OldSolreturnedthepressureofhishand，andthankedhim。
CaptainCuttle，then，withagravitysuitabletothenatureoftheoccasion，putdownuponthetablethetwotea-spoonsandthesugar-tongs，thesilverwatch，andthereadymoney；andaskedMr。Brogley，thebroker，whatthedamagewas。
`Come！Whatdoyoumakeofit？\'saidCaptainCuttle。
`Why，Lordhelpyou！\'returnedthebroker；`youdon\'tsupposethatproperty\'sofanyuse，doyou？\'
`Whynot？\'inquiredtheCaptain。
`Why？Theamount\'sthreehundredandseventy，odd，\'repliedthebroker。
`Nevermind，\'returnedtheCaptain，thoughhewasevidentlydismayedbythefigures：`all\'sfishthatcomestoyournet，Isuppose？\'
`Certainly，\'saidMr。Brogley。`Butspratsan\'twhales，youknow。\'
ThephilosophyofthisobservationseemedtostriketheCaptain。
Heruminatedforaminute；eyeingthebroker，meanwhile，asadeepgenius；
andthencalledtheinstrument-makeraside。
`Gills，\'saidCaptainCuttle，`what\'sthebearingsofthisbusiness？
Who\'sthecreditor？\'
`Hush！\'returnedtheoldman。`Comeaway。Don\'tspeakbeforeWally。
It\'samatterofsecurityforWally\'sfather——anoldbond。I\'vepaidagooddealofit，Ned，butthetimesaresobadwithmethatIcan\'tdomorejustnow。I\'veforeseenit，butIcouldn\'thelpit。NotawordbeforeWally，foralltheworld。\'
`You\'vegotsomemoney，haven\'tyou？\'whisperedtheCaptain。
`Yes，yes——ohyes——I\'vegotsome，\'returnedoldSol，firstputtinghishandsintohisemptypockets，andthensqueezinghisWelshwigbetweenthem，asifhethoughthemightwringsomegoldoutofit；`butI——thelittleIhavegot，isn\'tconvertible，Ned；itcan\'tbegotat。IhavebeentryingtodosomethingwithitforWally，andI\'moldfashioned，andbehindthetime。It\'shereandthere，and——and，inshort，it\'sasgoodasnowhere，\'
saidtheoldman，lookinginbewildermentabouthim。
Hehadsomuchtheairofahalf-wittedpersonwhohadbeenhidinghismoneyinavarietyofplaces，andhadforgottenwhere，thattheCaptainfollowedhiseyes，notwithoutafainthopethathemightremembersomefewhundredpoundsconcealedupthechimney，ordowninthecellar。ButSolomonGillsknewbetterthanthat。
`I\'mbehindthetimealtogether，mydearNed，\'saidSol，inresigneddespair，`alongway。It\'snousemylaggingonsofarbehindit。Thestockhadbetterbesold——it\'sworthmorethanthisdebt——andIhadbettergoanddiesomewhere，onthebalance。Ihaven\'tanyenergyleft。Idon\'tunderstandthings。Thishadbetterbetheendofit。Let\'emsellthestockandtakehimdown，\'saidtheoldman，pointingfeeblytothewoodenmidshipman，`andletusbothbebrokenuptogether。\'
`Andwhatd\'yemeantodowithWal\'r？\'saidtheCaptain。`There，there！Sityedown，Gills，sityedown，andletmethinko\'this。IfI
warn\'tamanonasmallannuity，thatwaslargeenoughtillto-day，Ihadn\'tneedtothinkofit。Butyouonlylayyourheadwelltothewind，\'saidtheCaptain，againadministeringthatunanswerablepieceofconsolation，`andyou\'reallright！\'
OldSolthankedhimfromhisheart，andwentandlaiditagainstthebackparlourfire-placeinstead。
CaptainCuttlewalkedupanddowntheshopforsometime，cogitatingprofoundly，andbringinghisbushyblackeyebrowstobearsoheavilyonhisnose，likecloudssettingonamountain，thatWalterwasafraidtoofferanyinterruptiontothecurrentofhisreflections。Mr。Brogley，whowasaversetobeinganyconstraintupontheparty，andwhohadaningeniouscastofmind，went，softlywhistling，among，thestock；rattlingweather-glasses，shakingcompassesasiftheywerephysic，catchingupkeyswithloadstones，lookingthroughtelescopes，endeavouringtomakehimselfacquaintedwiththeuseoftheglobessettingparallelrulersastrideontohisnose，andamusinghimselfwithotherphilosophicaltransactions。
`Wal\'r？\'saidtheCaptainatlast。`I\'vegotit。\'
`Haveyou，CaptainCuttle？\'criedWalter，withgreatanimation。
`Comethisway，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain。`TheStock\'sonesecurity。
I\'manother。Yourgovernor\'sthemantoadvancethemoney。\'
`Mr。Dombey！\'falteredWalter。
TheCaptainnoddedgravely。`Lookathim，\'hesaid，`LookatGills。
Iftheywastosellofthesethingsnow，he\'ddieofit。Youknow，hewould。
Wemustn\'tleaveastoneunturned——andthere\'sastoneforyou。\'
`Astone！——Mr。Dombey！falteredWalter。
`Yourunroundtotheoffice，firstofall，andseeifhe\'sthere，\'
saidCaptainCuttle，clappinghimontheback。`Quick！\'
Walterfelthemustnotdisputethecommand——aglanceathisunclewouldhavedeterminedhimifhehadfeltotherwise——anddisappearedtoexecuteit。Hesoonreturned，outofbreath，tosaythatMr。Dombeywasnotthere。ItwasSaturday，andhehadgonetoBrighton。
`Itellyouwhat，Wal\'r！\'saidtheCaptain，whoseemedtohavepreparedhimselfforthiscontingencyinhisabsence。`We\'llgotoBrighton。
I\'llbackyou，myboy。I\'llbackyou，Wal\'r。We\'llgotoBrightonbytheafternoon\'scoach。\'
IftheapplicationmustbemadetoMr。Dombeyatall，whichwasawfultothinkof，Walterfeltthathewouldratherpreferitaloneandunassisted，thanbackedbythepersonalinfluenceofCaptainCuttle，towhichhehardlythoughtMr。Dombeywouldattachmuchweight。ButastheCaptainappearedtobeofquiteanotheropinion，andwasbentuponit，andashisfriendshipwastoozealousandserioustobetrifledwithbyonesomuchyoungerthanhimself，heforboretohinttheleastobjection。
Cuttle，therefore，takingahurriedleaveofSolomonGills，andreturningthereadymoney，thetea-spoons，thesugar-tongs，andthesilverwatch，tohispocket——withaview，asWalterthought，withhorror，tomakingagorgeousimpressiononMr。Dombey——borehimofftothecoach-office，withoutaminute\'sdelay，andrepeatedlyassuredhim，ontheroad，thathewouldstickbyhimtothelast。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter10[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXContainingtheSequeloftheMidshipman\'sDisasterMAJORBAGSTOCK，afterlongandfrequentobservationofPaul，acrossPrincess\'sPlace，throughhisdouble-barrelledopera-glass；andafterreceivingmanyminutereports，daily，weekly，andmonthly，onthatsubject，fromthenativewhokepthimselfinconstantcommunicationwithMissTox\'smaidforthatpurpose；cametotheconclusionthatDombey，Sir，wasamantobeknown，andthatJ。B。wastheboytomakehisacquaintance。
MissTox，however，maintainingherreservedbehaviour，andfrigidlydecliningtounderstandtheMajorwheneverhecalledwhichheoftendid
onanylittlefishingexcursionconnectedwiththisproject，theMajor，inspiteofhisconstitutionaltoughnessandslyness，wasfaintoleavetheaccomplishmentofhisdesireinsomemeasuretochance，`which，\'ashewasusedtoobservewithchucklesathisclub，`hasbeenfiftytooneinfavourofJoeyB。，Sir，eversincehiselderbrotherdiedofYellowJackintheWestIndies。\'
Itwassometimecomingtohisaidinthepresentinstance，butitbefriendedhimatlast。Whenthedarkservant，withfullparticulars，reportedMissToxabsentonBrightonservice，theMajorwassuddenlytouchedwithaffectionatereminiscencesofhisfriendBillBitherstoneofBengal，whohadwrittentoaskhim，ifheeverwentthatway，tobestowacalluponhisonlyson。ButwhenthesamedarkservantreportedPaulatMrs。
Pipchin\'s，andtheMajor，referringtotheletterfavouredbyMasterBitherstoneonhisarrivalinEngland——towhichhehadneverhadtheleastideaofpayinganyattention——sawtheopeningthatpresenteditself，hewasmadesorabidbythegout，withwhichhehappenedtobethenlaidup，thathethrewafootstoolatthedarkservantinreturnforhisintelligence，andsworehewouldbethedeathoftherascalbeforehehaddonewithhim：
whichthedarkservantwasmorethanhalfdisposedtobelieve。
AtlengththeMajorbeingreleasedfromhisfit，wentoneSaturdaygrowlingdowntoBrighton，withthenativebehindhim；apostrophizingMissToxalltheway，andgloatingovertheprospectofcarryingbystormthedistinguishedfriendtowhomsheattachedsomuchmystery，andforwhomshehaddesertedhim。
