Dombeywasabouteight-and-fortyyearsofage。Sonabouteight-and-fortyminutes。Dombeywasratherbald，ratherred，andthoughahandsomewell-mademan，toosternandpompousinappearance，tobeprepossessing。Sonwasverybald，andveryred，andthoughofcourseanundeniablyfineinfant，somewhatcrushedandspottyinhisgeneraleffect，asyet。OnthebrowofDombey，TimeandhisbrotherCarehadsetsomemarks，asonatreethatwastocomedowningoodtime——remorselesstwinstheyareforstridingthroughtheirhumanforests，notchingastheygo——whilethecountenanceofSonwascrossedandrecrossedwithathousandlittlecreases，whichthesamedeceitfulTimewouldtakedelightinsmoothingoutandwearingawaywiththeflatpartofhisscythe，asapreparationofthesurfaceforhisdeeperoperations。
Dombey，exultinginthelong-looked-forevent，jingledandjingledtheheavygoldwatch-chainthatdependedfrombelowhistrimbluecoat，whereofthebuttonssparkledphosphorescentlyinthefeebleraysofthedistantfire。Son，withhislittlefistscurledupandclenched，seemed，inhisfeebleway，tobesquaringatexistenceforhavingcomeuponhimsounexpectedly。
`Thehousewillonceagain，Mrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，`benotonlyinnamebutinfactDombeyandSon；Dom-beyandSon！\'
Thewordshadsuchasofteninginfluence，thatheappendedatermofendearmenttoMrs。Dombey\'snamethoughnotwithoutsomehesitation，asbeingamanbutlittleusedtothatformofaddress：andsaid，`Mrs。
Dombey，my——mydear。\'
Atransientflushoffaintsurpriseoverspreadthesicklady\'sfaceassheraisedhereyestowardshim。
`HewillbechristenedPaul，my——Mrs。Dombey——ofcourse。\'
Shefeeblyechoed，`Ofcourse，\'orratherexpresseditbythemotionofherlips，andclosedhereyesagain。
`Hisfather\'sname，Mrs。Dombey，andhisgrandfather\'s！Iwishhisgrandfatherwerealivethisday！\'Andagainhesaid`Dom-beyandSon，\'
inexactlythesametoneasbefore。
ThosethreewordsconveyedtheoneideaofMr。Dombey\'slife。
TheearthwasmadeforDombeyandSontotradein，andthesunandmoonweremadetogivethemlight。Riversandseaswereformedtofloattheirships；rainbowsgavethempromiseoffairweather；windsblewfororagainsttheirenterprises；starsandplanetscircledintheirorbits，topreserveinviolateasystemofwhichtheywerethecentre。Commonabbreviationstooknewmeaningsinhiseyes，andhadsolereferencetothem：A。D。hadnoconcernwithannoDomini，butstoodforannoDombei——andSon。
Hehadrisen，ashisfatherhadbeforehim，inthecourseoflifeanddeath，fromSontoDombey，andfornearlytwentyyearshadbeenthesolerepresentativeofthefirm。Ofthoseyearshehadbeenmarried，ten——married，assomesaid，toaladywithnohearttogivehim；whosehappinesswasinthepast，andwhowascontenttobindherbrokenspirittothedutifulandmeekenduranceofthepresent。SuchidletalkwaslittlelikelytoreachtheearsofMr。Dombey，whomitnearlyconcerned；andprobablynooneintheworldwouldhavereceiveditwithsuchutterincredulityashe，ifithadreachedhim。DombeyandSonhadoftendealtinhides，butneverinhearts。Theyleftthatfancywaretoboysandgirls，andboarding-schoolsandbooks。Mr。Dombeywouldhavereasoned：Thatamatrimonialalliancewithhimselfmust，inthenatureofthings，begratifyingandhonourabletoanywomanofcommonsense。Thatthehopeofgivingbirthtoanewpartnerinsuchahouse，couldnotfailtoawakenagloriousandstirringambitioninthebreastoftheleastambitiousofhersex。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadenteredonthatsocialcontractofmatrimony：almostnecessarilypartofagenteelandwealthystation，evenwithoutreferencetotheperpetuationoffamilyfirms：withhereyesfullyopentotheseadvantages。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadhaddailypracticalknowledgeofhispositioninsociety。ThatMrs。Dombeyhadalwayssatattheheadofhistable，anddonethehonoursofhishouseinaremarkablylady-likeandbecomingmanner。ThatMrs。Dombeymusthavebeenhappy。Thatshecouldn\'thelpit。
Or，atallevents，withonedrawback。Yes。Thathewouldhaveallowed。Withonlyone；butthatonecertainlyinvolvingmuch。Theyhadbeenmarriedtenyears，anduntilthispresentdayonwhichMr。Dombeysatjinglingandjinglinghisheavygoldwatch-chaininthegreatarm-chairbythesideofthebed，hadhadnoissue——
Tospeakof；noneworthmentioning。Therehadbeenagirlsomesixyearsbefore，andthechild，whohadstolenintothechamberunobserved，wasnowcrouchingtimidly，inacornerwhenceshecouldseehermother\'sface。ButwhatwasagirltoDombeyandSon！InthecapitaloftheHouse\'snameanddignity，suchachildwasmerelyapieceofbasecointhatcouldn\'tbeinvested——abadBoy——nothingmore。
Mr。Dombey\'scupofsatisfactionwassofullatthismoment，however，thathefelthecouldaffordadroportwoofitscontents，eventosprinkleonthedustintheby-pathofhislittledaughter。
Sohesaid，`Florence，youmaygoandlookatyourprettybrother，ifyoulike，Idaresay。Don\'ttouchhim！\'
Thechildglancedkeenlyatthebluecoatandstiffwhitecravat，which，withapairofcreakingbootsandaveryloudtickingwatch，embodiedherideaofafather；buthereyesreturnedtohermother\'sfaceimmediately，andsheneithermovednoranswered。
Nextmoment，theladyhadopenedhereyesandseenthechild；
andthechildhadruntowardsher；and，standingontip-toe，thebettertohideherfaceinherembrace，hadclungaboutherwithadesperateaffectionverymuchatvariancewithheryears。
`OhLordblessme！\'saidMr。Dombey，risingtestily。`Averyill-advisedandfeverishproceedingthis，Iamsure。IhadbetteraskDoctorPepsifhe\'llhavethegoodnesstostepupstairsagainperhaps。I\'llgodown。
I\'llgodown。Ineedn\'tbegyou，\'headded，pausingforamomentatthesetteebeforethefire，`totakeparticularcareofthisyounggentleman，Mrs——\'
`Blockitt，Sir？\'suggestedthenurse，asimperingpieceoffadedgentility，whodidnotpresumetostatehernameasafact，butmerelyoffereditasamildsuggestion。
`Ofthisyounggentleman，Mrs。Blockitt。\'
`No，Sir，indeed。IrememberwhenMissFlorencewasborn——\'
`Ay，ay，ay，\'saidMr。Dombey，bendingoverthebasketbedstead，andslightlybendinghisbrowsatthesametime。`MissFlorencewasallverywell，butthisisanothermatter。Thisyounggentlemanhastoaccomplishadestiny。Adestiny，littlefellow！\'Ashethusapostrophisedtheinfantheraisedoneofhishandstohislips，andkissedit；then，seemingtofearthattheactioninvolvedsomecompromiseofhisdignity，went，awkwardlyenough，away。
DoctorParkerPeps，oneoftheCourtPhysicians，andamanofimmensereputationforassistingattheincreaseofgreatfamilies，waswalkingupanddownthedrawing-roomwithhishandsbehindhim，totheunspeakableadmirationofthefamilySurgeon，whohadregularlypuffedthecaseforthelastsixweeks，amongallhispatients，friends，andacquaintances，asonetowhichhewasinhourlyexpectationdayandnightofbeingsummoned，inconjunctionwithDoctorParkerPeps。
`Well，Sir，\'saidDoctorParkerPepsinaround，deep，sonorousvoice，muffledfortheoccasion，liketheknocker；`doyoufindthatyourdearladyisatallrousedbyyourvisit？\'
`Stimulatedasitwere？\'saidthefamilypractitionerfaintly：
bowingatthesametimetotheDoctor，asmuchastosay，`Excusemyputtinginaword，butthisisavaluableconnexion。\'
Mr。Dombeywasquitediscomfitedbythequestion。Hehadthoughtsolittleofthepatient，thathewasnotinaconditiontoanswerit。
