Shedrewthehandupasshespike，andlaidherfaceagainstit。
　　`Iliehere，sometimes，thinkingIshouldliketoliveuntilI
　　hadhadalittletimetoshowyouhowgratefulIcouldbe！Itisaweakness，andsoonpasses。Betterforyouasitis。Betterforme！'
　　Howdifferentherholduponthehand，fromwhatithadbeenwhenshetookitbythefiresideonthebleakwinterevening！Scorn，rage，defiance，recklessness，lookhere！Thisistheend。
　　Mrs。Wickamhavingclinkedsufficientlyamongthebottles，nowproducedthemixture。Mrs。Wickamlookedhardatherpatientintheactofdrinking，screwedhermouthuptight，hereyebrowsalso，andshookherhead，expressingthattorturesshouldn'tmakehersayitwasahopelesscase。Mrs。Wickamthensprinkledalittlecooling-stuffabouttheroom，withtheairofafemalegrave-digger，whowasstrewingashesonashes，dustondust——forshewasaseriouscharacter——andwithdrewtopartakeofcertainfuneralbakedmeatsdownstairs。
　　`Howlongisit，'askedAlice，`SinceIwenttoyouandtoldyouwhatIhaddone，andwhenyouwereadviseditwastoolateforanyonetofollow？'
　　`Itisayearandmore，'saidHarriet。
　　`Ayearandmore，'saidAlice，thoughtfullyintentuponherface。
　　`Monthsuponmonthssinceyoubroughtmehere！'
　　Harrietanswered`Yes。'
　　`Broughtmehere，byforceofgentlenessandkindness。Me！'saidAlice，shrinkingwithherfacebehindthehand，`andmademehumanbywoman'slooksandwords，andangel'sdeeds！'
　　Harrietbendingoverher，composedandsoothedher。Byandbye，Alicelyingasbefore，withthehandagainstherface，askedtohavehermothercalled。
　　Harrietcalledtohermorethanonce，buttheoldwomanwassoabsorbedlookingoutattheopenwindowonthedarkness，thatshedidnothear。ItwasnotuntilHarrietwenttoherandtouchedher，thatsheroseup，andcame。
　　`Mother，'saidAlice，takingthehandagain，andfixingherlustrouseyeslovinglyuponhervisitor，whileshemerelyaddressedamotionofherfingertotheoldwoman，`tellherwhatyouknow。'
　　`To-night，mydeary？'
　　`Aye，mother，'answeredAlice，faintlyandsolemnly，`to-night！'
　　Theoldwoman，whosewitsappeareddisorderedbyalarm，remorse，orgrief，camecreepingalongthesideofthebed，oppositetothatonwhichHarrietsat；andkneelingdown，soastobringherwitheredfaceuponalevelwiththecoverlet，andstretchingoutherhand，soastotouchherdaughter'sarm，began：
　　`Myhandsomegal——'
　　Heaven，whatacrywasthat，withwhichshestoppedthere，gazingatthepoorformlyingonthebed！'
　　`Changed，longago，mother！Withered，longago，'saidAlice，withoutlookingather。`Don'tgrieveforthatnow。'
　　`——Mydaughter，'falteredtheoldwoman，`mygalwho'llsoongetbetter，andshame'emallwithhergoodlooks。'
　　AlicesmiledmournfullyatHarriet，andfondledherhandalittlecloser，butsaidnothing。
　　`Who'llsoongetbetter，Isay，'repeatedtheoldwoman，menacingthevacantairwithhershrivelledfist，`andwho'llshame'emallwithhergoodlooks——shewill。Isayshewill！sheshall！'——asifshewereinpassionatecontentionwithsomeunseenopponentatthebedside，whocontradictedher——`mydaughterhasbeenturnedawayfrom，andcastout，butshecouldboastrelationshiptoproudfolkstoo，ifshechose。Ah！Toproudfolks！
　　There'srelationshipwithoutyourclergyandyourweddingrings——theymaymakeit，buttheycan'tbreakit——andmydaughter'swellrelated。ShowmeMrs。Dombey，andI'llshowyoumyAlice'sfirstcousin。'
　　Harrietglancedfromtheoldwomantothelustrouseyesintentuponherface，andderivedcorroborationfromthem。
　　`What！'criedtheoldwoman，hernoddingheadbridlingwithaghastlyvanity。`ThoughIamoldanuglynow，——mucholderbylifeandhabitthanyearsthough，——Iwasonceasyoungasany。Ah！asprettytoo，asmany！
　　Iwasafreshcountrywenchinmytime，darling，'stretchingoutherarmtoHarriet，acrossthebed，`andlookedit，too。Downinmycountry，Mrs。
　　Dombey'sfatherandhisbrotherwerethegayestgentlemenandthebest-likedthatcameavisitingfromLondon——theyhavelongbeendead，though！Lord，Lord，thislongwhile！Thebrother，whowasmyAlly'sfather，longestofthetwo。'
　　Sheraisedherheadalittle，andpeeredatherdaughter'sface；
　　asiffromtheremembranceofherownyouth，shehadflowntotheremembranceofherchild's。Then，suddenly，shelaidherfacedownonthebed，andshutherheadupinherhandsandarms。
　　`Theywereaslike，'saidtheoldwoman，withoutlookingup，`asyoucouldseetwobrothers，sonearanage——therewasn'tmuchmorethanayearbetweenthem，asIrecollect——andifyoucouldhaveseenmygal，asIhaveseenheronce，sidebysidewiththeother'sdaughter，you'dhaveseen，forallthedifferenceofdressandlife，thattheywerelikeeachother。Oh！isthelikenessgone，andisitmygal——onlymygal——that'stochangeso！'
　　`Weshallallchange，mother，inourturn，'saidAlice。
　　`Turn！'criedtheoldwoman，`butwhynothersassoonasmygal's！
　　Themothermusthavechanged——shelookedasoldasme，andfullaswrinkledthroughherpaint——butshewashandsome。WhathaveIdone，I，whathaveIdoneworsethanher，thatonlymygalistolietherefading！'
　　Withanotherofthosewildcries，shewentrunningoutintotheroomfromwhichshehadcome；butimmediately，inheruncertainmood，returned，andcreepinguptoHarriet，said：
　　`That'swhatAlicebademetellyou，deary。That'sall。IfounditoutwhenIbegantoaskwhoshewas，andallabouther，awayinWarwickshirethere，onesummer-time。Suchrelationswasnogoodtome，then。Theywouldn'thaveownedme，andhadnothingtogiveme。Ishouldhaveasked'em，maybe，foralittlemoney，afterwards，ifithadn'tbeenformyAlice；she'da'mosthavekilledme，ifIhad，Ithink。Shewasasproudast'otherinherway，'