`Wouldyou，Ma\'am，wouldyou！\'saidtheMajor，strainingwithvindictiveness，andswellingeveryalreadyswollenveininhishead。`WouldyougiveJoeyB。thego-by，Ma\'am？Notyet，ma\'am，notyet！Damme，notyet，Sir。Joeisawake，Ma\'am。Bagstockisalive，Sir。J。B。knowsamoveortwo，Ma\'am。Joshhashisweather-eyeopen，Sir。You\'llfindhimtough，Ma\'am。Tough，Sir，toughisJoseph。Tough，andde-vilishsly！\'
AndverytoughindeedMasterBitherstonefoundhim，whenhetookthatyounggentlemanoutforawalk。ButtheMajor，withhiscomplexionlikeaStiltoncheese，andhiseyeslikeaprawn\'s，wentrovingabout，perfectlyindifferenttoMasterBitherstone\'samusement，anddraggingMasterBitherstonealong，whilehelookedabouthimhighandlow，forMr。Dombeyandhischildren。
IngoodtimetheMajor，previouslyinstructedbyMrs。Pipchin，spiedoutPaulandFlorence，andboredownuponthem；therebeingastatelygentlemanMr。Dombey，doubtlessintheircompany。ChargingwithMasterBitherstoneintotheveryheartofthelittlesquadron，itfellout，ofcourse，thatMasterBitherstonespoketohisfellow-sufferers。UponthattheMajorstoppedtonoticeandadmirethem；rememberedwithamazementthathehadseenandspokentothemathisfriendMissTox\'sinPrincess\'sPlace；opinedthatPaulwasadevilishfinefellow，andhisownlittlefriend；inquiredifherememberedJoeyB。theMajor；andfinally，withasuddenrecollectionoftheconventionalitiesoflife，turnedandapologisedtoMr。Dombey。
`Butmylittlefriendhere，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`makesaboyofmeagain。Anoldsoldier，Sir——MajorBagstock，atyourservice——isnotashamedtoconfessit。\'HeretheMajorliftedhishat。`Damme，Sir，\'criedtheMajorwithsuddenwarmth，`Ienvyyou。\'Thenherecollectedhimself，andadded，`Excusemyfreedom。\'
Mr。Dombeybeggedhewouldn\'tmentionit。
`Anoldcampaigner，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`asmoke-dried，sun-burnt，usedup，invalidedolddogofaMajor，Sir，wasnotafraidofbeingcondemnedforhiswhimbyamanlikeMr。Dombey。IhavethehonourofaddressingMr。Dombey，Ibelieve？\'
`Iamthepresentunworthyrepresentativeofthatname，Major，\'
returnedMr。Dombey。
`ByG——，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`it\'sgreatname。It\'saname，Sir，\'saidtheMajorfirmly，asifhedefiedMr。Dombeytocontradicthim，andwouldfeelithispainfuldutytobullyhimifhedid，`thatisknownandhonouredintheBritishpossessionsabroad。Itisaname，Sir，thatamanisproudtorecognise。ThereisnothingadulatoryinJosephBagstock，Sir。HisRoyalHighnesstheDukeofYorkobservedonmorethanoneoccasion，`thereisnoadulationinJoey。HeisaplainoldsoldierisJoe。HeistoughtoafaultisJoseph：\'butit\'sagreatname，Sir。BytheLord，it\'sagreatname！\'saidtheMajor，solemnly。
`Youaregoodenoughtorateithigherthanitdeserves，perhaps，Major，\'returnedMr。Dombey。
`No，Sir，\'saidtheMajor。`Mylittlefriendhere，Sir，willcertifyforJosephBagstockthatheisathorough-going，down-right，plain-spoken，oldTrump，Sir，andnothingmore。Thatboy，Sir，\'saidtheMajorinalowertone，`willliveinhistory。Thatboy，Sir，isnotacommonproduction。
Takecareofhim，Mr。Dombey。\'
Mr。Dombeyseemedtointimatethathewouldendeavourtodoso。
`Hereisaboyhere，Sir，\'pursuedtheMajor，confidentially，andgivinghimathrustwithhiscane。`SonofBitherstoneofBengal。BillBitherstoneformerlyofours。Thatboy\'sfatherandmyself，Sir，wereswornfriends。Whereveryouwent，Sir，youheardofnothingbutBillBitherstoneandJoeBagstock。AmIblindtothatboy\'sdefects？Bynomeans。He\'safool，Sir。\'
Mr。DombeyglancedatthelibelledMasterBitherstone，ofwhomheknewatleastasmuchastheMajordid，andsaid，inquiteacomplacentmanner，`Really？\'
`Thatiswhatheis，Sir，\'saidtheMajor。`He\'safool。JoeBagstocknevermincesmatters。ThesonofmyoldfriendBillBitherstone，ofBengal，isabornfool，Sir。\'HeretheMajorlaughedtillhewasalmostblack。
`Mylittlefriendisdestinedforapublicschool，Ipresume，Mr。Dombey？\'
saidtheMajorwhenhehadrecovered。
`Iamnotquitedecided，\'returnedMr。Dombey。`Ithinknot。Heisdelicate。\'
`Ifhe\'sdelicate，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`youareright。Nonebutthetoughfellowscouldlivethroughit，Sir，atSandhurst。Weputeachothertothetorturethere，Sir。Weroastedthenewfellowsataslowfire，andhung\'emoutofathreepairofstairswindow，withtheirheadsdownwards。JosephBagstock，Sir，washeldoutofthewindowbytheheelsofhisboots，forthirteenminutesbythecollegeclock。\'
TheMajormighthaveappealedtohiscountenance，incorroborationofthisstory。Itcertainlylookedasifhehadhungoutalittletoolong。
`Butitmadeuswhatwewere，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，settlinghisshirtfrill。`Wewereiron，Sir，anditforgedus。Areyouremaininghere，Mr。Dombey？\'
`Igenerallycomedownonceaweek，Major，\'returnedthatgentleman。
`IstayattheBedford。\'
`IshallhavethehonourofcallingattheBedford，Sir，ifyou\'llpermitme，\'saidtheMajor。`JoeyB。，Sir，isnotingeneralacallingman，butMr。Dombey\'sisnotacommonname。Iammuchindebtedtomylittlefriend，Sir，forthehonourofthisintroduction。\'
Mr。Dombeymadeaverygraciousreply；andMajorBagstock，havingpattedPaulonthehead，andsaidofFlorencethathereyeswouldplaytheDevilwiththeyoungstersbeforelong——`andtheoldsterstoo，Sir，ifyoucometothat，\'addedtheMajor，chucklingverymuch——stirredupMasterBitherstonewithhiswalking-stick，anddepartedwiththatyounggentleman，atakindofhalf-trot；rollinghisheadandcoughingwithgreatdignity，ashestaggeredaway，withhislegsverywideasunder。
Infulfilmentofhispromise，theMajorafterwardscalledonMr。
Dombey；andMr。Dombey，havingreferredtothearmylist，afterwardscalledontheMajor。ThentheMajorcalledatMr。Dombey\'shouseintown；andcamedownagain，inthesamecoachasMr。Dombey。Inshort，Mr。DombeyandtheMajorgotonuncommonlywelltogether，anduncommonlyfast：andMr。DombeyobservedoftheMajor，tohissister，thatbesidesbeingquiteamilitarymanhewasreallysomethingmore，ashehadaveryadmirableideaoftheimportanceofthingsunconnectedwithhisownprofession。
AtlengthMr。Dombey，bringingdownMissToxandMrs。Chicktoseethechildren，andfindingtheMajoragainatBrighton，invitedhimtodinnerattheBedford，andcomplimentedMissToxhighly，beforehand，onherneighbourandacquaintance。Notwithstandingthepalpitationoftheheartwhichtheseallusionsoccasionedher，theywereanythingbutdisagreeabletoMissTox，astheyenabledhertobeextremelyinteresting，andtomanifestanoccasionalincoherenceanddistractionwhichshewasnotatallunwillingtodisplay。TheMajorgaveherabundantopportunitiesofexhibitingthisemotion：beingprofuseinhiscomplaints，atdinner，ofherdesertionofhimandPrincess\'sPlace：andasheappearedtoderivegreatenjoymentfrommakingthem，theyallgotonverywell。
NonetheworseonaccountoftheMajortakingchargeofthewholeconversation，andshowingasgreatanappetiteinthatrespectasinregardofthevariousdaintiesonthetable，amongwhichhemaybealmostsaidtohavewallowed：greatlytotheaggravationofhisinflammatorytendencies。
Mr。Dombey\'shabitualsilenceandreserveyieldingreadilytothisusurpation，theMajorfeltthathewascomingoutandshining：andintheflowofspiritsthusengendered，rangsuchaninfinitenumberofnewchangesonhisownnamethathequiteastonishedhimself。Inaword，theywereallverywellpleased。TheMajorwasconsideredtopossessaninexhaustiblefundofconversation；
andwhenhetookalatefarewell，afteralongrubber，Mr。DombeyagaincomplimentedtheblushingMissToxonherneighbourandacquaintance。
Butallthewayhometohisownhotel，theMajorincessantlysaidtohimself，andofhimself，`Sly，Sir——sly，Sir——de-vil-ishsly！\'Andwhenhegotthere，satdowninachair，andfellintoasilentfitoflaughter，withwhichhewassometimesseized，andwhichwasalwaysparticularlyawful。
