SkettlesJunior，muchstiffenedastohiscravat，andsobereddownastohisspirits，wasathomefortheholidays，andappearedtofeelhimselfaggrievedbythesolicitudeofhisexcellentmotherthatheshouldbeattentivetoFlorence。AnotherandadeeperinjuryunderwhichthesoulofyoungBarnetchafed，wasthecompanyofDr。andMrs。Blimber，whohadbeeninvitedonavisittothepaternalroof-tree，andofwhomtheyounggentlemanoftensaidhewouldhavepreferredtheirpassingthevacationatJericho。
`Isthereanybodyyoucansuggestnow，DoctorBlimber？\'
saidSirBarnetSkettles，turningtothatgentleman。
`Youareverykind，SirBarnet，\'returnedDoctorBlimber。`ReallyIamnotawarethatthereis，inparticular。Iliketoknowmyfellow-meningeneral，SirBarnet。WhatdoesTerencesay？Anyonewhoistheparentofasonisinterestingtome。\'
`HasMrs。Blimberanywishtoseeanyremarkableperson？\'askedSirBarnet，courteously。
Mrs。Blimberreplied，withasweetsmileandashakeofhersky-bluecap，thatifSirBarnetcouldhavemadeherknowntoCicero，shewouldhavetroubledhim；butsuchanintroductionnotbeingfeasible，andshealreadyenjoyingthefriendshipofhimselfandhisamiablelady，andpossessingwiththeDoctorherhusbandtheirjointconfidenceinregardtotheirdearson——hereyoungBarnetwasobservedtocurlhisnose——sheaskednomore。
SirBarnetwasfain，underthesecircumstances，tocontenthimselfforthetimewiththecompanyassembled。Florencewasgladofthat；forshehadastudytopursueamongthem，anditlaytoonearherheart，andwastoopreciousandmomentous，toyieldtoanyotherinterest。
Thereweresomechildrenstayinginthehouse。Childrenwhowereasfrankandhappywithfathersandwithmothersasthoserosyfacesoppositehome。Childrenwhohadnorestraintupontheirlove，andfreelyshowedit。Florencesoughttolearntheirsecret；soughttofindoutwhatitwasshehadmissed；whatsimplearttheyknew，andsheknewnot；howshecouldbetaughtbythemtoshowherfatherthatshelovedhim，andtowinhisloveagain。
ManyadaydidFlorencethoughtfullyobservethesechildren。Onmanyabrightmorningdidsheleaveherbedwhentheglorioussunrose，andwalkingupanddownupontheriver\'sbank，beforeanyoneinthehousewasstirring，lookupatthewindowsoftheirrooms，andthinkofthem，asleep，sogentlytendedandaffectionatelythoughtof。Florencewouldfeelmorelonelythen，thaninthegreathouseallalone；andwouldthinksometimesthatshewasbettertherethanhere，andthattherewasgreaterpeaceinhidingherselfthaninminglingwithothersofherage，andfindinghowunlikethemallshewas。Butattentivetoherstudy，thoughittouchedhertothequickateverylittleleafsheturnedinthehardbook，Florenceremainedamongthem，andtriedwithpatienthope，togaintheknowledgethatsheweariedfor。
Ah！howtogainit！howtoknowthecharminitsbeginning！Thereweredaughtershere，whoroseupinthemorning，andlaydowntorestatnight，possessedoffathers\'heartsalready。Theyhadnorepulsetoovercome，nocoldnesstodread，nofrowntosmoothaway。Asthemorningadvanced，andthewindowsopenedonebyone，andthedewbegantodryupontheflowersandgrass，andyouthfulfeetbegantomoveuponthelawn，Florence，glancingroundatthebrightfaces，thoughtwhatwasthereshecouldlearnfromthesechildren？Itwastoolatetolearnfromthem；eachcouldapproachherfatherfearlessly，andputupherlipstomeetthereadykiss，andwindherarmabouttheneckthatbentdowntocaressher。Shecouldnotbeginbybeingsobold。Oh！coulditbethattherewaslessandlesshopeasshestudiedmoreandmore！
Sherememberedwell，thateventheoldwomanwhohadrobbedherwhenalittlechild——whoseimageandwhosehouse，andallshehadsaidanddone，werestampeduponherrecollection，withtheenduringsharpnessofafearfulimpressionmadeatthatearlyperiodoflife——hadspokenfondlyofherdaughter，andhowterriblyevenshehadcriedoutinthepainofhopelessseparationfromherchild。Butherownmother，shewouldthinkagain，whensherecalledthis，hadlovedherwell。Then，sometimes，whenherthoughtsrevertedswiftlytothevoidbetweenherselfandherfather，Florencewouldtremble，andthetearswouldstartuponherface，asshepicturedtoherselfhermotherlivingon，andcomingalsotodislikeher，becauseofherwantingtheunknowngracethatshouldconciliatethatfathernaturally，andhadneverdonesofromhercradle。Sheknewthatthisimaginationdidwrongtohermother\'smemory，andhadnotruthinit，orbasetorestupon；andyetshetriedsohardtojustifyhim，andtofindthewholeblameinherself，thatshecouldnotresistitspassing，likeawildcloud，throughthedistanceofhermind。
Therecameamongtheothervisitors，soonafterFlorence，onebeautifulgirl，threeorfouryearsyoungerthanshe，whowasanorphanchild，andwhowasaccompaniedbyheraunt，agrey-hairedlady，whospokemuchtoFlorence，andwhogreatlylikedbutthattheyalldidtohearhersingofanevening，andwouldalwayssitnearheratthattime，withmotherlyinterest。Theyhadonlybeentwodaysinthehouse，whenFlorence，beinginanarbourinthegardenonewarmmorning，musinglyobservantofayouthfulgroupupontheturf，throughsomeinterveningboughs，andwreathingflowersfortheheadofonelittlecreatureamongthemwhowasthepetandplaythingoftherest，heardthissameladyandherniece，inplacingupanddownashelterednookcloseby，speakofherself。
`IsFlorenceanorphanlikeme，aunt？\'saidthechild。
`No，mylove。Shehasnomother，butherfatherisliving。\'
`Issheinmourningforherpoormama，now？\'inquiredthechildquickly。
`No；forheronlybrother。\'
`Hasshenootherbrother？\'
`None。\'
`Nosister？\'
`None。\'
`Iamvery，verysorry！\'saidthelittlegirl。
Astheystoppedsoonafterwardstowatchsomeboats，andhadbeensilentinthemeantime，Florence，whohadrisenwhensheheardhername，andhadgatheredupherflowerstogoandmeetthem，thattheymightknowofherbeingwithinhearing，resumedherseatandwork，expectingtohearnomore；buttheconversationrecommencednextmoment。
`Florenceisafavouritewitheveryonehere，anddeservestobe，Iamsure，\'saidthechild，earnestly。`Whereisherpapa？\'
Theauntreplied，afteramoment\'spause，thatshedidnotknow。
HertoneofvoicearrestedFlorence，whohadstartedfromherseatagain；
andheldherfastenedtothespot，withherworkhastilycaughtuptoherbosom，andhertwohandssavingitfrombeingscatteredontheground。
`HeisinEngland，Ihope，aunt？\'saidthechild。
`Ibelieveso。Yes；Iknowheis，indeed。\'
`Hasheeverbeenhere？\'
`Ibelievenot。No。\'
`Ishecomingheretoseeher？\'
`Ibelievenot。\'
`Ishelame，orblind，orill，aunt？\'askedthechild。
TheflowersthatFlorenceheldtoherbreastbegantofallwhensheheardthosewords，sowonderinglyspoken。Sheheldthemcloser；andherfacehungdownuponthem。
`Kate，\'saidthelady，afteranothermomentofsilence，`IwilltellyouthewholetruthaboutFlorenceasIhaveheardit，andbelieveittobe。Tellnooneelse，mydear，becauseitmaybelittleknownhere，andyourdoingsowouldgiveherpain。\'
`Ineverwill！\'exclaimedthechild。
`Iknowyouneverwill，\'returnedthelady。`Icantrustyouasmyself。Ifearthen，Kate，thatFlorence\'sfathercareslittleforher，veryseldomseesher，neverwaskindtoherinherlife，andnowquiteshunsherandavoidsher。Shewouldlovehimdearlyifhewouldsufferher，buthewillnot——thoughfornofaultofhers；andsheisgreatlytobelovedandpitiedbyallgentlehearts。\'
