Noteventheinfluenceofthesofterpassionontheyounggentlemen——andtheyall，toaboy，doatedonFlorence——couldrestrainthemfromtakingquiteanoisyleaveofPaul；wavinghatsafterhim，pressingdownstairstoshakehandswithhim，cryingindividually`Dombey，don\'tforgetme！\'
andindulginginmanysuchebullitionsoffeeling，uncommonamongthoseyoungChesterfields。PaulwhisperedFlorence，asshewrappedhimupbeforethedoorwasopened，Didshehearthem？Wouldsheeverforgetit？Wasshegladtoknowit？Andalivelydelightwasinhiseyesashespoketoher。
Once，foralastlook，heturnedandgazeduponthefacesthusaddressedtohim，surprisedtoseehowshiningandhowbright，andnumeroustheywere，andhowtheywereallpiledandheapedup，asfacesareatcrowdedtheatres。Theyswambeforehimashelooked，likefacesinanagitatedglass；andnextmomenthewasinthedarkcoachoutside，holdingclosetoFlorence。Fromthattime，wheneverhethoughtofDoctorBlimber\'s，itcamebackashehadseenitinthislastview；anditneverseemedtobearealplaceagain，butalwaysadream，fullofeyes。
ThiswasnotquitethelastofDoctorBlimber\'s，however。Therewassomethingelse。TherewasMr。Toots。Who，unexpectedlylettingdownoneofthecoach-windows，andlookingin，said，withamostegregiouschuckle，`IsDombeythere？\'andimmediatelyputitupagain，withoutwaitingforananswer。NorwasthisquitethelastofMr。Toots，even；forbeforethecoachmancoulddriveoff，heassuddenlyletdowntheotherwindow，andlookinginwithapreciselysimilarchuckle，saidinapreciselysimilartoneofvoice，`IsDombeythere？\'anddisappearedpreciselyasbefore。
HowFlorencelaughed！Pauloftenrememberedit，andlaughedhimselfwheneverhedidso。
Buttherewasmuch，soonafterwards——nextday，andafterthat——whichPaulcouldonlyrecollectconfusedly。As，whytheystayedatMrs。Pipchin\'sdaysandnights，insteadofgoinghome；whyhelayinbed，withFlorencesittingbyhisside；whetherthathadbeenhisfatherintheroom，oronlyatallshadowonthewall；whetherhehadheardhisdoctorsay，ofsomeone，thatiftheyhadremovedhimbeforetheoccasiononwhichhehadbuiltupfancies，stronginproportiontohisownweakness，itwasverypossiblehemighthavepinedaway。
HecouldnotevenrememberwhetherhehadoftensaidtoFlorence，`OhFloy，takemehome，andneverleaveme！\'buthethoughthehad。Hefanciedsometimeshehadheardhimselfrepeating，`Takemehome，Floy！
takemehome！\'
Buthecouldremember，whenhegothome，andwascarriedupthewell-rememberedstairs，thattherehadbeentherumblingofacoachformanyhourstogether，whilehelayupontheseat，withFlorencestillbesidehim，andoldMrs。Pipchinsittingopposite。Herememberedhisoldbedtoo，whentheylaidhimdowninit：hisaunt，MissTox，andSusan：buttherewassomethingelse，andrecenttoo，thatstillperplexedhim。
`IwanttospeaktoFlorence，ifyouplease，\'hesaid。`ToFlorencebyherself，foramoment！\'
Shebentdownoverhim，andtheothersstoodaway。
`Floy，mypet，wasn\'tthatPapainthehall，whentheybroughtmefromthecoach？\'
`Yes，dear。\'
`Hedidn\'tcry，andgointohisroom，Floy，didhe，whenhesawmecomingin？\'
Florenceshookherhead，andpressedherlipsagainsthischeek。
`I\'mverygladhedidn\'tcry，\'saidlittlePaul。`Ithoughthedid。Don\'ttellthemthatIasked。\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter15[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVAmazingArtfulnessofCaptainCuttle，andanewPursuitforWalterGayWALTERcouldnot，forseveraldays，decidewhattodointheBarbadosbusiness；
andevencherishedsomefainthopethatMr。Dombeymightnothavemeantwhathehadsaid，orthathemightchangehismind，andtellhimhewasnottogo。Butasnothingoccurredtogivethisideawhichwassufficientlyimprobableinitselfanytouchofconfirmation，andastimewasslippingby，andhehadnonetolose，hefeltthathemustact，withouthesitatinganylonger。
Walter\'schiefdifficultywas，howtobreakthechangeinhisaffairstoUncleSol，towhomhewassensibleitwouldbeaterribleblow。
HehadthegreaterdifficultyindashingUncleSol\'sspiritswithsuchanastoundingpieceofintelligence，becausetheyhadlatelyrecoveredverymuch，andtheoldmanhadbecomesocheerful，thatthelittlebackparlourwasitselfagain。UncleSolhadpaidthefirstappointedportionofthedebttoMr。Dombey，andwashopefulofworkinghiswaythroughtherest；andtocasthimdownafresh，whenhehadsprungupsomanfullyfromhistroubles，wasaverydistressingnecessity。
Yetitwouldneverdotorunawayfromhim。Hemustknowofitbeforehand：andhowtotellhimwasthepoint。Astothequestionofgoingornotgoing，Walterdidnotconsiderthathehadanypowerofchoiceinthematter。Mr。Dombeyhadtrulytoldhimthathewasyoung，andthathisuncle\'scircumstanceswerenotgood；andMr。Dombeyhadplainlyexpressed，intheglancewithwhichhehadaccompaniedthatreminder，thatifhedeclinedtogohemightstayathomeifhechose，butnotinhiscounting-house。
HisuncleandhelayunderagreatobligationtoMr。Dombey，whichwasofWalter\'sownsoliciting。Hemighthavebeguninsecrettodespairofeverwinningthatgentleman\'sfavour，andmighthavethoughtthathewasnowandthendisposedtoputaslightuponhim，whichwashardlyjust。
Butwhatwouldhavebeendutywithoutthat，wasstilldutywithit——orWalterthoughtso——anddutymustbedone。
WhenMr。Dombeyhadlookedathim，andtoldhimhewasyoung，andthathisuncle\'scircumstanceswerenotgood，therehadbeenanexpressionofdisdaininhisface；acontemptuousanddisparagingassumptionthathewouldbequitecontenttoliveidlyonareducedoldman，whichstungtheboy\'sgeneroussoul。DeterminedtoassureMr。Dombey，insofarasitwaspossibletogivehimtheassurancewithoutexpressingitinwords，thatindeedhemistookhisnature，WalterhadbeenanxioustoshowevenmorecheerfulnessandactivityaftertheWestIndianinterviewthanhehadshownbefore：ifthatwerepossible，inoneofhisquickandzealousdisposition。Hewastooyoungandinexperiencedtothink，thatpossiblythisveryqualityinhimwasnotagreeabletoMr。Dombey，andthatitwasnostepping-stonetohisgoodopiniontobeelasticandhopefulofpleasingundertheshadowofhispowerfuldispleasure，whetheritwererightorwrong。Butitmayhavebeen——itmayhavebeen——thatthegreatmanthoughthimselfdefiedinthisnewexpositionofanhonestspirit，andpurposedtobringitdown。
`Well！atlastandatleast，UncleSolmustbetold，\'thoughtWalter，withasigh。AndasWalterwasapprehensivethathisvoicemightperhapsquaveralittle，andthathiscountenancemightnotbequiteashopefulashecouldwishittobe，ifhetoldtheoldmanhimself，andsawthefirsteffectsofhiscommunicationonhiswrinkledface，heresolvedtoavailhimselfoftheservicesofthatpowerfulmediator，CaptainCuttle。
Sundaycominground，hesetofftherefore，afterbreakfast，oncemoretobeatupCaptainCuttle\'squarters。
Itwasnotunpleasanttoremember，onthewaythither，thatMrs。
MacStingerresortedtoagreatdistanceeverySundaymorning，toattendtheministryoftheReverendMelchisedechHowler，who，havingbeenonedaydischargedfromtheWestIndiaDocksonafalsesuspiciongotupexpresslyagainsthimbythegeneralenemyofscrewinggimletsintopuncheons，andapplyinghislipstotheorifice，hadannouncedthedestructionoftheworldforthatdaytwoyears，atteninthemorning，andopenedafrontparlourforthereceptionofladiesandgentlemenoftheRantingpersuasion，uponwhom，onthefirstoccasionoftheirassemblage，theadmonitionsoftheReverendMelchisedechhadproducedsopowerfulaneffect，that，intheirrapturousperformanceofasacredjig，whichclosedtheservice，thewholeflockbrokethroughintoakitchenbelow，anddisabledamanglebelongingtooneofthefold。
