Moreaffableandpleasantyet，andhumminghissonguntilhismanyteethvibratedtoit，Mr。Carkerpickedhiswayalong，andturnedatlastintotheshadystreetwhereMr。Dombey\'shousestood。Hehadbeensobusy，windingwebsroundgoodfaces，andobscuringthemwithmeshes，thathehardlythoughtofbeingatthispointofhisride，until，glancingdownthecoldperspectiveoftallhouses，hereinedinhishorsequicklywithinafewyardsofthedoor。ButtoexplainwhyMr。Carkerreinedinhishorsequickly，andwhathelookedatinnosmallsurprise，afewdigressivewordsarenecessary。
Mr。Toots，emancipatedfromtheBlimberthraldomandcomingintothepossessionofacertainportionofhisworldlywealth，`which，\'ashehadbeenwont，duringhislasthalf-year\'sprobation，tocommunicatetoMr。Feedereveryeveningasanewdiscovery，`theexecutorscouldn\'tkeephimoutof，\'hadappliedhimself，withgreatdiligence，tothescienceofLife。Firedwithanobleemulationtopursueabrilliantanddistinguishedcareer，Mr。Tootshadfurnishedachoicesetofapartments；hadestablishedamongthemasportingbower，embellishedwiththeportraitsofwinninghorses，inwhichhetooknoparticleofinterest；andadivan，whichmadehimpoorly。Inthisdeliciousabode，Mr。Tootsdevotedhimselftothecultivationofthosegentleartswhichrefineandhumaniseexistence，hischiefinstructorinwhichwasaninterestingcharactercalledtheGameChicken，whowasalwaystobeheardofatthebaroftheBlackBadger，woreashaggywhitegreat-coatinthewarmestweather，andknockedMr。Tootsabouttheheadthreetimesaweek，forthesmallconsiderationoftenandsixpervisit。
TheGameChicken，whowasquitetheApolloofMr。Toots\'sPantheon，hadintroducedtohimamarkerwhotaughtbilliards，aLifeGuardwhotaughtfencing，ajob-masterwhotaughtriding，aCornishgentlemanwhowasuptoanythingintheathleticline，andtwoorthreeotherfriendsconnectednolessintimatelywiththefinearts。UnderwhoseauspicesMr。Tootscouldhardlyfailtoimproveapace，andunderwhosetuitionhewenttowork。
Buthoweveritcameabout，itcametopass，evenwhilethesegentlemenhadtheglossofnoveltyuponthem，thatMr。Tootsfelt，hedidn\'tknowhow，unsettledanduneasy。Therewerehusksinhiscorn，thatevenGameChickenscouldn\'tpeckup；gloomygiantsinhisleisure，thatevenGameChickenscouldn\'tknockdown。NothingseemedtodoMr。TootssomuchgoodasincessantlyleavingcardsatMr。Dombey\'sdoor。Notax-gathererintheBritishdominions——thatwide-spreadterritoryonwhichthesunneversets，andwherethetax-gatherernevergoestobed——wasmoreregularandperseveringinhiscallsthanMr。Toots。
Mr。Tootsneverwentupstairs；andalwaysperformedthesameceremonies，richlydressedforthepurpose，atthehalldoor。
`Oh！Goodmorning！\'wouldbeMr。Toots\'sfirstremarktotheservant。
`ForMr。Dombey，\'wouldbeMr。Toots\'snextremark，ashehandedinacard。
`ForMissDombey，\'wouldbehisnext，ashehandedinanother。
Mr。Tootswouldthenturnroundasiftogoaway；butthemanknewhimbythistime，andknewhewouldn\'t。
`Oh，Ibegyourpardon，\'Mr。Tootswouldsay，asifathoughthadsuddenlydescendedonhim。`Istheyoungwomanathome？\'
Themanwouldratherthinkshewas，butwouldn\'tquiteknow。Thenhewouldringabellthatrangupstairs，andwouldlookupthestaircase，andwouldsay，yes，shewasathome，andwascomingdown。ThenMissNipperwouldappear，andthemanwouldretire。
`Oh！Howdedo？\'Mr。Tootswouldsay，withachuckleandablush。
Susanwouldthankhim，andsayshewasverywell。
`How\'sDiogenesgoingon？\'wouldbeMr。Toot\'ssecondinterrogation。
Verywellindeed。MissFlorencewasfonderandfonderofhimeveryday。Mr。Tootswassuretohailthiswithaburstofchuckles，liketheopeningofabottleofsomeeffervescentbeverage。
`MissFlorenceisquitewell，Sir，\'Susanwouldadd。
`Oh，it\'sofnoconsequence，thank\'ee，\'wastheinvariablereplyofMr。Toots；andwhenhehadsaidso，healwayswentawayveryfast。
NowitiscertainthatMr。Tootshadafilmysomethinginhismind，whichledhimtoconcludethatifhecouldaspiresuccessfullyinthefulnessoftime，tothehandofFlorence，hewouldbefortunateandblest。ItiscertainthatMr。Toots，bysomeremoteandroundaboutroad，hadgottothatpoint，andthattherehemadeastand。Hisheartwaswounded；
hewastouched；hewasinlove。Hehadmadeadesperateattempt，onenight，andhadsatupallnightforthepurpose，towriteanacrosticonFlorence，whichaffectedhimtotearsintheconception。Butheneverproceededintheexecutionfurtherthanthewords`ForwhenIgaze，\'——theflowofimaginationinwhichhehadpreviouslywrittendowntheinitiallettersoftheothersevenlines，desertinghimatthatpoint。
BeyonddevisingthatveryartfulandpoliticmeasureofleavingacardforMr。Dombeydaily，thebrainofMr。Tootshadnotworkedmuchinreferencetothesubjectthatheldhisfeelingsprisoner。ButdeepconsiderationatlengthassuredMr。Tootsthatanimportantsteptogain，was，theconciliationofMissSusanNipper，preparatorytogivinghersomeinklingofhisstateofmind。
Alittlelightandplayfulgallantrytowardsthisladyseemedthemeanstoemployinthatearlychapterofthehistory，forwinninghertohisinterests。Notbeingablequitetomakeuphismindaboutit，heconsultedtheChicken——withouttakingthatgentlemanintohisconfidence；
merelyinforminghimthatafriendinYorkshirehadwrittentohimMr。
Tootsforhisopiniononsuchaquestion。TheChickenreplyingthathisopinionalwayswas，`Goinandwin，\'andfurther，`Whenyourman\'sbeforeyouandyourworkcutout，goinanddoit，\'Mr。Tootsconsideredthisafigurativewayofsupportinghisownviewofthecase，andheroicallyresolvedtokissMissNippernextday。
Uponthenextday，therefore，Mr。Toots，puttingintorequisitionsomeofthegreatestmarvelsthatBurgessandCo。hadeverturnedout，wentofftoMr。Dombey\'suponthisdesign。Buthisheartfailedhimsomuchasheapproachedthesceneofaction，that，althoughhearrivedonthegroundatthreeo\'clockintheafternoon，itwassixbeforeheknockedatthedoor。
Everythinghappenedasusual，downtothepointwhereSusansaidheryoungmistresswaswell，andMr。Tootssaiditwasofnoconsequence。
Toheramazement，Mr。Toots，insteadofgoingofflikearocket，afterthatobservation，lingeredandchuckled。
`Perhapsyou\'dliketowalkupstairs，Sir！\'saidSusan。
`Well，IthinkIwillcomein！\'saidMr。Toots。
Butinsteadofwalkingupstairs，theboldTootsmadeanawkwardplungeatSusanwhenthedoorwasshut，andembracingthatfaircreature，kissedheronthecheek。
`Goalongwithyou！\'criedSusan，`orI\'lltearyoureyesout。\'
`Justanother！\'saidMr。Toots。
`Goalongwithyou！\'exclaimedSusan，givinghimapush。`Innocentslikeyou，too！Who\'llbeginnext？Goalong，Sir！\'
Susanwasnotinanyseriousstrait，forshecouldhardlyspeakforlaughing；butDiogenes，onthestaircase，hearingarustlingagainstthewall，andashufflingoffeet，andseeingthroughthebanistersthattherewassomecontentiongoingon，andforeigninvasioninthehouse，formedadifferentopinion，dasheddowntotherescue，andinthetwinklingofaneyehadMr。Tootsbytheleg。
Susanscreamed，laughed，openedthestreet-door，andrandownstairs；theboldTootstumbledstaggeringoutintothestreet，withDiogenesholdingontoonelegofhispantaloons，asifBurgessandCo。werehiscooks，andhadprovidedthatdaintymorselforhisholidayentertainment；
Diogenesshakenoff，rolledoverandoverinthedust，gotupagain，whirledroundthegiddyTootsandsnappedathim：andallthisturmoil，Mr。Carker，reininguphishorseandsittingalittleatadistance，sawtohisamazement，issuefromthestatelyhouseofMr。Dombey。
Mr。CarkerremainedwatchingthediscomfitedToots，whenDiogeneswascalledin，andthedoorshut：andwhilethatgentleman，takingrefugeinadoorwaynearathand，boundupthetornlegofhispantaloonswithacostlysilkhandkerchiefthathadformedpartofhisexpensiveoutfitfortheadventure。
`Ibegyourpardon，Sir，\'saidMr。Carker，ridingup，withhismostpropitiatorysmile。`Ihopeyouarenothurt？\'
