Walter\'sheartfeltheavyashelookedroundhisoldbedroom，upamongtheparapetsandchimney-pots，andthoughtthatonemorenightalreadydarkeningwouldclosehisacquaintancewithit，perhapsforever。
Dismantledofhislittlestockofbooksandpictures，itlookedcoldlyandreproachfullyonhimforhisdesertion，andhadalreadyaforeshadowinguponitofitscomingstrangeness。`Afewhoursmore，\'thoughtWalter，`andnodreamIeverhadherewhenIwasaschoolboywillbesolittlemineasthisoldroom。Thedreammaycomebackinmysleep，andImayreturnwakingtothisplace，itmaybe：butthedreamatleastwillservenoothermaster，andtheroommayhaveascore，andeveryoneofthemmaychange，neglect，misuseit。\'
Buthisunclewasnottobeleftaloneinthelittlebackparlour，wherehewasthensittingbyhimself；forCaptainCuttle，considerateinhisroughness，stayedawayagainsthiswill，purposelythattheyshouldhavesometalktogetherunobserved：soWalter，newlyreturnedhomefromhislastday\'sbustle，descendedbriskly，tobearhimcompany。
`Uncle，\'hesaidgaily，layinghishandupontheoldman\'sshoulder，`whatshallIsendyouhomefromBarbados？\'
`Hope，mydearWally。Hopethatweshallmeetagain，onthissideofthegrave。Sendmeasmuchofthatasyoucan。\'
`SoIwill，Uncle：Ihaveenoughandtospare，andI\'llnotbecharyofit！Andastolivelyturtles，andlimesforCaptainCuttle\'spunch，andpreservesforyouonSundays，andallthatsortofthing，whyI\'llsendyouship-loads，Uncle：whenI\'mrichenough。\'
OldSolwipedhisspectacles，andfaintlysmiled。
`That\'sright，Uncle！\'criedWalter，merrily，andclappinghimhalfadozentimesmoreupontheshoulder。`Youcheerupme！I\'llcheerupyou！We\'llbeasgayaslarksto-morrowmorning，Uncle，andwe\'llflyashigh！Astomyanticipations，theyaresingingoutofsightnow。\'
`Wally，mydearboy，\'returnedtheoldman，I\'lldomybest，I\'lldomybest。\'
`Andyourbest，Uncle，\'saidWalter，withhispleasantlaugh，`isthebestbestthatIknow。You\'llnotforgetwhatyou\'retosendme，Uncle？\'
`No，Wally，no，\'repliedtheoldman；`everythingIhearaboutMissDombey，nowthatsheisleftalone，poorlamb，I\'llwrite。Ifearitwon\'tbemuchthough，Wally。\'
`Why，I\'lltellyouwhat，Uncle，\'saidWalter，afteramoment\'shesitation，`Ihavejustbeenupthere。\'
`Ay，ay，ay？\'murmuredtheoldman，raisinghiseyebrows，andhisspectacleswiththem。
`Nottoseeher，\'saidWalter，`thoughIcouldhaveseenher，Idaresay，ifIhadasked，Mr。Dombeybeingoutoftown：buttosayapartingwordtoSusan。IthoughtImightventuretodothat，youknow，underthecircumstances，andrememberingwhenIsawMissDombeylast。\'
`Yes，myboy，yes，\'repliedhisUncle，rousinghimselffromatemporaryabstraction。
`SoIsawher，\'pursuedWalter，`Susan，Imean：andItoldherIwasoffandawayto-morrow。AndIsaid，Uncle，thatyouhadalwayshadaninterestinMissDombeysincethatnightwhenshewashere，andalwayswishedherwellandhappy，andalwayswouldbeproudandgladtoserveherintheleast：IthoughtImightsaythat，youknow，underthecircumstances。
Don\'tyouthinkso？\'
`Yes，myboy，yes，\'repliedhisUncle，inthetoneasbefore。
`AndIadded，\'pursuedWalter，`thatifshe——Susan，Imean——couldeverletyouknow，eitherthroughherself，orMrs。Richards，oranybodyelsewhomightbecomingthisway，thatMissDombeywaswellandhappy，youwouldtakeitverykindly，andwouldwritesomuchtome，andIshouldtakeitverykindlytoo。There！Uponmyword，Uncle，\'saidWalter，`Iscarcelysleptalllastnightthroughthinkingofdoingthis；andcouldnotmakeupmykindwhenIwasout，whethertodoitornot；andyetI
amsureitisthetruefeelingofmyheart，andIshouldhavebeenquitemiserableafterwardsifIhadnotrelievedit。\'
Hishonestvoiceandmannercorroboratedwhathesaid，andquiteestablisheditsingenuousness。
`So，ifyoueverseeher，Uncle，\'saidWalter，`ImeanMissDombeynow——andperhapsyoumay，whoknows！——tellherhowmuchIfeltforher；
howmuchIusedtothinkofherwhenIwashere；howIspokeofher，withthetearsinmyeyes，uncle，onthislastnightbeforeIwentaway。TellherthatIsaidInevercouldforgethergentlemanner，orherbeautifulface，orhersweetkinddispositionthatwasbetterthanall。AndasI
didn\'ttakethemfromawoman\'sfeet，orayounglady\'s：onlyalittleinnocentchild\'s，\'saidWalter：`tellher，ifyoudon\'tmind，Uncle，thatIkeptthoseshoes——she\'llrememberhowoftentheyfelloff，thatnight——andtookthemawaywithmeasaremembrance！\'
TheywereatthatverymomentgoingoutatthedoorinoneofWalter\'strunks。AportercarryingoffhisbaggageonatruckforshipmentatthedocksonboardtheSonandHeir，hadgotpossessionofthem；andwheeledthemawayundertheveryeyeoftheinsensibleMidshipmanbeforetheirownerhadwellfinishedspeaking。
Butthatancientmarinermighthavebeenexcusedhisinsensibilitytothetreasureasitrolledaway。For，underhiseyeatthesamemoment，accuratelywithinhisrangeofobservation，comingfullintothesphereofhisstartledandintenselywide-awakelook-out，wereFlorenceandSusanNipper：Florencelookingupintohisfacehalftimidly，andreceivingthewholeshockofhiswoodenogling！
Morethanthis，theypassedintotheshop，andpassedinattheparlourdoorbeforetheywereobservedbyanybodybuttheMidshipman。AndWalter，havinghisbacktothedoor，wouldhaveknownnothingoftheirapparitioneventhen，butforseeinghisunclespringoutofhisownchair，andnearlytumbleoveranother。
`Why，Uncle！\'exclaimedWalter。`What\'sthematter？\'
OldSolomonreplied，`MissDombey！\'
`Isitpossible？\'criedWalter，lookingroundandstartingupinhisturn。`Here！\'
Why，itwassopossibleandsoactual，that，whilethewordswereonhislips，Florencehurriedpasthim；tookUncleSol\'ssnuff-colouredlappels，oneineachhand；kissedhimonthecheek；andturning，gaveherhandtoWalterwithasimpletruthandearnestnessthatwasherown，andnooneelse\'sintheworld！
`Goingaway，Walter！\'saidFlorence。
`Yes，MissDombey，\'hereplied，butnotsohopefullyasheendeavoured：
`Ihaveavoyagebeforeme。\'
`AndyourUncle，\'saidFlorence，lookingbackatSolomon。`Heissorryyouaregoing，Iamsure。Ah！Iseeheis！DearWalter，Iamverysorrytoo。\'
`Goodnessknows，\'exclaimedMissNipper，`there\'samanywecouldspareinstead，ifnumbersisaobject，Mrs。Pipchinasaoverseerwouldcomecheapatherweightingold，andifaknowledgeofblackslaveryshouldberequired，themBlimbersistheverypeopleforthesitiwation。\'
WiththatMissNipperuntiedherbonnetstrings，andafterlookingvacantlyforsomemomentsintoalittleblackteapotthatwassetforthwiththeusualhomelyserviceonthetable，shookherheadandatincanister，andbeganunaskedtomakethetea。
InthemeantimeFlorencehadturnedagaintotheInstrument-maker，whowasasfullofadmirationassurprise。`Sogrown！\'saidoldSol。`Soimproved！Andyetnotaltered！Justthesame！\'
`Indeed！\'saidFlorence。
`Ye——Yes，\'returnedoldSol，rubbinghishandsslowly，andconsideringthematterhalfaloud，assomethingpensiveinthebrighteyeslookingathimarrestedhisattention。`Yes，thatexpressionwasintheyoungerface，too！\'
`Yourememberme，\'saidFlorencewithasmile，`andwhatalittlecreatureIwasthen？\'
