Cleopatraskippingoffhercouchwithtolerablebriskness，afterthelastbenediction，Mr。Dombeytookherarminhisandledherceremoniouslydownstairs；oneoftheverytallyoungmenonhire，whoseorganofvenerationwasimperfectlydeveloped，thrustinghistongueintohischeek，fortheentertainmentoftheotherverytallyoungmanonhire，asthecoupleturnedintothedining-room。
FlorenceandEdithwerealreadythere，andsittingsidebyside。
Florencewouldhaverisenwhenherfatherentered，toresignherchairtohim；butEdithopenlyputherhanduponherarm，andMr。Dombeytookanoppositeplaceattheroundtable。
TheconversationwasalmostentirelysustainedbyMrs。Skewton。
Florencehardlydaredtoraisehereyes，lesttheyshouldrevealthetracesoftears；farlessdaredtospeak；andEdithneverutteredoneword，unlessinanswertoaquestion。Verily，Cleopatraworkedhard，fortheestablishmentthatwassonearlyclutched；andverilyitshouldhavebeenarichonetorewardher！
`Andsoyourpreparationsarenearlyfinishedatlast，mydearDombey？\'saidCleopatra，whenthedessertwasputuponthetable，andthesilver-headedbutlerhadwithdrawn。`Eventhelawyers\'preparations！\'
`Yes，madam，\'repliedMr。Dombey；`thedeedofsettlement，theprofessionalgentlemeninformme，isnowready，andasIwasmentioningtoyou，Edithhasonlytodousthefavourtosuggestherowntimeforitsexecution。\'
Edithsatlikeahandsomestatue；ascold，assilent，andasstill。
`Mydearestlove，\'saidCleopatra，`doyouhearwhatMr。Dombeysays？Ah，mydearDombey！\'asidetothatgentleman，`howherabsence，asthetimeapproaches，remindsmeofthedays，whenthatmostagreeableofcreatures，herpapa，wasinyoursituation！\'
`Ihavenothingtosuggest。Itshallbewhenyouplease，\'saidEdith，scarcelylookingoverthetableatMr。Dombey。
`To-morrow？\'suggestedMr。Dombey。
`Ifyouplease。\'
`Orwouldnextday，\'saidMr。Dombey，`suityourengagementsbetter？\'
`Ihavenoengagements。Iamalwaysatyourdisposal。Letitbewhenyoulike。
`Noengagements，mydearEdith！\'remonstratedhermother，`whenyouareinamostterriblestateofflurryalldaylong，andhaveathousandandoneappointmentswithallsortsoftradespeople！\'
`Theyareofyourmaking，\'returnedEdith，turningonherwithaslightcontractionofherbrow。`YouandMr。Dombeycanarrangebetweenyou。\'
`Verytrueindeed，mylove，andmostconsiderateofyou！\'saidCleopatra。`MydarlingFlorence，youmustreallycomeandkissmeoncemore，ifyouplease，mydear！\'
Singularcoincidence，thatthesegushesofinterestinFlorencehurriedCleopatraawayfromalmosteverydialogueinwhichEdithhadashare，howevertrifling！Florencehadcertainlyneverundergonesomuchembracing，andperhapshadneverbeen，unconsciously，sousefulinherlife。
Mr。Dombeywasfarfromquarrelling，inhisownbreast，withthemannerofhisbeautifulbetrothed。Hehadthatgoodreasonforsympathywithhaughtinessandcoldness，whichisfoundinafellow-feeling。Itflatteredhimtothinkhowthesedeferredtohim，inEdith\'scase，andseemedtohavenowillapartfromhis。Itflatteredhimtopicturetohimself，thisproudandstatelywomandoingthehonoursofhishouse，andchillinghisguestsafterhisownmanner。ThedignityofDombeyandSonwouldbeheightenedandmaintained，indeed，insuchhands。
SothoughtMr。Dombey，whenhewasleftaloneatthedining-table，andmuseduponhispastandfuturefortunes：findingnouncongenialityinanairofscantandgloomystatethatpervadedtheroom，incolouradarkbrown，withblackhatchmentsofpicturesblotchingthewalls，andtwenty-fourblackchairs，withalmostasmanynailsinthemassomanycoffins，waitinglikemutes，uponthethresholdoftheTurkeycarpet；andtwoexhaustednegroesholdinguptwowitheredbranchesofcandelabraonthesideboard，andamustysmellprevailingasiftheashesoftenthousanddinnerswereentombedinthesarcophagusbelowit。Theownerofthehouselivedmuchabroad；theairofEnglandseldomagreedlongwithamemberoftheFeenixfamily；andtheroomhadgraduallyputitselfintodeeperandstilldeepermourningforhim，untilitwasbecomesofunerealastowantnothingbutabodyinittobequitecomplete。
Nobadrepresentationofthebody，forthenonce，inhisunbendingform，ifnotinhisattitude，Mr。Dombeylookeddownintothecolddepthsofthedeadseaofmahoganyonwhichthefruitdishesanddecanterslayatanchor：asifthesubjectsofhisthoughtswererisingtowardsthesurfaceonebyone，andplungingdownagain。Edithwasthereinallhermajestyofbrowandfigure；andclosetohercameFlorence，withhertimidheadturnedtohim，asithadbeen，foraninstant，whenshelefttheroom；
andEdith\'seyesuponher，andEdith\'shandputoutprotectingly。Alittlefigureinalowarm-chaircamespringingnextintothelight，andlookeduponhimwonderingly，withitsbrighteyesanditsold-youngface，gleamingasintheflickeringofaneveningfire。AgaincameFlorencecloseuponit，andabsorbedhiswholeattention。Whetherasafore-doomeddifficultyanddisappointmenttohim；whetherasarivalwhohadcrossedhiminhisway，andmightagain；whetherashischild，ofwhom，inhissuccessfulwooing，hecouldstooptothink，asclaiming，atsuchatime，tobenomoreestranged；orwhetherasahinttohimthatthemereappearanceofcaringforhisownbloodshouldbemaintainedinhisnewrelations；hebestknew。Indifferentlywell，perhaps，atbest；formarriagecompanyandmarriagealtars，andambitiousscenes——stillblottedhereandtherewithFlorence——alwaysFlorence——turnedupsofast，andsoconfusedly，thatherose，andwentupstairs，toescapethem。
Itwasquitelateatnightbeforecandleswerebrought；foratpresenttheymadeMrs。Skewton\'sheadache，shecomplained；andinthemeantimeFlorenceandMrs。SkewtontalkedtogetherCleopatrabeingveryanxioustokeepherclosetoherself，orFlorencetouchedthepianosoftlyforMrs。Skewton\'sdelight；tomakenomentionofafewoccasionsinthecourseoftheevening，whenthataffectionateladywasimpelledtosolicitanotherkiss，andwhichalwayshappenedafterEdithhadsaidanything。
Theywerenotmany，however，forEdithsatapartbyanopenwindowduringthewholetimeinspiteofhermother\'sfearsthatshewouldtakecold，andremainedthereuntilMr。Dombeytookleave。HewasserenelygracioustoFlorencewhenhedidso；andFlorencewenttobedinaroomwithinEdith\'s，sohappyandhopeful，thatshethoughtofherlateselfasifitweresomeotherpoordesertedgirlwhowastobepitiedforhersorrow；andinherpity，sobbedherselftosleep。
Theweekfledfast。Thereweredrivestomilliners，dress-makers，jewellers，lawyers，florists，pastry-cooks；andFlorencewasalwaysoftheparty。Florencewastogotothewedding。Florencewastocastoffhermourning，andtowearabrilliantdressontheoccasion。Themilliner\'sintentionsonthesubjectofthisdress——themillinerwasaFrenchwoman，andgreatlyresembledMrs。Skewton——weresochasteandelegant，thatMrs。
Skewtonbespokeonelikeitforherself。Themillinersaiditwouldbecomehertoadmiration，andthatalltheworldwouldtakeherfortheyounglady\'ssister。
Theweekfledfaster。Edithlookedatnothingandcaredfornothing。
Herrichdressescamehome，andweretriedon，andwereloudlycommendedbyMrs。Skewtonandthemilliners，andwereputawaywithoutawordfromher。Mrs。Skewtonmadetheirplansforeveryday，andexecutedthem。SometimesEdithsatinthecarriagewhentheywenttomakepurchases；sometimes，whenitwasabsolutelynecessary，shewentintotheshops。ButMrs。Skewtonconductedthewholebusiness，whateverithappenedtobe：andEdithlookedonasuninterestedandwithasmuchapparentindifferenceasifshehadnoconcerninit。Florencemightperhapshavethoughtshewashaughtyandlistless，butthatshewasneversotoher。SoFlorencequenchedherwonderinhergratitudewheneveritbrokeout，andsoonsubduedit。