`Ohno，thankyou，\'repliedMr。Toots，raisinghisflushedface，`it\'sofnoconsequence。\'Mr。Tootswouldhavesignified，ifhecould，thathelikeditverymuch。
`Ifthedog\'steethhaveenteredtheleg，Sir——\'beganCarker，withadisplayofhisown。
`No，thankyou，\'saidMr。Toots，`it\'sallquiteright。It\'sverycomfortable，thankyou。\'
`IhavethepleasureofknowingMr。Dombey，\'observedCarker。
`Haveyouthough？\'rejoinedtheblushingToots。
`Andyouwillallowme，perhaps，toapologise，inhisabsence，\'
saidMr。Carker，takingoffhishat，`forsuchamisadventure，andtowonderhowitcanpossiblyhavehappened。\'
Mr。Tootsissomuchgratifiedbythispoliteness，andtheluckychanceofmakingfriendswithafriendofMr。Dombey，thathepullsouthiscard-case，whichheneverlosesanopportunityofusing，andhandshisnameandaddresstoMr。Carker：whorespondstothatcourtesybygivinghimhisown，andwiththattheypart。
AsMr。Carkerpickshiswaysosoftlypastthehouse，glancingupatthewindows，andtryingtomakeoutthepensivefacebehindthecurtainlookingatthechildrenopposite，theroughheadofDiogenescameclamberingupclosebyit，andthedog，regardlessofallsoothing，barksandgrowls，andmakesathimfromthatheight，asifhewouldspringdownandtearhimlimbfromlimb。
Wellspoken，Di，sonearyourMistress！Another，andanotherwithyourheadup，youreyesflashing，andyourvexedmouthworryingitself，forwantofhim！Another，ashepickshiswayalong！Youhaveagoodscent，Di，——cats，boy，cats！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter23[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIIIFlorencesolitary，andtheMidshipmanmysteriousFLORENCElivedaloneinthegreatdrearyhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone；andtheblankwallslookeddownuponherwithavacantstare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likemindtostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
Nomagicdwelling-placeinmagicstory，shutupintheheartofathickwood，wasevermoresolitaryanddesertedtothefancy，thanwasherfather\'smansioninitsgrimreality，asitstoodloweringonthestreet：
alwaysbynight，whenlightswereshiningfromneighbouringwindows，ablotuponitsscantybrightness；alwaysbyday，afrownuponitsnever-smilingface。
Therewerenottwodragonsentrieskeepingwardbeforethegateofthisabode，asinmagiclegendareusuallyfoundondutyoverthewrongedinnocenceimprisoned；butbesidesagloweringvisage，withitsthinlipspartedwickedly，thatsurveyedallcomersfromabovethearchwayofthedoor，therewasamonstrousfantasyofrustyiron，curlingandtwistinglikeapetrifactionofanarbouroverthethreshold，buddinginspikesandcorkscrewpoints，andbearing，oneoneitherside，twoominousextinguishers，thatseemedtosay，`Whoenterhere，leavelightbehind！\'Therewerenotalismaniccharactersengravenontheportal，butthehousewasnowsoneglectedinappearance，thatboyschalkedtherailingsandthepavement——particularlyroundthecornerwherethesidewallwas——anddrewghostsonthestabledoor；andbeingsometimesdrivenoffbyMr。Towlinson，madeportraitsofhim，inreturn，withhisearsgrowingouthorizontallyfromunderhishat。
Noiseceasedtobe，withintheshadowoftheroof。Thebrassbandthatcameintothestreetonceaweek，inthemorning，neverbrayedanoteinatthosewindows；butallsuchcompany，downtoapoorlittlepipingorganofweakintellect，withanimbecilepartyofautomatondancers，waltzinginandoutatfolding-doors，fellofffromitwithoneaccord，andshunneditasahopelessplace。
Thespelluponitwasmorewastingthanthespellthatusedtosetenchantedhousessleepingonceuponatimebutlefttheirwakingfreshnessunimpaired。
Thepassivedesolationofdisusewaseverywheresilentlymanifestaboutit。Withindoors，curtains，droopingheavily，losttheiroldfoldsandshapes，andhunglikecumbrouspalls。Hecatombsoffurniture，stillpiledandcoveredup，shrunklikeimprisonedandforgottenmen，andchangedinsensibly。Mirrorsweredimaswiththebreathofyears。Patternsofcarpetsfadedandbecameperplexedandfaint，likethememoryofthoseyears\'triflingincidents。Boards，startingatunwontedfootsteps，creakedandshook。Keysrustedinthelocksofdoors。Dampstartedonthewalls，andasthestainscameout，thepicturesseemedtogoinandsecretethemselves。Mildewandmouldbegantolurkinclosets。Fungustreesgrewincornersofthecellars。
Dustaccumulated，nobodyknewwhencenorhow；spiders，moths，andgrubswereheardofeveryday。Anexploratoryblackbeetlenowandthenwasfoundimmovableuponthestairs，orinanupperroom，aswonderinghowhegotthere。Ratsbegantosqueakandscuffleinthenighttime，throughdarkgalleriestheyminedbehindthepanelling。
Thedrearymagnificenceofthestaterooms，seenimperfectlybythedoubtfullightadmittedthroughclosedshutters，wouldhaveansweredwellenoughforanenchantedabode。Suchasthetarnishedpawsofgildedlions，stealthilyputoutfrombeneaththeirwrappers；themarblelineamentsofbustsonpedestals，fearfullyrevealingthemselvesthroughveils；theclocksthatnevertoldthetime，or，ifwoundupbyanychance，tolditwrong，andstruckunearthlynumbers，whicharenotuponthedial；theaccidentaltinklingsamongthependantlustres，morestartlingthanalarm-bells；thesoftenedsoundsandlaggardairthatmadetheirwayamongtheseobjects，andaphantomcrowdofothers，shroudedandhooded，andmadespectralofshade。But，besides，therewasthegreatstaircase，wherethelordoftheplacesorarelysethisfoot，andbywhichhislittlechildhadgoneuptoHeaven。Therewereotherstaircasesandpassageswherenoonewentforweekstogether；thereweretwoclosedroomsassociatedwithdeadmembersofthefamily，andwithwhisperedrecollectionsofthem；andtoallthehousebutFlorence，therewasagentlefiguremovingthroughthesolitudeandgloom，thatgavetoeverylifelessthingatouchofpresenthumaninterestandwonder。
ForFlorencelivedaloneinthedesertedhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone，andthecoldwallslookeddownuponherwithavacantstare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likemindtostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
Thegrassbegantogrowupontheroof，andinthecrevicesofthebasementpaving。Ascalycrumblingvegetationsproutedroundthewindow-sills。
Fragmentsofmortarlosttheirholdupontheinsidesoftheunusedchimneys，andcamedroppingdown。Thetwotreeswiththesmokytrunkswereblightedhighup，andthewitheredbranchesdomineeredabovetheleaves。Throughthewholebuildingwhitehadturnedyellow，yellownearlyblack；andsincethetimewhenthepoorladydied，ithadslowlybecomeadarkgapinthelongmonotonousstreet。
ButFlorencebloomedthere，liketheking\'sfairdaughterinthestory。Herbooks，hermusic，andherdailyteachers，wereheronlyrealcompanions，SusanNipperandDiogenesexcepted：ofwhomtheformer，inherattendanceonthestudiesofheryoungmistress，begantogrowquitelearnedherself，whilethelatter，softenedpossiblybythesameinfluences，wouldlayhisheaduponthewindow-ledge，andplacidlyopenandshuthiseyesuponthestreet，allthroughasummermorning；sometimesprickinguphisheadtolookwithgreatsignificanceaftersomenoisydoginacart，whowasbarkinghiswayalong，andsometimes，withanexasperatedandunaccountablerecollectionofhissupposedenemyintheneighbourhood，rushingtothedoor，whence，afteradeafeningdisturbance，hewouldcomejoggingbackwitharidiculouscomplacencythatbelongedtohim，andlayhisjawuponthewindow-ledgeagain，withtheairofadogwhohaddoneapublicservice。
