ThisconductonthepartofMr。Carker，andherhabitofoftenconsideringitwithwonderanduneasiness，begantoinvesthimwithanuncomfortablefascinationinFlorence\'sthoughts。Amoredistinctremembranceofhisfeatures，voice，andmanner：whichshesometimescourted，asameansofreducinghimtothelevelofarealpersonage，capableofexertingnogreatercharmoverherthananother：didnotremovethevagueimpression。
Andyetheneverfrowned，orlookeduponherwithanairofdislikeoranimosity，butwasalwayssmilingandserene。
Again，Florence，inpursuitofherstrongpurposewithreferencetoherfather，andhersteadyresolutiontobelievethatshewasherselfunwittinglytoblamefortheirsocoldanddistantrelations，wouldrecalltomindthatthisgentlemanwashisconfidentialfriend，andwouldthink，withananxiousheart，couldherstrugglingtendencytodislikeandfearhimbeapartofthatmisfortuneinher，whichhadturnedherfather\'sloveadrift，andlefthersoalone？Shedreadedthatitmightbe；sometimesbelieveditwas：thensheresolvedthatshewouldtrytoconquerthiswrongfeeling；persuadedherselfthatshewashonouredandencouragedbythenoticeofherfather\'sfriend；andhopedthatpatientobservationofhimandtrustinhimwouldleadherbleedingfeetalongthatstonyroadwhichendedinherfather\'sheart。
Thus，withnoonetoadviseher——forshecouldadvisewithnoonewithoutseemingtocomplainagainsthim——gentleFlorencetossedonanuneasyseaofdoubtandhope；andMr。Carker，likeascalymonsterofthedeep，swamdownbelow，andkepthisshiningeyeuponher。
Florencehadanewreasoninallthisforwishingtobeathomeagain。Herlonelylifewasbettersuitedtohercourseoftimidhopeanddoubt；andshefearedsometimes，thatinherabsenceshemightmisssomehopefulchanceoftestifyingheraffectionforherfather。Heavenknows，shemighthavesethermindatrest，poorchild！onthislastpoint；butherslightedlovewasflutteringwithinher，and，eveninhersleep，itflewawayindreams，andnestled，likeawanderingbirdcomehome，uponherfather\'sneck。
OfWaltershethoughtoften。Ah！howoften，whenthenightwasgloomy，andthewindwasblowingroundthehouse！Buthopewasstronginherbreast。Itissodifficultfortheyoungandardent，evenwithsuchexperienceashers，toimagineyouthandardourquenchedlikeaweakflame，andthebrightdayoflifemergingintonight，atnoon，thathopewasstrongyet。HertearsfellfrequentlyforWalter\'ssufferings；butrarelyforhissupposeddeath，andneverlong。
ShehadwrittentotheoldInstrument-maker，buthadreceivednoanswertohernote：whichindeedrequirednone。ThusmattersstoodwithFlorenceonthemorningwhenshewasgoinghome，gladly，toheroldsecludedlife。
DoctorandMrs。Blimber，accompaniedmuchagainsthiswillbytheirvaluedcharge，MasterBarnet，werealreadygonebacktoBrighton，wherethatyounggentlemanandhisfellow-pilgrimstoParnassuswerethen，nodoubt，inthecontinualresumptionoftheirstudies。Theholidaytimewaspastandover；mostofthejuvenileguestsatthevillahadtakentheirdeparture：andFlorence\'slongvisitwascometoanend。
Therewasoneguest，however，albeitnotresidentwithinthehouse，whohadbeenveryconstantinhisattentiontothefamily，andwhostillremaineddevotedtothem。ThiswasMr。Toots，whoafterrenewing，someweeksago，theacquaintancehehadhadthehappinessofformingwithSkettlesJunior，onthenightwhenhebursttheBlimberianbondsandsoaredintofreedomwithhisringon，calledregularlyeveryotherday，andleftaperfectpackofcardsatthehall-door；somanyindeed，thattheceremonywasquiteadealonthepartofMr。Toots，andahandatwhistonthepartoftheservant。
Mr。Toots，likewise，withtheboldandhappyideaofpreventingthefamilyfromforgettinghimbutthereisreasontosupposethatthisexpedientoriginatedintheteemingbrainoftheChicken，hadestablishedasix-oaredcutter，mannedbyaquaticfriendsoftheChicken\'sandsteeredbythatillustriouscharacterinperson，whoworeabrightredfireman\'scoatforthepurpose，andconcealedtheperpetualblackeyewithwhichhewasafflicted，beneathagreenshade。Previoustotheinstitutionofthisequipage，Mr。TootssoundedtheChickenonahypotheticalcase，as，supposingtheChickentobeenamouredofayoungladynamedMary，andtohaveconceivedtheintentionofstartingaboatofhisown，whatwouldhecallthatboat？TheChickenreplied，withdiversstrongasseverations，thathewouldeitherchristenitPollorTheChicken\'sDelight。Improvingonthisidea，Mr。Toots，afterdeepstudyandtheexerciseofmuchinvention，resolvedtocallhisboatTheToots\'sJoy，asadelicatecomplimenttoFlorence，ofwhichnomanknowingtheparties，couldpossiblymisstheappreciation。
Stretchedonacrimsoncushioninhisgallantbark，withhisshoesintheair，Mr。Toots，intheexerciseofhisproject，hadcomeuptheriver，dayafterday，andweekafterweek，andhadflittedtoandfro，nearSirBarnet\'sgarden，andhadcausedhiscrewtocutacrossandacrosstheriveratsharpangles，forhisbetterexhibitiontoanylookers-outfromSirBarnet\'swindows，andhadhadsuchevolutionsperformedbytheToots\'sJoyashadfilledalltheneighbouringpartofthewater-sidewithastonishment。ButwheneverhesawanyoneinSirBarnet\'sgardenonthebrinkoftheriver，Mr。Tootsalwaysfeignedtobepassingthere，byacombinationofcoincidencesofthemostsingularandunlikelydescription。
`Howareyou，Toots？\'SirBarnetwouldsay，wavinghishandfromthelawn，whiletheartfulChickensteeredcloseinshore。
`Howdedo，SirBarnet？\'Mr。Tootswouldanswer，`WhatasurprisingthingthatIshouldseeyouhere！\'
Mr。Toots，inhissagacity，alwayssaidthis，asif，insteadofthatbeingSirBarnet\'shouse，itweresomedesertededificeonthebanksoftheNile，orGanges。
`Ineverwassosurprised！\'Mr。Tootswouldexclaim——`IsMissDombeythere？\'
WhereuponFlorencewouldappear，perhaps。
`Oh，Diogenesisquitewell，MissDombey，\'Mr。Tootswouldcry。
`Icalledtoaskthismorning。\'
`Thankyouverymuch！\'thepleasantvoiceofFlorencewouldreply。
`Won\'tyoucomeashore，Toots？\'SirBarnetwouldsaythen。`Come！
you\'reinnohurry。Comeandseeus。\'
`Oh，it\'sofnoconsequence，thankyou！\'Mr。Tootswouldblushinglyrejoin。`IthoughtMissDombeymightliketoknow，that\'sall。Good-bye！\'
AndpoorMr。Toots，whowasdyingtoaccepttheinvitation，buthadn\'tthecouragetodoit，signedtotheChicken，withanachingheart，andawaywenttheJoy，cleavingthewaterlikeanarrow。
TheJoywaslyinginastateofextraordinarysplendour，atthegardensteps，onthemorningofFlorence\'sdeparture。Whenshewentdownstairstotakeleave，afterhertalkwithSusan，shefoundMr。Tootsawaitingherinthedrawing-room。
`Oh，howdedo，MissDombey？\'saidthestrickenToots，alwaysdreadfullydisconcertedwhenthedesireofhisheartwasgained，andhewasspeakingtoher；`thankyou，I\'mverywellindeed，Ihopeyou\'rethesame，sowasDiogenesyesterday。\'
`Youareverykind，\'saidFlorence。
`Thankyou，it\'sofnoconsequence，\'retortedMr。Toots。`Ithoughtperhapsyouwouldn\'tmind，inthisfineweather，cominghomebywater，MissDombey。There\'splentyofroomintheboatforyourmaid。\'
`Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，\'saidFlorence，hesitating。`I
reallyam——butIwouldrathernot。\'
`Oh，it\'sofnoconsequence，\'retortedMr。Toots。`Goodmorning！\'
`Won\'tyouwaitandseeLadySkettles？\'askedFlorence，kindly。
`Ohno，thankyou，\'returnedMr。Toots，`it\'sofnoconsequenceatall。\'
SoshywasMr。Tootsonsuchoccasions，andsoflurried！ButLadySkettlesenteringatthemoment，Mr。Tootswassuddenlyseizedwithapassionforaskingherhowshedid，andhopingshewasverywell；norcouldMr。
