Mr。CarkertheManager，standingonthehearth-rugbeforetheemptyfireplace，whichwasornamentedwithacastellatedsheetofbrownpaper，lookedattheCaptainashecamein，withnoveryspecialencouragement。
`Mr。Carker？\'saidCaptainCuttle。
`Ibelieveso，\'saidMr。Carker，showingallhisteeth。
TheCaptainlikedhisansweringwithasmile；itlookedpleasant。
`Yousee，\'begantheCaptain，rollinghiseyesslowlyroundthelittleroom，andtakinginasmuchofitashisshirt-collarpermitted；`I\'maseafaringmanmyself，Mr。Carker，andWal\'r，asisonyourbookshere，isalmostasonofmine。\'
`WalterGay？\'saidMr。Carker，showingallhisteethagain。
`Wal\'rGayitis，\'repliedtheCaptain，`right！\'TheCaptain\'smannerexpressedawarmapprovalofMr。Carker\'squicknessofperception。
`I\'maintimatefriendofhisandhisuncle\'s。Perhaps，\'saidtheCaptain，`youmayhaveheardyourheadGovernormentionmyname？——CaptainCuttle。\'
`No！\'saidMr。Carker，withastillwiderdemonstrationthanbefore。
`Well，\'resumedtheCaptain，`I\'vethepleasureofhisacquaintance。
IwaiteduponhimdownontheSussexcoastthere，withmyyoungfriendWal\'r，when——inshort，whentherewasalittleaccommodationwanted。\'TheCaptainnoddedhisheadinamannerthatwasatoncecomfortable，easy，andexpressive。`Youremember，Idaresay？\'
`Ithink，\'saidMr。Carker，`Ihadthehonourofarrangingthebusiness。\'
`Tobesure！\'returnedtheCaptain。`Rightagain！youhad。NowI\'vetookthelibertyofcominghere——\'
`Won\'tyousitdown？\'saidMr。Carker，smiling。
`Thank\'ee，\'returnedtheCaptain，availinghimselfoftheoffer。
`Amandoesgetmorewayuponhimself，perhaps，inhisconversation，whenhesitsdown。Won\'tyoutakeacheeryourself？\'
`Nothankyou，\'saidtheManager，standing，perhapsfromtheforceofwinterhabit，withhisbackagainstthechimney-piece，andlookingdownupontheCaptainwithaneyeineverytoothandgum。`Youhavetakentheliberty，youweregoingtosay——thoughit\'snone——\'
`Thank\'eekindly，mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain：`ofcominghere，onaccountofmyfriendWal\'r。SolGills，hisuncle，isamanofscience，andinsciencehemaybeconsideredaclipper；butheain\'twhatIshouldaltogethercallaableseaman——notamanofpractice。Wal\'risastrimaladaseverstepped；buthe\'salittledownbytheheadinonerespect，andthatismodesty。NowwhatIshouldwishtoputtoyou，\'saidtheCaptain，loweringhisvoice，andspeakinginakindofconfidentialgrowl，`inafriendlyway，entirelybetweenyouandme，andformyownprivatereckoning，\'tillyourheadGovernorhasworeroundabit，andIcancomealongsideofhim，isthis——Iseverythingrightandcomfortablehere，andisWal\'rout\'ardboundwithaprettyfairwind？\'
`Whatdoyouthinknow，CaptainCuttle？\'returnedCarker，gatheringuphisskirtsandsettlinghimselfinhisposition。`Youareapracticalman；whatdoyouthink？\'
TheacutenessandsignificanceoftheCaptain\'seyeashecockeditinreply，nowordsshortofthoseunutterableChinesewordsbeforereferredtocoulddescribe。
`Come！\'saidtheCaptain，unspeakablyencouraged，`whatdoyousay？AmIrightorwrong？\'
SomuchhadtheCaptainexpressedinhiseye，emboldenedandincitedbyMr。Carker\'ssmilingurbanity，thathefelthimselfinasfairaconditiontoputthequestion，asifhehadexpressedhissentimentswiththeutmostelaboration。
`Right，\'saidMr。Carker，`Ihavenodoubt。\'
`Out\'ardboundwithfairweather，then，Isay，\'criedCaptainCuttle。
Mr。Carkersmiledassent。
`Windrightastarn，andplentyofit，\'pursuedtheCaptain。
Mr。Carkersmiledassentagain。
`Aye，aye！\'saidCaptainCuttle，greatlyrelievedandpleased。
`Iknow\'dhowsheheaded，wellenough；ItoldWal\'rso。Thank\'ee，thank\'ee。\'
`Gayhasbrilliantprospects，\'observedMr。Carker，stretchinghismouthwideryet：`alltheworldbeforehim。\'
`Alltheworldandhiswifetoo，asthesayingis，\'returnedthedelightedCaptain。
Attheword`wife\'whichhehadutteredwithoutdesign，theCaptainstopped，cockedhiseyeagain，andputtingtheglazedhatonthetopoftheknobbystick，gaveitatwirl，andlookedsidewaysathisalwayssmilingfriend。
`I\'dbetagillofoldJamaica，\'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimattentively，`thatIknowwhatyou\'resmilingat。\'
Mr。Carkertookhiscue，andsmiledthemore。
`Itgoesnofarther？\'saidtheCaptain，makingapokeatthedoorwiththeknobbysticktoassurehimselfthatitwasshut。
`Notaninch，\'saidMr。Carker。
`You\'rethinkingofacapitalFperhaps？\'saidtheCaptain。
Mr。Carkerdidn\'tdenyit。
`AnythingaboutaL，\'saidtheCaptain，`oraO？\'
Mr。Carkerstillsmiled。
`AmIrightagain？\'inquiredtheCaptaininawhisper，withthescarletcircleonhisforeheadswellinginhistriumphantjoy。
Mr。Carker，inreply，stillsmiling，andnownoddingassent，CaptainCuttleroseandsqueezedhimbythehand，assuringhim，warmly，thattheywereonthesametack，andthatasforhimCuttlehehadlaidhiscoursethatwayallalong。`Heknow\'dherfirst，\'saidtheCaptain，withallthesecrecyandgravitythatthesubjectdemanded，`inanuncommonmanner——yourememberhisfindingherinthestreetwhenshewasa\'mostababby——hehaslikedhereversince，andshehim，asmuchastwosuchyoungsterscan。
We\'vealwayssaid，SolGillsandme，thattheywascutoutforeachother。\'
Acat，oramonkey，orahyena，oradeath\'s-head，couldnothaveshowntheCaptainmoreteethatonetime，thanMr。Carkershowedhimatthisperiodoftheirinterview。
`There\'sageneralin-draughtthatway，\'observedthehappyCaptain。
`Windandwatersetsinthatdirection，yousee。Lookathisbeingpresentt\'otherday！\'
`Mostfavourabletohishopes，\'saidMr。Carker。
`Lookathisbeingtowedalonginthewakeofthatday！\'pursuedtheCaptain。`Whywhatcancuthimadriftnow？\'
`Nothing，\'repliedMr。Carker。
`You\'rerightagain，\'returnedtheCaptain，givinghishandanothersqueeze。`Nothingitis。So！steady！There\'sasongone：prettylittlecreetur。Ain\'tthere？\'
`Yes，there\'sasongone，\'saidtheacquiescentCarker。
`Passtheword，andthere\'sanotherreadyforyou，\'quoththeCaptain。
`Nevyofascientificuncle！NevyofSolGills！Wal\'r！Wal\'r，asisalreadyinyourbusiness！And\'——saidtheCaptain，risinggraduallytoaquotationhewaspreparingforafinalburst，`who——comesfromSolGills\'sdaily，toyourbusiness，andyourbuzzums。\'
TheCaptain\'scomplacencyashegentlyjoggedMr。Carkerwithhiselbow，onconcludingeachoftheforegoingshortsentences，couldbesurpassedbynothingbuttheexultationwithwhichhefellbackandeyedhimwhenhehadfinishedthisbrilliantdisplayofeloquenceandsagacity；
hisgreatbluewaistcoatheavingwiththethroesofsuchamasterpiece，andhisnoseinastateofviolentinflammationfromthesamecause。
`AmIright？\'saidtheCaptain。
