ItwassurprisinghowmuchnewconversationtheMajorhadtoletoffatdinner-time，andwhatoccasionhegaveMr。Dombeytoadmirehissocialqualities。Atbreakfastnextmorning，heknewthecontentsofthelatestnewspapersreceived；andmentionedseveralsubjectsinconnexionwiththem，onwhichhisopinionhadrecentlybeensoughtbypersonsofsuchpowerandmight，thattheywereonlytobeobscurelyhintedat。Mr。
Dombey，whohadbeensolongshutupwithinhimself，andwhohadrarely，atanytime，oversteppedtheenchantedcirclewithinwhichtheoperationsofDombeyandSonwereconducted，begantothinkthisanimprovementonhissolitarylife；andinplaceofexcusinghimselfforanotherday，ashehadthoughtofdoingwhenalone，walkedoutwiththeMajorarm-in-arm。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter21[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXINewFacesTHEMajor，moreblue-facedandstaring——moreover-ripe，asitwere，thanever——andgivingvent，everynowandthen，tooneofthehorse\'scoughs，notsomuchofnecessityasinaspontaneousexplosionofimportance，walkedarm-in-armwithMr。Dombeyupthesunnysideoftheway，withhischeeksswellingoverhistightstock，hislegsmajesticallywideapart，andhisgreatheadwaggingfromsidetoside，asifhewereremonstratingwithinhimselfforbeingsuchacaptivatingobject。Theyhadnotwalkedmanyyards，beforetheMajorencounteredsomebodyelseheknew，normanyyardsfartherbeforetheMajorencounteredsomebodyelseheknew，buthemerelyshookhisfingersatthemashepassed，andledMr。Dombeyon：pointingoutthelocalitiesastheywent，andenliveningthewalkwithanycurrentscandalsuggestedbythem。
InthismannertheMajorandMr。Dombeywerewalkingarm-in-arm，muchtotheirownsatisfaction，whentheybeheldadvancingtowardsthem，awheeledchair，inwhichaladywasseated，indolentlysteeringhercarriagebyakindofrudderinfront，whileitwaspropelledbysomeunseenpowerintherear。Althoughtheladywasnotyoung，shewasverybloomingintheface——quiterosy——andherdressandattitudewereperfectlyjuvenile。
Walkingbythesideofthechair，andcarryinghergossamerparasolwithaproudandwearyair，asifsogreataneffortmustbesoonabandonedandtheparasoldropped，saunteredamuchyoungerlady，veryhandsome，veryhaughty，verywilful，whotossedherheadanddroopedhereyelids，asthough，iftherewereanythinginalltheworldworthlookinginto，saveamirror，itcertainlywasnottheearthorsky。
`Why，whatthedevilhavewehere，Sir！\'criedtheMajor，stoppingasthislittlecavalcadedrewnear。
`MydearestEdith！\'drawledtheladyinthechair，`MajorBagstock！\'
TheMajornosoonerheardthevoice，thanherelinquishedMr。Dombey\'sarm，dartedforward，tookthehandoftheladyinthechairandpressedittohislips。Withnolessgallantry，theMajorfoldedbothhisglovesuponhisheart，andbowedlowtotheotherlady。Andnow，thechairhavingstopped，themotivepowerbecamevisibleintheshapeofaflushedpagepushingbehind，whoseemedtohaveinpartoutgrownandinpartout-pushedhisstrength，forwhenhestooduprighthewastall，andwan，andthin，andhisplightappearedthemoreforlornfromhishavinginjuredtheshapeofhishat，bybuttingatthecarriagewithhisheadtourgeitforward，asissometimesdonebyelephantsinOrientalcountries。
`JoeBagstock，\'saidtheMajortobothladies，`isaproudandhappymanfortherestofhislife。\'
`Youfalsecreature！\'saidtheoldladyinthechair，insipidly。
`Wheredoyoucomefrom？Ican\'tbearyou。\'
`ThensufferoldJoetopresentafriend，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，promptly，`asareasonforbeingtolerated。Mr。Dombey，Mrs。Skewton。\'
Theladyinthechairwasgracious。`Mr。Dombey，Mrs。Granger。\'TheladywiththeparasolwasfaintlyconsciousofMr。Dombey\'stakingoffhishat，andbowinglow。`Iamdelighted，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`tohavethisopportunity。\'
TheMajorseemedinearnest，forhelookedatallthethree，andleeredinhisugliestmanner。
`Mrs。Skewton，Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，`makeshavocintheheartofoldJosh。\'
Mr。Dombeysignifiedthathedidn\'twonderatit。
`Youperfidiousgoblin，\'saidtheladyinthechair，`havedone！
Howlonghaveyoubeenhere，badman？\'
`Oneday，\'repliedtheMajor。
`Andcanyoubeaday，orevenaminute，\'returnedthelady，slightlysettlingherfalsecurlsandfalseeyebrowswithherfan，andshowingherfalseteeth，setoffbyherfalsecomplexion，`inthegardenofwhat\'s-its-name——\'
`Eden，IsupposeMama，\'interruptedtheyoungerlady，scornfully。
`MydearEdith，\'saidtheother，`Icannothelpit。Inevercanrememberthosefrightfulnames——withouthavingyourwholeSoulandBeinginspiredbythesightofNature；bytheperfume，\'saidMrs。Skewton，rustlingahandkerchiefthatwasfaintandsicklywithessences，`ofherartlessbreath，youcreature！\'
ThediscrepancybetweenMrs。Skewton\'sfreshenthusiasmofwords，andforlornlyfadedmanner，washardlylessobservablethanthatbetweenherage，whichwasaboutseventy，andherdress，whichwouldhavebeenyouthfulfortwenty-seven。Herattitudeinthewheeledchairwhichshenevervariedwasoneinwhichshehadbeentakeninabarouche，somefiftyyearsbefore，byathenfashionableartistwhohadappendedtohispublishedsketchthenameofCleopatra：inconsequenceofadiscoverymadebythecriticsofthetime，thatitboreanexactresemblancetothatPrincessasshereclinedonboardhergalley。Mrs。Skewtonwasabeautythen，andbucksthrewwine-glassesovertheirheadsbydozensinherhonor。Thebeautyandthebarouchehadbothpassedaway，butshestillpreservedtheattitude，andforthisreasonexpressly，maintainedthewheeledchairandthebuttingpage：therebeingnothingwhatever，excepttheattitude，topreventherfromwalking。
`Mr。DombeyisdevotedtoNature，Itrust？\'saidMrs。Skewton，settlingherdiamondbrooch。Andbytheway，shechieflyliveduponthereputationofsomediamonds，andherfamilyconnexions。
`MyfriendDombey，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheMajor，`maybedevotedtoherinsecret，butamanwhoisparamountinthegreatestcityintheuniverse——\'
`Noonecanbeastranger，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`toMr。Dombey\'simmenseinfluence。\'
AsMr。Dombeyacknowledgedthecomplimentwithabendofhishead，theyoungerladyglancingathim，methiseyes。
`Youresidehere，Madam？\'saidMr。Dombey，addressingher。
`No，wehavebeentoagreatmanyplaces。ToIrrigateandScarborough，andintoDevonshire。Wehavebeenvisiting，andrestinghereandthere。
Mamalikeschange。\'
`Edithofcoursedoesnot，\'saidMrs。Skewton，withaghastlyarchness。
`Ihavenotfoundthatthereisanychangeinsuchplaces，\'wastheanswer，deliveredwithsupremeindifference。
`Theylibelme。Thereisonlyonechange，Mr。Dombey，\'observedMrs。Skewton，withamincingsigh，`forwhichIreallycare，andthatI
fearIshallneverbepermittedtoenjoy。Peoplecannotspareone。Butseclusionandcontemplationaremywhat-his-name——\'
`IfyoumeanParadise，Mama，youhadbettersayso，torenderyourselfintelligible，\'saidtheyoungerlady。