Tootsbyanypossibilityleaveoffshakinghandswithher，untilSirBarnetappeared：towhomheimmediatelyclungwiththetenacityofdesperation。
`Wearelosing，to-day，Toots，\'saidSirBarnet，turningtowardsFlorence，`thelightofourhouse，Iassureyou。\'
`Oh，it\'sofnoconseqImeanyes，tobesure，\'falteredtheembarrassedToots。`GOODmorning！\'
Notwithstandingtheemphaticnatureofthisfarewell，Mr。Toots，insteadofgoingaway，stoodleeringabouthim，vacantly。Florence，torelievehim，badeadieu，withmanythanks，toLadySkettles，andgaveherarmtoSirBarnet。
`MayIbegofyou，mydearMissDombey，\'saidherhost，asheconductedhertothecarriage，`topresentmybestcomplimentstoyourdearPapa？\'
ItwasdistressingtoFlorencetoreceivethecommission，forshefeltasifshewereimposingonSirBarnetbyallowinghimtobelievethatakindnessrenderedtoher，wasrenderedtoherfather。Asshecouldnotexplain，however，shebowedherheadandthankedhim；andagainshethoughtthatthedullhome，freefromsuchembarrassments，andsuchremindersofhersorrow，washernaturalandbestretreat。
Suchofherlatefriendsandcompanionsaswereyetremainingatthevilla，camerunningfromwithin，andfromthegarden，tosaygood-bye。
Theywereallattachedtoher，andveryearnestintakingleaveofher。
Eventhehouseholdweresorryforhergoing，andtheservantscamenoddingandcurtseyingroundthecarriagedoor。AsFlorencelookedroundonthekindfaces，andsawamongthemthoseofSirBarnetandhislady，andofMr。Toots，whowaschucklingandstaringatherfromadistance，shewasremindedofthenightwhenPaulandshehadcomefromDoctorBlimber\'s：
andwhenthecarriagedroveaway，herfacewaswetwithtears。
Sorrowfultears，buttearsofconsolation，too；forallthesoftermemoriesconnectedwiththedulloldhousetowhichshewasreturningmadeitdeartoher，astheyroseup。Howlongitseemedsinceshehadwanderedthroughthesilentrooms：sinceshehadlastcrept，softlyandafraid，intothoseherfatheroccupied：sinceshehadfeltthesolemnbutyetsoothinginfluenceofthebeloveddeadineveryactionofherdailylife！Thisnewfarewellremindedher，besides，ofherpartingwithpoorWalter：ofhislooksandwordsthatnight：andofthegraciousblendingshehadnoticedinhim，oftendernessforthoseheleftbehind，withcourageandhighspirit。
Hislittlehistorywasassociatedwiththeoldhousetoo，andgaveitanewclaimandholduponherheart。
EvenSusanNippersoftenedtowardsthehomeofsomanyyears，astheywereontheirwaytowardsit。Gloomyasitwas，andrigidjusticeassherenderedtoitsgloom，sheforgaveitagreatdeal。`Ishallbegladtoseeitagain，Idon\'tdeny，Miss，\'saidtheNipper。`Thereain\'tmuchinittoboastof，butIwouldn\'thaveitburntorpulleddown，neither！\'
`You\'llbegladtogothroughtheoldrooms，won\'tyou，Susan？\'
saidFlorence，smiling。
`Well，Miss，\'returnedtheNipper，softeningmoreandmoretowardsthehouse，astheyapproacheditnearer，`Iwon\'tdenybutwhatIshall，thoughIshallhate\'emagain，to-morrow，verylikely。\'
Florencefeltthat，forher，therewasgreaterpeacewithinitthanelsewhere。Itwasbetterandeasiertokeephersecretshutupthere，amongthetalldarkwalls，thantocarryitabroadintothelight，andtrytohideitfromacrowdofhappyeyes。Itwasbettertopursuethestudyofherlovingheart，alone，andfindnonewdiscouragementsinlovingheartsabouther。Itwaseasiertohope，andpray，andloveon，alluncaredfor，yetwithconstancyandpatience，inthetranquilsanctuaryofsuchremembrances：althoughitmouldered，rusted，anddecayedabouther：thaninanewscene，letitsgaietybewhatitwould。Shewelcomedbackheroldenchanteddreamoflife，andlongedfortheolddarkdoortocloseuponher，onceagain。
Fullofsuchthoughts，theyturnedintothelongandsombrestreet。
Florencewasnotonthatsideofthecarriagewhichwasnearesttoherhome，andasthedistancelessenedbetweenthemandit，shelookedoutofherwindowforthechildrenovertheway。
Shewasthusengaged，whenanexclamationfromSusancausedhertoturnquicklyround。
`Why，Graciousme！\'criedSusan，breathless，`where\'sourhouse！\'
`Ourhouse！\'saidFlorence。
Susan，drawinginherheadfromthewindow，thrustitoutagain，drewitinagainasthecarriagestopped，andstaredathermistressinamazement。
Therewasalabyrinthofscaffoldingraisedallroundthehousefromthebasementtotheroof。Loadsofbricksandstones，andheapsofmortar，andpilesofwood，blockeduphalfthewidthandlengthofthebroadstreetattheside。Ladderswereraisedagainstthewalls：labourerswereclimbingupanddown；menwereatworkuponthestepsofthescaffolding：
paintersanddecoratorswerebusyinside；greatrollsofornamentalpaperwerebeingdeliveredfromacartatthedoor；anupholsterer\'swaggonalsostoppedtheway；nofurniturewastobeseenthroughthegapingandbrokenwindowsinanyoftherooms；nothingbutworkmen，andtheimplementsoftheirseveraltradesswarmingfromthekitchenstothegarrets。Insideandoutsidealike：bricklayers，painters，carpenters，masons：hammer，hod，brush，pickaxe，saw，andtrowel：allatworktogether，infullchorus。
Florencedescendedfromthecoach，halfdoubtingifitwere，orcouldbetherighthouse，untilsherecognizedTowlinson，withasun-burntface，standingatthedoortoreceiveher。
`Thereisnothingthematter？\'inquiredFlorence。
`Ohno，Miss。\'
`Therearegreatalterationsgoingon。\'
`Yes，Miss，greatalterations，\'saidTowlinson。
Florencepassedhimasifshewereinadream，andhurriedupstairs。Thegarishlightwasinthelong-darkeneddrawing-room，andtherewerestepsandplatforms，andmeninpapercaps，inthehighplaces。Hermother\'spicturewasgonewiththerestofthemoveables，andonthemarkwhereithadbeen，wasscrawledinchalk，`thisroomin-panel。Greenandgold。\'Thestaircasewasalabyrinthofpostsandplanksliketheout-sideofthehouse，andawholeOlympusofplumbersandglazierswasreclininginvariousattitudes，ontheskylight。Herownroomwasnotyettouchedwithin，buttherewerebeamsandboardsraisedagainstitwithout，baulkingthedaylight。Shewentupswiftlytothatotherbedroom，wherethelittlebedwas；andadarkgiantofamanwithapipeinhismouth，andhisheadtiedupinapocket-handkerchief，wasstaringinatthewindow。
ItwasherethatSusanNipper，whohadbeeninquestofFlorence，foundher，andsaid，wouldshegodownstairstoherPapa，whowishedtospeaktoher。
`Athome！andwishingtospeaktome！\'criedFlorence，trembling。
Susan，whowasinfinitelymoredistraughtthanFlorenceherself，repeatedhererrand；andFlorence，paleandagitated，hurrieddownagain，withoutamoment\'shesitation。Shethoughtuponthewaydown，wouldshedaretokisshim？Thelongingofherheartresolvedher，andshethoughtshewould。
Herfathermighthaveheardthatheartbeat，whenitcameintohispresence。Oneinstant，anditwouldhavebeatagainsthisbreast——
Buthewasnotalone。Thereweretwoladiesthere；andFlorencestopped。Strivingsohardwithheremotion，thatifherbrutefriendDihadnotburstinandoverwhelmedherwithhiscaressesasawelcomehome——atwhichoneoftheladiesgavealittlescream，andthatdivertedherattentionfromherself——shewouldhaveswooneduponthefloor。
`Florence，\'saidherfather，puttingouthishand：sostifflythatitheldheroff：`howdoyoudo？\'
Florencetookthehandbetweenherown，andputtingittimidlytoherlips，yieldedtoitswithdrawal。Ittouchedthedoorinshuttingit，withquiteasmuchendearmentasithadtouchedher。
`Whatdogisthat？\'saidMr。Dombey，displeased。