　　saidtheoldwoman，touchingthefaceofherdaughterfearfully，andwithdrawingherhand，`forallshe'ssoquietnow；butshe'llshame'emwithhergoodlooksyet。Ha，ha！she'llshame'em，willmyhandsomedaughter！'
　　Herlaugh，assheretreated，wasworsethanhercry；worsethantheburstofimbecilelamentationinwhichitended；worsethanthedotingairwithwhichshesatdowninheroldseat，andstaredoutatthedarkness。
　　TheeyesofAlicehadallthistimebeenfixedonHarriet，whosehandshehadneverreleased。Shesaidnow：
　　`Ihavefelt，lyinghere，thatIshouldlikeyoutoknowthis。
　　Itmightexplain，Ihavethought，somethingthatusedtohelptohardenme。Ihadheardsomuch，inmywrongdoing，ofmyneglectedduty，thatI
　　tookupwiththebeliefthatdutyhadnotbeendonetome，andthatastheseedwassown，theharvestgrew。Isomehowmadeitoutthatwhenladieshadbadhomesandmothers，theywentwrongintheirway，too；butthattheirwaywasnotsofoulaoneasmine，andtheyhadneedtoblessGodforit。Thatisallpast。Itislikeadream，now，whichIcannotquiterememberorunderstand。Ithasbeenmoreandmorelikeadream，everyday，sinceyoubegantosithere，andtoreadtome。Ionlytellityou，asIcanrecollectit。Willyoureadtomealittlemore？'
　　Harrietwaswithdrawingherhandtoopenthebook，whenAlicedetaineditforamoment。
　　`Youwillnotforgetmymother？Iforgiveher，ifIhaveanycause。
　　Iknowthatsheforgivesme，andissorryinherheart。Youwillnotforgether？'
　　`Never，Alice！'
　　`Amomentyet。Laymyheadso，dear，thatasyoureadImayseethewordsinyourkindface。'
　　Harrietcompliedandread——readtheeternalbookforallthewearyandtheheavy-laden；forallthewretched，fallen，andneglectedofthisearth——readtheblessedhistory，inwhichtheblindlamepalsiedbeggar，thecriminal，thewomanstainedwithshame，theshunnedofallourdaintyclay，haseachaportion，thatnohumanpride，indifference，orsophistry，throughalltheagesthatthisworldshalllast，cantakeaway，orbythethousandthatomofagrainreduce——readtheministryofHimwho，throughtheroundofhumanlife，andallitshopesandgriefs，frombirthtodeath，frominfancytoage，hadsweetcompassionfor，andinterestin，itseverysceneandstage，itseverysufferingandsorrow。
　　`Ishallcome，'saidHarriet，whensheshutthebook，`veryearlyinthemorning。'
　　Thelustrouseyes，yetfixeduponherface，closedforamoment，thenopened；andAlicekissedandblesther。
　　Thesameeyesfollowedhertothedoor；andintheirlight，andonthetranquilface，therewasasmilewhenitwasclosed。
　　Theyneverturnedaway。Shelaidherhanduponherbreast，murmuringthesacrednamethathadbeenreadtoher；andlifepassedfromherface，likelightremoved。
　　Nothinglaythere，anylonger，buttheruinofthemortalhouseonwhichtherainhadbeaten，andtheblackhairthathadflutteredinthewintrywind。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter59[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIXRetributionCHANGEShavecomeagainuponthegreathouseinthelongdullstreet，oncethesceneofFlorence'schildhoodandloneliness。Itisagreathousestill，proofagainstwindandweather，withoutbreachesintheroof，orshatteredwindows，ordilapidatedwalls；butitisaruinnonetheless，andtheratsflyfromit。
　　Mr。Towlinsonandcompanyare，atfirst，incredulousinrespectoftheshapelessrumoursthattheyhear。Cooksaysourpeople'screditain'tsoeasyshookasthatcomesto，thankGod；andMr。TowlinsonexpectstohearitreportedthattheBankofEngland'sa-goingtobreak，orthejewelsintheTowertobesoldup。But，nextcometheGazette，andMr。
　　Perch：andMr。PerchbringsMrs。Perchtotalkitoverinthekitchen，andtospendapleasantevening。
　　Assoonasthereisnodoubtaboutit，Mr。Towlinson'smainanxietyisthatthefailureshouldbeagoodroundone——notlessthanahundredthousandpound。Mr。Perchdon'tthinkhimselfthatahundredthousandpoundwillnearlycoverit。Thewomen，ledbyMrs。PerchandCook，oftenrepeat`ahun-dredthous-sandpound！'withawfulsatisfaction——asifhandlingthewordwerelikehandlingthemoney；andthehousemaid，whohashereyeonMr。Towlinson，wishesshehadonlyahundredthpartofthesumtobestowonthemanofherchoice。Mr。Towlinson，stillmindfulofhisoldwrong，opinesthataforeignerwouldhardlyknowwhattodowithsomuchmoney，unlesshespentitonhiswhiskers；whichbittersarcasmcausesthehousemaidtowithdrawintears。
　　Butnottoremainlongabsent；forCook，whohasthereputationofbeingextremelygood-hearted，says，whatevertheydo，let'emstandbyoneanothernow，Towlinson，forthere'snotellinghowsoontheymaybedivided。TheyhavebeeninthathousesaysCookthroughafuneral，awedding，andarunning-away；andletitnotbesaidthattheycouldn'tagreeamongthemselvesatsuchatimeasthepresent。Mrs。Perchisimmenselyaffectedbythismovingaddress，andopenlyremarksthatCookisanangel。
　　Mr。TowlinsonrepliestoCook，farbeitfromhimtostandinthewayofthatgoodfeelingwhichhecouldwishtosee；andadjourninginquestofthehousemaid，andpresentlyreturningwiththatyoungladyonhisarm，informsthekitchenthatforeignersisonlyhisfun，andthathimandAnnehavenowresolvedtotakeoneanotherforbetterforworse，andtosettleinOxfordMarketinthegeneralgreengroceryandherbandleechline，whereyourkindfavoursisparticularrequested。Thisannouncementisreceivedwithacclamation；andMrs。Perch，projectinghersoulintofuturity，says，`girls，'inCook'sear，inasolemnwhisper。
　　Misfortuneinthefamilywithoutfeasting，intheselowerregions，Couldn'tbe。ThereforeCooktossesupahotdishortwoforsupper，andMr。Towlinsoncompoundsalobstersaladtobedevotedtothesamehospitablepurpose。EvenMrs。Pipchin，agitatedbytheoccasion，ringsherbell，andsendsdownwordthatsherequeststohavethatlittlebitofsweet-breadthatwasleft，warmedupforhersupper，andsenttoheronatraywithaboutaquarterofatumbler-fullofmulledsherry；forshefeelspoorly。