Itheldhimsolongonthisoccasionthatthedarkservant，whostoodwatchinghimatadistance，butdarednotforhislifeapproach，twiceorthricegavehimoverforlost。Hiswholeform，butespeciallyhisfaceandhead，dilatedbeyondallformerexperience；andpresentedtothedarkman\'sview，nothingbutaheavymassofindigo。Atlengthheburstintoaviolentparoxysmofcoughing，andwhenthatwasalittlebetterburstintosuchejaculationsasthefollowing：
`Wouldyou，Ma\'am，wouldyou？Mrs。Dombey，eh，Ma\'am？Ithinknot，Ma\'am。NotwhileJoeB。canputaspokeinyourwheel，Ma\'am。J。B。\'sevenwithyounow，Ma\'am。Heisn\'taltogetherbowledout，yet，Sir，isn\'tBagstock。She\'sdeep，Sir，deep，butJoshisdeeper。WideawakeisoldJoe——broadawake，andstaring，Sir！\'Therewasnodoubtofthislastassertionbeingtrue，andtoaveryfearfulextent；asitcontinuedtobeduringthegreaterpartofthatnight，whichtheMajorchieflypassedinsimilarexclamations，diversifiedwithfitsofcoughingandchokingthatstartledthewholehouse。
ItwasonthedayafterthisoccasionbeingSundaywhen，asMr。Dombey，Mrs。Chick，andMissToxweresittingatbreakfast，stilleulogisingtheMajor，Florencecamerunningin：herfacesuffusedwithabrightcolour，andhereyessparklingjoyfully：andcried，`Papa！papa！Here\'sWalter！andhewon\'tcomein。\'
`Who？\'criedMr。Dombey。`Whatdoesshemean？Whatisthis？\'
`Walter，Papa！\'saidFlorencetimidly；sensibleofhavingapproachedthepresencewithtoomuchfamiliarity。`WhofoundmewhenIwaslost。\'
`DoesshemeanyoungGay，Louisa？\'inquiredMr。Dombey，knittinghisbrows。`Really，thischild\'smannershavebecomeveryboisterous。ShecannotmeanyoungGay，Ithink。Seewhatitis，willyou？\'
Mrs。Chickhurriedintothepassage，andreturnedwiththeinformationthatitwasyoungGay，accompaniedbyaverystrange-lookingperson；andthatyoungGaysaidhewouldnottakethelibertyofcomingin，hearingMr。Dombeywasatbreakfast，butwouldwaituntilMr。Dombeyshouldsignifythathemightapproach。
`Telltheboytocomeinnow，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Now，Gay，whatisthematter？Whosentyoudownhere？Wastherenobodyelsetocome？\'
`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，\'returnedWalter。`Ihavenotbeensent。
Ihavebeensoboldastocomeonmyownaccount，whichIhopeyou\'llpardonwhenImentionthecause。\'
ButMr。Dombeywithoutattendingtowhathesaid，waslookingimpatientlyoneithersideofhimasifhewereapillarinhiswayatsomeobjectbehind。
`What\'sthat？\'saidMr。Dombey。`Whoisthat？Ithinkyouhavemadesomemistakeinthedoor，Sir。\'
`Oh，I\'mverysorrytointrudewithanyone，Sir，\'criedWalter，hastily：`butthisis——thisisCaptainCuttle，Sir。\'
`Wal\'r，mylad，\'observedtheCaptaininadeepvoice：`standby！\'
AtthesametimetheCaptain，comingalittlefurtherin，broughtouthiswidesuitofblue，hisconspicuousshirt-collar，andhisknobbynoseinfullrelief，andstoodbowingtoMr。Dombey，andwavinghishookpolitelytotheladies，withthehardglazedhatinhisonehand，andaredequatorroundhisheadwhichithadnewlyimprintedthere。
Mr。Dombeyregardedthisphenomenonwithamazementandindignation，andseemedbyhislookstoappealtoMrs。ChickandMissToxagainstit。
LittlePaul，whohadcomeinafterFlorence，backedtowardsMissToxastheCaptainwavedhishook，andstoodonthedefensive。
`Now，Gay，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Whathaveyougottosaytome？\'
AgaintheCaptainobserved，asageneralopeningoftheconversationthatcouldnotfailtopropitiateallparties，`Wal\'r，standby！\'
`Iamafraid，Sir，\'beganWalter，trembling，andlookingdownattheground，`thatItakeaverygreatlibertyincoming——indeed，IamsureIdo。Ishouldhardlyhavehadthecouragetoasktoseeyou，Sir，evenaftercomingdown，Iamafraid，ifIhadnotovertakenMissDombey，and——\'
`Well！\'saidMr。Dombey，followinghiseyesasheglancedattheattentiveFlorence，andfrowningunconsciouslyassheencouragedhimwithasmile。`Goon，ifyouplease。\'
`Aye，aye，\'observedtheCaptain，consideringitincumbentonhim，asapointofgoodbreeding，tosupportMr。Dombey。`Wellsaid！Goon，Wal\'r。\'
CaptainCuttleoughttohavebeenwitheredbythelookwhichMr。
Dombeybestoweduponhiminacknowledgmentofhispatronage。Butquiteinnocentofthis，heclosedoneeyeinreply，andgaveMr。Dombeytounderstandbycertainsignificantmotionsofhishook，thatWalterwasalittlebashfulatfirst，andmightbeexpectedtocomeoutshortly。
`Itisentirelyaprivateandpersonalmatter，thathasbroughtmehere，Sir，\'continuedWalter，faltering，`andCaptainCuttle——\'
`Here！\'interposedtheCaptain，asanassurancethathewasathand，andmightbereliedupon。
`Whoisaveryoldfriendofmypooruncle\'s，andamostexcellentman，Sir，\'pursuedWalter，raisinghiseyeswithalookofentreatyintheCaptain\'sbehalf，`wassogoodastooffertocomewithme，whichI
couldhardlyrefuse。\'
`No，no，no，\'observedtheCaptaincomplacently。`Ofcoursenot。
Nocallforrefusing。Goon，Wal\'r。\'
`Andtherefore，Sir，\'saidWalter，venturingtomeetMr。Dombey\'seye，andproceedingwithbettercourageintheverydesperationofthecase，nowthattherewasnoavoidingit，`thereforeIhavecome，withhim，Sir，tosaythatmypoorolduncleisinverygreatafflictionanddistress。
That，throughthegraduallossofhisbusiness，andnotbeingabletomakeapayment，theapprehensionofwhichhasweighedveryheavilyuponhismind，monthsandmonths，asindeedIknow，Sir，hehasanexecutioninhishouse，andisindangeroflosingallhehas，andbreakinghisheart。
Andthatifyouwould，inyourkindness，andinyouroldknowledgeofhimasarespectableman，doanythingtohelphimoutofhisdifficulty，Sir，wenevercouldthankyouenoughforit。\'
Walter\'seyesfilledwithtearsashespoke；andsodidthoseofFlorence。Herfathersawthemglistening，thoughheappearedtolookatWalteronly。
`Itisaverylargesum，Sir，\'saidWalter。`Morethanthreehundredpounds。Myuncleisquitebeatendownbyhismisfortune，itliessoheavyonhim；andisquiteunabletodoanythingforhisownrelief。Hedoesn\'tevenknowyet，thatIhavecometospeaktoyou。Youwouldwishmetosay，Sir，\'addedWalter，afteramoment\'shesitation，`exactlywhatitisI
want。Ireallydon\'tknow，Sir。Thereismyuncle\'sstock，onwhichIbelieveImaysay，confidently，therearenootherdemands，andthereisCaptainCuttle，whowouldwishtobesecuritytoo。I——Ihardlyliketomention，\'
saidWalter，`suchearningsasmine；butifyouwouldallowthem——accumulate——payment——advance——uncle——frugal，honourable，oldman。\'Waltertrailedoff，throughthesebrokensentences，intosilence：andstood，withdowncasthead，beforehisemployer。
Consideringthisafavourablemomentforthedisplayofthevaluables，CaptainCuttleadvancedtothetable；andclearingaspaceamongthebreakfast-cupsatMr。Dombey\'selbow，producedthesilverwatch，thereadymoney，theteaspoons，andthesugar-tongs；andpilingthemupintoaheapthattheymightlookaspreciousaspossible，deliveredhimselfofthesewords：
`Halfaloaf\'sbetterthannobread，andthesameremarkholdsgoodwithcrumbs。There\'safew。Annuityofonehundredpoundprannumalsoreadytobemadeover。Ifthereisamanchockfullofscienceintheworld，it\'soldSolGills。Ifthereisaladofpromise——oneflowing，\'addedtheCaptain，inoneofhishappyquotations，`withmilkandhoney——it\'shisnevy！\'
TheCaptainthenwithdrewtohisformerplace，wherehestoodarranginghisscatteredlockswiththeairofamanwhohadgiventhefinishingtouchtoadifficultperformance。
WhenWalterceasedtospeak，Mr。Dombey\'seyeswereattractedtolittlePaul，who，seeinghissisterhangingdownherheadandsilentlyweepinginhercommiserationforthedistressshehadhearddescribed，wentovertoher，andtriedtocomforther：lookingatWalterandhisfatherashedidso，withaveryexpressiveface。AfterthemomentarydistractionofCaptainCuttle\'saddress，whichheregardedwithloftyindifference，Mr。Dombeyagainturnedhiseyesuponhisson，andsatsteadilyregardingthechild，forsomemoments，insilence。
