TheCaptainspokewithallcomposureandattentiontothegame，butsuddenlyhiscardsdroppedoutofhishand，hismouthandeyesopenedwide，hislegsdrewthemselvesupandstuckoutinfrontofhischair，andhesatstaringatthedoorwithblankamazement。Lookingrounduponthecompany，andseeingthatnoneofthemobservedhimorthecauseofhisastonishment，theCaptainrecoveredhimselfwithagreatgasp，struckthetableatremendousblow，criedinastentorianroar，`SolGillsahoy！'
　　andtumbledintothearmsofaweather-beatenpea-coatthathadcomewithPollyintotheroom。
　　Inanothermoment，Walterwasinthearmsoftheweather-beatenpea-coat。Inanothermoment，Florencewasinthearmsoftheweather-beatenpea-coat。Inanothermoment，CaptainCuttlehadembracedMrs。RichardsandMissNipper，andwasviolentlyshakinghandswithMr。Toots，exclaiming，ashewavedhishookabovehishead，`Hooroar，mylad，hooroar！'TowhichMr。Toots，whollyatalosstoaccountfortheseproceedings，repliedwithgreatpoliteness，`Certainly，CaptainGills，whateveryouthinkproper！'
　　Theweather-beatenpea-coat，andanolessweather-beatencapandcomforterbelongingtoit，turnedfromtheCaptainandfromFlorencebacktoWalter，andsoundscamefromtheweather-beatenpea-coat，cap，andcomforter，asofanoldmansobbingunderneaththem；whiletheshaggysleevesclaspedWaltertight。Duringthispause，therewasanuniversalsilence，andtheCaptainpolishedhisnosewithgreatdiligence。Butwhenthepea-coat，cap，andcomforterliftedthemselvesupagain，Florencegentlymovedtowardsthem；andsheandWaltertakingthemoff，disclosedtheoldInstrument-maker，alittlethinnerandmorecarewornthanofold，inhisoldWelshwigandhisoldcoffee-colouredcoatandbasketbuttons，withhisoldinfalliblechronometertickingawayinhispocket。
　　`Chockfullo'science，'saidtheradiantCaptain，`aseverhewas！SolGills，SolGills，whathaveyoubeenupto，forthismanyalongday，myouldboy？'
　　`I'mhalfblind，Ned，'saidtheoldman，`andalmostdeafanddumbwithjoy。'
　　`Hiswerywoice，'saidtheCaptain，lookingroundwithanexultationtowhichevenhisfacecouldhardlyrenderjustice——`hiswerywoiceaschockfullo'scienceaseveritwas！SolGills，layto，mylad，uponyourownwinesandfig-trees，likeatautouldpatriarkasyouare，andoverhaulthemthereadwentureso'yourn，inyourownformiliorwoice。'Tisthewoice，saidtheCaptain，impressively，andannouncingaquotationwithhishook，`ofthesluggard，Iheerdhimcomplain，youhavewokemetoosoon，Imustslumberagain。Scatterhisene-mies，andmake'emfall！'
　　TheCaptainsatdownwiththeairofamanwhohadhappilyexpressedthefeelingofeverybodypresent，andimmediatelyroseagaintopresentMr。Toots，whowasmuchdisconcertedbythearrivalofanybody，appearingtopreferaclaimtothenameofGills。
　　`Although，'stammeredMr。Toots，`Ihadnotthepleasureofyouracquaintance，Sir，beforeyouwere——youwere——'
　　`Losttosight，tomemorydear，'suggestedtheCaptain，inalowvoice。
　　`Exactlyso，CaptainGills！'assentedMr。Toots。`AlthoughIhadnotthepleasureofyouracquaintance，Mr——Mr。Sols，'saidToots，hittingonthatnameintheinspirationofabrightidea，`beforethathappened，Ihavethegreatestpleasure，Iassureyou，in——youknow，inknowingyou。
　　Ihope，'saidMr。Toots，`thatyou'reaswellascanbeexpected。'
　　Withthesecourteouswords，Mr。Tootssatdownblushingandchuckling。
　　TheoldInstrument-maker，seatedinacornerbetweenWalterandFlorence，andnoddingatPolly，whowaslookingon，allsmilesanddelight，answeredtheCaptainthus：
　　`NedCuttle，mydearboy，althoughIhaveheardsomethingofthechangesofeventshere，frommypleasantfriendthere——whatapleasantfaceshehastobesure，towelcomeawandererhome！'saidtheoldman，breakingoff，andrubbinghishandsinhisolddreamyway。
　　`Hearhim！'criedtheCaptaingravely。`'Tiswomanasseducesallmankind。Forwhich，'asidetoMr。Toots，`you'lloverhaulyourAdamandEve，brother。'
　　`Ishallmakeapointofdoingso，CaptainGills，'saidMr。Toots。
　　`AlthoughIhaveheardsomethingofthechangesofevents，fromher，'resumedtheInstrument-maker，takinghisoldspectaclesfromhispocket，andputtingthemonhisforeheadinhisoldmanner，`theyaresogreatandunexpected，andIamsooverpoweredbythesightofmydearboy，andbythe，'——glancingatthedowncasteyesofFlorence，andnotattemptingtofinishthesentence——`thatI——Ican'tsaymuchto-night。ButmydearNedCuttle，whydidn'tyouwrite？'
　　TheastonishmentdepictedintheCaptain'sfeaturespositivelyfrightenedMr。Toots，whoseeyeswerequitefixedbyit，sothathecouldnotwithdrawthemfromhisface。
　　`Write！'echoedtheCaptain。`Write，SolGills？'
　　`Aye，'saidtheoldman，`eithertoBarbados，orJamaica，orDemerara。
　　ThatwaswhatIasked。'
　　`Whatyouasked，SolGills？'repeatedtheCaptain。
　　`Aye，'saidtheoldman。`Don'tyouknow，Ned？Sureyouhavenotforgotten？EverytimeIwrotetoyou。'
　　TheCaptaintookoffhisglazedhat，hungitonhishook，andsmoothinghishairfrombehindwithhishand，satgazingatthegrouparoundhim：aperfectimageofwonderingresignation。
　　`Youdon'tappeartounderstandme，Ned！'observedoldSol。
　　`SolGills，'returnedtheCaptain，afterstaringathimandtherestforalongtime，withoutspeaking，`I'mgoneaboutandadrift。Payoutawordortworespectingthemadwenturs，willyou！Can'tIbringup，nohows？Nohows？'saidtheCaptain，ruminating，andstaringallround。
　　`Youknow，Ned，'saidSolGills，`whyIlefthere。Didyouopenmypacket，Ned？'
　　`Why，aye，aye，'saidtheCaptain。`Tobesure，Iopenedthepacket。'
　　`Andreadit？'saidtheoldman。
　　`Andreadit，'answeredtheCaptain，eyeinghimattentively，andproceedingtoquoteitfrommemory。`“MydearNedCuttle，whenIlefthomefortheWestIndiesinforlornsearchofintelligenceofmydear——“Therehesits！There'sWal'r！'saidtheCaptain，asifhewererelievedbygettingholdofanythingthatwasrealandindisputable。
　　`Well，Ned。Nowattendamoment！'saidtheoldman。`WhenIwrotefirst——thatwasfromBarbados——Isaidthatthoughyouwouldreceivethatletterlongbeforetheyearwasout，Ishouldbegladifyouwouldopenthepacket，asitexplainedthereasonofmygoingaway。Verygood，Ned。
　　WhenIwrotethesecond，third，andperhapsthefourthtimes——thatwasfromJamaica——IsaidIwasinjustthesamestate，couldn'trest，andcouldn'tcomeawayfromthatpartoftheworld，withoutknowingthatmyboywaslostorsaved。WhenIwrotenext——that，Ithink，wasfromDemerara，wasn'tit？'
　　`ThathethinkswasfromDemerara，warn'tit！'saidtheCaptain，lookinghopelesslyround。
　　`——Isaid，'proceededoldSol，`thatstilltherewasnocertaininformationgotyet。ThatIfoundmanycaptainsandothers，inthatpartoftheworld，whohadknownmeforyears，andwhoassistedmewithapassagehereandthere，andforwhomIwasable，nowandthen，todoalittleinreturn，inmyowncraft。Thateveryonewassorryforme，andseemedtotakeasortofinterestinmywanderings；andthatIbegantothinkitwouldbemyfatetocruiseaboutinsearchoftidingsofmyboyuntilI
　　died。'
　　`BegantothinkashowhewasascientificflyingDutchman！'saidtheCaptain，asbefore，andwithgreatseriousness。
　　`Butwhenthenewscomeoneday，Ned，——thatwastoBarbados，afterIgotbackthere，——thataChinatraderhome'ardboundhadbeenspoke，thathadmyboyaboard，then，Ned，Itookpassageinthenextshipandcamehome；arrivedathometo-nighttofindittrue，thankGod！'saidtheoldman，devoutly。