SoFlorencelivedinherwildernessofahome，withinthecircleofherinnocentpursuitsandthoughts，andnothingharmedher。Shecouldgodowntoherfather\'sroomsnow，andthinkofhim，andsufferherlovinghearthumblytoapproachhim，withoutfearofrepulse。Shecouldlookupontheobjectsthathadsurroundedhiminhissorrow，andcouldnestlenearhischair，andnotdreadtheglancethatshesowellremembered。Shecouldrenderhimsuchlittletokensofherdutyandservice，asputtingeverythinginorderforhimwithherownhands，bindinglittlenosegaysforhistable，changingthemasonebyonetheywithered，andhedidnotcomeback，preparingsomethingforhimeveryday，andleavingsometimidmarkofherpresencenearhisusualseat。To-day，itwasalittlepaintedstandforhiswatch；
to-morrowshewouldbeafraidtoleaveit，andwouldsubstitutesomeothertrifleofhermakingnotsolikelytoattracthiseye。Wakinginthenight，perhaps，shewouldtrembleatthethoughtofhiscominghomeandangrilyrejectingit，andwouldhurrydownwithslipperedfeetandquicklybeatingheart，andbringitaway。Atanothertime，shewouldonlylayherfaceuponhisdesk，andleaveakissthere，andatear。
Stillnooneknewofthis。Unlessthehouseholdfounditoutwhenshewasnotthere——andtheyallheldMr。Dombey\'sroomsinawe——itwasasdeepasecretinherbreastaswhathadgonebeforeit。Florencestoleintothoseroomsattwilight，earlyinthemorning，andattimeswhenmealswereserveddownstairs。Andalthoughtheywereineverynookthebetterandthebrighterforhercare，sheenteredandpassedoutasquietlyasanysunbeam，exceptingthatsheleftherlightbehind。
ShadowycompanyattendedFlorenceupanddowntheechoinghouse，andsatwithherinthedismantledrooms。Asifherlifewereanenchantedvision，therearoseoutofhersolitudeministeringthoughts，thatmadeitfancifulandunreal。Sheimaginedsooftenwhatherlifewouldhavebeenifherfathercouldhavelovedherandshehadbeenafavouritechild，thatsometimes，forthemoment，shealmostbelieveditwasso，and，borneonbythecurrentofthatpensivefiction，seemedtorememberhowtheyhadwatchedherbrotherinhisgravetogether；howtheyhadfreelysharedhisheartbetweenthem；howtheywereunitedinthedearremembranceofhim；howtheyoftenspokeabouthimyet；andherkindfather，lookingathergently，toldheroftheircommonhopeandtrustinGod。Atothertimesshepicturedtoherselfhermotheryetalive。Andohthehappinessoffallingonherneck，andclingingtoherwiththeloveandconfidenceofallhersoul！Andohthedesolationofthesolitaryhouseagain，witheveningcomingon，andnoonethere！
Buttherewasonethought，scarcelyshapedouttoherself，yetferventandstrongwithinher，thatupheldFlorencewhenshestrove，andfilledhertrueyoungheart，sosorelytried，withconstancyofpurpose。
Intohermind，asintoallotherscontendingwiththegreatafflictionofourmortalnature，therehadstolensolemnwonderingsandhopes，arisinginthedimworldbeyondthepresentlife，andmurmuring，likefaintmusic，ofrecognitioninthefar-offlandbetweenherbrotherandhermother：
ofsomepresentconsciousnessinbothofher：someloveandcommiserationforher：andsomeknowledgeofherasshewentherwayupontheearth。
ItwasasoothingconsolationtoFlorencetogivesheltertothesethoughts，untiloneday——itwassoonaftershehadlastseenherfatherinhisownroom，lateatnight——thefancycameuponher，that，inweepingforhisalienatedheart，shemightstirthespiritsofthedeadagainsthim。Wild，weak，childish，asitmayhavebeentothinkso，andtotrembleatthehalf-formedthought，itwastheimpulseofherlovingnature；andfromthathourFlorencestroveagainstthecruelwoundinherbreast，andtriedtothinkofhimwhosehandhadmadeitonlywithhope。
Herfatherdidnotknow——sheheldtoitfromthattime——howmuchshelovedhim。Shewasveryyoung，andhadnomother，andhadneverlearned，bysomefaultormisfortune，howtoexpresstohimthatshelovedhim。
Shewouldbepatient，andwouldtrytogainthatartintime，andwinhimtoabetterknowledgeofhisonlychild。
Thisbecamethepurposeofherlife。Themorningsunshonedownuponthefadedhouse，andfoundtheresolutionbrightandfreshwithinthebosomofitssolitarymistress。Throughallthedutiesoftheday，itanimatedher；forFlorencehopedthatthemoresheknew，andthemoreaccomplishedshebecame，themoregladhewouldbewhenhecametoknowandlikeher。Sometimesshewondered，withaswellingheartandrisingtear，whethershewasproficientenoughinanythingtosurprisehimwhentheyshouldbecomecompanions。Sometimesshetriedtothinkiftherewereanykindofknowledgethatwouldbespeakhisinterestmorereadilythananother。Always：atherbooks，hermusic，andherwork：inhermorningwalks，andinhernightlyprayers：shehadherengrossingaiminview。
Strangestudyforachild，tolearntheroadtoahardparent\'sheart！
Thereweremanycarelessloungersthroughthestreet，asthesummereveningdeepenedintonight，whoglancedacrosstheroadatthesombrehouse，andsawtheyouthfulfigureatthewindow，suchacontrasttoit，lookingupwardatthestarsastheybegantoshine，whowouldhaveslepttheworseiftheyhadknownonwhatdesignshemusedsosteadfastly。Thereputationofthemansionasahauntedhouse，wouldnothavebeenthegayerwithsomehumbledwellerselsewhere，whowerestruckbyitsexternalgloominpassingandrepassingontheirdailyavocations，andsonamedit，iftheycouldhavereaditsstoryinthedarkeningface。ButFlorenceheldhersacredpurpose，unsuspectedandunaided：andstudiedonlyhowtobringherfathertotheunderstandingthatshelovedhim，andmadenoappealagainsthiminanywanderingthought。
ThusFlorencelivedaloneinthedesertedhouse，anddaysucceededday，andstillshelivedalone，andthemonotonouswallslookeddownuponherwithastare，asiftheyhadaGorgon-likeintenttostareheryouthandbeautyintostone。
SusanNipperstoodoppositetoheryoungmistressonemorning，asshefoldedandsealedanoteshehadbeenwriting：andshowedinherlooksanapprovingknowledgeofitscontents。
`Betterlatethannever，dearMissFloy，\'saidSusan，`andIdosay，thatevenavisittothemoldSkettleseswillbeaGod-send。\'
`ItisverygoodofSirBarnetandLadySkettles，Susan，\'returnedFlorence，withamildcorrectionofthatyounglady\'sfamiliarmentionofthefamilyinquestion，`torepeattheirinvitationsokindly。\'
MissNipper，whowasperhapsthemostthoroughgoingpartisanonthefaceoftheearth，andwhocarriedherpartisanshipintoallmattersgreatorsmall，andperpetuallywagedwarwithitagainstsociety，screwedupherlipsandshookherhead，asaprotestagainstanyrecognitionofdisinterestednessintheSkettleses，andapleainbarthattheywouldhavevaluableconsiderationfortheirkindness，inthecompanyofFlorence。
`Theyknowwhatthey\'reabout，ifeverpeopledid，\'murmuredMissNipper，drawinginherbreath，`oh！trustthemSkettlesesforthat！\'
`IamnotveryanxioustogotoFulham，Susan，Iconfess，\'saidFlorencethoughtfully：`butitwillberighttogo。Ithinkitwillbebetter。\'
`Muchbetter，\'interposedSusan，withanotheremphaticshakeofherhead。
`Andso，\'saidFlorence，`thoughIwouldprefertohavegonewhentherewasnoonethere，insteadofinthisvacationtime，whenitseemstherearesomeyoungpeoplestayinginthehouse，Ihavethankfullysaidyes。\'
`ForwhichIsay，MissFloy，Ohbejoyful！\'returnedSusan。
`Ah！h——h！\'
Thislastejaculation，withwhichMissNipperfrequentlywoundupasentence，ataboutthatepochoftime，wassupposedbelowthelevelofthehalltohaveageneralreferencetoMr。Dombey，andtobeexpressiveofayearninginMissNippertofavourthatgentlemanwithapieceofhermind。Butsheneverexplainedit；andithad，inconsequence，thecharmofmystery，inadditiontotheadvantageofthesharpestexpression。
`HowlongitisbeforewehaveanynewsofWalter，Susan！\'observedFlorence，afteramoment\'ssilence。
`Longindeed，MissFloy！\'repliedhermaid。`AndPerchsaid，whenhecamejustnowtoseeforletters——butwhatsignifieswhathesays！\'exclaimedSusan，reddeningandbreakingoff。`Muchheknowsaboutit！\'
Florenceraisedhereyesquickly，andaflushoverspreadherface。
