Duringthisconversation，Walterhadlookedfromonebrothertotheother，withpainandamazement。HewhowastheSeniorinyears，andJuniorinthehouse，stood，withhiseyescastupontheground，andhisheadbowed，humblylisteningtothereproachesoftheother。Thoughthesewererenderedverybitterbythetoneandlookwithwhichtheywereaccompanied，andbythepresenceofWalterwhomtheysomuchsurprisedandshocked，heenterednootherprotestagainstthemthanbyslightlyraisinghisrighthandinadeprecatorymanner，asifhewouldhavesaid，`Spareme！'So，hadtheybeenblows，andheabraveman，understrongconstraint，andweakenedbybodilysuffering，hemighthavestoodbeforetheexecutioner。
　　Generousandquickinallhisemotions，andregardinghimselfastheinnocentoccasionofthesetaunts，Walternowstruckin，withalltheearnestnesshefelt。
　　`Mr。Carker，'hesaid，addressinghimselftotheManager。`Indeed，indeed，thisismyfaultsolely。Inakindofheedlessness，forwhichI
　　cannotblamemyselfenough，Ihave，Ihavenodoubt，mentionedMr。CarkertheJuniormuchoftenerthanwasnecessary；andhaveallowedhisnamesometimestoslipthroughmylips，whenitwasagainstyourexpresswish。Butithasbeenmyownmistake，Sir。Wehaveneverexchangedoneworduponthesubject——veryfew，indeed，onanysubject。Andithasnotbeen，'addedWalter，afteramoment'spause，`allheedlessnessonmypart，Sir；forIhavefeltaninterestinMr。CarkereversinceIhavebeenhere，andhavehardlybeenabletohelpspeakingofhimsometimes，whenIhavethoughtofhimsomuch！'
　　Waltersaidthisfromhissoul，andwiththeverybreathofhonour。
　　Forhelookeduponthebowedhead，andthedowncasteyes，andupraisedhand，andthought，`Ihavefeltit；andwhyshouldInotavowitinbehalfofthisunfriended，brokenman！'
　　`Intruth，youhaveavoidedme，Mr。Carker，'saidWalter，withthetearsrisingtohiseyes；sotruewashiscompassion。`Iknowit，tomydisappointmentandregret。WhenIfirstcamehere，andeversince，I
　　amsureIhavetriedtobeasmuchyourfriend，asoneofmyagecouldpresumetobe；butithasbeenofnouse。'
　　`Andobserve，'saidtheManager，takinghimupquickly，`itwillbeofstilllessuse，Gay，ifyoupersistinforcingMr。JohnCarker'snameonpeople'sattention。ThatisnotthewaytobefriendMr。JohnCarker。
　　Askhimifhethinksitis。'
　　`Itisnoservicetome，'saidthebrother。`Itonlyleadstosuchaconversationasthepresent，whichIneednotsayIcouldhavewellspared。Noonecanbeabetterfriendtome：'hespokehereverydistinctly，asifhewouldimpressituponWalter：`thaninforgettingme，andleavingmetogomyway，unquestionedandunnoticed。'
　　`Yourmemorynotbeingretentive，Gay，ofwhatyouaretoldbyothers，'saidMr。CarkertheManager，warminghimselfwithgreatandincreasedsatisfaction，`Ithoughtitwellthatyoushouldbetoldthisfromthebestauthority，'noddingtowardshisbrother。`Youarenotlikelytoforgetitnow，Ihope。That'sall，Gay。Youcango。'
　　Walterpassedoutatthedoor，andwasabouttocloseitafterhim，when，hearingthevoiceofthebrothersagain，andalsothementionofhisownname，hestoodirresolutely，withhishanduponthelock，andthedoorajar，uncertainwhethertoreturnorgoaway。Inthispositionhecouldnothelpoverhearingwhatfollowed。
　　`Thinkofmemoreleniently，ifyoucan，James，'saidJohnCarker，`whenItellyouIhavehad——howcouldIhelphaving，withmyhistory，writtenhere'——strikinghimselfuponthebreast——`mywholeheartawakenedbymyobservationofthatboy，WalterGay。Isawinhimwhenhefirstcamehere，almostmyotherself。'
　　`Yourotherself！'repeatedtheManager，disdainfully。
　　`NotasIam，butasIwaswhenIfirstcameheretoo；assanguine，giddy，youthful，inexperienced；flushedwiththesamerestlessandadventurousfancies；andfullofthesamequalities，fraughtwiththesamecapacityofleadingontogoodorevil。'
　　`Ihopenot，'saidhisbrother，withsomehiddenandsarcasticmeaninginhistone。
　　`Youstrikemesharply；andyourhandissteady，andyourthrustisverydeep，'returnedtheother，speakingorsoWalterthoughtasifsomecruelweaponactuallystabbedhimashespoke。`Iimaginedallthiswhenhewasaboy。Ibelievedit。Itwasatruthtome。Isawhimlightlywalkingontheedgeofanunseengulfwheresomanyotherswalkwithequalgaiety，andfromwhich——'
　　`Theoldexcuse，'interruptedhisbrother，ashestirredthefire。
　　`Somany。Goon。Say，somanyfall。'
　　`FromwhichONEtravellerfell，'returnedtheother，`whosetforward，onhisway，aboylikehim，andmissedhisfootingmoreandmore，andslippedalittleandalittlelower，andwentonstumblingstill，untilhefellheadlongandfoundhimselfbelowashatteredman。
　　ThinkwhatIsuffered，whenIwatchedthatboy。'
　　`Youhaveonlyyourselftothankforit，'returnedthebrother。
　　`Onlymyself，'heassentedwithasigh。`Idon'tseektodividetheblameorshame。'
　　`Youhavedividedtheshame，'JamesCarkermutteredthroughhisteeth。Andthroughsomanyandsuchcloseteeth，hecouldmutterwell。
　　`Ah，James，'returnedhisbrother，speakingforthefirsttimeinanaccentofreproach，andseeming，bythesoundofhisvoice，tohavecoveredhisfacewithhishands，`Ihavebeen，sincethen，ausefulfoiltoyou。Youhavetroddenonmefreelyinyourclimbingup。Don'tspurnmewithyourheel！'
　　Asilenceensued。Afteratime，Mr。CarkertheManagerwasheardrustlingamonghispapers，asifhehadresolvedtobringtheinterviewtoaconclusion。Atthesametimehisbrotherwithdrewnearertothedoor。
　　`That'sall，'hesaid。`Iwatchedhimwithsuchtremblingandsuchfear，aswassomelittlepunishmenttome，untilhepassedtheplacewhereI
　　firstfell；andthen，thoughIhadbeenhisfather，IbelieveInevercouldhavethankedGodmoredevoutly。Ididn'tdaretowarnhim，andadvisehim；
　　butifIhadseendirectcause，Iwouldhaveshownhimmyexample。Iwasafraidtobeseenspeakingwithhim，lestitshouldbethoughtIdidhimharm，andtemptedhimtoevil，andcorruptedhim：orlestIreallyshould。
　　Theremaybesuchcontagioninme；Idon'tknow。Pieceoutmyhistory，inconnexionwithyoungWalterGay，andwhathehasmademefeel；andthinkofmemoreleniently，James，ifyoucan。'
　　WiththesewordshecameouttowhereWalterwasstanding。Heturnedalittlepalerwhenhesawhimthere，andpaleryetwhenWaltercaughthimbythehand，andsaidinawhisper：
　　`Mr。Carker，prayletmethankyou！LetmesayhowmuchIfeelforyou！HowsorryIam，tohavebeentheunhappycauseofallthis！HowIalmostlookuponyounowasmyprotectorandguardian！Howvery，verymuch，Ifeelobligedtoyouandpityyou！'saidWalter，squeezingbothhishands，andhardlyknowing，inhisagitation，whathedidorsaid。
　　`Mr。Morfin'sroombeingcloseathandandempty，andthedoorwideopen，theymovedthitherbyoneaccord：thepassagebeingseldomfreefromsomeonepassingtoorfro。Whentheywerethere，andWaltersawinMr。Carker'sfacesometracesoftheemotionwithin，healmostfeltasifhehadneverseenthefacebefore；itwassogreatlychanged。
　　`Walter，'hesaid，layinghishandonhisshoulder。`Iamfarremovedfromyou，andmayIeverbe。DoyouknowwhatIam？'
　　`Whatyouare！'appearedtohangonWalter'slips，asheregardedhimattentively。
　　`Itwasbegun，'saidCarker，`beforemytwenty-firstbirthday——ledupto，longbefore，butnotbeguntillnearthattime。IhadrobbedthemwhenIcameofage。Irobbedthemafterwards。Beforemytwenty-secondbirthday，itwasallfoundout；andthen，Walter，fromallmen'ssociety，Idied。'
　　AgainhislastfewwordshungtremblinguponWalter'slips，buthecouldneitherutterthem，noranyofhisown。