MoreoftheflowersthatFlorenceheld，fellscatteringontheground；thosethatremainedwerewet，butnotwithdew；andherfacedroppeduponherladenhands。
`PoorFlorence！Dear，goodFlorence！\'criedthechild。
`DoyouknowwhyIhavetoldyouthis，Kate？\'saidthelady。
`ThatImaybeverykindtoher，andtakegreatcaretotrytopleaseher。Isthatthereason，aunt？\'
`Partly，\'saidthelady，`butnotall。Thoughweseehersocheerful；
withapleasantsmileforeveryone；readytoobligeusall，andbearingherpartineveryamusementhere：shecanhardlybequitehappy，doyouthinkshecan，Kate？\'
`Iamafraidnot，\'saidthelittlegirl。
`Andyoucanunderstand，\'pursuedthelady，`whyherobservationofchildrenwhohaveparentswhoarefondofthem，andproudofthem——likemanyhere，justnow——shouldmakehersorrowfulinsecret？\'
`Yes，dearaunt，\'saidthechild，`Iunderstandthatverywell。
PoorFlorence！\'
Moreflowersstrayedupontheground，andthosesheyetheldtoherbreasttrembledasifawintrywindwererustlingthem。
`MyKate，\'saidthelady，whosevoicewasserious，butverycalmandsweet，andhadsoimpressedFlorencefromthefirstmomentofherhearingit，`ofalltheyouthfulpeoplehere，youarehernaturalandharmlessfriend；youhavenottheinnocentmeans，thathappierchildrenhave——\'
`Therearenonehappier，aunt！\'exclaimedthechild，whoseemedtoclingabouther。
`——Asotherchildrenhave，dearKate，ofremindingherofhermisfortune。ThereforeIwouldhaveyou，whenyoutrytobeherlittlefriend，tryallthemoreforthat，andfeelthatthebereavementyousustained——thankHeaven！beforeyouknewitsweight——givesyouclaimandholduponpoorFlorence。\'
`ButIamnotwithoutaparent\'slove，aunt，andIneverhavebeen，\'saidthechild，`withyou。\'
`Howeverthatmaybe，mydear，\'returnedthelady，`yourmisfortuneisalighteronethanFlorence\'s；fornotanorphaninthewideworldcanbesodesertedasthechildwhoisanoutcastfromalivingparent\'slove。\'
Theflowerswerescatteredonthegroundlikedust；theemptyhandswerespreadupontheface；andorphanedFlorence，shrinkingdownupontheground，weptlongandbitterly。
Buttrueofheartandresoluteinhergoodpurpose，FlorenceheldtoitasherdyingmotherheldbyheruponthedaythatgavePaullife。
Hedidnotknowhowmuchshelovedhim。Howeverlongthetimeincoming，andhoweverslowtheinterval，shemusttrytobringthatknowledgetoherfather\'sheartonedayorother。Meantimeshemustbecarefulinnothoughtlessword，orlook，orburstoffeelingawakenedbyanychancecircumstance，tocomplainagainsthim，ortogiveoccasionforthesewhisperstohisprejudice。
Evenintheresponseshemadetheorphanchild，towhomshewasattractedstrongly，andwhomshehadsuchoccasiontoremember，Florencewasmindfulofhim。IfshesingledherouttooplainlyFlorencethought
fromamongtherest，shewouldconfirm——inonemindcertainly：perhapsinmore——thebeliefthathewascruelandunnatural。Herowndelightwasnoset-offtothis。Whatshehadoverheardwasareason，notforsoothingherself，butforsavinghim；andFlorencedidit，inpursuanceofthestudyofherheart。
Shedidsoalways。Ifabookwerereadaloud，andtherewereanythinginthestorythatpointedatanunkindfather，shewasinpainfortheirapplicationofittohim；notforherself。Sowithanytrifleofaninterludethatwasacted，orpicturethatwasshown，orgamethatwasplayed，amongthem。Theoccasionsforsuchtendernesstowardshimweresomany，thathermindmisgaveheroften，itwouldindeedbebettertogobacktotheoldhouse，andliveagainwithintheshadowofitsdullwalls，undisturbed。
HowfewwhosawsweetFlorence，inherspringofwomanhood，themodestlittlequeenofthosesmallrevels，imaginedwhataloadofsacredcarelayheavyinherbreast！Howfewofthosewhostiffenedinherfather\'sfreezingatmosphere，suspectedwhataheapoffierycoalswaspileduponhishead！
Florencepursuedherstudypatiently，and，failingtoacquirethesecretofthenamelessgraceshesought，amongtheyouthfulcompanywhowereassembledinthehouse，oftenwalkedoutalone，intheearlymorning，amongthechildrenofthepoor。Butstillshefoundthemalltoofaradvancedtolearnfrom。Theyhadwontheirhouseholdplaceslongago，anddidnotstandwithout，asshedid，withabaracrossthedoor。
Therewasonemanwhomsheseveraltimesobservedatworkveryearly，andoftenwithagirlofaboutherownageseatednearhim。Hewasaverypoorman，whoseemedtohavenoregularemployment，butnowwentroamingaboutthebanksoftheriverwhenthetidewaslow，lookingoutforbitsandscrapsinthemud；andnowworkedattheunpromisinglittlepatchofgarden-groundbeforehiscottage；andnowtinkeredupamiserableoldboatthatbelongedtohim；ordidsomejobofthatkindforaneighbour，aschanceoccurred。Whatevertheman\'slabour，thegirlwasneveremployed；
butsat，whenshewaswithhim，inalistless，mopingstate，andidle。
Florencehadoftenwishedtospeaktothisman；yetshehadnevertakencouragetodoso，ashemadenomovementtowardsher。Butonemorningwhenshehappenedtocomeuponhimsuddenly，fromaby-pathamongsomepollardwillowswhichterminatedinthelittleshelvingpieceofstonygroundthatlaybetweenhisdwellingandthewater，wherehewasbendingoverafirehehadmadetocaulktheoldboatwhichwaslyingbottomupwards，closeby，heraisedhisheadatthesoundofherfootstep，andgaveherGoodmorning。
`Goodmorning，\'saidFlorence，approachingnearer，`youareatworkearly。\'
`I\'dbegladtobeoftenatworkearlier，Miss，ifIhadworktodo。\'
`Isitsohardtoget？\'askedFlorence。
`Ifinditso，\'repliedtheman。
Florenceglancedtowherethegirlwassitting，drawntogether，withherelbowsonherknees，andherchinonherhands，andsaid：
`Isthatyourdaughter？\'
Heraisedhisheadquickly，andlookingtowardsthegirlwithabrightenedface，noddedtoher，andsaid`Yes。\'Florencelookedtowardshertoo，andgaveherakindsalutation；thegirlmutteredsomethinginreturn，ungraciouslyandsullenly。
`Issheinwantofemploymentalso？\'saidFlorence。
Themanshookhishead。`No，Miss，\'hesaid。`Iworkforboth。\'
`Arethereonlyyoutwo，then？\'inquiredFlorence。
`Onlyustwo，\'saidtheman。`Hermotherhasbeendeadthesetenyear。Martha！\'helifteduphisheadagain，andwhistledtoher`won\'tyousayawordtotheprettyyounglady？\'
Thegirlmadeanimpatientgesturewithhercoweringshoulders，andturnedherheadanotherway。Ugly，misshapen，peevish，ill-conditioned，ragged，dirty——butbeloved！Oh，yes！Florencehadseenherfather\'slooktowardsher，andsheknewwhoselookithadnolikenessto。
`I\'mafraidshe\'sworsethismorning，mypoorgirl！\'saidtheman，suspendinghiswork，andcontemplatinghisill-favouredchild，withacompassionthatwasthemoretenderforbeingrough。
`Sheisill，then！\'saidFlorence。
Themandrewadeepsigh。`Idon\'tbelievemyMartha\'shadfiveshortdays\'goodhealth，\'heanswered，lookingatherstill，`inasmanylongyears。\'
`Aye！andmorethanthat，John，\'saidaneighbour，whohadcomedowntohelphimwiththeboat。
`Morethanthat，yousay，doyou？\'criedtheother，pushingbackhisbatteredhat，anddrawinghishandacrosshisforehead。`Verylike。
Itseemslong，longtime。\'