　　TheCaptain，afterbowinghisheadwithgreatreverence，staredallroundthecircle，beginningwithMr。Toots，andendingwiththeInstrument-maker；
　　thengravelysaid：
　　`SolGills！TheobservationasI'ma-goingtomakeiscalc'latedtobloweverystitchofsailasyoucancarry，cleanoutofthebolt-ropes，andbringyouonyourbeamendswithalurch。NotoneofthemletterswaseverdeliveredtoEd'ardCuttle。Notoneo'themletters，'repeatedtheCaptain，tomakehisdeclarationthemoresolemnandimpressive，`waseverdelivereduntoEd'ardCuttle，Mariner，ofEngland，aslivesathomeatease，anddothimproveeachshininghour！'
　　`Andpostedbymyownhand！Anddirectedbymyownhand，NumbernineBrigPlace！'exclaimedoldSol。
　　ThecolourallwentoutoftheCaptain'sface，andallcamebackagaininaglow。
　　`Whatdoyoumean，SolGills，myfriend，byNumbernineBrigPlace？'
　　inquiredtheCaptain。
　　`Mean？Yourlodgings，Ned，'returnedtheoldman。`Mrs。What's-her-name！
　　Ishallforgetmyownnamenext，butIambehindthepresenttime——Ialwayswas，yourecollect——andverymuchconfused。Mrs。'
　　`SolGills！'saidtheCaptain，asifhewereputtingthemostimprobablecaseintheworld，`itain'tthenameofMacStingerasyou'reatryingtoremember？'
　　`Ofcourseitis！'exclaimedtheInstrument-maker。`TobesureNed。Mrs。MacStinger！'
　　CaptainCuttle，whoseeyeswerenowaswideopenastheycouldbe，andtheknobsuponwhosefacewereperfectlyluminous，gavealongshrillwhistleofamostmelancholysound，andstoodgazingateverybodyinastateofspeechlessness。
　　`Overhaulthatthereagain，SolGills，willyoubesokind？'hesaidatlast。
　　`Alltheseletters，'returnedUncleSol，beatingtimewiththeforefingerofhisrighthanduponthepalmofhisleft，withasteadinessanddistinctnessthatmighthavedonehonour，eventotheinfalliblechronometerinhispocket，`Ipostedwithmyownhand，anddirectedwithmyownhand，toCaptainCuttle，atMrs。MacStinger's，NumbernineBrigPlace。'
　　TheCaptaintookhisglazedhatoffhishook，lookedintoit，putiton，andsatdown。
　　`Why，friendsall，'saidtheCaptain，staringroundinthelaststateofdiscomfiture，`Icutandrunfromthere！'
　　`Andnooneknewwhereyouweregone，CaptainCuttle？'criedWalterhastily。
　　`Blessyourheart，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，shakinghishead，`she'dneverhaveallowedo'mycomingtotakechargeo'thishereproperty。
　　Nothingcouldbedonebutcutandrun。Lordloveyou，Wal'r！'saidtheCaptain，`you'veonlyseenherinacalm！Butseeherwhenherangrypassionsrise——andmakeanoteon！'
　　`I'dgiveither！'remarkedtheNipper，softly。
　　`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？'returnedtheCaptainwithfeebleadmiration。`Well，mydear，itdoesyoucredit。Butthereain'tnowildanimalIwouldsoonerfacemyself。Ionlygotmychestawaybymeansofafriendasnobody'samatchfor。Itwasnogoodsendinganyletterthere。Shewouldn'ttakeinanyletter，blessyou，'saidtheCaptain，`underthemcircumstances！Why，youcouldhardlymakeitworthaman'swhiletobethepostman！'
　　`Thenit'sprettyclear，CaptainCuttle，thatallofus，andyouandUncleSolespecially，'saidWalter，`maythankMrs。MacStingerfornosmallanxiety。'
　　ThegeneralobligationinthiswisetothedeterminedrelictofthelateMr。MacStinger，wassoapparent，thattheCaptaindidnotcontestthepoint；butbeinginsomemeasureashamedofhisposition，thoughnobodydweltuponthesubject，andWalterespeciallyavoidedit，rememberingthelastconversationheandtheCaptainhadheldtogetherrespectingit，heremainedunderacloudfornearlyfiveminutes——anextra-ordinaryperiodforhim——whenthatsun，hisface，brokeoutoncemore，shiningonallbeholderswithextraordinarybrilliancy；andhefellintoafitofshakinghandswitheverybodyoverandoveragain。
　　Atanearlyhour，butnotbeforeUncleSolandWalterhadquestionedeachotheratsomelengthabouttheirvoyagesanddangers，theyall，exceptWalter，vacatedFlorence'sroom，andwentdowntotheparlour。HeretheyweresoonafterwardsjoinedbyWalter，whotoldthemFlorencewasalittlesorrowfulandheavy-hearted，andhadgonetobed。Thoughtheycouldnothavedisturbedherwiththeirvoicesdownthere，theyallspokeinawhisperafterthis：andeach，inhisdifferentway，feltverylovinglyandgentlytowardsWalter'sfairyoungbride：andalongexplanationtherewasofeverythingrelatingtoher，forthesatisfactionofUncleSol；andverysensibleMr。TootswasofthedelicacywithwhichWaltermadehisnameandservicesimportant，andhispresencenecessarytotheirlittlecouncil。
　　`Mr。Toots，'saidWalter，onpartingwithhimatthehousedoor，`weshallseeeachotherto-morrowmorning？'
　　`LieutenantWalters，'returnedMr。Toots，graspinghishandfervently，`Ishallcertainlybepresent。'
　　`Thisisthelastnightweshallmeetforalongtime——thelastnightwemayevermeet，'saidWalter。`Suchanobleheartasyours，mustfeel，Ithink，whenanotherheartisboundtoit。IhopeyouknowthatIamverygratefultoyou？'
　　`Walters，'repliedMr。Toots，quitetouched，`Ishouldbegladtofeelthatyouhadreasontobeso。''
　　`Florence，'saidWalter，`onthislastnightofherbearingherownname，hasmademepromise——itwasonlyjustnow，whenyouleftustogether——thatIwouldtellyou——withherdearlove——'
　　Mr。Tootslaidhishanduponthedoorpost，andhiseyesuponhishand。
　　`——withherdearlove，'saidWalter，`thatshecanneverhaveafriendwhomshewillvalueaboveyou。Thattherecollectionofyourtrueconsiderationforheralways，canneverbeforgottenbyher。Thatsheremembersyouinherprayersto-night，andhopesthatyouwillthinkofherwhensheisfaraway。ShallIsayanythingforyou？'
　　`Say，Walter，'repliedMr。Tootsindistinctly，`thatIshallthinkofhereveryday，butneverwithoutfeelinghappytoknowthatsheismarriedtothemansheloves，andwholovesher。Say，ifyouplease，thatIamsureherhusbanddeservesher——evenher！——andthatIamgladofherchoice。'
　　Mr。Tootsgotmoredistinctashecametotheselastwords，andraisinghiseyesfromthedoorpost，saidthemstoutly。HethenshookWalter'shandagainwithafervourthatWalterwasnotslowtoreturn，andstartedhomeward。
　　Mr。TootswasaccompaniedbytheChicken，whomhehadoflatebroughtwithhimeveryevening，andleftintheshop，withanideathatunforeseencircumstancesmightarisefromwithout，inwhichtheprowessofthatdistinguishedcharacterwouldbeofservicetotheMidshipman。
　　TheChickendidnotappeartobeinaparticularlygoodhumouronthisoccasion。Eitherthegas-lampsweretreacherous，orhecockedhiseyeinahideousmanner，andlikewisedistortedhisnose，whenMr。Toots，crossingtheroad，lookedbackoverhisshoulderattheroomwhereFlorenceslept。
　　Ontheroadhome，hewasmoredemonstrativeofaggressiveintentionsagainsttheotherfoot-passengers，thancomportedwithaprofessorofthepeacefulartofself-defence。Arrivedathome，insteadofleavingMr。Tootsinhisapartmentswhenhehadescortedhimthither，heremainedbeforehimweighinghiswhitehatinbothhandsbythebrim，andtwitchinghisheadandnosebothofwhichhadbeenmanytimesbroken，andbutindifferentlyrepaired，withanairofdecideddisrespect。
　　Hispatronbeingmuchengagedwithhisownthoughts，didnotobservethisforsometime，norindeeduntiltheChicken，determinednottobeoverlooked，hadmadediversclickingsoundswithhistongueandteeth，toattractattention。
