Noteventheinfluenceofthesofterpassionontheyounggentlemen——andtheyall，toaboy，doatedonFlorence——couldrestrainthemfromtakingquiteanoisyleaveofPaul；wavinghatsafterhim，pressingdownstairstoshakehandswithhim，cryingindividually`Dombey，don'tforgetme！'
andindulginginmanysuchebullitionsoffeeling，uncommonamongthoseyoungChesterfields。PaulwhisperedFlorence，asshewrappedhimupbeforethedoorwasopened，Didshehearthem？Wouldsheeverforgetit？Wasshegladtoknowit？Andalivelydelightwasinhiseyesashespoketoher。
Once，foralastlook，heturnedandgazeduponthefacesthusaddressedtohim，surprisedtoseehowshiningandhowbright，andnumeroustheywere，andhowtheywereallpiledandheapedup，asfacesareatcrowdedtheatres。Theyswambeforehimashelooked，likefacesinanagitatedglass；andnextmomenthewasinthedarkcoachoutside，holdingclosetoFlorence。Fromthattime，wheneverhethoughtofDoctorBlimber's，itcamebackashehadseenitinthislastview；anditneverseemedtobearealplaceagain，butalwaysadream，fullofeyes。
ThiswasnotquitethelastofDoctorBlimber's，however。Therewassomethingelse。TherewasMr。Toots。Who，unexpectedlylettingdownoneofthecoach-windows，andlookingin，said，withamostegregiouschuckle，`IsDombeythere？'andimmediatelyputitupagain，withoutwaitingforananswer。NorwasthisquitethelastofMr。Toots，even；forbeforethecoachmancoulddriveoff，heassuddenlyletdowntheotherwindow，andlookinginwithapreciselysimilarchuckle，saidinapreciselysimilartoneofvoice，`IsDombeythere？'anddisappearedpreciselyasbefore。
HowFlorencelaughed！Pauloftenrememberedit，andlaughedhimselfwheneverhedidso。
Buttherewasmuch，soonafterwards——nextday，andafterthat——whichPaulcouldonlyrecollectconfusedly。As，whytheystayedatMrs。Pipchin'sdaysandnights，insteadofgoinghome；whyhelayinbed，withFlorencesittingbyhisside；whetherthathadbeenhisfatherintheroom，oronlyatallshadowonthewall；whetherhehadheardhisdoctorsay，ofsomeone，thatiftheyhadremovedhimbeforetheoccasiononwhichhehadbuiltupfancies，stronginproportiontohisownweakness，itwasverypossiblehemighthavepinedaway。
HecouldnotevenrememberwhetherhehadoftensaidtoFlorence，`OhFloy，takemehome，andneverleaveme！'buthethoughthehad。Hefanciedsometimeshehadheardhimselfrepeating，`Takemehome，Floy！
takemehome！'
Buthecouldremember，whenhegothome，andwascarriedupthewell-rememberedstairs，thattherehadbeentherumblingofacoachformanyhourstogether，whilehelayupontheseat，withFlorencestillbesidehim，andoldMrs。Pipchinsittingopposite。Herememberedhisoldbedtoo，whentheylaidhimdowninit：hisaunt，MissTox，andSusan：buttherewassomethingelse，andrecenttoo，thatstillperplexedhim。
`IwanttospeaktoFlorence，ifyouplease，'hesaid。`ToFlorencebyherself，foramoment！'
Shebentdownoverhim，andtheothersstoodaway。
`Floy，mypet，wasn'tthatPapainthehall，whentheybroughtmefromthecoach？'
`Yes，dear。'
`Hedidn'tcry，andgointohisroom，Floy，didhe，whenhesawmecomingin？'
Florenceshookherhead，andpressedherlipsagainsthischeek。
`I'mverygladhedidn'tcry，'saidlittlePaul。`Ithoughthedid。Don'ttellthemthatIasked。'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVAmazingArtfulnessofCaptainCuttle，andanewPursuitforWalterGayWALTERcouldnot，forseveraldays，decidewhattodointheBarbadosbusiness；
andevencherishedsomefainthopethatMr。Dombeymightnothavemeantwhathehadsaid，orthathemightchangehismind，andtellhimhewasnottogo。Butasnothingoccurredtogivethisideawhichwassufficientlyimprobableinitselfanytouchofconfirmation，andastimewasslippingby，andhehadnonetolose，hefeltthathemustact，withouthesitatinganylonger。
Walter'schiefdifficultywas，howtobreakthechangeinhisaffairstoUncleSol，towhomhewassensibleitwouldbeaterribleblow。
HehadthegreaterdifficultyindashingUncleSol'sspiritswithsuchanastoundingpieceofintelligence，becausetheyhadlatelyrecoveredverymuch，andtheoldmanhadbecomesocheerful，thatthelittlebackparlourwasitselfagain。UncleSolhadpaidthefirstappointedportionofthedebttoMr。Dombey，andwashopefulofworkinghiswaythroughtherest；andtocasthimdownafresh，whenhehadsprungupsomanfullyfromhistroubles，wasaverydistressingnecessity。
Yetitwouldneverdotorunawayfromhim。Hemustknowofitbeforehand：andhowtotellhimwasthepoint。Astothequestionofgoingornotgoing，Walterdidnotconsiderthathehadanypowerofchoiceinthematter。Mr。Dombeyhadtrulytoldhimthathewasyoung，andthathisuncle'scircumstanceswerenotgood；andMr。Dombeyhadplainlyexpressed，intheglancewithwhichhehadaccompaniedthatreminder，thatifhedeclinedtogohemightstayathomeifhechose，butnotinhiscounting-house。
HisuncleandhelayunderagreatobligationtoMr。Dombey，whichwasofWalter'sownsoliciting。Hemighthavebeguninsecrettodespairofeverwinningthatgentleman'sfavour，andmighthavethoughtthathewasnowandthendisposedtoputaslightuponhim，whichwashardlyjust。
Butwhatwouldhavebeendutywithoutthat，wasstilldutywithit——orWalterthoughtso——anddutymustbedone。
WhenMr。Dombeyhadlookedathim，andtoldhimhewasyoung，andthathisuncle'scircumstanceswerenotgood，therehadbeenanexpressionofdisdaininhisface；acontemptuousanddisparagingassumptionthathewouldbequitecontenttoliveidlyonareducedoldman，whichstungtheboy'sgeneroussoul。DeterminedtoassureMr。Dombey，insofarasitwaspossibletogivehimtheassurancewithoutexpressingitinwords，thatindeedhemistookhisnature，WalterhadbeenanxioustoshowevenmorecheerfulnessandactivityaftertheWestIndianinterviewthanhehadshownbefore：ifthatwerepossible，inoneofhisquickandzealousdisposition。Hewastooyoungandinexperiencedtothink，thatpossiblythisveryqualityinhimwasnotagreeabletoMr。Dombey，andthatitwasnostepping-stonetohisgoodopiniontobeelasticandhopefulofpleasingundertheshadowofhispowerfuldispleasure，whetheritwererightorwrong。Butitmayhavebeen——itmayhavebeen——thatthegreatmanthoughthimselfdefiedinthisnewexpositionofanhonestspirit，andpurposedtobringitdown。
`Well！atlastandatleast，UncleSolmustbetold，'thoughtWalter，withasigh。AndasWalterwasapprehensivethathisvoicemightperhapsquaveralittle，andthathiscountenancemightnotbequiteashopefulashecouldwishittobe，ifhetoldtheoldmanhimself，andsawthefirsteffectsofhiscommunicationonhiswrinkledface，heresolvedtoavailhimselfoftheservicesofthatpowerfulmediator，CaptainCuttle。
Sundaycominground，hesetofftherefore，afterbreakfast，oncemoretobeatupCaptainCuttle'squarters。
Itwasnotunpleasanttoremember，onthewaythither，thatMrs。
MacStingerresortedtoagreatdistanceeverySundaymorning，toattendtheministryoftheReverendMelchisedechHowler，who，havingbeenonedaydischargedfromtheWestIndiaDocksonafalsesuspiciongotupexpresslyagainsthimbythegeneralenemyofscrewinggimletsintopuncheons，andapplyinghislipstotheorifice，hadannouncedthedestructionoftheworldforthatdaytwoyears，atteninthemorning，andopenedafrontparlourforthereceptionofladiesandgentlemenoftheRantingpersuasion，uponwhom，onthefirstoccasionoftheirassemblage，theadmonitionsoftheReverendMelchisedechhadproducedsopowerfulaneffect，that，intheirrapturousperformanceofasacredjig，whichclosedtheservice，thewholeflockbrokethroughintoakitchenbelow，anddisabledamanglebelongingtooneofthefold。
