Itwasasortofmarch；butwhentheDoctorputouthisrightfoot，hegravelyturneduponhisaxis，withasemi-circularsweeptowardstheleft；
　　andwhenheputouthisleftfoot，heturnedinthesamemannertowardstheright。Sothatheseemed，ateverystridehetook，tolookabouthimasthoughheweresaying，`Cananybodyhavethegoodnesstoindicateanysubject，inanydirection，onwhichIamuninformed？Iratherthinknot。'
　　Mrs。BlimberandMissBlimbercamebackintheDoctor'scompany；
　　andtheDoctor，liftinghisnewpupiloffthetable，deliveredhimovertoMissBlimber。
　　`Cornelia，'saidtheDoctor，`Dombeywillbeyourchargeatfirst。
　　Bringhimon，Cornelia，bringhimon。'
　　MissBlimberreceivedheryoungwardfromtheDoctor'shands；
　　andPaul，feelingthatthespectaclesweresurveyinghim，castdownhiseyes。
　　`Howoldareyou，Dombey？'saidMissBlimber。
　　`Six，'answeredPaul，wondering，ashestoleaglanceattheyounglady，whyherhairdidn'tgrowlonglikeFlorence's，andwhyshewaslikeaboy。
　　`HowmuchdoyouknowofyourLatinGrammmar，Dombey？'saidMissBlimber。
　　`Noneofit，'answeredPaul。FeelingthattheanswerwasashocktoMissBlimber'ssensibility，helookedupatthethreefacesthatwerelookingdownathim，andsaid：
　　`Ihav'n'tbeenwell。Ihavebeenaweakchild。Icouldn'tlearnaLatinGrammarwhenIwasout，everyday，witholdGlubb。Iwishyou'dtelloldGlubbtocomeandseeme，ifyouplease。'
　　`Whatadreadfullowname！'saidMrs。Blimber。`Unclassicaltoadegree！Whoisthemonster，child？'
　　`Whatmonster？'inquiredPaul。
　　`Glubb，'saidMrs。Blimber，withagreatdisrelish。
　　`He'snomoreamonsterthanyouare，'returnedPaul。
　　`What！'criedtheDoctor，inaterriblevoice。`Aye，aye，aye？
　　Aha！What'sthat？'
　　Paulwasdreadfulfrightened；butstillhemadeastandfortheabsentGlubb，thoughhedidittrembling。
　　`He'saveryniceoldman，Ma'am，'hesaid。`Heusedtodrawmycouch。Heknowsallaboutthedeepsea，andthefishthatareinit，andthegreatmonstersthatcomeandlieonrocksinthesun，anddiveintothewateragainwhenthey'restartled，blowingandsplashingso，thattheycanbeheardformiles。Therearesomecreatures，'saidPaul，warmingwithhissubject，`Idon'tknowhowmanyyardslong，andIforgettheirnames，butFlorenceknows，thatpretendtobeindistress；andwhenamangoesnearthem，outofcompassion，theyopentheirgreatjaws，andattackhim。
　　Butallhehasgottodo，'saidPaul，boldlytenderingthisinformationtotheveryDoctorhimself，`istokeeponturningasherunsaway，andthen，astheyturnslowly，becausetheyaresolong，andcan'tbend，he'ssuretobeatthem。AndthougholdGlubbdon'tknowwhytheseashouldmakemethinkofmyMamathat'sdead，orwhatitisthatitisalwayssaying——alwayssaying！heknowsagreatdealaboutit。AndIwish，'thechildconcludedwithasuddenfallingofhiscountenance，andfailinginhisanimation，ashelookedlikeoneforlorn，uponthethreestrangeface，`thatyou'dletoldGlubbcomeheretoseeme，forIknowhimverywell，andheknowsme。'
　　`Ha！'saidtheDoctor，shakinghishead：`thisisbad，butstudywilldomuch。'
　　Mrs。Blimberopined，withsomethinglikeashiver，thathewasanunaccountablechild；and，allowingforthedifferenceofvisage，lookedathimprettymuchasMrs。Pipchinhadbeenusedtodo。
　　`Takehimroundthehouse，Cornelia，'saidtheDoctor，`andfamiliarisehimwithhisnewsphere。Gowiththatyounglady，Dombey。'
　　Dombeyobeyed；givinghishandtotheabstruseCornelia，andlookingathersideways，withtimidcuriosity，astheywentawaytogether。Forherspectacles，byreasonoftheglisteningoftheglasses，madehersomysterious，thathedidn'tknowwhereshewaslooking，andwasnotindeedquitesurethatshehadanyeyesatallbehindthem。
　　Corneliatookhimfirsttotheschoolroom，whichwassituatedatthebackofthehall，andwasapproachedthroughtwobaizedoors，whichdeadenedandmuffledtheyounggentlemen'svoices。Here，therewereeightyounggentlemeninvariousstagesofmentalprostration，allveryhardatwork，andverygraveindeed。Toots，asanoldhand，hadadesktohimselfinonecorner：andamagnificentman，ofimmenseage，helooked，inPaul'syoungeyes，behindit。
　　Mr。Feeder，B。A。，whosatatanotherlittledesk，hadhisVirgilstopon，andwasslowlygrindingthattunetofouryounggentlemen。Oftheremainingfour，twowhograspedtheirforeheadsconvulsively，wereengagedinsolvingmathematicalproblems；onewithhisfacelikeadirtywindow，frommuchcrying，wasendeavouringtoflounderthroughahopelessnumberoflinesbeforedinner；andonesatlookingathistaskinstonystupefactionanddespair——whichitseemedhadbeenhisconditioneversincebreakfasttime。
　　Theappearanceofanewboydidnotcreatethesensationthatmighthavebeenexpected。Mr。Feeder，B。A。whowasinthehabitofshavinghisheadforcoolness，andhadnothingbutlittlebristlesonit，gavehimabonyhand，andtoldhimhewasgladtoseehim——whichPaulwouldhavebeenverygladtohavetoldhim，ifhecouldhavedonesowiththeleastsincerity。ThenPaul，instructedbyCornelia，shookhandswiththefouryounggentlemenatMr。Feeder'sdesk；thenwiththetwoyounggentlemenatworkontheproblems，whowereveryfeverish；thenwiththegentlemanatworkagainsttime，whowasveryinky；andlastlywiththeyounggentlemaninastateofstupefaction，whowasflabbyandquitecold。
　　PaulhavingbeenalreadyintroducedtoToots，thatpupilmerelychuckledandbreathedhard，ashiscustomwas，andpursuedtheoccupationinwhichhewasengaged。Itwasnotasevereone；foronaccountofhishaving`gonethrough'somuchinmoresensesthanone，andalsoofhishaving，asbeforehinted，leftoffblowinginhisprime，Tootsnowhadlicencetopursuehisowncourseofstudy：whichwaschieflytowritelongletterstohimselffrompersonsofdistinction，addressed`P。Toots，Esquire，Brighton，Sussex，'andtopreservetheminhisdeskwithgreatcare。
　　Theseceremoniespassed，CornelialedPaulupstairstothetopofthehouse；whichwasratheraslowjourney，onaccountofPaulbeingobligedtolandbothfeetoneverystair，beforehemountedanother。Buttheyreachedtheirjourney'sendatlast；andthere，inafrontroom，lookingoverthewildsea，Corneliashowedhimanicelittlebedwithwhitehangings，closetothewindow，onwhichtherewasalreadybeautifullywrittenonacardinroundtext——downstrokesverythick，andupstrokesveryfine——DOMBEY；
　　whiletwootherlittlebed-steadsinthesameroomwereannounced，throughlikemeans，asrespectivelyappertaininguntoBRIGGSandTOZER。
　　Justastheygotdownstairsagainintothehall，Paulsawtheweak-eyedyoungmanwhohadgiventhatmortaloffencetoMrs。Pipchin，suddenlyseizeaverylargedrumstick，andflyatagongthatwashangingup，asifhehadgonemad，orwantedvengeance。Insteadofreceivingwarning，however，orbeinginstantlytakenintocustody，theyoungmanleftoffunchecked，afterhavingmadeadreadfulnoise。ThenCorneliaBlimbersaidtoDombeythatdinnerwouldbereadyinaquarterofanyour，andperhapshehadbettergointotheschoolroomamonghis`friends。'
