ItwassurprisinghowmuchnewconversationtheMajorhadtoletoffatdinner-time，andwhatoccasionhegaveMr。Dombeytoadmirehissocialqualities。Atbreakfastnextmorning，heknewthecontentsofthelatestnewspapersreceived；andmentionedseveralsubjectsinconnexionwiththem，onwhichhisopinionhadrecentlybeensoughtbypersonsofsuchpowerandmight，thattheywereonlytobeobscurelyhintedat。Mr。
　　Dombey，whohadbeensolongshutupwithinhimself，andwhohadrarely，atanytime，oversteppedtheenchantedcirclewithinwhichtheoperationsofDombeyandSonwereconducted，begantothinkthisanimprovementonhissolitarylife；andinplaceofexcusinghimselfforanotherday，ashehadthoughtofdoingwhenalone，walkedoutwiththeMajorarm-in-arm。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXINewFacesTHEMajor，moreblue-facedandstaring——moreover-ripe，asitwere，thanever——andgivingvent，everynowandthen，tooneofthehorse'scoughs，notsomuchofnecessityasinaspontaneousexplosionofimportance，walkedarm-in-armwithMr。Dombeyupthesunnysideoftheway，withhischeeksswellingoverhistightstock，hislegsmajesticallywideapart，andhisgreatheadwaggingfromsidetoside，asifhewereremonstratingwithinhimselfforbeingsuchacaptivatingobject。Theyhadnotwalkedmanyyards，beforetheMajorencounteredsomebodyelseheknew，normanyyardsfartherbeforetheMajorencounteredsomebodyelseheknew，buthemerelyshookhisfingersatthemashepassed，andledMr。Dombeyon：pointingoutthelocalitiesastheywent，andenliveningthewalkwithanycurrentscandalsuggestedbythem。
　　InthismannertheMajorandMr。Dombeywerewalkingarm-in-arm，muchtotheirownsatisfaction，whentheybeheldadvancingtowardsthem，awheeledchair，inwhichaladywasseated，indolentlysteeringhercarriagebyakindofrudderinfront，whileitwaspropelledbysomeunseenpowerintherear。Althoughtheladywasnotyoung，shewasverybloomingintheface——quiterosy——andherdressandattitudewereperfectlyjuvenile。
　　Walkingbythesideofthechair，andcarryinghergossamerparasolwithaproudandwearyair，asifsogreataneffortmustbesoonabandonedandtheparasoldropped，saunteredamuchyoungerlady，veryhandsome，veryhaughty，verywilful，whotossedherheadanddroopedhereyelids，asthough，iftherewereanythinginalltheworldworthlookinginto，saveamirror，itcertainlywasnottheearthorsky。
　　`Why，whatthedevilhavewehere，Sir！'criedtheMajor，stoppingasthislittlecavalcadedrewnear。
　　`MydearestEdith！'drawledtheladyinthechair，`MajorBagstock！'
　　TheMajornosoonerheardthevoice，thanherelinquishedMr。Dombey'sarm，dartedforward，tookthehandoftheladyinthechairandpressedittohislips。Withnolessgallantry，theMajorfoldedbothhisglovesuponhisheart，andbowedlowtotheotherlady。Andnow，thechairhavingstopped，themotivepowerbecamevisibleintheshapeofaflushedpagepushingbehind，whoseemedtohaveinpartoutgrownandinpartout-pushedhisstrength，forwhenhestooduprighthewastall，andwan，andthin，andhisplightappearedthemoreforlornfromhishavinginjuredtheshapeofhishat，bybuttingatthecarriagewithhisheadtourgeitforward，asissometimesdonebyelephantsinOrientalcountries。
　　`JoeBagstock，'saidtheMajortobothladies，`isaproudandhappymanfortherestofhislife。'
　　`Youfalsecreature！'saidtheoldladyinthechair，insipidly。
　　`Wheredoyoucomefrom？Ican'tbearyou。'
　　`ThensufferoldJoetopresentafriend，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor，promptly，`asareasonforbeingtolerated。Mr。Dombey，Mrs。Skewton。'
　　Theladyinthechairwasgracious。`Mr。Dombey，Mrs。Granger。'TheladywiththeparasolwasfaintlyconsciousofMr。Dombey'stakingoffhishat，andbowinglow。`Iamdelighted，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`tohavethisopportunity。'
　　TheMajorseemedinearnest，forhelookedatallthethree，andleeredinhisugliestmanner。
　　`Mrs。Skewton，Dombey，'saidtheMajor，`makeshavocintheheartofoldJosh。'
　　Mr。Dombeysignifiedthathedidn'twonderatit。
　　`Youperfidiousgoblin，'saidtheladyinthechair，`havedone！
　　Howlonghaveyoubeenhere，badman？'
　　`Oneday，'repliedtheMajor。
　　`Andcanyoubeaday，orevenaminute，'returnedthelady，slightlysettlingherfalsecurlsandfalseeyebrowswithherfan，andshowingherfalseteeth，setoffbyherfalsecomplexion，`inthegardenofwhat's-its-name——'
　　`Eden，IsupposeMama，'interruptedtheyoungerlady，scornfully。
　　`MydearEdith，'saidtheother，`Icannothelpit。Inevercanrememberthosefrightfulnames——withouthavingyourwholeSoulandBeinginspiredbythesightofNature；bytheperfume，'saidMrs。Skewton，rustlingahandkerchiefthatwasfaintandsicklywithessences，`ofherartlessbreath，youcreature！'
　　ThediscrepancybetweenMrs。Skewton'sfreshenthusiasmofwords，andforlornlyfadedmanner，washardlylessobservablethanthatbetweenherage，whichwasaboutseventy，andherdress，whichwouldhavebeenyouthfulfortwenty-seven。Herattitudeinthewheeledchairwhichshenevervariedwasoneinwhichshehadbeentakeninabarouche，somefiftyyearsbefore，byathenfashionableartistwhohadappendedtohispublishedsketchthenameofCleopatra：inconsequenceofadiscoverymadebythecriticsofthetime，thatitboreanexactresemblancetothatPrincessasshereclinedonboardhergalley。Mrs。Skewtonwasabeautythen，andbucksthrewwine-glassesovertheirheadsbydozensinherhonor。Thebeautyandthebarouchehadbothpassedaway，butshestillpreservedtheattitude，andforthisreasonexpressly，maintainedthewheeledchairandthebuttingpage：therebeingnothingwhatever，excepttheattitude，topreventherfromwalking。
　　`Mr。DombeyisdevotedtoNature，Itrust？'saidMrs。Skewton，settlingherdiamondbrooch。Andbytheway，shechieflyliveduponthereputationofsomediamonds，andherfamilyconnexions。
　　`MyfriendDombey，Ma'am，'returnedtheMajor，`maybedevotedtoherinsecret，butamanwhoisparamountinthegreatestcityintheuniverse——'
　　`Noonecanbeastranger，'saidMrs。Skewton，`toMr。Dombey'simmenseinfluence。'
　　AsMr。Dombeyacknowledgedthecomplimentwithabendofhishead，theyoungerladyglancingathim，methiseyes。
　　`Youresidehere，Madam？'saidMr。Dombey，addressingher。
　　`No，wehavebeentoagreatmanyplaces。ToIrrigateandScarborough，andintoDevonshire。Wehavebeenvisiting，andrestinghereandthere。
　　Mamalikeschange。'
　　`Edithofcoursedoesnot，'saidMrs。Skewton，withaghastlyarchness。
　　`Ihavenotfoundthatthereisanychangeinsuchplaces，'wastheanswer，deliveredwithsupremeindifference。
　　`Theylibelme。Thereisonlyonechange，Mr。Dombey，'observedMrs。Skewton，withamincingsigh，`forwhichIreallycare，andthatI
　　fearIshallneverbepermittedtoenjoy。Peoplecannotspareone。Butseclusionandcontemplationaremywhat-his-name——'
　　`IfyoumeanParadise，Mama，youhadbettersayso，torenderyourselfintelligible，'saidtheyoungerlady。