　　`Now，Master，'saidtheChicken，doggedly，whenhe，atlength，caughtMr。Toot'seye，`Iwanttoknowwhetherthisheregammonistofinishit，orwhetheryou'reagoingintowin？'
　　`Chicken，'returnedMr。Toots，`explainyourself。'
　　`Whythen，here'sallaboutit，Master，'saidtheChicken。`I
　　ain'tacovetochuckawordaway。Here'swotitis。Areanyon'emtobedoubledup？'
　　WhentheChickenputthisquestionhedroppedhishat，madeadodgeandafeintwithhislefthand，hitasupposedenemyaviolentblowwithhisright，shookhisheadsmartly，andrecoveredhimself。
　　`Come，Master，'saidtheChicken。`Isittobegammonorpluck？
　　Which？'
　　`Chicken，'returnedMr。Toots，`yourexpressionsarecoarse，andyourmeaningisobscure。'
　　`Why，then，Itellyouwhat，Master，'saidtheChicken。`Thisiswhereitis。It'smean。'
　　`Whatismean，Chicken？'askedMr。Toots。
　　`Itis，'saidtheChicken，withafrightfulcorrugationofhisbrokennose。`There！Now，Master！Wot！Whenyoucouldgoandblowonthisherematchtothestiff'un；'bywhichdepreciatoryappellationithasbeensincesupposedthattheGameOneintendedtosignifyMr。Dombey；
　　`andwhenyoucouldknockthewinnerandallthekitof'emdeadouto'
　　windandtime，areyougoingtogivein？Togivein？'saidtheChicken，withcontemptuousemphasis。`Wy，it'smean！'
　　`Chicken，'saidMr。Toots，severely，`you'reaperfectVulture！
　　Yoursentimentsareatrocious。'
　　`MysentimentsisGameandFancy，Master，'returnedtheChicken。
　　`That'swotmysentimentsis。Ican'tabearameanness。I'maforethepublic，I'mtobeheerdonatthebaroftheLittleHelephant，andnoGov'nero'
　　minemustn'tgoanddowhat'smean。Wy，it'smean，'saidtheChicken，withincreasedexpression。`That'swhereitis。It'smean。'
　　`Chicken，'saidMr。Toots，`Youdisgustme。'
　　`Master，'returnedtheChicken，puttingonhishat，`there'sapaironus，then。Come！Here'saoffer！You'vespoketomemorethanonce'tortwice'taboutthepublicline。Nevermind！Givemeafi'typunnoteto-morrow，andletmego。'
　　`Chicken，'returnedMr。Toots，`aftertheodioussentimentsyouhaveexpressed，Ishallbegladtopartonsuchterms。'
　　`Donethen，'saidtheChicken。`It'sabargain。Thishereconductofyournwon'tsuitmybook，Master。Wy，it'smean，'saidtheChicken；
　　whoseemedequallyunabletogetbeyondthatpoint，andtostopshortofit。`That'swhereitis；it'smean！'
　　SoMr。TootsandtheChickenagreedtopartonthisincompatibilityofmoralperception；andMr。Tootslyingdowntosleep，dreamedhappilyofFlorence，whohadthoughtofhimasherfrienduponthelastnightofhermaidenlife，andwhohadsenthimherdearlove。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter57[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIIAnotherWeddingMR。SOWNDSthebeadle，andMrs。Miffthepew-opener，areearlyattheirpostsinthefinechurchwhereMr。Dombeywasmarried。Ayellow-facedoldgentlemanfromIndia，isgoingtotakeuntohimselfayoungwifethismorning，andsixcarriagesfullofcompanyareexpected，andMrs。Miffhasbeeninformedthattheyellow-facedoldgentlemancouldpavetheroadtochurchwithdiamondsandhardlymissthem。Thenuptialbenedictionistobeasuperiorone，proceedingfromaveryreverend，adean，andtheladyistobegivenaway，asanextraordinarypresent，bysomebodywhocomesexpressfromtheHorseGuards。
　　Mrs。Miffismoreintolerantofcommonpeoplethismorning，thanshegenerallyis；andshehasalwaysstrongopinionsonthatsubject，foritisassociatedwithfreesittings。Mrs。Miffisnotastudentofpoliticaleconomyshethinksthescienceisconnectedwithdissenters；`BaptistsorWesleyans，orsomeo'them，'shesays，butshecanneverunderstandwhatbusinessyourcommonfolkshavetobemarried。`Drat'em，'saysMrs。
　　Miff，`youreadthesamethingsover'em，andinsteadofsovereignsgetsixpences！'
　　Mr。SowndsthebeadleismoreliberalthanMrs。Miff——butthenheisnorapew-opener。`Itmustbedone，ma'am，'hesays。`Wemustmarry'em。Wemusthaveournationalschoolstowalkattheheadof，andwemusthaveourstandingarmies。Wemustmarry'em，ma'am，'saysMr。Sownds，`andkeepthecountrygoing。'
　　Mr。SowndsissittingonthestepsandMrs。Miffisdustinginthechurch，whenayoungcouple，plainlydressed，comein。ThemortifiedbonnetofMrs。Miffissharplyturnedtowardsthem，forsheespiesinthisearlyvisitindicationsofarunawaymatch。Buttheydon'twanttobemarried——`Only，'
　　saysthegentleman，`towalkroundthechurch。'AndasheslipsagenteelcomplimentintothepalmofMrs。Miff，hervinegaryfacerelaxes，andhermortifiedbonnetandhersparedryfiguredipandcrackle。
　　Mrs。Miffresumesherdustingandplumpsuphercushions——fortheyellow-facedoldgentlemanisreportedtohavetenderknees——butkeepsherglazed，pew-openingeyeontheyoungcouplewhoarewalkingroundthechurch。`Ahem，'coughsMrs。Miff，whosecoughisdrierthanthehayinanyhassockinhercharge，`you'llcometousoneofthesemornings，mydears，unlessI'mmuchmistaken！'
　　Theyarelookingatatabletonthewall，erectedtothememoryofsomeonedead。TheyarealongwayofffromMrs。Miff，butMrs。Miffcanseewithhalfaneyehowsheisleaningonhisarm，andhowhisheadisbentdownoverher。`Well，well，'saysMrs。Miff，`youmightdoworse。
　　Foryou'reatidypair！'
　　ThereisnothingpersonalinMrs。Miff'sremark。Shemerelyspeaksofstock-in-trade。Sheishardlymorecuriousincouplesthanincoffins。
　　Sheissuchaspare，straight，dryoldlady——suchapewofawoman——thatyoushouldfindasmanyindividualsympathiesinaship。Mr。Sownds，now，whoisfleshy，andhasscarletinhiscoat，isofadifferenttemperament。
　　Hesays，astheystanduponthestepswatchingtheyoungcoupleaway，thatshehasaprettyfigure，hasn'tshe，andaswellashecouldseforsheheldherheaddowncomingout，anuncommonprettyface。`Altogether，Mrs。
　　Miff，'saysMr。Sowndswitharelish，`sheiswhatyoumaycallarose-bud。'
　　Mrs。Miffassentswithasparenodofhermortifiedbonnet；butapprovesofthissolittle，thatsheinwardlyresolvesshewouldn'tbethewifeofMr。Sowndsforanymoneyhecouldgiveher，Beadleasheis。
　　Andwhataretheyoungcouplesayingastheyleavethechurch，andgooutatthegate？
　　`DearWalter，thankyou！Icangoaway，now，happy。'
　　`Andwhenwecomeback，Florence，wewillcomeandseehisgraveagain。'
　　Florenceliftshereyes，sobrightwithtears，tohiskindface；
　　andclaspsherdisengagedhandonthatothermodestlittlehandwhichclaspshisarm。
　　`Itisveryearly，Walter，andthestreetsarealmostemptyyet。
　　Letuswalk。'
　　`Butyouwillbesotired，mylove。'
　　`Ohno！Iwasverytiredthefirsttimethatweeverwalkedtogether，butIshallnotbesoto-day。'
　　Andthus——notmuchchanged——she，asinnocentandearnest-hearted——he，asfrank，ashopeful，andmoreproudofher——FlorenceandWalter，ontheirbridalmorning，walkthroughthestreetstogether。
　　Noteveninthatchildishwalkoflongago，weretheysofarremovedfromalltheworldaboutthemasto-day。Thechildishfeetoflongago，didnottreadsuchenchantedgroundastheirsdonow。Theconfidenceandloveofchildrenmaybegivenmanytimes，andwillspringupinmanyplaces；
　　butthewoman'sheartofFlorence，withitsundividedtreasure，canbeyieldedonlyonce，andunderslightorchange，canonlydroopanddie。
　　Theytakethestreetsthatarethequietest，anddonotgonearthatinwhichheroldhomestands。Itisafair，warmsummermorning，andthesunshinesonthem，astheywalktowardsthedarkeningmistthatoverspreadstheCity。Richesareuncoveringinshops；jewels，gold，andsilverflashinthegoldsmith'ssunnywindows；andgreathousescastastatelyshadeuponthemastheypass。Butthroughthelight，andthroughtheshade，theygoonlovinglytogether，losttoeverythingaround；thinkingofnootherriches，andnoprouderhome，thantheyhavenowinoneanother。