`Itisadog，Papa——fromBrighton。\'
`Well！\'saidMr。Dombey；andacloudpassedoverhisface，forheunderstoodher。
`Heisverygood-tempered，\'saidFlorence，addressingherselfwithhernaturalgraceandsweetnesstothetwoladystrangers。`Heisonlygladtoseeme。Prayforgivehim。\'
Shesawintheglancetheyinterchanged，thattheladywhohadscreamed，andwhowasseated，wasold；andthattheotherlady，whostoodnearherPapa，wasverybeautiful，andofanelegantfigure。
`Mrs。Skewton，\'saidherfather，turningtothefirst，andholdingouthishand，`thisismydaughterFlorence。\'
`Charming，Iamsure，\'observedthelady，puttingupherglass。
`Sonatural！MydarlingFlorence，youmustkissme，ifyouplease。\'
Florencehavingdoneso，turnedtowardstheotherlady，bywhomherfatherstoodwaiting。
`Edith，\'saidMr。Dombey，`thisismydaughterFlorence。Florence，thisladywillsoonbeyourMama。\'
Florencestarted，andlookedupatthebeautifulfaceinaconflictofemotions，amongwhichthetearsthatnameawakened，struggledforamomentwithsurprise，interest，admiration，andanindefinablesortoffear。Thenshecriedout，`Oh，Papa，mayyoubehappy！mayyoubevery，veryhappyallyourlife！\'andthenfellweepingonthelady\'sbosom。
Therewasashortsilence。Thebeautifullady，whoatfirsthadseemedtohesitatewhetherornosheshouldadvancetoFlorence，heldhertoherbreast，andpressedthehandwithwhichsheclaspedher，closeaboutherwaist，asiftoreassureherandcomforther。Notonewordpassedthelady\'slips。ShebentherheaddownoverFlorence，andshekissedheronthecheek，butshesaidnoword。
`Shallwegoonthroughtherooms，\'saidMr。Dombey，`andseehowourworkmenaredoing？Prayallowme，mydearmadam。\'
HesaidthisinofferinghisarmtoMrs。Skewton，whohadbeenlookingatFlorencethroughherglass，asthoughpicturingtoherselfwhatshemightbemade，bythefashion——fromherowncopiousstorehouse，nodoubt——ofalittlemoreHeartandNature。Florencewasstillsobbingonthelady\'sbreast，andholdingtoher，whenMr。DombeywasheardtosayfromtheConservatory：
`LetusaskEdith。Dearme，whereisshe？\'
`Edith，mydear！\'criedMrs。Skewton，`whereareyou？LookingforMr。Dombeysomewhere，Iknow。Wearehere，mylove。\'
ThebeautifulladyreleasedherholdofFlorence，andpressingherlipsoncemoreuponherface，withdrewhurriedly，andjoinedthem。
Florenceremainedstandinginthesameplace：happy，sorry，joyful，andintears，sheknewnothow，orhowlong，butallatonce：whenhernewMamacameback，andtookherinherarmsagain。
`Florence，\'saidthelady，hurriedly，andlookingintoherfacewithgreatearnestness。`Youwillnotbeginbyhatingme？\'
`Byhatingyou，Mama？\'criedFlorence，windingherarmroundherneck，andreturningthelook。
`Hush！Beginbythinkingwellofme，\'saidthebeautifullady。
`BeginbybelievingthatIwilltrytomakeyouhappy，andthatIampreparedtoloveyou，Florence。Good-bye。Weshallmeetagainsoon。Good-bye！Don\'tstayhere，now。\'
Againshepressedhertoherbreast——shehadspokeninarapidmanner，butfirmly——andFlorencesawherrejointhemintheotherroom。
AndnowFlorencebegantohopethatshewouldlearnfromhernewandbeautifulMama，howtogainherfather\'slove；andinhersleepthatnight，inherlostoldhome，herownMamasmiledradiantlyuponthehope，andblessedit。DreamingFlorence！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter29[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIXTheOpeningoftheEyesofMrs。ChickMISSTOX，allunconsciousofanysuchrareappearancesinconnexionwithMr。Dombey\'shouse，asscaffoldingsandladders，andmenwiththeirheadstiedupinpocket-handkerchiefs，glaringinatthewindowslikeflyinggeniiorstrangebirds，——havingbreakfastedonemorningataboutthiseventfulperiodoftime，onhercustomaryviands；towit，oneFrenchrollrasped，oneeggnewlaidorwarrantedtobe，andonelittlepotoftea，whereinwasinfusedonelittlesilverscoopfulofthatherbonbehalfofMissTox，andonelittlesilverscoopfulonbehalfoftheteapot——aflightoffancyinwhichgoodhousekeepersdelight；wentupstairstosetforththebirdwaltzontheharpsichord，towaterandarrangetheplants，todustthenick-nacks，andaccordingtoherdailycustom，tomakeherlittledrawing-roomthegarlandofPrincess\'sPlace。
MissToxenduedherselfwithapairofancientgloves，likedeadleaves，inwhichshewasaccustomedtoperformtheseavocations——hiddenfromhumansightatothertimesinatabledrawer——andwentmethodicallytowork；beginningwiththebirdwaltz；passing，byanaturalassociationofideas，toherbird——averyhigh-shoulderedcanary，strickeninyears，andmuchrumpled，butapiercingsinger，asPrincess\'sPlacewellknew；
taking，nextinorder，thelittlechinaornaments，paperfly-cages，andsoforth；andcominground，ingoodtime，totheplants，whichgenerallyrequiredtobesnippedhereandtherewithapairofscissors，forsomebotanicalreasonthatwasverypowerfulwithMissTox。
MissToxwasslowincomingtotheplants，thismorning。Theweatherwaswarm，thewindsoutherly；andtherewasasighofthesummer-timeinPrincess\'sPlace，thatturnedMissTox\'sthoughtsuponthecountry。Thepot-boyattachedtothePrincess\'sArmshadcomeoutwithacanandtrickledwater，inaflowingpattern，alloverPrincess\'sPlace，anditgavetheweedygroundafreshscent——quiteagrowingscent，MissToxsaid。Therewasatinyblinkofsunpeepinginfromthegreatstreetroundthecorner，andthesmokysparrowshoppedoveritandbackagain，brighteningastheypassed：orbathedinit，likeastream，andbecameglorifiedsparrows，unconnectedwithchimneys。LegendsinpraiseofGinger-Beer，withpictorialrepresentationsofthirstycustomerssubmergedintheeffervescence，orstunnedbytheflyingcorks，wereconspicuousinthewindowofthePrincess\'sArms。Theyweremakinglatehay，somewhereoutoftown；andthoughthefragrancehadalongwaytocome，andmanycounterfragrancestocontendwithamongthedwellingsofthepoormayGodrewardtheworthygentlemenwhostickleforthePlagueaspartandparcelofthewisdomofourancestors，andwhodotheirlittlebesttokeepthosedwellingsmiserable！，yetitwaswaftedfaintlyintoPrincess\'sPlace，whisperingofNatureandherwholesomeair，assuchthingswill，evenuntoprisonersandcaptives，andthosewhoaredesolateandoppressed，inveryspiteofaldermenandknightstoboot：atwhosesagenod——andhowtheynod！——therollingworldstandsstill！
MissToxsatdownuponthewidow-seat，andthoughtofhergoodpapadeceased——Mr。Tox，oftheCustomsDepartmentofthepublicservice；
andofherchildhood，passedataseaport，amongaconsiderablequantityofcoldtar，andsomerusticity。Shefellintoasoftenedremembranceofmeadows，inoldtime，gleamingwithbuttercups，likesomanyinvertedfirmamentsofgoldenstars；andhowshehadmadechainsofdandelion-stalksforyouthfulvowersofeternalconstancy，dressedchieflyinnankeen；andhowsoonthosefettershadwitheredandbroken。
Sittingonthewindow-seat，andlookingoutuponthesparrowsandtheblinkofsun，MissToxthoughtlikewiseofhergoodmamadeceased——sistertotheownerofthepowderedheadandpigtail——ofhervirtuesandherrheumatism。
Andwhenamanwithbulgylegs，andaroughvoice，andaheavybasketonhisheadthatcrushedhishatintoamereblackmuffin，camecryingflowersdownPrincess\'sPlace，makinghistimidlittlerootsofdaisiesshudderinthevibrationofeveryyellhegave，asthoughhehadbeenanogre，hawkinglittlechildren，summerrecollectionsweresostronguponMissTox，thatsheshookherhead，andmurmuredshewouldbecomparativelyoldbeforesheknewit——whichseemedlikely。
