AstheCaptain，withadejectedface，stoodrevolvingthesethoughts，andpolishingtheMidshipman，partlyinthetendernessofoldacquaintance，andpartlyintheabsenceofhismind，aknockingattheshop-doorcommunicatedafrightfulstarttotheframeofRobtheGrinder，seatedonthecounter，whoselargeeyeshadbeenintentlyfixedontheCaptain\'sface，andwhohadbeendebatingwithinhimself，forthefivehundredthtime，whethertheCaptaincouldhavedoneamurder，thathehadsuchanevilconscience，andwasalwaysrunningaway。
`What\'sthat？\'saidCaptainCuttle，softly。
`Somebody\'sknuckles，Captain，\'answeredRobtheGrinder。
TheCaptain，withanabashedandguiltyair，immediatelysneakedontiptoetothelittleparlourandlockedhimselfin。Rob，openingthedoor，wouldhaveparleyedwiththevisitoronthethresholdifthevisitorhadcomeinfemaleguise；butthefigurebeingofthemalesex，andRob\'sordersonlyapplyingtowomen，Robheldthedooropenandallowedittoenter：whichitdidveryquickly，gladtogetoutofthedrivingrain。
`AjobforBurgessandCo。atanyrate，\'saidthevisitor，lookingoverhisshouldercompassionatelyathisownlegs，whichwereverywetandcoveredwithsplashes。`Oh，how-de-do，Mr。Gills？\'
ThesalutationwasaddressedtotheCaptain，nowemergingfromthebackparlourwithamosttransparentandutterlyfutileaffectationofcomingoutbyaccident。
`Thankee，\'thegentlemanwentontosayinthesamebreath；`I\'mverywellindeed，myself，I\'mmuchobligedtoyou。MynameisToots，——MisterToots。\'
TheCaptainrememberedtohaveseenthisyounggentlemanatthewedding，andmadehimabow。Mr。Tootsrepliedwithachuckle；andbeingembarrassed，ashegenerallywas，breathedhard，shookhandswiththeCaptainforalongtime，andthenfallingonRobtheGrinder，intheabsenceofanyotherresource，shookhandswithhiminamostaffectionateandcordialmanner。
`Isay；Ishouldliketospeakawordtoyou，Mr。Gills，ifyouplease，\'saidTootsatlength，withsurprisingpresenceofmind。`Isay！
MissD。O。M。youknow！\'
TheCaptain，withresponsivegravityandmystery，immediatelywavedhishooktowardsthelittleparlour，whitherMr。Tootsfollowedhim。
`Oh！Ibegyourpardonthough，\'saidMr。Toots，lookingupintheCaptain\'sfaceashesatdowninachairbythefire，whichtheCaptainplacedforhim；`youdon\'thappentoknowtheChickenatall；doyou，Mr。
Gills？\'
`TheChicken？\'saidtheCaptain。
`TheGameChicken，\'saidMr。Toots。
TheCaptainshakinghishead，Mr。TootsexplainedthatthemanalludedtowasthecelebratedpubliccharacterwhohadcoveredhimselfandhiscountrywithgloryinhiscontestwiththeNobbyShropshireOne；
butthispieceofinformationdidnotappeartoenlightentheCaptainverymuch。
`Becausehe\'soutside：that\'sall，\'saidMr。Toots。`Butit\'sofnoconsequence；hewon\'tgetverywet，perhaps。\'
`Icanpassthewordforhiminamoment，\'saidtheCaptain。
`Well，ifyouwouldhavethegoodnesstolethimsitintheshopwithyouryoungman，\'chuckledMr。Toots，`Ishouldbeglad；because，youknow，he\'seasilyoffended，andthedamp\'sratherbadforhisstamina。I\'llcallhimin，Mr。Gills。\'
Withthat，Mr。Tootsrepairingtotheshop-door，sentapeculiarwhistleintothenight，whichproducedastoicalgentlemaninashaggywhitegreat-coatandaflat-brimmedhat，withveryshorthair，abrokennose，andaconsiderabletractofbareandsterilecountrybehindeachear。
`Sitdown，Chicken，\'saidMr。Toots。
ThecompliantChickenspatoutsomesmallpiecesofstrawonwhichhewasregalinghimself，andtookinafreshsupplyfromareservehecarriedinhishand。
`Therean\'tnodrainofnothingshorthandy，isthere？\'saidtheChicken，generally。`Thisheresluicingnightishardlinestoamanaslivesonhiscondition。\'
CaptainCuttleprofferedaglassofrum，whichtheChicken，throwingbackhishead，emptiedintohimself，asintoacask，afterproposingthebriefsentiment，`Towardsus！\'Mr。TootsandtheCaptainreturningthentotheparlour，andtakingtheirseatsbeforethefire，Mr。Tootsbegan：
`Mr。Gills——\'
`Awast！\'saidtheCaptain。`Myname\'sCuttle。\'
Mr。Tootslookedgreatlydisconcerted，whiletheCaptainproceededgravely。
`Cap\'enCuttleismyname，andEnglandismynation，thishereismydwelling-place，andblessedbecreation——Job，\'saidtheCaptain，asanindextohisauthority。
`Oh！Icouldn\'tseeMr。Gills，couldI？\'saidMr。Toots；`because——\'
