ChickorMissTox——daredeverwhispertohimthattherehad，onanyoneoccasion，beentheleastreasonforuneasinessinreferencetolittlePaul。
Hehadsettled，withinhimself，thatthechildmustnecessarilypassthroughacertainroutineofminormaladies，andthatthesoonerhedidsothebetter。Ifhecouldhaveboughthimoff，orprovidedasubstitute，asinthecaseofanunluckydrawingforthemilitia，hewouldhavebeengladtodosoonliberalterms。Butasthiswasnotfeasible，hemerelywondered，inhishaughtymanner，nowandthen，whatNaturemeantbyit；andcomfortedhimselfwiththereflectionthattherewasanothermilestonepassedupontheroad，andthatthegreatendofthejourneylaysomuchthenearer。
Forthefeelinguppermostinhismind，nowandconstantlyintensifying，andincreasinginitasPaulgrewolder，wasimpatience。Impatienceforthetimetocome，whenhisvisionsoftheirunitedconsequenceandgrandeurwouldbetriumphantlyrealized。
SomePhilosopherstellusthatselfishnessisattherootofourbestlovesandaffections。Mr。Dombey\'syoungchildwas，fromthebeginning，sodistinctlyimportanttohimasapartofhisowngreatness，orwhichisthesamethingofthegreatnessofDombeyandSon，thatthereisnodoubthisparentalaffectionmighthavebeeneasilytraced，likemanyagoodlysuper-structureoffairfame，toaverylowfoundation。Buthelovedhissonwithallthelovehehad。Iftherewereawarmplaceinhisfrostyheart，hissonoccupiedit；ifitsveryhardsurfacecouldreceivetheimpressionofanyimage，theimageofthatsonwasthere；thoughnotsomuchasaninfant，orasaboy，butasagrownman——the`Son\'oftheFirm。
Thereforehewasimpatienttoadvanceintothefuture，andtohurryovertheinterveningpassagesofhishistory。Thereforehehadlittleornoanxietyaboutthem，inspiteofhislove；feelingasiftheboyhadacharmedlife，andmustbecomethemanwithwhomheheldsuchconstantcommunicationinhisthoughts，andforwhomheplannedandprojected，asforanexistingreality，everyday。
ThusPaulgrewtobenearlyfiveyearsold。Hewasaprettylittlefellow；thoughtherewassomethingwanandwistfulinhissmallface，thatgaveoccasiontomanysignificantshakesofMrs。Wickam\'shead，andmanylong-drawninspirationsofMrs。Wickam\'sbreath。Histempergaveabundantpromiseofbeingimperiousinafter-life；andhehadashopefulanapprehensionofhisownimportance，andtherightfulsubservienceofallotherthingsandpersonstoit，asheartcoulddesire。Hewaschildishandsportiveenoughattimes，andnotofasullendisposition；buthehadastrange，old-fashioned，thoughtfulway，atothertimes，ofsittingbroodinginhisminiaturearmchair，whenhelookedandtalkedlikeoneofthoseterriblelittleBeingsintheFairytales，who，atahundredandfiftyortwohundredyearsofage，fantasticallyrepresentthechildrenforwhomtheyhavebeensubstituted。Hewouldfrequentlybestrickenwiththisprecociousmoodupstairsinthenursery；andwouldsometimeslapseintoitsuddenly，exclaimingthathewastired：evenwhileplayingwithFlorence，ordrivingMissToxinsingleharness。Butatnotimedidhefallintoitsosurely，aswhen，hislittlechairbeingcarrieddownintohisfather\'sroom，hesattherewithhimafterdinner，bythefire。Theywerethestrangestpairatsuchatimethateverfirelightshoneupon。Mr。Dombeysoerectandsolemn，gazingattheblaze；hislittleimage，withanold，oldface，peeringintotheredperspectivewiththefixedandraptattentionofasage。Mr。Dombeyentertainingcomplicatedworldlyschemesandplans；thelittleimageentertainingHeavenknowswhatwildfancies，half-formedthoughts，andwanderingspeculations。
Mr。Dombeystiffwithstarchandarrogance；thelittleimagebyinheritance，andinunconsciousimitation。Thetwosoverymuchalike，andyetsomonstrouslycontrasted。
Ononeoftheseoccasions，whentheyhadbothbeenperfectlyquietforalongtime，andMr。Dombeyonlyknewthatthechildwasawakebyoccasionallyglancingathiseye，wherethebrightfirewassparklinglikeajewel，littlePaulbrokesilencethus：
`Papa！what\'smoney？\'
TheabruptquestionhadsuchimmediatereferencetothesubjectofMr。
Dombey\'sthoughts，thatMr。Dombeywasquitedisconcerted。
`Whatismoney，Paul？\'heanswered。`Money？\'
`Yes，\'saidthechild，layinghishandsupontheelbowsofhislittlechair，andturningtheoldfaceuptowardsMr。Dombey\'s；`whatismoney？\'
Mr。Dombeywasinadifficulty。Hewouldhavelikedtogivehimsomeexplanationinvolvingthetermscirculating-medium，currency，depreciationofcurrency，paper，bullion，ratesofexchange，valueofpreciousmetalsinthemarket，andsoforth；butlookingdownatthelittlechair，andseeingwhatalongwaydownitwas，heanswered：`Gold，andsilver，andcopper。Guineas，shillings，half-pence。Youknowwhattheyare？\'
`Ohyes，Iknowwhattheyare，\'saidPaul。`Idon\'tmeanthat，Papa。Imeanwhat\'smoneyafterall？\'
HeavenandEarth，howoldhisfacewasasheturneditupagaintowardshisfather\'s！
`Whatismoneyafterall！\'saidMr。Dombey，backinghischairalittle，thathemightthebettergazeinsheeramazementatthepresumptuousatomthatpropoundedsuchaninquiry。
`Imean，Papa，whatcanitdo？\'returnedPaul，foldinghisarmstheywerehardlylongenoughtofold，andlookingatthefire，andupathim，andatthefire，andupathimagain。
Mr。Dombeydrewhischairbacktoitsformerplace，andpattedhimonthehead。`You\'llknowbetterby-and-by，myman，\'hesaid。`Money，Paul，candoanything。\'Hetookholdofthelittlehand，andbeatitsoftlyagainstoneofhisown，ashesaidso。
ButPaulgothishandfreeassoonashecould；andrubbingitgentlytoandfroontheelbowofhischair，asifhiswitwereinthepalm，andheweresharpeningit——andlookingatthefireagain，asthoughthefirehadbeenhisadviserandprompter——repeated，afterashortpause：
`Anything，Papa？\'
`Yes。Anything——almost，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Anythingmeanseverything，don\'tit，Papa？\'askedhisson：notobserving，orpossiblynotunderstanding，thequalification。
`Itincludesit：yes，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Whydidn\'tmoneysavememyMama？\'returnedthechild。`Itisn\'tcruel，isit？\'
`Cruel！\'saidMr。Dombey，settlinghisneckcloth，andseemingtoresenttheidea。`No。Agoodthingcan\'tbecruel。\'
`Ifit\'sagoodthing，andcandoanything，\'saidthelittlefellow，thoughtfully，ashelookedbackatthefire，`Iwonderwhyitdidn\'tsavememyMama。\'
Hedidn\'taskthequestionofhisfatherthistime。Perhapshehadseen，withachild\'squickness，thatithadalreadymadehisfatheruncomfortable。Butherepeatedthethoughtaloud，asifitwerequiteanoldonetohim，andhadtroubledhimverymuch；andsatwithhischinrestingonhishand，stillcogitatingandlookingforanexplanationinthefire。
Mr。Dombeyhavingrecoveredfromhissurprise，nottosayhisalarmforitwastheveryfirstoccasiononwhichthechildhadeverbroachedthesubjectofhismothertohim，thoughhehadhadhimsittingbyhisside，inthissamemanner，eveningafterevening，expoundedtohimhowthatmoney，thoughaverypotentspirit，nevertobedisparagedonanyaccountwhatever，couldnotkeeppeoplealivewhosetimewascometodie；
andhowthatwemustalldie，unfortunately，evenintheCity，thoughwewereneversorich。Buthowthatmoneycausedustobehonoured，feared，respected，courted，andadmired，andmadeuspowerfulandgloriousintheeyesofallmen；andhowthatitcould，veryoften，evenkeepoffdeath，foralongtimetogether。How，forexample，ithadsecuredtohisMamatheservicesofMr。Pilkins，bywhichhe，Paul，hadoftenprofitedhimself；
likewiseofthegreatDoctorParkerPeps，whomhehadneverknown。Andhowitcoulddoall，thatcouldbedone。This，withmoretothesamepurpose，Mr。Dombeyinstilledintothemindofhisson，wholistenedattentively，andseemedtounderstandthegreaterpartofwhatwassaidtohim。
`Itcan\'tmakemestrongandquitewell，either，Papa；canit？\'
askedPaul，afterashortsilence；rubbinghistinyhands。
`Why，youarestrongandquitewell，\'returnedMr。Dombey。
`Areyounot？\'
Oh！theageofthefacethatwasturnedupagain，withanexpression，halfofmelancholy，halfofslyness，onit！
`Youareasstrongandwellassuchlittlepeopleusuallyare？