　　`MydearestEdith，'returnedMrs。Skewton，`youknowthatIamwhollydependentuponyouforthoseodiousnames。Iassureyou，Mr。Dombey，NatureintendedmeforanArcadian。Iamthrownawayinsociety。Cowsaremypassion。WhatIhaveeversighedfor，hasbeentoretreattoaSwissfarm，andliveentirelysurroundedbycows——andchina。'
　　Thiscuriousassociationofobjects，suggestingaremembranceofthecelebratedbullwhogotbymistakeintoacrockeryshop，wasreceivedwithperfectgravitybyMr。Dombey，whointimatedhisopinionthatNaturewas，nodoubt，averyrespectableinstitution。
　　`WhatIwant，'drawledMrs。Skewton，pinchinghershrivelledthroat，`isheart。'Itwasfrightfullytrueinonesense，ifnotinthatinwhichsheusedthephrase。`WhatIwant，isfrankness，confidence，lessconventionality，andfreerplayofsoul。Wearesodreadfullyartificial。'
　　Wewere，indeed。
　　`Inshort，'saidMrs。Skewton，`IwantNatureeverywhere。Itwouldbesoextremelycharming。'
　　`Natureisinvitingusawaynow，Mama，ifyouareready，'saidtheyoungerlady，curlingherhandsomelip。Atthishint，thewanpage，whohadbeensurveyingthepartyoverthetopofthechair，vanishedbehindit，asifthegroundhadswallowedhimup。
　　`Stopamoment，Withers！'saidMrs。Skewton，asthechairbegantomove；callingtothepagewithallthelanguiddignitywithwhichshehadcalledindaysofyoretoacoachmanwithawig，cauliflowernosegay，andsilkstockings。`Whereareyoustaying，abomination？'
　　TheMajorwasstayingattheRoyalHotel，withhisfriendDombey。
　　`Youmaycomeandseeusanyeveningwhenyouaregood，'lispedMrs。Skewton。`IfMr。Dombeywillhonourus，weshallbehappy。Withers，goon！'
　　TheMajoragainpressedtohisbluelipsthetipsofthefingersthatweredisposedontheledgeofthewheeledchairwithcarefulcarelessness，aftertheCleopatramodel：andMr。Dombeybowed。Theelderladyhonouredthembothwithaverygracioussmileandagirlishwaveofherhand；theyoungerladywiththeveryslightestinclinationofherheadthatcommoncourtesyallowed。
　　Thelastglimpseofthewrinkledfaceofthemother，withthatpatchedcolouronitwhichthesunmadeinfinitelymorehaggardanddismalthananywantofcolourcouldhavebeen，andoftheproudbeautyofthedaughterwithhergracefulfigureanderectdeportment，engenderedsuchaninvoluntarydispositiononthepartofboththeMajorandMr。Dombeytolookafterthem，thattheybothturnedatthesamemoment。ThePage，nearlyasmuchaslantashisownshadow，wastoilingafterthechair，uphill，likeaslowbattering-ram；thetopofCleopatra'sbonnetwasflutteringinexactlythesamecornertotheinchasbefore；andtheBeauty，loiteringbyherselfalittleinadvance，expressedinallherelegantform，fromheadtofoot，thesamesupremedisregardofeverythingandeverybody。
　　`Itellyouwhat，Sir，'saidtheMajor，astheyresumedtheirwalkagain。`IfJoeBagstockwereayoungerman，there'snotawomanintheworldwhomhe'dpreferforMrs。Bagstocktothatwoman。ByGeorge，Sir！'saidtheMajor，`she'ssuperb！'
　　`Doyoumeanthedaughter？'inquiredMr。Dombey。
　　`IsJoeyB。aturnip，Dombey，'saidtheMajor，`thatheshouldmeanthemother？'
　　`Youwerecomplimentarytothemother，'returnedMr。Dombey。
　　`Anancientflame，Sir，'chuckledMajorBagstock。`De-vilishancient。
　　Ihumourher。'
　　`Sheimpressesmeasbeingperfectlygenteel，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Genteel，Sir，saidtheMajor，stoppingshort，andstaringinhiscompanion'sface。`TheHonourableMrs。Skewton，Sir，issistertothelateLordFeenix，andaunttothepresentLord。Thefamilyarenotwealthy——they'repoor，indeed——andshelivesuponasmalljointure；butifyoucometoblood，Sir！'TheMajorgaveaflourishwithhisstickandwalkedonagain，indespairofbeingabletosaywhatyoucameto，ifyoucametothat。
　　`Youaddressedthedaughter，Iobserved，'saidMr。Dombey，afterashortpause，`asMrs。Granger。'
　　`EdithSkewton，Sir，'returnedtheMajor，stoppingshortagain，andpunchingamarkinthegroundwithhiscane，torepresenther，`marriedateighteenGrangerofOurs；'whomtheMajorindicatedbyanotherpunch。
　　`Granger，Sir，'saidtheMajor，tappingthelastidealportrait，androllinghisheademphatically，`wasColonelofOurs；ade-vilishhandsomefellow，Sir，offorty-one。Hedied，Sir，inthesecondyearofhismarriage。'TheMajorrantherepresentativeofthedeceasedGrangerthroughandthroughthebodywithhiswalking-stick，andwentonagain，carryinghisstickoverhisshoulder。
　　`Howlongisthisago？'askedMr。Dombey，makinganotherhalt。
　　`EdithGranger，Sir，'repliedtheMajor，shuttingoneeye，puttinghisheadononeside，passinghiscaneintohislefthand，andsmoothinghisshirt-frillwithhisright，`is，atthispresenttime，notquitethirty。
　　Anddamme，Sir，'saidtheMajor，shoulderinghisstickoncemore，andwalkingonagain，`she'sapeerlesswoman！'
　　`Wasthereanyfamily？'askedMr。Dombeypresently。
　　`Yes，Sir'saidtheMajor。`Therewasaboy。'
　　Mr。Dombey'seyessoughttheground，andashadecameoverhisface。
　　`Whowasdrowned，Sir，'pursuedtheMajor。`Whenachildoffourorfiveyearsold。'
　　`Indeed？'saidMr。Dombey，raisinghishead。
　　`Bytheupsettingofaboatinwhichhisnursehadnobusinesstohaveputhim，'saidtheMajor。`That'shishistory。EdithGrangerisEdithGrangerstill；butiftougholdJoeyB。，Sir，werealittleyoungerandalittlericher，thenameofthatimmortalparagonshouldbeBagstock。'
　　TheMajorheavedhisshoulders，andhischeeks，andlaughedmorelikeanover-fedMephistophelesthanever，ashesaidthewords。
　　`Providedtheladymadenoobjection，Isuppose？'saidMr。Dombeycoldly。
　　`ByGad，Sir，'saidtheMajor，`theBagstockbreedarenotaccustomedtothatsortofobstacle。Thoughit'strueenoughthatEdithmighthavemarriedtwin-tytimes，butforbeingproud，Sir，Proud。'
　　Mr。Dombeyseemed，byhisface，tothinknoworseofherforthat。
　　`It'sagreatqualityafterall，'saidtheMajor。`BytheLord，it'sahighquality！Dombey！Youareproudyourself，andyourfriend，OldJoe，respectsyouforit，Sir。'
　　Withthistributetothecharacterofhisally，whichseemedtobewrungfromhimbytheforceofcircumstancesandtheirresistibletendencyoftheirconversation，theMajorclosedthesubject，andglidedintoageneralexpositionoftheextenttowhichhehadbeenbelovedanddoatedonbysplendidwomenandbrilliantcreatures。
　　Onthenextdaybutone，Mr。DombeyandtheMajorencounteredtheHonourableMrs。SkewtonandherdaughterinthePump-room；onthedayafter，theymetthemagainveryneartheplacewheretheyhadmetthemfirst。Aftermeetingthemthus，threeorfourtimesinall，itbecameapointofmerecivilitytooldacquaintancesthattheMajorshouldgothereoneevening。Mr。Dombeyhadtooriginallyintendedtopayvisits，butontheMajorannouncingthisintention，hesaidhewouldhavethepleasureofaccompanyinghim。SotheMajortoldtheNativetogoroundbeforedinner，andsay，withhisandMr。Dombey'scompliments，thattheywouldhavethehonourofvisitingtheladiesthatsameevening，iftheladieswerealone。
　　Inanswertowhichmessage，theNativebroughtbackaverysmallnotewithaverylargequantityofscentaboutit，inditedbytheHonourableMrs。