　　`TheHousewasverygoodtome。MayHeavenrewardtheoldmanforhisforbearance！Thisone，too，hisson，whowasthennewlyinthefirm，whereIhadheldgreattrust！Iwascalledintothatroomwhichisnowhis——Ihaveneverentereditsince——andcameout，whatyouknowme。
　　FormanyyearsIsatinmypresentseat，aloneasnow，butthenaknownandrecognisedexampletotherest。Theywereallmercifultome，andI
　　lived。Timehasalteredthatpartofmypoorexpiation；andIthink，exceptthethreeheadsoftheHouse，thereisnooneherewhoknowsmystoryrightly。
　　Beforethelittleboygrowsup，andhasittoldtohim，mycornermaybevacant。Iwouldratherthatitmightbeso！Thisistheonlychangetomesincethatday，whenIfeltallyouth，andhope，andgoodmen'scompany，behindmeinthatroom。Godblessyou，Walter！Keepyou，andalldeartoyou，inhonesty，orstrikethemdead！'
　　Somerecollectionofhistremblingfromheadtofoot，asifwithexcessivecold，andofhisburstingintotears，wasallthatWaltercouldaddtothis，whenhetriedtorecallexactlywhathadpassedbetweenthem。
　　WhenWaltersawhimnext，hewasbendingoverhisdeskinhisoldsilent，drooping，humbledway。Then，observinghimathiswork，andfeelinghowresolvedheevidentlywasthatnofurtherintercourceshouldarisebetweenthem，andthinkingagainandagainonallhehadseenandheardthatmorninginsoshortatime，inconnexionwiththehistoryofboththeCarkers，WaltercouldhardlybelievethathewasunderordersfortheWestIndies，andwouldsoonbelosttoUncleSol，andCaptainCuttle，andtoglimpsesfewandfarbetweenofFlorenceDombey——no，hemeantPaul——andtoallheloved，andliked，andlookedfor，inhisdailylife。
　　Butitwastrue，andthenewshadalreadypenetratedtotheouteroffice；forwhilehesatwithaheavyheart，ponderingonthesethings，andrestinghisheaduponhisarm，Perchthemessenger，descendingfromhismahoganybracket，andjogginghiselbow，beggedhispardon，butwishedtosayinhisear，DidhethinkhecouldarrangetosendhometoEnglandajarofpreservedGinger，cheap，forMrs。Perch'sowneating，inthecourseofherrecoveryfromhernextconfinement？
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter14[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIVPaulgrowsmoreandmoreOld-fashioned，andgoesHomefortheHolidaysWHENtheMidsummervacationapproached，noindecentmanifestationsofjoywereexhibitedbytheleaden-eyedyounggentlemenassembledatDoctorBlimber's。
　　Anysuchviolentexpressionas`breakingup，'wouldhavebeenquiteinapplicabletothatpoliteestablishment。Theyounggentlemenoozedaway，semi-annually，totheirownhomes；buttheyneverbrokeup。Theywouldhavescornedtheaction。
　　Tozer，whowasconstantlygalledandtormentedbyastarchedwhitecambricneckerchief，whichheworeattheexpressdesireofMrs。Tozer，hisparent，who，designinghimfortheChurch，wasofopinionthathecouldn'tbeinthatforwardstateofpreparationtoosoon——Tozersaid，indeed，thatchoosingbetweentwoevils，hethoughthewouldratherstaywherehewas，thangohome。HoweverinconsistentthisdeclarationmightappearwiththatpassageinTozer'sEssayonthesubject，whereinhehadobserved`thatthethoughtsofhomeandallitsrecollections，awakenedinhismindthemostpleasingemotionsofanticipationanddelight，'andhadalsolikenedhimselftoaRomanGeneral，flushedwitharecentvictoryovertheIceni，orladenwithCarthaginianspoil，advancingwithinafewhours'marchoftheCapitol，presupposed，forthepurposesofthesimile，tobethedwelling-placeofMrs。Tozer，stillitwasverysincerelymade。ForitseemedthatTozerhadadreadfuluncle，whonotonlyvolunteeredexaminationsofhim，intheholidays，onabstrusepoints，buttwistedinnocenteventsandthings，andwrenchedthemtothesamefellpurpose。SothatifthisuncletookhimtothePlay，or，onasimilarpretenceofkindness，carriedhimtoseeaGiant，oraDwarf，oraConjuror，oranything，Tozerknewhehadreadupsomeclassicalallusiontothesubjectbefore-hand，andwasthrownintoastateofmortalapprehension：notforeseeingwherehemightbreakout，orwhatauthorityhemightnotquoteagainsthim。
　　AstoBriggs，hisfathermadenoshowofartificeaboutit。Heneverwouldleavehimalone。Sonumerousandseverewerethementaltrialsofthatunfortunateyouthinvacationtime，thatthefriendsofthefamilythenresidentnearBays-water，LondonseldomapproachedtheornamentalpieceofwaterinKensingtonGardens，withoutavagueexpectationofseeingMasterBriggs'shatfloatingonthesurface，andanunfinishedexerciselyingonthebank。Briggs，therefore，wasnotatallsanguineonthesubjectofholidays；andthesetwosharersoflittlePaul'sbedroomweresofairasampleoftheyounggentlemeningeneral，thatthemostelasticamongthemcontemplatedthearrivalofthosefestiveperiodswithgenteelresignation。
　　ItwasfarotherwisewithlittlePaul。TheendofthesefirstholidayswastowitnesshisseparationfromFlorence，butwhoeverlookedforwardtotheendofholidayswhosebeginningwasnotyetcome！NotPaul，assuredly。Asthehappytimedrewnear，thelionsandtigersclimbingupthebedroomwalls，becamequitetameandfrolicsome。Thegrimslyfacesinthesquaresanddiamondsofthefloor-cloth，relaxedandpeepedoutathimwithlesswickedeyes。Thegraveoldclockhadmoreofpersonalinterestinthetoneofitsformalinquiry；andtherestlessseawentrollingonallnight，tothesoundingofamelancholystrain——yetitwaspleasanttoo——thatroseandfellwiththewaves，androckedhim，asitwere，tosleep。
　　Mr。Feeder，B。A。，seemedtothinkthathe，too，wouldenjoytheholidaysverymuch。Mr。Tootsprojectedalifeofholidaysfromthattimeforth；for，asheregularlyinformedPauleveryday，itwashis`lasthalf'
　　atDoctorBlimber's，andhewasgoingtobegintocomeintohispropertydirectly。
　　ItwasperfectlyunderstoodbetweenPaulandMr。Toots，thattheywereintimatefriends，notwithstandingtheirdistanceinpointofyearsandstation。Asthevacationapproached，andMr。TootsbreathedharderandstaredoftenerinPaul'ssociety，thanhehaddonebefore，Paulknewthathemeanthewassorrytheyweregoingtolosesightofeachother，andfeltverymuchobligedtohimforhispatronageandgoodopinion。
　　ItwasevenunderstoodbyDoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimber，aswellasbytheyounggentlemeningeneral，thatTootshadsomehowconstitutedhimselfprotectorandguardianofDombey，andthecircumstancebecamesonotorious，eventoMrs。Pipchin，thatthegoodoldcreaturecherishedfeelingsofbitternessandjealousyagainstToots；and，inthesanctuaryofherownhome，repeatedlydenouncedhimasa`chuckle-headednoodle。'
　　WhereastheinnocentTootshadnomoreideaofawakeningMrs。Pipchin'swrath，thanhehadofanyotherdefinitepossibilityorproposition。Onthecontrary，hewasdisposedtoconsiderherratheraremarkablecharacter，withmanypointsofinterestabouther。Forthisreasonhesmiledonherwithsomuchurbanity，andaskedherhowshedid，sooften，inthecourseofhervisitstolittlePaul，thatatlastsheonenighttoldhimplainly，shewasn'tusedtoit，whateverhemightthink；andshecouldnot，andshewouldnotbearit，eitherfromhimselforanyotherpuppythenexisting：
　　atwhichunexpectedacknowledgmentofhiscivilities，Mr。Tootswassoalarmedthathesecretedhimselfinaretiredspotuntilshehadgone。
　　NordidheeveragainfacethedoughtyMrs。Pipchin，underDoctorBlimber'sroof。
　　Theywerewithintwoorthreeweeksoftheholidays，when，oneday，CorneliaBlimbercalledPaulintoherroom，andsaid，`Dombey，Iamgoingtosendhomeyouranalysis。'
　　`Thankyou，Ma'am，'returnedPaul。