　　Graduallytheycomeintothedarker，narrowerstreets，wherethesun，nowyellow，andnowred，isseenthroughthemist，onlyatstreetcorners，andinsmallopenspaceswherethereisatree，oroneoftheinnumerablechurches，orapavedwayandaflightofsteps，oracuriouslittlepatchofgarden，oraburying-ground，wherethefewtombsandtombstonesarealmostblack。Lovinglyandtrustfully，throughallthenarrowyardsandalleysandtheshadystreets，Florencegoes，clingingtohisarm，tobehiswife。
　　Herheartbeatsquickernow，forWaltertellsherthattheirchurchisverynear。Theypassafewgreatstacksofware-houses，withwaggonsatthedoors，andbusycarmenstoppinguptheway——butFlorencedoesnotseeorhearthem——andthentheairisquiet，andthedayisdarkened，andsheistremblinginachurchwhichhasastrangesmelllikeacellar。
　　TheShabbylittleoldman，ringerofthedisappointedbell，isstandingintheporch，andhasputhishatinthefont——forheisquiteathomethere，beingsexton。Heushersthemintoanoldbrown，panelled，dustyvestry，likeacorner-cupboardwiththeshelvestakenout；wherethewormyregistersdiffuseasmelllikefadedsnuff，whichhassetthetearfulNippersneezing。
　　Youthful，andhowbeautiful，theyoungbridelooks，inthisolddustyplace，withnokindredobjectnearherbutherhusband。Thereisadustyoldclerk，whokeepsasortofevaporatednewsshopunderneathanarchwayopposite，behindaperfectfortificationofposts。Thereisadustyoldpew-openerwhoonlykeepsherself，andfindsthatquiteenoughtodo。ThereisadustyoldbeadletheseareMr。Toots'sbeadleandpew-openeroflastSunday，whohassomethingtodowithaWorshipfulCompanywhohavegotaHallintheNextyard，withastained-glasswindowinitthatnomortaleversaw。Therearedustywoodenledgesandcornicespokedinandoutoverthealtar，andoverthescreenandroundthegallery，andovertheinscriptionaboutwhattheMasterandWardensoftheWorshipfulCompanydidinonethousandsixhundredandninety-four。Therearedustyoldsounding-boardsoverthepulpitandreading-desk，lookinglikelidstobeletdownontheofficiatingministers，incaseoftheirgivingoffence。
　　Thereiseverypossibleprovisionfortheaccommodationofdust，exceptinthechurchyard，wherethefacilitiesinthatrespectareverylimited。
　　TheCaptain，UncleSol，andMr。Tootsarecome；theclergymanisputtingonhissurpliceinthevestry，whiletheclerkwalksroundhim，blowingthedustoffit；andthebrideandbridegroomstandbeforethealtar。Thereisnobrides-maid，unlessSusanNipperisone；andnobetterfatherthanCaptainCuttle。Amanwithawoodenleg，chewingafaintappleandcarryingabluebaginhishand，looksintoseewhatisgoingon；
　　butfindingitnothingentertaining，stumpsoffagain，andpegshiswayamongtheechoesoutofdoors。
　　NograciousrayoflightisseentofallonFlorence，kneelingatthealtarwithhertimidheadboweddown。TheMorningluminaryisbuiltout，anddon'tshinethere。Thereisameagretreeoutside，wherethesparrowsarechirpingalittle；andthereisablackbirdinaneyelet-holeofsuninadyer'sgarret，overagainstthewindow，whowhistlesloudlywhilsttheserviceisperforming；andthereisthemanwiththewoodenlegstumpingaway。Theamensofthedustyclerkappear，likeMacBeth's，tostickinhisthroatalittle；butCaptainCuttlehelpshimout，anddoesitwithsomuchgoodwillthatheinterpolatesthreeentirelynewresponsesofthatword，neverintroducedintotheservicebefore。
　　Theyaremarried，andhavesignedtheirnamesinoneoftheoldsneezyregisters，andtheclergyman'ssurpliceisrestoredtothedust，andtheclergymanisgonehome。Inadarkcornerofthedarkchurch，FlorencehasturnedtoSusanNipper，andisweepinginherarms。Mr。Toots'seyesarered。TheCaptainlubricateshisnose。UncleSolhaspulleddownhisspectaclesfromhisforehead，andwalkedouttothedoor。
　　`Godblessyou，Susan；dearestSusan！IfyouevercanbearwitnesstotheloveIhaveforWalter，andthereasonthatIhavetolovehim，doitforhissake。Good-bye！Good-bye！'
　　TheyhavethoughtitbetternottogobacktotheMidshipman，buttopartso；acoachiswaitingforthem，nearathand。
　　MissNippercannotspeak；sheonlysobsandchokes，andhugshermistress。Mr。Tootsadvances，urgeshertocheerup，andtakeschargeofher。Florencegiveshimherhand——giveshim，inthefulnessofherheart，herlips——kissesUncleSol，andCaptainCuttle，andisborneawaybyheryounghusband。
　　ButSusancannotbearthatFlorenceshouldgoawaywithamournfulrecollectionofher。Shehadmeanttobesodifferent，thatshereproachesherselfbitterly。Intentonmakingonelastefforttoredeemhercharacter，shebreaksfromMr。Tootsandrunsawaytofindthecoach，andshowapartingsmile。TheCaptain，diviningherobject，setsoffafterher；forhefeelsithisdutyalsotodismissthemwithacheer，ifpossible。UncleSolandMr。Tootsareleftbehindtogether，outsidethechurch，towaitforthem。
　　Thecoachisgone，butthestreetissteep，andnarrow，andblockedup，andSusancanseeitatastand-stillinthedistance，sheissure。
　　CaptainCuttlefollowsherasshefliesdownthehill，andwaveshisglazedhatasageneralsignal，whichmayattracttherightcoachandwhichmaynot。
　　SusanoutstripstheCaptain，andcomesupwithit。Shelooksinatthewindow，seesWalter，withthegentlefacebesidehim，andclapsherhandsandscreams：
　　`MissFloy，mydarling！lookatme！Weareallsohappynow，dear！
　　Onemoregood-bye，myprecious，onemore！'
　　HowSusandoesit，shedon'tknow，butshereachestothewindow，kissesher，andhasherarmsaboutherneck，inamoment。
　　`Weareallso——sohappynow，mydearMissFloy！'saysSusan，withasuspiciouscatchinginherbreath。`You，youwon'tbeangrywithmenow。Nowwillyou？'`Angry，Susan！'
　　`No，no；Iamsureyouwon't。Isayyouwon't，mypet，mydearest！'
　　exclaimsSusan；`andhere'stheCaptaintoo——yourfriendtheCaptain，youknow——tosaygood-byeoncemore！'
　　`Hooroar，myHeart'sDelight！'vociferatestheCaptain，withacountenanceofstrongemotion。`Hooroar，Wal'rmylad。Hooroar！Hooroar！'
　　Whatwiththeyounghusbandatonewindow，andtheyoungwifeattheother；theCaptainhangingonatthisdoor，andSusanNipperholdingfastbythat；thecoachobligedtogoonwhetheritwillorno，andalltheothercartsandcoachesturbulentbecauseithesitates；thereneverwassomuchconfusiononfourwheels。ButSusanNippergallantlymaintainsherpoint。Shekeepsasmilingfaceuponhermistress，smilingthroughhertears，untilthelast。Evenwhensheisleftbehind，theCaptaincontinuestoappearanddisappearatthedoor，crying`Hooroar，mylad！Hooroar，myHeart'sDelight！'withhisshirt-collarinaviolentstateofagitation，untilitishopelesstoattempttokeepupwiththecoachanylonger。Finally，whenthecoachisgone，SusanNipper，beingrejoinedbytheCaptain，fallsintoastateofinsensibility，andistakenintoabaker'sshoptorecover。
　　UncleSolandMr。Tootswaitpatientlyinthechurchyard，sittingonthecoping-stoneoftherailings，untilCaptainCuttleandSusancomeback。Neitherbeingatalldesiroustospeak，ortobespokento，theyareexcellentcompany，andquitesatisfied。WhentheyallarriveagainatthelittleMidshipman，andsitdowntobreakfast，nobodycantouchamorsel。CaptainCuttlemakesafeintofbeingvoraciousabouttoast，butgivesitupasaswindle。Mr。Tootssays，afterbreakfast，hewillcomebackintheevening；andgoeswanderingaboutthetownallday，withavaguesensationuponhimasifhehadn'tbeentobedforafortnight。