Eh？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`FlorenceisolderthanIam，butI\'mnotasstrongandwellasFlorence，Iknow，\'returnedthechild；`butIbelievethatwhenFlorencewasaslittleasme，shecouldplayagreatdeallongeratatimewithouttiringherself。Iamsotiredsometimes，\'saidlittlePaul，warminghishands，andlookinginbetweenthebarsofthegrate，asifsomeghostlypuppet-showwereperformingthere，`andmybonesachesoWickamsaysit\'smybones，thatIdon\'tknowwhattodo。\'
`Aye！Butthat\'satnight，\'saidMr。Dombey，drawinghisownchairclosertohisson\'s，andlayinghishandgentlyonhisback；`littlepeopleshouldbetiredatnight，forthentheysleepwell。\'
`Oh，it\'snotatnight，Papa，\'returnedthechild，`it\'sintheday；andIliedowninFlorence\'slap，andshesingstome。AtnightI
dreamaboutsuchcuri-ousthings！\'
Andhewenton，warminghishandsagain，andthinkingaboutthem，likeanoldmanorayounggoblin。
Mr。Dombeywassoastonished，andsouncomfortable，andsoperfectlyatlosshowtopursuetheconversation，thathecouldonlysitlookingathissonbythelightofthefire，withhishandrestingonhisback，asifitweredetainedtherebysomemagneticattraction。Onceheadvancedhisotherhand，andturnedthecontemplativefacetowardshisownforamoment。Butitsoughtthefireagainassoonashereleasedit；andremained，addressedtowardstheflickeringblaze，untilthenurseappeared，tosummonhimtobed。
`IwantFlorencetocomeforme，\'saidPaul。
`Won\'tyoucomewithyourpoorNurseWickam，MasterPaul？\'inquiredthatattendant，withgreatpathos。
`No，Iwon\'t，\'repliedPaul，composinghimselfinhisarmchairagain，likethemasterofhouse。
Invokingablessinguponhisinnocence，Mrs。Wickamwithdrew，andpresentlyFlorenceappearedinherstead。Thechildimmediatelystartedupwithsuddenreadinessandanimation，andraisedtowardshisfatherinbiddinghimgoodnight，acountenancesomuchbrighter，somuchyounger，andsomuchmorechildlikealtogether，thatMr。Dombey，whilehefeltgreatlyreassuredbythechange，wasquiteamazedatit。
Aftertheyhadlefttheroomtogether，hethoughtheheardasoftvoicesinging；andrememberingthatPaulhadsaidhissistersungtohim，hehadthecuriositytoopenthedoorandlisten，andlookafterthem。
Shewastoilingupthegreat，wide，vacantstaircase，withhiminherarms；
hisheadwaslyingonhershoulder，oneofhisarmsthrownnegligentlyroundherneck。Sotheywent，toilingup；shesingingalltheway，andPaulsometimescrooningoutafeebleaccompaniment。Mr。Dombeylookedafterthemuntiltheyreachedthetopofthestaircase——notwithouthaltingtorestbytheway——andpassedoutofhissight；andthenhestillstoodgazingupwards，untilthedullraysofthemoon，glimmeringinamelancholymannerthroughthedimskylight，senthimbacktohisownroom。
Mrs。ChickandMissToxwereconvokedincouncilatdinnernextday；andwhentheclothwasremoved，Mr。Dombeyopenedtheproceedingsbyrequiringtobeinformed，withoutanyglossorreservation，whethertherewasanythingthematterwithPaul，andwhatMr。Pilkinssaidabouthim。
`Forthechildishardly，\'saidMr。Dombey，`asstoutasIcouldwish。\'
`Withyourusualhappydiscrimination，mydearPaul，\'returnedMrs。Chick，`youhavehitthepointatonce。Ourdarlingisnotaltogetherasstoutaswecouldwish。Thefactis，thathismindistoomuchforhim。Hissoulisagreatdealtoolargeforhisframe。Iamsurethewayinwhichthatdearchildtalks！\'saidMrs。Chick，shakingherhead；
`noonewouldbelieve。Hisexpressions，Lucretia，onlyyesterdayuponthesubjectofFunerals！——\'
`Iamafraid，\'saidMr。Dombey，interruptinghertestily，`thatsomeofthosepersonsupstairssuggestimpropersubjectstothechild。
Hewasspeakingtomelastnightabouthis——abouthisBones，\'saidMr。
Dombey，layinganirritatedstressupontheword。`Whatonearthhasanybodytodowiththe——withthe——Bonesofmyson？Heisnotalivingskeleton，Isuppose。\'
`Veryfarfromit，\'saidMrs。Chick，withunspeakableexpression。
`Ihopeso，\'returnedherbrother。`Funeralsagain！whotalkstothechildoffunerals？Wearenotundertakers，ormutes，orgrave-diggers，Ibelieve。\'
`Veryfarfromit，\'interposedMrs。Chick，withthesameprofoundexpressionasbefore。
`Thenwhoputssuchthingsintohishead？\'saidMr。Dombey。`ReallyIwasquitedismayedandshockedlastnight。Whoputssuchthingsintohishead，Louisa？\'
`MydearPaul，\'saidMrs。Chick，afteramoment\'ssilence，`itisofnouseinquiring。Idonotthink，Iwilltellyoucandidly，thatWickamisapersonofverycheerfulspirit，orwhatonewouldcalla——\'
`AdaughterofMomus，\'MissToxsoftlysuggested。
`Exactlyso，\'saidMrs。Chick；`butsheisexceedinglyattentiveanduseful，andnotatallpresumptuous；indeedIneversawamorebiddablewoman。Ifthedearchild，\'pursuedMrs。Chick，inthetoneofonewhowassummingupwhathadbeenpreviouslyquiteagreedupon，insteadofsayingitallforthefirsttime，`isalittleweakenedbythatlastattack，andisnotinquitesuchvigoroushealthaswecouldwish；andifhehassometemporaryweaknessinhissystem，anddoesoccasionallyseemabouttolose，forthemoment，theuseofhis——\'
Mrs。Chickwasafraidtosaylimbs，afterMr。Dombey\'srecentobjectiontobones，andthereforewaitedforasuggestionfromMissTox，who，truetoheroffice，hazarded`members。\'
`Members！\'repeatedMr。Dombey。
`Ithinkthemedicalgentlemanmentionedlegsthismorning，mydearLouisa，didhenot？\'saidMissTox。
`Why，ofcoursehedid，mylove，\'retortedMrs。Chick，mildlyreproachful。`Howcanyouaskme？Youheardhim。Isay，ifourdearPaulshouldlose，forthemoment，theuseofhislegs，thesearecasualtiescommontomanychildrenathistimeoflife，andnottobepreventedbyanycareorcaution。Thesooneryouunderstandthat，Paul，andadmitthat，thebetter。\'
`Surelyyoumustknow，Louisa，\'observedMr。Dombey，`thatIdon\'tquestionyournaturaldevotionto，andregardfor，thefutureheadofmyhouse。Mr。PilkinssawPaulthismorning，Ibelieve？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Yes，hedid，\'returnedhissister。`MissToxandmyselfwerepresent，MissToxandmyselfarealwayspresent。Wemakeapointofit。
Mr。Pilkinshasseenhimforsomedayspast，andaveryclevermanIbelievehimtobe。Hesaysitisnothingtospeakof；whichIcanconfirm，ifthatisanyconsolation；butherecommended，to-day，sea-air。Verywisely，Paul，Ifeelconvinced。\'
`Sea-air，\'repeatedMr。Dombey，lookingathissister。
`Thereisnothingtobemadeuneasyby，inthat，\'saidMrs。Chick。
`MyGeorgeandFrederickwerebothorderedsea-air，whentheywereabouthisage；andIhavebeenordereditmyselfagreatmanytimes。Iquiteagreewithyou，Paul，thatperhapstopicsmaybeincautiouslymentionedupstairsbeforehim，whichitwouldbeaswellforhislittlemindnottoexpatiateupon；butIreallydon\'tseehowthatistobehelpedinthecaseofachildofhisquickness。Ifhewereacommonchild，therewouldbenothinginit。ImustsayIthink，withMissTox，thatashortabsencefromthishouse，theairofBrighton，andthebodilyandmentaltrainingofsojudiciousapersonasMrs。Pipchinforinstance——\'
`WhoisMrs。Pipchin，Louisa？\'askedMr。Dombey；aghastatthisfamiliarintroductionofanamehehadneverheardbefore。
`Mrs。Pipchin，mydearPaul，\'returnedhissister，`isanelderlylady——MissToxknowsherwholehistory——whohasforsometimedevotedalltheenergiesofhermind，withthegreatestsuccess，tothestudyandtreatmentofinfancy，andwhohasbeenextremelywellconnected。Herhusbandbrokehisheartin——howdidyousayherhusbandbrokehisheart，mydear？Iforgettheprecisecircumstances。\'
`InpumpingwateroutofthePeruvianMines，\'repliedMissTox。
`NotbeingaPumperhimself，ofcourse，\'saidMrs。chick，glancingatherbrother；anditreallydidseemnecessarytooffertheexplanation，forMissToxhadspokenofhimasifhehaddiedatthehandle；`buthavinginvestedmoneyinthespeculation，whichfailed。IbelievethatMrs。Pipchin\'smanagementofchildrenisquiteastonishing。IhavehearditcommendedinprivatecircleseversinceIwas——dearme——howhigh！\'Mrs。Chick\'seyewanderedaboutthebookcasenearthebustofMr。Pitt，whichwasabouttenfeetfromtheground。