ThistheCaptain，inamomentofuncommonconviviality，hadconfidedtoWalterandhisuncle，betweentherepetitionsoflovelyPeg，onthenightwhenBrogleythebrokerwaspaidout。TheCaptainhimselfwaspunctualinhisattendanceatachurchinhisownneighbourhood，whichhoistedtheUnionJackeverySundaymorning；andwherehewasgoodenough——thelawfulbeadlebeinginfirm——tokeepaneyeupontheboys，overwhomheexercisedgreatpower，invirtueofhismysterioushook。KnowingtheregularityoftheCaptain\'shabits，Waltermadeallthehastehecould，thathemightanticipatehisgoingout；andhemadesuchgoodspeed，thathehadthepleasure，onturningintoBrigPlace，tobeholdthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoathangingoutoftheCaptain\'sopenwindow，toairinthesun。
ItappearedincrediblethatthecoatandwaistcoatcouldbeseenbymortaleyeswithouttheCaptain：buthecertainlywasnotinthem，otherwisehislegs——thehousesinBrigPlacenotbeinglofty——wouldhaveobstructedthestreetdoor，whichwasperfectlyclear。Quitewonderingatthisdiscovery，Waltergaveasingleknock。
`Stinger，\'hedistinctlyheardtheCaptainsay，upinhisroom，asifthatwerenobusinessofhis。ThereforeWaltergavetwoknocks。
`Cuttle，\'heheardtheCaptainsayuponthat；andimmediatelyafterwardstheCaptain，inhiscleanshirtandbraces，withhisneckerchiefhanginglooselyroundhisthroatlikeacoilofrope，andhisglazedhaton，appearedatthewindow，leaningoutoverthebroadbluecoatandwaistcoat。
`Wal\'r！\'criedtheCaptain，lookingdownuponhiminamazement。
`Ay，ay，CaptainCuttle，\'returnedWalter，`onlyme。\'
`What\'sthematter，mylad？\'inquiredtheCaptain，withgreatconcern。`Gillsan\'tbeenandsprungnothingagain？\'
`No，no，\'saidWalter。`Myuncle\'sallright，CaptainCuttle。\'
TheCaptainexpressedhisgratification，andsaidhewouldcomedownbelowandopenthedoor，whichhedid。
`Thoughyou\'reearly，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimstilldoubtfully，whentheygotupstairs。
`Why，thefactis，CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter，sittingdown，`Iwasafraidyouwouldhavegoneout，andIwanttobenefitbyyourfriendlycounsel。\'
`Soyoushall，\'saidtheCaptain；`what\'llyoutake？\'
`Iwanttotakeyouropinion，CaptainCuttle，\'returnedWalter，smiling。`That\'stheonlythingforme。\'
`Comeonthen，\'saidtheCaptain。`Withawill，mylad！\'
Walterrelatedtohimwhathadhappened；andthedifficultyinwhichhefeltrespectinghisuncle，andthereliefitwouldbetohimifCaptainCuttle，inhiskindness，wouldhelphimtosmoothitaway；CaptainCuttle\'sinfiniteconsternationandastonishmentattheprospectunfoldedtohim，graduallyswallowingthatgentlemanup，untilitlefthisfacequitevacant，andthesuitofblue，theglazedhat，andthehook，apparentlywithoutanowner。
`Yousee，CaptainCuttle，\'pursuedWalter，`formyself，Iamyoung，asMr。Dombeysaid，andnottobeconsidered。Iamtofightmywaythroughtheworld，Iknow；buttherearetwopointsIwasthinking，asIcamealong，thatIshouldbyveryparticularabout，inrespecttomyuncle。Idon\'tmeantosaythatIdeservetobetheprideanddelightofhislife——youbelieveme，Iknow——butIam。Now，don\'tyouthinkIam？\'
TheCaptainseemedtomakeanendeavourtorisefromthedepthsofhisastonishment，andgetbacktohisface；buttheeffortbeingineffectual，theglazedhatmerelynoddedwithamute，unutterablemeaning。
`IfIliveandhavemyhealth，\'saidWalter，`andIamnotafraidofthat，still，whenIleaveEnglandIcanhardlyhopetoseemyuncleagain。Heisold，CaptainCuttle；andbesides，hislifeisalifeofcustom\'
`Steady，Wal\'r！Ofawantofcustom？\'saidtheCaptain，suddenlyreappearing。
`Tootrue，\'returnedWalter，shakinghishead：`butImeantalifeofhabit，CaptainCuttle——thatsortofcustom。Andifasyouverytrulysaid，Iamsurehewouldhavediedthesoonerforthelossofthestock，andallthoseobjectstowhichhehasbeenaccustomedforsomanyyears，don\'tyouthinkhemightdiealittlesoonerforthelossof\'
`OfhisNevy，\'interposedtheCaptain。`Right！\'
`Wellthen，\'saidWalter，tryingtospeakgaily，`wemustdoourbesttomakehimbelievethattheseparationisbutatemporaryone，afterall；butasIknowbetter，ordreadthatIknowbetter，CaptainCuttle，andasIhavesomanyreasonsforregardinghimwithaffection，andduty，andhonour，IamafraidIshouldmakebutaverypoorhandatthat，ifItriedtopersuadehimofit。That\'smygreatreasonforwishingyoutobreakitouttohim；andthat\'sthefirstpoint。\'
`Keepheroffapointorso！\'observedtheCaptain，inacontemplativevoice。
`Whatdidyousay，CaptainCuttle？\'inquiredWalter。
`Standby！\'returnedtheCaptain，thoughtfully。
WalterpausedtoascertainiftheCaptainhadanyparticularinformationtoaddtothis，butashesaidnomore，wenton。
`Now，thesecondpoint，CaptainCuttle。Iamsorrytosay，IamnotafavouritewithMr。Dombey。Ihavealwaystriedtodomybest，andIhavealwaysdoneit；buthedoesnotlikeme。Hecan\'thelphislikingsanddislikings，perhaps。Isaynothingofthat。IonlysaythatIamcertainhedoesnotlikeme。Hedoesnotsendmetothispostasagoodone；hedisdainstorepresentitasbeingbetterthanitis；andIdoubtverymuchifitwilleverleadmetoadvancementintheHouse——whetheritdoesnot，onthecontrary，disposeofmeforever，andputmeoutoftheway。Now，wemustsaynothingofthistomyuncle，CaptainCuttle，butmustmakeitouttobeasfavourableandpromisingaswecan；andwhenItellyouwhatitreallyis，Ionlydoso，thatincaseanymeansshouldeverariseoflendingmeahand，sofaroff，Imayhaveonefriendathomewhoknowsmyrealsituation。\'
`Wal\'r，myboy，\'repliedtheCaptain，`intheProverbsofSolomonyouwillfindthefollowingwords，`Mayweneverwantafriendinneed，norabottletogivehim！\'Whenfound，makeanoteof。\'
HeretheCaptainstretchedouthishandtoWalter，withanairofdownrightgoodfaiththatspokevolumes；atthesametimerepeatingforhefeltproudoftheaccuracyandpointedapplicationofhisquotation，`Whenfound，makeanoteof。\'
`CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter，takingtheimmensefistextendedtohimbytheCaptaininbothhishands，whichitcompletelyfilled，`nexttomyUncleSol，Iloveyou。ThereisnooneonearthinwhomIcanmoresafelytrust，Iamsure。Astothemeregoingaway，CaptainCuttle，Idon\'tcareforthat；whyshouldIcareforthat！IfIwerefreetoseekmyownfortune——ifIwerefreetogoasacommonsailor——ifIwerefreetoventureonmyownaccounttothefarthestendoftheworld——Iwouldgladlygo！
Iwouldhavegladlygone，yearsago，andtakenmychanceofwhatmightcomeofit。Butitwasagainstmyuncle\'swishes，andagainsttheplanshehadformedforme；andtherewasanendofthat。ButwhatIfeel，CaptainCuttle，isthatwehavebeenalittlemistakenallalong，andthat，sofarasanyimprovementinmyprospectsisconcerned，IamnobetteroffnowthanIwaswhenIfirstenteredDombey\'sHouse-perhapsalittleworse，fortheHousemayhavebeenkindlyinclinedtowardsmethem，anditcertainlyisnotnow。\'
`Turnagain，Whittington，\'mutteredthedisconsolateCaptainafterlookingatWalterforsometime。
