Nextnight，shefoundhimwalkingabouttheconservatorywhenshecamedown。Asshestoppedatthedoor，checkedbythisunusualsight，anduncertainwhethertoadvanceorretreat，hecalledherin。
`Ifyoureallythinkthatsortofsocietyisgoodthechild，\'
hesaidsharply，asiftherehadbeennointervalsincesheproposedit，`where\'sMissFlorence？\'
`NothingcouldbebetterthanMissFlorence，Sir，\'saidPollyeagerly，`butIunderstoodfromherlittlemaidthattheywerenotto——\'
Mr。Dombeyrangthebell，andwalkedtillitwasanswered。
`TellthemalwaystoletMissFlorencebewithRichardswhenshechooses，andgooutwithher，andsoforth。Tellthemtoletthechildrenbetogether，whenRichardswishesit。\'
Theironwasnowhot，andRichardsstrikingonitboldly——itwasagoodcauseandshewasboldinit，thoughinstinctivelyafraidofMr。Dombey——requestedthatMissFlorencemightbesentdownthenandthere，tomakefriendswithherelittlebrother。
Shefeignedtobedandlingthechildastheservantretiredonthiserrand，butshethoughtthatshesawMr。Dombey\'scolourchanged；
thattheexpressionofhisfacequitealtered；thatheturned，hurriedly，asiftogainsaywhathehadsaid，orshehadsaid，orboth，andwasonlydeterredbyveryshame。
Andshewasright。Thelasttimehehadseenhisslightedchild，therehadbeenthatinthesadembracebetweenherandherdyingmother，whichwasatoncearevelationandareproachtohim。LethimbeabsorbedashewouldintheSononwhomhebuiltsuchhighhopes，hecouldnotforgetthatclosingscene。Hecouldnotforgetthathehadhadnopartinit。
That，atthebottomofitscleardepthsoftendernessandtruth，laythosetwofiguresclaspedineachother\'sarms，whilehestoodonthebankabovethem，lookingdownamerespectator——notasharerwiththem——quiteshutout。
Unabletoexcludethesethingsfromhisremembrance，ortokeephismindfreefromsuchimperfectshapesofthemeaningwithwhichtheywerefraught，aswereabletomakethemselvesvisibletohimthroughthemistofhispride，hispreviousfeelingsofindifferencetowardslittleFlorencechangedintoanuneasinessofanextraordinarykind。Healmostfeltasifshewatchedanddistrustedhim。Asifsheheldthecluetosomethingsecretinhisbreast，ofthenatureofwhichhewashardlyinformedhimself。
Asifshehadaninnateknowledgeofonejarringanddiscordantstringwithinhim，andherverybreathcouldsoundit。
Hisfeelingaboutthechildhadbeennegativefromherbirth。
Hehadneverconceivedanaversiontoher：ithadnotbeenworthhiswhileorinhishumour。Shehadneverbeenapositivelydisagreeableobjecttohim。Butnowhewasillateaseabouther。Shetroubledhispeace。Hewouldhavepreferredtoputherideaasidealtogether，ifhehadknownhow。Perhaps——whoshalldecideonsuchmysteries！——hewasafraidthathemightcometohateher。
WhenlittleFlorencetimidlypresentedherself，Mr。Dombeystoppedinhispacingupanddownandlookedtowardsher。Hadhelookedwithgreaterinterestandwithafather\'seye，hemighthavereadinherkeenglancetheimpulsesandfearsthatmadeherwaver；thepassionatedesiretorunclingingtohim，crying，asshehidherfaceinhisembrace，`Ohfather，trytoloveme！there\'snooneelse！\'thedreadofarepulse；thefearofbeingtoobold，andofoffendinghim；thepitiableneedinwhichshestoodofsomeassuranceandencouragement；andhowheroverchargedyoungheartwaswanderingtofindsomenaturalresting-place，foritssorrowandaffection。
Buthesawnothingofthis。Hesawherpauseirresolutelyatthedoorandlooktowardshim；andhesawnomore。
`Comein，\'hesaid，`comein：whatisthechildafraidof？\'
Shecamein；andafterglancingroundherforamomentwithanuncertainair，stoodpressinghersmallhandshardtogether，closewithinthedoor。
`Comehere，Florence，\'saidherfather，coldly。`DoyouknowwhoIam？\'
`Yes，Papa。\'
`Haveyounothingtosaytome？\'
Thetearsthatstoodinhereyesassheraisedthemquicklytohisface，werefrozenbytheexpressionitwore。Shelookeddownagain，andputouthertremblinghand。
Mr。Dombeytookitlooselyinhisown，andstoodlookingdownuponherforamoment，asifheknewaslittleasthechild，whattosayordo。
`There！Beagoodgirl，\'hesaid，pattingheronthehead，andregardingherasitwerebystealthwithadisturbedanddoubtfullook。
`GotoRichards！Go！\'
Hislittledaughterhesitatedforanotherinstantasthoughshewouldhaveclungabouthimstill，orhadsomelingeringhopethathemightraiseherinhisarmsandkissher。Shelookedupinhisfaceoncemore。
Hethoughthowlikeherexpressionwasthen，towhatithadbeenwhenshelookedroundattheDoctor——thatnight——andinstinctivelydroppedherhandandturnedaway。
ItwasnotdifficulttoperceivethatFlorencewasatagreatdisadvantageinherfather\'spresence。Itwasnotonlyaconstraintuponthechild\'smind，butevenuponthenaturalgraceandfreedomofheractions。
StillPollyperseveredwithallthebetterheartforseeingthis；and，judgingofMr。Dombeybyherself，hadgreatconfidenceinthemuteappealofpoorlittleFlorence\'smourningdress。`It\'shardindeed，\'thoughtPolly，`ifhetakesonlytoonelittlemotherlesschild，whenhehasanother，andthatagirl，beforehiseyes。\'
So，Pollykeptherbeforehiseyes，aslongasshecould，andmanagedsowellwithlittlePaul，astomakeitveryplainthathewasallthelivelierforhissister\'scompany。Whenitwastimetowithdrawupstairsagain，shewouldhavesentFlorenceintotheinnerroomtosaygood-nighttoherfather，butthechildwastimidanddrewback：andwhensheurgedheragain，said，spreadingherhandsbeforehereyes，asiftoshutoutherownunworthiness，`Ohno，no！Hedon\'twantme。Hedon\'twantme！\'
ThelittlealtercationbetweenthemhadattractedthenoticeofMr。Dombey，whoinquiredfromthetablewherehewassittingathiswine，whatthematterwas。
`MissFlorencewasafraidofinterrupting，Sir，ifshecameintosaygood-night，\'saidRichards。
`Itdoesn\'tmatter，\'returnedMr。Dombey。`Youcanlethercomeandgowithoutregardingme。\'
Thechildshrunkasshelistened——andwasgonebeforeherhumblefriendlookedroundagain。
However，Pollytriumphednotalittleinthesuccessofherwell-intentionedscheme，andintheaddresswithwhichshehadbroughtittobear：whereofshemadeafulldisclosuretoSpitfirewhenshewasoncemoresafelyintrenchedupstairs。MissNipperreceivedthatproofofherconfidence，aswellastheprospectoftheirfreeassociationforthefuture，rathercoldly，andwasanythingbutenthusiasticinherdemonstrationsofjoy。
`Ithoughtyouwouldhavebeenpleased，\'saidPolly。
`Ohyes，Mrs。Richards，I\'mverywellpleased，thankyou，\'returnedSusan，whohadsuddenlybecomesoveryuprightthatsheseemedtohaveputanadditionalboneinherstays。
`Youdon\'tshowit，\'saidPolly。
`Oh！BeingonlyapermanencyIcouldn\'tbeexpectedtoshowitlikeatemporary，\'saidSusanNipper。`Temporariescarriesitallbefore\'emhere，Ifind，butthoughthere\'saexcellentparty-wallbetweenthishouseandthenext，Imayn\'texactlyliketogotoit，Mrs。Richards，notwithstanding！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter4[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIVInwhichsomemoreFirstAppearancesaremadeontheStageoftheseAdventuresTHOUGHtheofficesofDombeyandSonwerewithinthelibertiesoftheCityofLondon，andwithinhearingofBowBells，whentheirclashingvoiceswerenotdrownedbytheuproarinthestreets，yetweretherehintsofadventurousandromanticstorytobeobservedinsomeoftheadjacentobjects。
GogandMagogheldtheirstatewithintenminutes\'walk；theRoyalExchangewascloseathand；theBankofEngland，withitsvaultsofgoldandsilver`downamongthedeadmen\'underground，wastheirmagnificentneighbour。
JustroundthecornerstoodtherichEastIndiaHouse，teemingwithsuggestionsofpreciousstuffsandstones，tigers，elephants，howdahs，hookahs，umbrellas，palmtrees，palanquins，andgorgeousprincesofabrowncomplexionsittingoncarpets，withtheirslippersverymuchturnedupatthetoes。Anywhereintheimmediatevicinitytheremightbeseenpicturesofshipsspeedingawayfullsailtoallpartsoftheworld；outfittingware-housesreadytopackoffanybodyanywhere，fullyequippedinhalfanhour；andlittletimbermidshipmeninobsoletenavaluniforms，eternallyemployedoutsidetheshopdoorsofnauticalinstrument-makersintakingobservationsofthehackneycoaches。