　　SoDombey，deferentiallypassingthegreatclockwhichwasstillasanxiousasevertoknowhowhefoundhimself，openedtheschoolroomdooraverylittleway，andstrayedinlikealostboy：shuttingitafterhimwithsomedifficulty。Hisfriendswerealldispersedabouttheroomexceptthestonyfriend，whoremainedimmoveable。Mr。Feederwasstretchinghimselfinhisgreygown，asif，regardlessofexpense，hewereresolvedtopullthesleevesoff。
　　`Heighhohum！'criedMr。Feeder，shakinghimselflikeacart-horse。
　　`Ohdearme，dearme！Ya-a-a-ah！'
　　PaulwasquitealarmedbyMr。Feeder'syawning；itwasdoneonsuchagreatscale，andhewassoterriblyinearnest。AlltheboystooTootsexceptedseemedknockedup，andweregettingreadyfordinner——somenewlytyingtheirneck-cloths，whichwereverystiffindeed；andotherswashingtheirhandsorbrushingtheirhair，inanadjoiningante-chamber——asiftheydidn'tthinktheyshouldenjoyitatall。
　　YoungTootswhowasreadybeforehand，andhadthereforenothingtodo，andhadleisuretobestowuponPaul，said，withheavygoodnature：
　　`Sitdown，Dombey。'
　　`Thankyou，Sir，'saidPaul。
　　Hisendeavouringtohoisthimselfontoaveryhighwindow-seat，andhisslippingdownagain，appearedtoprepareToots'smindforthereceptionofadiscovery。
　　`You'reaverysmallchap，'saidMr。Toots。
　　`Yes，Sir，I'msmall，'returnedPaul。`Thankyou，Sir。'
　　ForTootshadliftedhimintotheseat，anddoneitkindlytoo。
　　`Who'syourtailor？'inquiredToots，afterlookingathimforsomemoments。
　　`It'sawomanthathasmademyclothesasyet，'saidPaul。`Mysister'sdressmaker。'
　　`Mytailor'sBurgessandCo。，'saidToots。`Fash'nable。Butverydear。'
　　Paulhadwitenoughtoshakehishead，asifhewouldhavesaiditwaseasytoseethat；andindeedhethoughtso。
　　`Yourfather'sregularlyrich，ain'the？'inquiredMr。Toots。
　　`Yes，Sir，'saidPaul。`He'sDombeyandSon。'
　　`Andwhich？'demandedToots。
　　`AndSon，Sir？'repliedPaul。
　　Mr。Tootsmadeoneortwoattempts，inalowvoice，tofixthefirminhismind；butnotquitesucceeding，saidhewouldgetPaultomentionthenameagainto-morrowmorning，asitwasratherimportant。AndindeedhepurposednothinglessthanwritinghimselfaprivateandconfidentialletterfromDombeyandSonimmediately。
　　Bythistimetheotherpupilsalwaysexceptingthestonyboy
　　gatheredround。Theywerepolite，butpale；andspokelow；andtheyweresodepressedintheirspirits，thatincomparisonwiththegeneraltoneofthatcompany，MasterBitherstonewasaperfectMiller，orcompleteJestBook。Andyethehadasenseofinjuryuponhim，too，hadBitherstone。
　　`Yousleepinmyroom，don'tyou？'askedasolemnyounggentleman，whoseshirt-collarcurledupthelobesofhisears。
　　`MasterBriggs？'inquiredPaul。
　　`Tozer，'saidtheyounggentleman。
　　Paulansweredyes；andTozerpointingoutthestonypupil，saidthatwasBriggs。PaulhadalreadyfeltcertainthatitmustbeeitherBriggsorTozer，thoughhedidn'tknowwhy。
　　`Isyoursastrongconstitution？'inquiredTozer。
　　Paulsaidhethoughtnot。TozerrepliedthathethoughtnotalsojudgingfromPaul'slooks，andthatitwasapity，foritneedbe。HethenaskedPaulifheweregoingtobeginwithCornelia；andonPaulsaying`Yes，'alltheyounggentlemenBriggsexceptedgavealowgroan。
　　Itwasdrownedinthetintinnabulationofthegong，whichsoundingagainwithgreatfury，therewasageneralmovetowardsthedining-room；
　　stillexceptingBriggsthestoryboy，whoremainedwherehewas，andashewas；andonitswaytowhomPaulpresentlyencounteredaroundofbread，genteellyservedonaplateandnapkin，andwithasilverforklyingcrosswiseonthetopofit。
　　DoctorBlimberwasalreadyinhisplaceinthedining-room，atthetopofthetable，withMissBlimberandMrs。Blimberoneithersideofhim。Mr。Feederinablackcoatwasatthebottom。Paul'schairwasnexttoMissBlimber；butitbeingfound，whenhesatinit，thathiseyebrowswerenotmuchabovethelevelofthetable-cloth，somebookswerebroughtinfromtheDoctor'sstudy，onwhichhewaselevated，andonwhichhealwayssatfromthattime——carryingtheminandouthimselfonafteroccasions，likealittleelephantandcastle。
　　GracehavingbeensaidbytheDoctor，dinnerbegan。Therewassomenicesoup；alsoroastmeat，boiledmeat，vegetables，pie，andcheese。
　　Everyyounggentlemanhadamassivesilverfork，andanapkin；andallthearrangementswerestatelyandhandsome。Inparticular，therewasabutlerinabluecoatandbrightbuttons，whogavequiteawineyflavourtothetablebeer；hepoureditoutsosuperbly。
　　Nobodyspoke，unlessspokento，exceptDoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimber，whoconversedoccasionally。Wheneverayounggentlemanwasnotactuallyengagedwithhisknifeandforkorspoon，hiseye，withanirresistibleattraction，soughttheeyeofdoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，orMissBlimber，andmodestlyrestedthere。Tootsappearedtobetheonlyexceptiontothisrule。HesatnextMr。FeederonPaul'ssideofthetable，andfrequentlylookedbehindandbeforetheinterveningboystocatchaglimpseofPaul。
　　Onlyonceduringdinnerwasthereanyconversationthatincludedtheyounggentlemen。Ithappenedattheepochofthecheese，whentheDoctor，havingtakenaglassofportwine，andhemmedtwiceorthrice，said：
　　`Itisremarkable，Mr。Feeder，thattheRomans——'
　　Atthementionofthisterriblepeople，theirimplacableenemies，everyyounggentlemanfastenedhisgazeupontheDoctor，withanassumptionofthedeepestinterest。Oneofthenumberwhohappenedtobedrinking，andwhocaughttheDoctor'seyeglaringathimthroughthesideofhistumbler，leftoffsohastilythathewasconvulsedforsomemoments，andinthesequelruinedDoctorBlimber'spoint。
　　`Itisremarkable，Mr。Feeder，'saidtheDoctor，beginningagainslowly，`thattheRomans，inthosegorgeousandprofuseentertainmentsofwhichwereadinthedaysoftheEmperors，whenluxuryhadattainedaheightunknownbeforeorsince，andwhenwholeprovinceswereravagedtosupplythesplendidmeansofoneImperialBanquet——'
　　Heretheoffender，whohadbeenswellingandstraining，andwaiting，invainforafullstop，brokeoutviolently。
　　`Johnson，'saidMr。Feeder，inalowreproachfulvoice，`takesomewater。'
　　TheDoctor，lookingverystern，madeapauseuntilthewaterwasbrought，andthenresumed：
　　`Andwhen，Mr。Feeder——'
　　ButMr。Feeder，whosawthatJohnsonmustbreakoutagain，andwhoknewthattheDoctorwouldnevercometoaperiodbeforetheyounggentlemenuntilhehadfinishedallhemeanttosay，couldn'tkeephiseyeoffJohnson；andthuswascaughtinthefactofnotlookingattheDoctor，whoconsequentlystopped。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，'saidMr。Feeder，reddening。`Ibegyourpardon，DoctorBlimber。'