`Mydearyounglady，\'returnedtheInstrument-maker，`howcouldIforgetyou，oftenasIhavethoughtofyouandheardofyousince！Attheverymoment，indeed，whenyoucamein，Wallywastalkingaboutyoutome，andleavingmessagesforyou，and——\'
`Washe？\'saidFlorence。`Thankyou，Walter！Ohthankyou，Walter！
Iwasafraidyoumightbegoingawayandhardlythinkingofme；\'andagainshegavehimherlittlehandsofreelyandsofaithfullythatWalterhelditforsomemomentsinhisown，andcouldnotbeartoletitgo。
YetWalterdidnotholditashemighthavehelditonce，nordiditstouchawakenthoseoldday-dreamsofhisboyhoodthathadfloatedpasthimsometimesevenlately，andconfusedhimwiththeirindistinctandbrokenshapes。Thepurityandinnocenceofherendearingmanner，anditsperfecttrustfulness，andtheundisguisedregardforhimthatlaysodeeplyseatedinherconstanteyes，andgloweduponherfairfacethroughthesmilethatshaded——foralas！itwasasmiletoosadtobrighten——it，werenotoftheirromanticrace。Theybroughtbacktohisthoughtstheearlydeathbedhehadseenhertending，andthelovethechildhadborneher；andonthewingsofsuchremembrancessheseemedtoriseup，farabovehisidlefancies，intoclearerandserenerair。
`I——IamafraidImustcallyouWalter\'sUncle，Sir，\'saidFlorencetotheoldman，`ifyou\'llletme。\'
`Mydearyounglady，\'criedoldSol。`Letyou！Goodgracious！\'
`Wealwaysknewyoubythatname，andtalkedofyou，\'saidFlorence，glancinground，andsighinggently。`Theniceoldparlour！Justthesame！
HowwellIrecollectit！\'
OldSollookedfirstather，thenathisnephew，andthenrubbedhishands，andrubbedhisspectacles，andsaidbelowhisbreath，`Ah！time，time，time！\'
Therewasashortsilence：duringwhichSusanNipperskilfullyimpoundedtwoextracupsandsaucersfromthecupboard，andawaitedthedrawingoftheteawithathoughtfulair。
`IwanttotellWalter\'sUncle，\'saidFlorence，layingherhandtimidlyupontheoldman\'sasitrestedonthetable，tobespeakhisattention，`somethingthatIamanxiousabout。Heisgoingtobeleftalone，andifhewillallowme——nottotakeWalter\'splace，forthatIcouldn\'tdo，buttobehistruefriendandhelphimifIevercanwhileWalterisaway，Ishallbeverymuchobligedtohimindeed。Willyou？MayI，Walter\'sUncle？\'
TheInstrument-maker，withoutspeaking，putherhandtohislips，andSusanNipper，leaningbackwithherarmscrossed，inthechairofpresidencyintowhichshehadvotedherself，bitoneendofherbonnetstrings，andheavedagentlesighasshelookedupattheskylight。
`Youwillletmecometoseeyou，\'saidFlorence，`whenIcan；
andyouwilltellmeeverythingaboutyourselfandWalter；andyouwillhavenosecretsfromSusanwhenshecomesandIdonot，butwillconfideinus，andtrustus，andrelyuponus。Andyou\'lltrytoletusbeacomforttoyou？Willyou，Walter\'sUncle？\'
Thesweetfacelookingintohis，thegentlepleadingeyes，thesoftvoice，andthelighttouchonhisarmmadethemorewinningbyachild\'srespectandhonourforhisage，thatgavetoallanairofgracefuldoubtandmodesthesitation——these，andhernaturalearnestness，soovercamethepooroldInstrument-maker，thatheonlyanswered：
`Wally！sayawordforme，mydear。I\'mverygrateful。\'
`No，Walter，\'returnedFlorencewithherquietsmile。`Saynothingforhim，ifyouplease。Iunderstandhimverywell，andwemustlearntotalktogetherwithoutyou，dearWalter。\'
Theregretfultoneinwhichshesaidtheselatterwords，touchedWaltermorethanalltherest。
`MissFlorence，\'hereplied，withanefforttorecoverthecheerfulmannerhehadpreservedwhiletalkingwithhisuncle，`Iknownomorethanmyuncle，whattosayinacknowledgmentofsuchkindness，Iamsure。ButwhatcouldIsay，afterall，ifIhadthepoweroftalkingforanhour，exceptthatitislikeyou？\'
SusanNipperbeganuponanewpartofherbonnetstring，andnoddedattheskylight，inapprovalofthesentimentexpressed。
`Oh！but，Walter，\'saidFlorence，`thereissomethingthatIwishtosaytoyoubeforeyougoaway，andyoumustcallmeFlorence，ifyouplease，andnotspeaklikeastranger。\'
`Likeastranger！\'returnedWalter。`No。Icouldn\'tspeakso。
Iamsure，atleast，Icouldn\'tfeellikeone。\'
`Aye，butthatisnotenough，andisnotwhatImean。For，Walter，\'
addedFlorence，burstingintotears，`helikedyouverymuch，andsaidbeforehediedthathewasfondofyou，andsaid“RememberWalter！”andifyou\'llbeabrothertome，Walter，nowthatheisgoneandIhavenoneonearth，I\'llbeyoursisterallmylife，andthinkofyoulikeonewhereverwemaybe！ThisiswhatIwishedtosay，dearWalter，butIcannotsayitasIwould，becausemyheartisfull。\'
Andinitsfulnessanditssweetsimplicity，sheheldoutbothherhandstohim。Waltertakingthem，stoopeddownandtouchedthetearfulfacethatneithershrunknorturnedaway，norreddenedashedidso，butlookedupathimwithconfidenceandtruth。Inthatonemoment，everyshadowofdoubtoragitationpassedawayfromWalter\'ssoul。Itseemedtohimthatherespondedtoherinnocentappeal，besidethedeadchild\'sbed：
and，inthesolemnpresencehehadseenthere，pledgedhimselftocherishandprotectherveryimage，inhisbanishment，withbrotherlyregard；togarneruphersimplefaith，inviolate；andholdhimselfdegradedifhebreatheduponitanythoughtthatwasnotinherownbreastwhenshegaveittohim。
SusanNipper，whohadbittenbothherbonnetstringsatonce，andimpartedagreatdealofprivateemotiontotheskylight，duringthistransaction，nowchangedthesubjectbyinquiringwhotookmilkandwhotooksugar；andbeingenlightenedonthesepoints，pouredoutthetea。
Theyallfourgatheredsociallyaboutthelittletable，andtookteaunderthatyounglady\'sactivesuperintendence；andthepresenceofFlorenceinthebackparlour，brightenedtheTartarfrigateonthewall。
HalfanhouragoWalter，forhislife，wouldhavehardlycalledherbyhername。Buthecoulddosonowwhensheentreatedhim。Hecouldthinkofherbeingthere，withoutalurkingmisgivingthatitwouldhavebeenbetterifshehadnotcome。Hecouldcalmlythinkhowbeautifulshewas，howfullofpromise，whatahomesomehappymanwouldfindinsuchaheartoneday。Hecouldreflectuponhisownplaceinthatheart，withpride；andwithabravedetermination，ifnottodeserveit——hestillthoughtthatfarabovehim——nevertodeserveitless。
SomefairyinfluencemustsurelyhavehoveredroundthehandsofSusanNipperwhenshemadethetea，engenderingthetranquilairthatreignedinthebackparlourduringitsdiscussion。Somecounter-influencemustsurelyhavehoveredroundthehandsofUncleSol\'schronometer，andmovedthemfasterthantheTartarfrigateeverwentbeforethewind。Bethisasitmay，thevisitorshadacoachinwaitingataquietcornernotfaroff；andthechronometer，onbeingincidentallyreferredto，gavesuchapositiveopinionthatithadbeenwaitingalongtime，thatitwasimpossibletodoubtthefact，especiallywhenstatedonsuchunimpeachableauthority。
IfUncleSolhadbeengoingtobehangedbyhisowntime，heneverwouldhaveallowedthatthechronometerwastoofast，bytheleastfractionofasecond。
Florenceatpartingrecapitulatedtotheoldmanallthatshehadsaidbefore，andboundhimtotheircompact。UncleSolattendedherlovinglytothelegsoftheWoodenMidshipman，andthereresignedhertoWalter，whowasreadytoescortherandSusanNippertothecoach。