`PerhapsIshouldsayofMrs。Pipchin，mydearSir，\'observedMissTox，withaningenuousblush，`havingbeensopointedlyreferredto，thattheencomiumwhichhasbeenpasseduponherbyyoursweetsisteriswellmerited。Manyladiesandgentlemen，nowgrownuptobeinterestingmembersofsociety，havebeenindebtedtohercare。Thehumbleindividualwhoaddressesyouwasonceunderhercharge。IbelieveJuvenilenobilityitselfisnostrangertoherestablishment。\'
`DoIunderstandthatthisrespectablematronkeepsanestablishment，MissTox？\'inquiredMr。Dombey，condescendingly。
`Why，Ireallydon\'tknow，\'rejoinedthatlady，`whetherIamjustifiedincallingitso。ItisnotaPreparatorySchoolbyanymeans。
ShouldIexpressmymeaning，\'saidMissTox，withpeculiarsweetness，`ifIdesignateditaninfantineBoarding-Houseofaveryselectdescription？\'
`Onanexceedinglylimitedandparticularscale，\'suggestedMrs。Chick，withaglanceatherbrother。
`Oh！Exclusionitself！\'saidMissTox。
Therewassomethinginthis。Mrs。Pipchin\'shusbandhavingbrokenhisheartofthePeruvianmineswasgood。Ithadarichsound。Besides，Mr。DombeywasinastatealmostamountingtoconsternationattheideaofPaulremainingwherehewasonehourafterhisremovalhadbeenrecommendedbythemedicalpractitioner。Itwasastoppageanddelayupontheroadthechildmusttraverse，slowlyatthebest，beforethegoalwasreached。
TheirrecommendationofMrs。Pipchinhadgreatweightwithhim；forheknewthattheywerejealousofanyinterferencewiththeircharge，andheneverforamomenttookitintoaccountthattheymightbesolicitoustodividearesponsibility，ofwhichhehad，asshownjustnow，hisownestablishedviews。BrokehisheartofthePeruvianmines，musedMr。Dombey。
Well，averyrespectablewayofdoingit。
`Supposingweshoulddecide，onto-morrow\'sinquiries，tosendPauldowntoBrightontothislady，whowouldgowithhim？\'inquiredMr。
Dombey，aftersomereflection。
`Idon\'tthinkyoucouldsendthechildanywhereatpresentwithoutFlorence，mydearPaul，\'returnedhissister，hesitating。`It\'squiteaninfatuationwithhim。He\'sveryyoung，youknow，andhashisfancies。\'
Mr。Dombeyturnedhisheadaway，andgoingslowlytothebookcase，andunlockingit，broughtbackabooktoread。
`Anybodyelse，Louisa？\'hesaid，withoutlookingup，andturningovertheleaves。
`Wickam，ofcourse。Wickamwouldbequitesufficient，Ishouldsay，\'returnedhissister。`PaulbeinginsuchhandsasMrs。Pipchin\'s，youcouldhardlysendanybodywhowouldbeafurthercheckuponher。Youwouldgodownyourselfoncea-weekatleast，ofcourse。\'
`Ofcourse，\'saidMr。Dombey；andsatlookingatonepageforanhourafterwards，withoutreadingoneword。
ThiscelebratedMrs。Pipchinwasamarvellousill-favoured，ill-conditionedoldlady，ofastoopingfigure，withamottledface，likebadmarble，ahooknose，andahardgreyeye，thatlookedasifitmighthavebeenhammeredatonananvilwithoutsustaininganyinjury。FortyyearsatleasthadelapsedsincethePeruvianmineshadbeenthedeathofMr。Pipchin；buthisrelictstillworeblackbombazeen，ofsuchalustreless，deep，dead，sombreshade，thatgasitselfcouldn\'tlightherupafterdark，andherpresencewasaquenchertoanynumberofcandles。Shewasgenerallyspokenofas`agreatmanager\'ofchildren；andthesecretofhermanagementwas，togivethemeverythingthattheydidn\'tlike，andnothingthattheydid——whichwasfoundtosweetentheirdispositionsverymuch。Shewassuchabitteroldlady，thatonewastemptedtobelievetherehadbeensomemistakeintheapplicationofthePeruvianmachinery，andthatallherwatersofgladnessandmilkofhumankindness，hadbeenpumpedoutdry，insteadofthemines。
TheCastleofthisogressandchild-quellerwasinasteepby-streetatrighton；wherethesoilwasmorethanusuallychalky，flinty，andsterile，andthehousesweremorethanusuallybrittleandthin；wherethesmallfrontgardenshadtheunaccountablepropertyofproducingnothingbutmarigolds，whateverwassowninthem；andwheresnailswereconstantlydiscoveredholdingontothestreetdoors，andotherpublicplacestheywerenotexpectedtoornament，withthetenacityofcupping-glasses。Inthewintertimetheaircouldn\'tbegotoutoftheCastle，andinthesummertimeitcouldn\'tbegotin。Therewassuchacontinualreverberationofwindinit，thatitsoundedlikeagreatshell，whichtheinhabitantswereobligedtoholdtotheirearsnightandday，whethertheylikeditorno。Itwasnot，naturally，afreshsmellinghouse；andinthewindowofthefrontparlour，whichwasneveropened，Mrs。Pipchinkeptacollectionofplantsinpots，whichimpartedanearthyflavouroftheirowntotheestablishment。Howeverchoiceexamplesoftheirkind，too，theseplantswereofakindpeculiarlyadaptedtotheembowermentofMrs。Pipchin。Therewerehalf-a-dozenspecimensofthecactus，writhingroundbitsoflath，likehairyserpents；anotherspecimenshootingoutbroadclaws，likeagreenlobster；severalcreepingvegetables，possessedofstickyandadhesiveleaves；andoneuncomfortableflower-pothangingtotheceiling，whichappearedtohaveboiledover，andticklingpeopleunderneathwithitslonggreenends，remindedthemofspiders——inwhichMrs。Pipchin\'sdwellingwasuncommonlyprolific，thoughperhapsitchallengedcompetitionstillmoreproudly，intheseason，inpointofearwigs。
Mrs。Pipchin\'sscaleofchargesbeinghigh，however，toallwhocouldaffordtopay，andMrs。Pipchinveryseldomsweeteningtheequableacidityofhernatureinfavourofanybody，shewasheldtobeanoldladyofremarkablefirmness，whowasquitescientificinherknowledgeofthechildishcharacter。Onthisreputation，andonthebrokenheartofMr。
Pipchin，shehadcontrived，takingoneyearwithanother，toekeoutatolerablesufficientlivingsinceherhusband\'sdemise。WithinthreedaysafterMrs。Chick\'sfirstallusiontoher，thisexcellentoldladyhadthesatisfactionofanticipatingahandsomeadditiontohercurrentreceipts，fromthepocketofMr。Dombey；andofreceivingFlorenceandherlittlebrotherPaul，asinmatesoftheCastle。
Mrs。ChickandMissTox，whohadbroughtthemdownonthepreviousnightwhichtheyallpassedatanHotel，hadjustdrivenawayfromthedoor，ontheirjourneyhomeagain；andMrs。Pipchin，withherbacktothefire，stood，reviewingthenew-comers，likeanoldsoldier。Mrs。Pipchin\'smiddle-agedniece，hergood-naturedanddevotedslave，butpossessingagauntandironboundaspect，andmuchafflictedwithboilsonhernose，wasdivestingMasterBitherstoneofthecleancollarhehadwornonparade。
MissPankey，theonlyotherlittleboarderatpresent，hadthatmomentbeenwalkedofftotheCastleDungeonanemptyapartmentattheback，devotedtocorrectionalpurposes，forhavingsniffedthrice，inthepresenceofvisitors。
`Well，Sir，\'saidMrs。PipchintoPaul，`howdoyouthinkyoushalllikeme？\'
`Idon\'tthinkIshalllikeyouatall，\'repliedPaul。`Iwanttogoaway。Thisisn\'tmyhouse。\'
`No。It\'smine，\'retortedMrs。Pipchin。
`It\'saverynastyone，\'saidPaul。
`There\'saworseplaceinitthanthisthough，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，`whereweshutupourbadboys。\'
`Hasheeverbeeninit？\'askedPaul：pointingoutMasterBitherstone。
Mrs。Pipchinnoddedassent；andPaulhadenoughtodo，fortherestofthatday，insurveyingMasterBitherstonefromheadtofoot，andwatchingalltheworkingsofhiscountenance，withtheinterestattachingtoaboyofmysteriousandterribleexperiences。
Atoneo\'clocktherewasadinner，chieflyofthefarinaceousandvegetablekind，whenMissPankeyamildlittleblue-eyedmorselofachild，whowasshampoo\'deverymorning，andseemedindangerofbeingrubbedaway，altogetherwasledinfromcaptivitybytheogressherself，andinstructedthatnobodywhosniffedbeforevisitorseverwenttoHeaven。
Whenthisgreattruthhadbeenthoroughlyimpresseduponher，shewasregaledwithrice；andsubsequentlyrepeatedtheformofgraceestablishedintheCastle，inwhichtherewasaspecialclause，thankingMrs。Pipchinforagooddinner。Mrs。Pipchin\'sniece，Berinthia，tookcoldpork。Mrs。Pipchin，whoseconstitutionrequiredwarmnourishment，madeaspecialrepastofmutton-chops，whichwerebroughtinhotandhot，betweentwoplates，andsmeltverynice。