`CaptainCuttle，\'saidMr。Carker，bendingdownattheknees，foramoment，inanoddmanner，asifhewerefallingtogethertohugthewholeofhimselfatonce，`yourviewsinreferencetoWalterGayarethoroughlyandaccuratelyright。Iunderstandthatwespeaktogetherinconfidence。\'
`Honour！\'interposedtheCaptain。`Notaword。\'
`Tohimoranyone？\'pursuedtheManager。
CaptainCuttlefrownedandshookhishead。
`Butmerelyforyourownsatisfactionandguidance——andguidance，ofcourse，\'repeatedMr。Carker，`withaviewtoyourfutureproceedings。\'
`Thank\'eekindly，Iamsure，\'saidtheCaptain，listeningwithgreatattention。
`Ihavenohesitationinsaying，that\'sthefact。Youhavehittheprobabilitiesexactly。\'
`AndwithregardtoyourheadGovernor，\'saidtheCaptain，`whyaninterviewhadbettercomeaboutnat\'ralbetweenus。There\'stimeenough。\'
Mr。Carker，withhismouthfromeartoear，repeated，`Timeenough。\'
Notarticulatingthewords，butbowinghisheadaffably，andformingthemwithhistongueandlips。
`AndasIknow——it\'swhatIalwayssaid——thatWal\'r\'sinawaytomakehisfortune，\'saidtheCaptain。
`Tomakehisfortune，\'Mr。Carkerrepeated，inthesamedumbmanner。
`AndasWal\'r\'sgoingonthislittlevoyageis，asImaysay，inhisday\'swork，andapartofhisgeneralexpectationshere，\'saidtheCaptain。
`Ofhisgeneralexpectationshere，\'assentedMr。Carker，dumblyasbefore。
`Why，solongasIknowthat，\'pursuedtheCaptain，`there\'snohurry，andmymind\'satease。\'
Mr。Carkerstillblandlyassentinginthesamevoicelessmanner，CaptainCuttlewasstronglyconfirmedinhisopinionthathewasoneofthemostagreeablemenhehadevermet，andthatevenMr。Dombeymightimprovehimselfonsuchamodel。Withgreatheartiness，therefore，theCaptainonceagainextendedhisenormoushandnotunlikeanoldblockincolour，andgavehimagripthatleftuponhissmootherfleshaproofimpressionofthechinksandcreviceswithwhichtheCaptain\'spalmwasliberallytattooed。
`Farewell！\'saidtheCaptain。`Ian\'tamanofmanywords，butItakeitverykindofyoutobesofriendly，andabove-board。You\'llexcusemeifI\'vebeenatallintruding，willyou？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Notatall，\'returnedtheother。
`Thank\'ee。Myberthan\'tveryroomy，\'saidtheCaptain，turningbackagain，`butit\'stolerablysnug；andifyouwastofindyourselfnearBrigPlace，numbernine，atanytime——willyoumakeanoteofit？——andwouldcomeupstairs，withoutmindingwhatwassaidbythepersonatthedoor，Ishouldbeproudtoseeyou。\'
Withthathospitableinvitation，theCaptainsaid`Goodday！\'andwalkedoutandshutthedoor；leavingMr。Carkerstillrecliningagainstthechimney-piece。
Inwhoseslylookandwatchfulmanner；inwhosefalsemouth，stretchedbutnotlaughing；inwhosespotlesscravatandverywhiskers；eveninwhosesilentpassingofhissofthandoverhiswhitelinenandhissmoothface；
therewassomethingdesperatelycat-like。
TheunconsciousCaptainwalkedoutinastateofself-glorificationthatimpartedquiteanewcuttothebroadbluesuit。`Standby，Ned！\'
saidtheCaptaintohimself。`You\'vedonealittlebusinessfortheyoungstersto-day，mylad！\'
Inhisexultation，andinhisfamiliarity，presentandprospective，withtheHouse，theCaptain，whenhereachedtheouteroffice，couldnotrefrainfromrallyingMr。Perchalittle，andaskinghimwhetherhethoughteverybodywasstillengaged。Butnottobebitteronamanwhohaddonehisduty，theCaptainwhisperedinhisear，thatifhefeltdisposedforaglassofrum-and-water，andwouldfollow，hewouldbehappytobestowthesameuponhim。
Beforeleavingthepremises，theCaptain，somewhattotheastonishmentoftheclerks，lookedroundfromacentralpointofview，andtookageneralsurveyoftheofficeaspartandparcelofaprojectinwhichhisyoungfriendwasnearlyinterested。Thestrong-roomexcitedhisespecialadmiration；
but，thathemightnotappeartooparticular，helimitedhimselftoanapprovingglance，and，withagracefulrecognitionoftheclerksasabody，thatwasfullofpolitenessandpatronage，passedoutintothecourt。BeingpromptlyjoinedbyMr。Perch，heconveyedthatgentlemantothetavern，andfulfilledhispledge——hastily，forPerch\'stimewasprecious。
`I\'llgiveyouforatoast，\'saidtheCaptain，`Wal\'r！\'
`Who？\'submittedMr。Perch。
`Wal\'r！\'repeatedtheCaptain，inavoiceofthunder。
Mr。Perch，whoseemedtorememberhavingheardininfancythattherewasonceapoetofthatname，madenoobjection；buthewasmuchastonishedattheCaptain\'scomingintotheCitytoproposetopoet；indeed，ifhehadproposedtoputapoet\'sstatueup——sayShakespeare\'sforexample——inacivicthoroughfare，hecouldhardlyhavedoneagreateroutragetoMr。
Perch\'sexperience。Onthewhole，hewassuchamysteriousandincomprehensiblecharacter，thatMr。PerchdecidednottomentionhimtoMrs。Perchatall，incaseofgivingrisetoanydisagreeableconsequences。
Mysteriousandincomprehensible，theCaptain，withthatlivelysenseuponhimofhavingdonealittlebusinessfortheyoungsters，remainedallday，eventohismostintimatefriends；andbutthatWalterattributedhiswinksandgrins，andothersuchpantomimicreliefsofhimself，tohissatisfactioninthesuccessoftheirinnocentdeceptionuponoldSolGills，hewouldassuredlyhavebetrayedhimselfbeforenight。Asitwas，however，hekepthisownsecret；andwenthomelatefromtheInstrument-maker\'shouse，wearingtheglazedhatsomuchononeside，andcarryingsuchabeamingexpressioninhiseyes，thatMrs。MacStingerwhomighthavebeenbroughtupatDoctorBlimber\'s，shewassuchaRomanmatronfortifiedherself，atthefirstglimpseofhim，behindtheopenstreetdoor，andrefusedtocomeouttothecontemplationofherblessedinfants，untilhewassecurelylodgedinhisownroom。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter18[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXVIIIFatherandDaughterTHEREisahushthroughMr。Dombey\'shouse。Servantsglidingupanddownstairsrustle，butmakenosoundoffootsteps。Theytalktogetherconstantly，andsitlongatmeals，makingmuchoftheirmeatanddrink，andenjoyingthemselvesafteragrimunholyfashion。Mrs。Wickam，withhereyessuffusedwithtears，relatesmelancholyanecdotes；andtellsthemhowshealwayssaidatMrs。Pipchin\'sthatitwouldbeso，andtakesmoretable-aletanusual，andisverysorrybutsociable。Cook\'sstateofmindissimilar。
Shepromisesalittlefryforsupper，andstrugglesaboutequallyagainstherfeelingsandtheonions。Towlinsonbeginstothinkthere\'safateinit，andwantstoknowifanybodycantellhimofanygoodthatevercameoflivinginacornerhouse。Itseemstoallofthemashavinghappenedalongtimeago；thoughyetthechildlies，calmandbeautiful，uponhislittlebed。