Hesaidthatitwouldbeasatisfactiontohim，ifDoctorParkerPepswouldwalkupstairsagain。
`Good！Wemustnotdisguisefromyou，Sir，\'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thatthereisawantofpowerinHerGracetheDuchess——Ibegyourpardon；Iconfoundnames；Ishouldsay，inyouramiablelady。Thatthereisacertaindegreeoflanguor，andageneralabsenceofelasticity，whichwewouldrather——not——\'
`See，\'interposedthefamilypractitionerwithanotherinclinationofthehead。
`Quiteso，\'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`whichwewouldrathernotsee。ItwouldappearthatthesystemofLadyCankaby——excuseme：IshouldsayofMrs。Dombey：Iconfusethenamesofcases——\'
`Soverynumerous，\'murmuredthefamilypractitioner——`can\'tbeexpectedI\'msure——quitewonderfulifotherwise——DoctorParkerPeps\'sWest-Endpractice——\'
`Thankyou，\'saidtheDoctor，`quiteso。Itwouldappear，Iwasobserving，thatthesystemofourpatienthassustainedashock，fromwhichitcanonlyhopetorallybyagreatandstrong——\'
`Andvigorous，\'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。
`Quiteso，\'assentedtheDoctor——`andvigorouseffort。Mr。Pilkinshere，whofromhispositionofmedicaladviserinthisfamily——noonebetterqualifiedtofillthatposition，Iamsure。\'
`Oh！\'murmuredthefamilypractitioner。`“PraisefromSirHubertStanley！”\'
`Youaregoodenough，\'returnedDoctorParkerPeps，`tosayso。
Mr。Pilkinswho，fromhisposition，isbestacquaintedwiththepatient\'sconstitutioninitsnormalstateanacquaintanceveryvaluabletousinformingouropinionsontheseoccasions，isofopinion，withme，thatNaturemustbecalledupontomakeavigorouseffortinthisinstance；
andthatifourinterestingfriendtheCountessofDombey——Ibegyourpardon；Mrs。Dombey——shouldnotbe——\'
`Able，\'saidthefamilypractitioner。
`Tomakethateffortsuccessfully，\'saidDoctorParkerPeps，`thenacrisismightarise，whichweshouldbothsincerelydeplore。\'
Withthat，theystoodforafewsecondslookingattheground。
Then，onthemotion——madeindumbshow——ofDoctorParkerPeps，theywentupstairs；thefamilypractitioneropeningtheroomdoorforthatdistinguishedprofessional，andfollowinghimout，withmostobsequiouspoliteness。
TorecordofMr。Dombeythathewasnotinhiswayaffectedbythisintelligence，wouldbetodohimaninjustice。Hewasnotamanofwhomitcouldproperlybesaidthathewaseverstartledorshocked；buthecertainlyhadasensewithinhim，thatifhiswifeshouldsickenanddecay，hewouldbeverysorry，andthathewouldfindasomethinggonefromamonghisplateandfurniture，andotherhouseholdpossessions，whichwaswellworththehaving，andcouldnotbelostwithoutsincereregret。
Thoughitwouldbeacool，business-like，gentlemanly，self-possessedregret，nodoubt。
Hismeditationsonthesubjectweresooninterrupted，firstbytherustlingofgarmentsonthestaircase，andthenbythesuddenwhiskingintotheroomofaladyratherpastthemiddleagethanotherwise，butdressedinaveryjuvenilemanner，particularlyastothetightnessofherbodice，who，runninguptohimwithakindofscrewinherfaceandcarriage，expressiveofsuppressedemotion，flungherarmsroundhisneck，andsaidinachokingvoice，`MydearPaul！He\'squiteaDombey！\'
`Well，well！\'returnedherbrother——forMr。Dombeywasherbrother——`I
thinkheislikethefamily。Don\'tagitateyourself，Louisa。\'
`It\'sveryfoolishofme，\'saidLouisa，sittingdown，andtakingoutherpocket-handkerchief，`buthe\'s——he\'ssuchaperfectDombey！Ineversawanythinglikeitinmylife！\'
`ButwhatisthisaboutFanny，herself？\'saidMr。Dombey。`HowisFanny？\'
`MydearPaul，\'returnedLouisa，`it\'snothingwhatever。Takemyword，it\'snothingwhatever。Thereisexhaustion，certainly，butnothinglikewhatIunderwentmyself，eitherwithGeorgeorFrederick。Aneffortisnecessary。That\'sall。IfdearFannywereaDombey！——ButIdaresayshe\'llmakeit；Ihavenodoubtshe\'llmakeit。Knowingittoberequiredofher，asaduty，ofcourseshe\'llmakeit。MydearPaul，it\'sveryweakandsillyofme，Iknow，tobesotremblyandshakyfromheadtofoot；
butIamsoveryqueerthatImustaskyouforaglassofwineandamorselofthatcake。IthoughtIshouldhavefallenoutofthestaircasewindowasIcamedownfromseeingdearFanny，andthattiddyicklesing。\'Theselastwordsoriginatedinasuddenvividreminiscenceofthebaby。
Theyweresucceededbyagentletapatthedoor。
`Mrs。Chick，\'saidaveryblandfemalevoiceoutside，`howareyounow，mydearfriend？\'
`MydearPaul，\'saidLouisainalowvoice，assherosefromherseat，`it\'sMissTox。Thekindestcreature！Inevercouldhavegotherewithouther！MissTox，mybrotherMr。Dombey。Paul，mydear，myveryparticularfriendMissTox。\'
Theladythusspeciallypresented，wasalongleanfigure，wearingsuchafadedairthatsheseemednottohavebeenmadeinwhatlinen-draperscall`fastcolours\'originally，andtohave，bylittleandlittle，washedout。Butforthisshemighthavebeendescribedastheverypinkofgeneralpropitiationandpoliteness。Fromalonghabitoflisteningadmirablytoeverythingthatwassaidinherpresence，andlookingatthespeakersasifshewerementallyengagedintakingoffimpressionsoftheirimagesuponhersoul，nevertopartwiththesamebutwithlife，herheadhadquitesettledononeside。Herhandshadcontractedaspasmodichabitofraisingthemselvesoftheirownaccordasininvoluntaryadmiration。Hereyeswereliabletoasimilaraffection。Shehadthesoftestvoicethateverwasheard；andhernose，stupendouslyaquiline，hadalittleknobintheverycentreorkey-stoneofthebridge，whenceittendeddownwardstowardsherface，asinaninvincibledeterminationnevertoturnupatanything。
MissTox\'sdress，thoughperfectlygenteelandgood，hadacertaincharacterofangularityandscantiness。Shewasaccustomedtowearoddweedylittleflowersinherbonnetsandcaps。Strangegrassesweresometimesperceivedinherhair；anditwasobservedbythecurious，ofallhercollars，frills，tuckers，wristbands，andothergossamerarticles——indeedofeverythingsheworewhichhadtwoendstoitintendedtounite——thatthetwoendswereneverongoodterms，andwouldn\'tquitemeetwithoutastruggle。Shehadfurryarticlesforwinterwear，astippets，boas，andmuffs，whichstooduponendinarampantmanner，andwerenotatallsleek。Shewasmuchgiventothecarryingaboutofsmallbagswithsnapstothem，thatwentofflikelittlepistolswhentheywereshutup；andwhenfull-dressed，sheworeroundherneckthebarrenestoflockets，representingafishyoldeye，withnoapproachtospeculationinit。Theseandotherappearancesofasimilarnature，hadservedtopropagatetheopinion，thatMissToxwasaladyofwhatiscalledalimitedindependence，whichsheturnedtothebestaccount。Possiblyhermincinggaitencouragedthebelief，andsuggestedthatherclippingastepofordinarycompassintotwoorthree，originatedinherhabitofmakingthemostofeverything。
`Iamsure，\'saidMissTox，withaprodigiouscurtsey，`thattohavethehonourofbeingpresentedtoMr。DombeyisadistinctionwhichIhavelongsought，butverylittleexpectedatthepresentmoment。MydearMrs。Chick——mayIsayLouisa！\'
Mrs。ChicktookMissTox\'shandinhers，restedthefootofherwine-glassuponit，repressedatear，andsaidinalowvoice`Blessyou！\'
`MydearLouisathen，\'saidMissTox，`mysweetfriend，howareyounow？\'
