Walter'sheartfeltheavyashelookedroundhisoldbedroom，upamongtheparapetsandchimney-pots，andthoughtthatonemorenightalreadydarkeningwouldclosehisacquaintancewithit，perhapsforever。
　　Dismantledofhislittlestockofbooksandpictures，itlookedcoldlyandreproachfullyonhimforhisdesertion，andhadalreadyaforeshadowinguponitofitscomingstrangeness。`Afewhoursmore，'thoughtWalter，`andnodreamIeverhadherewhenIwasaschoolboywillbesolittlemineasthisoldroom。Thedreammaycomebackinmysleep，andImayreturnwakingtothisplace，itmaybe：butthedreamatleastwillservenoothermaster，andtheroommayhaveascore，andeveryoneofthemmaychange，neglect，misuseit。'
　　Buthisunclewasnottobeleftaloneinthelittlebackparlour，wherehewasthensittingbyhimself；forCaptainCuttle，considerateinhisroughness，stayedawayagainsthiswill，purposelythattheyshouldhavesometalktogetherunobserved：soWalter，newlyreturnedhomefromhislastday'sbustle，descendedbriskly，tobearhimcompany。
　　`Uncle，'hesaidgaily，layinghishandupontheoldman'sshoulder，`whatshallIsendyouhomefromBarbados？'
　　`Hope，mydearWally。Hopethatweshallmeetagain，onthissideofthegrave。Sendmeasmuchofthatasyoucan。'
　　`SoIwill，Uncle：Ihaveenoughandtospare，andI'llnotbecharyofit！Andastolivelyturtles，andlimesforCaptainCuttle'spunch，andpreservesforyouonSundays，andallthatsortofthing，whyI'llsendyouship-loads，Uncle：whenI'mrichenough。'
　　OldSolwipedhisspectacles，andfaintlysmiled。
　　`That'sright，Uncle！'criedWalter，merrily，andclappinghimhalfadozentimesmoreupontheshoulder。`Youcheerupme！I'llcheerupyou！We'llbeasgayaslarksto-morrowmorning，Uncle，andwe'llflyashigh！Astomyanticipations，theyaresingingoutofsightnow。'
　　`Wally，mydearboy，'returnedtheoldman，I'lldomybest，I'lldomybest。'
　　`Andyourbest，Uncle，'saidWalter，withhispleasantlaugh，`isthebestbestthatIknow。You'llnotforgetwhatyou'retosendme，Uncle？'
　　`No，Wally，no，'repliedtheoldman；`everythingIhearaboutMissDombey，nowthatsheisleftalone，poorlamb，I'llwrite。Ifearitwon'tbemuchthough，Wally。'
　　`Why，I'lltellyouwhat，Uncle，'saidWalter，afteramoment'shesitation，`Ihavejustbeenupthere。'
　　`Ay，ay，ay？'murmuredtheoldman，raisinghiseyebrows，andhisspectacleswiththem。
　　`Nottoseeher，'saidWalter，`thoughIcouldhaveseenher，Idaresay，ifIhadasked，Mr。Dombeybeingoutoftown：buttosayapartingwordtoSusan。IthoughtImightventuretodothat，youknow，underthecircumstances，andrememberingwhenIsawMissDombeylast。'
　　`Yes，myboy，yes，'repliedhisUncle，rousinghimselffromatemporaryabstraction。
　　`SoIsawher，'pursuedWalter，`Susan，Imean：andItoldherIwasoffandawayto-morrow。AndIsaid，Uncle，thatyouhadalwayshadaninterestinMissDombeysincethatnightwhenshewashere，andalwayswishedherwellandhappy，andalwayswouldbeproudandgladtoserveherintheleast：IthoughtImightsaythat，youknow，underthecircumstances。
　　Don'tyouthinkso？'
　　`Yes，myboy，yes，'repliedhisUncle，inthetoneasbefore。
　　`AndIadded，'pursuedWalter，`thatifshe——Susan，Imean——couldeverletyouknow，eitherthroughherself，orMrs。Richards，oranybodyelsewhomightbecomingthisway，thatMissDombeywaswellandhappy，youwouldtakeitverykindly，andwouldwritesomuchtome，andIshouldtakeitverykindlytoo。There！Uponmyword，Uncle，'saidWalter，`Iscarcelysleptalllastnightthroughthinkingofdoingthis；andcouldnotmakeupmykindwhenIwasout，whethertodoitornot；andyetI
　　amsureitisthetruefeelingofmyheart，andIshouldhavebeenquitemiserableafterwardsifIhadnotrelievedit。'
　　Hishonestvoiceandmannercorroboratedwhathesaid，andquiteestablisheditsingenuousness。
　　`So，ifyoueverseeher，Uncle，'saidWalter，`ImeanMissDombeynow——andperhapsyoumay，whoknows！——tellherhowmuchIfeltforher；
　　howmuchIusedtothinkofherwhenIwashere；howIspokeofher，withthetearsinmyeyes，uncle，onthislastnightbeforeIwentaway。TellherthatIsaidInevercouldforgethergentlemanner，orherbeautifulface，orhersweetkinddispositionthatwasbetterthanall。AndasI
　　didn'ttakethemfromawoman'sfeet，orayounglady's：onlyalittleinnocentchild's，'saidWalter：`tellher，ifyoudon'tmind，Uncle，thatIkeptthoseshoes——she'llrememberhowoftentheyfelloff，thatnight——andtookthemawaywithmeasaremembrance！'
　　TheywereatthatverymomentgoingoutatthedoorinoneofWalter'strunks。AportercarryingoffhisbaggageonatruckforshipmentatthedocksonboardtheSonandHeir，hadgotpossessionofthem；andwheeledthemawayundertheveryeyeoftheinsensibleMidshipmanbeforetheirownerhadwellfinishedspeaking。
　　Butthatancientmarinermighthavebeenexcusedhisinsensibilitytothetreasureasitrolledaway。For，underhiseyeatthesamemoment，accuratelywithinhisrangeofobservation，comingfullintothesphereofhisstartledandintenselywide-awakelook-out，wereFlorenceandSusanNipper：Florencelookingupintohisfacehalftimidly，andreceivingthewholeshockofhiswoodenogling！
　　Morethanthis，theypassedintotheshop，andpassedinattheparlourdoorbeforetheywereobservedbyanybodybuttheMidshipman。AndWalter，havinghisbacktothedoor，wouldhaveknownnothingoftheirapparitioneventhen，butforseeinghisunclespringoutofhisownchair，andnearlytumbleoveranother。
　　`Why，Uncle！'exclaimedWalter。`What'sthematter？'
　　OldSolomonreplied，`MissDombey！'
　　`Isitpossible？'criedWalter，lookingroundandstartingupinhisturn。`Here！'
　　Why，itwassopossibleandsoactual，that，whilethewordswereonhislips，Florencehurriedpasthim；tookUncleSol'ssnuff-colouredlappels，oneineachhand；kissedhimonthecheek；andturning，gaveherhandtoWalterwithasimpletruthandearnestnessthatwasherown，andnooneelse'sintheworld！
　　`Goingaway，Walter！'saidFlorence。
　　`Yes，MissDombey，'hereplied，butnotsohopefullyasheendeavoured：
　　`Ihaveavoyagebeforeme。'
　　`AndyourUncle，'saidFlorence，lookingbackatSolomon。`Heissorryyouaregoing，Iamsure。Ah！Iseeheis！DearWalter，Iamverysorrytoo。'
　　`Goodnessknows，'exclaimedMissNipper，`there'samanywecouldspareinstead，ifnumbersisaobject，Mrs。Pipchinasaoverseerwouldcomecheapatherweightingold，andifaknowledgeofblackslaveryshouldberequired，themBlimbersistheverypeopleforthesitiwation。'
　　WiththatMissNipperuntiedherbonnetstrings，andafterlookingvacantlyforsomemomentsintoalittleblackteapotthatwassetforthwiththeusualhomelyserviceonthetable，shookherheadandatincanister，andbeganunaskedtomakethetea。
　　InthemeantimeFlorencehadturnedagaintotheInstrument-maker，whowasasfullofadmirationassurprise。`Sogrown！'saidoldSol。`Soimproved！Andyetnotaltered！Justthesame！'
　　`Indeed！'saidFlorence。
　　`Ye——Yes，'returnedoldSol，rubbinghishandsslowly，andconsideringthematterhalfaloud，assomethingpensiveinthebrighteyeslookingathimarrestedhisattention。`Yes，thatexpressionwasintheyoungerface，too！'
　　`Yourememberme，'saidFlorencewithasmile，`andwhatalittlecreatureIwasthen？'