Afterdarktherecomesomevisitors——noiselessvisitors，withshoesoffelt——whohavebeentherebefore；andwiththemcomesthatbedofrestwhichissostrangeaoneforinfantsleepers。Allthistime，thebereavedfatherhasnotbeenseenevenbythisattendant；forhesitsinaninnercornerofhisowndarkroomwhenanyoneisthere，andneverseemstomoveatothertimes，excepttopaceittoandfro。Butinthemorningitiswhisperedamongthehouseholdthathewasheardtogoupstairsinthedeadnight，andthathestayedthere——intheroom——untilthesunwasshining。
AttheofficesintheCity，theground-glasswindowsaremademoredimbyshutters；andwhilethelightedlampsuponthedesksarehalfextinguishedbythedaythatwandersin，thedayishalfextinguishedbythelamps，andanunusualgloomprevails。Thereisnotmuchbusinessdone。
Theclerksareindisposedtowork；andtheymakeassignationstoeatchopsintheafternoon，andgouptheriver。Perch，themessenger，stayslonguponhiserrands；andfindshimselfinbarsofpublic-houses，invitedthitherbyfriends，andholdingforthontheuncertaintyofhumanaffairs。HegoeshometoBall\'sPondearlierintheeveningthanusual，andtreatsMrs。
Perchtoavealcutletandscotchale。Mr。CarkertheManagertreatsnoone；neitherishetreated；butaloneinhisownroomheshowshisteethallday；anditwouldseemthatthereissomethinggonefromMr。Carker\'spath——someobstaclereremoved——whichclearshiswaybeforehim。
NowtherosychildrenlivingoppositetoMr。Dombey\'shouse，peepfromtheirnurserywindowsdownintothestreet；fortherearefourblackhorsesathisdoor，withfeathersontheirheads；andfeatherstrembleonthecarriagethattheydraw；andthese，andanarrayofmenwithscarvesandstaves，attractacrowd。Thejugglerwhowasgoingtotwirlthebasin，putshisloosecoatonagainoverhisfinedress；andhistrudgingwife，one-sidedwithherheavybabyinherarms，loiterstoseethecompanycomeout。Butclosertoherdingybreastshepressesherbaby，whentheburdenthatissoeasilycarriedisborneforth；andtheyoungestoftherosychildrenatthehighwindowopposite，needsnorestraininghandtocheckherinherglee，when，pointingwithherdimpledfinger，shelooksintohernurse\'sface，andasks`What\'sthat？\'
Andnow，amongtheknotofservantsdressedinmourning，andtheweepingwomen，Mr。Dombeypassesthroughthehalltotheothercarriagethatiswaitingtoreceivehim。Heisnot`broughtdown，\'theseobservesthink，bysorrowanddistressofmind。Hiswalkisaserect，hisbearingisasstiffaseverithasbeen。Hehideshisfacebehindnohandkerchief，andlooksbeforehim。Butthathisfaceissomethingsunkandrigid，andispale，itbearsthesameexpressionasofold。Hetakeshisplacewithinthecarriage，andthreeothergentlemenfollow。Thenthegrandfuneralmovesslowlydownthestreet。Thefeathersareyetnoddinginthedistance，whenthejugglerhasthebasinspinningonacane，andhasthesamecrowdtoadmireit。Butthejuggler\'swifeislessalertthanusualwiththemoney-box，forachild\'sburialhassetherthinkingthatperhapsthebabyunderneathhershabbyshawlmaynotgrowuptobeaman，andwearasky-bluefilletroundhishead，andsalmon-colouredworsteddrawers，andtumbleinthemud。
Thefeatherswindtheirgloomywayalongthestreets，andcomewithinthesoundofachurchbell。Inthissamechurch，theprettyboyreceivedallthatwillsoonbeleftofhimonearth——aname。Allofhimthatisdead，theylaythere，neartheperishablesubstanceofhismother。
Itiswell。TheirashesliewhereFlorenceinherwalks——ohlonely，lonelywalks！——maypassthemanyday。
Theserviceover，andtheclergymanwithdrawn，Mr。Dombeylooksround，demandinginalowvoice，whetherthepersonwhohasbeenrequestedtoattendtoreceiveinstructionsforthetablet，isthere？
Someonecomesforward，andsays`Yes。\'
Mr。Dombeyintimateswherehewouldhaveitplaced；andshowshim，withhishanduponthewall，theshapeandsize；andhowitistofollowthememorialtothemother。Then，withhispencil，hewritesouttheinscription，andgivesittohim：adding，`Iwishtohaveitdoneatonce。\'
`Itshallbedoneimmediately，Sir。\'
`Thereisreallynothingtoinscribebutnameandage，yousee。\'
Themanbows，glancingatthepaper，butappearstohesitate。
Mr。Dombeynotobservinghishesitation，turnsaway，andleadstowardstheporch。
`Ibegyourpardon，Sir；\'atouchfallsgentlyonhismourningcloak；`butasyouwishitdoneimmediately，anditmaybeputinhandwhenIgetback——\'
`Well？\'
`Willyoubesogoodasreaditoveragain？Ithinkthere\'samistake\'。
`Where？\'
Thestatuarygiveshimbackthepaper，andpointsout，withhispocketrule，thewords，`belovedandonlychild。\'
`Itshouldbe，`son，\'Ithink，Sir？\'
`Youareright。Ofcourse。Makethecorrection。\'
Thefather，withahastierstep，pursueshiswaytothecoach。
Whentheotherthree，whofollowclosely，taketheirseats，hisfaceishiddenforthefirsttime——shadedbyhiscloak。Nordotheyseeitanymorethatday。Healightsfirst，andpassesimmediatelyintohisownroom。
TheothermournerswhoareonlyMr。Chick，andtwoofthemedicalattendants
proceedupstairstothedrawing-room，tobereceivedbyMrs。ChickandMissTox。Andwhatthefaceis，intheshut-upchamberunderneath：orwhatthethoughtsare：whattheheartis，whatthecontestorthesuffering：
nooneknows。
Thechiefthingthattheyknowbelowstairs，inthekitchen，isthat`itseemslikeSunday。\'Theycanhardlypersuadethemselvesbutthatthereissomethingunbecoming，ifnotwicked，intheconductofthepeopleoutofdoors，whopursuetheirordinaryoccupations，andweareverydayattire。Itisquiteanoveltytohavetheblindsup，andtheshuttersopen：
andtheymakethemselvesdismallycomfortableoverbottlesofwine，whicharefreelybroachedasonafestival。Theyaremuchinclinestomoralise。
Mr。Towlinsonproposeswithasigh，`Amendmenttousall\'forwhich，asCooksayswithanothersigh，`There\'sroomenough，Godknows。\'Intheevening，Mrs。ChickandMissToxtaketoneedleworkagain。Intheeveningalso，Mr。Towlinsongoesouttotaketheair，accompaniedbythehousemaid，whohasnotyettriedhermourningbonnet。Theyareverytendertoeachotheratduskystreet-corners，andTowlinsonhasvisionsofleadinganalteredandblamelessexistenceasaseriousgreengrocerinOxfordMarket。
ThereissoundersleepanddeeperrestinMr。Dombey\'shouseto-night，thantherehasbeenformanynights。Themorningsunawakenstheoldhousehold，settleddownoncemoreintheiroldways。Therosychildrenoppositerunpastwithhoops。Thereisasplendidweddinginthechurch。Thejuggler\'swifeisactivewiththemoney-boxinanotherquarterofthetown。ThemasonsingsandwhistlesashechipsoutP-A-U-Linthemarbleslabbeforehim。
Andcanitbethatinaworldsofullandbusy，thelossofoneweakcreaturemakesavoidinanyheart，sowideanddeepthatnothingbutthewidthanddepthofvasteternitycanfillitup！Florence，inherinnocentaffliction，mighthaveanswered，`Ohmybrother，ohmydearlylovedandlovingbrother！Onlyfriendandcompanionofmyslightedchildhood！
