TheMajoradvancinghisdoublechin，andpursinguphisbluelipsintoasoothingexpression，affectedtheprofoundestsympathy。
`Theconfidence，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`thathassubsistedbetweenus——thefreedevelopmentofsoul，andopennessofsentiment——istouchingtothinkof。Wehavebeenmorelikesistersthanmamaandchild。\'
`J。B。\'sownsentiment，\'observedtheMajor，`expressedbyJ。
B。fiftythousandtimes！\'
`Donotinterrupt，rudeman！\'saidCleopatra。`Whataremyfeelings，then，whenIfindthatthereisonesubjectavoidedbyus！Thatthereisawhat\'s-his-name——agulf——openedbetweenus。ThatmyownartlessEdithischangedtome！Theyareofthemostpoignantdescription，ofcourse。\'
TheMajorlefthischair，andtookonenearertothelittletable。
`FromdaytodayIseethis，mydearMajor，\'proceededMrs。Skewton。
`FromdaytodayIfeelthis。FromhourtohourIreproachmyselfforthatexcessoffaithandtrustfulnesswhichhasledtosuchdistressingconsequences；
andalmostfromminutetominute，IhopethatMr。Dombeymayexplainhimself，andrelievethetortureIundergo，whichisextremelywearing。Butnothinghappens，mydearMajor；Iamthesalveofremorse——takecareofthecoffee-cup：
youaresoveryawkward——mydarlingEdithisanalteredbeing；andIreallydon\'tseewhatistobedone，orwhatgoodcreatureIcanadvisewith。\'
MajorBagstock，encouragedperhapsbythesoftenedandconfidentialtoneintowhichMrs。Skewton，afterseveraltimeslapsingintoitforamoment，seemednowtohavesubsidedforgood，stretchedouthishandacrossthelittletable，andsaidwithaleer，`AdvisewithJoe，Ma\'am。\'
`Then，youaggravatingmonster，\'saidCleopatra，givingonehandtotheMajor，andtappinghisknuckleswithherfan，whichsheheldintheother：`whydon\'tyoutalktome？youknowwhatImean。Whydon\'tyoutellmesomethingtothepurpose？\'
TheMajorlaughed，andkissedthehandshehadbestoweduponhim，andlaughedagainimmensely。
`IsthereasmuchHeartinMr。DombeyasIgavehimcreditfor？\'
languishedCleopatratenderly。`Doyouthinkheisinearnest，mydearMajor？Wouldyourecommendhisbeingspokento，orhisbeingleftalone？
Nowtellme，likeadearman，whatwouldyouadvise。\'
`ShallwemarryhimtoEdithGranger，Ma\'am？\'chuckledtheMajor，hoarsely。
`Mysteriouscreature！\'returnedCleopatra，bringingherfantobearupontheMajor\'snose。`Howcanwemarryhim？\'
`ShallwemarryhimtoEdithGranger，Ma\'am，Isay？\'chuckledtheMajoragain。
Mrs。Skewtonreturnednoanswerinwords，butsmiledupontheMajorwithsomucharchnessandvivacity，thatthatgallantofficerconsideringhimselfchallenged，wouldhaveimprintedakissonherexceedinglyredlips，butforherinterposingthefanwithaverywinningandjuveniledexterity。Itmighthavebeeninmodesty；itmighthavebeeninapprehensionofsomedangertotheirbloom。
`Dombey，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，`isagreatcatch。\'
`Oh，mercenarywretch！\'criedCleopatra，withalittleshriek，`Iamshocked。\'
`AndDombey，Ma\'am，\'pursuedtheMajor，thrustingforwardhishead，anddistendinghiseyes，`isinearnest。Josephsaysit；Bagstockknowsit；J。B。keepshimtothemark。LeaveDombeytohimself，Ma\'am。
Dombeyissafe，Ma\'am。Doasyouhavedone；donomore；andtrusttoJ。
B。fortheend。\'
`Youreallythinkso，mydearMajor？\'returnedCleopatra，whohadeyedhimverycautiously，andverysearchingly，inspiteofherlistlessbearing。
`Sureofit，Ma\'am，\'rejoinedtheMajor。`Cleopatrathepeerless，andherAntonyBagstock，willoftenspeakofthis，triumphantly，whensharingtheeleganceandwealthofEdithDombey\'sestablishment。Dombey\'sright-handman，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，stoppingabruptlyinachuckle，andbecomingserious，`hasarrived。\'
`Thismorning？\'saidCleopatra。
`Thismorning，Ma\'am，\'returnedtheMajor。`AndDombey\'sanxietyforhisarrival，ma\'am，istobereferred——takeJ。B。\'swordforthis；
forJoeisde-vilishsly\'——theMajortappedhisnose，andscreweduponeofhiseyestight：whichdidnotenhancehisnativebeauty——`tohisdesirethatwhatisinthewindshouldbecomeknowntohim，withoutDombey\'stellingandconsultinghim。ForDombeyisasproud，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor，`asLucifer。\'
`Acharmingquality，\'lispedMrs。Skewton；`remindingoneofdearestEdith。\'
`WellMa\'am，\'saidtheMajor。`Ihavethrownouthintsalready，andtheright-handmanunderstands\'em；andI\'llthrowoutmore，beforethedayisdone。DombeyprojectedthismorningaridetoWarwickCastle，andtoKenilworth，to-morrow，tobeprecededbyabreakfastwithus。I
undertookthedeliveryofthisinvitation。Willyouhonourussofar，Ma\'am？\'
saidtheMajor，swellingwithshortnessofbreathandslyness，asheproducedanote，addressedtotheHonourableMrs。Skewton，byfavourofMajorBagstock，whereinherseverfaithfully，PaulDombey，besoughtherandheramiableandaccomplisheddaughtertoconsenttotheproposedexcursion；andinapostscriptuntowhich，thesameeverfaithfullyPaulDombeyentreatedtoberecalledtotheremembranceofMrs。Granger。
`Hush！\'saidCleopatra，suddenly，`Edith！\'
Thelovingmothercanscarcelybedescribedasresumingherinsipidandaffectedairwhenshemadethisexclamation；forshehadnevercastitoff；norwasitlikelythatsheeverwouldorcould，inanyotherplacethaninthegrave。Buthurriedlydismissingwhatevershadowofearnestness，orfaintconfessionofapurpose，laudableorwicked，thatherface，orvoice，ormanner，had，forthemoment，betrayed，sheloungeduponthecouch，hermostinsipidandmostlanguidselfagain，asEdithenteredtheroom。
Edith，sobeautifulandstately，butsocoldandsorepelling。
Who，slightlyacknowledgingthepresenceofMajorBagstock，anddirectingakeenglanceathermother，drewbackthecurtainfromawindow，andsatdownthere，lookingout。
`MydearestEdith，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`whereonearthhaveyoubeen？Ihavewantedyou，mylove，mostsadly。\'
`Yousaidyouwereengaged，andIstayedaway，\'sheanswered，withoutturningherhead。
`ItwascrueltoOldJoe，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajorinhisgallantry。
`Itwasverycruel，Iknow，\'shesaid，stilllookingout——andsaidwithsuchcalmdisdain，thattheMajorwasdiscomfited，andcouldthinkofnothinginreply。
`MajorBagstock，mydarlingEdith，\'drawledhermother，`whoisgenerallythemostuselessanddisagreeablecreatureintheworld：asyouknow——\'
`Itissurelynotworthwhile，Mama，\'saidEdith，lookinground，`toobservetheseformsofspeech。Wearequitealone。Weknoweachother。\'
Thequitescornthatsatuponherhandsomeface——ascornthatevidentlylightedonherself，nolessthanthem——wassointenseanddeep，thathermother\'ssimper，fortheinstant，thoughofahardyconstitution，droopedbeforeit。
`Mydarlinggirl，\'shebeganagain。
`Notwomanyet？\'saidEdith，withasmile。
`Howveryoddyouareto-day，mydear！Prayletmesay，mylove，thatMajorBagstockhasbroughtthekindestofnotesfromMr。Dombey，proposingthatweshouldbreakfastwithhimto-morrow，andridetoWarwickandKenilworth。
Willyougo，Edith？\'
`willIgo！\'sherepeated，turningveryred，andbreathingquicklyasshelookedroundathermother。
`Iknewyouwould，myown，\'observedthelattercarelessly。`Itis，asyousay，quiteaformtoask。HereisMr。Dombey\'sletter，Edith。\'
`Thankyou。Ihavenodesiretoreadit，\'washeranswer。
`ThenperhapsIhadbetteransweritmyself，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`thoughIhadthoughtofaskingyoutobemysecretary，darling。\'
