Mr。CarkertheManager，standingonthehearth-rugbeforetheemptyfireplace，whichwasornamentedwithacastellatedsheetofbrownpaper，lookedattheCaptainashecamein，withnoveryspecialencouragement。
　　`Mr。Carker？'saidCaptainCuttle。
　　`Ibelieveso，'saidMr。Carker，showingallhisteeth。
　　TheCaptainlikedhisansweringwithasmile；itlookedpleasant。
　　`Yousee，'begantheCaptain，rollinghiseyesslowlyroundthelittleroom，andtakinginasmuchofitashisshirt-collarpermitted；`I'maseafaringmanmyself，Mr。Carker，andWal'r，asisonyourbookshere，isalmostasonofmine。'
　　`WalterGay？'saidMr。Carker，showingallhisteethagain。
　　`Wal'rGayitis，'repliedtheCaptain，`right！'TheCaptain'smannerexpressedawarmapprovalofMr。Carker'squicknessofperception。
　　`I'maintimatefriendofhisandhisuncle's。Perhaps，'saidtheCaptain，`youmayhaveheardyourheadGovernormentionmyname？——CaptainCuttle。'
　　`No！'saidMr。Carker，withastillwiderdemonstrationthanbefore。
　　`Well，'resumedtheCaptain，`I'vethepleasureofhisacquaintance。
　　IwaiteduponhimdownontheSussexcoastthere，withmyyoungfriendWal'r，when——inshort，whentherewasalittleaccommodationwanted。'TheCaptainnoddedhisheadinamannerthatwasatoncecomfortable，easy，andexpressive。`Youremember，Idaresay？'
　　`Ithink，'saidMr。Carker，`Ihadthehonourofarrangingthebusiness。'
　　`Tobesure！'returnedtheCaptain。`Rightagain！youhad。NowI'vetookthelibertyofcominghere——'
　　`Won'tyousitdown？'saidMr。Carker，smiling。
　　`Thank'ee，'returnedtheCaptain，availinghimselfoftheoffer。
　　`Amandoesgetmorewayuponhimself，perhaps，inhisconversation，whenhesitsdown。Won'tyoutakeacheeryourself？'
　　`Nothankyou，'saidtheManager，standing，perhapsfromtheforceofwinterhabit，withhisbackagainstthechimney-piece，andlookingdownupontheCaptainwithaneyeineverytoothandgum。`Youhavetakentheliberty，youweregoingtosay——thoughit'snone——'
　　`Thank'eekindly，mylad，'returnedtheCaptain：`ofcominghere，onaccountofmyfriendWal'r。SolGills，hisuncle，isamanofscience，andinsciencehemaybeconsideredaclipper；butheain'twhatIshouldaltogethercallaableseaman——notamanofpractice。Wal'risastrimaladaseverstepped；buthe'salittledownbytheheadinonerespect，andthatismodesty。NowwhatIshouldwishtoputtoyou，'saidtheCaptain，loweringhisvoice，andspeakinginakindofconfidentialgrowl，`inafriendlyway，entirelybetweenyouandme，andformyownprivatereckoning，'tillyourheadGovernorhasworeroundabit，andIcancomealongsideofhim，isthis——Iseverythingrightandcomfortablehere，andisWal'rout'ardboundwithaprettyfairwind？'
　　`Whatdoyouthinknow，CaptainCuttle？'returnedCarker，gatheringuphisskirtsandsettlinghimselfinhisposition。`Youareapracticalman；whatdoyouthink？'
　　TheacutenessandsignificanceoftheCaptain'seyeashecockeditinreply，nowordsshortofthoseunutterableChinesewordsbeforereferredtocoulddescribe。
　　`Come！'saidtheCaptain，unspeakablyencouraged，`whatdoyousay？AmIrightorwrong？'
　　SomuchhadtheCaptainexpressedinhiseye，emboldenedandincitedbyMr。Carker'ssmilingurbanity，thathefelthimselfinasfairaconditiontoputthequestion，asifhehadexpressedhissentimentswiththeutmostelaboration。
　　`Right，'saidMr。Carker，`Ihavenodoubt。'
　　`Out'ardboundwithfairweather，then，Isay，'criedCaptainCuttle。
　　Mr。Carkersmiledassent。
　　`Windrightastarn，andplentyofit，'pursuedtheCaptain。
　　Mr。Carkersmiledassentagain。
　　`Aye，aye！'saidCaptainCuttle，greatlyrelievedandpleased。
　　`Iknow'dhowsheheaded，wellenough；ItoldWal'rso。Thank'ee，thank'ee。'
　　`Gayhasbrilliantprospects，'observedMr。Carker，stretchinghismouthwideryet：`alltheworldbeforehim。'
　　`Alltheworldandhiswifetoo，asthesayingis，'returnedthedelightedCaptain。
　　Attheword`wife'whichhehadutteredwithoutdesign，theCaptainstopped，cockedhiseyeagain，andputtingtheglazedhatonthetopoftheknobbystick，gaveitatwirl，andlookedsidewaysathisalwayssmilingfriend。
　　`I'dbetagillofoldJamaica，'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimattentively，`thatIknowwhatyou'resmilingat。'
　　Mr。Carkertookhiscue，andsmiledthemore。
　　`Itgoesnofarther？'saidtheCaptain，makingapokeatthedoorwiththeknobbysticktoassurehimselfthatitwasshut。
　　`Notaninch，'saidMr。Carker。
　　`You'rethinkingofacapitalFperhaps？'saidtheCaptain。
　　Mr。Carkerdidn'tdenyit。
　　`AnythingaboutaL，'saidtheCaptain，`oraO？'
　　Mr。Carkerstillsmiled。
　　`AmIrightagain？'inquiredtheCaptaininawhisper，withthescarletcircleonhisforeheadswellinginhistriumphantjoy。
　　Mr。Carker，inreply，stillsmiling，andnownoddingassent，CaptainCuttleroseandsqueezedhimbythehand，assuringhim，warmly，thattheywereonthesametack，andthatasforhimCuttlehehadlaidhiscoursethatwayallalong。`Heknow'dherfirst，'saidtheCaptain，withallthesecrecyandgravitythatthesubjectdemanded，`inanuncommonmanner——yourememberhisfindingherinthestreetwhenshewasa'mostababby——hehaslikedhereversince，andshehim，asmuchastwosuchyoungsterscan。
　　We'vealwayssaid，SolGillsandme，thattheywascutoutforeachother。'
　　Acat，oramonkey，orahyena，oradeath's-head，couldnothaveshowntheCaptainmoreteethatonetime，thanMr。Carkershowedhimatthisperiodoftheirinterview。
　　`There'sageneralin-draughtthatway，'observedthehappyCaptain。
　　`Windandwatersetsinthatdirection，yousee。Lookathisbeingpresentt'otherday！'
　　`Mostfavourabletohishopes，'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Lookathisbeingtowedalonginthewakeofthatday！'pursuedtheCaptain。`Whywhatcancuthimadriftnow？'
　　`Nothing，'repliedMr。Carker。
　　`You'rerightagain，'returnedtheCaptain，givinghishandanothersqueeze。`Nothingitis。So！steady！There'sasongone：prettylittlecreetur。Ain'tthere？'
　　`Yes，there'sasongone，'saidtheacquiescentCarker。
　　`Passtheword，andthere'sanotherreadyforyou，'quoththeCaptain。
　　`Nevyofascientificuncle！NevyofSolGills！Wal'r！Wal'r，asisalreadyinyourbusiness！And'——saidtheCaptain，risinggraduallytoaquotationhewaspreparingforafinalburst，`who——comesfromSolGills'sdaily，toyourbusiness，andyourbuzzums。'
　　TheCaptain'scomplacencyashegentlyjoggedMr。Carkerwithhiselbow，onconcludingeachoftheforegoingshortsentences，couldbesurpassedbynothingbuttheexultationwithwhichhefellbackandeyedhimwhenhehadfinishedthisbrilliantdisplayofeloquenceandsagacity；
　　hisgreatbluewaistcoatheavingwiththethroesofsuchamasterpiece，andhisnoseinastateofviolentinflammationfromthesamecause。