　　`Mydearyounglady，'returnedtheInstrument-maker，`howcouldIforgetyou，oftenasIhavethoughtofyouandheardofyousince！Attheverymoment，indeed，whenyoucamein，Wallywastalkingaboutyoutome，andleavingmessagesforyou，and——'
　　`Washe？'saidFlorence。`Thankyou，Walter！Ohthankyou，Walter！
　　Iwasafraidyoumightbegoingawayandhardlythinkingofme；'andagainshegavehimherlittlehandsofreelyandsofaithfullythatWalterhelditforsomemomentsinhisown，andcouldnotbeartoletitgo。
　　YetWalterdidnotholditashemighthavehelditonce，nordiditstouchawakenthoseoldday-dreamsofhisboyhoodthathadfloatedpasthimsometimesevenlately，andconfusedhimwiththeirindistinctandbrokenshapes。Thepurityandinnocenceofherendearingmanner，anditsperfecttrustfulness，andtheundisguisedregardforhimthatlaysodeeplyseatedinherconstanteyes，andgloweduponherfairfacethroughthesmilethatshaded——foralas！itwasasmiletoosadtobrighten——it，werenotoftheirromanticrace。Theybroughtbacktohisthoughtstheearlydeathbedhehadseenhertending，andthelovethechildhadborneher；andonthewingsofsuchremembrancessheseemedtoriseup，farabovehisidlefancies，intoclearerandserenerair。
　　`I——IamafraidImustcallyouWalter'sUncle，Sir，'saidFlorencetotheoldman，`ifyou'llletme。'
　　`Mydearyounglady，'criedoldSol。`Letyou！Goodgracious！'
　　`Wealwaysknewyoubythatname，andtalkedofyou，'saidFlorence，glancinground，andsighinggently。`Theniceoldparlour！Justthesame！
　　HowwellIrecollectit！'
　　OldSollookedfirstather，thenathisnephew，andthenrubbedhishands，andrubbedhisspectacles，andsaidbelowhisbreath，`Ah！time，time，time！'
　　Therewasashortsilence：duringwhichSusanNipperskilfullyimpoundedtwoextracupsandsaucersfromthecupboard，andawaitedthedrawingoftheteawithathoughtfulair。
　　`IwanttotellWalter'sUncle，'saidFlorence，layingherhandtimidlyupontheoldman'sasitrestedonthetable，tobespeakhisattention，`somethingthatIamanxiousabout。Heisgoingtobeleftalone，andifhewillallowme——nottotakeWalter'splace，forthatIcouldn'tdo，buttobehistruefriendandhelphimifIevercanwhileWalterisaway，Ishallbeverymuchobligedtohimindeed。Willyou？MayI，Walter'sUncle？'
　　TheInstrument-maker，withoutspeaking，putherhandtohislips，andSusanNipper，leaningbackwithherarmscrossed，inthechairofpresidencyintowhichshehadvotedherself，bitoneendofherbonnetstrings，andheavedagentlesighasshelookedupattheskylight。
　　`Youwillletmecometoseeyou，'saidFlorence，`whenIcan；
　　andyouwilltellmeeverythingaboutyourselfandWalter；andyouwillhavenosecretsfromSusanwhenshecomesandIdonot，butwillconfideinus，andtrustus，andrelyuponus。Andyou'lltrytoletusbeacomforttoyou？Willyou，Walter'sUncle？'
　　Thesweetfacelookingintohis，thegentlepleadingeyes，thesoftvoice，andthelighttouchonhisarmmadethemorewinningbyachild'srespectandhonourforhisage，thatgavetoallanairofgracefuldoubtandmodesthesitation——these，andhernaturalearnestness，soovercamethepooroldInstrument-maker，thatheonlyanswered：
　　`Wally！sayawordforme，mydear。I'mverygrateful。'
　　`No，Walter，'returnedFlorencewithherquietsmile。`Saynothingforhim，ifyouplease。Iunderstandhimverywell，andwemustlearntotalktogetherwithoutyou，dearWalter。'
　　Theregretfultoneinwhichshesaidtheselatterwords，touchedWaltermorethanalltherest。
　　`MissFlorence，'hereplied，withanefforttorecoverthecheerfulmannerhehadpreservedwhiletalkingwithhisuncle，`Iknownomorethanmyuncle，whattosayinacknowledgmentofsuchkindness，Iamsure。ButwhatcouldIsay，afterall，ifIhadthepoweroftalkingforanhour，exceptthatitislikeyou？'
　　SusanNipperbeganuponanewpartofherbonnetstring，andnoddedattheskylight，inapprovalofthesentimentexpressed。
　　`Oh！but，Walter，'saidFlorence，`thereissomethingthatIwishtosaytoyoubeforeyougoaway，andyoumustcallmeFlorence，ifyouplease，andnotspeaklikeastranger。'
　　`Likeastranger！'returnedWalter。`No。Icouldn'tspeakso。
　　Iamsure，atleast，Icouldn'tfeellikeone。'
　　`Aye，butthatisnotenough，andisnotwhatImean。For，Walter，'
　　addedFlorence，burstingintotears，`helikedyouverymuch，andsaidbeforehediedthathewasfondofyou，andsaid“RememberWalter！”andifyou'llbeabrothertome，Walter，nowthatheisgoneandIhavenoneonearth，I'llbeyoursisterallmylife，andthinkofyoulikeonewhereverwemaybe！ThisiswhatIwishedtosay，dearWalter，butIcannotsayitasIwould，becausemyheartisfull。'
　　Andinitsfulnessanditssweetsimplicity，sheheldoutbothherhandstohim。Waltertakingthem，stoopeddownandtouchedthetearfulfacethatneithershrunknorturnedaway，norreddenedashedidso，butlookedupathimwithconfidenceandtruth。Inthatonemoment，everyshadowofdoubtoragitationpassedawayfromWalter'ssoul。Itseemedtohimthatherespondedtoherinnocentappeal，besidethedeadchild'sbed：
　　and，inthesolemnpresencehehadseenthere，pledgedhimselftocherishandprotectherveryimage，inhisbanishment，withbrotherlyregard；togarneruphersimplefaith，inviolate；andholdhimselfdegradedifhebreatheduponitanythoughtthatwasnotinherownbreastwhenshegaveittohim。
　　SusanNipper，whohadbittenbothherbonnetstringsatonce，andimpartedagreatdealofprivateemotiontotheskylight，duringthistransaction，nowchangedthesubjectbyinquiringwhotookmilkandwhotooksugar；andbeingenlightenedonthesepoints，pouredoutthetea。
　　Theyallfourgatheredsociallyaboutthelittletable，andtookteaunderthatyounglady'sactivesuperintendence；andthepresenceofFlorenceinthebackparlour，brightenedtheTartarfrigateonthewall。
　　HalfanhouragoWalter，forhislife，wouldhavehardlycalledherbyhername。Buthecoulddosonowwhensheentreatedhim。Hecouldthinkofherbeingthere，withoutalurkingmisgivingthatitwouldhavebeenbetterifshehadnotcome。Hecouldcalmlythinkhowbeautifulshewas，howfullofpromise，whatahomesomehappymanwouldfindinsuchaheartoneday。Hecouldreflectuponhisownplaceinthatheart，withpride；andwithabravedetermination，ifnottodeserveit——hestillthoughtthatfarabovehim——nevertodeserveitless。
　　SomefairyinfluencemustsurelyhavehoveredroundthehandsofSusanNipperwhenshemadethetea，engenderingthetranquilairthatreignedinthebackparlourduringitsdiscussion。Somecounter-influencemustsurelyhavehoveredroundthehandsofUncleSol'schronometer，andmovedthemfasterthantheTartarfrigateeverwentbeforethewind。Bethisasitmay，thevisitorshadacoachinwaitingataquietcornernotfaroff；andthechronometer，onbeingincidentallyreferredto，gavesuchapositiveopinionthatithadbeenwaitingalongtime，thatitwasimpossibletodoubtthefact，especiallywhenstatedonsuchunimpeachableauthority。
　　IfUncleSolhadbeengoingtobehangedbyhisowntime，heneverwouldhaveallowedthatthechronometerwastoofast，bytheleastfractionofasecond。
　　Florenceatpartingrecapitulatedtotheoldmanallthatshehadsaidbefore，andboundhimtotheircompact。UncleSolattendedherlovinglytothelegsoftheWoodenMidshipman，andthereresignedhertoWalter，whowasreadytoescortherandSusanNippertothecoach。