AsEdithmadenomovementandnoanswer，Mrs。SkewtonbeggedtheMajortowheelherlittletablenearer，andtosetopenthedeskitcontained，andtotakeoutpenandpaperforher；allwhichcongenialofficesofgallantrytheMajordischarged，withmuchsubmissionanddevotion。
`Yourregards，Edith，mydear？\'saidMrs。Skewton，pausing，peninhand，atthepostscript。
`Whatyouwill，Mama，\'sheanswered，withoutturningherhead，andwithsupremeindifference。
Mrs。Skewtonwrotewhatshewould，withoutseekingforanymoreexplicitdirections，andhandedherlettertotheMajor，whoreceivingitasapreciouscharge，madeashowoflayingitnearhisheart，butwasfaintoputitinthepocketofhispantaloonsonaccountoftheinsecurityofhiswaistcoat。TheMajorthentookaverypolishedandchivalrousfarewellofbothladies，whichtheelderoneacknowledgedinherusualmanner，whiletheyounger，sittingwithherfaceaddressedtothewindow，bentherheadsoslightlythatitwouldhavebeenagreatercomplimenttotheMajortohavemadenosignatall，andtohavelefthimtoinferthathehadnotbeenheardorthoughtof。
`Astoalterationinher，Sir，\'musedtheMajoronhiswayback；
onwhichexpedition——theafternoonbeingsunnyandhot——heorderedtheNativeandthelightbaggagetothefront，andwalkedintheshadowofthatexpatriatedprince：`astoalteration，Sir，andpining，andsoforth，thatwon\'tgodownwithJosephBagstock。Noneofthat，Sir。Itwon\'tdohere。Butastotherebeingsomethingofadivisionbetween\'em——oragulfasthemothercallsit——damme，Sir，thatseemstrueenough。Andit\'soddenough！Well，Sir！\'pantedtheMajor，`EdithGrangerandDombeyarewellmatched；let\'emfightitout！Bagstockbacksthewinner！\'
TheMajor，bysayingtheselatterwordsaloud，inthevigourofhisthoughts，causedtheunhappyNativetostop，andturnround，inthebeliefthathewaspersonallyaddressed。Exasperatedtothelastdegreebythisactofinsubordination，theMajorthoughhewasswellingwithenjoymentofhisownhumour，atthemomentofitsoccurrenceinstantlythrusthiscaneamongtheNative\'sribs，andcontinuedtostirhimup，atshortintervals，allthewaytotheHotel。
NorwastheMajorlessexasperatedashedressedfordinner，duringwhichoperationthedarkservantunderwentthepeltingofashowerofmiscellaneousobjects，varyinginsizefromaboottoahairbrush，andincludingeverythingthatcamewithinhismaster\'sreach。FortheMajorplumbedhimselfonhavingtheNativeinaperfectstateofdrill，andvisitedtheleastdeparturefromstrictdisciplinewiththiskindoffatigueduty。Addtothis，thathemaintainedtheNativeabouthispersonasacounter-irritantagainstthegout，andallothervexations，mentalaswellasbodily；andtheNativewouldappeartohaveearnedhispay——whichwasnotlarge。
Atlength，theMajorhavingdisposedofallthemissilesthatwereconvenienttohishand，andhavingcalledtheNativesomanynewnamesasmusthavegivenhimgreatoccasiontomarvelattheresourcesoftheEnglishlanguage，submittedtohavehiscravatputon；andbeingdressed，andfindinghimselfinabriskflowofspiritsafterthisexercise，wentdownstairstoenliven`Dombey\'andhisright-handman。
Dombeywasnotyetintheroom，buttheright-handmanwasthere，andhisdentaltreasureswere，asusual，readyfortheMajor。
`Well，Sir！\'saidtheMajor。`HowhaveyoupassedthetimesinceIhadthehappinessofmeetingyou？Haveyouwalkedatall？\'
`Asaunterofbarelyhalfanhour\'sduration，\'returnedCarker。
`Wehavebeensomuchoccupied。\'
`Business，eh？\'saidtheMajor。
`Avarietyoflittlemattersnecessarytobegonethrough，\'repliedCarker。`Butdoyouknow——thisisquiteunusualwithme，educatedinadistrustfulschool，andwhoamnotgenerallydisposedtobecommunicative，\'
hesaid，breakingoff，andspeakinginacharmingtoneoffrankness——`butIfeelquiteconfidentialwithyou，MajorBagstock。\'
`Youdomehonour，Sir，\'returnedtheMajor。`Youmaybe。\'
`Doyouknow，then，\'pursuedCarker，`thatIhavenotfoundmyfriend——ourfriend，Ioughtrathertocallhim——\'
`MeaningDombey，Sir？\'criedtheMajor。`Youseeme，Mr。Carker，standinghere！J。B。？\'
Hewaspuffyenoughtosee，andblueenough；andMr。Carkerintimatedthathehadthatpleasure。
`Thenyouseeaman，Sir，whowouldgothroughfireandwatertoserveDombey，\'returnedMajorBagstock。
Mr。Carkersmiled，andsaidhewassureofit。`Doyouknow，Major，\'
heproceeded：`toresumewhereIleftoff：thatIhavenotfoundourfriendsoattentivetobusinessto-day，asusual？\'
`No？\'observedthedelightedMajor。
`Ihavefoundhimalittleabstracted，andwiththisattentiondisposedtowander，\'saidCarker。
`ByJove，Sir，\'criedtheMajor，`there\'saladyinthecase。\'
`Indeed，Ibegintobelievetherereallyis，\'returnedCarker；
`Ithoughtyoumightbejestingwhenyouseemedtohintatit；forIknowyoumilitarymen——\'
TheMajorgavethehorse\'scough，andshookhisheadandshoulders，asmuchastosay，`Well！wearegaydogs，there\'snodenying。\'
HethenseizedMr。Carkerbythebutton-hole，andwithstartingeyeswhisperedinhisear，thatshewasawomanofextraordinarycharms，Sir。Thatshewasayoungwidow，Sir。Thatshewasofafinefamily，Sir。ThatDombeywasoverheadandearsinlovewithher，Sir，andthatitwouldbeagoodmatchonbothsides；forshehasbeauty，blood，andtalent，andDombeyhadfortune；andwhatmorecouldanycouplehave？HearingMr。Dombey\'sfootstepswithout，theMajorcuthimselfshortbysaying，thatMr。Carkerwouldseeherto-morrowmorning，andwouldjudgeforhimself；andbetweenhismentalexcitement，andtheexertionofsayingallthisinwheezywhispers，theMajorsatgurglinginthethroatandwateringattheeyes，untildinnerwasready。
TheMajor，likesomeothernobleanimals，exhibitedhimselftogreatadvantageatfeeding-time。Onthisoccasion，heshoneresplendentatoneendofthetable，supportedbythemilderlustreofMr。Dombeyattheother；whileCarkerononesidelenthisraytoeitherlight，orsufferedittomergeintoboth，asoccasionarose。
Duringthefirstcourseortwo，theMajorwasusuallygrave；fortheNative，inobediencetogeneralorders，secretlyissued，collectedeverysauceandcruetroundhim，andgavehimagreatdealtodo，intakingoutthestoppers，andmixingupthecontentsinhisplate。Besideswhich，theNativehadprivatezestsandflavoursonaside-table，withwhichtheMajordailyscorchedhimself；tosaynothingofstrangemachinesoutofwhichhespirtedunknownliquidsintotheMajor\'sdrink。Butonthisoccasion，MajorBagstock，evenamidstthesemanyoccupations，foundtimetobesocial；
andhissocialityconsistedinexcessiveslynessforthebehoofofMr。
Carker，andthebetrayalofMr。Dombey\'sstateofmind。
`Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，`youdon\'teat；what\'sthematter？\'
`Thankyou，\'returnedthatgentleman，`Iamdoingverywell；Ihavenogreatappetiteto-day。\'
`Why，Dombey，what\'sbecomeofit？\'askedtheMajor。`Where\'sitgone？Youhaven\'tleftitwithourfriends，I\'llswear，forIcananswerfortheirhavingnoneto-dayatluncheon。Icananswerforoneof\'em，atleast：Iwon\'tsaywhich。\'
ThentheMajorwinkedatCarker，andbecamesofrightfullysly，thathisdarkattendantwasobligedtopathimontheback，withoutorders，orhewouldprobablyhavedisappearedunderthetable。
Inalaterstageofthedinner：thatistosay，whentheNativestoodattheMajor\'selbowreadytoservethefirstbottleofchampagne：
theMajorbecamestillslyer。
`Fillthistothebrim，youscoundrel，\'saidtheMajor，holdinguphisglass。`FillMr。Carker\'stothebrimtoo。AndMr。Dombey\'stoo。
ByGad，gentlemen，\'saidtheMajor，winkingathisnewfriend，whileMr。
Dombeylookedintohisplatewithaconsciousair，`we\'llconsecratethisglassofwinetoaDivinitywhomJoeisproudtoknow，andatadistancehumblyandreverentlytoadmire。Edith，\'saidtheMajor，`ishername；