　　`Andwhen，'saidtheDoctor，raisinghisvoice，`when，Sir，asweread，andhavenoreasontodoubt——incredibleasitmayappeartothevulgarofourtime——thebrotherofVitelliuspreparedforhimafeast，inwhichwereserved，offish，twothousanddishes——'
　　`Takesomewater，Johnson——dishes，Sir，'saidMr。Feeder。
　　`Ofvarioussortsoffowl，fivethousanddishes。'
　　`Ortryacrustofbread，'saidMr。Feeder。
　　`Andonedish，'pursuedDoctorBlimber，raisinghisvoicestillhigherashelookedallroundthetable，`called，fromitsenormousdimensions，theshieldofMinerva，andmade，amongothercostlyingredients，ofthebrainsofpheasants——'
　　`Ow，ow，ow！'fromJohnson。
　　`Woodcocks——'
　　`Ow，ow，ow！'
　　`Thesoundsofthefishcalledscari——'
　　`You'llburstsomevesselinyourhead，'saidMr。Feeder。
　　`Youhadbetterletitcome。'
　　`Andthespawnofthelamprey，broughtfromtheCarpathianSea，'
　　pursuedtheDoctor，inhisseverestvoice；`whenwereadofcostlyentertainmentssuchasthese，andstillremember，thatwehaveaTitus——'
　　`Whatwouldbeyourmother'sfeelingsifyoudiedofapoplexy！'
　　saidMr。Feeder。
　　`ADomitian——'
　　`Andyou'reblue，youknow，'saidMr。Feeder。
　　`ANero，aTiberius，aCaligula，aHeliogabalus，andmanymore，'
　　pursuedtheDoctor；`itis，Mr。Feeder——ifyouaredoingmethehonourtoattend——remarkable：VERY——remarkable，Sir——'
　　ButJohnson，unabletosuppressitanylonger，burstatthatmomentintosuchanoverwhelmingfitofcoughing，thatalthoughbothhisimmediateneighboursthumpedhimontheback，andMr。Feederhimselfheldaglassofwatertohislips，andthebutlerwalkedhimupanddownseveraltimesbetweenhisownchairandthesideboard，likeasentry，itwasfullfiveminutesbeforehewasmoderatelycomposed，andthentherewasaprofoundsilence。
　　`Gentlemen，'saidDoctorBlimber，`riseforGrace！Cornelia，liftDombeydown'——nothingofwhombuthisscalpwasaccordinglyseenabovethetablecloth。`Johnsonwillrepeattometo-morrowmorningbeforebreakfast，withoutbook，andfromtheGreekTestament，thefirstchapteroftheEpistleofSaintPaultotheEphesians。Wewillresumeourstudies，Mr。Feeder，inhalf-anhour。'
　　Theyounggentlemenbowedandwithdrew。Mr。Feederdidlikewise。
　　Duringthehalf-hour，theyounggentlemen，brokenintopairs，loiteredarm-in-armupanddownasmallpieceofgroundbehindthehouse，orendeavouredtokindleasparkofanimationinthebreastofBriggs。Butnothinghappenedsovulgarasplay。Punctuallyattheappointedtime，thegongwassounded，andthestudies，underthejointauspicesofDoctorBlimberandMr。Feeder，wereresumed。
　　AstheOlympicgameofloungingupanddownhadbeencutshorterthanusualthatday，onJohnson'saccount，theyallwentoutforawalkbeforetea。EvenBriggsthoughhehadn'tbegunyetpartookofthisdissipation；
　　intheenjoymentofwhichhelookedovertheclifftwoorthreetimesdarkly。
　　DoctorBlimberaccompaniedthem；andPaulhadthehonourofbeingtakenintowbytheDoctorhimself：adistinguishedstateofthings，inwhichhelookedverylittleandfeeble。
　　Teawasservedinastylenolesspolitethanthedinner；andaftertea，theyounggentlemenrisingandbowingasbefore，withdrewtofetchuptheunfinishedtasksofthatday，ortogetupthealreadyloomingtasksoftomorrow。InthemeantimeMr。Feederwithdrewtohisownroom；
　　andPaulsatinacornerwonderingwhetherFlorencewasthinkingofhim，andwhattheywereallaboutatMrs。Pipchin's。
　　Mr。Toots，whohadbeendetainedbyanimportantletterfromtheDukeofWellington，foundPauloutafteratime；andhavinglookedathimforalongwhile，asbefore，inquiredifhewasfondofwaistcoats。
　　Paulsaid`Yes，Sir。'
　　`SoamI，'saidToots。
　　NowordmorespakeTootsthatnight；buthestoodlookingatPaulasifhelikedhim；andastherewascompanyinthat，andPaulwasnotinclinedtotalk，itansweredhispurposebetterthanconversation。
　　Ateighto'clockorso，thegongsoundedagainforprayersinthedining-room，wherethebutlerafterwardspresidedoveraside-table，onwhichbreadandcheeseandbeenwerespreadforsuchyounggentlemenasdesiredtopartakeofthoserefreshments。TheceremoniesconcludedbytheDoctor'ssaying，`Gentlemen，wewillresumeourstudiesatsevento-morrow；'
　　andthen，forthefirsttime，PaulsawCorneliaBlimber'seye'andsawthatitwasuponhim。WhentheDoctorhadsaidthesewords，`Gentlemen，wewillresumeourstudiesatevento-morrow，'thepupilsbowedagain，andwenttobed。
　　Intheconfidenceoftheirownroomupstairs，Briggssaidhisheadachedreadytosplit，andthatheshouldwishhimselfdeadifitwasn'tforhismother，andablackbirdhehadathome。Tozerdidn'tsaymuch，buthesighedagooddeal，andtoldPaultolookout，forhisturnwouldcometo-morrow。Afterutteringthosepropheticwords，heundressedhimselfmoodily，andgotintobed。Briggswasinhisbedtoo，andPaulinhisbedtoo，beforetheweak-eyedyoungmanappearedtotakeawaythecandle，whenhewishedthemgoodnightandpleasantdreams。Buthisbenevolentwisheswereinvain，asfarasBriggsandTozerwereconcerned；forPaul，wholayawakeforalongwhile，andoftenwokeafterwards，foundthatBriggswasriddenbyhislessonasanightmare：andthatTozer，whosemindwasaffectedinhissleepbysimilarcauses，inaminordegree，talkedunknowntongues，orscrapsofGreekandLatin——itwasallonetoPaul——which，inthesilenceofnight，hadaninexpressiblywickedandguiltyeffect。
　　Paulhadsunkintoasweetsleep，anddreamedthathewaswalkinghandinhandwithFlorencethroughbeautifulgardens，whentheycametoalargesunflowerwhichsuddenlyexpandeditselfintoagong，andbegantosound。Openinghiseyes，hefoundthatitwasadark，windymorning，withadrizzlingrain：andthattherealgongwasgivingdreadfulnoteofpreparation，downinthehall。
　　Sohegotupdirectly，andfoundBriggswithhardlyanyeyes，fornightmareandgriefhadmadehisfacepuffy，puttinghisboots，on：
　　whileTozerstoodshiveringandrubbinghisshouldersinaverybadhumour。
　　PoorPaulcouldn'tdresshimselfeasily，notbeingusedtoit，andaskedthemiftheywouldhavethegoodnesstotiesomestringsforhim；butasBriggsmerelysaid`Bother！'andTozer，`Ohyes！'hewentdownwhenhewasotherwiseready，tothenextstory，wherehesawaprettyyoungwomaninleathergloves，cleaningastove。Theyoungwomanseemedsurprisedathisappearance，andaskedhimwherehismotherwas。WhenPaultoldhershewasdead，shetookherglovesoff，anddidwhathewanted；andfurthermorerubbedhishandstowarmthem；andgavehimakiss；andtoldhimwheneverhewantedanythingofthatsort——meaninginthedressingway——toaskfor'
　　Melia；whichPaul，thankingherverymuch，saidhecertainlywould。Hethenproceededsoftlyonhisjourneydownstairs，towardstheroominwhichtheyounggentlemenresumedtheirstudies，when，passingbyadoorthatstoodajar，avoicefromwithincried，`IsthatDombey？'OnPaulreplying，`Yes，ma'am：'forheknewthevoicetobeMissBlimber's：MissBlimbersaid，`Comein，Dombey。'Andinhewent。