`Walter，\'saidFlorencebytheway，`Ihavebeenafraidtoaskbeforeyouruncle。Doyouthinkyouwillbeabsentverylong？\'
`Indeed，\'saidWalter，`Idon\'tknow。Ifearso。Mr。Dombeysignifiedasmuch，Ithought，whenheappointedme。\'
`Isitafavour，Walter？\'inquiredFlorence，afteramoment\'shesitation，andlookinganxiouslyinhisface。
`Theappointment？\'returnedWalter。
`Yes。\'
Walterwouldhavegivenanythingtohaveansweredintheaffirmative，buthisfaceansweredbeforehislipscould，andFlorencewastooattentivetoitnottounderstanditsreply。
`Iamafraidyouhavescarcelybeenafavouritewithpapa，\'shesaid，timidly。
`Thereisnoreason，\'repliedWalter，smiling，`WhyIshouldbe。\'
`Noreason，Walter！\'
`Therewasnoreason，\'saidWalter，understandingwhatshemeant。`Therearemanypeopleemployedinthehouse。BetweenMr。Dombeyandayoungmanlikeme，there\'sawidespaceofseparation。IfIdomyduty，IdowhatIought，anddonomorethanalltherest。\'
HadFlorenceanymisgivingofwhichshewashardlyconscious：
anymisgivingthathadsprungintoanindistinctandundefinedexistencesincethatrecentnightwhenshehadgonedowntoherfather\'sroom：thatWalter\'saccidentalinterestinher，andearlyknowledgeofher，mighthaveinvolvedhiminthatpowerfuldispleasureanddislike？HadWalteranysuchidea，oranysuddenthoughtthatitwasinhermindatthatmoment？
Neitherofthemhintedatit。Neitherofthemspokeatall，forsomeshorttime。Susan，walkingontheothersideofWalter，eyedthembothsharply；
andcertainlyMissNipper\'sthoughtstravelledinthatdirection，andveryconfidentlytoo。
`Youmaycomebackverysoon，\'saidFlorence，`perhaps，Walter。\'
`Imaycomeback，\'saidWalter，`anoldman，andfindyouanoldlady。ButIhopeforbetterthings。\'
`Papa，\'saidFlorence，afteramoment，`will——willrecoverfromhisgrief，and——speakmorefreelytomeoneday，perhaps；andifheshould，IwilltellhowmuchIwishtoseeyoubackagain，andaskhimtorecallyouformysake。\'
Therewasatouchingmodulationinthesewordsaboutherfather，thatWalterunderstoodtoowell。
Thecoachbeingcloseathand，hewouldhaveleftherwithoutspeaking，fornowhefeltwhatparting；butFlorenceheldhishandwhenshewasseated，andthenhefoundtherewasalittlepacketinherown。
`Walter，\'shesaid，lookingfulluponhimwithheraffectionateeyes，`likeyou，Ihopeforbetterthings。Iwillprayforthem，andbelievethattheywillarrive。ImadethislittlegiftforPaul。Praytakeitwithmylove，anddonotlookatituntilyouaregoneaway。Andnow，Godblessyou，Walter！neverforgetme。Youaremybrother，dear！\'
HewasgladthatSusanNippercamebetweenthem，orhemighthaveleftherwithasorrowfulremembranceofhim。Hewasgladtoothatshedidnotlookoutofthecoachagain，butwavedthelittlehandtohiminstead，aslongashecouldseeit。
Inspiteofherrequest，hecouldnothelpopeningthepacketthatnightwhenhewenttobed。Itwasalittlepurse：andtherewasmoneyinit。
Brightrosethesunnextmorning，fromhisabsenceinstrangecountries，anduproseWalterwithittoreceivetheCaptain，whowasalreadyatthedoor：havingturnedoutearlierthanwasnecessary，inordertogetunderweighwhileMrs。MacStingerwasyetslumbering。TheCaptainpretendedtobeintip-topspirits，andbroughtaverysmokytongueinoneofthepocketsofthebroadbluecoatforbreakfast。
`And，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，Whentheytooktheirseatsattable，`ifyouruncle\'sthemanIthinkhim，he\'llbringoutthelastbottleoftheMadeiraonthepresentoccasion。\'
`No，no，Ned，\'returnedtheoldman。`No！ThatshallbeopenedwhenWaltercomeshomeagain。\'
`Wellsaid！\'criedtheCaptain。`Hearhim！\'
`Thereitlies，\'saidSolGills，`downinthelittlecellar，coveredwithdirtandcobwebs。Theremaybedirtandcobwebsoveryouandmeperhaps，Ned，beforeitseesthelight。\'
`Hearhim！\'criedtheCaptain。`Goodmorality！Wal\'rmylad。Trainupafig-treeinthewayitshouldgo，andwhenyouareoldsitundertheshadeonit。Overhaulthe——Well，\'saidtheCaptainonsecondthoughts，`Ian\'tquitecertainwherethat\'stobefound，butwhenfound，makeanoteof。SolGills，heaveaheadagain！\'
`Butthere，orsomewhere，itshalllie，Ned，untilWallycomesbacktoclaimit，\'saidtheoldman。`That\'sallImeanttosay。\'
`Andwellsaidtoo，\'returnedtheCaptain；`andifwethreedon\'tcrackthatbottleincompany，I\'llgiveyoutwoleavetodrinkmyallowance！\'
NotwithstandingtheCaptain\'sexcessivejoviality，hemadebutapoorhandatthesmokytongue，thoughhetriedveryhard，whenanybodylookedathim，toappearasifhewereeatingwithavastappetite。Hewasterriblyafraid，likewise，ofbeingleftalonewitheitheruncleornephew；appearingtoconsiderthathisonlychanceofsafetyastokeepingupappearances，wasintherebeingalwaysthreetogether。ThisterroronthepartoftheCaptain，reducedhimtosuchingeniousevasionsasrunningtothedoor，whenSolomonwenttoputhiscoaton，underpretenceofhavingseenanextraordinaryhackney-coachpass：anddartingoutintotheroadwhenWalterwentupstairstotakeleaveofthelodgers，onafeintofsmellingfireinaneighbouringchimney。TheseartificesCaptainCuttledeemedinscrutablebyanyuninspiredobserver。
Walterwascomingdownfromhispartingexpeditionupstairs，andwascrossingtheshoptogobacktothelittleparlour，whenhesawafadedfaceheknew，lookinginatthedoor，anddartedtowardsit。
`Mr。Carker！\'criedWalter，pressingthehandofJohnCarkertheJunior。`Praycomein！Thisiskindofyou，tobeheresoearlytosaygood-byetome。Youknewhowgladitwouldmakemetoshakehandswithyou，once，beforegoingaway。IcannotsayhowgladIamtohavethisopportunity。
Praycomein。\'
`Itisnotlikelythatwemayevermeetagain，Walter，\'returnedtheother，gentlyresistinghisinvitation，`andIamgladofthisopportunitytoo。Imayventuretospeaktoyou，andtotakeyoubythehand，ontheeveofseparation。Ishallnothavetoresistyourfrankapproaches，Walteranymore。\'
Therewasamelancholyinhissmileashesaidit，thatshowedhehadfoundsomecompanyandfriendshipforhisthoughtseveninthat。
`Ah，Mr。Carker！\'returnedWalter，`Whydidyourresistthem？
Youcouldhavedonemenothingbutgood，Iamverysure。\'
Heshookhishead。`Iftherewereanygood，\'hesaid，`Icoulddoonthisearth，Iwoulddoit，Walter，foryou。Thesightofyoufromdaytoday，hasbeenatoncehappinessandremorsetome。Butthepleasurehasoutweighedthepain。Iknowthat，now，byknowingwhatIlose。\'
`Comein，Mr。Carker，andmakeacquaintancewithmygoodolduncle，\'
urgedWalter。`Ihaveoftentalkedtohimaboutyou，andhewillbegladtotellyouallhehearsfromme。Ihavenot，\'saidWalter，noticinghishesitation，andspeakingwithembarrassmenthimself：`Ihavenottoldhimanythingaboutourlastconversation，Mr。Carker；notevenhim，believeme。\'
ThegreyJuniorpressedhishand，andtearsroseinhiseyes。
`IfIevermakeacquaintancewithhim，Walter，\'hereturned，`itwillbethatImayheartidingsofyou。Relyonmynotwrongingyourforbearanceandconsideration。Itwouldbetowrongit，nottotellhimallthetruth，beforeIsoughtawordofconfidencefromhim。ButIhavenofriendoracquaintanceexceptyou：andevenforyoursake，amlittlelikelytomakeany。\'