Theweekfledfaster。Ithadnearlywingeditsflightaway。Thelastnightoftheweek，thenightbeforethemarriagewascome。Inthedarkroom——forMrs。Skewton\'sheadwasnobetteryet，thoughsheexpectedtorecoverpermanentlyto-morrow——werethatlady，Edith，andMr。Dombey。Edithwasatheropenwindowlookingoutintothestreet；Mr。DombeyandCleopatraweretalkingsoftlyonthesofa。Itwasgrowinglate；andFlorencebeingfatigued，hadgonetobed。
`MydearDombey，\'saidCleopatra，`youwillleavemeFlorenceto-morrow，whenyoudeprivemeofmysweetestEdith。\'
Mr。Dombeysaidhewould，withpleasure。
`Tohaveheraboutme，here，whileyouarebothatParis，andtothinkthat，atherage，Iamassistingintheformationofhermind，mydearDombey，\'saidCleopatra，`willbeaperfectbalmtomeintheextremelyshatteredstatetowhichIshallbereduced。\'
Edithturnedherheadsuddenly。Herlistlessmannerwasexchanged，inamoment，tooneofburninginterest，and，unseeninthedarkness，sheattendedcloselytotheirconversation。
Mr。DombeywouldbedelightedtoleaveFlorenceinsuchadmirableguardianship。
`MydearDombey，\'returnedCleopatra，`athousandthanksforyourgoodopinion。Ifearedyouweregoing，withmaliceaforethought，asthedreadfullawyerssay——thosehorridproses！——tocondemnmetouttersolitude。\'
`Whydomesogreataninjustice，mydearmadam？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`BecausemycharmingFlorencetellsmesopositivelyshemustgohometo-morrow，\'returnedCleopatra，`thatIbegantobeafraid，mydearestDombey，youwerequiteaBashaw。\'
`Iassureyou，madam！\'saidMr。Dombey，`IhavelaidnocommandsonFlorence；andifIhad，therearenocommandslikeyourwish。\'
`MydearDombey，\'repliedCleopatra，`whatacourtieryouare！
ThoughI\'llnotsayso，either；forcourtiershavenoheart，andyourspervadesyourcharminglifeandcharacter。Andareyoureallygoingsoearly，mydearDombey！\'
Oh，indeed！itwaslate，andMr。Dombeyfearedhemust。
`Isthisafact，orisitalladream！\'lispedCleopatra。`CanIbelieve，mydearestDombey，thatyouarecomingbackto-morrowmorningtodeprivemeofmysweetcompanion；myownEdith！\'
Mr。Dombey，whowasaccustomedtotakethingsliterally，remindedMrs。Skewtonthattheyweretomeetfirstatthechurch。
`Thepang，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`ofconsigningachild，eventoyou，mydearDombey，isoneofthemostexcruciatingimaginable；andcombinedwithanaturallydelicateconstitution，andtheextremestupidityofthepastry-cookwhohasundertakenthebreakfast，isalmosttoomuchformypoorstrength。ButIshallrally，mydearDombey，inthemorning；donotfearforme，orbeuneasyonmyaccount。Heavenblessyou！MydearestEdith！\'
shecriedarchly。`Somebodyisgoing，pet。\'
Edith，whohadturnedherheadagaintowardsthewindow，andwhoseinterestintheirconversationhadceased，roseupinherplace，butmadenoadvancetowardshim，andsaidnothing。Mr。Dombey，withaloftygallantryadaptedtohisdignityandtheoccasion，betookhiscreakingbootstowardsher，putherhandtohislips，said，`To-morrowmorningIshallhavethehappinessofclaimingthishandasMrs。Dombey\'s，\'andbowedhimselfsolemnlyout。
Mrs。Skewtonrangforcandlesassoonasthehouse-doorhadcloseduponhim。Withthecandlesappearedhermaid，withthejuveniledressthatwastodeludetheworldto-morrow。Thedresshadsavageretributioninit，assuchdresseseverhave，andmadeherinfinitelyolderandmorehideousthanhergreasyflannelgown。ButMrs。Skewtontrieditonwithmincingsatisfaction；smirkedathercadaverousselfintheglass，asshethoughtofitskillingeffectupontheMajor；andsufferinghermaidtotakeitoffagain，andtoprepareherforrepose，tumbledintoruinslikeahouseofpaintedcards。
Allthistime，Edithremainedatthedarkwindowlookingoutintothestreet。Whensheandhermotherwereatlastleftalone，shemovedfromitforthefirsttimethatevening，andcameoppositetoher。Theyawning，shaking，peevishfigureofthemother，withhereyesraisedtoconfronttheprouderectformofthedaughter，whoseglanceoffirewasbentdownwarduponher，hadaconsciousairuponit，thatnolevityortempercouldconceal。
`Iamtiredtodeath，\'saidshe。`Youcan\'tbetrustedforamoment。
Youareworsethanachild。Child！Nochildwouldbehalfsoobstinateandundutiful。\'
`Listentome，mother，\'returnedEdith，passingthesewordsbywithascornthatwouldnotdescendtotriflewiththem。`Youmustremainalonehere，untilIreturn。\'
`Mustremainalonehere，Edith，untilyoureturn！\'repeatedhermother。
`OrinthatnameuponwhichIshallcallto-morrowtowitnesswhatIdo，sofalsely，andsoshamefully，IswearIwillrefusethehandofthismaninthechurch。IfIdonot，mayIfalldeaduponthepavement！\'
Themotheransweredwithalookofquickalarm，innodegreediminishedbythelookshemet。
`Itisenough，\'saidEdith，steadily，`thatwearewhatweare。
Iwillhavenoyouthandtruthdraggeddowntomylevel。Iwillhavenoguilelessnatureundermined，corrupted，andperverted，toamusetheleisureofaworldofmothers。Youknowmymeaning。Florencemustgohome。\'
`Youareanidiot，Edith，\'criedherangrymother。`Doyouexpecttherecaneverbepeaceforyouinthathouse，tillsheismarried，andaway？\'
`Askme，oraskyourself，ifIeverexpectpeaceinthathouse，\'
saidherdaughter，`andyouknowtheanswer。\'
`AndamItobetoldto-night，afterallmypainsandlabour，andwhenyouaregoing，throughme，toberenderedindependent，\'hermotheralmostshriekedinherpassion，whileherpalsiedheadshooklikealeaf，`thatthereiscorruptionandcontagioninme，andthatIamnotfitcompanyforagirl！Whatareyou，pray？Whatareyou？\'
`Ihaveputthequestiontomyself，\'saidEdith，ashypale，andpointingtothewindow，`morethanoncewhenIhavebeensittingthere，andsomethinginthefadedlikenessofmysexhaswanderedpastoutside；
andGodknowsIhavemetwithmyreply。Ohmother，mother，ifyouhadbutleftmetomynaturalheartwhenItoowasagirl——ayoungergirlthanFlorence——howdifferentImighthavebeen！\'
Sensiblethatanyshowofangerwasuselesshere，hermotherrestrainedherself，andfellawhimpering，andbewailedthatshehadlivedtoolong，andthatheronlychildhadcastheroff，andthatdutytowardsparentswasforgottenintheseevildays，andthatshehadheardunnaturaltaunts，andcaredforlifenolonger。
`Ifoneistogoonlivingthroughcontinualsceneslikethis，\'
shewhined，`Iamsureitwouldbemuchbetterformetothinkofsomemeansofputtinganendtomyexistence。Oh！Theideaofyourbeingmydaughter，Edith，andaddressingmeinsuchastrain！\'
`Betweenus，mother，\'returnedEdith，mournfully，`thetimeformutualreproachesispast。\'
`Thenwhydoyoureviveit？\'whimperedhermother。`Youknowthatyouarelaceratingmeinthecruellestmanner。YouknowhowsensitiveI
amtounkindness。Atsuchamoment，too，whenIhavesomuchtothinkof，andamnaturallyanxioustoappeartothebestadvantage！Iwonderatyou，Edith。Tomakeyourmotherafrightuponyourwedding-day！\'
Edithbentthesamefixedlookuponher，asshesobbedandrubbedhereyes；andsaidinthesamelowsteadyvoice，whichhadneitherrisennorfallensinceshefirstaddressedher，`IhavesaidthatFlorencemustgohome。\'
`Lethergo！\'criedtheafflictedandaffrightedparent，hastily。
`IamsureIamwillingsheshouldgo。Whatisthegirltome？\'
`Sheissomuchtome，thatratherthancommunicate，orsuffertobecommunicatedtoher，onegrainoftheevilthatisinmybreast，mother，Iwouldrenounceyou，asIwouldifyougavemecauserenouncehiminthechurchto-morrow，\'repliedEdith。`Leaveheralone。Sheshallnot，whileIcaninterpose，betamperedwithandtaintedbythelessonsIhavelearned。Thisisnohardconditiononthisbitternight。\'
`Ifyouhadproposeditinafilialmanner，Edith，\'whinedhermother，`perhapsnot；verylikelynot。Butsuchextremelycuttingwords——\'
`Theyarepastandatanendbetweenusnow，\'saidEdith。`Takeyourownway，mother；shareasyoupleaseinwhatyouhavegained；spend，enjoy，makemuchofit；andbeashappyasyouwill。Theobjectofourlivesiswon。Henceforthletuswearitsilently。Mylipsarecloseduponthepastfromthishour。Iforgiveyouyourpartinto-morrow\'swickedness。