Inherpensivemood，MissTox\'sthoughtswentwanderingonMr。Dombey\'strack；probablybecausetheMajorhadreturnedhometohislodgingsopposite，andhadjustbowedtoherfromhiswindow。WhatotherreasoncouldMissToxhaveforconnectingMr。Dombeywithhersummerdaysanddandelionfetters？
Washemorecheerful？thoughtMissTox。Washereconciledtothedecreesoffate？Wouldheevermarryagain？andifyes，whom？Whatsortofpersonnow！
Aflush——itwaswarmweather——overspreadMissTox\'sface，as，whileentertainingthesemeditations，sheturnedherhead，andwassurprisedbythereflectionofherthoughtfulimageinthechimney-glass。AnotherflushsucceededwhenshesawalittlecarriagedriveintoPrincess\'sPlace，andmakestraightforherowndoor。MissToxarose，tookupherscissorshastily，andsocoming，atlast，totheplants，wasverybusywiththemwhenMrs。Chickenteredtheroom。
`Howismysweetestfriend！\'exclaimedMissTox，withopenarms。
AlittlestatelinesswasmingledwithMissTox\'ssweetestfriend\'sdemeanour，butshekissedMissTox，andsaid，`Lucretia，thankyou，Iamprettywell。Ihopeyouarethesame。Hem！\'
Mrs。Chickwaslabouringunderapeculiarlittlemonosyllabiccough；asortofprimer，oreasyintroductiontotheartofcoughing。
`Youcallveryearly，andhowkindthatis，mydear！\'pursuedMissTox。`Now，haveyoubreakfasted？\'
`Thankyou，Lucretia，\'saidMrs。Chick。`Ihave。Itookanearlybreakfast\'——thegoodladyseemedcuriousonthesubjectofPrincess\'sPlace，andlookedallrounditasshespoke——`withmybrother，whohascomehome。\'
`Heisbetter，Itrust，mylove，\'falteredMissTox。
`Heisgreatlybetter，thankyou。Hem！\'
`MydearLouisamustbecarefulofthatcough，\'remarkedMissTox。
`It\'snothing，\'returnedMrs。Chick。`It\'smerelychangeofweather。
Wemustexpectchange。\'
`Ofweather？\'askedMissTox，inhersimplicity。
`Ofeverything，\'returnedMrs。Chick。`Ofcoursewemust。It\'saworldofchange。Anyonewouldsurprisemeverymuch，Lucretia，andwouldgreatlyaltermyopinionoftheirunderstanding，iftheyattemptedtocontradictorevadewhatissoperfectlyevident。Change！\'exclaimedMrs。Chick，withseverephilosophy。`Why，mygraciousme，whatistherethatdoesnotchange！eventhesilkworm，whoIamsuremightbesupposednottotroubleitselfaboutsuchsubjects，changesintoallsortsofunexpectedthingscontinually。\'
`MyLouisa，\'saidthemildMissTox，`iseverhappyinherillustrations。\'
`Youaresokind，Lucretia，\'returnedMrs。Chick，alittlesoftened，`astosayso，andtothinkso，Ibelieve。Ihopeneitherofusmayeverhaveanycausetolessenouropinionoftheother，Lucretia。\'
`Iamsureofit，\'returnedMissTox。
Mrs。Chickcoughedasbefore，anddrewlinesonthecarpetwiththeivoryendofherparasol。MissTox，whohadexperienceofherfairfriend，andknewthatunderthepressureofanyslightfatigueorvexationshewaspronetoadiscursivekindofirritability，availedherselfofthepause，tochangethesubject。
`Pardonme，mydearLouisa，\'saidMissTox，`buthaveIcaughtsightofthemanlyformofMr。Chickinthecarriage？\'
`Heisthere，\'saidMrs。Chick，`butprayleavehimthere。Hehashisnewspaper，andwouldbequitecontentedforthenexttwohours。
Goonwithyourflowers，Lucretia，andallowmetosithereandrest。\'
`MyLouisaknows，\'observedMissTox，`thatbetweenfriendslikeourselves，anyapproachtoceremonywouldbeoutofthequestion。Therefore——\'
ThereforeMissToxfinishedthesentence，notinwordsbutaction；andputtingonherglovesagain，whichshehadtakenoff，andarmingherselfoncemorewithherscissors，begantosnipandclipamongtheleaveswithmicroscopicindustry。
`Florencehasreturnedhomealso，\'saidMrs。Chick，aftersittingsilentforsometime，withherheadononeside，andherparasolsketchingonthefloor；`andreallyFlorenceisagreatdealtoooldnow，tocontinuetoleadthatsolitarylifetowhichshehasbeenaccustomed。Ofcoursesheis。Therecanbenodoubtaboutit。Ishouldhaveverylittlerespect，indeed，foranybodywhocouldadvocateadifferentopinion。Whatevermywishesmightbe，Icouldnotrespectthem。Wecannotcommandourfeelingstosuchanextentasthat。\'
MissToxassented，withoutbeingparticularastotheintelligibilityoftheproposition。
`Ifshe\'sastrangegirl，\'saidMrs。Chick，`andifmybrotherPaulcannotfeelperfectlycomfortableinhersociety，afterallthesadthingsthathavehappened，andalltheterribledisappointmentsthathavebeenundergone，then，whatisthereply？Thathemustmakeaneffort。Thatheisboundtomakeaneffort。Wehavealwaysbeenafamilyremarkableforeffort。Paulisattheheadofthefamily；almosttheonlyrepresentativeofitleft——forwhatamI——Iamofnoconsequence——\'
`Mydearestlove，\'remonstratedMissTox。
Mrs。Chickdriedhereyes，whichwere，forthemoment，overflowing；
andproceeded：
`Andconsequentlyheismorethaneverboundtomakeaneffort。
Andthoughhishavingdoneso，comesuponmewithasortofshock——formineisaveryweakandfoolishnature；whichisanythingbutablessingIamsure；Ioftenwishmyheartwasamarbleslab，orapaving-stone——\'
`MysweetLouisa，\'remonstratedMissToxagain。
`Still，itisatriumphtometoknowthatheissotruetohimself，andtohisnameofDombey；although，ofcourse，Ialwaysknewhewouldbe。Ionlyhope，\'saidMrs。Chick，afterapause，`thatshemaybeworthyofthenametoo。\'
MissToxfilledalittlegreenwatering-potfromajug，andhappeningtolookupwhenshehaddoneso，wassosurprisedbytheamountofexpressionMrs。Chickhadconveyedintoherface，andwasbestowinguponher，thatsheputthelittlewatering-potonthetableforthepresent，andsatdownnearit。
`MydearLouisa，\'saidMissTox，`willitbetheleastsatisfactiontoyou，ifIventuretoobserveinreferencetothatremark，thatI，asahumbleindividual，thinkyoursweetnieceineverywaymostpromising？\'
`Whatdoyoumean，Lucretia？\'returnedMrs。Chick，withincreasedstatelinessofmanner。`Towhatremarkofmine，mydear，doyourefer？\'
`Herbeingworthyofhername，mylove。\'repliedMissTox。
`If，\'saidMrs。Chick，withsolemnpatience，`Ihavenotexpressedmyselfwithclearness，Lucretia，thefaultofcourseismine。Thereis，perhaps，noreasonwhyIshouldexpressmyselfatall，excepttheintimacythathassubsistedbetweenus，andwhichIverymuchhope，Lucretia——confidentlyhope——nothingwilloccurtodisturb。Because，whyshouldIdoanythingelse？Thereisnoreason；itwouldbeabsurd。ButIwishtoexpressmyselfclearly，Lucretia；andthereforetogobacktothatremark，ImustbegtosaythatitwasnotintendedtorelatetoFlorence，inanyway。\'
`Indeed！\'returnedMissTox。
`No，\'saidMrs。Chickshortlyanddecisively。
`Pardonme，mydear，\'rejoinedhermeekfriend；`butIcannothaveunderstoodit。IfearIamdull。\'
Mrs。Chicklookedroundtheroomandovertheway；attheplants，atthebird，atthewatering-pot，atalmosteverythingwithinview，exceptMissTox；andfinallydroppingherglanceuponMissTox，foramoment，onitswaytotheground，said，lookingmeanwhilewithelevatedeyebrowsatthecarpet：
`WhenIspeak，Lucretia，ofherbeingworthyofthename，IspeakofmybrotherPaul\'ssecondwife。IbelieveIhavealreadysaid，ineffect，ifnotintheverywordsInowuse，thatitishisintentiontomarryasecondwife。\'
MissToxleftherseatinahurry，andreturnedtoherplants；
clippingamongthestemsandleaves，withaslittlefavourasabarberworkingatsomanypauperheadsofhair。
`Whethershewillbefullysensibleofthedistinctionconferreduponher，\'saidMrs。Chick，inaloftytone，`isquiteanotherquestion。