　　ThereisalittletalkaboutMr。Dombey，butverylittle。Itischieflyspeculationastohowlonghehasknownthatthiswasgoingtohappen。Cooksaysshrewdly，`Ohalongtime，blessyou！Takeyouroathofthat。'AndreferencebeingmadetoMr。Perch，heconfirmsherviewofthecase。Somebodywonderswhathe'lldo，andwhetherhe'llgooutinanysituation。Mr。Towlinsonthinksnot，andhintsatarefugeinoneofthemgen-teelalmshousesofthebetterkind。`Ah，wherehe'llhavehislittlegarden，youknow，'saysCookplaintively，`andbringupsweetpeasinthespring。'`Exactlyso，'saysMr。Towlinson，`andbeoneoftheBrethrenofsomethingoranother。'`Weareallbrethren，saysMrs。Perch，inapauseofherdrink。`Exceptthesisters，'saysMr。Perch。`Howarethemightyfallen！'remarksCook。`Prideshallhaveafall，anditalwayswasandwillbeso！'observesthehousemaid。
　　Itiswonderfulhowgoodtheyfeel，inmakingthesereflections；
　　andwhataChristianunanimitytheyaresensibleof，inbearingthecommonshockwithresignation。Thereisonlyoneinterruptiontothisexcellentstateofmind，whichisoccasionedbyayoungkitchen-maidofinferiorrank——inblackstockings——who，havingsatwithhermouthopenforalongtime，unexpectedlydischargesfromitwordstothiseffect，`Supposethewagesshouldn'tbepaid！'Thecompanysitforamomentspeechless；butCookrecoveringfirst，turnsupontheyoungwoman，andrequeststoknowhowshedaresinsultthefamily，whosebreadsheeats，bysuchadishonestsupposition，andwhethershethinksthatanybody，withascrapofhonourleft，coulddeprivepoorservantsoftheirpittance？`Becauseifthatisyourreligiousfeelings，MaryDaws，'saysCookwarmly，`Idon'tknowwhereyoumeantogoto。'
　　Mr。Towlinsondon'tknoweither；noranybody；andtheyoungkitchen-maid，appearingnottoknowexactly，herself，andscoutedbythegeneralvoice，iscoveredwithconfusion，aswithagarment。
　　Afterafewdays，strangepeoplebegintocallatthehouse，andtomakeappointmentswithoneanotherinthedining-room，asiftheylivedthere。Especially，thereisagentleman，ofaMosaicAbrabiancastofcountenance，withaverymassivewatch-guard，whowhistlesinthedrawing-room，and，whileheiswaitingfortheothergentleman，whoalwayshaspenandinkinhispocket，asksMr。Towlinsonbytheeasynameof`OldCock，'ifhehappenstoknowwhatthefigureofthemcrimsonandgoldhangingsmighthavebeen，whennewbought。Thecallersandappointmentsinthedining-roombecomemorenumerouseveryday，andeverygentlemenseemstohavepenandinkinhispocket，andtohavesomeoccasiontouseit。AtlastitissaidthatthereisgoingtobeaSale；andthenmorepeoplearrive，withpenandinkintheirpockets，commandingadetachmentofmenwithcarpetcaps，whoimmediatelybegintopullupthecarpets，andknockthefurnitureabout，andtoprintoffthousandsofimpressionsoftheirshoesuponthehallandstaircase。
　　Thecouncildownstairsareinfullconclaveallthistime，and，havingnothingtodo，performperfectfeatsofeating。Atlength，theyareonedaysummonedinabodytoMrs。Pipchin'sroom，andthusaddressedbythefairPeruvian：
　　`Yourmaster'sindifficulties，'saysMrs。Pipchin，tartly。`Youknowthat，Isuppose？'
　　Mr。Towlinson，asspokesman，admitsageneralknowledgeofthefact。
　　`Andyou'reallonthelook-outforyourselves，Iwarrantyou，'
　　saysMrs。Pipchin，shakingherheadatthem。
　　Ashrillvoicefromtherearexclaims，`Nomorethanyourself！'
　　`That'syouropinion，Mrs。Impudence，isit？'saystheirefulPipchin，lookingwithafieryeyeovertheintermediateheads。
　　`Yes，Mrs。Pipchin，itis，'repliesCook，advancing。`Andwhatthen，pray？'
　　`Why，thenyoumaygoassoonasyoulike，'saysMrs。Pipchin，`Thesoonerthebetter；andIhopeIshallneverseeyourfaceagain。'
　　WiththisthedoughtyPipchinproducesacanvasbag；andtellsherwagesouttothatday，andamonthbeyondit：andclutchesthemoneytightuntilareceiptforthesameisdulysigned，tothelastup-stroke；
　　whenshegrudginglyletsitgo。ThisformofproceedingMrs。Pipchinrepeatswitheverymemberofthehousehold，untilarepaid。
　　`Nowthosethatchoosecangoabouttheirbusiness，'saysMrs。
　　Pipchin，`andthosethatchoosecanstayhereonboardwagesforaweekorso，andmakethemselvesuseful。Except，'saystheinflammablePipchin，`thatslutofacook，who'llgoimmediately。'
　　`That，'saysCook，`shecertainlywill！Iwishyougoodday，Mrs。
　　Pipchin，andsincerelywishIcouldcomplimentyouonthesweetnessofyourappearance！'
　　`Getalongwithyou，'saysMrs。Pipchin，stampingherfoot。
　　Cooksailsoffwithanairofbeneficentdignity，highlyexasperatingtoMrs。Pipchin，andisshortlyjoinedbelowstairsbytherestoftheconfederation。
　　Mr。Towlinsonthensaysthat，inthefirstplace，hewouldbegtoproposealittlesnackofsomethingtoeat；andoverthatsnackwoulddesiretoofferasuggestionwhichhethinkswillmeetthepositioninwhichtheyfindthemselves。Therefreshmentbeingproduced，andveryheartilypartakenof，Mr。Towlinson'ssuggestionis，ineffect，thatCookisgoing，andthatifwearenottruetoourselves，nobodywillbetruetous。Thattheyhavelivedinthathousealongtime，andexertedthemselvesverymuchtobesociabletogether。Atthis，Cooksays，withemotion，`Hear，hear！'andMrs。Perch，whoisthereagain，andfulltothethroat，shedstears。Andthathethinks，atthepresenttime，thefeelingoughttobe`Goone，goall！'Thehousemaidismuchaffectedbythisgeneroussentiment，andwarmlysecondsit。Cooksaysshefeelsit'sright，andonlyhopesit'snotdoneasacomplimenttoher，butfromasenseofduty。Mr。Towlinsonreplies，fromasenseofduty；andthatnowheisdriventoexpresshisopinions，hewillopenlysay，thathedoesnotthinkitover-respectabletoremaininahousewhereSalesandsuch-likearecarryingforwards。Thehousemaidissureofit；andrelates，inconfirmation，thatastrangeman，inacarpetcap，offeredthisverymorningtokissheronthestairs。Hereupon，Mr。Towlinsonisstartingfromhischair，toseekand`smash'theoffender；