`Aye，\'repliedWalterlaughing，`andturnagreatmanytimes，tooCaptainCuttle，I\'mafraid，beforesuchfortuneashiseverturnsupagain。NotthatIcomplain，\'headded，inhislively，animated，energeticway。`Ihavenothingtocomplainof。Iamprovidedfor。Icanlive。WhenIleavemyuncle，Ileavehimtoyou；andIcanleavehimtonoonebetter，CaptainCuttle。Ihaven\'ttoldyouallthisbecauseIdespair，notI；it\'stoconvinceyouthatIcan\'tpickandchooseinDombey\'sHouse，andthatwhereIamsent，thereImustgo，andwhatIamoffered，thatImusttake。
It\'sbetterformyunclethatIshouldbesentaway；forMr。Dombeyisavaluablefriendtohim，asheprovedhimself，youknowwhen，CaptainCuttle；andIampersuadedhewon\'tbelessvaluablewhenhehasn\'tmethere，everyday，toawakenhisdislike。SohurrahfortheWestIndies，CaptainCuttle！Howdoesthattunegothatthesailorssing？
`ForthePortofBarbados，Boys！Cheerily！
LeavingoldEnglandbehindus，Boys！Cheerily！\'
HeretheCaptainroaredinchorus——
`Ohcheerily，cheerily！Ohcheer——i——ly！\'
Thelastlinereachingthequickearsofanardentskippernotquitesober，wholodgedopposite，andwhoinstantlysprungoutofbed，threwuphiswindow，andjoinedin，acrossthestreet，atthetopofhisvoice，producedafineeffect。Whenitwasimpossibletosustaintheconcludingnoteanylonger，theskipperbellowedforthaterrific`ahoy！\'intendedinpartasafriendlygreeting，andinparttoshowthathewasnotatallbreathed。Thatdone，heshutdownhiswindow，andwenttobedagain。
`Andnow，CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter，handinghimthebluecoatandwaistcoat，andbustlingverymuch，`ifyou\'llcomeandbreakthenewstoUncleSolwhichheoughttohaveknown，daysupondaysago，byrights，I\'llleaveyouatthedoor，youknow，andwalkaboutuntiltheafternoon。\'
TheCaptain，however，scarcelyappearedtorelishthecommission，ortobebyanymeansconfidentofhispowersofexecutingit。HehadarrangedthefuturelifeandadventuresofWaltersoverydifferently，andsoentirelytohisownsatisfaction；hehadfelicitatedhimselfsooftenonthesagacityandforesightdisplayedinthatarrangement，andhadfounditsocompleteandperfectinallitsparts；thattosufferittogotopiecesallatonce，andeventoassistinbreakingitup，requiredagreateffortofhisresolution。TheCaptain，too，founditdifficulttounloadhisoldideasuponthesubject，andtotakeaperfectlynewcargoonboard，withthatrapiditywhichthecircumstancesrequired，orwithoutjumblingandconfoundingthetwo。Consequently，insteadofputtingonhiscoatandwaistcoatwithanythingliketheimpetuositythatcouldalonehavekeptpacewithWalter\'smood，hedeclinedtoinvesthimselfwiththosegarmentsatallatpresent；andinformedWalterthatonsuchaseriousmatter，hemustbeallowedto`bitehisnailsabit。\'
`It\'sanoldhabitofmine，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，`anytimethesefiftyyear。WhenyouseeNedCuttlebitehisnails，Wal\'r，thenyoumayknowthatNedCuttle\'saground。\'
ThereupontheCaptainputhisironhookbetweenhisteeth，asifitwereahand；andwithanairofwisdomandprofunditythatwastheveryconcentrationandsublimationofallphilosophicalreflectionandgraveinquiry，appliedhimselftotheconsiderationofthesubjectinitsvariousbranches。
`There\'safriendofmine，\'murmuredtheCaptain，inanabsentmanner，`buthe\'satpresentcoastingroundtoWhitby，thatwoulddeliversuchanopiniononthissubject，oranyotherthatcouldbenamed，aswouldgiveParliamentsixandbeat\'em。Beenknockedoverboard，thatman，\'saidtheCaptain，`twice，andnonetheworseforit。Wasbeatinhisapprenticeship，forthreeweeksoffandon，abouttheheadwitharingbolt。Andyetaclearer-mindedmandon\'twalk。\'
InspiteofhisrespectforCaptainCuttle，Waltercouldnothelpinwardlyrejoicingattheabsenceofthissage，anddevoutlyhopingthathislimpidintellectmightnotbebroughttobearonhisdifficultiesuntiltheywerequitesettled。
`IfyouwastotakeandshowthatmanthebuoyattheNore，\'saidCaptainCuttleinthesametone，`andaskhimhisopinionofit，Wal\'r，he\'dgiveyouanopinionthatwasnomorelikethatbuoythanyouruncle\'sbuttonsare。Thereain\'tamanthatwalks——certainlynotontwolegs——thatcancomenearhim。Notnearhim！\'
`What\'shisname，CaptainCuttle？\'inquiredWalter，determinedtobeinterestedintheCaptain\'sfriend。
`Hisname\'sBunsby，\'saidtheCaptain。`ButLord，itmightbeanythingforthematterofthat，withsuchamindashis！\'
TheexactideawhichtheCaptainattachedtothisconcludingpieceofpraise，hedidnotfurtherelucidate；neitherdidWalterseektodrawitforth。Foronhisbeginningtoreview，withthevivacitynaturaltohimselfandtohissituation，theleadingpointsinhisownaffairs，hesoondiscoveredthattheCaptainhadrelapsedintohisformerprofoundstateofmind；andthatwhileheeyedhimsteadfastlyfrombeneathhisbushyeyebrows，heevidentlyneithersawnotheardhim，butremainedimmersedincogitation。
Infact，CaptainCuttlewaslabouringwithsuchgreatdesigns，thatfarfrombeingaground，hesoongotoffintothedeepestofwater，andcouldfindnobottomtohispenetration。BydegreesitbecameperfectlyplaintotheCaptainthattherewassomemistakehere；thatitwasundoubtedlymuchmorelikelytobeWalter\'smistakethanhis；thatiftherewerereallyanyWestIndiaschemeafoot，itwasaverydifferentonefromwhatWalter，whowasyoungandrash，supposed；andcouldonlybesomenewdeviceformakinghisfortunewithunusualcelerity。`Orifthereshouldbeanylittlehitchbetween\'em，\'thoughttheCaptain，meaningbetweenWalterandMr。
Dombey，`itonlywantsawordinseasonfromafriendofbothparties，tosetitrightandsmooth，andmakealltautagain。\'CaptainCuttle\'sdeductionfromtheseconsiderationswas，thatashealreadyenjoyedthepleasureofknowingMr。Dombey，fromhavingspentaveryagreeablehalf-hourinhiscompanyatBrightononthemorningwhentheyborrowedthemoney；
andthat，asacoupleofmenoftheworld，whounderstoodeachother，andweremutuallydisposedtomakethingscomfortable，couldeasilyarrangeanylittledifficultyofthissort，andcomeattherealfacts；thefriendlythingforhimtodowouldbe，withoutsavinganythingaboutittoWalteratpresent，justtostepuptoMr。Dombey\'shouse——saytotheservant`Wouldyebesogood，mylad，asreportCap\'enCuttlehere？\'——meetMr。Dombeyinaconfidentialspirit——hookhimbythebutton-hole——talkitover——makeitallright——andcomeawaytriumphant！
AsthesereflectionspresentedthemselvestotheCaptain\'smind，andbyslowdegreesassumedthisshapeandform，hisvisageclearedlikeadoubtfulmorningwhenitgivesplacetoabrightnoon。Hiseyebrows，whichhadbeeninthehighestdegreeportentous，smoothedtheirruggedbristlingaspect，andbecameserene；hiseyes，whichhadbeennearlyclosedintheseverityofhismentalexercise，openedfreely；asmilewhichhadbeenatfirstbutthreespecks——oneattheright-handcornerofhismouth，andoneatthecornerofeacheye——graduallyoverspreadhiswholeface，andripplingupintohisforehead，liftedtheglazedhat：asifthattoohadbeenagroundwithCaptainCuttle，andwerenow，likehim，happilyafloatagain。
FinallytheCaptainleftoffbitinghisnails，andsaid，`Now，Wal\'r，myboy，youmayhelpmeonwiththemslops。\'BywhichtheCaptainmeanthiscoatandwaistcoat。