`Iwish，\'saidWalter，`youhadsufferedmetobeyourfriendindeed。Ialwayswishedit，Mr。Carker，asyouknow；butneverhalfsomuchasnow，whenwearegoingtopart。\'
`Itisenough，\'repliedtheother，`thatyouhavebeenthefriendofmyownbreast，andthatwhenIhaveavoidedyoumost，myheartinclinedthemosttowardsyou，andwasfullestofyou。Walter，good-bye！\'
`Good-bye，Mr。Carker。Heavenbewithyou，Sir！\'criedWalter，withemotion。
`If，\'saidtheother，retaininghishandwhilehespoke；`ifwhenyoucomeback，youmissmefrommyoldcorner，andshouldhearfromanyonewhereIamlying，comeandlookuponmygrave。ThinkthatImighthavebeenashonestandashappyasyou！Andletmethink，whenIknowmytimeiscomingon，thatsomeonelikemyformerselfmaystandthere，foramoment，andremembermewithpityandforgiveness！Walter，good-bye！\'
Hisfigurecreptlikeashadowdownthebright，sun-lightedstreet，socheerfulyetsosolemnintheearlysummermorning；andslowlypassedaway。
TherelentlesschronometeratlastannouncedthatWaltermustturnhisbackupontheWoodenMidshipman：andawaytheywent，himself，hisuncle，andtheCaptain，inahackney-coachtoawharf，wheretheyweretotakesteam-boatforsomeReachdowntheriver，thenameofwhich，astheCaptaingaveitout，wasahopelessmysterytotheearsoflandsmen。
ArrivedatthisReachwhithertheshiphadrepairedbylastnight\'stide，theywereboardedbyvariousexcitedwatermen，andamongothersbyadirtyCyclopsoftheCaptain\'sacquaintance，who，withhisoneeye，hadmadetheCaptainoutsomemileandahalfoff，andhadbeenexchangingunintelligibleroarswithhimeversince。Becomingthelawfulprizeofthispersonage，whowasfrightfullyhoarseandconstitutionallyinwantofshaving，theywereallthreeputaboardtheSonandHeir。AndtheSonandHeirwasinaprettystateofconfusion，withsailslyingallbedraggledonthewetdecks，looseropestrippingpeopleup，meninredshirtsrunningbarefoottoandfro，casksblockadingeveryfootofspace，and，inthethickestofthefray，ablackcookinablackcabooseuptohiseyesinvegetablesandblindedwithsmoke。
TheCaptainimmediatelydrewWalterintoacorner，andwithagreateffort，thatmadehisfaceveryred，pulledupthesilverwatch，whichwassobig，andsotightinhispocket，thatitcameoutlikeabung。
`Wal\'rsaidtheCaptain，handingitover，andshakinghimheartilybythehand，`apartinggift，mylad。Putitbackhalfanhoureverymorning，andaboutanotherquartertowardstheafternoon，andit\'sawatchthat\'lldoyoucredit。\'
`CaptainCuttle！Icouldn\'tthinkofit！\'criedWalter，detaininghim，forhewasrunningaway。`Praytakeitback。Ihaveonealready。\'
`Then，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，suddenlydivingintooneofhispocketsandbringingupthetwoteaspoonsandthesugar-tongs，withwhichhehadarmedhimselftomeetsuchanobjection，`takethisheretrifleofplate，instead。\'
`No，no，Icouldn\'tindeed！\'criedWalter，`athousandthanks！
Don\'tthrowthemaway，CaptainCuttle！\'fortheCaptainwasabouttojerkthemoverboard。`They\'llbeofmuchmoreusetoyouthanme。Givemeyourstick。IhaveoftenthoughtIshouldliketohaveit。There！Good-bye，CaptainCuttle！Takecareofmyuncle！UncleSol，Godblessyou！\'
Theywereoverthesideintheconfusion，beforeWaltercaughtanotherglimpseofeither；andwhenheranuptothestern，andlookedafterthem，hesawhisunclehangingdownhisheadintheboat，andCaptainCuttlerappinghimonthebackwiththegreatsilverwatchitmusthavebeenverypainful，andgesticulatinghopefullywiththeteaspoonsandsugartongs。CatchingsightofWalter，CaptainCuttledroppedthepropertyintothebottomoftheboatwithperfectunconcern，beingevidentlyobliviousofitsexistence，andpullingofftheglazedhathailedhimlustily。Theglazedhatmadequiteashowinthesunwithitsglistening，andtheCaptaincontinuedtowaveituntilhecouldbeseennolonger。Thentheconfusiononboard，whichhadbeenrapidlyincreasing，reacheditsheight；twoorthreeotherboatswentawaywithacheer；thesailsshonebrightandfullabove，asWalterwatchedthemspreadtheirsurfacetothefavourablebreeze；
thewaterflewinsparklesfromtheprow；andoffuponhervoyagewenttheSonandHeir，ashopefullyandtrippinglyasmanyanothersonandheir，gonedown，hadstartedonhiswaybeforeher。
Dayafterday，oldSolandCaptainCuttlekeptherreckoninginthelittlebackparlourandworkedouthercourse，withthechartspreadbeforethemontheroundtable。Atnight，whenoldSolclimbedupstairs，solonely，totheatticwhereitsometimesblewgreatguns，helookedupatthestarsandlistenedtothewind，andkeptalongerwatchthanwouldhavefallentohislotonboardtheship。ThelastbottleoftheoldMadeira，whichhadhaditscruisingdays，andknownitsdangersofthedeep，laysilentlybeneathitsdustandcobwebs，inthemeanwhile，undisturbed。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter20[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXMr。DombeygoesuponaJourney`MR。DOMBEY，Sir，\'saidMajorBagstock，`JoeyB。isnotingeneralamanofsentiment，forJosephistough。ButJoehashisfeelings，Sir，andwhentheyareawakened——Damme，Mr。Dombey，\'criedtheMajorwithsuddenferocity，`thisisweakness，andIwon\'tsubmittoit！\'
MajorBagstockdeliveredhimselfoftheseexpressionsonreceivingMr。DombeyashisguestattheheadofhisownstaircaseinPrincess\'sPlace。Mr。DombeyhascometobreakfastwiththeMajor，previoustotheirsettingforthontheirtrip；andtheill-starredNativehadalreadyundergoneaworldofmiseryarisingoutofthemuffins，while，inconnexionwiththegeneralquestionofboiledeggs，lifewasaburdentohim。
`ItisnotforanoldsoldieroftheBagstockbreed，\'observedtheMajor，relapsingintoamildstate，`todeliverhimselfup，apreytohisownemotions；but——damme，Sir，\'criedtheMajor，inanotherspasmofferocity，`Icondolewithyou！\'
TheMajor\'spurplevisagedeepenedinitshue，andtheMajor\'slobstereyesstoodoutinbolderrelief，asheshookMr。Dombeybythehand，impartingtothatpeacefulactionasdefiantacharacterasifithadbeenthepreludetohisimmediatelyboxingMr。DombeyforathousandpoundsasideandthechampionshipofEngland。Witharotatorymotionofhishead，andawheezeverylikethecoughofahorse，theMajorthenconductedhisvisitortothesitting-room，andtherewelcomedhimhavingnowcomposedhisfeelingswiththefreedomandfranknessofatravellingcompanion。
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，`I\'mgladtoseeyou。I\'mproudtoseeyou。TherearenotmanymeninEuropetowhomJ。Bagstockwouldsaythat——forJoshisblunt。Sir：it\'shisnature——butJoeyB。isproudtoseeyou，Dombey。\'
`Major，\'returnedMr。Dombey，`youareveryobliging。\'
`No，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`Devilabit！That\'snotmycharacter。
IfthathadbeenJoe\'scharacter。Joemighthavebeen，bythistime，Lieutenant-GeneralSirJosephBagstock，K。C。B。，andmighthavereceivedyouinverydifferentquarters。Youdon\'tknowoldJoeyet，Ifind。Butthisoccasion，beingspecial，isasourceofpridetome。BytheLord，Sir，\'saidtheMajorresolutely，`it\'sanhonourtome！\'