MayGodforgivemyown！\'
Withoutatremorinhervoice，orframe，andpassingonwardwithafootthatsetitselfupontheneckofeverysoftemotion，shebadehermothergoodnight，andrepairedtoherownroom。
Butnottorest；fortherewasnorestinthetumultofheragitationwhenalone。Toandfro，andtoandfro，andtoandfroagain，fivehundredtimes，amongthesplendidpreparationsforheradornmentonthemorrow；
withherdarkhairshakendown，herdarkeyesflashingwitharaginglight，herbroadwhitebosomredwiththecruelgraspoftherelentlesshandwithwhichshespurneditfromher，pacingupanddownwithanavertedhead，asifshewouldavoidthesightofherownfairperson，anddivorceherselffromitscompanionship。Thus，inthedeadtimeofthenightbeforeherbridal，EdithGrangerwrestledwithherunquietspirit，tearless，friendless，silent，proud，anduncomplaining。
AtlengthithappenedthatshetouchedtheopendoorwhichledintotheroomwhereFlorencelay。
Shestarted，stopped，andlookedin。
Alightwasburningthere，andshowedherFlorenceinherbloomofinnocenceandbeauty，fastasleep。Edithheldherbreath，andfeltherselfdrawnontowardsher。
Drawnnearer，nearer，neareryet；atlast，drawnsonear，thatstoopingdown，shepressedherlipstothegentlehandthatlayoutsidethebed，andputitsoftlytoherneck。Itstouchwasliketheprophet\'srodofoldupontherock。Hertearssprungforthbeneathit，asshesunkuponherknees，andlaidherachingheadandstreaminghairuponthepillowbyitsside。
ThusEdithGrangerpassedthenightbeforeherbridal。Thusthesunfoundheronherbridalmorning。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter31[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXITheWeddingDAWN，withitspassionlessblankface，stealsshiveringtothechurchbeneathwhichliesthedustoflittlePaulandhismother，andlooksinatthewindows。Itiscoldanddark。Nightcrouchesyet，uponthepavement，andbroods，sombreandheavy，innooksandcornersofthebuilding。Thesteeple-clock，perchedupabovethehouses，emergingfrombeneathanotherofthecountlessripplesinthetideoftimethatregularlyrollandbreakontheeternalshore，isgreylyvisible，likeastonebeacon，recordinghowtheseaflowson；butwithindoors，dawn，atfirst，canonlypeepatnight，andseethatitisthere。
Hoveringfeeblyroundthechurch，andlookingin，dawnmoansandweepsforitsshortreign，anditstearstrickleonthewindow-glass，andthetreesagainstthechurch-wallbowtheirheads，andwringtheirmanyhandsinsympathy。Night，growingpalebeforeit，graduallyfadesoutofthechurch，butlingersinthevaultsbelow，andsitsuponthecoffins。
Andnowcomesbrightday，burnishingthesteeple-clock，andreddeningthespire，anddryingupthetearsofdawn，andstiflingitscomplaining；andthescareddawn，followingthenight，andchasingitfromitslastrefuge，shrinksintothevaultsitselfandhides，withafrightenedface，amongthedead，untilnightreturns，refreshed，todriveitout。
Andnow，themice，whohavebeenbusierwiththeprayer-booksthantheirproperowners，andwiththehassocks，morewornbytheirlittleteethbyhumanknees，hidetheirbrighteyesintheirholes，andgatherclosetogetherinaffrightattheresoundingclashingofthechurch-door。
Forthebeadle，thatmanofpower，comesearlythismorningwiththesexton；
andMrs。Miff，thewheezylittlepew-opener——amightydryoldlady，sparelydressed，withnotaninchoffulnessanywhereabouther——isalsohere，andhasbeenwaitingatthechurch-gatehalf-an-hour，asherplaceis，forthebeadle。
AvinegaryfacehasMrs。Miff，andamortifiedbonnet，andekeathirstysoulforsixpencesandshillings。Beckoningtostraypeopletocomeintopews，hasgivenMrs。Miffanairofmystery；andthereisreservationintheeyeofMrs。Miff，asalwaysknowingofasofterseat，buthavinghersuspicionsofthefee。ThereisnosuchfactasMr。Miff，norhastherebeen，thesetwentyyears，andMrs。Miffwouldrathernotalludetohim。
Heheldsomebadopinions，itwouldseem，aboutfreeseats，andthoughMrs。Miffhopeshemaybegoneupwards，shecouldn\'tpositivelyundertaketosayso。
BusyisMrs。Miffthismorningatthechurch-door，beatinganddustingthealtar-cloth，thecarpet，andthecushions；andmuchhasMrs。
Mifftosay，abouttheweddingtheyaregoingtohave。Mrs。Miffistold，thatthenewfurnitureandalterationsinthehousecostfullfivethousandpoundiftheycostapenny；andMrs。Miffhasheard，uponthebestauthority，thattheladyhasn\'tgotasixpencewherewithaltoblessherself。Mrs。
Miffremembers，likewise，asifithadhappenedyesterday，thefirstwife\'sfuneral，andthenthechristening，andthentheotherfuneral；andMrs。
Miffsays，by-the-byeshe\'llsoap-and-waterthat\'eretabletpresently，againstthecompanyarrive。Mr。Sownds，theBeadle，whoissittinginthesunuponthechurchstepsallthistimeandseldomdoesanythingelse，except，incoldweather，sittingbythefire，approvesofMrs。Miff\'sdiscourse，andasksifMrs。Miffhashearditsaid，thattheladyisuncommonhandsome？TheinformationMrs。Miffhasreceived，beingofthisnature，Mr。SowndstheBeadle，who，thoughorthodoxandcorpulent，isstillanadmireroffemalebeauty，observes，withunction，yes，hehearssheisaspanker——anexpressionthatseemssomewhatforcibletoMrs。Miff，orwould，fromanylipsbutthoseofMr。SowndstheBeadle。
InMr。Dombey\'shouse，atthissametime，thereisgreatstirandbustle，moreespeciallyamongthewomen：notoneofwhomhashadawinkofsleepsincefouro\'clock，andallofwhomwerefullydressedbeforesix。Mr。Towlinsonisanobjectofgreaterconsiderationthanusualtothehousemaid，andthecooksaysatbreakfast-timethatoneweddingmakesmany，whichthehousemaidcan\'tbelieve，anddon\'tthinktrueatall。Mr。
Towlinsonreserveshissentimentsonthisquestion；beingrenderedsomethinggloomybytheengagementofaforeignerwithwhiskersMr。Towlinsoniswhiskerlesshimself，whohasbeenhiredtoaccompanythehappypairtoParis，andwhoisbusypackingthenewchariot。Inrespectofthispersonage，Mr。Towlinsonadmits，presently，thatheneverknewofanygoodthatevercomeofforeigners；andbeingchargedbytheladieswithprejudice，says，lookatBonapartewhowasattheheadof\'em，andseewhathewasalwaysupto！Whichthehousemaidsaysisverytrue。
Thepastry-cookishardatworkinthefuneralroominBrookStreet，andtheverytallyoungmenarebusylookingon。Oneoftheverytallyoungmenalreadysmellsofsherry，andhiseyeshaveatendencytobecomefixedinhishead，andtostareatobjectswithoutseeingthem。Theverytallyoungmanisconsciousofthisfailinginhimself；andinformshiscomradethatit\'shis`exciseman。\'Theverytallyoungmanwouldsayexcitement，buthisspeechishazy。
Themenwhoplaythebellshavegotscentofthemarriage；andthemarrow-bonesandcleaverstoo；andabrassbandtoo。Thefirst，arepractisinginabacksettlementnearBattle-bridge；thesecond，putthemselvesincommunication，throughtheirchief，withMr。Towlinson，towhomtheyoffertermstobeboughtoff；andthethird，inthepersonofanartfultrombone，lurksanddodgesroundthecorner，waitingforsometraitortradesmantorevealtheplaceandhourofbreakfast，forabribe。Expectationandexcitementextendfurtheryet，andtakeawiderrange。FromBallsPond，Mr。PerchbringsMrs。PerchtospendthedaywithMr。Dombey\'sservants，andaccompanythem，surreptitiously，toseethewedding。InMr。Toots\'slodgings，Mr。TootsattireshimselfasifhewereatleasttheBridegroom；
determinedtobeholdthespectacleinsplendourfromasecretcornerofthegallery，andthithertoconveytheChicken：foritisMr。Toots\'sdesperateintenttopointoutFlorencetotheChicken，thenandthere，andopenlytosay，`Now，Chicken，Iwillnotdeceiveyouanylonger；thefriendI