`IfyoucouldseeSolGills，younggen\'l\'m\'n，\'saidtheCaptain，impressively，andlayinghisheavyhandonMr。Toots\'sknee，`oldSol，mindyou——withyourowneyes——asyousitthere——you\'dbewelcometome，thanawindastarn，toashipbecalmed。Butyoucan\'tseeSolGills。Andwhycan\'tyouseeSolGills？\'saidtheCaptain，apprisedbythefaceofMr。Tootsthathewasmakingaprofoundimpressiononthatgentleman\'smind。`Becausehe\'sinwisible。\'
Mr。Tootsinhisagitationwasgoingtoreplythatitwasofnoconsequenceatall。Buthecorrectedhimself，andsaid，`Lorblessme！\'
`Thatthereman，\'saidtheCaptain，`hasleftmeinchargeherebyapieceofwriting，butthoughhewasa\'mostasgoodasmyswornbrother，Iknownomorewherehe\'sgone，orwhyhe\'sgone；ifsobetoseekhisnevy，orifsobealongofbeingnotquitesettledinhismind；thanyoudo。Onemorningatdaybreak，hewentovertheside，\'saidtheCaptain，`withoutasplash，withoutaripple。Ihavelookedforthatmanhighandlow，andneverseteyes，norears，nornothingelse，uponhim，fromthathour。\'
`But，goodGracious，MissDombeydon\'tknow——\'Mr。Tootsbegan。
`Why，Iaskyou，asafeelingheart，\'saidtheCaptain，droppinghisvoice，`whyshouldsheknow？whyshouldshebemadetoknow，untilsuchtimeastherewarn\'tanyhelpforit？ShetooktooldSolGills，didthatsweetcreetur，withakindness，withaaffability，witha——what\'sthegoodofsayingso？youknowher。\'
`Ishouldhopeso，\'chuckledMr。Toots，withaconsciousblushthatsuffusedhiswholecountenance。
`Andyoucomeherefromher？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Ishouldthinkso，\'chuckledMr。Toots。
`ThenallIneedobserve，is，\'saidtheCaptain，`thatyouknowaangel，andarecharteredbyaangel。\'
Mr。TootsinstantlyseizedtheCaptain\'shand，andrequestedthefavourofhisfriendship。
`Uponmywordandhonour，\'saidMr。Toots，earnestly，`Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyouifyou\'dimprovemyacquaintance。Ishouldliketoknowyou，Captain，verymuch。Ireallyaminwantofafriend，Iam。LittleDombeywasmyfriendatoldBlimber\'s，andwouldhavebeennow，ifhe\'dhavelived。TheChicken，\'saidMr。Toots，inaforlornwhisper，`isverywell——admirableinhisway——thesharpestmanperhapsintheworld；
there\'snotamoveheisn\'tupto，everybodysaysso——butIdon\'tknow——he\'snoteverything。Sosheisanangel，Captain。Ifthereisanangelanywhere，it\'sMissDombey。That\'swhatI\'vealwayssaid。Reallythough，youknow，\'saidMr。Toots，`Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyouifyou\'dcultivatemyacquaintance。\'
CaptainCuttlereceivedthisproposalinapolitemanner，butstillwithoutcommittinghimselftoitsacceptance；merelyobserving，`Aye，aye，mylad。Weshallsee，weshallsee；\'andremindingMr。Tootsofhisimmediatemission，byinquiringtowhathewasindebtedforthehonourofthatvisit。
`Whythefactis，\'repliedMr。Toots，`thatit\'stheyoungwomanIcomefrom。NotMissDombey——Susan，youknow。\'
TheCaptainnoddedhisheadonce，withagraveexpressionofface，indicativeofhisregardingthatyoungwomanwithseriousrespect。
`AndI\'lltellyouhowithappens，\'saidMr。Toots。`Youknow，Igoandcallsometimes，onMissDombey。Idon\'tgothereonpurpose，youknow，butIhappentobeintheneighbourhoodveryoften；andwhenIfindmyselfthere，why——whyIcall。\'
`Nat\'rally，\'observedtheCaptain。
`Yes，\'saidMr。Toots。`Icalledthisafternoon。Uponmywordandhonour，Idon\'tthinkit\'spossibletoformanideaoftheangelMissDombeywasthisafternoon。\'
TheCaptainansweredwithajerkofhishead，implyingthatitmightnotbeeasytosomepeople，butwasquitesotohim。
AsIwascomingout，\'saidMr。Toots，`theyoungwoman，inthemostunexpectedmanner，tookmeintothepantry。\'
TheCaptainseemed，forthemoment，toobjecttothisproceeding：
andleaningbackinhischair，lookedatMr。Tootswithadistrustful，ifnotthreateningvisage。
`Whereshebroughtout，\'saidMr。Toots，`thisnewspaper。ShetoldmethatshehadkeptitfromMissDombeyallday，onaccountofsomethingthatwasinit，aboutsomebodythatsheandDombeyusedtoknow；andthenshereadthepassagetome。Verywell。Thenshesaid——waitaminute；whatwasitshesaid，though！\'
Mr。Toots，endeavouringtoconcentratehismentalpowersonthisquestion，unintentionallyfixedtheCaptain\'seye，andwassomuchdiscomposedbyitssternexpression，thathisdifficultyinresumingthethreadofhissubjectwasenhancedtoapainfulextent。