Asitrainedafterdinner，andtheycouldn\'tgooutwalkingonthebeach，andMrs。Pipchin\'sconstitutionrequiredrestafterchops，theywentawaywithBerryotherwiseBerinthiatotheDungeon；anemptyroomlookingoutuponachalkwallandawater-butt，andmadeghastlybyaraggedfireplacewithoutanystoveinit。Enlivenedbycompany，however，thiswasthebestplaceafterall；forBerryplayedwiththemthere，andseemedtoenjoyagameatrompsasmuchastheydid；untilMrs。Pipchinknockingangrilyatthewall，liketheCockLaneGhostrevived，theyleftoff，andBerrytoldthemstoriesinawhisperuntiltwilight。
Forteatherewasplentyofmilkandwater，andbreadandbutter，withalittleblacktea-potforMrs。PipchinandBerry，andbutteredtoastunlimitedforMrs。Pipchin，whichwasbroughtin，hotandhot，likethechops。ThoughMrs。Pipchingotverygreasy，outside，overthisdish，itdidn\'tseemtolubricateherinternally，atall；forshewasasfierceasever，andthehardgreyeyeknewnosoftening。
Aftertea，Berrybroughtoutalittlework-box，withtheRoyalPaviliononthelid，andfelltoworkingbusily；whileMrs。Pipchin，havingputonherspectaclesandopenedagreatvolumeboundingreenbaize，begantonod。AndwheneverMrs。Pipchincaughtherselffallingforwardintothefire，andwokeup，shefillipedMasterBitherstoneonthenosefornoddingtoo。
Atlastitwasthechildren\'sbedtime，andafterprayerstheywenttobed。AslittleMissPankeywasafraidofsleepingaloneinthedark，Mrs。Pipchinalwaysmadeapointofdrivingherupstairsherself，likeasheep；anditwascheerfultohearMissPankeymoaninglongafterwards，intheleasteligiblechamber，andMrs。Pipchinnowandthengoingintoshakeher。Atabouthalfpastnineo\'clocktheodourofawarmsweet-breadMrs。Pipchin\'sconstitutionwouldn\'tgotosleepwithoutsweet-bread
diversifiedtheprevailingfragranceofthehouse，whichMrs。Wickamsaidwas`asmellofbuilding；\'andslumberfellupontheCastleshortlyafter。
Thebreakfastnextmorningwasliketheteaovernight，exceptthatMrs。Pipchintookherrollinsteadoftoast，andseemedalittlemoreiratewhenitwasover。MasterBitherstonereadaloudtotherestapedigreefromGenesisjudi-ciouslyselectedbyMrs。Pipchin，gettingoverthenameswiththeeaseandclearnessofapersontumblingupthetreadmill。
Thatdone，MissPankeywasborneawaytobeshampoo\'d；andMasterBitherstonetohavesomethingelsedonetohimwithsaltwater，fromwhichhealwaysreturnedveryblueanddejected。PaulandFlorencewentoutinthemeantimeonthebeachwithWickam——whowasconstantlyintears——andataboutnoonMrs。PipchinpresidedoversomeEarlyReadings。ItbeingapartofMrs。
Pipchin\'ssystemnottoencourageachild\'smindtodevelopandexpanditselflikeayoungflower，buttoopenitbyforcelikeanoyster，themoraloftheselessonswasusuallyofaviolentandstunningcharacter：
thehero——anaughtyboy——seldom，inthemildestcatastrophe，beingfinishedoffbyanythinglessthanalion，orabear。
SuchwaslifeatMrs。Pipchin\'s。OnSaturdayMr。Dombeycamedown；
andFlorenceandPaulwouldgotohisHotel，andhavetea。TheypassedthewholeofSundaywithhim，andgenerallyrodeoutbeforedinner；andontheseoccasionsMr。Dombeyseemedtogrow，likeFalstaff\'sassailants，andinsteadofbeingonemaninbuckram，tobecomeadozen。Sundayeveningwasthemostmelancholyeveningintheweek；forMrs。PipchinalwaysmadeapointofbeingparticularlycrossonSundaynights。MissPankeywasgenerallybroughtbackfromanaunt\'satRottingdean，indeepdistress；andMasterBitherstone，whoserelativeswereallinIndia，andwhowasrequiredtosit，betweentheservices，inanerectpositionwithhisheadagainsttheparlourwall，neithermovinghandnorfoot，sufferedsoacutelyinhisyoungspiritsthatheonceaskedFlorence，onaSundaynight，ifshecouldgivehimanyideaofthewaybacktoBengal。
ButitwasgenerallysaidthatMrs。Pipchinwasawomanofsystemwithchildren；andnodoubtshewas。Certainlythewildoneswenthometameenough，aftersojourningforafewmonthsbeneathherhospitableroof。
Itwasgenerallysaid，too，thatitwashighlycreditableofMrs。Pipchintohavedevotedherselftothiswayoflife，andtohavemadesuchasacrificeofherfeelings，andsucharesolutestandagainsthertroubles，whenMr。
PipchinbrokehisheartinthePeruvianmines。
Atthisexemplaryoldlady，Paulwouldsitstaringinhislittlearm-chairbythefire，foranylengthoftime。Heneverseemedtoknowwhatwearinesswas，whenhewaslookingfixedlyatMrs。Pipchin。Hewasnotfondofher；hewasnotafraidofher；butinthoseold，oldmoodsofhis，sheseemedtohaveagrotesqueattractionforhim。Therehewouldsit，lookingather，andwarminghishands，andlookingather，untilhesometimesquiteconfoundedMrs。Pipchin，Ogressasshewas。Oncesheaskedhim，whentheywerealone，whathewasthinkingabout。
`You，\'saidPaul，withouttheleastreserve。
`Andwhatareyouthinkingaboutme？\'askedMrs。Pipchin。
`I\'mthinkinghowoldyoumustbe，\'saidPaul。
`Youmustn\'tsaysuchthingsasthat，younggentleman，\'returnedthedame。`That\'llneverdo。\'
`Whynot？\'askedPaul。
`Becauseit\'snotpolite，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，snappishly。
`Notpolite？\'saidPaul。
`No。\'
`It\'snotpolite，\'saidPaul，innocently，`toeatallthemutton-chopsandtoast，Wickamsays。\'
`Wickam，\'retortedMrs。Pipchin，colouring，`isawicked，impudent，boldfacedhussy。\'
`What\'sthat？\'inquiredPaul。
`Neveryoumind，Sir，\'retortedMrs。Pipchin。`Rememberthestoryofthelittleboythatwasgoredtodeathbyamadbullforaskingquestions。\'
`Ifthebullwasmad，\'saidPaul，`howdidheknowthattheboyhadaskedquestions？Nobodycangoandwhispersecretstoamadbull。Idon\'tbelievethatstory。\'
`Youdon\'tbelieveit，Sir？\'repeatedMrs。Pipchin，amazed。
`No，\'saidPaul。
`Notifitshouldhappentohavebeenatamebull，youlittleInfidel？\'saidMrs。Pipchen。
AsPaulhadnotconsideredthesubjectinthatlight，andhadfoundedhisconclusionsontheallegedlunacyofthebull，heallowedhimselftobeputdownforthepresent。Buthesatturningitoverinhismind，withsuchanobviousintentionoffixingMrs。Pipchinpresently，thateventhathardyoldladydeemeditprudenttoretreatuntilheshouldhaveforgottenthesubject。
Fromthattime，Mrs。PipchinappearedtohavesomethingofthesameoddkindofattractiontowardsPaul，asPaulhadtowardsher。Shewouldmakehimmovehischairtohersideofthefire，insteadofsittingopposite；andtherehewouldremaininanookbetweenMrs。Pipchinandthefender，withallthelightofhislittlefaceabsorbedintotheblackbombazeendrapery，studyingeverylineandwrinkleofhercountenance，andpeeringatthehardgreyeye，untilMrs。Pipchinwassometimesfaintoshutitonpretenceofdozing。Mrs。Pipchinhadanoldblackcat，whogenerallylaycoileduponthecentrefootofthefender，purringegotistically，andwinkingatthefireuntilthecontractedpupilsofhiseyeswereliketwonotesofadmiration。Thegoodoldladymighthavebeen——nottorecorditdisrespectfully——awitch，andPaulandthecathertwofamiliars，astheyallsatbythefiretogether。Itwouldhavebeenquiteinkeepingwiththeappearanceofthepartyiftheyhadallsprungupthechimneyinahighwindonenight，andneverbeenheardofanymore。
This，however，nevercametopass。Thecat，andPaul，andMrs。
Pipchin，wereconstantlytobefoundintheirusualplacesafterdark；
andPaul，eschewingthecompanionshipofMasterBitherstone，wentonstudyingMrs。Pipchin，andthecat，andthefire，nightafternight，asiftheywereabookofnecromancy，inthreevolumes。
Mrs。WickamputherownconstructiononPaul\'seccentricities：
andbeingconfirmedinherlowspiritsbyaperplexedviewofchimneysfromtheroomwhereshewasaccustomedtosit，andbythenoiseofthewind，andbythegeneraldulnessgashlinesswasMrs。Wickam\'sstrongexpression
ofherpresentlife，deducedthemostdismalreflectionsfromtheforegoingpremises。ItwasapartofMrs。Pipchin\'spolicytopreventherown`younghussy\'——thatwasMrs。Pipchin\'sgenericnameforfemaleservant——fromcommunicatingwithMrs。Wickam：towhichendshedevotedmuchofhertimetoconcealingherselfbehinddoors，andspringingoutonthatdevotedmaiden，whenevershemadeanapproachtowardsMrs。Wickam\'sapartment。ButBerrywasfreetoholdwhatconverseshecouldinthatquarterconsistentlywiththedischargeofthemultifariousdutiesatwhichshetoiledincessantlyfrommorningtonight；andtoBerryMrs。Wickamunburdenedhermind。