`IfIhadn\'t，\'saidSusanNipper，evidentlystrugglingwithsomelatentanxietyandalarm，andlookingfullatheryoungmistress，whileendeavouringtoworkherselfintoastateofresentmentwiththeunoffendingMr。Perch\'simage，`ifIhadn\'tmoremanlinessthanthatinsipidestofhissex，I\'dnevertakeprideinmyhairagain，butturnitupbehindmyears，andwearcoarsecaps，withoutabitofborder，untildeathreleasedmefrommyinsignificance。ImaynotbeaAmazon，MissFloy，andwouldn\'tsodemeanmyselfbysuchdisfigurement，butanywaysI\'mnotagiverup，Ihope。\'
`Giveup！What？\'criedFlorence，withafaceofterror。
`Why，nothing，Miss，\'saidSusan。`Goodgracious，nothing！It\'sonlythatwetcurl-paperofamanPerch，thatanyonemightalmostmakeawaywith，withatouch，andreallyitwouldbeablessedeventforallpartiesifsomeonewouldtakepityonhim，andwouldhavethegoodness！\'
`Doeshegiveuptheship，Susan？\'inquiredFlorence，verypale。
`No，Miss，\'returnedSusan，`Ishouldliketoseehimmakesoboldasdoittomyface！No，Miss，buthegoesonaboutsomebotheringgingerthatMr。WalterwastosendtoMrs。Perch，andshakeshisdismalhead，andsayshehopesitmaybecoming；anyhow，hesays，itcan\'tcomenowintimefortheintendedoccasion，butmaydofornext，whichreally，\'
saidMissNipper，withaggravatedscorn，`putsmeoutofpatiencewiththeman，forthoughIcanbearagreatdeal，Iamnotacamel，neitheramI，\'addedSusan，afteramoment\'sconsideration，`ifIknowmyself，adromedaryneither。\'
`Whatelsedoeshesay，Susan？\'inquiredFlorence，earnestly。
`Won\'tyoutellme？\'
`AsifIwouldn\'ttellyouanything，MissFloy，andeverything！\'
saidSusan。`Why，Miss，hesaysthattherebeginstobeageneraltalkabouttheship，andthattheyhaveneverhadashiponthatvoyagehalfsolongunheardof，andthattheCaptain\'swifewasattheofficeyesterday，andseemedalittleputoutaboutit，butanyonecouldsaythat，weknewnearlythatbefore。\'
`ImustvisitWalter\'suncle，\'saidFlorence，hurriedly，`beforeIleavehome。Iwillgoandseehimthismorning。Letuswalkthere，directly，Susan。\'
MissNipperhavingnothingtourgeagainsttheproposal，butbeingperfectlyacquiescent，theyweresoonequipped，andinthestreets，andontheirwaytowardsthelittleMidshipman。
ThestateofmindinwhichpoorWalterhadgonetoCaptainCuttle\'s，onthedaywhenBrogleythebrokercameintopossession，andwhenthereseemedtohimtobeanexecutionintheverysteeples，wasprettymuchthesameasthatinwhichFlorencenowtookherwaytoUncleSol\'s；withthisdifference，thatFlorencesufferedtheaddedpainofthinkingthatshehadbeen，perhaps，theinnocentoccasionofinvolvingWalterinperil，andalltowhomhewasdear，herselfincluded，inanagonyofsuspense。
Fortherest，uncertaintyanddangerseemedwrittenuponeverything。Theweathercocksonspiresandhousetopsweremysteriouswithhintsofstormywind，andpointed，likesomanyghostlyfingers，outtodangerousseas，wherefragmentsofgreatwrecksweredrifting，perhaps，andhelplessmenwererockeduponthemintoasleepasdeepastheunfathomablewaters。
WhenFlorencecameintotheCity，andpassedgentlemenwhoweretalkingtogether，shedreadedtohearthemspeakingoftheship，andsayingitwaslost。Picturesandprintsofvesselsfightingwiththerollingwavesfilledherwithalarm。Thesmokeandclouds，thoughmovinggently，movedtoofastforherapprehensions，andmadeherfeartherewasatempestblowingatthatmomentontheocean。
SusanNippermayormaynothavebeenaffectedsimilarly，buthavingherattentionmuchengagedinstruggleswithboys，whenevertherewasanypressofpeople——for，betweenthatgradeofhumankindandherself，therewassomenaturalanimositythatinvariablybrokeout，whenevertheycametogether——itwouldseemthatshehadnotmuchleisureontheroadforintellectualoperations。
ArrivingingoodtimeabreastoftheWoodenMidshipmanontheoppositesideoftheway，andwaitingforanopportunitytocrossthestreet，theywerealittlesurprisedatfirsttosee，attheInstrument-maker\'sdoor，around-headedlad，withhischubbyfaceaddressedtowardsthesky，who，astheylookedathim，suddenlythrustintohiscapaciousmouthtwofingersofeachhand，andwiththeassistanceofthatmachinerywhistled，withastonishingshrillness，tosomepigeonsataconsiderableelevationintheair。
`Mrs。Richards\'seldest，Miss！\'saidSusan，`andtheworritofMrs。Richards\'slife！\'
AsPollyhadbeentotellFlorenceoftheresuscitatedprospectsofhersonandheir，Florencewaspreparedforthemeeting：so，afavourablemomentpresentingitself，theybothhastenedacross，withoutanyfurthercontemplationofMrs。Richards\'sbane。Thatsportingcharacter，unconsciousoftheirapproach，againwhistledwithhisutmostmight，andthenyelledinaraptureofexcitement，`Strays！Whoo-oop！Strays！\'whichidentificationhadsuchaneffectupontheconscious-strickenpigeons，thatinsteadofgoingdirecttosometownintheNorthofEngland，asappearedtohavebeentheiroriginalintention，theybegantowheelandfalter；whereuponMrs。Richards\'sfirstbornpiercedthemwithanotherwhistle，andagainyelled，inavoicethatroseabovetheturmoilofthestreet，`Strays！
Whoo-oop！Strays！\'
Fromthistransport，hewasabruptlyrecalledtoterrestrialobjects，byapokefromMissNipper，whichsenthimintotheshop。
`Isthisthewayyoushowyourpenitence，whenMrs。Richardshasbeenfrettingforyoumonthsandmonths？\'saidSusan，followingthepoke。
`Where\'sMr。Gills？\'
Rob，whosmoothedhisfirstrebelliousglanceatMissNipperwhenhesawFlorencefollowing，puthisknucklestohishair，inhonourofthelatter，andsaidtotheformer，thatMr。Gillswasout。
`Fetchhimhome，\'saidMissNipper，withauthority，`andsaythatmyyounglady\'shere。\'
`Idon\'tknowwherehe\'sgone，\'saidRob。
`Isthatyourpenitence？\'criedSusan，withstingingsharpness。
`WhyhowcanIgoandfetchhimwhenIdon\'tknowwheretogo？\'
whimperedthebaitedRob。`Howcanyoubesounreasonable？\'
`DidMr。Gillssaywhenheshouldbehome？\'askedFlorence。
`Yes，Miss，\'repliedRob，withanotherapplicationofhisknucklestohishair。`Hesaidheshouldbehomeearlyintheafternoon；inaboutacoupleofhoursfromnow，Miss。\'
`Isheveryanxiousabouthisnephew？\'inquiredSusan。
`Yes，Miss，\'returnedRob，preferringtoaddresshimselftoFlorenceandslightingNipper；`Ishouldsayhewasverymuchso。Heain\'tindoors，Miss，notaquarterofanhourtogether。Hecan\'tsettleinoneplacefiveminutes。Hegoesabout，likea——justlikeastray，\'saidRob，stoopingtogetaglimpseofthepigeonsthroughthewindow，andcheckinghimself，withhisfingershalf-waytohismouth，onthevergeofanotherwhistle。
`DoyouknowafriendofMr。Gills，calledCaptainCuttle？\'inquiredFlorence，afteramoment\'sreflection。
`Himwithahook，Miss？\'rejoinedRob，withanillustrativetwistofhislefthand。`Yes，Miss。Hewasherethedaybeforeyesterday。\'
`Hashenotbeenheresince？\'askedSusan。
`No，Miss，\'returnedRob，stilladdressinghisreplytoFlorence。
`PerhapsWalter\'sunclehasgonethere，Susan，\'observedFlorence，turningtoher。
`ToCaptainCuttle\'s，Miss？\'interposedRob；`no，he\'snotgonethere，Miss。BecauseheleftparticularwordthatifCaptainCuttlecalled，Ishouldtellhimhowsurprisedhewas，nottohaveseenhimyesterday，andshouldmakehimstoptillhecameback。\'
`DoyouknowwhereCaptainCuttlelives？\'askedFlorence。
Robrepliedintheaffirmative，andturningtoagreasyparchmentbookontheshopdesk，readtheaddressaloud。
Florenceagainturnedtohermaidandtookcounselwithherinalowvoice，whileRobtheround-eyed，mindfulofhispatron\'ssecretcharge，lookedonandlistened。FlorenceproposedthattheyshouldgotoCaptainCuttle\'shouse；hearfromhisownlips，whathethoughtoftheabsenceofanytidingsoftheSonandHeir；andbringhim，iftheycould，tocomfortUncleSol。Susanatfirstobjectedslightly，onthescoreofdistance；