　　`AmIright？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`CaptainCuttle，'saidMr。Carker，bendingdownattheknees，foramoment，inanoddmanner，asifhewerefallingtogethertohugthewholeofhimselfatonce，`yourviewsinreferencetoWalterGayarethoroughlyandaccuratelyright。Iunderstandthatwespeaktogetherinconfidence。'
　　`Honour！'interposedtheCaptain。`Notaword。'
　　`Tohimoranyone？'pursuedtheManager。
　　CaptainCuttlefrownedandshookhishead。
　　`Butmerelyforyourownsatisfactionandguidance——andguidance，ofcourse，'repeatedMr。Carker，`withaviewtoyourfutureproceedings。'
　　`Thank'eekindly，Iamsure，'saidtheCaptain，listeningwithgreatattention。
　　`Ihavenohesitationinsaying，that'sthefact。Youhavehittheprobabilitiesexactly。'
　　`AndwithregardtoyourheadGovernor，'saidtheCaptain，`whyaninterviewhadbettercomeaboutnat'ralbetweenus。There'stimeenough。'
　　Mr。Carker，withhismouthfromeartoear，repeated，`Timeenough。'
　　Notarticulatingthewords，butbowinghisheadaffably，andformingthemwithhistongueandlips。
　　`AndasIknow——it'swhatIalwayssaid——thatWal'r'sinawaytomakehisfortune，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Tomakehisfortune，'Mr。Carkerrepeated，inthesamedumbmanner。
　　`AndasWal'r'sgoingonthislittlevoyageis，asImaysay，inhisday'swork，andapartofhisgeneralexpectationshere，'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Ofhisgeneralexpectationshere，'assentedMr。Carker，dumblyasbefore。
　　`Why，solongasIknowthat，'pursuedtheCaptain，`there'snohurry，andmymind'satease。'
　　Mr。Carkerstillblandlyassentinginthesamevoicelessmanner，CaptainCuttlewasstronglyconfirmedinhisopinionthathewasoneofthemostagreeablemenhehadevermet，andthatevenMr。Dombeymightimprovehimselfonsuchamodel。Withgreatheartiness，therefore，theCaptainonceagainextendedhisenormoushandnotunlikeanoldblockincolour，andgavehimagripthatleftuponhissmootherfleshaproofimpressionofthechinksandcreviceswithwhichtheCaptain'spalmwasliberallytattooed。
　　`Farewell！'saidtheCaptain。`Ian'tamanofmanywords，butItakeitverykindofyoutobesofriendly，andabove-board。You'llexcusemeifI'vebeenatallintruding，willyou？'saidtheCaptain。
　　`Notatall，'returnedtheother。
　　`Thank'ee。Myberthan'tveryroomy，'saidtheCaptain，turningbackagain，`butit'stolerablysnug；andifyouwastofindyourselfnearBrigPlace，numbernine，atanytime——willyoumakeanoteofit？——andwouldcomeupstairs，withoutmindingwhatwassaidbythepersonatthedoor，Ishouldbeproudtoseeyou。'
　　Withthathospitableinvitation，theCaptainsaid`Goodday！'andwalkedoutandshutthedoor；leavingMr。Carkerstillrecliningagainstthechimney-piece。
　　Inwhoseslylookandwatchfulmanner；inwhosefalsemouth，stretchedbutnotlaughing；inwhosespotlesscravatandverywhiskers；eveninwhosesilentpassingofhissofthandoverhiswhitelinenandhissmoothface；
　　therewassomethingdesperatelycat-like。
　　TheunconsciousCaptainwalkedoutinastateofself-glorificationthatimpartedquiteanewcuttothebroadbluesuit。`Standby，Ned！'
　　saidtheCaptaintohimself。`You'vedonealittlebusinessfortheyoungstersto-day，mylad！'
　　Inhisexultation，andinhisfamiliarity，presentandprospective，withtheHouse，theCaptain，whenhereachedtheouteroffice，couldnotrefrainfromrallyingMr。Perchalittle，andaskinghimwhetherhethoughteverybodywasstillengaged。Butnottobebitteronamanwhohaddonehisduty，theCaptainwhisperedinhisear，thatifhefeltdisposedforaglassofrum-and-water，andwouldfollow，hewouldbehappytobestowthesameuponhim。
　　Beforeleavingthepremises，theCaptain，somewhattotheastonishmentoftheclerks，lookedroundfromacentralpointofview，andtookageneralsurveyoftheofficeaspartandparcelofaprojectinwhichhisyoungfriendwasnearlyinterested。Thestrong-roomexcitedhisespecialadmiration；
　　but，thathemightnotappeartooparticular，helimitedhimselftoanapprovingglance，and，withagracefulrecognitionoftheclerksasabody，thatwasfullofpolitenessandpatronage，passedoutintothecourt。BeingpromptlyjoinedbyMr。Perch，heconveyedthatgentlemantothetavern，andfulfilledhispledge——hastily，forPerch'stimewasprecious。
　　`I'llgiveyouforatoast，'saidtheCaptain，`Wal'r！'
　　`Who？'submittedMr。Perch。
　　`Wal'r！'repeatedtheCaptain，inavoiceofthunder。
　　Mr。Perch，whoseemedtorememberhavingheardininfancythattherewasonceapoetofthatname，madenoobjection；buthewasmuchastonishedattheCaptain'scomingintotheCitytoproposetopoet；indeed，ifhehadproposedtoputapoet'sstatueup——sayShakespeare'sforexample——inacivicthoroughfare，hecouldhardlyhavedoneagreateroutragetoMr。
　　Perch'sexperience。Onthewhole，hewassuchamysteriousandincomprehensiblecharacter，thatMr。PerchdecidednottomentionhimtoMrs。Perchatall，incaseofgivingrisetoanydisagreeableconsequences。
　　Mysteriousandincomprehensible，theCaptain，withthatlivelysenseuponhimofhavingdonealittlebusinessfortheyoungsters，remainedallday，eventohismostintimatefriends；andbutthatWalterattributedhiswinksandgrins，andothersuchpantomimicreliefsofhimself，tohissatisfactioninthesuccessoftheirinnocentdeceptionuponoldSolGills，hewouldassuredlyhavebetrayedhimselfbeforenight。Asitwas，however，hekepthisownsecret；andwenthomelatefromtheInstrument-maker'shouse，wearingtheglazedhatsomuchononeside，andcarryingsuchabeamingexpressioninhiseyes，thatMrs。MacStingerwhomighthavebeenbroughtupatDoctorBlimber's，shewassuchaRomanmatronfortifiedherself，atthefirstglimpseofhim，behindtheopenstreetdoor，andrefusedtocomeouttothecontemplationofherblessedinfants，untilhewassecurelylodgedinhisownroom。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIIIFatherandDaughterTHEREisahushthroughMr。Dombey'shouse。Servantsglidingupanddownstairsrustle，butmakenosoundoffootsteps。Theytalktogetherconstantly，andsitlongatmeals，makingmuchoftheirmeatanddrink，andenjoyingthemselvesafteragrimunholyfashion。Mrs。Wickam，withhereyessuffusedwithtears，relatesmelancholyanecdotes；andtellsthemhowshealwayssaidatMrs。Pipchin'sthatitwouldbeso，andtakesmoretable-aletanusual，andisverysorrybutsociable。Cook'sstateofmindissimilar。
　　Shepromisesalittlefryforsupper，andstrugglesaboutequallyagainstherfeelingsandtheonions。Towlinsonbeginstothinkthere'safateinit，andwantstoknowifanybodycantellhimofanygoodthatevercameoflivinginacornerhouse。Itseemstoallofthemashavinghappenedalongtimeago；thoughyetthechildlies，calmandbeautiful，uponhislittlebed。