ThistheCaptain，inamomentofuncommonconviviality，hadconfidedtoWalterandhisuncle，betweentherepetitionsoflovelyPeg，onthenightwhenBrogleythebrokerwaspaidout。TheCaptainhimselfwaspunctualinhisattendanceatachurchinhisownneighbourhood，whichhoistedtheUnionJackeverySundaymorning；andwherehewasgoodenough——thelawfulbeadlebeinginfirm——tokeepaneyeupontheboys，overwhomheexercisedgreatpower，invirtueofhismysterioushook。KnowingtheregularityoftheCaptain'shabits，Waltermadeallthehastehecould，thathemightanticipatehisgoingout；andhemadesuchgoodspeed，thathehadthepleasure，onturningintoBrigPlace，tobeholdthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoathangingoutoftheCaptain'sopenwindow，toairinthesun。
ItappearedincrediblethatthecoatandwaistcoatcouldbeseenbymortaleyeswithouttheCaptain：buthecertainlywasnotinthem，otherwisehislegs——thehousesinBrigPlacenotbeinglofty——wouldhaveobstructedthestreetdoor，whichwasperfectlyclear。Quitewonderingatthisdiscovery，Waltergaveasingleknock。
`Stinger，'hedistinctlyheardtheCaptainsay，upinhisroom，asifthatwerenobusinessofhis。ThereforeWaltergavetwoknocks。
`Cuttle，'heheardtheCaptainsayuponthat；andimmediatelyafterwardstheCaptain，inhiscleanshirtandbraces，withhisneckerchiefhanginglooselyroundhisthroatlikeacoilofrope，andhisglazedhaton，appearedatthewindow，leaningoutoverthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoat。
`Wal'r！'criedtheCaptain，lookingdownuponhiminamazement。
`Ay，ay，CaptainCuttle，'returnedWalter，`onlyme。'
`What'sthematter，mylad？'inquiredtheCaptain，withgreatconcern。`Gillsan'tbeenandsprungnothingagain？'
`No，no，'saidWalter。`Myuncle'sallright，CaptainCuttle。'
TheCaptainexpressedhisgratification，andsaidhewouldcomedownbelowandopenthedoor，whichhedid。
`Thoughyou'reearly，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimstilldoubtfully，whentheygotupstairs。
`Why，thefactis，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，sittingdown，`Iwasafraidyouwouldhavegoneout，andIwanttobenefitbyyourfriendlycounsel。'
`Soyoushall，'saidtheCaptain；`what'llyoutake？'
`Iwanttotakeyouropinion，CaptainCuttle，'returnedWalter，smiling。`That'stheonlythingforme。'
`Comeonthen，'saidtheCaptain。`Withawill，mylad！'
Walterrelatedtohimwhathadhappened；andthedifficultyinwhichhefeltrespectinghisuncle，andthereliefitwouldbetohimifCaptainCuttle，inhiskindness，wouldhelphimtosmoothitaway；CaptainCuttle'sinfiniteconsternationandastonishmentattheprospectunfoldedtohim，graduallyswallowingthatgentlemanup，untilitlefthisfacequitevacant，andthesuitofblue，theglazedhat，andthehook，apparentlywithoutanowner。
`Yousee，CaptainCuttle，'pursuedWalter，`formyself，Iamyoung，asMr。Dombeysaid，andnottobeconsidered。Iamtofightmywaythroughtheworld，Iknow；buttherearetwopointsIwasthinking，asIcamealong，thatIshouldbyveryparticularabout，inrespecttomyuncle。Idon'tmeantosaythatIdeservetobetheprideanddelightofhislife——youbelieveme，Iknow——butIam。Now，don'tyouthinkIam？'
TheCaptainseemedtomakeanendeavourtorisefromthedepthsofhisastonishment，andgetbacktohisface；buttheeffortbeingineffectual，theglazedhatmerelynoddedwithamute，unutterablemeaning。
`IfIliveandhavemyhealth，'saidWalter，`andIamnotafraidofthat，still，whenIleaveEnglandIcanhardlyhopetoseemyuncleagain。Heisold，CaptainCuttle；andbesides，hislifeisalifeofcustom'
`Steady，Wal'r！Ofawantofcustom？'saidtheCaptain，suddenlyreappearing。
`Tootrue，'returnedWalter，shakinghishead：`butImeantalifeofhabit，CaptainCuttle——thatsortofcustom。Andifasyouverytrulysaid，Iamsurehewouldhavediedthesoonerforthelossofthestock，andallthoseobjectstowhichhehasbeenaccustomedforsomanyyears，don'tyouthinkhemightdiealittlesoonerforthelossof'
`OfhisNevy，'interposedtheCaptain。`Right！'
`Wellthen，'saidWalter，tryingtospeakgaily，`wemustdoourbesttomakehimbelievethattheseparationisbutatemporaryone，afterall；butasIknowbetter，ordreadthatIknowbetter，CaptainCuttle，andasIhavesomanyreasonsforregardinghimwithaffection，andduty，andhonour，IamafraidIshouldmakebutaverypoorhandatthat，ifItriedtopersuadehimofit。That'smygreatreasonforwishingyoutobreakitouttohim；andthat'sthefirstpoint。'
`Keepheroffapointorso！'observedtheCaptain，inacontemplativevoice。
`Whatdidyousay，CaptainCuttle？'inquiredWalter。
`Standby！'returnedtheCaptain，thoughtfully。
WalterpausedtoascertainiftheCaptainhadanyparticularinformationtoaddtothis，butashesaidnomore，wenton。
`Now，thesecondpoint，CaptainCuttle。Iamsorrytosay，IamnotafavouritewithMr。Dombey。Ihavealwaystriedtodomybest，andIhavealwaysdoneit；buthedoesnotlikeme。Hecan'thelphislikingsanddislikings，perhaps。Isaynothingofthat。IonlysaythatIamcertainhedoesnotlikeme。Hedoesnotsendmetothispostasagoodone；hedisdainstorepresentitasbeingbetterthanitis；andIdoubtverymuchifitwilleverleadmetoadvancementintheHouse——whetheritdoesnot，onthecontrary，disposeofmeforever，andputmeoutoftheway。Now，wemustsaynothingofthistomyuncle，CaptainCuttle，butmustmakeitouttobeasfavourableandpromisingaswecan；andwhenItellyouwhatitreallyis，Ionlydoso，thatincaseanymeansshouldeverariseoflendingmeahand，sofaroff，Imayhaveonefriendathomewhoknowsmyrealsituation。'
`Wal'r，myboy，'repliedtheCaptain，`intheProverbsofSolomonyouwillfindthefollowingwords，`Mayweneverwantafriendinneed，norabottletogivehim！'Whenfound，makeanoteof。'
HeretheCaptainstretchedouthishandtoWalter，withanairofdownrightgoodfaiththatspokevolumes；atthesametimerepeatingforhefeltproudoftheaccuracyandpointedapplicationofhisquotation，`Whenfound，makeanoteof。'
`CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，takingtheimmensefistextendedtohimbytheCaptaininbothhishands，whichitcompletelyfilled，`nexttomyUncleSol，Iloveyou。ThereisnooneonearthinwhomIcanmoresafelytrust，Iamsure。Astothemeregoingaway，CaptainCuttle，Idon'tcareforthat；whyshouldIcareforthat！IfIwerefreetoseekmyownfortune——ifIwerefreetogoasacommonsailor——ifIwerefreetoventureonmyownaccounttothefarthestendoftheworld——Iwouldgladlygo！
Iwouldhavegladlygone，yearsago，andtakenmychanceofwhatmightcomeofit。Butitwasagainstmyuncle'swishes，andagainsttheplanshehadformedforme；andtherewasanendofthat。ButwhatIfeel，CaptainCuttle，isthatwehavebeenalittlemistakenallalong，andthat，sofarasanyimprovementinmyprospectsisconcerned，IamnobetteroffnowthanIwaswhenIfirstenteredDombey'sHouse-perhapsalittleworse，fortheHousemayhavebeenkindlyinclinedtowardsmethem，anditcertainlyisnotnow。'
`Turnagain，Whittington，'mutteredthedisconsolateCaptainafterlookingatWalterforsometime。