`Better，\'Mrs。Chickreturned。`Takesomewine。YouhavebeenalmostasanxiousasIhavebeen，andmustwantit，Iamsure。\'
Mr。Dombeyofcourseofficiated。
`MissTox，Paul，\'pursuedMrs。Chick，stillretainingherhand，`knowinghowmuchIhavebeeninterestedintheanticipationoftheeventofto-day，hasbeenworkingatalittlegiftforFanny，whichIpromisedtopresent。Itisonlyapin-cushionforthetoilettetable，Paul，butIdosay，andwillsay，andmustsay，thatMissToxhasveryprettilyadaptedthesentimenttotheoccasion。Icall`WelcomelittleDombey\'Poetry，myself！\'
`Isthatthedevice？\'inquiredherbrother。
`Thatisthedevice，\'returnedLouisa。
`Butdomethejusticetoremember，mydearLouisa，\'saidMissToxinatoneoflowandearnestentreaty，`thatnothingbutthe——Ihavesomedifficultyinexpressingmyself——thedubiousnessoftheresultwouldhaveinducedmetotakesogreataliberty：“Welcome，MasterDombey，“wouldhavebeenmuchmorecongenialtomyfeelings，asIamsureyouknow。Buttheuncertaintyattendantonangelicstrangers，will，Ihope，excusewhatmustotherwiseappearanunwarrantablefamiliarity。\'MissToxmadeagracefulbendasshespoke，infavourofMr。Dombey，whichthatgentlemangraciouslyacknowledged。EventhesortofrecognitionofDombeyandSon，conveyedintheforegoingconversation，wassopalatabletohim，thathissister，Mrs。Chick——thoughheaffectedtoconsiderheraweakgood-naturedperson——hadperhapsmoreinfluenceoverhimthananybodyelse。
`Well\'saidMrs。Chick，withasweetsmile，`afterthis，IforgiveFannyeverything！\'
ItwasadeclarationinaChristianspirit，andMrs。Chickfeltthatitdidhergood。Notthatshehadanythingparticulartoforgiveinhersister-in-law，norindeedanythingatall，exceptherhavingmarriedherbrother——initselfaspeciesofaudacity——andherhaving，inthecourseofevents，givenbirthtoagirlinsteadofaboy：which，asMrs。Chickhadfrequentlyobserved，wasnotquitewhatshehadexpectedofher，andwasnotapleasantreturnforalltheattentionanddistinctionshehadmetwith。
Mr。Dombeybeinghastilysummonedoutoftheroomatthismoment，thetwoladieswereleftalonetogether。MissToximmediatelybecamespasmodic。
`Iknewyouwouldadmiremybrother。Itoldyousobefore-hand，mydear，\'saidLouisa。
MissTox\'shandsandeyesexpressedhowmuch。
`Andastohisproperty，mydear！\'
`Ah！\'saidMissTox，withdeepfeeling。
`Im——mense！\'
`Buthisdeportment，mydearLouisa！\'saidMissTox。`Hispresence！
Hisdignity！NoportraitthatIhaveeverseenofanyonehasbeenhalfsorepletewiththosequalities。Somethingsostately，youknow：souncompromising：
soverywideacrossthechest：soupright！ApecuniaryDukeofYork，mylove，andnothingshortofit！\'saidMissTox。`That\'swhatIshoulddesignatehim。\'
`Why，mydearPaul！\'exclaimedhissister，ashereturned，`youlookquitepale！There\'snothingthematter？\'
`Iamsorrytosay，Louisa，thattheytellmethatFanny——\'
`Now，mydearPaul，\'returnedhissisterrising，`don\'tbelieveit。Ifyouhaveanyrelianceonmyexperience，Paul，youmayrestassuredthatthereisnothingwantingbutaneffortonFanny\'spart。Andthateffort，\'
shecontinued，takingoffherbonnet，andadjustinghercapandgloves，inabusiness-likemanner，`shemustbeencouraged，andreally，ifnecessary，urgedtomake。Now，mydearPaul，comeupstairswithme。\'
Mr。Dombey，who，besidesbeinggenerallyinfluencedbyhissisterforthereasonalreadymentioned，hadreallyfaithinherasanexperiencedandbustlingmatron，acquiesced：andfollowedher，atonce，tothesickchamber。
Theladylayuponherbedashehadlefther，claspingherlittledaughtertoherbreast。Thechildclungcloseabouther，withthesameintensityasbefore，andneverraisedherhead，ormovedhersoftcheekfromhermother\'sface，orlookedonthosewhostoodaround，orspoke，ormoved，orshedatear。
`Restlesswithoutthelittlegirl，\'theDoctorwhisperedMr。Dombey。
`Wefounditbesttohaveherinagain。\'
Therewassuchasolemnstillnessroundthebed；andthetwomedicalattendantsseemedtolookontheimpassiveformwithsomuchcompassionandsolittlehope，thatMrs。Chickwasforthemomentdivertedfromherpurpose。Butpresentlysummoningcourage，andwhatshecalledpresenceofmind，shesatdownbythebedside，andsaidinthelowprecisetoneofonewhoendeavourstoawakenasleeper：
`Fanny！Fanny！\'
TherewasnosoundinanswerbuttheloudtickingofMr。Dombey\'swatchandDoctorParkerPeps\'swatch，whichseemedinthesilencetoberunningarace。
`Fanny，mydear，\'saidMrs。Chick，withassumedlightness，`here\'sMr。Dombeycometoseeyou。Won\'tyouspeaktohim？Theywanttolayyourlittleboy——thebaby，Fanny，youknow；youhavehardlyseenhimyet，I
think——inbed；buttheycan\'ttillyourouseyourselfalittle。Don\'tyouthinkit\'stimeyourousedyourselfalittle？Eh？\'
Shebenthereartothebed，andlistened：atthesametimelookingroundatthebystanders，andholdingupherfinger。
`Eh？\'sherepeated，`whatwasityousaid，Fanny？Ididn\'thearyou。\'
Nowordorsoundinanswer。Mr。Dombey\'swatchandDr。ParkerPeps\'swatchseemedtoberacingfaster。
`Now，really，Fannymydear，\'saidthesister-in-law，alteringherposition，andspeakinglessconfidently，andmoreearnestly，inspiteofherself，`Ishallhavetobequitecrosswithyou，ifyoudon\'trouseyourself。It\'snecessaryforyoutomakeaneffort，andperhapsaverygreatandpainfuleffortwhichyouarenotdisposedtomake；butthisisaworldofeffortyouknow，Fanny，andwemustneveryield，whensomuchdependsuponus。Come！Try！Imustreallyscoldyouifyoudon\'t！\'
Theraceintheensuingpausewasfierceandfurious。Thewatchesseemedtojostle，andtotripeachotherup。
`Fanny！\'saidLouisa，glancinground，withagatheringalarm。
`Onlylookatme。Onlyopenyoureyestoshowmethatyouhearandunderstandme；willyou？GoodHeaven，gentlemen，whatistobedone！\'
Thetwomedicalattendantsexchangedalookacrossthebed；andthePhysician，stoopingdown，whisperedinthechild\'sear。Nothavingunderstoodthepurportofhiswhisper，thelittlecreatureturnedherperfectlycolourlessface，anddeepdarkeyestowardshim；butwithoutlooseningherholdintheleast。
Thewhisperwasrepeated。
`Mama！\'saidthechild。
Thelittlevoice，familiaranddearlyloved，awakenedsomeshowofconsciousness，evenatthatebb。Foramoment，theclosedeye-lidstrembled，andthenostrilquivered，andthefaintestshadowofasmilewasseen。
`Mama！\'criedthechildsobbingaloud。`OhdearMama！ohdearMama！\'
TheDoctorgentlybrushedthescatteredringletsofthechild，asidefromthefaceandmouthofthemother。Alashowcalmtheylaythere；
howlittlebreaththerewastostirthem！
Thus，clingingfasttothatslightsparwithinherarms，themotherdriftedoutuponthedarkandunknownseathatrollsroundalltheworld。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DombeyandSon：Chapter2[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIInwhichTimelyProvisionismadeforanEmergencythatwillsometimesariseinthebest-regulatedFamilies`ISHALLneverceasetocongratulatemyself，\'saidMrs。Chick，`onhavingsaid，whenIlittlethoughtwhatwasinstoreforus，——reallyasifIwasinspiredbysomething，——thatIforgavepoordearFannyeverything。Whateverhappens，thatmustalwaysbeacomforttome！\'