　　Thereisastrangecharminthehouse，andintheroom，inwhichtheyhavebeenusedtobetogether，andoutofwhichsomuchisgone。Itaggravates，andyetitsoothes，thesorrowoftheseparation。Mr。TootstellsSusanNipperwhenhecomesatnight，thathehasn'tbeensowretchedalldaylong，andyethelikesit。HeconfidesinSusanNipper，beingalonewithher，andtellsherwhathisfeelingswerewhenshegavehimthatcandidopinionastotheprobabilityofMissDombey'severlovinghim。Intheveinofconfidenceengenderedbythesecommonrecollections，andtheirtears，Mr。Tootsproposesthattheyshallgoouttogether，andbuysomethingforsupper。MissNipperassenting，theybuyagoodmanylittlethings；
　　and，withtheaidofMrs。Richards，setthesupperoutquiteshowilybeforetheCaptainandoldSolcamehome。
　　TheCaptainandoldSolhavebeenonboardtheship，andhaveestablishedDithere，andhaveseenthechestsputaboard。TheyhavemuchtotellaboutthepopularityofWalter，andthecomfortshewillhaveabouthim，andthequietwayinwhichitseemshehasbeenworkingearlyandlate，tomakehiscabinwhattheCaptaincalls`apicter，'tosurprisehislittlewife。`Aadmiral'scabin，mindyou，'saystheCaptain，`ain'tmoretrim。'
　　ButoneoftheCaptain'schiefdelightsis，thatheknowsthebigwatch，andthesugar-tongs，andtea-spoons，areonboard：andagainandagainhemurmurstohimself，`Ed'ardCuttle，mylad，younevershapedabettercourseinyourlifethanwhenyoumadethattherelittlepropertyoverjintly。Youseehowthelandbore，Ed'ard，'saystheCaptain，`anditdoesyoucredit，mylad。'
　　TheoldInstrument-makerismoredistraughtandmistythanheusedtobe，andtakesthemarriageandthepartingverymuchtoheart。
　　Butheisgreatlycomfortedbyhavinghisoldally，NedCuttle，athisside；andhesitsdowntosupperwithagratefulandcontentedface。
　　`Myboyhasbeenpreservedandthrives，'saysoldSolGills，rubbinghishands。`WhatrighthaveItobeotherwisethanthankfulandhappy！'
　　TheCaptain，whohasnotyettakenhisseatatthetable，butwhohasbeenfidgetingaboutforsometime，andnowstandshesitatinginhisplace，looksdoubtfullyatMr。Gills，andsays：
　　`Sol！There'sthelastbottleoftheoldMadeiradownbelow。Wouldyouwishtohaveitupto-night，myboy，anddrinktoWal'randhiswife？'
　　TheInstrument-maker，lookingwistfullyattheCaptain，putshishandintothebreast-pocketofhiscoffee-colouredcoat，bringsforthhispocket-book，andtakesaletterout。
　　`ToMr。Dombey，'saystheoldman。`FromWalter。Tobesentinthreeweeks'time。I'llreadit。'
　　`“Sir。Iammarriedtoyourdaughter。Sheisgonewithmeuponadistantvoyage。Tobedevotedtoheristohavenoclaimonheroryou，butGodknowsthatIam。
　　`“Why，lovingherbeyondallearthlythings，Ihaveyet，withoutremorse，unitedhertotheuncertaintiesanddangersofmylife，Iwillnotsaytoyou。Youknowwhy，andyouareherfather。
　　`“Donotreproachher。Shehasneverreproachedyou。
　　`“Idonotthinkorhopethatyouwilleverforgiveme。ThereisnothingIexpectless。ButifanhourshouldcomewhenitwillcomfortyoutobelievethatFlorencehassomeoneevernearher，thegreatchargeofwhoselifeistocancelherremembranceofpastsorrow，Isolemnlyassureyou，youmay，inthathour，restinthatbelief。“'
　　Solomonputsbackthelettercarefullyinhispocket-book，andputsbackhispocket-bookinhiscoat。
　　`Wewon'tdrinkthelastbottleoftheoldMadeirayet，Ned，'
　　saystheoldmanthoughtfully。`Notyet。'
　　`Notyet，'assentstheCaptain。`No。Notyet。'
　　SusanandMr。Tootsareofthesameopinion。Afterasilencetheyallsitdowntosupper，anddrinktotheyounghusbandandwifeinsomethingelse；andthelastbottleoftheoldMadeirastillremainsamongitsdustandcobwebs，undisturbed。
　　Afewdayshaveelapsed，andastatelyshipisoutatsea，spreadingitswhitewingstothefavouringwind。
　　Uponthedeck，imagetotheroughestmanonboardofsomethingthatisgraceful，beautiful，andharmless——somethingthatitisgoodandpleasanttohavethere，andthatshouldmakethevoyageprosperous——isFlorence。Itisnight，andsheandWaltersitalone，watchingthesolemnpathoflightupontheseabetweenthemandthemoon。
　　Atlengthshecannotseeitplainly，forthetearsthatfillhereyes；andthenshelaysherheaddownonhisbreast，andputsherarmsaroundhisneck，saying，`OhWalter，dearestlove，Iamsohappy！'
　　Herhusbandholdshertohisheart，andtheyareveryquiet，andthestatelyshipgoesonserenely。
　　`AsIhearthesea，'saysFlorence，`andsitwatchingit，itbringssomanydaysintomymind。Itmakesmethinksomuch'
　　`OfPaul，mylove。Iknowitdoes。'
　　OfPaulandWalter。AndthevoicesinthewavesarealwayswhisperingtoFlorence，intheirceaselessmurmuring，oflove——oflove，eternalandillimitable，notboundedbytheconfinesofthisworld，orbytheendoftime，butrangingstill，beyondthesea，beyondthesky，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter58[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIIIAfteraLapseTHEseahadebbedandflowed，throughawholeyear。Throughawholeyear，thewindsandcloudshadcomeandgone；theceaselessworkofTimehadbeenperformed，instormandsunshine。Throughawholeyear，thetidesofhumanchanceandchangehadsetintheirallottedcourses。Throughawholeyear，thefamousHouseofDombeyandSonhadfoughtafightforlife，againstcrossaccidents，doubtfulrumours，unsuccessfulventures，unpropitioustimes，andmostofall，againsttheinfatuationofitshead，whowouldnotcontractitsenterprisesbyahair'sbreadth，andwouldnotlistentoawordofwarningthattheshiphestrainedsohardagainstthestorm，wasweak，andcouldnotbearit。
　　Theyearwasout，andthegreatHousewasdown。
　　Onesummerafternoon；ayear，wantingsomeodddays，afterthemarriageintheCitychurch；therewasabuzzandwhisperupon'Changeofagreatfailure。Acertaincoldproudman，wellknownthere，wasnotthere，norwasherepresentedthere。NextdayitwasnoisedabroadthatDombeyandSonhadstopped，andnextnighttherewasaListofBankruptspublished，headedbythatname。
　　Theworldwasverybusynow，insooth，andhadadealtosay。
　　Itwasaninnocentlycredulousandamuchill-usedworld。Itwasaworldinwhichtherewasnoothersortofbankruptcywhatever。Therewerenoconspicuouspeopleinit，tradingfarandwideonrottenbanksofreligion，patriotism，virtue，honour。Therewasnoamountworthmentioningofmerepaperincirculation，onwhichanybodylivedprettyhandsomely，promisingtopaygreatsumsofgoodnesswithnoeffects。Therewasnoshortcomingsanywhere，inanythingbutmoney。Theworldwasveryangryindeed；andthepeopleespecially，who，inaworseworld，mighthavebeensupposedtobebankrupttradersthemselvesinshowsandpretences，wereobservedtobemightilyindignant。
　　Herewasanewinducementtodissipation，presentedtothatsportofcircumstances，Mr。PerchtheMessenger！ItwasapparentlythefateofMr。Perchtobealwayswakingup，andfindinghimselffamous。Hehadbutyesterday，asonemightsay，subsidedintoprivatelifefromthecelebrityoftheelopementandtheeventsthatfollowedit；andnowhewasmadeamoreimportantmanthanever，bythebankruptcy。Glidingfromhisbracketintheouterofficewherehenowsat，watchingthestrangefacesofaccountantsandothers，whoquicklysupersedednearlyalltheoldclerks，Mr。Perchhadbuttoshowhimselfinthecourtoutside，or，atfarthest，inthebaroftheKing'sArms，tobeaskedamultitudeofquestions，almostcertaintoincludethatinterestingquestion，whatwouldhetaketodrink？ThenwouldMr。PerchdescantuponthehoursofacuteuneasinessheandMrs。