`Aye，'repliedWalterlaughing，`andturnagreatmanytimes，tooCaptainCuttle，I'mafraid，beforesuchfortuneashiseverturnsupagain。NotthatIcomplain，'headded，inhislively，animated，energeticway。`Ihavenothingtocomplainof。Iamprovidedfor。Icanlive。WhenIleavemyuncle，Ileavehimtoyou；andIcanleavehimtonoonebetter，CaptainCuttle。Ihaven'ttoldyouallthisbecauseIdespair，notI；it'stoconvinceyouthatIcan'tpickandchooseinDombey'sHouse，andthatwhereIamsent，thereImustgo，andwhatIamoffered，thatImusttake。
It'sbetterformyunclethatIshouldbesentaway；forMr。Dombeyisavaluablefriendtohim，asheprovedhimself，youknowwhen，CaptainCuttle；andIampersuadedhewon'tbelessvaluablewhenhehasn'tmethere，everyday，toawakenhisdislike。SohurrahfortheWestIndies，CaptainCuttle！Howdoesthattunegothatthesailorssing？
`ForthePortofBarbados，Boys！Cheerily！
LeavingoldEnglandbehindus，Boys！Cheerily！'
HeretheCaptainroaredinchorus——
`Ohcheerily，cheerily！Ohcheer——i——ly！'
Thelastlinereachingthequickearsofanardentskippernotquitesober，wholodgedopposite，andwhoinstantlysprungoutofbed，threwuphiswindow，andjoinedin，acrossthestreet，atthetopofhisvoice，producedafineeffect。Whenitwasimpossibletosustaintheconcludingnoteanylonger，theskipperbellowedforthaterrific`ahoy！'intendedinpartasafriendlygreeting，andinparttoshowthathewasnotatallbreathed。Thatdone，heshutdownhiswindow，andwenttobedagain。
`Andnow，CaptainCuttle，'saidWalter，handinghimthebluecoatandwaistcoat，andbustlingverymuch，`ifyou'llcomeandbreakthenewstoUncleSolwhichheoughttohaveknown，daysupondaysago，byrights，I'llleaveyouatthedoor，youknow，andwalkaboutuntiltheafternoon。'
TheCaptain，however，scarcelyappearedtorelishthecommission，ortobebyanymeansconfidentofhispowersofexecutingit。HehadarrangedthefuturelifeandadventuresofWaltersoverydifferently，andsoentirelytohisownsatisfaction；hehadfelicitatedhimselfsooftenonthesagacityandforesightdisplayedinthatarrangement，andhadfounditsocompleteandperfectinallitsparts；thattosufferittogotopiecesallatonce，andeventoassistinbreakingitup，requiredagreateffortofhisresolution。TheCaptain，too，founditdifficulttounloadhisoldideasuponthesubject，andtotakeaperfectlynewcargoonboard，withthatrapiditywhichthecircumstancesrequired，orwithoutjumblingandconfoundingthetwo。Consequently，insteadofputtingonhiscoatandwaistcoatwithanythingliketheimpetuositythatcouldalonehavekeptpacewithWalter'smood，hedeclinedtoinvesthimselfwiththosegarmentsatallatpresent；andinformedWalterthatonsuchaseriousmatter，hemustbeallowedto`bitehisnailsabit。'
`It'sanoldhabitofmine，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，`anytimethesefiftyyear。WhenyouseeNedCuttlebitehisnails，Wal'r，thenyoumayknowthatNedCuttle'saground。'
ThereupontheCaptainputhisironhookbetweenhisteeth，asifitwereahand；andwithanairofwisdomandprofunditythatwastheveryconcentrationandsublimationofallphilosophicalreflectionandgraveinquiry，appliedhimselftotheconsiderationofthesubjectinitsvariousbranches。
`There'safriendofmine，'murmuredtheCaptain，inanabsentmanner，`buthe'satpresentcoastingroundtoWhitby，thatwoulddeliversuchanopiniononthissubject，oranyotherthatcouldbenamed，aswouldgiveParliamentsixandbeat'em。Beenknockedoverboard，thatman，'saidtheCaptain，`twice，andnonetheworseforit。Wasbeatinhisapprenticeship，forthreeweeksoffandon，abouttheheadwitharingbolt。Andyetaclearer-mindedmandon'twalk。'
InspiteofhisrespectforCaptainCuttle，Waltercouldnothelpinwardlyrejoicingattheabsenceofthissage，anddevoutlyhopingthathislimpidintellectmightnotbebroughttobearonhisdifficultiesuntiltheywerequitesettled。
`IfyouwastotakeandshowthatmanthebuoyattheNore，'saidCaptainCuttleinthesametone，`andaskhimhisopinionofit，Wal'r，he'dgiveyouanopinionthatwasnomorelikethatbuoythanyouruncle'sbuttonsare。Thereain'tamanthatwalks——certainlynotontwolegs——thatcancomenearhim。Notnearhim！'
`What'shisname，CaptainCuttle？'inquiredWalter，determinedtobeinterestedintheCaptain'sfriend。
`Hisname'sBunsby，'saidtheCaptain。`ButLord，itmightbeanythingforthematterofthat，withsuchamindashis！'
TheexactideawhichtheCaptainattachedtothisconcludingpieceofpraise，hedidnotfurtherelucidate；neitherdidWalterseektodrawitforth。Foronhisbeginningtoreview，withthevivacitynaturaltohimselfandtohissituation，theleadingpointsinhisownaffairs，hesoondiscoveredthattheCaptainhadrelapsedintohisformerprofoundstateofmind；andthatwhileheeyedhimsteadfastlyfrombeneathhisbushyeyebrows，heevidentlyneithersawnotheardhim，butremainedimmersedincogitation。
Infact，CaptainCuttlewaslabouringwithsuchgreatdesigns，thatfarfrombeingaground，hesoongotoffintothedeepestofwater，andcouldfindnobottomtohispenetration。BydegreesitbecameperfectlyplaintotheCaptainthattherewassomemistakehere；thatitwasundoubtedlymuchmorelikelytobeWalter'smistakethanhis；thatiftherewerereallyanyWestIndiaschemeafoot，itwasaverydifferentonefromwhatWalter，whowasyoungandrash，supposed；andcouldonlybesomenewdeviceformakinghisfortunewithunusualcelerity。`Orifthereshouldbeanylittlehitchbetween'em，'thoughttheCaptain，meaningbetweenWalterandMr。
Dombey，`itonlywantsawordinseasonfromafriendofbothparties，tosetitrightandsmooth，andmakealltautagain。'CaptainCuttle'sdeductionfromtheseconsiderationswas，thatashealreadyenjoyedthepleasureofknowingMr。Dombey，fromhavingspentaveryagreeablehalf-hourinhiscompanyatBrightononthemorningwhentheyborrowedthemoney；
andthat，asacoupleofmenoftheworld，whounderstoodeachother，andweremutuallydisposedtomakethingscomfortable，couldeasilyarrangeanylittledifficultyofthissort，andcomeattherealfacts；thefriendlythingforhimtodowouldbe，withoutsavinganythingaboutittoWalteratpresent，justtostepuptoMr。Dombey'shouse——saytotheservant`Wouldyebesogood，mylad，asreportCap'enCuttlehere？'——meetMr。Dombeyinaconfidentialspirit——hookhimbythebutton-hole——talkitover——makeitallright——andcomeawaytriumphant！
AsthesereflectionspresentedthemselvestotheCaptain'smind，andbyslowdegreesassumedthisshapeandform，hisvisageclearedlikeadoubtfulmorningwhenitgivesplacetoabrightnoon。Hiseyebrows，whichhadbeeninthehighestdegreeportentous，smoothedtheirruggedbristlingaspect，andbecameserene；hiseyes，whichhadbeennearlyclosedintheseverityofhismentalexercise，openedfreely；asmilewhichhadbeenatfirstbutthreespecks——oneattheright-handcornerofhismouth，andoneatthecornerofeacheye——graduallyoverspreadhiswholeface，andripplingupintohisforehead，liftedtheglazedhat：asifthattoohadbeenagroundwithCaptainCuttle，andwerenow，likehim，happilyafloatagain。
FinallytheCaptainleftoffbitinghisnails，andsaid，`Now，Wal'r，myboy，youmayhelpmeonwiththemslops。'BywhichtheCaptainmeanthiscoatandwaistcoat。