　　`YouknowwhatImean，doyou，Dombey？'inquiredMissBlimber，lookinghardathimthroughthespectacles。
　　`No，Ma'am，'saidPaul。
　　`Dombey，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber，`Ibegintobeafraidyouareasadboy。Whenyoudon'tknowthemeaningofanexpression，whydon'tyouseekforinformation？'
　　`Mrs。PipchintoldmeIwasn'ttoaskquestions，'returnedPaul。
　　`ImustbegyounottomentionMrs。Pipchintome，onanyaccount，Dombey，'returnedMissBlimber。`Icouldn'tthinkofallowingit。Thecourseofstudyhere，isveryfarremovedfromanythingofthatsort。Arepetitionofsuchallusionswouldmakeitnecessaryformetorequesttohear，withoutamistake，beforebreakfast-timeto-morrowmorning，fromVerbumpersonaledowntosimillimacygno。'
　　`Ididn'tmean，Ma'am——'beganlittlePaul。
　　`Imusttroubleyounottotellmethatyoudidn'tmean，ifyouplease，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber，whopreservedanawfulpolitenessinheradmonitions。`ThatisalineofargumentIcouldn'tdreamofpermitting。'
　　Paulfeltitsafesttosaynothingatall，soheonlylookedatMissBlimber'sspectacles。MissBlimberhavingshakenherheadathimgravely，referredtoapaperlyingbeforeher。
　　`“AnalysisofthecharacterofP。Dombey。“Ifmyrecollectionservesme，'saidMissBlimberbreakingoff，`thewordanalysisasopposedtosynthesis，isthusdefinedbyWalker。“Theresolutionofanobject，whetherofthesensesoroftheintellect，intoitsfirstelements。“Asopposedtosynthesis，youobserve。Nowyouknowwhatanalysisis，Dombey。'
　　Dombeydidn'tseemtobeabsolutelyblindedbythelightletinuponhisintellect，buthemadeMissBlimberalittlebow。
　　`“Analysis，“'resumedMissBlimber，castinghereyeoverthepaper，`“ofthecharacterofP。Dombey。“IfindthatthenaturalcapacityofDombeyisextremelygood；andthathisgeneraldispositiontostudymaybestatedinanequalratio。Thus，takingeightasourstandardandhighestnumber，IfindthesequalitiesinDombeystatedeachatsixthree-fourths！'
　　MissBlimberpausedtoseehowPaulreceivedthisnews。Beingundecidedwhethersixthree-fourthsmeantsixpoundsfifteen，orsixpencethreefarthings，orsixfootthree，orthreequarterspastsix，orsixsomethingsthathehadn'tlearntyet，withthreeunknownsomethingelsesover，PaulrubbedhishandsandlookedstraightatMissBlimber。Ithappenedtoansweraswellasanythingelsehecouldhavedone；andCorneliaproceeded。
　　`“Violencetwo。Selfishnesstwo。Inclinationtolowcompany，asevincedinthecaseofapersonnamedGlubb，originallyseven，butsincereduced。Gentlemanlydemeanourfour，andimprovingwithadvancingyears。“
　　NowwhatIparticularlywishtocallyourattentionto，Dombey，isthegeneralobservationatthecloseofthisanalysis。'
　　Paulsethimselftofollowitwithgreatcare。
　　`“ItmaybegenerallyobservedofDombey，“'saidMissBlimber，readinginaloudvoice，andateverysecondworddirectingherspectaclestowardsthelittlefigurebeforeher：`“thathisabilitiesandinclinationsaregood，andthathehasmadeasmuchprogressasunderthecircumstancescouldhavebeenexpected。Butitistobelamentedofthisyounggentlemanthatheissingularwhatisusuallytermedold-fashionedinhischaracterandconduct，andthatwithoutpresentinganythingineitherwhichdistinctlycallsforreprobation，heisoftenveryunlikeotheryounggentlemenofhisageandsocialposition。“Now，Dombey，'saidMissBlimber，layingdownthepaper，`doyouunderstandthat？'
　　`IthinkIdo，Ma'am，'saidPaul。
　　`Thisanalysis，yousee，Dombey，'MissBlimbercontinued，isgoingtobesenthometoyourrespectedparent。Itwillnaturallybeverypainfultohimtofindthatyouaresingularinyourcharacterandconduct。Itisnaturallypainfultous；forwecan'tlikeyou，youknow，Dombey，aswellaswecouldwish。'
　　Shetouchedthechilduponatenderpoint。Hehadsecretlybecomemoreandmoresolicitousfromdaytoday，asthetimeofhisdeparturedrewmorenear，thatallthehouseshouldlikehim。Fromsomehiddenreason，veryimperfectlyunderstoodbyhimself——ifunderstoodatall——hefeltagraduallyincreasingimpulseofaffection，towardsalmosteverythingandeverybodyintheplace。Hecouldnotbeartothinkthattheywouldbequiteindifferenttohimwhenhewasgone。Hewantedthemtorememberhimkindly；
　　andhehadmadeithisbusinesseventoconciliateagreathoarseshaggydog，chainedupatthebackofthehouse，whohadpreviouslybeentheterrorofhislife；thatevenhemightmisshimwhenhewasnolongerthere。
　　Littlethinkingthatinthis，heonlyshowedagainthedifferencebetweenhimselfandhiscompeers，poortinyPaulsetitforthtoMissBlimberaswellashecould，andbeggedher，indespiteoftheofficialanalysis，tohavethegoodnesstotryandlikehim。ToMrs。Blimber，whohadjoinedthem，hepreferredthesamepetition：andwhenthatladycouldnotforbear，eveninhispresence，fromgivingutterancetoheroften-repeatedopinion，thathewasanoddchild，Paultoldherthathewassureshewasquiteright；thathethoughtitmustbehisbones，buthedidn'tknow；andthathehopedshewouldoverlookit，forhewasfondofthemall。
　　`Notsofond，'saidPaul，withamixtureoftimidityandperfectfrankness，whichwasoneofthemostpeculiarandmostengagingqualitiesofthechild，`notsofondasIamofFlorence，ofcourse；thatcouldneverbe。Youcouldn'texpectthat，couldyou，Ma'am？'
　　`Oh！theold-fashionedlittlesoul！'criedMrs。Blimber，inawhisper。
　　`ButIlikeeverybodyhereverymuch，'pursuedPaul，`andIshouldgrievetogoaway，andthinkthatanyonewasgladthatIwasgone，ordidn'tcare。'
　　Mrs。BlimberwasnowquitesurethatPaulwastheoddestchildintheworld；andwhenshetoldtheDoctorwhathadpassed，theDoctordidnotcontroverthiswife'sopinion。Buthesaid，ashehadsaidbefore，whenPaulfirstcame，thatstudywoulddomuch；andhealsosaid，ashehadsaidonthatoccasion，`Bringhimon，Cornelia！Bringhimon！'
　　Corneliahadalwaysbroughthimonasvigorouslyasshecould；
　　andPaulhadhadahardlifeofit。Butoverandabovethegettingthroughhistasks，hehadlonghadanotherpurposealwayspresenttohim，andtowhichhestillheldfast。Itwas，tobeagentle，useful，quietlittlefellow，alwaysstrivingtosecuretheloveandattachmentoftherest；
　　andthoughhewasyetoftentobeseenathisoldpostonthestairs，orwatchingthewavesandcloudsfromhissolitarywindow，hewasoftenerfound，too，amongtheotherboys，modestlyrenderingthemsomelittlevoluntaryservice。Thusitcametopass，thatevenamongthoserigidandabsorbedyounganchorites，whomortifiedthemselvesbeneaththeroofofDoctorBlimber，Paulwasanobjectofgeneralinterest；afragilelittleplaythingthattheyallliked，andthatnoonewouldhavethoughtoftreatingroughly。
　　Buthecouldnotchangehisnature，orre-writetheanalysis；andsotheyallagreedthatDombeywasold-fashioned。
　　Thereweresomeimmunities，however，attachingtothecharacterenjoyedbynooneelse。Theycouldhavebettersparedanewer-fashionedchild，andthatalonewasmuch。WhentheothersonlybowedtoDoctorBlimberandfamilyonretiringforthenight，Paulwouldstretchouthismorselofahand，andboldlyshaketheDoctor's；alsoMrs。Blimber's；alsoCornelia's。
　　Ifanybodywastobebeggedofffromimpendingpunishment，Paulwasalwaysthedelegate。Theweak-eyedyoungmanhimselfhadonceconsultedhim，inreferencetoalittlebreakageofglassandchina。Anditwasdarklyrumouredthatthebutler，regardinghimwithfavoursuchasthatsternmanhadnevershownbeforetomortalboy，hadsometimesmingledporterwithhistable-beertomakehimstrong。