`Andthemorethetime，\'pursuedtheneighbour，`themoreyou\'vefavouredandhumouredher，John，tillshe\'sgottobeaburdentoherself，andeverybodyelse。\'
`Nottome，\'saidherfather，fallingtohisworkagain。`Nottome。\'
Florencecouldfeel——whobetter？——howtrulyhespoke。Shedrewalittleclosertohim，andwouldhavebeengladtotouchhisruggedhand，andthankhimforhisgoodnesstothemiserableobjectthathelookeduponwitheyessodifferentfromanyotherman\'s。
`Whowouldfavourmypoorgirl——tocallitfavouring——ifIdidn\'t？\'saidthefather。
`Aye，aye，\'criedtheneighbour。`Inreason，John。Butyou！Yourobyourselftogivetoher。Youbindyourselfhandandfootonheraccount。Youmakeyourlifemiserablealongofher。Andwhatdoesshecare！Youdon\'tbelievesheknowsit？\'
Thefatherlifteduphisheadagain，andwhistledtoher。Marthamadethesameimpatientgesturewithhercrouchingshoulders，inreply；
andhewasgladandhappy。
`Onlyforthat，Miss，\'saidtheneighbour，withasmile，inwhichtherewasmoreofsecretsympathythanheexpressed；`onlytogetthat，heneverletsheroutofhissight！\'
`Becausetheday\'llcome，andhasbeencomingalongwhile，\'observedtheother，bendinglowoverhiswork，`whentogethalfasmuchfromthatunfort\'natechildofmine——togetthetremblingofafinger，orthewavingofahair——wouldbetoraisethedead。\'
Florencesoftlyputsomemoneynearhishandontheoldboat，andlefthim。
AndnowFlorencebegantothink，ifsheweretofallill，ifsheweretofadelikeherdearbrother，wouldhethenknowthatshehadlovedhim；wouldshethengrowdeartohim；wouldhecometoherbedside，whenshewasweakanddimofsight，andtakeherintohisembrace，andcancelallthepast？Wouldhesoforgiveher，inthatchangedcondition，fornothavingbeenabletolayopenherchildishhearttohim，astomakeiteasytorelatewithwhatemotionsshehadgoneoutofhisroomthatnight；whatshehadmeanttosayifshehadhadthecourage；andhowshehadendeavoured，afterwards，tolearnthewaysheneverknewininfancy？
Yes，shethoughtifsheweredying，hewouldrelent。Shethought，thatifshelay，sereneandnotunwillingtodepart，uponthebedthatwascurtainedroundwithrecollectionsoftheirdarlingboy，hewouldbetouchedhome，andwouldsay，`DearFlorence，liveforme，andwewillloveeachotheraswemighthavedone，andbeashappyaswemighthavebeenthesemanyyears！\'Shethoughtthatifsheheardsuchwordsfromhim，andhadherarmsclaspedroundhim，shecouldanswerwithasmile，`Itistoolateforanythingbutthis；Inevercouldbehappier，dearfather！\'andsoleavehim，withablessingonherlips。
Thegoldenwatersherememberedonthewall，appearedtoFlorence，inthelightofsuchreflections，onlyasacurrentflowingontorest，andtoaregionwherethedearones，gonebefore，werewaiting，handinhand；andoftenwhenshelookeduponthedarkerriverripplingatherfeet，shethoughtwithawfulwonder，butnotterror，ofthatriverwhichherbrotherhadsooftensaidwasbearinghimaway。
ThefatherandhissickdaughterwereyetfreshinFlorence\'smind，and，indeed，thatincidentwasnotaweekold，whenSirBarnetandhisladygoingoutwalkinginthelanesoneafternoon，proposedtohertobearthemcompany。Florencereadilyconsenting，LadySkettlesorderedoutyoungBarnetasamatterofcourse。FornothingdelightedLadySkettlessomuch，asbeholdinghereldestsonwithFlorenceonhisarm。
Barnet，tosaythetruth，appearedtoentertainanoppositesentimentonthesubject，andonsuchoccasionsfrequentlyexpressedhimselfaudibly，thoughindefinitely，inreferenceto`aparcelofgirls。\'Asitwasnoteasytorufflehersweettemper，however，Florencegenerallyreconciledtheyounggentlemantohisfateafterafewminutes，andtheystrolledonamicably：LadySkettlesandSirBarnetfollowing，inastateofperfectcomplacencyandhighgratification。
Thiswastheorderofprocedureontheafternooninquestion：
andFlorencehadalmostsucceededinoverrulingthepresentobjectionsofSkettlesJuniortohisdestiny，whenagentlemanonhorsebackcameridingby，lookedatthemearnestlyashepassed，drewinhisrein，wheeledround，ancameridingbackagain，hatinhand。
ThegentlemanhadlookedparticularlyatFlorence；andwhenthelittlepartystopped，onhisridingback，hebowedtoher，beforesalutingSirBarnetandhislady。Florencehadnoremembranceofhavingeverseenhim，butshestartedinvoluntarilywhenhecamenearher，anddrewback。
`Myhorseisperfectlyquiet，Iassureyou，\'saidthegentleman。
Itwasnotthat，butsomethinginthegentlemanhimself——Florencecouldnothavesaidwhat——thatmadeherrecoilasifshehadbeenstung。
`IhavethehonourtoaddressMissDombey，Ibelieve？\'saidthegentleman，withamostpersuasivesmile。OnFlorenceincliningherhead，headded，`MynameisCarker。IcanhardlyhopetoberememberedbyMissDombey，exceptbyname。Carker。\'
Florence，sensibleofastrangeinclinationtoshiver，thoughthedaywashot，presentedhimtoherhostandhostess；bywhomhewasverygraciouslyreceived。
`Ibegpardon，\'saidMr。Carker，`athousandtimes！ButIamgoingdownto-morrowmorningtoMr。Dombey，atLeamington，andifMissDombeycanintrustmewithanycommission，needIsayhowveryhappyI
shallbe？\'
SirBarnetimmediatelydiviningthatFlorencewoulddesiretowritealettertoherfather，proposedtoreturn，andbesoughtMr。Carkertocomehomeanddineinhisridinggear。Mr。Carkerhadthemisfortunetobeengagedtodinner，butifMissDombeywishedtowrite，nothingwoulddelighthimmorethantoaccompanythemback，andtobeherfaithfulslaveinwaitingaslongasshepleased。Ashesaidthiswithhiswidestsmile，andbentdownclosetohertopathishorse\'sneck，Florencemeetinghiseyes，saw，ratherthanheardhimsay，`Thereisnonewsoftheship！\'
Confused，frightened，shrinkingfromhim，andnotevensurethathehadsaidthosewords，forheseemedtohaveshownthemtoherinsomeextraordinarymannerthroughhissmile，insteadofutteringthem，Florencefaintlysaidthatshewasobligedtohim，butshewouldnotwrite；shehadnothingtosay。
`Nothingtosend，MissDombey？\'saidthemanofteeth。
`Nothing，\'saidFlorence，`butmy——butmydearlove——ifyouplease。\'
DisturbedasFlorencewas，sheraisedhereyestohisfacewithanimploringandexpressivelook，thatplainlybesoughthim，ifheknew——whichheasplainlydid——thatanymessagebetweenherandherfatherwasanuncommoncharge，butthatonemostofall，tospareher。Mr。Carkersmiledandbowedlow，andbeingchargedbySirBarnetwiththebestcomplimentsofhimselfandLadySkettles，tookhisleaveandrodeaway：leavingafavourableimpressiononthatworthycouple。Florencewasseizedwithsuchashudderashewent，thatSirBarnet，adoptingthepopularsuperstition，supposedsomebodywaspassingoverhergrave。Mr。Carker，turningacorner，ontheinstant，lookedback，andbowed，anddisappeared，asifherodeofftothechurchyardstraight，todoit。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter25[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVStrangeNewsofUncleSolCAPTAINCUTTLE，thoughnosluggard，didnotturnoutsoearlyonthemorningafterhehadseenSolGills，throughtheshop-window，writingintheparlour，withtheMidshipmanuponthecounter，andRobtheGrindermakinguphisbedbelowit，butthattheclocksstrucksixasheraisedhimselfonhiselbow，andtookasurveyofhislittlechamber。TheCaptain\'seyesmusthavedonesevereduty，ifheusuallyopenedthemaswideonawakingashedidthatmorning；andwerebutroughlyrewardedfortheirvigilance，ifhegenerallyrubbedthemhalfashard。Buttheoccasionwasnocommonone，forRobtheGrinderhadcertainlyneverstoodinthedoorwayofCaptainCuttle\'sbedroombefore，andinithestoodthen，pantingattheCaptain，withaflushedandtouzledairofbedabouthim，thatgreatlyheightenedbothhiscolourandexpression。