WalterlittleimaginedwhytheCaptainwassoparticularinthearrangementofhiscravat，astotwistthependentendsintoasortofpigtail，andpassthemthroughamassivegoldringwithapictureofatombuponit，andaneatironrailing，andatree，inmemoryofsomedeceasedfriend。NorwhytheCaptainpulleduphisshirt-collartotheutmostlimitsallowedbytheIrishlinenbelow，andbysodoingdecoratedhimselfwithacompletepairofblinkers；norwhyhechangedhisshoes，andputonanunparalleledpairofankle-jacks，whichheonlyworeonextraordinaryoccasions。
TheCaptainbeingatlengthattiredtohisowncompletesatisfaction，andhavingglancedathimselffromheadtofootinashaving-glasswhichheremovedfromanailforthatpurpose，tookuphisknottedstick，andsaidhewasready。
TheCaptain'swalkwasmorecomplacentthanusualwhentheygotoutintothestreet；butthisWaltersupposedtobetheeffectoftheankle-jacks，andtooklittleheedof。Beforetheyhadgoneveryfar，theyencounteredawomansellingflowers；whentheCaptainstoppingshort，asifstruckbyahappyidea，madeapurchaseofalargestbundleinherbasket：amostgloriousnosegay，fan-shaped，sometwofeetandahalfround，andcomposedofallthejolliest-lookingflowersthatblow。
ArmedwiththislittletokenwhichhedesignedforMr。Dombey，CaptainCuttlewalkedonwithWalteruntiltheyreachedtheInstrument-maker'sdoor，beforewhichtheybothpaused。
`You'regoingin？'saidWalter。
`Yes，'returnedtheCaptain，whofeltthatWaltermustbegotridofbeforeheproceededanyfurther，andthathehadbettertimehisprojectedvisitsomewhatlaterintheday。
`Andyouwon'tforgetanything？'
`No，'returnedtheCaptain。
`I'llgouponmywalkatonce，'saidWalter，`andthenIshallbeoutoftheway，CaptainCuttle。'
`Takeagoodlong'un，mylad！'repliedtheCaptain，callingafterhim。Walterwavedhishandinassent，andwenthisway。
Hiswaywasnowhereinparticular；buthethoughthewouldgooutintothefields，wherehecouldreflectupontheunknownlifebeforehim，andrestingundersometree，ponderquietly。HeknewnobetterfieldsthanthosenearHampstead，andnobettermeansofgettingatthemthanbypassingMr。Dombey'shouse。
Itwasasstatelyandasdarkasever，whenhewentbyandglancedupatitsfrowningfront。Theblindswereallpulleddown，buttheupperwindowsstoodwideopen，andthepleasantairstirringthosecurtainsandwavingthemtoandfro，wastheonlysignofanimationinthewholeexterior。
Walterwalkedsoftlyashepassed，andwasgladwhenhehadleftthehouseadoorortwobehind。
Helookedbackthen；withtheinteresthehadalwaysfeltfortheplacesincetheadventureofthelostchild，yearsago；andlookedespeciallyatthoseupperwindows。Whilehewasthusengaged，achariotdrovetothedoor，andaportlygentlemaninblack，withaheavywatch-chain，alighted，andwentin。Whenheafterwardsrememberedthisgentlemanandhisequipagetogether，Walterhadnodoubthewasaphysician；andthenhewonderedwhowasill；butthediscoverydidnotoccurtohimuntilhehadwalkedsomedistance，thinkinglistlesslyofotherthings。
Thoughstill，ofwhatthehousehadsuggestedtohim；forWalterpleasedhimselfwiththinkingthatperhapsthetimemightcome，whenthebeautifulchildwhowashisoldfriendandhadalwaysbeensogratefultohimandsogladtoseehimsince，mightinterestherbrotherinhisbehalfandinfluencehisfortunesforthebetter。Helikedtoimaginethis——more，atthatmoment，forthepleasureofimagininghercontinuedremembranceofhim，thanforanyworldlyprofithemightgain：butanotherandmoresoberfancywhisperedtohimthatifhewerealivethen，hewouldbebeyondtheseaandforgotten；shemarried，rich，proud，happy。Therewasnomorereasonwhysheshouldrememberhimwithanyinterestinsuchanalteredstateofthings，thananyplaythingsheeverhad。No，notsomuch。
YetWaltersoidealisedtheprettychildwhomhehadfoundwanderingintheroughstreets，andsoidentifiedherwithherinnocentgratitudeofthatnightandthesimplicityandtruthofitsexpression，thatheblushedforhimselfasalibellerwhenhearguedthatshecouldevergrowproud。
Ontheotherhand，hismeditationswereofthatfantasticorderthatitseemedhardlylesslibellousinhimtoimaginehergrownawoman：tothinkofherasanythingbutthesameartless，gentle，winninglittlecreature，thatshehadbeeninthedaysofgoodMrs。Brown。Inaword，WalterfoundoutthattoreasonwithhimselfaboutFlorenceatall，wastobecomeveryunreasonableindeed；andthathecoulddonotbetterthanpreserveherimageinhismindassomethingprecious，unattainable，unchangeable，andindefinite——indefiniteinallitspowerofgivinghimpleasure，andrestraininghimlikeanangel'shandfromanythingunworthy。
ItwasalongstrollinthefieldsthatWaltertookthatday，listeningtothebirds，andtheSundaybells，andthesoftenedmurmurofthetown——breathingsweetscents；glancingsometimesatthedimhorizonbeyondwhichhisvoyageandhisplaceofdestinationlay；thenlookingroundonthegreenEnglishgrassandthehomelandscape。Buthehardlyoncethought，evenofgoingaway，distinctly；andseemedtoputoffreflectionidly，fromhourtohour，andfromminutetominute，whileheyetwentonreflectingallthetime。
Walterhadleftthefieldsbehindhim，andwasploddinghomewardinthesameabstractedmood，whenheheardashoutfromaman，andthenawoman'svoicecallingtohimloudlybyname。Turningquicklyinhissurprise，hesawthatahackney-coach，goinginthecontrarydirection，hadstoppedatnogreatdistance；thatthecoachmanwaslookingbackfromhisboxandmakingsignalstohimwithhiswhip；andthatayoungwomaninsidewasleaningoutofthewindow，andbeckoningwithimmenseenergy。Runninguptothiscoach，hefoundthattheyoungwomanwasMissNipper，andthatMissNipperwasinsuchaflutterastobealmostbesideherself。
`Staggs'sGardens，Mr。Walter！'saidMissNipper：`ifyouplease，ohdo！'
`Eh？'criedWalter；`whatisthematter？'
`Oh，Mr。Walter，Staggs'sGardens，ifyouplease！'saidSusan。
`There！'criedthecoachman，appealingtoWalter，withasortofexultingdespair；`that'sthewaytheyounglady'sbeenagoin'onforup'ardsofamortalhour，andmecontinivallybackingoutofnothoroughfares，whereshewoulddriveup。I'vehadamanyfaresinthiscoach，firstandlast，butneversuchafareasher。'
`DoyouwanttogotoStaggs'sGardens，Susan？'inquiredWalter。
`Ah！Shewantstogothere！WHEREISIT？'growledthecoachman。
`Idon'tknowwhereitis！'exclaimedSusan，wildly。`Mr。Walter，Iwasthereoncemyself，alongwithMissFloyandourpoordarlingMasterPaul，ontheverydaywhenyoufoundMissFloyintheCity，forwelosthercominghome，Mrs。Richardsandme，andamadbull，andMrs。Richards'seldest，andthoughIwentthereafterwards，Ican'trememberwhereitis，Ithinkit'ssunkintotheground。Oh，Mr。Walter，don'tdesertme，Staggs'sGardens，ifyouplease！MissFloy'sdarling——allourdarlings——little，meek，meekMasterPaul！OhMr。Walter！'
`GoodGod！'criedWalter。`Isheveryill？'
`Theprettyflower！'criedSusan，wringingherhands，`hastookthefancythathe'dliketoseehisoldnurse，andI'vecometobringhertohisbedside，Mrs。Staggs，ofPollyToodle'sGardens，someonepray！'
Greatlymovedbywhatheheard，andcatchingSusan'searnestnessimmediately，Walter，nowthatheunderstoodthenatureofhererrand，dashedintoitwithsuchardourthatthecoachmanhadenoughtodotofollowcloselyasheranbefore，inquiringhereandthereandeverywhere，thewaytoStaggs'sGardens。
TherewasnosuchplaceasStaggs'sGardens。Ithadvanishedfromtheearth。Wheretheoldrottensummer-housesoncehadstood，placesnowrearedtheirheads，andgranitecolumnsofgiganticgirthopenedavistatotherailwayworldbeyond。Themiserablewasteground，wheretherefuse-matterhadbeenheapedofyore，wasswallowedupandgone；andinitsfrowsysteadweretiersofwarehouses，crammedwithrichgoodsandcostlymerchandise。
