaptain，Mrs。Richards。
　　Florencebrightenedatthename。AndSusan，settingoffthatveryafternoontotheToodledomicile，tosoundMrs。Richards，returnedintriumphthesameevening，accompaniedbytheidenticalrosy-cheekedapple-facedPolly，whosedemonstrations，whenbroughtintoFlorence'spresence，werehardlylessaffectionatethanthoseofSusanNipperherself。
　　Thispieceofgeneralshipaccomplished；fromwhichtheCaptainderiveduncommonsatisfaction，ashedid，indeed，fromeverythingelsethatwasdone，whateverithappenedtobe；FlorencehadnexttoprepareSusanfortheirapproachingseparation。Thiswasamuchmoredifficulttask，asMissNipperwasofaresolutedisposition，andhadfullymadeuphermindthatshehadcomebacknevertobepartedfromheroldmistressanymore。
　　`AstowagesdearMissFloy，'shesaid，`youwouldn'thintandwrongmesoasthinkofnamingthem，forI'veputmoneybyandwouldn'tsellmyloveanddutyatatimelikethiseveniftheSavings'BanksandmeweretotalstrangersortheBankswerebroketopieces，butyou'veneverbeenwithoutmedarlingfromthetimeyourpoordearmawastookaway，andthoughI'mnothingtobeboastedofyou'reusedtomeandohmyowndearmistressthroughsomanyyearsdon'tthinkofgoinganywherewithoutme，foritmustn'tandcan'tbe！'
　　`DearSusan，Iamgoingonalong，longvoyage。'
　　`WellMissFloy，andwhatofthat？themoreyou'llwantme。Lengthsofvoyagesain'tanobjectinmyeyes，thankGod！'saidtheimpetuousSusanNipper。
　　`But，Susan，IamgoingwithWalter，andIwouldgowithWalteranywhere——everywhere！Walterispoor，andIamverypoor，andImustlearn，now，bothtohelpmyself，andhelphim。'
　　`DearMissFloy！'criedSusan，burstingoutafresh，andshakingherheadviolently，`it'snothingnewtoyoutohelpyourselfandotherstooandbethepatientestandtruestofnoblehearts，butletmetalktoMr。WalterGayandsettleitwithhim，forsufferyoutogoawayacrosstheworldaloneIcannot，andIwon't。'
　　`Alone，Susan？'returnedFlorence。`Alone？andWaltertakingmewithhim！'Ah，whatabright，amazed，enrapturedsmilewasonherface！——Heshouldhaveseenit。`IamsureyouwillnotspeaktoWalterifIaskyounot，'sheaddedtenderly；`andpraydon't，dear。'
　　Susansobbed`Whynot，MissFloy？'
　　`Because，'saidFlorence，`Iamgoingtobehiswife，togivehimupmywholeheart，andtolivewithhimanddiewithhim。Hemightthink，ifyousaidtohimwhatyouhavesaidtome，thatIamafraidofwhatisbeforeme，orthatyouhavesomecausetobeafraidforme。Why，Susan，dear，Ilovehim！'
　　MissNipperwassomuchaffectedbythequietfervourofthesewords，andsimple，heartfelt，all-pervadingearnestnessexpressedinthem，andmakingthespeaker'sfacemorebeautifulandpurethanever，thatshecouldonlyclingtoheragain，cryingWasherlittlemistressreally，reallygoingtobemarried，andpitying，caressing，andprotectingher，asshehaddonebefore。
　　ButtheNipper，thoughsusceptibleofwomanlyweaknesses，wasalmostascapableofputtingconstraintuponherselfasofattackingtheredoubtableMacStinger。Fromthattime，sheneverreturnedtothesubject，butwasalwayscheerful，active，bustling，andhopeful。Shedid，indeed，informMr。Tootsprivately，thatshewasonly`keepingup'forthetime，andthatwhenitwasallover，andMissDombeywasgone，shemightbeexpectedtobecomeaspectacledistressful；andMr。Tootsdidalsoexpressthatitwashiscasetoo，andthattheywouldmingletheirtearstogether；butsheneverotherwiseindulgedherprivatefeelingsinthepresenceofFlorenceorwithintheprecinctsoftheMidshipman。
　　LimitedandplainasFlorence'swardrobewas——whatacontrasttothatpreparedforthelastmarriageinwhichshehadtakenpart！——therewasagooddealtodoingettingitready，andSusanNipperworkedawayatherside，allday，withtheconcentratedzealoffiftysempstresses。