Couldanylessideashedthelightalreadydawningonyourearlygrave，orgivebirthtothesoftenedsorrowthatisspringingintolifebeneaththisrainoftears！\'
`Mydearchild，\'saidMrs。Chick，whohelditasadutyincumbentonher，toimprovetheoccasion，`whenyouareasoldasIam——\'
`Whichwillbetheprimeoflife，\'observedMissTox。
`Youwillthen，\'pursuedMrs。Chick，gentlysqueezingMissTox\'shandinacknowledgmentofherfriendlyremark，`youwillthenknowthatallgriefisunavailing，andthatitisourdutytosubmit。\'
`Iwilltry，dearaunt。Idotry，\'answeredFlorence，sobbing。
`Iamgladtohearit，\'saidMrs。Chick，`because，mylove，asourdearMissTox——ofwhosesoundsenseandexcellentjudgment，therecannotpossiblybetwoopinions——\'
`MydearLouisa，Ishallreallybeproud，soon，\'saidMissTox——
`willtellyou，andconfirmbyherexperience，\'pursuedMrs。
Chick，`wearecalledupononalloccasionstomakeaneffort。Itisrequiredofus。Ifany——mydear，\'turningtoMissTox，`Iwantaword。Mis——Mis——\'
`Demeanour？\'suggestedMissTox。
`No，no，no，\'saidMrs。Chick。`Howcanyou！Goodnessme，it\'sontheendofmytongue。Mis——\'
`Placedaffection？\'suggestedMissTox，timidly。
`Goodgracious，Lucretia！\'returnedMrs。Chick。`Howverymonstrous！
Misanthrope，isthewordIwant。Theidea！Misplacedaffection！Isay，ifanymisanthropeweretoput，inmypresence，thequestion“Whywereweborn？”Ishouldreply，“Tomakeaneffort。“\'`Verygoodindeed，\'saidMissTox，muchimpressedbytheoriginalityofthesentiment。`Verygood。\'
`Unhappily，\'pursuedMrs。Chick，`wehaveawarningunderourowneyes。Wehavebuttoomuchreasontosuppose，mydearchild，thatifanefforthadbeenmadeintime，inthisfamily，atrainofthemosttryinganddistressingcircumstancesmighthavebeenavoided。Nothingshalleverpersuademe，\'observedthegoodmatron，witharesoluteair，`butthatifthatefforthadbeenmadebypoordearFanny，thepoordeardarlingchildwouldatleasthavehadastrongerconstitution。\'
Mrs。Chickabandonedherselftoherfeelingsforhalfamoment；
but，asapracticalillustrationofherdoctrine，broughtherselfupshort，inthemiddleofasob，andwentonagain。
`Therefore，Florence，prayletusseethatyouhavesomestrengthofmind，anddonotselfishlyaggravatethedistressinwhichyourpoorPapaisplunged。\'
`Dearaunt！\'saidFlorence，kneelingquicklydownbeforeher，thatshemightthebetterandmoreearnestlylookintoherface。`TellmemoreaboutPapa。Praytellmeabouthim！Ishequiteheartbroken？\'
MissToxwasofatendernature，andtherewassomethinginthisappealthatmovedherverymuch。Whethershesawitinasuccession，onthepartoftheneglectedchild，totheaffectionateconcernsooftenexpressedbyherdeadbrother——oralovethatsoughttotwineitselfabouttheheartthathadlovedhim，andthatcouldnotbeartobeshutoutfromsympathywithsuchasorrow，insuchsadcommunityofloveandgrief——orwhethersheonlyrecognisedtheearnestanddevotedspiritwhich，althoughdiscardedandrepulsed，waswrungwithtendernesslongunreturned，andinthewasteandsolitudeofthisbereavementcriedtohimtoseekacomfortinit，andtogivesome，bysomesmallresponse——whatevermayhavebeenherunderstandingofit，itmovedMissTox。ForthemomentsheforgotthemajestyofMrs。
Chick，and，pattingFlorencehastilyonthecheek，turnedasideandsufferedthetearstogushfromhereyes，withoutwaitingforaleadfromthatwisematron。
Mrs。Chickherselflost，foramoment，thepresenceofmindonwhichshesomuchpridedherself；andremainedmute，lookingonthebeautifulyoungfacethathadsolong，sosteadily，andpatiently，beenturnedtowardsthelittlebed。Butrecoveringhervoice——whichwassynonymouswithherpresenceofmind，indeedtheywereoneandthesamething——sherepliedwithdignity：
`Florence，mydearchild，yourpoorPapaispeculiarattimes；
andtoquestionmeabouthim，istoquestionmeuponasubjectwhichI
reallydonotpretendtounderstand。IbelieveIhaveasmuchinfluencewithyourPapaasanybodyhas。Still，allIcansayis，thathehassaidverylittletome；andthatIhaveonlyseenhimonceortwiceforaminuteatatime，andindeedhavehardlyseenhimthen，forhisroomhasbeendark。IhavesaidtoyourPapa，“Paul！”——thatistheexactexpressionI
used——“Paul！whydoyounottakesomethingstimulating？”YourPapa\'sreplyhasalwaysbeen，“Louisa，havethegoodnesstoleaveme。Iwantnothing。
Iambetterbymyself。“IfIwastobeputuponmyoathto-morrow，Lucretia，beforeamagistrate，\'saidMrs。Chick，`IhavenodoubtIcouldventuretosweartothoseidenticalwords。\'
MissToxexpressedheradmirationbysaying，`MyLouisaisevermethodical！\'
`Inshort，Florence，\'resumedheraunt，`literallynothinghaspassedbetweenyourpoorPapaandmyself，untilto-day；whenImentionedtoyourPapathatSirBarnetandLadySkettleshadwrittenexceedinglykindnotes——oursweetboy！LadySkettleslovedhimlikea——where\'smypockethandkerchief？\'
MissToxproducedone。
`Exceedinglykindnotes，proposingthatyoushouldvisitthemforchangeofscene。MentioningtoyourPapathatIthoughtMissToxandmyselfmightnowgohomeinwhichhequiteagreed，Iinquiredifhehadanyobjectiontoyouracceptingthisinvitation。Hesaid，“No，Louisa，nottheleast！”\'
Florenceraisedhertearfuleyes。
`Atthesametime，ifyouwouldpreferstayinghere，Florence，topayingthisvisitatpresent，ortogoinghomewithme——\'
`Ishouldmuchpreferit，aunt，\'wasthefaintrejoinder。
`Whythen，child，\'saidMrs。Chick，`youcan。It\'sastrangechoice，Imustsay。Butyoualwayswerestrange。Anybodyelseatyourtimeoflife，andafterwhathaspassed——mydearMissTox，Ihavelostmypockethandkerchiefagain——wouldbegladtoleavehere，onewouldsuppose。\'
`Ishouldnotlifetofeel，\'saidFlorence，`asifthehousewasavoided。Ishouldnotliketothinkthatthe——his——theroomsupstairswerequiteemptyanddreary，aunt。Iwouldratherstayhere，forthepresent。
Ohmybrother！ohmybrother！\'
Itwasanaturalemotion，nottobesuppressed；anditwouldmakewayevenbetweenthefingersofthehandswithwhichshecoveredupherface。Theoverchargedandheavy-ladenbreastmustsometimeshavethatvent，orthepoorwoundedsolitaryheartwithinitwouldhaveflutteredlikeabirdwithbrokenwings，andsunkdowninthedust。
`Well，child！\'saidMrs。Chick，afterapause。`Iwouldn\'tonanyaccountsayanythingunkindtoyou，andthatI\'msureyouknow。Youwillremainhere，then，anddoexactlyasyoulike。Noonewillinterferewithyou，Florence，orwishtointerferewithyou，I\'msure。\'
Florenceshookherheadinsadassent。
`IhadnosoonerbeguntoadviseyourpoorPapathathereallyoughttoseeksomedistractionandrestorationinatemporarychange，\'