　　Overandabovetheseextensiveprivileges，PaulhadfreerightofentrytoMr。Feeder'sroom，fromwhichapartmenthehadtwiceledMr。
　　Tootsintotheopenairinastateoffaintness，consequentonanunsuccessfulattempttosmokeaverybluntcigar：oneofabundlewhichthatyounggentlemanhadcovertlypurchasedontheshinglefromamostdesperatesmuggler，whohadacknowledged，inconfidence，thattwohundredpoundswasthepricesetuponhishead，deadoralive，bytheCustomHouse。Itwasasnugroom，Mr。Feeder's，withhisbedinanotherlittleroominsideofit；andaflute，whichMr。Feedercouldn'tplayyet，butwasgoingtomakeapointoflearning，hesaid，hangingupoverthefireplace。Thereweresomebooksinit，too，andafishing-rod；forMr。Feedersaidheshouldcertainlymakeapointoflearningtofish，whenhecouldfindtime。Mr。Feederhadamassed，withsimilarintentions，abeautifullittlecurlysecondhandkey-bugle，achess-boardandmen，aSpanishGrammar，asetofsketchingmaterials，andapairofboxing-gloves。Theartofself-defenceMr。Feedersaidheshouldundoubtedlymakeapointoflearning，asheconsidereditthedutyofeverymantodo；foritmightleadtotheprotectionofafemaleindistress。
　　ButMr。Feeder'sgreatpossessionwasalargegreenjarofsnuff，whichMr。Tootshadbroughtdownasapresent，atthecloseofthelastvacation；andforwhichhehadpaidahighprice，ashavingbeenthegenuinepropertyofthePrinceRegent。NeitherMr。TootsnotMr。Feedercouldpartakeofthisoranyothersnuff，eveninthemoststintedandmoderatedegree，withoutbeingseizedwithconvulsionsofsneezing。Neverthelessitwastheirgreatdelighttomoistenabox-fullwithcoldtea，stirituponapieceofparchmentwithapaper-knife，anddevotethemselvestoitsconsumptionthenandthere。Inthecourseofwhichcrammingoftheirnoses，theyenduredsurprisingtormentswiththeconstancyofmartyrs：and，drinkingtable-beeratintervals，feltallthegloriesofdissipation。
　　TolittlePaulsittingsilentintheircompany，andbythesideofhischiefpatron，Mr。Toots，therewasadreadcharmintheserecklessoccasions：andwhenMr。FeederspokeofthedarkmysteriesofLondon，andtoldMr。Tootsthathewasgoingtoobserveithimselfcloselyinallitsramificationsintheapproachingholidays，andforthatpurposehadmadearrangementstoboardwithtwooldmaidenladiesatPeckham，Paulregardedhimasifheweretheheroofsomebookoftravelsorwildadventure，andwasalmostafraidofsuchaslashingperson。
　　Goingintothisroomoneevening，whentheholidayswereverynear，PaulfoundMr。Feederfillinguptheblanksinsomeprintedletters，whilesomeothers，alreadyfilledupandstrewnbeforehim，werebeingfoldedandsealedbyMr。Toots。Mr。Feedersaid，`Aha，Dombey，thereyouare，areyou？'——fortheywerealwayskindtohim，andgladtoseehim——andthensaid，tossingoneoftheletterstowardshim，`Andthereyouare，too，Dombey。That'syours。'
　　`Mine，Sir？'saidPaul。
　　`Yourinvitation，'returnedMr。Feeder。
　　Paul，lookingatit，found，incopper-plateprint，withtheexceptionofhisownnameandthedate，whichwereinMr。Feeder'sPenmanship，thatDoctorandMrs。BlimberrequestedthepleasureofMr。P。Dombey'scompanyatanearlypartyonWednesdayEveningtheSeventeenthInstant；andthatthehourwashalf-pastseveno'clock；andthattheobjectwasQuadrilles。
　　Mr。Tootsalsoshowedhim，byholdingupacompanionsheetofpaper，thatDoctorandMrs。BlimberrequestedthepleasureofMr。Toots'scompanyatanearlypartyonWednesdayEveningtheSeventeenthInstant，whenthehourwashalf-pastseveno'clock，andwhentheobjectwasQuadrilles。Healsofound，onglancingatthetablewhereMr。Feedersat，thatthepleasureofMr。Briggs'scompany，andofMr。Tozer'scompany，andofeveryyounggentleman'scompany，wasrequestedbyDoctorandMrs。Blimberonthesamegenteeloccasion。
　　Mr。Feederthentoldhim，tohisgreatjoy，thathissisterwasinvited，andthatitwasahalf-yearlyevent，andthat，astheholidaysbeganthatday，hecouldgoawaywithhissisteraftertheparty，ifheliked，whichPaulinterruptedhimtosayhewouldlike，verymuch。
　　Mr。FeederthengavehimtounderstandthathewouldbeexpectedtoinformDoctorandMrs。Blimber，insuperfinesmall-hand，thatMr。P。Dombeywouldbehappytohavethehonourofwaitingonthem，inaccordancewiththeirpoliteinvitation。Lastly，Mr。Feedersaid，hehadbetternotrefertothefestiveoccasion，inthehearingofDoctorandMrs。Blimber；asthesepreliminaries，andthewholeofthearrangements，wereconductedonprinciplesofclassicalityandhighbreeding；andthatDoctorandMrs。Blimberontheonehand，andtheyounggentlemenontheother，weresupposed，intheirscholasticcapacities，nottohavetheleastideaofwhatwasinthewind。
　　PaulthankedMr。Feederforthesehints，andpocketinghisinvitation，satdownonastoolbythesideofMr。Tootsasusual。ButPaul'shead，whichhadlongbeenailingmoreorless，andwassometimesveryheavyandpainful，feltsouneasythatnight，thathewasobligedtosupportitonhishand。Andyetitdroppedso，thatbylittleandlittleitsunkonMr。
　　Toots'sknee，andrestedthere，asifithadnocaretobeeverliftedupagain。
　　Thatwasnoreasonwhyheshouldbedeaf，buthemusthavebeen，hethought，for，byandby，heheardMr。Feedercallinginhisear，andgentlyshakinghimtorousehisattention。Andwhenheraisedhishead，quitescared，andlookedabouthim，hefoundthatDoctorBlimberhadcomeintotheroom；andthatthewindowwasopen，andthathisforeheadwaswetwithsprinkledwater；thoughhowallthishadbeendonewithouthisknowledge，wasverycuriousindeed。
　　`Ah！Come，come！That'swell！Howismylittlefriendnow？'saidDoctorBlimber，encouragingly。
　　`Oh，quitewell，thankyou，Sir，'saidPaul。
　　Butthereseemedtobesomethingthematterwiththefloor，forhecouldn'tstanduponitsteadily；andwiththewallstoo，fortheywereinclinedtoturnroundandround，andcouldonlybestoppedbybeinglookedatveryhardindeed。Mr。Toots'sheadhadtheappearanceofbeingatoncebiggerandfartheroffthanwasquitenatural：andwhenhetookPaulinhisarms，tocarryhimupstairs，Paulobservedwithastonishmentthatthedoorwasinquiteadifferentplacefromthatinwhichhehadexpectedtofindit，andalmostthought，atfirst，thatMr。Tootswasgoingtowalkstraightupthechimney。
　　ItwasverykindofMr。Tootstocarryhimtothetopofthehousesotenderly；andPaultoldhimthatitwas。ButMr。Tootssaidhewoulddoagreatdealmorethanthat，ifhecould；andindeedhedidmoreasitwas：forhehelpedPaultoundress，andhelpedhimtobed，inthekindestmannerpossible，andthensatdownbythebedsideandchuckledverymuch；
　　whileMr。Feeder，B。A。，leaningoverthebottomofthebedstead，setallthelittlebristlesonhisheadboltuprightwithhisbonyhands，andthenmadebelievetosparatPaulwithgreatscience，onaccountofhisbeingallrightagain，whichwassouncommonlyfacetious，andkindtooinMr。
　　Feeder，thatPaul，notbeingabletomakeuphismindwhetheritwasbesttolaughorcryathim，didbothatonce。
　　HowMr。Tootsmeltedaway，andMr。FeederchangedintoMrs。Pipchin，Paulneverthoughtofasking；neitherwasheatallcurioustoknow；butwhenhesawMrs。Pipchinstandingatthebottomofthebed，insteadofMr。Feeder，hecriedout，`Mrs。Pipchin，don'ttellFlorence！'
　　`Don'ttellFlorencewhat，mylittlePaul？'saidMrs。Pipchin，comingroundtothebedside，andsittingdowninthechair。
　　`Aboutme，'saidPaul。
　　`No，no，'saidMrs。Pipchin。
　　`WhatdoyouthinkImeantodowhenIgrowup，Mrs。Pipchin？'
　　inquiredPaul，turninghisfacetowardsheronhispillow，andrestinghischinwistfullyonhisfoldedhands。
　　Mrs。Pipchincouldn'tguess。