Mr。Dombey，inhisestimationofhimselfandhismoney，feltthatthiswasverytrue，andthereforedidnotdisputethepoint。ButtheinstinctiverecognitionofsuchatruthbytheMajor，andhisplainavowalofit，wereveryagreeable。ItwasaconfirmationtoMr。Dombey，ifhehasrequiredany，ofhisnotbeingmistakenintheMajor。Itwasanassurancetohimthathispowerextendedbeyondhisownimmediatesphere；andthattheMajor，asanofficerandagentleman，hadanolessbecomingsenseofit，thanthebeadleoftheRoyalExchange。
Andifitwereeverconsolatorytoknowthis，orthelikeofthis，itwasconsolatorythen，whentheimpotenceofhiswill，theinstabilityofhishopes，thefeeblenessofwealth，hadbeensodirefullyimpresseduponhim。Whatcoulditdo，hisboyhadaskedhim。Sometimes，thinkingofthebabyquestion，hecouldhardlyforbearinquiring，himself，whatcoulditdoindeed：whathaditdone？
Butthesewerelonelythoughts，bredlateatnightinthesullendespondencyandgloomofhisretirement，andprideeasilyfounditsreassuranceinmanytestimoniestothetruth，asunimpeachableandpreciousastheMajor\'s。Mr。Dombey，inhisfriendlessness，inclinedtotheMajor。Itcannotbesaidthathewarmedtowardshim，buthethawedalittle。TheMajorhadhadsomepart——andnottoomuch——inthedaysbytheseaside。Hewasamanoftheworld，andknewsomegreatpeople。Hetalkedmuch，andtoldstories；
andMr。Dombeywasdisposedtoregardhimasachoicespiritwhoshoneinsociety，andwhohadnotthatpoisonousingredientofpovertywithwhichchoicespiritsingeneralaretoomuchadulterated。Hisstationwasundeniable。
AltogethertheMajorwasacreditablecompanion，wellaccustomedtoalifeofleisure，andtosuchplacesasthattheywereabouttovisit，andhavinganairofgentlemanlyeaseabouthimthatmixedwellenoughwithhisownCitycharacter，anddidnotcompetewithitatall。IfMr。DombeyhadanylingeringideathattheMajor，asamanaccustomed，inthewayofhiscalling，tomakelightoftheruthlesshadthathandlatelycrushedhishopes，mightunconsciouslyimpartsomeusefulphilosophytohim，andscareawayhisweakregrets，hehiditfromhimself，andleftitlyingatthebottomofhispride，unexamined。
`Whereismyscoundrel？\'saidtheMajor，lookingwrathfullyroundtheroom。
TheNative，whohadnoparticularname，butansweredtoanyvituperativeepithet，presentedhimselfinstantlyatthedoorandventuredtocomenonearer。
`Youvillain！\'saidthecholericMajor，`where\'sthebreakfast？\'
Thedarkservantdisappearedinsearchofit，andwasquicklyheardreascendingthestairsinsuchatremulousstate，thattheplatesanddishesonthetrayhecarried，tremblingsympatheticallyashecame，rattledagain，allthewayup。
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，glancingattheNativeashearrangedthetable，andencouraginghimwithanawfulshakeofhisfistwhenheupsetaspoon，`hereisadevilledgrill，asavourypie，adishofkidneys，andsoforth。Praysitdown。OldJoecangiveyounothingbutcampfare，yousee。\'
`Veryexcellentfare，Major，\'repliedhisguest；andnotinmerepolitenesseither；fortheMajoralwaystookthebestpossiblecareofhimself，andindeedaterathermoreofrichmeatsthanwasgoodforhim，insomuchthathisImperialcomplexionwasmainlyreferredbythefacultytothatcircumstance。
`Youhavebeenlookingovertheway，Sir，\'observedtheMajor。
`Haveyouseenourfriend？\'
`YoumeanMissTox，\'retortedMr。Dombey。`No。\'
`Charmingwoman，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，withafatlaughrisinginhisshortthroat，andnearlysuffocatinghim。
`MissToxisaverygoodsortofperson，Ibelieve，\'repliedMr。
Dombey。
ThehaughtycoldnessofthereplyseemedtoaffordMajorBagstockinfinitedelight。Heswelledandswelled，exceedingly：andevenlaiddownhisknifeandforkforamoment，torubhishands。
`OldJoe，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`wasabitofafavouriteinthatquarteronce。ButJoehashadhisday。J。Bagstockisextinguished——outrivalled——floored，Sir。Itellyouwhat，Dombey。\'TheMajorpausedinhiseating，andlookedmysteriouslyindignant。`That\'sade-vilishambitiouswoman，Sir。\'
Mr。Dombeysaid`Indeed？\'withfrigidindifference：mingledperhapswithsomecontemptuousincredulityastoMissToxhavingthepresumptiontoharboursuchasuperiorquality。
`Thatwoman，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`is，inherway，aLucifer。
JoeyB。hashadhisday，Sir，buthekeepshiseyes。Hesees，doesJoe。
HisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkobservedofJoey，atalevee，thathesaw。\'
TheMajoraccompaniedthiswithsuchalook，and，betweeneating，drinking，hottea，devilledgrill，muffins，andmeaning，wasaltogethersoswollenandinflamedaboutthehead，thatevenMr。Dombeyshowedsomeanxietyforhim。
`Thatridiculousoldspectacle，Sir，\'pursuedtheMajor，`aspires。
Sheaspiressky-high，Sir。Matrimonially，Dombey。\'
`Iamsorryforher，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Don\'tsaythat，Dombey，\'returnedtheMajorinawarningvoice。
`WhyshouldInot，Major？\'saidMr。Dombey。
TheMajorgavenoanswerbutthehorse\'scough，andwentoneatingvigorously。
`Shehastakenaninterestinyourhousehold，\'saidtheMajor，stoppingshortagain，`andhasbeenafrequentvisitoratyourhouseforsometimenow。\'
`Yes，\'repliedMr。Dombeywithgreatstateliness，`MissToxwasoriginallyreceivedthere，atthetimeofMrs。Dombey\'sdeath，asafriendofmysister\'s；andbeingawell-behavedperson，andshowingalikingforthepoorinfant，shewaspermitted——Imaysayencouraged——torepeathervisitswithmysister，andgraduallytooccupyakindoffootingoffamiliarityinthefamily。Ihave，\'saidMr。Dombey，inthetoneofamanwhowasmakingagreatandvaluableconcession，`IhavearespectforMissTox。Shehasbeensoobligingastorendermanylittleservicesinmyhouse：triflingandinsignificantservicesperhaps，Major，butnottobedisparagedonthataccount：andIhopeIhavehadthegoodfortunetobeenabledtoacknowledgethembysuchattentionandnoticeasithasbeeninmypowertobestow。
IholdmyselfindebtedtoMissTox，Major，\'addedMr。Dombey，withaslightwaveofhishand，`forthepleasureofyouracquaintance。\'
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，warmly：`no！No，Sir！JosephBagstockcanneverpermitthatassertiontopassuncontradicted。YourknowledgeofoldJoe，Sir，suchasheis，andoldJoe\'sknowledgeofyou，Sir，haditsorigininanoblefellow，Sir——inagreatcreature，Sir。Dombey！\'saidtheMajor，withastrugglewhichitwasnotverydifficulttoparade，hiswholelifebeingastruggleagainstallkindsofapoplecticsymptoms，`wekneweachotherthroughyourboy。\'
Mr。Dombeyseemedtouched，asitisnotimprobabletheMajordesignedheshouldbe，bythisallusion。Helookeddownandsighed：andtheMajor，rousinghimselffiercely，againsaid，inreferencetothestateofmindintowhichhefelthimselfindangeroffalling，thatthiswasweakness，andnothingshouldinducehimtosubmittoit。
`Ourfriendhasaremoteconnexionwiththatevent，\'saidtheMajor，`andallthecreditthatbelongstoher，J。B。iswillingtogiveher，Sir。Notwithstandingwhich，Ma\'am，\'headded，raisinghiseyesfromhisplate，andcastingthemacrossPrincess\'sPlace，towhereMissToxwasatthatmomentvisibleatherwindowwateringherflowers，`you\'reaschemingjade，Ma\'am，andyourambitionisapieceofmonstrousimpudence。