saidMrs。Chick，`thanhetoldmehehadalreadyformedtheintentionofgoingintothecountryforashorttime。I\'msureIhopehe\'llgoverysoon。Hecan\'tgotoosoon。ButIsupposetherearesomearrangementsconnectedwithhisprivatepapersandsoforth，consequentontheafflictionthathastriedusallsomuch——Ican\'tthinkwhat\'sbecomeofmine：Lucretia，lendmeyours，mydear——thatmayoccupyhimforoneortwoeveningsinhisownroom。Yourpapa\'saDombey，child，ifevertherewasone，\'saidMrs。Chick，dryingbothhereyesatoncewithgreatcareonoppositecornersofMissTox\'shandkerchief。`He\'llmakeaneffort。There\'snofearofhim。\'
`Istherenothing，aunt，\'saidFlorence，trembling，`Imightdoto——\'
`Lord，mydearchild，\'interposedMrs。Chick，hastily，`whatareyoutalkingabout？IfyourPapasaidtoMe——Ihavegivenyouhisexactwords，“Louisa，Iwantnothing；Iambetterbymyself“——whatdoyouthinkhe\'dsaytoyou？Youmustn\'tshowyourselftohim，child。Don\'tdreamofsuchathing。\'
`Aunt，\'saidFlorence，`Iwillgoandliedownonmybed。\'
Mrs。Chickapprovedofthisresolution，anddismissedherwithakiss。ButMissTox，onafaintpretenceoflookingforthemislaidhandkerchief，wentupstairsafterher；andtriedinafewstolenminutestocomforther，inspiteofgreatdiscouragementfromSusanNipper。ForMissNipper，inherburningzeal，disparagedMissToxasacrocodile；yethersympathyseemedgenuine，andhadatleastthevantage-groundofdisinterestedness——therewaslittlefavourtobewonbyit。
AndwastherenooneneareranddearerthanSusan，toupholdthestrivingheartinitsanguish？Wastherenoothernecktoclasp；nootherfacetoturnto？nooneelsetosayasoothingwordtosuchdeepsorrow？
WasFlorencesoaloneinthebleakworldthatnothingelseremainedtoher？Nothing。Strickenmotherlessandbrotherlessatonce——forinthelossoflittlePaul，thatfirstandgreatestlossfellheavilyuponher——thiswastheonlyhelpshehad。Oh，whocantellhowmuchsheneededhelpatfirst！
Atfirst，whenthehousesubsidedintoitsaccustomedcourse，andtheyhadallgoneaway，excepttheservants，andherfathershutupinhisownrooms，Florencecoulddonothingbutweep，andwanderupanddown，andsometimes，inasuddenpangofdesolateremembrance，flytoherownchamber，wringherhands，layherfacedownonherbed，andknownoconsolation：nothingbutthebitternessandcrueltyofgrief。Thiscommonlyensuedupontherecognitionofsomespotorobjectverytenderlyassociatedwithhim；anditmadethemiserablehouse，atfirst，aplaceofagony。
Butitisnotinthenatureofpurelovetoburnsofiercelyandunkindlylong。Theflamethatinitsgrossercompositionhasthetaintofearth，maypreyuponthebreastthatgivesitshelter；butthesacredfirefromheavenisasgentleintheheart，aswhenitrestedontheheadsoftheassembledtwelve，andshowedeachmanhisbrother，brightenedandunhurt。Theimageconjuredup，theresoonreturnedtheplacidface，thesoftenedvoice，thelovinglooks，thequiettrustfulnessandpeace；andFlorence，thoughsheweptstill，weptmoretranquilly，andcourtedtheremembrance。
Itwasnotverylongbeforethegoldenwater，dancingonthewall，intheoldplace，attheoldserenetime，hadhercalmeyefixeduponitasitebbedaway。Itwasnotverylongbeforethatroomagainknewher，often；sittingtherealone，aspatientandasmildaswhenshehadwatchedbesidethelittlebed。Whenanysharpsenseofitsbeingemptysmoteuponher，shecouldkneelbesideit，andprayGOD——itwasthepouringoutofherfullheart——toletoneangelloveherandrememberher。
Itwasnotverylongbefore，inthemidstofthedismalhousesowideanddreary，herlowvoiceinthetwilight，slowlyandstoppingsometimes，touchedtheoldairtowhichhehadsooftenlistened，withhisdroopingheaduponherarm。Andafterthat，andwhenitwasquitedark，alittlestrainofmusictrembledintheroom：sosoftlyplayedandsung，thatitwasmorelikethemournfulrecollectionofwhatshehaddoneathisrequestonthatlastnight，thantherealityrepeated。Butitwasrepeated，often——veryoften，intheshadowysolitude；andbrokenmurmursofthestrainstilltrembledonthekeys，whenthesweetvoicewashushedintears。
Thusshegainedhearttolookupontheworkwithwhichherfingershadbeenbusybyhissideonthesea-shore；andthusitwasnotverylongbeforeshetooktoitagain——withsomethingofahumanloveforit，asifithadbeensentientandhadknownhim；and，sittinginawindow，nearhermother\'spicture，intheunusedroomsolongdeserted，woreawaythethoughtfulhours。
Whydidthedarkeyesturnsooftenfromthisworktowheretherosychildrenlived？Theywerenotimmediatelysuggestiveofherloss；
fortheywereallgirls：fourlittlesisters。Buttheyweremotherlesslikeher——andhadafather。
Itwaseasytoknowwhenhehadgoneoutandwasexpectedhome，fortheelderchildwasalwaysdressedandwaitingforhimatthedrawing-roomwindow，orinthebalcony；andwhenheappeared，herexpectantfacelightedupwithjoy，whiletheothersatthehighwindow，andalwaysonthewatchtoo，clappedtheirhands，anddrummedthemonthesill，andcalledtohim。
Theelderchildwouldcomedowntothehall，andputherhandinhis，andleadhimupthestairs；andFlorencewouldseeherafterwardssittingbyhisside，oronhisknee，orhangingcoaxinglyabouthisneckandtalkingtohim：andthoughtheywerealwaysgaytogether，hewouldoftenwatchherfaceasifhethoughtherlikehermotherthatwasdead。Florencewouldsometimeslooknomoreatthis，andburstingintotearswouldhidebehindthecurtainasifshewerefrightened，orwouldhurryfromthewindow。
Yetshecouldnothelpreturning；andherworkwouldsoonfallunheededfromherhandsagain。
Itwasthehousethathadbeenempty，yearsago，Ithadremainedsoforalongtime。Atlast，andwhileshehadbeenawayfromhome，thisfamilyhadtakenit；anditwasrepairedandnewlypainted；andtherewerebirdsandflowersaboutit；anditlookedverydifferentfromitsoldself。
Butsheneverthoughtofthehouse。Thechildrenandtheirfatherwereallinall。
Whenhehaddined，shecouldseethem，throughtheopenwindows，godownwiththeirgovernessornurse，andclusterroundthetable；andinthestillsummerweather，thesoundoftheirchildishvoicesandclearlaughterwouldcomeringingacrossthestreet，intothedroopingairoftheroominwhichshesat。Thentheywouldclimbandclamberupstairswithhim，andrompabouthimonthesofa，orgroupthemselvesathisknee，averynosegayoflittlefaces，whileheseemedtotellthemsomestory。
Ortheywouldcomerunningoutintothebalcony；andthenFlorencewouldhideherselfquickly，lestitshouldcheckthemintheirjoy，toseeherinherblackdress，sittingtherealone。
Theelderchildremainedwithherfatherwhentheresthadgoneaway，andmadehisteaforhim——happylittlehousekeepershewasthen！——andsatconversingwithhim，sometimesatthewindow，sometimesintheroom，untilthecandlescame。Hemadeherhiscompanion，thoughshewassomeyearsyoungerthanFlorence；andshecouldbeasstaidandpleasantlydemure，withherlittlebookorwork-box，asawoman。Whentheyhadcandles，Florencefromherowndarkroomwasnotafraidtolookagain。Butwhenthetimecameforthechildtosay`Goodnight，papa，\'andgotobed，Florencewouldsobandtrembleassheraisedherfacetohim，andcouldlooknomore。