`Oh！\'saidMr。Tootsafterlongconsideration。`Oh，ah！Yes！Shesaidthatshehopedtherewasabarepossibilitythatitmightn\'tbetrue；
andthatasshecouldn\'tverywellcomeoutherself，withoutsurprisingMissDombey，wouldIgodowntoMr。SolomonGillstheInstrument-maker\'sinthisstreet，whowastheparty\'suncle，andaskwhetherhebelieveditwastrue，orhadheardanythingelseintheCity。Shesaid，ifhecouldn\'tspeaktome，nodoubtCaptainCuttlecould。Bythebye！\'saidMr。Toots，asthediscoveryflasheduponhim，`you，youknow！\'
TheCaptainglancedatthenewspaperinMr。Toots\'shand，andbreathedshortandhurriedly。
`Well，\'pursuedMr。Toots，`thereasonwhyI\'mratherlateis，becauseIwentupasfarasFinchleyfirst，togetsomeuncommonlyfinechickweedthatgrowsthere，forMissDombey\'sbird。ButIcameonhere，directlyafterwards。You\'veseenthepaper，Isuppose？\'
TheCaptain，whohadbecomecautiousofreadingthenews，lestheshouldfindhimselfadvertisedatfulllengthbyMrs。MacStinger，shookhishead。
`ShallIreadthepassagetoyou？\'inquiredMr。Toots。
TheCaptainmakingasignintheaffirmative，Mr。Tootsreadasfollows，fromtheShippingIntelligence：
`“Southampton。ThebarqueDefiance，HenryJames，Commander，arrivedinthisportto-day，withacargoofsugar，coffee，andrum，reportsthatbeingbecalmedonthesixthdayofherpassagehomefromJamaica，in“——insuchandsuchalatitude，youknow，\'saidMr。Toots，aftermakingafeebledashatthefigures，andtumblingoverthem。
`Aye！\'criedtheCaptain，strikinghisclenchedhandonthetable。
`Heaveahead，mylad！\'
`——latitude，\'repeatedMr。Toots，withastartledglanceattheCaptain，`andlongitudeso-and-so，——“thelook-outobserved，halfanhourbeforesunset，somefragmentsofawreck，driftingataboutthedistanceofamile。Theweatherbeingclear，andthebarquemakingnoway，aboatwashoistedout，withorderstoinspectthesame，whentheywerefoundtoconsistofsundrylargespars，andapartofthemainriggingofanEnglishbrig，ofaboutfivehundredtonsburden，togetherwithaportionofthesternonwhichthewordsandletters`SonandH——\'wereyetplainlylegible。Novestigeofanydeadbodywastobeseenuponthefloatingfragments。
LogoftheDefiancestates，thatabreezespringingupinthenight，thewreckwasseennomore。Therecanbenodoubtthatallsurmisesastothefateofthemissingvessel，theSonandHeir，portofLondon，boundforBarbadoes，arenowsetatrestforever；thatshebrokeupinthelasthurricane；andthateverysoulonboardperished。“\'
CaptainCuttle，likeallmankind，littleknewhowmuchhopehadsurvivedwithinhimunderdiscouragement，untilhefeltitsdeath-shock。
Duringthereadingoftheparagraph，andforaminuteortwoafterwards，hesatwithhisgazefixedonthemodestMr。Toots，likeamanentranced；
then，suddenlyrising，andputtingonhisglazedhat，which，inhisvisitor\'shonour，hehadlaiduponthetable，theCaptainturnedhisback，andbenthisheaddownonthelittlechimneypiece。
`Oh，uponmywordandhonour，\'criedMr。Toots，whosetenderheartwasmovedbytheCaptain\'sunexpecteddistress，`thisisamostwretchedsortofaffairthisworldis！Somebody\'salwaysdying，orgoinganddoingsomethinguncomfortableinit。I\'msureInevershouldhavelookedforwardsomuch，tocomingintomyproperty，ifIhadknownthis。Ineversawsuchaworld。It\'sagreatdealworsethanBlimber\'s。\'
CaptainCuttle，withoutalteringhisposition，signedtoMr。Tootsnottomindhim；andpresentlyturnedround，withhisglazedhatthrustbackuponhisears，andhishandcomposingandsmoothinghisbrownface。
`Wal\'r，mydearlad，\'saidtheCaptain，`farewell！Wal\'rmychild，myboy，andman，Ilovedyou！Hewarn\'tmyfleshandblood，\'saidtheCaptain，lookingatthefire——`Ian\'tgotnone——butsomethingofwhatafatherfeelswhenhelosesason，IfeelinlosingWal\'r。Forwhy？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Becauseitan\'toneloss，butarounddozen。Where\'sthatthereyoungschool-boywiththerosyfaceandcurlyhair，thatusedtobeasmerryinthishereparlour，comeroundeveryweek，asapieceofmusic？GonedownwithWal\'r。Where\'sthattherefreshlad，thatnothingcouldn\'ttirenorputout，andthatsparkledupandblushedso，whenwejokedhimaboutHeart\'sDelight，thathewasbeautifultolookat？GonedownwithWal\'r。