angelicEdith！\'
`ToangelicEdith！\'criedthesmilingCarker。
`Edith，byallmeans，\'saidMr。Dombey。
TheentranceofthewaiterswithnewdishescausedtheMajortobeslyeryet，butinamoreseriousvein。`Forthoughamongourselves，JoeBagstockminglesjestandearnestonthissubject，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，layinghisfingeronhislips，andspeakinghalfaparttoCarker，`heholdsthatnametoosacredtobemadethepropertyofthesefellows，orofanyfellows。Notaword，Sir，whiletheyarehere！\'
ThiswasrespectfulandbecomingontheMajor\'spart，andMr。
Dombeyplainlyfeltitso。Althoughembarrassedinhisownfrigidway，bytheMajor\'sallusions，Mr。Dombeyhasnoobjectiontosuchrallying，itwasclear，butrathercourtedit。PerhapstheMajorhadbeenprettynearthetruth，whenhehaddivinedthatmorningthatthegreatmanwhowastoohaughtyformallytoconsultwith，orconfideinhisprimeminister，onsuchamatter，yetwishedhimtobefullypossessedofit。Letthisbehowitmay，heoftenglancedatMr。CarkerwhiletheMajorpliedhislightartillery，andseemedwatchfulofitseffectuponhim。
ButtheMajor，havingsecuredanattentivelistener，andasmilerwhohadnothismatchinalltheworld——`inshort，ade-vilishintelligentandagreeablefellow，\'asheoftenafterwardsdeclared——wasnotgoingtolethimoffwithalittleslynesspersonaltoMr。Dombey。Therefore，ontheremovalofthecloth，theMajordevelopedhimselfasachoicespiritinthebroaderandmorecomprehensiverangeofnarratingregimentalstories，andcrackingregimentaljokes，whichhedidwithsuchprodigalexuberance，thatCarkerwasorfeignedtobequiteexhaustedwithlaughterandadmiration：
whileMr。Dombeylookedonoverhisstarchedcravat，liketheMajor\'sproprietor，orlikeastatelyshowmanwhowasgladtoseehisbeardancingwell。
WhentheMajorwastoohoarsewithmeatanddrink，andthedisplayofhissocialpowers，torenderhimselfintelligibleanylonger，theyadjournedtocoffee。Afterwhich，theMajorinquiredofMr。CarkertheManager，withlittleapparenthopeofananswerintheaffirmative，ifheplayedpicquet。
`Yes，Iplaypicquetalittle，\'saidMr。Carker。
`Backgammon，perhaps？\'observedtheMajor，hesitating。
`Yes，Iplaybackgammonalittletoo，\'repliedthemanofteeth。
`Carkerplaysatallgames，Ibelieve，\'saidMr。Dombey，layinghimselfonasofalikeamanofwood，withoutahingeorajointinhim；
`andplaysthemwell。\'
Insooth，heplayedthetwoinquestion，tosuchperfection，thattheMajorwasastonished，andaskedhim，atrandom，ifheplayedchess。
`Yes，Iplaychessalittle，\'answeredCarker。`Ihavesometimesplayed，andwonagame——it\'sameretrick——withoutseeingtheboard。\'
`ByGad，Sir！\'saidtheMajor，staring，`youareacontrasttoDombey，whoplaysnothing。\'
`Oh！He！\'returnedtheManager。`Hehasneverhadoccasiontoacquiresuchlittlearts。Tomenlikeme，theyaresometimesuseful。Asatpresent，MajorBagstock，whentheyenablemetotakeahandwithyou。\'
Itmightbeonlythefalsemouth，sosmoothandwide；andyetthereseemedtolurkbeneaththehumilityandsubserviencyofthisshortspeech，asomethinglikeasnarl；and，foramoment，onemighthavethoughtthatthewhiteteethwerepronetobitethehandtheyfawnedupon。ButtheMajorthoughtnothingaboutit；andMr。Dombeylaymeditatingwithhiseyeshalfshut，duringthewholeoftheplay，whichlasteduntilbed-time。
Bythattime，Mr。Carker，thoughthewinner，hadmountedhighintotheMajor\'sgoodopinion，insomuchthatwhenhelefttheMajorathisownroombeforegoingtobed，theMajorasaspecialattention，senttheNative——whoalwaysrestedonamattressspreaduponthegroundathismaster\'sdoor——alongthegallery，tolighthimtohisroominstate。
TherewasafaintbluronthesurfaceofthemirrorinMr。Carker\'schamber，anditsreflectionwas，perhaps，afalseone。Butitshowed，thatnight，theimageofaman，whosaw，inhisfancy，acrowdofpeopleslumberingonthegroundathisfeet，likethepoorNativeathismaster\'sdoor：whopickedhiswayamongthem：lookingdown，maliciouslyenough：buttroduponnoupturnedface——asyet。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter27[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIIDeeperShadowsMr。CARKERtheMangerrosewiththelark，andwentout，walkinginthesummerday。Hismeditations——andhemeditatedwithcontractedbrowswhilehestrolledalong——hardlyseemedtosoarashighasthelark，ortomountinthatdirection；rathertheykeptclosetotheirnestupontheearth，andlookedabout，amongthedustandworms。Buttherewasnotabirdintheair，singingunseen，fartherbeyondthereachofhumaneyethanMr。
Carker\'sthoughts。Hehadhisfacesoperfectlyundercontrol，thatfewcouldsaymore，indistinctterms，ofitsexpression，thanthatitsmiledorthatitpondered。Itponderednow，intently。Asthelarkrosehigher，hesankdeeperinthought。Asthelarkpouredouthermelodyclearerandstronger，hefellintoagraverandprofoundersilence。Atlength，whenthelarkcameheadlongdown，withanaccumulatingstreamofsong，anddroppedamongthegreenwheatnearhim，ripplinginthebreathofthemorninglikeariver，hesprangupfromhisreverie，andlookedroundwithasuddensmile，ascourteousandassoftasifhehadhadnumerousobserverstopropitiate；nordidherelapse，afterbeingthusawakened；butclearinghisface，likeonewhobethoughthimselfthatitmightotherwisewrinkleandtelltales，wentsmilingon，asifforpractice。
Perhapswithaneyetofirstimpressions，Mr。Carkerwasverycarefullyandtrimlydressed，thatmorning。Thoughalwayssomewhatformal，inhisdress，inintimationofthegreatmanwhomheserved，hestoppedshortoftheextentofMr。Dombey\'sstiffness：atonceperhapsbecauseheknewittobeludicrous，andbecauseindoingsohefoundanothermeansofexpressinghissenseofthedifferenceanddistancebetweenthem。Somepeoplequotedhimindeed，inthisrespect，asapointedcommentary，andnotaflatteringone，onhisicypatron——buttheworldispronetomisconstruction，andMr。Carkerwasnotaccountableforitsbadpropensity。
Cleanandflorid：withhislightcomplexion，fadingasitwere，inthesun，andhisdaintystepenhancingthesoftnessoftheturf：Mr。
CarkertheManagerstrolledaboutmeadows，andgreenlanes，andglidedamongavenuesoftrees，untilitwastimetoreturntobreakfast。Takinganearerwayback，Mr。Carkerpursued，airinghisteeth，andsaidaloudashedidso，`NowtoseethesecondMrs。Dombey！\'
Hehadstrolledbeyondthetown，andre-entereditbyapleasantwalk，wheretherewasadeepshadeofleafytrees，andwheretherewereafewbencheshereandthereforthosewhochosetorest。Itnotbeingaplaceofgeneralresortatanyhour，andwearingatthattimeofthestillmorningtheairofbeingquitedesertedandretired，Mr。Carkerhadit，orthoughthehadit，alltohimself。So，withthewhimofanidleman，towhomthereyetremainedtwentyminutesforreachingadestinationeasilyaccessibleinten，Mr。Carkerthreadedthegreatbolesofthetrees，andwentpassinginandout，beforethisoneandbehindthat，weavingachainoffootstepsonthedewyground。
Buthefoundhewasmistakeninsupposingtherewasnooneinthegrove，forashesoftlyroundedthetrunkofonelargetree，onwhichtheobduratebarkwasknottedandoverlappedlikethehideofarhinocerosorsomekindredmonsteroftheancientdaysbeforetheFlood，hesawanunexpectedfiguresittingonabenchnearathand，aboutwhich，inanothermoment，hewouldhavewoundthechainhewasmaking。