WalterlittleimaginedwhytheCaptainwassoparticularinthearrangementofhiscravat，astotwistthependentendsintoasortofpigtail，andpassthemthroughamassivegoldringwithapictureofatombuponit，andaneatironrailing，andatree，inmemoryofsomedeceasedfriend。NorwhytheCaptainpulleduphisshirt-collartotheutmostlimitsallowedbytheIrishlinenbelow，andbysodoingdecoratedhimselfwithacompletepairofblinkers；norwhyhechangedhisshoes，andputonanunparalleledpairofankle-jacks，whichheonlyworeonextraordinaryoccasions。
TheCaptainbeingatlengthattiredtohisowncompletesatisfaction，andhavingglancedathimselffromheadtofootinashaving-glasswhichheremovedfromanailforthatpurpose，tookuphisknottedstick，andsaidhewasready。
TheCaptain\'swalkwasmorecomplacentthanusualwhentheygotoutintothestreet；butthisWaltersupposedtobetheeffectoftheankle-jacks，andtooklittleheedof。Beforetheyhadgoneveryfar，theyencounteredawomansellingflowers；whentheCaptainstoppingshort，asifstruckbyahappyidea，madeapurchaseofalargestbundleinherbasket：amostgloriousnosegay，fan-shaped，sometwofeetandahalfround，andcomposedofallthejolliest-lookingflowersthatblow。
ArmedwiththislittletokenwhichhedesignedforMr。Dombey，CaptainCuttlewalkedonwithWalteruntiltheyreachedtheInstrument-maker\'sdoor，beforewhichtheybothpaused。
`You\'regoingin？\'saidWalter。
`Yes，\'returnedtheCaptain，whofeltthatWaltermustbegotridofbeforeheproceededanyfurther，andthathehadbettertimehisprojectedvisitsomewhatlaterintheday。
`Andyouwon\'tforgetanything？\'
`No，\'returnedtheCaptain。
`I\'llgouponmywalkatonce，\'saidWalter，`andthenIshallbeoutoftheway，CaptainCuttle。\'
`Takeagoodlong\'un，mylad！\'repliedtheCaptain，callingafterhim。Walterwavedhishandinassent，andwenthisway。
Hiswaywasnowhereinparticular；buthethoughthewouldgooutintothefields，wherehecouldreflectupontheunknownlifebeforehim，andrestingundersometree，ponderquietly。HeknewnobetterfieldsthanthosenearHampstead，andnobettermeansofgettingatthemthanbypassingMr。Dombey\'shouse。
Itwasasstatelyandasdarkasever，whenhewentbyandglancedupatitsfrowningfront。Theblindswereallpulleddown，buttheupperwindowsstoodwideopen，andthepleasantairstirringthosecurtainsandwavingthemtoandfro，wastheonlysignofanimationinthewholeexterior。
Walterwalkedsoftlyashepassed，andwasgladwhenhehadleftthehouseadoorortwobehind。
Helookedbackthen；withtheinteresthehadalwaysfeltfortheplacesincetheadventureofthelostchild，yearsago；andlookedespeciallyatthoseupperwindows。Whilehewasthusengaged，achariotdrovetothedoor，andaportlygentlemaninblack，withaheavywatch-chain，alighted，andwentin。Whenheafterwardsrememberedthisgentlemanandhisequipagetogether，Walterhadnodoubthewasaphysician；andthenhewonderedwhowasill；butthediscoverydidnotoccurtohimuntilhehadwalkedsomedistance，thinkinglistlesslyofotherthings。
Thoughstill，ofwhatthehousehadsuggestedtohim；forWalterpleasedhimselfwiththinkingthatperhapsthetimemightcome，whenthebeautifulchildwhowashisoldfriendandhadalwaysbeensogratefultohimandsogladtoseehimsince，mightinterestherbrotherinhisbehalfandinfluencehisfortunesforthebetter。Helikedtoimaginethis——more，atthatmoment，forthepleasureofimagininghercontinuedremembranceofhim，thanforanyworldlyprofithemightgain：butanotherandmoresoberfancywhisperedtohimthatifhewerealivethen，hewouldbebeyondtheseaandforgotten；shemarried，rich，proud，happy。Therewasnomorereasonwhysheshouldrememberhimwithanyinterestinsuchanalteredstateofthings，thananyplaythingsheeverhad。No，notsomuch。
YetWaltersoidealisedtheprettychildwhomhehadfoundwanderingintheroughstreets，andsoidentifiedherwithherinnocentgratitudeofthatnightandthesimplicityandtruthofitsexpression，thatheblushedforhimselfasalibellerwhenhearguedthatshecouldevergrowproud。
Ontheotherhand，hismeditationswereofthatfantasticorderthatitseemedhardlylesslibellousinhimtoimaginehergrownawoman：tothinkofherasanythingbutthesameartless，gentle，winninglittlecreature，thatshehadbeeninthedaysofgoodMrs。Brown。Inaword，WalterfoundoutthattoreasonwithhimselfaboutFlorenceatall，wastobecomeveryunreasonableindeed；andthathecoulddonotbetterthanpreserveherimageinhismindassomethingprecious，unattainable，unchangeable，andindefinite——indefiniteinallitspowerofgivinghimpleasure，andrestraininghimlikeanangel\'shandfromanythingunworthy。
ItwasalongstrollinthefieldsthatWaltertookthatday，listeningtothebirds，andtheSundaybells，andthesoftenedmurmurofthetown——breathingsweetscents；glancingsometimesatthedimhorizonbeyondwhichhisvoyageandhisplaceofdestinationlay；thenlookingroundonthegreenEnglishgrassandthehomelandscape。Buthehardlyoncethought，evenofgoingaway，distinctly；andseemedtoputoffreflectionidly，fromhourtohour，andfromminutetominute，whileheyetwentonreflectingallthetime。
Walterhadleftthefieldsbehindhim，andwasploddinghomewardinthesameabstractedmood，whenheheardashoutfromaman，andthenawoman\'svoicecallingtohimloudlybyname。Turningquicklyinhissurprise，hesawthatahackney-coach，goinginthecontrarydirection，hadstoppedatnogreatdistance；thatthecoachmanwaslookingbackfromhisboxandmakingsignalstohimwithhiswhip；andthatayoungwomaninsidewasleaningoutofthewindow，andbeckoningwithimmenseenergy。Runninguptothiscoach，hefoundthattheyoungwomanwasMissNipper，andthatMissNipperwasinsuchaflutterastobealmostbesideherself。
`Staggs\'sGardens，Mr。Walter！\'saidMissNipper：`ifyouplease，ohdo！\'
`Eh？\'criedWalter；`whatisthematter？\'
`Oh，Mr。Walter，Staggs\'sGardens，ifyouplease！\'saidSusan。
`There！\'criedthecoachman，appealingtoWalter，withasortofexultingdespair；`that\'sthewaytheyounglady\'sbeenagoin\'onforup\'ardsofamortalhour，andmecontinivallybackingoutofnothoroughfares，whereshewoulddriveup。I\'vehadamanyfaresinthiscoach，firstandlast，butneversuchafareasher。\'
`DoyouwanttogotoStaggs\'sGardens，Susan？\'inquiredWalter。
`Ah！Shewantstogothere！WHEREISIT？\'growledthecoachman。
`Idon\'tknowwhereitis！\'exclaimedSusan，wildly。`Mr。Walter，Iwasthereoncemyself，alongwithMissFloyandourpoordarlingMasterPaul，ontheverydaywhenyoufoundMissFloyintheCity，forwelosthercominghome，Mrs。Richardsandme，andamadbull，andMrs。Richards\'seldest，andthoughIwentthereafterwards，Ican\'trememberwhereitis，Ithinkit\'ssunkintotheground。Oh，Mr。Walter，don\'tdesertme，Staggs\'sGardens，ifyouplease！MissFloy\'sdarling——allourdarlings——little，meek，meekMasterPaul！OhMr。Walter！\'
`GoodGod！\'criedWalter。`Isheveryill？\'
`Theprettyflower！\'criedSusan，wringingherhands，`hastookthefancythathe\'dliketoseehisoldnurse，andI\'vecometobringhertohisbedside，Mrs。Staggs，ofPollyToodle\'sGardens，someonepray！\'
Greatlymovedbywhatheheard，andcatchingSusan\'searnestnessimmediately，Walter，nowthatheunderstoodthenatureofhererrand，dashedintoitwithsuchardourthatthecoachmanhadenoughtodotofollowcloselyasheranbefore，inquiringhereandthereandeverywhere，thewaytoStaggs\'sGardens。
TherewasnosuchplaceasStaggs\'sGardens。Ithadvanishedfromtheearth。Wheretheoldrottensummer-housesoncehadstood，placesnowrearedtheirheads，andgranitecolumnsofgiganticgirthopenedavistatotherailwayworldbeyond。Themiserablewasteground，wheretherefuse-matterhadbeenheapedofyore，wasswallowedupandgone；andinitsfrowsysteadweretiersofwarehouses，crammedwithrichgoodsandcostlymerchandise。