Where\'sthatthereman\'sspirit，allafire，thatwouldn\'tseetheoldmanhovedownforaminute，andcarednothingforitself？GonedownwithWal\'r。
Itan\'toneWal\'r。TherewasadozenWal\'rsthatIknow\'dandloved，allholdingroundhisneckwhenhewentdown，andthey\'rea-holdingroundminenow！\'
Mr。Tootssatsilent：foldingandrefoldingthenewspaperassmallaspossibleuponhisknee。
`AndSolGills，\'saidtheCaptain，gazingatthefire，`poornevylessoldSol，whereareyougotto！youwasleftinchargeofme；hislastwordswas，“Takecareofmyuncle！”Whatcameoveryou，Sol，whenyouwentandgavethego-byetoNedCuttle；andwhatamItoputinmyaccountsthathe\'salookingdownupon，respectingyou！SolGills，SolGills！\'saidtheCaptain，shakinghisheadslowly，`catchsightofthattherenewspaper，awayfromhome，withnooneasknow\'dWal\'rby，tosayaword；andbroadsidetoyoubroach，anddownyoupitch，headforemost！\'
Drawingaheavysigh，theCaptainturnedtoMr。Toots，androusedhimselftoasustainedconsciousnessofthatgentleman\'spresence。
`Mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，`youmusttelltheyoungwomanhonestlythatthisherefatalnewsistoocorrect。Theydon\'tromance，yousee，onsuchpints。It\'senteredontheship\'slog，andthat\'sthetruestbookasamancanwrite。To-morrowmorning，\'saidtheCaptain，`I\'llstepoutandmakeinquiries；butthey\'llleadtonogood。Theycan\'tdoit。Ifyou\'llgivemealook-inintheforenoon，youshallknowwhatIhaveheerd；buttelltheyoungwomanfromCap\'enCuttle，thatit\'sover。Over！\'AndtheCaptain，hookingoffhisglazedhat，pulledhishandkerchiefoutofthecrown，wipedhisgrizzledheaddespairingly，andtossedthehandkerchiefinagain，withtheindifferenceofdeepdejection。
`Oh！Iassureyou，\'saidMr。Toots，`reallyIamdreadfullysorry。
UponmywordIam，thoughIwasn\'tacquaintedwiththeparty。DoyouthinkMissDombeywillbeverymuchaffected，CaptainGills——ImeanMr。Cuttle？\'
`Why，Lordloveyou，\'returnedtheCaptain，withsomethingofcompassionforMr。Toots\'sinnocence。`Whenshewarn\'tnohigherthanthat，theywereasfondofoneanotherastwoyoungdoves。\'
`Weretheythough！\'saidMr。Toots，withaconsiderablylengthenedface。
`Theyweremadeforoneanother，\'saidtheCaptain，mournfully；
`butwhatsignifiesthatnow！\'
`Uponmywordandhonour，\'criedMr。Toots，blurtingouthiswordsthroughasingularcombinationofawkwardchucklesandemotion，`I\'mevenmoresorrythanIwasbefore。Youknow，CaptainGills，I——IpositivelyadoreMissDombey；——I——Iamperfectlysorewithlovingher；\'theburstwithwhichthisconfessionforceditselfoutoftheunhappyMr。Toots，bespokethevehemenceofhisfeelings；`butwhatwouldbethegoodofmyregardingherinthismanner，ifIwasn\'ttrulysorryforherfeelingpain，whateverwasthecauseofit。Minean\'taselfishaffection，youknow，\'
saidMr。Toots，intheconfidenceengenderedbyhishavingbeenawitnessoftheCaptain\'stenderness。`It\'sthesortofthingwithme，CaptainGills，thatifIcouldberunover——or——ortrampledupon——or——orthrownoffaveryhighplace——oranythingofthatsort——forMissDombey\'ssake，itwouldbethemostdelightfulthingthatcouldhappentome。\'
Allthis，Mr。Tootssaidinasuppressedvoice，topreventitsreachingthejealousearsoftheChicken，whoobjectedtothesofteremotions；
whicheffortofrestraint，coupledwiththeintensityofhisfeelings，madehimredtothetipsofhisears，andcausedhimtopresentsuchanaffectingspectacleofdisinterestedlovetotheeyesofCaptainCuttle，thatthegoodCaptainpattedhimconsolinglyontheback，andbadehimcheerup。
`Thankee，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`it\'skindofyou，inthemidstofyourowntroubles，tosayso。I\'mverymuchobligedtoyou。
AsIsaidbefore，Ireallywantafriend，andshouldbegladtohaveyouracquaintance。AlthoughIamverywelloff，\'saidMr。Toots，withenergy，`youcan\'tthinkwhatamiserableBeastIam。Thehollowcrowd，youknow，whentheyseemewiththeChicken，andcharactersofdistinctionlikethat，supposemetobehappy；butI\'mwretched。IsufferforMissDombey，CaptainGills。Ican\'tgetthroughmymeals；Ihavenopleasureinmytailor；I
oftencrywhenI\'malone。Iassureyouit\'llbeasatisfactiontometocomebackto-morrow，ortocomebackfiftytimes。\'