`Whataprettyfellowheiswhenhe\'sasleep！\'saidBerry，stoppingtolookatPaulinbed，onenightwhenshetookupMrs。Wickam\'ssupper。
`Ah！\'sighedMrs。Wickam。`Heneedbe。\'
`Why，he\'snotuglywhenhe\'sawake，\'observedBerry。
`No，Ma\'am。Oh，no。Nomorewasmyuncle\'sBetseyJane，\'saidMrs。Wickam。
BerrylookedasifshewouldliketotracetheconnexionofideasbetweenPaulDombeyandMrs。Wickam\'sUncle\'sBetseyJane。
`Myuncle\'swife，\'Mrs。Wickamwentontosay，`diedjustlikehismama。Myuncle\'schildtookonjustasMasterPauldo。Myuncle\'schildmadepeople\'sbloodruncold，sometimes，shedid！\'
R`How！\'askedBerry。
`Iwouldn\'thavesatupallnightalonewithBetseyJane！\'saidMrs。Wickam，`notifyou\'dhaveputWickamintobusinessnextmorningforhimself。Icouldn\'thavedoneit，MissBerry。\'
MissBerrynaturallyaskedwhynot？ButMrs。Wickam，agreeablytotheusageofsomeladiesinhercondition，pursuedherownbranchofthesubjectwithoutanycompunction。
`BetseyJane，\'saidMrs。Wickam，`wasassweetachildasIcouldwishtosee。Icouldn\'twishtoseeasweeter。Everythingthatachildcouldhaveinthewayofillnesses，BetseyJanehadcomethrough。Thecrampswasascommontoher，\'saidMrs。Wickam，`asbilesistoyourself，MissBerry。\'MissBerryinvoluntarilywrinkledhernose。
`ButBetseyJane，\'saidMrs。Wickam，loweringhervoice，andlookingroundtheroom，andtowardsPaulinbed，`hadbeenminded，inhercradle，byherdepartedmother。Icouldn\'tsayhow，norIcouldn\'tsaywhen，norIcouldn\'tsaywhetherthedearchildknewitornot，butBetseyJanehadbeenwatchedbyhermother，MissBerry！Youmaysaynonsense！Ian\'toffended，Miss。Ihopeyoumaybeabletothinkinyourownconsciencethatitisnonsense；you\'llfindyourspiritsallthebetterforitinthis——you\'llexcusemybeingsofree——inthisburying-groundofaplace；whichiswearingofmedown。MasterPaul\'salittlerestlessinhissleep。Pathisback，ifyouplease。\'
`Ofcourseyouthink，\'saidBerry，gentlydoingwhatshewasasked，`thathehasbeennursedbyhismother，too？\'
`BetseyJane，\'returnedMrs。Wickaminhermostsolemntones，`wasputuponasthatchildhasbeenputupon，andchangedasthatchildhaschanged。Ihaveseenhersit，oftenandoften，think，think，thinking，likehim。Ihaveseenherlook，oftenandoften，old，old，old，likehim。
Ihaveheardher，manyatime，talkjustlikehim。IconsiderthatchildandBetseyJaneonthesamefootingentirely，MissBerry。\'
`Isyouruncle\'schildalive？\'askedBerry。
`Yes，Miss，sheisalive，\'returnedMrs。Wickamwithanairoftriumph，foritwasevidentMissBerryexpectedthereverse；`andismarriedtoasilverchaser。Ohyes，Miss，SHEisalive，\'saidMrs。Wickam，layingstrongstressonhernominativecase。
Itbeingclearthatsomebodywasdead，Mrs。Pipchin\'snieceinquiredwhoitwas。
`Iwouldn\'twishtomakeyouuneasy，\'returnedMrs。Wickam，pursuinghersupper。`Don\'taskme。\'
Thiswasthesurestwayofbeingaskedagain。MissBerryrepeatedherquestion，therefore；andaftersomeresistance，andreluctance，Mrs。
Wickamlaiddownherknife，andagainglancingroundtheroomandatPaulinbed，replied：
`Shetookfanciestopeople；whimsicalfancies，someofthem；
others，affectionsthatonemightexpecttosee——onlystrongerthancommon。
Theyalldied。\'
ThiswassoveryunexpectedandawfultoMrs。Pipchin\'sniece，thatshesatuprightonthehardedgeofthebedstead，breathingshort，andsurveyingherinformantwithlooksofundisguisedalarm。
Mrs。Wickamshookherleftfore-fingerstealthilytowardsthebedwhereFlorencelay；thenturneditupsidedown，andmadeseveralemphaticpointsatthefloor；immediatelybelowwhichwastheparlourinwhichMrs。
Pipchinhabituallyconsumedthetoast。
`Remembermywords，MissBerry，\'saidMrs。Wickam，`andbethankfulthatMasterPaulisnottoofondofyou。Iam，thathe\'snottoofondofme，Iassureyou；thoughthereisn\'tmuchtolivefor——you\'llexcusemybeingsofree——inthisjailofahouse！\'
MissBerry\'semotionmighthaveledtoherpattingPaultoohardontheback，ormighthaveproducedacessationofthatsoothingmonotony，butheturnedinhisbedjustnow，and，presentlyawaking，satupinitwithhishairhotandwetfromtheeffectsofsomechildishdream，andaskedforFlorence。
Shewasoutofherownbedatthefirstsoundofhisvoice；andbendingoverhispillowimmediately，sanghimtosleepagain。Mrs。Wickamshakingherhead，andlettingfallseveraltears，pointedoutthelittlegrouptoBerry，andturnedhereyesuptotheceiling。
`Goodnight，Miss！\'saidWickam，softly。`Goodnight！Yourauntisanoldlady，MissBerry，andit\'swhatyoumusthavelookedfor，often。\'
Thisconsolatoryfarewell，Mrs。Wickamaccompaniedwithalookofheartfeltanguish；andbeingleftalonewiththetwochildrenagain，andbecomingconsciousthatthewindwasblowingmournfully，sheindulgedinmelancholy——thatcheapestandmostaccessibleofluxuries——untilshewasoverpoweredbyslumber。
AlthoughthenieceofMrs。Pipchindidnotexpecttofindthatexemplarydragonprostrateonthehearth-rugwhenshewentdownstairs，shewasrelievedtofindherunusuallyfractiousandsevere，andwitheverypresentappearanceofintendingtolivealongtimetobeacomforttoallwhoknewher。Norhadsheanysymptomsofdeclining，inthecourseoftheensuingweek，whentheconstitutionalviandsstillcontinuedtodisappearinregularsuccession，notwithstandingthatPaulstudiedherasattentivelyasever，andoccupiedhisusualseatbetweentheblackskirtsandthefender，withunwaveringconstancy。
ButasPaulhimselfwasnostrongerattheexpirationofthattimethanhehadbeenonhisfirstarrival，thoughhelookedmuchhealthierintheface，alittlecarriagewasgotforhim，inwhichhecouldlieathisease，withanalphabetandotherelementaryworksofreference，andbewheeleddowntothesea-side。Consistentinhisoddtastes，thechildsetasidearuddy-facedladwhowasproposedasthedrawerofthiscarriage，andselected，instead，hisgrandfather——aweazen，old，crab-facedman，inasuitofbatteredoilskin，whohadgottoughandstringyfromlongpicklinginsaltwater，andwhosmeltlikeaweedysea-beachwhenthetideisout。
Withthisnotableattendanttopullhimalong，andFlorencealwayswalkingbyhisside，andthedespondentWickambringinguptherear，hewentdowntothemarginoftheoceaneveryday；andtherehewouldsitorlieinhiscarriageforhourstogether：neversodistressedasbythecompanyofchildren——Florencealoneexcepted，always。
`Goaway，ifyouplease，\'hewouldsaytoanychildwhocametobearhimcompany。`Thankyou，butIdon\'twantyou。\'
Somesmallvoice，nearhisear，wouldaskhimhowhewas，perhaps。
`Iamverywell，Ithankyou，\'hewouldanswer。`Butyouhadbettergoandplay，ifyouplease。\'
Thenhewouldturnhishead，andwatchthechildaway，andsaytoFlorence，`Wedon\'twantanyothers，dowe？Kissme，Floy。\'
Hehadevenadislike，atsuchtimes，tothecompanyofWickam，andwaswellpleasedwhenshestrolledaway，asshegenerallydid，topickupshellsandacquaintances。Hisfavouritespotwasquitealonelyone，farawayfrommostloungers；andwithFlorencesittingbyhissideatwork，orreadingtohim，ortalkingtohim，andthewindblowingonhisface，andthewatercomingupamongthewheelsofhisbed，hewantednothingmore。
`Floy，\'hesaidoneday，`where\'sIndia，wherethatboy\'sfriendslive？\'
`Oh，it\'salong，longdistanceoff，\'saidFlorence，raisinghereyesfromherwork。
`Weeksoff？\'askedPaul。
`Yes，dear。Manyweeks\'journey，nightandday。\'
`IfyouwereinIndia，Floy，\'saidPaul，afterbeingsilentforaminute，`Ishould——whatisthatMamadid？Iforget。\'
`Lovedme！\'answeredFlorence。
`No，no。Don\'tIloveyounow，Floy？Whatisit？——Died。IfyouwereinIndia，Ishoulddie，Floy。\'
Shehurriedlyputherworkaside，andlaidherheaddownonhispillow，caressinghim。Andsowouldshe，shesaid，ifhewerethere。Hewouldbebettersoon。
`Oh！Iamagreatdealbetternow！\'heanswered。`Idon\'tmeanthat。ImeanthatIshoulddieofbeingsosorryandsolonely，Floy！\'
Anothertime，inthesameplace，hefellasleep，andsleptquietlyforalongtime。Awakingsuddenly，helistened，startedup，andsatlistening。
Florenceaskedhimwhathethoughtheheard。