butahackney-coachbeingmentionedbyhermistress，withdrewthatopposition，andgaveinherassent。Thereweresomeminutesofdiscussionbetweenthembeforetheycametothisconclusion，duringwhichthestaringRobpaidcloseattentiontobothspeakers，andinclinedhiseartoeachbyturns，asifhewereappointedarbitratorofthearguments。
Infine，Robwasdespatchedforacoach，thevisitorskeepingshopmeanwhile；andwhenhebroughtit，theygotintoit，leavingwordforUncleSolthattheywouldbesuretocallagain，ontheirwayback。
Robhavingstaredafterthecoachuntilitwasasinvisibleasthepigeonshadnowbecome，satdownbehindthedeskwithamostassiduousdemeanour；
andinorderthathemightforgetnothingofwhathadtranspired，madenotesofitonvarioussmallscrapsofpaper，withavastexpenditureofink。Therewasnodangerofthesedocumentsbetrayinganything，ifaccidentallylost；forlongbeforeawordwasdry，itbecameasprofoundamysterytoRob，asifhehadhadnopartwhateverinitsproduction。
Whilehewasyetbusywiththeselabours，thehackney-coach，afterencounteringunheard-ofdifficultiesfromswivel-bridges，softroads，impassablecanals，caravansofcasks，settlementsofscarlet-beansandlittlewash-houses，andmanysuchobstaclesaboundinginthatcountry，stoppedatthecornerofBrigPlace。Alightinghere，FlorenceandSusanNipperwalkeddownthestreet，andsoughtouttheabodeofCaptainCuttle。
IthappenedbyevilchancetobeoneofMrs。MacStinger\'sgreatcleaningdays。Ontheseoccasions，Mrs。MacStingerwasknockedupbythepolicemanataquarterbeforethreeinthemorning，andrarelysuccumbedbeforetwelveo\'clocknextnight。Thechiefobjectofthisinstitutionappearedtobe，thatMrs。MacStingershouldmoveallthefurnitureintothebackgardenatearlydawn，walkaboutthehouseinpattensallday，andmovethefurniturebackagainafterdark。TheseceremoniesgreatlyflutteredthosedovestheyoungMacStingers，whowerenotonlyunableatsuchtimestofindanyresting-placeforthesolesoftheirfeet，butgenerallycameinforagooddealofpeckingfromthematernalbirdduringtheprogressofthesolemnities。
AtthemomentwhenFlorenceandSusanNipperpresentedthemselvesatMrs。MacStinger\'sdoor，thatworthybutredoubtablefemalewasintheactofconveyingAlexanderMacStinger，agedtwoyearsandthreemonths，alongthepassageforforcibledepositioninasittingpostureonthestreetpavement；Alexanderbeingblackinthefacewithholdinghisbreathafterpunishment，andacoolpaving-stonebeingusuallyfoundtoactasapowerfulrestorativeinsuchcases。
ThefeelingsofMrs。MacStinger，asawomanandamother，wereoutragedbythelookofpityforAlexanderwhichsheobservedonFlorence\'sface。Therefore，Mrs。MacStingerassertingthosefinestemotionsofournature，inpreferencetoweaklygratifyinghercuriosity，shookandbuffetedAlexanderbothbeforeandduringtheapplicationofthepaving-stone，andtooknofurthernoticeofthestrangers。
`Ibegyourpardon，ma\'am，\'saidFlorence，whenthechildhadfoundhisbreathagain，andwasusingit。`IsthisCaptainCuttle\'shouse？\'
`No，\'saidMrs。MacStinger。
`NotNumberNine？\'askedFlorence，hesitating。
`Whosaiditwasn\'tNumberNine？\'saidMrs。MacStinger。
SusanNipperinstantlystruckin，andbeggedtoinquirewhatMrs。
MacStingermeantbythat，andifsheknewwhomshewastalkingto。
Mrs。MacStingerinretort，lookedatherallover。`WhatdoyouwantwithCaptainCuttle，Ishouldwishtoknow？\'saidMrs。MacStinger。
`Shouldyou？ThenI\'msorrythatyouwon\'tbesatisfied，\'returnedMissNipper。
`Hush，Susan！Ifyouplease！\'saidFlorence。`PerhapsyoucanhavethegoodnesstotelluswhereCaptainCuttlelives，ma\'am，ashedon\'tlivehere。\'
`Whosayshedon\'tlivehere？\'retortedtheimplacableMacStinger。
`Isaiditwasn\'tCap\'enCuttle\'shouse——anditain\'thishouse——andforbidit，thatitevershouldbehishouse——forCap\'enCuttledon\'tknowhowtokeepahouse——anddon\'tdeservetohaveahouse——it\'smyhouse——andwhenIlettheupperfloortoCap\'enCuttle，ohIdoathanklessthing，andcastpearlsbeforeswine！\'
Mrs。MacStingerpitchedhervoicefortheupperwindowsinofferingtheseremarks，andcrackedoffeachclausesharplybyitselfasiffromariflepossessinganinfinityofbarrels。Afterthelastshot，theCaptain\'svoicewasheardtosay，infeebleremonstrancefromhisownroom，`Steadybelow！\'
`SinceyouwantCap\'enCuttle，thereheis！\'saidMrs。MacStinger，withanangrymotionofherhand。OnFlorencemakingboldtoenter，withoutanymoreparley，andonSusanfollowing，Mrs。MacStingerrecommencedherpedestrianexerciseinpattens，andAlexanderMacStingerstillonthepaving-stone，whohadstoppedinhiscryingtoattendtotheconversation，begantowailagain，entertaininghimselfduringthatdismalperformance，whichwasquitemechanical，withageneralsurveyoftheprospect，terminatinginthehackney-coach。
TheCaptaininhisownapartmentwassittingwithhishandsinhispocketsandhislegsdrawnupunderhischair，onaverysmalldesolateisland，lyingaboutmidwayinanoceanofsoapandwater。TheCaptain\'swindowshadbeencleaned，thewallshadbeencleaned，thestovehadbeencleaned，andeverything，thestoveexcepted，waswet，andshiningwithsoftsoapandsand：thesmellofwhichdry-salteryimpregnatedtheair。
Inthemidstofthedrearyscene，theCaptain，castawayuponhisisland，lookedroundonthewasteofwaterswitharuefulcountenance，andseemedwaitingforsomefriendlybarktocomethatway，andtakehimoff。
ButwhentheCaptain，directinghisforlornvisagetowardsthedoor，sawFlorenceappearwithhermaid，nowordscandescribehisastonishment。
Mrs。MacStinger\'seloquencehavingrenderedallothersoundsbutimperfectlydistinguishable，hehadlookedfornorarervisitorthanthepotboyorthemilkman；wherefore，whenFlorenceappeared，andcomingtotheconfinesoftheisland，putherhandinhis，theCaptainstoodup，aghast，asifhesupposedher，forthemoment，tobesomeyoungmemberoftheFlyingDutchman\'sfamily。
Instantlyrecoveringhisself-possession，however，theCaptain\'sfirstcarewastoplaceherondryland，whichhehappilyaccomplished，withonemotionofhisarm。Issuingforth，then，uponthemain，CaptainCuttletookMissNipperroundthewaist，andborehertotheislandalso。
CaptainCuttle，then，withgreatrespectandadmiration，raisedthehandofFlorencetohislips，andstandingoffalittlefortheislandwasnotlargeenoughforthree，beamedonherfromthesoapandwaterlikeanewdescriptionofTriton。
`Youareamazedtoseeus，Iamsure，\'saidFlorence，withasmile。
TheinexpressiblygratifiedCaptainkissedhishookinreply，andgrowled，asifachoiceanddelicatecomplimentwereincludedinthewords，`Standby！Standby！\'
`ButIcouldn\'trest，\'saidFlorence，`withoutcomingtoaskyouwhatyouthinkaboutdearWalter——whoismybrothernow——andwhetherthereisanythingtofear，andwhetheryouwillnotgoandconsolehispooruncleeveryday，untilwehavesomeintelligenceofhim？\'
AtthesewordsCaptainCuttle，asbyaninvoluntarygesture，clappedhishandtohishead，onwhichthehardglazedhatwasnot，andlookeddiscomfited。
`HaveyouanyfearsforWalter\'ssafety？\'inquiredFlorence，fromwhosefacetheCaptainsoenrapturedhewaswithitcouldnottakehiseyes：whileshe，inherturn，lookedearnestlyathim，tobeassuredofthesincerityofhisreply。
`No，Heart\'s-delight，\'saidCaptainCuttle，`Iamnotafeard。
Wal\'risaladas\'llgothroughadealo\'hardweather。Wal\'risaladas\'llbringasmuchsuccesstothat\'erebrigasaladiscapableon。Wal\'r，\'
saidtheCaptain，hiseyesglisteningwiththepraiseofhisyoungfriend，andhishookraisedtoannounceabeautifulquotation，`iswhatyoumaycallaout\'ardandvisiblesignofanin\'ardandspiritedgrasp，andwhenfoundmakeanoteof。\'
Florence，whodidnotquiteunderstandthis，thoughtheCaptainevidentlythoughtitfullofmeaning，andhighlysatisfactory，mildlylookedtohimforsomethingmore。