Itwasthatofalady，elegantlydressedandveryhandsome，whosedarkproudeyeswerefixedupontheground，andinwhomsomepassionorstrugglewasraging。Forasshesatlookingdown，sheheldacornerofherunderlipwithinhermouth，herbosomheaved，hernostrilquivered，herheadtrembled，indignanttearswereonhercheek，andherfootwassetuponthemossasthoughshewouldhavecrusheditintonothing。Andyetalmosttheself-sameglancethatshowedhimthis，showedhimtheself-sameladyrisingwithascornfulairofwearinessandlassitude，andturningawaywithnothingexpressedinfaceorfigurebutcarelessbeautyandimperiousdisdain。
Awitheredandveryuglyoldwoman，dressednotsomuchlikeagipsyaslikeanyofthatmedleyraceofvagabondswhotrampaboutthecountry，begging，andstealing，andtinkering，andweavingrushes，byturns，oralltogether，hadbeenobservingthelady，too；for，assherose，thissecondfigurestrangelyconfrontingthefirst，scrambledupfromtheground——outofit，italmostappeared——andstoodintheway。
`Letmetellyourfortune，myprettylady，\'saidtheoldwoman，munchingwithherjaws，asiftheDeath\'sHeadbeneathheryellowskinwereimpatienttogetout。
`Icantellitformyself，\'wasthereply。
`Aye，aye，prettylady；butnotright。Youdidn\'ttellitrightwhenyouweresittingthere。Iseeyou！Givemeapieceofsilver，prettylady，andI\'lltellyourfortunetrue。There\'sriches，prettylady，inyourface。\'
`Iknow，\'returnedthelady，passingherwithadarksmile，andaproudstep。`Iknewitbefore。\'
`What！Youwon\'tgivemenothing？\'criedtheoldwoman。`Youwon\'tgivemenothingtotellyourfortune，prettylady？Howmuchwillyougivemenottotellit，then？Givemesomething，orI\'llcallitafteryou！\'croakedtheoldwoman，passionately。
Mr。Carker，whomtheladywasabouttopassclose，slinkingagainsthistreeasshecrossedtogainthepath，advancedsoastomeether，andpullingoffhishatasshewentby，badetheoldwomenholdherpeace。
Theladyacknowledgedhisinterferencewithaninclinationofthehead，andwentherway。
`Yougivemesomethingthen，orI\'llcallitafterher！\'screamedtheoldwoman，throwingupherarms，andpressingforwardagainsthisoutstretchedhand。`Orcome，\'sheadded，droppinghervoicesuddenly，lookingathimearnestly，andseeminginamomenttoforgettheobjectofherwrath，`givemesomething，orI\'llcallitafteryou！\'
`Afterme，oldlady！\'returnedtheManager，puttinghishandinhispocket。
`Yes，\'saidthewoman，steadfastinherscrutiny，andholdingouthershrivelledhand。`Iknow！\'
`Whatdoyouknow？\'demandedCarker，throwingherashilling。
`Doyouknowwhothehandsomeladyis？\'
Munchinglikethatsailor\'swifeofyore，whohadchestnutsinherlap，andscowlinglikethewitchwhoaskedforsomeinvain，theoldwomanpickedtheshillingup，andgoingbackwards，likeacrab，orlikeaheapofcrabs：forheralternatelyexpandingandcontractinghandsmighthaverepresentedtwoofthatspecies，andhercreepingface，somehalf-a-dozenmore：crouchedontheveinousrootofanoldtree，pulledoutashortblackpipefromwithinthecrownofherbonnet，lighteditwithamatch，andsmokedinsilence，lookingfixedlyatherquestioner。
Mr。Carkerlaughed，andturneduponhisheel。
`Good！\'saidtheoldwoman。`Onechilddead，andonechildliving：
onewifedead，andonewifecoming。Goandmeether！\'
Inspiteofhimself，theManagerlookedroundagain，andstopped。
Theoldwoman，whohadnotremovedherpipe，andwasmunchingandmumblingwhileshesmoked，asifinconversationwithininvisiblefamiliar，pointedwithherfingerinthedirectionhewasgoing，andlaughed。
`Whatwasthatyousaid，Bedlamite？\'hedemanded。
Thewomanmumbled，andchattered，andsmoked，andstillpointedbeforehim；butremainedsilent。Mutteringafarewellthatwasnotcomplimentary，Mr。Carkerpursuedhisway；butasheturnedoutofthatplace，andlookedoverhisshoulderattherootoftheoldtree，hecouldyetseethefingerpointingbeforehim，andthoughtheheardthewomanscreaming，`Goandmeether！\'
Preparationsforachoicerepastwerecompleted，hefound，atthehotel；andMr。Dombey，andtheMajor，andthebreakfast，wereawaitingtheladies。Individualconstitutionhasmuchtodowiththedevelopmentofsuchfacts，nodoubt；butinthiscase，appetitecarriedithollowoverthetenderpassion；Mr。Dombeybeingverycoolandcollected，andtheMajorfrettingandfuminginastateofviolentheatandirritation。AtlengththedoorwasthrownopenbytheNative，and，afterapause，occupiedbyherlanguishingalongthegallery，averyblooming，butnotveryyouthfullady，appeared。
`MydearMr。Dombey，\'saidthelady，`Iamafraidwearelate，butEdithhasbeenoutalreadylookingforafavourablepointofviewforasketch，andkeptmewaitingforher。FalsestofMajors，\'givinghimherlittlefinger，`howdoyoudo？\'
`Mrs。Skewton，\'saidMr。Dombey，`letmegratifymyfriendCarker：\'
Mr。Dombeyunconsciouslyemphasisedthewordfriend，assaying“noreally；
Idoallowhimtotakecreditforthatdistinction；“`bypresentinghimtoyou。YouhaveheardmementionMr。Carker。\'
`Iamcharmed，Iamsure，\'saidMrs。Skewton，graciously。
Mr。Carkerwascharmed，ofcourse。WouldhehavebeenmorecharmedonMr。Dombey\'sbehalf，ifMrs。SkewtonhadbeenasheatfirstsupposedhertheEdithwhomtheyhadtoastedovernight？
`Why，where，forHeaven\'ssake，isEdith？\'exclaimedMrs。Skewton，lookinground。`Stillatthedoor，givingWithersordersaboutthemountingofthosedrawings！MydearMr。Dombey，willyouhavethekindness——\'
Mr。Dombeywasalreadygonetoseekher。Nextmomenthereturned，bearingonhisarmthesameelegantlydressedandveryhandsomeladywhomMr。Carkerhadencounteredunderneaththetrees。
`Carker——\'beganMr。Dombey。Buttheirrecognitionofeachotherwassomanifest，thatMr。Dombeystoppedsurprised。
`Iamobligedtothegentleman，\'saidEdith，withastatelybend，`forsparingmesomeannoyancefromanimportunatebeggarjustnow。\'
`Iamobligedtomygoodfortune，\'saidMr。Carker，bowinglow，`fortheopportunityofrenderingsoslightaservicetoonewhoseservantIamproudtobe。\'
Ashereyerestedonhimforaninstant，andthenlightedontheground，hesawinitsbrightandsearchingglanceasuspicionthathehadnotcomeupatthemomentofhisinterference，buthadsecretlyobservedhersooner。Ashesawthat，shesawinhiseyethatherdistrustwasnotwithoutfoundation。
`Really，\'criedMrs。Skewton，whohadtakenthisopportunityofinspectingMr。Carkerthroughherglass，andsatisfyingherselfasshelispedaudiblytotheMajorthathewasallheart；`reallynow，thisisoneofthemostenchantingcoincidencesthatIeverheardof。Theidea！
MydearestEdith，thereissuchanobviousdestinyinit，thatreallyonemightalmostbeinducedtocrossone\'sarmsuponone\'sfrock，andsay，likethosewickedTurks，thereisnoWhat\'s-his-namebutThingummy，andWhat-you-may-call-itishisprophet！\'
EdithdeignednorevisionofthisextraordinaryquotationfromtheKoran，butMr。Dombeyfeltitnecessarytoofferafewpoliteremarks。
`Itgivesmegreatpleasure，\'saidMr。Dombey，withcumbrousgallantry，`thatagentlemansonearlyconnectedwithmyselfasCarkeris，shouldhavehadthehonourandhappinessofrenderingtheleastassistancetoMrs。Granger。\'Mr。Dombeybowedtoher。`Butitgivesmesomepain，anditoccasionsmetobereallyenviousofCarker；\'heunconsciouslylaidstressonthesewords，assensiblethattheymustappeartoinvolveaverysurprisingproposition；`enviousofCarker，thatIhadnotthathonourandthathappinessmyself。\'Mr。Dombeybowedagain。Edith，savingforacurlofherlip，wasmotionless。
`BytheLord，Sir，\'criedtheMajor，burstingintospeechatsightofthewaiter，whowascometoannouncebreakfast，`it\'sanextraordinarythingtomethatnoonecanhavethehonourandhappinessofshootingallsuchbeggarsthroughtheheadwithoutbeingbroughttobookforit。Buthere\'sanarmforMrs。Grangerifshe\'lldoJ。B。thehonourtoacceptit；andthegreatestserviceJoecanrenderyou，ma\'am，justnow，is，toleadyouintotable！\'