Solemasterandproprietorofoneoftheseeffigies——ofthatwhichmightbecalled，familiarly，thewoodenest——ofthatwhichthrustitselfoutabovethepavement，rightlegforemost，withasuavitytheleastendurable，andhadtheshoebucklesandflappedwaistcoattheleastreconcileabletohumanreason，andboreatitsrighteyethemostoffensivelydisproportionatepieceofmachinery——solemasterandproprietorofthatmidshipman，andproudofhimtoo，anelderlygentlemaninaWelshwighadpaidhouse-rent，taxes，anddues，formoreyearsthanmanyafull-grownmidshipmanoffleshandbloodhasnumberedinhislife；andmidshipmenwhohaveattainedaprettygreenoldage，havenotbeenwantingintheEnglishnavy。
Thestock-in-tradeofthisoldgentlemancomprisedchronometers，barometers，telescopes，compasses，charts，maps，sextants，quadrants，andspecimensofeverykindofinstrumentusedintheworkingofaship\'scourse，orthekeepingofaship\'sreckoning，ortheprosecutingofaship\'sdiscoveries。
Objectsinbrassandglasswereinhisdrawersandonhisshelves，whichnonebuttheinitiatedcouldhavefoundthetopof，orguessedtheuseof，orhavingonceexamined，couldhaveevergotbackagainintotheirmahoganynestswithoutassistance。Everythingwasjammedintothetightestcases，fittedintothenarrowestcorners，fencedupbehindthemostimpertinentcushions，andscrewedintotheacutestangles，topreventitsphilosophicalcomposurefrombeingdisturbedbytherollingofthesea。Suchextraordinaryprecautionsweretakenineveryinstancetosaveroom，andkeepthethingcompact；andsomuchpracticalnavigationwasfitted，andcushioned，andscrewedintoeveryboxwhethertheboxwasamereslab，assomewere，orsomethingbetweenacockedhatandastar-fish，asotherswere，andthosequitemildandmodestboxesascomparedwithothers；thattheshopitself，partakingofthegeneralinfection，seemedalmosttobecomeasnug，sea-going，ship-shapeconcern，wantingonlygoodsea-room，intheeventofanunexpectedlaunch，toworkitswaysecurelytoanydesertislandintheworld。
ManyminorincidentsinthehouseholdlifeoftheShips\'Instrument-makerwhowasproudofhislittlemidshipman，assistedandboreoutthisfancy。
Hisacquaintancelyingchieflyamongship-chandlersandsoforth，hehadalwaysplentyoftheveritableships\'biscuitonhistable。Itwasfamiliarwithdriedmeatsandtongues，possessinganextraordinaryflavourofropeyarn。Pickleswereproduceduponit，ingreatwholesalejars，with`dealerinallkindsofShips\'Provisions\'onthelabel；spiritsweresetforthincasebottleswithnothroats。Oldprintsofshipswithalphabeticalreferencestotheirvariousmysteries，hunginframesuponthewalls；theTartarFrigateunderweigh，wasontheplates；outlandishshells，seaweeds，andmosses，decoratedthechimney-piece；thelittlewainscottedbackparlourwaslightedbyasky-light，likeacabin。
Herehelivedtoo，inskipper-likestate，allalonewithhisnephewWalter：aboyoffourteenwholookedquiteenoughlikeamidshipman，tocarryouttheprevailingidea。Butthereitended，forSolomonGillshimselfmoregenerallycalledoldSolwasfarfromhavingamaritimeappearance。
TosaynothingofhisWelshwig，whichwasasplainandstubbornaWelshwigaseverwasworn，andinwhichhelookedlikeanythingbutaRover，hewasaslow，quiet-spoken，thoughtfuloldfellow，witheyesasredasiftheyhadbeensmallsunslookingatyouthroughafog；andanewly-awakenedmanner，suchashemighthaveacquiredbyhavingstaredforthreeorfourdayssuccessivelythrougheveryopticalinstrumentinhisshop，andsuddenlycamebacktotheworldagain，tofinditgreen。Theonlychangeeverknowninhisoutwardman，wasfromacompletesuitofcoffee-colourcutverysquare，andornamentedwithglaringbuttons，tothesamesuitofcoffee-colourminustheinexpressibles，whichwerethenofapalenankeen。Heworeaverypreciseshirt-frill，andcarriedapairoffirst-ratespectaclesonhisforehead，andatremendouschronometerinhisfob，ratherthandoubtwhichpreciouspossession，hewouldhavebelievedinaconspiracyagainstitonthepartofalltheclocksandwatchesintheCity，andevenoftheverySunitself。Suchashewas，suchhehadbeenintheshopandparlourbehindthelittlemidshipman，foryearsuponyears；goingregularlyalofttobedeverynightinahowlinggarretremotefromthelodgers，where，whengentlemenofEnglandwholivedbelowateasehadlittleornoideaofthestateoftheweather，itoftenblewgreatguns。
Itishalf-pastfiveo\'clock，andanautumnafternoon，whenthereaderandSolomonGillsbecomeacquainted。SolomonGillsisintheactofseeingwhattimeitisbytheunimpeachablechronometer。TheusualdailyclearancehasbeenmakingintheCityforanhourormore；andthehumantideisstillrollingwestward。`Thestreetshavethinned，\'asMr。Gillssays，`verymuch。\'Itthreatenstobewetto-night。Alltheweather-glassesintheshipareinlowspirits，andtherainalreadyshinesuponthecockedhatofthewoodenmidshipman。
`Where\'sWalter，Iwonder！\'saidSolomonGills，afterhehadcarefullyputupthechronometeragain。`Here\'sdinnerbeenready，halfanhour，andnoWalter！\'
Turningrounduponhisstoolbehindthecounter，Mr。Gillslookedoutamongtheinstrumentsinthewindow，toseeifhisnephewmightbecrossingtheroad。No。Hewasnotamongthebobbingumbrellas，andhecertainlywasnotthenewspaperboyintheoilskincapwhowasslowlyworkinghiswayalongthepieceofbrassoutside，writinghisnameoverMr。Gills\'namewithhisforefinger。
`IfIdidn\'tknowhewastoofondofmetomakearunofit，andgoandenterhimselfaboardshipagainstmywishes，Ishouldbegintobefidgetty，\'saidMr。Gills，tappingtwoorthreeweather-glasseswithhisknuckles。`Ireallyshould。AllintheDowns，eh！Lotsofmoisture！Well！
it\'swanted。\'
`Ibelieve，\'saidMr。Gills，blowingthedustofftheglasstopofacompass-case，`thatyoudon\'tpointmoredirectandduetothebackparlourthantheboy\'sinclinationdoesafterall。Andtheparlourcouldn\'tbearstraightereither。Duenorth。Notthetwentiethpartofapointeitherway。\'
`Halloa，UncleSol！\'
`Halloa，myboy！\'criedtheInstrument-maker，turningbrisklyround。`What！youarehere，areyou？\'
Acheerfullooking，merryboy，freshwithrunninghomeintherain；fair-faced，bright-eyed，andcurly-haired。
`Well，Uncle，howhaveyougotonwithoutmeallday？Isdinnerready？I\'msohungry。\'
`Astogettingon，\'saidSolomongood-naturedly，`itwouldbeoddifIcouldn\'tgetonwithoutayoungdoglikeyouagreatdealbetterthanwithyou。Astodinnerbeingready，it\'sbeenreadythishalfhourandwaitingforyou。Astobeinghungry，Iam！
`Comealongthen，Uncle！\'criedtheboy。`Hurrahfortheadmiral！\'
`Confoundtheadmiral！\'returnedSolomonGills。`YoumeantheLordMayor。\'
`NoIdon\'t！\'criedtheboy。`Hurrahfortheadmiral！Hurrahfortheadmiral！For——ward！\'
Atthiswordofcommand，theWelshwiganditswearerwerebornewithoutresistanceintothebackparlour，asattheheadofaboardingpartyoffivehundredmen；andUncleSolandhisnephewwerespeedilyengagedonafriedsolewithaprospectofsteaktofollow。
`TheLordMayor，Wally，\'saidSolomon，`forever！Nomoreadmirals。
TheLordMayor\'syouradmiral。\'
`Oh，ishethough！\'saidtheboy，shakinghishead。`Why，theSwordBearer\'sbetterthanhim。Hedrawshisswordsometimes。\'
`Andaprettyfigurehecutswithitforhispains，\'returnedtheUncle。`Listentome，Wally，listentome。Lookonthemantel-shelf。\'
`Whywhohascockedmysilvermugupthere，onanail？\'exclaimedtheboy。
`Ihave，\'saidhisUncle。`Nomoremugsnow。Wemustbegintodrinkoutofglassesto-day，Walter。Wearemenofbusiness。WebelongtotheCity。Westartedinlifethismorning。\'