Mr。Toots，withthesewords，shooktheCaptain\'shand；anddisguisingsuchtracesofhisagitationascouldbedisguisedonsoshortanotice，beforetheChicken\'spenetratingglance，rejoinedthateminentgentlemanintheshop。TheChicken，whowasapttobejealousofhisascendancy，eyedCaptainCuttlewithanythingbutfavourashetookleaveofMr。Toots；
butfollowedhispatronwithoutbeingotherwisedemonstrativeofhisill-will：
leavingtheCaptainoppressedwithsorrow；andRobtheGrinderelevatedwithjoy，onaccountofhavinghadthehonourofstaringfornearlyhalfanhourattheconqueroroftheNobbyShropshireOne。
LongafterRobwasfastasleepinhisbedunderthecounter，theCaptainsatlookingatthefire；andlongaftertherewasnofiretolookattheCaptainsatgazingontherustybars，withunavailingthoughtsofWalterandoldSolcrowdingthroughhismind。Retirementtothestormychamberatthetopofthehousebroughtnorestwithit；andtheCaptainroseupinthemorning，sorrowfulandunrefreshed。
AssoonastheCityofficeswereopen，theCaptainissuedforthtothecounting-houseofDombeyandSon。ButtherewasnoopeningoftheMidshipman\'swindowsthatmorning。RobtheGrinder，bytheCaptain\'sorders，lefttheshuttersclosed，andthehousewasasahouseofdeath。
ItchancedthatMr。Carkerwasenteringtheoffice，asCaptainCuttlearrivedatthedoor。ReceivingtheManager\'sbenisongravelyandsilently，CaptainCuttlemadeboldtoaccompanyhimintohisownroom。
`Well，CaptainCuttle，\'saidMr。Carker，takinguphisusualpositionbeforethefireplace，andkeepingonhissat，`thisisabadbusiness。\'
`Youhavereceivedthenewsaswasinprintyesterday，Sir？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Yes，\'saidMr。Carker，`wehavereceivedit！Itwasaccuratelystated。Theunderwriterssufferaconsiderableloss。Weareverysorry。
Nohelp！Suchislife！\'
Mr。Carkerparedhisnailsdelicatelywithapenknife，andsmiledattheCaptain，whowasstandingbythedoorlookingathim。
`IexcessivelyregretpoorGay，\'saidCarker，`andthecrew。I
understandthereweresomeofourverybestmenamong\'em。Italwayshappensso。Manymenwithfamiliestoo。AcomforttoreflectthatpoorGayhadnofamily，CaptainCuttle！\'
TheCaptainstoodrubbinghischin，andlookingattheManager。
TheManagerglancedattheunopenedletterslyingonhisdesk，andtookupthenewspaper。
`IsthereanythingIcandoforyou，CaptainCuttle？\'heasked，lookingoffit，withasmilingandexpressiveglanceatthedoor。
`Iwishyoucouldsetmymindatrest，Sir，onsomethingit\'suneasyabout，\'returnedtheCaptain。
`Aye！\'exclaimedtheManager，`what\'sthat？Come，CaptainCuttle，Imusttroubleyoutobequick，ifyouplease。Iammuchengaged。\'
`Lookeehere，Sir\'saidtheCaptain，advancingastep。`AforemyfriendWal\'rwentonthisheredisastrousvoyage\'
`Come，come，CaptainCuttle，\'interposedthesmilingManager，`don\'ttalkaboutdisastrousvoyagesinthatway。Wehavenothingtodowithdisastrousvoyageshere，mygoodfellow。Youmusthavebegunveryearlyonyourday\'sallowance，Captain，ifyoudon\'trememberthattherearehazardsinallvoyageswhetherbyseaorland。Youarenotmadeuneasybythesuppositionthatyoungwhat\'s-his-namewaslostinbadweatherthatwasgotupagainsthimintheseoffices——areyou？Fie，Captain！Sleep，andsoda-water，arethebestcuresforsuchuneasinessasthat。\'
`Mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain，slowly——`youarea\'mostaladtome，andsoIdon\'taskyourpardonforthatslipofaword，——ifyoufindanypleasureinthisheresport，youan\'tthegentlemanItookyoufor，andifyouan\'tthegentlemanItookyoufor，maybemymindhascalltobeuneasy。Nowthisiswhatitis，Mr。Carker——Aforethatpoorladwentaway，accordingtoorders，hetoldmethathewarn\'tagoingawayforhisowngood，orforpromotion，heknow\'d。Itwasmybeliefthathewaswrong，andItoldhimso，andIcomehere，yourheadgovernorbeingabsent，toaskaquestionortwoofyouinacivilway，formyownsatisfaction。Themquestionsyouanswered——free。Nowit\'lleasemymindtoknow，whenallisover，asitis，andwhenwhatcan\'tbecuredmustbeendoored——forwhich，asascholar，you\'lloverhaulthebookit\'sin，andthereofmakeanote——toknowoncemore，inaword，thatIwarn\'tmistaken；thatIwarn\'tback\'ardinmydutywhenIdidn\'ttelltheoldmanwhatWal\'rtoldme；andthatthewindwastrulyinhissail，whenhehighstedofitforBarbadoesHarbour。