Theoldby-streetsnowswarmedwithpassengersandvehiclesofeverykind：
thenewstreetsthathadstoppeddisheartenedinthemudandwaggon-ruts，formedtownswithinthemselves，originatingwholesomecomfortsandconveniencesbelongingtothemselves，andnevertriednorthoughtofuntiltheysprungintoexistence。Bridgesthathadledtonothing，ledtovillas，gardens，churches，healthypublicwalks。Thecarcassesofhouses，andbeginningsofnewthoroughfares，hadstartedoffuponthelineatsteam'sownspeed，andshotawayintothecountryinamonstertrain。
Astotheneighbourhoodwhichhadhesitatedtoacknowledgetherailroadinitsstragglingdays，thathadgrownwiseandpenitent，asanyChristianmightinsuchacase，andnowboastedofitspowerfulandprosperousrelation。Therewererailwaypatternsinitsdrapers'shops，andrailwayjournalsinthewindowsofitsnewsmen。Therewererailwayhotels，office-houses，lodging-houses，boarding-houses；railwayplans，maps，views，wrappers，bottles，sandwich-boxes，andtimetables；railwayhackney-coachandcabstands；
railwayomni-buses，railwaystreetsandbuildings，railwayhangers-onandparasites，andflatterersoutofallcalculation。Therewasevenrailwaytimeobservedinclocks，asifthesunitselfhadgivenin。Amongthevanquishedwasthemasterchimney-sweeper，whilomeincredulousatStaggs'sGardens，whonowlivedinastuccoedhousethreestorieshigh，andgavehimselfout，withgoldenflourishesuponavarnishedboard，ascontractorforthecleansingofrailwaychimneysbymachinery。
Toandfromtheheartofthisgreatchange，alldayandnight，throbbingcurrentsrushedandreturnedincessantlylikeitslife'sblood。
Crowdsofpeopleandmountainsofgoods，departingandarrivingscoresuponscoresoftimesineveryfour-and-twentyhours，producedafermentationintheplacethatwasalwaysinaction。Theveryhousesseemeddisposedtopackupandtaketrips。WonderfulMembersofParliament，who，littlemorethantwentyyearsbefore，hadmadethemselvesmerrywiththewildrailroadtheoriesofengineers，andgiventhemtheliveliestrubsincross-examination，wentdownintothenorthwiththeirwatchesintheirhands，andsentonmessagesbeforebytheelectrictelegraph，tosaythattheywerecoming。
Nightanddaytheconqueringenginesrumbledattheirdistantwork，or，advancingsmoothlytotheirjourney'send，andglidingliketamedragonsintotheallottedcornersgroovedouttotheinchfortheirreception，stoodbubblingandtremblingthere，makingthewallsquake，asiftheyweredilatingwiththesecretknowledgeofgreatpowersyetunsuspectedinthem，andstrongpurposesnotyetachieved。
ButStaggs'sGardenshadbeencutuprootandbranch。Ohwoethedaywhen`notaroodofEnglishground'——laidoutinStaggs'sGardens——issecure！
Atlast，aftermuchfruitlessinquiry，Walter，followedbythecoachandSusan，foundamanwhohadonceresidedinthatvanishedland，andwhowasnootherthanthemastersweepbeforereferredto，grownstout，andknockingadoubleknockathisowndoor。HeknowedToodle，hesaid，well。BelongedtotheRailroad，didn'the？
`Yes，sir，yes！'criedSusanNipperfromthecoachwindow。
Wheredidhelivenow？hastilyinquiredWalter。
HelivedintheCompany'sownBuildings，secondturningtotheright，downtheyard，crossover，andtakethesecondontherightagain。
Itwasnumbereleven；theycouldn'tmistakeit；butiftheydid，theyhadonlytoaskforToodle，EngineFireman，andanyonewouldshowthemwhichwashishouse。Atthisunexpectedstrokeofsuccess，SusanNipperdismountedfromthecoachwithallspeed，tookWalter'sarm，andsetoffatabreathlesspaceonfoot；leavingthecoachtheretoawaittheirreturn。
`Hasthelittleboybeenlongill，Susan？'inquiredWalter，astheyhurriedon。
`Ailingforadealoftime，butnooneknewhowmuch，'saidSusan；
adding，withexcessivesharpness，`Oh，themBlimbers！'
`Blimbers？'echoedWalter。
`Icouldn'tforgivemyselfatsuchatimeasthis，Mr。Walter，'
saidSusan，`andwhenthere'ssomuchseriousdistresstothinkabout，ifIrestedhardonanyone，especiallyonthemthatlittledarlingPaulspeakswellof，butImaywishthatthefamilywassettoworkinastonysoiltomakenewroads，andthatMissBlimberwentinfront，andhadthepickaxe！'
MissNipperthentookbreath，andwentonfasterthanbefore，asifthisextraordinaryaspirationhadrelievedher。Walter，whohadbythistimenobreathofhisowntospare，hurriedalongwithoutaskinganymorequestions；andtheysoon，intheirimpatience，burstinatalittledoorandcameintoacleanparlourfullofchildren。
`Where'sMrs。Richards？'exclaimedSusanNipper，lookinground。
`OhMrs。Richards，Mrs。Richards，comealongwithme，mydearcreetur！'
`Why，ifitan'tSusan！'criedPolly，risingwithherhonestfaceandmotherlyfigurefromamongthegroup，ingreatsurprise。
`Yes，Mrs。Richards，it'sme，'saidSusan，`andIwishitwasn't，thoughImaynotseemtoflatterwhenIsayso，butlittleMasterPaulisveryill，andtoldhisPato-daythathewouldliketoseethefaceofhisoldnurse，andhimandMissFloyhopeyou'llcomealongwithme——andMr。Walter，Mrs。Richards——forgettingwhatispast，anddoakindnesstothesweetdearthatiswitheringaway。Oh，Mrs。Richards，witheringaway！'
SusanNippercrying，Pollyshedtearstoseeher，andtohearwhatshehadsaid；andallthechildrengatheredroundincludingnumbersofnewbabies；andMr。Toodle，whohadjustcomehomefromBirmingham，andwaseatinghisdinneroutofabasin，laiddownhisknifeandfork，andputonhiswife'sbonnetandshawlforher，whichwerehangingupbehindthedoor；thentappedherontheback；andsaid，withmorefatherlyfeelingthaneloquence，`Polly！cutaway！'
Sotheygotbacktothecoach，longbeforethecoachmanexpectedthem；andWalter，puttingSusanandMrs。Richardsinside，tookhisseatontheboxhimselfthattheremightbenomoremistakes，anddepositedthemsafelyinthehallofMr。Dombey'shouse——where，bythebye，hesawamightynosegaylying，whichremindedhimoftheoneCaptainCuttlehadpurchasedinhiscompanythatmorning。Hewouldhavelingeredtoknowmoreoftheyounginvalid，orwaitedanylengthoftimetoseeifhecouldrendertheleastservice；but，painfullysensiblethatsuchconductwouldbelookeduponbyMr。Dombeyaspresumptuousandforward，hereturnedslowly，sadly，anxiously，away。
Hehadnotgonefiveminutes'walkfromthedoor，whenamancamerunningafterhim，andbeggedhimtoreturn。Walterretracedhisstepsasquicklyashecould，andenteredthegloomyhousewithasorrowfulforeboding。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIWhattheWaveswerealwayssayingPAULhadneverrisenfromhislittlebed。Helaythere，listeningtothenoisesinthestreet，quitetranquilly；notcaringmuchhowthetimewent，butwatchingitandwatchingeverythingabouthimwithobservingeyes。
Whenthesunbeamsstruckintohisroomthroughtherustlingblinds，andquiveredontheoppositewalllikegoldenwater，heknewthateveningwascomingon，andthattheskywasredandbeautiful。Asthereflectiondiedaway，andagloomwentcreepingupthewall，hewatcheditdeepen，deepen，deepen，intonight。Thenhethoughthowthelongstreetsweredottedwithlamps，andhowthepeacefulstarswereshiningoverhead。Hisfancyhadastrangetendencytowandertotheriver，whichheknewwasflowingthroughthegreatcity；andnowhethoughthowblackitwas，andhowdeepitwouldlook，reflectingthehostsofstars——andmorethanall，howsteadilyitrolledawaytomeetthesea。