　　`Imean，'saidPaul，`toputmymoneyalltogetherinoneBank，nevertrytogetanymore，goawayintothecountrywithmydarlingFlorence，haveabeautifulgarden，fields，andwoods，andlivetherewithherallmylife！'
　　`Indeed！'criedMrs。Pipchin。
　　`Yes，'saidPaul。`That'swhatImeantodo，whenI——'Hestopped，andponderedforamoment。
　　Mrs。Pipchin'sgreyeyescannedhisthoughtfulface。
　　`IfIgrowup，'saidPaul。ThenhewentonimmediatelytotellMrs。Pipchinallabouttheparty，aboutFlorence'sinvitation，aboutthepridehewouldhaveintheadmirationthatwouldbefeltforherbyalltheboys，abouttheirbeingsokindtohimandfondofhim，abouthisbeingsofondofthem，andabouthisbeingsogladofit。ThenhetoldMrs。Pipchinabouttheanalysis，andabouthisbeingcertainlyold-fashioned，andtookMrs。Pipchin'sopiniononthatpoint，andwhethersheknewwhyitwas，andwhatitmeant。Mrs。Pipchindeniedthefactaltogether，astheshortestwayofgettingoutofthedifficulty；butPaulwasfarfromsatisfiedwiththatreply，andlookedsosearchinglyatMrs。Pipchinforatrueranswer，thatshewasobligedtogetupandlookoutofthewindowtoavoidhiseyes。
　　TherewasacertaincalmApothecary，whoattendedattheestablishmentwhenanyoftheyounggentlemenwereill，andsomehowhegotintotheroomandappearedatthebedside，withMrs。Blimber。Howtheycamethere，orhowlongtheyhadbeenthere，Pauldidn'tknow；butwhenhesawthem，hesatupinbed，andansweredalltheApothecary'squestionsatfulllength，andwhisperedtohimthatFlorencewasnottoknowanythingaboutit，ifhepleased，andthathehadsethisminduponhercomingtotheparty。HewasverychattywiththeApothecary，andtheypartedexcellentfriends。Lyingdownagainwithhiseyesshut，heheardtheApothecarysay，outoftheroomandquitealongwayoff——orhedreamedit——thattherewasawantofvitalpowerwhatwasthat，Paulwonderedandgreatconstitutionalweakness。Thatasthelittlefellowhadsethisheartonpartingwithhisschool-matesontheseventeenth，itwouldbebettertoindulgethefancyifhegrewnoworse。ThathewasgladtohearfromMrs。Pipchin，thatthelittlefellowwouldgotohisfriendsinLondonontheeighteenth。ThathewouldwritetoMr。Dombey，whenheshouldhavegainedabetterknowledgeofthecase，andbeforethatday。Thattherewasnoimmediatecausefor——what？
　　Paullostthatword。Andthatthelittlefellowhadafinemind，butwasanold-fashionedboy。
　　Whatoldfashioncouldthatbe，Paulwonderedwithapalpitatingheart，thatwassovisiblyexpressedinhim；soplainlyseenbysomanypeople！
　　Hecouldneithermakeitout，nottroublehimselflongwiththeeffort。Mrs。Pipchinwasagainbesidehim，ifshehadeverbeenawayhethoughtshehadgoneoutwiththeDoctor，butitwasalladreamperhaps，andpresentlyabottleandglassgotintoherhandsmagically，andshepouredoutthecontentsforhim。Afterthat，hehadsomerealgoodjelly，whichMrs。Blimberbroughttohimherself；andthenhewassowell，thatMrs。Pipchinwenthome，athisurgentsolicitation，andBriggsandTozercametobed。PoorBriggsgrumbledterriblyabouthisownanalysis，whichcouldhardlyhavediscomposedhimmoreifithadbeenachemicalprocess；
　　buthewasverygoodtoPaul，andsowasTozer，andsowerealltherest，fortheyeveryonelookedinbeforegoingtobed，andsaid，`Howareyounow，Dombey？'`Cheerup，littleDombey！'andsoforth。AfterBriggshadgotintobed，helayawakeforalongtime，stillbemoaninghisanalysis，andsayingheknewitwasallwrong，andtheycouldn'thaveanalysedamurdererworse，andhowwouldDoctorBlimberlikeitifhispocket-moneydependedonit？Itwasveryeasy，Briggssaid，tomakeagalley-slaveofaboyallthehalf-year，andthenscorehimupidle；andtocribtwodinnersa-weekoutofhisboard，andthenscorehimupgreedy：butthatwasn'tgoingtobesubmittedto，hebelieved，wasit？Oh！Ah！
　　Beforetheweak-eyedyoungmanperformedonthegongnextmorning，hecameupstairstoPaulandtoldhimhewastoliestill，whichPaulverygladlydid。Mrs。PipchinreappearedalittlebeforetheApothecary，andalittleafterthegoodyoungwomanwhomPaulhadseencleaningthestoveonthatfirstmorninghowlongagoitseemednow！hadbroughthimhisbreakfast。Therewasanotherconsultationalongwayoff，orelsePauldreameditagain；andthentheApothecary，comingbackwithDoctorandMrs。Blimber，said：
　　`Yes，Ithink，DoctorBlimber，wemayreleasethisyounggentlemanfromhisbooksjustnow；thevacationbeingsoverynearathand。'
　　`Byallmeans，'saidDoctorBlimber。`Mylove，youwillinformCornelia，ifyouplease。'
　　`Assuredly，'saidMrs。Blimber。
　　TheApothecarybendingdown，lookedcloselyintoPaul'seyes，andfelthishead，andhispulse，andhisheart，withsomuchinterestandcare，thatPaulsaid，`Thankyou，sir。'
　　`Ourlittlefriend，'observedDoctorBlimber，`hasnevercomplained。'
　　`Ohno！'repliedtheApothecary。`Hewasnotlikelytocomplain。'
　　`Youfindhimgreatlybetter？'saidDoctorBlimber。
　　`Oh！heisgreatlybetter，Sir，'returnedtheApothecary。
　　Paulhadbeguntospeculate，inhisownoddway，onthesubjectthatmightoccupytheApothecary'smindjustatthatmoment；somusinglyhadheansweredthetwoquestionsofDoctorBlimber。ButtheApothecaryhappeningtomeethislittlepatient'seyes，asthelattersetoffonthatmentalexpedition，andcominginstantlyoutofhisabstractionwithacheerfulsmile，Paulsmiledinreturnandabandonedit。
　　Helayinbedallthatday，dozinganddreaming，andlookingatMr。Toots：butgotuponthenext，andwentdownstairs。Loandbehold，therewassomethingthematterwiththegreatclock；andaworkmanonapairofstepshadtakenitsfaceoff，andwaspokinginstrumentsintotheworksbythelightofacandle！ThiswasagreateventforPaul，whosatdownonthebottomstair，andwatchedtheoperationattentively：nowandthenglancingattheclockface，leaningallaskew，againstthewallhardby，andfeelingalittleconfusedbyasuspicionthatitwasoglinghim。
　　Theworkmanonthestepswasverycivil；andashesaid，whenheobservedPaul，`Howdoyoudo，Sir？'Paulgotintoconversationwithhim，andtoldhimhehadn'tbeenquitewelllately。Theicebeingthusbroken，Paulaskedhimamultitudeofquestionsaboutchimesandclocks：
　　as，whetherpeoplewatchedupinthelonelychurchsteeplesbynighttomakethemstrike，andhowthebellswererungwhenpeopledies，andwhetherthoseweredifferentbellsfromweddingbells，oronlysoundeddismalinthefanciesoftheliving。FindingthathisnewacquaintancewasnotverywellinformedonthesubjectoftheCurfewBellofancientdays，Paulgavehimanaccountofthatinstitution；andalsoaskedhim，asapracticalman，whathethoughtaboutKingAlfred'sideaofmeasuringtimebytheburningofcandles；towhichtheworkmanreplied，thathethoughtitwouldbetheruinoftheclocktradeifitwastocomeupagain。Infine，Paullookedon，untiltheclockhadquiterecovereditsfamiliaraspect，andresumeditssedateinquiry：whentheworkman，puttingawayhistoolsinalongbasket，badehimgoodday，andwentaway。Thoughnotbeforehehadwhisperedsomething，onthedoor-mat，tothefootman，inwhichtherewasthephrase`old-fashioned'——forPaulheardit。
　　Whatcouldthatoldfashionbe，thatseemedtomakethepeoplesorry！whatcoulditbe！
　　Havingnothingtolearnnow，hethoughtofthisfrequently；thoughnotsooftenashemighthavedone，ifhehadhadfewerthingstothinkof。Buthehadagreatmany；andwasalwaysthinking，alldaylong。
　　First，therewasFlorencecomingtotheparty。Florencewouldseethattheboyswerefondofhim；andthatwouldmakeherhappy。Thiswashisgreattheme。LetFlorenceoncebesurethattheyweregentleandgoodtohim，andthathehadbecomealittlefavouriteamongthem，andthenshewouldalwaysthinkofthetimehehadpassedthere，withoutbeingverysorry。Florencemightbeallthehappiertooforthatperhaps，whenhecameback。