Mr。Carker，\'saidtheCaptain，inthegoodnessofhisnature，`whenIwasherelast，wewasverypleasanttogether。IfIain\'tbeenaltogethersopleasantmyselfthismorning，onaccountofthispoorlad，andifIhavechafedagainanyobservationofyoursthatImighthavefendedoff，mynameisEd\'ardCuttle，andIaskyourpardon。\'
`CaptainCuttle，\'returnedtheManager，withallpossiblepoliteness，`Imustaskyoutodomeafavour。\'
`Andwhatisit，Sir？\'inquiredtheCaptain。
`Tohavethegoodnesstowalkoff，ifyouplease，\'rejoinedtheManager，stretchingforthhisarm，`andtocarryyourjargonsomewhereelse。\'
EveryknobintheCaptain\'sfaceturnedwhitewithastonishmentandindignation；eventheredrimonhisforeheadfaded，likearainbowamongthegatheringclouds。
`Itellyouwhat，CaptainCuttle，\'saidtheManager，shakinghisforefingerathim，andshowinghimallhisteeth，butstillamiablysmiling，`Iwasmuchtoolenientwithyouwhenyoucameherebefore。Youbelongtoanartfulandaudacioussetofpeople。Inmydesiretosaveyoungwhat\'s-his-namefrombeingkickedoutthisplace，neckandcrop，mygoodCaptain，Itoleratedyou；butforonce，andonlyonce。Now，go，myfriend！\'
TheCaptainwasabsolutelyrootedtotheground，andspeechless。
`Go，\'saidthegood-humouredManager，gatheringuphisskirts，andstandingastrideuponthehearth-rug，`likeasensiblefellow，andletushavenoturningout，oranysuchviolentmeasures。IfMr。Dombeywerehere，Captain，youmightbeobligedtoleaveinamoreignominiousmanner，possibly。Imerelysay，Go！\'
TheCaptain，layinghisponderoushanduponhischest，toassisthimselfinfetchingadeepbreath，lookedatMr。Carkerfromheadtofoot，andlookedroundthelittleroom，asifhedidnotclearlyunderstandwherehewas，orinwhatcompany。
`Youaredeep，CaptainCuttle，\'pursuedCarker，withtheeasyandvivaciousfranknessofamanoftheworldwhoknewtheworldtoowelltoberuffledbyanydiscoveryofmisdoing，whenitdidnotimmediatelyconcernhimself；`butyouarenotquiteoutofsoundings，either——neitheryounoryourabsentfriend，Captain。Whathaveyoudonewithyourabsentfriend，hey？\'
AgaintheCaptainlaidhishanduponhischest。Afterdrawinganotherdeepbreath，heconjuredhimselfto`standby！\'Butinawhisper。
`Youhatchnicelittleplots，andholdnicelittlecouncils，andmakenicelittleappointments，andreceivenicelittlevisitors，too，Captain，hey？\'saidCarker，bendinghisbrowsuponhim，withoutshowinghisteethanytheless：`butit\'saboldmeasuretocomehereafterwards。Notlikeyourdiscretion！Youconspirators，andhiders，andrunners-away，shouldknowbetterthanthat。Willyouobligemebygoing？\'
`Mylad，\'gaspedtheCaptain，inachokedandtremblingvoice，andwithacuriousactiongoingonintheponderousfist；`there\'samanywordsIcouldwishtosaytoyou，butIdon\'trightlyknowwherethey\'restowedjustatpresent。Myyoungfriend，Wal\'r，wasdrowndedonlylastnight，accordingtomyreckoning，anditputsmeout，yousee。Butyouandmewillcomealongsideo\'oneanotheragain，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，holdinguphishook，`ifwelive。\'
`Itwillbeanythingbutshrewdinyou，mygoodfellow，ifwedo，\'returnedtheManager，withthesamefrankness；`foryoumayrely，Igiveyoufairwarning，uponmydetectingandexposingyou。Idon\'tpretendtobeamoremoralmanthanmyneighbours，mygoodCaptain；buttheconfidenceofthishouse，orofanymemberofthishouse，isnottobeabusedandunderminedwhileIhaveeyesandears。Goodday！\'saidMr。Carker，noddinghishead。
CaptainCuttle，lookingathimsteadilyMr。CarkerlookedfullassteadilyattheCaptain，wentoutoftheofficeandlefthimstandingastridebeforethefire，ascalmandpleasantasiftherewerenomorespotsuponhissoulthanonhispurewhitelinen，andhissmoothsleekskin。
TheCaptainglanced，inpassingthroughtheoutercounting-house，atthedeskwhereheknewpoorWalterhadbeenusedtosit，nowoccupiedbyanotheryoungboy，withafacealmostasfreshandhopefulashisonthedaywhentheytappedthefamouslastbottlebutoneoftheoldMadeira，inthelittlebackparlour。Theassociationofideas，thusawakened，didtheCaptainagreatdealofgood；itsoftenedhimintheveryheightofhisanger，andbroughtthetearsintohiseyes。