　　Afterdarktherecomesomevisitors——noiselessvisitors，withshoesoffelt——whohavebeentherebefore；andwiththemcomesthatbedofrestwhichissostrangeaoneforinfantsleepers。Allthistime，thebereavedfatherhasnotbeenseenevenbythisattendant；forhesitsinaninnercornerofhisowndarkroomwhenanyoneisthere，andneverseemstomoveatothertimes，excepttopaceittoandfro。Butinthemorningitiswhisperedamongthehouseholdthathewasheardtogoupstairsinthedeadnight，andthathestayedthere——intheroom——untilthesunwasshining。
　　AttheofficesintheCity，theground-glasswindowsaremademoredimbyshutters；andwhilethelightedlampsuponthedesksarehalfextinguishedbythedaythatwandersin，thedayishalfextinguishedbythelamps，andanunusualgloomprevails。Thereisnotmuchbusinessdone。
　　Theclerksareindisposedtowork；andtheymakeassignationstoeatchopsintheafternoon，andgouptheriver。Perch，themessenger，stayslonguponhiserrands；andfindshimselfinbarsofpublic-houses，invitedthitherbyfriends，andholdingforthontheuncertaintyofhumanaffairs。HegoeshometoBall'sPondearlierintheeveningthanusual，andtreatsMrs。
　　Perchtoavealcutletandscotchale。Mr。CarkertheManagertreatsnoone；neitherishetreated；butaloneinhisownroomheshowshisteethallday；anditwouldseemthatthereissomethinggonefromMr。Carker'spath——someobstaclereremoved——whichclearshiswaybeforehim。
　　NowtherosychildrenlivingoppositetoMr。Dombey'shouse，peepfromtheirnurserywindowsdownintothestreet；fortherearefourblackhorsesathisdoor，withfeathersontheirheads；andfeatherstrembleonthecarriagethattheydraw；andthese，andanarrayofmenwithscarvesandstaves，attractacrowd。Thejugglerwhowasgoingtotwirlthebasin，putshisloosecoatonagainoverhisfinedress；andhistrudgingwife，one-sidedwithherheavybabyinherarms，loiterstoseethecompanycomeout。Butclosertoherdingybreastshepressesherbaby，whentheburdenthatissoeasilycarriedisborneforth；andtheyoungestoftherosychildrenatthehighwindowopposite，needsnorestraininghandtocheckherinherglee，when，pointingwithherdimpledfinger，shelooksintohernurse'sface，andasks`What'sthat？'
　　Andnow，amongtheknotofservantsdressedinmourning，andtheweepingwomen，Mr。Dombeypassesthroughthehalltotheothercarriagethatiswaitingtoreceivehim。Heisnot`broughtdown，'theseobservesthink，bysorrowanddistressofmind。Hiswalkisaserect，hisbearingisasstiffaseverithasbeen。Hehideshisfacebehindnohandkerchief，andlooksbeforehim。Butthathisfaceissomethingsunkandrigid，andispale，itbearsthesameexpressionasofold。Hetakeshisplacewithinthecarriage，andthreeothergentlemenfollow。Thenthegrandfuneralmovesslowlydownthestreet。Thefeathersareyetnoddinginthedistance，whenthejugglerhasthebasinspinningonacane，andhasthesamecrowdtoadmireit。Butthejuggler'swifeislessalertthanusualwiththemoney-box，forachild'sburialhassetherthinkingthatperhapsthebabyunderneathhershabbyshawlmaynotgrowuptobeaman，andwearasky-bluefilletroundhishead，andsalmon-colouredworsteddrawers，andtumbleinthemud。
　　Thefeatherswindtheirgloomywayalongthestreets，andcomewithinthesoundofachurchbell。Inthissamechurch，theprettyboyreceivedallthatwillsoonbeleftofhimonearth——aname。Allofhimthatisdead，theylaythere，neartheperishablesubstanceofhismother。
　　Itiswell。TheirashesliewhereFlorenceinherwalks——ohlonely，lonelywalks！——maypassthemanyday。
　　Theserviceover，andtheclergymanwithdrawn，Mr。Dombeylooksround，demandinginalowvoice，whetherthepersonwhohasbeenrequestedtoattendtoreceiveinstructionsforthetablet，isthere？
　　Someonecomesforward，andsays`Yes。'
　　Mr。Dombeyintimateswherehewouldhaveitplaced；andshowshim，withhishanduponthewall，theshapeandsize；andhowitistofollowthememorialtothemother。Then，withhispencil，hewritesouttheinscription，andgivesittohim：adding，`Iwishtohaveitdoneatonce。'
　　`Itshallbedoneimmediately，Sir。'
　　`Thereisreallynothingtoinscribebutnameandage，yousee。'
　　Themanbows，glancingatthepaper，butappearstohesitate。
　　Mr。Dombeynotobservinghishesitation，turnsaway，andleadstowardstheporch。
　　`Ibegyourpardon，Sir；'atouchfallsgentlyonhismourningcloak；`butasyouwishitdoneimmediately，anditmaybeputinhandwhenIgetback——'
　　`Well？'
　　`Willyoubesogoodasreaditoveragain？Ithinkthere'samistake'。
　　`Where？'
　　Thestatuarygiveshimbackthepaper，andpointsout，withhispocketrule，thewords，`belovedandonlychild。'
　　`Itshouldbe，`son，'Ithink，Sir？'
　　`Youareright。Ofcourse。Makethecorrection。'
　　Thefather，withahastierstep，pursueshiswaytothecoach。
　　Whentheotherthree，whofollowclosely，taketheirseats，hisfaceishiddenforthefirsttime——shadedbyhiscloak。Nordotheyseeitanymorethatday。Healightsfirst，andpassesimmediatelyintohisownroom。
　　TheothermournerswhoareonlyMr。Chick，andtwoofthemedicalattendants
　　proceedupstairstothedrawing-room，tobereceivedbyMrs。ChickandMissTox。Andwhatthefaceis，intheshut-upchamberunderneath：orwhatthethoughtsare：whattheheartis，whatthecontestorthesuffering：
　　nooneknows。
　　Thechiefthingthattheyknowbelowstairs，inthekitchen，isthat`itseemslikeSunday。'Theycanhardlypersuadethemselvesbutthatthereissomethingunbecoming，ifnotwicked，intheconductofthepeopleoutofdoors，whopursuetheirordinaryoccupations，andweareverydayattire。Itisquiteanoveltytohavetheblindsup，andtheshuttersopen：
　　andtheymakethemselvesdismallycomfortableoverbottlesofwine，whicharefreelybroachedasonafestival。Theyaremuchinclinestomoralise。
　　Mr。Towlinsonproposeswithasigh，`Amendmenttousall'forwhich，asCooksayswithanothersigh，`There'sroomenough，Godknows。'Intheevening，Mrs。ChickandMissToxtaketoneedleworkagain。Intheeveningalso，Mr。Towlinsongoesouttotaketheair，accompaniedbythehousemaid，whohasnotyettriedhermourningbonnet。Theyareverytendertoeachotheratduskystreet-corners，andTowlinsonhasvisionsofleadinganalteredandblamelessexistenceasaseriousgreengrocerinOxfordMarket。
　　ThereissoundersleepanddeeperrestinMr。Dombey'shouseto-night，thantherehasbeenformanynights。Themorningsunawakenstheoldhousehold，settleddownoncemoreintheiroldways。Therosychildrenoppositerunpastwithhoops。Thereisasplendidweddinginthechurch。Thejuggler'swifeisactivewiththemoney-boxinanotherquarterofthetown。ThemasonsingsandwhistlesashechipsoutP-A-U-Linthemarbleslabbeforehim。
　　Andcanitbethatinaworldsofullandbusy，thelossofoneweakcreaturemakesavoidinanyheart，sowideanddeepthatnothingbutthewidthanddepthofvasteternitycanfillitup！Florence，inherinnocentaffliction，mighthaveanswered，`Ohmybrother，ohmydearlylovedandlovingbrother！Onlyfriendandcompanionofmyslightedchildhood！