　　`Walter，'saidFlorencebytheway，`Ihavebeenafraidtoaskbeforeyouruncle。Doyouthinkyouwillbeabsentverylong？'
　　`Indeed，'saidWalter，`Idon'tknow。Ifearso。Mr。Dombeysignifiedasmuch，Ithought，whenheappointedme。'
　　`Isitafavour，Walter？'inquiredFlorence，afteramoment'shesitation，andlookinganxiouslyinhisface。
　　`Theappointment？'returnedWalter。
　　`Yes。'
　　Walterwouldhavegivenanythingtohaveansweredintheaffirmative，buthisfaceansweredbeforehislipscould，andFlorencewastooattentivetoitnottounderstanditsreply。
　　`Iamafraidyouhavescarcelybeenafavouritewithpapa，'shesaid，timidly。
　　`Thereisnoreason，'repliedWalter，smiling，`WhyIshouldbe。'
　　`Noreason，Walter！'
　　`Therewasnoreason，'saidWalter，understandingwhatshemeant。`Therearemanypeopleemployedinthehouse。BetweenMr。Dombeyandayoungmanlikeme，there'sawidespaceofseparation。IfIdomyduty，IdowhatIought，anddonomorethanalltherest。'
　　HadFlorenceanymisgivingofwhichshewashardlyconscious：
　　anymisgivingthathadsprungintoanindistinctandundefinedexistencesincethatrecentnightwhenshehadgonedowntoherfather'sroom：thatWalter'saccidentalinterestinher，andearlyknowledgeofher，mighthaveinvolvedhiminthatpowerfuldispleasureanddislike？HadWalteranysuchidea，oranysuddenthoughtthatitwasinhermindatthatmoment？
　　Neitherofthemhintedatit。Neitherofthemspokeatall，forsomeshorttime。Susan，walkingontheothersideofWalter，eyedthembothsharply；
　　andcertainlyMissNipper'sthoughtstravelledinthatdirection，andveryconfidentlytoo。
　　`Youmaycomebackverysoon，'saidFlorence，`perhaps，Walter。'
　　`Imaycomeback，'saidWalter，`anoldman，andfindyouanoldlady。ButIhopeforbetterthings。'
　　`Papa，'saidFlorence，afteramoment，`will——willrecoverfromhisgrief，and——speakmorefreelytomeoneday，perhaps；andifheshould，IwilltellhowmuchIwishtoseeyoubackagain，andaskhimtorecallyouformysake。'
　　Therewasatouchingmodulationinthesewordsaboutherfather，thatWalterunderstoodtoowell。
　　Thecoachbeingcloseathand，hewouldhaveleftherwithoutspeaking，fornowhefeltwhatparting；butFlorenceheldhishandwhenshewasseated，andthenhefoundtherewasalittlepacketinherown。
　　`Walter，'shesaid，lookingfulluponhimwithheraffectionateeyes，`likeyou，Ihopeforbetterthings。Iwillprayforthem，andbelievethattheywillarrive。ImadethislittlegiftforPaul。Praytakeitwithmylove，anddonotlookatituntilyouaregoneaway。Andnow，Godblessyou，Walter！neverforgetme。Youaremybrother，dear！'
　　HewasgladthatSusanNippercamebetweenthem，orhemighthaveleftherwithasorrowfulremembranceofhim。Hewasgladtoothatshedidnotlookoutofthecoachagain，butwavedthelittlehandtohiminstead，aslongashecouldseeit。
　　Inspiteofherrequest，hecouldnothelpopeningthepacketthatnightwhenhewenttobed。Itwasalittlepurse：andtherewasmoneyinit。
　　Brightrosethesunnextmorning，fromhisabsenceinstrangecountries，anduproseWalterwithittoreceivetheCaptain，whowasalreadyatthedoor：havingturnedoutearlierthanwasnecessary，inordertogetunderweighwhileMrs。MacStingerwasyetslumbering。TheCaptainpretendedtobeintip-topspirits，andbroughtaverysmokytongueinoneofthepocketsofthebroadbluecoatforbreakfast。
　　`And，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，Whentheytooktheirseatsattable，`ifyouruncle'sthemanIthinkhim，he'llbringoutthelastbottleoftheMadeiraonthepresentoccasion。'
　　`No，no，Ned，'returnedtheoldman。`No！ThatshallbeopenedwhenWaltercomeshomeagain。'
　　`Wellsaid！'criedtheCaptain。`Hearhim！'
　　`Thereitlies，'saidSolGills，`downinthelittlecellar，coveredwithdirtandcobwebs。Theremaybedirtandcobwebsoveryouandmeperhaps，Ned，beforeitseesthelight。'
　　`Hearhim！'criedtheCaptain。`Goodmorality！Wal'rmylad。Trainupafig-treeinthewayitshouldgo，andwhenyouareoldsitundertheshadeonit。Overhaulthe——Well，'saidtheCaptainonsecondthoughts，`Ian'tquitecertainwherethat'stobefound，butwhenfound，makeanoteof。SolGills，heaveaheadagain！'
　　`Butthere，orsomewhere，itshalllie，Ned，untilWallycomesbacktoclaimit，'saidtheoldman。`That'sallImeanttosay。'
　　`Andwellsaidtoo，'returnedtheCaptain；`andifwethreedon'tcrackthatbottleincompany，I'llgiveyoutwoleavetodrinkmyallowance！'
　　NotwithstandingtheCaptain'sexcessivejoviality，hemadebutapoorhandatthesmokytongue，thoughhetriedveryhard，whenanybodylookedathim，toappearasifhewereeatingwithavastappetite。Hewasterriblyafraid，likewise，ofbeingleftalonewitheitheruncleornephew；appearingtoconsiderthathisonlychanceofsafetyastokeepingupappearances，wasintherebeingalwaysthreetogether。ThisterroronthepartoftheCaptain，reducedhimtosuchingeniousevasionsasrunningtothedoor，whenSolomonwenttoputhiscoaton，underpretenceofhavingseenanextraordinaryhackney-coachpass：anddartingoutintotheroadwhenWalterwentupstairstotakeleaveofthelodgers，onafeintofsmellingfireinaneighbouringchimney。TheseartificesCaptainCuttledeemedinscrutablebyanyuninspiredobserver。
　　Walterwascomingdownfromhispartingexpeditionupstairs，andwascrossingtheshoptogobacktothelittleparlour，whenhesawafadedfaceheknew，lookinginatthedoor，anddartedtowardsit。
　　`Mr。Carker！'criedWalter，pressingthehandofJohnCarkertheJunior。`Praycomein！Thisiskindofyou，tobeheresoearlytosaygood-byetome。Youknewhowgladitwouldmakemetoshakehandswithyou，once，beforegoingaway。IcannotsayhowgladIamtohavethisopportunity。
　　Praycomein。'
　　`Itisnotlikelythatwemayevermeetagain，Walter，'returnedtheother，gentlyresistinghisinvitation，`andIamgladofthisopportunitytoo。Imayventuretospeaktoyou，andtotakeyoubythehand，ontheeveofseparation。Ishallnothavetoresistyourfrankapproaches，Walteranymore。'
　　Therewasamelancholyinhissmileashesaidit，thatshowedhehadfoundsomecompanyandfriendshipforhisthoughtseveninthat。
　　`Ah，Mr。Carker！'returnedWalter，`Whydidyourresistthem？
　　Youcouldhavedonemenothingbutgood，Iamverysure。'
　　Heshookhishead。`Iftherewereanygood，'hesaid，`Icoulddoonthisearth，Iwoulddoit，Walter，foryou。Thesightofyoufromdaytoday，hasbeenatoncehappinessandremorsetome。Butthepleasurehasoutweighedthepain。Iknowthat，now，byknowingwhatIlose。'
　　`Comein，Mr。Carker，andmakeacquaintancewithmygoodolduncle，'
　　urgedWalter。`Ihaveoftentalkedtohimaboutyou，andhewillbegladtotellyouallhehearsfromme。Ihavenot，'saidWalter，noticinghishesitation，andspeakingwithembarrassmenthimself：`Ihavenottoldhimanythingaboutourlastconversation，Mr。Carker；notevenhim，believeme。'
　　ThegreyJuniorpressedhishand，andtearsroseinhiseyes。
　　`IfIevermakeacquaintancewithhim，Walter，'hereturned，`itwillbethatImayheartidingsofyou。Relyonmynotwrongingyourforbearanceandconsideration。Itwouldbetowrongit，nottotellhimallthetruth，beforeIsoughtawordofconfidencefromhim。ButIhavenofriendoracquaintanceexceptyou：andevenforyoursake，amlittlelikelytomakeany。'