Withthis，theMajorgavehisarmtoEdith；Mr。DombeyledthewaywithMrs。Skewton；Mr。Carkerwentlast，smilingontheparty。
`Iamquiterejoiced，Mr。Carker，\'saidthelady-mother，atbreakfast，afteranotherapprovingsurveyofhimthroughherglass，`thatyouhavetimedyourvisitsohappily，astogowithusto-day。Itisthemostenchantingexpedition！\'
`Anyexpeditionwouldbeenchantinginsuchsociety，\'returnedCarker；
`butIbelieveitis，initself，fullofinterest。\'
`Oh！\'criedMrs。Skewton，withafadedlittlescreamofrapture，`theCastleischarming！——associationsoftheMiddleAges——andallthat——whichissotrulyexquisite。Don\'tyoudoatupontheMiddleAges，Mr。Carker？\'
`Verymuch，indeed，\'saidMr。Carker。
`Suchcharmingtimes！\'criedCleopatra。`Sofulloffaith！Sovigorousandforcible！Sopicturesque！Soperfectlyremovedfromcommonplace！Ohdear！Iftheywouldonlyleaveusalittlemoreofthepoetryofexistenceintheseterribledays！\'
Mrs。SkewtonwaslookingsharpafterMr。Dombeyallthetimeshesaidthis，whowaslookingatEdith：whowaslistening，butwhoneverlifteduphereyes。
`Wearedreadfullyreal，Mr。Carker，\'saidMrs。Skewton；`arewenot？\'
FewpeoplehaslessreasontocomplainoftheirrealitythanCleopatra，whohadasmuchthatwasfalseaboutherascouldwellgotothecompositionofanybodywitharealindividualexistence。ButMr。Carkercommiseratedourrealitynevertheless，andagreedthatwewereveryhardlyusedinthatregard。
`PicturesattheCastle，quitedivine！\'saidCleopatra。`Ihopeyoudoatuponpictures？\'
`Iassureyou，Mrs。Skewton，\'saidMr。Dombey，withsolemnencouragementofhisManager，`thatCarkerhasaverygoodtasteforpictures；quiteanaturalpowerofappreciatingthem。Heisaverycreditableartisthimself。
Hewillbedelighted，Iamsure，withMrs。Granger\'stasteandskill。\'
`Damme，Sir！\'criedMajorBagstock，`myopinionis，thatyou\'retheadmirableCarker，andcandoanything。\'
`Oh！\'smiledCarker，withhumility，`youaremuchtoosanguine，MajorBagstock。Icandoverylittle。ButMr。Dombeyissogenerousinhisestimationofanytrivialaccomplishmentamanlikemyselfmayfinditalmostnecessarytoacquire，andtowhich，inhisverydifferentsphere，heisfarsuperior，that——\'Mr。Carkershruggedhisshoulders，deprecatingfurtherpraise，andsaidnomore。
Allthistime，Edithneverraisedhereyes，unlesstoglancetowardshermotherwhenthatlady\'sferventspiritshoneforthinwords。ButasCarkerceased，shelookedatMr。Dombeyforamoment。Foramomentonly；
butwithatransientgleamofscornfulwonderonherface，notlostononeobserver，whowassmilingroundtheboard。
Mr。Dombeycaughtthedarkeyelashinitsdescent，andtooktheopportunityofarrestingit。
`YouhavebeentoWarwickoften，unfortunately？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Severaltimes\'
`Thevisitwillbetedioustoyou，Iamafraid。\'
`Ohno；notatall。\'
`Ah！YouarelikeyourcousinFeenix，mydearestEdith，\'saidMrs。Skewton。`HehasbeentoWarwickCastlefiftytimes，ifhehasbeenthereonce；yetifhecametoLeamingtonto-morrow——Iwishhewould，dearangel！——hewouldmakehisfifty-secondvisitnextday。\'
`Weareallenthusiastic，arewenot，mama？\'saidEdith，withacoldsmile。
`Toomuchso，forourpeace，perhaps，mydear，\'returnedhermother；
`butwewon\'tcomplain。Ourownemotionsareourrecompense。If，asyourcousinFeenixsays，theswordwearsoutthewhat\'s-its-name——\'
`Thescabbard，perhaps，\'saidEdith。
`Exactly——alittletoofast，itisbecauseitisbrightandglowing，youknow，mydearestlove。\'
Mrs。Skewtonheavedagentlesigh，supposedtocastashadowonthesurfaceofthatdaggeroflath，whereofhersusceptiblebosomwasthesheath：andleaningherheadononeside，intheCleopatramanner，lookedwithpensiveaffectiononherdarlingchild。
EdithhadturnedherfacetowardsMr。Dombeywhenhefirstaddressedher，andhadremainedinthatattitude，whilespeakingtohermother，andwhilehermotherspoketoher，asthoughofferinghimherattention，ifhehadanythingmoretosay。Therewassomethinginthemannerofthissimplecourtesy：almostdefiant，andgivingitthecharacterofbeingrenderedoncompulsion，orasamatteroftraffictowhichshewasareluctantparty：
againnotlostuponthatsameobserverwhowassmilingroundtheboard。
Itsethimthinkingofherashehadfirstseenher，whenshehadbelievedherselftobealoneamongthetrees。
Mr。Dombeyhavingnothingelsetosay，proposed——thebreakfastbeingnowfinished，andtheMajorgorged，likeanyBoaConstrictor——thattheyshouldstart。Abarouchebeinginwaiting，accordingtotheordersofthatgentleman，thetwoladies，theMajorandhimself，tooktheirseatsinit；theNativeandthewanpagemountedthebox，Mr。Towlinsonbeingleftbehind；andMr。Carker，onhorseback，broughtuptherear。
Mr。Carkercanteredbehindthecarriage，atthedistanceofahundredyardsorso，andwatchedit，duringalltheride，asifhewereacat，indeed，anditsfouroccupants，mice。Whetherhelookedtoonesideoftheroad，ortotheother——overdistantlandscape，withitssmoothundulations，wind-mills，corn，grass，beanfields，wild-flowers，farm-yards，hayricks，andthespireamongthewood——orupwardsinthesunnyair，wherebutterfliesweresportingroundhishead，andbirdswerepouringouttheirsongs——ordownward，wheretheshadowsofthebranchesinterlaced，andmadeatremblingcarpetontheroad——oronward，wheretheoverhangingtreesformedaislesandarches，dimwiththesoftenedlightthatsteepedthroughleaves——onecornerofhiseyewaseverontheformalheadofMr。Dombey，addressedtowardshim，andthefeatherinthebonnet，droopingsoneglectfullyandscornfullybetweenthem；muchashehadseenthehaughtyeyelidsdroop；
notleastso，whenthefacemetthatnowfrontingit。Once，andonceonly，didhiswaryglancereleasetheseobjects；andthatwas，whenaleapoveralowhedge，andagallopacrossafield，enabledhimtoanticipatethecarriagecomingbytheroad，andtobestandingready，atthejourney\'send，tohandtheladiesout。Then，andbutthen，hemetherglanceforaninstantinherfirstsurprise；butwhenhetouchedher，inalighting，withhissoftwhitehand，itoverlookedhimaltogetherasbefore。
Mrs。SkewtonwasbentontakingchargeofMr。Carkerherself，andshowinghimthebeautiesoftheCastle。Shewasdeterminedtohavehisarm，andtheMajor\'stoo。Itwoulddothatincorrigiblecreature：whowasthemostbarbarousinfidelinpointofpoetry：goodtobeinsuchcompany。
ThischancearrangementleftMr。DombeyatlibertytoescortEdith：whichhedid，stalkingbeforethemthroughtheapartmentswithagentlemanlysolemnity。
`Thosedarlingbyegonetimes，Mr。Carker，\'saidCleopatra，`withtheirdeliciousfortresses，andtheirdearolddungeons，andtheirdelightfulplacesoftorture，andtheirromanticvengeances，andtheirpicturesqueassaultsandsieges，andeverythingthatmakeslifetrulycharming！Howdreadfullywehavedegenerated！\'
`Yes，wehavefallenoffdeplorably，\'saidMr。Carker。
Thepeculiarityoftheirconversationwas，thatMrs。Skewton，inspiteofherecstasies，andMr。Carker，inspiteofhisurbanity，werebothintentonwatchingMr。DombeyandEdith。Withalltheirconversationalendowments，theyspokesomewhatdistractedly，andatrandominconsequence。
`WehavenoFaithleft，positively，\'saidMrs。Skewton，advancinghershrivelledear；forMr。DombeywassayingsomethingtoEdith。`WehavenoFaithinhedearoldBarons，whowerethemostdelightfulcreatures——orinthedearoldPriests，whowerethemostwarlikeofmen——oreveninthedaysofthatinestimableQueenBess，uponthewallthere，whichweresoextremelygolden。Dearcreature！ShewasallHeart！Andthatcharmingfatherofhers！IhopeyoudoatonHarrytheEighth！\'
`Iadmirehimverymuch，\'saidCarker。