Ifitonlymadeyourselfridiculous，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，rollinghisheadattheunconsciousMissTox，whilehisstartingeyesappearedtomakealeaptowardsher，`youmightdothattoyourheart\'scontent，Ma\'am，withoutanyobjection，Iassureyou，onthepartofBagstock。\'HeretheMajorlaughedfrightfullyupinthetipsofhisearsandintheveinsofhishead。`Butwhen，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，`youcompromiseotherpeople，andgenerous，unsuspiciouspeopletoo，asarepaymentfortheircondescension，youstirthebloodofoldJoeinhisbody。\'
`Major，\'saidMr。Dombey，reddening，`IhopeyoudonothintatanythingsoabsurdonthepartofMissToxas——\'
`Dombey，\'returnedtheMajor，`Ihintatnothing。ButJoeyB。
haslivedintheworld，Sir：livedintheworldwithhiseyesopen，Sir，andhisearscocked：andJoetellsyou，Dombey，thatthere\'sade-vilishartfulandambitiouswomanovertheway。\'
Mr。Dombeyinvoluntarilyglancedovertheway；andanangryglancehesentinthatdirection，too。
`That\'sallonsuchasubjectthatshallpassthelipsofJosephBagstock，\'saidtheMajorfirmly。`Joeisnotatalebearer，buttherearetimeswhenhemustspeak，whenhewillspeak！——confoundyourarts，Ma\'am，\'criedtheMajor，againapostrophisinghisfairneighbour，withgreatire，——`whentheprovocationistoostrongtoadmitofhisremainingsilent。\'
TheemotionofthisoutbreakthrewtheMajorintoaparoxysmofhorse\'scoughs，whichheldhimforalongtime。Onrecoveringheadded：
`Andnow，Dombey，asyouhaveinvitedJoe——oldJoe，whohasnoothermerit，Sir，butthatheistoughandhearty——tobeyourguestandguideatLeamington，commandhiminanywayyouplease，andheiswhollyyours。Idon\'tknow，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，wagginghisdoublechinwithajocoseair，`whatitisyoupeopleseeinJoetomakeyouholdhiminsuchgreatrequest，allofyou；butthisIknow，Sir，thatifhewasn\'tprettytough，andobstinateinhisrefusals，you\'dkillhimamongyouwithyourinvitationsandsoforth，indouble-quicktime。\'
Mr。Dombey，inafewwords，expressedhissenseofthepreferencehereceivedoverthoseotherdistinguishedmembersofsocietywhowereclamouringforthepossessionofMajorBagstock。ButtheMajorcuthimshortbygivinghimtounderstandthathefollowedhisowninclinations，andthattheyhadrisenupinabodyandsaidwithoneaccord，`J。B。，Dombeyisthemanforyoutochooseasafriend。\'
TheMajorbeingbythistimeinastateofrepletion，withessenceofsavourypieoozingoutatthecornersofhiseyes，anddevilledgrillandkidneystighteninghiscravat：andthetimemoreoverapproachingforthedepartureoftherailwaytraintoBirmingham，bywhichtheyweretoleavetown：theNativegothimintohisgreat-coatwithimmensedifficulty，andbuttonedhimupuntilhisfacelookedstaringandgasping，overthetopofthatgarment，asifhewereinabarrel。TheNativethenhandedhimseparately，andwithadecentintervalbetweeneachsupply，hiswash-leathergloves，histhickstick，andhishat；whichlatterarticletheMajorworewitharakishairononesideofhishead，bywayoftoningdownhisremarkablevisage。TheNativehadpreviouslypacked，inallpossibleandimpossiblepartsofMr。Dombey\'schariot，whichwasinwaiting，anunusualquantityofcarpet-bagsandsmallportmanteaus，nolessapoplecticinappearancethantheMajorhimself：andhavingfilledhisownpocketswithSeltzerwater，EastIndiasherry，sandwiches，shawls，telescopes，maps，andnewspapers，anyorallofwhichlightbaggagetheMajormightrequireatanyinstantofthejourney，heannouncedthateverythingwasready。Tocompletetheequipmentofthisunfortunateforeignercurrentlybelievedtobeaprinceinhisowncountry，whenhetookhisseatintherumblebythesideofMr。Towlinson，apileoftheMajor\'scloaksandgreat-coatswashurleduponhimbythelandlord，whoaimedathimfromthepavementwiththosegreatmissileslikeaTitan，andsocoveredhimup，thatheproceeded，inalivingtomb，totherailroadstation。
Butbeforethecarriagemovedaway，andwhiletheNativewasintheactofsepulture，MissToxappearingatherwindow，wavedalily-whitehandkerchief。Mr。Dombeyreceivedthispartingsalutationverycoldly——verycoldlyevenforhim——andhonouringherwiththeslightestpossibleinclinationofhishead，leanedbackinthecarriagewithaverydiscontentedlook。
HismarkedbehaviourseemedtoaffordtheMajorwhowasallpolitenessinhisrecognitionofMissToxunboundedsatisfaction；andhesatforalongtimeafterwards，leering，andchoking，likeanover-fedMephistopheles。
Duringthebustleofpreparationattherailway，Mr。Dombeyandthemajorwalkedupanddowntheplatformsidebyside；theformertaciturnandgloomy，andthelatterentertaininghim，orentertaininghimself，withavarietyofanecdotesandreminiscences，inmostofwhichJoeBagstockwastheprincipalperformer。Neitherofthetwoobservedthatinthecourseofthesewalks，theyattractedtheattentionofaworkingmanwhowasstandingneartheengine，andwhotouchedhishateverytimetheypassed；forMr。
Dombeyhabituallylookedoverthevulgarherd，notatthem；andtheMajorwaslooking，atthetime，intothecoreofoneofhisstories。Atlength，however，thismansteppedbeforethemastheyturnedround，andpullinghishatoff，andkeepingitoff，duckedhisheadtoMr。Dombey。
`Begyourpardon，Sir，\'saidtheman，`butIhopeyou\'readoin\'
prettywell，Sir。\'
Hewasdressedinacanvasssuitabundantlybesmearedwithcoal-dustandoil，andcindersinhiswhiskers，andasmellofhalf-slakedashesalloverhim。Hewasnotabad-lookingfellow，norevenwhatcouldbefairlycalledadirty-lookingfellow，inspiteofthis；and，inshort，hewasMr。Toodle，professionallyclothed。
`Ishallhavethehonourofstokin\'ofyoudown，Sir，\'saidMr。
Toodle。`Begyourpardon，Sir。Ihopeyoufindyourselfacominground？\'
Mr。Dombeylookedathim，inreturnforhistoneofinterest，asifamanlikethatwouldmakehisveryeyesightdirty。
`\'Scusetheliberty，Sir，\'saidToodle，seeinghewasnotclearlyremembered，`butmywifePolly，aswascalledRichardsinyourfamily——\'
AchangeinMr。Dombey\'sface，whichseemedtoexpressrecollectionofhim，andsoitdid，butitexpressedinamuchstrongerdegreeandangrysenseofhumiliation，stoppedMr。Toodleshort。
`Yourwifewantsmoney，Isuppose，\'saidMr。Dombey，puttinghishandinhispocket，andspeakingbutthathealwaysdidhaughtily。
`Nothank\'ee，Sir，\'returnedToodle，`Ican\'tsayshedoes。Idon\'t。\'
Mr。Dombeywasstoppedshortnowinhisturn：andawkwardly：withhishandinhispocket。
`No，Sir，\'saidToodle，turninghisoilskincaproundandround；
`we\'readoin\'prettywell，Sir；wehaven\'tnocausetocomplainintheworldlyway，Sir。We\'vehadfourmoresincethen，Sir，butwerubson。\'
Mr。Dombeywouldhaverubbedontohisowncarriage，thoughinsodoinghehadrubbedthestokerunderneaththewheels；buthisattentionwasarrestedbysomethinginconnexionwiththecapstillgoingslowlyroundandroundintheman\'shand。
`Welostonebabby，\'observedToodle，`there\'snodenyin。\'
`Lately，\'addedMr。Dombey，lookingatthecap。
`No，Sir，up\'ardofthreeyearsago，butalltherestishearty。