havesometimesmentionedtoyouismyself；MissDombeyistheobjectofmypassion；whatareyouropinions，Chicken，inthisstateofthings，andwhat，onthespot，doyouadvise？\'Theso-much-to-be-astonishedChicken，inthemeanwhile，dipshisbeakintoatankardofstrongbeer，inMr。Toots\'skitchen，andpecksuptwopoundsofbeefsteaks。InPrincess\'sPlace，MissToxisupanddoing；forshetoo，thoughinsoredistress，isresolvedtoputashillinginthehandsofMrs。Miff，andseetheceremonywhichhasacruelfascinationforher，fromsomelonelycorner。ThequartersoftheWoodenMidshipmanareallalive；forCaptainCuttle，inhisankle-jacksandwithahugeshirt-collar，isseatedathisbreakfast，listeningtoRobtheGrinderashereadsthemarriageservicetohimbeforehand，underorders，totheendthattheCaptainmayperfectlyunderstandthesolemnityheisabouttowitness：forwhichpurpose，theCaptaingravelylaysinjunctionsonhischaplain，fromtimetotime，to`putabout，\'orto`overhaulthat\'erearticleagain，\'ortosticktohisownduty，andleavetheAmenstohim，theCaptain；oneofwhichherepeats，wheneverapauseismadebyRobtheGrinder，withsonoroussatisfaction。
Besidesallthis，andmuchmore，twentynursery-maidsinMr。Dombey\'sstreetalone，havepromisedtwentyfamiliesoflittlewomen，whoseinstinctiveinterestinnuptialsdatesfromtheircradles，thattheyshallgoandseethemarriage。Truly，Mr。SowndstheBeadlehasgoodreasontofeelhimselfinoffice，ashesunshisportlyfigureonthechurchsteps，waitingforthemarriagehour。Truly，Mrs。Miffhascausetopounceonanunluckydwarfchild，withagiantbaby，whopeepsinattheporch，anddriveherforthwithindignation！
CousinFeenixhascomeoverfromabroad，expresslytoattendthemarriage。CousinFeenixwasamanabouttown，fortyyearsago；butheisstillsojuvenileinfigureandinmanner，andsowellgotup，thatstrangersareamazedwhentheydiscoverlatentwrinklesinhislordship\'sface，andcrows\'feetinhiseyes；andfirstobservehim，notexactlycertainwhenhewalksacrossaroom，ofgoingquitestraighttowherehewantstogo。
ButCousinFeenix，gettingupathalf-pastseveno\'clockorso，isquiteanotherthingfromCousinFeenixgotup；andverydim，indeed，helooks，whilebeingshavedatLong\'sHotel，inBondStreet。
Mr。Dombeyleaveshisdressing-room，amidstageneralwhiskingawayofthewomenonthestaircase，whodisperseinalldirections，withagreatrustlingofskirts，exceptMrs。Perch，who，beingbutthatshealwaysisinaninterestingsituation，isnotnimble，andisobligedtofacehim，andisreadytosinkwithconfusionasshecurtseys；——mayHeavenavertallevilconsequencesfromthehouseofPerch！Mr。Dombeywalksuptothedrawing-room，tobidehistime。GorgeousareMr。Dombey\'snewbluecoat，fawn-colouredpantaloons，andlilacwaistcoat；andawhispergoesaboutthehouse，thatMr。Dombey\'shairiscurled。
AdoubleknockannouncesthearrivaloftheMajor，whoisorgeoustoo，andwearsawholegeraniuminhisbutton-hole，andhashishaircurledtightandcrisp，aswelltheNativeknows`Dombey！\'saystheMajor，puttingoutbothhands，`howareyou？\'
`Major，\'saysMr。Dombey，`howareYou？\'
`ByJove，Sir，\'saystheMajor，`JoeyB。isinsuchcasethismorning，Sir，\'——andherehehitshimselfharduponthebreast——`insuchcasethismorning，Sir，that，damme，Dombey，hehashalfamindtomakeadoublemarriageofit，Sir，andtakethemother。\'
Mr。Dombeysmiles；butfaintly，evenforhim；forMr。Dombeyfeelsthatheisgoingtoberelatedtothemother，andthat，underthosecircumstances，sheisnottobejokedabout。
`Dombey，\'saystheMajor，seeingthis，`Igiveyoujoy。Icongratulateyou，Dombey。BytheLord，Sir，\'saystheMajor，`youaremoretobeenvied，thisday，thananymaninEngland！\'
HereagainMr。Dombey\'sassentisqualified；becauseheisgoingtoconferagreatdistinctiononalady；and，nodoubt，sheistobeenviedmost。
`AstoEdithGranger，Sir，\'pursuestheMajor，`thereisnotawomaninallEuropebutmight——andwould，Sir，youwillallowBagstocktoadd——andwouldgiveherears，andherearrings，too，tobeinEdithGranger\'splace。\'
`Youaregoodenoughtosayso，Major，\'saysMr。Dombey。
`Dombey，\'returnstheMajor，`youknowit。Letushavenofalsedelicacy。Youknowit。Doyouknowit，ordoyounot，Dombey？\'saystheMajor，almostinapassion。
`Oh，really，Major——\'
`Damme，Sir，\'retortstheMajor，`doyouknowthatfact，ordoyounot？Dombey！IsoldJoeyourfriend？Areweonthatfootingofunreservedintimacy，Dombey，thatmayjustifyaman——abluntoldJosephB。，Sir——inspeakingout；oramItotakeopenorder，Dombey，andtokeepmydistance，andtostandonforms？\'
`MydearMajorBagstock。\'saysMr。Dombey，withagratifiedair，`youarequitewarm。\'
`ByGad，Sir，\'saystheMajor，`Iamwarm。JosephB。doesnotdenyit，Dombey。Heiswarm。Thisisanoccasion，Sir，thatcallsforthallthehonestsympathiesremaininginanold，infernal，battered，used-up，invalided，J。B。carcase。AndItellyouwhat，Dombey——atsuchatimeamanmustblurtoutwhathefeels，orputamuzzleon；andJosephBagstocktellsyoutoyourface，Dombey，ashetellshisclubbehindyourback，thatheneverwillbemuzzledwhenPaulDombeyisinquestion。Now，damme，Sir，\'concludestheMajor，withgreatfirmness，`whatdoyoumakeofthat？\'
`Major，\'saysMr。Dombey，`IassureyouthatIamreallyobligedtoyou。Ihadnoideaofcheckingyourtoopartialfriendship。\'
`Nottoopartial，Sir！\'exclaimsthecholericMajor。`Dombey，Idenyit。\'
`YourfriendshipIwillsaythen，\'pursuesMr。Dombey，`onanyaccount。NorcanIforget，Major，onsuchanoccasionasthepresent，howmuchIamindebtedtoit。\'
`Dombey，\'saystheMajor，withappropriateaction，`thatisthehandofJosephBagstock：ofplainoldJoeyB。，Sir，ifyoulikethatbetter！
ThatisthehandofwhichHisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkdidmethehonourtoobserve，Sir，toHisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofKent，thatitwasthehandofJosh。：aroughandtough，andpossiblyanup-to-snuff，oldvagabond。Dombey，maythepresentmomentbetheleastunhappyofourlives。Godblessyou！\'
NowentersMr。Carker，gorgeouslikewise，andsmilinglikeawedding-guestindeed。HecanscarcelyletMr。Dombey\'shandgo，heissocongratulatory；
andheshakestheMajor\'shandsoheartilyatthesametime，thathisvoiceshakestoo，inaccordwithhisarms，asitcomesslidingfrombetweenhisteeth。
`Theverydayisauspicious，\'saysMr。Carker。`Thebrightestandmostgenialweather！IhopeIamnotamomentlate？\'
`Punctualtoyourtime，Sir，\'saystheMajor。
`Iamrejoiced，Iamsure，\'saysMr。Carker。`IwasafraidImightbeafewsecondsaftertheappointedtime，forIwasdelayedbyaprocessionofwaggons；andItookthelibertyofridingroundtoBrookStreet\'——thistoMr。Dombey——`toleaveafewpoorraritiesofflowersforMrs。Dombey。
Amaninmyposition，andsodistinguishedastobeinvitedhere，isproudtooffersomehomageinacknowledgmentofhisvassalage：andasIhavenodoubtMrs。Dombeyisoverwhelmedwithwhatiscostlyandmagnificent；\'
withastrangeglanceathispatron；`Ihopetheverypovertyofmyoffering，mayfindfavourforit。\'
`Mrs。Dombey，thatistobe，\'returnsMr。Dombey，condescending，`willbeverysensibleofyourattention，Carker，Iamsure。\'
`AndifsheistobeMrs。Dombeythismorning，Sir，saystheMajor，puttingdownhiscoffee-cup，andlookingathiswatch，`it\'shightimewewereoff！\'
Forth，inabarouche，rideMr。Dombey，MajorBagstock，andMr。
Carker，tothechurch。Mr。SowndstheBeadlehaslongrisenfromthesteps，andisinwaitingwithhiscockedhatinhishand。Mrs。Miffcurtseysandproposeschairsinthevestry。Mr。Dombeyprefersremaininginthechurch。
Ashelooksupattheorgan，MissToxinthegalleryshrinksbehindthefatlegofacherubonamonument，withcheekslikeayoungWind。CaptainCuttle，onthecontrary，standsupandwaveshishook，intokenofwelcomeandencouragement。Mr。TootsinformstheChicken，behindhishand，thatthemiddlegentleman，heinthefawn-colouredpantaloons，isthefatherofhislove。TheChickenhoarselywhispersMr。Tootsthathe\'sasstiffacoveaseverhesee，butthatitiswithintheresourcesofSciencetodoublehimup，withoneblowinthewaistcoat。
Mr。SowndsandMrs。MiffareeyeingMr。Dombeyfromalittledistance，whenthenoiseofapproachingwheelsisheard，andMr。Sowndsgoesout；