　　whenheislaidholdonbytheladies，whobeseechhimtocalmhimself，andtoreflectthatitiseasierandwisertoleavethesceneofsuchindecenciesatonce。Mrs。Perch，presentingthecaseinanewlight，evenshowsthatdelicacytowardsMr。Dombey，shutupinhisownrooms，imperativelydemandsprecipitateretreat。`Forwhat，'saysthegoodwoman，`musthisfeelingsbe，ifhewastocomeuponanyofthepoorservantsthatheoncedeceivedintothinkinghimimmenselyrich！'CookissostruckbythismoralconsiderationthatMrs。Perchimprovesitwithseveralpiousaxioms，originalandselected。
　　Itbecomesaclearcasethattheymustallgo。Boxesarepacked，cabsfetched，andatduskthateveningthereisnotonememberofthepartyleft。
　　Thehousestands，largeandweather-proof，inthelongdullstreet；
　　butitisaruin，andtheratsflyfromit。
　　Themeninthecarpetcapsgoontumblingthefurnitureabout；
　　andthegentlemenwiththepensandinkmakeoutinventoriesofit，andsituponpiecesoffurniturenevermadetobesatupon，andeatbreadandcheesefromthepublic-houseonotherpiecesoffurniturenevermadetobeeatenon，andseemtohaveadelightinappropriatingpreciousarticlestostrangeuses。Chaoticcombinationsoffurniturealsotakeplace。Mattressesandbeddingappearinthedining-room；theglassandchinagetintotheconservatory；thegreatdinnerserviceissetoutinheapsonthelongdivaninthelargedrawing-room；andthestair-wires，madeintofasces，decoratethemarblechimneypieces。Finally，arug，withaprintedbilluponit，ishungoutfromthebalcony；andasimilarappendagegraceseithersideofthehalldoor。
　　Then，alldaylong，thereisaretinueofmouldygigsandchaise-cartsinthestreet；andherdsofshabbyvampires，JewandChristian，over-runthehouse，soundingtheplate-glassmirrorswiththeirknuckles，strikingdiscordantoctavesontheGrandPiano，drawingwetforefingersoverthepictures，breathingonthebladesofthebestdinner-knives，punchingthesquabsofchairsandsofaswiththeirdirtyfists，touzlingthefeatherbeds，openingandshuttingallthedrawers，balancingthesilverspoonsandforks，lookingintotheverythreadsofthedraperyandlinen，anddisparagingeverything。Thereisnotasecretplaceinthewholehouse。
　　Fluffyandsnuffystrangersstareintothekitchen-rangeascuriouslyasintotheatticclothes-press。Stoutmenwithnaplesshatson，lookoutofthebedroomwindows，andcutjokeswithfriendsinthestreet。Quiet，calculatingspiritswithdrawintothedressing-roomswithcatalogues，andmakemarginalnotesthereon，withstumpsofpencils。Twobrokersinvadetheveryfire-escape，andtakeapanoramicsurveyoftheneighbourhoodfromthetopofthehouse。Theswarmandbuzz，andgoingupanddown，endurefordays。TheCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isonview。
　　Thenthereisapalisadeoftablesmadeinthebestdrawing-room；
　　andonthecapital，french-polished，extending，telescopicrangeofSpanishmahoganydining-tableswithturnedlegs，thepulpitoftheAuctioneeriserected；andtheherdsofshabbyvampires，JewandChristian，thestrangersfluffyandsnuffy，andthestoutmenwiththenaplesshats，congregateaboutitandsituponeverythingwithinreach，mantel-piecesincluded，andbegintobid。Hot，humming，anddustyaretheroomsallday；and——highabovetheheat，hum，anddust——theheadandshoulders，voiceandhammer，oftheAuctioneer，areeveratwork。ThemeninthecarpetcapsgetflusteredandviciouswithtumblingtheLotsabout，andstilltheLotsaregoing，going，gone；stillcomingon。Sometimesthereisjokingandageneralroar。
　　Thislastsalldayandthreedaysfollowing。TheCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isonsale。
　　Thenthemouldygigsandchaise-cartsreappear；andwiththemcomespring-vansandwaggons，andanarmyofporterswithknots。Alldaylong，themenwithcarpetcapsarescrewingatscrew-driversandbed-winches，orstaggeringbythedozentogetheronthestaircaseunderheavyburdens，orupheavingperfectrocksofSpanishmahogany，bestrose-wood，orplate-glass，intothegigsandchaise-carts，vansandwaggons。Allsortsofvehiclesofburdenareinattendance，fromatiltedwaggontoawheelbarrow。PoorPaul'slittlebedsteadiscarriedoffinadonkey-tandem。Fornearlyawholeweek，theCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isincourseofremoval。
　　Atlastitisallgone。Nothingisleftaboutthehousebutscatteredleavesofcatalogues，litteredscrapsofstrawandhay，andabatteryofpewterpotsbehindthehall-door。Themenwiththecarpetcapsgatheruptheirscrew-driversandbed-winchesintobags，shoulderthem，andwalkoff。Oneofthepen-and-inkgentlemengoesoverthehouseasalastattention；
　　stickingupbillsinthewindowsrespectingtheleaseofthisdesirablefamilymansion，andshuttingtheshutters。Atlengthhefollowsthemenwiththecarpetcaps。Noneoftheinvadersremain。Thehouseisaruin，andtheratsflyfromit。
　　Mrs。Pipchin'sapartments，togetherwiththoselockedroomsontheground-floorwherethewindow-blindsaredrawndownclose，havebeensparedthegeneraldevastation。Mrs。Pipchinhasremainedaustereandstonyduringtheproceedingsinherownroom；orhasoccasionallylookedinatthesaletoseewhatthegoodsarefetching，andtobidforoneparticulareasychair。Mrs。Pipchinhasbeenthehighestbidderfortheeasychair，andsitsuponherpropertywhenMrs。Chickcomestoseeher。