Asitgrewlaterinthenight，andfootstepsinthestreetbecamesorarethathecouldhearthemcoming，countthemastheypassed，andlosetheminthehollowdistance，hewouldlieandwatchthemany-colouredringaboutthecandle，andwaitpatientlyforday。Hisonlytroublewas，theswiftandrapidriver。Hefeltforced，sometimes，totrytostopit——tostemitwithhischildishhands——orchokeitswaywithsand——andwhenhesawitcomingon，resistless，hecriedout！ButawordfromFlorence，whowasalwaysathisside，restoredhimtohimself；andleaninghispoorheaduponherbreast，hetoldFloyofhisdream，andsmiled。
Whendaybegantodawnagain，hewatchedforthesun；andwhenitscheerfullightbegantosparkleintheroom，hepicturedtohimself——pictured！
hesaw——thehighchurchtowersrisingupintothemorningsky，thetownreviving，waking，startingintolifeoncemore，theriverglisteningasitrolledbutrollingfastasever，andthecountrybrightwithdew。
Familiarsoundsandcriescamebydegreesintothestreetbelow；theservantsinthehousewererousedandbusy；faceslookedinatthedoor，andvoicesaskedhisattendantssoftlyhowhewas。Paulalwaysansweredforhimself，`Iambetter。Iamagreatdealbetter，thankyou！TellPapaso！'
Bylittleandlittle，hegottiredofthebustleoftheday，thenoiseofcarriagesandcarts，andpeoplepassingandrepassing；andwouldfallasleep，orbetroubledwitharestlessanduneasysenseagain——thechildcouldhardlytellwhetherthiswereinhissleepingorhiswakingmoments——ofthatrushingriver。`Why，willitneverstop，Floy？'hewouldsometimesaskher。`Itisbearingmeaway，Ithink！'
ButFloycouldalwayssootheandreassurehim；anditwashisdailydelighttomakeherlayherheaddownonhispillow，andtakesomerest。
`Youarealwayswatchingme，Floy。Letmewatchyou，now！'
Theywouldprophimupwithcushionsinacornerofhisbed，andtherehewouldreclinethewhileshelaybesidehim：bendingforwardoftentimestokissher，andwhisperingtothosewhowerenearthatshewastired，andhowshehadsatupsomanynightbesidehim。
Thus，theflushoftheday，initsheatandlight，wouldgraduallydecline；andagainthegoldenwaterwouldbedancingonthewall。
Hewasvisitedbyasmanyasthreegravedoctors——theyusedtoassembledownstairs，andcomeuptogether——andtheroomwassoquiet，andPaulwassoobservantofthemthoughheneveraskedofanybodywhattheysaid，thatheevenknewthedifferenceinthesoundoftheirwatches。
ButhisinterestcentredinSirParkerPeps，whoalwaystookhisseatonthesideofthebed。ForPaulhadheardthemsaylongago，thatthatgentlemanhadbeenwithhismamawhensheclaspedFlorenceinherarms，anddied。
Andhecouldnotforgetit，now。Helikedhimforit。Hewasnotafraid。
ThepeopleroundhimchangedasunaccountablyasonthatfirstnightatDoctorBlimber's——exceptFlorence；Florenceneverchanged——andwhathadbeenSirParkerPeps，wasnowhisfather，sittingwithhisheaduponhishand。OldMrs。Pipchindozinginaneasychair，oftenchangedtoMissTox，orhisaunt；andPaulwasquitecontenttoshuthiseyesagain，andseewhathappenednextwithoutemotion。Butthisfigurewithitsheaduponitshandreturnedsooften，andremainedsolong，andsatsostillandsolemn，neverspeaking，neverbeingspokento，andrarelyliftingupitsface，thatPaulbegantowonderlanguidly，ifitwerereal；andinthenight-timesawitsittingthere，withfear。
`Floy！'hesaid。`Whatisthat？'
`Where，dearest？'
`There！atthebottomofthebed。'
`There'snothingthere，exceptPapa！'
Thefigureliftedupitshead，androse，andcomingtothebeside，said：`Myownboy！Don'tyouknowme？'
Paullookeditintheface，andthought，wasthishisfather？
Butthefacesoalteredtohisthinking，thrilledwhilehegazed，asifitwereinpain；andbeforehecouldreachoutbothhishandstotakeitbetweenthem，anddrawittowardshim，thefigureturnedawayquicklyfromthelittlebed，andwentoutatthedoor。
PaullookedatFlorencewithaflutteringheart，butheknewwhatshewasgoingtosay，andstoppedherwithhisfaceagainstherlips。Thenexttimeheobservedthefiguresittingatthebottomofthebed，hecalledtoit。
`Don'tbesosorryforme，dearPapa！IndeedIamquitehappy！'
Hisfathercomingandbendingdowntohim——whichhedidquickly，andwithoutfirstpausingbythebedside——Paulheldhimroundtheneck，andrepeatedthosewordstohimseveraltimes，andveryearnestly；andPaulneversawhiminhisroomagainatanytime，whetheritweredayornight，buthecalledout，`Don'tbesosorryforme！IndeedIamquitehappy！'Thiswasthebeginningofhisalwayssayinginthemorningthathewasagreatdealbetter，andthattheyweretotellhisfatherso。
Howmanytimesthegoldenwaterdanceduponthewall；howmanynightsthedark，darkriverrolledtowardstheseainspiteofhim；Paulnevercounted，neversoughttoknow。Iftheirkindness，orhissenseofit，couldhaveincreased，theyweremorekind，andhemoregratefuleveryday；butwhethertheyweremanydaysorfew，appearedoflittlemomentnow，tothegentleboy。
Onenighthehadbeenthinkingofhismother，andherpictureinthedrawing-roomdownstairs，andthoughtshemusthavelovedsweetFlorencebetterthanhisfatherdid，tohaveheldherinherarmswhenshefeltthatshewasdying——forevenhe，herbrother，whohadsuchdearloveforher，couldhavenogreaterwishthanthat。Thetrainofthoughtsuggestedtohimtoinquireifhehadeverseenhismother；forhecouldnotrememberwhethertheyhadtoldhim，yesorno，theriverrunningveryfast，andconfusinghismind。
`Floy，didIeverseemama？'
`No，darling，why？'
`DidIeverseeanykindface，likemama's，lookingatmewhenIwasababy，Floy？'
Heasked，incredulously，asifhehadsomevisionofafacebeforehim。
`Ohyes，dear！'
`Whose，Floy？'
`Youroldnurse's。Often。'
`Andwhereismyoldnurse？'saidPaul。`Isshedeadtoo？Floy，arewealldead，exceptyou？'
Therewasahurryintheroom，foraninstant——longer，perhaps；butitseemednomore——thenallwasstillagain；andFlorence，withherfacequitecolourless，butsmiling，heldhisheaduponherarm。Herarmtrembledverymuch。
`Showmethatoldnurse，Floy，ifyouplease！'
`Sheisnothere，darling。Sheshallcometo-morrow。'
`Thankyou，Floy！'
Paulclosedhiseyeswiththosewords，andfellasleep。Whenheawoke，thesunwashigh，andthebroaddaywasclearandwarm。Helayalittle，lookingatthewindows，whichwereopen，andthecurtainsrustlingintheair，andwavingtoandfro：thenhesaid，`Floy，isitto-morrow？
Isshecome？'
Someoneseemedtogoinquestofher。PerhapsitwasSusan。Paulthoughtheheardhertellinghimwhenhehadclosedhiseyesagain，thatshewouldsoonbeback；buthedidnotopenthemtosee。Shekeptherword——perhapsshehadneverbeenaway——butthenextthingthathappenedwasanoiseoffootstepsonthestairs，andthenPaulwoke——wokemindandbody——andsatuprightinhisbed。Hesawthemnowabouthim。Therewasnogreymistbeforethem，astherehadbeensometimesinthenight。Heknewthemeveryone，andcalledthembytheirnames。
`Andwhoisthis？Isthismyoldnurse？'saidthechild，regardingwitharadiantsmile，afigurecomingin。
Yes，yes。Nootherstrangerwouldhaveshedthosetearsatsightofhim，andcalledhimherdearboy，herprettyboy，herownpoorblightedchild。Nootherwomanwouldhavestoopeddownbyhisbed，andtakenuphiswastedhand，andputittoherlipsandbreast，asonewhohadsomerighttofondleit。NootherwomanwouldhavesoforgotteneverybodytherebuthimandFloy，andbeensofulloftendernessandpity。