　　Couldanylessideashedthelightalreadydawningonyourearlygrave，orgivebirthtothesoftenedsorrowthatisspringingintolifebeneaththisrainoftears！'
　　`Mydearchild，'saidMrs。Chick，whohelditasadutyincumbentonher，toimprovetheoccasion，`whenyouareasoldasIam——'
　　`Whichwillbetheprimeoflife，'observedMissTox。
　　`Youwillthen，'pursuedMrs。Chick，gentlysqueezingMissTox'shandinacknowledgmentofherfriendlyremark，`youwillthenknowthatallgriefisunavailing，andthatitisourdutytosubmit。'
　　`Iwilltry，dearaunt。Idotry，'answeredFlorence，sobbing。
　　`Iamgladtohearit，'saidMrs。Chick，`because，mylove，asourdearMissTox——ofwhosesoundsenseandexcellentjudgment，therecannotpossiblybetwoopinions——'
　　`MydearLouisa，Ishallreallybeproud，soon，'saidMissTox——
　　`willtellyou，andconfirmbyherexperience，'pursuedMrs。
　　Chick，`wearecalledupononalloccasionstomakeaneffort。Itisrequiredofus。Ifany——mydear，'turningtoMissTox，`Iwantaword。Mis——Mis——'
　　`Demeanour？'suggestedMissTox。
　　`No，no，no，'saidMrs。Chick。`Howcanyou！Goodnessme，it'sontheendofmytongue。Mis——'
　　`Placedaffection？'suggestedMissTox，timidly。
　　`Goodgracious，Lucretia！'returnedMrs。Chick。`Howverymonstrous！
　　Misanthrope，isthewordIwant。Theidea！Misplacedaffection！Isay，ifanymisanthropeweretoput，inmypresence，thequestion“Whywereweborn？”Ishouldreply，“Tomakeaneffort。“'`Verygoodindeed，'saidMissTox，muchimpressedbytheoriginalityofthesentiment。`Verygood。'
　　`Unhappily，'pursuedMrs。Chick，`wehaveawarningunderourowneyes。Wehavebuttoomuchreasontosuppose，mydearchild，thatifanefforthadbeenmadeintime，inthisfamily，atrainofthemosttryinganddistressingcircumstancesmighthavebeenavoided。Nothingshalleverpersuademe，'observedthegoodmatron，witharesoluteair，`butthatifthatefforthadbeenmadebypoordearFanny，thepoordeardarlingchildwouldatleasthavehadastrongerconstitution。'
　　Mrs。Chickabandonedherselftoherfeelingsforhalfamoment；
　　but，asapracticalillustrationofherdoctrine，broughtherselfupshort，inthemiddleofasob，andwentonagain。
　　`Therefore，Florence，prayletusseethatyouhavesomestrengthofmind，anddonotselfishlyaggravatethedistressinwhichyourpoorPapaisplunged。'
　　`Dearaunt！'saidFlorence，kneelingquicklydownbeforeher，thatshemightthebetterandmoreearnestlylookintoherface。`TellmemoreaboutPapa。Praytellmeabouthim！Ishequiteheartbroken？'
　　MissToxwasofatendernature，andtherewassomethinginthisappealthatmovedherverymuch。Whethershesawitinasuccession，onthepartoftheneglectedchild，totheaffectionateconcernsooftenexpressedbyherdeadbrother——oralovethatsoughttotwineitselfabouttheheartthathadlovedhim，andthatcouldnotbeartobeshutoutfromsympathywithsuchasorrow，insuchsadcommunityofloveandgrief——orwhethersheonlyrecognisedtheearnestanddevotedspiritwhich，althoughdiscardedandrepulsed，waswrungwithtendernesslongunreturned，andinthewasteandsolitudeofthisbereavementcriedtohimtoseekacomfortinit，andtogivesome，bysomesmallresponse——whatevermayhavebeenherunderstandingofit，itmovedMissTox。ForthemomentsheforgotthemajestyofMrs。
　　Chick，and，pattingFlorencehastilyonthecheek，turnedasideandsufferedthetearstogushfromhereyes，withoutwaitingforaleadfromthatwisematron。
　　Mrs。Chickherselflost，foramoment，thepresenceofmindonwhichshesomuchpridedherself；andremainedmute，lookingonthebeautifulyoungfacethathadsolong，sosteadily，andpatiently，beenturnedtowardsthelittlebed。Butrecoveringhervoice——whichwassynonymouswithherpresenceofmind，indeedtheywereoneandthesamething——sherepliedwithdignity：
　　`Florence，mydearchild，yourpoorPapaispeculiarattimes；
　　andtoquestionmeabouthim，istoquestionmeuponasubjectwhichI
　　reallydonotpretendtounderstand。IbelieveIhaveasmuchinfluencewithyourPapaasanybodyhas。Still，allIcansayis，thathehassaidverylittletome；andthatIhaveonlyseenhimonceortwiceforaminuteatatime，andindeedhavehardlyseenhimthen，forhisroomhasbeendark。IhavesaidtoyourPapa，“Paul！”——thatistheexactexpressionI
　　used——“Paul！whydoyounottakesomethingstimulating？”YourPapa'sreplyhasalwaysbeen，“Louisa，havethegoodnesstoleaveme。Iwantnothing。
　　Iambetterbymyself。“IfIwastobeputuponmyoathto-morrow，Lucretia，beforeamagistrate，'saidMrs。Chick，`IhavenodoubtIcouldventuretosweartothoseidenticalwords。'
　　MissToxexpressedheradmirationbysaying，`MyLouisaisevermethodical！'
　　`Inshort，Florence，'resumedheraunt，`literallynothinghaspassedbetweenyourpoorPapaandmyself，untilto-day；whenImentionedtoyourPapathatSirBarnetandLadySkettleshadwrittenexceedinglykindnotes——oursweetboy！LadySkettleslovedhimlikea——where'smypockethandkerchief？'
　　MissToxproducedone。
　　`Exceedinglykindnotes，proposingthatyoushouldvisitthemforchangeofscene。MentioningtoyourPapathatIthoughtMissToxandmyselfmightnowgohomeinwhichhequiteagreed，Iinquiredifhehadanyobjectiontoyouracceptingthisinvitation。Hesaid，“No，Louisa，nottheleast！”'
　　Florenceraisedhertearfuleyes。
　　`Atthesametime，ifyouwouldpreferstayinghere，Florence，topayingthisvisitatpresent，ortogoinghomewithme——'
　　`Ishouldmuchpreferit，aunt，'wasthefaintrejoinder。
　　`Whythen，child，'saidMrs。Chick，`youcan。It'sastrangechoice，Imustsay。Butyoualwayswerestrange。Anybodyelseatyourtimeoflife，andafterwhathaspassed——mydearMissTox，Ihavelostmypockethandkerchiefagain——wouldbegladtoleavehere，onewouldsuppose。'
　　`Ishouldnotlifetofeel，'saidFlorence，`asifthehousewasavoided。Ishouldnotliketothinkthatthe——his——theroomsupstairswerequiteemptyanddreary，aunt。Iwouldratherstayhere，forthepresent。
　　Ohmybrother！ohmybrother！'
　　Itwasanaturalemotion，nottobesuppressed；anditwouldmakewayevenbetweenthefingersofthehandswithwhichshecoveredupherface。Theoverchargedandheavy-ladenbreastmustsometimeshavethatvent，orthepoorwoundedsolitaryheartwithinitwouldhaveflutteredlikeabirdwithbrokenwings，andsunkdowninthedust。
　　`Well，child！'saidMrs。Chick，afterapause。`Iwouldn'tonanyaccountsayanythingunkindtoyou，andthatI'msureyouknow。Youwillremainhere，then，anddoexactlyasyoulike。Noonewillinterferewithyou，Florence，orwishtointerferewithyou，I'msure。'
　　Florenceshookherheadinsadassent。
　　`IhadnosoonerbeguntoadviseyourpoorPapathathereallyoughttoseeksomedistractionandrestorationinatemporarychange，'