`Sobluff！\'criedMrs。Skewton，`wasn\'the？Soburly。SotrulyEnglish。Suchapicture，too，hemakes，withhisdearlittlepeppyeyes，andhisbenevolentchin！\'
`Ah，ma\'am！\'saidCarker，stoppingshort；`butifyouspeakofpictures，there\'sacomposition！Whatgalleryintheworldcanproducethecounterpartofthat？\'
Asthesmilinggentlemanthusspake，hepointedthroughadoorwaytowhereMr。DombeyandEdithwerestandingaloneinthecentreofanotherroom。
Theywerenotinterchangingawordoralook。Standingtogether，arminarm，theyhadtheappearanceofbeingmoredividedthanifseashadrolledbetweenthem。Therewasadifferenceevenintheprideofthetwo，thatremovedthemfartherfromeachother，thanifonehadbeentheproudestandtheotherthehumblestspecimenofhumanityinallcreation。
He，self-important，unbending，formal，austere。She，lovelyandgracefulinanuncommondegree，buttotallyregardlessofherselfandhimandeverythingaround，andspurningherownattractionswithherhaughtybrowandlip，asiftheywereabadgeorliveryshehated。Sounmatchedwerethey，andopposed，soforcedandlinkedtogetherbyachainwhichadversehazardandmischancehadforged：thatfancymighthaveimaginedthepicturesonthewallsaroundthem，startledbytheunnaturalconjunction，andobservantofitintheirseveralexpressions。Grimknightsandwarriorslookedscowlingonthem。Achurchman，withhishandupraised，denouncedthemockeryofsuchacouplecomingtoGod\'saltar。Quietwatersinlandscapes，withthesunreflectedintheirdepths，asked，ifbettermeansofescapewerenotathand，wastherenodrowningleft？Ruinscried，`Lookhere，andseewhatWeare，weddedtouncongenialTime！\'Animals，opposedbynature，worriedoneanother，asamoraltothem。LovesandCupidstooktoflightafraid，andMartyrdomhadnosuchtormentinitspaintedhistoryofsuffering。
Nevertheless，Mrs。SkewtonwassocharmedbythesighttowhichMr。Carkerinvokedherattention，thatshecouldnotrefrainfromsaying，halfaloud，howsweet，howveryfullofsoulitwas！Edith，overhearing，lookedround，andflushedindignantscarlettoherhair。
`MydearestEdithknowsIwasadmiringher！\'saidCleopatra，tappingher，almosttimidly，onthebackwithherparasol。`Sweetpet！\'
AgainMr。Carkersawthestrifehehadwitnessedsounexpectedlyamongthetrees。Againhesawthehaughtylanguorandindifferencecomeoverit，andhideitlikeacloud。
Shedidnotraisehereyestohim；butwithaslightperemptorymotionofthem，seemedtobidhermothercomenear。Mrs。Skewtonthoughtitexpedienttounderstandthehint，andadvancingquickly，withhertwocavaliers，keptnearherdaughterfromthattime。
Mr。Carkernow，havingnothingtodistracthisattention，begantodiscourseuponthepicturesandtoselectthebest，andpointthemouttoMr。Dombey：speakingwithhisusualfamiliarrecognitionofMr。Dombey\'sgreatness，andrenderinghomagebyadjustinghiseye-glassforhim，orfindingouttherightplaceinhiscatalogue，orholdinghisstick，orthelike。TheseservicesdidnotsomuchoriginatewithMr。Carker，intruth，aswithMr。Dombeyhimself，whowasapttoasserthischieftainshipbysaying，withsubduedauthority，andinaneasyway——forhim——`Here，Carker，havethegoodnesstoassistme，willyou？\'whichthesmilinggentlemanalwaysdidwithpleasure。
Theymadethetourofthepictures，thewalls，crow\'snest，andsoforth；andastheywerestillonelittleparty，andtheMajorwasratherintheshade：beingsleepyduringtheprocessofdigestion：Mr。Carkerbecamecommunicativeandagreeable。Atfirst，headdressedhimselfforthemostparttoMrs。Skewton；butasthatsensitiveladywasinsuchecstasieswiththeworksofart，afterthefirstquarterofanhour，thatshecoulddonothingbutyawntheyweresuchperfectinspirations，sheobservedasareasonforthatmarkofrapture，hetransferredhisattentionstoMr。Dombey。Mr。Dombeysaidlittlebeyondanoccasional`Verytrue，Carker，\'
or`Indeed，Carker，\'buthetacitlyencouragedCarkertoproceed，andinwardlyapprovedofhisbehaviourverymuch：deemingitaswellthatsomebodyshouldtalk，andthinkingthathisremarks，whichwere，asonemightsay，abranchoftheparentestablishment，mightamuseMrs。Granger。Mr。Carker，whopossessedanexcellentdiscretion，nevertookthelibertyofaddressingthatlady，direct；butsheseemedtolisten，thoughsheneverlookedathim；andonceortwice，whenhewasemphaticinhispeculiarhumility，thetwilightsmilestoleoverherface，notasalight，butasadeepblackshadow。
WarwickCastlebeingatlengthprettywellexhausted，andtheMajorverymuchso：tosaynothingofMrs。Skewton，whosepeculiardemonstrationsofdelighthadbecomeveryfrequentindeed：thecarriagewasagainputinrequisition，andtheyrodetoseveraladmiredpointsofviewintheneighbourhood。Mr。Dombeyceremoniouslyobservedofoneofthese，thatasketch，howeverslight，fromthefairhandofMrs。Granger，wouldbearemembrancetohimofthatagreeableday：thoughhewantednoartificialremembrance，hewassurehereMr。Dombeymadeanotherofhisbows，whichhemustalwayshighlyvalue。WitherstheleanhavingEdith\'ssketch-bookunderhisarm，wasimmediatelycalleduponbyMrs。Skewtontoproducethesame：andthecarriagestopped，thatEdithmightmakethedrawing，whichMr。Dombeywastoputawayamonghistreasures。
`ButIamafraidItroubleyoutoomuch，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Bynomeans。Wherewouldyouwishittakenfrom？\'sheanswered，turningtohimwiththesameenforcedattentionasbefore。
Mr。Dombey，withanotherbow，whichcrackedthestarchinhiscravat，wouldbegtoleavethattotheArtist。
`Iwouldratheryouchoseforyourself，\'saidEdith。
`Supposethen，\'saidMr。Dombey，`wesayfromhere。Itappearsagoodspotforthepurpose，or——Carker，whatdoyouthink？\'
Therehappenedtobeintheforeground，atsomelittledistance，agroveoftrees，notunlikethatinwhichMr。Carkerhadmadehischainoffootstepsinthemorning，andwithaseatunderonetree，greatlyresembling，inthegeneralcharacterofitssituation，thepointwherehischainhadbroken。
`MightIventuretosuggesttoMrs。Granger，\'saidCarker，`thatthatisaninteresting——almostacurious——pointofview？\'
Shefollowedthedirectionofhisriding-whipwithhereyes，andraisedthemquicklytohisface。Itwasthesecondglancetheyhadexchangedsincetheirintroduction；andwouldhavebeenexactlylikethefirst，butthatitsexpressionwasplainer。
`Willyoulikethat？\'saidEdithtoMr。Dombey。
`Ishallbecharmed，\'saidMr。DombeytoEdith。
ThereforethecarriagewasdriventothespotwhereMr。Dombeywastobecharmed；andEdith，withoutmovingfromherseat，andopeninghersketch-bookwithherusualproudindifference，begantosketch。
`Mypencilsareallpointless，\'shesaid，stoppingandturningthemover。
`Prayallowme，\'saidMr。Dombey。`OrCarkerwilldoitbetter，asheunderstandsthesethings。Carker，havethegoodnesstoseetothesepencilsforMrs。Granger。\'
Mr。Carkerrodeupclosetothecarriage-dooronMrs。Granger\'sside，andlettingthereinfallonhishorse\'sneck，tookthepencilsfromherhandwithasmileandabow，andsatinthesaddleleisurelymendingthem。Havingdoneso，hebeggedtobeallowedtoholdthem，andtohandthemtoherastheywererequired；andthusMr。Carker，withmanycommendationsofMrs。Granger\'sextraordinaryskill——especiallyintrees——remainedcloseatherside，lookingoverthedrawingasshemadeit。Mr。Dombeyinthemeantimestoodboltuprightinthecarriagelikeahighlyrespectableghost，lookingontoo；whileCleopatraandtheMajordalliedastwoancientdovesmightdo。
`Areyousatisifiedwiththat，orshallIfinishitalittlemore？\'
saidEdith，showingthesketchtoMr。Dombey。
Mr。Dombeybeggedthatitmightnotbetouched；itwasperfection。