Ihopeshemaybe。Weareboundtothinkwellofoneanotherinthisworld，andIhopeshemaybe。Ihavenotbeenadvisedwithmyself。IfIhadbeenadvisedwith，Ihavenodoubtmyadvicewouldhavebeencavalierlyreceived，andthereforeitisinfinitelybetterasitis。Imuchpreferitasitis。\'
MissTox，withheadbentdown，stillclippedamongtheplants。
Mrs。Chick，withenergeticshakingsofherownheadfromtimetotime，continuedtoholdforth，asifindefianceofsomebody。
`IfmybrotherPaulhadconsultedwithme，whichhesometimesdoes——orrather，sometimesusedtodo；forhewillnaturallydothatnomorenow，andthisisacircumstancewhichIregardasarelieffromresponsibility，\'
saidMrs。Chick，hysterically，`forIthankHeavenIamnotjealous——\'
hereMrs。Chickagainshedtears：`ifmybrotherPaulhadcometome，andhadsaid，“Louisa，whatkindofqualitieswouldyouadvisemetolookoutfor，inawife？”Ishouldcertainlyhaveanswered，“Paul，youmusthavefamily，youmusthavebeauty，youmusthavedignity，youmusthaveconnexion。“
ThosearethewordsIshouldhaveused。Youmighthaveledmetotheblockimmediatelyafterwards，\'saidMrs。Chick，asifthatconsequencewerehighlyprobable，`butIshouldhaveusedthem。Ishouldhavesaid，“Paul！Youtomarryasecondtimewithoutfamily！Youtomarrywithoutbeauty！Youtomarrywithoutdignity！Youtomarrywithoutconnexion！Thereisnobodyintheworld，notmad，whocoulddreamofdaringtoentertainsuchapreposterousidea！”\'
MissToxstoppedclipping；andwithherheadamongtheplants，listenedattentively。PerhapsMissToxthoughttherewashopeinthisexordium，andthewarmthofMrs。Chick。
`Ishouldhaveadoptedthiscourseofargument，\'pursuedthediscreetlady，`becauseItrustIamnotafool。Imakenoclaimtobeconsideredapersonofsuperiorintellect——thoughIbelievesomepeoplehavebeenextraordinaryenoughtoconsidermeso；onesolittlehumouredasIam，wouldverysoonbedisabusedofanysuchnotion；butItrustIamnotadownrightfool。AndtotellME，\'saidMrs。Chickwithineffabledisdain，`thatmybrotherPaulDombeycouldevercontemplatethepossibilityofunitinghimselftoanybody——Idon\'tcarewho\'——shewasmoresharpandemphaticinthatshortclausethaninanyotherpartofherdiscourse——`notpossessingtheserequisites，wouldbetoinsultwhatunderstandingIhavegot，asmuchasifIwastobetoldthatIwasbornandbredanelephant，whichImaybetoldnext，\'saidMrs。Chick，withresignation。`Itwouldn\'tsurprisemeatall。Iexpectit。\'
Inthemoment\'ssilencethatensued，MissTox\'sscissorsgaveafeeblecliportwo：butMissTox\'sfacewasstillin-visible，andMissTox\'smorninggownwasagitated。Mrs。Chicklookedsidewaysather，throughtheinterveningplants，andwentontosay，inatoneofblandconviction，andasonedwellingonapointoffactthathardlyrequiredtobestated：
`Therefore，ofcoursemybrotherPaulhasdonewhatwastobeexpectedofhim，andwhatanybodymighthaveforeseenhewoulddo，ifheenteredthemarriagestateagain。Iconfessittakesmeratherbysurprise，howevergratifying；becausewhenPaulwentoutoftownIhadnoideaatallthathewouldformanyattachmentoutoftown，andhecertainlyhadnoattachmentwhenhelefthere。However，itseemstobeextremelydesirableineverypointofview。Ihavenodoubtthemotherisamostgenteelandelegantcreature，andIhavenorightwhatevertodisputethepolicyofherlivingwiththem：whichisPaul\'saffair，notmine——andastoPaul\'schoice，herself，Ihaveonlyseenherpictureyet，butthatisbeautifulindeed。Hernameisbeautifultoo，\'saidMrs。Chick，shakingherheadwithenergy，andarrangingherselfinherchair；`Edithisatonceuncommon，asitstrikeme，anddistinguished。Consequently，Lucretia，Ihavenodoubtyouwillbehappytohearthatthemarriageistotakeplaceimmediately——ofcourse，youwill：\'greatemphasisagain：`andthatyouaredelightedwiththischangeintheconditionofmybrother，whohasshownyouagreatdealofpleasantattentionatvarioustimes。\'
MissToxmadenoverbalanswer，buttookupthelittlewatering-potwithatremblinghand，andlookedvacantlyroundasifconsideringwhatarticleoffurniturewouldbeimprovedbythecontents。TheroomdooropeningatthiscrisisofMissTox\'sfeelings，shestarted，laughedaloud，andfellintothearmsofthepersonentering；happilyinsensiblealikeofMrs。Chick\'sindignantcountenanceandoftheMajorathiswindowovertheway，whohadhisdouble-barrelledeye-glassinfullaction，andwhosefaceandfigureweredilatedwithMephistopheleanjoy。
NotsotheexpatriatedNative，amazedsupporterofMissTox\'sswooningform，who，comingstraightupstairs，withapoliteinquirytouchingMissTox\'shealthinexactpursuanceoftheMajor\'smaliciousinstructions，hadaccidentallyarrivedintheverynickoftimetocatchthedelicateburdeninhisarms，andtoreceivethecontentsofthelittlewatering-potinhisshoe；bothofwhichcircumstances，coupledwithhisconsciousnessofbeingcloselywatchedbythewrathfulMajor，whohadthreatenedtheusualpenaltyinregardofeveryboneinhisskinincaseofanyfailure，combinedtorenderhimamovingspectacleofmentalandbodilydistress。
Forsomemoments，thisafflictedforeignerremainedclaspingMissToxtohisheart，withanenergyofactioninremarkableoppositiontohisdisconcertedface，whilethatpoorladytrickledslowlydownuponhimtheverylastsprinklingsofthelittlewatering-pot，asifhewereadelicateexoticwhichindeedhewas，andmightbealmostexpectedtoblowwhilethegentleraindescended。Mrs。Chick，atlengthrecoveringsufficientpresenceofmindtointerpose，commandedhimtodropMissToxuponthesofaandwithdraw；andtheexilepromptlyobeying，sheappliedherselftopromoteMissTox\'srecovery。
ButnoneofthatgentleconcernwhichusuallycharacterisesthedaughtersofEveintheirtendingofeachother；noneofthatfreemasonryinfainting，bywhichtheyaregenerallyboundtogetherinamysteriousbondofsisterhood；wasvisibleinMrs。Chick\'sdemeanour。Ratherliketheexecutionerwhorestoresthevictimtosensationprevioustoproceedingwiththetortureorwaswonttodoso，inthegoodoldtimesforwhichalltruemenwearperpetualmourning，didMrs。Chickadministerthesmelling-bottle，theslappingonthehands，thedashingofcoldwaterontheface，andtheotherprovedremedies。Andwhen，atlength，MissToxopenedhereyes，andgraduallybecamerestoredtoanimationandconsciousness，Mrs。Chickdrewoffasformacriminal，andreversingtheprecedentofthemurderedkingofDenmark，regardedhermoreinangerthaninsorrow。
`Lucretia！\'saidMrs。Chick。`IwillnotattempttodisguisewhatIfeel。Myeyesareopened，allatonce。Iwouldn\'thavebelievedthis，ifaSainthadtoldittome。\'
`Iamfoolishtogivewaytofaintness，\'MissToxfaltered。`I
shallbebetterpresently。\'
`Youwillbebetterpresently，Lucretia！\'repeatedMrs。Chick，withexceedingscorn。`DoyousupposeIamblind？DoyouimagineIaminmysecondchildhood？No，Lucretia！Iamobligedtoyou！\'
MissToxdirectedanimploring，helplesskindoflooktowardsherfriend，andputherhandkerchiefbeforeherface。
`Ifanyonehadtoldmethisyesterday，\'saidMrs。Chick，withmajesty，`orevenhalf-an-hourago，Ishouldhavebeentempted，Ialmostbelieve，tostrikethemtotheearth，LucretiaTox，myeyesareopenedtoyouallatonce。Thescales：\'hereMrs。Chickcastdownanimaginarypair，suchasarecommonlyusedingrocers\'shops：`havefallenfrommysight。Theblindnessofmyconfidenceispast，Lucretia。Ithasbeenabusedandplayedupon，andevasionisquiteoutofthequestionnow，Iassureyou。\'
`Oh！towhatdoyoualludesocruelly，mylove？\'askedMissTox，throughhertears。