Mrs。Miff，meetingMr。Dombey\'seyeasitiswithdrawnfromthepresumptuousmaniacupstairs，whosaluteshimwithsomuchurbanity，dropsacurtsey，andinformshimthatshebelieveshis`goodlady\'iscome。Thenthereisacrowdingandawhisperingatthedoor，andthegoodladyenters，withahaughtystep。
Thereisnosignuponherface，oflastnight\'ssuffering；thereisnotraceinhermanner，ofthewomanonthebendedkneesreposingherwildhead，inbeautifulabandonment，uponthepillowofthesleepinggirl。
Thatgirl，allgentleandlovely，isatherside——astrikingcontrasttoherowndisdainfulanddefiantfigure，standingthere，composed，erect，inscrutableofwill，resplendentandmajesticinthezenithofitscharms，yetbeatingdown，andtreadingon，theadmirationthatitchallenges。
ThereisapausewhileMr。SowndstheBeadleglidesintothevestryfortheclergymanandclerk。Atthisjuncture，Mrs。SkewtonspeakstoMr。
Dombey：moredistinctlyandemphaticallythanhercustomis，andmovingatthesametime，closetoEdith。
`MydearDombey，\'saidthegoodMama，`IfearImustrelinquishdarlingFlorenceafterall，andsufferhertogohome，assheherselfproposed。
Aftermylossofto-day，mydearDombey，IfeelIshallnothavespirits，evenforhersociety。\'
`Hadshenotbetterstaywithyou？\'returnstheBridegroom。
`Ithinknot，mydearDombey。No，Ithinknot。Ishallbebetteralone。Besides，mydearestEdithwillbehernaturalandconstantguardianwhenyoureturn，andIhadbetternotencroachuponhertrust，perhaps。
Shemightbejealous。Eh，dearEdith？\'
TheaffectionateMamaPressesherdaughter\'sarm，asshesaysthis；perhapsentreatingherattentionearnestly。
`Tobeserious，mydearDombey，\'sheresumes，`Iwillrelinquishourdearchild，andnotinflictmygloomuponher。Wehavesettledthat，justnow。Shefullyunderstands，dearDombey。Edith，mydear，——shefullyunderstands。\'
Again，thegoodmotherpressesherdaughter\'sarm。Mr。Dombeyoffersnoadditionalremonstrance；fortheclergymanandclerkappear；
andMrs。Miff，andMr。SowndstheBeadle，groupthepartyintheirproperplacesatthealtarrails。
`“Whogiveththiswomantobemarriedtothisman？”\'
CousinFeenixdoesthat。HehascomefromBaden-Badenorpurpose。
`Confoundit，\'CousinFeenixsays——good-naturedcreature，CousinFeenix——`whenwedogetarichCityfellowintothefamily，letusshowhimsomeattention；letusdosomethingforhim。\'
`Igivethiswomantobemarriedtothisman，\'saithCousinFeenixtherefore。CousinFeenix，meaningtogoinastraightline，butturningoffsidewaysbyreasonofhiswilfullegs，givesthewrongwomantobemarriedtothisman，atfirst——towit，abridesmaidofsomecondition，distantlyconnectedwiththefamily，andtenyearsMrs。Skewton\'sjunior——butMrs。Miff，interposinghermortifiedbonnet，dexterouslyturnshimback，andrunshim，asoncastors，fullatthe`goodlady：\'whomCousinFeenixgivethtobemarriedtothismanaccordingly。
Andwilltheyinthesightofheaven——？
Aye，thattheywill：Mr。Dombeysayshewill。AndwhatsaysEdith？Shewill。
So，fromthatdayforward，forbetterforworse，forricherforpoorer，insicknessandinhealth，toloveandtocherish，tilldeathdothempart，theyplighttheirtrothtooneanother，andaremarried。
Inafirm，freehand，theBridesubscribeshernameintheregister，whentheyadjourntothevestry。`Therean\'tamanyladiescomehere，\'
Mrs。Miffsayswithacurtsey——tolookatMrs。Miff，atsuchaseason，istomakehermortifiedbonnetgodownwithadip——`writestheirnameslikethisgoodlady！\'Mr。SowndstheBeadlethinksitisatrulyspankingsignature，andworthyofthewriter——this，however，betweenhimselfandconscience。
Florencesignstoo，butunapplauded，forherhandshakes。Allthepartysign；CousinFeenixlast；whoputshisnoblenameintoawrongplace，andenrolshimselfashavingbeenbornthatmorning。
TheMajornowsalutestheBriderightgallantly，andcarriesoutthatbranchofmilitarytacticsinreferencetoalltheladies：notwithstandingMrs。Skewton\'sbeingextremelyhardtokiss，andsqueakingshrillyinthesacrededifice。TheexampleisfollowedbyCousinFeenix，andevenbyMr。
Dombey。Lastly，Mr。Carker，withhiswhiteteethglistening，approachesEdith，moreasifhemeanttobiteher，thantotastethesweetsthatlingeronherlips。
Thereisaglowuponherproudcheek，andaflashinginhereyes，thatmaybemeanttostayhim；butitdoesnot，forhesalutesherastheresthavedone，andwishesherallhappiness。
`Ifwishes，\'saysheinalowvoice，`arenotsuperfluous，appliedtosuchaunion。\'
`Ithankyou，Sir，\'sheanswers，withacurledlip，andaheavingbosom。
But，doesEdithfeelstill，asonthenightwhensheknewthatMr。Dombeywouldreturntoofferhisalliance，thatCarkerknowsherthoroughly，andreadsherright，andthatsheismoredegradedbyhisknowledgeofher，thanbyaughtelse？Isitforthisreasonthatherhaughtinessshrinksbeneathhissmile，likesnowwithinthehandthatgraspsitfirmly，andthatherimperiousglancedroopsinmeetinghis，andseekstheground？
`Iamproudtosee，\'saidMr。Carker，withaservilestoopingofhisneck，whichtherevelationsmakingbyhiseyesandteethproclaimtobealie，`IamproudtoseethatmyhumbleofferingisgracedbyMrs。
Dombey\'shand，andpermittedtoholdsofavouredaplaceinsojoyfulanoccasion。\'
Thoughshebendsherhead，inanswer，thereissomethinginthemomentaryactionofherhand，asifshewouldcrushtheflowersitholds，andflingthem，withcontempt，upontheground。But，sheputsthehandthroughthearmofhernewhusband，whohasbeenstandingnear，conversingwiththeMajor，andisproudagain，andmotionless，andsilent。
Thecarriagesareoncemoreatthechurchdoor。Mr。Dombey，withhisbrideuponhisarm，conductsherthroughthetwentyfamiliesoflittlewomenwhoareonthesteps，andeveryoneofwhomremembersthefashionandthecolourofhereveryarticleofdressfromthatmoment，andreproducesitonherdoll，whoisforeverbeingmarried。CleopatraandCousinFeenixenterthesamecarriage。TheMajorhandsintoasecondcarriage，Florence，andthebridesmaidwhosonarrowlyescapedbeinggivenawaybymistake，andthenentersithimself，andisfollowedbyMr。Carker。Horsespranceandcaper；coachmenandfootmenshineinflutteringfavours，flowers，andnew-madeliveries。Awaytheydashandrattlethroughthestreets：andastheypassalong，athousandheadsareturnedtolookatthem，andathousandsobermoralistsrevengethemselvesfornotbeingmarriedtoo，thatmorning，byreflectingthatthesepeoplelittlethinksuchhappinesscan\'tlast。
MissToxemergesfrombehindthecherub\'sleg，whenallisquiet，andcomesslowlydownfromthegallery。MissTox\'seyesarered，andherpocket-handkerchiefisdamp。Sheiswounded，butnotexasperated，andshehopestheymaybehappy。Shequiteadmitstoherselfthebeautyofthebride，andherowncomparativelyfeebleandfadedattractions；butthestatelyimageofMr。Dombeyinhislilacwaistcoat，andhisfawn-colouredpantaloons，ispresenttohermind，andMissToxweepsafresh，behindherveil，onherwayhometoPrincess\'sPlace。CaptainCuttle，havingjoinedinalltheamensandresponses，withadevoutgrowl，feelsmuchimprovedbyhisreligiousexercises；andinapeacefulframeofmind，pervadesthebodyofthechurch，glazedhatinhand，andreadsthetablettothememoryoflittlePaul。ThegallantMr。Toots，attendedbythefaithfulChicken，leavesthebuildingintormentsoflove。TheChickenisasyetunabletoelaborateaschemeforwinningFlorence，buthisfirstideahasgainedpossessionofhim，andhethinksthedoublingupofMr。Dombeywouldbeamoveintherightdirection。Mr。Dombey\'sservantscomeoutoftheirhiding-places，andpreparetorushtoBrookStreet，whentheyaredelayedbysymptomsofindispositiononthepartofMrs。Perch，whoentreatsaglassofwater，andbecomesalarming；Mrs。Perchgetsbettersoon，however，andisborneaway；andMrs。Miff，andMr。SowndstheBeadle，situponthestepstocountwhattheyhavegainedbytheaffair，andtalkitover，whilethesextontollsafuneral。