　　ThewonderfulcontributionsCaptainCuttlewouldhavemadetothisbranchoftheoutfit，ifhehadbeenpermitted——aspinkparasols，tintedsilkstockings，blueshoes，andotherarticlesnolessnecessaryonshipboard——wouldoccupysomespaceintherecital。Hewasinduced，however，byvariousfraudulentrepresentations，tolimithiscontributionstoaworkboxanddressing-case，ofeachofwhichhepurchasedtheverylargestspecimenthatcouldbegotformoney。Fortendaysorafortnightafterwards，hegenerallysat，duringthegreaterpartoftheday，gazingattheseboxes；dividedbetweenextremeadmirationofthem，anddejectedmisgivingsthattheywerenotgorgeousenough，andfrequentlydivingoutintothestreettopurchasesomewildarticlethathedeemednecessarytotheircompleteness。Buthismaster-strokewas，thebearingofthembothoff，suddenly，onemorning，andgettingthetwowordsFLORENCEGAYengraveduponabrassheartinlaidoverthelidofeach。Afterthis，hesmokedfourpipessuccessivelyinthelittleparlourbyhimself，andwasdiscoveredchuckling，attheexpirationofasmanyhours。
　　Walterwasbusyandawayallday，butcamethereeverymorningearlytoseeFlorence，andalwayspassedtheeveningwithher。Florenceneverleftherhighroomsbuttostealdownstairstowaitforhimwhenitwashistimetocome，or，shelteredbyhisproud，encirclingarm，tobearhimcompanytothedooragain，andsometimespeepintothestreet。
　　Inthetwilighttheywerealwaystogether。Ohblessedtime！Ohwanderingheartatrest！Ohdeep，exhaustless，mightywelloflove，inwhichsomuchwassunk！
　　Thecruelmarkwasonherbosomyet。Itroseagainstherfatherwiththebreathshedrew，itlaybetweenherandherloverwhenhepressedhertohisheart。Butsheforgotit。Inthebeatingofthatheartforher，andinthebeatingofherownforhim，allharshermusicwasunheard，allsternunlovingheartsforgotten。Fragileanddelicateshewas，butwithamightoflovewithinherthatcould，anddid，createaworldtoflyto，andtorestin，outofhisoneimage。
　　Howoftendidthegreathouse，andtheolddays，comebeforeherinthetwilighttime，whenshewasshelteredbythearm，soproud，sofond，and，creepingclosertohim，shrunkwithinitattherecollection！Howoften，fromrememberingthenightwhenshewentdowntothatroomandmetthenever-to-be-forgottenlook，didsheraisehereyestothosethatwatchedherwithsuchlovingearnestness，andweepwithhappinessinsucharefuge！
　　Themoresheclungtoit，themorethedeardeadchildwasinherthoughts：
　　butasifthelasttimeshehadseenherfather，hadbeenwhenhewassleepingandshekissedhisface，shealwayslefthimso，andnever，inherfancy，passedthathour。
　　`Walter，dear，'saidFlorence，oneevening，whenitwasalmostdark。`DoyouKnowwhatIhavebeenthinkingto-day？'
　　`Thinkinghowthetimeisflyingon，andhowsoonweshallbeuponthesea，sweetFlorence？'
　　`Idon'tmeanthat，Walter，thoughIthinkofthattoo。IhavebeenthinkingwhatachargeIamtoyou。'
　　`Aprecious，sacredcharge，dearheart！WhyIthinkthatsometimes。'
　　`Youarelaughing，Walter。Iknowthat'smuchmoreinyourthoughtsthanmine。ButImeanacost。'
　　`Acost，myown？'
　　`Inmoney，dear。AllthesepreparationsthatSusanandIaresobusywith——Ihavebeenabletopurchaseverylittleformyself。Youwerepoorbefore。ButhowmuchpoorerIshallmakeyou，Walter！'
　　`Andhowmuchricher，Florence！'
　　Florencelaughed，andshookherhead。
　　`Besides，'saidWalter，`longago——beforeIwenttosea——Ihadalittlepursepresentedtome，dearest，whichhadmoneyinit。'
　　`Ah！'returnedFlorence，laughingsorrowfully，`verylittle！Verylittle，Walter！But，youmustnotthink，'andhereshelaidherlighthandonhisshoulder，andlookedintohisface，`thatIregrettobethisburdenonyou。No，dearlove，Iamgladofit。Iamhappyinit。Iwouldn'thaveitotherwiseforalltheworld！'
　　`NorI，indeed，dearFlorence。'
　　`Aye！but，Walter，youcanneverfeelitasIdo。Iamsoproudofyou！Itmakesmyheartswellwithsuchdelighttoknowthatthosewhospeakofyoumustsayyoumarriedapoordisownedgirl，whohadtakenshelterhere；whohadnootherhome，nootherfriends；whohadnothing——nothing！
　　Oh，Walter，ifIcouldhavebroughtyoumillions，Inevercouldhavebeensohappyforyoursake，asIam！'