`Well，Uncle，\'saidtheboy，`I\'lldrinkoutofanythingyoulike，solongasIcandrinktoyou。Here\'stoyouUncleSol，andHurrahforthe——\'
`LordMayor，\'interruptedtheoldman。
`FortheLordMayor，Sheriffs，CommonCouncil，andLivery，\'saidtheboy。`Longlifeto\'em！\'
Theunclenoddedhisheadwithgreatsatisfaction。`Andnow，\'
hesaid，`let\'shearsomethingaboutthefirm。\'
`Oh！there\'snotmuchtobetoldabouttheFirm，Uncle，\'saidtheboy，plyinghisknifeandfork。`It\'sapreciousdarksetofoffices，andintheroomwhereIsit，there\'sahighfender，andanironsafe，andsomecardsaboutshipsthataregoingtosail，andanalmanack，andsomedesksandstools，andaninkbottle，andsomebooks，andsomeboxes，andalotofcobwebs，andinoneof\'em，justovermyhead，ashrivelled-upblue-bottlethatlooksasifithadhungthereeversolong。\'
`Nothingelse？\'saidtheuncle。
`No，nothingelse，exceptanoldbird-cageIwonderhowthatevercamethere！andacoal-scuttle。\'
`No，bankers\'books，orchequebooks，orbills，orsuchtokensofwealthrollinginfromdaytoday？\'saidoldSol，lookingwistfullyathisnephewoutofthefogthatalwaysseemedtohangabouthim，andlayinganunctuousemphasisuponthewords。
`Ohyes，plentyofthatIsuppose，\'returnedhisnephewcarelessly；
`butallthatsortofthing\'sinMr。Carker\'sroom，orMr。Morfin\'s，orMr。Dombey\'s。\'
`HasMr。Dombeybeenthereto-day？\'inquiredtheUncle。
`Ohyes！Inandoutallday。\'
`Hedidn\'ttakeanynoticeofyou，Isuppose？\'
`Yeshedid。Hewalkeduptomyseat——Iwishhewasn\'tsosolemnandstiff，Uncle，andsaid，“Oh！youarethesonofMr。GillstheShips\'
Instrument-maker。““Nephew，Sir，“Isaid。“Isaidnephew，boy，“saidhe。
ButIcouldtakemyoathhesaidSon，uncle。\'
`You\'remistakenIdaresay。It\'snomatter。\'
`No，it\'snomatter，butheneedn\'thavebeensosharp，Ithought。
TherewasnoharminitthoughhedidsaySon。Thenhetoldmethatyouhadspokentohimaboutme，andthathehadfoundmeemploymentintheHouseaccordingly，andthatIwasexpectedtobeattentiveandpunctual，andthenhewentaway。Ithoughthedidn\'tseemtolikememuch。\'
`Youmean，Isuppose，\'observedtheInstrument-maker，`thatyoudidn\'tseemtolikehimmuch？\'
`Well，Uncle，\'returnedtheboy，laughing。`Perhapsso；Ineverthoughtofthat。\'
Solomonlookedalittlegraverashefinishedhisdinner，andglancedfromtimetotimeattheboy\'sbrightface。Whendinnerwasdone，andtheclothwasclearedawaytheentertainmenthadbeenbroughtfromaneighbouringeating-house，helightedacandle，andwentdownbelowintoalittlecellar，whilehisnephew，standingonthemouldystaircase，dutifullyheldthelight。Afteramoment\'sgropinghereandthere，hepresentlyreturnedwithaveryancient-lookingbottle，coveredwithdustanddirt。
`Why，UncleSol！\'saidtheboy，`whatareyouabout？that\'sthewonderfulMadeira！——there\'sonlyonemorebottle！\'
UncleSolnoddedhishead，implyingthatheknewverywellwhathewasabout；andhavingdrawnthecorkinsolemnsilence，filledtwoglassesandsetthebottleandathirdcleanglassonthetable。
`Youshalldrinktheotherbottle，Wally，\'hesaid，`whenyoucometogoodfortune；whenyouareathriving，respected，happyman；whenthestartinlifeyouhavemadeto-dayshallhavebroughtyou，asIprayHeavenitmay！——toasmoothpartofthecourseyouhavetorun，mychild。
Mylovetoyou！\'
SomeofthefogthathungaboutoldSolseemedtohavegotintohisthroat；forhespokehuskily。Hishandshooktoo，asheclinkedhisglassagainsthisnephew\'s。Buthavingoncegotthewinetohislips，hetosseditofflikeaman，andsmackedthemafterwards。
`DearUncle，\'saidtheboy，affectingtomakelightofit，whilethetearsstoodinhiseyes，`forthehonouryouhavedoneme，etcetera，etcetera。IshallnowbegtoproposeMr。SolomonGillswiththreetimesthreeandonecheermore。Hurrah！andyou\'llreturnthanks，Uncle，whenwedrinkthelastbottletogether；won\'tyou？\'
Theyclinkedtheirglassesagain；andWalter，whowashoardinghiswine，tookasipofit，andheldtheglassuptohiseyewithascriticalanairashecouldpossiblyassume。
HisUnclesatlookingathimforsometimeinsilence。Whentheireyesatlastmet，hebeganatoncetopursuethethemethathadoccupiedhisthoughts，aloud，asifhehadbeenspeakingallthewhile。
`Yousee，Walter，\'hesaid，`intruththisbusinessismerelyahabitwithme。IamsoaccustomedtothehabitthatIcouldhardlyliveifIrelinquishedit：butthere\'snothingdoing，nothingdoing。Whenthatuniformwasworn，\'pointingouttowardsthelittlemidshipman，`thenindeed，fortunesweretobemade，andweremade。Butcompetition，competition——newinvention，newinvention——alteration，alteration——theworld\'sgonepastme。IhardlyknowwhereIammyself；muchlesswheremycustomersare。\'
Nevermind\'em，Uncle！\'
`Sinceyoucamehomefromweeklyboarding-schoolatPeckham，forinstance——andthat\'stendays，\'saidSolomon，`Idon\'tremembermorethanonepersonthathascomeintotheshop。\'
`Two，Uncle，don\'tyourecollect？Therewasthemanwhocametoaskforchangeforasovereign——\'
`That\'stheone，\'saidSolomon。
`Why，Uncle！don\'tyoucallthewomenanybody，whocametoaskthewaytoMile-EndTurnpike？\'
`Oh！it\'strue，\'saidsolomon，`Iforgother。Twopersons。\'
`Tobesure，theydidn\'tbuyanything，\'criedtheboy。
`No。Theydidn\'tbuyanything，\'saidSolomon，quietly。
`Norwantanything，\'criedtheboy。
`No。Iftheyhad，they\'dgonetoanothershop，\'saidSolomon，inthesametone。
`Butthereweretwoof\'em，Uncle，\'criedtheboy，asifthatwereagreattriumph。`Yousaidonlyone。\'
`Well，Wally，\'resumedtheoldman，afterashortpause：`notbeingliketheSavageswhocameonRobinsonCrusoe\'sIsland，wecan\'tliveonamanwhoasksforchangeforasovereign，andawomanwhoinquiresthewaytoMile-EndTurnpike。AsIsaidjustnow，theworldhasgonepastme。Idon\'tblameit；butInolongerunderstandit。Tradesmenarenotthesameastheyusedtobe，apprenticesarenotthesame，businessisnotthesame，businesscommoditiesarenotthesame。Seven-eighthsofmystockisold-fashioned。Iamanold-fashionedmaninanold-fashionedshop，inastreetthatisnotthesameasIrememberit。Ihavefallenbehindthetime，andamtoooldtocatchitagain。Eventhenoiseitmakesalongwayahead，confusesme。\'
Walterwasgoingtospeak，buthisUnclehelduphishand。
`Therefore，Wally——thereforeitisthatIamanxiousyoushouldbeearlyinthebusyworld，andontheworld\'strack。Iamonlytheghostofthisbusiness——itssubstancevanishedlongago；andwhenIdie，itsghostwillbelaid。Asitisclearlynoinheritanceforyouthen，Ihavethoughtitbesttouseforyouradvantage，almosttheonlyfragmentoftheoldconnexionthatstandsbyme，thoughtlonghabit。Somepeoplesupposemetobewealthy。Iwishforyoursaketheywereright。ButwhateverI
leavebehindme，orwhateverIcangiveyou，youinsuchahouseasDombey\'sareintheroadtousewellandmakethemostof。Bediligent，trytolikeit，mydearboy，workforasteadyindependence，andbehappy！\'
`I\'lldoeverythingIcan，Uncle，todeserveyouraffection。IndeedIwill，\'saidtheboy，earnestly。
`Iknowit，\'saidSolomon。`Iamsureofit，\'andheappliedhimselftoasecondglassoftheoldMadeira，withincreasedrelish。`AstotheSea，\'hepursued，`that\'swellenoughinfiction，wally，butitwon\'tdoinfact：itwon\'tdoatall。It\'snaturalenoughthatyoushouldthinkaboutit，associatingitwithallthesefamiliarthings；butitwon\'tdo，itwon\'tdo。\'
SolomonGillsrubbedhishandswithanairofstealthyenjoyment，ashetalkedofthesea，though；andlookedonthesea-faringobjectsabouthimwithinexpressiblecomplacency。
`Thinkofthiswineforinstance，\'saidoldSol，`whichhasbeentotheEastIndiesandback，I\'mnotabletosayhowoften，andhasbeenonceroundtheworld。Thinkofthepitch-darknights，theroaringwinds，androllingseas：\'
`Thethunder，lightning，rain，hail，stormofallkinds，\'saidtheboy。
`Tobesure，\'saidSolomon，——`thatthiswinehaspassedthrough。
Thinkwhatastrainingandcreakingoftimbersandmasts：whatawhistlingandhowlingofthegalethroughropesandrigging：\'