　　PerchhadsufferedoutatBallsPond，whentheyfirstsuspected`thingswasgoingwrong。'ThenwouldMr。Perchrelatetogapinglisteners，inalowvoice，asifthecorpseofthedeceasedHousewerelyingunburiedinthenextroom，howMrs。PerchhadfirstcometosurmisethatthingswasgoingwrongbyhearinghimPerchmoaninginhissleep，`twelveandninepenceinthepound，twelveandninepenceinthepound！'WhichactofsomnambulismhesupposedtohaveoriginatedintheimpressionmadeuponhimbythechangeinMr。Dombey'sface。Thenwouldheinformthemhowhehadoncesaid，`MightImakesoboldasask，Sir，areyouunhappyinyourmind？'andhowMr。
　　Dombeyhadreplied，`MyfaithfulPerch——butno，itcannotbe！'andwiththathadstruckhishanduponhisforehead，andsaid，`Leaveme，Perch！'
　　Then，inshort，wouldMr。Perch，avictimtohisposition，tellallmanneroflies；affectinghimselftotearsbythosethatwereofamovingnature，andreallybelievingthattheinventionsofyesterdayhad，onrepetition，asortoftruthaboutthemto-day。
　　Mr。Perchalwaysclosedtheseconferencesbymeeklyremarking，That，ofcourse，whateverhissuspicionsmighthavebeenasifhehadeverhadany！itwasn'tforhimtobetrayhistrust，wasit？Whichsentimentthereneverbeinganycreditorspresentwasreceivedasdoingasdoinggreathonourtohisfeelings。Thus，hegenerallybroughtawayasoothedconscienceandleftanagreeableimpressionbehindhim，whenhereturnedtohisbracket：againtositwatchingthestrangefacesoftheaccountantsandothers，makingsofreewiththegreatmysteries，theBooks；ornowandthentogoontiptoeintoMr。Dombey'semptyroom，andstirthefire；ortotakeanairingatthedoor，andhavealittlemoredolefulchatwithanystragglerwhomheknew；ortopropitiate，withvarioussmallattentions，theheadaccountant：fromwhomMr。PerchhadexpectationsofamessengershipinaFireOffice，whentheaffairsoftheHouseshouldbewoundup。
　　ToMajorBagstock，thebankruptcywasquiteacalamity。TheMajorwasnotasympatheticcharacter——hisattentionbeingwhollyconcentratedonJ。B——norwasheamansubjecttolivelyemotions，exceptinthephysicalregardsofgaspingandchoking。ButhehadsoparadedhisfriendDombeyattheclub；hadsoflourishedhimattheheadsofthemembersingeneral，andsoputthemdownbycontinualassertionofhisriches；thattheclub，beingbuthuman，wasdelightedtoretortupontheMajor，byaskinghim，withashowofgreatconcern，whetherthistremendoussmashhadbeenatallexpected，andhowhisfriendDombeyboreit。Tosuchquestions，theMajor，waxingverypurple，wouldreplythatitwasabadworld，Sir，altogether；
　　thatJoeyknewathingortwo，buthadbeendone，Sir，donelikeaninfant；
　　thatifyouhadforetoldthis，Sir，toJ。Bagstock，whenhewentabroadwithDombeyandwaschasingthatvagabondupanddownFrance，J。Bagstockwouldhavepooh-pooh'dyou——wouldhavepooh-pooh'dyou，Sir，bytheLord！
　　ThatJoehadbeendeceived，Sir，takenin，hoodwinked，blindfolded，butwasbroadawakeagainandstaring；insomuch，Sir，thatifJoe'sfatherweretoriseupfromthegraveto-morrow，hewouldn'ttrusttheoldbladewithapennypiece，butwouldtellhimthathissonJoshwastoooldasoldiertobedoneagain，Sir。Thathewasasuspicious，crabbed，cranky，used-up，J。B。infidel，Sir；andthatifitwereconsistentwiththedignityofaroughandtougholdMajor，oftheoldschool，whohadhadthehonourofbeingpersonallyknownto，andcommendedby，theirlateRoyalHighnessestheDukesofKentandYork，toretiretoatubandliveinit，byGad！
　　Sir，he'dhaveatubinPallMallto-morrow，toshowhiscontemptformankind！
　　Ofallthis，andmanyvariationsofthesametune，theMajorwoulddeliverhimselfwithsomanyapoplecticsymptoms，suchrollingsofhishead，andsuchviolentgrowlsofillusageandresentment，thattheyoungermembersoftheclubsurmisedhehadinvestedmoneyinhisfriendDombey'sHouse，andlostit；thoughtheoldersoldiersanddeeperdogs，whoknewJoebetter，wouldn'thearofsuchathing。TheunfortunateNative，expressingnoopinion，suffereddreadfully；notmerelyinhismoralfeelings，whichwereregularlyfusilladedbytheMajoreverynourintheday，andriddledthroughandthrough，butinhissensitivenesstobodilyknocksandbumps，whichwaskeptcontinuallyonthestretch。Forsixentireweeksafterthebankruptcy，thismiserableforeignerlivedinarainyseasonofboot-jacksandbrushes。
　　Mrs。Chickhadthreeideasuponthesubjectoftheterriblereverse。
　　Thefirstwasthatshecouldnotunderstandit。Thesecond，thatherbrotherhadnotmadeaneffort。Thethird，thatifshehadbeeninvitedtodinneronthedayofthatfirstparty，itneverwouldhavehappened；andthatshehadsaidso，atthetime。
　　Nobody'sopinionstayedthemisfortune，lightenedit，ormadeitheavier。ItwasunderstoodthattheaffairsoftheHouseweretobewoundupastheybestcouldbe；thatMr。Dombeyfreelyresignedeverythinghehad，andaskedfornofavourfromanyone。Thatanyresumptionofthebusinesswasoutofthequestion，ashewouldlistentonofriendlynegotiationhavingthatcompromiseinview；thathehadrelinquishedeverypostoftrustordistinctionhehadheld，asamanrespectedamongmerchants；thathewasdying，accordingtosome；thathewasgoingmelancholymad，accordingtoothers；thathewasabrokenman，accordingtoall。
　　Theclerksdispersedafterholdingalittledinnerofcondolenceamongthemselves，whichwasenlivenedbycomicsinging，andwentoffadmirably。
　　Sometookplacesabroad，andsomeengagedinotherHousesathome；somelookeduprelationsinthecountry，forwhomtheysuddenlyrememberedtheyhadaparticularaffection；andsomeadvertisedforemploymentinthenewspapers。
　　Mr。Perchaloneremainedofallthelateestablishment，sittingonhisbracketlookingattheaccountants，orstartingoffit，topropitiatetheheadaccountant，whowastogethimintotheFireOffice。TheCountingHousesoongottobedirtyandneglected。Theprincipalslipperanddogs'
　　collarseller，atthecornerofthecourt，wouldhavedoubtedtheproprietyofthrowinguphisforefingertothebrimofhishat，anymore，ifMr。
　　Dombeyhadappearedtherenow；andtheticketporter，withhishandsunderhiswhiteapron，moralisedgoodsoundmoralityaboutambition，whichheobservedwasnot，inhisopinion，madetorhymetoperdition，fornothing。
　　Mr。Morfin，thehazel-eyedbachelor，withthehairandwhiskerssprinkledwithgrey，wasperhapstheonlypersonwithintheatmosphereoftheHouse——itshead，ofcourse，excepted——whowasheartilyanddeeplyaffectedbythedisasterthathadbefallenit。HehadtreatedMr。Dombeywithduerespectanddeferencethroughmanyyears，buthehadneverdisguisedhisnaturalcharacter，ormeanlytruckledtohim，orpamperedhismasterpassionfortheadvancementofhisownpurposes。Hehad，therefore，noself-disrespecttoavenge；nolong-tightenedspringstoreleasewithaquickrecoil。HeworkedearlyandlatetounravelwhateverwascomplicatedordifficultintherecordsofthetransactionsoftheHouse；wasalwaysinattendancetoexplainwhateverrequiredexplanation；satinhisoldroomsometimesverylateatnight，studyingpointsbyhismasteryofwhichhecouldspareMr。Dombeythepainofbeingpersonallyreferredto；andthenwouldgohometoIslington，andcalmhismindbyproducingthemostdismalandforlornsoundsoutofhisvioloncellobeforegoingtobed。