Mrs。Chickmadethisimpressiveobservationinthedrawing-room，afterhavingdescendedthitherfromtheinspectionoftheMantua-Makersupstairs，whowerebusyonthefamilymourning。ShedelivereditforthebehoofofMr。Chick，whowasastoutbaldgentleman，withaverylargeface，andhishandscontinuallyinhispockets，andwhohadatendencyinhisnaturetowhistleandhumtunes，which，sensibleoftheindecorumofsuchsoundsinahouseofgrief，hewasatsomepainstorepressatpresent。
`Don\'tyouover-exertyourself，Loo，\'saidMr。Chick，`oryou\'llbelaidupwithspasms，Isee。Righttolloorrul！Blessmysoul，Iforgot！
We\'rehereonedayandgonethenext！\'
Mrs。Chickcontentedherselfwithaglanceofreproof，andthenproceededwiththethreadofherdiscourse。
`Iamsure，\'shesaid，`Ihopethisheart-rendingoccurrencewillbeawarningtoallofus，toaccustomourselvestorouseourselves，andtomakeeffortsintimewherethey\'rerequiredofus。There\'samoralineverything，ifwewouldonlyavailourselvesofit。Itwillbeourownfaultsifwelosesightofthisone。\'
Mr。Chickinvadedthegravesilencewhichensuedonthisremarkwiththesingularlyinappropriateairof`Acobblertherewas；\'andcheckinghimself，insomeconfusion，observed，thatitwasundoubtedlyourownfaultsifwedidn\'timprovesuchmelancholyoccasionsasthepresent。
`Whichmightbebetterimproved，Ishouldthink，Mr。C。，\'retortedhishelpmate，afterashortpause，`thanbytheintroduction，eitherofthecollegehornpipe，ortheequallyunmeaningandunfeelingremarkofrump-te-iddity，bow-wow-wow！\'——whichMr。Chickhadindeedindulgedinunderhisbreath，andwhichMrs。Chickrepeatedinatoneofwitheringscorn。
`Merelyhabit，mydear，\'pleadedMr。Chick。
`Nonsense！Habit！\'returnedhiswife。`Ifyou\'rearationalbeing，don\'tmakesuchridiculousexcuses。Habit！IfIwastogetahabitasyoucallitofwalkingontheceiling，liketheflies，Ishouldhearenoughofit，Idaresay。\'
Itappearedsoprobablethatsuchahabitmightbeattendedwithsomedegreeofnotoriety，thatMr。Chickdidn\'tventuretodisputetheposition。
`How\'stheBaby，Loo？\'askedMr。Chick：tochangethesubject。
`WhatBabydoyoumean？\'answeredMrs。Chick。`IamsurethemorningIhavehad，withthatdining-roomdownstairsonemassofbabies，nooneintheirsenseswouldbelieve。\'
`Onemassofbabies！\'repeatedMr。Chick，staringwithanalarmedexpressionabouthim。
`Itwouldhaveoccurredtomostmen，\'saidMrs。Chick，`thatpoordearFannybeingnomore，itbecomesnecessarytoprovideaNurse。\'
`Oh！Ah！\'saidMr。Chick。`Toor-rul——suchislife，Imean。Ihopeyouaresuited，mydear。\'
`IndeedIamnot，\'saidMrs。Chick；`norlikelytobe，sofarasIcansee。Meanwhile，ofcourse，thechildis——\'
`GoingtotheveryDeuce，\'saidMr。Chick，thoughtfully，`tobesure。\'
Admonished，however，thathehadcommittedhimself，bytheindignationexpressedinMrs。Chick\'scountenanceattheideaofaDombeygoingthere；
andthinkingtoatoneforhismisconductbyabrightsuggestion，headded：
`Couldn\'tsomethingtemporarybedonewithateapot？\'
Ifhehadmeanttobringthesubjectprematurelytoaclose，hecouldnothavedoneitmoreeffectually。Afterlookingathimforsomemomentsinsilentresignation，Mrs。Chickwalkedmajesticallytothewindowandpeepedthroughtheblind，attractedbythesoundofwheels。Mr。Chick，findingthathisdestinywas，forthetime，againsthim，saidnomore，andwalkedoff。ButitwasnotalwaysthuswithMr。Chick。Hewasoftenintheascendanthimself，andatthosetimespunishedLouisaroundly。Intheirmatrimonialbickeringstheywere，uponthewhole，awell-matched，fairly-balanced，give-and-takecouple。Itwouldhavebeen，generallyspeaking，verydifficulttohavebettedonthewinner。OftenwhenMr。Chickseemedbeaten，hewouldsuddenlymakeastart，turnthetables，clatterthemabouttheearsofMrs。Chick，andcarryallbeforehim。BeingliablehimselftosimilarunlookedforchecksfromMrs。Chick，theirlittlecontestsusuallypossessedacharacterofuncertaintythatwasveryanimating。
MissToxhadarrivedonthewheelsjustnowalludedto，andcamerunningintotheroominabreathlesscondition。
`MydearLouisa，\'saidMissTox，`isthevacancystillunsupplied？\'
`Yougoodsoul，yes，\'saidMrs。Chick。
`Then，mydearLouisa，\'returnedMissTox，`Ihopeandbelieve——butinonemoment，mydear，I\'llintroducetheparty。\'
Runningdownstairsagainasfastasshehadrunup，MissToxgotthepartyoutofthehackney-coach，andsoonreturnedwithitunderconvoy。
Itthenappearedthatshehadusedtheword，notinitslegalorbusinessacceptation，whenitmerelyexpressesanindividual，butasanounofmultitude，orsignifyingmany：forMissToxescortedaplumprosy-cheekedwholesomeapple-facedyoungwoman，withaninfantinherarms；
ayoungerwomannotsoplump，butapple-facedalso，wholedaplumpandapple-facedchildineachhand；anotherplumpandalsoapple-facedboywhowalkedbyhimself；andfinally，aplumpandapple-facedman，whocarriedinhisarmsanotherplumpandapple-facedboy，whomhestooddownonthefloor，andadmonished，inahuskywhisper，to`kitchholdofhisbrotherJohnny。\'
`MydearLouisa，\'saidMissTox，`knowingyourgreatanxiety，andwishingtorelieveit，IpostedoffmyselftotheQueenCharlotte\'sRoyalMarriedFemales，whichyouhadforgot，andputthequestion，Wasthereanybodytherethattheythoughtwouldsuit？No，theysaidtherewasnot。Whentheygavemethatanswer，Idoassureyou，mydear，Iwasalmostdriventodespaironyouraccount。Butitdidsohappen，thatoneoftheRoyalMarriedFemales，hearingtheinquiry，remindedthematronofanotherwhohadgonetoherownhome，andwho，shesaid，wouldinalllikelihoodbemostsatisfactory。ThemomentIheardthis，andhaditcorroboratedbythematron——excellentreferencesandunimpeachablecharacter——Igottheaddress，mydear，andpostedoffagain。\'
`LikethedeargoodTox，youare！\'saidLouisa。
`Notatall，\'returnedMissTox。`Don\'tsayso。Arrivingatthehousethecleanestplace，mydear！Youmighteatyourdinneroffthefloor，Ifoundthewholefamilysittingattable；andfeelingthatnoaccountofthemcouldbehalfsocomfortabletoyouandMr。Dombeyasthesightofthemalltogether，Ibroughtthemallaway。Thisgentleman，\'saidMissTox，pointingouttheapple-facedman，`isthefather。Willyouhavethegoodnesstocomealittleforward，Sir？\'
Theapple-facedmanhavingsheepishlycompliedwiththisrequest，stoodchucklingandgrinninginafrontrow。
`Thisishiswife，ofcourse，\'saidMissTox，singlingouttheyoungwomanwiththebaby。`Howdoyoudo，Polly？\'
`I\'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma\'am，\'saidPolly。
Bywayofbringingheroutdexterously，MissToxhadmadetheinquiryasincondescensiontoanoldacquaintancewhomshehadn\'tseenforafortnightorso。
`I，mgladtohearit，\'saidMissTox。`Theotheryoungwomanisherunmarriedsisterwholiveswiththem，andwouldtakecareofherchildren。Hername\'sJemima。Howdoyoudo，Jemima？\'
`I\'mprettywell，Ithankyou，Ma\'am，\'returnedJemima。
`I\'mverygladindeedtohearit，\'saidMissTox。`Ihopeyou\'llkeepso。Fivechildren。Youngestsixweeks。Thefinelittleboywiththeblisteronhisnoseistheeldest。Theblister，Ibelieve，\'saidMissTox，lookingrounduponthefamily，`isnotconstitutional，butaccidental？\'
Theapple-facedmanwasunderstoodtogrowl，`Flatiron。\'
`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，\'saidMissTox，`didyou？——\'
`Flatiron，\'herepeated。
`Ohyes，\'saidMissTox。`Yes！quitetrue。Iforgot。Thelittlecreature，inhismother\'sabsence，smeltawarmflatiron。You\'requiteright，Sir。Youweregoingtohavethegoodnesstoinformme，whenwearrivedatthedoorthatyouwerebytrade，a——\'