`Whataclamberingaloftofmen，vyingwitheachotherwhoshalllieoutfirstupontheyardstofurltheicysails，whiletheshiprollsandpitches，likemad！\'criedhisnephew。
`Exactlyso，\'saidSolomon：`hasgoneon，overtheoldcaskthatheldthiswine。Why，whenthecharmingSallywentdowninthe——\'
`IntheBalticSea，inthedeadofthenight；five-and-twentyminutespasttwelvewhenthecaptain\'swatchstoppedinhispocket；helyingdeadagainstthemain-mast——onthefourteenthofFebruary，seventeenforty-nine！\'criedWalter，withgreatanimation。
`Ay，tobesure！\'criedoldSol，`quiteright！Then，therewerefivehundredcasksofsuchwineaboard；andallhandsexceptthefirstmate，firstlieutenant，twoseamen，andalady，inaleakyboatgoingtoworktostavethecasks，gotdrunkanddieddrunk，singing，`RuleBritannia，\'
whenshesettledandwentdown，andendingwithoneawfulscreaminchorus。\'
`ButwhentheGeorgetheSeconddroveashore，uncle，onthecoastofCornwall，inadismalgale，twohoursbeforedaybreak，onthefourthofMarch，\'seventy-one，shehadneartwohundredhorsesaboard；andthehorsesbreakingloosedownbelow，earlyinthegale，andtearingtoandfro，andtramplingeachothertodeath，madesuchnoises，andsetupsuchhumancries，thatthecrewbelievingtheshiptobefullofdevils，someofthebestmen，losingheartandhead，wentoverboardindespair，andonlytwowereleftalive，atlast，totellthetale。\'
`Andwhen，\'saidoldSol，`whenthePolyphemus——\'
`PrivateWestIndiaTrader，burdenthreehundredandfiftytons，Captain，JohnBrownofDeptford。Owners，WiggsandCo。，\'criedWalter。
`Thesame，\'saidSol；`whenshetookfire，fourdays\'sailwithafairwindoutofJamaicaHarbour，inthenight——\'
`Thereweretwobrothersonboard，\'interposedhisnephew，speakingveryfastandloud，`andtherenotbeingroomforbothofthemintheonlyboatthatwasn\'tswamped，neitherofthemwouldconsenttogo，untiltheeldertooktheyoungerbythewaistandflunghimin。Andthentheyoungerrisingintheboat，criedout，“DearEdward，thinkofyourpromisedwifeathome。I\'monlyaboy。Noonewaitsathomeforme。Leapdownintomyplace！”andflunghimselfinthesea！\'
Thekindlingeyeandheightenedcolouroftheboy，whohadrisenfromhisseatintheearnestnessofwhathesaidandfelt，seemedtoremindoldSolofsomethinghehadforgotten，orthathisencirclingmisthadhithertoshutout。Insteadofproceedingwithanymoreanecdotes，ashehadevidentlyintendedbutamomentbefore，hegaveashortdrycough，andsaid，`Well！supposewechangethesubject。\'
Thetruthwas，thatthesimple-mindeduncleinhissecretattractiontowardsthemarvellousandadventurous——ofwhichhewas，insomesort，adistantrelation，byhistrade——hadgreatlyencouragedthesameattractioninthenephew；andthateverythingthathadeverbeenputbeforetheboytodeterhimfromalifeofadventure，hadhadtheusualunaccountableeffectofsharpeninghistasteforit。Thisisinvariable。Itwouldseemasifthereneverwasabookwritten，orastorytold，expresslywiththeobjectofkeepingboysonshore，whichdidnotlureandcharmthemtotheocean，asamatterofcourse。
Butanadditiontothelittlepartynowmadeitsappearance，intheshapeofagentlemaninawidesuitofblue，withahookinsteadofahandattachedtohisrightwrist；verybushyblackeyebrows；andathickstickinhislefthand，coveredalloverlikehisnosewithknobs。Heworealooseblacksilkhandkerchiefroundhisneck，andsuchaverylargecoarseshirtcollar，thatitlookedlikeasmallsail。Hewasevidentlythepersonforwhomthesparewine-glasswasintended，andevidentlyknewit；forhavingtakenoffhisroughoutercoat，andhungup，onaparticularpetbehindthedoor，suchahardglazedhatasasympatheticperson\'sheadmightacheatthesightof，andwhichleftaredrimroundhisownforeheadasifhehadbeenwearingatightbasin，hebroughtachairtowherethecleanglasswas，andsathimselfdownbehindit。HewasusuallyaddressedasCaptain，thisvisitor；andhadbeenapilot，oraskipper，oraprivateers-man，orallthreeperhaps；andwasaverysalt-lookingmanindeed。
Hisface，remarkableforabrownsolidity，brightenedasheshookhandswithuncleandnephew；butheseemedtobeofalaconicdisposition，andmerelysaid：
`Howgoesit？\'
`Allwell，\'saidMr。Gills，pushingthebottletowardshim。
Hetookitup，andhavingsurveyedandsmeltit，saidwithextraordinaryexpression：
`The？\'
`The，\'returnedtheInstrument-maker。
Uponthathewhistledashefilledhisglass，andseemedtothinktheyweremakingholidayindeed。
`Wal\'r！\'hesaid，arranginghishairwhichwasthinwithhishook，andthenpointingitattheInstrument-maker，`Lookathim！Love！
Honour！AndObey！Overhaulyourcatechismtillyoufindthatpassage，andwhenfoundturntheleafdown。Success，myboy！\'
Hewassoperfectlysatisfiedbothwithhisquotationandhisreferencetoit，thathecouldnothelprepeatingthewordsagaininalowvoice，andsayinghehadforgotten\'emthesefortyyear。
`ButIneverwantedtwoorthreewordsinmylifethatIdidn\'tknowwheretolaymyhandupon\'em，Gills，\'heobserved。`Itcomesofnotwastinglanguageassomedo。\'
Thereflectionperhapsremindedhimthathehadbetter，likeyoungNorval\'sfather，`increasehisstore。\'Atanyratehebecamesilent，andremainedso，untiloldSolwentoutintotheshoptolightitup，whenheturnedtoWalter，andsaid，withoutanyintroductoryremark：
`Isupposehecouldmakeaclockifhetried？\'
`Ishouldn\'twonder，CaptainCuttle，returnedtheboy。
`Anditwouldgo！\'saidCaptainCuttle，makingaspeciesofserpentintheairwithhishook。`Lord，howthatclockwouldgo！\'
Foramomentortwoheseemedquitelostincontemplatingthepaceofthisidealtimepiece，andsatlookingattheboyasifhisfacewerethedial。
`Buthe\'schockfullofscience，\'heobserved，wavinghishooktowardsthestock-in-trade。`Look\'yehere！Here\'sacollectionof\'em。
Earth，air，orwater。It\'sallone。Onlysaywhereyou\'llhaveit。Upinaballoon？Thereyouare。Downinabell？Thereyouare。D\'yewanttoputtheNorthStarinapairofscalesandweighit？He\'lldoitforyou。\'
ItmaybegatheredfromtheseremarksthatCaptainCuttle\'sreverenceforthestockofinstrumentswasprofound，andthathisphilosophyknewlittleornodistinctionbetweentradinginitandinventingit。
`Ah！\'hesaid，withasigh，`it\'safinethingtounderstand\'em。
Andyetit\'safinethingnottounderstand\'em。Ihardlyknowwhichisbest。It\'ssocomfortabletosithereandfeelthatyoumightbeweighed，measured，magnified，electrified，polarized，playedtheverydevilwith：
andneverknowhow。\'
NothingshortofthewonderfulMadeira，combinedwiththeoccasionwhichrendereditdesirabletoimproveandexpandWalter\'smind，couldhaveeverloosenedhistonguetotheextentofgivingutterancetothisprodigiousoration。Heseemedquiteamazedhimselfatthemannerinwhichitopeneduptoviewthesourcesofthetaciturndelight，hehadhadineatingSundaydinnersinthatparlourfortenyears。Becomingasadderandawiserman，hemusedandheldhispeace。
`Come！\'criedthesubjectofhisadmiration，returning。`Beforeyouhaveyourglassofgrog，Ned，wemustfinishthebottle。\'
`Standby！\'saidNed，fillinghisglass。`Givetheboysomemore。\'
`Nomore，thank\'e，uncle！\'
`Yes，yes，\'saidSol，`alittlemore。We\'llfinishthebottle，totheHouse，Ned——Walter\'shouse。Whyitmaybehishouseoneofthesedays，inpart。Whoknows？SirRichardWhittingtonmarriedhismaster\'sdaughter。\'
`“TurnagainWhittington，LordMayorofLondon，andwhenyouareoldyouwillneverdepartfromit，“\'interposedtheCaptain。`Wal\'r！Overhaulthebook，mylad。\'
`AndalthoughMr。Dombeyhasn\'tadaughter，\'Solbegan。
`Yes，yes，hehas，Uncle，\'saidtheboy，reddeningandlaughing。
`Hashe？\'criedtheoldman。`IndeedIthinkhehastoo。\'