`Floy！thisisakindgoodface！'saidPaul。`Iamgladtoseeagain。Don'tgoaway，oldnurse！Stayhere。'
Hissenseswereallquickened，andheheardanameheknew。
`Whowasthat，whosaid“Walter“？'heasked，lookinground。`SomeonesaidWalter。Ishehere？Ishouldliketoseehimverymuch。'
Nobodyreplieddirectly；buthisfathersoonsaidtoSusan，`Callhimback，then：lethimcomeup！'Afterashortpauseofexpectation，duringwhichhelookedwithsmilinginterestandwonder，onhisnurse，andsawthatshehadnotforgottenFloy，Walterwasbroughtintotheroom。Hisopenfaceandmanner，andhischeerfuleyes，hadalwaysmadehimafavouritewithPaul；andwhenPaulsawhim，hestretchedouthishand，andsaid`Good-bye！'
`Good-bye，mychild！'saidMrs。Pipchin，hurryingtohisbed'shead。`Notgood-bye？'
Foraninstant，Paullookedatherwiththewistfulfacewithwhichhehadsooftengazeduponherinhiscornerbythefire。`Ahyes，'
hesaidplacidly，`good-bye！Walterdear，good-bye！'——turninghisheadtowherehestood，andputtingouthishandagain。`WhereisPapa？'
Hefelthisfather'sbreathuponhischeck，beforethewordshadpartedfromhislips。
`RememberWalter，dearpapa，'hewhispered，lookinginhisface。
`RememberWalter。IwasfondofWalter！'Thefeeblehandwavedintheair，asifitcried`good-bye！'toWalteronceagain。
`Nowlaymedown，'hesaid，`and，Floy，comeclosetome，andletmeseeyou！'
Sisterandbrotherwoundtheirarmsaroundeachother，andthegoldenlightcamestreamingin，andfelluponthem，lockedtogether。
`Howfasttheriverruns，betweenitsgreenbanksandtherushes，Floy！Butit'sverynearthesea。Ihearthewaves！Theyalwayssaidso！'
Presentlyhetoldherthatthemotionoftheboatuponthestreamwaslullinghimtorest。Howgreenthebankswerenow，howbrighttheflowersgrowingonthem，andhowtalltherushes！Nowtheboatwasoutatsea，butglidingsmoothlyon。Andnowtherewasashorebeforehim。Whostoodonthebank！——
Heputhishandstogether，ashehadbeenusedtodoathisprayers。
Hedidnotremovehisarmstodoit；buttheysawhimfoldthemso，behindherneck。
`Mamaislikeyou，Floy。Iknowherbytheface！Buttellthemthattheprintuponthestairsatschoolisnotdivineenough。ThelightabouttheheadisshiningonmeasIgo！'
Thegoldenrippleonthewallcamebackagain，andnothingelsestirredintheroom。Theold，oldfashion！Thefashionthatcameinwithourfirstgarments，andwilllastunchangeduntilourracehasrunitscourse，andthewidefirmamentisrolleduplikeascroll。Theold，oldfashion——Death！
OhthankGod，allwhoseeit，forthatolderfashionyet，ofImmortality！
Andlookuponus，angelsofyoungchildren，withregardsnotquiteestranged，whentheswiftriverbearsustotheocean！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIICaptainCuttledoesalittleBusinessfortheYoungPeopleCAPTAINCUTTLE，intheexerciseofthatsurprisingtalentfordeep-laidandunfathomablescheming，withwhichasisnotunusualinmenoftransparentsimplicityhesincerelybelievedhimselftobeendowedbynature，hadgonetoMr。Dombey'shouseontheeventfulSunday，winkingallthewayasaventforhissuperfluoussagacity，andhadpresentedhimselfinthefulllustreoftheankle-jacksbeforetheeyesofTowlinson。Hearingfromthatindividual，tohisgreatconcern，oftheimpendingcalamity，CaptainCuttle，inhisdelicacy，sheeredoffagainconfounded；merelyhandinginthenosegayasasmallmarkofhissolicitude，andleavinghisrespectfulcomplimentsforthefamilyingeneral，whichheaccompaniedwithanexpressionofhishopethattheywouldlaytheirheadswelltothewindunderexistingcircumstances，andafriendlyintimationthathewould`lookupagain'
to-morrow。
TheCaptain'scomplimentswereneverheardofanymore。TheCaptain'snosegay，afterlyinginthehallallnight，wassweptintothedust-binnextmorning；andtheCaptain'sslyarrangement，involvedinonecatastrophewithgreaterhopesandloftierdesigns，wascrushedtopieces。Sowhenanavalanchebearsdownamountain-forest，twigsandbushessufferwiththetrees，andallperishtogether。
WhenWalterreturnedhomeontheSundayeveningfromhislongwalk，anditsmemorableclose，hewastoomuchoccupiedatfirstbythetidingshehadtogivethem，andbytheemotionsnaturallyawakenedinhisbreastbythescenethroughwhichhehadpassed，toobserveeitherthathisunclewasevidentlyunacquaintedwiththeintelligencetheCaptainhadundertakentoimpart，orthattheCaptainmadesignalswithhishook，warninghimtoavoidthesubject。NotthattheCaptain'ssignalswerecalculatedtohaveprovedverycomprehensible，howeverattentivelyobserved；for，likethoseChinesesageswhoaresaidintheirconferencestowritecertainlearnedwordsintheairthatarewhollyimpossibleofpronunciation，theCaptainmadesuchwavesandflourishesasnobodywithoutapreviousknowledgeofhismystery，wouldhavebeenatalllikelytounderstand。
CaptainCuttle，however，becomingcognisantofwhathadhappened，relinquishedtheseattempts，asheperceivedtheslenderchancethatnowexistedofhisbeingabletoobtainalittleeasychatwithMr。DombeybeforetheperiodofWalter'sdeparture。Butinadmittingtohimself，withadisappointedandcrestfallencountenance，thatSolGillsmustbetold，andthatWaltermustgo——takingthecaseforthepresentashefoundit，andnothavingitenlightenedorimprovedbeforehandbytheknowingmanagementofafriend——theCaptainstillfeltanunabatedconfidencethathe，NedCuttle，wasthemanforMr。Dombey；andthat，tosetWalter'sfortunesquitesquare，nothingwaswantedbutthattheytwoshouldcometogether。
FortheCaptainnevercouldforgethowwellheandMr。DombeyhadgotonatBrighton；withwhatnicetyeachofthemhadputinawordwhenitwaswanted；howexactlytheyhadtakenoneanother'smeasure；norhowNedCuttlehadpointedoutthatresourceinthefirstextremity，andhadbroughttheinterviewtothedesiredtermination。OnallthesegroundstheCaptainsoothedhimselfwiththinkingthatthoughNedCuttlewasforcedbythepressureofeventsto`standby'almostuselessforthepresent，Nedwouldfetchupwithawetsailingoodtime，andcarryallbeforehim。
Undertheinfluenceofthisgood-natureddelusion，CaptainCuttleevenwenttofarastorevolveinhisownbosom，whilehesatlookingatWalterandlisteningwithatearonhisshirt-collartowhatherelated，whetheritmightnotbeatoncegenteelandpolitictogiveMr。Dombeyaverbalinvitation，whenevertheyshouldmeet，tocomeandcuthismuttoninBrigPlaceonsomedayofhisownnaming，andenteronthequestionofhisyoungfriend'sprospectsoverasocialglass。ButtheuncertaintemperofMrs。MacStinger，andthepossibilityofhersettingupherrestinthepassageduringsuchanentertainment，andtheredeliveringsomehomilyofanuncomplimentarynature，operatedasacheckontheCaptain'shospitablethoughts，andrenderedhimtimidofgivingthemencouragement。
OnefactwasquitecleartotheCaptain，asWalter，sittingthoughtfullyoverhisuntasteddinner，dweltonallthathadhappened；namely，thathoweverWalter'smodestymightstandinthewayofhisperceivingithimself，hewasasonemightsay，amemberofMrs。Dombey'sfamily。Hehadbeen，inhisownperson，connectedwiththeincidenthesopatheticallydescribed；