Now，thecarriagesarriveattheBride\'sresidence，andtheplayersonthebellsbegintojingle，andthebandstrikesup，andMr。Punch，thatmodelofconnubialbliss，saluteshiswife。Now，thepeoplerunandpush，andpressroundinagapingthrong，whileMr。Dombey，leadingMrs。Dombeybythehand，advancessolemnlyintotheFeenixHalls。Now，therestoftheweddingpartyalight，andenterafterthem。AndwhydoesMr。Carker，passingthroughthepeopletothehall-door，thinkoftheoldwomanwhocalledtohimintheGrovethatmorning？OrwhydoesFlorence，asshepasses，think，withatremble，ofherchildhood，whenshewaslost，andofthevisageofgoodMrs。Brown？
Now，therearemorecongratulationsonthishappiestofdays，andmorecompany，thoughnotmuch；andnowtheyleavethedrawing-room，andrangethemselvesattableinthedark-browndining-room，whichnoconfectionercanbrightenup，lethimgarnishtheexhaustednegroeswithasmanyflowersandlove-knotsashewill。
Thepastry-cookhasdonehisdutylikeaman，though，andarichbreakfastissetforth。Mr。andMrs。Chickhavejoinedtheparty，amongothers。Mrs。ChickadmiresthatEdithshouldbe，bynature，suchaperfectDombey；andisaffableandconfidentialtoMrs。Skewton，whosemindisrelievedofagreatload，andwhotakeshershareofthechampagne。Theverytallyoungmanwhosufferedfromexcitementearly，isbetter；butavaguesentimentofrepentancehasseizeduponhim，andhehatestheotherverytallyoungman，andwrestsdishesfromhimbyviolence，andtakesagrimdelightindisobligingthecompany。Thecompanyarecoolandcalm，anddonotoutragetheblackhatchmentsofpictureslookingdownuponthem，byanyexcessofmirth。CousinFeenixandtheMajorarethegayestthere；
butMr。Carkerhasasmileforthewholetable。HehasanespecialsmilefortheBride，whovery，veryseldommeetsit。
CousinFeenixrises，whenthecompanyhavebreakfasted，andtheservantshavelefttheroom；andwonderfullyyounghelooks，withhiswhitewristbandsalmostcoveringhishandsotherwiseratherbony，andthebloomofthechampagneinhischeeks。
`Uponmyhonour，\'saysCousinFeenix，`althoughit\'sanunusualsortofthingisaprivategentleman\'shouse，Imustbegleavetocalluponyoutodrinkwhatisusuallycalleda——infactatoast。\'
TheMajorveryhoarselyindicateshisapproval。Mr。Carker，bendinghisheadforwardoverthetableinthedirectionofCousinFeenix，smilesandnodsagreatmanytimes。
`A——infactit\'snota——\'CousinFeenixbeginningagain，thus，comestoadeadstop。
`Hear，hear！\'saystheMajor，inatoneofconviction。
Mr。Carkersoftlyclapshishands，andbendingforwardoverthetableagain，smilesandnodsagreatmanymoretimesthanbefore，asifhewereparticularlystruckbythislastobservation，anddesiredpersonallytoexpresshissenseofthegoodithasdonehim。
`Itis，\'saysCousinFeenix，`anoccasioninfact，whenthegeneralusagesoflifemaybealittledepartedfrom，withoutimpropriety；andalthoughIneverwasanoratorinmylife，andwhenIwasintheHouseofCommons，andhadthehonourofsecondingtheaddress，was——infact，waslaidupforafort-nightwiththeconsciousnessoffailure——\'
TheMajorandMr。Carkeraresomuchdelightedbythisfragmentofpersonalhistory，thatCousinFeenixlaughs，andaddressingthemindividually，goesontosay：
`Andinpointoffact，whenIwasdevilishill——still，youknow，Ifeelthatadutydevolvesuponme。AndwhenadutydevolvesuponanEnglishman，heisboundtogetoutofit，inmyopinion，inthebestwayhecan。Well！
ourfamilyhashadthegratification，to-day，ofconnectingitself，inthepersonofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，whomInowsee——inpointoffact，present——\'
Herethereisgeneralapplause。
`Present，\'repeatsCousinFeenix，feelingthatitisaneatpointwhichwillbearrepetition，——`withonewho——thatistosay，withaman，atwhomthefingerofscorncannever——infact，withmyhonourablefriendDombey，ifhewillallowmetocallhimso。\'
CousinFeenixbowstoMr。Dombey；Mr。Dombeysolemnlyreturnsthebow；
everybodyismoreorlessgratifiedandaffectedbythisextraordinary，andperhapsunprecedented，appealtothefeelings。
`Ihavenot，\'saysCousinFeenix，`enjoyedthoseopportunitieswhichIcouldhavedesired，ofcultivatingtheacquaintanceofmyfriendDombey，andstudyingthosequalitieswhichdoequalhonourtohishead，and，inpointoffact，tohisheart；forithasbeenmymisfortunetobe，asweusedtosayinmytimeintheHouseofCommons，whenitwasnotthecustomtoalludetotheLords，andwhentheorderofparliamentaryproceedingswasperhapsbetterobservedthanitisnow——tobein——inpointoffact，\'
saysCousinFeenix，cherishinghisjoke，withgreatslyness，andfinallybringingitoutwithajerk，`“inanotherplace！”\'
TheMajorfallsintoconvulsions，andisrecoveredwithdifficulty。
`ButIknowsufficientofmyfriendDombey，\'resumesCousinFeenixinagravertone，asifhehadsuddenlybecomeasadderandwiserman，`toknowthatheis，inpointoffact，whatmaybeemphaticallycalleda——amerchant——aBritishmerchant——anda——andaman。AndalthoughIhavebeenresidentabroadforsomeyearsitwouldgivemegreatpleasuretoreceivemyfriendDombey，andeverybodyhere，atBaden-Baden，andtohaveanopportunityofmaking\'emknowntotheGrandDuke，stillIknowenough，Iflattermyself，ofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，toknowthatshepossesseseveryrequisitetomakeamanhappy，andthathermarriagewithmyfriendDombeyisoneofinclinationandaffectiononbothsides。\'
ManysmilesandnodsfromMr。Carker。
`Therefore，\'saysCousinFeenix，`IcongratulatethefamilyofwhichIamamember，ontheacquisitionofmyfriendDombey。IcongratulatemyfriendDombeyonhisunionwithmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativewhopossesseseveryrequisitetomakeamanhappy；andItakethelibertyofcallingonyouall，inpointoffact，tocongratulatebothmyfriendDombeyandmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，onthepresentoccasion。\'
ThespeechofCousinFeenixisreceivedwithgreatapplause，andMr。DombeyreturnsthanksonbehalfofhimselfandMrs。Dombey。J。B。shortlyafterwardsproposesMr。Skewton。Thebreakfastlanguisheswhenthatisdone，theviolatedhatchmentsareavenged，andEdithrisestoassumehertravellingdress。
Alltheservantsinthemeantime，havebeenbreakfastingbelow。
Champagnehasgrowntoocommonamongthemtobementioned，androastfowls，raisedpies，andlobster-salad，havebecomemeredrugs。Theverytallyoungmanhasrecoveredhisspirits，andagainalludestotheexciseman。Hiscomrade\'seyebeginstoemulatehisown，andhe，too，staresatobjectswithouttakingcognizancethereof。Thereisageneralrednessinthefacesoftheladies；inthefaceofMrs。Perchparticularly，whoisjoyousandbeaming，andliftedsofarabovethecaresoflife，thatifshewereaskedjustnowtodirectawayfarertoBall\'sPond，whereherowncareslodge，shewouldhavesomedifficultyinrecallingtheway。Mr。Towlinsonhasproposedthehappypair；towhichthesilver-headedbutlerhasrespondedneatly，andwithemotion；forhehalfbeginstothinkheisanoldretainerofthefamily，andthatheisboundtobeaffectedbythesechanges。
Thewholeparty，andespeciallytheladies，areveryfrolicsome。Mr。Dombey\'scook，whogenerallytakestheleadinsociety，hassaid，itisimpossibletosettledownafterthis，andwhynotgo，inaparty，totheplay？EverybodyMrs。Perchincludedhasagreedtothis：eventheNative，whoistigerishinhisdrink，andwhoalarmstheladiesMrs。Perchparticularlybytherollingofhiseyes。Oneoftheverytallyoungmenhasevenproposedaballaftertheplay，anditpresentsitselftonooneMrs。Perchincluded
inthelightofanimpossibility。WordshavearisenbetweenthehousemaidandMr。Towlinson；she，ontheauthorityofanoldsaw，assertingmarriagestobemadeinHeaven：he，affectingtotracethemanufactureelsewhere；