`Whatwasthisdebtcontractedfor？\'askedMr。Dombey，atlength。
`Whoisthecreditor？\'
`Hedon\'tknow，\'repliedtheCaptain，puttinghishandonWalter\'sshoulder。`Ido。Itcameofhelpingamanthat\'sdeadnow，andthat\'scostmyfriendGillsmanyahundredpoundalready。Moreparticularsinprivate，ifagreeable。\'
`Peoplewhohaveenoughtodotoholdtheirownway，\'saidMr。
Dombey，unobservantoftheCaptain\'smysterioussignsbehindWalter，andstilllookingathisson，`hadbetterbecontentwiththeirownobligationsanddifficulties，andnotincreasethembyengagingforothermen。Itisanactofdishonestyandpresumption，too，\'saidMr。Dombey，sternly；`greatpresumption；forthewealthycoulddonomore。Paul，comehere！\'
Thechildobeyed：andMr。Dombeytookhimonhisknee。
`Ifyouhadmoneynow\'saidMr。Dombey。`Lookatme！\'
Paul，whoseeyeshadwanderedtohissister，andtoWalter，lookedhisfatherintheface。
`Ifyouhadmoneynow，\'saidMr。Dombey；`asmuchmoneyasyoungGayhastalkedabout；whatwouldyoudo？\'
`Giveittohisolduncle，\'returnedPaul。
`Lendittohisolduncle，eh？\'retortedMr。Dombey。`Well！Whenyouareoldenough，youknow，youwillsharemymoney，andweshalluseittogether。\'
`DombeyandSon，\'interruptedPaul，whohadbeentutoredearlyinthephrase。
`DombeyandSon，\'repeatedhisfather。`WouldyouliketobegintobeDombeyandSon，now，andlendthismoneytoyoungGay\'suncle？\'
`Oh！ifyouplease，Papa！\'saidPaul：`andsowouldFlorence。\'
`Girls，\'saidMr。Dombey，`havenothingtodowithDombeyandSon。Wouldyoulikeit？\'
`Yes，Papa，yes！\'
`Thenyoushalldoit，\'returnedhisfather。`Andyousee，Paul，\'
headded，droppinghisvoice，`howpowerfulmoneyis，andhowanxiouspeoplearetogetit。YoungGaycomesallthiswaytobegformoney，andyou，whoaresograndandgreat，havinggotit，aregoingtolethimhaveit，asagreatfavourandobligation。\'
Paulturneduptheoldfaceforamoment，inwhichtherewasasharpunderstandingofthereferenceconveyedinthesewords：butitwasayoungandchildishfaceimmediatelyafterwards，whenheslippeddownfromhisfather\'sknee，andrantotellFlorencenottocryanymore，forhewasgoingtoletyoungGayhavethemoney。
Mr。Dombeythenturnedtoaside-table，andwroteanoteandsealedit。Duringtheinterval，PaulandFlorencewhisperedtoWalter，andCaptainCuttlebeamedonthethree，withsuchaspiringandineffablypresumptuousthoughtsasMr。Dombeynevercouldhavebelievedin。Thenotebeingfinished，Mr。Dombeyturnedroundtohisformerplace，andhelditouttoWalter。
`Givethat，\'hesaid，`thefirstthingto-morrowmorning，toMr。
Carker。Hewillimmediatelytakecarethatoneofmypeoplereleasesyourunclefromhispresentposition，bypayingtheamountatissue；andthatsucharrangementsaremadeforitsrepaymentasmaybeconsistentwithyouruncle\'scircumstances。YouwillconsiderthatthisisdoneforyoubyMasterPaul。\'
Walter，intheemotionofholdinginhishandthemeansofreleasinghisgoodunclefromhistrouble，wouldhaveendeavouredtoexpresssomethingofhisgratitudeandjoy。ButMr。Dombeystoppedhimshort。
`Youwillconsiderthatitisdone，\'herepeated，`byMasterPaul。
Ihaveexplainedthattohim，andheunderstandsit。Iwishnomoretobesaid。\'
Ashemotionedtowardsthedoor，Waltercouldonlybowhisheadandretire。MissTox，seeingthattheCaptainappearedabouttodothesame，interposed。
`MydearSir，\'shesaid，addressingMr。Dombey，atwhosemunificencebothsheandMrs。Chickweresheddingtearscopiously；`Ithinkyouhaveoverlookedsomething。Pardonme，Mr。Dombey，Ithink，inthenobilityofyourcharacter，anditsexaltedscope，youhaveomittedamatterofdetail。\'
`Indeed，MissTox！\'saidMr。Dombey。
`ThegentlemanwiththeInstrument，\'pursuedMissTox，glancingatCaptainCuttle，`hasleftuponthetable，atyourelbow\'
`GoodHeaven！\'saidMr。Dombey，sweepingtheCaptain\'spropertyfromhim，asifitweresomuchcrumbindeed。`Takethesethingsaway。
Iamobligedtoyou，MissTox；itislikeyourusualdiscretion。Havethegoodnesstotakethesethingsaway，Sir！\'
CaptainCuttlefelthehadnoalternativebuttocomply。ButhewassomuchstruckbythemagnanimityofMr。Dombey，inrefusingtreasureslyingheapeduptohishand，thatwhenhehaddepositedtheteaspoonsandsugar-tongsinonepocket，andthereadymoneyinanother，andhadloweredthegreatwatchdownslowlyintoitspropervault，hecouldnotrefrainfromseizingthatgentleman\'srighthandinhisownsolitaryleft，andwhilehehelditopenwithhispowerfulfingers，bringingthehookdownuponitspalminatransportofadmiration。Atthistouchofwarmfeelingandcoldiron，Mr。Dombeyshiveredallover。
CaptainCuttlethenkissedhishooktotheladiesseveraltimes，withgreateleganceandgallantry；andhavingtakenaparticularleaveofPaulandFlorence，accompaniedWalteroutoftheroom。Florencewasrunningafterthemintheearnestnessofherheart，tosendsomemessagetooldSol，whenMr。Dombey，calledherback，andbadeherstaywhereshewas。
`WillyouneverbeaDombey，mydearchild！\'saidMrs。
Chick，withpatheticreproachfulness。
`DearAunt，\'saidFlorence。`Don\'tbeangrywithme。IamsothankfultoPapa！\'
Shewouldhaverunandthrownherarmsabouthisneckifshehaddared；butasshedidnotdare，sheglancedwiththankfuleyestowardshim，ashesatmusing；sometimesbestowinganuneasyglanceonher，but，forthemostpart，watchingPaul，whowalkedabouttheroomwiththenew-blowndignityofhavingletyoungGayhavethemoney。
AndyoungGay——Walter——whatofhim？
Hewasoverjoyedtopurgetheoldman\'shearthfrombailiffsandbrokers，andtohurrybacktohisunclewiththegoodtidings。Hewasoverjoyedtohaveitallarrangedandsettlednextdaybeforenoon；andtositdownateveninginthelittlebackparlourwitholdSolandCaptainCuttle；
andtoseetheinstrument-makeralreadyreviving，andhopefulforthefuture，andfeelingthatthewoodenmidshipmanwashisownagain。ButwithouttheleastimpeachmentofhisgratitudetoMr。Dombey，itmustbeconfessedthatWalterwashumbledandcastdown。Itiswhenourbuddinghopesarenippedbeyondrecoverybysomeroughwind，thatwearethemostdisposedtopicturetoourselveswhatflowerstheymighthaveborne，iftheyhadflourished；andnow，whenWalterfoundhimselfcutofffromthatgreatDombeyheight，bythedepthofanewandterribletumble，andfeltthatallhisoldwildfancieshadbeenscatteredtothewindsinthefall，hebegantosuspectthattheymighthaveledhimontoharmlessvisionsofaspiringtoFlorenceintheremotedistanceoftime。
TheCaptainviewedthesubjectinquiteadifferentlight。Heappearedtoentertainabeliefthattheinterviewatwhichhehadassistedwassoverysatisfactoryandencouraging，astobeonlyasteportworemovedfromaregularbetrothalofFlorencetoWalter；andthatthelatetransactionhadimmenselyforwarded，ifnotthoroughlyestablished，theWhittingtonianhopes。Stimulatedbythisconviction，andbytheimprovementinthespiritsofhisoldfriend，andbyhisownconsequentgaiety，heevenattempted，infavouringthemwiththeballadof`LovelyPeg\'forthethirdtimeinoneevening，tomakeanextemporaneoussubstitutionofthename`Florence；\'
butfindingthisdifficult，onaccountofthewordPeginvariablyrhymingtoleginwhichpersonalbeautytheoriginalwasdescribedashavingexcelledallcompetitors，hehituponthehappythoughtofchangingittoFle——e——eg；
whichheaccordinglydid，withanarchnessalmostsupernatural，andavoicequitevociferous，notwithstandingthatthetimewascloseathandwhenhemustseektheabodeofthedreadfulMrs。MacStinger。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter11[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIPaul\'sIntroductiontoaNewSceneMRS。PIPCHIN\'Sconstitutionwasmadeofsuchhardmetal，inspiteofitsliabilitytothefleshlyweaknessesofstandinginneedofreposeafterchops，andofrequiringtobecoaxedtosleepbythesoporificagencyofsweet-breads，thatitutterlysetatnaughtthepredictionsofMrs。Wickam，andshowednosymptomsofdecline。Yet，asPaul\'sraptinterestintheoldladycontinuedunabated，Mrs。Wickamwouldnotbudgeaninchfromthepositionshehadtakenup。Fortifyingandentrenchingherselfonthestronggroundofheruncle\'sBetseyJane，sheadvisedMissBerry，asafriend，toprepareherselffortheworst；andforewarnedherthatherauntmight，atanytime，beexpectedtogooffsuddenly，likeapowder-mill。