`MydearestEdith，\'returnedMrs。Skewton，`youknowthatIamwhollydependentuponyouforthoseodiousnames。Iassureyou，Mr。Dombey，NatureintendedmeforanArcadian。Iamthrownawayinsociety。Cowsaremypassion。WhatIhaveeversighedfor，hasbeentoretreattoaSwissfarm，andliveentirelysurroundedbycows——andchina。\'
Thiscuriousassociationofobjects，suggestingaremembranceofthecelebratedbullwhogotbymistakeintoacrockeryshop，wasreceivedwithperfectgravitybyMr。Dombey，whointimatedhisopinionthatNaturewas，nodoubt，averyrespectableinstitution。
`WhatIwant，\'drawledMrs。Skewton，pinchinghershrivelledthroat，`isheart。\'Itwasfrightfullytrueinonesense，ifnotinthatinwhichsheusedthephrase。`WhatIwant，isfrankness，confidence，lessconventionality，andfreerplayofsoul。Wearesodreadfullyartificial。\'
Wewere，indeed。
`Inshort，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`IwantNatureeverywhere。Itwouldbesoextremelycharming。\'
`Natureisinvitingusawaynow，Mama，ifyouareready，\'saidtheyoungerlady，curlingherhandsomelip。Atthishint，thewanpage，whohadbeensurveyingthepartyoverthetopofthechair，vanishedbehindit，asifthegroundhadswallowedhimup。
`Stopamoment，Withers！\'saidMrs。Skewton，asthechairbegantomove；callingtothepagewithallthelanguiddignitywithwhichshehadcalledindaysofyoretoacoachmanwithawig，cauliflowernosegay，andsilkstockings。`Whereareyoustaying，abomination？\'
TheMajorwasstayingattheRoyalHotel，withhisfriendDombey。
`Youmaycomeandseeusanyeveningwhenyouaregood，\'lispedMrs。Skewton。`IfMr。Dombeywillhonourus，weshallbehappy。Withers，goon！\'
TheMajoragainpressedtohisbluelipsthetipsofthefingersthatweredisposedontheledgeofthewheeledchairwithcarefulcarelessness，aftertheCleopatramodel：andMr。Dombeybowed。Theelderladyhonouredthembothwithaverygracioussmileandagirlishwaveofherhand；theyoungerladywiththeveryslightestinclinationofherheadthatcommoncourtesyallowed。
Thelastglimpseofthewrinkledfaceofthemother，withthatpatchedcolouronitwhichthesunmadeinfinitelymorehaggardanddismalthananywantofcolourcouldhavebeen，andoftheproudbeautyofthedaughterwithhergracefulfigureanderectdeportment，engenderedsuchaninvoluntarydispositiononthepartofboththeMajorandMr。Dombeytolookafterthem，thattheybothturnedatthesamemoment。ThePage，nearlyasmuchaslantashisownshadow，wastoilingafterthechair，uphill，likeaslowbattering-ram；thetopofCleopatra\'sbonnetwasflutteringinexactlythesamecornertotheinchasbefore；andtheBeauty，loiteringbyherselfalittleinadvance，expressedinallherelegantform，fromheadtofoot，thesamesupremedisregardofeverythingandeverybody。
`Itellyouwhat，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，astheyresumedtheirwalkagain。`IfJoeBagstockwereayoungerman，there\'snotawomanintheworldwhomhe\'dpreferforMrs。Bagstocktothatwoman。ByGeorge，Sir！\'saidtheMajor，`she\'ssuperb！\'
`Doyoumeanthedaughter？\'inquiredMr。Dombey。
`IsJoeyB。aturnip，Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，`thatheshouldmeanthemother？\'
`Youwerecomplimentarytothemother，\'returnedMr。Dombey。
`Anancientflame，Sir，\'chuckledMajorBagstock。`De-vilishancient。
Ihumourher。\'
`Sheimpressesmeasbeingperfectlygenteel，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Genteel，Sir，saidtheMajor，stoppingshort，andstaringinhiscompanion\'sface。`TheHonourableMrs。Skewton，Sir，issistertothelateLordFeenix，andaunttothepresentLord。Thefamilyarenotwealthy——they\'repoor，indeed——andshelivesuponasmalljointure；butifyoucometoblood，Sir！\'TheMajorgaveaflourishwithhisstickandwalkedonagain，indespairofbeingabletosaywhatyoucameto，ifyoucametothat。
`Youaddressedthedaughter，Iobserved，\'saidMr。Dombey，afterashortpause，`asMrs。Granger。\'
`EdithSkewton，Sir，\'returnedtheMajor，stoppingshortagain，andpunchingamarkinthegroundwithhiscane，torepresenther，`marriedateighteenGrangerofOurs；\'whomtheMajorindicatedbyanotherpunch。
`Granger，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，tappingthelastidealportrait，androllinghisheademphatically，`wasColonelofOurs；ade-vilishhandsomefellow，Sir，offorty-one。Hedied，Sir，inthesecondyearofhismarriage。\'TheMajorrantherepresentativeofthedeceasedGrangerthroughandthroughthebodywithhiswalking-stick，andwentonagain，carryinghisstickoverhisshoulder。
`Howlongisthisago？\'askedMr。Dombey，makinganotherhalt。
`EdithGranger，Sir，\'repliedtheMajor，shuttingoneeye，puttinghisheadononeside，passinghiscaneintohislefthand，andsmoothinghisshirt-frillwithhisright，`is，atthispresenttime，notquitethirty。
Anddamme，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，shoulderinghisstickoncemore，andwalkingonagain，`she\'sapeerlesswoman！\'
`Wasthereanyfamily？\'askedMr。Dombeypresently。
`Yes，Sir\'saidtheMajor。`Therewasaboy。\'
Mr。Dombey\'seyessoughttheground，andashadecameoverhisface。
`Whowasdrowned，Sir，\'pursuedtheMajor。`Whenachildoffourorfiveyearsold。\'
`Indeed？\'saidMr。Dombey，raisinghishead。
`Bytheupsettingofaboatinwhichhisnursehadnobusinesstohaveputhim，\'saidtheMajor。`That\'shishistory。EdithGrangerisEdithGrangerstill；butiftougholdJoeyB。，Sir，werealittleyoungerandalittlericher，thenameofthatimmortalparagonshouldbeBagstock。\'
TheMajorheavedhisshoulders，andhischeeks，andlaughedmorelikeanover-fedMephistophelesthanever，ashesaidthewords。
`Providedtheladymadenoobjection，Isuppose？\'saidMr。Dombeycoldly。
`ByGad，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`theBagstockbreedarenotaccustomedtothatsortofobstacle。Thoughit\'strueenoughthatEdithmighthavemarriedtwin-tytimes，butforbeingproud，Sir，Proud。\'
Mr。Dombeyseemed，byhisface，tothinknoworseofherforthat。
`It\'sagreatqualityafterall，\'saidtheMajor。`BytheLord，it\'sahighquality！Dombey！Youareproudyourself，andyourfriend，OldJoe，respectsyouforit，Sir。\'
Withthistributetothecharacterofhisally，whichseemedtobewrungfromhimbytheforceofcircumstancesandtheirresistibletendencyoftheirconversation，theMajorclosedthesubject，andglidedintoageneralexpositionoftheextenttowhichhehadbeenbelovedanddoatedonbysplendidwomenandbrilliantcreatures。
Onthenextdaybutone，Mr。DombeyandtheMajorencounteredtheHonourableMrs。SkewtonandherdaughterinthePump-room；onthedayafter，theymetthemagainveryneartheplacewheretheyhadmetthemfirst。Aftermeetingthemthus，threeorfourtimesinall，itbecameapointofmerecivilitytooldacquaintancesthattheMajorshouldgothereoneevening。Mr。Dombeyhadtooriginallyintendedtopayvisits，butontheMajorannouncingthisintention，hesaidhewouldhavethepleasureofaccompanyinghim。SotheMajortoldtheNativetogoroundbeforedinner，andsay，withhisandMr。Dombey\'scompliments，thattheywouldhavethehonourofvisitingtheladiesthatsameevening，iftheladieswerealone。