`Stoker，\'saidtheman。
`Achoker！\'saidMissTox，quiteaghast。
`Stoker，\'saidtheman。`Streamingine。\'
`Oh-h！Yes！\'returnedMissTox，lookingthoughtfullyathim，andseemingstilltohavebutaveryimperfectunderstandingofhismeaning。
`Andhowdoyoulikeit，Sir？\'
`Which，Mum？\'saidtheman。
`That，\'repliedMissTox。`Yourtrade。\'
`Oh！Prettywell，Mum。Theashessometimesgetsinhere；\'touchinghischest：`andmakesamanspeakgruff，asatthepresenttime。Butitisashes，Mum，notcrustiness。\'
MissToxseemedtobesolittleenlightenedbythisreply，astofindadifficultyinpursuingthesubject。ButMrs。Chickrelievedher，byenteringintoacloseprivateexaminationofPolly，herchildren，hermarriagecertificate，testimonials，andsoforth。Pollycomingoutunscathedfromthisordeal，Mrs。Chickwithdrewwithherreporttoherbrother\'sroom，andasanemphaticcommentonit，andcorroborationofit，carriedthetworosiestlittleToodleswithher，Toodlebeingthefamilynameoftheapple-facedfamily。
Mr。Dombeyhadremainedinhisownapartmentsincethedeathofhiswife，absorbedinvisionsoftheyouth，education，anddestinationofhisbabyson。Somethinglayatthebottomofhiscoolheart，colderandheavierthanitsordinaryload；butitwasmoreasenseofthechild\'slossthanhisown，awakeningwithinhimanalmostangrysorrow。Thatthelifeandprogressonwhichhebuiltsuchhopes，shouldbeendangeredintheoutsetbysomeanawant；thatDombeyandSonshouldbetotteringforanurse，wasasorehumiliation。Andyetinhisprideandjealousy，heviewedwithsomuchbitternessthethoughtofbeingdependentfortheveryfirststeptowardstheaccomplishmentofhissoul\'sdesire，onahiredserving-womanwhowouldbetothechild，forthetime，allthatevenhisalliancecouldhavemadehisownwife，thatineverynewrejectionofacandidatehefeltasecretpleasure。Thetimehadnowcome，however，whenhecouldnolongerbedividedbetweenthesetwosetsoffeelings。Thelessso，asthereseemedtobenoflawinthetitleofPollyToodleafterhissisterhadsetitforth，withmanycommendationsontheindefatigablefriendshipofMissTox。
`Thesechildrenlookhealthy，\'saidMr。Dombey。`ButtothinkoftheirsomedayclaimingasortofrelationshiptoPaul！Takethemaway，Louisa！Letmeseethiswomanandherhusband。\'
Mrs。ChickboreoffthetenderpairofToodles，andpresentlyreturnedwiththattoughercouplewhosepresenceherbrotherhadcommanded。
`Mygoodwoman，\'saidMr。Dombey，turningroundinhiseasychair，asonepiece，andnotasamanwithlimbsandjoints，`Iunderstandyouarepoor，andwishtoearnmoneybynursingthelittleboy，myson，whohasbeensoprematurelydeprivedofwhatcanneverbereplaced。Ihavenoobjectiontoyouraddingtothecomfortsofyourfamilybythatmeans。
SofarasIcantell，youseemtobeadeservingobject。ButImustimposeoneortwoconditionsonyou，beforeyouentermyhouseinthatcapacity。
whileyouarehere，Imuststipulatethatyouarealwaysknownas——sayasRichards——anordinaryname，andconvenient。HaveyouanyobjectiontobeknownasRichards？Youhadbetterconsultyourhusband。\'
Asthehusbanddidnothingbutchuckleandgrin，andcontinuallydrawhisrighthandacrosshismouth，moisteningthepalm，Mrs。Toodle，afternudginghimtwiceorthriceinvain，droppedacurtseyandreplied`thatperhapsifshewastobecalledoutofhername，itwouldbeconsideredinthewages。\'
`Oh，ofcourse，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Idesiretomakeitaquestionofwages，altogether。Now，Richards，ifyounursemybereavedchild，I
wishyoutorememberthisalways。Youwillreceivealiberalstipendinreturnforthedischargeofcertainduties，intheperformanceofwhich，Iwishyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Whenthosedutiesceasetoberequiredandrendered，andthestipendceasestobepaid，thereisanendofallrelationsbetweenus。Doyouunderstandme？\'
Mrs。Toodleseemeddoubtfulaboutit；andastoToodlehimself，hehadevidentlynodoubtwhatever，thathewasallabroad。
`Youhavechildrenofyourown，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Itisnotatallinthisbargainthatyouneedbecomeattachedtomychild，orthatmychildneedbecomeattachedtoyou。Idon\'texpectordesireanythingofthekind。Quitethereverse。Whenyougoawayfromhere，youwillhaveconcludedwhatisamerematterofbargainandsale，hiringandletting：
andwillstayaway。Thechildwillceasetorememberyou；andyouwillcease，ifyouplease，torememberthechild。\'
Mrs。Toodle，withalittlemorecolourinhercheeksthanshehadhadbefore，said`shehopedsheknewherplace。\'
`Ihopeyoudo，Richards，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Ihavenodoubtyouknowitverywell。Indeeditissoplainandobviousthatitcouldhardlybeotherwise。Louisa，mydear，arrangewithRichardsaboutmoney，andletherhaveitwhenandhowshepleases。Mr。what\'s-yourname，awordwithyou，ifyouplease！\'
Thusarrestedonthethresholdashewasfollowinghiswifeoutoftheroom，ToodlereturnedandconfrontedMr。Dombeyalone。Hewasastrong，loose，round-shouldered，shuffling，shaggyfellow，onwhomhisclothessatnegligently：withagooddealofhairandwhisker，deepenedinitsnaturaltint，perhapsbysmokeandcoal-dust：hardknottyhands：
andasquareforehead，ascoarseingrainasthebarkofanoak。AthoroughcontrastinallrespectstoMr。Dombey，whowasoneofthoseclose-shavedclose-cutmoneyedgentlemenwhoareglossyandcrisplikenewbank-notes，andwhoseemtobeartificiallybracedandtightenedasbythestimulatingactionofgoldenshower-baths。
`Youhaveason，Ibelieve？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Fouron\'em，Sir。Fourhimsandaher。Allalive！\'
`Why，it\'sasmuchasyoucanaffordtokeepthem！\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Icouldn\'thardlyaffordbutonethingintheworldless，Sir。\'
`Whatisthat？\'
`Tolose\'em，Sir。\'
`Canyouread？\'askedMr。Dombey。
`Why，notpartick\'ler，Sir。\'
`Write？\'
`Withchalk，Sir？\'
`Withanything？\'
`Icouldmakeshifttochalkalittlebit，Ithink，ifIwasputtoit，\'saidToodleaftersomereflection。
`Andyet，\'saidMr。Dombey，`youaretwoorthreeandthirty，Isuppose？\'
`Thereabouts，Isuppose，Sir，\'answeredToodle，aftermorereflection。
`Thenwhydon\'tyoulearn？\'askedMr。Dombey。
`SoI\'magoingto，Sir。Oneofmylittleboysisagoingtolearnme，whenhe\'soldenough，andbeentoschoolhimself。\'
`Well，\'saidMr。Dombey，afterlookingathimattentively，andwithnogreatfavour，ashestoodgazingroundtheroomprincipallyroundtheceilingandstilldrawinghishandacrossandacrosshismouth。`YouheardwhatIsaidtoyourwifejustnow？\'
`Pollyheerdit，\'saidToodle，jerkinghishatoverhisshoulderinthedirectionofthedoor，withanairofperfectconfidenceinhisbetterhalf。`It\'sallright。\'
`Asyouappeartoleaveeverythingtoher，\'saidMr。Dombey，frustratedinhisintentionofimpressinghisviewsstillmoredistinctlyonthehusband，asthestrongercharacter，`Isupposeitisofnousemysayinganythingtoyou。\'
`Notabit，\'saidToodle。`Pollyheerdit。She\'sawake，Sir。\'
`Iwon\'tdetainyouanylongerthen，\'returnedMr。Dombeydisappointed。
`Wherehaveyouworkedallyourlife？\'
`Mostlyunderground，Sir，\'tillIgotmarried。Icometothelevelthen。I\'magoingononeofthesehererailroadswhentheycomesintofullplay。\'