Theoldby-streetsnowswarmedwithpassengersandvehiclesofeverykind：
thenewstreetsthathadstoppeddisheartenedinthemudandwaggon-ruts，formedtownswithinthemselves，originatingwholesomecomfortsandconveniencesbelongingtothemselves，andnevertriednorthoughtofuntiltheysprungintoexistence。Bridgesthathadledtonothing，ledtovillas，gardens，churches，healthypublicwalks。Thecarcassesofhouses，andbeginningsofnewthoroughfares，hadstartedoffuponthelineatsteam\'sownspeed，andshotawayintothecountryinamonstertrain。
Astotheneighbourhoodwhichhadhesitatedtoacknowledgetherailroadinitsstragglingdays，thathadgrownwiseandpenitent，asanyChristianmightinsuchacase，andnowboastedofitspowerfulandprosperousrelation。Therewererailwaypatternsinitsdrapers\'shops，andrailwayjournalsinthewindowsofitsnewsmen。Therewererailwayhotels，office-houses，lodging-houses，boarding-houses；railwayplans，maps，views，wrappers，bottles，sandwich-boxes，andtimetables；railwayhackney-coachandcabstands；
railwayomni-buses，railwaystreetsandbuildings，railwayhangers-onandparasites，andflatterersoutofallcalculation。Therewasevenrailwaytimeobservedinclocks，asifthesunitselfhadgivenin。Amongthevanquishedwasthemasterchimney-sweeper，whilomeincredulousatStaggs\'sGardens，whonowlivedinastuccoedhousethreestorieshigh，andgavehimselfout，withgoldenflourishesuponavarnishedboard，ascontractorforthecleansingofrailwaychimneysbymachinery。
Toandfromtheheartofthisgreatchange，alldayandnight，throbbingcurrentsrushedandreturnedincessantlylikeitslife\'sblood。
Crowdsofpeopleandmountainsofgoods，departingandarrivingscoresuponscoresoftimesineveryfour-and-twentyhours，producedafermentationintheplacethatwasalwaysinaction。Theveryhousesseemeddisposedtopackupandtaketrips。WonderfulMembersofParliament，who，littlemorethantwentyyearsbefore，hadmadethemselvesmerrywiththewildrailroadtheoriesofengineers，andgiventhemtheliveliestrubsincross-examination，wentdownintothenorthwiththeirwatchesintheirhands，andsentonmessagesbeforebytheelectrictelegraph，tosaythattheywerecoming。
Nightanddaytheconqueringenginesrumbledattheirdistantwork，or，advancingsmoothlytotheirjourney\'send，andglidingliketamedragonsintotheallottedcornersgroovedouttotheinchfortheirreception，stoodbubblingandtremblingthere，makingthewallsquake，asiftheyweredilatingwiththesecretknowledgeofgreatpowersyetunsuspectedinthem，andstrongpurposesnotyetachieved。
ButStaggs\'sGardenshadbeencutuprootandbranch。Ohwoethedaywhen`notaroodofEnglishground\'——laidoutinStaggs\'sGardens——issecure！
Atlast，aftermuchfruitlessinquiry，Walter，followedbythecoachandSusan，foundamanwhohadonceresidedinthatvanishedland，andwhowasnootherthanthemastersweepbeforereferredto，grownstout，andknockingadoubleknockathisowndoor。HeknowedToodle，hesaid，well。BelongedtotheRailroad，didn\'the？
`Yes，sir，yes！\'criedSusanNipperfromthecoachwindow。
Wheredidhelivenow？hastilyinquiredWalter。
HelivedintheCompany\'sownBuildings，secondturningtotheright，downtheyard，crossover，andtakethesecondontherightagain。
Itwasnumbereleven；theycouldn\'tmistakeit；butiftheydid，theyhadonlytoaskforToodle，EngineFireman，andanyonewouldshowthemwhichwashishouse。Atthisunexpectedstrokeofsuccess，SusanNipperdismountedfromthecoachwithallspeed，tookWalter\'sarm，andsetoffatabreathlesspaceonfoot；leavingthecoachtheretoawaittheirreturn。
`Hasthelittleboybeenlongill，Susan？\'inquiredWalter，astheyhurriedon。
`Ailingforadealoftime，butnooneknewhowmuch，\'saidSusan；
adding，withexcessivesharpness，`Oh，themBlimbers！\'
`Blimbers？\'echoedWalter。
`Icouldn\'tforgivemyselfatsuchatimeasthis，Mr。Walter，\'
saidSusan，`andwhenthere\'ssomuchseriousdistresstothinkabout，ifIrestedhardonanyone，especiallyonthemthatlittledarlingPaulspeakswellof，butImaywishthatthefamilywassettoworkinastonysoiltomakenewroads，andthatMissBlimberwentinfront，andhadthepickaxe！\'
MissNipperthentookbreath，andwentonfasterthanbefore，asifthisextraordinaryaspirationhadrelievedher。Walter，whohadbythistimenobreathofhisowntospare，hurriedalongwithoutaskinganymorequestions；andtheysoon，intheirimpatience，burstinatalittledoorandcameintoacleanparlourfullofchildren。
`Where\'sMrs。Richards？\'exclaimedSusanNipper，lookinground。
`OhMrs。Richards，Mrs。Richards，comealongwithme，mydearcreetur！\'
`Why，ifitan\'tSusan！\'criedPolly，risingwithherhonestfaceandmotherlyfigurefromamongthegroup，ingreatsurprise。
`Yes，Mrs。Richards，it\'sme，\'saidSusan，`andIwishitwasn\'t，thoughImaynotseemtoflatterwhenIsayso，butlittleMasterPaulisveryill，andtoldhisPato-daythathewouldliketoseethefaceofhisoldnurse，andhimandMissFloyhopeyou\'llcomealongwithme——andMr。Walter，Mrs。Richards——forgettingwhatispast，anddoakindnesstothesweetdearthatiswitheringaway。Oh，Mrs。Richards，witheringaway！\'
SusanNippercrying，Pollyshedtearstoseeher，andtohearwhatshehadsaid；andallthechildrengatheredroundincludingnumbersofnewbabies；andMr。Toodle，whohadjustcomehomefromBirmingham，andwaseatinghisdinneroutofabasin，laiddownhisknifeandfork，andputonhiswife\'sbonnetandshawlforher，whichwerehangingupbehindthedoor；thentappedherontheback；andsaid，withmorefatherlyfeelingthaneloquence，`Polly！cutaway！\'
Sotheygotbacktothecoach，longbeforethecoachmanexpectedthem；andWalter，puttingSusanandMrs。Richardsinside，tookhisseatontheboxhimselfthattheremightbenomoremistakes，anddepositedthemsafelyinthehallofMr。Dombey\'shouse——where，bythebye，hesawamightynosegaylying，whichremindedhimoftheoneCaptainCuttlehadpurchasedinhiscompanythatmorning。Hewouldhavelingeredtoknowmoreoftheyounginvalid，orwaitedanylengthoftimetoseeifhecouldrendertheleastservice；but，painfullysensiblethatsuchconductwouldbelookeduponbyMr。Dombeyaspresumptuousandforward，hereturnedslowly，sadly，anxiously，away。
Hehadnotgonefiveminutes\'walkfromthedoor，whenamancamerunningafterhim，andbeggedhimtoreturn。Walterretracedhisstepsasquicklyashecould，andenteredthegloomyhousewithasorrowfulforeboding。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter16[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIWhattheWaveswerealwayssayingPAULhadneverrisenfromhislittlebed。Helaythere，listeningtothenoisesinthestreet，quitetranquilly；notcaringmuchhowthetimewent，butwatchingitandwatchingeverythingabouthimwithobservingeyes。
Whenthesunbeamsstruckintohisroomthroughtherustlingblinds，andquiveredontheoppositewalllikegoldenwater，heknewthateveningwascomingon，andthattheskywasredandbeautiful。Asthereflectiondiedaway，andagloomwentcreepingupthewall，hewatcheditdeepen，deepen，deepen，intonight。Thenhethoughthowthelongstreetsweredottedwithlamps，andhowthepeacefulstarswereshiningoverhead。Hisfancyhadastrangetendencytowandertotheriver，whichheknewwasflowingthroughthegreatcity；andnowhethoughthowblackitwas，andhowdeepitwouldlook，reflectingthehostsofstars——andmorethanall，howsteadilyitrolledawaytomeetthesea。