　　`Andyou，dearFlorence？areyounothing？'hereturned。
　　`No，nothing，Walter。Nothingbutyourwife。'Thelighthandstoleabouthisneck，andthevoicecamenearer——nearer。`Iamnothinganymore，thatisnotyou。Ihavenoearthlyhopeanymore，thatisnotyou。Ihavenothingdeartomeanymore，thatisnotyou。'
　　Oh！wellmightMr。Tootsleavethelittlecompanythatevening，andtwicegoouttocorrecthiswatchbytheRoyalExchange，andoncetokeepanappointmentwithabankerwhichhesuddenlyremembered，andoncetotakealittleturntoAldgatePumpandback！
　　Butbeforehewentupontheseexpeditions，orindeedbeforehecame，andbeforelightswerebrought，Waltersaid：
　　`Florence，love，theladingofourshipisnearlyfinished，andprobablyontheverydayofourmarriageshewilldropdowntheriver。
　　Shallwegoawaythatmorning，andstayinKentuntilwegoonboardatGravesendwithinaweek？'
　　`Ifyouplease，Walter。Ishallbehappyanywhere。But`Yes，mylife？'
　　`Youknow，'saidFlorence，`thatweshallhavenomarriageparty，andthatnobodywilldistinguishusbyourdressfromotherpeople。Asweleavethesameday，willyou——willyoutakemesomewherethatmorning，Walter——early——beforewegotochurch？'
　　Walterseemedtounderstandher，assotruealoversotrulylovedshould，andconfirmedhisreadypromisewithakiss——withmorethanoneperhaps，ortwoorthree，orfiveorsix；andinthegrave，peacefulevening，Florencewasveryhappy。
　　ThenintothequietroomcameSusanNipperandthecandles：shortlyafterwards，thetea，theCaptain，andtheexcursiveMr。Toots，who，asabovementioned，wasfrequentlyonthemoveafterwards，andpassedbutarestlessevening。This，however，wasnothishabit：forhegenerallygotonverywell，bydintofplayingatcribbagewiththeCaptainundertheadviceandguidanceofMissNipper，anddistractinghismindwiththecalculationsincidentaltothegame；whichhefoundtobeaveryeffectualmeansofutterlyconfoundinghimself。
　　TheCaptain'svisageontheseoccasionspresentedoneofthefinestexamplesofcombinationandsuccessionofexpressioneverobserved。HisinstinctivedelicacyandhischivalrousfeelingtowardsFlorence，taughthimthatitwasnotatimeforanyboisterousjollity，orviolentdisplayofsatisfaction。CertainfloatingreminiscencesofLovelyPeg，ontheotherhand，wereconstantlystrugglingforavent，andurgingtheCaptaintocommithimselfbysomeirreparabledemonstration。Anon，hisadmirationofFlorenceandWalter——well-matched，truly，andfullofgraceandinterestintheiryouth，andlove，andgoodlooks，astheysatapart——wouldtakesuchcompletepossessionofhim，thathewouldlaydownhiscards，andbeamuponthem，dabbinghisheadalloverwithhispocket-handkerchief；
　　untilwarned，perhaps，bythesuddenrushingforthofMr。Toots，thathehadunconsciouslybeenveryinstrumental，indeed，inmakingthatgentlemanmiserable。ThisreflectionwouldmaketheCaptainprofoundlymelancholy，untilthereturnofMr。Toots；whenhewouldfalltohiscardsagain，withmanysidewinksandnods，andpolitewavesofhishookatMissNipper，importingthathewasn'tgoingtodosoanymore。Thestatethatensuedonthis，was，perhaps，hisbest；forthen，endeavouringtodischargeallexpressionfromhisface，hewouldsit，staringroundtheroom，withalltheseexpressionsconveyedintoitatonce，andeachwrestlingwiththeother。DelightedadmirationofFlorenceandWalteralwaysoverthrewtherest，andremainedvictoriousandundisguised，unlessMr。Tootsmadeanotherrushintotheair，andthentheCaptainwouldsit，likearemorsefulculprit，untilhecamebackagain，occasionallycallinguponhimself，inalowreproachfulvoice，to`Standby！'orgrowlingsomeremonstranceto`Ed'ardCuttle，mylad，'onthewantofcautionobservableinhisbehaviour。
　　OneofMr。Toots'shardesttrials，however，wasofhisownseeking。
　　OntheapproachoftheSundaywhichwastowitnessthelastofthoseaskingsinchurchofwhichtheCaptainhadspoken，Mr。TootsthusstatedhisfeelingstoSusanNipper。