he，supposingthatshesaysso，becauseshethinksofbeingmarriedherownself：she，saying，Lordforbid，atanyrate，thatsheshouldevermarryhim。Tocalmtheseflyingtaunts，thesilver-headedbutlerrisestoproposethehealthofMr。Towlinson，whomtoknowistoesteem，andtoesteemistowishwellsettledinlifewiththeobjectofhischoice，whereverherethesilver-headedbutlereyesthehousemaidshemaybe。
Mr。Towlinsonreturnsthanksinaspeechrepletewithfeeling，ofwhichtheperorationturnsonforeigners，regardingwhomhesaystheymayfindfavour，sometimeswithweakandinconstantintellectsthatcanbeledawaybyhair，butallhehopes，is，hemayneverhearofnoforeignerneverboningnothingoutofnotravellingchariot。TheeyeofMr。Towlinsonissosevereandsoexpressivehere，thatthehousemaidisturninghysterical，whensheandalltherest，rousedbytheintelligencethattheBrideisgoingaway，hurryupstairstowitnessherdeparture。
Thechariotisatthedoor；theBrideisdescendingtothehall，whereMr。Dombeywaitsforher。Florenceisreadyonthestaircasetodeparttoo；andMissNipper，whohasheldamiddlestatebetweentheparlourandthekitchen，ispreparedtoaccompanyher。AsEdithappears，Florencehastenstowardsher，tobidherfarewell。
IsEdithcold，thatsheshouldtremble！IsthereanythingunnaturalorunwholesomeinthetouchofFlorence，thatthebeautifulformrecedesandcontracts，asifitcouldnotbearit！Istheresomuchhurryinthisgoingaway，thatEdith，withawaveofherhand，sweepson，andisgone！
Mrs。Skewton，overpoweredbyherfeelingsasamother，sinksonhersofaintheCleopatraattitude，whentheclatterofthechariotwheelsislost，andshedsseveraltears。TheMajor，comingwiththerestofthecompanyfromtable，endeavourstocomforther；butshewillnotbecomfortedonanyterms，andsotheMajortakeshisleave。CousinFeenixtakeshisleave，andMr。Carkertakeshisleave。Theguestsallgoaway。Cleopatra，leftalone，feelsalittlegiddyfromherstrongemotion，andfallsasleep。
Giddinessprevailsbelowstairstoo。Theverytallyoungmanwhoseexcitementcameonsosoon，appearstohavehisheadgluedtothetableinthepantry，andcannotbedetachedfromit。AviolentrevulsionhastakenplaceinthespiritsofMrs。Perch，whoislowonaccountofMr。
Perch，andtellscookthatshefearsheisnotsomuchattachedtohishome，asheusedtobe，whentheywereonlynineinfamily。Mr。Towlinsonhasasinginginhisearsandalargewheelgoingroundandroundinsidehishead。Thehousemaidwishesitwasn\'twickedtowiththatonewasdead。
Thereisageneraldelusionlikewise，intheselowerregions，onthesubjectoftime；everybodyconceivingthatitoughttobe，attheearliest，teno\'clockatnight，whereasitisnotyetthreeintheafternoon。
Ashadowyideaofwickednesscommitted，hauntseveryindividualintheparty；andeachonesecretlythinkstheotheracompanioninguilt，whomitwouldbeagreeabletoavoid。Nomanorwomanhasthehardihoodtohintattheprojectedvisittotheplay。Anyonerevivingthenotionoftheball，wouldbescoutedasamalignantidiot。
Mrs。Skewtonsleepsupstairs，twohoursafterwards，andnapsarenotyetoverinthekitchen。Thehatchmentsinthedining-roomlookdownoncrumbs，dirtyplates，spillingsofwine，half-thawedice，stalediscolouredheel-taps，scrapsoflobster，drumsticksoffowls，andpensivejellies，graduallyresolvingthemselvesintoalukewarmgummysoup。Themarriageis，bythistime，almostasdenudedtoitsshowandgarnishasthebreakfast。Mr。Dombey\'sservantsmoralisesomuchaboutit，andaresorepentantovertheirearlytea，athome，thatbyeighto\'clockorso，theysettledownintoconfirmedseriousness；andMr。Perch，arrivingatthattimefromtheCity，freshandjocular，withawhitewaistcoatandacomicsong，readytospendtheevening，andpreparedforanyamountofdissipation，isamazedtofindhimselfcoldlyreceived，andMrs。Perchbutpoorly，andtohavethepleasingdutyofescortingthatladyhomebythenextomnibus。
Nightclosesin。Florencehavingrambledthroughthehandsomehouse，fromroomtoroom，seeksherownchamber，wherethecareofEdithhassurroundedherwithluxuriesandcomforts；anddivestingherselfofherhandsomedress，putsonheroldsimplemourningfordearPaul，andsitsdowntoread，withDiogeneswinkingandblinkingonthegroundbesideher。ButFlorencecannotreadto-night。Thehouseseemsstrangeandnew，andthereareloudechoesinit。Thereisashadowonherheart：sheknowsnotwhyorwhat：butitisheavy。Florenceshutsherbook，andgruffDiogenes，whotakesthatforasignal，putshispawsuponherlap，andrubshisearsagainsthercaressinghands。ButFlorencecannotseehimplainly，inalittletime，forthereisamistbetweenhereyesandhim，andherdeadbrotheranddeadmothershineinitlikeangels。Walter，too，poorwanderingshipwreckedboy，oh，whereishe？
TheMajordon\'tknow；that\'sforcertain；anddon\'tcare。TheMajor，havingchokedandslumbered，alltheafternoon，hastakenalatedinnerathisclub，andnowsitsoverhispintofwine，drivingamodestyoungman，withafresh-colouredface，atthenexttablewhowouldgiveahandsomesumtobeabletoriseandgoaway，butcannotdoittothevergeofmadness，byanecdotesofBagstock，Sir，atDombey\'swedding，andOldJoe\'sdevilishgentlemanlyfriend，LordFeenix。WhileCousinFeenix，whooughttobeatLong\'s\'andinbed，findshimself，instead，atagaming-table，wherehiswilfullegshavetakenhim，perhaps，inhisowndespite。
Night，likeagiant，fillsthechurch，frompavementtoroof，andholdsdominionthroughthesilenthours。Paledawnagaincomespeepingthroughthewindows；and，givingplacetoday，seesnightwithdrawintothevaults，andfollowsit，anddrivesitout，andhidesamongthedead。Thetimidmiceagaincowerclosetogether，whenthegreatdoorclashes，andMr。SowndsandMrs。Miff，treadingthecircleoftheirdailylives，unbrokenasamarriagering，comein。Again，thecockedhatandthemortifiedbonnetstandinthebackgroundatthemarriagehour；andagainthismantakeththiswoman，andthiswomantakeththisman，onthesolemnterms：
`Tohaveandtohold，fromthisdayforward，forbetterforworse，forricherforpoorer，insicknessandinhealth，toloveandtocherish，untildeathdothempart。\'
TheverywordsthatMr。Carkerridesintotownrepeating，withhismouthstretchedtotheutmost，ashepickshisdaintyway。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter32[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIITheWoodenMidshipmangoestoPiecesHONESTCaptainCuttle，astheweeksflewoverhiminhisfortifiedretreat，bynomeansabatedanyofhisprudentprovisionsagainstsurprise，becauseofthenon-appearanceoftheenemy。TheCaptainarguedthathispresentsecuritywastooprofoundandwonderfultoenduremuchlonger；heknewthatwhenthewindstoodinafairquarter，theweathercockwasseldomnailedthere；andhewastoowellacquaintedwiththedeterminedanddauntlesscharacterofMrs。MacStinger，todoubtthatthatheroicwomanhaddevotedherselftothetaskofhisdiscoveryandcapture。Tremblingbeneaththeweightofthesereasons，CaptainCuttlelivedaverycloseandretiredlife；seldomstirringabroaduntilafterdark；venturingeventhenonlyintotheobscureststreets；nevergoingforthatallonSundays；andbothwithinandwithoutthewallsofhisretreat，avoidingbonnets，asiftheywerewornbyraginglions。
TheCaptainneverdreamedthatintheeventofhisbeingpounceduponbyMrs。MacStinger，inhiswalks，itwouldbepossibletoofferresistance。
Hefeltthatitcouldnotbedone。Hesawhimself，inhismind\'seye，putmeeklyinahackney-coach，andcarriedofftohisoldlodgings。Heforesawthat，onceimmuredthere，hewasalostman：hishatgone；Mrs。MacStingerwatchfulofhimdayandnight；reproachesheapeduponhishead，beforetheinfantfamily；himselftheguiltyobjectofsuspicionanddistrust；
anogreinthechildren\'seyes，andintheirmother\'sadetectedtraitor。
Aviolentperspiration，andalownessofspiritsalwayscameovertheCaptainasthisgloomypicturepresenteditselftohisimagination。