PoorBerrytookitallingoodpart，anddrudgedandslavedawayasusual；perfectlyconvincedthatMrs。Pipchinwasoneofthemostmeritoriouspersonsintheworld，andmakingeverydayinnumerablesacrificesofherselfuponthealtarofthatnobleoldwoman。ButalltheseimmolationsofBerryweresomehowcarriedtothecreditofMrs。PipchinbyMrs。Pipchin\'sfriendsandadmirers；andweremadetoharmonisewith，andcarryout，thatmelancholyfactofthedeceasedMr。PipchinhavingbrokenhisheartinthePeruvianmines。
Forexample，therewasanhonestgrocerandgeneraldealerintheretaillineofbusiness，betweenwhomandMrs。Pipchintherewasasmallmemorandumbook，withagreasyredcover，perpetuallyinquestion，andconcerningwhichdiverssecretcouncilsandconferenceswerecontinuallybeingheldbetweenthepartiestotheregister，onthematinthepassage，andwithcloseddoorsintheparlour。NorweretherewantingdarkhintsfromMasterBitherstonewhosetemperhadbeenmadere-vengefulbythesolarheatsofIndiaactingonhisblood，ofbalancesunsettled，andofafailure，ononeoccasionwithhismemory，inthesupplyofmoistsugarattea-time。Thisgrocerbeingabachelor，andnotamanwholookeduponthesurfaceforbeauty，hadoncemadehonourableoffersforthehandofBerry，whichMrs。Pipchinhad，withcontumelyandscorn，rejected。EverybodysaidhowlaudablethiswasinMrs。Pipchin，relictofamanwhohaddiedofthePeruvianmines；andwhatastaunch，high，independentspirittheoldladyhad。ButnobodysaidanythingaboutpoorBerry，whocriedforsixweeksbeingsoundlyratedbyhergoodauntallthetime，andlapsedintoastateofhopelessspinsterhood。
`Berry\'sveryfondofyou，ain\'tshe？\'PaulonceaskedMrs。Pipchinwhentheyweresittingbythefirewiththecat。
`Yes，\'saidMrs。Pipchin。
`Why？\'askedPaul。
`Why！\'returnedthedisconcertedoldlady。`Howcanyouasksuchthings，Sir！whyareyoufondofyoursisterFlorence？\'
`Becauseshe\'sverygood，\'saidPaul。`There\'snobodylikeFlorence。\'
`Well！\'retortedMrs。Pipchin，shortly，`andthere\'snobodylikeme，Isuppose。\'
`Ain\'ttherereallythough？\'askedPaul，leaningforwardinhischair，andlookingatherveryhard。
`No，\'saidtheoldlady。
`Iamgladofthat，\'observedPaul，rubbinghishandsthoughtfully。
`That\'saverygoodthing。\'
Mrs。Pipchindidn\'tdaretoaskhimwhy，lestsheshouldreceivesomeperfectlyannihilatinganswer。Butasacompensationtoherwoundedfeelings，sheharassedMasterBitherstonetothatextentuntilbed-time，thathebeganthatverynighttomakearrangementsforanoverlandreturntoIndia，bySecretingfromhissupperaquarterofaroundofbreadandafragmentofmoistDutchcheese，asthebeginningofastockofprovisiontosupporthimonthevoyage。
Mrs。PipchinhadkeptwatchandwardoverlittlePaulandhissisterfornearlytwelvemonths。Theyhadbeenhometwice，butonlyforafewdays；andhadbeenconstantintheirweeklyvisitstoMr。Dombeyatthehotel。BylittleandlittlePaulhadgrownstronger，andhadbecomeabletodispensewithhiscarriage；thoughhestilllookedthinanddelicate；
andstillremainedthesameold，quiet，dreamychildthathehadbeenwhenfirstconsignedtoMrs。Pipchin\'scare。OneSaturdayafternoon，atdusk，greatconsternationwasoccasionedinthecastlebytheunlooked-forannouncementofMr。DombeyasavisitortoMrs。Pipchin。Thepopulationoftheparlourwasimmediatelysweptupstairsasonthewingsofawhirlwind，andaftermuchslammingofbedroomdoors，andtramplingoverhead，andsomeknockingaboutofMasterBitherstonebyMrs。Pipchin，asarelieftotheperturbationofherspirits，theblackbombazeengarmentsoftheworthyoldladydarkenedtheaudience-chamberwhereMr。Dombeywascontemplatingthevacantarm-chairofhissonandheir。
`Mrs。Pipchin，\'saidMr。Dombey，`Howdoyoudo？\'
`Thankyou，Sir，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，`Iamprettywell，considering。\'
Mrs。Pipchinalwaysusedthatformofwords。Itmeant，consideringhervirtues，sacrifices，andsoforth。
`Ican\'texpect，Sir，tobeverywell，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，takingachairandfetchingherbreath；`butsuchhealthasIhave，Iamgratefulfor。\'
Mr。Dombeyinclinedhisheadwiththesatisfiedairofapatron，whofeltthatthiswasthesortofthingforwhichhepaidsomuchaquarter。
Afteramoment\'ssilencehewentontosay：
`Mrs。Pipchin，Ihavetakenthelibertyofcalling，toconsultyouinreferencetomyson。Ihavehaditinmymindtodosoforsometimepast；buthavedeferreditfromtimetotime，inorderthathishealthmightbethoroughlyre-established。Youhavenomisgivingsonthatsubject，Mrs。Pipchin？\'
`Brightonhasprovedverybeneficial，Sir，\'returnedMrs。Pipchin。`Verybeneficial，indeed。\'
`Ipurpose，\'saidMr。Dombey，`hisremainingatBrighton。\'
Mrs。Pipchinrubbedherhands，andbenthergreyeyesonthefire。
`But，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，stretchingouthisforefinger，`butpossiblythatheshouldnowmakeachange，andleaddifferentkindoflifehere。Inshort，Mrs。Pipchin，thatistheobjectofmyvisit。Mysonisgettingon，Mrs。Pipchin。Reallyheisgettingon。\'
TherewassomethingmelancholyinthetriumphantairwithwhichMr。Dombeysaidthis。ItshowedhowlongPaul\'schildishlifehadbeentohim，andhowhishopesweresetuponalaterstageofhisexistence。
Pitymayappearastrangewordtoconnectwithanyonesohaughtyandsocold，andyetheseemedaworthysubjectforitatthatmoment。
`Sixyearsold！\'saidMr。Dombey，settlinghisneckcloth——perhapstohideanirrepressiblesmilethatratherseemedtostrikeuponthesurfaceofhisfaceandglanceaway，asfindingnoresting-place，thantoplaythereforaninstant。`Dearme，sixwillbechangedtosixteen，beforewehavetimetolookaboutus。\'
`Tenyears，\'croakedtheunsympatheticPipchin，withafrostyglisteningofherhardgreyeye，andadrearyshakingofherbenthead，`isalongtime。\'
`Itdependsoncircumstances，\'returnedMr。Dombey；`atallevents，Mrs。Pipchin，mysonissixyearsold，andthereisnodoubt，Ifear，thatinhisstudiesheisbehindmanychildrenofhisage——orhisyouth，\'saidMr。Dombey，quicklyansweringwhathemistrustedwasashrewdtwinkleofthefrostyeye，`hisyouthisamoreappropriateexpression。Now，Mrs。
Pipchin，insteadofbeingbehindhispeers，mysonoughttobebeforethem；
farbeforethem。Thereisaneminencereadyforhimtomountupon。Thereisnothingofchanceordoubtinthecoursebeforemyson。Hiswayinlifewasclearandprepared，andmarkedoutbeforeheexisted。Theeducationofsuchayounggentlemanmustnotbedelayed。Itmustnotbeleftimperfect。
Itmustbeverysteadilyandseriouslyundertaken，Mrs。Pipchin。\'`Well，Sir，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，`Icansaynothingtothecontrary。\'
`Iwasquitesure，Mrs。Pipchin，\'returnedMr。Dombey，approvingly，`thatapersonofyourgoodsensecouldnot，andwouldnot。\'
`Thereisagreatdealofnonsense——andworse——talkedaboutyoungpeoplenotbeingpressedtoohardatfirst，andbeingtemptedon，andalltherestofit，Sir，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，impatientlyrubbingherhookednose。`Itneverwasthoughtofinmytime，andithasnobusinesstobethoughtofnow。Myopinionis“keep\'ematit。“\'
`Mygoodmadam，\'returnedMr。Dombey，`youhavenotacquiredyourreputationundeservedly；andIbegyoutobelieve，Mrs。Pipchin，thatI
ammorethansatisfiedwithyourexcellentsystemofmanagement，andshallhavethegreatestpleasureincommendingitwhenevermypoorcommendation\'——Mr。