　　`Iwish，'saidWalter，`youhadsufferedmetobeyourfriendindeed。Ialwayswishedit，Mr。Carker，asyouknow；butneverhalfsomuchasnow，whenwearegoingtopart。'
　　`Itisenough，'repliedtheother，`thatyouhavebeenthefriendofmyownbreast，andthatwhenIhaveavoidedyoumost，myheartinclinedthemosttowardsyou，andwasfullestofyou。Walter，good-bye！'
　　`Good-bye，Mr。Carker。Heavenbewithyou，Sir！'criedWalter，withemotion。
　　`If，'saidtheother，retaininghishandwhilehespoke；`ifwhenyoucomeback，youmissmefrommyoldcorner，andshouldhearfromanyonewhereIamlying，comeandlookuponmygrave。ThinkthatImighthavebeenashonestandashappyasyou！Andletmethink，whenIknowmytimeiscomingon，thatsomeonelikemyformerselfmaystandthere，foramoment，andremembermewithpityandforgiveness！Walter，good-bye！'
　　Hisfigurecreptlikeashadowdownthebright，sun-lightedstreet，socheerfulyetsosolemnintheearlysummermorning；andslowlypassedaway。
　　TherelentlesschronometeratlastannouncedthatWaltermustturnhisbackupontheWoodenMidshipman：andawaytheywent，himself，hisuncle，andtheCaptain，inahackney-coachtoawharf，wheretheyweretotakesteam-boatforsomeReachdowntheriver，thenameofwhich，astheCaptaingaveitout，wasahopelessmysterytotheearsoflandsmen。
　　ArrivedatthisReachwhithertheshiphadrepairedbylastnight'stide，theywereboardedbyvariousexcitedwatermen，andamongothersbyadirtyCyclopsoftheCaptain'sacquaintance，who，withhisoneeye，hadmadetheCaptainoutsomemileandahalfoff，andhadbeenexchangingunintelligibleroarswithhimeversince。Becomingthelawfulprizeofthispersonage，whowasfrightfullyhoarseandconstitutionallyinwantofshaving，theywereallthreeputaboardtheSonandHeir。AndtheSonandHeirwasinaprettystateofconfusion，withsailslyingallbedraggledonthewetdecks，looseropestrippingpeopleup，meninredshirtsrunningbarefoottoandfro，casksblockadingeveryfootofspace，and，inthethickestofthefray，ablackcookinablackcabooseuptohiseyesinvegetablesandblindedwithsmoke。
　　TheCaptainimmediatelydrewWalterintoacorner，andwithagreateffort，thatmadehisfaceveryred，pulledupthesilverwatch，whichwassobig，andsotightinhispocket，thatitcameoutlikeabung。
　　`Wal'rsaidtheCaptain，handingitover，andshakinghimheartilybythehand，`apartinggift，mylad。Putitbackhalfanhoureverymorning，andaboutanotherquartertowardstheafternoon，andit'sawatchthat'lldoyoucredit。'
　　`CaptainCuttle！Icouldn'tthinkofit！'criedWalter，detaininghim，forhewasrunningaway。`Praytakeitback。Ihaveonealready。'
　　`Then，Wal'r，'saidtheCaptain，suddenlydivingintooneofhispocketsandbringingupthetwoteaspoonsandthesugar-tongs，withwhichhehadarmedhimselftomeetsuchanobjection，`takethisheretrifleofplate，instead。'
　　`No，no，Icouldn'tindeed！'criedWalter，`athousandthanks！
　　Don'tthrowthemaway，CaptainCuttle！'fortheCaptainwasabouttojerkthemoverboard。`They'llbeofmuchmoreusetoyouthanme。Givemeyourstick。IhaveoftenthoughtIshouldliketohaveit。There！Good-bye，CaptainCuttle！Takecareofmyuncle！UncleSol，Godblessyou！'
　　Theywereoverthesideintheconfusion，beforeWaltercaughtanotherglimpseofeither；andwhenheranuptothestern，andlookedafterthem，hesawhisunclehangingdownhisheadintheboat，andCaptainCuttlerappinghimonthebackwiththegreatsilverwatchitmusthavebeenverypainful，andgesticulatinghopefullywiththeteaspoonsandsugartongs。CatchingsightofWalter，CaptainCuttledroppedthepropertyintothebottomoftheboatwithperfectunconcern，beingevidentlyobliviousofitsexistence，andpullingofftheglazedhathailedhimlustily。Theglazedhatmadequiteashowinthesunwithitsglistening，andtheCaptaincontinuedtowaveituntilhecouldbeseennolonger。Thentheconfusiononboard，whichhadbeenrapidlyincreasing，reacheditsheight；twoorthreeotherboatswentawaywithacheer；thesailsshonebrightandfullabove，asWalterwatchedthemspreadtheirsurfacetothefavourablebreeze；
　　thewaterflewinsparklesfromtheprow；andoffuponhervoyagewenttheSonandHeir，ashopefullyandtrippinglyasmanyanothersonandheir，gonedown，hadstartedonhiswaybeforeher。
　　Dayafterday，oldSolandCaptainCuttlekeptherreckoninginthelittlebackparlourandworkedouthercourse，withthechartspreadbeforethemontheroundtable。Atnight，whenoldSolclimbedupstairs，solonely，totheatticwhereitsometimesblewgreatguns，helookedupatthestarsandlistenedtothewind，andkeptalongerwatchthanwouldhavefallentohislotonboardtheship。ThelastbottleoftheoldMadeira，whichhadhaditscruisingdays，andknownitsdangersofthedeep，laysilentlybeneathitsdustandcobwebs，inthemeanwhile，undisturbed。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXMr。DombeygoesuponaJourney`MR。DOMBEY，Sir，'saidMajorBagstock，`JoeyB。isnotingeneralamanofsentiment，forJosephistough。ButJoehashisfeelings，Sir，andwhentheyareawakened——Damme，Mr。Dombey，'criedtheMajorwithsuddenferocity，`thisisweakness，andIwon'tsubmittoit！'
　　MajorBagstockdeliveredhimselfoftheseexpressionsonreceivingMr。DombeyashisguestattheheadofhisownstaircaseinPrincess'sPlace。Mr。DombeyhascometobreakfastwiththeMajor，previoustotheirsettingforthontheirtrip；andtheill-starredNativehadalreadyundergoneaworldofmiseryarisingoutofthemuffins，while，inconnexionwiththegeneralquestionofboiledeggs，lifewasaburdentohim。
　　`ItisnotforanoldsoldieroftheBagstockbreed，'observedtheMajor，relapsingintoamildstate，`todeliverhimselfup，apreytohisownemotions；but——damme，Sir，'criedtheMajor，inanotherspasmofferocity，`Icondolewithyou！'
　　TheMajor'spurplevisagedeepenedinitshue，andtheMajor'slobstereyesstoodoutinbolderrelief，asheshookMr。Dombeybythehand，impartingtothatpeacefulactionasdefiantacharacterasifithadbeenthepreludetohisimmediatelyboxingMr。DombeyforathousandpoundsasideandthechampionshipofEngland。Witharotatorymotionofhishead，andawheezeverylikethecoughofahorse，theMajorthenconductedhisvisitortothesitting-room，andtherewelcomedhimhavingnowcomposedhisfeelingswiththefreedomandfranknessofatravellingcompanion。
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，`I'mgladtoseeyou。I'mproudtoseeyou。TherearenotmanymeninEuropetowhomJ。Bagstockwouldsaythat——forJoshisblunt。Sir：it'shisnature——butJoeyB。isproudtoseeyou，Dombey。'
　　`Major，'returnedMr。Dombey，`youareveryobliging。'
　　`No，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`Devilabit！That'snotmycharacter。
　　IfthathadbeenJoe'scharacter。Joemighthavebeen，bythistime，Lieutenant-GeneralSirJosephBagstock，K。C。B。，andmighthavereceivedyouinverydifferentquarters。Youdon'tknowoldJoeyet，Ifind。Butthisoccasion，beingspecial，isasourceofpridetome。BytheLord，Sir，'saidtheMajorresolutely，`it'sanhonourtome！'