ArrivedattheWoodenMidshipman\'sagain，andsittingdowninacornerofthedarkshop，theCaptain\'sindignation，strongasitwas，couldmakenoheadagainsthisgrief。Passionseemednotonlytodowrongandviolencetothememoryofthedead，buttobeinfectedbydeath，andtodroopanddeclinebesideit。Allthelivingknavesandliarsintheworld，werenothingtothehonestyandtruthofonedeadfriend。
TheonlythingthehonestCaptainmadeoutclearly，inthisstateofmind，besidesthelossofWalterwas，thatwithhimalmostthewholeworldofCaptainCuttlehadbeendrowned。Ifhereproachedhimselfsometimes，andkeenlytoo，forhavingeverconnivedatWalter\'sinnocentdeceit，hethoughtatleastasoftenoftheMr。Carkerwhomnoseacouldeverrenderup；andtheMr。Dombey，whomhenowbegantoperceivewasasfarbeyondhumanrecall；andthe`Heart\'sDelight，\'withwhomhemustneverforgatheragain；andtheLovelyPeg，thatteak-builtandtrimballad，thathadgoneashoreuponarock，andsplitintomereplanksandbeamsofrhyme。TheCaptainsatinthedarkshop，thinkingofthesethings，totheentireexclusionofhisowninjury；andlookingwithassadaneyeupontheground，asifincontemplationoftheiractualfragmentsastheyfloatedpasthim。
ButtheCaptainwasnotunmindful，forallthat，ofsuchdecentandrespectfulobservancesinmemoryofpoorWalter，ashefeltwithinhispower。Rousinghimself，androusingRobtheGrinderwhointheunnaturaltwilightwasfastasleep，theCaptainsalliedforthwithhisattendantathisheels，andthedoor-keyinhispocket，andrepairingtooneofthoseconvenientslop-sellingestablishmentsofwhichthereisabundantchoiceattheeasternendofLondon，purchasedonthespottwosuitsofmourning——oneforRobtheGrinder，whichwasimmenselytoosmall，andoneforhimself，whichwasimmenselytoolarge。HealsoprovidedRobwithaspeciesofhat，greatlytobeadmiredforitssymmetryandusefulness，aswellasforahappyblendingofthemarinerwiththecoal-heaver；whichisusuallytermedasou\'wester；andwhichwassomethingofanoveltyinconnexionwiththeinstrumentbusiness。Intheirseveralgarments，whichthevendordeclaredtobesuchamiracleinpointoffitasnothingbutararecombinationoffortuitouscircumstanceseverbroughtabout，andthefashionofwhichwasunparalleledwithinthememoryoftheoldestinhabitant，theCaptainandGrinderimmediatelyarrayedthemselves：presentingaspectaclefraughtwithwondertoallwhobeheldit。
Inthisalteredform，theCaptainreceivedMr。Toots。`I\'mtookaback，mylad，atpresent，\'saidtheCaptain，`andwillonlyconfirmthatthereillnews。Telltheyoungwomantobreakitgentletotheyounglady，andforneitherof\'emnevertothinkofmenomore——\'special，mindyou，thatis——thoughIwillthinkofthem，whennightcomesonahurricaneandseasismountainsrowling，forwhichoverhaulyourDoctorWatts，brother，andwhenfoundmakeanoteon。\'
TheCaptainreserved，untilsomefittertime，theconsiderationofMr。Toots\'sofferoffriendship，andthusdismissedhim。CaptainCuttle\'sspiritsweresolow，intruth，thathehalfdetermined，thatday，totakenofurtherprecautionsagainstsurprisefromMrs。MacStinger，buttoabandonhimselfrecklesslytochance，andbeindifferenttowhatmighthappen。
Aseveningcameon，hefellintoabetterframeofmind，however；andspokemuchofWaltertoRobtheGrinder，whoseattentionandfidelityhelikewiseincidentallycommended。RobdidnotblushtoheartheCaptainearnestinhispraises，butsatstaringathim，andaffectingtosnivelwithsympathy，andmakingafeintofbeingvirtuous，andtreasuringupeverywordhesaidlikeayoungspyashewaswithverypromisingdeceit。
WhenRobhadturnedin，andwasfastasleep，theCaptaintrimmedthecandle，putonhisspectacles——hehadfeltitappropriatetotaketospectaclesonenteringintotheInstrumentTrade，thoughhiseyeswerelikeahawk\'s——andopenedtheprayer-bookattheBurialService。Andreadingsoftlytohimself，inthelittlebackparlour，andstoppingnowandthentowipehiseyes，theCaptain，inatrueandsimplespirit，committedWalter\'sbodytothedeep。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter33[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIIIContrastsTURNweoureyesupontwohomes；notlyingsidebyside，butwideapart，thoughbothwithineasyrangeandreachofthegreatcityofLondon。
ThefirstissituatedinthegreenandwoodedcountrynearNorwood。