Dombey\'sloftinesswhenheaffectedtodisparagehisownimportance，passedallbounds——`canbeofanyservice。IhavebeenthinkingofDoctorBlimber\'s，Mrs。Pipchin。\'
`Myneighbour，Sir？\'saidMrs。Pipchin。`IbelievetheDoctor\'sisanexcellentestablishment。I\'veheardthatit\'sverystrictlyconducted，andthereisnothingbutlearninggoingonfrommorningtonight。\'
`Andit\'sveryexpensive，\'addedMr。Dombey。
`Andit\'sveryexpensive，Sir，\'returnedMrs。Pipchin，catchingatthefact，asifinomittingthat，shehadomittedoneofitsleadingmerits。
`IhavehadsomecommunicationwiththeDoctor，Mrs。Pipchin，\'
saidMr。Dombey，hitchinghischairanxiouslyalittlenearertothefire，`andhedoesnotconsiderPaulatalltooyoungforhispurpose。HementionedseveralinstancesofboysinGreekataboutthesameage。IfIhaveanylittleuneasinessinmyownmind，Mrs。Pipchin，onthesubjectofthischange，itisnotonthathead。Mysonnothavingknownamotherhasgraduallyconcentratedmuch——toomuch——ofhischildishaffectiononhissister。Whethertheirseparation——\'Mr。Dombeysaidnomore，butsatsilent。
`Hoity-toity！\'exclaimedMrs。Pipchin，shakingoutherblackbombazeenskirts，andpluckingupalltheogresswithinher。`Ifshedon\'tlikeit，Mr。Dombey，shemustbetaughttolumpit。\'Thegoodladyapologisedimmediatelyafterwardsforusingsocommonafigureofspeech，butsaidandtruly
thatthatwasthewayshereasonedwith\'em。
Mr。DombeywaiteduntilMrs。Pipchinhaddonebridlingandshakingherhead，andfrowningdownalegionofBitherstonesandPankeys；andthensaidquietly，butcorrectively，`He，mygoodmadam，he。\'
Mrs。Pipchin\'ssystemwouldhaveappliedverymuchthesamemodeofcuretoanyuneasinessonthepartofPaul，too；butasthehardgreyeyewassharpenoughtoseethattherecipe，howeverMr。Dombeymightadmititsefficacyinthecaseofthedaughter，wasnotasovereignremedyfortheson，shearguedthepoint；andcontendedthatchange，andnewsociety，andthedifferentformoflifehewouldleadatDoctorBlimber\'s，andthestudieshewouldhavetomaster，wouldverysoonprovesufficientalienations。
AsthischimedinwithMr。Dombey\'sownhopeandbelief，itgavethatgentlemanastillhigheropinionofMrs。Pipchin\'sunderstanding：andasMrs。Pipchin，atthesametime，bewailedthelossofherdearlittlefriendwhichwasnotanoverwhelmingshocktoher，asshehadlongexpectedit，andhadnotlooked，inthebeginning，forhisremainingwithherlongerthanthreemonths，heformedanequallygoodopinionofMrs。Pipchin\'sdisinterestedness。
Itwasplainthathehadgiventhesubjectanxiousconsideration，forhehadformedaplan，whichheannouncedtotheogress，ofsendingPaultotheDoctor\'sasaweeklyboarderforthefirsthalfyear，duringwhichtimeFlorencewouldremainatthecastle，thatshemightreceiveherbrotherthere，onSaturdays。Thiswouldweanhimbydegrees，Mr。Dombeysaid；probablywitharecollectionofhisnothavingbeenweanedbydegreesonaformeroccasion。
Mr。DombeyfinishedtheinterviewbyexpressinghishopethatMrs。Pipchinwouldstillremaininofficeasgeneralsuperintendentandoverseerofhisson，pendinghisstudiesatBrighton；andhavingkissedPaul，andshakenhandswithFlorence，andbeheldMasterBitherstoneinhiscollarofstate，andmadeMissPankeycrybypattingherontheheadinwhichregionshewasuncommonlytender，onaccountofahabitMrs。
Pipchinhadofsoundingitwithherknuckles，likeacask，hewithdrewtohishotelanddinner：resolvedthatPaul，nowthathewasgettingsooldandwell，shouldbeginavigorouscourseofeducationforthwith，toqualifyhimforthepositioninwhichhewastoshine；andthatDoctorBlimbershouldtakehiminhandimmediately。
WheneverayounggentlemanwastakeninhandbyDoctorBlimber，hemightconsiderhimselfsureofaprettytightsqueeze。Thedoctoronlyundertookthechargeoftenyounggentlemen，buthehad，alwaysready，asupplyoflearningforahundred，onthelowestestimate；anditwasatoncethebusinessanddelightofhislifetogorgetheunhappytenwithit。
Infact，DoctorBlimber\'sestablishmentwasagreathot-house，inwhichtherewasaforcingapparatusincessantlyatwork。Alltheboysblewbeforetheirtime。Mentalgreen-peaswereproducedatChristmas，andintellectualasparagusalltheyearround。Mathematicalgooseberriesverysouronestoowerecommonatuntimelyseasons，andfrommeresproutsofbushes，underDoctorBlimber\'scultivation。EverydescriptionofGreekandLatinvegetablewasgotoffthedriesttwigsofboys，underthefrostiestcircumstances。Naturewasofnoconsequenceatall。Nomatterwhatayounggentlemanwasintendedtobear，DoctorBlimbermadehimbeartopattern，somehoworother。
Thiswasallverypleasantandingenious，butthesystemofforcingwasattendedwithitsusualdisadvantages。Therewasnottherighttasteabouttheprematureproductions，andtheydidn\'tkeepwell。Moreover，oneyounggentleman，withaswollennoseandanexcessivelylargeheadtheoldestofthetenwhohad`gonethrough\'everything，suddenlyleftoffblowingoneday，andremainedintheestablishmentamerestalk。AndpeopledidsaythattheDoctorhadratheroverdoneitwithyoungToots，andthatwhenhebegantohavewhiskersheleftoffhavingbrains。
ThereyoungTootswas，atanyrate；possessedofthegruffestofvoicesandtheshrillestofminds；stickingornamentalpinsintohisshirt，andkeepingaringinhiswaistcoatpockettoputonhislittlefingerbystealth，whenthepupilswentoutwalking；constantlyfallinginlovebysightwithnurserymaids，whohadnoideaofhisexistence；andlookingatthegas-lightedworldoverthelittleironbarsintheleft-handcornerwindowofthefrontthreepairsofstairs，afterbed-time，likeagreatlyovergrowncherubwhohadsatupaloftmuchtoolong。
TheDoctorwasaportlygentlemaninasuitofblack，withstringsathisknees，andstockingsbelowthem。Hehadabaldhead，highlypolished；
adeepvoice；andachinsoverydouble，thatitwasawonderhowheevermanagedtoshaveintothecreases。Hehadlikewiseapairoflittleeyesthatwerealwayshalfshutup，andamouththatwasalwayshalfexpandedintoagrin，asifhehad，thatmoment，posedaboy，andwerewaitingtoconvicthimfromhisownlips。Insomuch，thatwhentheDoctorputhisrighthandintothebreastofhiscoat，andwithhisotherhandbehindhim，andascarcelyperceptiblewagofhishead，madethecommonestobservationtoanervousstranger，itwaslikeasentimentfromthesphynx，andsettledhisbusiness。
TheDoctor\'swasamightyfinehouse，frontingthesea。Notajoyfulstyleofhousewithin，butquitethecontrary。Sad-colouredcurtains，whoseproportionswerespareandlean，hidthemselvesdespondentlybehindthewindows。Thetablesandchairswereputawayinrows，likefiguresinasum：firesweresorarelylightedintheroomsofceremony，thattheyfeltlikewells，andavisitorrepresentedthebucket；thedining-roomseemedthelastplaceintheworldwhereanyeatingordrinkingwaslikelytooccur；therewasnosoundthroughallthehousebutthetickingofagreatclockinthehall，whichmadeitselfaudibleintheverygarrets：
andsometimesadullcryingofyounggentlemenattheirlessons，likethemurmuringsofanassemblageofmelancholypigeons。
MissBlimber，too，althoughaslimandgracefulmaid，didnosoftviolencetothegravityofthehouse。TherewasnolightnonsenseaboutMissBlimber。Shekeptherhairshortandcrisp，andworespectacles。Shewasdryandsandywithworkinginthegravesofdeceasedlanguages。NoneofyourlivelanguagesforMissBlimber。Theymustbedead——stonedead——andthenMissBlimberdugthemuplikeaGhoul。
Mrs。Blimber，hermama，wasnotlearnedherself，butshepretendedtobe，andthatdidquiteaswell。Shesaidateveningparties，thatifshecouldhaveknownCicero，shethoughtshecouldhavediedcontented。
ItwasthesteadyjoyofherlifetoseetheDoctor\'syounggentlemengooutwalking，unlikeallotheryounggentlemen，inthelargestpossibleshirt-collars，andthestiffestpossiblecravats。Itwassoclassical，shesaid。