　　saidMrs。Chick，`thanhetoldmehehadalreadyformedtheintentionofgoingintothecountryforashorttime。I'msureIhopehe'llgoverysoon。Hecan'tgotoosoon。ButIsupposetherearesomearrangementsconnectedwithhisprivatepapersandsoforth，consequentontheafflictionthathastriedusallsomuch——Ican'tthinkwhat'sbecomeofmine：Lucretia，lendmeyours，mydear——thatmayoccupyhimforoneortwoeveningsinhisownroom。Yourpapa'saDombey，child，ifevertherewasone，'saidMrs。Chick，dryingbothhereyesatoncewithgreatcareonoppositecornersofMissTox'shandkerchief。`He'llmakeaneffort。There'snofearofhim。'
　　`Istherenothing，aunt，'saidFlorence，trembling，`Imightdoto——'
　　`Lord，mydearchild，'interposedMrs。Chick，hastily，`whatareyoutalkingabout？IfyourPapasaidtoMe——Ihavegivenyouhisexactwords，“Louisa，Iwantnothing；Iambetterbymyself“——whatdoyouthinkhe'dsaytoyou？Youmustn'tshowyourselftohim，child。Don'tdreamofsuchathing。'
　　`Aunt，'saidFlorence，`Iwillgoandliedownonmybed。'
　　Mrs。Chickapprovedofthisresolution，anddismissedherwithakiss。ButMissTox，onafaintpretenceoflookingforthemislaidhandkerchief，wentupstairsafterher；andtriedinafewstolenminutestocomforther，inspiteofgreatdiscouragementfromSusanNipper。ForMissNipper，inherburningzeal，disparagedMissToxasacrocodile；yethersympathyseemedgenuine，andhadatleastthevantage-groundofdisinterestedness——therewaslittlefavourtobewonbyit。
　　AndwastherenooneneareranddearerthanSusan，toupholdthestrivingheartinitsanguish？Wastherenoothernecktoclasp；nootherfacetoturnto？nooneelsetosayasoothingwordtosuchdeepsorrow？
　　WasFlorencesoaloneinthebleakworldthatnothingelseremainedtoher？Nothing。Strickenmotherlessandbrotherlessatonce——forinthelossoflittlePaul，thatfirstandgreatestlossfellheavilyuponher——thiswastheonlyhelpshehad。Oh，whocantellhowmuchsheneededhelpatfirst！
　　Atfirst，whenthehousesubsidedintoitsaccustomedcourse，andtheyhadallgoneaway，excepttheservants，andherfathershutupinhisownrooms，Florencecoulddonothingbutweep，andwanderupanddown，andsometimes，inasuddenpangofdesolateremembrance，flytoherownchamber，wringherhands，layherfacedownonherbed，andknownoconsolation：nothingbutthebitternessandcrueltyofgrief。Thiscommonlyensuedupontherecognitionofsomespotorobjectverytenderlyassociatedwithhim；anditmadethemiserablehouse，atfirst，aplaceofagony。
　　Butitisnotinthenatureofpurelovetoburnsofiercelyandunkindlylong。Theflamethatinitsgrossercompositionhasthetaintofearth，maypreyuponthebreastthatgivesitshelter；butthesacredfirefromheavenisasgentleintheheart，aswhenitrestedontheheadsoftheassembledtwelve，andshowedeachmanhisbrother，brightenedandunhurt。Theimageconjuredup，theresoonreturnedtheplacidface，thesoftenedvoice，thelovinglooks，thequiettrustfulnessandpeace；andFlorence，thoughsheweptstill，weptmoretranquilly，andcourtedtheremembrance。
　　Itwasnotverylongbeforethegoldenwater，dancingonthewall，intheoldplace，attheoldserenetime，hadhercalmeyefixeduponitasitebbedaway。Itwasnotverylongbeforethatroomagainknewher，often；sittingtherealone，aspatientandasmildaswhenshehadwatchedbesidethelittlebed。Whenanysharpsenseofitsbeingemptysmoteuponher，shecouldkneelbesideit，andprayGOD——itwasthepouringoutofherfullheart——toletoneangelloveherandrememberher。
　　Itwasnotverylongbefore，inthemidstofthedismalhousesowideanddreary，herlowvoiceinthetwilight，slowlyandstoppingsometimes，touchedtheoldairtowhichhehadsooftenlistened，withhisdroopingheaduponherarm。Andafterthat，andwhenitwasquitedark，alittlestrainofmusictrembledintheroom：sosoftlyplayedandsung，thatitwasmorelikethemournfulrecollectionofwhatshehaddoneathisrequestonthatlastnight，thantherealityrepeated。Butitwasrepeated，often——veryoften，intheshadowysolitude；andbrokenmurmursofthestrainstilltrembledonthekeys，whenthesweetvoicewashushedintears。
　　Thusshegainedhearttolookupontheworkwithwhichherfingershadbeenbusybyhissideonthesea-shore；andthusitwasnotverylongbeforeshetooktoitagain——withsomethingofahumanloveforit，asifithadbeensentientandhadknownhim；and，sittinginawindow，nearhermother'spicture，intheunusedroomsolongdeserted，woreawaythethoughtfulhours。
　　Whydidthedarkeyesturnsooftenfromthisworktowheretherosychildrenlived？Theywerenotimmediatelysuggestiveofherloss；
　　fortheywereallgirls：fourlittlesisters。Buttheyweremotherlesslikeher——andhadafather。
　　Itwaseasytoknowwhenhehadgoneoutandwasexpectedhome，fortheelderchildwasalwaysdressedandwaitingforhimatthedrawing-roomwindow，orinthebalcony；andwhenheappeared，herexpectantfacelightedupwithjoy，whiletheothersatthehighwindow，andalwaysonthewatchtoo，clappedtheirhands，anddrummedthemonthesill，andcalledtohim。
　　Theelderchildwouldcomedowntothehall，andputherhandinhis，andleadhimupthestairs；andFlorencewouldseeherafterwardssittingbyhisside，oronhisknee，orhangingcoaxinglyabouthisneckandtalkingtohim：andthoughtheywerealwaysgaytogether，hewouldoftenwatchherfaceasifhethoughtherlikehermotherthatwasdead。Florencewouldsometimeslooknomoreatthis，andburstingintotearswouldhidebehindthecurtainasifshewerefrightened，orwouldhurryfromthewindow。
　　Yetshecouldnothelpreturning；andherworkwouldsoonfallunheededfromherhandsagain。
　　Itwasthehousethathadbeenempty，yearsago，Ithadremainedsoforalongtime。Atlast，andwhileshehadbeenawayfromhome，thisfamilyhadtakenit；anditwasrepairedandnewlypainted；andtherewerebirdsandflowersaboutit；anditlookedverydifferentfromitsoldself。
　　Butsheneverthoughtofthehouse。Thechildrenandtheirfatherwereallinall。
　　Whenhehaddined，shecouldseethem，throughtheopenwindows，godownwiththeirgovernessornurse，andclusterroundthetable；andinthestillsummerweather，thesoundoftheirchildishvoicesandclearlaughterwouldcomeringingacrossthestreet，intothedroopingairoftheroominwhichshesat。Thentheywouldclimbandclamberupstairswithhim，andrompabouthimonthesofa，orgroupthemselvesathisknee，averynosegayoflittlefaces，whileheseemedtotellthemsomestory。
　　Ortheywouldcomerunningoutintothebalcony；andthenFlorencewouldhideherselfquickly，lestitshouldcheckthemintheirjoy，toseeherinherblackdress，sittingtherealone。
　　Theelderchildremainedwithherfatherwhentheresthadgoneaway，andmadehisteaforhim——happylittlehousekeepershewasthen！——andsatconversingwithhim，sometimesatthewindow，sometimesintheroom，untilthecandlescame。Hemadeherhiscompanion，thoughshewassomeyearsyoungerthanFlorence；andshecouldbeasstaidandpleasantlydemure，withherlittlebookorwork-box，asawoman。Whentheyhadcandles，Florencefromherowndarkroomwasnotafraidtolookagain。Butwhenthetimecameforthechildtosay`Goodnight，papa，'andgotobed，Florencewouldsobandtrembleassheraisedherfacetohim，andcouldlooknomore。