`Lucretia，\'saidMrs。Chick，`askyourownheart。Imustentreatyounottoaddressmebyanysuchfamiliartermasyouhavejustused，ifyouplease。Ihavesomeself-respectleft，thoughyoumaythinkotherwise。\'
`Oh，Louisa！\'criedMissTox。`Howcanyouspeaktomelikethat？\'
`HowcanIspeaktoyoulikethat？\'retortedMrs。Chick，who，indefaultofhavinganyparticularargumenttosustainherselfupon，reliedprincipallyonsuchrepetitionsforhermostwitheringeffects。`Likethat！
Youmaywellsaylikethat，indeed！\'
MissToxsobbedpitifully。
`Theidea！\'saidMrs。Chick，`ofyourhavingbaskedatmybrother\'sfireside，likeaserpent，andwouldyourself，throughme，almostintohisconfidence，Lucretia，thatyoumight，insecret，entertaindesignsuponhim，anddaretoaspiretocontemplatethepossibilityofhisunitinghimselftoyou！Why，itisandidea，\'saidMrs。Chick，withsarcasticdignity，`theabsurdityofwhichalmostrelievesitstreachery。\'
`Pray，Louisa，\'urgedMissTox，`donotsaysuchdreadfulthings。\'
`Dreadfulthings！\'repeatedMrs。Chick。`Dreadfulthings！Isitnotafact，Lucretia，thatyouhavejustnowbeenunabletocommandyourfeelingsevenbeforeme，whoseeyesyouhadsocompletelyclosed？\'
`Ihavemadenocomplaint，\'sobbedMissTox。`Ihavesaidnothing。
IfIhavebeenalittleoverpoweredbyyournews，Louisa，andhaveeverhadanylingeringthoughtthatMr。Dombeywasinclinedtobeparticulartowardsme，surelyyouwillnotcondemnme。\'
`Sheisgoingtosay。\'saidMrs。Chick，addressingherselftothewholeofthefurniture，inacomprehensiveglanceofresignationandappeal，`Sheisgoingtosay——Iknowit——thatIhaveencouragedher！\'
`Idon\'twishtoexchangereproaches，dearLouisa，\'sobbedMissTox。`NordoIwishtocomplain。But，inmyowndefence——\'
`Yes，\'criedMrs。Chick，lookingroundtheroomwithapropheticsmile，`that\'swhatshe\'sgoingtosay。Iknewit。Youhadbettersayit。
Sayitopenly！Beopen，LucretiaTox，\'saidMrs。Chick，withdesperatesternness，`whateveryouare。\'
`Inmyowndefence，\'falteredMissTox，`andonlyinmyowndefenceagainstyourunkindwords，mydearLouisa，Iwouldmerelyaskyouifyouhaven\'toftenfavouredsuchafancy，andevensaiditmighthappen，foranythingwecouldtell？\'
`Thereisapoint，\'saidMrs。Chick，rising，notasifsheweregoingtostopatthefloor，butasifshewereabouttosoarup，high，intohernativeskies，`beyondwhichendurancebecomesridiculous，ifnotculpable。Icanbearmuch；butnottoomuch。WhatspellwasonmewhenIcameintothishousethisday，Idon\'tknow；butIhadapresentiment——adarkpresentiment，\'saidMrs。Chick，withashiver，`thatsomethingwasgoingtohappen。WellmayIhavehadthatforeboding，Lucretia，whenmyconfidenceofmanyyearsisdestroyedinaninstant，whenmyeyesareopenedallatonce，andwhenIfindyourevealedinyourtruecolours。Lucretia，Ihavebeenmistakeninyou。Itisbetterforusboththatthissubjectshouldendhere。Iwishyouwell，andIshalleverwishyouwell。But，asanindividualwhodesirestobetruetoherselfinherownpoorposition，whateverthatpositionmaybe，ormaynotbe——andasthesisterofmybrother——andasthesister-in-lawofmybrother\'swife——andasaconnexionbymarriageofmybrother\'swife\'smother——mayIbepermittedtoadd，asaDombey？——I
canwishyounothingelsebutgoodmorning。\'
Thesewords，deliveredwithcuttingsuavity，temperedandchastenedbyaloftyairofmoralrectitude，carriedthespeakertothedoor。Theresheinclinedherheadinaghostlyandstatue-likemanner，andsowithdrewtohercarriage，toseekcomfortandconsolationinthearmsofMr。Chickherlord。
Figurativelyspeaking，thatistosay：forthearmsofMr。Chickwerefullofhisnewspaper。Neitherdidthatgentlemanaddresshiseyestowardshiswifeotherwisethanbystealth。Neitherdidheofferanyconsolationwhatever。Inshort，hesatreading，andhummingfagendsoftunes，andsometimesglancingfurtivelyatherwithoutdeliveringhimselfofaword，good，bad，orindifferent。
InthemeantimeMrs。Chicksatswellingandbridling，andtossingherhead，asifshewerestillrepeatingthatsolemnformulaoffarewelltoLucretiaTox。Atlength，shesaidaloud，`Ohtheextenttowhichhereyeshadbeenopenedthatday！\'
`Towhichyoureyeshavebeenopened，，mydear！\'repeatedMr。
Chick。
`Oh，don\'ttalktome！\'saidMrs。Chick。`Ifyoucanbeartoseemeinthisstate，andnotaskmewhatthematteris，youhadbetterholdyourtongueforever。\'
`Whatisthematter，mydear？\'askedMr。Chick。
`Tothink，\'saidMrs。Chick，inastateofsoliloquy，`thatsheshouldeverhaveconceivedthebaseideaofconnectingherselfwithourfamilybyamarriagewithPaul！Tothinkthatwhenshewasplayingathorseswiththatdearchildwhoisnowinhisgrave——Ineverlikeditatthetime——sheshouldhavebeenhidingsuchadouble-faceddesign！Iwondershewasneverafraidthatsomethingwouldhappentoher。Sheisfortunateifnothingdoes。\'
`Ireallythought，mydear，\'saidMr。Chickslowly，afterrubbingthebridgeofhisnoseforsometimewithhisnewspaper，`thatyouhadgoneonthesametackyourself，allalong，untilthismorning；andhadthoughtitwouldbeaconvenientthingenough，ifitcouldhavebeenbroughtabout。\'
Mrs。Chickinstantlyburstintotears，andtoldMr。Chickthatifhewishedtotrampleuponherwithhisboots，hehadbetterdoit。
`ButwithLucretiaToxIhavedone，\'saidMrs。Chick，afterabandoningherselftoherfeelingsforsomeminutes，toMr。Chick\'sgreatterror。
`IcanbeartoresignPaul\'sconfidenceinfavourofonewho，Ihopeandtrust，maybedeservingofit，andwithwhomhehasaperfectrighttoreplacepoorFannyifhechooses；Icanbeartobeinformed，inPaul\'scoolmanner，ofsuchachangeinhisplans，andnevertobeconsulteduntilallissettledanddetermined；butdeceitIcannotbear，andwithLucretiaToxIhavedone。Itisbetterasitis，\'saidMrs。Chick，piously；
`muchbetter。ItwouldhavebeenalongtimebeforeIcouldhaveaccommodatedmyselfcomfortablywithher，afterthis；andIreallydon\'tknow，asPaulisgoingtobeverygrand，andthesearepeopleofcondition，thatshewouldhavebeenquitepresentable，andmightnothavecompromisedmyself。
There\'saprovidenceineverything；everythingworksforthebest；Ihavebeentriedto-day，but，uponthewholeIdon\'tregretit。\'
InwhichChristianspirit，Mrs。Chickdriedhereyes，andsmoothedherlap，andsatasbecameapersoncalmunderagreatwrong。Mr。Chick，feelinghisunworthinessnodoubt，tookanearlyopportunityofbeingsetdownatastreetcornerandwalkingaway，whistling，withhisshouldersverymuchraised，andhishandsinhispockets。
WhilepoorexcommunicatedMissTox，who，ifshewereafawnerandtoad-eater，wasatleastanhonestandaconstantone，andhadeverborneafaithfulfriendshiptowardsherimpeacher，andhadbeentrulyabsorbedandswallowedupindevotiontothemagnificenceofMr。Dombey——whilepoorexcommunicatedMissToxwateredherplantswithhertears，andfeltthatitwaswinterinPrincess\'sPlace。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter30[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXTheIntervalbeforetheMarriageALTHOUGHtheenchantedhousewasnotmore，andtheworkingworldhadbrokenintoit，andwashammeringandcrashingandtrampingupanddownstairsalldaylong，keepingDiogenesinanincessantparoxysmofbarking，fromsunrisetosunset——evidentlyconvincedthathisenemyhadgotthebetterofhimatlast，andwasthensackingthepremisesintriumphantdefiance——therewas，atfirst，noothergreatchangeinthemethodofFlorence\'slife。