Andinthemattero\'readin\'，Sir，\'saidToodle，duckingagain，asiftoremindMr。Dombeyofwhathadpassedbetweenthemonthatsubjectlongago，`themboyso\'mine，theylearnedme，among\'em，arterall。They\'vemadeawerytolerablescholarofme，Sir，themboys。\'
`Come，Major！\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Begyourpardon，Sir，\'resumedToodle，takingastepbeforethemanddeferentiallystoppingthemagain，stillcapinhand：`Iwouldn\'thavetroubledyouwithsuchapintexceptasawayofgettin\'inthenameofmysonBiler——christenedRobin——himasyouwassogoodastomakeaCharitableGrinderon。\'
`Well，man，\'saidMr。Dombeyinhisseverestmanner。`Whatabouthim？\'
`Why，Sir，\'returnedToodle，shakinghisheadwithafaceofgreatanxietyanddistress，`I\'mforcedtosay，Sir，thathe\'sgonewrong。\'
`Hehasgonewrong，hashe？\'saidMr。Dombey，withahardkindofsatisfaction。
`Hehasfellintobadcompany，yousee，gentlemen，\'pursuedthefather，lookingwistfullyatboth，andevidentlytakingtheMajorintotheconversationwiththehopeofhavinghissympathy。`Hehasgotintobadways。Godsendhemaycometoagain，gentlemen，buthe\'sonthewrongtracknow！Youcouldhardlybeoffhearingofitsomehow，Sir，\'saidToodle，againaddressingMr。Dombeyindividually；`andit\'sbetterIshouldoutandsaymyboy\'sgoneratherwrong。Polly\'sdreadfuldownaboutit，genelmen，\'
saidToodlewiththesamedejectedlook，andanotherappealtotheMajor。
`Asonofthisman\'swhomIcausedtobeeducated，Major，\'saidMr。Dombey，givinghimhisarm。`Theusualreturn！\'
`TakeadvicefromplainoldJoe，andnevereducatethatsortofpeople，Sir，\'returnedtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，itneverdoes！Ialwaysfails！\'
Thesimplefatherwasbeginningtosubmitthathehopedhisson，thequondamGrinder，huffedandcuffed，andfloggedandbadged，andtaught，asparrotsare，byabrutejobbedintohisplaceofschoolmasterwithasmuchfitnessforitasahound，mightnothavebeeneducatedonquitearightplaninsomeundiscoveredrespect，whenMr。Dombeyangrilyrepeating`Theusualreturn！\'ledtheMajoraway。AndtheMajorbeingheavytohoistintoMr。Dombey\'scarriageelevatedinmidair，andhavingtostopandswearthathewouldflaytheNativealive，andbreakveryboneinhisskin，andvisitotherphysicaltormentsuponhim，everytimehecouldn\'tgethisfootonthestep，andfellbackonthatdarkexile，hadbarelytimebeforetheystartedtorepeathoarselythatitwouldneverdo：thatitalwaysfailed：andthatifheweretoeducate`hisownvagabond，\'hewouldcertainlybehanged。
Mr。Dombeyassentedbitterly；buttherewassomethingmoreinhisbitterness，andinhismoodywayoffallingbackinthecarriage，andlookingwithknittedbrowsatthechangingobjectswithout，thatthefailureofthatnobleeducationalsystemadministeredbytheGrinders\'Company。
Hehadseenupontheman\'sroughcapapieceofnewcrape，andhehadassuredhimself，fromhismannerandhisanswers，thatheworeitforhisson。
So！fromhightolow，athomeorabroad，fromFlorenceinhisgreathousetothecoarsechurlwhowasfeedingthefirethensmokingbeforethem，everyonesetupsomeclaimorothertoashareinhisdeadboy，andwasabidderagainsthim！Couldheeverforgethowthatwomanhadweptoverhispillow，andcalledhimherownchild！orhowhe，wakingfromhissleep，hadaskedforher，andhadraisedhimselfinhisbedandbrightenedwhenshecamein！
Tothinkofthispresumptuousrakeramongcoalsandashesgoingonbeforethere，withhissignofmourning！Tothinkthathedaredtoenter，evenbyacommonshowlikethat，intothetrialanddisappointmentofaproudgentleman\'ssecretheart！Tothinkthatthislostchild，whowastohavedividedwithhimhisriches，andhisprojects，andhispower，andalliedwithwhomhewastohaveshutoutalltheworldaswithadoubledoorofgold，shouldhaveletinsuchaherdtoinsulthimwiththeirknowledgeofhisdefeatedhopes，andtheirboastsofclaimingcommunityoffeelingwithhimself，sofarremoved：ifnotofhavingcreptintotheplacewhereinhewouldhavelordedit，alone！
Hefoundnopleasureorofreliefinthejourney。Torturedbythesethoughtshecarriedmonotonywithhim，throughtherushinglandscape，andhurriedheadlong，notthrougharichandvariedcountry，butawildernessofblightedplansandgnawingjealousies。Theveryspeedatwhichthetrainwaswhirledalongmockedtheswiftcourseoftheyounglifethathadbeenborneawaysosteadilyandsoinexorablytoitsforedoomedend。Thepowerthatforceditselfuponitsironway——itsown——defiantofallpathsandroads，piercingthroughtheheartofeveryobstacle，anddragginglivingcreaturesofallclasses，ages，anddegreesbehindit，wasatypeofthetriumphantmonster，Death。
Away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，fromthetown，burrowingamongthedwellingsofmenandmakingthestreetshum，flashingoutintothemeadowsforamoment，mininginthroughthedampearth，boomingonindarknessandheavyair，burstingoutagainintothesunnydaysobrightandwide；away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，throughthefields，throughthewoods，throughthecorn，throughthehay，throughthechalk，throughthemould，throughtheclay，throughtherock，amongobjectscloseathandandalmostinthegrasp，everflyingfromthetraveller，andadeceitfuldistanceevermovingslowlywithinhim：likeasinthetrackoftheremorselessmonster，Death！
Throughthehallow，ontheheight，bytheheath，bytheorchard，bythepark，bythegarden，overthecanal，acrosstheriver，wherethesheeparefeeding，wherethemillisgoing，wherethebargeisfloating，wherethedeadarelying，wherethefactoryissmoking，wherethestreamisrunning，wherethevillageclusters，wherethegreatcathedralrises，wherethebleakmoorlies，andthewildbreezesmoothsorrufflesitatitsinconstantwill；away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，andnotracetoleavebehindbutdustandvapour：likeasinthetrackoftheremorselessmonster，Death！
Breastingthewindandlight，theshowerandsunshine，away，andstillaway，itrollsandroars，fierceandrapid，smoothandcertain，andgreatworksandmassivebridges，crossingupabove，falllikeabeamofshadowaninchbroad，upontheeye，andthenarelost。Away，andstillaway，onwardandonwardever：glimpsesofcottage-homes，ofhouses，mansions，richestates，ofhusbandryandhandicraft，ofpeople，ofoldroadsandpathsthatlookdeserted，small，andinsignificantastheyareleftbehind：
andsotheydo，andwhatelseistherebutsuchglimpses，inthetrackoftheindomitablemonster，Death！
Away，withashriek，andaroar，andarattle，plungingdownintotheearthagain，andworkingoninsuchastormofenergyandperseverance，thatamidstthedarknessandwhirlwindthemotionseemsreversed，andtotendfuriouslybackward，untilarayoflightuponthewetwallshowsitssurfaceflyingpastlikeafiercestream。Awayoncemoreintotheday，andthroughtheday，withashrillyellofexultation，roaring，rattling，tearingon，spurningeverythingwithitsdarkbreath，sometimespausingforaminutewhereacrowdoffacesare，thatinaminutemorearenot；
sometimeslappingwatergreedily，andbeforethespoutatwhichitdrinkshasceasedtodripupontheground，shrieking，roaring，rattlingthroughthepurpledistance！