　　SkewtontoMajorBagstock，andbrieflysaying，`Youareashockingbear，andIhaveagreatmindnottoforgiveyou，butifyouareverygoodindeed，'
　　whichwasunderlined，`youmaycome。ComplimentsinwhichEdithunites
　　toMr。Dombey。'
　　TheHonourableMrs。Skewtonandherdaughter，Mrs。Granger，resided，whileatLeamington，inlodgingsthatwerefashionableenoughanddearenough，butratherlimitedinpointofspaceandconveniences；sothattheHonourableMrs。Skewton，beinginbed，hadherfeetinthewindowandherheadinthefireplace，whiletheHonourableMrs。Skewton'smaidwasquarteredinaclosetwithinthedrawing-room，soextremelysmall，that，toavoiddevelopingthewholeofitsaccommodations，shewasobligedtowritheinandoutofthedoorlikeabeautifulserpent。Withers，thewanpage，sleptoutofthehouseimmediatelyunderthetilesataneighbouringmilk-shop；andthewheeledchair，whichwasthestoneofthatyoungSisyphus，passedthenightinashedbelongingtothesamedairy，wherenew-laideggswereproducedbythepoultryconnectedwiththeestablishment，whoroostedonabrokendonkey-cart，persuaded，toallappearance，thatitgrewthere，andwasaspeciesoftree。
　　Mr。DombeyandtheMajorfoundMrs。Skewtonarranged，asCleopatra，amongthecushionsofasofa：veryairilydressed；andcertainlynotresemblingShakspeare'sCleopatra，whomagecouldnotwither。Ontheirwayupstairstheyhadheardthesoundofaharp，butithadceasedontheirbeingannounced，andEdithnowstoodbesideithandsomerandhaughtierthanever。Itwasaremarkablecharacteristicofthislady'sbeautythatitappearedtovauntandassertitselfwithoutheraid，andagainstherwill。Sheknewthatshewasbeautiful：itwasimpossiblethatitcouldbeotherwise：butsheseemedwithherownpridetodefyherveryself。
　　Whethersheheldcheap，attractionsthatcouldonlycallforthadmirationthatwasworthlesstoher，orwhethershedesignedtorenderthemmoreprecioustoadmirersbythisusageofthem，thosetowhomtheywerepreciousseldompausedtoconsider。
　　`Ihope，Mrs。Granger，'saidMr。Dombey，advancingasteptowardsher，`wearenotthecauseofyourceasingtoplay？'
　　`You？ohno！'
　　`Whydoyounotgoonthen，mydearestEdith？'saidCleopatra。
　　`IleftoffasIbegan——ofmyownfancy。'
　　Theexquisiteindifferenceofhermannerinsayingthis：anindifferencequiteremovedfromdulnessorinsensibility，foritwaspointedwithproudpurpose：waswellsetoffbythecarelessnesswithwhichshedrewherhandacrossthestrings，andcamefromthatpartoftheroom。
　　`Doyouknow，Mr。Dombey，'saidherlanguishingmother，playingwithahand-screen，`thatoccasionallymydearestEdithandmyselfactuallyalmostdiffer——'
　　`Notquite，sometimes，Mama？'saidEdith。
　　`Ohneverquite，mydarling！Fie，fie，itwouldbreakmyheart，'
　　returnedhermother，makingafaintattempttopatherwiththescreen，whichEdithmadenomovementtomeet，`——aboutthesecoldconventionalitiesofmannerthatareobservedinlittlethings？Whyarewenotmorenatural？
　　Dearme！Withallthoseyearnings，andgushings，andimpulsivethrobbingsthatwehaveimplantedinoursouls，andwhicharesoverycharming，whyarewenotmorenatural？'
　　Mr。Dombeysaiditwasverytrue，verytrue。
　　`WecouldbemorenaturalIsupposeifwetried？'saidMrs。Skewton。
　　Mr。Dombeythoughtitpossible。
　　`Devilabit，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor。`Wecouldn'taffordit。
　　UnlesstheworldwaspeopledwithJ。B。's——toughandbluntoldJoes，Ma'am，plainredherringswithhardroes，Sir——wecouldn'taffordit。Itwouldn'tdo。'
　　`YounaughtyInfidel，'saidMrs。Skewton，`bemute。'
　　`Cleopatracommands，'returnedtheMajor，kissinghishand，`andAntonyBagstockobeys。'
　　`Themanhasnosensitiveness，'saidMrs。Skewton，cruellyholdingupthehand-screensoastoshuttheMajorout。`Nosympathy。Andwhatdoweliveforbutsympathy！Whatelseissoextremelycharming！
　　Withoutthatgleamofsunshineonourcoldcoldearth，'saidMrs。Skewton，arrangingherlacetucker，andcomplacentlyobservingtheeffectofherbareleanarm，lookingupwardfromthewrist，`howcouldwepossiblybearit？Inshort，obdurateman！'glancingattheMajor，roundthescreen，`I
　　wouldhavemyworldallheart；andFaithissoexcessivelycharming，thatIwon'tallowyoutodisturbit，doyouhear？'
　　TheMajorrepliedthatitwashardinCleopatratorequiretheworldtobeallheart，andyettoappropriatetoherselftheheartsofalltheworld；whichobligedCleopatratoremindhimthatflatterywasinsupportabletoher，andthatifhehadtheboldnesstoaddressherinthatstrainanymore，shewouldpositivelysendhimhome。
　　WitherstheWan，atthisperiod，handingroundthetea，Mr。DombeyagainaddressedhimselftoEdith。
　　`Thereisnotmuchcompanyhere，itwouldseem？'saidMr。Dombey，inhisownportentousgentlemanlyway。
　　`Ibelievenot。Weseenone。'
　　`Whyreally，'observedMrs。Skewtonfromhercouch，`therearenopeopleherejustnowwithwhomwecaretoassociate。'
　　`Theyhavenotenoughheart，'saidEdith，withasmile。Theverytwilightofasmile：sosingularlywereitslightanddarknessblended。
　　`MydearestEdithralliesme，yousee！'saidhermother，shakingherhead：whichshookalittleofitselfsometimes，asifthepalsytwinklednowandtheninoppositiontothediamonds。`Wickedone！'
　　`Youhavebeenherebefore，ifIamnotmistaken？'saidMr。Dombey。
　　StilltoEdith。
　　`Oh，severaltimes。Ithinkwehavebeeneverywhere。'
　　`Abeautifulcountry！'
　　`Isupposeitis。Everybodysaysso。'
　　`YourcousinFeenixravesaboutit，Edith，'interposedhermotherfromhercouch。
　　Thedaughterslightlyturnedhergracefulhead，andraisinghereyebrowsbyahair's-breadth，asifhercousinFeenixwereofallthemortalworldtheleasttoberegarded，turnedhereyesagaintowardsMr。Dombey。
　　`Ihope，forthecreditofmygoodtaste，thatIamtiredoftheneighbourhood，'shesaid。
　　`Youhavealmostreasontobe，Madam，'hereplied，glancingatavarietyoflandscapedrawings，ofwhichhehadalreadyrecognisedseveralasrepresentingneighbouringpointsofview，andwhichwerestrewnabundantlyabouttheroom，`ifthesebeautifulproductionsarefromyourhand。'
　　Shegavehimnoreply，butsatinadisdainfulbeauty，quiteamazing。
　　`Havetheythatinterest？'saidMr。Dombey。`Aretheyyours？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Andyouplay，Ialreadyknow。'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Andsing？'
　　`Yes。'
　　Sheansweredallthesequestionswithastrangereluctance；andwiththatremarkableairofoppositiontoherself，alreadynoticedasbelongingtoherbeauty。Yetshewasnotembarrassed，butwhollyself-possessed。
　　Neitherdidsheseemtowishtoavoidtheconversation，forsheaddressedherface，and——sofarasshecould——hermanneralso，tohim；andcontinuedtodoso，whenhewassilent。
　　`Youhavemanyresourcesagainstwearinessatleast，'saidMr。
　　Dombey。
　　`Whatevertheirefficiencymaybe，'shereturned，`youknowthemallnow。Ihavenomore。'
　　`MayIhopetoprovethemall？'saidMr。Dombey，withsolemngallantry，layingdownadrawinghehadheld，andmotioningtowardstheharp。
　　`Ohcertainly！Ifyoudesireit！'