Atnight，whenthework-peoplewentaway，thehousewasdrearyanddesertedagain；andFlorence，listeningtotheirvoicesechoingthroughthehallandstaircaseastheydeparted，picturedtoherselfthecheerfulhomestowhichtheywerereturning，andthechildrenwhowerewaitingforthem，andwasgladtothinkthattheyweremerryandwellpleasedtogo。
Shewelcomedbacktheeveningsilenceasonoldfriend，butitcamenowwithanalteredface，andlookedmorekindlyonher。Freshhopewasinit。Thebeautifulladywhohadsoothedandcaressedher，intheveryroominwhichherhearthadbeensowrung，wasaspiritofpromisetoher。Softshadowsofthebrightlifedawning，whenherfather\'saffectionshouldbegraduallywon，andall，ormuchshouldberestored，ofwhatshehadlostonthedarkdaywhenamother\'slovehadfadedwithamother\'slastbreathonhercheek，movedaboutherinthetwilightandwerewelcomecompany。Peepingattherosychildrenherneighbours，itwasanewandprecioussensationtothinkthattheymightsoonspeaktogetherandknoweachother；whenshewouldnotfear，asofold，toshowherselfbeforethem，lesttheyshouldbegrievedtoseeherinherblackdresssittingtherealone！
Inherthoughtsofhernewmother，andintheloveandtrustoverflowingherpurehearttowardsher，Florencelovedherowndeadmothermoreandmore。Shehadnofearofsettinguparivalinherbreast。Thenewflowersprangfromthedeep-plantedandlong-cherishedroot，sheknew。Everygentlewordthathadfallenfromthelipsofthebeautifullady，soundedtoFlorencelikeanechoofthevoicelonghushedandsilent。Howcouldshelovethatmemorylessforlivingtenderness，whenitwashermemoryofallparentaltendernessandlove！
Florencewas，oneday，sittingreadinginherroom，andthinkingoftheladyandherpromisedvisitsoon——forherbookturnedonakindredsubject——when，raisinghereyes，shesawherstandinginthedoorway。
`Mama！\'criedFlorence，joyfullymeetingher。`Comeagain！\'
`NotMamayet，\'returnedthelady，withaserioussmile，assheencircledFlorence\'sneckwithherarm。
`Butverysoontobe，\'criedFlorence。
`Verysoonnow，Florence：verysoon。\'
Edithbentherheadalittle，soastopressthebloomingcheekofFlorenceagainstherown，andforsomefewmomentsremainedthussilent。
Therewassomethingsoverytenderinhermanner，thatFlorencewasevenmoresensibleofitthanonthefirstoccasionoftheirmeeting。
SheledFlorencetoachairbesideher，andsatdown：Florencelookinginherface，quitewonderingatitsbeauty，andwillinglyleavingherhandinhers。
`Haveyoubeenalone，Florence，sinceIwasherelast？\'
`Ohyes！\'smiledFlorence，hastily。
Shehesitatedandcastdownhereyes；forhernewMamawasveryearnestinherlook，andthelookwasintentlyandthoughtfullyfixeduponherface。
`I——I——amusedtobealone，\'saidFlorence。`Idon\'tminditatall。DiandIpasswholedaystogether，sometimes。\'Florencemighthavesaid，wholeweeksandmonths。
`IsDiyourmaid，love？\'
`Mydog，Mama，\'saidFlorence，laughing。`Susanismymaid。\'
`Andtheseareyourrooms，\'saidEdith，lookinground。`Iwasnotshowntheseroomstheotherday。Wemusthavethemimproved，Florence。
Theyshallbemadetheprettiestinthehouse。\'
`IfImightchangethem，Mama，\'returnedFlorence；`thereisoneupstairsIshouldlikemuchbetter。\'
`Isthisnothighenough，deargirl？\'askedEdith，smiling。
`Theotherwasmybrother\'sroom，\'saidFlorence，`andIamveryfondofit。IwouldhavespokentoPapaaboutitwhenIcamehome，andfoundtheworkmenhere，andeverythingchanging：but——\'
Florencedroppedhereyes，lestthesamelookshouldmakeherfalteragain。
`——butIwasafraiditmightdistresshim；andasyousaidyouwouldbehereagainsoon，Mama，andarethemistressofeverything，Ideterminedtotakecourageandaskyou。\'
Edithsatlookingather，withherbrillianteyesintentuponherface，untilFlorenceraisingherown，she，inherturn，withdrewhergaze，andturneditontheground。ItwasthenthatFlorencethoughthowdifferentthislady\'sbeautywas，fromwhatshehadsupposed。Shehadthoughtitofaproudandloftykind；yethermannerwassosubduedandgentle，thatifshehadbeenofFlorence\'sownageandcharacter，itscarcelycouldhaveinvitedconfidencemore。
Exceptwhenaconstrainedandsingularreservecreptoverher；
andthensheseemedbutFlorencehardlyunderstoodthis，thoughshecouldnotchoosebutnoticeit，andthinkaboutitasifshewerehumbledbeforeFlorence，andillatease。WhenshehadsaidthatshewasnotherMamayet，andwhenFlorencehadcalledherthemistressofeverythingthere，thischangeinherwasquickandstartling；andnow，whiletheeyesofFlorencerestedonherface，shesatasthoughshewouldhaveshrunkandhiddenfromher，ratherthanasoneabouttoloveandcherishher，inrightofsuchanearconnexion。
ShegaveFlorenceherreadypromise，abouthernewroom，andsaidshewouldgivedirectionsaboutitherself。ShethenaskedsomequestionsconcerningpoorPaul；andwhentheyhadsatinconversationforsometime，toldFlorenceshehadcometotakehertoherownhome。
`WehavecometoLondonnow，mymotherandI，\'saidEdith，`andyoushallstaywithusuntilIammarried。Iwishthatweshouldknowandtrusteachother，Florence。\'
`Youareverykindtome。\'saidFlorence，`dearMama。HowmuchIthankyou！\'
`Letmesaynow，foritmaybethebestopportunity，\'continuedEdith，lookingroundtoseethattheywerequitealone，andspeakinginalowervoice，`thatwhenIammarried，andhavegoneawayforsomeweeks，Ishallbeeasieratheartifyouwillcomehomehere。Nomatterwhoinvitesyoutostayelsewhere，comehomehere。Itisbettertobealonethen——whatIwouldsayis，\'sheadded，checkingherself，`thatIknowwellyouarebestathome，dearFlorence。\'
`Iwillcomehomeontheveryday，Mama。\'
`Doso。Irelyonthatpromise。Now，preparetocomewithme，deargirl。Youwillfindmedownstairswhenyouareready。\'
SlowlyandthoughtfullydidEdithwanderalonethroughthemansionofwhichshewassosoontobethelady：andlittleheedtooksheofalltheeleganceandsplendouritbegantodisplay。Thesameindomitablehaughtinessofsoul，thesameproudscornexpressedineyeandlip，thesamefiercebeauty，onlytamedbyasenseofitsownlittleworth，andofthelittleworthofeverythingaroundit，wentthroughthegrandsaloonsandhalls，thathadgotlooseamongtheshadytrees，andragedandrentthemselves。
Themimicrosesonthewallsandfloorsweresetroundwithsharpthorns，thattoreherbreast；ineveryscrapofgoldsodazzlingtotheeye，shesawsomehatefulatomofherpurchase-money；thebroadhighmirrorsshowedher，atfulllength，awomenwithanoblequalityyetdwellinginhernature，whowastoofalsetoherbetterself，andtoodebasedandlost，tosaveherself。Shebelievedthatallthiswassoplain，moreorless，toalleyes，thatshehadnoresourceorpowerofself-assertionbutinpride：
andwiththispride，whichtorturedherownheartnightandday，shefoughtherfateout，bravedit，anddefiedit。
WasthisthewomanwhomFlorence——aninnocentgirl，strongonlyinherearnestnessandsimpletruth——couldsoimpressandquell，thatbyhersideshewasanothercreature，withhertempestofpassionhushed，andherveryprideitselfsubdued？Wasthisthewomanwhonowsatbesideherinacarriage，withherarmsentwined，andwho，whileshecourtedandentreatedhertoloveandtrusther，drewherfairheadtonestleonherbreast，andwouldhavelaiddownlifetoshielditfromwrongorharm？
Oh，Edith！itwerewelltodie，indeed，atsuchatime！Betterandhappierfar，perhaps，todieso，Edith，thantoliveontotheend！