`Iamnotafeard，myHeart\'s-delight，\'resumedtheCaptain。`There\'sbeenmostuncommonbadweatherinthemlatitudes，there\'snodenyin\'，andtheyhavedroveanddroveandbeenbeatoff，maybet\'othersidetheworld。
Buttheship\'sagoodship，andthelad\'sagoodlad；anditain\'teasy，thanktheLord，\'theCaptainmadealittlebow，`tobreakupheartsofoak，whetherthey\'reinbrigsorbuzzums。Herewehave\'embothways，whichisbringingitupwitharoundturn，andsoIain\'tabitafeardasyet。\'
`Asyet？\'repeatedFlorence。
`Notabit，\'returnedtheCaptain，kissinghisironhand；`andaforeIbegintobe，myHeart\'s-delight，Wal\'rwillhavewrotehomefromtheisland，orfromsomeportoranother，andmadealltautandship-shape。
AndwithregardtooldSolGills，\'heretheCaptainbecamesolemn，`whoI\'llstandby，andnotdesertuntildeathdoeuspart，andwhenthestormywindsdoblow，doblow，doblow——overhaultheCatechism，\'saidtheCaptainparenthetically，`andthereyou\'llfindthemexpressions——ifitwouldconsoleSolGillstohavetheopinionofaseafaringmanashasgotamindequaltoanyundertakingthatheputsitalongsideof，andaswasallbutsmashedinhis\'prenticeship，andofwhichthenameisBunsby，that\'eremanshallgivehimsuchanopinioninhisownparlouras\'llstunhim。Ah！\'saidCaptainCuttle，vauntingly，`asmuchasifhe\'dgoneandknockedhisheadagainadoor！\'
`Letustakethisgentlemantoseehim，andletushearwhathesays，\'criedFlorence。`Willyougowithusnow？Wehaveacoachhere。\'
AgaintheCaptainclappedhishandtohishead，onwhichthehardglazedhatwasnot，andlookeddiscomfited。Butatthisinstantamostremarkablephenomenonoccurred。Thedooropening，withoutanynoteofpreparation，andapparentlyofitself，thehardglazedhatinquestionskimmedintotheroomlikeabird，andalightedheavilyattheCaptain\'sfeet。Thedoorthenshutasviolentlyasithadopened，andnothingensuedinexplanationoftheprodigy。
CaptainCuttlepickeduphishat，andhavingturneditoverwithalookofinterestandwelcome，begantopolishitonhissleeve。Whiledoingso，theCaptaineyedhisvisitorsintently，andsaidinalowvoice：
`YouseeIshouldhaveboredownonSolGillsyesterday，andthismorning，butshe——shetookitawayandkepit。That\'sthelongandshortofthesubject。\'
`Whodid，forgoodnesssake？\'askedSusanNipper。
`Theladyofthehouse，mydear，\'returnedtheCaptain，inagruffwhisper，andmakingsignalsofsecrecy。`Wehadsomewordsabouttheswabbingofthesehereplanks，andshe——inshort，\'saidtheCaptain，eyeingthedoor，andrelievinghimselfwithalongbreath，`shestoppedmyliberty。\'
`Oh！Iwishshehadmetodealwith！\'saidSusan，reddeningwiththeenergyofthewish。`I\'dstopher！\'
`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？\'rejoinedtheCaptain，shakinghisheaddoubtfully，butregardingthedesperatecourageofthefairaspirantwithobviousadmiration。`Idon\'tknow。It\'sdifficultnavigation。She\'sveryhardtocarryonwith，mydear。Younevercantellhowshe\'llhead，yousee。She\'sfulloneminute，androunduponyounext。Andwhensheisatartar，\'saidtheCaptain，withtheperspirationbreakingoutuponhisforehead。Therewasnothingbutawhistleemphaticenoughfortheconclusionofthesentence，sotheCaptainwhistledtremulously。Afterwhichheagainshookhishead，andrecurringtohisadmirationofMissNipper\'sdevotedbravery，timidlyrepeated，`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？\'
Susanonlyrepliedwithabridlingsmile，butthatwassoveryfullofdefiance，thatthereisnoknowinghowlongCaptainCuttlemighthavestoodentrancedinitscontemplation，ifFlorenceinheranxietyhadnotagainproposedtheirimmediatelyresortingtotheoracularBunsby。
Thusremindedofhisduty，CaptainCuttleputontheglazedhatfirmly，tookupanotherknobbystick，withwhichhehadsuppliedtheplaceofthatonegiventoWalter，andofferinghisarmtoFlorence，preparedtocuthiswaythroughtheenemy。
Itturnedout，however，thatMrs。MacStingerhadalreadychangedhercourse，andthatsheheaded，astheCaptainhadremarkedsheoftendid，inquiteanewdirection。Forwhentheygotdownstairs，theyfoundthatexemplarywomanbeatingthematsonthedoorsteps，withAlexander，stilluponthepaving-stone，dimlyloomingthroughafogofdust；andsoabsorbedwasMrs。MacStingerinherhouseholdoccupation，thatwhenCaptainCuttleandhisvisitorspassed，shebeattheharder，andneitherbywordnorgestureshowedanyconsciousnessoftheirvicinity。TheCaptainwassowellpleasedwiththiseasyescape——althoughtheeffectofthedoor-matsonhimwaslikeacopiousadministrationofsnuff，andmadehimsneezeuntilthetearsrandownhisface——thathecouldhardlybelievehisgoodfortune；butmorethanonce，betweenthedoorandthehackney-coach，lookedoverhisshoulder，withanobviousapprehensionofMrs。MacStinger\'sgivingchaseyet。
However，theygottothecornerofBrigPlacewithoutanymolestationfromthatterriblefire-ship；andtheCaptainmountingthecoach-box——forhisgallantrywouldnotallowhimtorideinsidewiththeladies，thoughbesoughttodoso——pilotedthedriveronhiscourseforCaptainBunsby\'svessel，whichwascalledtheCautiousClara，andwaslyinghardbyRatcliffe。
Arrivedatthewharfoffwhichthisgreatcommander\'sshipwasjammedinamongsomefivehundredcompanions，whosetangledrigginglookedlikemonstrouscobwebshalfsweptdown，CaptainCuttleappearedatthecoach-window，andinvitedFlorenceandMissNippertoaccompanyhimonboard；observingthatBunsbywastothelastdegreesoft-heartedinrespectofladies，andthatnothingwouldsomuchtendtobringhisexpansiveintellectintoastateofharmonyastheirpresentationtotheCautiousClara。
Florencereadilyconsented；andtheCaptain，takingherlittlehandinhisprodigiouspalm，ledher，withamixedexpressionofpatronage，paternity，pride，andceremony，thatwaspleasanttosee，overseveralverydirtydecks，until，comingtotheClara，theyfoundthatcautiouscraftwhichlayoutsidethetierwithhergangwayremoved，andhalf-a-dozenfeetofriverinterposedbetweenherselfandhernearestneighbour。Itappeared，fromCaptainCuttle\'sexplanation，thatthegreatBunsby，likehimself，wascruellytreatedbyhislandlady，andthatwhenherusageofhimforthetimebeingwassohardthathecouldbearitnolonger，hesetthisgulfbetweenthemasalastresource。
`Claraa-hoy！\'criedtheCaptain，puttingahandtoeachsideofhismouth。
`A-hoy！\'criedaboy，liketheCaptain\'secho，tumblingupfrombelow。
`Bunsbyaboard？\'criedtheCaptain，hailingtheboyinastentorianvoice，asifhewerehalf-a-mileoffinsteadoftwoyards。
`Aye，aye！\'criedtheboy，inthesametone。
TheboythenshovedoutaplanktoCaptainCuttle，whoadjusteditcarefully，andledFlorenceacross：returningpresentlyforMissNipper。
SotheystooduponthedeckoftheCautiousClara，inwhosestandingrigging，diversflutteringarticlesofdresswerecuring，incompanywithafewtonguesandsomemackerel。
Immediatelythereappeared，comingslowlyupabovethebulk-headofthecabin，anotherbulk-head——human，andverylarge——withonestationaryeyeinthemahoganyface，andonerevolvingone，ontheprincipleofsomelighthouses。Thisheadwasdecoratedwithshaggyhair，likeoakum，whichhadnogoverninginclinationtowardsthenorth，east，west，orsouth，butinclinedtoallfourquartersofthecompass，andtoeverypointuponit。
Theheadwasfollowedbyaperfectdesertofchin，andbyashirt-collarandneckerchief，andbyadreadnoughtpilot-coat，andbyapairofdreadnoughtpilot-trousers，whereofthewaistbandwassoverybroadandhigh，thatitbecameasuccedaneumforawaistcoat：beingornamentednearthewearer\'sbreast-bonewithsomemassivewoodenbuttons，likebackgammonmen。Asthelowerportionsofthesepantaloonsbecamerevealed，Bunsbystoodconfessed；
hishandsintheirpockets，whichwereofvastsize；andhisgazedirected，nottoCaptainCuttleortheladies，butthemast-head。