`Itismostextraordinary，\'saidCarker，bringingeveryoneofhisredgumstobearuponhispraise。`Iwasnotpreparedforanythingsobeautiful，andsounusualaltogether。\'
Thismighthaveappliedtothesketchernolessthantothesketch；
butMr。Carker\'smannerwasopennessitself——notastohismouthalone，butastohiswholespirit。SoitcontinuedtobewhilethedrawingwaslaidasideforMr。Dombey，andwhilethesketchingmaterialswereputup；
thenhehandedinthepencilswhichwerereceivedwithadistantacknowledgmentofhishelp，butwithoutalook，andtighteninghisrein，fellback，andfollowedthecarriageagain。
Thinking，perhaps，asherode，thateventhistrivialsketchhadbeenmadeanddeliveredtoitsowner，asifithadbeenbargainedforandbought。Thinking，perhaps，thatalthoughshehadassentedwithsuchperfectreadinesstohisrequest，herhaughtyface，bentoverthedrawing，orglancingatthedistantobjectsrepresentedinit，hadbeenthefaceofaproudwoman，engagedinasordidandmiserabletransaction。Thinking，perhaps，ofsuchthings：butsmilingcertainly，andwhileheseemedtolookabouthimfreely，inenjoymentoftheairandexercise，keepingalwaysthatsharpcornerofhiseyeuponthecarriage。
AstrollamongthehauntedruinsofKenilworth，andmoreridestomorepointsofview；mostofwhich，Mrs。SkewtonremindedMr。Dombey，Edithhadalreadysketched，ashehadseeninlookingoverherdrawings：
broughttheday\'sexpeditiontoaclose。Mrs。SkewtonandEdithweredriventotheirownlodgings；Mr。CarkerwasgraciouslyinvitedbyCleopatratoreturnthitherwithMr。DombeyandtheMajor，intheevening，tohearsomeofEdith\'smusic；andthethreegentlemenrepairedtotheirhoteldinner。
Thedinnerwasthecounterpartofyesterday\'s，exceptthattheMajorwastwenty-fourhoursmoretriumphantandlessmysterious。Edithwastoastedagain。Mr。Dombeywasagainagreeablyembarrassed。AndMr。
Carkerwasfullofinterestandpraise。
TherewerenoothervisitorsatMrs。Skewton\'s。Edith\'sdrawingswerestrewnabouttheroom，alittlemoreabundantlythanusualperhaps；
andWithers，thewanpage，handedroundalittlestrongertea。Theharpwasthere；thepianowasthere；andEdithsangandplayed。ButeventhemusicwasplayedbyEdithtoMr。Dombey\'sorder，asitwere，inthesameuncompromisingway。Asthus。
`Edith，mydearestlove，\'saidMrs。Skewton，halfanhouraftertea，`Mr。Dombeyisdyingtohearyou，Iknow。\'
`Mr。Dombeyhaslifeenoughlefttosaysoforhimself，mama，Ihavenodoubt。\'
`Ishallbeimmenselyobliged，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Whatdoyouwish？\'
`Piano？\'hesitatedMr。Dombey。
`Whateveryouplease。Youhaveonlytochoose。\'
Accordingly，shebeganwiththepiano。Itwasthesamewiththeharp；thesamewithhersinging；thesamewiththeselectionofthepiecesthatshesangandplayed。Suchfrigidandconstrained，yetpromptandpointedacquiescencewiththewishesheimposeduponher，andonnooneelse，wassufficientlyremarkabletopenetratethroughallthemysteriesofpicquet，andimpressitselfonMr。Carker\'skeenattention。NordidhelosesightofthefactthatMr。Dombeywasevidentlyproudofhispower，andlikedtoshowit。
Nevertheless，Mr。Carkerplayedsowell——somegameswiththeMajor，andsomewithCleopatra，whosevigilanceofeyeinrespectofMr。DombeyandEdithnolynxcouldhavesurpassed——thatheevenheightenedhispositioninthelady-mother\'sgoodgraces；andwhenontakingleaveheregrettedthathewouldbeobligedtoreturntoLondonnextmorning，Cleopatratrusted：
communityoffeelingnotbeingmetwitheveryday：thatitwasfarfrombeingthelasttimetheywouldmeet。
`Ihopeso，\'saidMr。Carker，withanexpressivelookatthecoupleinthedistance，ashedrewtowardsthedoor，followingtheMajor。`Ithinkso。\'
Mr。Dombey，whohadtakenastatelyleaveofEdith，bent，ormadesomeapproachtoabend，overCleopatra\'scouch，andsaid，inalowvoice：
`IhaverequestedMrs。Granger\'spermissiontocallonherto-morrowmorning——forapurpose——andshehasappointedtwelveo\'clock。MayIhopetohavethepleasureoffindingyouathome，madam，afterwards？\'
Cleopatrawassomuchflutteredandmoved，byhearingthis，ofcourse，incomprehensiblespeech，thatshecouldonlyshuthereyes，andshakeherhead，andgiveMr。Dombeyherhand；whichMr。Dombey，notexactlyknowingwhattodowith，dropped。
`Dombey，comealong！\'criedtheMajor，lookinginatthedoor。
`Damme，Sir，oldJoehasagreatmindtoproposeanalterationinthenameoftheRoyalHotel，andthatitshouldbecalledtheTreeJollyBachelors，inhonourofourselvesandCarker。\'WiththistheMajorslappedMr。Dombeyontheback，andwinkingoverhisshoulderattheladies，withafrightfultendencyofbloodtothehead，carriedhimoff。
Mrs。Skewtonreposedonhersofa，andEdithsatapart，byherharp，insilence。Themother，triflingwithherfan，lookedstealthilyatthedaughtermorethanonce，butthedaughter，broodinggloomilywithdowncasteyes，wasnottobedisturbed。
Thustheyremainedforalonghour，withoutaword，untilMrs。
Skewton\'smaidappeared，accordingtocustom，topreparehergraduallyfornight。Atnight，sheshouldhavebeenaskeleton，withdartandhour-glass，ratherthanawoman，thisattendant；forhertouchwasasthetouchofDeath。Thepaintedobjectshrivelledunderneathherhand；theformcollapsed，thehairdroppedoff，thearcheddarkeyebrowschangedtoscantytuftsofgrey；thepalelipsshrunk，theskinbecamecadaverousandloose；anold，worn，yellow，noddingwoman，withredeyes，aloneremainedinCleopatra\'splace，huddledup，likeaslovenlybundle，inagreasyflannelgown。
Theveryvoicewaschanged，asitaddressedEdith，whentheywerealoneagain。
`Whydon\'tyoutellme，\'itsaidsharply，`thatheiscominghereto-morrowbyappointment？\'
`Becauseyouknowit，\'returnedEdith，`Mother。\'
Themockingemphasisshelaidonthatoneword！
`Youknowhehasboughtme，\'sheresumed。`Orthathewill，to-morrow。
Hehasconsideredofhisbargain；hehasshownittohisfriend；heisevenratherproudofit；hethinksthatitwillsuithim，andmaybehadsufficientlycheap；andhewillbuyto-morrow。God，thatIhavelivedforthis，andthatIfeelit！\'
Compressintoonehandsomefacetheconsciousself-abasement，andtheburningindignationofahundredwomen，stronginpassionandinpride；andthereithiditselfwithtwowhiteshudderingarms。
`Whatdoyoumean？\'returnedtheangrymother。`Haven\'tyoufromachild——\'
`Achild！\'saidEdith，lookingather，`whenwasIachild？Whatchildhooddidyoueverleavetome？Iwasawoman——artful，designing，mercenary，layingsnaresformen——beforeIknewmyself，oryou，orevenunderstoodthebaseandwretchedaimofeverynewdisplayIlearnt。Yougavebirthtoawoman。Lookuponher。Sheisinherprideto-night。\'
Andasshespoke，shestruckherhanduponherbeautifulbosom，asthoughshewouldhavebeatendownherself。
`Lookatme，\'shesaid，`whohaveneverknownwhatitistohaveanhonestheart，andlove。Lookatme，taughttoschemeandplotwhenchildrenplay；andmarriedinmyyouth——anoldageofdesign——tooneforwhomI
hadnofeelingbutindifference。Lookatme，whomheleftawidow，dyingbeforehisinheritancedescendedtohim——ajudgmentonyou！welldeserved！——andtellmewhathasbeenmylifefortenyearssince。\'
`Wehavebeenmakingeveryefforttoendeavourtosecuretoyouagoodestablishment，\'rejoinedhermother。`Thathasbeenyourlife。Andnowyouhavegotit。\'