Louderandlouderyet，itshrieksandcriesasitcomestearingonresistlesstothegoal：andnowitsway，stilllikethewayofDeath，isstrewnwithashesthickly。Everythingaroundisblackened。Therearedarkpoolsofwater，muddylanes，andmiserablehabitationsfarbelow。
Therearejaggedwallsandfallinghousescloseathand，andthroughthebatteredroofsandbrokenwindows，wretchedroomsareseen，wherewantandfeverhidethemselvesinmanywretchedshapes，whilesmokeandcrowdedgables，anddistortedchimneys，anddeformityofbrickandmortarpenningupdeformityofmindandbody，chokethemurkydistance。AsMr。Dombeylooksoutofhiscarriagewindow，itisneverinhisthoughtsthatthemonsterwhohasbroughthimtherehasletthelightofdayinonthesethings：notmadeorcausedthem。Itwasthejourney\'sfittingend，andmighthavebeentheendofeverything；itwassoruinousanddreary。
So，pursuingtheonecourseofthought，hehadtheonerelentlessmonsterstillbeforehim。Allthingslookedblack，andcold，anddeadlyuponhim，andheonthem。Hefoundalikenesstohismisfortuneeverywhere。
Therewasaremorselesstriumphgoingonabouthim，anditgalledandstunghiminhisprideandjealousy，whateverformittook：thoughmostofallwhenitdividedwithhimtheloveandmemoryofhislostboy。
Therewasaface——hehadlookeduponit，onthepreviousnight，anditonhimwitheyesthatreadhissoul，thoughtheyweredimwithtears，andhiddensoonbehindtwoquiveringhands——thatoftenhadattendedhiminfancy，onthisride。Hehadseenit，withtheexpressionoflastnight，timidlypleadingtohim。Itwasnotreproachful，buttherewassomethingofdoubt，almostofhopefulincredulityinit，which，asheoncemoresawthatfadeawayintoadesolatecertaintyofhisdislike，waslikereproach。
ItwasatroubletohimtothinkofthisfaceofFlorence。
Becausehefeltanynewcompunctiontowardsit？No。Becausethefeelingitawakenedinhim——ofwhichhehadhadsomeoldforeshadowinginoldertimes——wasfull-formednow，andspokeoutplainly，movinghimtoomuch，andthreateningtogrowtoostrongforhiscomposure。Becausethefacewasabroad，intheexpressionofdefeatandpersecutionthatseemedtoencirclehimliketheair。Becauseitbarbedthearrowofthatcruelandremorselessenemyonwhichhisthoughtssoran，andputintoitsgraspadouble-handedsword。Becauseheknewfullwell，inhisownbreast，ashestoodthere，tingingthesceneoftransitionbeforehimwiththemorbidcoloursofhisownmind，andmakingitaruinandapictureofdecay，insteadofhopefulchange，andpromiseofbetterthings，thatlifehadquiteasmuchtodowithhiscomplainingsasdeath。Onechildwasgone，andonechildleft。Whywastheobjectofhishoperemovedinsteadofher？
Thesweet，calm，gentlepresenceinhisfancy，movedhimtonoreflectionbutthat。Shehadbeenunwelcometohimfromthefirst；shewasanaggravationofhisbitternessnow。Ifhissonhadbeenhisonlychild，andthesameblowhadfallenonhim，itwouldhavebeenheavytobear；butinfinitelylighterthannow，whenitmighthavefallenonherwhomhecouldhavelost，orhebelievedit，withoutapang，andhadnot。
Herlovingandinnocentfacerisingbeforehim，andhadnosofteningorwinninginfluence。Herejectedtheangel，andtookupwiththetormentingspiritcrouchinginhisbosom。Herpatience，goodness，youth，devotion，love，wereassomanyatomsintheashesuponwhichhesethisheel。Hesawherimageintheblightandblacknessallaroundhim，notirradiatingbutdeepeningthegloom。Morethanonceuponthisjourney，andhowagainashestoodponderingatthisjourney\'send，tracingfiguresinthedustwithhisstick，thethoughtcameintohismind，whatwastherehecouldinterposebetweenhimselfandit？
TheMajor，whohadbeenblowingandpantingallthewaydown，likeanotherengine，andwhoseeyehadoftenwanderedfromhisnewspapertoleerattheprospect，asiftherewereaprocessionofdiscomfitedMissToxespouringoutinthesmokeofthetrain，andflyingawayoverthefieldstohidethemselvesinanyplaceofrefuge，arousedhisfriendbyinforminghimthatthepost-horseswereharnessedandthecarriageready。
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，rappinghimonthearmwithhiscane，`don\'tbethoughtful。It\'sabadhabit。OldJoe，Sir，wouldn\'tbeastoughasyouseehim，ifhehadeverencouragedit。Youaretoogreataman，Dombey，tobethoughtful。Inyourposition，Sir，you\'refarabovethatkindofthing。\'
TheMajoreveninhisfriendlyremonstrances，thusconsultingthedignityandhonourofMr。Dombey，andshowingalivelysenseoftheirimportance，Mr。Dombeyfeltmorethaneverdisposedtodefertoagentlemanpossessingsomuchgoodsenseandsuchawell-regulatedmind；accordinglyhemadeanefforttolistentotheMajor\'sstories，astheytrottedalongtheturnpikeroad；andtheMajor，findingboththepaceandtheroadagreatdealbetteradaptedtohisconversationalpowersthanthemodeoftravellingtheyhadjustrelinquished，cameoutforhisentertainment。
Inthisflowofspiritsandconversation，onlyinterruptedbyhisusualplethoricsymptoms，andbyintervalsoflunch，andfromtimetotimebysomeviolentassaultupontheNative，whoworeapairofear-ringsinhisdark-brownears，andonwhomhisEuropeanclothessatwithanoutlandishimpossibilityofadjustment——being，oftheirownaccord，andwithoutanyreferencetothetailor\'sart，longwheretheyoughttobeshort，shortwheretheyoughttobelong，tightwheretheyoughttobeloose，andloosewheretheyoughttobetight——andtowhichheimpartedanewgrace，whenevertheMajorattackedhim，byshrinkingintothemlikeashrivellednut，oracoldmonkey——inthisflowofspiritsandconversation，theMajorcontinuedallday：sothatwheneveningcameon，andfoundthemtrottingthroughthegreenandleafyroadnearLeamington，theMajor\'svoice，whatwithtalkingandeatingandchucklingandchoking，appearedtobeintheboxundertherumble，orinsomeneighbouringhay-stack。NordidtheMajorimproveitattheRoyalHotel，whereroomsanddinnerhadbeenordered，andwherehesooppressedhisorgansofspeechbyeatinganddrinking，thatwhenheretiredtobedhehadnovoiceatall，excepttocoughwith，andcouldonlymakehimselfintelligibletothedarkservantbygaspingathim。
Henotonlyrosenextmorning，however，likeagiantrefreshed，butconductedhimself，atbreakfast，likeagiantrefreshing。Atthismealtheyarrangedtheirdailyhabits。TheMajorwastotaketheresponsibilityororderingeverythingtoeatanddrink；andtheyweretohavealatebreakfasttogethereverymorning，andalatedinnertogethereveryday。Mr。Dombeywouldpreferremaininginhisownroom，orwalkinginthecountrybyhimself，onthatfirstdayoftheirsojournatLeamington；butnextmorninghewouldbehappytoaccompanytheMajortothePump-room，andaboutthetown。Sotheyparteduntildinner-time。Mr。Dombeyretiredtonursehiswholesomethoughtsinhisownway。TheMajor，attendedbytheNativecarryingacamp-stool，agreat-coast，andanumbrella，swaggeredupanddownthroughallthepublicplaces：lookingintosubscriptionbookstofindoutwhowasthere，lookingupoldladiesbywhomhewasmuchadmired，reportingJ。B。tougherthanever，andpuffinghisrichfriendDombeywhereverhewent。ThereneverwasamanwhostoodbyafriendmorestaunchlythantheMajor，wheninpuffinghim，hepuffedhimself。