`Iwanttoknowwhatitsays，\'heanswered，lookingsteadilyinherface。`Thesea，Floy，whatisitthatitkeepsonsaying？\'
Shetoldhimthatitwasonlythenoiseoftherollingwaves。
`Yes，yes，\'hesaid。`ButIknowthattheyarealwayssayingsomething。
Alwaysthesamething。Whatplaceisoverthere？\'Heroseup，lookingeagerlyatthehorizon。
Shetoldhimthattherewasanothercountryopposite，buthesaidhedidn\'tmeanthat：hemeantfartheraway——fartheraway！
Veryoftenafterwards，inthemidstoftheirtalk，hewouldbreakoff，totrytounderstandwhatitwasthatthewaveswerealwayssaying；
andwouldriseupinhiscouchtolooktowardsthatinvisibleregion，faraway。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter9[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERIXInwhichtheWoodenMidshipmangetsintoTroubleTHATspiceofromanceandloveofthemarvellous，ofwhichtherewasaprettystronginfusioninthenatureofyoungWalterGay，andwhichtheguardianshipofhisuncle，oldSolomonGills，hadnotverymuchweakenedbythewatersofsternpracticalexperience，wastheoccasionofhisattachinganuncommonanddelightfulinteresttotheadventureofFlorencewithgoodMrs。Brown。Hepamperedandcherisheditinhismemory，especiallythatpartofitwithwhichhehadbeenassociated：untilitbecamethespoiledchildofhisfancy，andtookitsownway，anddidwhatitlikedwithit。
Therecollectionofthoseincidents，andhisownshareinthem，mayhavebeenmadethemorecaptivating，perhaps，bytheweeklydreamingsofoldSolandCaptainCuttleonSundays。HardlyaSundaypassed，withoutmysteriousreferencesbeingmadebyoneorotherofthoseworthychumstoRichardWhittington；andthelattergentlemanhadevengonesofarastopurchaseaballadofconsiderableantiquity，thathadlongflutteredamongmanyothers，chieflyexpressiveofmaritimesentiments，onadeadwallintheCommercialRoads：whichpoeticalperformancessetforththecourtshipandnuptialsofapromisingyoungcoal-whipperwithacertain`lovelyPeg，\'theaccomplisheddaughterofthemasterandpart-ownerofaNewcastlecollier。Inthisstirringlegend，CaptainCuttledescriedaprofoundmetaphysicalbearingonthecaseofWalterandFlorence；anditexcitedhimsomuch，thatonveryfestiveoccasions，asbirthdaysandfewothernon-Dominicalholidays，hewouldroarthroughthewholesonginthelittlebackparlour；makinganamazingshakeonthewordPe——e——eg，withwhicheveryverseconcluded，incomplimenttotheheroineofthepiece。
Butafrank，free-spirited，open-heartedboy，isnotmuchgiventoanalysingthenatureofhisownfeelings，howeverstrongtheirholduponhim：andWalterwouldhavefounditdifficulttodecidethispoint。
HehadagreataffectionforthewharfwherehehadencounteredFlorence，andforthestreetsalbeitnotenchantinginthemselvesbywhichtheyhadcomehome。Theshoesthathadsooftentumbledoffbyway，hepreservedinhisownroom；and，sittinginthelittlebackparlourofanevening，hehaddrawnawholegalleryoffancyportraitsofgoodMrs。Brown。Itmaybethathebecamealittlesmarterinhisdressafterthatmemorableoccasion；andhecertainlylikedinhisleisuretimetowalktowardsthatquarterofthetownwhereMr。Dombey\'shousewassituated，onthevaguechanceofpassinglittleFlorenceinthestreet。Butthesentimentofallthiswasasboyishandinnocentascouldbe。Florencewasverypretty，anditispleasanttoadmireaprettyface。Florencewasdefencelessandweak，anditwasaproudthoughtthathehadbeenabletorenderheranyprotectionandassistantce。Florencewasthemostgratefullittlecreatureintheworld，anditwasdelightfultoseeherbrightgratitudebeaminginherface。Florencewasneglectedandcoldlylookedupon，andhisbreastwasfullofyouthfulinterestfortheslightedchildinherdull，statelyhome。
Thusitcameaboutthat，perhapssomehalf-a-dozentimesinthecourseoftheyear，WalterpulledoffhishattoFlorenceinthestreet，andFlorencewouldstoptoshakehands。Mrs。Wickamwho，withacharacteristicalterationofhisname，invariablyspokeofhimas`YoungGraves\'wassowellusedtothis，knowingthestoryoftheiracquaintance，thatshetooknoheedofitatall。MissNipper，ontheotherhand，ratherlookedoutfortheseoccasions：hersensitiveyoungheartbeingsecretlypropitiatedbyWalter\'sgoodlooks，andincliningtothebeliefthatitssentimentswererespondedto。
Inthisway，Walter，sofarfromforgettingorlosingsightofhisacquaintancewithFlorence，onlyremembereditbetterandbetter。Astoitsadventurousbeginning，andallthoselittlecircumstanceswhichgaveitadistinctivecharacterandrelish，hetookthemintoaccount，moreasapleasantstoryveryagreeabletohisimagination，andnottobedismissedfromit，thanasapartofanymatteroffactwithwhichhewasconcerned。TheysetoffFlorenceverymuch，tohisfancy；butnothimself。
Sometimeshethoughtandthenhewalkedveryfastwhatagrandthingitwouldhavebeenforhimtohavebeengoingtoseaonthedayafterthatfirstmeeting，andtohavegone，andtohavedonewondersthere，andtohavestoppedawayalongtime，andtohavecomebackanAdmiralofallthecoloursofthedolphin，oratleastaPost-Captainwithepaulettesofinsupportablebrightness，andhavemarriedFlorencethenabeautifulyoungwomaninspiteofMr。Dombey\'steeth，cravat，andwatch-chain，andborneherawaytotheblueshoresofsomewhereorother，triumphantly。
ButtheseflightsoffancyseldomburnishedthebrassplateofDombeyandSon\'sOfficesintoatabletofgoldenhope，orshedabrilliantlustreontheirdirtyskylights；andwhentheCaptainandUncleSoltalkedaboutRichardWhittingtonandmasters\'daughters，WalterfeltthatheunderstoodhistruepositionatDombeyandSon\'smuchbetterthantheydid。
Soitwasthathewentondoingwhathehadtodofromdaytoday，inacheerful，pains-taking，merryspirit；andsawthroughthesanguinecomplexionofUncleSolandCaptainCuttle；andyetentertainedathousandindistinctandvisionaryfanciesofhisown，towhichtheirswereword-a-dayprobabilities。SuchwashisconditionatthePipchinperiod，whenhelookedalittleolderthanofyore，butnotmuch；andwasthesamelight-footed，light-hearted，lightheadedlad，aswhenhechargedintotheparlourattheheadofUncleSolandtheimaginaryboarders，andlightedhimtobringuptheMadeira。
`UncleSol\'，saidWalter，`Idon\'tthinkyou\'rewell。Youhaven\'teatenanybreakfast。Ishallbringadoctortoyou，ifyougoonlikethis。\'
`Hecan\'tgivemewhatIwant，myboy，\'saidUncleSol。`Atleastheisingoodpracticeifhecan——andthenhewouldn\'t。\'
`Whatisit，Uncle？Customers？\'
`Aye，\'returnedSolomon，withasigh。`Customerswoulddo。\'
`Confoundit，Uncle！\'saidWalter，puttingdownhisbreakfastcupwithaclatter，andstrikinghishandonthetable：`whenIseethepeoplegoingupanddownthestreetinshoalsallday，andpassingandre-passingtheshopeveryminute，byscores，Ifeelhalftemptedtorushout，collarsomebody，bringhimin，andmakehimbuyfiftypounds\'
worthofinstrumentsforreadymoney。Whatareyoulookinginatthedoorfor？——\'continuedWalter，apostrophizinganoldgentlemanwithapowderedheadinaudiblytohimofcourse，whowasstaringataship\'stelescopewithallhismightandmain。`That\'snouse。Icoulddothat。Comeinandbuyit！\'
Theoldgentleman，however，havingsatiatedhiscuriosity，walkedcalmlyaway。
`Therehegoes！\'saidWalter。`That\'sthewaywith\'emall。But，Uncle——Isay，uncleSol\'——fortheoldmanwasmeditating，andhadnotrespondedtohisfirstappeal。`Don\'tbecastdown。Don\'tbeoutofspirits，Uncle。
Whenordersdocome，they\'llcomeinsuchacrowd，youwon\'tbeabletoexecute\'em。\'
`Ishallbepastexecuting\'em，whenevertheycome，myboy，\'returnedSolomonGills。`They\'llnevercometothisshopagain，tillIamoutofit。\'
`Isay，Uncle！Youmusn\'treally，youknow！urgedWalter。`Don\'t！\'
OldSolendeavouredtoassumeacherrylook，andsmiledacrossthelittletableathimaspleasantlyashecould。
`There\'snothingmorethanusualthematter；isthere，Uncle？\'
saidWalter，leaninghiselbowsontheteatrayandbendingover，tospeakthemoreconfidentiallyandkindly。`Beopenwithme，Uncle，ifthereis，andtellmeallaboutit。\'
`No，no，no，\'returnedOldSol。`Morethanusual？No，no。whatshouldtherebethemattermorethanusual？\'