　　Mr。Dombey，inhisestimationofhimselfandhismoney，feltthatthiswasverytrue，andthereforedidnotdisputethepoint。ButtheinstinctiverecognitionofsuchatruthbytheMajor，andhisplainavowalofit，wereveryagreeable。ItwasaconfirmationtoMr。Dombey，ifhehasrequiredany，ofhisnotbeingmistakenintheMajor。Itwasanassurancetohimthathispowerextendedbeyondhisownimmediatesphere；andthattheMajor，asanofficerandagentleman，hadanolessbecomingsenseofit，thanthebeadleoftheRoyalExchange。
　　Andifitwereeverconsolatorytoknowthis，orthelikeofthis，itwasconsolatorythen，whentheimpotenceofhiswill，theinstabilityofhishopes，thefeeblenessofwealth，hadbeensodirefullyimpresseduponhim。Whatcoulditdo，hisboyhadaskedhim。Sometimes，thinkingofthebabyquestion，hecouldhardlyforbearinquiring，himself，whatcoulditdoindeed：whathaditdone？
　　Butthesewerelonelythoughts，bredlateatnightinthesullendespondencyandgloomofhisretirement，andprideeasilyfounditsreassuranceinmanytestimoniestothetruth，asunimpeachableandpreciousastheMajor's。Mr。Dombey，inhisfriendlessness，inclinedtotheMajor。Itcannotbesaidthathewarmedtowardshim，buthethawedalittle。TheMajorhadhadsomepart——andnottoomuch——inthedaysbytheseaside。Hewasamanoftheworld，andknewsomegreatpeople。Hetalkedmuch，andtoldstories；
　　andMr。Dombeywasdisposedtoregardhimasachoicespiritwhoshoneinsociety，andwhohadnotthatpoisonousingredientofpovertywithwhichchoicespiritsingeneralaretoomuchadulterated。Hisstationwasundeniable。
　　AltogethertheMajorwasacreditablecompanion，wellaccustomedtoalifeofleisure，andtosuchplacesasthattheywereabouttovisit，andhavinganairofgentlemanlyeaseabouthimthatmixedwellenoughwithhisownCitycharacter，anddidnotcompetewithitatall。IfMr。DombeyhadanylingeringideathattheMajor，asamanaccustomed，inthewayofhiscalling，tomakelightoftheruthlesshadthathandlatelycrushedhishopes，mightunconsciouslyimpartsomeusefulphilosophytohim，andscareawayhisweakregrets，hehiditfromhimself，andleftitlyingatthebottomofhispride，unexamined。
　　`Whereismyscoundrel？'saidtheMajor，lookingwrathfullyroundtheroom。
　　TheNative，whohadnoparticularname，butansweredtoanyvituperativeepithet，presentedhimselfinstantlyatthedoorandventuredtocomenonearer。
　　`Youvillain！'saidthecholericMajor，`where'sthebreakfast？'
　　Thedarkservantdisappearedinsearchofit，andwasquicklyheardreascendingthestairsinsuchatremulousstate，thattheplatesanddishesonthetrayhecarried，tremblingsympatheticallyashecame，rattledagain，allthewayup。
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，glancingattheNativeashearrangedthetable，andencouraginghimwithanawfulshakeofhisfistwhenheupsetaspoon，`hereisadevilledgrill，asavourypie，adishofkidneys，andsoforth。Praysitdown。OldJoecangiveyounothingbutcampfare，yousee。'
　　`Veryexcellentfare，Major，'repliedhisguest；andnotinmerepolitenesseither；fortheMajoralwaystookthebestpossiblecareofhimself，andindeedaterathermoreofrichmeatsthanwasgoodforhim，insomuchthathisImperialcomplexionwasmainlyreferredbythefacultytothatcircumstance。
　　`Youhavebeenlookingovertheway，Sir，'observedtheMajor。
　　`Haveyouseenourfriend？'
　　`YoumeanMissTox，'retortedMr。Dombey。`No。'
　　`Charmingwoman，Sir，'saidtheMajor，withafatlaughrisinginhisshortthroat，andnearlysuffocatinghim。
　　`MissToxisaverygoodsortofperson，Ibelieve，'repliedMr。
　　Dombey。
　　ThehaughtycoldnessofthereplyseemedtoaffordMajorBagstockinfinitedelight。Heswelledandswelled，exceedingly：andevenlaiddownhisknifeandforkforamoment，torubhishands。
　　`OldJoe，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`wasabitofafavouriteinthatquarteronce。ButJoehashadhisday。J。Bagstockisextinguished——outrivalled——floored，Sir。Itellyouwhat，Dombey。'TheMajorpausedinhiseating，andlookedmysteriouslyindignant。`That'sade-vilishambitiouswoman，Sir。'
　　Mr。Dombeysaid`Indeed？'withfrigidindifference：mingledperhapswithsomecontemptuousincredulityastoMissToxhavingthepresumptiontoharboursuchasuperiorquality。
　　`Thatwoman，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`is，inherway，aLucifer。
　　JoeyB。hashadhisday，Sir，buthekeepshiseyes。Hesees，doesJoe。
　　HisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkobservedofJoey，atalevee，thathesaw。'
　　TheMajoraccompaniedthiswithsuchalook，and，betweeneating，drinking，hottea，devilledgrill，muffins，andmeaning，wasaltogethersoswollenandinflamedaboutthehead，thatevenMr。Dombeyshowedsomeanxietyforhim。
　　`Thatridiculousoldspectacle，Sir，'pursuedtheMajor，`aspires。
　　Sheaspiressky-high，Sir。Matrimonially，Dombey。'
　　`Iamsorryforher，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Don'tsaythat，Dombey，'returnedtheMajorinawarningvoice。
　　`WhyshouldInot，Major？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　TheMajorgavenoanswerbutthehorse'scough，andwentoneatingvigorously。
　　`Shehastakenaninterestinyourhousehold，'saidtheMajor，stoppingshortagain，`andhasbeenafrequentvisitoratyourhouseforsometimenow。'
　　`Yes，'repliedMr。Dombeywithgreatstateliness，`MissToxwasoriginallyreceivedthere，atthetimeofMrs。Dombey'sdeath，asafriendofmysister's；andbeingawell-behavedperson，andshowingalikingforthepoorinfant，shewaspermitted——Imaysayencouraged——torepeathervisitswithmysister，andgraduallytooccupyakindoffootingoffamiliarityinthefamily。Ihave，'saidMr。Dombey，inthetoneofamanwhowasmakingagreatandvaluableconcession，`IhavearespectforMissTox。Shehasbeensoobligingastorendermanylittleservicesinmyhouse：triflingandinsignificantservicesperhaps，Major，butnottobedisparagedonthataccount：andIhopeIhavehadthegoodfortunetobeenabledtoacknowledgethembysuchattentionandnoticeasithasbeeninmypowertobestow。
　　IholdmyselfindebtedtoMissTox，Major，'addedMr。Dombey，withaslightwaveofhishand，`forthepleasureofyouracquaintance。'
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，warmly：`no！No，Sir！JosephBagstockcanneverpermitthatassertiontopassuncontradicted。YourknowledgeofoldJoe，Sir，suchasheis，andoldJoe'sknowledgeofyou，Sir，haditsorigininanoblefellow，Sir——inagreatcreature，Sir。Dombey！'saidtheMajor，withastrugglewhichitwasnotverydifficulttoparade，hiswholelifebeingastruggleagainstallkindsofapoplecticsymptoms，`wekneweachotherthroughyourboy。'
　　Mr。Dombeyseemedtouched，asitisnotimprobabletheMajordesignedheshouldbe，bythisallusion。Helookeddownandsighed：andtheMajor，rousinghimselffiercely，againsaid，inreferencetothestateofmindintowhichhefelthimselfindangeroffalling，thatthiswasweakness，andnothingshouldinducehimtosubmittoit。
　　`Ourfriendhasaremoteconnexionwiththatevent，'saidtheMajor，`andallthecreditthatbelongstoher，J。B。iswillingtogiveher，Sir。Notwithstandingwhich，Ma'am，'headded，raisinghiseyesfromhisplate，andcastingthemacrossPrincess'sPlace，towhereMissToxwasatthatmomentvisibleatherwindowwateringherflowers，`you'reaschemingjade，Ma'am，andyourambitionisapieceofmonstrousimpudence。