Inanswertowhichmessage，theNativebroughtbackaverysmallnotewithaverylargequantityofscentaboutit，inditedbytheHonourableMrs。
SkewtontoMajorBagstock，andbrieflysaying，`Youareashockingbear，andIhaveagreatmindnottoforgiveyou，butifyouareverygoodindeed，\'
whichwasunderlined，`youmaycome。ComplimentsinwhichEdithunites
toMr。Dombey。\'
TheHonourableMrs。Skewtonandherdaughter，Mrs。Granger，resided，whileatLeamington，inlodgingsthatwerefashionableenoughanddearenough，butratherlimitedinpointofspaceandconveniences；sothattheHonourableMrs。Skewton，beinginbed，hadherfeetinthewindowandherheadinthefireplace，whiletheHonourableMrs。Skewton\'smaidwasquarteredinaclosetwithinthedrawing-room，soextremelysmall，that，toavoiddevelopingthewholeofitsaccommodations，shewasobligedtowritheinandoutofthedoorlikeabeautifulserpent。Withers，thewanpage，sleptoutofthehouseimmediatelyunderthetilesataneighbouringmilk-shop；andthewheeledchair，whichwasthestoneofthatyoungSisyphus，passedthenightinashedbelongingtothesamedairy，wherenew-laideggswereproducedbythepoultryconnectedwiththeestablishment，whoroostedonabrokendonkey-cart，persuaded，toallappearance，thatitgrewthere，andwasaspeciesoftree。
Mr。DombeyandtheMajorfoundMrs。Skewtonarranged，asCleopatra，amongthecushionsofasofa：veryairilydressed；andcertainlynotresemblingShakspeare\'sCleopatra，whomagecouldnotwither。Ontheirwayupstairstheyhadheardthesoundofaharp，butithadceasedontheirbeingannounced，andEdithnowstoodbesideithandsomerandhaughtierthanever。Itwasaremarkablecharacteristicofthislady\'sbeautythatitappearedtovauntandassertitselfwithoutheraid，andagainstherwill。Sheknewthatshewasbeautiful：itwasimpossiblethatitcouldbeotherwise：butsheseemedwithherownpridetodefyherveryself。
Whethersheheldcheap，attractionsthatcouldonlycallforthadmirationthatwasworthlesstoher，orwhethershedesignedtorenderthemmoreprecioustoadmirersbythisusageofthem，thosetowhomtheywerepreciousseldompausedtoconsider。
`Ihope，Mrs。Granger，\'saidMr。Dombey，advancingasteptowardsher，`wearenotthecauseofyourceasingtoplay？\'
`You？ohno！\'
`Whydoyounotgoonthen，mydearestEdith？\'saidCleopatra。
`IleftoffasIbegan——ofmyownfancy。\'
Theexquisiteindifferenceofhermannerinsayingthis：anindifferencequiteremovedfromdulnessorinsensibility，foritwaspointedwithproudpurpose：waswellsetoffbythecarelessnesswithwhichshedrewherhandacrossthestrings，andcamefromthatpartoftheroom。
`Doyouknow，Mr。Dombey，\'saidherlanguishingmother，playingwithahand-screen，`thatoccasionallymydearestEdithandmyselfactuallyalmostdiffer——\'
`Notquite，sometimes，Mama？\'saidEdith。
`Ohneverquite，mydarling！Fie，fie，itwouldbreakmyheart，\'
returnedhermother，makingafaintattempttopatherwiththescreen，whichEdithmadenomovementtomeet，`——aboutthesecoldconventionalitiesofmannerthatareobservedinlittlethings？Whyarewenotmorenatural？
Dearme！Withallthoseyearnings，andgushings，andimpulsivethrobbingsthatwehaveimplantedinoursouls，andwhicharesoverycharming，whyarewenotmorenatural？\'
Mr。Dombeysaiditwasverytrue，verytrue。
`WecouldbemorenaturalIsupposeifwetried？\'saidMrs。Skewton。
Mr。Dombeythoughtitpossible。
`Devilabit，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor。`Wecouldn\'taffordit。
UnlesstheworldwaspeopledwithJ。B。\'s——toughandbluntoldJoes，Ma\'am，plainredherringswithhardroes，Sir——wecouldn\'taffordit。Itwouldn\'tdo。\'
`YounaughtyInfidel，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`bemute。\'
`Cleopatracommands，\'returnedtheMajor，kissinghishand，`andAntonyBagstockobeys。\'
`Themanhasnosensitiveness，\'saidMrs。Skewton，cruellyholdingupthehand-screensoastoshuttheMajorout。`Nosympathy。Andwhatdoweliveforbutsympathy！Whatelseissoextremelycharming！
Withoutthatgleamofsunshineonourcoldcoldearth，\'saidMrs。Skewton，arrangingherlacetucker，andcomplacentlyobservingtheeffectofherbareleanarm，lookingupwardfromthewrist，`howcouldwepossiblybearit？Inshort，obdurateman！\'glancingattheMajor，roundthescreen，`I
wouldhavemyworldallheart；andFaithissoexcessivelycharming，thatIwon\'tallowyoutodisturbit，doyouhear？\'
TheMajorrepliedthatitwashardinCleopatratorequiretheworldtobeallheart，andyettoappropriatetoherselftheheartsofalltheworld；whichobligedCleopatratoremindhimthatflatterywasinsupportabletoher，andthatifhehadtheboldnesstoaddressherinthatstrainanymore，shewouldpositivelysendhimhome。
WitherstheWan，atthisperiod，handingroundthetea，Mr。DombeyagainaddressedhimselftoEdith。
`Thereisnotmuchcompanyhere，itwouldseem？\'saidMr。Dombey，inhisownportentousgentlemanlyway。
`Ibelievenot。Weseenone。\'
`Whyreally，\'observedMrs。Skewtonfromhercouch，`therearenopeopleherejustnowwithwhomwecaretoassociate。\'
`Theyhavenotenoughheart，\'saidEdith，withasmile。Theverytwilightofasmile：sosingularlywereitslightanddarknessblended。
`MydearestEdithralliesme，yousee！\'saidhermother，shakingherhead：whichshookalittleofitselfsometimes，asifthepalsytwinklednowandtheninoppositiontothediamonds。`Wickedone！\'
`Youhavebeenherebefore，ifIamnotmistaken？\'saidMr。Dombey。
StilltoEdith。
`Oh，severaltimes。Ithinkwehavebeeneverywhere。\'
`Abeautifulcountry！\'
`Isupposeitis。Everybodysaysso。\'
`YourcousinFeenixravesaboutit，Edith，\'interposedhermotherfromhercouch。
Thedaughterslightlyturnedhergracefulhead，andraisinghereyebrowsbyahair\'s-breadth，asifhercousinFeenixwereofallthemortalworldtheleasttoberegarded，turnedhereyesagaintowardsMr。Dombey。
`Ihope，forthecreditofmygoodtaste，thatIamtiredoftheneighbourhood，\'shesaid。
`Youhavealmostreasontobe，Madam，\'hereplied，glancingatavarietyoflandscapedrawings，ofwhichhehadalreadyrecognisedseveralasrepresentingneighbouringpointsofview，andwhichwerestrewnabundantlyabouttheroom，`ifthesebeautifulproductionsarefromyourhand。\'
Shegavehimnoreply，butsatinadisdainfulbeauty，quiteamazing。
`Havetheythatinterest？\'saidMr。Dombey。`Aretheyyours？\'
`Yes。\'
`Andyouplay，Ialreadyknow。\'
`Yes。\'
`Andsing？\'
`Yes。\'
Sheansweredallthesequestionswithastrangereluctance；andwiththatremarkableairofoppositiontoherself，alreadynoticedasbelongingtoherbeauty。Yetshewasnotembarrassed，butwhollyself-possessed。
Neitherdidsheseemtowishtoavoidtheconversation，forsheaddressedherface，and——sofarasshecould——hermanneralso，tohim；andcontinuedtodoso，whenhewassilent。
`Youhavemanyresourcesagainstwearinessatleast，\'saidMr。
Dombey。
`Whatevertheirefficiencymaybe，\'shereturned，`youknowthemallnow。Ihavenomore。\'