Walteransweredwithanincredulousshakeofhishead。`That\'swhatIwanttoknow，\'hesaid，`andyouaskme！I\'lltellyouwhat，Uncle，whenIseeyoulikethis，IamquitesorrythatIlivewithyou。\'
OldSolopenedhiseyesinvoluntarily。
`Yes。ThoughnobodyeverwashappierthanIamandalwayshavebeenwithyou，IamquitesorrythatIlivewithyou，whenIseeyouwithanythingonyourmind。\'
`Iamalittledullatsuchtimes，Iknow，\'observedSolomon，meeklyrubbinghishands。
`WhatImean，UncleSol，\'pursuedWalter，bendingoveralittlemoretopathimontheshoulder，`is，thatthenIfeelyououghttohave，sittinghereandpouringouttheteainsteadofme，anicelittledumplingofawife，youknow，——acomfortable，capital，coseyoldlady，whowasjustamatchforyou，andknewhowtomanageyou，andkeepyouingoodheart。
HereamI，aslovinganephewaseverwasIamsureIoughttobe！butIamonlyanephew，andIcan\'tbesuchacompaniontoyouwhenyou\'relowandoutofsortsasshewouldhavemadeherself，yearsago，thoughI\'msureI\'dgiveanymoneyifIcouldcheeryouup。AndsoIsay，whenIseeyouwithanythingonyourmind，thatIfeelquitesorryyouhaven\'tgotsomebodybetteraboutyouthanablunderingyoungrough-and-toughboylikeme，whohasgotthewilltoconsoleyou，Uncle，buthasn\'tgottheway——hasn\'tgottheway，\'repeatedWalter，reachingoverfurtheryet，toshakehisunclebythehand。
`Wally，mydearboy，\'saidSolomon，`ifthecoseylittleoldladyhadtakenherplaceinthisparlourfiveandfortyyearsago，InevercouldhavebeenfonderofherthanIamofyou。\'
`Iknowthat，UncleSol，\'returnedWalter。`Lordblessyou，Iknowthat。Butyouwouldn\'thavehadthewholeweightofanyuncomfortablesecretsifshehadbeenwithyou，becauseshewouldhaveknownhowtorelieveyouof\'em，andIdon\'t。\'
`Yes，yes，youdo，\'returnedtheinstrument-maker。
`Wellthen，what\'sthematter，UncleSol？\'saidWalter，coaxingly。
`Come！What\'sthematter？\'
SolomonGillspersistedthattherewasnothingthematter；andmaintaineditsoresolutely，thathisnephewhadnoresourcebuttomakeaveryindifferentimitationofbelievinghim。
`AllIcansayis，UncleSol，thatifthereis\'
`Butthereisn\'t\'saidSolomon。
`Verywell，\'saidWalter。`ThenI\'venomoretosay；andthat\'slucky，formytime\'supforgoingtobusiness。Ishalllookinby-and-bywhenI\'mout，toseehowyougeton，Uncle。Andmind，Uncle！I\'llneverbelieveyouagain，andnevertellyouanythingmoreaboutMr。CarkertheJunior，ifIfindoutthatyouhavebeendeceivingme！\'
SolomonGillslaughinglydefiedhimtofindoutanythingofthekind；andWalter，revolvinginhisthoughtsallsortsofimpracticablewaysofmakingfortunesandplacingthewoodenmidshipmaninapositionofindependence，betookhimselftotheofficesofDombeyandSonwithaheaviercountenancethanheusuallycarriedthere。
Therelivedinthosedays，roundthecorner——inBishopsgateStreetWithout——oneBrogley，swornbrokerandappraiser，whokeptashopwhereeverydescriptionofsecond-handfurniturewasexhibitedinthemostuncomfortableaspect，andundercircumstancesandincombinationsthemostcompletelyforeigntoitspurpose。Dozensofchairshookedontowashing-stands，whichwithdifficultypoisedthemselvesontheshouldersofsideboards，whichintheirturnstooduponthewrongsideofdining-tables，gymnasticwiththeirlegsupwardonthetopsofotherdining-tables，wereamongitsmostreasonablearrangements。Abanquetarrayofdish-covers，wine-glasses，anddecanterswasgenerallytobeseen，spreadforthuponthebosomofafour-postbedstead，fortheentertainmentofsuchgenialcompanyashalf-a-dozenpokers，andahalllamp。Asetofwindowcurtainswithnowindowsbelongingtothem，wouldbeseengracefullydrapingabarricadeofchestsofdrawers，loadedwithlittlejarsfromchemists\'shops；whileahomelesshearthrugseveredfromitsnaturalcompanionthefireside，bravedtheshrewdeastwindinitsadversity，andtrembledinmelancholyaccordwiththeshrillcomplainingsofacabinetpiano，wastingaway，astringaday，andfaintlyresoundingtothenoisesofthestreetinitsjanglinganddistractedbrain。
Ofmotionlessclocksthatneverstirredafinger，andseemedasincapableofbeingsuccessfullywoundup，asthepecuniaryaffairsoftheirformerowners，therewasalwaysgreatchoiceinMr。Brogley\'sshop；andvariouslooking-glasses，accidentallyplacedatcompoundinterestofreflectionandrefraction，presentedtotheeyeaneternalperspectiveofbankruptcyandruin。
Mr。Brogleyhimselfwasamoist-eyed，pink-complexioned，crisp-hairedman，ofabulkyfigureandaneasytemper——forthatclassofCaiusMariuswhositsupontheruinsofotherpeople\'sCarthages，cankeepuphisspiritswellenough。HehadlookedinatSolomon\'sshopsometimestoaskaquestionaboutarticlesinSolomon\'swayofbusiness；andWalterknewhimsufficientlytogivehimgooddaywhentheymetinthestreet，butasthatwastheextentofthebroker\'sacquaintancewithSolomonGillsalso，Walterwasnotalittlesurprisedwhenhecamebackinthecourseoftheforenoon，agreeablytohispromise，tofindMr。Brogleysittinginthebackparlourwithhishandsinhispockets，andhishathangingupbehindthedoor。
`Well，UncleSol！\'saidWalter。Theoldmanwassittingruefullyontheoppositesideofthetable，withhisspectaclesoverhiseyes，forawonder，insteadonhisforehead。`Howareyounow？\'
Solomonshookhishead，andwavedonehandtowardsthebrokeras，introducinghim。
`Isthereanythingthematter？\'askedWalter，withacatchinginhisbreath。
`No，no。There\'snothingthematter，\'saidMr。Brogley。`Don\'tletitputyououtoftheway。\'
Walterlookedfromthebrokertohisuncleinmuteamazement。
`Thefactis，\'saidMr。Brogley，`there\'salittlepaymentonabonddebt——threehundredandseventyodd，overdue：andI\'minpossession。\'
`Inpossession！\'criedWalter，lookingroundattheshop。
`Ah！\'saidMr。Brogley，inconfidentialassent，andnoddinghisheadasifhewouldurgetheadvisabilityoftheirallbeingcomfortabletogether。`It\'sanexecution。That\'swhatitis。Don\'tletitputyououtoftheway。Icomemyself，becauseofkeepingitquietandsociable。Youknowme。It\'squiteprivate。\'
`UncleSol！\'falteredWalter。
`Wally，myboy，\'returnedhisuncle。`It\'sthefirsttime。Suchacalamityneverhappenedtomebefore。I\'manoldmantobegin。\'Pushinguphisspectaclesagainfortheywereuselessanylongertoconcealhisemotion，hecoveredhisfacewithhishand，andsobbedaloud，andhistearsfelldownuponhiscoffee-colouredwaistcoat。
`UncleSol！Pray！ohdon\'t！\'exclaimedWalter，whoreallyfeltathrillofterrorinseeingtheoldmanweep。`ForGod\'ssakedon\'tdothat。Mr。Brogley，whatshallIdo？\'
`Ishouldrecommendyoulookingupafriendorso，\'saidMr。Brogley，`andtalkingitover。\'
`Tobesure！\'criedWalter，catchingatanything。`Certainly！
Thankee。CaptainCuttle\'stheman，Uncle。WaittillIruntoCaptainCuttle。
KeepyoureyeuponmyUncle，willyou，Mr。Brogley，andmakehimascomfortableasyoucanwhileIamgone？Don\'tdespair，UncleSol。Tryandkeepagoodheart，there\'sadearfellow！\'
Sayingthiswithgreatfervour，anddisregardingtheoldman\'sbrokenremonstrances，Walterdashedoutoftheshopagainashardashecouldgo；andhavinghurriedroundtotheofficetoexcusehimselfonthepleaofhisuncle\'ssuddenillness，setoff，fullspeed，forCaptainCuttle\'sresidence。
Everythingseemedalteredasheranalongthestreets。Thereweretheusualentanglementandnoiseofcarts，drays，omni-buses，waggons，andfootpassengers，butthemisfortunethathadfallenonthewoodenmidshipmanmadeitstrangeandnew。Housesandshopsweredifferentfromwhattheyusedtobe，andboreMr。Brogley\'swarrantontheirfrontsinlargecharacter。
Thebrokerseemedtohavegotholdoftheverychurches；fortheirspiresroseintotheskywithanunwontedair。Eventheskyitselfwaschanged，andhadanexecutioninitplainly。
