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