　　`Howismybrother，Mrs。Pipchin？'saysMrs。Chick。
　　`Idon'tknowanymorethanthedeuce，'saysMrs。Pipchin。`Heneverdoesmethehonourtospeaktome。Hehashismeatanddrinkputinthenextroomtohisown；andwhathetakes，hecomesoutandtakeswhenthere'snobodythere。It'snouseaskingme。Iknownomoreabouthimthanthemaninthesouthwhoburnthismouthbyeatingcoldplumporridge。'
　　ThistheacrimoniousPipchinsayswithaflounce。
　　`Butgoodgraciousme！'criesMrs。Chickblandly。`Howlongisthistolast！Ifmybrotherwillnotmakeaneffort，Mrs。Pipchin，whatistobecomeofhim？IamsureIshouldhavethoughthehadseenenoughoftheconsequencesofnotmakinganeffort，bythistime，tobewarnedagainstthatfatalerror。'
　　`Hoitytoity！'saysMrs。Pipchin，rubbinghernose。`There'sagreatfuss，Ithink，aboutit。Itan'tsowonderfulacase。Peoplehavehadmisfortunesbeforenow，andbeenobligedtopartwiththeirfurniture。
　　I'msureIhave！'
　　`Mybrother，'pursuesMrs。Chickprofoundly，`issopeculiar——sostrangeaman。HeisthemostpeculiarmanIeversaw。Wouldanyonebelievethatwhenhereceivednewsofthemarriageandemigrationofthatunnaturalchild——it'sacomforttome，now，torememberthatIalwayssaidtherewassomethingextraordinaryaboutthatchild：butnobodymindsme——wouldanybodybelieve，Isay，thatheshouldthenturnrounduponmeandsayhehadsupposed，frommymanner，thatshehadcometomyhouse？
　　Why，mygracious！AndwouldanybodybelievethatwhenImerelysaytohim，“Paul，Imaybeveryfoolish，andIhavenodoubtIam，butIcannotunderstandhowyouraffairscanhavegotintothisstate，“heshouldactuallyflyatme，andrequestthatIwillcometoseehimnomoreuntilheasksme！
　　Why，mygoodness！'
　　`Ah！'saysMrs。Pipchin，`It'sapityhehadn'talittlemoretodowithmines。They'dhavetriedhistemperforhim。'
　　`Andwhat，'resumesMrs。Chick，quiteregardlessofMrs。Pipchin'sobservations，`isittoendin？That'swhatIwanttoknow。Whatdoesmybrothermeantodo？Hemustdosomething。It'sofnouseremainingshutupinhisownrooms。Businesswon'tcometohim。No。Hemustgotoit。
　　Thenwhydon'thego！Heknowswheretogo，Isuppose，havingbeenamanofbusinessallhislife。Verygood。Thenwhynotgothere？'
　　Mrs。Chick，afterforgingthispowerfulchainofreasoning，remainssilentforaminutetoadmireit。
　　`Besides，'saysthediscreetlady，withanargumentativeair，`whoeverheardofsuchobstinacyashisstayingshutupherethroughallthesedreadfuldisagreeables？It'snotasiftherewasnoplaceforhimtogoto。Ofcoursehecouldhavecometoourhouse。Heknowsheisathomethere，Isuppose？Mr。Chickhasperfectlyboredaboutit，andIsaidwithmyownlips，“Whysurely，Paul，youdon'timaginethatbecauseyouraffairshavegotintothisstate，youarethelessathometosuchnearrelativesasourselves？Youdon'timaginethatweareliketherestoftheworld？”Butno；herehestaysallthrough，andhereheis。Why，goodgraciousme，supposethehousewastobelet！Whatwouldhedothen？Hecouldn'tremainherethen。Ifheattemptedtodoso，therewouldbeanejectment，anactionforDoe，andallsortsofthings；andthenhemustgo。Thenwhynotgoatfirstinsteadofatlast？AndthatbringsmebacktowhatIsaidjustnow，andInaturallyaskwhatistobetheendofit？'
　　`Iknowwhat'stobetheendofit，asfarasIamconcerned，'
　　repliesMrs。Pipchin，`andthat'senoughforme。I'mgoingtotakemyselfoffinajiffy。'
　　`Inawhich，Mrs。Pipchin，'saysMrs。Chick。
　　`Inajiffy，'retortsMrs。Pipchinsharply。
　　`Ah，well！reallyIcan'tblameyou，Mrs。Pipchin，'saysMrs。
　　Chick，withfrankness。
　　`Itwouldbeprettymuchthesametome，ifyoucould，'repliesthesardonicPipchin。`AtanyrateI'mgoing。Ican'tstophere。Ishouldbedeadinaweek。Ihadtocookmyownporkchopyesterday，andI'mnotusedtoit。Myconstitutionwillbegivingwaynext。Besides，IhadaveryfairconnexionatBrightonwhenIcamehere——littlePankey'sfolksalonewereworthagoodeightypoundsa-yeartome——andIcan'taffordtothrowitaway。I'vewrittentomyniece，andsheexpectsmebythistime。'
　　`Haveyouspokentomybrother？'inquiresMrs。Chick。
　　`Oh，yes，it'sveryeasytosayspeaktohim，'retortsMrs。Pipchin。
　　`Howisitdone？Icalledouttohimyesterday，thatIwasnousehere，andthathehadbetterletmesendforMrs。Richards。Hegruntedsomethingorotherthatmeantyes，andIsent！Gruntindeed！IfhehadbeenMr。Pipchin，he'dhavehadsomereasontogrunt。Yah！I'venopatiencewithit！'
　　Herethisexemplaryfemale，whohaspumpedupsomuchfortitudeandvirtuefromthedepthsofthePeruvianmines，risesfromhercushionedpropertytoseeMrs。Chicktothedoor。Mrs。Chick，deploringtothelastthepeculiarcharacterofherbrother，noiselesslyretires，muchoccupiedwithherownsagacityandclearnessofhead。
　　IntheduskoftheeveningMr。Toodle，beingoffduty，arriveswithPollyandabox，andleavesthem，withasoundingkiss，inthehalloftheemptyhouse，theretiredcharacterofwhichaffectsMr。Toodle'sspiritsstrongly。
　　`Itellyouwhat，Polly，mydear。'saysMr。Toodle，`beingnowaningein-driver，andwelltodointheworld，Ishouldn'tallowofyourcominghere，tobemadedull-like，ifitwarn'tforfavourspast。Butfavourspast，Polly，isnevertobeforgot。Tothemwhichisinadversity，besides，yourfaceisacord'l。Solet'shaveanotherkissonit，mydear。Youwishnobetterthantodoarightact，Iknow；andmyviewsis，thatit'srightanddutifultodothis。Goodnight，Polly！'
　　Mrs。Pipchinbythistimeloomsdarkinherblackbombazeenskirts，blackbonnet，andshawl；andhasherpersonalpropertypackedup；andhasherchairlateafavouritechairofMr。Dombey'sandthedeadbargainofthesalereadynearthestreetdoor；andisonlywaitingforafly-van，goingto-nighttoBrightononprivateservice，whichistocallforher，byprivatecontract，andconveyherhome。