`Holloa！\'roaredtheCaptain。`What\'sthematter？\'
BeforeRobcouldstammerawordinanswer，CaptainCuttleturnedout，allinaheap，andcoveredtheboy\'smouthwithhishand。
`Steady，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，`don\'tyespeakawordtomeasyet！\'
TheCaptain，lookingathisvisitoringreatconsternation，gentlyshoulderedhimintothenextroom，afterlayingthisinjunctionuponhim；
anddisappearingforafewmoments，forthwithreturnedinthebluesuit。
Holdinguphishandintokenoftheinjunctionnotyetbeingtakenoff，CaptainCuttlewalkeduptothecupboard，andpouredhimselfoutadram；
acounterpartofwhichhehandedtothemessenger。TheCaptainthenstoodhimselfupinacorner，againstthewall，asiftoforestallthepossibilityofbeingknockedbackwardsbythecommunicationthatwastobemadetohim；andhavingswallowedhisliquor，withhiseyesfixedonthemessenger，andhisfaceaspaleashisfacecouldbe，requestedhimto`heaveahead。\'
`Doyoumean，tellyou，Captain？\'askedRob，whohadbeengreatlyimpressedbytheseprecautions。
`Aye！\'saidtheCaptain。
`Well，sir，\'saidRob，`Iain\'tgotmuchtotell。Butlookhere！\'
Robproducedabundleofkeys。TheCaptainsurveyedthem，remainedinhiscorner，andsurveyedthemessenger。
`Andlookhere！\'pursuedRob。
Theboyproducedasealedpacket，whichCaptainCuttlestaredatashehadstaredatthekeys。
`WhenIwokethismorning，Captain，\'saidRob，`whichwasaboutaquarterafterfive，Ifoundtheseonmypillow。Theshop-doorwasunboltedandunlocked，andMr。Gillsgone。\'
`Gone！\'roaredtheCaptain。
`Flowed，sir，\'returnedRob。
TheCaptain\'svoicewassotremendous，andhecameoutofhiscornerwithsuchwayonhim，thatRobretreatedbeforehimintoanothercorner：holdingoutthekeysandpacket，topreventhimselffrombeingrundown。
`“ForCaptainCuttle，“sir，\'criedRob，`isonthekeys，andonthepackettoo。Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainCuttle，Idon\'tknowanythingmoreaboutit。IwishImaydieifIdo！Here\'sasitiwationforaladthat\'sjustgotasitiwation，\'criedtheunfortunateGrinder，screwinghiscuffintohisface；`hismasterboltedwithhisplace，andhimblamedforit！\'
TheselamentationshadreferencetoCaptainCuttle\'sgaze，orratherglare，whichwasfullofvaguesuspicions，threatenings，anddenunciations。
Takingtheprofferedpacketfromhishand，theCaptainopeneditandreadasfollows：`MydearNedCuttle。Enclosedismywill！\'TheCaptainturneditover，withadoubtfullook——`andTestament——Where\'stheTestament？\'
saidtheCaptain，instantlyimpeachingtheill-fatedGrinder。`Whathaveyoudonewiththat，mylad？\'
`Ineverseeit，\'whimperedRod。`Don\'tkeeponsuspectinganinnocentlad，Captain。InevertouchedtheTestament。\'
CaptainCuttleshookhishead，implyingthatsomebodymustbemadeanswerableforit；andgravelyproceeded：——
`Whichdon\'tbreakopenforayear，oruntilyouhavedecisiveintelligenceofmydearWalter，whoisdeartoyouNed，too，Iamsure。\'
TheCaptainpausedandshookhisheadinsomeemotion；then，asare-establishmentofhisdignityinthistryingposition，lookedwithexceedingsternnessattheGrinder。`Ifyoushouldneverhearofme，orseememore，Ned，rememberanoldfriendashewillrememberyoutothelast——kindly；andatleastuntiltheperiodIhavementionedhasexpired，keepahomeintheoldplaceforWalter。Therearenodebts，theloanfromDombey\'shouseispaidoff，andallmykeysIsendwiththis。Keepthisquite，andmakenoinquiryforme；itisuseless。Sonomore，dearNed，fromyourtruefriend，SolomonGills。\'TheCaptaintookalongbreath，andthenreadthesewords，writtenbelow：`“TheboyRob，wellrecommended，asItoldyou，fromDombey\'shouse。
Ifallelseshouldcometothehammer，takecare，Ned，ofthelittleMidshipman。“\'
ToconveytoposterityanyideaofthemannerinwhichtheCaptain，afterturningthisletteroverandover，andreadingitascoreoftimes，satdowninhischair，andheldacourt-martialonthesubjectinhisownmind，wouldrequiretheunitedgeniusofallthegreatmen，who，discardingtheirownuntowarddays，havedeterminedtogodowntoposterity，andhavenevergotthere。AtfirsttheCaptainwastoomuchconfoundedanddistressedtothinkofanythingbuttheletteritself；andevenwhenhisthoughtsbegantoglanceuponthevariousattendantfacts，theymight，perhaps，aswellhaveoccupiedthemselveswiththeirformertheme，foranylighttheyreflectedonthem。Inthisstateofmind，CaptainCuttlehavingtheGrinderbeforethecourt，andnooneelse，founditagreatrelieftodecide，generally，thathewasanobjectofsuspicion：whichtheCaptainsoclearlyexpressedinhisvisage，thatRobremonstrated。
`Oh，don\'t，Captain！\'criedtheGrinder。`Iwonderhowyoucan！
whathaveIdonetobelookedat，likethat？\'
`Mylad，\'saidCaptainCuttle，`don\'tyousingoutaforeyou\'rehurt。Anddon\'tyoucommityourself，whateveryoudo。\'
`Ihaven\'tbeenandcommittednothing，Captain！\'answeredRob。
`Keepherfree，then，\'saidtheCaptain，impressively，`andrideeasy。\'
Withadeepsenseoftheresponsibilityimposeduponhim，andthenecessityofthoroughlyfathomingthismysteriousaffair，asbecameamaninhisrelationswiththeparties，CaptainCuttleresolvedtogodownandexaminethepremises，andtokeeptheGrinderwithhim。Consideringthatyouthasunderarrestatpresent，theCaptainwasinsomedoubtwhetheritmightnotbeexpedienttohandcuffhim，ortiehisanklestogether，orattachaweighttohislegs；butnotbeingclearastothelegalityofsuchformalities，theCaptaindecidedmerelytoholdhimbytheshoulderalltheway，andknockhimdownifhemadeanyobjection。
However，hemadenone，andconsequentlygottotheInstrument-maker\'shousewithoutbeingplacedunderanymorestringentrestraint。Astheshutterswerenotyettakendown，theCaptain\'sfirstcarewastohavetheshopopened；andwhenthedaylightwasfreelyadmitted，heproceeded，withitsaid，tofurtherinvestigation。
TheCaptain\'sfirstcarewastoestablishhimselfinachairintheshop，asPresidentofthesolemntribunalthatwassittingwithinhim；
andtorequireRobtoliedowninhisbedunderthecounter，showexactlywherehediscoveredthekeysandpacketwhenheawoke，howhefoundthedoorwhenhewenttotryit，howhestartedofftoBrigPlace——cautiouslypreventingthelatterimitationfrombeingcarriedfartherthanthethreshold——andsoontotheendofthechapter。Whenallthishadbeendoneseveraltimes，theCaptainshookhisheadandseemedtothinkthematterhadabadlook。
Next，theCaptain，withsomeindistinctideaoffindingabody，institutedastrictsearchoverthewholehouse；gropinginthecellarswithalightedcandle，thrustinghishookbehinddoors，bringinghisheadintoviolentcontactwithbeams，andcoveringhimselfwithcobwebs。Mountinguptotheoldman\'sbed-room，theyfoundthathehadnotbeeninbedonthepreviousnight，buthadmerelylaindownonthecoverlet，aswasevidentfromtheimpressionyetremainingthere。