`Oh！Iknowhehas，\'saidtheboy。`Someof\'emweretalkingaboutitintheofficeto-day。Andtheydosay，UncleandCaptainCuttle，\'loweringhisvoice，`thathe\'stakenadisliketoher，andthatshe\'sleft，unnoticed，amongtheservants，andthathismind\'ssosetallthewhileuponhavinghissonintheHouse，thatalthoughhe\'sonlyababynow，heisgoingtohavebalancesstruckoftenerthanformerly，andthebookskeptcloserthantheyusedtobe，andhasevenbeenseenwhenhethoughthewasn\'twalkingintheDocks，lookingathisshipsandpropertyandallthat，asifhewasexultinglike，overwhatheandhissonwillpossesstogether。That\'swhattheysay。OfcourseIdon\'tknow。\'
`Heknowsallaboutheralready，yousee，\'saidtheInstrumentmaker。
`Nonsense，Uncle，\'criedtheboy，stillreddeningandlaughing，boy-like。`HowcanIhelphearingwhattheytellme？\'
`TheSon\'salittleinourwayatpresent，I\'mafraid，Ned，\'saidtheoldman，humouringthejoke。
`Verymuch，\'saidtheCaptain。
`Nevertheless，we\'lldrinkhim，\'pursuedSol。`So，here\'stoDombeyandSon。\'
`Oh，verywell，Uncle，\'saidtheboy，merrily。`Sinceyouhaveintroducedthementionofher，andhaveconnectedmewithher，andhavesaidthatIknowallabouther，Ishallmakeboldtoamendthetoast。Sohere\'stoDombey——andSon——andDaughter！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter5[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVPaul\'sProgressandChristeningLITTLEPaul，sufferingnocontamination，fromthebloodoftheToodles，grewstouterandstrongereveryday。Everyday，too，hewasmoreandmoreardentlycherishedbyMissTox，whosedevotionwassofarappreciatedbyMr。Dombeythathebegantoregardherasawomanofgreatnaturalgoodsense，whosefeelingsdidhercreditanddeservedencouragement。Hewassolavishofthiscondescension，thathenotonlybowedtoher，inaparticularmanner，onseveraloccasions，butevenentrustedsuchstatelyrecognitionsofhertohissisteras`praytellyourfriend，Louisa，thatsheisverygood，\'or`mentiontoMissTox，Louisa，thatIamobligedtoher；\'specialitieswhichmadeadeepimpressionontheladythusdistinguished。
MissToxwasofteninthehabitofassuringMrs。Chick，that`nothingcouldexceedherinterestinallconnectedwiththedevelopmentofthatsweetchild；\'andanobserverofMissTox\'sproceedingsmighthaveinferredsomuchwithoutdeclaratoryconfirmation。Shewouldpresideovertheinnocentrepastsoftheyoungheir，withineffablesatisfaction，almostwithanairofjointproprietorshipwithRichardsintheentertainment。Atthelittleceremoniesofthebathandtoilette，sheassistedwithenthusiasm。
Theadministrationofinfantinedosesofphysicawakenedalltheactivesympathyofhercharacter；andbeingononeoccasionsecretedinacupboardwhithershehadfledinmodesty，whenMr。Dombeywasintroducedintothenurserybyhissister，tobeholdhisson，inthecourseofpreparationforbed，takingashortwalkuphilloverRichards\'sgown，inashortandairylinenjacket，MissToxwassotransportedbeyondtheignorantpresentastobeunabletorefrainfromcryingout，`IshenotbeautifulMr。Dombey！IshenotaCupid，Sir！\'andthenalmostsinkingbehindtheclosetdoorwithconfusionandblushes。
`Louisa，\'saidMr。Dombey，oneday，tohissister，`IreallythinkImustpresentyourfriendwithsomelittletoken，ontheoccasionofPaul\'schristening。Shehasexertedherselfsowarmlyinthechild\'sbehalffromthefirst，andseemstounderstandherpositionsothoroughlyaveryraremeritinthisworld，Iamsorrytosay，thatitwouldreallybeagreeabletometonoticeher。\'
LetitbenodetractionfromthemeritsofMissTox，tohintthatinMr。Dombey\'seyes，asinsomeothersthatoccasionallyseethelight，theyonlyachievedthatmightypieceofknowledge，theunderstandingoftheirownposition，whoshowedafittingreverenceforhis。Itwasnotsomuchtheirmeritthattheyknewthemselves，asthattheyknewhim，andbowedlowbeforehim。
`MydearPaul，\'returnedhissister，`youdoMissToxbutjustice，asamanofyourpenetrationwassure，Iknew，todo。IbelieveiftherearethreewordsintheEnglishlanguageforwhichshehasarespectamountingalmosttoveneration，thosewordsare，DombeyandSon。\'
`Well，\'saidMr。Dombey，`Ibelieveit。ItdoesMissToxcredit。\'
`Andastoanythingintheshapeofatoken，mydearPaul，\'pursuedhissister，`allIcansayisthatanythingyougiveMissToxwillbehoardedandprized，Iamsure，likearelic。Butthereisaway，mydearPaul，ofshowingyoursenseofMissTox\'sfriendlinessinastillmoreflatteringandacceptablemanner，ifyoushouldbesoinclined。\'
`Howisthat？\'askedMr。Dombey。
`Godfathers，ofcourse，\'continuedMrs。Chick，`areimportantinpointofconnexionandinfluence。\'
`Idon\'tknowwhytheyshouldbe，tomyson，\'saidMr。Dombey，coldly。
`Verytrue，mydearPaul，\'retortedMrs。Chick，withanextraordinaryshowofanimation，tocoverthesuddennessofherconversion；`andspokenlikeyourself。Imighthaveexpectednothingelsefromyou。Imighthaveknownthatsuchwouldhavebeenyouropinion。Perhaps；\'hereMrs。Chickflatteredagain，asnotquitecomfortablyfeelingherway；`perhapsthatisareasonwhyyoumighthavethelessobjectiontoallowingMissToxtobegodmothertothedearthing，ifitwereonlyasdeputyandproxyforsomeoneelse。Thatitwouldbereceivedasagreathonouranddistinction，Paul，Ineednotsay。\'
`Louisa，\'saidMr。Dombey，afterashortpause，`itisnottobesupposed——\'
`Certainlynot，\'criedMrs。Chick，hasteningtoanticipatearefusal，`Ineverthoughtitwas。\'
Mr。Dombeylookedatherimpatiently。
`Don\'tflurryme，mydearPaul，\'saidhissister；`forthatdestroysme。Iamfarfromstrong。Ihavenotbeenquitemyself，sincepoordearFannydeparted。\'
Mr。Dombeyglancedatthepocket-handkerchiefwhichhissisterappliedtohereyes，andresumed：
`Itisnottobesupposed，Isay——\'
`AndIsay，\'murmuredMrs。Chick，`thatIneverthoughtitwas。\'
`GoodHeaven，Louisa！\'saidMr。Dombey。
`No，mydearPaul，\'sheremonstratedwithtearfuldignity，`I
mustreallybeallowedtospeak。Iamnotsoclever，orsoreasoning，orsoeloquent，orsoanything，asyouare。Iknowthatverywell。Somuchtheworseforme。Butiftheywerethelastwords。Ihadtoutter——andlastwordsshouldbeverysolemntoyouandme，Paul，afterpoordearFanny——I
shouldstillsayIneverthoughtitwas。Andwhatismore，\'addedMrs。
Chickwithincreaseddignity，asifshehadwithheldhercrushingargumentuntilnow，`Ineverdidthinkitwas。\'
Mr。Dombeywalkedtothewindowandbackagain。
`Itisnottobesupposed，Louisa，\'hesaidMrs。Chickhadnailedhercolourstothemast，andrepeated`Iknowitisn\'t，\'buthetooknonoticeofit，`butthattherearemanypersonswho，supposingthatIrecognisedanyclaimatallinsuchacase，haveaclaimuponmesuperiortoMissTox\'s。ButIdonot。Irecognisenosuchthing。Paulandmyselfwillbeable，whenthetimecomes，toholdourown——thehouse，inotherwords，willbeabletoholditsown，andmaintainitsown，andhanddownitsownofitself，andwithoutanysuchcommon-placeaids。Thekindofforeignhelpwhichpeopleusuallyseekfortheirchildren，Icanaffordtodespise；
beingaboveit，Ihope。SothatPaul\'sinfancyandchildhoodpassawaywell，andIseehimbecomingqualifiedwithoutwasteoftimeforthecareeronwhichheisdestinedtoenter，Iamsatisfied。Hewillmakewhatpowerfulfriendshepleasesinafter-life，whenheisactivelymaintaining——andextending，ifthatispossible——thedignityandcreditoftheFirm。Untilthen，Iamenoughforhim，perhaps，andallinall。Ihavenowishthatpeopleshouldstepinbetweenus。Iwouldmuchrathershowmysenseoftheobligingconductofadeservingpersonlikeyourfriend。Thereforeletitbeso；andyourhusbandandmyselfwilldowellenoughfortheothersponsors，Idaresay。\'
Inthecourseoftheseremarks，deliveredwithgreatmajestyandgrandeur，Mr。Dombeyhadtrulyrevealedthesecretfeelingsofhisbreast。
Anindescribabledistrustofanybodysteppinginbetweenhimselfandhisson；ahaughtydreadofhavinganyrivalorpartnerintheboy\'srespectanddeference；asharpmisgiving，recentlyacquired，thathewasnotinfallibleinhispowerofbendingandbindinghumanwills；assharpajealousyofanysecondcheckorcross；thesewere，atthattime，themasterkeysofhissoul。Inallhislife，hehadnevermadeafriend。Hiscoldanddistantnaturehadneithersoughtonenorfoundone。Andnowwhenthatnatureconcentrateditswholeforcesostronglyonapartialschemeofparentalinterestandambition，itseemedasifitsicycurrent，insteadofbeingreleasedbythisinfluence，andrunningclearandfree，hadthawedforbutaninstanttoadmititsburden，andthenfrozenwithitintooneunyieldingblock。