　　`Susan，'saidMr。Toots，`Iamdrawntowardsthebuilding。ThewordswhichcutmeofffromMissDombeyforever，willstrikeuponmyearslikeaknellyouknow，butuponmywordandhonour，IfeelthatImusthearthem。Therefore，'saidMr。Toots，`willyouaccompanymeto-morrow，tothesacrededifice？'
　　MissNipperexpressedherreadinesstodoso，ifthatwouldbeanysatisfactiontoMr。Toots，butbesoughthimtoabandonhisideaofgoing。
　　`Susan，'returnedMr。Toots，withmuchsolemnity，`beforemywhiskersbegantobeobservedbyanybodybutmyself，IadoredMissDombey。WhileyetavictimtothethraldomofBlimber，IadoredMissDombey。WhenIcouldnolongerbekeptoutofmyproperty，inalegalpointofview，and——andaccordinglycameintoit——IadoredMissDombey。ThebannswhichconsignhertoLieutenantWalters，andmeto——toGloom，youknow，'saidMr。Toots，afterhesitatingforastrongexpression，`maybedreadful，willbedreadful；butIfeelthatIshouldwishtohearthemspoken。IfeelthatIshouldwishtoknowthatthegroundwascertainlycutfromunderme，andthatIhadn'tahopetocherish，ora——oraleg，inshort，to——togoupon。'
　　SusanNippercouldonlycommiserateMr。Toots'sunfortunatecondition，andagree，underthesecircumstances，toaccompanyhim；whichshedidnextmorning。
　　ThechurchWalterhadchosenforthepurpose，wasamouldyoldchurchinayard，hemmedinbyalabyrinthofbackstreetsandcourts，withalittleburying-groundroundit，anditselfburiedinakindofvault，formedbytheneighbouringhouses，andpavedwithechoingstones。Itwasagreatdim，shabbypile，withhigholdoakenpews，amongwhichaboutascoreofpeoplelostthemselveseverySunday；whiletheclergyman'svoicedrowsilyresoundedthroughtheemptiness，andtheorganrumbledandrolledasifthechurchhadgotthecolic，forwantofacongregationtokeepthewindanddampout。Butsofarwasthiscitychurchfromlanguishingforthecompanyofotherchurches，thatspireswereclusteredroundit，asthemastsofshippingclusterontheriver。Itwouldhavebeenhardtocountthemfromitssteeple-top，theyweresomany。Inalmosteveryyardandblind-placenear，therewasachurch。TheconfusionofbellswhenSusanandMr。TootsbetookthemselvestowardsitontheSundaymorning，wasdeafening。Thereweretwentychurchesclosetogether，clamouringforpeopletocomein。
　　Thetwostraysheepinquestionwerepennedbyabeadleinacommodiouspew，and，beingearly，satforsometimecountingthecongregation，listeningtothedisappointedbellhighupinthetower，orlookingatashabbylittleoldmanintheporchbehindthescreen，whowasringingthesame，liketheBullinCockRobin，withhisfootinastirrup。Mr。Toots，afteralengthenedsurveyofthelargebooksonthereading-desk，whisperedMissNipperthathewonderedwherethebannswerekept，butthatyoungladymerelyshookherheadandforward；repellingforthetimeallapproachesofatemporalnature。
　　Mr。Toots，however，appearingunabletokeephisthoughtsfromthebanns，wasevidentlylookingoutforthemduringthewholepreliminaryportionoftheservice。Asthetimeforreadingthemapproached，thepooryounggentlemanmanifestedgreatanxietyandtrepidation，whichwasnotdiminishedbytheunexpectedapparitionoftheCaptaininthefrontrowofthegallery。Whentheclerkhandedupalisttotheclergyman，Mr。Toots，beingthenseated，heldonbytheseatofthepew；butwhenthenamesofWalterGayandFlorenceDombeywerereadaloudasbeinginthethirdandlaststageofthatassociation，hewassoentirelyconqueredbyhisfeelingsastorushfromthechurchwithouthishat，followedbythebeadleandpew-opener，andtwogentlemenofthemedicalprofession，whohappenedtobepresent；ofwhomthefirst-namedpresentlyreturnedforthatarticle，informingMissNipperinawhisperthatshewasnottomakeherselfuneasyaboutthegentleman，asthegentlemansaidhisindispositionwasofnoconsequence。