`AndIthink，Captain，\'saidRob，lookingroundtheroom，`thatwhenMr。Gillswasgoinginandoutsooften，theselastfewdays，hewastakinglittlethingsaway，piecemeal，nottoattractattention。\'
`Aye！\'saidtheCaptain，mysteriously。`Whenso，mylad？\'
`Why，\'returnedRob，lookingabout，`Idon\'tseehisshavingtackle。
Norhisbrushes，Captain。Nornoshirts。Noryethisshoes。\'
Aseachofthesearticleswasmentioned，CaptainCuttletookparticularnoticeofthecorrespondingdepartmentoftheGrinder，lestheshouldappeartohavebeeninrecentuse，orshouldprovetobeinpresentpossessionthereof。ButRobhadnooccasiontoshave，certainlywasnotbrushed，andworetheclotheshehadwornforalongtimepast，beyondallpossibilityofmistake。
`Andwhatshouldyousay，\'saidtheCaptain——`notcommittingyourself——abouthistimeofsheeringoff？Hey？\'
`Why，Ithink，Captain，\'returnedRob，`thathemusthavegoneprettysoonafterIbegantosnore。\'
`Whato\'clockwasthat？\'saidtheCaptain，preparedtobeveryparticularabouttheexacttime。
`HowcanItell，Captain！\'answeredRob。`IonlyknowthatI\'maheavysleeperatfirst，andalightonetowardsmorning；andifMr。Gillshascomethroughtheshopneardaybreak，thougheversomuchontip-toe，I\'mprettysureIshouldhaveheardhimshutthedooratallevents。\'
Onmatureconsiderationofthisevidence，CaptainCuttlebegantothinkthattheInstrument-makermusthavevanishedofhisownaccord；
towhichlogicalconclusionhewasassistedbytheletteraddressedtohimself，which，asbeingunquestionablyintheoldman\'shandwriting，wouldseem，withnogreatforcing，tobeartheconstruction，thathearrangedofhisownwill，togo，andsowent。TheCaptainhadnexttoconsiderwhereandwhy？andastherewasnowaywhatsoeverthathesawtothesolutionofthefirstdifficulty，heconfinedhismedia-tuitionstothesecond。
Rememberingtheoldman\'scuriousmanner，andthefarewellhehadtakenofhim；unaccountablyferventatthetime，butquiteintelligiblenow：aterribleapprehensionstrengthenedontheCaptain，that，overpoweredbyhisanxietiesandregretsforWalter，hehadbeendriventocommitsuicide。
Unequaltothewearandtearofdailylife，ashehadoftenprofessedhimselftobe，andshakenashenodoubtwasbytheuncertaintyanddeferredhopehehadundergone，itseemednoviolentlystrainedmisgiving，butonlytooprobable。
Freefromdebt，andwithnofearforhispersonalliberty，ortheseizureofhisgoods，whatelsebutsuchastateofmadnesscouldhavehurriedhimawayaloneandsecretly？Astohiscarryingsomeapparelwithhim，ifhehadreallydoneso——andtheywerenotevensureofthat——hemighthavedoneso，theCaptainargued，topreventinquiry，todistractattentionfromhisprobablefate，ortoeasetheverymindthatwasnowrevolvingallthesepossibilities。Such，reducedintoplainlanguage，andcondensedwithinasmallcompass，wasthefinalresultandsubstanceofCaptainCuttle\'sdeliberations：whichtookalongtimetoarriveatthispass，andwere，likesomemorepublicdeliberations，verydiscursiveanddisorderly。
Dejectedanddespondentintheextreme，CaptainCuttlefeltitjusttoreleaseRobfromthearrestinwhichhehadplacedhim，andtoenlargehim，subjecttoakindofhonourableinspectionwhichhestillresolvedtoexercise；andhavinghiredaman，fromBrogleytheBroker，tositintheshopduringtheirabsence，theCaptain，takingRobwithhim，issuedforthuponadismalquestafterthemortalremainsofSolomonGills。
Notastation-houseorbone-house，orwork-houseinthemetropolisescapedavisitationfromthehardglazedhat。Alongthewharves，amongtheshippingonthebank-side，uptheriver，downtheriver，here，there，everywhere，itwentgleamingwheremenwerethickest，likethehero\'shelmetinanepicbattle。ForawholeweektheCaptainreadofallthefoundandmissingpeopleinallthenewspapersandhandbills，andwentforthonexpeditionsatallhoursofthedaytoidentifySolomonGills，inpoorlittleship-boyswhohadfallenover-board，anintallforeignerswithdarkbeardswhohadtakenpoison——`tomakesure，\'CaptainCuttlesaid，`thatitwarn\'thim。\'
Itisasurethingthatitneverwas，andthatthegoodCaptainhadnoothersatisfaction。
CaptainCuttleatlastabandonedtheseattemptsashopeless，andsethimselftoconsiderwhatwastobedonenext。Afterseveralnewperusalsofhispoorfriend\'sletter，heconsideredthatthemaintenanceof`ahomeintheoldplaceforWalter\'wastheprimarydutyimposeduponhim。Therefore，theCaptain\'sdecisionwas，thathewouldkeephouseonthepremisesofSolomonGillshimself，andwouldgointotheinstrument-business，andseewhatcameofit。
ButasthisstepinvolvedtherelinquishmentofhisapartmentsatMrs。MacStinger\'s，andheknewthatresolutewomanwouldneverhearofhisdesertingthem，theCaptaintookthedesperatedeterminationofrunningaway。
`Now，lookyehere，mylad，\'saidtheCaptaintoRob，whenhehadmaturedthisnotablescheme，`to-morrow，Ishan\'tbefoundinthishereroadsteadtillnight——nottillartermidnightp\'rhaps。Butyoukeepwatchtillyouhearmeknock，andthemomentyoudo，turn-to，andopenthedoor。\'
`Verygood，Captain，\'saidRob。
`You\'llcontinuetoberatedontheseherebooks，\'pursuedtheCaptaincondescendingly，`andIdon\'tsaybutwhatyoumaygetpromotion，ifyouandmeshouldpulltogetherwithawill。Butthemomentyouhearmeknockto-morrownight，whatevertimeitis，turn-toandshowyourselfsmartwiththedoor。\'
`I\'llbesuretodoit，Captain，\'repliedRob。
`Becauseyouunderstand，\'resumedtheCaptain，comingbackagaintoenforcethischargeuponhismind，`theremaybe，foranythingIcansay，achase；andImightbetookwhileIwaswaiting，ifyoudidn\'tshowyourselfsmartwiththedoor。\'
RobagainassuredtheCaptainthathewouldbepromptandwakeful；
andtheCaptainhavingmadethisprudentarrangement，wenthometoMrs。
MacStinger\'sforthelasttime。
ThesensetheCaptainhadofitsbeingthelasttime，andoftheawfulpurposehiddenbeneathhisbluewaistcoat，inspiredhimwithsuchamortaldreadofMrs。MacStinger，thatthesoundofthatlady\'sfootdownstairsatanytimeoftheday，wassufficienttothrowhimintoafitoftrembling。Itfellout，too，thatMrs。MacStingerwasinacharmingtemper——mildandplacidasahouse-lamb；andCaptainCuttle\'sconsciencesufferedterribletwinges，whenshecameuptoinquireifshecouldcookhimnothingforhisdinner。
`Anicesmallkidney-puddingnow，Cap\'enCuttle，\'saidhislandlady：
`orasheep\'sheart。Don\'tmindmytrouble。\'
`Nothank\'ee，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheCaptain。
`Havearoastfowl，\'saidMrs。MacStinger，`withabitofwealstuffingandsomeeggsauce。Come，Cap\'enCuttle！Giveyourselfalittletreat！\'
`Nothank\'ee，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheCaptainveryhumbly。
`I\'amsureyou\'reoutofsorts，andwanttobestimulated，\'saidMrs。MacStinger。`Whynothave，foronceinaway，abottleofsherrywine？\'
`Well，Ma\'am，\'rejoinedtheCaptain，`ifyou\'dbesogoodastakeaglassortwo，IthinkIwouldtrythat。Wouldyoudomethefavour，Ma\'am，\'