　　Sheroseasshespoke，andcrossingbyhermother'scouch，anddirectingastatelylooktowardsher，whichwasinstantaneousinitsduration，butinclusiveifanyonehadseenitofamultitudeofexpressions，amongwhichthatofthetwilightsmile，withoutthesmileitself，overshadowedalltherest，wentoutoftheroom。
　　Themajor，whowasquiteforgivenbythistime，hadwheeledalittletableuptoCleopatra，andwassittingdowntoplaypicquetwithher。Mr。Dombey，notknowingthegame，satdowntowatchthemforhisedificationuntilEdithshouldreturn。
　　`Wearegoingtohavesomemusic，Mr。Dombey，Ihope？'saidCleopatra。
　　`Mrs。Grangerhasbeenkindenoughtopromiseso，'saidMr。Dombey。
　　`Ah！That'sverynice。Doyoupropose，Major？'
　　`No，Ma'am，'saidtheMajor。`Couldn'tdoit。'
　　`You'reabarbarousbeing，'repliedthelady，`andmyhand'sdestroyed。
　　Youarefondofmusic，Mr。Dombey？'
　　`Eminentlyso，'wasMr。Dombey'sanswer。
　　`Yes。It'sverynice，'saidCleopatra，lookingathercards。`Somuchheartinit——undevelopedrecollectionsofapreviousstateofexistence——andallthat——whichissotrulycharming。Doyouknow，'simperedCleopatra，reversingtheknaveofclubs，whohadcomeintohergamewithhisheelsuppermost，`thatifanythingcouldtemptmetoputaperiodtomylife，itwouldbecuriositytofindoutwhatit'sallabout，andwhatitmeans；
　　therearesomanyprovokingmysteries，really，thatarehiddenfromus。
　　Major，youtoplay。'
　　TheMajorplayed；andMr。Dombey，lookingonforhisinstruction，wouldsoonhavebeeninastateofdireconfusion，butthathegavenoattentiontothegamewhatever，andsatwonderinginsteadwhenEdithwouldcomeback。
　　Shecameatlast，andsatdowntoherharp，andMr。Dombeyroseandstoodbesideher，listening。Hehadlittletasteformusic，andnoknowledgeofthestrainsheplayed，buthesawherbendingoverit，andperhapsheheardamongthesoundingstringssomedistantmusicofhisown，thattamedthemonsteroftheironroad，andmadeitlessinexorable。
　　Cleopatrahadasharpeye，verily，atpicquet。Itglistenedlikeabird's，anddidnotfixitselfuponthegame，butpiercedtheroomfromendtoend，andgleamedonharp，performer，listener，everything。
　　Whenthehaughtybeautyhadconcluded，shearose，andreceivingMr。Dombey'sthanksandcomplimentsinexactlythesamemannerasbefore，wentwithscarcelyanypausetothepiano，andbeganthere。
　　EdithGranger，anysongbutthat！EdithGranger，youareveryhandsome，andyourtouchuponthekeysisbrilliant，andyourvoiceisdeepandrich；butnottheairthathisneglecteddaughtersangtohisdeadson！
　　Alas，heknowsitnot；andifhedid，whatairofherswouldstirhim，rigidman！SleeplonelyFlorence，sleep！Peaceinthydreams，althoughthenighthasturneddark，andthecloudsaregathering，andthreatentodischargethemselvesinhail！
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIATrifleofManagementbyMr。CarkertheManagerMR。CARKERtheManagersatathisdesk，smoothandsoftasusual，readingthoseletterswhichwerereservedforhimtoopen，backingthemoccasionallywithsuchmemorandaandreferencesastheirbusinesspurportrequired，andparcellingthemoutintolittleheapsfordistributionthroughtheseveraldepartmentsoftheHouse。Theposthadcomeinheavythatmorning，andMr。CarkertheManagerhadagooddealtodo。
　　Thegeneralactionofamansoengaged——pausingtolookoverabundleofpapersinhishand，dealingthemroundinvariousportions，takingupanotherbundleandexaminingitscontentswithknittedbrowsandpursed-outlips——dealing，andsorting，andponderingbyturns——wouldeasilysuggestsomewhimsicalresemblancetoaplayeratcards。ThefaceofMr。CarkertheManagerwasingoodkeepingwithsuchafancy。Itwasthefaceofamanwhostudiedhisplay，warily：whomadehimselfmasterofallthestrongandweakpointsofthegame：whoregisteredthecardsinhismindastheyfellabouthim，knewexactlywhatwasonthem，whattheymissed，andwhattheymade：whowascraftytofindoutwhattheotherplayersheld，andwhoneverbetrayedhisownhand。
　　Theletterswereinvariouslanguages，butMr。CarkertheManagerreadthemall。IftherehadbeenanythingintheofficesofDombeyandSonthathecouldnotread，therewouldhavebeenacardwantinginthepack。Hereadalmostataglance，andmadecombinationsofoneletterwithanotherandonebusinesswithanotherashewenton，addingnewmattertotheheaps——muchasamanwouldknowthecardsatsight，andworkouttheircombinationsinhismindaftertheywereturned。Somethingtoodeepforapartner，andmuchtoodeepforanadversary，Mr。CarkertheManagersatintheraysofthesunthatcamedownslantingonhimthroughtheskylight，playinghisgamealone。
　　Andalthoughitisnotamongtheinstinctswildordomesticofthecattribetoplayatcards，felinefromsoletocrownwasMr。CarkertheManager，ashebaskedinthestripofsummer-lightandwarmththatshoneuponhistableandthegroundasiftheywereacrookeddial-plate，andhimselftheonlyfigureonit。Withhairandwhiskersdeficientincolouratalltimes，butfeeblerthancommonintherichsunshine，andmorelikethecoatofasandytortoise-shellcat；withlongnails，nicelyparedandsharpened；withanaturalantipathytoanyspeckofdirt，whichmadehimpausesometimesandwatchthefallingmotesofdust，andrubthemoffhissmoothwhitehandorglossylinen：Mr。CarkertheManager，slyofmanner，sharpoftooth，softoffoot，watchfulofeye，oilyoftongue，cruelofheart，niceofhabit，satwithadaintysteadfastnessandpatienceathiswork，asifhewerewaitingatamouse'shole。
　　Atlengththeletterweredisposedof，exceptingonewhichhereservedforaparticularaudience。Havinglockedthemoreconfidentialcorrespondenceinadrawer，Mr。CarkertheManagerranghisbell。
　　`Whydoyouanswerit？'washisreceptionofhisbrother。
　　`Themessengerisout，andIamthenext，'wasthesubmissivereply。
　　`Youarethenext？'mutteredtheManager。`Yes！Creditabletome！There！'
　　Pointingtotheheapsofopenedletters，heturneddisdainfullyaway，inhiselbow-chair，andbrokethesealofthatonewhichheheldinhishand。
　　`Iamsorrytotroubleyou，James，'saidthebrother，gatheringthemup，`but'
　　`Oh！youhavesomethingtosay。Iknewthat。Well？'
　　Mr。CarkertheManagerdidnotraisehiseyesorturnthemonhisbrother，butkeptthemonhisletter，thoughwithoutopeningit。
　　`Well？'herepeatedsharply。
　　`IamuneasyaboutHarriet。'
　　`Harrietwho？whatHarriet？Iknownobodyofthatname。'
　　`Sheisnotwell，andhaschangedverymuchoflate。'
　　`Shechangedverymuch，agreatmanyyearsago，'repliedtheManager；
　　`andthatisallIhavetosay。'
　　`Ithinkifyouwouldhearme——'
　　`WhyshouldIhearyou，BrotherJohn？'returnedtheManager，layingasarcasticemphasisonthosetwowords，andthrowinguphishead，butnotliftinghiseyes。`Itellyou，HarrietCarkermadeherchoicemanyyearsagobetweenhertwobrothers。Shemayrepentit，butshemustabidebyit。'
　　`Don'tmistakeme。Idonotsayshedoesrepentit。Itwouldbeblackingratitudeinmetohintatsuchathing，'returnedtheother。`Thoughbelieveme，James，Iamassorryforhersacrificeasyou。'
　　`AsI？'exclaimedtheManager。`AsI？'