AstoMr。Feeder，B。A。，DoctorBlimber\'sassistant，hewasakindofhumanbarrel-organ，withalittlelistoftunesatwhichhewascontinuallyworking，overandoveragain，withoutanyvariation。Hemighthavebeenfittedupwithachangeofbarrels，perhaps，inearlylife，ifhisdestinyhadbeenfavourable；butithadnotbeen；andhehadonlyone，withwhich，inamonotonousround，itwashisoccupationtobewildertheyoungideasofDoctorBlimber\'syounggentlemen。Theyounggentlemenwereprematurelyfullofcarkinganxieties。Theyknewnorestfromthepursuitofstony-heartedverbs，savagenoun-substantives，inflexiblesyntacticpassages，andghostsofexercisesthatappearedtothemintheirdreams。Undertheforcingsystem，ayounggentlemanusuallytookleaveofhisspiritsinthreeweeks。Hehadallthecaresoftheworldonhisheadinthreemonths。Heconceivedbittersentimentsagainsthisparentsorguardiansinfour；hewasanoldmisanthrope，infive；enviedCurtiusthatblessedrefugeintheearth，insix；andattheendofthefirsttwelvemonthhadarrivedattheconclusion，fromwhichheneverafterwardsdeparted，thatallthefanciesofthepoets，andlessonsofthesages，wereamerecollectionofwordsandgrammar，andhadnoothermeaningintheworld。
Buthewentonblow，blow，blowing，intheDoctor\'shot-house，allthetime；andtheDoctor\'sgloryandreputationweregreat，whenhetookhiswintrygrowthhometohisrelationsandfriends。
UpontheDoctor\'sdoor-stepsoneday，Paulstoodwithaflutteringheart，andwithhissmallrighthandinhisfather\'s。HisotherhandwaslockedinthatofFlorence。Howtightthetinypressureofthatone；andhowlooseandcoldtheother！
Mrs。Pinchinhoveredbehindthevictim，withhersableplumageandherhookedbeak，likeabirdofill-omen。Shewasoutofbreath——forMr。Dombey，fullofgreatthoughts，hadwalkedfast——andshecroakedhoarselyasshewaitedfortheopeningofthedoor。
`Now，Paul，\'saidMr。Dombey，exultingly。`ThisisthewayindeedtobeDombeyandSon，andhavemoney。Youarealmostamanalready。\'
`Almost，\'returnedthechild。
Evenhischildishagitationcouldnotmastertheslyandquaintyettouchinglook，withwhichheaccompaniedthereply。
ItbroughtavagueexpressionofdissatisfactionintoMr。Dombey\'sface；butthedoorbeingopened，itwasquicklygone。
`DoctorBlimberisathome，Ibelieve？\'saidMr。Dombey。
Themansaidyes；andastheypassedin，lookedatPaulasifhewerealittlemouse，andthehousewereatrap。Hewasaweak-eyedyoungman，withthefirstfaintstreaksorearlydawnofagrinonhiscountenance。
Itwasmereimbecility；butMrs。Pipchintookitintoherheadthatitwasimpudence，andmadeasnapathimdirectly。
`Howdareyoulaughbehindthegentleman\'sback？\'saidMrs。Pipchin。
`Andwhatdoyoutakemefor？\'
`Iain\'talaughingatnobody，andI\'msureIdon\'ttakeyoufornothing，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheyoungman，inconsternation。
`Apackofidledogs！\'saidMrs。Pipchin，`onlyfittobeturnspits。
GoandtellyourmasterthatMr。Dombey\'shere，orit\'llbeworseforyou！\'
Theweak-eyedyoungmanwent，verymeekly，todischargehimselfofthiscommission；andsooncamebacktoinvitethemtotheDoctor\'sstudy。
`You\'relaughingagain，Sir，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，whenitcametoherturn，bringinguptherear，topasshiminthehall。
`Iain\'t，returnedtheyoungman，grievouslyoppressed。
`Ineverseesuchathingasthis！\'
`Whatisthematter，Mrs。Pipchin？\'saidMr。Dombey，lookinground。
`Softly！Pray！\'
Mrs。Pipchin，inherdeference，merelymutteredattheyoungmanasshepassedon，andsaid，`Oh！hewasapreciousfellow\'——leavingtheyoungman，whowasallmeeknessandincapacity，affectedeventotearsbytheincident。ButMrs。Pipchinhadawayoffallingfoulofallmeekpeople；andherfriendssaidwhocouldwonderatit，afterthePeruvianmines！
TheDoctorwassittinginhisportentousstudy，withaglobeateachknee，booksallroundhim，Homeroverthedoor，andMinervaonthemantel-shelf。`Andhowdoyoudo，Sir？\'hesaidtoMr。Dombey；`andhowismylittlefriend？\'GraveasanorganwastheDoctor\'sspeech；andwhenheceased，thegreatclockinthehallseemedtoPaulatleasttotakehimup，andtogoonsaying，`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？\'overandoverandoveragain。
ThelittlefriendbeingsomethingtoosmalltobeseenatallfromwheretheDoctorsat，overthebooksonhistable，theDoctormadeseveralfutileattemptstogetaviewofhimroundthelegs；whichMr。
Dombeyperceiving，relievedtheDoctorfromhisembarrassmentbytakingPaulupinhisarms，andsittinghimonanotherlittletable，overagainsttheDoctor，inthemiddleoftheroom。
`Ha！\'saidtheDoctor，leaningbackinhischairwithhishandinhisbreast。`NowIseemylittlefriend。Howdoyoudo，mylittlefriend？\'
Theclockinthehallwouldn\'tsubscribetothisalterationintheformofwords，butcontinuedtorepeat`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？
how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？\'
`Verywell，Ithankyou，Sir，\'returnedPaul，answeringtheclockquiteasmuchastheDoctor。
`Ha！\'saidDoctorBlimber。`Shallwemakeamanofhim？\'
`Doyouhear，Paul？\'addedMr。Dombey；Paulbeingsilent。
`Shallwemakeamanofhim？\'repeatedtheDoctor。
`Ihadratherbeachild，\'repliedPaul。
`Indeed！\'saidtheDoctor。`Why？\'
Thechildsatonthetablelookingathim，withacuriousexpressionofsuppressedemotioninhisface，andbeatingonehandproudlyonhiskneeasifhehadtherisingtearsbeneathit，andcrushedthem。Buthisotherhandstrayedalittlewaythewhile，alittlefarther——fartherfromhimyet——untilitlightedontheneckofFlorence。`Thisiswhy，\'itseemedtosay，andthenthesteadylookwasbrokenupandgone；theworkinglipwasloosened；andthetearscamestreamingforth。
`Mrs。Pipchin，\'saidhisfather，inaquerulousmanner，`Iamreallyverysorrytoseethis。\'
`Comeawayfromhim，do，MissDombey，\'quoththematron。
`Nevermind，\'saidtheDoctor，blandlynoddinghishead，tokeepMrs。Pipchinback。`Ne-vermind；weshallsubstitutenewcaresandnewimpressions，Mr。Dombey，veryshortly。Youwouldstillwishmylittlefriendtoacquire\'
`Everything，ifyouplease，Doctor，\'returnedMr。Dombey，firmly。
`Yes，\'saidtheDoctor，who，withhishalf-shuteyes，andhisusualsmile，seemedtosurveyPaulwiththesortofinterestthatmightattachtosomechoicelittleanimalhewasgoingtostuff。`Yes，exactly。
Ha！Weshallimpartagreatvarietyofinformationtoourlittlefriend，andbringhimquicklyforward，Idaresay。Idaresay。Quiteavirginsoil，Ibelieveyousaid，Mr。Dombey？\'
`Exceptsomeordinarypreparationathome，andfromthislady，\'
repliedMr。Dombey，introducingMrs。Pipchin，whoinstantlycommunicatedarigiditytoherwholemuscularsystem，andsnorteddefiancebeforehand，incasetheDoctorshoulddisparageher；`exceptsofar，Paulhas，asyet，appliedhimselftonostudiesatall。\'
DoctorBlimberinclinedhishead，ingentletoleranceofsuchinsignificantpoachingasMrs。Pipchin\'s，andsaidhewasgladtohearit。Itwasmuchmoresatisfactory，heobserved，rubbinghishands，tobeginatthefoundation。AndagainheleeredatPaul，asifhewouldhavelikedtotacklehimwiththeGreekalphabetonthespot。
`Thatcircumstance，indeed，DoctorBlimber，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，glancingathislittleson，`andtheinterviewIhavealreadyhadthepleasureofholdingwithyou，rendersanyfurtherexplanation，andconsequently，andfurtherintrusiononyourvaluabletime，sounnecessary，that——\'
`Now，MissDombey！\'saidtheacidPipchin。
`Permitme，\'saidtheDoctor，`onemoment。AllowmetopresentMrs。Blimberandmydaughter，whowillbeassociatedwiththedomesticlifeofouryoungPilgrimtoParnassus。Mrs。Blimber，\'forthelady，whohadperhapsbeeninwaiting，opportunelyentered，followedbyherdaughter，thatfairSextoninspectacles，`Mr。Dombey。MydaughterCornelia，Mr。
Dombey。Mr。Dombey，mylove，\'pursuedtheDoctor，turningtohiswife，`issoconfidingasto——doyouseeourlittlefriend？\'