　　Presentlyitcomes。Mrs。Pipchin'swardrobebeinghandedinandstowedaway，Mrs。Pipchin'schairisnexthandedin，andplacedinaconvenientcorneramongcertaintrussesofhay；itbeingtheintentionoftheamiablewomantooccupythechairduringherjourney。Mrs。Pipchinherselfisnexthandedin，andgrimlytakesherseat。Thereisasnakygleaminherhardgreyeye，asofanticipatedroundsofbutteredtoast，relaysofhotchops，worryingsandquellingsofyoungchildren，sharpsnappingsatpoorBerry，andalltheotherdelightsofherOgress'scastle。Mrs。Pipchinalmostlaughsasthefly-vandrivesoff，andshecomposesherblackbombazeenskirts，andsettlesherselfamongthecushionsofhereasychair。
　　Thehouseissucharuinthattheratshavefled，andthereisnotoneleft。
　　ButPolly，thoughaloneinthedesertedmansion——forthereisnocompanionshipintheshut-uproomsinwhichitslatemasterhideshishead——isnotalonelong。Itisnight；andsheissittingatworkinthehousekeeper'sroom，tryingtoforgetwhatalonelyhouseitis，andwhatahistorybelongstoit；whenthereisaknockatthehalldoor，asloudsoundingasanyknockcanbe，strikingintosuchanemptyplace。Openingit，shereturnsacrosstheechoinghall，accompaniedbyafemalefigureinacloseblackbonnet。ItisMissTox，andMissTox'seyesarered。
　　`Oh，Polly，'saysMissTox，`whenIlookedintohavealittlelessonwiththechildrenjustnow，Igotthemessagethatyouleftforme；andassoonasIcouldrecovermyspiritsatall，Icameonafteryou。
　　Istherenooneherebutyou？'
　　`Ah！notasoul。'saysPolly。
　　`Haveyouseenhim？'whispersMissTox。
　　`Blessyou，'returnsPolly，`no；hehasnotbeenseenthismanyaday。Theytellmeheneverleaveshisroom。'
　　`Ishesaidtobeill？'inquiresMissTox。
　　`No，ma'am，notthatIknowof，'returnsPolly，`exceptinhismind。Hemustbeverybadtherepoorgentleman！'
　　MissTox'ssympathyissuchthatshecanscarcelyspeak。Sheisnochicken，butshehasnotgrowntoughwithageandcelibacy。Herheartisverytender，hercompassionverygenuine，herhomageveryreal。Beneaththelocketwiththefishyeyeinit，MissToxbearsbetterqualitiesthanmanyalesswhimsicaloutside；suchqualitiesaswilloutlive，bymanycoursesofthesun，thebestoutsidesandbrightesthusksthatfallintheharvestofthegreatreaper。
　　ItislongbeforeMissToxgoesaway，andbeforePolly，withacandleflaringontheblankstairs，looksafterher，forcompany，downthestreet，andfeelsunwillingtogobackintothedrearyhouse，andjaritsemptinesswiththeheavyfasteningsofthedoor，andglideawaytobed。ButallthisPollydoes；andinthemorningsetsinoneofthosedarkenedroomssuchmattersasshehasbeenadvisedtoprepare，andthenretiresandentersthemnomoreuntilnextmorningatthesamehour。Therearebellsthere，buttheyneverring；andthoughshecansometimeshearafootfallgoingtoandfro，itnevercomesout。
　　MissToxreturnsearlyintheday。ItthenbeginstobeMissTox'soccupationtopreparelittledainties——orwhataresuchtoher——tobecarriedintotheseroomsnextmorning。Shederivessomuchsatisfactionfromthepursuit，thatsheentersonitregularlyfromthattime；andbringsdailyinherlittlebasket，variouschoicecondimentsselectedfromthescantystoresofthedeceasedownerofthepoweredheadandpigtail。Shelikewisebrings，insheetsofcurl-paper，morselsofcoldmeats，tonguesofsheep，halvesoffowls，forherowndinner；andsharingthesecollationswithPolly，passesthegreaterpartofhertimeintheruinedhousethattheratshavefledfrom：hiding，inafrightateverysound，stealinginandoutlikeacriminal；onlydesiringtobetruetothefallenobjectofheradmiration，unknowntohim，unknowntoalltheworldbutonepoorsimplewoman。
　　TheMajorknowsit；butnooneisthewiserforthat，thoughtheMajorismuchthemerrier。TheMajor，inafitofcuriosity，haschargedtheNativetowatchthehousesometimes，andfindoutwhatbecomesofDombey。
　　TheNativehasreportedMissTox'sfidelity，andtheMajorhasnearlychokedhimselfdeadwithlaughter。Heispermanentlybluerfromthathour，andconstantlywheezestohimself，hislobstereyesstartingoutofhishead，`Damme，Sir，thewoman'sabornidiot！'
　　Andtheruinedman。Howdoeshepassthehours，alone？
　　`Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！'Hedidrememberit。Itwasheavyonhismindnow；heavierthanalltherest。
　　`Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！Therainthatfallsupontheroof，thewindthatmournsoutsidethedoor，mayhaveforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！'
　　Hedidrememberit。Inthemiserablenighthethoughtofit；inthedrearyday，thewretcheddawn，theghostly，memory-hauntedtwilight。
　　Hedidrememberit。Inagony，insorrow，inremorse，indespair！`Papa！
　　papa！Speaktome，dearpapa！'Heheardthewordsagain，andsawtheface。
　　Hesawitfalluponthetremblinghands，andheardtheoneprolongedlowcrygoupward。
　　Hewasfallen，nevertoberaisedupanymore。Forthenightofhisworldlyruintherewasnoto-morrow'ssun；forthestainofhisdomesticshametherewasnopurification；nothing，thankHeaven，couldbringhisdeadchildbacktolife。ButthatwhichhemighthavemadesodifferentinallthePast——whichmighthavemadethePastitselfsodifferent，thoughthishehardlythoughtofnow——thatwhichwashisownwork，thatwhichhecouldsoeasilyhavewroughtintoablessing，andhadsethimselfsosteadilyforyearstoformintoacurse：thatwasthesharpgriefofhissoul。