CaptainCuttlelivedonthebrinkofalittlecanalneartheIndiaDocks，wheretherewasaswivelbridgewhichopenednowandthentoletsomewanderingmonsterofashipcomeroamingupthestreetlikeastrandedleviathan。Thegradualchangefromlandtowater，ontheapproachtoCaptainCuttle\'slodgings，wascurious。Itbeganwiththeerectionofflag-staffs，asappurtenancestopublic-houses；thencameslop-sellers\'shops，withGuernseyshirts，sou\'westerhats，andcanvaspantaloons，atoncethetightestandtheloosestoftheirorder，hangingupoutside。Theseweresucceededbyanchorandchain-cableforges，wheresledge-hammersweredinginguponironalldaylong。Thencamerowsofhouses，withlittlevanesurmountedmastsuprearingthemselvesfromamongthescarletbeans。Thenditches。
Thenpollardwillows。Thenmoreditches。Thenunaccountablepatchesofdirtywater，hardlytobedescried，fortheshipsthatcoveredthem。Then，theairwasperfumedwithchips；andallothertradeswereswallowedupinmast，oar，andblock-making，andboat-building。Then，thegroundgrewmarshyandunsettled。Then，therewasnothingtobesmeltbutrumandsugar。
Then，CaptainCuttle\'slodgings——atonceafirstfloorandatopstory，inBrigPlace——wereclosebeforeyou。
Thecaptainwasoneofthosetimber-lookingmen，suitsofoakaswellashearts，whomitisalmostimpossiblefortheliveliestimaginationtoseparatefromanypartoftheirdress，howeverinsignificant。Accordingly，whenWalterknockedatthedoor，andtheCaptaininstantlypokedhisheadoutofoneofhislittlefrontwindows，andhailedhim，withthehardglazedhatalreadyonit，andtheshirt-collarlikeasail，andthewidesuiteofblue，allstandingasusual，Walterwasasfullypersuadedthathewasalwaysinthatstate，asiftheCaptainhadbeenabirdandthosehadbeenhisfeathers。
`Wal\'r，mylad！\'saidCaptainCuttle。`Standbyandknockagain。
Hard！It\'swashingday。\'
Walter，inhisimpatience，gaveaprodigiousthumpwiththeknocker。
`Harditis！\'saidCaptainCuttle，andimmediatelydrewinhishead，asifheexpectedasquall。
Norwashemistaken：forawidowlady，withhersleevesrolleduptohershoulders，andherarmsfrothywithsoap-sudsandsmokingwithhotwater，repliedtothesummonswithstartlingrapidity。BeforeshelookedatWaltershelookedattheknocker，andthen，measuringhimwithhereyesfromheadtofoot，saidshewonderedhehadleftanyofit。
`CaptainCuttle\'sathome，Iknow，\'saidWalterwithaconciliatorysmile。
`Ishe？\'repliedthewidowlady。`In-deed！\'
`Hehasjustbeenspeakingtome，\'saidWalter，inbreathlessexplanation。
`Hashe？\'repliedthewidowlady。`Thenp\'rapsyou\'llgivehimMrs。MacStinger\'srespects，andsaythatthenexttimehelowershimselfandhislodgingsbytalkingoutofwindershe\'llthankhimtocomedownandopenthedoortoo。\'Mrs。MacStingerspokeloud，andlistenedforanyobservationsthatmightbeofferedfromthefirstfloor。
`I\'llmentionit，\'saidWalter，`ifyou\'llhavethegoodnesstoletmein，ma\'am。\'
Forhewasrepelledbyawoodenfortificationextendingacrossthedoorway，andputtheretopreventthelittleMacStingersintheirmomentsofrecreationfromtumblingdownthesteps。
`Aboythatcanknockmydoordown，\'saidMrs。MacStinger，contemptuously，`cangetoverthat，Ishouldhope！\'ButWalter，takingthisasapermissiontoenter，andgettingoverit，Mrs。MacStingerimmediatelydemandedwhetheranEnglishwoman\'shousewashercastleornot；andwhethershewastobebrokeinuponby`raff。\'Onthesesubjectsherthirstforinformationwasstillveryimportunate，whenWalter，havingmadehiswayupthelittlestaircasethroughanartificialfogoccasionedbythewashing，whichcoveredthebanisterswithaclammyperspiration，enteredCaptainCuttle\'sroom，andfoundthatgentlemaninambushbehindthedoor。
`Neverowedherapenny，Wal\'r，\'saidCaptainCuttle，inalowvoice，andwithvisiblemarksoftrepidationonhiscountenance。`Doneheraworldofgoodturns，andthechildrentoo。Vixenattimes，though。
Whew！\'
`Ishouldgoaway，CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter。
`Dursn\'tdoit，Wal\'r，\'returnedtheCaptain。`She\'dfindmeout，whereverIwent。Sitdown。How\'sGills？\'
TheCaptainwasdininginhishatoffcoldloinofmutton，porter，andsomesmokinghotpotatoes，whichhehadcookedhimself，andtookoutofalittlesaucepanbeforethefireashewantedthem。Heunscrewedhishookatdinnertime，andscrewedaknifeintoitswoodensocketinstead，withwhichhehadalreadybeguntopeeloneofthesepotatoesforWalter。
Hisroomswereverysmall，andstronglyimpregnatedwithtobacco-smoke，butsnugenough：everythingbeingstowedaway，asiftherewereanearthquakeregularlyeveryhalf-hour。
`How\'sGills？\'inquiredtheCaptain。
Walter，whohadbythistimerecoveredhisbreath，andlosthisspirits——orsuchtemporaryspiritsashisrapidjourneyhadgivenhim——lookedathisquestionerforamoment，said`Oh，CaptainCuttle！\'andburstintotears。
NowordscandescribetheCaptain\'sconsternationatthissight。
Mrs。MacStingerfadedintonothingbeforeit。Hedroppedthepotatoandthefork——andwouldhavedroppedtheknifetooifhecould——andsatgazingattheboy，asifheexpectedtohearnextmomentthatagulfhadopenedintheCity，whichhadswalloweduphisoldfriend，coffee-colouredsuit，buttons，chronometer，spectaclesandall。
ButwhenWaltertoldhimwhatwasreallythematter，CaptainCuttle，afteramoment\'sreflection，startedupintofullactivity。Heemptiedoutofalittletincanisteronthetopshelfofthecupboard，hiswholestockofreadymoneyamountingtothirteenpoundsandhalf-a-crown，whichhetransferredtooneofthepocketsofhissquarebluecoat；furtherenrichedthatrepositorywiththecontentsofhisplatechest，consistingoftwowitheredatomiesoftea-spoons，andanobsoletepairofknock-knee\'dsugar-tongs；
pulleduphisimmensedoublecasedsilverwatchfromthedepthsinwhichitreposed，toassurehimselfthatthatvaluablewassoundandwhole；re-attachedthehooktohisrightwrist；andseizingthestickcoveredoverwithknobs，badeWaltercomealong。
Remembering，however，inthemidstofhisvirtuousexcitement，thatMrs。MacStingermightbelyinginwaitbelow，CaptainCuttlehesitatedatlast，notwithoutglancingatthewindow，asifhehadsomethoughtsofescapingbythatunusualmeansofegress，ratherthanencounterhisterribleenemy。Hedecided，however，infavourofstratagem。
`Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，withatimidwink，`goafore，mylad。
Singout，`good-bye，CaptainCuttle，\'whenyou\'reinthepassage，andshutthedoor。Thenwaitatthecornerofthestreet\'tillyouseeme。\'
Thesedirectionswerenotissuedwithoutapreviousknowledgeoftheenemy\'stactics，forwhenWaltergotdownstairs，Mrs。MacStingerglidedoutofthelittlebackkitchen，likeanavengingspirit。ButnotglidingoutupontheCaptain，asshehadexpected，shemerelymadeafurtherallusiontotheknocker，andglidedinagain。
SomefiveminuteselapsedbeforeCaptainCuttlecouldsummoncouragetoattempthisescape；forWalterwaitedsolongatthestreetcorner，lookingbackatthehouse，beforetherewereanysymptomsofthehardglazedhat。AtlengththeCaptainburstoutofthedoorwiththesuddennessofanexplosion，andcomingtowardshimatagreatpace，andneveroncelookingoverhisshoulder，pretended，assoonastheywerewelloutofthestreet，towhistleatune。
`Unclemuchhovedown，Wal\'r？\'inquiredtheCaptain，astheywerewalkingalong。
`Iamafraidso。Ifyouhadseenhimthismorning，youwouldneverhaveforgottenit。\'
`Walkfast，Wal\'r，mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain，mendinghispace；`andwalkthesameallthedaysofyourlife。Over-haulthecatechismforthatadvice，andkeepit！\'
TheCaptainwastoobusywithhisownthoughtsofSolomonGills，mingledperhapswithsomereflectionsonhislateescapefromMrs。MacStinger，toofferanyfurtherquotationsonthewayforWalter\'smoralimprovement。
TheyinterchangednootherworduntiltheyarrivedatoldSol\'sdoor，wheretheunfortunatewoodenmidshipman，withhisinstrumentathiseye，seemedtobesurveyingthewholehorizoninsearchofsomefriendtohelphimoutofhisdifficulty。
`Gills！\'saidtheCaptain，hurryingintothebackparlour，andtakinghimbythehandquitetenderly。`Layyourheadwelltothewind，andwe\'llfightthroughit。Allyou\'vegottodo，\'saidtheCaptain，withthesolemnityofamanwhowasdeliveringhimselfofoneofthemostpreciouspracticaltenetseverdiscoveredbyhumanwisdom，`istolayyourheadwelltothewind，andwe\'llfightthroughit！\'