Theprofoundappearanceofthisphilosopher，whowasbulkyandstrong，andonwhoseextremelyredfaceanexpressionoftaciturnitysatenthroned，notinconsistentwithhischaracter，inwhichthatqualitywasproudlyconspicuous，almostdauntedCaptainCuttle，thoughonfamiliartermswithhim。WhisperingtoFlorencethatBunsbyhadneverinhislifeexpressedsurprise，andwasconsiderednottoknowwhatitmeant，theCaptainwatchedhimasheeyedhismast-head，andafterwardssweptthehorizon；
andwhentherevolvingeyeseemedtobecomingroundinhisdirection，said：
`Bunsby，mylad，howfaresit？\'
Adeep，gruff，huskyutterance，whichseemedtohavenoconnexionwithBunsby，andcertainlyhadnottheleasteffectuponhisface，replied，`Aye，aye，shipmet，howgoesit？\'AtthesametimeBunsby\'srighthandandarm，emergingfromapocket，shooktheCaptain\'s，andwentbackagain。
`Bunsby，\'saidtheCaptain，strikinghomeatonce，`hereyouare；
amanofmind，andamanascangiveasopinion。Here\'sayoungladyaswantstotakethatopinion，inregardofmyfriendWal\'r；likewisemyt\'otherfriend，SolGills，whichisacharacterforyoutocomewithinhailof，beingamanofscience，whichisthemotherofinwention，andknowsnolaw。Bunsby，willyouwear，toobligeme，andcomealongwithus？\'
Thegreatcommander，whoseemedbytheexpressionofhisvisagetobealwaysonthelook-outforsomethingintheextremestdistance，andtohavenoocularknowledgeofanythingwithintenmiles，madenoreplywhatever。
`Hereisaman，\'saidtheCaptain，addressinghimselftohisfairauditors，andindicatingthecommanderwithhisoutstretchedhook，`thathasfelldownmorethananymanalive；thathashadmoreaccidentshappentohisownselfthantheSeamen\'sHospitaltoallhands；thattookasmanysparsandbarsandboltsabouttheoutsideofhisheadwhenhewasyoung，asyou\'dwantaorderforonChatham-yardtobuildapleasure-yachtwith；
andyetthatgothisopinionsinthatway，it\'smybelief，fortherean\'tnothinglike\'emafloatorashore。\'
Thestolidcommanderappeared，byaveryslightvibrationinhiselbows，toexpresssomesatisfactioninthisencomium；butifhisfacehadbeenasdistantashisgazewas，itcouldhardlyhaveenlightenedthebeholderslessinreferencetoanythingthatwaspassinginhisthoughts。
`Shipmet，\'saidBunsby，allofasudden，andstoopingdowntolookoutundersomeinterposingspar，`what\'lltheladiesdrink？\'
CaptainCuttle，whosedelicacywasshockedbysuchaninquiryinconnectionwithFlorence，drewthesageaside，andseemingtoexplaininhisear，accompaniedhimbelow；where，thathemightnottakeoffence，theCaptaindrankadramhimself，whichFlorenceandSusan，glancingdowntheopenskylight，sawthesage，withdifficultyfindingroomforhimselfbetweenhisberthandaverylittlebrassfireplace，serveoutforselfandfriend。Theysoonreappearedondeck，andCaptainCuttle，triumphinginthesuccessofhisenterprise，conductedFlorencebacktothecoach，whileBunsbyfollowed，escortingMissNipper，whomhehuggeduponthewaymuchtothatyounglady\'sindignationwithhispilot-coatedarm，likeabluebear。
TheCaptainputhisoracleinside，andgloriedsomuchinhavingsecuredhim，andhavinggotthatmindintoahackney-coach，thathecouldnotrefrainfromoftenpeepinginatFlorencethroughthelittlewindowbehindthedriver，andtestifyinghisdelightinsmiles，andalsointapsuponhisforehead，tohinttoherthatthebrainofBunsbywashardatit。Inthemeantime，Bunsby，stillhuggingMissNipperforhisfriend，theCaptain，hadnotexaggeratedthesoftnessofhisheart，uniformlypreservedhisgravityofdeportment，andshowednootherconsciousnessofheroranything。
UncleSol，whohadcomehome，receivedthematthedoor，andusheredthemimmediatelyintothelittlebackparlour：strangelyalteredbytheabsenceofWalter。Onthetable，andabouttheroom，werethechartsandmapsonwhichtheheavy-heartedInstrument-makerhadagainandagaintrackedthemissingvesselacrossthesea，andonwhich，withapairofcompassesthathestillhadinhishand，hehadbeenmeasuring，aminutebefore，howfarshemusthavedriven，tohavedrivenhereorthere：andtryingtodemonstratethatalongtimemustelapsebeforehopewasexhausted。
`Whethershecanhaverun，\'saidUncleSol，lookingwistfullyoverthechart；`butno，that\'salmostimpossible。Orwhethershecanhavebeenforcedbystressofweather，——butthat\'snotreasonablylikely。Orwhetherthereisanyhopeshesofarchangedhercourseas——butevenI
canhardlyhopethat！\'Withsuchbrokensuggestions，pooroldUncleSolroamedoverthegreatsheetbeforehim，andcouldnotfindaspeckofhopefulprobabilityinitlargeenoughtosetonesmallpointofthecompassesupon。
Florencesawimmediately——itwouldhavebeendifficulttohelpseeing——thattherewasasingularindescribablechangeintheoldman，andthatwhilehismannerwasfarmorerestlessandunsettledthanusual，therewasyetacurious，contradictorydecisioninit，thatperplexedherverymuch。Shefanciedoncethathespokewildly，andatrandom；foronhersayingsheregrettednottohaveseenhimwhenshehadbeentherebeforethatmorning，heatfirstrepliedthathehadbeentoseeher，anddirectlyafterwardsseemedtowishtorecallthatanswer。
`Youhavebeentoseeme？\'saidFlorence。`To-day？\'
`Yes，mydearyounglady，\'returnedUncleSol，lookingatherandawayfromherinaconfusedmanner。`Iwishedtoseeyouwithmyowneyes，andtohearyouwithmyownears，oncemorebefore——\'Therehestopped。
`Beforewhen？Beforewhat？\'saidFlorence，puttingherhanduponhisarm。
`DidIsay“before？”\'repliedoldSol。`IfIdid，Imusthavemeantbeforeweshouldhavenewsofmydearboy。\'
`Youarenotwell，\'saidFlorence，tenderly。`Youhavebeensoveryanxious。Iamsureyouarenotwell。\'
`Iamaswell，\'returnedtheoldman，shuttinguphisrighthand，andholdingitouttoshowher：`aswellandfirmasanymanatmytimeoflifecanhopetobe。See！It\'ssteady。Isitsmasternotascapableofresolutionandfortitudeasmanyayoungerman？Ithinkso。Weshallsee。\'
Therewasthatinhismannermorethaninhiswords，thoughtheyremainedwithhertoo，whichimpressedFlorencesomuch，thatshewouldhaveconfidedheruneasinesstoCaptainCuttleatthatmoment，iftheCaptainhadnotseizedthatmomentforexpoundingthestateofcircumstancesonwhichtheopinionofthesagaciousBunsbywasrequested，andentreatingthatprofoundauthoritytodeliverthesame。
Bunsby，whoseeyecontinuedtobeaddressedtosomewhereaboutthehalf-wayhousebetweenLondonandGravesend，twoorthreetimesputouthisroughrightarm，asseekingtowinditforinspirationroundthefairformofMissNipper；butthatyoungfemalehavingwithdrawnherself，indispleasure，totheoppositesideofthetable，thesoftheartoftheCommanderoftheCautiousClarametwithnoresponsetoitsimpulses。Aftersundryfailuresinthiswise，theCommander，addressinghimselftonobody，thusspake；orratherthevoicewithinhimsaidofitsownaccord，andquiteindependentofhimself，asifhewerepossessedbyagruffspirit：
`Myname\'sJackBunsby！\'
`HewaschristenedJohn，\'criedthedelightedCaptainCuttle。
`Hearhim！\'
`AndwhatIsays，\'pursuedthevoice，aftersomedeliberation，`Istandsto。\'
TheCaptain，withFlorenceonhisarm，noddedattheauditory，andseemedtosay，`Nowhe\'scomingout。ThisiswhatImeantwhenIbroughthim。\'
`Whereby，\'proceededthevoice，`whynot？Ifso，whatodds？Cananymansayotherwise？No。Awastthen！\'
Whenithadpursueditstrainofargumenttothispoint，thevoicestopped，andrested。Itthenproceededveryslowly，thus：
`DoIbelievethatthishereSonandHeir\'sgonedown，mylads？Mayhap。
DoIsayso？Which？IfaskipperstandsoutbySen\'George\'sChannel，makingfortheDowns，what\'srightaheadofhim？TheGoodwins。Heisn\'tforcedtorunupontheGoodwins，buthemay。Thebearingsofthisobservationlaysintheapplicationonit。Thatan\'tnopartofmyduty。Awastthen，keepabrightlook-outfor\'ard，andgoodlucktoyou！\'
Thevoiceherewentoutofthebackparlourandintothestreet，takingtheCommanderoftheCautiousClarawithit，andaccompanyinghimonboardagainwithallconvenientexpedition，whereheimmediatelyturnedin，andrefreshedhismindwithanap。