ElevatedthustothegodmothershipoflittlePaul，invirtueofherinsignificance，MissToxwasfromthathourchosenandappointedtooffice；andMr。Dombeyfurthersignifiedhispleasurethattheceremony，alreadylongdelayed，shouldtakeplacewithoutfurtherpostponement。Hissister，whohadbeenfarfromanticipatingsosignalasuccess，withdrewassoonasshecould，tocommunicateittoherbestoffriends；andMr。
Dombeywasleftaloneinhislibrary。
Therewasanythingbutsolitudeinthenursery；forthere，Mrs。
ChickandMissToxwereenjoyingasocialevening，somuchtothedisgustofMissSusanNipper，thatthatyoungladyembracedeveryopportunityofmakingwryfacesbehindthedoor。Herfeelingsweresomuchexcitedontheoccasion，thatshefounditindispensabletoaffordthemthisrelief，evenwithouthavingthecomfortofanyaudienceorsympathywhatever。Astheknight-errantsofoldrelievedtheirmindsbycarvingtheirmistress\'snamesindeserts，andwildernesses，andothersavageplaceswheretherewasnoprobabilityofthereeverbeinganybodytoredthem，sodidMissSusanNippercurlhersnubnoseintodrawersandwardrobes，putawaywinksofdisparagementincupboards，shedderisivesquintsintostonepitchers，andcontradictandcallnamesoutinthepassage。
Thetwointerlopers，however，blissfullyunconsciousoftheyounglady\'ssentiments，sawlittlePaulsafethroughallthestagesofundressing，airyexercise，supperandbed；andthensatdowntoteabeforethefire。
Thetwochildrennowlay，throughthegoodofficesofPolly，inoneroom；
anditwasnotuntiltheladieswereestablishedattheirtea-tablethathappeningtolooktowardsthelittlebeds，theythoughtofFlorence。
`Howsoundshesleeps！\'saidMissTox。
`Why，youknow，mydear，shetakesagreatdealofexerciseinthecourseoftheday，\'returnedMrs。Chicks，`playingaboutlittlePaulsomuch。\'
`Sheisacuriouschild，\'saidMissTox。
`Mydear，\'retortedMrs。Chick，inalowvoice：`Hermama，allover！\'
`Indeed！\'saidMissTox。`Ahdearme！\'
AtoneofmostextraordinarycompassionMissToxsaiditin，thoughshehadnodistinctideawhy，exceptthatitwasexpectedofher。
`Florencewillnever，never，never，beaDombey，\'saidMrs。Chick，`notifshelivestobeathousandyearsold。\'
MissToxelevatedhereyebrows，andwasagainfullofcommiseration。
`Iquitefretandworrymyselfabouther，\'saidMrs。Chick，withasighofmodestmerit。`Ireallydon\'tseewhatistobecomeofherwhenshegrowsolder，orwhatpositionsheistotake。Shedon\'tgainonherpapaintheleast。Howcanoneexpectsheshould，whensheissoveryunlikeaDombey？\'
MissToxlookedasifshesawnowayoutofsuchacogentargumentasthat，atall。
`Andthechild，yousee，\'saidMrs。Chick，indeepconfidence，`haspoorFanny\'snature。She\'llnevermakeaneffortinafter-lifeI\'llventuretosay。Never！she\'llneverwindandtwineherselfaboutherpapa\'sheartlike——\'
`Liketheivy？\'suggestedMissTox。
`Liketheivy，\'Mrs。Chickassented。`Never！she\'llneverglideandnestleintothebosomofherpapa\'saffectionslike——the——\'
`Startledfawn？\'suggestedMissTox。
`Likethestartledfawn，\'saidMrs。Chick。`Never！PoorFanny！
Yet，howIlovedher！\'
`Youmustnotdistressyourself，mydear，\'saidMissTox，inasoothingvoice。`Nowreally！Youhavetoomuchfeeling。\'
`Wehaveallourfaults，\'saidMrs。Chick，weepingandshakingherhead。
`Idaresaywehave。Ineverwasblindtohers。IneversaidIwas。Farfromit。YethowIlovedher！\'
WhatasatisfactionitwastoMrs。Chick——acommon-placepieceoffollyenough，comparedwithwhomhersister-in-lawhadbeenaveryangelofwhomanlyintelligenceandgentleness——topatroniseandbetendertothememoryofthatlady：inexactpursuanceofherconducttoherinherlifetime：andtothoroughlybelieveherself，andtakeherselfinandmakeherselfuncommonlycomfortableonthestrengthofhertoleration！Whatamightypleasantvirtuetolerationshouldbewhenweareright，tobesoverypleasantwhenwearewrong，andquiteunabletodemonstratehowwecometobeinvestedwiththeprivilegeofexercisingit！
Mrs。Chickwasyetdryinghereyesandshakingherhead，whenRichardsmadeboldtocautionherthatMissFlorencewasawakeandsittinginherbed。Shehadrisen，asthenursesaid，andthelashesofhereyeswerewetwithtears。ButnoonesawthemglisteningsavePolly。Nooneelseleantoverher，andwhisperedsoothingwordstoher，orwasnearenoughtoheartheflutterofherbeatingheart。
`Oh！dearnurse！\'saidthechild，lookingearnestlyupinherface，`letmeliebymybrother！\'
`Why，mypet？\'saidRichards。
`Oh！Ithinkhelovesme，\'criedthechildwildly。`Letmeliebyhim。Praydo！\'
Mrs。Chickinterposedwithsomemotherlywordsaboutgoingtosleeplikeadear，butFlorencerepeatedhersupplication，withafrightenedlook，andinavoicebrokenbysobsandtears。
`I\'llnotwakehim，\'shesaid，coveringherfaceandhangingdownherhead。`I\'llonlytouchhimwithmyhand，andgotosleep。Oh，pray，pray，letmeliebymybrotherto-night，forIbelievehe\'sfondofme！\'
Richardstookherwithoutaword，andcarryinghertothelittlebedinwhichtheinfantwassleeping，laidherdownbyhisside。Shecreptasnearhimasshecouldwithoutdisturbinghisrest；andstretchingoutonearmsothatittimidlyembracedhisneck，andhidingherfaceontheother，overwhichherdampandscatteredhairfellloose，laymotionless。
`Poorlittlething，\'saidMissTox；`shehasbeendreaming，I
daresay。\'
Thistrivialincidenthadsointerruptedthecurrentofconversation，thatitwasdifficultofresumption；andMrs。Chickmoreoverhadbeensoaffectedbythecontemplationofherowntolerantnature，thatshewasnotinspirits。Thetwofriendsaccordinglysoonmadeanendoftheirtea，andaservantwasdespatchedtofetchahackneycabrioletforMissTox。
MissToxhadgreatexperienceinhackneycabs，andherstartinginonewasgenerallyworkoftime，asshewassystematicinthepreparatoryarrangements。
`Havethegoodness，ifyouplease，Towlinson，\'saidMissTox，`firstofall，tocarryoutapenandinkandtakehisnumberlegibly。\'
`Yes，Miss，\'saidTowlinson。
`Then，ifyouplease，Towlinson，\'saidMissTox，`havethegoodnesstoturnthecushion。Which，\'saidMissToxaparttoMrs。Chick，`isgenerallydamp，mydear。\'
`Yes，Miss，\'saidTowlinson。
`I\'lltroubleyoualso，ifyouplease，\'saidMissTox，`withthiscardandthisshilling。He\'stodrivetothecard，andistounderstandthathewillnotonanyaccounthavemorethantheshilling。\'
`No，Miss，\'saidTowlinson。
`And——I\'msorrytogiveyousomuchtrouble，Towlinson，\'——saidMissTox，lookingathimpensively。
`Notatall，Miss，\'saidTowlinson。
`Mentiontotheman，then，ifyouplease，Towlinson，\'saidMissTox，`Thatthelady\'suncleisamagistrate，andthatifhegivesheranyofhisimpertinencehewillbepunishedterribly。Youcanpretendtosaythat，ifyouplease，Towlinson，inafriendlyway，andbecauseyouknowitwasdonetoanotherman，whodied。\'
`Certainly，Miss，\'saidTowlinson。
`Andnowgoodnighttomysweet，sweet，sweet，godson，\'saidMissTox，withasoftshowerofkissesateachrepetitionoftheadjective；
`andLouisa，mydearfriend，promisemetotakealittlesomethingwarmbeforeyougotobed，andnottodistressyourself！\'
ItwaswithextremedifficultythatNipper，theblack-eyed，wholookedonsteadfastly，containedherselfatthiscrisis，and，untilthesubsequentdepartureofMrs。Chick。Butthenurserybeingatlengthfreeofvisitors，shemadeherselfsomerecompenseforherlaterestraint。
`Youmightkeepmeinastrait-waistcoatforsixweeks，\'saidNipper，`andwhenIgotitoffI\'donlybemoreaggravated，whoeverheardthelikeofthemtwoGriffins，Mrs。Richards？\'
`Andthentotalkofhavingbeendreaming，poordear！\'saidPolly。