　　`Assorryforherchoice——forwhatyoucallherchoice——asyouareangryatit，'saidtheJunior。
　　`Angry？'repeatedtheother，withawideshowofhisteeth。
　　`Displeased。Whateverwordyoulikebest。Youknowmymeaning。
　　Thereisnooffenceinmyintention。'
　　`Thereisoffenceineverythingyoudo，'repliedhisbrother，glancingathimwithasuddenscowl，whichinamomentgaveplacetoawidersmilethanthelast。`Carrythosepapersaway，ifyouplease。Iambusy。'
　　Hispolitenesswassomuchmorecuttingthanhiswrath，thattheJuniorwenttothedoor。Butstoppingatit，andlookinground，hesaid：
　　`WhenHarriettriedinvaintopleadformewithyou，onyourfirstjustindignation，andmyfirstdisgrace；andwhensheleftyou，James，tofollowmybrokenfortunes，anddevoteherself，inhermistakenaffection，toaruinedbrother，becausewithoutherhehadnoone，andwaslost；shewasyoungandpretty。Ithinkifyoucouldseehernow——ifyouwouldgoandseeher——shewouldmoveyouradmirationandcompassion。'
　　TheManagerinclinedhishead，andshowedhisteeth，aswhoshouldsay，inanswertosomecarelesssmall-talk，`Dearme！Isthatthecase？'
　　butsaidneveraword。
　　`Wethoughtinthosedays：youandIboth：thatshewouldmarryyoung，andleadahappyandlight-heartedlife，'pursuedtheother。`Ohifyouknewhowcheerfullyshecastthosehopesaway；howcheerfullyshehasgoneforwardonthepathshetook，andneveroncelookedback；younevercouldsayagainthathernamewasstrangeinyourears。Never！'
　　AgaintheManagerinclinedhishead，andshowedhisteeth，andseemedtosay，`Remarkableindeed！Youquitesurpriseme！'Andagainheutteredneveraword。
　　`MayIgoon？'saidJohnCarker，mildly。
　　`Onyourway？'repliedhissmilingbrother。`Ifyouwillhavethegoodness。'
　　JohnCarker，withasigh，waspassingslowlyoutatthedoor，whenhisbrother'svoicedetainedhimforamomentonthethreshold。
　　`Ifshehasgone，andgoes，herownwaycheerfully，'hesaid，throwingthestillunfoldedletteronhisdesk，andputtinghishandsfirmlyinhispockets，`youmaytellherthatIgoascheerfullyonmine。Ifshehasneveroncelookedback，youmaytellherthatIhave，sometimes，torecallhertakingpartwithyou，andthatmyresolutionisnoeasiertowearaway；'hesmiledverysweetlyhere；`thanmarble。'
　　`Itellhernothingofyou。Weneverspeakaboutyou。Onceayear，onyourbirthday，Harrietsaysalways，“LetusrememberJamesbyname，andwishhimhappy，“butwesaynomore。'
　　`Tellitthen，ifyouplease，'returnedtheother，`toyourself。
　　Youcan'trepeatittoooften，asalessontoyoutoavoidthesubjectinspeakingtome。IknownoHarrietCarker。Thereisnosuchperson。Youmayhaveasister；makemuchofher。Ihavenone。'
　　Mr。CarkertheManagertookuptheletteragain，andwaveditwithasmileofmockcourtesytowardsthedoor。Unfoldingitashisbrotherwithdrew，andlookingdarklyafterhimashelefttheroom，heoncemoreturnedroundinhiselbow-chair，andappliedhimselftoadiligentperusalofitscontents。
　　Itwasinthewritingofhisgreatchief，Mr。Dombey，anddatedfromLeamington。Thoughhewasaquickreaderofallotherletters，Mr。
　　Carkerreadthisslowly；weighingthewordsashewent，andbringingeverytoothinhisheadtobearuponthem。Whenhehadreaditthroughonce，heturneditoveragain，andpickedoutthesepassages。`Ifindmyselfbenefitedbythechange，andamnotyetinclinedtonameanytimeformyreturn。'`Iwish，Carker，youwouldarrangetocomedownonceandseemehere，andletmeknowhowthingsaregoingon，inperson。'`IomittedtospeaktoyouaboutyoungGay。IfnotgoneperSonandHeir，orifSonandHeirstilllyingintheDocks，appointsomeotheryoungmanandkeephimintheCityforthepresent。Iamnotdecided。'`Nowthat'sunfortunate！'
　　saidMr。CarkertheManager，expandinghismouth，asifitweremadeofIndia-rubber：`forheisfaraway。'
　　Stillthatpassage，whichwasinapostscript，attractedhisattentionandhisteeth，oncemore。
　　`Ithink，'hesaid，`mygoodfriendCaptainCuttlementionedsomethingaboutbeingtowedalonginthewakeofthatday。Whatapityhe'ssofaraway！'
　　Herefoldedtheletter，andwassittingtriflingwithit，standingitlong-wiseandbroad-wiseonhistable，andturningitoverandoveronallsides——doingprettymuchthesamething，perhaps，byitscontents——whenMr。Perchthemessengerknockedsoftlyatthedoor，andcominginontiptoe，bendinghisbodyateverystepasifitwerethedelightofhislifetobow，laidsomepapersonthetable。
　　`Wouldyoupleasetobeengaged，Sir？'askedMr。Perch，rubbinghishands，anddeferentiallyputtinghisheadononeside，likeamanwhofelthehadnobusinesstoholditupinsuchapresence，andwouldkeepitasmuchoutofthewayaspossible。
　　`Whowantsme？'
　　`Why，Sir，'saidMr。Perch，inasoftvoice，`reallynobody，Sir，tospeakofatpresent。Mr。GillstheShip'sInstrument-maker，Sir，haslookedin，aboutalittlematterofpayment，hesays：butImentionedtohim，Sir，thatyouwasengagedseveraldeep；severaldeep。'
　　Mr。Perchcoughedoncebehindhishand，andwaitedforfurtherorders。
　　`Anybodyelse？'
　　`Well，Sir，'saidMr。Perch，`Iwouldn'tofmyownselftakethelibertyofmentioning，Sir，thattherewasanybodyelse；butthatsameyoungladthatwashereyesterday，Sir，andlastweek，hasbeenhangingabouttheplace；anditlooks，Sir，'addedMr。Perch，stoppingtoshutthedoor，`dreadfulunbusiness-liketoseehimwhistlingtothesparrowsdownthecourt，andmakingof'emanswerhim。'
　　`Yousaidhewantedsomethingtodo，didn'tyou，Perch？'askedMr。Carker，leaningbackinhischairandlookingatthatofficer。
　　`Why，Sir，'saidMr。Perch，coughingbehindhishandagain，`hisexpressioncertainlywerethathewasinwantsofasitiwation，andthatheconsideredsomethingmightbedoneforhimabouttheDocks，beingusedtofishingwitharodandline：but——'Mr。Perchshockhisheadverydubiouslyindeed。
　　`Whatdoeshesaywhenhecomes？'askedMr。Carker。
　　`Indeed，Sir，'saidMr。Perch，coughinganothercoughbehindhishand，whichwasalwayshisresourceasanexpressionofhumilitywhennothingelseoccurredtohim，`hisobservationgenerallyairthathewouldhumblywishtoseeoneofthegentlemen，andthathewantstoearnaliving。Butyousee，Sir，'addedPerch，droppinghisvoicetoawhisper，andturning，intheinviolablenatureofhisconfidence，togivethedoorathrustwithhishandandknee，asifthatwouldshutitanymorewhenitwasshutalready，`it'shardlytobebore，Sir，thatacommonladlikethatshouldcomeaprowlinghere，andsayingthathismothernursedourHouse'syounggentleman，andthathehopesourHousewillgivehimachanceonthataccount。Iamsure，Sir，'observedMr。Perch，`thatalthoughMrs。Perchwasatthattimenursingasthrivingalittlegirl，Sir，aswe'veevertookthelibertyofaddingtoourfamily，Iwouldn'thavemadesofreeasdropahintofherbeingcapableofimpartingnourishment，notifitwasneverso！'
　　Mr。Carkergrinnedathimlikeashark，butinanabsent，thoughtfulmanner。
　　`Whether，'submittedMr。Perch，afterashortsilence，andanothercough，`itmightn'tbebestformetotellhim，thatifhewasseenhereanymorehewouldbegivenintocustody；andtokeeptoit！Withrespecttobodilyfear，'saidMr。Perch，`I'msotimid，myself，bynature，Sir，andmynervesissounstrungbyMrs。Perch'sstate，thatIcouldtakemyaffidaviteasy。'