　　MissBlimberpresentedexactlytheappearanceshehadpresentedyesterday，exceptthatsheworeashawl。Herlittlelightcurlswereascrispasever，andshehadalreadyherspectacleson，whichmadePaulwonderwhethershewenttobedinthem。Shehadacoollittlesitting-roomofherownupthere，withsomebooksinit，andnofire。ButMissBlimberwasnevercold，andneversleepy。
　　`Now，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber，`Iamgoingoutforaconstitutional。'
　　Paulwonderedwhatthatwas，andwhyshedidn'tsendthefootmanouttogetitinsuchunfavourableweather。Buthemadenoobservationonthesubject：hisattentionbeingdevotedtoalittlepileofnewbooksonwhichMissBlimberappearedtohavebeenrecentlyengaged。
　　`Theseareyours，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber。
　　`Allof'em，Ma'am？'saidPaul。
　　`Yes，'returnedMissBlimber；`andMr。Feederwilllookyououtsomemoreverysoon，ifyouareasstudiousasIexpectyouwillbe，Dombey。'
　　`Thankyou，Ma'am，'saidPaul。
　　`Iamgoingoutforaconstitutional，'resumedMissBlimber；`andwhileIamgone，thatistosayintheintervalbetweenthisandbreakfast，Dombey，IwishyoutoreadoverwhatIhavemarkedinthesebooks，andtotellmeifyouquiteunderstandwhatyouhavegottolearn。Don'tlosetime，Dombey，foryouhavenonetospare，buttakethemdownstairsandbegindirectly。'
　　`Yes，Ma'am，'answeredPaul。
　　Thereweresomanyofthem，thatalthoughPaulputonehandunderthebottombookandhisotherhandandhischinonthetopbook，andhuggedthemallclosely，themiddlebookslippedoutbeforehereachedthedoor，andthentheyalltumbleddownonthefloor。MissBlimbersaid，`Oh，Dombey，Dombey，thisisreallyverycareless！'andpiledthemupafreshforhim；
　　andthistime，bydintofbalancingthemwithgreatnicety，Paulgotoutoftheroom，anddownafewstairsbeforetwoofthemescapedagain。Butheheldtherestsotight，thatheonlyleftonemoreonthefirstfloor，andoneinthepassage；andwhenhehadgotthemainbodydownintotheschool-room，hesetoffupstairsagaintocollectthestragglers。Havingatlastamassedthewholelibrary，andclimbedintohisplace，hefelltowork，encouragedbyaremarkfromTozertotheeffectthathe`wasinforitnow；'whichwastheonlyinterruptionhereceivedtillbreakfasttime。Atthatmeal，forwhichhehadnoappetite，everythingwasquiteassolemnandgenteelasattheother；andwhenitwasfinished，hefollowedMissBlimberupstairs。
　　`Now，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber。`Howhaveyougotonwiththosebooks？'
　　TheycomprisedalittleEnglish，andadealofLatin——namesofthings，declensionsofarticlesandsubstantives，exercisesthereon，andpreliminaryrules——atrifleoforthography，aglanceatancienthistory，awinkortwoatmodernditto，afewtables，twoorthreeweightsandmeasures，andalittlegeneralinformation。WhenpoorPaulhadspeltoutnumbertwo，hefoundhehadnoideaofnumberone；fragmentswhereofafterwardsobtrudedthemselvesintonumberthree，whichslidedintonumberfour，whichgrafteditselfontonumbertwo。SothatwhethertwentyRomulusesmadeaRemus，orhichaechocwastroyweight，oraverbalwaysagreedwithanancientBriton，orthreetimesfourwasTaurusabull，wereopenquestionswithhim。
　　`Oh，Dombey，Dombey！'saidMissBlimber，`thisisveryshocking。'
　　`Ifyouplease，'saidPaul，`IthinkifImightsometimestalkalittletooldGlubb，Ishouldbeabletodobetter。'
　　`Nonsense，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber。`Icouldn'thearofit。
　　ThisisnottheplaceforGlubbsofanykind。Youmusttakethebooksdown，Isuppose，Dombey，onebyone，andperfectyourselfintheday'sinstalmentofsubjectA，beforeyouturnatalltosubjectB。Andnowtakeawaythetopbook，ifyouplease，Dombey，andreturnwhenyouaremasterofthetheme。'
　　MissBlimberexpressedheropinionsonthesubjectofPaul'suninstructedstatewithagloomydelight，asifshehadexpectedthisresult，andweregladtofindthattheymustbeinconstantcommunication。Paulwithdrewwiththetoptask，ashewastold，andlabouredawayatit，downbelow；
　　sometimesrememberingeverywordofit，andsometimesforgettingitall，andeverythingelsebesides：untilatlastheventuredupstairsagaintorepeatthelesson，whenitwasnearlyalldrivenoutofhisheadbeforehebegan，byMissBlimber'sshuttingupthebook，andsaying，`Goon，Dombey！'
　　aproceedingsosuggestiveoftheknowledgeinsideofher，thatPaullookedupontheyoungladywithconsternation，asakindoflearnedGuyFaux，orartificialBogle，stuffedfullofscholasticstraw。
　　Heacquittedhimselfverywell，nevertheless；andMissBlimber，commendinghimasgivingpromiseofgettingonfast，immediatelyprovidedhimwithsubjectB；fromwhichhepassedtoC，andevenDbeforedinner。
　　Itwashardwork，resuminghisstudies，soonafterdinner；andhefeltgiddyandconfusedanddrowsyanddull。Butalltheotheryounggentlemenhadsimilarsensations，andwereobligedtoresumetheirstudiestoo，iftherewereanycomfortinthat。Itwasawonderthatthegreatclockinthehall，insteadofbeingconstanttoitsfirstinquiry，neversaid，`Gentlemen，wewillnowresumeourstudies，'forthatphrasewasoftenenoughrepeatedinitsneighbourhood。Thestudieswentroundlikeamightywheel，andtheyounggentlemenwerealwaysstretcheduponit。
　　Afterteatherewereexercisesagain，andpreparationsfornextdaybycandlelight。Andinduecoursetherewasbed；where，butforthatresumptionofthestudieswhichtookplaceindreams，wererestandsweetforgetfulness。
　　OhSaturdays！OhhappySaturdays，whenFlorencealwayscameatnoon，andneverwould，inanyweather，stayaway，thoughMrs。Pipchinsnarledandgrowled，andworriedherbitterly。ThoseSaturdays，wereSabbathsforatleasttwolittleChristiansamongalltheJews，anddidtheholySabbathworkofstrengtheningandknittingupabrother'sandasister'slove。
　　NotevenSundaynights——theheavySundaynights，whoseshadowdarkenedthefirstwakingburstoflightonSundaymornings——couldmarthosepreciousSaturdays。Whetheritwasthegreatsea-shore，wheretheysat，andstrolledtogether；orwhetheritwasonlyMrs。Pipchin'sdullbackroom，inwhichshesangtohimsosoftly，withhisdrowsyheaduponherarm；Paulnevercared。ItwasFlorence。Thatwasallhethoughtof。
　　So，onSundaynights，whentheDoctor'sdarkdoorstoodagapetoswallowhimupforanotherweek，thetimewascomefortakingleaveofFlorence；
　　nooneelse。
　　Mrs。Wickamhadbeendraftedhometothehouseintown，andMissNipper，nowasmartyoungwoman，hadcomedown。TomanyasinglecombatwithMrs。Pipchin，didMissNippergallantlydevoteherself；andifeverMrs。Pipchininallherlifehadfoundhermatch，shehadfounditnow。
　　MissNipperthrewawaythescabbardthefirstmorningshearoseinMrs。
　　Pipchin'shouse。Sheaskedandgavenoquarter。Shesaiditmustbewar，andwaritwas；andMrs。Pipchinlivedfromthattimeinthemidstofsurprises，harassings，anddefiances，andskirmishingattacksthatcamebouncinginuponherfromthepassage，eveninunguardedmomentsofchops，andcarrieddesolationtoherverytoast。