　　Hewassolacinghimselfwiththismelodiousgrumbleroneevening，and，havingbeenmuchdispiritedbytheproceedingsoftheday，wasscrapingconsolationoutofitsdeepestnotes，whenhislandladywhowasfortunatelydeaf，andhadnootherconsciousnessoftheseperformancesthanasensationofsomethingrumblinginherbonesannouncedalady。
　　`Inmourning，'shesaid。
　　Thevioloncellostoppedimmediately；andtheperformer，layingitonthesofawithgreattendernessandcare，madeasignthattheladywastocomein。Hefolloweddirectly，andmetHarrietCarkeronthestair。
　　`Alone！'hesaid，`andJohnherethismorning！Isthereanythingthematter，mydear？Butno，'headded，`yourfacetellsquiteanotherstory。'
　　`Iamafraiditisaselfishrevelationthatyouseethere，then，'
　　sheanswered。
　　`Itisaverypleasantone，'saidhe；`and，ifselfish，anoveltytoo，worthseeinginyou。ButIdon'tbelievethat。'
　　Hehadplacedachairforherbythistime，andsatdownopposite；
　　thevioloncellolyingsnuglyonthesofabetweenthem。
　　`Youwillnotbesurprisedatmycomingalone，oratJohn'snothavingtoldyouIwascoming，'saidHarriet；`andyouwillbelievethat，whenItellyouwhyIhavecome。MayIdosonow？'
　　`Youcandonothingbetter。'
　　`Youwerenotbusy？'
　　Hepointedtothevioloncellolyingonthesofa，andsaid，`I
　　havebeen，allday。Here'smywitness。Ihavebeenconfidingallmycarestoit。IwishIhadnonebutmyowntotell。'
　　`IstheHouseatanend？'saidHarriet，earnestly。
　　`Completelyatanend。'
　　`Willitneverberesumed？'
　　`Never。'
　　Thebrightexpressionofherfacewasnotovershadowedasherlipssilentlyrepeatedtheword。Heseemedtoobservethiswithsomelittleinvoluntarysurprise：andsaidagain：
　　`Never。YourememberwhatItoldyou。Ithasbeen，allalong，impossibletoconvincehim；impossibletoreasonwithhim；sometimes，impossibleeventoapproachhim。Theworsthashappened；andtheHousehasfallen，nevertobuiltupanymore。'
　　`AndMr。Dombey，ishepersonallyruined？'
　　`Ruined。'`Willhehavenoprivatefortuneleft？Nothing？'
　　Acertaineagernessinhervoice，andsomethingthatwasalmostjoyfulinherlook，seemedtosurprisehimmoreandmore；todisappointhimtoo，andjardiscordantlyagainsthisownemotions。Hedrummedwiththefingersofonehandonthetable，lookingwistfullyather，andshakinghishead，said，afterapause：
　　`TheextentofMr。Dombey'sresourcesisnotaccuratelywithinmyknowledge；butthoughtheyaredoubtlessverylarge，hisobligationsareenormous。Heisagentlemanofhighhonourandintegrity。Anymaninhispositioncould，andmanyamaninhispositionwould，havesavedhimself，bymakingtermswhichwouldhaveveryslighty，almostinsensibly，increasedthelossesofthosewhohadhaddealingswithhim，andlefthimaremnanttoliveupon。Butheisresolvedonpaymenttothelastfarthingofhismeans。Hisownwordsare，thattheywillclear，ornearlyclear，theHouse，andthatnoonecanlosemuch。Ah，MissHarriet，itwoulddousnoharmtorememberoftenerthanwedo，thatvicesaresometimesonlyvirtuescarriedtoexcess！Hisprideshowswellinthis。'
　　Sheheardhimwithlittleornochangeinherexpression，andwithadividedattentionthatshowedhertobebusywithsomethinginherownmind。Whenhewassilent，sheaskedhimhurriedly：
　　`Haveyouseenhimlately？'
　　`Nooneseeshim。Whenthiscrisisofhisaffairsrendersitnecessaryforhimtocomeoutofhishouse，hecomesoutfortheoccasion，andagaingoeshome，andshutshimselfup，andwillseenoone。Hehaswrittenmealetter，acknowledgingourpastconnexioninhighertermsthanitdeserved，andpartingfromme。Iamdelicateofobtrudingmyselfuponhimnow，neverhavinghadmuchintercoursewithhiminbettertimes；butIhavetriedtodoso。Ihavewritten，gonethere，entreated。Quiteinvain。'
　　Hewatchedher，asinthehopethatshewouldtestifysomegreaterconcernthanshehadyetshown；andspokegravelyandfeelingly，asiftoimpressherthemore；buttherewasnochangeinher。
　　`Well，well，MissHarriet，'hesaid，withadisappointedair，`thisisnottothepurpose。Youhavenotcomeheretohearthis。Someotherandpleasanterthemeisinyourmind。Letitbeinmine，too，andweshalltalkuponmoreequalterms。Come！'
　　`No，itisthesametheme，'returnedHarriet，withfrankandquicksurprise。`Isitnotlikelythatitshouldbe？IsitnotnaturalthatJohnandIshouldhavebeenthinkingandspeakingverymuchoflateofthesegreatchanges？Mr。Dombey，whomheservedsomanyyears——youknowuponwhatterms——reduced，asyoudescribe；andwequiterich！'
　　Good，trueface，asthatfaceofherswas，andpleasantasithadbeentohim，Mr。Morfin，thehazel-eyedbachelor，sincethefirsttimehehadeverlookeduponit，itpleasedhimlessatthatmoment，lightedwitharayofexultation，thanithadeverpleasedhimbefore。
　　`Ineednotremindyou，'saidHarriet，castingdownhereyesuponherblackdress，`throughwhatmeansourcircumstanceschanged。YouhavenotforgottenthatourbrotherJames，uponthatdreadfulday，leftnowill，norelationsbutourselves。'
　　Thefacewaspleasantertohimnow，thoughitwaspaleandmelancholy，thanithadbeenamomentsince。Heseemedtobreathemorecheerily。
　　`Youknow，'shesaid，`ourhistory，thehistoryofbothmybrothers，inconnexionwiththeunfortunate，unhappygentleman，ofwhomyouhavespokensotruly。Youknowhowfewourwantsare——John'sandmine——andwhatlittleusewehaveformoney，afterthelifewehaveledtogetherforsomanyyears；andnowthatheisearninganincomethatisampleforus，throughyourkindness。YouarenotunpreparedtohearwhatfavourIhavecometoaskofyou？'
　　`Ihardlyknow。Iwas，aminuteago。Now，Ithink，Iamnot。'
　　`OfmydeadbrotherIsaynothing。Ifthedeadknowwhatwedo——butyouunderstandme。OfmylivingbrotherIcouldsaymuch：butwhatneedIsaymore，thanthatthisactofduty，inwhichIhavecometoaskyourindispensableassistance，ishisown，andthathecannotrestuntilitisperformed！'
　　Sheraisedhereyesagain；andthelightofexultationinherfacebegintoappearbeautiful，intheobservanteyesthatwatchedher。
　　`Dearsir，'shewentontosay，`Itmustbedoneveryquietlyandsecretly。Yourexperienceandknowledgewillpointoutawayofdoingit。Mr。Dombeymay，perhaps，beledtobelievethatitissomethingsaved，unexpectedly，fromthewreckofhisfortunes；orthatitisavoluntarytributetohishonourableanduprightcharacter，fromsomeofthosewithwhomhehashadgreatdealings；orthatitissomeoldlostdebtrepaid。
　　Theremustbemanywaysofdoingit。Iknowyouwillchoosethebest。ThefavourIhavecometoaskis，thatyouwilldoitforusinyourownkind，generous，consideratemanner。ThatyouwillneverspeakofittoJohn，whosechiefhappinessinthisactofrestitutionistodoitsecretly，unknown，andunapprovedof：thatonlyaverysmallpartoftheinheritancemaybereservedtous，untilMr。Dombeyshallhavepossessedtheinterestoftherestfortheremainderofhislife；thatyouwillkeepoursecret，faithfully——butthatIamsureyouwill；andthat，fromthistime，itmayseldombewhispered，evenbetweenyouandme，butmayliveinanythoughtsonlyasanewreasonforthankfulnesstoHeaven，andjoyandprideinmybrother。'
　　SuchalookofexultationtheremaybeonAngels'faces，whentheonerepentantsinnerentersHeaven，amongninety-ninejustmen。Itwasnotdimmedortarnishedbythejoyfultearsthatfilledhereyes，butwasthebrighterforthem。