　　Oh！Hedidrememberit！Therainthatfellupontheroof，thewindthatmournedoutsidethedoorthatnight，hadhadforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Heknew，now，whathehaddone。Heknew，now，thathehadcalleddownthatuponhishead，whichboweditlowerthattheheavieststrokeoffortune。Heknew，now，whatitwastoberejectedanddeserted；
　　now，wheneverylovingblossomhehadwitheredinhisinnocentdaughter'sheartwassnowingdowninashesonhim。
　　Hethoughtofher，asshehadbeenthatnightwhenheandhisbridecamehome。Hethoughtofherasshehadbeen，inallthehome-events，oftheabandonedHouse。Hethought，now，thatofallaroundhim，shealonehadneverchanged。Hisboyhadfadedintodust，hisproudwifehadsunkintoapollutedcreature，hisflattererandfriendhadbeentransformedintotheworstofvillains，hisricheshadmeltedaway，theverywallsthatshelteredhimlookedonhimasastranger；shealonehadturnedthesamemildgentlelookuponhimalways。Yes，tothelatestandthelast。
　　Shehadneverchangedtohim——norhadheeverchangedtoher——andshewaslost。
　　As，onebyone，theyfellawaybeforehismind——hisbaby-hope，hiswife，hisfriend，hisfortune——ohhowthemist，throughwhichhehadseenher，cleared，andshowedhimhertrueself！Oh，howmuchbetterthanthisthathehadlovedherashadhidboy，andlostherashehadhisboy，andlaidthemintheirearlygravetogether！
　　Inhispride——forhewasproudyet——helettheworldgofromhimfreely。Asitfellaway，heshookitoff。Whetherheimagineditsfaceasexpressingpityforhim，orindifferencetohim，heshunneditalike。
　　Itwasinthesamedegreetobeavoided，ineitheraspect。Hehadnoideaofanyonecompanioninhismisery，buttheonehehaddrivenaway。Whathewouldhavesaidtoher，orwhatconsolationsubmittedtoreceivefromher，heneverpicturedtohimself。Buthealwaysknewshewouldhavebeentruetohim，ifhehadsufferedher。Healwaysknewshewouldhavelovedhimbetternow，thanatanyothertime：hewasascertainthatitwasinhernature，ashewasthattherewasaskyabovehim；andhesatthinkingso，inhisloneliness，fromhourtohour。Dayafterdayutteredthisspeech；
　　nightafternightshowedhimthisknowledge。
　　Itbegan，beyondalldoubthoweverslowitadvancedforsometime，inthereceiptofheryounghusband'sletter，andthecertaintythatshewasgone。Andyet——soproudhewasinhisruin，orsoreminiscentofher，onlyassomethingthatmighthavebeenhis，butwaslostbeyondredemption——thatifhecouldhaveheardhervoiceinanadjoiningroom，hewouldnothavegonetoher。Ifhecouldhaveseenherinthestreet，andshehaddonenomorethanlookathimasshehadbeenusedtolook，hewouldhavepassedonwithhisoldcoldunforgivingface，andnotaddressedher，orrelaxedit，thoughhisheartshouldhavebrokensoonafterwards。
　　Howeverturbulenthisthoughts，orharshisangerhadbeen，atfirst，concerninghermarriage，orherhusband，thatwasallpastnow。Hechieflythoughtofwhatmighthavebeen，andwhatwasnot。Whatwas，wasallsummedupinthis：thatshewaslost，andheboweddownwithsorrowandremorse。
　　Andnowhefeltthathehadhadtwochildrenborntohiminthathouse，andthatbetweenhimandthebarewideemptywallstherewasatie，mournful，buthardtorendasunder，connectedwithadoublechildhood，andadoubleloss。Hehadthoughttoleavethehouse——knowinghemustgo，notknowingwhither——upontheeveningofthedayonwhichthisfeelingfirststruckrootinhisbreast；butheresolvedtostayanothernight，andinthenighttoramblethroughtheroomsoncemore。
　　Hecameoutofhissolitudewhenitwasthedeadofnight，andwithacandleinhishandwentsoftlyupthestairs。Ofallthefootmarksthere，makingthemascommonasthecommonstreet，therewasnotone，hethought，buthadseemedatthetimetosetitselfuponhisbrainwhilehehadkeptclose，listening。Helookedattheirnumber，andtheirhurry，andcontention——foottreadingfootout，andupwardtrackanddownwardjostlingoneanother——andthought，withabsolutedreadandwonder，howmuchhemusthavesufferedduringthattrial，andwhatachangedmanhehadcausetobe。Hethought，besides，ohwasthere，somewhereintheworld，alightfootstepthatmighthavewornoutinamomenthalfthosemarks！——andbenthishead，andweptashewentup。
　　Healmostsawit，goingonbefore。Hestopped，lookinguptowardstheskylight；andafigure，childishitself，butcarryingachild，andsingingasitwent，seemedtobethereagain。Anon，itwasthesamefigure，alone，stoppingforaninstant，withsuspendedbreath；thebrighthairclusteringlooselyrounditstearfulface；andlookingbackathim。
　　Hewanderedthroughtherooms：latelysoluxurious；nowsobareanddismalandsochanged，apparently，evenintheirshapeandsize。Thepressoffootstepswasasthickhere；andthesameconsiderationofthesufferinghehadhad，perplexedandterrifiedhim。Hebegantofearthatallthisintricacyinhisbrainwoulddrivehimmad；andthathisthoughtsalreadylostcoherenceasthefootprintsdid，andwerepiecedontooneanother，withthesametracklessinvolutions，andvarietiesofindistinctshapes。
　　Hedidnotsomuchasknowinwhichoftheseroomsshehadlived，whenshewasalone。Hewasgladtoleavethem，andgowanderinghigherup。Abundanceofassociationswerehere，connectedwithhisfalsewife，hisfalsefriendandservant，hisfalsegroundsofpride；butheputthemallbynow，andonlyrecalledmiserably，weakly，fondly，histwochildren。
　　Everywhere，thefootsteps！Theyhadhadnorespectfortheoldroomhighup，wherethelittlebedhadbeen；hecouldhardlyfindaclearspacethere，tothrowhimselfdown，onthefloor，againstthewall，poorbrokenman，andlethistearsflowastheywould。Hehadshedsomanytearshere，longago，thathewaslessashamedofhisweaknessinthisplacethaninanyother——perhaps，withthatconsciousness，hadmadeexcusestohimselfforcominghere。Here，withstoopingshoulders，andhischindroppedonhisbreast，hehadcome。Here，thrownuponthebareboards，inthedeadofnight，hewept，alone——aproudman，eventhen；who，ifakindhandcouldhavebeenstretchedout，orakindfacecouldhavelookedinwouldhaverisenup，andturnedaway，andgonedowntohiscell。