　　Ifitonlymadeyourselfridiculous，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，rollinghisheadattheunconsciousMissTox，whilehisstartingeyesappearedtomakealeaptowardsher，`youmightdothattoyourheart'scontent，Ma'am，withoutanyobjection，Iassureyou，onthepartofBagstock。'HeretheMajorlaughedfrightfullyupinthetipsofhisearsandintheveinsofhishead。`Butwhen，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，`youcompromiseotherpeople，andgenerous，unsuspiciouspeopletoo，asarepaymentfortheircondescension，youstirthebloodofoldJoeinhisbody。'
　　`Major，'saidMr。Dombey，reddening，`IhopeyoudonothintatanythingsoabsurdonthepartofMissToxas——'
　　`Dombey，'returnedtheMajor，`Ihintatnothing。ButJoeyB。
　　haslivedintheworld，Sir：livedintheworldwithhiseyesopen，Sir，andhisearscocked：andJoetellsyou，Dombey，thatthere'sade-vilishartfulandambitiouswomanovertheway。'
　　Mr。Dombeyinvoluntarilyglancedovertheway；andanangryglancehesentinthatdirection，too。
　　`That'sallonsuchasubjectthatshallpassthelipsofJosephBagstock，'saidtheMajorfirmly。`Joeisnotatalebearer，buttherearetimeswhenhemustspeak，whenhewillspeak！——confoundyourarts，Ma'am，'criedtheMajor，againapostrophisinghisfairneighbour，withgreatire，——`whentheprovocationistoostrongtoadmitofhisremainingsilent。'
　　TheemotionofthisoutbreakthrewtheMajorintoaparoxysmofhorse'scoughs，whichheldhimforalongtime。Onrecoveringheadded：
　　`Andnow，Dombey，asyouhaveinvitedJoe——oldJoe，whohasnoothermerit，Sir，butthatheistoughandhearty——tobeyourguestandguideatLeamington，commandhiminanywayyouplease，andheiswhollyyours。Idon'tknow，Sir，'saidtheMajor，wagginghisdoublechinwithajocoseair，`whatitisyoupeopleseeinJoetomakeyouholdhiminsuchgreatrequest，allofyou；butthisIknow，Sir，thatifhewasn'tprettytough，andobstinateinhisrefusals，you'dkillhimamongyouwithyourinvitationsandsoforth，indouble-quicktime。'
　　Mr。Dombey，inafewwords，expressedhissenseofthepreferencehereceivedoverthoseotherdistinguishedmembersofsocietywhowereclamouringforthepossessionofMajorBagstock。ButtheMajorcuthimshortbygivinghimtounderstandthathefollowedhisowninclinations，andthattheyhadrisenupinabodyandsaidwithoneaccord，`J。B。，Dombeyisthemanforyoutochooseasafriend。'
　　TheMajorbeingbythistimeinastateofrepletion，withessenceofsavourypieoozingoutatthecornersofhiseyes，anddevilledgrillandkidneystighteninghiscravat：andthetimemoreoverapproachingforthedepartureoftherailwaytraintoBirmingham，bywhichtheyweretoleavetown：theNativegothimintohisgreat-coatwithimmensedifficulty，andbuttonedhimupuntilhisfacelookedstaringandgasping，overthetopofthatgarment，asifhewereinabarrel。TheNativethenhandedhimseparately，andwithadecentintervalbetweeneachsupply，hiswash-leathergloves，histhickstick，andhishat；whichlatterarticletheMajorworewitharakishairononesideofhishead，bywayoftoningdownhisremarkablevisage。TheNativehadpreviouslypacked，inallpossibleandimpossiblepartsofMr。Dombey'schariot，whichwasinwaiting，anunusualquantityofcarpet-bagsandsmallportmanteaus，nolessapoplecticinappearancethantheMajorhimself：andhavingfilledhisownpocketswithSeltzerwater，EastIndiasherry，sandwiches，shawls，telescopes，maps，andnewspapers，anyorallofwhichlightbaggagetheMajormightrequireatanyinstantofthejourney，heannouncedthateverythingwasready。Tocompletetheequipmentofthisunfortunateforeignercurrentlybelievedtobeaprinceinhisowncountry，whenhetookhisseatintherumblebythesideofMr。Towlinson，apileoftheMajor'scloaksandgreat-coatswashurleduponhimbythelandlord，whoaimedathimfromthepavementwiththosegreatmissileslikeaTitan，andsocoveredhimup，thatheproceeded，inalivingtomb，totherailroadstation。
　　Butbeforethecarriagemovedaway，andwhiletheNativewasintheactofsepulture，MissToxappearingatherwindow，wavedalily-whitehandkerchief。Mr。Dombeyreceivedthispartingsalutationverycoldly——verycoldlyevenforhim——andhonouringherwiththeslightestpossibleinclinationofhishead，leanedbackinthecarriagewithaverydiscontentedlook。
　　HismarkedbehaviourseemedtoaffordtheMajorwhowasallpolitenessinhisrecognitionofMissToxunboundedsatisfaction；andhesatforalongtimeafterwards，leering，andchoking，likeanover-fedMephistopheles。
　　Duringthebustleofpreparationattherailway，Mr。Dombeyandthemajorwalkedupanddowntheplatformsidebyside；theformertaciturnandgloomy，andthelatterentertaininghim，orentertaininghimself，withavarietyofanecdotesandreminiscences，inmostofwhichJoeBagstockwastheprincipalperformer。Neitherofthetwoobservedthatinthecourseofthesewalks，theyattractedtheattentionofaworkingmanwhowasstandingneartheengine，andwhotouchedhishateverytimetheypassed；forMr。
　　Dombeyhabituallylookedoverthevulgarherd，notatthem；andtheMajorwaslooking，atthetime，intothecoreofoneofhisstories。Atlength，however，thismansteppedbeforethemastheyturnedround，andpullinghishatoff，andkeepingitoff，duckedhisheadtoMr。Dombey。
　　`Begyourpardon，Sir，'saidtheman，`butIhopeyou'readoin'
　　prettywell，Sir。'
　　Hewasdressedinacanvasssuitabundantlybesmearedwithcoal-dustandoil，andcindersinhiswhiskers，andasmellofhalf-slakedashesalloverhim。Hewasnotabad-lookingfellow，norevenwhatcouldbefairlycalledadirty-lookingfellow，inspiteofthis；and，inshort，hewasMr。Toodle，professionallyclothed。
　　`Ishallhavethehonourofstokin'ofyoudown，Sir，'saidMr。
　　Toodle。`Begyourpardon，Sir。Ihopeyoufindyourselfacominground？'
　　Mr。Dombeylookedathim，inreturnforhistoneofinterest，asifamanlikethatwouldmakehisveryeyesightdirty。
　　`'Scusetheliberty，Sir，'saidToodle，seeinghewasnotclearlyremembered，`butmywifePolly，aswascalledRichardsinyourfamily——'
　　AchangeinMr。Dombey'sface，whichseemedtoexpressrecollectionofhim，andsoitdid，butitexpressedinamuchstrongerdegreeandangrysenseofhumiliation，stoppedMr。Toodleshort。
　　`Yourwifewantsmoney，Isuppose，'saidMr。Dombey，puttinghishandinhispocket，andspeakingbutthathealwaysdidhaughtily。
　　`Nothank'ee，Sir，'returnedToodle，`Ican'tsayshedoes。Idon't。'
　　Mr。Dombeywasstoppedshortnowinhisturn：andawkwardly：withhishandinhispocket。
　　`No，Sir，'saidToodle，turninghisoilskincaproundandround；
　　`we'readoin'prettywell，Sir；wehaven'tnocausetocomplainintheworldlyway，Sir。We'vehadfourmoresincethen，Sir，butwerubson。'
　　Mr。Dombeywouldhaverubbedontohisowncarriage，thoughinsodoinghehadrubbedthestokerunderneaththewheels；buthisattentionwasarrestedbysomethinginconnexionwiththecapstillgoingslowlyroundandroundintheman'shand。
　　`Welostonebabby，'observedToodle，`there'snodenyin。'
　　`Lately，'addedMr。Dombey，lookingatthecap。
　　`No，Sir，up'ardofthreeyearsago，butalltherestishearty。