　　Thoughstillshewouldturn，againandagain，beforegoingtobedherself，fromthesimpleairthathadlulledhimtorestsooften，longago，andfromtheotherlowsoftbrokenstrainofmusic，backtothathouse。Butthatsheeverthoughtofit，orwatchedit，wasasecretwhichshekeptwithinherownyoungbreast。
　　AnddidthatbreastofFlorence——Florence，soingenuousandtrue——soworthyofthelovethathehadborneher，andhadwhisperedinhislastfaintwords——whoseguilelessheartwasmirroredinthebeautyofherface，andbreathedineveryaccentofhergentlevoice——didthatyoungbreastholdanyothersecret？Yes。Onemore。
　　Whennooneinthehousewasstirring，andthelightswereallextinguished，shewouldsoftlyleaveherownroom，andwithnoiselessfeetdescendthestaircase，andapproachherfather'sdoor。Againstit，scarcelybreathing，shewouldrestherfaceandhead，andpressherlips，intheyearningofherlove。Shecroucheduponthecoldstoneflooroutsideit，everynight，tolistenevenforhisbreath；andinheroneabsorbingwishtobeallowedtoshowhimsomeaffection，tobeaconso-lationtohim，towinhimovertotheenduranceofsometendernessfromher，hissolitarychild，shewouldhavekneltdownathisfeet，ifshehaddared，inhumblesupplication。
　　Nooneknewit。Noonethoughtofit。Thedoorwaseverclosed，andheshutupwithin。Hewentoutonceortwice，anditwassaidinthehousethathewasverysoongoingonhiscountryjourney；buthelivedinthoserooms，andlivedalone，andneversawher，orinquiredforher。
　　Perhapshedidnotevenknowthatshewasinthehouse。
　　Oneday，aboutaweekafterthefuneral，Florencewassittingatherwork，whenSusanappeared，withafacehalflaughingandhalfcryingtoannounceavisitor。
　　`Avisitor！Tome，Susan！'saidFlorence，lookingupinastonishment。
　　`Well，itisawonder，ain'titnow，MissFloy？'saidSusan；
　　`butIwishyouhadamanyvisitors，Ido，indeed，foryou'dbeallthebetterforit，andit'smyopinionthatthesooneryouandmegoeseventothemoldSkettleses，Miss，thebetterforboth，Imaynotwishtoliveincrowds，MissFloy，butstillI'mnotaoyster。'
　　TodoMissNipperjustice，shespokemoreforheryoungmistressthanherself；andherfaceshowedit。
　　`Butthevisitor，Susan，'saidFlorence。
　　Susan，withanhystericalexplosionthatwasasmuchalaughasasob，andasmuchasobasalaugh，answered，`Mr。Toots！'
　　ThesmilethatappearedonFlorence'sfacepassedfromitinamoment，andhereyesfilledwithtears。Butatanyrateitwasasmile，andthatgavegreatsatisfactiontoMissNipper。
　　`Myownfeelingsexactly，MissFloy，'saidSusan，puttingheraprontohereyes，andshakingherhead。`ImmediatelyIseethatInnocentintheHall，MissFloy，Iburstoutlaughingfirst，andthenIchoked。'
　　SusanNipperinvoluntarilyproceededtodothelikeagainonthespot。InthemeantimeMr。Toots，whohadcomeupstairsafterher，allunconsciousoftheeffectheproduced，announcedhimselfwithhisknucklesonthedoor，andwalkedinverybriskly。
　　`Howd'yedo，MissDombey？'saidMr。Toots。`I'mverywell，I
　　thankyou；howareyou？'
　　Mr。Toots——thanwhomtherewerefewbetterfellowsintheworld，thoughtheremayhavebeenoneortwobrighterspirits——hadlaboriouslyinventedthislongburstofdiscoursewiththeviewofrelievingthefeelingsbothofFlorenceandhimself。Butfindingthathehadrunthroughhisproperty，asitwere，inaninjudiciousmanner，bysquanderingthewholebeforetakingachair，orbeforeFlorencehadutteredaword，orbeforehehadwellgotinatthedoor，hedeemeditadvisabletobeginagain。
　　`Howd'yedo，MissDombey？'saidMr。Toots。`I'mverywell，I
　　thankyou；howareyou？'
　　Florencegavehimherhand，andsaidshewasverywell。
　　`I'mverywellindeed，'saidMr。Toots，takingachair。`Verywellindeed，Iam。Idon'tremember，'saidMr。Toots，afterreflectingalittle，`thatIwaseverbetter，thankyou。'
　　`It'sverykindofyoutocome，'saidFlorence，takingupherwork。`Iamverygladtoseeyou。'
　　Mr。Tootsrespondedwithachuckle。Thinkingthatmightbetoolively，hecorrecteditwithasigh。Thinkingthatmightbetoomelancholy，hecorrecteditwithachuckle。Notthoroughlypleasinghimselfwitheithermodeofreply，hebreathedhard。
　　`Youwereverykindtomydearbrother，'saidFlorence，obeyingherownnaturalimpulsetorelievehimbysayingso。`Heoftentalkedtomeaboutyou。'
　　`Oh，it'sofnoconsequence，'saidMr。Tootshastily。`Warm，ain'tit？'
　　`Itisbeautifulweather，'repliedFlorence。
　　`Itagreeswithme！'saidMr。Toots。`Idon'tthinkIeverwassowellasIfindmyselfatpresent，I'mobligedtoyou。'
　　Afterstatingthiscuriousandunexpectedfact，Mr。Tootsfellintoadeepwellofsilence。
　　`YouhaveleftDr。Blimber's，Ithink？'saidFlorence，tryingtohelphimout。
　　`Ishouldhopeso，'returnedMr。Toots。Andtumbledinagain。
　　Heremainedatthebottom，apparentlydrowned，foratleasttenminutes。Attheexpirationofthatperiod，hesuddenlyfloated，andsaid，`Well！Goodmorning，MissDombey。'
　　`Areyougoing？'askedFlorence，rising。
　　`Idon'tknow，though。No，notjustatpresent，'saidMr。Toots，sittingdownagain，mostunexpectedly。`Thefactis——Isay，MissDombey！'
　　`Don'tbeafraidtospeaktome，'saidFlorence，withaquietsmile，`Ishouldbeverygladifyouwouldtalkaboutmybrother。'
　　`Wouldyou，though？'retortedMr。Toots，withsympathyineveryfibreofhisotherwiseexpressionlessface。`PoorDombey！I'msureIneverthoughtthatBurgessandCo——fashionabletailorsbutverydear，thatweusedtotalkabout——wouldmakethissuitofclothesforsuchapurpose。'Mr。
　　Tootswasdressedinmourning。`PoorDombey！Isay！MissDombey！'blubberedToots。
　　`Yes，'saidFlorence。
　　`There'safriendhetooktoverymuchatlast。Ithoughtyou'dliketohavehim，perhaps，asasortofkeepsake。YourememberhisrememberingDiogenes？'
　　`Ohyes！ohyes！'criedFlorence。
　　`PoorDombey！SodoI，'saidMr。Toots。
　　Mr。Toots，seeingFlorenceintears，hadgreatdifficultyingettingbeyondthispoint，andhadnearlytumbledintothewellagain。Butachucklesavedhimonthebrink。
　　`Isay，'heproceeded，`MissDombey！Icouldhavehadhimstolenfortenshillings，iftheyhadn'tgivenhimup：andIwould：buttheyweregladtogetridofhim，Ithink。Ifyou'dliketohavehim，he'satthedoor。Ibroughthimonpurposeforyou。Heain'talady'sdog，youknow，'
　　saidMr。Toots，`butyouwon'tmindthat，willyou？'
　　InfactDiogeneswasatthatmoment，astheypresentlyascertainedfromlookingdownintothestreet，staringthroughthewindowofahackneycabriolet，intowhich，forconveyancetothatspot，hehadbeenensnared，onafalsepretenceofratsamongthestraw。Soothtosay，hewasasunlikealady'sdogasmightbe；andinhisgruffanxietytogetout，presentedanappearancesufficientlyunpromising，ashegaveshortyelpsoutofonesideofhismouth，andoverbalancinghimselfbytheintensityofeveryoneofthoseefforts，tumbleddownintothestraw，andthensprungpantingupagain，puttingouthistongue，asifhehadcomeexpresstoaDispensarytobeexaminedforhishealth。