`MayIhopetoprovethemall？\'saidMr。Dombey，withsolemngallantry，layingdownadrawinghehadheld，andmotioningtowardstheharp。
`Ohcertainly！Ifyoudesireit！\'
Sheroseasshespoke，andcrossingbyhermother\'scouch，anddirectingastatelylooktowardsher，whichwasinstantaneousinitsduration，butinclusiveifanyonehadseenitofamultitudeofexpressions，amongwhichthatofthetwilightsmile，withoutthesmileitself，overshadowedalltherest，wentoutoftheroom。
Themajor，whowasquiteforgivenbythistime，hadwheeledalittletableuptoCleopatra，andwassittingdowntoplaypicquetwithher。Mr。Dombey，notknowingthegame，satdowntowatchthemforhisedificationuntilEdithshouldreturn。
`Wearegoingtohavesomemusic，Mr。Dombey，Ihope？\'saidCleopatra。
`Mrs。Grangerhasbeenkindenoughtopromiseso，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Ah！That\'sverynice。Doyoupropose，Major？\'
`No，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor。`Couldn\'tdoit。\'
`You\'reabarbarousbeing，\'repliedthelady，`andmyhand\'sdestroyed。
Youarefondofmusic，Mr。Dombey？\'
`Eminentlyso，\'wasMr。Dombey\'sanswer。
`Yes。It\'sverynice，\'saidCleopatra，lookingathercards。`Somuchheartinit——undevelopedrecollectionsofapreviousstateofexistence——andallthat——whichissotrulycharming。Doyouknow，\'simperedCleopatra，reversingtheknaveofclubs，whohadcomeintohergamewithhisheelsuppermost，`thatifanythingcouldtemptmetoputaperiodtomylife，itwouldbecuriositytofindoutwhatit\'sallabout，andwhatitmeans；
therearesomanyprovokingmysteries，really，thatarehiddenfromus。
Major，youtoplay。\'
TheMajorplayed；andMr。Dombey，lookingonforhisinstruction，wouldsoonhavebeeninastateofdireconfusion，butthathegavenoattentiontothegamewhatever，andsatwonderinginsteadwhenEdithwouldcomeback。
Shecameatlast，andsatdowntoherharp，andMr。Dombeyroseandstoodbesideher，listening。Hehadlittletasteformusic，andnoknowledgeofthestrainsheplayed，buthesawherbendingoverit，andperhapsheheardamongthesoundingstringssomedistantmusicofhisown，thattamedthemonsteroftheironroad，andmadeitlessinexorable。
Cleopatrahadasharpeye，verily，atpicquet。Itglistenedlikeabird\'s，anddidnotfixitselfuponthegame，butpiercedtheroomfromendtoend，andgleamedonharp，performer，listener，everything。
Whenthehaughtybeautyhadconcluded，shearose，andreceivingMr。Dombey\'sthanksandcomplimentsinexactlythesamemannerasbefore，wentwithscarcelyanypausetothepiano，andbeganthere。
EdithGranger，anysongbutthat！EdithGranger，youareveryhandsome，andyourtouchuponthekeysisbrilliant，andyourvoiceisdeepandrich；butnottheairthathisneglecteddaughtersangtohisdeadson！
Alas，heknowsitnot；andifhedid，whatairofherswouldstirhim，rigidman！SleeplonelyFlorence，sleep！Peaceinthydreams，althoughthenighthasturneddark，andthecloudsaregathering，andthreatentodischargethemselvesinhail！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter22[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIATrifleofManagementbyMr。CarkertheManagerMR。CARKERtheManagersatathisdesk，smoothandsoftasusual，readingthoseletterswhichwerereservedforhimtoopen，backingthemoccasionallywithsuchmemorandaandreferencesastheirbusinesspurportrequired，andparcellingthemoutintolittleheapsfordistributionthroughtheseveraldepartmentsoftheHouse。Theposthadcomeinheavythatmorning，andMr。CarkertheManagerhadagooddealtodo。
Thegeneralactionofamansoengaged——pausingtolookoverabundleofpapersinhishand，dealingthemroundinvariousportions，takingupanotherbundleandexaminingitscontentswithknittedbrowsandpursed-outlips——dealing，andsorting，andponderingbyturns——wouldeasilysuggestsomewhimsicalresemblancetoaplayeratcards。ThefaceofMr。CarkertheManagerwasingoodkeepingwithsuchafancy。Itwasthefaceofamanwhostudiedhisplay，warily：whomadehimselfmasterofallthestrongandweakpointsofthegame：whoregisteredthecardsinhismindastheyfellabouthim，knewexactlywhatwasonthem，whattheymissed，andwhattheymade：whowascraftytofindoutwhattheotherplayersheld，andwhoneverbetrayedhisownhand。
Theletterswereinvariouslanguages，butMr。CarkertheManagerreadthemall。IftherehadbeenanythingintheofficesofDombeyandSonthathecouldnotread，therewouldhavebeenacardwantinginthepack。Hereadalmostataglance，andmadecombinationsofoneletterwithanotherandonebusinesswithanotherashewenton，addingnewmattertotheheaps——muchasamanwouldknowthecardsatsight，andworkouttheircombinationsinhismindaftertheywereturned。Somethingtoodeepforapartner，andmuchtoodeepforanadversary，Mr。CarkertheManagersatintheraysofthesunthatcamedownslantingonhimthroughtheskylight，playinghisgamealone。
Andalthoughitisnotamongtheinstinctswildordomesticofthecattribetoplayatcards，felinefromsoletocrownwasMr。CarkertheManager，ashebaskedinthestripofsummer-lightandwarmththatshoneuponhistableandthegroundasiftheywereacrookeddial-plate，andhimselftheonlyfigureonit。Withhairandwhiskersdeficientincolouratalltimes，butfeeblerthancommonintherichsunshine，andmorelikethecoatofasandytortoise-shellcat；withlongnails，nicelyparedandsharpened；withanaturalantipathytoanyspeckofdirt，whichmadehimpausesometimesandwatchthefallingmotesofdust，andrubthemoffhissmoothwhitehandorglossylinen：Mr。CarkertheManager，slyofmanner，sharpoftooth，softoffoot，watchfulofeye，oilyoftongue，cruelofheart，niceofhabit，satwithadaintysteadfastnessandpatienceathiswork，asifhewerewaitingatamouse\'shole。
Atlengththeletterweredisposedof，exceptingonewhichhereservedforaparticularaudience。Havinglockedthemoreconfidentialcorrespondenceinadrawer，Mr。CarkertheManagerranghisbell。
`Whydoyouanswerit？\'washisreceptionofhisbrother。
`Themessengerisout，andIamthenext，\'wasthesubmissivereply。
`Youarethenext？\'mutteredtheManager。`Yes！Creditabletome！There！\'
Pointingtotheheapsofopenedletters，heturneddisdainfullyaway，inhiselbow-chair，andbrokethesealofthatonewhichheheldinhishand。
`Iamsorrytotroubleyou，James，\'saidthebrother，gatheringthemup，`but\'
`Oh！youhavesomethingtosay。Iknewthat。Well？\'
Mr。CarkertheManagerdidnotraisehiseyesorturnthemonhisbrother，butkeptthemonhisletter，thoughwithoutopeningit。
`Well？\'herepeatedsharply。
`IamuneasyaboutHarriet。\'
`Harrietwho？whatHarriet？Iknownobodyofthatname。\'
`Sheisnotwell，andhaschangedverymuchoflate。\'
`Shechangedverymuch，agreatmanyyearsago，\'repliedtheManager；
`andthatisallIhavetosay。\'
`Ithinkifyouwouldhearme——\'
`WhyshouldIhearyou，BrotherJohn？\'returnedtheManager，layingasarcasticemphasisonthosetwowords，andthrowinguphishead，butnotliftinghiseyes。`Itellyou，HarrietCarkermadeherchoicemanyyearsagobetweenhertwobrothers。Shemayrepentit，butshemustabidebyit。\'