　　MissNipperhadreturnedoneSundaynightwithFlorence，fromwalkingbackwithPaultotheDoctor's，whenFlorencetookfromherbosomalittlepieceofpaper，onwhichshehadpencilleddownsomewords。
　　`Seehere，Susan，'shesaid。`ThesearethenamesofthelittlebooksthatPaulbringshometodothoselongexerciseswith，whenheissotired。Icopiedthemlastnightwhilehewaswriting。'
　　`Don'tshew'emtome，MissFloy，ifyouplease，'returnedNipper，`I'dassoonseeMrs。Pipchin。'
　　`Iwantyoutobuythemforme，Susan，ifyouwill，tomorrowmorning。
　　Ihavemoneyenough，'saidFlorence。
　　`Why，goodnessgraciousme，MissFloy，'returnedMissNipper，`howcanyoutalklikethat，whenyouhavebooksuponbooksalready，andmastersesandmissessesateachingofyoueverythingcontinual，thoughmybeliefisthatyourPa，MissDombey，neverwouldhavelearntyounothing，neverwouldhavethoughtofit，unlessyou'daskedhim——whenhecouldn'twellrefuse；butgivingconsentwhenasked，andofferingwhenunasked，Miss，isquitetwothings；Imaynothavemyobjectionstoayoungman'skeepingcompanywithme，andwhenheputsthequestion，maysay“yes，“
　　butthat'snotsaying“wouldyoubesokindaslikeme。“'
　　`Butyoucanbuymethebooks，Susan；andyouwill，whenyouknowIwantthem。'
　　`Well，Miss，andwhydoyouwant'em？'repliedNipper；adding，inalowervoice，`IfitwastoflingatMrs。Pipchin'shead，I'dbuyacart-load。'
　　`IthinkIcouldperhapsgivePaulsomehelp，Susan，ifIhadthesebooks，'saidFlorence，`andmakethecomingweekalittleeasiertohim。AtleastIwanttotry。Sobuythemforme，dear，andIwillneverforgethowkinditwasofyoutodoit！'
　　ItmusthavebeenaharderheartthanSusanNipper'sthatcouldhaverejectedthelittlepurseFlorenceheldoutwiththesewords，orthegentlelookofentreatywithwhichshesecondedherpetition。Susanputthepurseinherpocketwithoutreply，andtrottedoutatonceuponhererrand。
　　Thebookswerenoteasytoprocure：andtheansweratseveralshopswas，eitherthattheywerejustoutofthem，orthattheyneverkeptthem，orthattheyhadhadagreatmanylastmonth，orthattheyexpectedagreatmanynextweek。ButSusanwasnoteasilybaffledinnsuchanenterprise；
　　andhavingentrappedawhite-hairedyouth，inablackcalicoapron，fromalibrarywhereshewasknown，toaccompanyherinherquest，sheledhimsuchalifeingoingupanddown，thatheexertedhimselftotheutmost，ifitwereonlytogetridofher；andfinallyenabledhertoreturnhomeintriumph。
　　Withthesetreasuresthen，afterherowndailylessonswereover，florencesatdownatnighttotrackPaul'sfootstepsthroughthethornywaysoflearning；andbeingpossessedofanaturallyquickandsoundcapacity，andtaughtbythatmostwonderfulofmasters，love，itwasnotlongbeforeshegaineduponPaul'sheels，andcaughtandpassedhim。
　　NotawordofthiswasbreathedtoMrs。Pipchin：butmanyanightwhentheywereallinbed，andwhenMissNipper，withherhairinpapersandherselfasleepinsomeuncomfortableattitude，reposedunconsciousbyherside；andwhenthechinkingashesinthegratewerecoldandgrey；
　　andwhenthecandleswereburntdownandgutteringout；——FlorencetriedsohardtobeasubstituteforonesmallDombey，thatherfortitudeandperseverancemighthavealmostwonherafreerighttobearthenameherself。
　　Andhighwasherreward，whenoneSaturdayevening，aslittlePaulwassittingdownasusualto`resumehisstudies，'shesatdownbyhisside，andshowedhimallthatwassorough，madesmooth，andallthatwassodark，madeclearandplain，beforehim。ItwasnothingbutastartledlookinPaul'swanface——aflush——asmile——andthenacloseembrace——butGodknowshowherheartleaptupatthisrichpaymentforhertrouble。
　　`Oh，Floy！'criedherbrother，`howIloveyou！HowIloveyou，Floy！'
　　`AndIyou，dear！'
　　`Oh！Iamsureofthat，Floy。'
　　Hesaidnomoreaboutit，butallthateveningsatclosebyher，veryquiet；andinthenighthecalledoutfromhislittleroomwithinhers，threeorfourtimes，thathelovedher。
　　Regularly，afterthat，FlorencewaspreparedtositdownwithPaulonSaturdaynight，andpatientlyassisthimthroughsomuchastheycouldanticipatetogether，ofhisnextweek'swork。ThecheeringthoughtthathewaslabouringonwhereFlorencehadjusttoiledbeforehim，would，ofitself，havebeenastimulanttoPaulintheperpetualresumptionofhisstudies；butcoupledwiththeactuallighteningofhisload，consequentonthisassistance，itsavedhim，possibly，fromsinkingunderneaththeburdenwhichthefairCorneliaBlimberpileduponhisback。
　　ItwasnotthatMissBlimbermeanttobetooharduponhim，orthatDoctorBlimbermeanttobeartooheavilyontheyounggentlemeningeneral。Corneliamerelyheldthefaithinwhichshehadbeenbred；andtheDoctor，insomepartialconfusionofhisideas，regardedtheyounggentlemenasiftheywereallDoctors，andwereborngrownup。Comfortedbytheapplauseoftheyounggentlemen'snearestrelations，andurgedonbytheirblindvanityandillconsideredhaste，itwouldhavebeenstrangeifDoctorBlimberhaddiscoveredhismistake，ortrimmedhisswellingsailstoanyothertack。
　　ThusinthecaseofPaul。WhenDoctorBlimbersaidhemadegreatprogress，andwasnaturallyclever，Mr。Dombeywasmorebentthaneveronhisbeingforcedandcrammed。InthecaseofBriggs，whenDoctorBlimberreportedthathedidnotmakegreatprogressyet，andwasnotnaturallyclever，Briggsseniorwasinexorableinthesamepurpose。Inshort，howeverhighandfalsethetemperatureatwhichtheDoctorkepthishothouse，theownersoftheplantswerealwaysreadytolendahelpinghandatthebellows，andtostirthefire。
　　Suchspiritsashehadintheoutset，Paulsoonlostofcourse。
　　Butheretainedallthatwasstrange，andold，andthoughtfultotheinhischaracter：andundercircumstancessofavourabletothedevelopmentofthosetendencies，becameevenmorestrange，andold，andthoughtful，thanbefore。
　　Theonlydifferencewas，thathekepthischaractertohimself。
　　Hegrewmorethoughtfulandreserved，everyday；andhadnosuchcuriosityinanylivingmemberoftheDoctor'shousehold，ashehadhadinMrs。Pipchin。
　　Helovedtobealone；andinthoseshortintervalswhenhewasnotoccupiedwithhisbooks，likednothingsowellaswanderingaboutthehousebyhimself，orsittingonthestairs，listeningtothegreatclockinthehall。Hewasintimatewithallthepaper-hanginginthehouse；sawthingsthatnooneelsesawinthepatterns；foundoutminiaturetigersandlionsrunningupthebedroomwalls，andsquintingfacesleeringinthesquaresanddiamondsofthefloor-cloth。
　　Thesolitarychildlivedon，surroundedbythisarabesqueworkofhismusingfancy，andnooneunderstoodhim。Mrs。Blimberthoughthim`odd，'andsometimestheservantssaidamongthemselvesthatlittleDombey`moped；'butthatwasall。