Asthelaststrawbreakstheladencamel\'sback，thispieceofundergroundinformationcrushedthesinkingspiritsofMr。Dombey。Hemotionedhischild\'sfoster-fathertothedoor，whodepartedbynomeansunwillingly：
andthenturningthekey，pacedupanddowntheroominsolitarywretchedness。
Forallhisstarched，impenetrabledignityandcomposure，hewipedblindingtearsfromhiseyesashedidso；andoftensaid，withanemotionofwhichhewouldnot，fortheworld，havehadawitness，`Poorlittlefellow！\'
ItmayhavebeencharacteristicofMr。Dombey\'spride，thathepitiedhimselfthroughthechild。Notpoorme。Notpoorwidower，confidingbyconstraintinthewifeofanignorantHindwhohasbeenworking`mostlyunderground\'allhislife，andyetatwhosedoorDeathhadneverknocked，andatwhosepoortablefoursonsdailysit——butpoorlittlefellow！
Thosewordsbeingonhislips，itoccurredtohim——anditisaninstanceofthestrongattractionwithwhichhishopesandfearsandallhisthoughtsweretendingtoonecentre——thatagreattemptationwasbeingplacedinthiswoman\'sway。Herinfantwasaboytoo。Now，woulditbepossibleforhertochangethem？
Thoughhewassoonsatisfiedthathehaddismissedtheideaasromanticandunlikely——thoughpossible，therewasnodenying——hecouldnothelppursuingitsofarastoentertainwithinhimselfapictureofwhathisconditionwouldbe，ifheshoulddiscoversuchanimposturewhenhewasgrownold。Whetheramansosituated，wouldbeabletopluckawaytheresultofsomanyyearsofusage，confidence，andbelief，fromtheimpostor，andendowastrangerwithit？
Ashisunusualemotionsubsided，thesemisgivingsgraduallymeltedaway，thoughsomuchoftheirshadowremainedbehind，thathewasconstantinhisresolutiontolookcloselyafterRichardshimself，withoutappearingtodoso。Beingnowinaneasierframeofmind，heregardedthewoman\'sstationasratheranadvantageouscircumstancethanotherwise，byplacing，initself，abroaddistancebetweenherandthechild，andrenderingtheirseparationeasyandnatural。
MeanwhiletermswereratifiedandagreeduponbetweenMrs。ChickandRichards，withtheassistanceofMissTox；andRichardsbeingwithmuchceremonyinvestedwiththeDombeybaby，asifitwereanOrder，resignedherown，withmanytearsandkisses，toJemima。Glassesofwinewerethenproduced，tosustainthedroopingspiritsofthefamily。
`You\'lltakeaglassyourself，Sir，won\'tyou？\'saidMissTox，asToodleappeared。
`Thankee，Mum，\'saidToodle，`sinceyouaresuppressing。\'
`Andyou\'reverygladtoleaveyourdeargoodwifeinsuchacomfortablehome，ain\'tyou，Sir？\'saidMissTox，noddingandwinkingathimstealthily。
`No，Mum，\'saidToodle。`Here\'swishingofherbackagin。\'
Pollycriedmorethaneveratthis。SoMrs。Chick，whohadhermatronlyapprehensionsthatthisindulgenceingriefmightbeprejudicialtothelittleDombey`acid，indeed，\'shewhisperedMissTox，hastenedtotherescue。
`YourlittlechildwillthrivecharminglywithyoursisterJemima，Richards，\'saidMrs。Chick；`andyouhaveonlytomakeaneffort——thisisaworldofeffort，youknow，Richards——tobeveryhappyindeed。Youhavebeenalreadymeasuredforyourmourning，haven\'tyou，Richards？\'
`Ye——es，Ma\'am，\'sobbedPolly。
`Andit\'llfitbeautifully。Iknow，\'saidMrs。Chick，`forthesameyoungpersonhasmadememanydresses。Theverybestmaterials，too！\'
`Lor，you\'llbesosmart，\'saidMissTox，`thatyourhusbandwon\'tknowyou；willyou，Sir？\'
`Ishouldknowher，\'saidToodle，gruffly，`anyhowsandanywheres。\'
Toodlewasevidentlynottobeboughtover。
`Astoliving，Richards，youknow，\'pursuedMrs。Chick，`whytheverybestofeverythingwillbeatyourdisposal。Youwillorderyourlittledinnereveryday；andanythingyoutakeafancyto，I\'msurewillbeasreadilyprovidedasifyouwereaLady。\'
`Yes，tobesure！\'saidMissTox，keepinguptheballwithgreatsympathy。`Andastoporter！——quiteunlimited，willitnot，Louisa？\'
`Oh，certainly！\'returnedMrs。Chickinthesametone。`Withalittleabstinence，youknow，mydear，inpointofvegetables。\'
`Andpickles，perhaps，\'suggestedMissTox。
`Withsuchexceptions，\'saidLouisa，`she\'llconsultherchoiceentirely，andbeundernorestraintatall，mylove。\'
`Andthen，ofcourse，youknow，\'saidMissTox，`howeverfondsheisofherowndearlittlechild——andI\'msure，Louisa，youdon\'tblameherforbeingfondofit？\'
`Ohno！\'criedMrs。Chick，benignantly。
`Still，\'resumedMissTox，`shenaturallymustbeinterestedinheryoungcharge，andmustconsideritaprivilegetoseealittlecherubcloselyconnectedwiththesuperiorclasses，graduallyunfoldingitselffromdaytodayatonecommonfountain。Isitnotso，Louisa？\'
`Mostundoubtedly！\'saidMrs。Chick。`Yousee，mylove，she\'salreadyquitecontentedandcomfortable，andmeanstosaygood-byetohersisterJemimaandherlittlepets，andhergoodhonesthusband，withalightheartandasmile；don\'tshe，mydear！\'
`Ohyes！\'criedMissTox。`Tobesureshedoes！\'
Notwithstandingwhich，however，poorPollyembracedthemallroundingreatdistress，andfinallyranawaytoavoidanymoreparticularleave-takingbetweenherselfandthechildren。Butthestratagemhardlysucceededaswellasitdeserved；forthesmallestboybutonediviningherintent，immediatelybeganswarmingupstairsafterher——ifthatwordofdoubtfuletymologybeadmissible——onhisarmsandlegs；whiletheeldestknowninthefamilybythenameofBiler，inremembranceofthesteamengine
beatademoniacaltattoowithhisboots，expressiveofgrief；inwhichhewasjoinedbytherestofthefamily。
AquantityoforangesandhalfpencethrustindiscriminatelyoneachyoungToodle，checkedthefirstviolenceoftheirregret，andthefamilywerespeedilytransportedtotheirownhome，bymeansofthehackney-coachkeptinwaitingforthatpurpose。Thechildren，undertheguardianshipofJemima，blockedupthewindow，anddroppedoutorangesandhalfpenceallthewayalong。Mr。Toodlehimselfpreferredtoridebehindamongthespikes，asbeingthemodeofconveyancetowhichhewasbestaccustomed。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter3[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIIIInwhichMr。Dombey，asaManandaFather，isseenattheHeadoftheHome-DepartmentTHEfuneralofthedeceasedladyhavingbeen`performed\'totheentiresatisfactionoftheundertaker，aswellasoftheneighbourhoodatlarge，whichisgenerallydisposedtobecaptiousonsuchapoint，andispronetotakeoffenceatanyomissionsorshort-comingsintheceremonies，thevariousmembersofMr。Dombey\'shouseholdsubsidedintotheirseveralplacesinthedomesticsystem。Thatsmallworld，likethegreatoneoutofdoors，hadthecapacityofeasilyforgettingitsdead；andwhenthecookhadsaidshewasaquiet-temperedlady，andthehouse-keeperhadsaiditwasthecommonlot，andthebutlerhadsaidwho\'dhavethoughtit，andthehousemaidhadsaidshecouldn\'thardlybelieveit，andthefootmanhadsaiditseemedexactlylikeadream，theyhadquitewornthesubjectout，andbegantothinktheirmourningwaswearingrustytoo。
OnRichards，whowasestablishedupstairsinastateofhonourablecaptivity，thedawnofhernewlifeseemedtobreakcoldandgrey。Mr。
Dombey\'shousewasalargeone，ontheshadysideofatall，dark，dreadfullygenteelstreetintheregionbetweenPortlandPlaceandBryanstoneSquare。
Itwasacornerhouse，withgreatwideareascontainingcellarsfrowneduponbybarredwindow，andleeredatbycrooked-eyeddoorsleadingtodustbins。