　　`Letmeseethisfellow，Perch，'saidMr。Carker。`Bringhimin！'
　　`Yes，Sir。Beggingyourpardon，Sir，'saidMr。Perch，hesitatingatthedoor，`he'srough，Sir，inappearance。'
　　`Nevermind。Ifhe'sthere，bringhimin。I'llseeMr。Gillsdirectly。
　　Askhimtowait。'
　　Mr。Perchbowed；andshuttingthedoor，aspreciselyandcarefullyasifhewerenotcomingbackforaweek，wentonhisquestamongthesparrowsinthecourt。Whilehewasgone，Mr。Carkerassumedhisfavouriteattitudebeforethefire-place，andstoodlookingatthedoor；presenting，withhisunderliptuckedintothesmilethatshowedhiswholerowofupperteeth，asingularlycrouchingappearance。
　　Themessengerwasnotlonginreturning，followedbyapairofheavybootsthatcamebumpingalongthepassagelikeboxes。Withtheunceremoniouswords`Comealongwithyou！'——averyunusualformofintroductionfromhislips——Mr。Perchthenusheredintothepresenceastrong-builtladoffifteen，witharoundredface，aroundsleekhead，roundblackeyes，roundlimbs，androundbody，who，tocarryoutthegeneralrotundityofhisappearance，hadaroundhatinhishand，withoutaparticleofbrimtoit。
　　ObedienttoanodfromMr。Carker，Perchhadnosoonerconfrontedthevisitorwiththatgentlemanthanhewithdrew。Themomenttheywerefacetofacealone，Mr。Carker，withoutawordofpreparation，tookhimbythethroat，andshookhimuntilhisheadseemedlooseuponhisshoulders。
　　Theboy，whointhemidstofhisastonishmentcouldnothelpstaringwildlyatthegentlemanwithsomanywhiteteethwhowaschokinghim，andattheofficewalls，asthoughdetermined，ifhewerechoked，thathislastlookshouldbeatthemysteriesforhisintrusionintowhichhewaspayingsuchaseverepenalty，atlastcontrivedtoutter——
　　`Come，Sir！Youletmealone，willyou！'
　　`Letyoualone！'saidMr。Carker。`What！Ihavegotyou，haveI？'Therewasnodoubtofthat，andtightlytoo。`Youdog，'saidMr。Carker，throughhissetjaws，`I'llstrangleyou！'
　　Bilerwhimpered，wouldhethough？ohnohewouldn't——andwhatwashedoingof——andwhydidn'thestranglesomebodyofhisownsizeandnothim：butBilerwasquelledbytheextraordinarynatureofhisreception，and，ashisheadbecamestationary，andhelookedthegentlemanintheface，orratherintheteeth，andsawhimsnarlingathim，hesofarforgothismanhoodastocry。
　　`Ihaven'tdonenothingtoyou，Sir，'saidBiler，otherwiseRob，otherwiseGrinder，andalwaysToodle。
　　`Youyoungscoundrel！'repliedMr。Carker，slowlyreleasinghim，andmovingbackastepintohisfavouriteposition。`Whatdoyoumeanbydaringtocomehere？'
　　`Ididn'tmeannoharm，Sir，'whimperedRob，puttingonehandtohisthroat，andtheknucklesoftheothertohiseyes。`I'llnevercomeagain，Sir。Ionlywantedwork。'
　　`Work，youngCainthatyouare！'repeatedMr。Carker，eyeinghimnarrowly。`An'tyoutheidlestvagabondinLondon？'
　　Theimpeachment，whileitmuchaffectedMr。ToodleJunior，attachedtohischaractersojustly，thathecouldnotsayawordindenial。Hestoodlookingatthegentleman，therefore，withafrightened，self-convicted，andremorsefulair。Astohislookingathim，itmaybeobservedthathewasfascinatedbyMr。Carker，andnevertookhisroundeyesoffhimforaninstant。
　　`An'tyouathief？'saidMr。Carker，withhishandsbehindhiminhispockets。
　　`No，Sir，'pleadedRob。
　　`Youare！'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Ian'tindeed，Sir，'whimperedRob。`Ineverdidsuchathingasthieve，Sir，ifyou'llbelieveme。IknowI'vebeengoingwrong，Sir，eversinceItooktobird-catchingandwalking-matching。I'msureacovemightthink，'saidMr。ToodleJunior，withaburstofpenitence，`thatsingingbirdswasinnocentcompany，butnobodyknowswhatharmisinthemlittlecreetursandwhattheybringsyoudownto。'
　　Theyseemedtohavebroughthimdowntoavelveteenjacketandtrousersverymuchtheworseforwear，aparticularlysmallredwaistcoatlikeagorget，anintervalofbluecheck，andthehatbeforementioned。
　　`Ian'tbeenhometwentytimessincethembirdsgottheirwillofme，'saidRob，`andthat'stenmonths。HowcanIgohomewheneverybody'smiserabletoseeme！Iwonder，'saidBiler，blubberingoutright，andsmearinghiseyeswithhiscoat-cuff，`thatIhaven'tbeenanddrowndedmyselfoverandoveragain。'
　　Allofwhich，includinghisexpressionofsurpriseatnothavingachievedthislastscarceperformance，theboysaid，justasiftheteethofMr。Carkerdrewitoutofhim，andhehadnopowerofconcealinganythingwiththatbatteryofattractioninfullplay。
　　`You'reaniceyounggentleman！'saidMr。Carker，shakinghisheadathim。`There'shemp-seedsownforyou，myfinefellow！'
　　`I'msure，Sir，'returnedthewretchedBiler，blubberingagain，andagainhavingrecoursetohiscoat-cuff：`Ishouldn'tcare，sometimes，ifitwasgrowedtoo。Mymisfortunesallbeganinwagging，Sir；butwhatcouldIdo，exceptin'wag？'
　　`Exceptingwhat？'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Wag，Sir。Waggingfromschool。'
　　`Doyoumeanpretendingtogothere，andnotgoing？'saidMr。
　　Carker。
　　`Yes，Sir，that'swagging，Sir，'returnedthequondamGrinder，muchaffected。`Iwaschiviedthroughthestreets，Sir，whenIwentthere，andpoundedwhenIgotthere。SoIwaggedandhidmyself，andthatbeganit。'
　　`Andyoumeantotellme，'saidMr。Carker，takinghimbythethroatagain，holdinghimoutatarm's-length，andsurveyinghiminsilenceforsomemoments，`thatyouwantaplace，doyou？'
　　`Ishouldbethankfultobetried，Sir，'returnedToodleJunior，faintly。
　　Mr。CarkertheManagerpushedhimbackwardintoacorner——theboysubmittingquietly，hardlyventuringtobreathe，andneveronceremovinghiseyesfromhisface——andrangthebell。
　　`TellMr。Gillstocomehere。'
　　Mr。Perchwastoodeferentialtoexpresssurpriseorrecognitionofthefigureinthecorner：andUncleSolappearedimmediately。
　　`Mr。Gills！'saidCarker，withasmile，`sitdown。Howdoyoudo？Youcontinuetoenjoyyourhealth，Ihope？'
　　`Thankyou，Sir，'returnedUncleSol，takingouthispocket-book，andhandingoversomenotesashespoke。`Nothingailsmeinbodybutoldage。Twenty-five，Sir。'
　　`Youareaspunctualandexact，Mr。Gills，'repliedthesmilingManager，takingapaperfromoneofhismanydrawers，andmakinganendorsementonit，whileUncleSollookedoverhim，`asoneofyourownchronometers。
　　Quiteright。'
　　`TheSonandHeirhasnotbeenspoken，Ifindbythelist，Sir，'
　　saidUncleSol，withaslightadditiontotheusualtremorinhisvoice。
　　`TheSonandHeirhasnotbeenspoken，'returnedCarker。`Thereseemstohavebeentempestuousweather，Mr。Gills，andshehasprobablybeendrivenoutofhercourse。'
　　`Sheissafe，ItrustinHeaven！'saidoldSol。
　　`Sheissafe，ItrustinHeaven！'assentedMr。Carkerinthatvoicelessmannerofhis：whichmadetheobservantyoungToodletrembleagain。`Mr。Gills，'headdedaloud，throwinghimselfbackinhischair，`youmustmissyournephewverymuch？'
　　UncleSol，standingbyhim，shookhisheadandheavedadeepsigh。