`Don\'tmistakeme。Idonotsayshedoesrepentit。Itwouldbeblackingratitudeinmetohintatsuchathing，\'returnedtheother。`Thoughbelieveme，James，Iamassorryforhersacrificeasyou。\'
`AsI？\'exclaimedtheManager。`AsI？\'
`Assorryforherchoice——forwhatyoucallherchoice——asyouareangryatit，\'saidtheJunior。
`Angry？\'repeatedtheother，withawideshowofhisteeth。
`Displeased。Whateverwordyoulikebest。Youknowmymeaning。
Thereisnooffenceinmyintention。\'
`Thereisoffenceineverythingyoudo，\'repliedhisbrother，glancingathimwithasuddenscowl，whichinamomentgaveplacetoawidersmilethanthelast。`Carrythosepapersaway，ifyouplease。Iambusy。\'
Hispolitenesswassomuchmorecuttingthanhiswrath，thattheJuniorwenttothedoor。Butstoppingatit，andlookinground，hesaid：
`WhenHarriettriedinvaintopleadformewithyou，onyourfirstjustindignation，andmyfirstdisgrace；andwhensheleftyou，James，tofollowmybrokenfortunes，anddevoteherself，inhermistakenaffection，toaruinedbrother，becausewithoutherhehadnoone，andwaslost；shewasyoungandpretty。Ithinkifyoucouldseehernow——ifyouwouldgoandseeher——shewouldmoveyouradmirationandcompassion。\'
TheManagerinclinedhishead，andshowedhisteeth，aswhoshouldsay，inanswertosomecarelesssmall-talk，`Dearme！Isthatthecase？\'
butsaidneveraword。
`Wethoughtinthosedays：youandIboth：thatshewouldmarryyoung，andleadahappyandlight-heartedlife，\'pursuedtheother。`Ohifyouknewhowcheerfullyshecastthosehopesaway；howcheerfullyshehasgoneforwardonthepathshetook，andneveroncelookedback；younevercouldsayagainthathernamewasstrangeinyourears。Never！\'
AgaintheManagerinclinedhishead，andshowedhisteeth，andseemedtosay，`Remarkableindeed！Youquitesurpriseme！\'Andagainheutteredneveraword。
`MayIgoon？\'saidJohnCarker，mildly。
`Onyourway？\'repliedhissmilingbrother。`Ifyouwillhavethegoodness。\'
JohnCarker，withasigh，waspassingslowlyoutatthedoor，whenhisbrother\'svoicedetainedhimforamomentonthethreshold。
`Ifshehasgone，andgoes，herownwaycheerfully，\'hesaid，throwingthestillunfoldedletteronhisdesk，andputtinghishandsfirmlyinhispockets，`youmaytellherthatIgoascheerfullyonmine。Ifshehasneveroncelookedback，youmaytellherthatIhave，sometimes，torecallhertakingpartwithyou，andthatmyresolutionisnoeasiertowearaway；\'hesmiledverysweetlyhere；`thanmarble。\'
`Itellhernothingofyou。Weneverspeakaboutyou。Onceayear，onyourbirthday，Harrietsaysalways，“LetusrememberJamesbyname，andwishhimhappy，“butwesaynomore。\'
`Tellitthen，ifyouplease，\'returnedtheother，`toyourself。
Youcan\'trepeatittoooften，asalessontoyoutoavoidthesubjectinspeakingtome。IknownoHarrietCarker。Thereisnosuchperson。Youmayhaveasister；makemuchofher。Ihavenone。\'
Mr。CarkertheManagertookuptheletteragain，andwaveditwithasmileofmockcourtesytowardsthedoor。Unfoldingitashisbrotherwithdrew，andlookingdarklyafterhimashelefttheroom，heoncemoreturnedroundinhiselbow-chair，andappliedhimselftoadiligentperusalofitscontents。
Itwasinthewritingofhisgreatchief，Mr。Dombey，anddatedfromLeamington。Thoughhewasaquickreaderofallotherletters，Mr。
Carkerreadthisslowly；weighingthewordsashewent，andbringingeverytoothinhisheadtobearuponthem。Whenhehadreaditthroughonce，heturneditoveragain，andpickedoutthesepassages。`Ifindmyselfbenefitedbythechange，andamnotyetinclinedtonameanytimeformyreturn。\'`Iwish，Carker，youwouldarrangetocomedownonceandseemehere，andletmeknowhowthingsaregoingon，inperson。\'`IomittedtospeaktoyouaboutyoungGay。IfnotgoneperSonandHeir，orifSonandHeirstilllyingintheDocks，appointsomeotheryoungmanandkeephimintheCityforthepresent。Iamnotdecided。\'`Nowthat\'sunfortunate！\'
saidMr。CarkertheManager，expandinghismouth，asifitweremadeofIndia-rubber：`forheisfaraway。\'
Stillthatpassage，whichwasinapostscript，attractedhisattentionandhisteeth，oncemore。
`Ithink，\'hesaid，`mygoodfriendCaptainCuttlementionedsomethingaboutbeingtowedalonginthewakeofthatday。Whatapityhe\'ssofaraway！\'
Herefoldedtheletter，andwassittingtriflingwithit，standingitlong-wiseandbroad-wiseonhistable，andturningitoverandoveronallsides——doingprettymuchthesamething，perhaps，byitscontents——whenMr。Perchthemessengerknockedsoftlyatthedoor，andcominginontiptoe，bendinghisbodyateverystepasifitwerethedelightofhislifetobow，laidsomepapersonthetable。
`Wouldyoupleasetobeengaged，Sir？\'askedMr。Perch，rubbinghishands，anddeferentiallyputtinghisheadononeside，likeamanwhofelthehadnobusinesstoholditupinsuchapresence，andwouldkeepitasmuchoutofthewayaspossible。
`Whowantsme？\'
`Why，Sir，\'saidMr。Perch，inasoftvoice，`reallynobody，Sir，tospeakofatpresent。Mr。GillstheShip\'sInstrument-maker，Sir，haslookedin，aboutalittlematterofpayment，hesays：butImentionedtohim，Sir，thatyouwasengagedseveraldeep；severaldeep。\'
Mr。Perchcoughedoncebehindhishand，andwaitedforfurtherorders。
`Anybodyelse？\'
`Well，Sir，\'saidMr。Perch，`Iwouldn\'tofmyownselftakethelibertyofmentioning，Sir，thattherewasanybodyelse；butthatsameyoungladthatwashereyesterday，Sir，andlastweek，hasbeenhangingabouttheplace；anditlooks，Sir，\'addedMr。Perch，stoppingtoshutthedoor，`dreadfulunbusiness-liketoseehimwhistlingtothesparrowsdownthecourt，andmakingof\'emanswerhim。\'
`Yousaidhewantedsomethingtodo，didn\'tyou，Perch？\'askedMr。Carker，leaningbackinhischairandlookingatthatofficer。
`Why，Sir，\'saidMr。Perch，coughingbehindhishandagain，`hisexpressioncertainlywerethathewasinwantsofasitiwation，andthatheconsideredsomethingmightbedoneforhimabouttheDocks，beingusedtofishingwitharodandline：but——\'Mr。Perchshockhisheadverydubiouslyindeed。
`Whatdoeshesaywhenhecomes？\'askedMr。Carker。
`Indeed，Sir，\'saidMr。Perch，coughinganothercoughbehindhishand，whichwasalwayshisresourceasanexpressionofhumilitywhennothingelseoccurredtohim，`hisobservationgenerallyairthathewouldhumblywishtoseeoneofthegentlemen，andthathewantstoearnaliving。Butyousee，Sir，\'addedPerch，droppinghisvoicetoawhisper，andturning，intheinviolablenatureofhisconfidence，togivethedoorathrustwithhishandandknee，asifthatwouldshutitanymorewhenitwasshutalready，`it\'shardlytobebore，Sir，thatacommonladlikethatshouldcomeaprowlinghere，andsayingthathismothernursedourHouse\'syounggentleman，andthathehopesourHousewillgivehimachanceonthataccount。Iamsure，Sir，\'observedMr。Perch，`thatalthoughMrs。Perchwasatthattimenursingasthrivingalittlegirl，Sir，aswe\'veevertookthelibertyofaddingtoourfamily，Iwouldn\'thavemadesofreeasdropahintofherbeingcapableofimpartingnourishment，notifitwasneverso！\'
Mr。Carkergrinnedathimlikeashark，butinanabsent，thoughtfulmanner。