saidtheCaptain，torntopiecesbyhisconscience，`toacceptaquarter\'srentahead？\'
`Andwhyso，Cap\'enCuttle？\'retortedMrs。MacStinger——sharply，astheCaptainthought。
TheCaptainwasfrightenedtodeath。`Ifyouwould，Ma\'am，\'hesaidwithsubmission，`itwouldobligeme。Ican\'tkeepmymoneyverywell。
Itpaysitselfout。Ishouldtakeitkindifyou\'dcomply。\'
`Well，Cap\'enCuttle，\'saidtheunconsciousMacStinger，rubbingherhands，`youcandoasyouplease。It\'snotforme，withmyfamily，torefuse，nomorethanitistoask。\'
`Andwouldyou，Ma\'am。\'saidtheCaptain，takingdownthetincanisterinwhichhekepthiscash，fromthetopshelfofthecupboard，`besogoodasoffereighteen-pencea-piecetothelittlefamilyallround？
Ifyoucouldmakeitconvenient，Ma\'am，topassthewordpresentlyforthemchildrentocomefor\'ard，inabody，Ishouldbegladtosee\'em。\'
TheseinnocentMacStingersweresomanydaggerstotheCaptain\'sbreast，whentheyappearedinaswarm，andtoreathimwiththeconfidingtrustfulnesshesolittledeserved。TheeyeofAlexanderMacStinger，whohadbeenhisfavourite，wasinsupportabletotheCaptain；thevoiceofJulianaMacStinger，whowasthepictureofhermother，madeacowardofhim。
CaptainCuttlekeptupappearances，nevertheless，tolerablywell，andforanhourortwowasveryhardlyusedandroughlyhandledbytheyoungMacStingers：whointheirchildishfrolics，didalittledamagealsototheglazedhat，bysittinginit，twoatatime，asinanest，anddrummingontheinsideofthecrownwiththeirshoes。AtlengththeCaptainsorrowfullydismissedthem：takingleaveofthesecherubswiththepoignantremorseandgriefofamanwhowasgoingtoexecution。
Inthesilenceofnight，theCaptainpackeduphisheavierpropertyinachest，whichhelocked，intendingtoleaveitthere，inallprobabilityforever，butontheforlornchanceofonedayfindingamansufficientlyboldanddesperatetocomeandaskforit。Ofhislighternecessaries，theCaptainmadeabundle；anddisposedhisplateabouthisperson，readyforflight。Atthehourofmidnight，whenBrigPlacewasburiedinslumber，andMrs。MacStingerwaslulledinsweetoblivion，withherinfantsaroundher，theguiltyCaptain，stealingdownontiptoe，inthedark，openedthedoor，closeditsoftlyafterhim，andtooktohisheels。
PursuedbytheimageofMrs。MacStingerspringingoutofbed，and，regardlessofcostume，followingandbringinghimback；pursuedalsobyaconsciousnessofhisenormouscrime；CaptainCuttleheldonatagreatpace，andallowednograsstogrowunderhisfeet，betweenBrigPlaceandtheInstrument-maker\'sdoor。Itopenedwhenheknocked——forRobwasonthewatch——andwhenitwasboltedandlockedbehindhim，CaptainCuttlefeltcomparativelysafe。
`Whew！\'criedtheCaptain，lookingroundhim。`It\'sabreather！\'
`Nothingthematter，isthere，Captain？\'criedthegapingRob。
`No，no！\'saidCaptainCuttle，afterchangingcolour，andlisteningtoapassingfootstepinthestreet。`Butmindye，mylad；ifanylady，excepteitherofthemtwoasyouseet\'otherday，evercomesandasksforCap\'enCuttle，besuretoreportnopersonofthatnameknown，norneverheardofhere；observethemorders，willyou？\'
`I\'lltakecare，Captain，\'returnedRob。
`Youmightsay——ifyouliked，\'hesitatedtheCaptain，`thatyou\'dreadinthepaperthataCap\'enofthatnamewasgonetoAustralia，emigrating，alongwithawholeship\'scomplementofpeopleashadallsworenevertocomebacknomore。\'
Robnoddedhisunderstandingoftheseinstructions；andCaptainCuttlepromisingtomakeamanofhim，ifheobeyedorders，dismissedhim，yawning，tohisbedunderthecounter，andwentalofttothechamberofSolomonGills。
WhattheCaptainsufferednextday，wheneverabonnetpassed，orhowoftenhedartedoutoftheshoptoeludeimaginaryMacStingers，andsoughtsafetyintheattic，cannotbetold。Buttoavoidthefatiguesattendantonthismeansofself-preservation，theCaptaincurtainedtheglassdoorofcommunicationbetweentheshopandparlour，ontheinside，fittedakeytoitfromthebunchthathadbeensenttohim：andcutasmallholeofespialinthewall。Theadvantageofthisfortificationisobvious。Onabonnetappearing，theCaptaininstantlyslippedintohisgarrison，lockedhimselfup，andtookasecretobservationoftheenemy。
Findingitafalsealarm，theCaptaininstantlyslippedoutagain。Andthebonnetsinthestreetweresoverynumerous，andalarmsweresoinseparablefromtheirappearance，thattheCaptainwasalmostincessantlyslippinginandoutalldaylong。
CaptainCuttlefoundtime，however，inthemidstofthisfatiguingservicetoinspectthestock；inconnexionwithwhichhehadthegeneralideaverylaborioustoRobthattoomuchfrictioncouldnotbebestoweduponit，andthatitcouldnotbemadetoobright。Healsoticketedafewattractive-lookingarticlesataventure，atpricesrangingfromtenshillingstofiftypounds，andexposedtheminthewindowtothegreatastonishmentofthepublic。
Aftereffectingtheseimprovements，CaptainCuttle，surroundedbytheinstruments，begantofeelscientific：andlookedupatthestarsatnight，throughtheskylight，whenhewassmokinghispipeinthelittlebackparlourbeforegoingtobed，asifhehadestablishedakindofpropertyinthem。AsatradesmanintheCity，too，hebegantohaveaninterestintheLordMayor，andtheSheriffs，andinPublicCompanies；andfeltboundtoreadthequotationsoftheFundseveryday，thoughhewasunabletomakeout，onanyprincipleofnavigation，whatthefiguresmeant，andcouldhaveverywelldispensedwiththefractions。Florence，theCaptainwaitedon，withhisstrangenewsofUncleSol，immediatelyaftertakingpossessionoftheMidshipman；butshewasawayfromhome。SotheCaptainsathimselfdowninhisalteredstationoflife，withnocompanybutRobtheGrinder；andlosingcountoftime，asmendowhengreatchangescomeuponthem，thoughtmusinglyofWalter，andofSolomonGills，andevenofMrs。MacStingerherself，asamongthethingsthathadbeen。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter26[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIShadowsofthePastandFuture`YOURmostobedient，Sir，\'saidtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，afriendofmyfriendDombey\'sisafriendofmine，andI\'mgladtoseeyou！\'
`Iaminfinitelyobliged，Carker，\'explainedMr。Dombey，`toMajorBagstock，forhiscompanyandconversation。MajorBagstockhasrenderedmegreatservice，Carker。\'
Mr。CarkertheManager，hatinhand，justarrivedatLeamington，andjustintroducedtotheMajor，showedtheMajorhiswholedoublerangeofteeth，andtrustedhemighttakethelibertyofthankinghimwithallhisheartforhavingeffectedsogreatanimprovementinMr。Dombey\'slooksandspirits。
`ByGad，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，inreply，`therearenothanksduetome，forit\'sagiveandtakeaffair。AgreatcreaturelikeourfriendDombey，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，loweringhisvoice，butnotloweringitsomuchastorenderitinaudibletothatgentleman，`cannothelpimprovingandexaltinghisfriends。Hestrengthensandinvigoratesaman，Sir，doesDombey，inhismoralnature。\'
Mr。Carkersnappedattheexpression。Inhismoralnature。Exactly。
Theverywordshehadbeenonthepointofsuggesting。