　　UnlessyoungTootshadsomeideaonthesubject，totheexpressionofwhichhewaswhollyunequal。Ideas，likeghostsaccordingtothecommonnotionofghosts，mustbespokentoalittlebeforetheywillexplainthemselves；andTootshadlongleftoffaskinganyquestionsofhisownmind。Somemisttheremayhavebeen，issuingfromthatleadencasket，hiscranium，which，ifitcouldhavetakenshapeandform，wouldhavebecomeagenie；butitcouldnot；anditonlysofarfollowedtheexampleofthesmokeintheArabianstory，astorolloutinathickcloud，andtherehangandhover。Butitleftalittlefigurevisibleuponalonelyshore，andTootswasalwaysstaringatit。
　　`Howareyou？'hewouldsaytoPaul，fiftytimesaday。
　　`Quitewell，Sir，thankyou，'Paulwouldanswer。
　　`Shakehands，'wouldbeToots'snextadvance。
　　WhichPaul，ofcourse，wouldimmediatelydo。Mr。Tootsgenerallysaidagain，afteralongintervalofstaringandhardbreathing，`Howareyou？'TowhichPaulagainreplied，`Quitewell，Sir，thankyou。'
　　OneeveningMr。Tootswassittingathisdesk，oppressedbycorrespondence，whenagreatpurposeseemedtoflashuponhim。Helaiddownhispen，andwentofftoseekPaul，whomhefoundatlast，afteralongsearch，lookingthroughthewindowofhislittlebedroom。
　　`Isay！'criedToots，speakingthemomentheenteredtheroom，lestheshouldforgetit；`whatdoyouthinkabout？'
　　`Oh！Ithinkaboutagreatmanythings，'repliedPaul。
　　`Doyou，though？'saidToots，appearingtoconsiderthatfactinitselfsurprising。
　　`Ifyouhadtodie，'saidPaul，lookingupintohisface——
　　Mr。Tootsstarted，andseemedmuchdisturbed。
　　`——Don'tyouthinkyouwouldratherdieonamoonlightnightwhentheskywasquiteclear，andthewindblowing，asitdidlastnight？'
　　Mr。Tootssaid，lookingdoubtfullyatPaul，andshakinghishead，thathedidn'tknowaboutthat。
　　`Notblowing，atleast，'saidPaul，`butsoundingintheairliketheseasoundsintheshells。Itwasabeautifulnight。WhenIhadlistenedtothewaterforalongtime，Igotupandlookedout。Therewasaboatoverthere，inthefulllightofthemoon；aboatwithasail。'
　　Thechildlookedathimsosteadfastly，andspokesoearnestly，thatMr。Toots，feelinghimselfcalledupontosaysomethingaboutthisboat，said，`Smugglers。'Butwithanimpartialremembranceoftherebeingtwosidestoeveryquestion，headded，`orPreventive。'
　　`Aboatwithasail，'repeatedPaul，`inthefulllightofthemoon。Thesaillikeanarm，allsilver。Itwentawayintothedistance，andwhatdoyouthinkitseemedtodoasitmovedwiththewaves？'
　　`Pitch，'saidMr。Toots。
　　`Itseemedtobeckon，'saidthechild，`tobeckonmetocome！——Theresheis！Theresheis！'
　　Tootswasalmostbesidehimselfwithdismayatthissuddenexclamation，afterwhathadgonebefore，andcried`Who？'
　　`MysisterFlorence！'criedPaul，`lookinguphere，andwavingherhand。Sheseesme——sheseesme！Goodnight，dear，goodnight，goodnight。'
　　Hisquicktransitiontoastateofunboundedpleasure，ashestoodathiswindow，kissingandclappinghishands：andthewayinwhichthelightretreatedfromhisfeaturesasshepassedoutofhisview，andleftapatientmelancholyonthelittleface：weretooremarkablewhollytoescapeevenToots'snotice。TheirinterviewbeinginterruptedatthismomentbyavisitfromMrs。Pipchin，whousuallybroughtherblackskirtstobearuponPauljustbeforedusk，onceortwiceaweek，Tootshadnoopportunityofimprovingtheoccasion：butitleftsomarkedanimpressiononhismindthathetwicereturned，afterhavingexchangedtheusualsalutations，toaskMrs。Pipchinhowshedid。Thistheirascibleoldladyconceivedtobeadeeply-devisedandlongmeditatedinsult，originatinginthediabolicalinventionoftheweak-eyedyoungmandown-stairs，againstwhomsheaccordinglylodgedaformalcomplaintwithDoctorBlimberthatverynight；whomentionedtotheyoungmanthatifheeverdiditagain，heshouldbeobligedtopartwithhim。
　　Theeveningsbeinglongernow，PaulstoleuptohiswindoweveryeveningtolookoutforFlorence。Shealwayspassedandrepassedatacertaintime，untilshesawhim；andtheirmutualrecognitionwasagleamofsunshineinPaul'sdailylife。Oftenafterdark，oneotherfigurewalkedalonebeforetheDoctor'shouse。HerarelyjoinedthemontheSaturdaynow。Hecouldnotbearit。Hewouldrathercomeunrecognised，andlookupatthewindowswherehissonwasqualifyingforaman；andwait，andwatch，andplan，andhope。
　　Oh！couldhebuthaveseen，orseenasothersdid，theslightspareboyabove，watchingthewavesandcloudsattwilight，withhisearnesteyes，andbreastingthewindowofhissolitarycagewhenbirdsflewby，asifhewouldhaveemulatedthem，andsoaredaway！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter13[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIIIShippingIntelligenceandOfficeBusinessMR。DOMBEY'Sofficeswereinacourtwheretherewasanold-establishedstallofchoicefruitatthecorner：whereperambulatingmerchants，ofbothsexes，offeredforsaleatanytimebetweenthehoursoftenandfive，slippers，pocket-books，sponges，dogs'collars，andWindsorsoap，andsometimesapointeroranoil-painting。
　　Thepointeralwayscamethatway，withaviewtotheStockExchange，whereasportingtasteoriginatinggenerallyinbetsofnewhatsismuchinvogue。Theothercommoditieswereaddressedtothegeneralpublic；buttheywereneverofferedbythevendorstoMr。Dombey。Whenheappeared，thedealersinthosewaresfelloffrespectfully。Theprincipalslipperanddogs'collarman——whoconsideredhimselfapubliccharacter，andwhoseportraitwasscrewedontoanartist'sdoorinCheapside——threwuphisforefingertothebrimofhishatasMr。Dombeywentby。Theticket-porter，ifhewerenotabsentonajob，alwaysranofficiouslybeforetoopenMr。
　　Dombey'sofficedooraswideaspossible，andholditopen，withhishatoff，whileheentered。
　　Theclerkswithinwerenotawhitbehind-handintheirdemonstrationsofrespect。Asolemnhushprevailed，asMr。Dombeypassedthroughtheouteroffice。ThewitoftheCounting-Housebecameinamomentasmute，astherowofleathernfire-bucketshangingupbehindhim。Suchvapidandflatdaylightasfilteredthroughtheground-glasswindowsandskylight，leavingablacksedimentuponthepanes，showedthebooksandpapers，andthefiguresbendingoverthem，envelopedinastudiousgloom，andasmuchabstractedinappearance，fromtheworldwithout，asiftheywereassembledatthebottomofthesea；whileamouldylittlestrongroomintheobscureperspective，whereashadylampwasalwaysburning，mighthaverepresentedthecavernofsomeocean-monster，lookingonwitharedeyeatthesemysteriesofthedeep。
　　WhenPerchthemessenger，whoseplacewasonalittlebracket，likeatimepiece，sawMr。Dombeycomein——orratherwhenhefeltthathewascoming，forhehadusuallyaninstinctivesenseofhisapproach——hehurriedintoMr。Dombey'sroom，stirredthefire，quarriedfreshcoalsfromthebowelsofthecoal-box，hungthenewspapertoairuponthefender，putthechairready，andscreeninitsplace，andwasrounduponhisheelontheinstantofMt。Dombey'sentrance，totakehisgreat-coatandhat，andhangthemup。ThenPerchtookthenewspaper，andgaveitaturnortwoinhishandsbeforethefire，andlaidit，deferentially，atMr。Dombey'selbow。AndsolittleobjectionhadPerchtodoingdeferentialinthelastdegree，thatifhemighthavelaidhimselfatMr。Dombey'sfeet，ormighthavecalledhimbysomesuchtitleasusedtobebestowedupontheCaliphHarounAlraschid，hewouldhavebeenallthebetterpleased。