Asitgrewlaterinthenight，andfootstepsinthestreetbecamesorarethathecouldhearthemcoming，countthemastheypassed，andlosetheminthehollowdistance，hewouldlieandwatchthemany-colouredringaboutthecandle，andwaitpatientlyforday。Hisonlytroublewas，theswiftandrapidriver。Hefeltforced，sometimes，totrytostopit——tostemitwithhischildishhands——orchokeitswaywithsand——andwhenhesawitcomingon，resistless，hecriedout！ButawordfromFlorence，whowasalwaysathisside，restoredhimtohimself；andleaninghispoorheaduponherbreast，hetoldFloyofhisdream，andsmiled。
Whendaybegantodawnagain，hewatchedforthesun；andwhenitscheerfullightbegantosparkleintheroom，hepicturedtohimself——pictured！
hesaw——thehighchurchtowersrisingupintothemorningsky，thetownreviving，waking，startingintolifeoncemore，theriverglisteningasitrolledbutrollingfastasever，andthecountrybrightwithdew。
Familiarsoundsandcriescamebydegreesintothestreetbelow；theservantsinthehousewererousedandbusy；faceslookedinatthedoor，andvoicesaskedhisattendantssoftlyhowhewas。Paulalwaysansweredforhimself，`Iambetter。Iamagreatdealbetter，thankyou！TellPapaso！\'
Bylittleandlittle，hegottiredofthebustleoftheday，thenoiseofcarriagesandcarts，andpeoplepassingandrepassing；andwouldfallasleep，orbetroubledwitharestlessanduneasysenseagain——thechildcouldhardlytellwhetherthiswereinhissleepingorhiswakingmoments——ofthatrushingriver。`Why，willitneverstop，Floy？\'hewouldsometimesaskher。`Itisbearingmeaway，Ithink！\'
ButFloycouldalwayssootheandreassurehim；anditwashisdailydelighttomakeherlayherheaddownonhispillow，andtakesomerest。
`Youarealwayswatchingme，Floy。Letmewatchyou，now！\'
Theywouldprophimupwithcushionsinacornerofhisbed，andtherehewouldreclinethewhileshelaybesidehim：bendingforwardoftentimestokissher，andwhisperingtothosewhowerenearthatshewastired，andhowshehadsatupsomanynightbesidehim。
Thus，theflushoftheday，initsheatandlight，wouldgraduallydecline；andagainthegoldenwaterwouldbedancingonthewall。
Hewasvisitedbyasmanyasthreegravedoctors——theyusedtoassembledownstairs，andcomeuptogether——andtheroomwassoquiet，andPaulwassoobservantofthemthoughheneveraskedofanybodywhattheysaid，thatheevenknewthedifferenceinthesoundoftheirwatches。
ButhisinterestcentredinSirParkerPeps，whoalwaystookhisseatonthesideofthebed。ForPaulhadheardthemsaylongago，thatthatgentlemanhadbeenwithhismamawhensheclaspedFlorenceinherarms，anddied。
Andhecouldnotforgetit，now。Helikedhimforit。Hewasnotafraid。
ThepeopleroundhimchangedasunaccountablyasonthatfirstnightatDoctorBlimber\'s——exceptFlorence；Florenceneverchanged——andwhathadbeenSirParkerPeps，wasnowhisfather，sittingwithhisheaduponhishand。OldMrs。Pipchindozinginaneasychair，oftenchangedtoMissTox，orhisaunt；andPaulwasquitecontenttoshuthiseyesagain，andseewhathappenednextwithoutemotion。Butthisfigurewithitsheaduponitshandreturnedsooften，andremainedsolong，andsatsostillandsolemn，neverspeaking，neverbeingspokento，andrarelyliftingupitsface，thatPaulbegantowonderlanguidly，ifitwerereal；andinthenight-timesawitsittingthere，withfear。
`Floy！\'hesaid。`Whatisthat？\'
`Where，dearest？\'
`There！atthebottomofthebed。\'
`There\'snothingthere，exceptPapa！\'
Thefigureliftedupitshead，androse，andcomingtothebeside，said：`Myownboy！Don\'tyouknowme？\'
Paullookeditintheface，andthought，wasthishisfather？
Butthefacesoalteredtohisthinking，thrilledwhilehegazed，asifitwereinpain；andbeforehecouldreachoutbothhishandstotakeitbetweenthem，anddrawittowardshim，thefigureturnedawayquicklyfromthelittlebed，andwentoutatthedoor。
PaullookedatFlorencewithaflutteringheart，butheknewwhatshewasgoingtosay，andstoppedherwithhisfaceagainstherlips。Thenexttimeheobservedthefiguresittingatthebottomofthebed，hecalledtoit。
`Don\'tbesosorryforme，dearPapa！IndeedIamquitehappy！\'
Hisfathercomingandbendingdowntohim——whichhedidquickly，andwithoutfirstpausingbythebedside——Paulheldhimroundtheneck，andrepeatedthosewordstohimseveraltimes，andveryearnestly；andPaulneversawhiminhisroomagainatanytime，whetheritweredayornight，buthecalledout，`Don\'tbesosorryforme！IndeedIamquitehappy！\'Thiswasthebeginningofhisalwayssayinginthemorningthathewasagreatdealbetter，andthattheyweretotellhisfatherso。
Howmanytimesthegoldenwaterdanceduponthewall；howmanynightsthedark，darkriverrolledtowardstheseainspiteofhim；Paulnevercounted，neversoughttoknow。Iftheirkindness，orhissenseofit，couldhaveincreased，theyweremorekind，andhemoregratefuleveryday；butwhethertheyweremanydaysorfew，appearedoflittlemomentnow，tothegentleboy。
Onenighthehadbeenthinkingofhismother，andherpictureinthedrawing-roomdownstairs，andthoughtshemusthavelovedsweetFlorencebetterthanhisfatherdid，tohaveheldherinherarmswhenshefeltthatshewasdying——forevenhe，herbrother，whohadsuchdearloveforher，couldhavenogreaterwishthanthat。Thetrainofthoughtsuggestedtohimtoinquireifhehadeverseenhismother；forhecouldnotrememberwhethertheyhadtoldhim，yesorno，theriverrunningveryfast，andconfusinghismind。
`Floy，didIeverseemama？\'
`No，darling，why？\'
`DidIeverseeanykindface，likemama\'s，lookingatmewhenIwasababy，Floy？\'
Heasked，incredulously，asifhehadsomevisionofafacebeforehim。
`Ohyes，dear！\'
`Whose，Floy？\'
`Youroldnurse\'s。Often。\'
`Andwhereismyoldnurse？\'saidPaul。`Isshedeadtoo？Floy，arewealldead，exceptyou？\'
Therewasahurryintheroom，foraninstant——longer，perhaps；butitseemednomore——thenallwasstillagain；andFlorence，withherfacequitecolourless，butsmiling，heldhisheaduponherarm。Herarmtrembledverymuch。
`Showmethatoldnurse，Floy，ifyouplease！\'
`Sheisnothere，darling。Sheshallcometo-morrow。\'
`Thankyou，Floy！\'
Paulclosedhiseyeswiththosewords，andfellasleep。Whenheawoke，thesunwashigh，andthebroaddaywasclearandwarm。Helayalittle，lookingatthewindows，whichwereopen，andthecurtainsrustlingintheair，andwavingtoandfro：thenhesaid，`Floy，isitto-morrow？
Isshecome？\'
Someoneseemedtogoinquestofher。PerhapsitwasSusan。Paulthoughtheheardhertellinghimwhenhehadclosedhiseyesagain，thatshewouldsoonbeback；buthedidnotopenthemtosee。Shekeptherword——perhapsshehadneverbeenaway——butthenextthingthathappenedwasanoiseoffootstepsonthestairs，andthenPaulwoke——wokemindandbody——andsatuprightinhisbed。Hesawthemnowabouthim。Therewasnogreymistbeforethem，astherehadbeensometimesinthenight。Heknewthemeveryone，andcalledthembytheirnames。
`Andwhoisthis？Isthismyoldnurse？\'saidthechild，regardingwitharadiantsmile，afigurecomingin。
Yes，yes。Nootherstrangerwouldhaveshedthosetearsatsightofhim，andcalledhimherdearboy，herprettyboy，herownpoorblightedchild。Nootherwomanwouldhavestoopeddownbyhisbed，andtakenuphiswastedhand，andputittoherlipsandbreast，asonewhohadsomerighttofondleit。NootherwomanwouldhavesoforgotteneverybodytherebuthimandFloy，andbeensofulloftendernessandpity。