Itgenerallydidsoprevioustohisstealingoutofdoorsatnightforairandexercise。Sensibleoftheriskheran，theCaptaintookleaveofRob，atthosetimes，withthesolemnitywhichbecameamanwhomightneverreturn：exhortinghim，intheeventofhistheCaptain\'sbeinglostsightof，foratime，totreadinthepathsofvirtue，andkeepthebrazeninstrumentswellpolished。
Butnottothrowawayachance；andtosecuretohimselfameans，incaseoftheworst，ofholdingcommunicationwiththeexternalworld；
CaptainCuttlesoonconceivedthehappyideaofteachingRobtheGrindersomesecretsignal，bywhichthatadherentmightmakehispresenceandfidelityknowntohiscommander，inthehourofadversity。Aftermuchcogitation，theCaptaindecidedinfavourofinstructinghimtowhistlethemarinemelody，`Ohcheerily，cheerily！\'andRobtheGrinderattainingapointasnearperfectioninthataccomplishmentasalandsmancouldhopetoreach，theCaptainimpressedthesemysteriousinstructionsonhismind：
`Now，mylad，standby！IfeverI\'mtook——\'
`Took，Captain！\'interposedRob，withhisroundeyeswideopen。
`Ah！\'saidCaptainCuttledarkly，`ifeverIgoesaway，meaningtocomebacktosupper，anddon\'tcomewithinhailagaintwenty-fourhoursartermyloss，goyoutoBrigPlaceandwhistlethat\'eretunenearmyoldmoorings——notasifyouwasameaningofit，youunderstand，butasifyou\'ddriftedthere，promiscuous。IfIanswerinthattune，yousheeroff，mylad，andcomebackfour-and-twentyhoursarterwards；ifIanswerinanothertune，doyoustandoffandon，andwaittillIthrowoutfurthersignals。Doyouunderstandthemorders，now？\'
`WhatamItostandoffandonof，Captain？\'inquiredRob。`Thehorse-road？\'
`Here\'sasmartladforyou！\'criedtheCaptain，eyeinghimsternly，`asdon\'tknowhisownnativealphabet！Goawayabitandcomebackagainalternate——d\'yeunderstandthat？\'
`Yes，Captain，\'saidRob。
`Verygoodmylad，then，\'saidtheCaptain，relenting。`Doit！\'
Thathemightdoitthebetter，CaptainCuttlesometimescondescended，ofaneveningaftertheshopwasshut，torehearsethisscene：retiringintotheparlourforthepurpose，asintothelodgingsofasupposititiousMacStinger，andcarefullyobservingthebehaviourofhisally，fromtheholeofespialhehadcutinthewall。RobtheGrinderdischargedhimselfofhisdutywithsomuchexactnessandjudgment，whenthusputtotheproof，thattheCaptainpresentedhim，atdiverstimes，withsevensixpences，intokenofsatisfaction；andgraduallyfeltstealingoverhisspirittheresignationofamanwhohadmadeprovisionfortheworst，andtakeneveryreasonableprecautionagainstanunrelentingfate。
Nevertheless，theCaptaindidnottemptill-fortune，bybeingawhitmoreventuresomethanbefore。Thoughheconsidereditapointofgoodbreedinginhimself，asageneralfriendofthefamily，toattendMr。Dombey\'sweddingofwhichhehadheardfromMr。Perch，andtoshowthatgentlemanapleasantandapprovingcountenancefromthegallery，hehadrepairedtothechurchinahackneycabrioletwithbothwindowsup；
andmighthavescrupledeventomakethatventure，inhisdreadofMrs。
MacStinger，butthatthelady\'sattendanceontheministryoftheReverendMelchisedechrendereditpeculiarlyunlikelythatshewouldbefoundincommunionwiththeEstablishment。
TheCaptaingotsafehomeagain，andfellintotheordinaryroutineofhisnewlife，withoutencounteringanymoredirectalarmfromtheenemy，thanwassuggestedtohimbythedailybonnetsinthestreet。ButothersubjectsbegantolayheavyontheCaptain\'smind。Walter\'sshipwasstillunheardof。NonewscameofoldSolGills。Florencedidnotevenknowoftheoldman\'sdisappearance，andCaptainCuttlehadnotthehearttotellher。IndeedtheCaptain，ashisownhopesofthegenerous，handsome，gallant-heartedyouth，whomhehadloved，accordingtohisroughmanner，fromachild，begantofade，andfadedmoreandmorefromdaytoday，shrinkwithinstinctivepainfromthethoughtofexchangingawordwithFlorence。Ifhehadhadgoodnewstocarrytoher，thehonestCaptainwouldhavebravedthenewlydecoratedhouseandsplendidfurniture——thoughthese，connectedwiththeladyhehadseenatchurch，wereawfultohim——andmadehisawayintoherpresence。Withadarkhorizongatheringaroundtheircommonhopes，however，thatdarkenedeveryhour，theCaptainalmostfeltasifhewereanewmisfortuneandafflictiontoher；andwasscarcelylessafraidofavisitfromFlorence，thanfromMrs。MacStingerherself。
Itwasachilldarkautumnevening，andCaptainCuttlehadorderedafiretobekindledinthelittlebackparlour，nowmorethaneverlikethecabinofaship。Therainfellfast，andthewindblewhard；andstrayingoutonthehouse-topbythatstormybedroomofhisoldfriend，totakeanobservationoftheweather，theCaptain\'sheartdiedwithinhim，whenhesawhowwildanddesolateitwas。NotthatheassociatedtheweatherofthattimewithpoorWalter\'sdestiny，ordoubtedthatifProvidencehaddoomedhimtobelostandshipwrecked，itwasover，longago；butthatbeneathanoutwardinfluence，quitedistinctfromthesubject-matterofhisthoughts，theCaptain\'sspiritssank，andhishopesturnedpale，asthoseofwisermenhadoftendonebeforehim，andwilloftendoagain。
CaptainCuttle，addressinghisfacetothesharpwindandslantingrain，lookedupattheheavyscudthatwasflyingfastoverthewildernessofhouse-tops，andlookedforsomethingcheerythereinvain。Theprospectnearathandwasnobetter。Insundrytea-chestsandotherroughboxesathisfeet，thepigeonsofRobtheGrinderwerecooinglikesomanydismalbreezesgettingup。Acrazyweathercockofamidshipman，withatelescopeathiseye，oncevisiblefromthestreet，butlongbrickedout，creakedandcomplaineduponhisrustypivotastheshrillblastspunhimroundandround，andsportedwithhimcruelly。UpontheCaptain\'scoarsebluevestthecoldraindropsstartedlikesteelbeads；andhecouldhardlymaintainhimselfaslantagainstthestiffNor\'-Westerthatcamepressingagainsthim，importunatetotopplehimovertheparapet，andthrowhimonthepavementbelow。IftherewereanyHopealivethatevening，theCaptainthought，asheheldhishaton，itcertainlykepthouse，andwasn\'toutofdoors；
sotheCaptain，shakinghisheadinadespondentmanner，wentintolookforit。
CaptainCuttledescendedslowlytothelittlebackparlour，and，seatedinhisaccustomedchair，lookedforitinthefire；butitwasnotthere，thoughthefirewasbright。Hetookouthistobacco-boxandpipe，andcomposinghimselftosmoke，lookedforitintheredglowfromthebowl，andinthewreathsofvapourthatcurledupwardfromhislips；buttherewasnotsomuchasanatomoftherustofHope\'sanchorineither。
Hetriedaglassofgrog；butmelancholytruthwasatthebottomofthatwell，andhecouldn\'tfinishit。Hemadeaturnortwointheshop，andlookedforHopeamongtheinstruments；buttheyobstinatelyworkedoutreckoningsforthemissingship，inspiteofanyoppositionhecouldoffer，thatendedatthebottomofthelonesea。
Thewindstillrushing，andtherainstillpattering，againsttheclosedshutters，theCaptainbroughttobeforetheWoodenMidshipmanuponthecounter，andthought，ashedriedthelittleofficer\'suniformwithhissleeve，howmanyyearstheMidshipmanhadseen，duringwhichfewchanges——hardlyany——hadtranspiredamonghisship\'scompany；howthechangeshadcomealltogether，oneday，asitmightbe；andofwhatasweepingkindtheywere。Herewasthelittlesocietyofthebackparlourbrokenup，andscatteredfarandwide。HerewasnoaudienceforLovelyPeg，eveniftherehadbeenanybodytosingit，whichtherewasnot，fortheCaptainwasasmorallycertainthatnobodybuthecouldexecutethatballad，ashewasthathehadnotthespirit，underexistingcircumstances，toattemptit。Therewasnobrightfaceof`Wal\'r\'inthehouse；——heretheCaptaintransferredhissleeveforamomentfromtheMidshipman\'suniformtohisowncheek；——thefamiliarwigandbuttonsofSolGillswereavisionofthepast；RichardWhittingtonwasknockedonthehead；andeveryplanandproject，inconnexionwiththeMidshipman，laydrifting，withoutmastorrudder，onthewasteofwaters。