Thoughstillshewouldturn，againandagain，beforegoingtobedherself，fromthesimpleairthathadlulledhimtorestsooften，longago，andfromtheotherlowsoftbrokenstrainofmusic，backtothathouse。Butthatsheeverthoughtofit，orwatchedit，wasasecretwhichshekeptwithinherownyoungbreast。
AnddidthatbreastofFlorence——Florence，soingenuousandtrue——soworthyofthelovethathehadborneher，andhadwhisperedinhislastfaintwords——whoseguilelessheartwasmirroredinthebeautyofherface，andbreathedineveryaccentofhergentlevoice——didthatyoungbreastholdanyothersecret？Yes。Onemore。
Whennooneinthehousewasstirring，andthelightswereallextinguished，shewouldsoftlyleaveherownroom，andwithnoiselessfeetdescendthestaircase，andapproachherfather\'sdoor。Againstit，scarcelybreathing，shewouldrestherfaceandhead，andpressherlips，intheyearningofherlove。Shecroucheduponthecoldstoneflooroutsideit，everynight，tolistenevenforhisbreath；andinheroneabsorbingwishtobeallowedtoshowhimsomeaffection，tobeaconso-lationtohim，towinhimovertotheenduranceofsometendernessfromher，hissolitarychild，shewouldhavekneltdownathisfeet，ifshehaddared，inhumblesupplication。
Nooneknewit。Noonethoughtofit。Thedoorwaseverclosed，andheshutupwithin。Hewentoutonceortwice，anditwassaidinthehousethathewasverysoongoingonhiscountryjourney；buthelivedinthoserooms，andlivedalone，andneversawher，orinquiredforher。
Perhapshedidnotevenknowthatshewasinthehouse。
Oneday，aboutaweekafterthefuneral，Florencewassittingatherwork，whenSusanappeared，withafacehalflaughingandhalfcryingtoannounceavisitor。
`Avisitor！Tome，Susan！\'saidFlorence，lookingupinastonishment。
`Well，itisawonder，ain\'titnow，MissFloy？\'saidSusan；
`butIwishyouhadamanyvisitors，Ido，indeed，foryou\'dbeallthebetterforit，andit\'smyopinionthatthesooneryouandmegoeseventothemoldSkettleses，Miss，thebetterforboth，Imaynotwishtoliveincrowds，MissFloy，butstillI\'mnotaoyster。\'
TodoMissNipperjustice，shespokemoreforheryoungmistressthanherself；andherfaceshowedit。
`Butthevisitor，Susan，\'saidFlorence。
Susan，withanhystericalexplosionthatwasasmuchalaughasasob，andasmuchasobasalaugh，answered，`Mr。Toots！\'
ThesmilethatappearedonFlorence\'sfacepassedfromitinamoment，andhereyesfilledwithtears。Butatanyrateitwasasmile，andthatgavegreatsatisfactiontoMissNipper。
`Myownfeelingsexactly，MissFloy，\'saidSusan，puttingheraprontohereyes，andshakingherhead。`ImmediatelyIseethatInnocentintheHall，MissFloy，Iburstoutlaughingfirst，andthenIchoked。\'
SusanNipperinvoluntarilyproceededtodothelikeagainonthespot。InthemeantimeMr。Toots，whohadcomeupstairsafterher，allunconsciousoftheeffectheproduced，announcedhimselfwithhisknucklesonthedoor，andwalkedinverybriskly。
`Howd\'yedo，MissDombey？\'saidMr。Toots。`I\'mverywell，I
thankyou；howareyou？\'
Mr。Toots——thanwhomtherewerefewbetterfellowsintheworld，thoughtheremayhavebeenoneortwobrighterspirits——hadlaboriouslyinventedthislongburstofdiscoursewiththeviewofrelievingthefeelingsbothofFlorenceandhimself。Butfindingthathehadrunthroughhisproperty，asitwere，inaninjudiciousmanner，bysquanderingthewholebeforetakingachair，orbeforeFlorencehadutteredaword，orbeforehehadwellgotinatthedoor，hedeemeditadvisabletobeginagain。
`Howd\'yedo，MissDombey？\'saidMr。Toots。`I\'mverywell，I
thankyou；howareyou？\'
Florencegavehimherhand，andsaidshewasverywell。
`I\'mverywellindeed，\'saidMr。Toots，takingachair。`Verywellindeed，Iam。Idon\'tremember，\'saidMr。Toots，afterreflectingalittle，`thatIwaseverbetter，thankyou。\'
`It\'sverykindofyoutocome，\'saidFlorence，takingupherwork。`Iamverygladtoseeyou。\'
Mr。Tootsrespondedwithachuckle。Thinkingthatmightbetoolively，hecorrecteditwithasigh。Thinkingthatmightbetoomelancholy，hecorrecteditwithachuckle。Notthoroughlypleasinghimselfwitheithermodeofreply，hebreathedhard。
`Youwereverykindtomydearbrother，\'saidFlorence，obeyingherownnaturalimpulsetorelievehimbysayingso。`Heoftentalkedtomeaboutyou。\'
`Oh，it\'sofnoconsequence，\'saidMr。Tootshastily。`Warm，ain\'tit？\'
`Itisbeautifulweather，\'repliedFlorence。
`Itagreeswithme！\'saidMr。Toots。`Idon\'tthinkIeverwassowellasIfindmyselfatpresent，I\'mobligedtoyou。\'
Afterstatingthiscuriousandunexpectedfact，Mr。Tootsfellintoadeepwellofsilence。
`YouhaveleftDr。Blimber\'s，Ithink？\'saidFlorence，tryingtohelphimout。
`Ishouldhopeso，\'returnedMr。Toots。Andtumbledinagain。
Heremainedatthebottom，apparentlydrowned，foratleasttenminutes。Attheexpirationofthatperiod，hesuddenlyfloated，andsaid，`Well！Goodmorning，MissDombey。\'
`Areyougoing？\'askedFlorence，rising。
`Idon\'tknow，though。No，notjustatpresent，\'saidMr。Toots，sittingdownagain，mostunexpectedly。`Thefactis——Isay，MissDombey！\'
`Don\'tbeafraidtospeaktome，\'saidFlorence，withaquietsmile，`Ishouldbeverygladifyouwouldtalkaboutmybrother。\'
`Wouldyou，though？\'retortedMr。Toots，withsympathyineveryfibreofhisotherwiseexpressionlessface。`PoorDombey！I\'msureIneverthoughtthatBurgessandCo——fashionabletailorsbutverydear，thatweusedtotalkabout——wouldmakethissuitofclothesforsuchapurpose。\'Mr。
Tootswasdressedinmourning。`PoorDombey！Isay！MissDombey！\'blubberedToots。
`Yes，\'saidFlorence。
`There\'safriendhetooktoverymuchatlast。Ithoughtyou\'dliketohavehim，perhaps，asasortofkeepsake。YourememberhisrememberingDiogenes？\'
`Ohyes！ohyes！\'criedFlorence。
`PoorDombey！SodoI，\'saidMr。Toots。
Mr。Toots，seeingFlorenceintears，hadgreatdifficultyingettingbeyondthispoint，andhadnearlytumbledintothewellagain。Butachucklesavedhimonthebrink。
`Isay，\'heproceeded，`MissDombey！Icouldhavehadhimstolenfortenshillings，iftheyhadn\'tgivenhimup：andIwould：buttheyweregladtogetridofhim，Ithink。Ifyou\'dliketohavehim，he\'satthedoor。Ibroughthimonpurposeforyou。Heain\'talady\'sdog，youknow，\'
saidMr。Toots，`butyouwon\'tmindthat，willyou？\'
InfactDiogeneswasatthatmoment，astheypresentlyascertainedfromlookingdownintothestreet，staringthroughthewindowofahackneycabriolet，intowhich，forconveyancetothatspot，hehadbeenensnared，onafalsepretenceofratsamongthestraw。Soothtosay，hewasasunlikealady\'sdogasmightbe；andinhisgruffanxietytogetout，presentedanappearancesufficientlyunpromising，ashegaveshortyelpsoutofonesideofhismouth，andoverbalancinghimselfbytheintensityofeveryoneofthoseefforts，tumbleddownintothestraw，andthensprungpantingupagain，puttingouthistongue，asifhehadcomeexpresstoaDispensarytobeexaminedforhishealth。