`Whether，\'submittedMr。Perch，afterashortsilence，andanothercough，`itmightn\'tbebestformetotellhim，thatifhewasseenhereanymorehewouldbegivenintocustody；andtokeeptoit！Withrespecttobodilyfear，\'saidMr。Perch，`I\'msotimid，myself，bynature，Sir，andmynervesissounstrungbyMrs。Perch\'sstate，thatIcouldtakemyaffidaviteasy。\'
`Letmeseethisfellow，Perch，\'saidMr。Carker。`Bringhimin！\'
`Yes，Sir。Beggingyourpardon，Sir，\'saidMr。Perch，hesitatingatthedoor，`he\'srough，Sir，inappearance。\'
`Nevermind。Ifhe\'sthere，bringhimin。I\'llseeMr。Gillsdirectly。
Askhimtowait。\'
Mr。Perchbowed；andshuttingthedoor，aspreciselyandcarefullyasifhewerenotcomingbackforaweek，wentonhisquestamongthesparrowsinthecourt。Whilehewasgone，Mr。Carkerassumedhisfavouriteattitudebeforethefire-place，andstoodlookingatthedoor；presenting，withhisunderliptuckedintothesmilethatshowedhiswholerowofupperteeth，asingularlycrouchingappearance。
Themessengerwasnotlonginreturning，followedbyapairofheavybootsthatcamebumpingalongthepassagelikeboxes。Withtheunceremoniouswords`Comealongwithyou！\'——averyunusualformofintroductionfromhislips——Mr。Perchthenusheredintothepresenceastrong-builtladoffifteen，witharoundredface，aroundsleekhead，roundblackeyes，roundlimbs，androundbody，who，tocarryoutthegeneralrotundityofhisappearance，hadaroundhatinhishand，withoutaparticleofbrimtoit。
ObedienttoanodfromMr。Carker，Perchhadnosoonerconfrontedthevisitorwiththatgentlemanthanhewithdrew。Themomenttheywerefacetofacealone，Mr。Carker，withoutawordofpreparation，tookhimbythethroat，andshookhimuntilhisheadseemedlooseuponhisshoulders。
Theboy，whointhemidstofhisastonishmentcouldnothelpstaringwildlyatthegentlemanwithsomanywhiteteethwhowaschokinghim，andattheofficewalls，asthoughdetermined，ifhewerechoked，thathislastlookshouldbeatthemysteriesforhisintrusionintowhichhewaspayingsuchaseverepenalty，atlastcontrivedtoutter——
`Come，Sir！Youletmealone，willyou！\'
`Letyoualone！\'saidMr。Carker。`What！Ihavegotyou，haveI？\'Therewasnodoubtofthat，andtightlytoo。`Youdog，\'saidMr。Carker，throughhissetjaws，`I\'llstrangleyou！\'
Bilerwhimpered，wouldhethough？ohnohewouldn\'t——andwhatwashedoingof——andwhydidn\'thestranglesomebodyofhisownsizeandnothim：butBilerwasquelledbytheextraordinarynatureofhisreception，and，ashisheadbecamestationary，andhelookedthegentlemanintheface，orratherintheteeth，andsawhimsnarlingathim，hesofarforgothismanhoodastocry。
`Ihaven\'tdonenothingtoyou，Sir，\'saidBiler，otherwiseRob，otherwiseGrinder，andalwaysToodle。
`Youyoungscoundrel！\'repliedMr。Carker，slowlyreleasinghim，andmovingbackastepintohisfavouriteposition。`Whatdoyoumeanbydaringtocomehere？\'
`Ididn\'tmeannoharm，Sir，\'whimperedRob，puttingonehandtohisthroat，andtheknucklesoftheothertohiseyes。`I\'llnevercomeagain，Sir。Ionlywantedwork。\'
`Work，youngCainthatyouare！\'repeatedMr。Carker，eyeinghimnarrowly。`An\'tyoutheidlestvagabondinLondon？\'
Theimpeachment，whileitmuchaffectedMr。ToodleJunior，attachedtohischaractersojustly，thathecouldnotsayawordindenial。Hestoodlookingatthegentleman，therefore，withafrightened，self-convicted，andremorsefulair。Astohislookingathim，itmaybeobservedthathewasfascinatedbyMr。Carker，andnevertookhisroundeyesoffhimforaninstant。
`An\'tyouathief？\'saidMr。Carker，withhishandsbehindhiminhispockets。
`No，Sir，\'pleadedRob。
`Youare！\'saidMr。Carker。
`Ian\'tindeed，Sir，\'whimperedRob。`Ineverdidsuchathingasthieve，Sir，ifyou\'llbelieveme。IknowI\'vebeengoingwrong，Sir，eversinceItooktobird-catchingandwalking-matching。I\'msureacovemightthink，\'saidMr。ToodleJunior，withaburstofpenitence，`thatsingingbirdswasinnocentcompany，butnobodyknowswhatharmisinthemlittlecreetursandwhattheybringsyoudownto。\'
Theyseemedtohavebroughthimdowntoavelveteenjacketandtrousersverymuchtheworseforwear，aparticularlysmallredwaistcoatlikeagorget，anintervalofbluecheck，andthehatbeforementioned。
`Ian\'tbeenhometwentytimessincethembirdsgottheirwillofme，\'saidRob，`andthat\'stenmonths。HowcanIgohomewheneverybody\'smiserabletoseeme！Iwonder，\'saidBiler，blubberingoutright，andsmearinghiseyeswithhiscoat-cuff，`thatIhaven\'tbeenanddrowndedmyselfoverandoveragain。\'
Allofwhich，includinghisexpressionofsurpriseatnothavingachievedthislastscarceperformance，theboysaid，justasiftheteethofMr。Carkerdrewitoutofhim，andhehadnopowerofconcealinganythingwiththatbatteryofattractioninfullplay。
`You\'reaniceyounggentleman！\'saidMr。Carker，shakinghisheadathim。`There\'shemp-seedsownforyou，myfinefellow！\'
`I\'msure，Sir，\'returnedthewretchedBiler，blubberingagain，andagainhavingrecoursetohiscoat-cuff：`Ishouldn\'tcare，sometimes，ifitwasgrowedtoo。Mymisfortunesallbeganinwagging，Sir；butwhatcouldIdo，exceptin\'wag？\'
`Exceptingwhat？\'saidMr。Carker。
`Wag，Sir。Waggingfromschool。\'
`Doyoumeanpretendingtogothere，andnotgoing？\'saidMr。
Carker。
`Yes，Sir，that\'swagging，Sir，\'returnedthequondamGrinder，muchaffected。`Iwaschiviedthroughthestreets，Sir，whenIwentthere，andpoundedwhenIgotthere。SoIwaggedandhidmyself，andthatbeganit。\'
`Andyoumeantotellme，\'saidMr。Carker，takinghimbythethroatagain，holdinghimoutatarm\'s-length，andsurveyinghiminsilenceforsomemoments，`thatyouwantaplace，doyou？\'
`Ishouldbethankfultobetried，Sir，\'returnedToodleJunior，faintly。
Mr。CarkertheManagerpushedhimbackwardintoacorner——theboysubmittingquietly，hardlyventuringtobreathe，andneveronceremovinghiseyesfromhisface——andrangthebell。
`TellMr。Gillstocomehere。\'
Mr。Perchwastoodeferentialtoexpresssurpriseorrecognitionofthefigureinthecorner：andUncleSolappearedimmediately。
`Mr。Gills！\'saidCarker，withasmile，`sitdown。Howdoyoudo？Youcontinuetoenjoyyourhealth，Ihope？\'
`Thankyou，Sir，\'returnedUncleSol，takingouthispocket-book，andhandingoversomenotesashespoke。`Nothingailsmeinbodybutoldage。Twenty-five，Sir。\'
`Youareaspunctualandexact，Mr。Gills，\'repliedthesmilingManager，takingapaperfromoneofhismanydrawers，andmakinganendorsementonit，whileUncleSollookedoverhim，`asoneofyourownchronometers。
Quiteright。\'
`TheSonandHeirhasnotbeenspoken，Ifindbythelist，Sir，\'
saidUncleSol，withaslightadditiontotheusualtremorinhisvoice。
`TheSonandHeirhasnotbeenspoken，\'returnedCarker。`Thereseemstohavebeentempestuousweather，Mr。Gills，andshehasprobablybeendrivenoutofhercourse。\'
`Sheissafe，ItrustinHeaven！\'saidoldSol。
`Sheissafe，ItrustinHeaven！\'assentedMr。Carkerinthatvoicelessmannerofhis：whichmadetheobservantyoungToodletrembleagain。`Mr。Gills，\'headdedaloud，throwinghimselfbackinhischair，`youmustmissyournephewverymuch？\'