　　`Mr。Gills，'saidCarker，withhissofthandplayingroundhismouth，andlookingupintotheInstrument-maker'sface，`itwouldbecompanytoyoutohaveayoungfellowinyourshopjustnow，anditwouldbeobligingmeifyouwouldgiveonehouse-roomforthepresent。No，tobesure，'headdedquickly，inanticipationofwhattheoldmanwasgoingtosay，`there'snotmuchbusinessdoingthere，Iknow；butyoucanmakehimcleantheplaceout，polishuptheinstruments；drudge，Mr。Gills。That'sthelad！'
　　SolGillspulleddownhisspectaclesfromhisforeheadtohiseyes，andlookedatToodleJuniorstandinguprightinthecorner：hisheadpresentingtheappearancewhichitalwaysdidofhavingbeennewlydrawnoutofabucketofcoldwater；hissmallwaistcoatrisingandfallingquicklyintheplayofthisemotions；andhiseyesintentlyfixedonMr。Carker，withouttheleastreferencetohisproposedmaster。
　　`Willyougivehimhouse-room，Mr。Gills？'saidtheManager。
　　OldSol，withoutbeingquiteenthusiasticonthesubject，repliedthathewasgladofanyopportunity，howeverslight，toobligeMr。Carker，whosewishonsuchapointwasacommand：andthattheWoodenMidshipmanwouldconsiderhimselfhappytoreceiveinhisberthanyvisitorofMr。
　　Carker'sselecting。
　　Mr。Carkerbaredhimselftothetopsandbottomsofhisgums：
　　makingthewatchfulToodleJuniortremblemoreandmore：andacknowledgedtheInstrument-maker'spolitenessinhismostaffablemanner。
　　`I'lldisposeofhimso，then，Mr。Gills，'heanswered，rising，andshakingtheoldmanbythehand，`untilImakeupmymindwhattodowithhim，andwhathedeserves。AsIconsidermyselfresponsibleforhim，Mr。Gills，'herehesmiledawidesmileatRob，whoshockbeforeit：`I
　　shallbegladifyou'lllooksharplyafterhim，andreporthisbehaviourtome。I'llaskaquestionortwoofhisparentsasIridehomethisafternoon——respectablepeople——toconfirmsomeparticularsinhisownaccountofhimself；andthatdone，Mr。Gills，I'llsendhimroundtoyouto-morrowmorning。Good-bye！'
　　Hissmileatpartingwassofullofteeth，thatitconfusedoldSol，andmadehimvaguelyuncomfortable。Hewenthome，thinkingofragingseas，founderingships，drowningmen，anancientbottleofMadeiraneverbroughttolight，andotherdismalmatter。
　　`Now，boy！'saidMr。Carker，puttinghishandonyoungToodle'sshoulder，andbringinghimoutintothemiddleoftheroom。`Youhaveheardme？'
　　Robsaid，`Yes，Sir。'
　　`Perhapsyouunderstand，'pursuedhispatron，`thatifyoueverdeceiveorplaytrickswithme，youhadbetterhavedrownedyourself，indeed，onceforall，beforeyoucamehere？'
　　TherewasnothinginanybranchofmentalacquisitionthatRobseemedtounderstandbetterthanthat。
　　`Ifyouhaveliedtome，'saidMr。Carker，`inanything，nevercomeinmywayagain。Ifnot，youmayletmefindyouwaitingformesomewherenearyourmother'shousethisafternoon。Ishallleavethisatfiveo'clock，andridethereonhorseback。Now，givemetheaddress。'
　　Robrepeateditslowly，asMr。Carkerwroteitdown。Robevenspeltitoverasecondtime，letterbyletter，asifhethoughtthattheomissionofadotorscratchwouldleadtohisdestruction。Mr。Carkerthenhandedhimoutoftheroom；andRob，keepinghisroundeyesfixeduponhispatrontothelast，vanishedforthetimebeing。
　　Mr。CarkertheManagerdidagreatdealofbusinessinthecourseoftheday，andbestowedhisteethuponagreatmanypeople。Intheoffice，inthecourt，inthestreet，andon'Change，theyglistenedandbristledtoaterribleextent。Fiveo'clockarriving，andwithitMr。Carker'sbayhorse，theygotonhorseback，andwentgleamingupCheapside。
　　Asnoonecaneasilyridefast，evenifinclinedtodoso，throughthepressandthrongoftheCityatthathour，andasMr。Carkerwasnotinclined，hewentleisurelyalong，pickinghiswayamongthecartsandcarriages，avoidingwheneverhecouldthewetterandmoredirtyplacesintheover-wateredroad，andtakinginfinitepainstokeephimselfandhissteedclean。Glancingatthepassers-bywhilehewasthusamblingonhisway，hesuddenlyencounteredtheroundeyesofthesleek-headedRobintentlyfixeduponhisfaceasiftheyhadneverbeentakenoff，whiletheboyhimself，withapocket-handkerchieftwisteduplikeaspeckledeelandgirdedroundhiswaist，madeaveryconspicuousdemonstrationofbeingpreparedtoattenduponhim，atwhateverpacehemightthinkpropertogo。
　　Thisattention，howeverflattering，beingoneofanunusualkind，andattractingsomenoticefromtheotherpassengers，Mr。Carkertookadvantageofaclearerthoroughfareandacleanerroad，andbrokeintoatrot。Robimmediatelydidthesame。Mr。Carkerpresentlytriedacanter；Robwasstillinattendance。Thenashortgallop；itwasallonetotheboy。WheneverMr。Carkerturnedhiseyestothatsideoftheroad，hestillsawToodleJuniorholdinghiscourse，apparentlywithoutdistress，andworkinghimselfalongbytheelbowsafterthemostapprovedmannerofprofessionalgentlemenwhogetoverthegroundforwagers。
　　Ridiculousasthisattendancewas，itwasasignofaninfluenceestablishedovertheboy，andthereforeMr。Carker，affectingnottonoticeit，rodeawayintotheneighbourhoodofMr。Toodle'shouse。Onhisslackeninghispacehere，Robappearedbeforehimtopointouttheturnings；andwhenhecalledtoamanataneighbouringgatewaytoholdhishorse，pendinghisvisittotheBuildingsthathadsucceededStaggs'sGardens，Robdutifullyheldthestirrup，whiletheManagerdismounted。
　　`Now，Sir，'saidMr。Carker，takinghimbytheshoulder，`comealong！'
　　Theprodigalsonwasevidentlynervousofvisitingtheparentalabode；butMr。Carkerpushinghimonbefore，hehadnothingforitbuttoopentherightdoor，andsufferhimselftobewalkedintothemidstofhisbrothersandsisters，musteredinoverwhelmingforceroundthefamilytea-table。Atsightoftheprodigalinthegraspofastranger，thesetenderrelationsunitedinageneralhowl，whichsmoteupontheprodigal'sbreastsosharplywhenhesawhismotherstandupamongthem，paleandtrembling，withthebabyinherarms，thathelenthisownvoicetothechorus。
　　Nothingdoubtingnowthatthestranger，ifnotMr。Ketchinperson，wasoneofthatcompany，thewholeoftheyoungfamilywailedthelouder，whileitsmoreinfantinemembers，unabletocontrolthetransportsofemotionappertainingtotheirtimeoflife，threwthemselvesontheirbackslikeyoungbirdswhenterrifiedbyahawk，andkickedviolently。Atlength，poorPollymakingherselfaudible，said，withquiveringlips，`OhRob，mypoorboy，whathaveyoudoneatlast！'
　　`Nothing，mother，'criedRob，inapiteousvoice，`askthegentleman！'
　　`Don'tbealarmed，'saidMr。Carker，`Iwanttodohimgood。'
　　Atthisannouncement，Polly，whohadnotcriedyet，begantodoso。TheelderToodles，whoappearedtohavebeenmeditatingarescue，unclenchedtheirfists。TheyoungerToodlesclusteredroundtheirmother'sgown，andpeepedfromundertheirownchubbyarmsattheirdesperadobrotherandhisunknownfriend。Everybodyblessedthegentlemanwiththebeautifulteeth，whowantedtodogood。
　　`Thisfellow，'saidMr。CarkertoPolly，givinghimagentleshake，`isyourson，eh，Ma'am？'
　　`Yes，Sir，'sobbedPolly，withacurtsey；`yes，Sir，'