`ButwhenmyfriendDombey，Sir，\'addedtheMajor，`talkstoyouofMajorBagstock，Imustcraveleavetosethimandyouright。HemeansplainJoe，Sir——JoeyB——Josh。Bagstock——Joseph——roughandtoughOldJ。，Sir。Atyourservice。\'
Mr。Carker\'sexcessivelyfriendlyinclinationstowardstheMajor，andMr。Carker\'sadmirationofhisroughness，toughness，andplainness，gleamedoutofeverytoothinMr。Carker\'shead。
`Andnow，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`youandDombeyhavethedevil\'sownamountofbusinesstotalkover。\'
`Bynomeans，Major，\'observedMr。Dombey。
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，defiantly，`Iknowbetter；amanofyourmark——theColossusofcommerce——isnottobeinterrupted。Yourmomentsareprecious。Weshallmeetatdinner-time。Intheinterval，oldJosephwillbescare。Thedinner-hourisasharpseven，Mr。Carker。\'
Withthat，theMajor，greatlyswollenastohisface，withdrew；
butimmediatelyputtinginhisheadatthedooragain，said：
`Ibegyourpardon。Dombey，haveyouanymessageto\'em？\'
Mr。Dombeyinsomeembarrassment，andnotwithoutaglanceatthecourteouskeeperofhisbusinessconfidence，entrustedtheMajorwithhiscompliments。
`BytheLord，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`youmustmakeitsomethingwarmerthanthat，oroldJoewillbefarfromwelcome。\'
`Regardsthen，ifyouwill，Major，\'returnedMr。Dombey。
`Damme，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，shakinghisshouldersandhisgreatcheeksjocularly：`makeitsomethingwarmerthanthat。\'
`Whatyouplease，then，Major，\'observedMr。Dombey。
`Ourfriendissly，Sir，sly，Sir，de-vilishsly，\'saidtheMajorstaringroundthedooratCarker。`SoisBagstock。\'Butstoppinginthemidstofachuckle，anddrawinghimselfuptohisfullheight，theMajorsolemnlyexclaimed，ashestruckhimselfonthechest，`Dombey！Ienvyyourfeelings。Godblessyou！\'andwithdrew。
`Youmusthavefoundthegentlemanagreatresource，\'saidCarker，followinghiswithhisteeth。
`Verygreatindeed，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Hehasfriendshere，nodoubt，\'pursuedCarker。`Iperceive，fromwhathehassaid，thatyougointosocietyhere。Doyouknow，\'smilinghorribly，`Iamsoverygladthatyougointosociety！\'
Mr。Dombeyacknowledgedthisdisplayofinterestonthepartofhissecondincommand，bytwirlinghiswatch-chain，andslightlymovinghishead。
`Youwereformedforsociety。\'saidCarker，`OfallthemenI
know，youarethebestadapted，bynatureandbyposition，forsociety。
DoyouknowIhavebeenfrequentlyamazedthatyoushouldhavehelditatarm\'slengthsolong！\'
`Ihavehadmyreasons，Carker。Ihavebeenalone，andindifferenttoit。Butyouhavegreatsocialqualificationsyourself，andarethemorelikelytohavebeensurprised。\'
`Oh！I！\'returnedtheother，withreadyself-disparagement。
`It\'squiteanothermatterinthecaseofamanlikeme。Idon\'tcomeintocomparisonwithyou。\'
Mr。Dombeyputhishandtohisneckcloth，settledhischininit，coughed，andstoodlookingathisfaithfulfriendandservantforafewmomentsinsilence。
`Ishallhavethepleasure，Carker，\'saidMr。Dombeyatlength：
makingasifheswallowedsomethingalittletoolargeforhisthroat：
`topresentyoutomy——totheMajor\'sfriends。Highlyagreeablepeople。\'
`Ladiesamongthem，Ipresume？\'insinuatedthesmoothManager。
`Theyareall——thatistosay，theyareboth——ladies，\'repliedMr。Dombey。
`Onlytwo？\'smiledCarker。
`Theyareonlytwo。Ihaveconfinedmyvisitstotheirresidence，andhavemadenootheracquaintancehere。\'
`Sisters，perhaps？\'quothCarker。
`Motheranddaughter，\'repliedMr。Dombey。
AsMr。Dombeydroppedhiseyes，andadjustedhisneck-clothagain，thesmilingfaceofMr。CarkertheManagerbecameinamoment，andwithoutanystageoftransition，transformedintoamostintentandfrowningface，scanninghisclosely，andwithanuglysneer。AsMr。Dombeyraisedhiseyes，itchangedback，nolessquickly，toitsoldexpression，andshowedhimeverygumofwhichitstoodpossessed。
`Youareverykind，\'saidCarker，`Ishallbedelightedtoknowthem。Speakingofdaughters，IhaveseenMissDombey。\'
TherewassuddenrushofbloodtoMr。Dombey\'sface。
`Itookthelibertyofwaitingonher，\'saidCarker，`toinquireifshecouldchargemewithanylittlecommission。Iamnotsofortunateastobethebearerofanybuther——butherdearlove。\'
Wolf\'sfacethatitwasthen，witheventhehottonguerevealingitselfthroughthestretchedmouth，astheeyesencounteredMr。Dombey\'s！
`Whatbusinessintelligenceisthere？\'inquiredthelattergentleman，afterasilence，duringwhichMr。Carkerhadproducedsomememorandaandotherpapers。
`Thereisverylittle，\'returnedCarker。`Uponthewholewehavenothadourusualgoodfortuneoflate，butthatisoflittlemomenttoyou。AtLloyd\'s，theygiveuptheSonandHeirforlost。Well，shewasinsured，fromherkeeltohermasthead。\'
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，takingachairnearhim，`Icannotsaythatyoungman，Gay，everimpressedmefavourably——\'
`Norme，\'interposedtheManager。
`ButIwish，\'saidMr。Dombey，withoutheedingtheinterruption，`hehadnevergoneonboardthatship。Iwishhehadneverbeensentout。\'
`Itisapityyoudidn\'tsayso，ingoodtime，isitnot？\'retortedCarker，coolly。`However，Ithinkit\'sallforthebest。Ireallythinkit\'sallforthebest。DidImentionthattherewassomethinglikealittleconfidencebetweenMissDombeyandmyself？\'
`No，\'saidMr。Dombey，sternly。
`Ihavenodoubt，\'returnedMr。Carker，afteranimpressivepause，`thatwhereverGayis，heismuchbetterwhereheis，thatathomehere。
IfIwere，orcouldbe，inyourplace，Ishouldbesatisfiedofthat。I
amquitesatisfiedofitmyself。MissDombeyisconfidingandyoung——perhapshardlyproudenough，foryourdaughter——ifshehaveafault。Notthatthatismuchthough，Iamsure。Willyoucheckthesebalanceswithme？\'
Mr。Dombeyleanedbackinhischair，insteadofbendingoverthepapersthatwerelaidbeforehim，andlookedtheManagersteadilyintheface。TheManager，withhiseyelidsslightlyraised，affectedtobeglancingathisfigures，andtoawaittheleisureofhisprincipal。Heshowedthatheaffectedthis，asiffromgreatdelicacy，andwithadesigntospareMr。Dombey\'sfeelings；andthelatter，ashelookedathim，wascognizantofhisintendedconsideration，andfeltthatbutforit，thisconfidentialCarkerwouldhavesaidagreatdealmore，whichhe，Mr。Dombey，wastooproudtoaskfor。Itwashiswayinbusiness，often。Littlebylittle，Mr。Dombey\'sgazerelaxed，andhisattentionbecamedivertedtothepapersbeforehim；butwhilebusywiththeoccupationtheyaffordedhim，hefrequentlystopped，andlookedatMr。Carkeragain。Wheneverhedidso，Mr。Carkerwasdemonstrative，asbefore，inhisdelicacy，andimpresseditonhisgreatchiefmoreandmore。
Whiletheywerethusengaged；andundertheskilfulcultureoftheManager，angrythoughtsinreferencetopoorFlorencebroodedandbredinMr。Dombey\'sbreast，usurpingtheplaceofthecolddislikethatgenerallyreignedthere；MajorBagstock，muchadmiredbytheoldladiesofLeamington，andfollowedbytheNative，carryingtheusualamountoflightbaggage，straddledalongtheshadysideoftheway，tomakeamorningcallonMrs。