　　ButthoughDiogeneswasasridiculousadogasonewouldmeetwithonasummer'sday；ablundering，ill-favoured，clumsy，bullet-headeddog，continuallyactingonawrongideathattherewasanenemyintheneighbourhood，whomitwasmeritorioustobarkat；andthoughhewasfarfromgood-tempered，andcertainlywasnotclever，andhadhairalloverhiseyes，andacomicnose，andaninconsistenttail，andagruffvoice；
　　hewasdearertoFlorence，invirtueofthatpartingremembranceofhim，andthatrequestthathemightbetakencareof，thanthemostvaluableandbeautifulofhiskind。Sodear，indeed，wasthissameuglyDiogenes，andsowelcometoher，thatshetookthejewelledhandofMr。Tootsandkisseditinhergratitude。AndwhenDiogenes，released，cametearingupthestairsandbouncingintotheroomsuchabusinessastherewasfirst，togethimoutofthecabriolet！，divedunderallthefurniture，andwoundalongironchain，thatdangledfromhisneck，roundlegsofchairsandtables，andthentuggedatituntilhiseyesbecameunnaturallyvisible，inconsequenceoftheirnearlystartingoutofhishead；andwhenhegrowledatMr。Toots，whoaffectedfamiliarity；andwentpell-mellatTowlinson，morallyconvincedthathewastheenemywhomhehadbarkedatroundthecornerallhislifeandhadneverseenyet；Florencewasaspleasedwithhimasifhehadbeenamiracleofdiscretion。
　　Mr。Tootswassooverjoyedbythesuccessofhispresent，andwassodelightedtoseeFlorencebendingdownoverDiogenes，smoothinghiscoarsebackwithherlittledelicatehand——Diogenesgraciouslyallowingitfromthefirstmomentoftheiracquaintance——thathefeltitdifficulttotakeleave，andwould，nodoubt，havebeenamuchlongertimeinmakinguphismindtodoso，ifhehadnotbeenassistedbyDiogeneshimself，whosuddenlytookitintohisheadtobayMr。Toots，andtomakeshortrunsathimwithhismouthopen。Notexactlyseeinghiswaytotheendofthesedemonstrations，andsensiblethattheyplacedthepantaloonsconstructedbytheartofBurgessandCo。injeopardy，Mr。Toots，withchuckles，lapsedoutatthedoor：bywhich，afterlookinginagaintwoorthreetimes，withoutanyobjectatall，andbeingoneachoccasiongreetedwithafreshrunfromDiogenes，hefinallytookhimselfoffandgotaway。
　　`Come，then，Di！DearDi！Makefriendswithyournewmistress。
　　Letusloveeachother，Di！'saidFlorencefondlinghisshaggyhead。AndDi，theroughandgruff，asifhishairyhidewerepervioustothetearthatdroppeduponit，andhisdog'sheartmeltedasitfell，puthisnoseuptoherface，andsworefidelity。
　　DiogenesthemandidnotspeakplainertoAlexandertheGreatthanDiogenesthedogspoketoFlorence。Hesubscribedtotheofferofhislittlemistresscheerfully，anddevotedhimselftoherservice。Abanquetwasimmediatelyprovidedforhiminacorner；andwhenhehadeatenanddrunkhisfill，hewenttothewindowwhereFlorencewassitting，lookingon，roseuponhishindlegs，withhisawkwardforepawsonhershoulders，lickedherfaceandhands，nestledhisgreatheadagainstherheart，andwaggedhistailtillhewastired。Finally，Diogenescoiledhimselfupatherfeetandwenttosleep。
　　AlthoughMissNipperwasnervousinregardofdogs，andfeltitnecessarytocomeintotheroomwithherskirtscarefullycollectedabouther，asifshewerecrossingabrookonstepping-stones；alsotoutterlittlescreamsandstanduponchairswhenDiogenesstretchedhimself：
　　shewasinherownmanneraffectedbythekindnessofMr。Toots，andcouldnotseeFlorencesoalivetotheattachmentandsocietyofthisrudefriendoflittlePaul's，withoutsomementalcommentsthereuponthatbroughtthewatertohereyes。Mr。Dombey，asapartofherreflections，mayhavebeen，intheassociationofideas，connectedwiththedog；but，atanyrate，afterobservingDiogenesandhismistressalltheevening，andafterexertingherselfwithmuchgood-willtoprovideDiogenesabedinanante-chamberoutsidehismistress'sdoor，shesaidhurriedlytoFlorence，beforeleavingherforthenight：
　　`YourPa'sagoingoff，MissFloy，to-morrowmorning。'
　　`To-morrowmorning，Susan？'
　　`Yes，Miss；that'stheorders。Early。'
　　`Doyouknow，'askedFlorence，withoutlookingather，`wherePapaisgoing，Susan？'
　　`Notexactly，Miss。He'sgoingtomeetthatpreciousMajorfirst，andImustsayifIwasacquaintedwithanyMajormyselfwhichHeavensforbid，itshouldn'tbeablueone！'
　　`Hush，Susan！'urgedFlorencegently。
　　`Well，MissFloy，'returnedMissNipper，whowasfullofburningindignation，andmindedherstopsevenlessthanusual。`Ican'thelpit，blueheis，andwhileIwasaChristian，althoughhumble，Iwouldhavenatural-colouredfriends，ornone。'
　　Itappearedfromwhatsheaddedandhadgleaneddownstairs，thatMrs。ChickhadproposedtheMajorforMr。Dombey'scompanion，andthatMr。Dombey，aftersomehesitation，hadinvitedhim。
　　`Talkofhimbeingachange，indeed！'observedMissNippertoherselfwithboundlesscontempt。`Ifhe'sachangegivemeaconstancy。'
　　`Goodnight，Susan，'saidFlorence。
　　`Goodnight，mydarlingdearMissFloy。'
　　Hertoneofcommiserationsmotethechordsooftenroughlytouched，butneverlistenedtowhilesheoranyonelookedon。Florenceleftalone，laidherheaduponherhand，andpressingtheotheroverherswellingheart，heldfreecommunicationwithhersorrows。
　　Itwasawetnight；andthemelancholyrainfellpatteringanddroppingwithaweariedsound。Asluggishwindwasblowing，andwentmoaningroundthehouse，asifitwereinpainorgrief。Ashrillnoisequiveredthroughthetrees。Whileshesatweeping，itgrewlate，anddrearymidnighttolledoutfromthesteeples。
　　Florencewaslittlemorethanachildinyears——notyetfourteen——andthelonelinessandgloomofsuchanhourinthegreathousewhereDeathhadlatelymadeitsowntremendousdevastation，mighthavesetanolderfancybroodingonvagueterrors。Butherinnocentimaginationwastoofullofonethemetoadmitthem。Nothingwanderedinherthoughtsbutlove——awanderinglove，indeed，andcastaway——butturningalwaystoherfather。
　　Therewasnothinginthedroppingoftherain，themoaningofthewind，theshudderingofthetrees，thestrikingofthesolemnclocks，thatshookthisonethought，ordiminisheditsinterest。Herrecollectionsofthedeardeadboy——andtheywereneverabsent——wereitself；thesamething。Andoh，tobeshutout：tobesolost：nevertohavelookedintoherfather'sfaceortouchedhimsincethathour！
　　Shecouldnotgotobed，poorchild，andneverhadgoneyet，sincethen，withoutmakinghernightlypilgrimagetohisdoor。Itwouldhavebeenastrangesadsight，toseehernow，stealinglightlydownthestairsthroughthethickgloom，andstoppingatitwithabeatingheart，andblindedeyes，andhairthatfelldownlooselyandunthoughtof；andtouchingitoutsidewithherwetcheek。Butthenightcoveredit，andnooneknew。