Mrs。Blimber，inanexcessofpoliteness，ofwhichMr。Dombeywastheobject，apparentlydidnot，forshewasbackingagainstthelittlefriend，andverymuchendangeringhispositiononthetable。But，onthishint，sheturnedtoadmirehisclassicalandintellectuallineaments，andturningagaintoMr。Dombey，said，withasigh，thatsheenviedhisdearson。
`Likeabee，Sir，\'saidMrs。Blimber，withupliftedeyes，`abouttoplungeintoagardenofthechoicestflowers，andsipthesweetsforthefirsttime。Virgil，Horace，Ovid，Terence，Plautus，Cicero。Whataworldofhoneyhavewehere。Itmayappearremarkable，Mr。Dombey，inonewhoisawife——thewifeofsuchahusband——\'
`Hush，hush，\'saidDoctorBlimber。`Fieforshame。\'
`Mr。Dombeywillforgivethepartialityofawife，\'saidMrs。
Blimber，withanengagingsmile。
Mr。Dombeyanswered`Notatall：\'applyingthosewords，itistobepresumed，tothepartiality，andnottotheforgiveness。
`——Anditmayseemremarkableinonewhoisamotheralso，\'resumedMrs。Blimber。
`Andsuchamother，\'observedMr。Dombey，bowingwithsomeconfusedideaofbeingcomplimentarytoCornelia。
`Butreally，\'pursuedMrs。Blimber，`IthinkifIcouldhaveknownCicero，andbeenhisfriend，andtalkedwithhiminhisretirementatTusculumbeautifulTusculum！，Icouldhavediedcontented。\'
Alearnedenthusiasmissoverycontagious，thatMr。Dombeyhalfbelievedthiswasexactlyhiscase；andevenMrs。Pipchin，whowasnot，aswehaveseen，ofanaccommodatingdispositiongenerally，gaveutterancetoalittlesoundbetweenagroanandasigh，asifshewouldhavesaidthatnobodybutCicerocouldhaveprovedalastingconsolationunderthatfailureofthePeruvianMines，butthatheindeedwouldhavebeenaveryDavy-lampofrefuge。
CornelialookedatMr。Dombeythroughherspectacles，asifshewouldhavelikedtocrackafewquotationswithhimfromtheauthorityinquestion。Butthisdesign，ifsheentertainedit，wasfrustratedbyaknockattheroom-door。
`Whoisthat？\'saidtheDoctor。`Oh！Comein，Toots：comein。
Mr。Dombey，Sir。\'Tootsbowed。`Quiteacoincidence！\'saidDoctorBlimber。
`Herewehavethebeginningandtheend。AlphaandOmega。Ourheadboy，Mr。Dombey。\'
TheDoctormighthavecalledhimtheirheadandshouldersboy，forhewasatleastthatmuchtallerthananyoftherest。Heblushedverymuchatfindinghimselfamongstrangers，andchuckledaloud。
`AnadditiontoourlittlePortico，Toots，\'saidtheDoctor；`Mr。
Dombey\'sson。\'
YoungTootsblushedagain：andfinding，fromasolemnsilencewhichprevailedthathewasexpectedtosaysomething，saidtoPaul，`Howareyou？\'inavoicesodeep，andamannersosheepish，thatifalambhadroareditcouldn\'thavebeenmoresurprising。
`AskMr。Feeder，ifyouplease，Toots，\'saidtheDoctor，`toprepareafewintroductoryvolumesforMr。Dombey\'sSon，andtoallothimaconvenientseatforstudy。Mydear，IbelieveMr。Dombeyhasnotseenthedormitories。\'
`IfMr。Dombeywillwalkupstairs，\'saidMrs。Blimber，`Ishallbemorethanproudtoshowhimthedominionsofthedrowsygod。\'
Withthat，Mrs。Blimber，whowasaladyofgreatsuavity，andawiryfigure，andwhoworeacapcomposedofsky-bluematerials，proceededupstairswithMr。DombeyandCornelia；Mrs。Pipchinfollowing，andlookingoutsharpforherenemythefootman。
Whiletheyweregone，Paulsatuponthetable，holdingFlorencebythehand，andglancingtimidlyfromtheDoctorroundandroundtheroom，whiletheDoctor，leaningbackinhischair，withhishandinhisbreastasusual，heldabookfromhimatarm\'slength，andread。Therewassomethingveryawfulinthismannerofreading。Itwassuchadetermined，unimpassioned，inflexible，coldbloodedwayofgoingtowork。ItlefttheDoctor\'scountenanceexposedtoview；andwhentheDoctorsmiledauspiciouslyathisauthor，orknithisbrows，orshookhisheadandmadewryfacesathim，asmuchastosay，`Don\'ttellme，Sir；Iknowbetter，\'itwasterrific。
Toots，too，hadnobusinesstobeoutsidethedoor，ostentatiouslyexaminingthewheelsinhiswatch，andcountinghishalf-crowns。Butthatdidn\'tlastlong；forDoctorBlimber，happeningtochangethepositionofhistightplumplegs，asifheweregoingtogetup，Tootsswiftlyvanished，andappearednomore。
Mr。Dombeyandhisconductressweresoonheardcomingdownstairsagain，talkingalltheway；andpresentlytheyreenteredtheDoctor\'sstudy。
`Ihope，Mr。Dombey，\'saidtheDoctor，layingdownhisbook，`thatthearrangementsmeetyourapproval。\'
`Theyareexcellent，Sir，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Veryfair，indeed，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，inalowvoice；neverdisposedtogivetoomuchencouragement。
`Mrs。Pipchin，\'saidMr。Dombey，wheelinground，`will，withyourpermission，DoctorandMrs。Blimber，visitPaulnowandthen。\'
`WheneverMrs。Pipchinpleases，\'observedtheDoctor。
`Alwayshappytoseeher，\'saidMrs。Blimber。
`Ithink，\'saidMr。Dombey，`IhavegivenallthetroubleIneed，andmaytakemyleave。Paul，mychild，\'hewentclosetohim，ashesatuponthetable。`Good-bye。\'
`Good-bye，Papa。\'
ThelimpandcarelesslittlehandthatMr。Dombeytookinhis，wassingularlyoutofkeepingwiththewistfulface。Buthehadnopartinitssorrowfulexpression。Itwasnotaddressedtohim。No，no。ToFlorence——alltoFlorence。
IfMr。Dombeyinhisinsolenceofwealth，hadevermadeanenemy，hardtoappeaseandcruellyvindictiveinhishate，evensuchanenemymighthavereceivedthepangthatwrunghisproudheartthen，ascompensationforhisinjury。
Hebentdownoverhisboy，andkissedhim。Ifhissightweredimmedashedidso，bysomethingthatforamomentblurredthelittleface，andmadeitindistincttohim，hismentalvisionmayhavebeen，forthatshorttime，theclearerperhaps。
`Ishallseeyousoon，Paul。YouarefreeonSaturdaysandSundays，youknow。\'
`Yes，papa，\'returnedPaul：lookingathissister。`OnSaturdaysandSundays。\'
`Andyou\'lltryandlearnagreatdealhere，andbeacleverman，\'
saidMr。Dombey；`won\'tyou？\'
`I\'lltry，\'returnedthechildwearily。
`Andyou\'llsoonbegrownupnow！\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Oh！verysoon！\'repliedthechild。Oncemoretheold，oldlookpassedrapidlyacrosshisfeatureslikeastrangelight。ItfellonMrs。
Pipchin，andextinguisheditselfinherblackdress。ThatexcellentogresssteppedforwardtotakeleaveandtobearoffFlorence，whichshehadlongbeenthirstingtodo。ThemoveonherpartrousedMr。Dombey，whoseeyeswerefixedonPaul。Afterpattinghimonthehead，andpressinghissmallhandagain，hetookleaveofDoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimber，withhisusualpolitefrigidity，andwalkedoutofthestudy。
Despitehisentreatythattheywouldnotthinkofstirring，DoctorBlimber，Mrs。Blimber，andMissBlimberallpressedforwardtoattendhimtothehall；andthusMrs。PipchingotintoastateofentanglementwithMissBlimberandtheDoctor，andwascrowdedoutofthestudybeforeshecouldclutchFlorence。TowhichhappyaccidentPaulstoodafterwardsindebtedforthedearremembrance，thatFlorenceranbacktothrowherarmsroundhisneck，andthatherswasthelastfaceinthedoorway：turnedtowardshimwithasmileofencouragement，thebrighterforthetearsthroughwhichitbeamed。
Itmadehischildishbosomheaveandswellwhenitwasgone；andsenttheglobes，thebooks，blindHomerandMinerva，swimmingroundtheroom。Buttheystopped，allofasudden；andthenheheardtheloudclockinthehallstillgravelyinquiring`how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？how，is，my，lit，tle，friend？\'asithaddonebefore。
Hesat，withfoldedhands，uponhispedestal，silentlylistening。
Buthemighthaveanswered`weary，weary！verylonely，verysad！\'Andthere，withanachingvoidinhisyoungheart，andalloutsidesocold，andbare，andstrange，Paulsatasifhehadtakenlifeunfurnished，andtheupholstererwerenevercoming。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter12[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIIPaul\'sEducationAFTERthelapseofsomeminutes，whichappearedanimmensetimetolittlePaulDombeyonthetable，DoctorBlimbercameback。TheDoctor\'swalkwasstately，andcalculatedtoimpressthejuvenilemindwithsolemnfeelings。