Skewton。Itbeingmid-daywhentheMajorreachedthebowerofCleopatra，hehadthegoodfortunetofindhisPrincessonherusualsofa，languishingoveracupofcoffee，withtheroomsodarkenedandshadedforhermoreluxuriousrepose，thatWithers，whowasinattendanceonher，loomedlikeaphantompage。
`Whatinsupportablecreatureisthis，comingin？\'saidMrs。Skewton。
`Icannotbearit。Goaway，whoeveryouare！\'
`YouhavenotthehearttobanishJ。B。Ma\'am！\'saidtheMajor，haltingmidway，toremonstrate，withhiscaneoverhisshoulder。
`Ohit\'syou，isit？Onsecondthoughts，youmayenter，\'observedCleopatra。
TheMajorenteredaccordingly，andadvancingtothesofapressedhercharminghandtohislips。
`Sitdown，\'saidCleopatra，listlesslywavingherfan，`alongwayoff。Don\'tcometoonearme，forIamfrightfullyfaintandsensitivethismorning，andyousmelloftheSun。Youareabsolutelytropical。\'
`ByGeorge，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，`thetimehasbeenwhenJosephBagstockhasbeengrilledandblisteredbytheSun；thetimewas，whenhewasforced，Ma\'am，intosuchfullblow，byhighhothouseheatintheWestIndies，thathewasknownastheFlower。AmanneverheardofBagstock，Ma\'am，inthosedays；heheardoftheFlower——theFlowerofOurs。TheFlowermayhavefaded，moreorless，Ma\'am，\'observedtheMajor，droppingintoamuchnearerchairthanhadbeenindicatedbyhiscruelDivinity，`butitisatoughplantyet，andconstantastheevergreen。\'
HeretheMajor，undercoverofthedarkroom，shutuponeeye，rolledhisheadlikeaHarlequin，and，inhisgreatself-satisfaction，perhapswentnearertotheconfinesofapoplexythanhehadevergonebefore。
`WhereisMrs。Granger？\'inquiredCleopatraofherpage。
Withersbelievedshewasinherownroom。
`Verywell，\'saidMrs。Skewton。`Goaway，andshutthedoor。I
amengaged。\'
AsWithersdisappeared，Mrs。SkewtonturnedherheadlanguidlytowardstheMajor，withoutotherwisemoving，andaskedhimhowhisfriendwas？
`Dombey，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheMajor，withafacetiousgurglinginhisthroat，`isaswellasamaninhisconditioncanbe。Hisconditionisadesperateone，Ma\'am。Heistouched，isDombey！Touched！\'
criedtheMajor。`Heisbayonettedthroughthebody。\'
CleopatracastasharplookattheMajor，thatcontrastedforciblywiththeaffecteddrawlinwhichshepresentlysaid——
`MajorBagstock，althoughIknowbutlittleoftheworld，——norcanIreallyregretmyinexperience，forIfearitisafalseplace，fullofwitheringconventionalities：whereNatureisbutlittleregarded，andwherethemusicoftheheart，andthegushingofthesoul，andallthatsortofthing，whichissotrulypoetical，isseldomheard，——Icannotmisunderstandyourmeaning。ThereisanallusiontoEdith——tomyextremelydearchild，\'
saidMrs。Skewton，tracingtheoutlineofhereyebrowswithherforefinger，`inyourwords，towhichthetenderestofchordsvibratesexcessively！\'
`Bluntness，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheMajor，`haseverbeenthecharacteristicoftheBagstockbreed。Youareright，Joeadmitsit。\'
`Andthatallusion，\'pursuedCleopatra，`wouldinvolveoneofthemost——ifnotpositivelythemost——touching，andthrilling，andsacredemotionsofwhichoursadly-fallennatureissusceptible，Iconceive。\'
TheMajorlaidhishanduponhislips，andwaftedakisstoCleopatra，asiftoidentifytheemotioninquestion。
`IfeelthatIamweak。IfeelthatIamwantinginthatenergy，whichshouldsustainamama：nottosayaparent：onsuchasubject，\'saidMrs。Skewton，trimmingherlipswiththelacededgeofherpocket-handkerchief；
`butIcanhardlyapproachatopicsoexcessivelymomentoustomydearestEdithwithoutafeelingoffaintness。Nevertheless，badman，asyouhaveboldlyremarkeduponit，andasithasoccasionedmegreatanguish：\'Mrs。
Skewtontouchedherleftsidewithherfan：`Iwillnotshrinkfrommyduty。\'
TheMajor，undercoverofthedimness，swelled，andswelled，androlledhispurplefaceabout，andwinkedhislobstereye，untilhefellintoafitofwheezing，whichobligedhimtoriseandtakeaturnortwoabouttheroom，beforehisfairfriendcouldproceed。
`Mr。Dombey，\'saidMrs。Skewton，whensheatlengthresumed，`wasobligingenough，nowmanyweeksago，todousthehonourofvisitingushere；incompany，mydearMajor，withyourself。Iacknowledge——letmebeopen——thatitismyfailingtobethecreatureofimpulse，andtowearmyheart，asitwere，outside。Iknowmyfailingfullwell。Myenemycannotknowitbetter。ButIamnotpenitent；Iwouldrathernotbefrozenbytheheartlessworld，andamcontenttobearthisimputationjustly。\'
Mrs。Skewtonarrangedhertucker，pinchedherwirythroattogiveitasoftsurface，andwenton，withgreatcomplacency。
`ItgavememydearestEdithtoo，IamsureinfinitepleasuretoreceiveMr。Dombey。Asafriendofyours，mydearMajor，wewerenaturallydisposedtobeprepossessedinhisfavour；andIfanciedthatIobservedanamountofHeartinMr。Dombey，thatwasexcessivelyrefreshing。\'
`ThereisdevilishlittleheartinDombeynow，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor。
`Wretchedman！\'criedMrs。Skewton，lookingathimlanguidly，`praybesilent。\'
`J。B。isdumb，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor。
`Mr。Dombey，\'pursuedCleopatra，smoothingtherosyhueuponhercheeks，`accordinglyrepeatedhisvisit；andpossiblyfindingsomeattractioninthesimplicityandprimitivenessofourtastes——forthereisalwaysacharminnature——itissoverysweet——becameoneofourlittlecircleeveryevening。LittledidIthinkoftheawfulresponsibilityintowhichIplungedwhenIencouragedMr。Dombey——to——\'
`Tobeatupthesequarters，Ma\'am，\'suggestedMajorBagstock。
`Coarseperson！\'saidMrs。Skewton，`youanticipatemymeaning，thoughinodiouslanguage。\'
HereMrs。Skewtonrestedherelbowonthelittletableatherside，andsufferingherwristtodroopinwhatsheconsideredagracefulandbecomingmanner，dangledherfantoandfro，andlazilyadmiredherhandwhilespeaking。
`TheagonyIhaveendured，\'shesaidmincingly，`asthetruthhasbydegreesdawneduponme，hasbeentooexceedinglyterrifictodilateupon。MywholeexistenceisboundupinmysweetestEdith；andtoseeherchangefromdaytoday——mybeautifulpet，whohaspositivelygarneredupherheartsincethedeathofthatmostdelightfulcreature，Granger——isthemostaffectingthingintheworld。\'
Mrs。Skewton\'sworldwasnotaverytryingone，ifonemightjudgeofitbytheinfluenceofitsmostaffectingcircumstanceuponher；butthisbytheway。
`Edith，\'simperedMrs。Skewton，`whoistheperfectpearlofmylife，issaidtoresembleme。Ibelievewearealike。\'
`Thereisonemanintheworldwhoneverwilladmitthatanyoneresemblesyou，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor；`andthatman\'snameisOldJoeBagstock。\'
Cleopatramadeasifshewouldbraintheflattererwithherfan，butrelenting，smileduponhimandproceeded：
`Ifmycharminggirlinheritsanyadvantagesfromme，wickedone！\'：
theMajorwasthewickedone：`sheinheritsalsomyfoolishnature。Shehasgreatforceofcharacter——mineshasbeensaidtobeimmense，thoughIdon\'tbelieveit——butoncemoved，sheissusceptibleandsensitivetothelastextent。WhataremyfeelingswhenIseeherpining！Theydestroyme。\'