　　MissNipper，feelingthattheeyesofthatintegralportionofEuropewhichlostitselfweeklyamongthehigh-backedpews，wereuponher，wouldhavebeensufficientlyembarrassedbythisincident，thoughithadterminatedhere；themoreso，astheCaptaininthefrontrowofthegallery，wasinastateofunmitigatedconsciousnesswhichcouldhardlyfailtoexpresstothecongregationthathehadsomemysteriousconnexionwithit。ButtheextremerestlessnessofMr。Tootspainfullyincreasedandprotractedthedelicacyofhersituation。Thatyounggentleman，incapable，inhisstateofmind，ofremainingaloneinthechurchyard，apreytosolitarymeditation，andalsodesirous，nodoubt，oftestifyinghisrespectfortheofficeshehadinsomemeasureinterrupted，suddenlyreturned——notcomingbacktothepew，butstationinghimselfonafreeseatintheaisle，betweentwoelderlyfemaleswhowereinthehabitofreceivingtheirportionofaweeklydoleofbreadthensetforthonashelfintheporch。InthisconjunctionMr。Tootsremained，greatlydisturbingthecongregation，whofeltitimpossibletoavoidlookingathim，untilhisfeelingsovercamehimagain，whenhedepartedsilentlyandsuddenly。Notventuringtotrusthimselfinthechurchanymore，andyetwishingtohavesomesocialparticipationinwhatwasgoingonthere，Mr。Tootswasafterthis，seenfromtimetotime，lookingin，withalornaspect，atoneorotherofthewindows；andastherewereseveralwindowsaccessibletohimfromwithout，andashisrestlessnesswasverygreat，itnotonlybecamedifficulttoconceiveatwhichwindowhewouldappearnext，butlikewisebecamenecessary，asitwere，forthewholecongregationtospeculateuponthechancesofthedifferentwindows，duringthecomparativeleisureaffordedthembythesermon。Mr。
　　Toots'smovementsinthechurchyardweresoeccentric，thatheseemedgenerallytodefeatallcalculation，andtoappear，liketheconjuror'sfigure，wherehewasleastexpected；andtheeffectofthesemysteriouspresentationswasmuchincreasedbyitsbeingdifficulttohimtoseein，andeasytoeverybodyelsetoseeout：whichoccasionedhisremaining，everytime，longerthanmighthavebeenexpected，withhisfaceclosetotheglass，untilheallatoncebecameawarethatalleyeswereuponhim，andvanished。
　　TheseproceedingsonthepartofMr。Toots，andthestrongindividualconsciousnessofthemthatwasexhibitedbytheCaptain，renderedMissNipper'spositionsoresponsibleaone，thatshewasmightilyrelievedbytheconclusionoftheservice；andwashardlysoaffabletoMr。Tootsasusual，whenheinformedherandtheCaptain，onthewayback，thatnowhewassurehehadnohope，youknow，hefeltmorecomfortable——atleastnotexactlymorecomfortable，butmorecomfortablyandcompletelymiserable。
　　Swiftlynow，indeed，thetimeflewbyuntilitwastheeveningbeforethedayappointedforthemarriage。TheywereallassembledintheupperroomattheMidshipman's，andhadnofearofinterruption；fortherewerenolodgersinthehousenow，andtheMidshipmanhaditalltohimself。
　　Theyweregraveandquietintheprospectofto-morrow，butmoderatelycheerfultoo。Florence，withWalterclosebesideher，wasfinishingalittlepieceofworkintendedasapartinggifttotheCaptain。TheCaptainwasplayingcribbagewithMr。Toots。Mr。Tootswastakingcounselastohishand，ofSusanNipper。MissNipperwasgivingit，withallduesecrecyandcircumspection。Diogeneswaslistening，andoccasionallybreakingoutintoagruffhalf-smotheredfragmentofabark，ofwhichheafterwardsseemedhalf-ashamed，asifhedoubtedhavinganyreasonforit。
　　`Steady，steady！'saidtheCaptaintoDiogenes，`what'samisswithyou？Youdon'tseemeasyinyourmindto-night，myboy！'
　　Diogeneswaggedhistail，butprickeduphisearsimmediatelyafterwards，andgaveutterancetoanotherfragmentofabark；forwhichheapologisedtotheCaptain，byagainwagginghistail。
　　`It'smyopinion，Di，'saidtheCaptain，lookingthoughtfullyathiscards，andstrokinghischinwithhishook，`asyouhaveyourdoubtsofMrs。Richards；butifyou'retheanimalItakeyoutobe，you'llthinkbettero'that；forherlooksishercommission。Now，Brother：'toMr。
　　Toots：`ifsobeasyou'reready，heaveahead。'