　　Whenhecameback！Fiftytimesaday，hisnoiselesslittlefeetwentupthestairstohisownroom，ashecollectedeverybookandscrap，andtriflethatbelongedtohim，andputthemalltogetherthere，downtotheminutestthing，fortakinghome！TherewasnoshadeofcomingbackonlittlePaul；nopreparationforit，orotherreferencetoit，grewoutofanythinghethoughtordid，exceptthisslightoneinconnexionwithhissister。Onthecontrary，hehadtothinkofeverythingfamiliartohim，inhiscontemplativemoodsandinhiswanderingsaboutthehouse，asbeingtobepartedwith；andhencethemanythingshehadtothinkof，alldaylong。
　　Hehadtopeepintothoseroomsup-stairs，andthinkhowsolitarytheywouldbewhenhewasgone，andwonderthroughhowmanysilentdays，weeks，months，andyears，theywouldcontinuejustasgraveandundisturbed。
　　Hehadtothink——wouldanyotherchildold-fashioned，likehimselfstraythereatanytime，towhomthesamegrotesquedistortionsofpatternandfurniturewouldmanifestthemselves；andwouldanybodytellthatboyoflittleDombey，whohadbeenthereonce？
　　Hehadtothinkofaportraitonthestairs，whichalwayslookedearnestlyafterhimashewentaway，eyeingitoverhisshoulder：andwhich，whenhepasseditinthecompanyofanyone，stillseemedtogazeathim，andnotathiscompanion。Hehadmuchtothinkof，inassociationwithaprintthathungupinanotherplace，where，inthecentreofawonderinggroup，onefigurethatheknew，afigurewithalightaboutitshead——benignant，mild，andmerciful——stoodpointingupward。
　　Athisownbedroomwindow，therewerecrowdsofthoughtsthatmixedwiththese，andcameon，oneuponanother，liketherollingwaves。
　　Wherethosewildbirdslived，thatwerealwayshoveringoutatseaintroubledweather；wherethecloudsroseandfirstbegan；whencethewindissuedonitsrushingflight，andwhereitstopped；whetherthespotwhereheandFlorencehadsooftensat，andwatched，andtalkedaboutthesethings，couldeverbeexactlyasitusedtobewithoutthem；whetheritcouldeverbethesametoFlorence，ifhewereinsomedistantplace，andsheweresittingtherealone。
　　Hehadtothink，too，ofMr。Toots，andMr。Feeder，B。A；ofalltheboys；andofDoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimber；ofhome，andofhisauntandMissTox；ofhisfather，DombeyandSon，Walterwiththepooroldunclewhohadgotthemoneyhewanted，andthatgruff-voicedCaptainwiththeironhand。Besidesallthis，hehadanumberoflittlevisitstopay，inthecourseoftheday；totheschoolroom，toDoctorBlimber'sstudy，toMrs。Blimber'sprivateaapartment，toMissBlimber's，andtothedog。Forhewasfreeofthewholehousenow，torangeitashechose；
　　and，inhisdesiretopartwitheverybodyonaffectionateterms，heattended，inhisway，tothemall。SometimeshefoundplacesinbooksforBriggs，whowasalwayslosingthem；sometimeshelookedupwordsindictionariesforotheryounggentlemenwhowereinextremity；sometimesheheldskeinsofsilkforMrs。Blimbertowind；sometimesheputCornelia'sdesktorights；
　　sometimeshewouldevencreepintotheDoctor'sstudy，and，sittingonthecarpetnearhislearnedfeet，turntheglobessoftly，andgoroundtheworld，ortakeaflightamongthefar-offstars。
　　Inthosedaysimmediatelybeforetheholidays，inshort，whentheotheryounggentlemenwerelabouringfordearlifethroughageneralresumptionofthestudiesofthewholehalf-year，Paulwassuchaprivilegedpupilashadneverbeenseeninthathousebefore。Hecouldhardlybelieveithimself；buthislibertylastedfromhourtohour，andfromdaytoday；
　　andlittleDombeywascaressedbyeveryone。DoctorBlimberwassoparticularabouthim，thatherequestedJohnsontoretirefromthedinner-tableoneday，forhavingthoughtlesslyspokentohimas`poorlittleDombey；'whichPaulthoughtratherhardandsevere，thoughhehadflushedatthemoment，andwonderedwhyJohnsonshouldpityhim。Itwasthemorequestionablejustice，Paulthought，intheDoctor，fromhishavingcertainlyoverheardthatgreatauthoritygivehisassentonthepreviousevening，tothepropositionstatedbyMrs。BlimberthatpoordearlittleDombeywasmoreold-fashionedthanever。AndnowitwasthatPaulbegantothinkitmustsurelybeold-fashionedtobeverythin，andlight，andeasilytired，andsoondisposedtoliedownanywhereandrest；forhecouldn'thelpfeelingthattheseweremoreandmorehishabitseveryday。
　　Atlasttheparty-dayarrived；andDoctorBlimbersaidatbreakfast，`Gentlemen，wewillresumeourstudiesonthetwenty-fifthofnextmonth。'
　　Mr。Tootsimmediatelythrewoffhisallegiance，andputonhisring：andmentioningtheDoctorincasualconversationshortlyafterwards，spokeofhimas`Blimber！'Thisactoffreedominspiredtheolderpupilswithadmirationandenvy；buttheyoungerspiritswereappalled，andseemedtomarvelthatnobeamfelldownandcrushedhim。
　　Nottheleastallusionwasmadetotheceremoniesoftheevening，eitheratbreakfastoratdinner；buttherewasabustleinthehouseallday，andinthecourseofhisperambulations，Paulmadeacquaintancewithvariousstrangebenchesandcandlesticks，andmetaharpinagreengreatcoatstandingonthelandingoutsidethedrawing-roomdoor。Therewassomethingqueer，too，aboutMrs。Blimber'sheadatdinner-time，asifshehadscrewedherhairuptootight；andthoughMissBlimbershowedagracefulbunchofplaitedhaironeachtemple，sheseemedtohaveherownlittlecurlsinpaperunderneath，andinaplay-billtoo：forPaulread`TheatreRoyal'
　　overoneofhersparklingspectacles，and`Brighton'overtheother。
　　Therewasagrandarrayofwhitewaistcoatsandcravatsintheyounggentlemen'sbedroomsaseveningapproached；andsuchasmellofsingedhair，thatDoctorBlimbersentupthefootmanwithhiscompliments，andwishedtoknowifthehousewasonfire。Butitwasonlythehairdressercurlingtheyounggentlemen，andover-heatinghistongsintheardourofbusiness。
　　WhenPaulwasdressed——whichwasverysoondone，forhefeltunwellanddrowsy，andwasnotabletostandaboutitverylong——hewentdownintothedrawing-room；wherehefoundDoctorBlimberpacingupanddowntheroomfulldressed，butwithadignifiedandunconcerneddemeanour，asifhethoughtitbarelypossiblethatoneortwopeoplemightdropinbyandby。Shortlyafterwards，Mrs。Blimberappeared，lookinglovely，Paulthought；andattiredinsuchanumberofskirtsthatitwasquiteanexcursiontowalkroundher。MissBlimbercamedownsoonafterhermama；alittlesqueezedinappearance，butverycharming。
　　Mr。TootsandMr。Feederwerethenextarrivals。Eachofthesegentlemenbroughthishatinhishand，asifhelivedsomewhereelse；andwhentheywereannouncedbythebutler，DoctorBlimbersaid，`Aye，aye，aye！Godblessmysoul！'andseemedextremelygladtoseethem。Mr。Tootswasoneblazeofjewelleryandbuttons：andhefeltthecircumstancesostrongly，thatwhenhehadshakenhandswiththeDoctor，andhadbowedtoMrs。BlimberandMissBlimber，hetookPaulaside，andsaid，`Whatdoyouthinkofthis，Dombey？'
　　Butnotwithstandingthismodestconfidenceinhimself，Mr。Tootsappearedtobeinvolvedinagooddealofuncertaintywhether，onthewhole，itwasjudicioustobuttonthebottombuttonofhiswaistcoat，andwhether，onacalmrevisionofallthecircumstances，itwasbesttowearhiswristbandsturneduporturneddown。ObservingthatMr。Feeder'swereturnedup，Mr。