　　`Abadson，Iamafraid？'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Neverabadsontome，Sir，'returnedPolly。
　　`Towhomthen？'saidMr。Carker。
　　`Hehasbeenalittlewild，Sir，'returnedPolly，checkingthebaby，whowasmakingconvulsiveeffortswithhisarmsandlegstolaunchhimselfonBiler，throughtheambientair，`andhasgonewithwrongcompanions：
　　butIhopehehasseenthemiseryofthat，Sir，andwilldowellagain。'
　　Mr。CarkerlookedatPolly，andthecleanroom，andthecleanchildren，andthesimpleToodleface，combinedoffatherandmother，thatwasreflectedandrepeatedeverywhereabouthim——andseemedtohaveachievedtherealpurposeofhisvisit。
　　`Yourhusband，Itakeit，isnotathome？'hesaid。
　　`No，Sir，'repliedPolly。`He'sdownthelineatpresent。'
　　TheprodigalRobseemedverymuchrelievedtohearit：thoughstillintheabsorptionofallhisfacultiesinhispatron，hehardlytookhiseyesfromMr。Carker'sface，unlessforamomentatatimetostealasorrowfulglanceathismother。
　　`Then，'saidMr。Carker，`I'lltellyouhowIhavestumbledonthisboyofyours，andwhoIam，andwhatIamgoingtodoforhim。'
　　ThisMr。Carkerdid，inhisownway；sayingthatheatfirstintendedtohaveaccumulatednamelessterrorsonhispresumptuoushead，forcomingtothewhereaboutofDombeyandSon。Thathehadrelented，inconsiderationofhisyouth，hisprofessedcontribution，andhisfriends。Thathewasafraidhetookarashstepindoinganythingfortheboy，andonethatmightexposehimtothecensureoftheprudent；butthathediditofhimselfandforhimself，andriskedtheconsequencessingle-handed；andthathismother'spastconnectionwithMr。Dombey'sfamilyhadnothingtodowithit，andthatMr。Dombeyhadnothingtodowithit，butthathe，Mr。Carker，wasthebe-allandtheend-allofthisbusiness。Takinggreatcredittohimselfforhisgoodness，andreceivingnolessfromallthefamilythenpresent，Mr。Carkersignified，indirectlybutstillprettyplainly，thatRob'simplicitfidelity，attachment，anddevotion，wereforevermorehisdue，andtheleasthomagehecouldreceive。AndwiththisgreattruthRobhimselfwassoimpressed，thatstandinggazingonhispatronwithtearsrollingdownhischeeks，henoddedhisshinyheaduntilitseemedalmostaslooseasithaddoneunderthesamepatron'shandsthatmorning。
　　Polly，whohadpassedHeavenknowshowmanysleeplessnightsonaccountofthisherdissipatedfirstborn，andhadnotseenhimforweeksandweeks，couldhavealmostkneeledtoMr。CarkertheManager，astoaGoodSpirit——inspiteofhisteeth。ButMr。Carkerrisingtodepart，sheonlythankedhimwithhermother'sprayersandblessings；thankssorichwhenpaidoutoftheHeart'smint，especiallyforanyserviceMr。Carkerhadrendered，thathemighthavegivenbackalargeamountofchange，andyetbeenoverpaid。
　　Asthatgentlemanmadehiswayamongthecrowdingchildrentothedoor，Robretreatedonhismother，andtookherandthebabyinthesamerepentanthug。
　　`I'lltryhard，dearmother，now。UponmysoulIwill！'saidRob。
　　`Ohdo，mydearboy！Iamsureyouwill，foroursakesandyourown！'criedPolly，kissinghim。`Butyou'recomingbacktospeaktome，whenyouhaveseenthegentlemanaway？'
　　`Idon'tknow，mother。'Robhesitated，andlookeddown。`Father——when'shecominghome？'
　　`Nottilltwoo'clockto-morrowmorning。'
　　`I'llcomeback，motherdear！'criedRob。Andpassingthroughtheshrillcryofhisbrothersandsistersinreceptionofthispromise，hefollowedMr。Carkerout。
　　`What！'saidMr。Carker，whohadheardthis。`Youhaveabadfather，haveyou？'
　　`No，Sir！'returnedRob，amazed。`Thereain'tabetternorakinderfathergoing，thanmineis。'
　　`Whydon'tyouwanttoseehimthen？'inquiredhispatron。
　　`There'ssuchadifferencebetweenafatherandamother，Sir，'
　　saidRob，afterfalteringforamoment。`Hecouldn'thardlybelieveyetthatIwasgoingtodobetter——thoughIknowhe'dtryto——butamother——shealwaysbelieveswhat'sgood，Sir；atleastIknowmymotherdoes，Godblessher！'
　　Mr。Carker'smouthexpanded，buthesaidnomoreuntilhewasmountedonhishorse，andhaddismissedthemanwhoheldit，when，lookingdownfromthesaddlesteadilyintotheattentiveandwatchfulfaceoftheboy，hesaid：
　　`You'llcometometo-morrowmorning，andyoushallbeshownwherethatoldgentlemanlives；thatoldgentlemanwhowaswithmethismorning；
　　whereyouaregoing，asyouheardmesay。'
　　`Yes，Sir，'returnedRob。
　　`Ihaveagreatinterestinthatoldgentleman，andinservinghim，youserveme，boy，doyouunderstand？Well，'headded，interruptinghim，forhesawhisroundfacebrightenwhenhewastoldthat：`Iseeyoudo。Iwanttoknowallaboutthatoldgentleman，andhowhegoesonfromdaytoday——forIamanxioustobeofservicetohim——andespeciallywhocomestheretoseehim。Doyouunderstand？'
　　Robnoddedhissteadfastface，andsaid`Yes，Sir，'again。
　　`Ishouldliketoknowthathehasfriendswhoareattentivetohim，andthattheydon'tdeserthim——forhelivesverymuchalonenow，poorfellow；butthattheyarefondofhim，andofhisnephewwhohasgoneabroad。Thereisaveryyoungladywhomayperhapscometoseehim。Iwantparticularlytoknowallabouther。'
　　`I'lltakecare，Sir，'saidtheboy。
　　`Andtakecare，'returnedhispatron，bendingforwardtoadvancehisgrinningfaceclosertotheboy's，andpathimontheshoulderwiththehandleofhiswhip：`takecareyoutalkaboutaffairsofminetonobodybutme。'
　　`Tonobodyintheworld，Sir，'repliedRob，shakinghishead。
　　`Neitherthere，'saidMr。Carker，pointingtotheplacetheyhadjustleft，`noranywhereelse。I'lltryhowtrueandgratefulyoucanbe。
　　I'llproveyou！'Makingthis，byhisdisplayofteethandbytheactionofhishead，asmuchathreatasapromise，heturnedfromRob'seyes，whichwerenaileduponhimasifhehadwontheboybyacharm，bodyandsoul，androdeaway。Butagainbecomingconscious，aftertrottingashortdistance，thathisdevotedhenchman，girtasbefore，wasyieldinghimthesameattendance，tothegreatamusementofsundryspectators，hereinedup，andorderedhimoff。Toinsurehisobedience，heturnedinthesaddleandwatchedhimasheretired。ItwascurioustoseethateventhenRobcouldnotkeephiseyeswhollyavertedfromhispatron'sface，but，constantlyturningandturningagaintolookafterhim，involvedhimselfinatempestofbuffetingsandjostlingsfromtheotherpassengersinthestreet：ofwhich，inthepursuitoftheoneparamountidea，hewasperfectlyheedless。
　　Mr。CarkertheManagerrodeonatafoot-pace，withtheeasyairofonewhohadperformedallthebusinessofthedayinasatisfactorymanner，andgotitcomfortablyoffhismind。Complacentandaffableasmancouldbe，Mr。Carkerpickedhiswayalongthestreetsandhummedasofttuneashewent。Heseemedtopurr，hewassoglad。
　　Andinsomesort，Mr。Carker，inhisfancy，baskeduponahearthtoo。Coiledupsnuglyatcertainfeet，hewasreadyforaspring，orforatear，orforascratch，orforavelvettouch，asthehumourtookhimandoccasionserved。Wasthereanybirdinacage，thatcameinforashareofhisregards？
　　`Averyyounglady！'thoughtMr。CarkertheManager，throughhissong。`Ay！whenIsawherlast，shewasalittlechild。Withdarkeyesandhair，Irecollect，andagoodface；averygoodface！Idaresayshe'spretty。'