　　Themomentthatshetouchedthedooronthisnight，Florencefoundthatitwasopen。Forthefirsttimeitstoodopen，thoughbybutahair's-breadth：
　　andtherewasalightwithin。Thefirstimpulseofthetimidchild——andsheyieldedtoit——wastoretireswiftly。Hernext，togoback，andtoenter；andthissecondimpulseheldherinirresolutiononthestair-case。
　　Initsstandingopen，evenbysomuchasthatchink，thereseemedtobehope。Therewasencouragementinseeingarayoflightfromwithin，stealingthroughthedarksterndoor-way，andfallinginathreaduponthemarblefloor。Sheturnedback，hardlyknowingwhatshedid，buturgedonbythelovewithinher，andthetrialtheyhadundergonetogether，butnotshared：andwithherhandsalittleraisedandtrembling，glidedin。
　　Herfathersatathisoldtableinthemiddleroom。Hehadbeenarrangingsomepapers，anddestroyingothers，andthelatterlayinfragileruinsbeforehim。Theraindrippedheavilyupontheglasspanesintheouterroom，wherehehadsooftenwatchedpoorPaul，ababy；andthelowcomplainingsofthewindwereheardwithout。
　　Butnotbyhim。Hesatwithhiseyesfixedonthetable，soimmersedinthought，thatafarheaviertreadthanthelightfootofhischildcouldmake，mighthavefailedtorousehim。Hisfacewasturnedtowardsher。
　　Bythewaninglamp，andatthehaggardhour，itlookedwornanddejected；
　　andintheutterlonelinesssurroundinghim，therewasanappealtoFlorencethatstruckhome。
　　`Papa！Papa！speaktome，dearPapa！'
　　Hestartedathervoice，andleapedupfromhisseat。Shewasclosebeforehim，withextendedarms，buthefellback。
　　`Whatisthematter？'hesaid，sternly。`Whydoyoucomehere？
　　Whathasfrightenedyou？'
　　Ifanythinghadfrightenedher，itwasthefaceheturneduponher。Theglowinglovewithinthebreastofhisyoungdaughterfrozebeforeit，andshestoodandlookedathimasifstrickenintostone。
　　Therewasnotonetouchoftendernessorpityinit。Therewasnotonegleamofinterest，parentalrecognition，orrelentinginit。Therewasachangeinit，butnotofthatkind。Theoldindifferenceandcoldconstrainthadgivenplacetosomething：what，sheneverthoughtanddidnotdaretothink，andyetshefeltitinitsforce，andknewitwellwithoutaname：thatasitlookeduponher，seemedtocastashadowonherhead。
　　Didheseebeforehimthesuccessfulrivalofhisson，inhealthandlife？Didhelookuponhisownsuccessfulrivalofhisson，inthatson'saffection？Didamadjealousyandwitheredpride，poisonsweetremembrancesthatshouldhaveendearedandmadeherprecioustohim？Coulditbepossiblethatitwasgalltohimtolookuponherinherbeautyandherpromise：
　　thinkingofhisinfantboy！
　　Florencehadnosuchthoughts。Butloveisquicktoknowwhenitisspurnedandhopeless：andhopediedoutofhers，asshestoodlookinginherfather'sface。
　　`Iaskyou，Florence，areyoufrightened？Isthereanythingthematter，thatyoucomehere？'
　　`Icame，Papa——'
　　`Againstmywishes。Why？'
　　Shesawheknewwhy：itwaswrittenbroadlyonhisface：anddroppedherheaduponherhandswithoneprolongedlowcry。
　　Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome。Ithasfadedfromtheair，beforehebreaksthesilence。Itmaypassasquicklyfromhisbrain，ashebelieves，butitisthere。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！
　　Hetookherbythearm。Hishandwascold，andloose，andscarcelycloseduponher。
　　`Youaretired，Idaresay，'hesaid，takingupthelight，andleadinghertowardsthedoor，`andwantrest。Weallwantrest。Go，Florence。
　　Youhavebeendreaming。'
　　Thedreamshehadhad，wasoverthen，Godhelpher！andshefeltthatitcouldnevermorecomeback。
　　`Iwillremainheretolightyouupthestairs。Thewholehouseisyoursabovethere，'saidherfather，slowly。`Youareitsmistressnow。
　　Goodnight！'
　　Stillcoveringherface，shesobbed，andanswered`Goodnight，dearpapa，'andsilentlyascended。Onceshelookedbackasifshewouldhavereturnedtohim，butforfear。Itwasamomentarythought，toohopelesstoencourage；andherfatherstoodtherewiththelight——hard，unresponsive，motionless——untiltheflutteringdressofhisfairchildwaslostinthedarkness。
　　Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome。Therainthatfallsupontheroof：thewindthatmournsoutsidethedoor：mayhaveforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！
　　Thelasttimehehadwatchedher，fromthesameplace，windingupthosestairs，shehadhadherbrotherinherarms。Itdidnotmovehishearttowardshernow，itsteeledit：buthewentintohisroom，andlockedhisdoor，andsatdowninhischair，andcriedforhislostboy。
　　Diogeneswasbroadawakeuponhispost，andwaitingforhislittlemistress。
　　`Oh，Di！Oh，dearDi！Lovemeforhissake！'
　　Diogenesalreadylovedherforherown，anddidn'tcarehowmuchheshowedit。Sohemadehimselfvastlyridiculousbyperformingavarietyofuncouthbouncesintheante-chamber，andconcluded，whenpoorFlorencewasatlastasleep，anddreamingoftherosychildrenopposite，byscratchingopenherbedroomdoor：rollinguphisbedintoapillow：lyingdownontheboards，atthefulllengthofhistether，withhisheadtowardsher：
　　andlookinglazilyather，upsidedown，outofthetopsofhiseyes，untilfromwinkingandwinkinghefellasleephimself，anddreamed，withgruffbarks，ofhisenemy。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIXWaltergoesawayTHEWoodenMidshipmanattheInstrument-maker'sdoor，likethehard-heartedlittlemidshipmanhewas，remainedsupremelyindifferenttoWalter'sgoingaway，evenwhentheverylastdayofhissojourninthebackparlourwasonthedecline。Withhisquadrantathisroundblackknobofaneye，andhisfigureinitsoldattitudeofindomitablealacrity，themidshipmandisplayedhiselfinsmall-clothestothebestadvantage，and，absorbedinscientificpursuits，hadnosympathywithworldlyconcerns。Hewassofarthecreatureofcircumstances，thatadrydaycoveredhimwithdust，andamistydaypepperedhimwithlittlebitsofsoot，andawetdaybrighteneduphistarnisheduniformforthemoment，andaveryhotdayblisteredhim；
　　butotherwisehewasacallous，obdurate，conceitedmidshipman，intentonhisowndiscoveries，andcaringaslittleforwhatwentonabouthim，terrestrially，asArchimedesatthetakingofSyracuse。
　　Suchamidshipmanheseemedtobe，atleast，inthethenpositionofdomesticaffairs。Waltereyedhimkindlymanyatimeinpassinginandout；andpooroldSol，whenWalterwasnotthere，wouldcomeandleanagainstthedoorpost，restinghiswearywigasneartheshoe-bucklesoftheguardiangeniusofhistradeandshopashecould。Butnofierceidolwithamouthfromeartoear，andamurderousvisagemadeofparrot'sfeathers，wasevermoreindifferenttotheappealsofitssavagevotaries，thanwasthemidshipmantothesemarksofattachment。