`Ohyoubeauties！\'criedSusanNipper，affectingtosalutethedoorbywhichtheladieshaddeparted。`NeverbeaDombeywon\'tshe？It\'stobehopedshewon\'t，wedon\'twantanymoresuch，one\'senough。\'
`Don\'twakethechildren，Susandear，\'Susandear，\'saidPolly。
`I\'mverymuchbeholdentoyou，Mrs。Richards，\'saidSusan，whowasnotbyanymeansdiscriminatinginherwrath，`andreallyfeelitasahonourtoreceiveyourcommands，beingablackslaveandamulotter。
Mrs。Richards，ifthere\'sanyotherorders，youcangiveme，praymention\'em。\'
`Nonsense；orders，\'saidPolly。
`Oh！blessyourheart，Mrs。Richards，\'criedSusan，`temporariesalwaysorderspermanencieshere，didn\'tyouknowthat，whywhereverwasyouborn，Mrs。Richards？Butwhereveryouwasborn，Mrs。Richards，\'pursueSpitfire，shakingherheadresolutely，`andwhenever，andhoweverwhichisbestknowntoyourself，youmaybearinmind，please，thatit\'sonethingtogiveorders，andquiteanotherthingtotake\'em。Apersonmaytellapersontodiveoffabridgeheadforemostintofive-and-fortyfeetofwater，Mrs。Richards，butapersonmaybeveryfarfromdiving。\'
`Therenow，\'saidPolly，`you\'reangrybecauseyou\'reagoodlittlething，andfondofMissFlorence；andyetyouturnroundonme，becausethere\'snobodyelse。\'
`It\'sveryeasyforsometokeeptheirtempers，andbesoft-spoken，Mrs。Richards，\'returnedSusan，slightlymollified，`Whentheirchild\'smadeasmuchofasaprince，andispettedandpattedtillitwishesitsfriendsfurther，butwhenasweetyoungprettyinnocent，thatneveroughttohaveacrosswordspokentoorofit，isrundown，thecaseisverydifferentindeed。Mygoodnessgraciousme，MissFloy，younaughty，sinfulchildifyoudon\'tshutyoureyesthisminute，I\'llcallinthemhobgoblinsthatlivesinthecock-lofttocomeandeatyouupalive！\'
HereMissNippermadeahorriblelowing，supposedtoissuefromaconscientiousgoblinofthebullspecies，impatienttodischargetheseveredutyofhisposition。Havingfurthercomposedheryoungchargebycoveringherheadwiththebed-clothes，andmakingthreeorfourangrydabsatthepillow，shefoldedherarms，andscreweduphermouth，andsatlookingatthefirefortherestoftheevening。
ThoughlittlePaulwassaid，innurseryphrase，`totakeadealofnoticeforhisage，\'hetookaslittlenoticeofallthisasofthepreparationsforhischristeningonthenextdaybutone；whichneverthelesswentonabouthim，astohispersonalapparel，andthatofhissisterandthetwonurses，withgreatactivity。Neitherdidhe，onthearrivaloftheappointedmorning，showanysenseofitsimportance；being，onthecontrary，unusuallyinclinedtosleep，andunusuallyinclinedtotakeitillinhisattendantsthattheydressedhimtogoout。
Ithappenedtobeaniron-greyautumnalday，withashrewdeastwindblowing——adayinkeepingwiththeproceedings。Mr。Dombeyrepresentedinhimselfthewind，theshade，andtheautumnofthechristening。Hestoodinhislibrarytoreceivethecompany，ashardlandcoldastheweather；
andwhenhelookedoutthroughtheglassroom，atcameflutteringdown，asifheblightedthem。
Ugh！Theywereblack，coldrooms；andseemedtobeinmourning，liketheinmatesofthehouse。Thebookspreciselymatchedastosize，anddrawnupinline，likesoldiers，lookedintheircold，hard，slipperyuniforms，asiftheyhadbutoneideaamongthem，andthatwasafreezer。Thebookcase，glazedandlocked，repudiatedallfamiliarities。Mr。Pitt，inbronzeonthetopwithnotraceofhiscelestialoriginabouthim，guardedtheunattainabletreasurelikeanenchantedMoor。Adustyurnateachhighcorner，dugupfromanancienttomb，preacheddesolationanddecay，asfromtwopulpits；
andthechimmey-glass，reflectingMr。Dombeyandhisportraitatoneblow，seemedfraughtwithmelancholymeditations。
Thestiffandstarkfire-ironsappearedtoclaimanearerrelationshipthananythingelsetheretoMr。Dombey，withhisbuttonedcoat，hiswhitecravat，isheavygoldwatch-chain，andhiscreakingboots。ButthiswasbeforethearrivalofMr。andMrs。Chick，hislawfulrelatives，whosoonpresentedthemselves。
`MydearPaul，\'Mrs。Chickmurmured，assheembracedhim，`thebeginning，Ihope，ofmanyjoyfuldays！\'
`Thankyou，Louisa，\'saidMr。Dombey，grimly。`Howdoyoudo，Mr。John？\'
`Howdoyoudo，Sir？\'saidChick。
HegaveMr。Dombeyhishand，asifhefeareditmightelectrifyhim。Mr。Dombeytookitasifitwereafish，orseaweed，orsomesuchclammysubstance，andimmediatelyreturnedittohimwithexaltedpoliteness。
`Perhaps，Louisa，\'saidMr。Dombey，slightlyturninghisheadinhiscravat，asifitwereasocket，`youwouldhavepreferredafire？\'
`Oh，mydearPaul，no，\'saidMrs。chick，whohadmuchadotokeepherteethfromchattering；`notforme。\'
`Mr。John，\'saidMr。Dombey，`youarenotsensibleofanychill？\'
Mr。John，whohadalreadygotbothhishandsinhispocketsoverthewrists，andwasontheverythresholdofthatsamecaninechoruswhichhadgivenMrs。Chicksomuchoffenceonaformeroccasion，protestedthathewasperfectlycomfortable。
Headdedinalowvoice，`Withmytiddletoltoorrul\'——whenhewasprovidentiallystoppedbyTowlinson，whoannounced：
`MissTox！\'
Andenterthatfairenslaver，withabluenoseandindescribablyfrostyface，referabletoherbeingverythinlycladinamazeofflutteringoddsandends，todohonourtotheceremony。
`Howdoyoudo，MissTox？\'saidMr。Dombey。
MissTox，inthemidstofherspreadinggauzes，wentdownaltogetherlikeanopera-glassshutting-up；shecurtseyedsolow，inacknowledgmentofMr。Dombey\'sadvancingasteportwotomeether。
`Icanneverforgetthisoccasion，Sir，\'saidMissTox，softly。
`\'Tisimpossible。MydearLouisa，Icanhardlybelievetheevidenceofmysenses。\'
IfMissToxcouldbelievetheevidenceofoneofhersenses，itwasaverycoldday。Thatwasquiteclear。Shetookanearlyopportunityofpromotingthecirculationinthetipofhernosebysecretlychafingitwithherpocket-handkerchief，lest，byitsverylowtemperature，itshoulddisagreeablyastonishthebabywhenshecametokissit。
Thebabysoonappeared，carriedingreatglorybyRichards；whileFlorence，incustodyofthatactiveyoungconstable，SusanNipper，broughtuptherear。Thoughthewholenurserypartyweredressedbythistimeinlightermourningthanatfirst，therewasenoughintheappearanceofthebereavedchildrentomakethedaynobrighter。Thebabytoo——itmighthavebeenMissTox\'snose——begantocry。Thereby，asithappened，preventingMr。chickfromtheawkwardfulfilmentofaveryhonestpurposehehad；
whichwas，tomakemuchofFlorence。Forthisgentleman，insensibletothesuperiorclaimsofaperfectDombeyperhapsonaccountofhavingthehonourtobeunitedtoaDombeyhimself，andbeingfamiliarwithexcellence，reallylikedher，andshowedthathelikedher，andwasabouttoshowitinhisownwaynow，whenPaulcried，andhishelpmatestoppedhimshort。
`NowFlorence，child！\'saidheraunt，briskly，`whatareyoudoing，love？Showyourselftohim。Engagehisattention，mydear！\'
Theatmospherebecameormighthavebecomecolderandcolder，whenMr。Dombeystoodfrigidlywatchinghislittledaughter，who，clappingherhands，andstandingontip-toebeforethethroneofhissonandheir，luredhimtobenddownfromhishighestate，andlookather。SomehonestactofRichards\'smayhaveaidedtheeffect，buthedidlookdown，andheldhispeace。Ashissisterhidbehindhernurse，hefollowedherwithhiseyes；andwhenshepeepedoutwithamerrycrytohim，hesprangupandcrowedlustily——laughingoutrightwhensheraninuponhim；andseemingtofondlehercurlswithhistinyhands，whileshesmotheredhimwithkisses。
WasMr。Dombeypleasedtoseethis？Hetestifiednopleasurebytherelaxationofanerve；butoutwardtokensofanykingoffeelingwereunusualwithhim。Ifanysunbeamstoleintotheroomtolightthechildrenattheirplay，itneverreachedhisface。Helookedonsofixedlyandcoldly，thatthewarmlightvanishedevenfromthelaughingeyesoflittleFlorence，when，atlast，theyhappenedtomeethis。
Itwasadull，grey，autumndayindeed，andinaminute\'spauseandsilencethattookplace，theleavesfellsorrowfully。