　　Tootsturnedhisup；butthewristbandsofthenextarrivalbeingturneddown，Mr。Tootsturnedhisdown。Thedifferencesinpointofwaistcoatbuttoning，notonlyatthebottom，butatthetoptoo，becamesonumerousandcomplicatedasthearrivalsthickened，thatMr。Tootswascontinuallyfingeringthatarticleofdress，asifhewereperformingonsomeinstrument；
　　andappearedtofindtheincessantexecutionitdemanded，quitebewildering。
　　Alltheyounggentlemen，tightlycravatted，curled，andpumped，andwiththeirbesthatsintheirhands，havingbeenatdifferenttimesannouncedandintroduced，Mr。Baps，thedancing-master，came，accompaniedbyMrs。Baps，towhomMrs。Blimberwasextremelykindandcondescending。
　　Mr。Bapswasaverygentleman，withaslowandmeasuredmannerofspeaking；
　　andbeforehehadstoodunderthelampfiveminutes，hebegantotalktoTootswhohadbeensilentlycomparingpumpswithhimaboutwhatyouweretodowithyourrawmaterialswhentheycameintoyourportsinreturnforyourdrainofgold。Mr。Toots，towhomthequestionseemedperplexing，suggested`Cook'em。'ButMr。Bapsdidnotappeartothinkthatwoulddo。
　　Paulnowslippedawayfromthecushionedcornerofasofa，whichhadbeenhispostofobservation，andwentdownstairsintothetea-roomtobereadyforFlorence，whomhehadnotseenfornearlyafortnight，ashehadremainedatDoctorBlimber'sonthepreviousSaturdayandSunday，lestheshouldtakecold。Presentlyshecame：lookingsobeautifulinhersimpleballdress，withherfreshflowersinherhand，thatwhenshekneltdownonthegroundtotakePaulroundtheneckandkisshimfortherewasnoonethere，buthisfriendandanotheryoungwomanwaitingtoserveoutthetea，hecouldhardlymakeuphismindtolethergoagain，ortotakeawayherbrightandlovingeyesfromhisface。
　　`Butwhatisthematter，Floy？'askedPaul，almostsurethathesawatearthere。
　　`Nothing，darling；nothing，'returnedFlorence。
　　Paultouchedhercheekgentlywithhisfinger——anditwasatear！`Why，Floy！'saidhe。
　　`We'llgohometogether，andI'llnurseyou，love，'saidFlorence。
　　`Nurseme！'echoedPaul。
　　Paulcouldn'tunderstandwhatthathadtodowithit，notwhythetwoyoungwomenlookedonsoseriously，norwhyFlorenceturnedawayherfaceforamoment，andthenturneditback，lightedupagainwithsmiles。
　　`Floy，'saidPaul，holdingaringletofherdarkhairinhishand。
　　`Tellme，dear。DoyouthinkIhavegrownold-fashioned？'
　　Hissisterlaughed，andfondledhim，andtoldhim`No。'
　　`BecauseIknowtheysayso，'returnedPaul，`andIwanttoknowwhattheymean，Floy。'
　　Butalouddoubleknockcomingatthedoor，andFlorencehurryingtothetable，therewasnomoresaidbetweenthem。PaulwonderedagainwhenhesawhisfriendwhispertoFlorence，asifshewerecomfortingher；
　　butanewarrivalputthatoutofhisheadspeedily。
　　ItwasSirBarnetSkettles，LadySkettles，andMasterSkettles。
　　MasterSkettleswastobeanewboyafterthevacation，andFamehadbeenbusy，inMr。Feeder'sroom，withhisfather，whowasintheHouseofCommons，andofwhomMr。FeederhadsaidthatwhenhedidcatchtheSpeaker'seyewhichhehadbeenexpectedtodoforthreeorfouryears，itwasanticipatedthathewouldrathertouchuptheRadicals。
　　`Andwhatroomisthisnow，forinstance？'saidLadySkettlestoPaul'sfriend，'Melia。
　　`DoctorBlimber'sstudy，ma'am，'wasthereply。
　　LadySkettlestookapanoramicsurveyofitthroughherglass，andsaidtoSirBarnetSkettles，withanodofapproval，`Verygood。'SirBarnetassented，butMasterSkettleslookedsuspiciousanddoubtful。
　　`Andthislittlecreature，now，'saidLadySkettles，turningtoPaul。`Isheoneofthe——'
　　`Younggentlemen，ma'am；yes，ma'am，'saidPaul'sfriend。
　　`Andwhatisyourname，mypalechild？'saidLadySkettles。
　　`Dombey，'answeredPaul。
　　SirBarnetSkettlesimmediatelyinterposed，andsaidthathehadhadthehonourofmeetingPaul'sfatheratapublicdinner，andthathehopedhewasverywell。ThenPaulheardhimsaytoLadySkettles，`City——veryrich——mostrespectable——Doctormentionedit。'AndthenhesaidtoPaul，`WillyoutellyourgoodpapathatSirBarnetSkettlesrejoicedtohearthathewasverywell，andsenthimhisbestcompliments？'
　　`Yes，Sir，'answeredPaul。
　　`Thatismybraveboy，'saidSirBarnetSkettles。`Barnet，'toMasterSkettles，whowasrevenginghimselfforthestudiestocome，ontheplum-cake，`thisisayounggentlemanyououghttoknow。Thisisayounggentlemanyoumayknow，Barnet，'saidSirBarnetSkettles，withanemphasisonthepermission。
　　`Whateyes！Whathair！Whatalovelyface！'exclaimedLadySkettlessoftly，asshelookedatFlorencethroughherglass。
　　`Mysister，'saidPaul，presentingher。
　　ThesatisfactionoftheSkettleseswasnowcomplete。AndasLadySkettleshadconceived，atfirstsight，alikingforPaul，theyallwentupstairstogether：SirBarnetSkettlestakingcareofFlorence，andyoungBarnetfollowing。
　　YoungBarnetdidnotremainlonginthebackgroundaftertheyhadreachedthedrawing-room，forDr。Blimberhadhimoutinnotime，dancingwithFlorence。HedidnotappeartoPaultobeparticularlyhappy，orparticularlyanythingbutsulky，ortocaremuchwhathewasabout；butasPaulheardLadySkettlessaytoMrs。Blimber，whileshebeattimewithherfan，thatherdearboywasevidentlysmittentodeathbythatangelofachild，MissDombey，itwouldseemthatSkettlesJuniorwasinastateofbliss，withoutshowingit。
　　LittlePaulthoughtitasingularcoincidencethatnobodyhadoccupiedhisplaceamongthepillows；andthatwhenhecameintotheroomagain，theyshouldallmakewayforhimtogobacktoit，rememberingitwashis。Nobodystoodbeforehimeither，whentheyobservedthathelikedtoseeFlorencedancing，buttheyleftthespaceinfrontquiteclear，sothathemightfollowherwithhiseyes。Theyweresokindtoo，eventhestrangers，ofwhomthereweresoonagreatmany，thattheycameandspoketohimeverynowandthen，andaskedhimhowhewas，andifhisheadached，andwhetherhewastired。Hewasverymuchobligedtothemforalltheirkindnessandattention，andrecliningproppedupinhiscorner，withMrs。BlimberandLadySkettlesonthesamesofa，andFlorencecomingandsittingbyhissideassoonaseverydancewasended，helookedonveryhappilyindeed。
　　Florencewouldhavesatbyhimallnight，andwouldnothavedancedatallofherownaccord，butPaulmadeher，bytellingherhowmuchitpleasedhim。Andhetoldherthetruth，too；forhissmallheartswelled，andhisfaceglowed，whenhesawhowmuchtheyalladmiredher，andhowshewasthebeautifullittlerosebudoftheroom。
　　Fromhisnestamongthepillows，Paulcouldseeandhearalmosteverythingthatpassed，asifthewholewerebeingdoneforhisamusement。
　　Amongotherlittleincidentsthattheobserved，heobservedMr。Bapsthedancing-mastergetintoconversationwithSirBarnetSkettles，andverysoonaskhim，ashehadaskedMr。Toots，whatyouweretodowithyourrawmaterials，whentheycameintoyourportsinreturnforyourdrainofgold——whichwassuchamysterytoPaulthathewasquitedesiroustoknowwhatoughttobedonewiththem。SirBarnetSkettleshadmuchtosayuponthequestion，andsaidit；butitdidnotappeartosolvethequestion，forMr。Bapsretorted，Yes，butsupposingRussiasteppedinwithhertallows；
　　whichstruckSirBarnetalmostdumb，forhecouldonlyshakehisheadafterthat，andsay，Whythenyoumustfallbackuponyourcottons，hesupposed。
　　SirBarnetSkettleslookedafterMr。BapswhenhewenttocheerupMrs。Bapswho，beingquitedeserted，waspretendingtolookoverthemusic-bookofthegentlemanwhoplayedtheharp，asifhethoughthimaremarkablekindofman；andshortlyafterwardshesaidsointhosewordstoDoctorBlimber，andinquiredifhemighttakethelibertyofaskingwhohewas，andwhetherhehadeverbeenintheBoardofTrade。DoctorBlimberansweredno，hebelievednot；andthatinfacthewasaProfessorof——