　　Asthishonourwouldhavebeenaninnovationandanexperiment，Perchwasfaintocontenthimselfbyexpressingaswellashecould，inhismanner，YouarethelightofmyEyes。YouaretheBreathofmySoul。
　　YouarethecommanderoftheFaithfulPerch！Withthisimperfecthappinesstocheerhim，hewouldshutthedoorsoftly，walkawayontiptoe，andleavehisgreatchieftobestaredat，throughadome-shapedwindowintheleads，byuglychimney-potsandbacksofhouses，andespeciallybytheboldwindowofahair-cuttingsaloononafirstfloor，whereawaxeneffigy，baldasaMussulmaninthemorning，andcoveredaftereleveno'clockintheday，withluxurianthairandwhiskersinthelatestChristianfashion，showedhimthewrongsideofitsheadforever。
　　BetweenMr。Dombeyandthecommonworld，asitwasaccessiblethroughthemediumoftheouteroffice——towhichMr。Dombey'spresenceinhisownroommaybesaidtohavestrucklikedamp，orcoldair——thereweretwodegreesofdescent。Mr。Carkerinhisownofficewasthefirststep；Mr。Morfin，inhisownoffice，wasthesecond。Eachofthesegentlemenoccupiedalittlechamberlikeabath-room，openingfromthepassageoutsideMr。Dombey'sdoor。Mr。Carker，asGrandVizier，inhabitedtheroomthatwasnearesttotheSultan。Mr。Morfin，asanofficerofinferiorstate，inhabitedtheroomthatwasnearesttotheclerks。
　　Thegentlemanlastmentionedwasacheerful-looking，hazel-eyedelderlybachelor：gravelyattired，astohisupperman，inblack；andastohislegs，inpepper-and-saltcolour。Hisdarkhairwasjusttouchedhereandtherewithspecksofgrey，asthoughthetreadofTimehadsplashedit；
　　andhiswhiskerswerealreadywhite。HehadamightyrespectforMr。Dombey，andrenderedhimduehomage；butashewasofagenialtemperhimself，andneverwhollyathiseaseinthatstatelypresence，hewasdisquietedbynojealousyofthemanyconferencesenjoyedbyMr。Carker，andfeltasecretsatisfactioninhavingdutiestodischarge，whichrarelyexposedhimtobesingledoutforsuchdistinction。Hewasagreatmusicalamateurinhisway——afterbusiness；andhadapaternalaffectionforhisvioloncello，whichwasonceineveryweektransportedfromIslington，hisplaceofabode，toacertainclub-roomhardbytheBank，wherequartettesofthemosttormentingandexcruciatingnaturewereexecutedeveryWednesdayeveningbyaprivateparty。
　　Mr。Carkerwasagentlemanthirty-eightorfortyyearsold，ofafloridcomplexion，andwithtwounbrokenrowsofglisteningteeth，whoseregularityandwhitenesswerequitedistressing。Itwasimpossibletoescapetheobservationofthem，forheshowedthemwheneverhespoke；andboresowideasmileuponhiscountenanceasmile，however，veryrarely，indeed，extendingbeyondhismouth，thattherewassomethinginitlikethesnarlofacat。Heaffectedastiffwhitecravat，aftertheexampleofhisprincipal，andwasalwayscloselybuttonedupandtightlydressed。HismannertowardsMr。Dombeywasdeeplyconceivedandperfectlyexpressed。Hewasfamiliarwithhim，intheveryextremityofhissenseofthedistancebetweenthem。
　　`Mr。Dombey，toamaninyourpositionfromamaninmine，thereisnoshowofsubserviencecompatiblewiththetransactionofbusinessbetweenus，thatIshouldthinksufficient。Ifranklytellyou，Sir，Igiveitupaltogether。IfeelthatIcouldnotsatisfymyownmind；andHeavenknows，Mr。Dombey，youcanaffordtodispensewiththeendeavour。'Ifhehadcarriedthesewordsaboutwithhim，printedonaplacard，andhadconstantlyofferedittoMr。Dombey'sperusalonthebreastofhiscoat，hecouldnothavebeenmoreexplicitthanhewas。
　　ThiswasCarkertheManager。Mr。CarkertheJunior，Walter'sfriend，washisbrother；twoorthreeyearsolderthanhe，butwidelyremovedinstation。Theyoungerbrother'spostwasonthetopoftheofficialladder；
　　theelderbrother'satthebottom。Theelderbrothernevergainedastave，orraisedhisfoottomountone。Youngmenpassedabovehishead，androseandrose；buthewasalwaysatthebottom。Hewasquiteresignedtooccupythatlowconditions：nevercomplainedofit：andcertainlyneverhopedtoescapefromit。
　　`Howdoyoudothismorning？'saidMr。CarkertheManager，enteringMr。Dombey'sroomsoonafterhisarrivaloneday：withabundleofpapersinhishand。
　　`Howdoyoudo，Carker？'saidMr。Dombey，risingfromhischair，andstandingwithhisbacktothefire。`Haveyouanythingthereforme？'
　　`Idon'tknowthatIneedtroubleyou，'returnedCarker，turningoverthepapersinhishand。`Youhaveacommitteeto-dayatthree，youknow。'
　　`Andoneatthree，three-quarters，'addedMr。Dombey。
　　`Catchyouforgettinganything！'exclaimedCarker，stillturningoverhispapers。`IfMr。Paulinheritsyourmemory，he'llbeatroublesomecustomerinthehouse。Oneofyouisenough。'
　　`Youhaveanaccuratememoryofyourown，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Oh！I！'returnedthemanager。`It'stheonlycapitalofamanlikeme。'
　　Mr。Dombeydidnotlooklesspompousoratalldispleased，ashestoodleaningagainstthechimneypiece，surveyinghisofcourseunconscious
　　clerk，fromheadtofoot。ThestiffnessandnicetyofMr。Carker'sdress，andacertainarroganceofmanner，eithernaturaltohimorimitatedfromapatternnotfaroff，gavegreatadditionaleffecttohishumility。Heseemedamanwhowouldcontendagainstthepowerthatvanquishedhim，ifhecould，butwhowasutterlybornedownbythegreatnessandsuperiorityofMr。Dombey。
　　`IsMorfinhere？'askedMr。Dombeyafterashortpause，duringwhichMr。Carkerhadbeenflutteringhispapers，andmutteringlittleabstractsoftheircontentstohimself。
　　`Morfin'shere，'heanswered，lookingupwithhiswidestandmostsuddensmile；`hummingmusicalrecollections——ofhislastnight'squartetteparty，Isuppose——throughthewallsbetweenusanddrivingmehalfmad。
　　Iwishhe'dmakeabonfireofhisvioloncello，andburnhismusic-booksinit。'
　　`Yourespectnobody，Carker，Ithink，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`No？'inquiredCarker，withanotherwideandmostfelineshowofhisteeth。`Well！Notmanypeople，Ibelieve。Iwouldn'tanswerperhaps，'
　　hemurmured，asifhewereonlythinkingit，`formorethanone。'
　　Adangerousquality，ifreal；andanotlessdangerousone，iffeigned。ButMr。Dombeyhardlyseemedtothinkso，ashestillstoodwithhisbacktothefire，drawnuptohisfullheight，andlookingathishead-clerkwithadignifiedcomposure，inwhichthereseemedtolurkastrongerlatentsenseofpowerthanusual。