`Floy！thisisakindgoodface！\'saidPaul。`Iamgladtoseeagain。Don\'tgoaway，oldnurse！Stayhere。\'
Hissenseswereallquickened，andheheardanameheknew。
`Whowasthat，whosaid“Walter“？\'heasked，lookinground。`SomeonesaidWalter。Ishehere？Ishouldliketoseehimverymuch。\'
Nobodyreplieddirectly；buthisfathersoonsaidtoSusan，`Callhimback，then：lethimcomeup！\'Afterashortpauseofexpectation，duringwhichhelookedwithsmilinginterestandwonder，onhisnurse，andsawthatshehadnotforgottenFloy，Walterwasbroughtintotheroom。Hisopenfaceandmanner，andhischeerfuleyes，hadalwaysmadehimafavouritewithPaul；andwhenPaulsawhim，hestretchedouthishand，andsaid`Good-bye！\'
`Good-bye，mychild！\'saidMrs。Pipchin，hurryingtohisbed\'shead。`Notgood-bye？\'
Foraninstant，Paullookedatherwiththewistfulfacewithwhichhehadsooftengazeduponherinhiscornerbythefire。`Ahyes，\'
hesaidplacidly，`good-bye！Walterdear，good-bye！\'——turninghisheadtowherehestood，andputtingouthishandagain。`WhereisPapa？\'
Hefelthisfather\'sbreathuponhischeck，beforethewordshadpartedfromhislips。
`RememberWalter，dearpapa，\'hewhispered，lookinginhisface。
`RememberWalter。IwasfondofWalter！\'Thefeeblehandwavedintheair，asifitcried`good-bye！\'toWalteronceagain。
`Nowlaymedown，\'hesaid，`and，Floy，comeclosetome，andletmeseeyou！\'
Sisterandbrotherwoundtheirarmsaroundeachother，andthegoldenlightcamestreamingin，andfelluponthem，lockedtogether。
`Howfasttheriverruns，betweenitsgreenbanksandtherushes，Floy！Butit\'sverynearthesea。Ihearthewaves！Theyalwayssaidso！\'
Presentlyhetoldherthatthemotionoftheboatuponthestreamwaslullinghimtorest。Howgreenthebankswerenow，howbrighttheflowersgrowingonthem，andhowtalltherushes！Nowtheboatwasoutatsea，butglidingsmoothlyon。Andnowtherewasashorebeforehim。Whostoodonthebank！——
Heputhishandstogether，ashehadbeenusedtodoathisprayers。
Hedidnotremovehisarmstodoit；buttheysawhimfoldthemso，behindherneck。
`Mamaislikeyou，Floy。Iknowherbytheface！Buttellthemthattheprintuponthestairsatschoolisnotdivineenough。ThelightabouttheheadisshiningonmeasIgo！\'
Thegoldenrippleonthewallcamebackagain，andnothingelsestirredintheroom。Theold，oldfashion！Thefashionthatcameinwithourfirstgarments，andwilllastunchangeduntilourracehasrunitscourse，andthewidefirmamentisrolleduplikeascroll。Theold，oldfashion——Death！
OhthankGod，allwhoseeit，forthatolderfashionyet，ofImmortality！
Andlookuponus，angelsofyoungchildren，withregardsnotquiteestranged，whentheswiftriverbearsustotheocean！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter17[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIICaptainCuttledoesalittleBusinessfortheYoungPeopleCAPTAINCUTTLE，intheexerciseofthatsurprisingtalentfordeep-laidandunfathomablescheming，withwhichasisnotunusualinmenoftransparentsimplicityhesincerelybelievedhimselftobeendowedbynature，hadgonetoMr。Dombey\'shouseontheeventfulSunday，winkingallthewayasaventforhissuperfluoussagacity，andhadpresentedhimselfinthefulllustreoftheankle-jacksbeforetheeyesofTowlinson。Hearingfromthatindividual，tohisgreatconcern，oftheimpendingcalamity，CaptainCuttle，inhisdelicacy，sheeredoffagainconfounded；merelyhandinginthenosegayasasmallmarkofhissolicitude，andleavinghisrespectfulcomplimentsforthefamilyingeneral，whichheaccompaniedwithanexpressionofhishopethattheywouldlaytheirheadswelltothewindunderexistingcircumstances，andafriendlyintimationthathewould`lookupagain\'
to-morrow。
TheCaptain\'scomplimentswereneverheardofanymore。TheCaptain\'snosegay，afterlyinginthehallallnight，wassweptintothedust-binnextmorning；andtheCaptain\'sslyarrangement，involvedinonecatastrophewithgreaterhopesandloftierdesigns，wascrushedtopieces。Sowhenanavalanchebearsdownamountain-forest，twigsandbushessufferwiththetrees，andallperishtogether。
WhenWalterreturnedhomeontheSundayeveningfromhislongwalk，anditsmemorableclose，hewastoomuchoccupiedatfirstbythetidingshehadtogivethem，andbytheemotionsnaturallyawakenedinhisbreastbythescenethroughwhichhehadpassed，toobserveeitherthathisunclewasevidentlyunacquaintedwiththeintelligencetheCaptainhadundertakentoimpart，orthattheCaptainmadesignalswithhishook，warninghimtoavoidthesubject。NotthattheCaptain\'ssignalswerecalculatedtohaveprovedverycomprehensible，howeverattentivelyobserved；for，likethoseChinesesageswhoaresaidintheirconferencestowritecertainlearnedwordsintheairthatarewhollyimpossibleofpronunciation，theCaptainmadesuchwavesandflourishesasnobodywithoutapreviousknowledgeofhismystery，wouldhavebeenatalllikelytounderstand。
CaptainCuttle，however，becomingcognisantofwhathadhappened，relinquishedtheseattempts，asheperceivedtheslenderchancethatnowexistedofhisbeingabletoobtainalittleeasychatwithMr。DombeybeforetheperiodofWalter\'sdeparture。Butinadmittingtohimself，withadisappointedandcrestfallencountenance，thatSolGillsmustbetold，andthatWaltermustgo——takingthecaseforthepresentashefoundit，andnothavingitenlightenedorimprovedbeforehandbytheknowingmanagementofafriend——theCaptainstillfeltanunabatedconfidencethathe，NedCuttle，wasthemanforMr。Dombey；andthat，tosetWalter\'sfortunesquitesquare，nothingwaswantedbutthattheytwoshouldcometogether。
FortheCaptainnevercouldforgethowwellheandMr。DombeyhadgotonatBrighton；withwhatnicetyeachofthemhadputinawordwhenitwaswanted；howexactlytheyhadtakenoneanother\'smeasure；norhowNedCuttlehadpointedoutthatresourceinthefirstextremity，andhadbroughttheinterviewtothedesiredtermination。OnallthesegroundstheCaptainsoothedhimselfwiththinkingthatthoughNedCuttlewasforcedbythepressureofeventsto`standby\'almostuselessforthepresent，Nedwouldfetchupwithawetsailingoodtime，andcarryallbeforehim。
Undertheinfluenceofthisgood-natureddelusion，CaptainCuttleevenwenttofarastorevolveinhisownbosom，whilehesatlookingatWalterandlisteningwithatearonhisshirt-collartowhatherelated，whetheritmightnotbeatoncegenteelandpolitictogiveMr。Dombeyaverbalinvitation，whenevertheyshouldmeet，tocomeandcuthismuttoninBrigPlaceonsomedayofhisownnaming，andenteronthequestionofhisyoungfriend\'sprospectsoverasocialglass。ButtheuncertaintemperofMrs。MacStinger，andthepossibilityofhersettingupherrestinthepassageduringsuchanentertainment，andtheredeliveringsomehomilyofanuncomplimentarynature，operatedasacheckontheCaptain\'shospitablethoughts，andrenderedhimtimidofgivingthemencouragement。
OnefactwasquitecleartotheCaptain，asWalter，sittingthoughtfullyoverhisuntasteddinner，dweltonallthathadhappened；namely，thathoweverWalter\'smodestymightstandinthewayofhisperceivingithimself，hewasasonemightsay，amemberofMrs。Dombey\'sfamily。Hehadbeen，inhisownperson，connectedwiththeincidenthesopatheticallydescribed；