ButthoughDiogeneswasasridiculousadogasonewouldmeetwithonasummer\'sday；ablundering，ill-favoured，clumsy，bullet-headeddog，continuallyactingonawrongideathattherewasanenemyintheneighbourhood，whomitwasmeritorioustobarkat；andthoughhewasfarfromgood-tempered，andcertainlywasnotclever，andhadhairalloverhiseyes，andacomicnose，andaninconsistenttail，andagruffvoice；
hewasdearertoFlorence，invirtueofthatpartingremembranceofhim，andthatrequestthathemightbetakencareof，thanthemostvaluableandbeautifulofhiskind。Sodear，indeed，wasthissameuglyDiogenes，andsowelcometoher，thatshetookthejewelledhandofMr。Tootsandkisseditinhergratitude。AndwhenDiogenes，released，cametearingupthestairsandbouncingintotheroomsuchabusinessastherewasfirst，togethimoutofthecabriolet！，divedunderallthefurniture，andwoundalongironchain，thatdangledfromhisneck，roundlegsofchairsandtables，andthentuggedatituntilhiseyesbecameunnaturallyvisible，inconsequenceoftheirnearlystartingoutofhishead；andwhenhegrowledatMr。Toots，whoaffectedfamiliarity；andwentpell-mellatTowlinson，morallyconvincedthathewastheenemywhomhehadbarkedatroundthecornerallhislifeandhadneverseenyet；Florencewasaspleasedwithhimasifhehadbeenamiracleofdiscretion。
Mr。Tootswassooverjoyedbythesuccessofhispresent，andwassodelightedtoseeFlorencebendingdownoverDiogenes，smoothinghiscoarsebackwithherlittledelicatehand——Diogenesgraciouslyallowingitfromthefirstmomentoftheiracquaintance——thathefeltitdifficulttotakeleave，andwould，nodoubt，havebeenamuchlongertimeinmakinguphismindtodoso，ifhehadnotbeenassistedbyDiogeneshimself，whosuddenlytookitintohisheadtobayMr。Toots，andtomakeshortrunsathimwithhismouthopen。Notexactlyseeinghiswaytotheendofthesedemonstrations，andsensiblethattheyplacedthepantaloonsconstructedbytheartofBurgessandCo。injeopardy，Mr。Toots，withchuckles，lapsedoutatthedoor：bywhich，afterlookinginagaintwoorthreetimes，withoutanyobjectatall，andbeingoneachoccasiongreetedwithafreshrunfromDiogenes，hefinallytookhimselfoffandgotaway。
`Come，then，Di！DearDi！Makefriendswithyournewmistress。
Letusloveeachother，Di！\'saidFlorencefondlinghisshaggyhead。AndDi，theroughandgruff，asifhishairyhidewerepervioustothetearthatdroppeduponit，andhisdog\'sheartmeltedasitfell，puthisnoseuptoherface，andsworefidelity。
DiogenesthemandidnotspeakplainertoAlexandertheGreatthanDiogenesthedogspoketoFlorence。Hesubscribedtotheofferofhislittlemistresscheerfully，anddevotedhimselftoherservice。Abanquetwasimmediatelyprovidedforhiminacorner；andwhenhehadeatenanddrunkhisfill，hewenttothewindowwhereFlorencewassitting，lookingon，roseuponhishindlegs，withhisawkwardforepawsonhershoulders，lickedherfaceandhands，nestledhisgreatheadagainstherheart，andwaggedhistailtillhewastired。Finally，Diogenescoiledhimselfupatherfeetandwenttosleep。
AlthoughMissNipperwasnervousinregardofdogs，andfeltitnecessarytocomeintotheroomwithherskirtscarefullycollectedabouther，asifshewerecrossingabrookonstepping-stones；alsotoutterlittlescreamsandstanduponchairswhenDiogenesstretchedhimself：
shewasinherownmanneraffectedbythekindnessofMr。Toots，andcouldnotseeFlorencesoalivetotheattachmentandsocietyofthisrudefriendoflittlePaul\'s，withoutsomementalcommentsthereuponthatbroughtthewatertohereyes。Mr。Dombey，asapartofherreflections，mayhavebeen，intheassociationofideas，connectedwiththedog；but，atanyrate，afterobservingDiogenesandhismistressalltheevening，andafterexertingherselfwithmuchgood-willtoprovideDiogenesabedinanante-chamberoutsidehismistress\'sdoor，shesaidhurriedlytoFlorence，beforeleavingherforthenight：
`YourPa\'sagoingoff，MissFloy，to-morrowmorning。\'
`To-morrowmorning，Susan？\'
`Yes，Miss；that\'stheorders。Early。\'
`Doyouknow，\'askedFlorence，withoutlookingather，`wherePapaisgoing，Susan？\'
`Notexactly，Miss。He\'sgoingtomeetthatpreciousMajorfirst，andImustsayifIwasacquaintedwithanyMajormyselfwhichHeavensforbid，itshouldn\'tbeablueone！\'
`Hush，Susan！\'urgedFlorencegently。
`Well，MissFloy，\'returnedMissNipper，whowasfullofburningindignation，andmindedherstopsevenlessthanusual。`Ican\'thelpit，blueheis，andwhileIwasaChristian，althoughhumble，Iwouldhavenatural-colouredfriends，ornone。\'
Itappearedfromwhatsheaddedandhadgleaneddownstairs，thatMrs。ChickhadproposedtheMajorforMr。Dombey\'scompanion，andthatMr。Dombey，aftersomehesitation，hadinvitedhim。
`Talkofhimbeingachange，indeed！\'observedMissNippertoherselfwithboundlesscontempt。`Ifhe\'sachangegivemeaconstancy。\'
`Goodnight，Susan，\'saidFlorence。
`Goodnight，mydarlingdearMissFloy。\'
Hertoneofcommiserationsmotethechordsooftenroughlytouched，butneverlistenedtowhilesheoranyonelookedon。Florenceleftalone，laidherheaduponherhand，andpressingtheotheroverherswellingheart，heldfreecommunicationwithhersorrows。
Itwasawetnight；andthemelancholyrainfellpatteringanddroppingwithaweariedsound。Asluggishwindwasblowing，andwentmoaningroundthehouse，asifitwereinpainorgrief。Ashrillnoisequiveredthroughthetrees。Whileshesatweeping，itgrewlate，anddrearymidnighttolledoutfromthesteeples。
Florencewaslittlemorethanachildinyears——notyetfourteen——andthelonelinessandgloomofsuchanhourinthegreathousewhereDeathhadlatelymadeitsowntremendousdevastation，mighthavesetanolderfancybroodingonvagueterrors。Butherinnocentimaginationwastoofullofonethemetoadmitthem。Nothingwanderedinherthoughtsbutlove——awanderinglove，indeed，andcastaway——butturningalwaystoherfather。
Therewasnothinginthedroppingoftherain，themoaningofthewind，theshudderingofthetrees，thestrikingofthesolemnclocks，thatshookthisonethought，ordiminisheditsinterest。Herrecollectionsofthedeardeadboy——andtheywereneverabsent——wereitself；thesamething。Andoh，tobeshutout：tobesolost：nevertohavelookedintoherfather\'sfaceortouchedhimsincethathour！
Shecouldnotgotobed，poorchild，andneverhadgoneyet，sincethen，withoutmakinghernightlypilgrimagetohisdoor。Itwouldhavebeenastrangesadsight，toseehernow，stealinglightlydownthestairsthroughthethickgloom，andstoppingatitwithabeatingheart，andblindedeyes，andhairthatfelldownlooselyandunthoughtof；andtouchingitoutsidewithherwetcheek。Butthenightcoveredit，andnooneknew。