　　Andinthemattero'readin'，Sir，'saidToodle，duckingagain，asiftoremindMr。Dombeyofwhathadpassedbetweenthemonthatsubjectlongago，`themboyso'mine，theylearnedme，among'em，arterall。They'vemadeawerytolerablescholarofme，Sir，themboys。'
　　`Come，Major！'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Begyourpardon，Sir，'resumedToodle，takingastepbeforethemanddeferentiallystoppingthemagain，stillcapinhand：`Iwouldn'thavetroubledyouwithsuchapintexceptasawayofgettin'inthenameofmysonBiler——christenedRobin——himasyouwassogoodastomakeaCharitableGrinderon。'
　　`Well，man，'saidMr。Dombeyinhisseverestmanner。`Whatabouthim？'
　　`Why，Sir，'returnedToodle，shakinghisheadwithafaceofgreatanxietyanddistress，`I'mforcedtosay，Sir，thathe'sgonewrong。'
　　`Hehasgonewrong，hashe？'saidMr。Dombey，withahardkindofsatisfaction。
　　`Hehasfellintobadcompany，yousee，gentlemen，'pursuedthefather，lookingwistfullyatboth，andevidentlytakingtheMajorintotheconversationwiththehopeofhavinghissympathy。`Hehasgotintobadways。Godsendhemaycometoagain，gentlemen，buthe'sonthewrongtracknow！Youcouldhardlybeoffhearingofitsomehow，Sir，'saidToodle，againaddressingMr。Dombeyindividually；`andit'sbetterIshouldoutandsaymyboy'sgoneratherwrong。Polly'sdreadfuldownaboutit，genelmen，'
　　saidToodlewiththesamedejectedlook，andanotherappealtotheMajor。
　　`Asonofthisman'swhomIcausedtobeeducated，Major，'saidMr。Dombey，givinghimhisarm。`Theusualreturn！'
　　`TakeadvicefromplainoldJoe，andnevereducatethatsortofpeople，Sir，'returnedtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，itneverdoes！Ialwaysfails！'
　　Thesimplefatherwasbeginningtosubmitthathehopedhisson，thequondamGrinder，huffedandcuffed，andfloggedandbadged，andtaught，asparrotsare，byabrutejobbedintohisplaceofschoolmasterwithasmuchfitnessforitasahound，mightnothavebeeneducatedonquitearightplaninsomeundiscoveredrespect，whenMr。Dombeyangrilyrepeating`Theusualreturn！'ledtheMajoraway。AndtheMajorbeingheavytohoistintoMr。Dombey'scarriageelevatedinmidair，andhavingtostopandswearthathewouldflaytheNativealive，andbreakveryboneinhisskin，andvisitotherphysicaltormentsuponhim，everytimehecouldn'tgethisfootonthestep，andfellbackonthatdarkexile，hadbarelytimebeforetheystartedtorepeathoarselythatitwouldneverdo：thatitalwaysfailed：andthatifheweretoeducate`hisownvagabond，'hewouldcertainlybehanged。
　　Mr。Dombeyassentedbitterly；buttherewassomethingmoreinhisbitterness，andinhismoodywayoffallingbackinthecarriage，andlookingwithknittedbrowsatthechangingobjectswithout，thatthefailureofthatnobleeducationalsystemadministeredbytheGrinders'Company。
　　Hehadseenupontheman'sroughcapapieceofnewcrape，andhehadassuredhimself，fromhismannerandhisanswers，thatheworeitforhisson。
　　So！fromhightolow，athomeorabroad，fromFlorenceinhisgreathousetothecoarsechurlwhowasfeedingthefirethensmokingbeforethem，everyonesetupsomeclaimorothertoashareinhisdeadboy，andwasabidderagainsthim！Couldheeverforgethowthatwomanhadweptoverhispillow，andcalledhimherownchild！orhowhe，wakingfromhissleep，hadaskedforher，andhadraisedhimselfinhisbedandbrightenedwhenshecamein！
　　Tothinkofthispresumptuousrakeramongcoalsandashesgoingonbeforethere，withhissignofmourning！Tothinkthathedaredtoenter，evenbyacommonshowlikethat，intothetrialanddisappointmentofaproudgentleman'ssecretheart！Tothinkthatthislostchild，whowastohavedividedwithhimhisriches，andhisprojects，andhispower，andalliedwithwhomhewastohaveshutoutalltheworldaswithadoubledoorofgold，shouldhaveletinsuchaherdtoinsulthimwiththeirknowledgeofhisdefeatedhopes，andtheirboastsofclaimingcommunityoffeelingwithhimself，sofarremoved：ifnotofhavingcreptintotheplacewhereinhewouldhavelordedit，alone！
　　Hefoundnopleasureorofreliefinthejourney。Torturedbythesethoughtshecarriedmonotonywithhim，throughtherushinglandscape，andhurriedheadlong，notthrougharichandvariedcountry，butawildernessofblightedplansandgnawingjealousies。Theveryspeedatwhichthetrainwaswhirledalongmockedtheswiftcourseoftheyounglifethathadbeenborneawaysosteadilyandsoinexorablytoitsforedoomedend。Thepowerthatforceditselfuponitsironway——itsown——defiantofallpathsandroads，piercingthroughtheheartofeveryobstacle，anddragginglivingcreaturesofallclasses，ages，anddegreesbehindit，wasatypeofthetriumphantmonster，Death。
　　Away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，fromthetown，burrowingamongthedwellingsofmenandmakingthestreetshum，flashingoutintothemeadowsforamoment，mininginthroughthedampearth，boomingonindarknessandheavyair，burstingoutagainintothesunnydaysobrightandwide；away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，throughthefields，throughthewoods，throughthecorn，throughthehay，throughthechalk，throughthemould，throughtheclay，throughtherock，amongobjectscloseathandandalmostinthegrasp，everflyingfromthetraveller，andadeceitfuldistanceevermovingslowlywithinhim：likeasinthetrackoftheremorselessmonster，Death！
　　Throughthehallow，ontheheight，bytheheath，bytheorchard，bythepark，bythegarden，overthecanal，acrosstheriver，wherethesheeparefeeding，wherethemillisgoing，wherethebargeisfloating，wherethedeadarelying，wherethefactoryissmoking，wherethestreamisrunning，wherethevillageclusters，wherethegreatcathedralrises，wherethebleakmoorlies，andthewildbreezesmoothsorrufflesitatitsinconstantwill；away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，andnotracetoleavebehindbutdustandvapour：likeasinthetrackoftheremorselessmonster，Death！
　　Breastingthewindandlight，theshowerandsunshine，away，andstillaway，itrollsandroars，fierceandrapid，smoothandcertain，andgreatworksandmassivebridges，crossingupabove，falllikeabeamofshadowaninchbroad，upontheeye，andthenarelost。Away，andstillaway，onwardandonwardever：glimpsesofcottage-homes，ofhouses，mansions，richestates，ofhusbandryandhandicraft，ofpeople，ofoldroadsandpathsthatlookdeserted，small，andinsignificantastheyareleftbehind：
　　andsotheydo，andwhatelseistherebutsuchglimpses，inthetrackoftheindomitablemonster，Death！
　　Away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，plungingdownintotheearthagain，andworkingoninsuchastormofenergyandperseverance，thatamidstthedarknessandwhirlwindthemotionseemsreversed，andtotendfuriouslybackward，untilarayoflightuponthewetwallshowsitssurfaceflyingpastlikeafiercestream。Awayoncemoreintotheday，andthroughtheday，withashrillyellofexultation，roaring，rattling，tearingon，spurningeverythingwithitsdarkbreath，sometimespausingforaminutewhereacrowdoffacesare，thatinaminutemorearenot；
　　sometimeslappingwatergreedily，andbeforethespoutatwhichitdrinkshasceasedtodripupontheground，shrieking，roaring，rattlingthroughthepurpledistance！