　　Whenthedaybrokehewasshutupinhisroomsagain。Hehadmeanttogoawayto-day，butclungtothistieinthehouseasthelastandonlythinglefttohim。Hewouldgoto-morrow。To-morrowcame。Hewouldgoto-morrow。
　　Everynight，withintheknowledgeofnohumancreature，hecameforth，andwanderedthroughthedespoiledhouselikeaghost。Manyamorningwhenthedaybroke，hisalteredface，droopingbehindtheclosedblindinhiswindow，imperfectlytransparenttothelightasyet，ponderedonthelossofhistwochildren。Itwasonechildnomore。Hereunitedtheminhisthoughts，andtheywereneverasunder。Oh，thathecouldhaveunitedtheminhispastlove，andindeath，andthatonehadnotbeensomuchworsethandead！
　　Strongmentalagitationanddisturbancewasnonoveltytohim，evenbeforehislatesuffering。Itneveris，toobstinateandsullennatures；
　　fortheystrugglehardtobesuch。Ground，longundermined，willoftenfalldowninamoment；whatwasunderminedhereinsomanyways，weakened，andcrumbled，littlebylittle，moreandmore，asthehandmovedonthedial。
　　Atlasthebegantothinkheneednotgoatall。Hemightyetgiveupwhathiscreditorshadsparedhimthattheyhadnotsparedhimmore，washisownact，andonlyseverthetiebetweenhimandtheruinedhouse，byseveringthatotherlinkItwasthenthathisfootfallwasaudibleinthelatehouse-keeper'sroom，ashewalkedtoandfro；butnotaudibleinitstruemeaning，oritwouldhavehadanappallingsound。
　　Theworldwasverybusyandrestlessabouthim。Hebecameawareofthatagain。Itwaswhisperingandbabbling。Itwasneverquiet。This，andtheintricacyandcomplicationofthefootsteps，harassedhimtodeath。
　　Objectsbegantotakeablearedandrussetcolourinhiseyes。DombeyandSonwasnomore——hischildrennomore。Thismustbethoughtof，well，to-morrow。
　　Hethoughtofitto-morrow；andsittingthinkinginhischair，sawintheglass，fromtimetotime，thispicture：
　　Aspectral，haggard，wastedlikenessofhimself，broodedandbroodedovertheemptyfireplace。Nowitliftedupitshead，examiningthelinesandhollowsinitsface；nowhungitdownagain，andbroodedafresh。Nowitroseandwalkedabout；nowpassedintothenextroom，andcamebackwithsomethingfromthedressing-tableinitsbreast。Now，itwaslookingatthebottomofthedoor，andthinking——
　　Hush！what？
　　Itwasthinkingthatifbloodweretotricklethatway，andtoleakoutintothehall，itmustbealongtimegoingsofar。Itwouldmovesostealthilyandslowly，creepingon，withheralazylittlepool，andthereastart，andthenanotherlittlepool，thatadesperatelywoundedmancouldonlybediscoveredthroughitsmeans，eitherdeadordying。Whenithadthoughtofthisalongwhile，itgotupagain，andwalkedtoandfrowithitshandinitsbreast。Heglancedatitoccasionally，verycurioustowatchitsmotions，andhemarkedhowwickedandmurderousthathandlooked。
　　Nowitwasthinkingagain！Whatwasitthinking？
　　Whethertheywouldtreadinthebloodwhenitcreptsofar，andcarryitaboutthehouseamongthosemanyprintsoffeet，orevenoutintothestreet。
　　Itsatdown，withitseyesupontheemptyfireplace，andasitlostitselfinthoughtthereshoneintotheroomagleamoflight；arayofsun。Itwasquiteunmindful，andsatthinking。Suddenlyitrose，withaterribleface，andthatguiltyhandgraspingwhatwasinitsbreast。
　　Thenitwasarrestedbyacry——awild，loud，piercing，lovingrapturouscry——andheonlysawhisownreflectionintheglass，andathisknees，hisdaughter！
　　Yes。Hisdaughter！Lookather！Lookhere！Downupontheground，clingingtohim，callingtohim，foldingherhands，prayingtohim。
　　`Papa！Dearestpapa！Pardonme，forgiveme！Ihavecomebacktoaskforgivenessonmyknees。Inevercanbehappymore，withoutit！'
　　Unchangedstill。Ofalltheworld，unchanged。Raisingthesamefacetohis，asonthatmiserablenight。Askinghisforgiveness！
　　`Dearpapa，ohdon'tlookstrangelyonme！Inevermeanttoleaveyou。Ineverthoughtofit，beforeorafterwards。IwasfrightenedwhenIwentaway，andcouldnotthink。Papa，dear，Iamchanged。Iampenitent。
　　Iknowmyfault。Iknowmydutybetternow。Papa，don'tcastmeoff，orIshalldie！'
　　Hetotteredtohischair。Hefeltherdrawhisarmsaboutherneck；hefeltherputherownroundhis；hefeltherkissesonhisface；
　　hefeltherwetcheeklaidagainsthisown；hefelt——oh，howdeeply！——allthathehaddone。
　　Uponthebreastthathehadbruised，againsttheheartthathehadalmostbroken，shelaidhisface，nowcoveredwithhishands，andsaid，sobbing：
　　`Papa，love，Iamamother。IhaveachildwhowillsooncallWalterbythenamebywhichIcallyou。Whenitwasborn，andwhenIknewhowmuchIlovedit，IknewwhatIhaddoneinleavingyou。Forgiveme，dearPapa！ohsayGodblessme，andmylittlechild！'
　　Hewouldhavesaidit，ifhecould。Hewouldhaveraisedhishandsandbesoughtherforpardon，butshecaughttheminherown，andputthemdown，hurriedly。
　　`Mylittlechildwasbornatsea，Papa。IprayedtoGodandsodidWalterformetospareme，thatImightcomehome。ThemomentIcouldland，Icamebacktoyou。Neverletusbepartedanymore，Papa！'
　　Hishead，nowgrey，wasencircledbyherarm；andhegroanedtothinkthatnever，never，haditrestedsobefore。
　　`Youwillcomehomewithme，Papa，andseemybaby。Aboy，Papa。
　　HisnameisPaul。Ithink——Ihope——he'slike——'
　　Hertearsstoppedher。
　　`DearPapa，forthesakeofmychild，forthesakeofthenamewehavegivenhim，formysake，pardonWalter。Heissokindandtendertome。Iamsohappywithhim。Itwasnothisfaultthatweweremarried。
　　Itwasmine。Ilovedhimsomuch。'