`Thereisnoslaveinamarket；thereisnohorseinafair：soshownandofferedandexaminedandparaded，mother，asIhavebeen，fortenshamefulyears，\'criedEdith，withaburningbrow，andthesamebitteremphasisontheoneword。`Isitnotso？HaveIbeenmadethebye-wordofallkindsofmen？Havefools，haveprofligates，haveboys，havedotards，dangledafterme，andonebyonerejectedme，andfallenoff，becauseyouweretooplainwithallyourcunning：yes，andtootrue，withallthosefalsepretences：untilwehavealmostcometobenotorious？Thelicenceoflookandtouch，\'shesaid，withflashingeyes，`haveIsubmittedtoit，inhalftheplacesofresortuponthemapofEngland。HaveIbeenhawkedandvendedhereandthereuntilthelastgrainofself-respectisdeadwithinme，andIloathemyself？Hasthisbeenmylatechildhood？
Ihadnonebefore。DonottellmethatIhad，to-night，ofallnightsinmylife！\'
`Youmighthavebeenwellmarried，\'saidhermother，`twentytimesatleast，Edith，ifyouhadgivenencouragementenough。\'
`No！Whotakesme，refusethatIam，andasIwelldeservetobe，\'sheanswered，raisingherhead，andtremblinginherenergyofshameandstormypride，`shalltakeme，asthismandoes，withnoartofmineputforthtolurehim。Heseesmeattheauction，andhethinksitwelltobuyme。Lethim！Whenhecametoviewme——perhapstobid——herequiredtoseetherollofmyaccomplishments。Igaveittohim。Whenhewouldhavemeshowoneofthem，tojustifyhispurchasetohismen，Irequireofhimtosaywhichhedemands，andIexhibitit。Iwilldonomore。Hemakesthepurchaseofhisownwill，andwithhisownsenseofitsworth，andthepowerofhismoney；andIhopeitmayneverdisappointhim。Ihavenotvauntedandpressedthebargain；neitherhaveyou，sofarasI
havebeenabletopreventyou。\'
`Youtalkstrangelyto-night，Edith，toyourownmother。\'
`Itseemssotome；strangertomethanyou，\'saidEdith。`Butmyeducationwascompletedlongago。Iamtoooldnow，andhavefallentoolow，bydegrees，totakeanewcourse，andtostopyours，andtohelpmyself。Thegermofallthatpurifiesawoman\'sbreast，andmakesittrueandgood，hasneverstirredinmine，andIhavenothingelsetosustainmewhenIdespisemyself。\'Therehadbeenatouchingsadnessinhervoice，butitwasgone，whenshewentontosay，withacurledlip，`So，aswearegenteelandpoor，Iamcontentthatweshouldbemaderichbythesemeans；allIsayis，IhavekepttheonlypurposeIhavehadthestrengthtoform——Ihadalmostsaidthepower，withyouatmyside，mother——andhavenottemptedthismanon。\'
`Thisman！Youspeak，\'saidhermother，`asifyouhatedhim。\'
`AndyouthoughtIlovedhim，didyounot？\'sheanswered，stoppingonherwayacrosstheroom，andlookinground。`ShallItellyou，\'shecontinued，withhereyesfixedonhermother，`whoalreadyknowsusthoroughly，andreadsusright，andbeforewhomIhaveevenlessofself-respectorconfidencethanbeforemyowninwardself；beingsomuchdegradedbyhisknowledgeofme？\'
`Thisisanattack，Isuppose，\'returnedhermothercoldly，`onpoor，unfortunatewhat\'s-his-name——Mr。Carker！Yourwantofself-respectandconfidence，mydear，inreferencetothatpersonwhoisveryagreeable，itstrikesme，isnotlikelytohavemucheffectonyourestablishment。
Whydoyoulookatmesohard？Areyouill？\'
Edithsuddenlyletfallherface，asifithadbeenstung，andwhileshepressedherhandsuponit，aterribletremblecreptoverherwholeframe。Itwasquicklygone；andwithherusualstep，shepassedoutoftheroom。
Themaidwhoshouldhavebeenaskeleton，thenreappeared，andgivingonearmtohermistress，whoappearedtohavetakenoffhermannerwithhercharms，andtohaveputonparalysiswithherflannelgown，collectedtheashesofCleopatra，andcarriedthemawayintheother，readyfortomorrow\'srevivification。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter28[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXVIIIAlterations`SOthedayhascomeatlength，Susan，\'saidFlorencetotheexcellentNipper，`whenwearegoingbacktoourquiethome！\'
Susandrewinherbreathwithanamountofexpressionnoteasilydescribed，andfurtherrelievingherfeelingswithasmartcough，answered，`Veryquietindeed，MissFloy，nodoubt。Excessiveso。\'
`WhenIwasachild，\'saidFlorence，thoughtfully，andaftermusingforsomemoments，`didyoueverseethatgentlemanwhohastakenthetroubletoridedownheretospeaktome，nowthreetimes——threetimes，Ithink，Susan？\'
`Threetimes，Miss，\'returnedtheNipper。`OncewhenyouwasoutawalkingwiththemSket——\'
Florencegentlylookedather，andMissNippercheckedherself。
`WithSirBarnetandhislady，Imeantosay，Miss，andtheyounggentleman。Andtwoeveningssincethen。\'
`WhenIwasachild，andwhencompanyusedtocometovisitpapa，didyoueverseethatgentlemanathome，Susan？\'askedFlorence。
`Well，Miss，\'returnedhermaid，afterconsidering，`Ireallycouldn\'tsayIeverdid。Whenyourpoordearmadied，MissFloy，Iwasverynewinthefamily，yousee，andmyelement：\'theNipperbridled，asopiningthathermeritshadbeenalwaysdesignedlyextinguishedbyMr。
Dombey：`wasthefloorbelowtheattics。\'
`Tobesure，\'saidFlorence，stillthoughtfully；`youarenotlikelytohaveknownwhocametothehouse。Iquiteforgot。\'
`Not，Miss，butwhatwetalkedaboutthefamilyandvisitors，\'
saidSusan，`andbutwhatIheardmuchsaid，althoughthenursebeforeMrs。RichardsdidmakeunpleasantremarkswhenIwasincompany，andhintatlittlePitchers，butthatcouldonlybeattributed，poorthing，\'
observedSusan，withcomposedforbearance，`tohabitsofintoxication，forwhichshewasrequiredtoleave，anddid。\'
Florence，whowasseatedatherchamberwindow，withherfacerestingonherhand，satlookingout，andhardlyseemedtohearwhatSusansaid，shewassolostinthought。
`Atallevents，Miss，\'saidSusan，`Irememberverywellthatthissamegentleman，Mr。Carker，wasalmost，ifnotquite，asgreatagentlemanwithyourPapathen，asheisnow。Itusedtobesaidinthehousethen，Miss，thathewasattheheadofallyourPa\'saffairsintheCity，andmanagedthewhole，andthatyourPamindedhimmorethananybody，which，beggingyourpardon，MissFloy，hemighteasydo，forhenevermindedanybodyelse。Iknewthat，PitcherasImighthavebeen。\'
SusanNipper，withaninjuredremembranceofthenursebeforeMrs。Richards，emphasised`Pitcher\'strongly。
`AndthatMr。Carkerhasnotfallenoff，Miss，\'shepursued，`buthasstoodhisground，andkepthiscreditwithyourPa，IknowfromwhatisalwayssaidamongourpeoplebythatPerch，wheneverhecomestothehouse；andthoughhe\'stheweakestweedintheworld，MissFloy，andnoonecanhaveamoment\'spatiencewiththeman，heknowswhatgoesonintheCitytolerablewell，andsaysthatyourPadoesnothingwithoutMr。
Carker，andleavesalltoMr。Carker，andactsaccordingtoMr。Carker，andhasMr。Carkeralwaysathiselbow，andIdobelievethathebelievesthatwashiestofPerches！thatafteryourPa，theEmperorofIndiaisthechildunborntoMr。Carker。\'
NotawordofthiswaslostonFlorence，who，withanawakenedinterestinSusan\'sspeech，nolongergazedabstractedlyontheprospectwithout，butlookedather，andlistenedwithattention。
`Yes，Susan，\'shesaid，whenthatyoungladyhadconcluded。`HeisinPapa\'sconfidence，andishisfriend，Iamsure。\'
Florence\'smindranhighonthistheme，andhaddoneforsomedays。Mr。Carker，inthetwovisitswithwhichhehadfolloweduphisfirstone，hadassumedaconfidencebetweenhimselfandher——arightonhisparttobemysteriousandstealthy，intellingherthattheshipwasstillunheardof——akindofmildlyrestrainedpowerandauthorityoverher——thatmadeherwonder，andcausedhergreatuneasiness。Shehadnomeansofrepellingit，oroffreeingherselffromthewebhewasgraduallywindingabouther；
forthatwouldhaverequiredsomeartandknowledgeoftheworld，opposedtosuchaddressishis；andFlorencehadnone。True，hehadsaidnomoretoherthanthattherewasnonewsoftheship，andthathefearedtheworst；buthowhecametoknowthatshewasinterestedintheship，andwhyhehadtherighttosignifyhisknowledgetoher，soinsidiouslyanddarkly，troubledFlorenceverymuch。