hehadbeenbynamerememberedandcommendedincloseassociationwithit；andhisfortunesmusthaveaparticularinterestinhisemployer'seyes。IftheCaptainhadanylurkingdoubtwhateverofhisownconclusions，hehadnottheleastdoubtthattheyweregoodconclusionsforthepeaceofmindoftheInstrument-maker。ThereforeheavailedhimselfofsofavourableamovementforbreakingtheWestIndianIntelligencetohisoldfriend，asapieceofextraordinarypreferment；declaringthatforhisparthewouldfreelygiveahundredthousandpoundsifhehaditforWalter'sgaininthelong-run，andthathehadnodoubtsuchaninvestmentwouldyieldahandsomepremium。
SolomonGillswasatfirststunnedbythecommunication，whichfelluponthelittleback-parlourlikeathunderbolt，andtoreupthehearthsavagely。ButtheCaptainflashedsuchgoldenprospectsbeforehisdimsight：hintedsomysteriouslyatWhittingtonianconsequences；laidsuchemphasisonwhatWalterhadjustnowtoldthem：andappealedtoitsoconfidentlyasacorroborationofhispredictions，andagreatadvancetowardstherealisationoftheromanticlegendofLovelyPeg：thathebewilderedtheoldman。Walter，forhispart，feignedtobesofullofhopeandardour，andsosureofcominghomeagainsoon，andbackeduptheCaptainwithsuchexpressiveshakingsofhisheadandrubbingsofhishands，thatSolomon，lookingfirstathimandthenatCaptainCuttle，begantothinkheoughttobetransportedwithjoy。
`ButI'mbehindthetime，youunderstand，'heobservedinapology，passinghishandnervouslydownthewholerowofbrightbuttonsonhiscoat，andthenupagain，asiftheywerebeadsandheweretellingthemtwiceover：`andIwouldratherhavemydearboyhere。It'sanold-fashionednotion，Idaresay。Hewasalwaysfondofthesea。He's'——andhelookedwistfullyatWalter——he'sgladtogo。'
`UncleSol！'criedWalter，quickly，`ifyousaythat，Iwon'tgo。No，CaptainCuttle，Iwon't。IfmyunclethinksIcouldbegladtoleavehim，thoughIwasgoingtobemadeGovernorofalltheIslandsintheWestIndies，that'senough。I'mafixture。'
`Wal'r，mylad，'saidtheCaptain。`Steady！SolGills，takeanobservationofyournevy。'
FollowingwithhiseyesthemajesticactionoftheCaptain'shook，theoldmanlookedatWalter。
`Hereisacertaincraft，'saidtheCaptain，withamagnificentsenseoftheallegoryintowhichhewassoaring，`a-goingtoputoutonacertainvoyage。Whatnameiswroteuponthatcraftindelibly？IsitTheGay？or，'saidtheCaptain，raisinghisvoiceasmuchastosay，observethepointofthis，`isitTheGills？'
`Ned，'saidtheoldman，drawingWaltertohisside，andtakinghisarmtenderlythroughhis，`Iknow。Iknow。OfcourseIknowthatWallyconsidersmemorethanhimselfalways。That'sinmymind。WhenIsayheisgladtogo，ImeanIhopeheis。Eh？lookyou，Ned，andyoutoo，Wally，mydear，thisisnewandunexpectedtome；andI'mafraidmybeingbehindthetime，andpoor，isatthebottomofit。Isitreallygoodfortuneforhim，doyoutellme，now？'saidtheoldman，lookinganxiouslyfromonetotheother。`Reallyandtruly？Isit？IcanreconcilemyselftoalmostanythingthatadvancesWally，butIwon'thaveWallyputtinghimselfatanydisadvantageforme，orkeepinganythingfromme。You，NedCuttle！'
saidtheoldman，fasteningontheCaptain，tothemanifestconfusionofthatdiplomatist；`areyoudealingplainlybyyouroldfriend？Speakout，NedCuttle。Isthereanythingbehind？Oughthetogo？Howdoyouknowitfirst，andwhy？'
Asitwasacontestofaffectionandself-denial，Walterstruckinwithinfiniteeffect，totheCaptain'srelief；andbetweenthemtheytolerablyreconciledoldSolGills，bycontinuedtalking，totheproject；
orrathersoconfusedhim，thatnothing，noteventhepainofseparation，wasdistinctlycleartohismind。
Hehadnotmuchtimetobalancethematter；forontheverynextday，WalterreceivedfromMr。CarkertheManager，thenecessarycredentialsforhispassageandoutfit，togetherwiththeinformationthattheSonandHeirwouldsaidinafortnight，orwithinadayortwoafterwardsatlatest。Inthehurryofpreparation：whichWalterpurposelyenhancedasmuchaspossible：theoldmanlostwhatlittleself-possessionheeverhad；andsothetimeofdeparturedrewonrapidly。
TheCaptain，whodidnotfailtomakehimselfacquaintedwithallthatpassed，throughinquiriesofWalterfromdaytoday，foundthetimestilltendingontowardshisgoingaway，withoutanyoccasionofferingitself，orseeminglikelytoofferitself，forabetterunderstandingofhisposition。Itwasaftermuchconsiderationofthisfact，andmuchponderingoversuchanunfortunatecombinationofcircumstances，thatabrightideaoccurredtotheCaptain。SupposehemadeacallonMr。Carker，andtriedtofindoutfromhimhowthelandreallylay！
CaptainCuttlelikedthisideaverymuch。Itcameuponhiminamomentofinspiration，ashewassmokinganearlypipeinBrigPlaceafterbreakfast；anditwasworthyofthetobacco。Itwouldquiethisconscience，whichwasanhonestone，andwasmadealittleuneasybywhatWalterhadconfidedtohim，andwhatSolGillshadsaid；anditwouldbeadeep，shrewdactoffriendship。HewouldsoundMr。Carkercarefully，andsaymuchorlittle，justashereadthatgentleman'scharacter，anddiscoveredthattheygotonwelltogetherorthereverse。
AccordinglywithoutthefearofWalterbeforehiseyeswhoheknewwasathomepacking，CaptainCuttleagainassumedhisankle-jacksandmourningbrooch，andissuedforthonthissecondexpedition。Hepurchasednopropitiatorynosegayonthepresentoccasion，ashewasgoingtoaplaceofbusiness；butheputasmallsunflowerinhisbutton-holetogivehimselfanagreeablerelishofthecountry；andwiththis，andtheknobbystick，andtheglazedhat，boredownupontheofficesofDombeyandSon。
Aftertakingaglassofwarmrum-and-wateratataverncloseby，tocollecthisthoughts，theCaptainmadearushdownthecourt，lestitsgoodeffectsshouldevaporate，andappearedsuddenlytoMr。Perch。
`Matey，'saidtheCaptain，inpersuasiveaccents。`OneofyourGovernorsisnamedCarker。'
Mr。Perchadmittedit；butgavehimtounderstand，asinofficialdutybound，thatallhisGovernorswereengaged，andneverexpectedtobedisengagedanymore。
`Look'eehere，mate，'saidtheCaptaininhisear；`myname'sCap'enCuttle。'
TheCaptainwouldhavehookedPerchgentlytohim，butMr。Percheludedtheattempt；notsomuchindesign，asinstartingatthesuddenthoughtthatsuchaweaponunexpectedlyexhibitedtoMrs。Perchmight，inherthencondition，bedestructivetothatlady'shopes。
`Ifyou'llbesogoodasjustreportCap'enCuttlehere，whenyougetachance，'saidtheCaptain，`I'llwait。'
Sayingwhich，theCaptaintookhisseatonMr。Perch'sbracket，anddrawingouthishandkerchieffromthecrownoftheglazedhat，whichhejammedbetweenhiskneeswithoutinjurytoitsshape，fornothinghumancouldbendit，rubbedhisheadwellallover，andappearedrefreshed。
Hesubsequentlyarrangedhishairwithhishook，andsatlookingroundtheoffice，contemplatingtheclerkswithaserenerespect。
TheCaptain'sequanimitywassoimpenetrable，andhewasaltogethersomysteriousabeing，thatPerchthemessengerwasdaunted。
`Whatnamewasityousaid？'askedMr。Perch，bendingdownoverhimashesatonthebracket。
`Cap'en，'inadeephoarsewhisper。
`Yes，'saidMr。Perch，keepingtimewithhishead。
`Cuttle。'
`Oh！'saidMr。Perch，inthesametone，forhecaughtit，andcouldn'thelpit；theCaptain，inhisdiplomacy，wassoimpressive。`I'llseeifhe'sdisengagednow。Idon'tknow。Perhapshemaybeforaminute。'
`Aye，aye，mylad，Iwon'tdetainhimlongerthanaminute，'saidtheCaptain，noddingwithalltheweightyimportancethathefeltwithinhim。Perch，soonreturning，said，`WillCaptainCuttlewalkthisway？'