Itwasahouseofdismalstate，withacircularbacktoit，containingawholesuitofdrawing-roomslookinguponagravelledyard，wheretwogaunttrees，withblackenedtrunksandbranches，rattledratherthanrustled，theirleavesweresosmoke-dried。Thesummersunwasneveronthestreet，butinthemorningaboutbreakfast-time，whenitcamewiththewater-cartsandtheold-clothesmen，andthepeoplewithgeraniums，andtheumbrella-mender，andthemanwhotrilledthelittlebelloftheDutchclockashewentalong。
Itwassoongoneagaintoreturnnomorethatday；andthebandsofmusicandthestragglingPunch\'sshowsgoingafterit，leftitapreytothemostdismaloforgans，andwhitemice；withnowandthenaporcupine，tovarytheentertainments；untilthebutlerswhosefamilieswerediningout，begantostandatthehouse-doorsinthetwilight，andthelamplightermadehisnightlyfailureinattemptingtobrightenupthestreetwithgas。
Itwasasblankahouseinsideasoutside。Whenthefuneralwasover，Mr。Dombeyorderedthefurnituretobecoveredup——perhapstopreserveitforthesonwithwhomhisplanswereallassociated——andtheroomstobeungarnished，savingsuchasheretainedforhimselfonthegroundfloor。
Accordingly，mysteriousshapesweremadeoftablesandchairs，heapedtogetherinthemiddleofrooms，andcoveredoverwithgreatwinding-sheets。Bell-handles，window-blinds，andlooking-glasses，beingpaperedupinjournals，dailyandweekly，obtrudedfragmentaryaccountsofdeathsanddreadfulmurders。
Everychandelierorlustre，muffledinHolland，lookedlikeamonstrousteardependingfromtheceiling\'seye。Odours，asfromvaultsanddampplaces，cameoutofthechimneys。Thedeadandburiedladywasawfulinapicture-frameofghastlybandages。Everygustofwindthatrose，broughteddyingroundthecornerfromtheneighbouringmews，somefragmentsofthestrawthathadbeenstrewnbeforethehousewhenshewasill，mildewedremainsofwhichwerestillcleavingtotheneighbourhood；andthese，beingalwaysdrawnbysomeinvisibleattractiontothethresholdofthedirtyhousetoletimmediatelyopposite，addressedadismaleloquencetoMr。
Dombey\'swindows。
TheapartmentswhichMr。Dombeyreservedforhisowninhabiting，wereattainablefromthehall，andconsistedofasitting-room；alibrary，whichwasinfactadressing-room，sothatthesmellofhot-pressedpaper，vellummorocco，andRussialeather，contendedinitwiththesmellofdiverspairsofboots；andakindofconservatoryorlittleglassbreakfast-roombeyond，commandingaprospectofthetreesbeforementioned，and，generallyspeaking，ofafewprowlingcats。Thesethreeroomsopenedupononeanother。
Inthemorning，whenMr。Dombeywasathisbreakfastinoneorotherofthetwofirst-mentionedofthem，aswellasintheafternoonwhenhecamehometodinner，abellwasrungforRichardstorepairtothisglasschamber，andtherewalktoandfrowithheryoungcharge。FromtheglimpsesshecaughtofMr。Dombeyatthesetimes，sittinginthedarkdistance，lookingouttowardstheinfantfromamongthedarkheavyfurniture——thehousehadbeeninhabitedforyearsbyhisfather，andinmanyofitsappointmentswasold-fashionedandgrim——shebegantoentertainideasofhiminhissolitarystate，asifhewerealoneprisonerinacell，orastrangeapparitionthatwasnottobeaccostedorunderstood。
LittlePaulDombey\'sfoster-motherhadledthislifeherself，andhadcarriedlittlePaulthroughitforsomeweeks；andhadreturnedupstairsonedayfromamelancholysaunterthroughthedrearyroomsofstatesheneverwentoutwithoutMrs。Chick，whocalledonfinemornings，usuallyaccompaniedbyMissTox，totakeherandBabyforanairing——orinotherwords，tomarchthemgravelyupanddownthepavement；likeawalkingfuneral；when，asshewassittinginherownroom，thedoorwasslowlyandquietlyopened，andadark-eyedlittlegirllookedin。
`It\'sMissFlorencecomehomefromheraunt\'s，nodoubt，\'thoughtRichards，whohadneverseenthechildbefore。`HopeIseeyouwell，Miss。\'
`Isthatmybrother？\'askedthechild，pointingtotheBaby。
`Yes，mypretty，\'answeredRichards。`Comeandkisshim。\'
Butthechild，insteadofadvancing，lookedherearnestlyintheface，andsaid：
`WhathaveyoudonewithmyMama？\'
`Lordblessthelittlecreeter！\'criedRichards，`whatasadquestion！
Idone？Nothing，Miss。\'
`WhathavetheydonewithmyMama？\'inquiredthechild。
`Ineversawsuchameltingthinginallmylife！\'saidRichards，whonaturallysubstitutedforthischildoneofherown，inquiringforherselfinlikecircumstances。`Comenearerhere，mydearMiss！Don\'tbeafraidofme。\'
`Iamnotafraidofyou，\'saidthechild，drawingnearer。`ButIwanttoknowwhattheyhavedonewithmyMama。\'
`Mydarling，\'saidRichards，`youwearthatprettyblackfrockinremembranceofyourMama。\'
`IcanremembermyMama，\'returnedthechild，withtearsspringingtohereyes，`inanyfrock。\'
`Butpeopleputonblack，torememberpeoplewhenthey\'regone。\'
`Wheregone？\'askedthechild。
`Comeandsitdownbyme，\'saidRichards，`andI\'lltellyouastory。\'
Withaquickperceptionthatitwasintendedtorelatetowhatshehadasked，littleFlorencelaidasidethebonnetshehadheldinherhanduntilnow，andsatdownonastoolattheNurse\'sfeet，lookingupintoherface。
`Onceuponatime，\'saidRichards，`therewasalady——averygoodlady，andherlittledaughterdearlylovedher。\'
`Averygoodladyandherlittledaughterdearlylovedher，\'repeatedthechild。
`Who，whenGoodthoughtitrightthatitshouldbeso，wastakenillanddied。\'
Thechildshuddered。
`Died，nevertobeseenagainbyanyoneonearth，andwasburiedinthegroundwherethetreesgrow。\'
`Thecoldground？\'saidthechild，shudderingagain。
`No！Thewarmground，\'returnedPolly，seizingheradvantage，`wheretheuglylittleseedsturnintobeautifulflowers，andintograss，andcorn，andIdon\'tknowwhatallbesides。Wheregoodpeopleturnintobrightangels，andflyawaytoHeaven！\'
Thechild，whohaddroopedherhead，raiseditagain，andsatlookingatherintently。
`So；letmesee，\'saidPolly，notalittleflurriedbetweenthisearnestscrutiny，herdesiretocomfortthechild，hersuddensuccess，andherveryslightconfidenceinherownpowers。`So，whenthisladydied，wherevertheytookher，orwherevertheyputher，shewenttoGOD！andsheprayedtoHim，thisladydid，\'saidPolly，affectingherselfbeyondmeasure；beingheartilyinearnest，`toteachherlittledaughtertobesureofthatinherheart：andtoknowthatshewashappythereandlovedherstill：andtohopeandtry——Oh，allherlife——tomeetherthereoneday，never，never，nevertopartanymore。\'
`ItwasmyMama！\'exclaimedthechild，springingup，andclaspingherroundtheneck。
`Andthechild\'sheart，\'saidPolly，drawinghertoherbreast：
`thelittledaughter\'sheartwassofullofthetruthofthis，thatevenwhenshehearditfromastrangenursethatcouldn\'ttellitright，butwasapoormotherherselfandthatwasall，shefoundacomfortinit——didn\'tfeelsolonely——sobbedandcrieduponherbosom——tookkindlytothebabylyinginherlap——and——there，there，there！\'saidPolly，smoothingthechild\'scurlsanddroppingtearsuponthem。`There，poordear！\'
`Ohwell，MissFloy！Andwon\'tyourPabeangryneither！\'criedaquickvoiceatthedoor，proceedingfromashort，brown，womanlygirloffourteen，withalittlesnubnose，andblackeyeslikejetbeads。`Whenitwas\'tickerlerlygivenoutthatyouwasn\'ttogoandworritthewetnurse。\'