TheHonourableMrs。Skewton，whowasthinkingofanythingratherthanofsuchsentiments——for，likemanygenteelpersonswhohaveexistedatvarioustimes，shesetherfaceagainstdeathaltogether，andobjectedtothementionofanysuchlowandlevellingupstart——hadborrowedahouseinBrookStreet，GrosvenorSquare，fromastatelyrelativeoneoftheFeenixbrood，whowasoutoftown，andwhodidnotobjecttolendingit，inthehandsomestmanner，fornuptialpurposes，astheloanimpliedhisfinalreleaseandacquittancefromallfurtherloansandgiftstoMrs。
Skewtonandherdaughter。Itbeingnecessaryforthecreditofthefamilytomakeahandsomeappearanceatsuchatime，Mrs。Skewton，withtheassistanceofanaccommodatingtradesmanresidentintheparishofMary-le-bone，wholentoutallsortsofarticlestothenobilityandgentry，fromaserviceofplatetoanarmyoffoot-men，clappedintothishouseasilver-headedbutlerwhowaschargedextraonthataccount，ashavingtheappearanceofanancientfamilyretainer，twoverytallyoungmeninlivery，andaselectstaffofkitchen-servants；sothatalegendarose，downstairs，thatWithersthepage，releasedatoncefromhisnumeroushouseholdduties，andfromthepropulsionofthewheeled-chairinconsistentwiththemetropolis，hadbeenseveraltimesobservedtorubhiseyesandpinchhislimbs，asifhemisdoubtedhishavingoverslepthimselfattheLeamingtonmilkman\'s，andbeingstillinacelestialdream。Avarietyofrequisitesinplateandchinabeingalsoconveyedtothesameestablishmentfromthesameconvenientsource，withseveralmiscellaneousarticles，includinganeatchariotandapairofbays，Mrs。Skewtoncushionedherselfontheprincipalsofa，intheCleopatraattitude，andheldhercourtinfairstate。
`Andhow，\'saidMr。Skewton，ontheentranceofherdaughterandhercharge，`ismycharmingFlorence？Youmustcomeandkissme，Florence，ifyouplease，mylove。\'
FlorencewastimidlystoopingtopickoutaplaceinthewhitepartofMrs。Skewton\'sface，whenthatladypresentedherear，andrelievedherofherdifficulty。
`Edith，mydear，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`positively，I——standalittlemoreinthelight，mysweetestFlorence，foramoment。\'
Florenceblushinglycomplied。
`Youdon\'tremember，dearestEdith，\'saidhermother，`whatyouwerewhenyouwereaboutthesameageasourexceedinglypreciousFlorence，orafewyearsyounger？\'
`Ihavelongforgotten，mother。\'
`Forpositively，mydear，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`IdothinkthatIseeadecidedresemblancetowhatyouwerethen，inourextremelyfascinatingyoungfriend。Anditshows，\'saidMrs。Skewton，inalowervoice，whichconveyedheropinionthatFlorencewasinaveryunfinishedstate，`whatcultivationwilldo。\'
`Itdoes，indeed，\'wasEdith\'ssternreply。
Hermothereyedhersharplyforamoment，andfeelingherselfonunsafeground，said，asadiversion：
`MycharmingFlorence，youmustcomeandkissmeoncemore，ifyouplease，mylove。\'
Florencecomplied，ofcourse，andagainimprintedherlipsorMrs。Skewton\'sear。
`Andyouhaveheard，nodoubt，mydarlingpet，\'saidMrs。Skewton，detainingherhand，`thatyourPapa，whomweallperfectlyadoreanddoteupon，istobemarriedtomydearestEdiththisdayweek。\'
`Iknewitwouldbeverysoon，\'returnedFlorence，`butnotexactlywhen。\'
`MydarlingEdith，\'urgedhermother，gaily，`isitpossibleyouhavenottoldFlorence？\'
`WhyshouldItellFlorence？\'Shereturned，sosuddenlyandharshly，thatFlorencecouldscarcelybelieveitwasthesamevoice。
Mrs。SkewtonthentoldFlorence，asanotherandsaferdiversion，thatherfatherwascomingtodinner，andthathewouldnodoubtbecharminglysurprisedtoseeher；ashehadspokenlastnightofdressingintheCity，andhadknownnothingofEdith\'sdesign，theexecutionofwhich，accordingtoMrs。Skewton\'sexpectation，wouldthrowhimintoaperfectecstasy。
Florencewastroubledtohearthis；andherdistressbecamesokeen，asthedinner-hourapproached，thatifshehadknownhowtoframeanentreatytobesufferedtoreturnhome，withoutinvolvingherfatherinherexplanation，shewouldhavehurriedbackonfoot，bareheaded，breathless，andalone，ratherthanincurtheriskofmeetinghisdispleasure。
Asthetimedrewnearer，shecouldhardlybreathe。Shedarednotapproachawindow，lestheshouldseeherfromthestreet。Shedarednotgoupstairstohideheremotion，lest，inpassingoutatthedoor，sheshouldmeethimunexpectedly；besideswhichdread，sheleftasthoughshenevercouldcomebackagainifsheweresummonedtohispresence。Inthisconflictoffears，shewassittingbyCleopatra\'scouch，endeavouringtounderstandandtoreplytothebalddiscourseofthatlady，whensheheardhisfootuponthestair。
`Ihearhimnow！\'criedFlorence，starting。`Heiscoming！\'
Cleopatra，whoinherjuvenilitywasalwaysplayfullydisposed，andwhoinherself-engrossmentdidnottroubleherselfaboutthenatureofthisagitation，pushedFlorencebehindhercouch，anddroppedashawloverher，preparatorytogivingMr。Dombeyaraptureofsurprise。Itwassoquicklydone，thatinamomentFlorenceheardhisawfulstepintheroom。
Hesalutedhisintendedmother-in-law，andhisintendedbride。
Thestrangesoundofhisvoicethrilledthroughthewholeframeofhischild。
`MydearDombey，\'saidCleopatra，`comehereandtellmehowyourprettyFlorenceis。\'
`Florenceisverywell，\'saidMr。Dombey，advancingtowardsthecouch。
`Athome？\'
`Athome，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`MydearDombey，\'returnedCleopatra，withbewitchingvivacity；
`nowareyousureyouarenotdeceivingme？Idon\'tknowwhatmydearestEdithwillsaytomewhenImakesuchadeclaration，butuponmyhonourIamafraidyouarethefalsestofmen，mydearDombey。\'
Thoughhehadbeen；andhadbeendetectedonthespot，inthemostenormousfalsehoodthatwaseversaidordone；hecouldhardlyhavebeenmoredisconcertedthanhewas，whenMrs。Skewtonpluckedtheshawlaway，andFlorence，paleandtrembling，rosebeforehimlikeaghost。Hehadnotyetrecoveredhispresenceofmind，whenFlorencehadrunuptohim，claspedherhandsroundhisneck，kissedhisface，andhurriedoutoftheroom。Helookedroundasiftoreferthemattertosomebodyelse，butEdithhadgoneafterFlorence，instantly。
`Now，confess，mydearDombey，\'saidMrs。Skewton，givinghimherhand，`thatyouneverweremoresurprisedandpleasedinyourlife。\'
`Ineverwasmoresurprised，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Norpleased，mydearestDombey？\'returnedMrs。Skewton，holdingupherfan。
`I——yes，IamexceedinglygladtomeetFlorencehere，\'saidMr。
Dombey。Heappearedtoconsidergravelyaboutitforamoment，andthensaid，moredecidedly，`Yes，IreallyamverygladindeedtomeetFlorencehere。\'
`Youwonderhowshecomeshere？\'saidMrs。Skewton，`don\'tyou？\'
`Edith，perhaps——\'suggestedMr。Dombey。
`Ah！wickedguesser！\'repliedCleopatra，shakingherhead。`Ah！
cunning，cunningman！Oneshouldn\'ttellthesethings；yoursex，mydearDombey，aresovain，andsoapttoabuseourweaknesses；butyouknowmyopensoul——verywell；immediately。\'
Thiswasaddressedtooneoftheverytallyoungmenwhoannounceddinner。
`ButEdith，mydearDombey，\'shecontinuedinawhisper，`whenshecannothaveyounearher——andasItellher，shecannotexpectthatalways——willatleasthavenearhersomethingorsomebodybelongingtoyou。Well，howextremelynaturalthatis！Andinthisspirit，nothingwouldkeepherfromridingoffto-daytofetchourdarlingFlorence。Well，howexcessivelycharmingthatis！\'
Asshewaitedforananswer，Mr。Dombeyanswered，`Eminentlyso。\'
`Blessyou，mydearDombey，forthatproofofheart！\'criedCleopatra，squeezinghishand。`ButIamgrowingtooserious！Takemedownstairs，likeanangel，andletusseewhatthesepeopleintendtogiveusfordinner。
Blessyou，dearDombey！\'