　　`Ofsomethingconnectedwithstatistics，I'llswear？'observedSirBarnetSkettles。
　　`Whyno，SirBarnet，'repliedDoctorBlimber，rubbinghischin。
　　No，notexactly。'
　　`Figuresofsomesort，Iwouldventureabet，'saidSirBarnetSkettles。
　　`Whyyes，'saidDoctorBlimber，'`yes，butnotofthatsort。Mr。
　　Bapsisaveryworthysortofman，SirBarnet，and——infacthe'sourprofessorofdancing。'
　　PaulwasamazedtoseethatthispieceofinformationquitealteredSirBarnetSkettles'opinionofMr。Baps，andthatSirBarnetflewintoaperfectrage，andgloweredatMr。Bapsoverontheothersideoftheroom。HeevenwentsofarastoDMr。BapstoLadySkettles，intellingherwhathadhappened，andtosaythatitwaslikehismostcon-sum-mateandconfoun-dedimpudence。
　　TherewasanotherthingthatPaulobserved。Mr。Feeder，afterimbibingseveralcustard-cupsofnegus，begantoenjoyhimself。Thedancingingeneralwasceremonious，andthemusicrathersolemn——alittlelikechurchmusicinfact——butafterthecustard——cups，Mr。FeedertoldMr。
　　Tootsthathewasgoingtothrowalittlespiritintothething。Afterthat，Mr。Feedernotonlybegantodanceasifhemeantdancingandnothingelse，butsecretlytostimulatethemusictoperformwildtunes。Further，hebecameparticularinhisattentionstotheladies；anddancingwithMissBlimber，whisperedtoher——whisperedtoher！——thoughnotsosoftlybutthatPaulheardhimsaythisremarkablepoetry，`HadIaheartforfalsehoodframed，Ine'ercouldinjureYou！'
　　ThisPaulheardhimrepeattoyoungladiesinsuccession。WellmightMr。FeedersaytoMr。Toots，thathewasafraidheshouldbetheworseforitto-morrow！
　　Mrs。Blimberwasalittlealarmedbythis——comparativelyspeaking——profligatebehaviour；andespeciallybythealterationinthecharacterofthemusic，which，beginningtocomprehendlowmelodiesthatwerepopularinthestreets，mightnotunnaturallybesupposedtogiveoffencetoLadySkettles。ButLadySkettleswassoverykindastobegMrs。Blimbernottomentionit；
　　andtoreceiveherexplanationthatMr。Feeder'sspiritssometimesbetrayedhimintoexcessesontheseoccasions，withthegreatestcourtesyandpoliteness；
　　observing，thatheseemedaverynicesortofpersonforhissituation，andthatsheparticularlylikedtheunassumingstyleofhishair——whichasalreadyhintedwasaboutaquarterofaninchlong。
　　Once，whentherewasapauseinthedancing，LadySkettlestoldPaulthatheseemedveryfondofmusic。Paulreplied，Thathewas；andifshewastoo，sheoughttohearhissister，Florence，sing。LadySkettlespresentlydiscoveredthatshewasdyingwithanxietytohavethatgratification；
　　andthoughFlorencewasatfirstverymuchfrightenedatbeingaskedtosingbeforesomanypeople，andbeggedearnestlytobeexcused，yet，onPaulcallinghertohim，andsaying，`Do，Floy！Please！Forme，mydear！'
　　shewentstraighttothepiano，andbegan。Whentheyalldrewalittleaway，thatPaulmightseeher；andwhenhesawhersittingthereallalone，soyoung，andgood，andbeautiful，andkindtohim；andheardherthrillingvoice，sonaturalandsweet，andsuchagoldenlinkbetweenhimandallhislife'sloveandhappiness，risingoutofthesilence；heturnedhisfaceaway，andhidhistears。Not，ashetoldthemwhentheyspoketohim，notthatthemusicwastooplaintiveortoosorrowful，butitwassodeartohim。
　　TheyalllovedFlorence！Howcouldtheyhelpit！Paulhadknownbeforehandthattheymustandwould；andsittinginhiscushionedcorner，withcalmlyfoldedhands，andoneleglooselydoubledunderhim，fewwouldhavethoughtwhattriumphanddelightexpandedhischildishbosomwhilehewatchedher，orwhatasweettranquillityhefelt。Lavishencomiumson`Dombey'ssister'reachedhisearsfromalltheboys：admirationoftheself-possessedandmodestlittlebeautywasoneverylip：reportsofherintelligenceandaccomplishmentsfloatedpasthim，constantly；and，asifborneinupontheairofthesummernight，therewasahalf-intelligiblesentimentdiffusedaround，referringtoFlorenceandhimself，andbreathingsympathyforboth，thatsoothedandtouchedhim。
　　Hedidnotknowwhy。Forallthatthechildobserved，andfelt，andthought，thatnight——thepresentandtheabsent；whatwasthenandwhathadbeen——wereblendedlikethecoloursintherainbow，orintheplumageofrichbirdswhenthesunisshiningonthem，orinthesofteningskywhenthesamesunissetting。Themanythingshehadhadtothinkoflately，passedbeforehiminthemusic；notasclaiminghisattentionoveragain，oraslikelyevermoretooccupyit，butaspeacefullydisposedofandgone。Asolitarywindow，gazedthroughyearsago，lookedoutuponanocean，milesandmilesaway；uponitswaters，fancies，busywithhimonlyyesterday，werehushedandlulledtorestlikebrokenwaves。Thesamemysteriousmurmurhehadwonderedat，whenlyingonhiscouchuponthebeach，hethoughthestillheardsoundingthroughhissister'ssong，andthroughthehumofvoices，andthetreadoffeet，andhavingsomepartinthefacesflittingby，andevenintheheavygentlenessofMr。Toots，whofrequentlycameuptoshakehimbythehand。Throughtheuniversalkindnesshestillthoughtheheardit，speakingtohim；andevenhisoldfashionedreputationseemedtobealliedtoit，heknewnothow。ThuslittlePaulsatmusing，listening，lookingon，anddreaming；andwasveryhappy。
　　Untilthetimearrivedfortakingleave：andthen，indeed，therewasasensationintheparty。SirBarnetSkettlesbroughtupSkettlesJuniortoshakehandswithhim，andaskedhimifhewouldremembertotellhisgoodpapa，withhisbestcompliments，thathe，SirBarnetSkettles，hadsaidhehopedthetwoyounggentlemenwouldbecomeintimatelyacquainted。
　　LadySkettleskissedhim，andpartedhishairuponhisbrow，andheldhiminherarms；andevenMrs。Baps——poorMrs。Baps！Paulwasgladofthat——cameoverfrombesidethemusic-bookofthegentlemanwhoplayedtheharp，andtookleaveofhimquiteasheartilyasanybodyintheroom。
　　`Good-bye，DoctorBlimber，'saidPaul，stretchingouthishand。
　　`Good-bye，mylittlefriend，'returnedtheDoctor。
　　`I'mverymuchobligedtoyou，Sir，'saidPaul，lookinginnocentlyupintohisawfulface。`AskthemtotakecareofDiogenes，ifyouplease。'
　　Diogeneswasthedog：whohadneverinhislifereceivedafriendintohisconfidence，beforePaul。TheDoctorpromisedthateveryattentionshouldbepaidtoDiogenesinPaul'sabsence，andPaulhavingagainthankedhim，andshakenhandswithhim，badeadieutoMrs。BlimberandCorneliawithsuchheartfeltearnestnessthatMrs。BlimberforgotfromthatmomenttomentionCicerotoLadySkettles，thoughshehadfullyintendeditalltheevening。Cornelia，takingbothPaul'shandsinhers，said，`Dombey，Dombey，youhavealwaysbeenmyfavouritepupil。Godblessyou！'Anditshowed，Paulthought，howeasilyonemightdoinjusticetoaperson；forMissBlimbermeantit——thoughshewasaForcer。
　　Abuzzthenwentroundamongtheyounggentlemen，of`Dombey'sgoing！'`LittleDombey'sgoing！'andtherewasageneralmoveafterPaulandFlorencedownthestaircaseandintothehall，inwhichthewholeBlimberfamilywereincluded。Suchacircumstance，Mr。Feedersaidaloud，ashadneverhappenedinthecaseofanyformeryounggentlemanwithinhisexperience；
　　butitwouldbedifficulttosayifthisweresoberfactorcustard-cups。
　　Theservants，withthebutlerattheirhead，hadallaninterestinseeingLittleDombeygo；andeventheweak-eyedyoungman，takingouthisbooksandtrunkstothecoachthatwastocarryhimandFlorencetoMrs。Pipchin'sforthenight，meltedvisibly。