UncleSol，standingbyhim，shookhisheadandheavedadeepsigh。
`Mr。Gills，\'saidCarker，withhissofthandplayingroundhismouth，andlookingupintotheInstrument-maker\'sface，`itwouldbecompanytoyoutohaveayoungfellowinyourshopjustnow，anditwouldbeobligingmeifyouwouldgiveonehouse-roomforthepresent。No，tobesure，\'headdedquickly，inanticipationofwhattheoldmanwasgoingtosay，`there\'snotmuchbusinessdoingthere，Iknow；butyoucanmakehimcleantheplaceout，polishuptheinstruments；drudge，Mr。Gills。That\'sthelad！\'
SolGillspulleddownhisspectaclesfromhisforeheadtohiseyes，andlookedatToodleJuniorstandinguprightinthecorner：hisheadpresentingtheappearancewhichitalwaysdidofhavingbeennewlydrawnoutofabucketofcoldwater；hissmallwaistcoatrisingandfallingquicklyintheplayofthisemotions；andhiseyesintentlyfixedonMr。Carker，withouttheleastreferencetohisproposedmaster。
`Willyougivehimhouse-room，Mr。Gills？\'saidtheManager。
OldSol，withoutbeingquiteenthusiasticonthesubject，repliedthathewasgladofanyopportunity，howeverslight，toobligeMr。Carker，whosewishonsuchapointwasacommand：andthattheWoodenMidshipmanwouldconsiderhimselfhappytoreceiveinhisberthanyvisitorofMr。
Carker\'sselecting。
Mr。Carkerbaredhimselftothetopsandbottomsofhisgums：
makingthewatchfulToodleJuniortremblemoreandmore：andacknowledgedtheInstrument-maker\'spolitenessinhismostaffablemanner。
`I\'lldisposeofhimso，then，Mr。Gills，\'heanswered，rising，andshakingtheoldmanbythehand，`untilImakeupmymindwhattodowithhim，andwhathedeserves。AsIconsidermyselfresponsibleforhim，Mr。Gills，\'herehesmiledawidesmileatRob，whoshockbeforeit：`I
shallbegladifyou\'lllooksharplyafterhim，andreporthisbehaviourtome。I\'llaskaquestionortwoofhisparentsasIridehomethisafternoon——respectablepeople——toconfirmsomeparticularsinhisownaccountofhimself；andthatdone，Mr。Gills，I\'llsendhimroundtoyouto-morrowmorning。Good-bye！\'
Hissmileatpartingwassofullofteeth，thatitconfusedoldSol，andmadehimvaguelyuncomfortable。Hewenthome，thinkingofragingseas，founderingships，drowningmen，anancientbottleofMadeiraneverbroughttolight，andotherdismalmatter。
`Now，boy！\'saidMr。Carker，puttinghishandonyoungToodle\'sshoulder，andbringinghimoutintothemiddleoftheroom。`Youhaveheardme？\'
Robsaid，`Yes，Sir。\'
`Perhapsyouunderstand，\'pursuedhispatron，`thatifyoueverdeceiveorplaytrickswithme，youhadbetterhavedrownedyourself，indeed，onceforall，beforeyoucamehere？\'
TherewasnothinginanybranchofmentalacquisitionthatRobseemedtounderstandbetterthanthat。
`Ifyouhaveliedtome，\'saidMr。Carker，`inanything，nevercomeinmywayagain。Ifnot，youmayletmefindyouwaitingformesomewherenearyourmother\'shousethisafternoon。Ishallleavethisatfiveo\'clock，andridethereonhorseback。Now，givemetheaddress。\'
Robrepeateditslowly，asMr。Carkerwroteitdown。Robevenspeltitoverasecondtime，letterbyletter，asifhethoughtthattheomissionofadotorscratchwouldleadtohisdestruction。Mr。Carkerthenhandedhimoutoftheroom；andRob，keepinghisroundeyesfixeduponhispatrontothelast，vanishedforthetimebeing。
Mr。CarkertheManagerdidagreatdealofbusinessinthecourseoftheday，andbestowedhisteethuponagreatmanypeople。Intheoffice，inthecourt，inthestreet，andon\'Change，theyglistenedandbristledtoaterribleextent。Fiveo\'clockarriving，andwithitMr。Carker\'sbayhorse，theygotonhorseback，andwentgleamingupCheapside。
Asnoonecaneasilyridefast，evenifinclinedtodoso，throughthepressandthrongoftheCityatthathour，andasMr。Carkerwasnotinclined，hewentleisurelyalong，pickinghiswayamongthecartsandcarriages，avoidingwheneverhecouldthewetterandmoredirtyplacesintheover-wateredroad，andtakinginfinitepainstokeephimselfandhissteedclean。Glancingatthepassers-bywhilehewasthusamblingonhisway，hesuddenlyencounteredtheroundeyesofthesleek-headedRobintentlyfixeduponhisfaceasiftheyhadneverbeentakenoff，whiletheboyhimself，withapocket-handkerchieftwisteduplikeaspeckledeelandgirdedroundhiswaist，madeaveryconspicuousdemonstrationofbeingpreparedtoattenduponhim，atwhateverpacehemightthinkpropertogo。
Thisattention，howeverflattering，beingoneofanunusualkind，andattractingsomenoticefromtheotherpassengers，Mr。Carkertookadvantageofaclearerthoroughfareandacleanerroad，andbrokeintoatrot。Robimmediatelydidthesame。Mr。Carkerpresentlytriedacanter；Robwasstillinattendance。Thenashortgallop；itwasallonetotheboy。WheneverMr。Carkerturnedhiseyestothatsideoftheroad，hestillsawToodleJuniorholdinghiscourse，apparentlywithoutdistress，andworkinghimselfalongbytheelbowsafterthemostapprovedmannerofprofessionalgentlemenwhogetoverthegroundforwagers。
Ridiculousasthisattendancewas，itwasasignofaninfluenceestablishedovertheboy，andthereforeMr。Carker，affectingnottonoticeit，rodeawayintotheneighbourhoodofMr。Toodle\'shouse。Onhisslackeninghispacehere，Robappearedbeforehimtopointouttheturnings；andwhenhecalledtoamanataneighbouringgatewaytoholdhishorse，pendinghisvisittotheBuildingsthathadsucceededStaggs\'sGardens，Robdutifullyheldthestirrup，whiletheManagerdismounted。
`Now，Sir，\'saidMr。Carker，takinghimbytheshoulder，`comealong！\'
Theprodigalsonwasevidentlynervousofvisitingtheparentalabode；butMr。Carkerpushinghimonbefore，hehadnothingforitbuttoopentherightdoor，andsufferhimselftobewalkedintothemidstofhisbrothersandsisters，musteredinoverwhelmingforceroundthefamilytea-table。Atsightoftheprodigalinthegraspofastranger，thesetenderrelationsunitedinageneralhowl，whichsmoteupontheprodigal\'sbreastsosharplywhenhesawhismotherstandupamongthem，paleandtrembling，withthebabyinherarms，thathelenthisownvoicetothechorus。
Nothingdoubtingnowthatthestranger，ifnotMr。Ketchinperson，wasoneofthatcompany，thewholeoftheyoungfamilywailedthelouder，whileitsmoreinfantinemembers，unabletocontrolthetransportsofemotionappertainingtotheirtimeoflife，threwthemselvesontheirbackslikeyoungbirdswhenterrifiedbyahawk，andkickedviolently。Atlength，poorPollymakingherselfaudible，said，withquiveringlips，`OhRob，mypoorboy，whathaveyoudoneatlast！\'
`Nothing，mother，\'criedRob，inapiteousvoice，`askthegentleman！\'
`Don\'tbealarmed，\'saidMr。Carker，`Iwanttodohimgood。\'
Atthisannouncement，Polly，whohadnotcriedyet，begantodoso。TheelderToodles，whoappearedtohavebeenmeditatingarescue，unclenchedtheirfists。TheyoungerToodlesclusteredroundtheirmother\'sgown，andpeepedfromundertheirownchubbyarmsattheirdesperadobrotherandhisunknownfriend。Everybodyblessedthegentlemanwiththebeautifulteeth，whowantedtodogood。
`Thisfellow，\'saidMr。CarkertoPolly，givinghimagentleshake，`isyourson，eh，Ma\'am？\'
`Yes，Sir，\'sobbedPolly，withacurtsey；`yes，Sir，\'