　　`TalkingofMorfin，'resumedMr。Carker，takingoutonepaperfromtherest，`hereportsajuniordeadintheagencyatBarbados，andpurposestoreserveapassageintheSonandHeir——she'llsailinamonthorso——forthesuccessor。Youdon'tcarewhogoes，Isuppose？Wehavenobodyofthatsorthere。'
　　Mr。Dombeyshookhisheadwithsupremeindifference。
　　`It'snoverypreciousappointment，'observedMr。Carker，takingupapen，withwhichtoendorseamemorandumonthebackofthepaper。
　　`Ihopehemaybestowitonsomeorphannephewofamusicalfriend。Itmayperhapsstophisfiddle-playing，ifhehasagiftthatway。
　　Who'sthat？Comein！'
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Carker。Ididn'tknowyouwerehere，Sir，'
　　answeredWalter，appearingwithsomelettersinhishand，unopened，andnewlyarrived。`Mr。CarkertheJunior，Sir——'
　　Atthementionofthisname，Mr。CarkertheManagerwas，oraffectedtobetouchedtothequickwithshameandhumiliation。HecasthiseyesfullonMr。Dombeywithanalteredandapologeticlook，abasedthemontheground，andremainedforamomentwithoutspeaking。
　　`Ithought，Sir，'hesaidsuddenlyandangrily，turningonWalter，`thatyouhadbeenbeforerequestednottodragMr。CarkertheJuniorintoyourconversation。'`Ibegyourpardon，'returnedWalter。`IwasonlygoingtosaythatMr。CarkertheJuniorhadtoldmehebelievedyouweregoneout，orIshouldnothaveknockedatthedoorwhenyouwereengagedwithMr。Dombey。ThesearelettersforMr。Dombey，Sir。'
　　`Verywell，Sir，'returnedMr。CarkertheManager，pluckingthemsharplyfromhishand。`Goaboutyourbusiness。'
　　Butintakingthemwithsolittleceremony，Mr。Carkerdroppedoneonthefloor，anddidnotseewhathehaddone；neitherdidMr。Dombeyobservetheletterlyingnearhisfeet。Walterhesitatedforamoment，thinkingthatoneorotherofthemwouldnoticeit；butfindingthatneitherdid，hestopped。cameback，pickeditup，andlaidithimselfonMr。Dombey'sdesk。Theletterswerepost-letters；andithappenedthattheoneinquestionwasMrs。Pipchin'sregularreport，directedasusual——forMrs。Pipchinwasbutanindifferentpenwoman——byFlorence。Mr。Dombey，havinghisattentionsilentlycalledtothisletterbyWalter，started，andlookedfiercelyathim，asifhebelievedthathehadpurposelyselecteditfromalltherest。
　　`Youcanleavetheroom，Sir！'saidMr。Dombey，haughtily。
　　Hecrushedtheletterinhishand；andhavingwatchedWalteroutatthedoor，putitinhispocketwithoutbreakingtheseal。
　　`YouwantsomebodytosendtotheWestIndies，youweresaying，'
　　observedMr。Dombey，hurriedly。
　　`Yes，'repliedCarker。
　　`SendyoungGay。'
　　`Good，verygoodindeed。Nothingeasier，'saidMr。Carker，withoutanyshowofsurprise，andtakingupthepentoreendorsetheletter，ascoollyashehaddonebefore。`“SendyoungGay。“'
　　`Callhimback，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　Mr。Carkerwasquicktodoso，andWalterwasquicktoreturn。
　　`Gay，'saidMr。Dombey，turningalittletolookathimoverhisshoulder。`Hereisa——'
　　`Anopening，'saidMr。Carker，withhismouthstretchedtotheutmost。
　　`IntheWestIndies。AtBarbados。Iamgoingtosendyou，'saidMr。Dombey，scorningtoembellishthebaretruth，`tofillajuniorsituationinthecounting-houseatBarbados。Letyouruncleknowfromme，thatI
　　havechosenyoutogototheWestIndies。'
　　Walter'sbreathwassocompletelytakenawaybyhisastonishment，thathecouldhardlyfindenoughfortherepetitionofthewords`WestIndies。'
　　`Somebodymustgo，'saidMr。Dombey，`andyouareyoungandhealthy，andyouruncle'scircumstancesarenotgood。Tellyourunclethatyouareappointed。Youwillnotgoyet。Therewillbeanintervalofamonth——ortwoperhaps。'
　　`ShallIremainthere，Sir？'inquiredWalter。
　　`Willyouremainthere，Sir！'repeatedMr。Dombey，turningalittlemoreroundtowardshim。`Whatdoyoumean？Whatdoeshemean，Carker？'
　　`Livethere，Sir，'falteredWalter。
　　`Certainly，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　Walterbowed。
　　`That'sall，'saidMr。Dombey，resuminghisletters。`Youwillexplaintohimingoodtimeabouttheusualoutfitandsoforth，Carker，ofcourse。Heneedn'twait，Carker。'
　　`Youneedn'twait，Gay，'observedMr。Carker：baretothegums。
　　`Unless，'saidMr。Dombey，stoppinginhisreadingwithoutlookingofftheletter，andseemingtolisten。`Unlesshehasanythingtosay。'
　　`No，Sir，'returnedWalter，agitatedandconfused，andalmoststunned，asaninfinitevarietyofpicturespresentedthemselvestohismind；amongwhichCaptainCuttle，inhisglazedhat，transfixedwithastonishmentatMrs。MacStinger's，andhisunclebemoaninghislossinthelittlebackparlour，heldprominentplaces。`Ihardlyknow——I——Iammuchobliged，Sir。'
　　`Heneedn'twait，Carker，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　AndasMr。Carkeragainechoedthewords，andalsocollectedhispapersasifheweregoingawaytoo，Walterfeltthathislingeringanylongerwouldbeanunpardonableintrusion——especiallyashehadnothingtosay——andthereforewalkedoutquiteconfounded。
　　Goingalongthepassage，withthemingledconsciousnessandhelplessnessofadream，heheardMr。Dombey'sdoorshutagain，asMr。Carkercameout：
　　andimmediatelyafterwardsthatgentlemancalledtohim。
　　`BringyourfriendMr。CarkertheJuniortomyroom，Sir，ifyouplease。'
　　WalterwenttotheouterofficeandapprisedMr。CarkertheJuniorofhiserrand，whoaccordinglycameoutfrombehindapartitionwherehesataloneinonecorner，andreturnedwithhimtotheroomofMr。CarkertheManager。
　　Thatgentlemanwasstandingwithhisbacktothefire，andhishandsunderhiscoat-tails，lookingoverhiswhitecravat，asunpromisinglyasMr。Dombeyhimselfcouldhavelooked。Hereceivedthemwithoutanychangeinhisattitudeorsofteningofhisharshandblackexpression：merelysigningtoWaltertoclosethedoor。
　　`JohnCarker，'saidtheManager，whenthiswasdone，turningsuddenlyuponhisbrother，withhistworowsofteethbristlingasifhewouldhavebittenhim，`whatistheleaguebetweenyouandhisyoungman，invirtueofwhichIamhauntedandhuntedbythementionofyourname？Isitnotenoughforyou，JohnCarker，thatIamyournearrelation，andcan'tdetachmyselffromthat——'
　　`Saydisgrace，James，'interposedtheotherinalowvoice，findingthathestammeredforaword。`Youmeanit，andhavereason，saydisgrace。'
　　`Fromthatdisgrace，'assentedhisbrotherwithkeenemphasis，`butisthefacttobeblurtedoutandtrumpeted，andproclaimedcontinuallyinthepresenceoftheveryHouse！Inmomentsofconfidencetoo？Doyouthinkyournameiscalculatedharmoniseinthisplacewithtrustandconfidence，JohnCarker？'
　　`No，'returnedtheother。`No，James。GodknowsIhavenosuchthought。'
　　`Whatisyourthought，then？'saidhisbrother，`andwhydoyouthrustyourselfinmyway？Haven'tyouinjuredmeenoughalready？'
　　`Ihaveneverinjuredyou，James，wilfully。'
　　`Youaremybrother，'saidtheManager。`That'sinjuryenough。'
　　`IwishIcouldundoit，James。'
　　`Iwishyoucouldandwould。'