Thestudentsofthesage\'sprecepts，lefttotheirownapplicationofhiswisdomuponaprinciplewhichwasthemainlegoftheBunsbytripod，asitisperchanceofsomeotheroracularstools——lookedupononeanotherinalittleuncertainty；whileRobtheGrinder，whohadtakentheinnocentfreedomofpeeringin，andlistening，throughtheskylightintheroof，camesoftlydownfromtheleads，inastateofverydenseconfusion。CaptainCuttle，however，whoseadmirationofBunsbywas，ifpossible，enhancedbythesplendidmannerinwhichhehadjustifiedhisreputationandcomethroughthissolemnreference，proceededtoexplainthatBunsbymeantnothingbutconfidence；thatBunsbyhadnomisgivings；andthatsuchanopinionasthatmanhadgiven，comingfromsuchamindashis，wasHope\'sownanchor，withgoodroadstocastitin。FlorenceendeavouredtobelievethattheCaptainwasright；buttheNipper，withherarmstightfolded，shookherheadinresolutedenial，andhadnomoretrustinBunsbythaninMr。Perchhimself。
ThephilosopherseemedtohaveleftUncleSolprettymuchwherehehadfoundhim，forhestillwentroamingaboutthewateryworld，compassesinhand，anddiscoveringnorestforthem。ItwasinpursuanceofawhisperinhisearfromFlorence，whiletheoldmanwasabsorbedinthispursuit，thatCaptainCuttlelaidhisheavyhanduponhisshoulder。
`Whatcheer，SolGills？\'criedtheCaptain，heartily。
`Butso-so，Ned，\'returnedtheInstrument-maker。`Ihavebeenremembering，allthisafternoon，thatontheverydaywhenmyboyenteredDombey\'shouseandcamehomelatetodinner，sittingjusttherewhereyoustand，wetalkedofstormandshipwreck，andIcouldhardlyturnhimfromthesubject。\'
ButmeetingtheeyesofFlorence，whichwerefixedwithearnestscrutinyuponhisface，theoldmanstoppedandsmiled。
`Standby，oldfriend！\'criedtheCaptain。`Lookalive！Itellyouwhat，SolGills；arterI\'veconvoyedHeart\'s-delightsafehome，\'heretheCaptainkissedhishooktoFlorence，`I\'llcomebackandtakeyouintowfortherestofthisblessedday。You\'llcomeandeatyourdinneralongwithme，Sol，somewheresoranother。\'
`Notto-day，Ned！\'saidtheoldmanquickly，andappearingtobeunaccountablystartledbytheproposition。`Notto-day。Icouldn\'tdoit！\'
`Whynot？\'returnedtheCaptain，gazingathiminastonishment。
`I——Ihavesomuchtodo。I——Imeantothinkof，andarrange。
Icouldn\'tdoit，Ned，indeed。Imustgooutagain，andbealone，andturnmymindtomanythingsto-day。\'
TheCaptainlookedattheInstrument-maker，andlookedatFlorence，andagainattheInstrument-maker。`To-morrow，then，\'hesuggested，atlast。
`Yes，yes。To-morrow，\'saidtheoldman。`Thinkofmeto-morrow。
Sayto-morrow。\'
`Ishallcomehereearly，mind，SolGills，\'stipulatedtheCaptain。
`Yes，yes。Thefirstthingto-morrowmorning，\'saidoldSol；`andnowgood-bye，NedCuttle，andGodblessyou！\'
SqueezingboththeCaptain\'shands，withuncommonfervour，ashesaidit，theoldmanturnedtoFlorence，foldedhersinhisown，andputthemtohislips；thenhurriedherouttothecoachwithverysingularprecipitation。Altogether，hemadesuchaneffectonCaptainCuttlethattheCaptainlingeredbehind，andinstructedRobtobeparticularlygentleandattentivetohismasteruntilthemorning：whichinjunctionhestrengthenedwiththepaymentofoneshillingdown，andthepromiseofanothersixpencebeforenoonnextday。Thiskindofficeperformed，CaptainCuttle，whoconsideredhimselfthenaturalandlawfulbody-guardofFlorence，mountedtheboxwithamightysenseofhistrust，andescortedherhome。Atparting，heassuredherthathewouldstandbySolGills，closeandtrue；andonceagaininquiredofSusanNipper，unabletoforgethergallantwordsinreferencetoMrs。MacStinger，`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear，though？\'
Whenthedesolatehousehadcloseduponthetwo，theCaptain\'sthoughtsrevertedtotheoldInstrument-maker，andhefeltuncomfortable。
Therefore，insteadofgoinghome，hewalkedupanddownthestreetseveraltimes，and，ekingouthisleisureuntilevening，dinedlateatacertainangularlittletavernintheCity，withapublicparlourlikeawedge，towhichglazedhatsmuchresorted。TheCaptain\'sprincipalintentionwastopassSolGills\'safterdark，andlookinthroughthewindow：whichhedid。Theparlourdoorstoodopen，andhecouldseehisoldfriendwritingbusilyandsteadilyatthetablewithin，whilethelittleMidshipman，alreadyshelteredfromthenightdews，watchedhimfromthecounter；underwhichRobtheGrindermadehisownbed，preparatorytoshuttingtheshop。Reassuredbythetranquillitythatreignedwithintheprecinctsofthewoodenmariner，theCaptainheadedforBrigPlace，resolvingtoweighanchorbetimesinthemorning。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter24[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIVTheStudyofaLovingHeartSIRBARNETandLadySkettles，verygoodpeople，residedinaprettyvillaatFulham，onthebanksoftheThames；whichwasoneofthemostdesirableresidencesintheworldwhenarowing-matchhappenedtobegoingpast，buthaditslittleinconveniencesatothertimes，amongwhichmaybeenumeratedtheoccasionalappearanceoftheriverinthedrawing-room，andthecontemporaneousdisappearanceofthelawnandshrubbery。
SirBarnettSkettlesexpressedhispersonalconsequencechieflythroughanantiquegoldsnuff-box，andaponderoussilkpocket-handkerchief，whichhehadanimposingmannerofdrawingoutofhispocketlikeabanner，andusingwithbothhandsatonce。SirBarnet\'sobjectinlifewasconstantlytoextendtherangeofhisacquaintance。Likeaheavybodydroppedintowater——nottodisparagesoworthyagentlemanbythecomparison——itwasinthenatureofthingsthatSirBarnetmustspreadanever-wideningcircleabouthim，untiltherewasnoroomleft。Or，likeasoundinair，thevibrationofwhich，accordingtothespeculationofaningeniousmodernphilosopher，maygoontravellingforeverthroughtheinterminablefieldsofspace，nothingbutcomingtotheendofhismoraltethercouldstopSirBarnetSkettlesinhisvoyageofdiscoverythroughthesocialsystem。
SirBarnetwasproudofmakingpeopleacquaintedwithpeople。
Helikedthethingforitsownsake，anditadvancedhisfavouriteobjecttoo。Forexample，ifSirBarnethadthegoodfortunetogetholdofarawrecruit，oracountrygentleman，andensnaredhimtohishospitablevilla，SirBarnetwouldsaytohim，onthemorningafterhisarrival，`Now，mydearSir，isthereanybodyyouwouldliketoknow？Whoisthereyouwouldwishtomeet？Doyoutakeanyinterestinwritingpeople，orinpaintingorsculpturingpeople，orinactingpeople，orinanythingofthatsort？\'
Possiblythepatientansweredyes，andmentionedsomebody，ofwhomSirBarnethadnomorepersonalknowledgethanofPtolemytheGreat。SirBarnetreplied，thatnothingonearthwaseasier，asheknewhimverywell：immediatelycalledontheaforesaidsomebody，lefthiscard，wroteashortnote，——`MydearSir——penaltyofyoureminentposition——friendatmyhousenaturallydesirous——LadySkettlesandmyselfparticipate——trustthatgeniusbeingsuperiortoceremonies，youwilldousthedistinguishedfavourofgivingusthepleasure，\'&；c。，&；c——andsokilledabraceofbirdswithonestone，deadasdoor-nails。
Withthesnuff-boxandbannerinfullforce，SirBarnetSkettlespropoundedhisusualinquirytoFlorenceonthefirstmorningofhervisit。
WhenFlorencethankedhim，andsaidtherewasnooneinparticularwhomshedesiredtosee，itwasnaturalsheshouldthinkwithapang，ofpoorlostWalter。WhenSirBarnetSkettles，urginghiskindoffer，said，`MydearMissDombey，areyousureyoucanremembernoonewhomyourgoodpapa——towhomIbegyoutopresentthebestcomplimentsofmyselfandLadySkettleswhenyouwrite——mightwishyoutoknow？\'itwasnatural，perhaps，thatherpoorheadshoulddroopalittle，andthathervoiceshouldtrembleasitsoftlyansweredinthenegative。