　　`MydearHarriet，'saidMr。Morfin，afterasilence，`Iwasnotpreparedforthis。DoIunderstandyouthatyouwishtomakeyourownpartintheinheritanceavailableforyourgoodpurpose，aswellasJohn's？'
　　`Oh，yes，'shereturned。`Whenwehavesharedeverythingtogetherforsolongatime，andhavehadnocare，hope，orpurposeapart，couldIbeartobeexcludedfrommyshareinthis？MayInoturgeaclaimtobemybrother'spartnerandcompaniontothelast？'
　　`HeavenforbidthatIshoulddisputeit！'hereplied。
　　`Wemayrelyonyourfriendlyhelp？'shesaid。`Iknewwemight！'
　　`Ishouldbeaworsemanthan，——thanIhopeIam，orwouldwillinglybelievemyself，ifIcouldnotgiveyouthatassurancefrommyheartandsoul。Youmay，implicitly。Uponmyhonour，Iwillkeepyoursecret。AndifitshouldbefoundthatMr。DombeyissoreducedasIfearhewillbe，actingonadeterminationthatthereseemtobenomeansofinfluencing，Iwillassistyoutoaccomplishthedesign，onwhichyouandJohnarejointlyresolved。'
　　Shegavehimherhand，andthankedhimwithacordial，happyface。
　　`Harriet，'hesaid，detainingitinhis。`Tospeaktoyouoftheworthofanysacrificethatyoucanmakenow——aboveall，ofanysacrificeofmeremoney——wouldbeidleandpresumptuous。Toputbeforeyouanyappealtoreconsideryourpurposeortosetnarrowlimitstoit，wouldbe，Ifeel，notlessso。Ihavenorighttomarthegreatendofagreathistory，byanyobtrusionofmyownweakself。Ihaveeveryrighttobendmyheadbeforewhatyouconfidetome，satisfiedthatitcomesfromahigherandbettersourceofinspirationthanmypoorworldlyknowledge。Iwillsayonlythis：
　　Iamyourfaithfulsteward；andIwouldratherbeso，andyourchosenfriend，thanIwouldbeanybodyintheworld，exceptyourself。'
　　Shethankedhimagain，cordially，andwishedhimgoodnight。
　　`Areyougoinghome？'hesaid。`Letmegowithyou。'
　　`Notto-night。Iamnotgoinghomenow；Ihaveavisittomakealone。Willyoucometo-morrow？'
　　`Well，well，'saidhe，`I'llcometo-morrow。Inthemeantime，I'llthinkofthis，andhowwecanbestproceed。Andperhapsyou'llthinkofit，dearHarriet，and——and——thinkofmealittleinconnexionwithit。'
　　Hehandedherdowntoacoachshehadinwaitingatthedoor；andifhislandladyhadnotbeendeaf，shewouldhaveheardhimmutteringashewentbackupstairs，whenthecoachhaddrivenoff，thatwewerecreaturesofhabit，anditwasasorrowfulhabittobeanoldbachelor。
　　Thevioloncellolyingonthesofabetweenthetwochairs，hetookitup，withoutputtingawaythevacantchair，andsatdroningonit，andslowlyshakinghisheadatthevacantchair，foralong，longtime。Theexpressionhecommunicatedtotheinstrumentatfirst，thoughmonstrouslypatheticandbland，wasnothingtotheexpressionhecommunicatedtothisownface，andbestowedupontheemptychair：whichwassosincere，thathewasobligedtohaverecoursetoCaptainCuttle'sremedymorethanonce，andtorubhisfacewithhissleeve。Bydegrees，however，thevioloncello，inunisonwithhisownframeofmind，glidedmelodiouslyintotheHarmoniousBlacksmith，whichheplayedoverandoveragain，untilhisruddyandserenefacegleamedliketruemetalontheanvilofaveritableblacksmith。Infine，thevioloncelloandtheemptychairwerethecompanionsofhisbachelorhooduntilnearlymidnight；andwhenhetookhissupper，thevioloncellosetuponendinthesofacorner，bigwiththelatentharmonyofawholefoundryfullofharmoniousblacksmiths，seemedtoogletheemptychairoutofitscrookedeyes，withunutterableintelligence。
　　WhenHarrietleftthehouse，thedriverofherhiredcoach，takingacoursethatwasevidentlynonewonetohim，wentinandoutbybye-ways，throughthatpartofthesuburbs，untilhearrivedatsomeopenground，wheretherewereafewquietlittleoldhousesstandingamonggardens。
　　Atthegarden-gateofoneofthesehestopped，andHarrietalighted。
　　Hergentleringingatthebellwasrespondedtobyadolorous-lookingwoman，oflightcomplexion，withraisedeyebrows，andheaddroopingononeside，whocurtseyedatsightofher，andconductedheracrossthegardentothehouse。
　　`Howisyourpatient，nurse，to-night？'saidHarriet。
　　`Inapoorway，Miss，Iamafraid。Ohhowshedoremindme，sometimes，ofmyuncle'sBetseyJane！'returnedthewomanofthelightcomplexion，inasortofdolefulrapture。
　　`Inwhatrespect？'askedHarriet。
　　`Miss，inallrespects，'repliedtheother，`exceptthatshe'sgrownup，andBetseyJane，whenatdeath'sdoor，wasbutachild。'
　　`Butyouhavetoldmesherecovered，'observedHarrietmildly；
　　`sothereisthemorereasonforhope，Mrs。Wickam。'
　　`Ah，Miss，hopeisanexcellentthingforsuchashasthespiritstobearit！'saidMrs。Wickam，shakingherhead。`Myownspiritsisnotequaltoit，butIdon'toweitanygrudge。Ienvysthemthatissoblest！'
　　`Youshouldtrytobemorecheerful，'remarkedHarriet。
　　`Thankyou，Miss，I'msure，'saidMrs。Wickamgrimly。`IfIwassoinclined，thelonelinessofthissituation——you'llexcusemyspeakingsofree——wouldputitoutofmypowerinfourandtwentyhours；butIan'tatall。I'drathernot。ThelittlespiritsthatIeverhad，IwasbereavedofatBrightonsomefewyearsago，andIthinkIfeelmyselfthebetterforit。'
　　Intruth，thiswastheveryMrs。Wickamwhohadsuper-sededMrs。
　　RichardsasthenurseoflittlePaul，andwhoconsideredherselftohavegainedthelossinquestion，undertheroofoftheamiablePipchin。Theexcellentandthoughtfuloldsystem，hallowedbylongprescription，whichhasusuallypickedoutfromtherestofmankindthemostdrearyanduncomfortablepeoplethatcouldpossiblybelaidholdof，toactasinstructorsofyouth，finger-poststothevirtues，matrons，monitors，attendantsonsickbeds，andthelike，hadestablishedMrs。Wickaminverygoodbusinessasanurse，andhadledtoherseriousqualitiesbeingparticularlycommendedbyanadmiringandnumerousconnexion。
　　Mrs。Wickam，withhereyebrowselevated，andherheadononeside，lightedthewayupstairstoaclean，neatchamber，openingonanotherchamberdimlylighted，wheretherewasabed。Inthefirstroom，anoldwomansatmechanicallystaringoutattheopenwindow，onthedarkness。
　　Inthesecond，stretcheduponthebed，laytheshadowofafigurethathadspurnedthewindandrain，onewintrynight；hardlytoberecognisednow，butbythelongblackhairthatshowedsoveryblackagainstthecolourlessface，andallthewhitethingsaboutit。
　　Oh，thestrongeyes，andtheweakframe！TheeyesthatturnedsoeagerlyandbrightlytothedoorwhenHarrietcamein；thefeebleheadthatcouldnotraiseitself，andmovedsoslowlyrounduponitspillow！
　　`Alice！'saidthevisitor'smildvoice，`amIlateto-night？'
　　`Youalwaysseemlate，butarealwaysearly。'
　　Harriethadsatdownbythebedsidenow，andputherhanduponthethinhandlyingthere。
　　`Youarebetter？'
　　Mrs。Wickam，standingatthefootofthebed，likeadisconsolatespectre，mostdecidedlyandforciblyshookherheadtonegativethisposition。
　　`Itmattersverylittle！'saidAlice，withafaintsmile。`Betterorworseto-day，isbutaday'sdifference——perhapsnotsomuch。'
　　Mrs。Wickam，asaseriouscharacter，expressedherapprovalwithagroan；andhavingmadesomecolddabsatthebottomofthebedclothes，asfeelingforthepatient'sfeetandexpectingtofindthemstony，wentclinkingamongthemedicinebottlesonthetable，aswhoshouldsay，`whilewearehere，letusrepeatthemixtureasbefore。'
　　`No，'saidAlice，whisperingtohervisitor，`evilcourses，andremorse，travel，want，andweather，stormwithin，andstormwithout，havewornmylifeaway。Itwillnotlastmuchlonger。'