`Shedon\'tworryme，\'wasthesurprisedrejoinderofPolly。`I
amveryfondofchildren。\'
`Oh！butbeggingyourpardon，Mrs。Richards，thatdon\'tmatter，youknow，\'returnedtheblack-eyedgirl，whowassodesperatelysharpandbitingthatsheseemedtomakeone\'seyeswater。`Imaybeveryfondofpennywinkles，Mrs。Richards，butitdon\'tfollowthatI\'mtohave\'emfortea。\'
`Well，itdon\'tmatter，\'saidPolly。
`Oh，thank\'ee，Mrs。Richards，don\'tit！\'returnedthesharpgirl。
`Remembering，however，ifyou\'llbesogood，thatMissFloy\'sundermycharge，andMasterPaul\'sunderyour\'n。\'
`Butstillweneedn\'tquarrel，\'saidPolly。
`Ohno，Mrs。Richards，\'rejoinedSpitfire。`Notatall，Idon\'twishit，weneedn\'tstanduponthatfooting，MissFloybeingapermanency，MasterPaulatemporary。\'Spitfiremadeuseofnonebutcommapauses；shootingoutwhatevershehadtosayinonesentence，andinonebreath，ifpossible。
`MissFlorencehasjustcomehome，hasn\'tshe？\'askedPolly。
`Yes，Mrs。Richards，justcome，andhere，MissFloy，beforeyou\'vebeeninthehouseaquarterofanhour，yougoasmearingyourwetfaceagainsttheexpensivemourningthatMrs。RichardsisawearingforyourMa！\'Withthisremonstrance，youngSpitfire，whoserealnamewasSusanNipper，detachedthechildfromhernewfriendbyawrench——asifshewereatooth。Butsheseemedtodoit，moreintheexcessivelysharpexerciseofherofficialfunctions，thanwithanydeliberateunkindness。
`She\'llbequitehappy，nowshehascomehomeagain，\'saidPolly，noddingtoherwithanencouragingsmileuponherwholesomeface，`andwillbesopleasedtoseeherdearPapato-night。\'
`Lork，Mr。Richards！\'criedMissNipper，takingupherwordswithajerk。`Don\'t。SeeherdearPapaindeed！Ishouldliketoseeherdoit！\'
`Won\'tshethen？\'askedPolly。
`Lork，Mrs。Richards，no，herPa\'sadealtoowrappedupinsomebodyelse，andbeforetherewasasomebodyelsetobewrappedupinsheneverwasafavourite，girlsarethrownawayinthishouse，Mrs。Richards，Iassureyou。\'
Thechildlookedquicklyfromonenursetotheother，asifsheunderstoodandfeltwhatwassaid。
`Yousurpriseme！\'criedPolly。`Hasn\'tMr。Dombeyseenhersince——\'
`No，\'interruptedSusanNipper。`Notoncesince，andhehadn\'thardlysethiseyesuponherbeforethatformonthsandmonths，andIdon\'tthinkhe\'dhaveknownherforhisownchildifhehadmetherinthestreets，orwouldknowherforhisownchildifhewastomeetherinthestreetsto-morrow，Mrs。Richards，astome，\'saidSpitfire，withagiggle，`Idoubtifhe\'saweerofmyexistence。\'
`Prettydear！\'saidRichards；meaning，notMissNipper，butthelittleFlorence。
`Oh！there\'saTartarwithinahundredmilesofwherewe\'renowinconversation，Icantellyou，Mrs。Richards，presentcompanyalwaysexceptedtoo，\'saidSusanNipper；`wishyougoodmorning，Mrs。Richards，nowMissFloy，youcomealongwithme，anddon\'tgohangingbacklikeanaughtywickedchildthatjudgmentsisnoexampleto，don\'t。\'
Inspiteofbeingthusadjured，andinspitealsoofsomehaulingonthepartofSusanNipper，tendingtowardsthedislocationofherrightshoulder，littleFlorencebrokeaway，andkissedhernewfriend，affectionately。
`Good-bye！\'saidthechild。`Godblessyou！Ishallcometoseeyouagainsoon，andyou\'llcometoseeme？Susanwillletus。Won\'tyou，Susan？\'
Spitfireseemedtobeinthemainagood-naturedlittlebody，althoughadiscipleofthatschooloftrainersoftheyoungideawhichholdsthatchildhood，likemoney，mustbeshakenandrattledandjostledaboutagooddealtokeepitbright。For，beingthusappealedtowithsomeendearinggesturesandcaresses，shefoldedhersmallarmsandshookherhead，andconveyedarelentingexpressionintohervery-wide-openblackeyes。
`Itain\'trightofyoutoaskit，MissFloy，foryouknowIcan\'trefuseyou，butMrs。Richardsandmewillseewhatcanbedone，ifMrs。
Richardslikes，Imaywish，yousee，totakeavoyagetoChaney，Mrs。Richards，butImayn\'tknowhowtoleavetheLondonDocks。\'
Richardsassentedtotheproposition。
`Thishouseain\'tsoexactlyringingwithmerry-making，\'saidMissNipper，`thatoneneedbelonelierthanonemustbe。YourToxesandyourChicksesmaydrawoutmytwofrontdoubleteeth，Mrs。Richards，butthat\'snoreasonwhyIneedoffer\'emthewholeset。\'
ThispropositionwasalsoassentedtobyRichards，asanobviousone。
`SoI\'magreeable，I\'msure，\'saidSusanNipper，`tolivefriendly，Mrs。Richards，whileMasterPaulcontinuesapermanency，ifthemeanscanbeplannedoutwithoutgoingopenlyagainstorders，butgoodnessgraciousME，MissFloy，youhaven\'tgotyourthingsoffyet，younaughtychild，youhaven\'t，comealong！\'
Withthesewords，SusanNipper，inatransportofcoercion，madeachargeatheryoungward，andsweptheroutoftheroom。
Thechild，inhergriefandneglect，wassogentle，soquiet，anduncomplaining；waspossessedofsomuchaffectionthatnooneseemedtocaretohave，andsomuchsorrowfulintelligencethatnooneseemedtomindorthinkaboutthewoundingof；thatPolly\'sheartwassorewhenshewasleftaloneagain。Inthesimplepassagethathadtakenplacebetweenherselfandthemotherlesslittlegirl，herownmotherlyhearthadbeentouchednolessthanthechild\'s；andshefelt，asthechilddid，thattherewassomethingofconfidenceandinterestbetweenthemfromthatmoment。
NothwithstandingMr。Toodle\'sgreatrelianceonPolly，shewasperhapsinpointofartificialaccomplishmentsverylittlehissuperior。
Butshewasagoodplainsampleofanaturethatisever，inthemass，better，truer，higher，nobler，quickertofeel，andmuchmoreconstanttoretain，alltendernessandpity，self-denialanddevotion，thanthenatureofmen。And，perhaps，unlearnedasshewas，shecouldhavebroughtadawningknowledgehometoMr。Dombeyatthatearlyday，whichwouldnotthenhavestruckhimintheendlikelightning。
Butthisisfromthepurpose。Pollyonlythought，atthattime，ofimprovingonhersuccessfulpropitiationofMissNipper，anddevisingsomemeansofhavinglittleFlorencebesideher，lawfully，andwithoutrebellion。Anopeninghappenedtopresentitselfthatverynight。
Shehadbeenrungdownintotheglassroomasusual，andhadwalkedaboutandaboutitalongtime，withthebabyinherarms，when，tohergreatsurpriseanddismay，Mr。Dombeycameout，suddenly，andstoppedbeforeher。
`Goodevening，Richards。\'
Justthesameaustere，stiffgentleman，ashehadappearedtoheronthatfirstday。Suchahard-lookinggentleman，thatsheinvoluntarilydroppedhereyesandhercurtseyatthesametime。
`HowisMasterPaul，Richards？\'
`Quitethriving，Sir，andwell。\'
`Helooksso，\'saidMr。Dombey，glancingwithgreatinterestatthetinyfacesheuncoveredforhisobservation，andyetaffectingtobehalfcarelessofit。`Theygiveyoueverythingyouwant，Ihope？\'
`Ohyes，thankyou，Sir。\'
Shesuddenlyappendedsuchanobvioushesitationtothisreply，however，thatMr。Dombey，whohadturnedaway，stopped，andturnedroundagain，inquiringly。
`Ibelievenothingissogoodformakingchildrenlivelyandcheerful，Sir，asseeingotherchildrenplayingabout\'em，\'observedPolly，takingcourage。
`IthinkImentionedtoyou，Richards，whenyoucamehere，\'saidMr。Dombey，withafrown，`thatIwishedyoutoseeaslittleofyourfamilyaspossible。Youcancontinueyourwalkifyouplease。\'
Withthat，hedisappearedintohisinnerroom；andPollyhadthesatisfactionoffeelingthathehadthoroughlymisunderstoodherobject，andthatshehadfallenintodisgracewithouttheleastadvancementofherpurpose。