`Mr。John，\'saidMr。Dombey，referringtohiswatch，andassuminghishatandgloves。`Takemysister，ifyouplease：myarmto-dayisMissTox\'s。
YouhadbettergofirstwithMasterPaul，Richards。Beverycareful。\'
InMr。Dombey\'scarriage，DombeyandSon，MissTox，Mrs。Chick，Richards，andFlorence。Inalittlecarriagefollowingit，SusanNipperandtheownerMr。Chick。Susanlookingoutofwindow，withoutintermission，asarelieffromtheembarrassmentofconfrontingthelargefaceofthathegentleman，andthinkingwheneveranythingrattledthathewasputtingupinpaperanappropriatepecuniarycomplimentforherself。
Onceupontheroadtochurch，Mr。Dombeyclappedhishandsfortheamusementofhisson。AtwhichinstanceofparentalenthusiasmMissToxwasenchanted。Butexclusiveofthisincident，thechiefdifferencebetweenthechristeningpartyandapartyinamourningcoach，consistedinthecoloursofthecarriageandhorses。
Arrivedatthechurchsteps，theywerereceivedbyaportentousbeadle。Mr。Dombeydismountingfirsttohelptheladiesout，andstandingnearhimatthechurchdoor，lookedlikeanotherbeadle。Abeadlelessgorgeousbutmoredreadful；thebeadleofprivatelife；thebeadleofourbusinessandourbosoms。
MissTox\'shandtrembledassheslippeditthroughMr。Dombey\'sarm，andfeltherselfescortedupthesteps，precededbyacockedhatandaBabyloniancollar。Itseemedforamomentlikethatothersolemninstitution，`Wiltthouhavethisman，Lucretia？\'`Yes，Iwill。\'
`Pleasetobringthechildinquickoutoftheairthere，\'whisperedthebeadle，holdingopentheinnerdoorofthechurch。
LittlePaulmighthaveaskedwithHamlet`intomygrave？\'sochillandearthywastheplace。Thetallshroudedpulpitandreadingdesk；thedrearyperspectiveofemptypewsstretchingawayunderthegalleries，andemptybenchesmountingtotheroofandlostintheshadowofthegreatgrimorgan；thedustymattingandcoldstoneslabs；thegrislyfreeseatsintheaisles；andthedampcornerbythebell-rope，wheretheblacktrestlesusedforfuneralswerestowedaway，alongwithsomeshovelsandbaskets，andacoilortwoofdeadly-lookingrope；thestrange，unusual，uncomfortablesmell，andthecadaverouslight；wereallinunison。Itwasacoldanddismalscene。
`There\'saweddingjuston，Sir，\'saidthebeadle，`butit\'llbeoverdirectly，ifyou\'llwalkintothewestryhere。\'
Beforeheturnedagaintoleadtheway，hegaveMr。Dombeyabowandahalfsmileofrecognition，importingthathethebeadlerememberedtohavehadthepleasureofattendingonhimwhenheburiedhiswife，andhopedhehadenjoyedhimselfsince。
Theveryweddinglookingdismalastheypassedinfrontofthealtar。Thebridewastoooldandthebridegroomtooyoung，andasuperannuatedbeauwithoneeyeandaneye-glassstuckinitsblankcompanion，wasgivingawaythelady，whilethefriendswereshivering。Inthevestrythefirewassmoking；andanover-agedandover-workedandunder-paidattorney\'sclerk，`makingasearch，\'wasrunninghisforefingerdowntheparchmentpagesofanimmenseregisteroneofalongseriesofsimilarvolumes
gorgedwithburials。Overthefireplacewasaground-planofthevaultsunderneaththechurch；andMr。Chick，skimmingtheliteraryportionofitaloud，bywayofenliveningthecompany，readthereferencetoMrs。
Dombey\'stombinfull，beforehecouldstophimself。
Afteranothercoldinterval，awheezylittlepew-openerafflictedwithanasthma，appropriatetothechurchyard，ifnottothechurch，summonedthemtothefont。Heretheywaitedsomelittletimewhilethemarriagepartyenrolledthemselves；andmeanwhilethewheezylittlepew-opener——partlyinconsequenceofherinfirmity，andpartlythatthemarriagepartymightnotforgether——wentaboutthebuildingcoughinglikeagrampus。
Presentlytheclerktheonlycheerful-lookingobjectthere，andwasanundertakercameupwithajugofwarmwater，andsaidsomething，ashepoureditintothefont，abouttakingthechilloff；whichmillionsofgallonsboilinghotcouldnothavedonefortheoccasion。Thentheclergyman，anamiableandmild-lookingyoungcurate，butobviouslyafraidofthebaby，appearedliketheprincipalcharacterinaghost-story，`atallfigureallinwhite；\'atsightofwhomPaulrenttheairwithhiscries，andneverleftagaintillhewastakenoutblackintheface。
Evenwhenthateventhadhappened，tothegreatreliefofeverybody，hewasheardundertheportico，duringtherestoftheceremony，nowfainter，nowlouder，nowhushed，nowburstingforthagainwithanirrepressiblesenseofhiswrongs。Thissodistractedtheattentionofthetwoladies，thatMrs。Chickwasconstantlydeployingintothecentreaisle，tosendoutmessagesbythepew-opener，whileMissToxkeptherPrayer-bookopenattheGunpowderPlot，andoccasionallyreadresponsesfromthatservice。
Duringthewholeoftheseproceedings，Mr。Dombeyremainedasimpassiveandgentlemanlyasever，andperhapsassistedinmakingitsocold，thattheyoungcuratesmokedatthemouthasheread。Theonlytimethatheunbenthisvisageintheleast，waswhentheclergyman，indeliveringveryunaffectedlyandsimplytheclosingexhortation，relativetothefutureexaminationofthechildbythesponsors，happenedtoresthiseyeonMr。Chick；andthenMr。Dombeymighthavebeenseentoexpressbyamajesticlook，thathewouldliketocatchhimatit。
ItmighthavebeenwellforMr。Dombey，ifhehadthoughtofhisowndignityalittleless；andhadthoughtofthegreatoriginandpurposeoftheceremonyinwhichhetooksoformalandsostiffapart，alittlemore。Hisarrogancecontrastedstrangelywithitshistory。
Whenitwasallover，heagaingavehisarmtoMissTox，andconductedhertothevestry，whereheinformedtheclergymanhowmuchpleasureitwouldhavegivenhimtohavesolicitedthehonourofhiscompanyatdinner，butfortheunfortunatestateofhishouseholdaffairs。Theregistersigned，andthefeespaid，andthepew-openerwhosecoughwasverybadagain
remembered，andthebeadlegratified，andthesextonwhowasaccidentallyonthedoor-steps，lookingwithgreatinterestattheweathernotforgotten，theygotintothecarriageagain，anddrovehomeinthesamebleakfellowship。
TheretheyfoundMr。Pittturninguphisnoseatacoldcollation，setforthinacoldpompofglassandsilver，andlookingmorelikeadeaddinnerlyinginstatethanasocialrefreshment。OntheirarrivalMissToxproducedamugforhergodson，andMr。Chickaknifeandforkandspooninacase。Mr。DombeyalsoproducedabraceletforMissTox；and，onthereceiptofthistoken，MissToxwastenderlyaffected。
`Mr。John，\'saidMr。Dombey，`willyoutakethebottomofthetable，ifyouplease？Whathaveyougotthere，Mr。John？\'
`Ihavegotacoldfilletofvealhere，Sir，\'repliedMr。Chick，rubbinghisnumbedhandshardtogether。`Whathaveyougotthere，Sir？\'
`This，\'returnedMr。Dombey，`issomecoldpreparationofcalf\'shead，Ithink。Iseecoldfowls——ham——patties——salad——lobster。MissToxwilldomethehonouroftakingsomewine？ChampagnetoMissTox。\'
Therewasatoothacheineverything。ThewinewassobittercoldthatitforcedalittlescreamfromMissTox，whichshehadgreatdifficultyinturningintoa`Hem！\'Thevealhadcomefromsuchanairypantry，thatthefirsttasteofithadstruckasensationasofcoldleadtoMr。Chick\'sextremities。Mr。Dombeyaloneremainedunmoved。HemighthavebeenhungupforsaleataRussianfairasaspecimenofafrozengentleman。
Theprevailinginfluencewastoomuchevenforhissister。Shemadenoeffortatflatteryorsmalltalk，anddirectedallhereffortstolookingaswarmasshecould。
`Well，Sir，\'saidMr。Chick，makingadesperateplunge，afteralongsilence，andfillingaglassofsherry；`Ishalldrinkthis，ifyou\'llallowme，Sir，tolittlePaul。\'
`Blesshim！\'murmuredMissTox，takingasipofwine。
`DearlittleDombey！\'murmuredMrs。Chick。
`Mr。John，\'saidMr。Dombey，withseveregravity，`mysonwouldfeelandexpresshimselfobligedtoyou，Ihavenodoubt，ifhecouldappreciatethefavouryouhavedonehim。Hewillprove，intimetocome，Itrust，equaltoanyresponsibilitythattheobligingdispositionofhisrelationsandfriends，inprivate，ortheonerousnatureofourposition，inpublic，mayimposeuponhim。\'