`Abadson，Iamafraid？\'saidMr。Carker。
`Neverabadsontome，Sir，\'returnedPolly。
`Towhomthen？\'saidMr。Carker。
`Hehasbeenalittlewild，Sir，\'returnedPolly，checkingthebaby，whowasmakingconvulsiveeffortswithhisarmsandlegstolaunchhimselfonBiler，throughtheambientair，`andhasgonewithwrongcompanions：
butIhopehehasseenthemiseryofthat，Sir，andwilldowellagain。\'
Mr。CarkerlookedatPolly，andthecleanroom，andthecleanchildren，andthesimpleToodleface，combinedoffatherandmother，thatwasreflectedandrepeatedeverywhereabouthim——andseemedtohaveachievedtherealpurposeofhisvisit。
`Yourhusband，Itakeit，isnotathome？\'hesaid。
`No，Sir，\'repliedPolly。`He\'sdownthelineatpresent。\'
TheprodigalRobseemedverymuchrelievedtohearit：thoughstillintheabsorptionofallhisfacultiesinhispatron，hehardlytookhiseyesfromMr。Carker\'sface，unlessforamomentatatimetostealasorrowfulglanceathismother。
`Then，\'saidMr。Carker，`I\'lltellyouhowIhavestumbledonthisboyofyours，andwhoIam，andwhatIamgoingtodoforhim。\'
ThisMr。Carkerdid，inhisownway；sayingthatheatfirstintendedtohaveaccumulatednamelessterrorsonhispresumptuoushead，forcomingtothewhereaboutofDombeyandSon。Thathehadrelented，inconsiderationofhisyouth，hisprofessedcontribution，andhisfriends。Thathewasafraidhetookarashstepindoinganythingfortheboy，andonethatmightexposehimtothecensureoftheprudent；butthathediditofhimselfandforhimself，andriskedtheconsequencessingle-handed；andthathismother\'spastconnectionwithMr。Dombey\'sfamilyhadnothingtodowithit，andthatMr。Dombeyhadnothingtodowithit，butthathe，Mr。Carker，wasthebe-allandtheend-allofthisbusiness。Takinggreatcredittohimselfforhisgoodness，andreceivingnolessfromallthefamilythenpresent，Mr。Carkersignified，indirectlybutstillprettyplainly，thatRob\'simplicitfidelity，attachment，anddevotion，wereforevermorehisdue，andtheleasthomagehecouldreceive。AndwiththisgreattruthRobhimselfwassoimpressed，thatstandinggazingonhispatronwithtearsrollingdownhischeeks，henoddedhisshinyheaduntilitseemedalmostaslooseasithaddoneunderthesamepatron\'shandsthatmorning。
Polly，whohadpassedHeavenknowshowmanysleeplessnightsonaccountofthisherdissipatedfirstborn，andhadnotseenhimforweeksandweeks，couldhavealmostkneeledtoMr。CarkertheManager，astoaGoodSpirit——inspiteofhisteeth。ButMr。Carkerrisingtodepart，sheonlythankedhimwithhermother\'sprayersandblessings；thankssorichwhenpaidoutoftheHeart\'smint，especiallyforanyserviceMr。Carkerhadrendered，thathemighthavegivenbackalargeamountofchange，andyetbeenoverpaid。
Asthatgentlemanmadehiswayamongthecrowdingchildrentothedoor，Robretreatedonhismother，andtookherandthebabyinthesamerepentanthug。
`I\'lltryhard，dearmother，now。UponmysoulIwill！\'saidRob。
`Ohdo，mydearboy！Iamsureyouwill，foroursakesandyourown！\'criedPolly，kissinghim。`Butyou\'recomingbacktospeaktome，whenyouhaveseenthegentlemanaway？\'
`Idon\'tknow，mother。\'Robhesitated，andlookeddown。`Father——when\'shecominghome？\'
`Nottilltwoo\'clockto-morrowmorning。\'
`I\'llcomeback，motherdear！\'criedRob。Andpassingthroughtheshrillcryofhisbrothersandsistersinreceptionofthispromise，hefollowedMr。Carkerout。
`What！\'saidMr。Carker，whohadheardthis。`Youhaveabadfather，haveyou？\'
`No，Sir！\'returnedRob，amazed。`Thereain\'tabetternorakinderfathergoing，thanmineis。\'
`Whydon\'tyouwanttoseehimthen？\'inquiredhispatron。
`There\'ssuchadifferencebetweenafatherandamother，Sir，\'
saidRob，afterfalteringforamoment。`Hecouldn\'thardlybelieveyetthatIwasgoingtodobetter——thoughIknowhe\'dtryto——butamother——shealwaysbelieveswhat\'sgood，Sir；atleastIknowmymotherdoes，Godblessher！\'
Mr。Carker\'smouthexpanded，buthesaidnomoreuntilhewasmountedonhishorse，andhaddismissedthemanwhoheldit，when，lookingdownfromthesaddlesteadilyintotheattentiveandwatchfulfaceoftheboy，hesaid：
`You\'llcometometo-morrowmorning，andyoushallbeshownwherethatoldgentlemanlives；thatoldgentlemanwhowaswithmethismorning；
whereyouaregoing，asyouheardmesay。\'
`Yes，Sir，\'returnedRob。
`Ihaveagreatinterestinthatoldgentleman，andinservinghim，youserveme，boy，doyouunderstand？Well，\'headded，interruptinghim，forhesawhisroundfacebrightenwhenhewastoldthat：`Iseeyoudo。Iwanttoknowallaboutthatoldgentleman，andhowhegoesonfromdaytoday——forIamanxioustobeofservicetohim——andespeciallywhocomestheretoseehim。Doyouunderstand？\'
Robnoddedhissteadfastface，andsaid`Yes，Sir，\'again。
`Ishouldliketoknowthathehasfriendswhoareattentivetohim，andthattheydon\'tdeserthim——forhelivesverymuchalonenow，poorfellow；butthattheyarefondofhim，andofhisnephewwhohasgoneabroad。Thereisaveryyoungladywhomayperhapscometoseehim。Iwantparticularlytoknowallabouther。\'
`I\'lltakecare，Sir，\'saidtheboy。
`Andtakecare，\'returnedhispatron，bendingforwardtoadvancehisgrinningfaceclosertotheboy\'s，andpathimontheshoulderwiththehandleofhiswhip：`takecareyoutalkaboutaffairsofminetonobodybutme。\'
`Tonobodyintheworld，Sir，\'repliedRob，shakinghishead。
`Neitherthere，\'saidMr。Carker，pointingtotheplacetheyhadjustleft，`noranywhereelse。I\'lltryhowtrueandgratefulyoucanbe。
I\'llproveyou！\'Makingthis，byhisdisplayofteethandbytheactionofhishead，asmuchathreatasapromise，heturnedfromRob\'seyes，whichwerenaileduponhimasifhehadwontheboybyacharm，bodyandsoul，androdeaway。Butagainbecomingconscious，aftertrottingashortdistance，thathisdevotedhenchman，girtasbefore，wasyieldinghimthesameattendance，tothegreatamusementofsundryspectators，hereinedup，andorderedhimoff。Toinsurehisobedience，heturnedinthesaddleandwatchedhimasheretired。ItwascurioustoseethateventhenRobcouldnotkeephiseyeswhollyavertedfromhispatron\'sface，but，constantlyturningandturningagaintolookafterhim，involvedhimselfinatempestofbuffetingsandjostlingsfromtheotherpassengersinthestreet：ofwhich，inthepursuitoftheoneparamountidea，hewasperfectlyheedless。
Mr。CarkertheManagerrodeonatafoot-pace，withtheeasyairofonewhohadperformedallthebusinessofthedayinasatisfactorymanner，andgotitcomfortablyoffhismind。Complacentandaffableasmancouldbe，Mr。Carkerpickedhiswayalongthestreetsandhummedasofttuneashewent。Heseemedtopurr，hewassoglad。
Andinsomesort，Mr。Carker，inhisfancy，baskeduponahearthtoo。Coiledupsnuglyatcertainfeet，hewasreadyforaspring，orforatear，orforascratch，orforavelvettouch，asthehumourtookhimandoccasionserved。Wasthereanybirdinacage，thatcameinforashareofhisregards？
`Averyyounglady！\'thoughtMr。CarkertheManager，throughhissong。`Ay！whenIsawherlast，shewasalittlechild。Withdarkeyesandhair，Irecollect，andagoodface；averygoodface！Idaresayshe\'spretty。\'