　　Louderandlouderyet，itshrieksandcriesasitcomestearingonresistlesstothegoal：andnowitsway，stilllikethewayofDeath，isstrewnwithashesthickly。Everythingaroundisblackened。Therearedarkpoolsofwater，muddylanes，andmiserablehabitationsfarbelow。
　　Therearejaggedwallsandfallinghousescloseathand，andthroughthebatteredroofsandbrokenwindows，wretchedroomsareseen，wherewantandfeverhidethemselvesinmanywretchedshapes，whilesmokeandcrowdedgables，anddistortedchimneys，anddeformityofbrickandmortarpenningupdeformityofmindandbody，chokethemurkydistance。AsMr。Dombeylooksoutofhiscarriagewindow，itisneverinhisthoughtsthatthemonsterwhohasbroughthimtherehasletthelightofdayinonthesethings：notmadeorcausedthem。Itwasthejourney'sfittingend，andmighthavebeentheendofeverything；itwassoruinousanddreary。
　　So，pursuingtheonecourseofthought，hehadtheonerelentlessmonsterstillbeforehim。Allthingslookedblack，andcold，anddeadlyuponhim，andheonthem。Hefoundalikenesstohismisfortuneeverywhere。
　　Therewasaremorselesstriumphgoingonabouthim，anditgalledandstunghiminhisprideandjealousy，whateverformittook：thoughmostofallwhenitdividedwithhimtheloveandmemoryofhislostboy。
　　Therewasaface——hehadlookeduponit，onthepreviousnight，anditonhimwitheyesthatreadhissoul，thoughtheyweredimwithtears，andhiddensoonbehindtwoquiveringhands——thatoftenhadattendedhiminfancy，onthisride。Hehadseenit，withtheexpressionoflastnight，timidlypleadingtohim。Itwasnotreproachful，buttherewassomethingofdoubt，almostofhopefulincredulityinit，which，asheoncemoresawthatfadeawayintoadesolatecertaintyofhisdislike，waslikereproach。
　　ItwasatroubletohimtothinkofthisfaceofFlorence。
　　Becausehefeltanynewcompunctiontowardsit？No。Becausethefeelingitawakenedinhim——ofwhichhehadhadsomeoldforeshadowinginoldertimes——wasfull-formednow，andspokeoutplainly，movinghimtoomuch，andthreateningtogrowtoostrongforhiscomposure。Becausethefacewasabroad，intheexpressionofdefeatandpersecutionthatseemedtoencirclehimliketheair。Becauseitbarbedthearrowofthatcruelandremorselessenemyonwhichhisthoughtssoran，andputintoitsgraspadouble-handedsword。Becauseheknewfullwell，inhisownbreast，ashestoodthere，tingingthesceneoftransitionbeforehimwiththemorbidcoloursofhisownmind，andmakingitaruinandapictureofdecay，insteadofhopefulchange，andpromiseofbetterthings，thatlifehadquiteasmuchtodowithhiscomplainingsasdeath。Onechildwasgone，andonechildleft。Whywastheobjectofhishoperemovedinsteadofher？
　　Thesweet，calm，gentlepresenceinhisfancy，movedhimtonoreflectionbutthat。Shehadbeenunwelcometohimfromthefirst；shewasanaggravationofhisbitternessnow。Ifhissonhadbeenhisonlychild，andthesameblowhadfallenonhim，itwouldhavebeenheavytobear；butinfinitelylighterthannow，whenitmighthavefallenonherwhomhecouldhavelost，orhebelievedit，withoutapang，andhadnot。
　　Herlovingandinnocentfacerisingbeforehim，andhadnosofteningorwinninginfluence。Herejectedtheangel，andtookupwiththetormentingspiritcrouchinginhisbosom。Herpatience，goodness，youth，devotion，love，wereassomanyatomsintheashesuponwhichhesethisheel。Hesawherimageintheblightandblacknessallaroundhim，notirradiatingbutdeepeningthegloom。Morethanonceuponthisjourney，andhowagainashestoodponderingatthisjourney'send，tracingfiguresinthedustwithhisstick，thethoughtcameintohismind，whatwastherehecouldinterposebetweenhimselfandit？
　　TheMajor，whohadbeenblowingandpantingallthewaydown，likeanotherengine，andwhoseeyehadoftenwanderedfromhisnewspapertoleerattheprospect，asiftherewereaprocessionofdiscomfitedMissToxespouringoutinthesmokeofthetrain，andflyingawayoverthefieldstohidethemselvesinanyplaceofrefuge，arousedhisfriendbyinforminghimthatthepost-horseswereharnessedandthecarriageready。
　　`Dombey，'saidtheMajor，rappinghimonthearmwithhiscane，`don'tbethoughtful。It'sabadhabit。OldJoe，Sir，wouldn'tbeastoughasyouseehim，ifhehadeverencouragedit。Youaretoogreataman，Dombey，tobethoughtful。Inyourposition，Sir，you'refarabovethatkindofthing。'
　　TheMajoreveninhisfriendlyremonstrances，thusconsultingthedignityandhonourofMr。Dombey，andshowingalivelysenseoftheirimportance，Mr。Dombeyfeltmorethaneverdisposedtodefertoagentlemanpossessingsomuchgoodsenseandsuchawell-regulatedmind；accordinglyhemadeanefforttolistentotheMajor'sstories，astheytrottedalongtheturnpikeroad；andtheMajor，findingboththepaceandtheroadagreatdealbetteradaptedtohisconversationalpowersthanthemodeoftravellingtheyhadjustrelinquished，cameoutforhisentertainment。
　　Inthisflowofspiritsandconversation，onlyinterruptedbyhisusualplethoricsymptoms，andbyintervalsoflunch，andfromtimetotimebysomeviolentassaultupontheNative，whoworeapairofear-ringsinhisdark-brownears，andonwhomhisEuropeanclothessatwithanoutlandishimpossibilityofadjustment——being，oftheirownaccord，andwithoutanyreferencetothetailor'sart，longwheretheyoughttobeshort，shortwheretheyoughttobelong，tightwheretheyoughttobeloose，andloosewheretheyoughttobetight——andtowhichheimpartedanewgrace，whenevertheMajorattackedhim，byshrinkingintothemlikeashrivellednut，oracoldmonkey——inthisflowofspiritsandconversation，theMajorcontinuedallday：sothatwheneveningcameon，andfoundthemtrottingthroughthegreenandleafyroadnearLeamington，theMajor'svoice，whatwithtalkingandeatingandchucklingandchoking，appearedtobeintheboxundertherumble，orinsomeneighbouringhay-stack。NordidtheMajorimproveitattheRoyalHotel，whereroomsanddinnerhadbeenordered，andwherehesooppressedhisorgansofspeechbyeatinganddrinking，thatwhenheretiredtobedhehadnovoiceatall，excepttocoughwith，andcouldonlymakehimselfintelligibletothedarkservantbygaspingathim。
　　Henotonlyrosenextmorning，however，likeagiantrefreshed，butconductedhimself，atbreakfast，likeagiantrefreshing。Atthismealtheyarrangedtheirdailyhabits。TheMajorwastotaketheresponsibilityororderingeverythingtoeatanddrink；andtheyweretohavealatebreakfasttogethereverymorning，andalatedinnertogethereveryday。Mr。Dombeywouldpreferremaininginhisownroom，orwalkinginthecountrybyhimself，onthatfirstdayoftheirsojournatLeamington；butnextmorninghewouldbehappytoaccompanytheMajortothePump-room，andaboutthetown。Sotheyparteduntildinner-time。Mr。Dombeyretiredtonursehiswholesomethoughtsinhisownway。TheMajor，attendedbytheNativecarryingacamp-stool，agreat-coast，andanumbrella，swaggeredupanddownthroughallthepublicplaces：lookingintosubscriptionbookstofindoutwhowasthere，lookingupoldladiesbywhomhewasmuchadmired，reportingJ。B。tougherthanever，andpuffinghisrichfriendDombeywhereverhewent。ThereneverwasamanwhostoodbyafriendmorestaunchlythantheMajor，wheninpuffinghim，hepuffedhimself。