hehadbeenbynamerememberedandcommendedincloseassociationwithit；andhisfortunesmusthaveaparticularinterestinhisemployer\'seyes。IftheCaptainhadanylurkingdoubtwhateverofhisownconclusions，hehadnottheleastdoubtthattheyweregoodconclusionsforthepeaceofmindoftheInstrument-maker。ThereforeheavailedhimselfofsofavourableamovementforbreakingtheWestIndianIntelligencetohisoldfriend，asapieceofextraordinarypreferment；declaringthatforhisparthewouldfreelygiveahundredthousandpoundsifhehaditforWalter\'sgaininthelong-run，andthathehadnodoubtsuchaninvestmentwouldyieldahandsomepremium。
SolomonGillswasatfirststunnedbythecommunication，whichfelluponthelittleback-parlourlikeathunderbolt，andtoreupthehearthsavagely。ButtheCaptainflashedsuchgoldenprospectsbeforehisdimsight：hintedsomysteriouslyatWhittingtonianconsequences；laidsuchemphasisonwhatWalterhadjustnowtoldthem：andappealedtoitsoconfidentlyasacorroborationofhispredictions，andagreatadvancetowardstherealisationoftheromanticlegendofLovelyPeg：thathebewilderedtheoldman。Walter，forhispart，feignedtobesofullofhopeandardour，andsosureofcominghomeagainsoon，andbackeduptheCaptainwithsuchexpressiveshakingsofhisheadandrubbingsofhishands，thatSolomon，lookingfirstathimandthenatCaptainCuttle，begantothinkheoughttobetransportedwithjoy。
`ButI\'mbehindthetime，youunderstand，\'heobservedinapology，passinghishandnervouslydownthewholerowofbrightbuttonsonhiscoat，andthenupagain，asiftheywerebeadsandheweretellingthemtwiceover：`andIwouldratherhavemydearboyhere。It\'sanold-fashionednotion，Idaresay。Hewasalwaysfondofthesea。He\'s\'——andhelookedwistfullyatWalter——he\'sgladtogo。\'
`UncleSol！\'criedWalter，quickly，`ifyousaythat，Iwon\'tgo。No，CaptainCuttle，Iwon\'t。IfmyunclethinksIcouldbegladtoleavehim，thoughIwasgoingtobemadeGovernorofalltheIslandsintheWestIndies，that\'senough。I\'mafixture。\'
`Wal\'r，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain。`Steady！SolGills，takeanobservationofyournevy。\'
FollowingwithhiseyesthemajesticactionoftheCaptain\'shook，theoldmanlookedatWalter。
`Hereisacertaincraft，\'saidtheCaptain，withamagnificentsenseoftheallegoryintowhichhewassoaring，`a-goingtoputoutonacertainvoyage。Whatnameiswroteuponthatcraftindelibly？IsitTheGay？or，\'saidtheCaptain，raisinghisvoiceasmuchastosay，observethepointofthis，`isitTheGills？\'
`Ned，\'saidtheoldman，drawingWaltertohisside，andtakinghisarmtenderlythroughhis，`Iknow。Iknow。OfcourseIknowthatWallyconsidersmemorethanhimselfalways。That\'sinmymind。WhenIsayheisgladtogo，ImeanIhopeheis。Eh？lookyou，Ned，andyoutoo，Wally，mydear，thisisnewandunexpectedtome；andI\'mafraidmybeingbehindthetime，andpoor，isatthebottomofit。Isitreallygoodfortuneforhim，doyoutellme，now？\'saidtheoldman，lookinganxiouslyfromonetotheother。`Reallyandtruly？Isit？IcanreconcilemyselftoalmostanythingthatadvancesWally，butIwon\'thaveWallyputtinghimselfatanydisadvantageforme，orkeepinganythingfromme。You，NedCuttle！\'
saidtheoldman，fasteningontheCaptain，tothemanifestconfusionofthatdiplomatist；`areyoudealingplainlybyyouroldfriend？Speakout，NedCuttle。Isthereanythingbehind？Oughthetogo？Howdoyouknowitfirst，andwhy？\'
Asitwasacontestofaffectionandself-denial，Walterstruckinwithinfiniteeffect，totheCaptain\'srelief；andbetweenthemtheytolerablyreconciledoldSolGills，bycontinuedtalking，totheproject；
orrathersoconfusedhim，thatnothing，noteventhepainofseparation，wasdistinctlycleartohismind。
Hehadnotmuchtimetobalancethematter；forontheverynextday，WalterreceivedfromMr。CarkertheManager，thenecessarycredentialsforhispassageandoutfit，togetherwiththeinformationthattheSonandHeirwouldsaidinafortnight，orwithinadayortwoafterwardsatlatest。Inthehurryofpreparation：whichWalterpurposelyenhancedasmuchaspossible：theoldmanlostwhatlittleself-possessionheeverhad；andsothetimeofdeparturedrewonrapidly。
TheCaptain，whodidnotfailtomakehimselfacquaintedwithallthatpassed，throughinquiriesofWalterfromdaytoday，foundthetimestilltendingontowardshisgoingaway，withoutanyoccasionofferingitself，orseeminglikelytoofferitself，forabetterunderstandingofhisposition。Itwasaftermuchconsiderationofthisfact，andmuchponderingoversuchanunfortunatecombinationofcircumstances，thatabrightideaoccurredtotheCaptain。SupposehemadeacallonMr。Carker，andtriedtofindoutfromhimhowthelandreallylay！
CaptainCuttlelikedthisideaverymuch。Itcameuponhiminamomentofinspiration，ashewassmokinganearlypipeinBrigPlaceafterbreakfast；anditwasworthyofthetobacco。Itwouldquiethisconscience，whichwasanhonestone，andwasmadealittleuneasybywhatWalterhadconfidedtohim，andwhatSolGillshadsaid；anditwouldbeadeep，shrewdactoffriendship。HewouldsoundMr。Carkercarefully，andsaymuchorlittle，justashereadthatgentleman\'scharacter，anddiscoveredthattheygotonwelltogetherorthereverse。
AccordinglywithoutthefearofWalterbeforehiseyeswhoheknewwasathomepacking，CaptainCuttleagainassumedhisankle-jacksandmourningbrooch，andissuedforthonthissecondexpedition。Hepurchasednopropitiatorynosegayonthepresentoccasion，ashewasgoingtoaplaceofbusiness；butheputasmallsunflowerinhisbutton-holetogivehimselfanagreeablerelishofthecountry；andwiththis，andtheknobbystick，andtheglazedhat，boredownupontheofficesofDombeyandSon。
Aftertakingaglassofwarmrum-and-wateratataverncloseby，tocollecthisthoughts，theCaptainmadearushdownthecourt，lestitsgoodeffectsshouldevaporate，andappearedsuddenlytoMr。Perch。
`Matey，\'saidtheCaptain，inpersuasiveaccents。`OneofyourGovernorsisnamedCarker。\'
Mr。Perchadmittedit；butgavehimtounderstand，asinofficialdutybound，thatallhisGovernorswereengaged，andneverexpectedtobedisengagedanymore。
`Look\'eehere，mate，\'saidtheCaptaininhisear；`myname\'sCap\'enCuttle。\'
TheCaptainwouldhavehookedPerchgentlytohim，butMr。Percheludedtheattempt；notsomuchindesign，asinstartingatthesuddenthoughtthatsuchaweaponunexpectedlyexhibitedtoMrs。Perchmight，inherthencondition，bedestructivetothatlady\'shopes。
`Ifyou\'llbesogoodasjustreportCap\'enCuttlehere，whenyougetachance，\'saidtheCaptain，`I\'llwait。\'
Sayingwhich，theCaptaintookhisseatonMr。Perch\'sbracket，anddrawingouthishandkerchieffromthecrownoftheglazedhat，whichhejammedbetweenhiskneeswithoutinjurytoitsshape，fornothinghumancouldbendit，rubbedhisheadwellallover，andappearedrefreshed。
Hesubsequentlyarrangedhishairwithhishook，andsatlookingroundtheoffice，contemplatingtheclerkswithaserenerespect。
TheCaptain\'sequanimitywassoimpenetrable，andhewasaltogethersomysteriousabeing，thatPerchthemessengerwasdaunted。
`Whatnamewasityousaid？\'askedMr。Perch，bendingdownoverhimashesatonthebracket。
`Cap\'en，\'inadeephoarsewhisper。
`Yes，\'saidMr。Perch，keepingtimewithhishead。
`Cuttle。\'
`Oh！\'saidMr。Perch，inthesametone，forhecaughtit，andcouldn\'thelpit；theCaptain，inhisdiplomacy，wassoimpressive。`I\'llseeifhe\'sdisengagednow。Idon\'tknow。Perhapshemaybeforaminute。\'
`Aye，aye，mylad，Iwon\'tdetainhimlongerthanaminute，\'saidtheCaptain，noddingwithalltheweightyimportancethathefeltwithinhim。Perch，soonreturning，said，`WillCaptainCuttlewalkthisway？\'