Themomentthatshetouchedthedooronthisnight，Florencefoundthatitwasopen。Forthefirsttimeitstoodopen，thoughbybutahair\'s-breadth：
andtherewasalightwithin。Thefirstimpulseofthetimidchild——andsheyieldedtoit——wastoretireswiftly。Hernext，togoback，andtoenter；andthissecondimpulseheldherinirresolutiononthestair-case。
Initsstandingopen，evenbysomuchasthatchink，thereseemedtobehope。Therewasencouragementinseeingarayoflightfromwithin，stealingthroughthedarksterndoor-way，andfallinginathreaduponthemarblefloor。Sheturnedback，hardlyknowingwhatshedid，buturgedonbythelovewithinher，andthetrialtheyhadundergonetogether，butnotshared：andwithherhandsalittleraisedandtrembling，glidedin。
Herfathersatathisoldtableinthemiddleroom。Hehadbeenarrangingsomepapers，anddestroyingothers，andthelatterlayinfragileruinsbeforehim。Theraindrippedheavilyupontheglasspanesintheouterroom，wherehehadsooftenwatchedpoorPaul，ababy；andthelowcomplainingsofthewindwereheardwithout。
Butnotbyhim。Hesatwithhiseyesfixedonthetable，soimmersedinthought，thatafarheaviertreadthanthelightfootofhischildcouldmake，mighthavefailedtorousehim。Hisfacewasturnedtowardsher。
Bythewaninglamp，andatthehaggardhour，itlookedwornanddejected；
andintheutterlonelinesssurroundinghim，therewasanappealtoFlorencethatstruckhome。
`Papa！Papa！speaktome，dearPapa！\'
Hestartedathervoice，andleapedupfromhisseat。Shewasclosebeforehim，withextendedarms，buthefellback。
`Whatisthematter？\'hesaid，sternly。`Whydoyoucomehere？
Whathasfrightenedyou？\'
Ifanythinghadfrightenedher，itwasthefaceheturneduponher。Theglowinglovewithinthebreastofhisyoungdaughterfrozebeforeit，andshestoodandlookedathimasifstrickenintostone。
Therewasnotonetouchoftendernessorpityinit。Therewasnotonegleamofinterest，parentalrecognition，orrelentinginit。Therewasachangeinit，butnotofthatkind。Theoldindifferenceandcoldconstrainthadgivenplacetosomething：what，sheneverthoughtanddidnotdaretothink，andyetshefeltitinitsforce，andknewitwellwithoutaname：thatasitlookeduponher，seemedtocastashadowonherhead。
Didheseebeforehimthesuccessfulrivalofhisson，inhealthandlife？Didhelookuponhisownsuccessfulrivalofhisson，inthatson\'saffection？Didamadjealousyandwitheredpride，poisonsweetremembrancesthatshouldhaveendearedandmadeherprecioustohim？Coulditbepossiblethatitwasgalltohimtolookuponherinherbeautyandherpromise：
thinkingofhisinfantboy！
Florencehadnosuchthoughts。Butloveisquicktoknowwhenitisspurnedandhopeless：andhopediedoutofhers，asshestoodlookinginherfather\'sface。
`Iaskyou，Florence，areyoufrightened？Isthereanythingthematter，thatyoucomehere？\'
`Icame，Papa——\'
`Againstmywishes。Why？\'
Shesawheknewwhy：itwaswrittenbroadlyonhisface：anddroppedherheaduponherhandswithoneprolongedlowcry。
Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome。Ithasfadedfromtheair，beforehebreaksthesilence。Itmaypassasquicklyfromhisbrain，ashebelieves，butitisthere。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！
Hetookherbythearm。Hishandwascold，andloose，andscarcelycloseduponher。
`Youaretired，Idaresay，\'hesaid，takingupthelight，andleadinghertowardsthedoor，`andwantrest。Weallwantrest。Go，Florence。
Youhavebeendreaming。\'
Thedreamshehadhad，wasoverthen，Godhelpher！andshefeltthatitcouldnevermorecomeback。
`Iwillremainheretolightyouupthestairs。Thewholehouseisyoursabovethere，\'saidherfather，slowly。`Youareitsmistressnow。
Goodnight！\'
Stillcoveringherface，shesobbed，andanswered`Goodnight，dearpapa，\'andsilentlyascended。Onceshelookedbackasifshewouldhavereturnedtohim，butforfear。Itwasamomentarythought，toohopelesstoencourage；andherfatherstoodtherewiththelight——hard，unresponsive，motionless——untiltheflutteringdressofhisfairchildwaslostinthedarkness。
Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome。Therainthatfallsupontheroof：thewindthatmournsoutsidethedoor：mayhaveforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！
Thelasttimehehadwatchedher，fromthesameplace，windingupthosestairs，shehadhadherbrotherinherarms。Itdidnotmovehishearttowardshernow，itsteeledit：buthewentintohisroom，andlockedhisdoor，andsatdowninhischair，andcriedforhislostboy。
Diogeneswasbroadawakeuponhispost，andwaitingforhislittlemistress。
`Oh，Di！Oh，dearDi！Lovemeforhissake！\'
Diogenesalreadylovedherforherown，anddidn\'tcarehowmuchheshowedit。Sohemadehimselfvastlyridiculousbyperformingavarietyofuncouthbouncesintheante-chamber，andconcluded，whenpoorFlorencewasatlastasleep，anddreamingoftherosychildrenopposite，byscratchingopenherbedroomdoor：rollinguphisbedintoapillow：lyingdownontheboards，atthefulllengthofhistether，withhisheadtowardsher：
andlookinglazilyather，upsidedown，outofthetopsofhiseyes，untilfromwinkingandwinkinghefellasleephimself，anddreamed，withgruffbarks，ofhisenemy。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter19[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXIXWaltergoesawayTHEWoodenMidshipmanattheInstrument-maker\'sdoor，likethehard-heartedlittlemidshipmanhewas，remainedsupremelyindifferenttoWalter\'sgoingaway，evenwhentheverylastdayofhissojourninthebackparlourwasonthedecline。Withhisquadrantathisroundblackknobofaneye，andhisfigureinitsoldattitudeofindomitablealacrity，themidshipmandisplayedhiselfinsmall-clothestothebestadvantage，and，absorbedinscientificpursuits，hadnosympathywithworldlyconcerns。Hewassofarthecreatureofcircumstances，thatadrydaycoveredhimwithdust，andamistydaypepperedhimwithlittlebitsofsoot，andawetdaybrighteneduphistarnisheduniformforthemoment，andaveryhotdayblisteredhim；
butotherwisehewasacallous，obdurate，conceitedmidshipman，intentonhisowndiscoveries，andcaringaslittleforwhatwentonabouthim，terrestrially，asArchimedesatthetakingofSyracuse。
Suchamidshipmanheseemedtobe，atleast，inthethenpositionofdomesticaffairs。Waltereyedhimkindlymanyatimeinpassinginandout；andpooroldSol，whenWalterwasnotthere，wouldcomeandleanagainstthedoorpost，restinghiswearywigasneartheshoe-bucklesoftheguardiangeniusofhistradeandshopashecould。Butnofierceidolwithamouthfromeartoear，andamurderousvisagemadeofparrot\'sfeathers，wasevermoreindifferenttotheappealsofitssavagevotaries，thanwasthemidshipmantothesemarksofattachment。