Itisnotamansion；itisofnopretensionsastosize；butitisbeautifullyarranged，andtastefullykept。Thelawn，thesoft，smoothslope，theflower-garden，theclumpsoftreeswheregracefulformsofashandwillowarenotwanting，theconservatory，therusticverandahwithsweet-smellingcreepingplantsentwinedaboutthepillars，thesimpleexteriorofthehouse，thewell-orderedoffices，thoughalluponthediminutivescalepropertoamerecottage，bespeakanamountofelegantcomfortwithin，thatmightserveforapalace。
Thisindicationisnotwithoutwarrant；forwithinitisahouseofrefinementandluxury。Richcolours，excellentlyblended，meettheeyeateveryturn；
inthefurniture——itsproportionsadmirablydevisedtosuittheshapesandsizesofthesmallrooms；onthewalls；uponthefloors；tingeingandsubduingthelightthatcomesinthroughtheoddglassdoorsandwindowshereandthere。Thereareafewchoiceprintsandpicturestoo；inquaintnooksandrecessesthereisnowantofbooks；andtherearegamesofskillandchancesetforthontables——fantasticchessmen，dice，backgammon，cards，andbilliards。
Andyetamidstthisopulenceofcomfort，thereissomethinginthegeneralairthatisnotwell。Isitthatthecarpetsandthecushionsaretoosoftandnoiseless，sothatthosewhomoveorreposeamongthemseemtoactbystealth？Isitthattheprintsandpicturesdonotcommemorategreatthoughtsordeeds，orrendernatureinthepoetryoflandscape，hall，orhut，butareofonevoluptuouscast——mereshowsofformandcolour——andnomore？Isitthatthebookshavealltheirgoldoutside，andthatthetitlesofthegreaterpartqualifythemtobecompanionsoftheprintsandpictures？Isitthatthecompletenessandthebeautyoftheplacearehereandtherebeliedbyanaffectationofhumility，insomeunimportantandinexpensiveregard，whichisasfalseasthefaceofthetootrulypaintedportraithangingyonder，oritsoriginalatbreakfastinhiseasychairbelowit？Orisitthat，withthedailybreathofthatoriginalandmasterofallhere，thereissuesforthsomesubtleportionofhimself，whichgivesavagueexpressionofhimselftoeverythingabouthim？
ItisMr。CarkertheManagerwhositsintheeasychair。Agaudyparrotinaburnishedcageuponthetabletearsatthewireswithherbeak，andgoeswalking，upsidedown，initsdome-top，shakingherhouseandscreeching；
butMr。Carkerisindifferenttothebird，andlookswithamusingsmileatapictureontheoppositewall。
`Amostextraordinaryaccidentallikeness，certainly，\'sayshe。
PerhapsitisaJuno；perhapsaPotiphar\'sWife；perhapssomescornfulNymph——accordingasthePictureDealersfoundthemarket，whentheychristenedit。Itisthefigureofawoman，supremelyhandsome，who，turningaway，butwithherfaceaddressedtothespectator，flashesherproudglanceuponhim。
ItislikeEdith。
Withapassinggestureofhishandatthepicture——what！amenace？
No；yetsomethinglikeit。Awaveasoftriumph？No；yetmorelikethat。
Aninsolentsalutewaftedfromhislips？No；yetlikethattoo——heresumeshisbreakfast，andcallstothechafingandimprisonedbird，whocomingdownintoapendantgildedhoopwithinthecage，likeagreatwedding-ring，swingsinit，forhisdelight。
ThesecondhomeisontheothersideofLondon，neartowherethebusygreatnorthroadofbygonedaysissilentandalmostdeserted，exceptbywayfarerswhotoilalongonfoot。Itisapoor，smallhouse，barelyandsparelyfurnished，butveryclean；andthereisevenanattempttodecorateit，showninthehomelyflowerstrainedabouttheporchandinthenarrowgarden。Theneighbourhoodinwhichitstandshasaslittleofthecountrytorecommendit，asithasofthetown。Itisneitherofthetownnorcountry。Theformer，likethegiantinhistravellingboots，hasmadeastrideandpassedit，andhassethisbrick-and-mortarheelalongwayinadvance；buttheintermediatespacebetweenthegiant\'sfeet，asyet，isonlyblightedcountry，andnottown；and，here，amongafewtallchimneysbelchingsmokealldayandnight，andamongthebrick-fieldsandthelaneswhereturfiscut，andwherethefencestumbledown，andwherethedustynettlesgrow，andwhereascraportwoofhedgemayyetbeseen，andwherethebird-catcherstillcomesoccasionally，thoughheswearseverytimetocomenomore——thissecondhomeistobefound。
Shewhoinhabitsit，isshewholeftthefirstinherdevotiontoanoutcastbrother。Shewithdrewfromthathomeitsredeemingspirit，andfromitsmaster\'sbreasthissolitaryangel：butthoughhislikingforherisgone，afterthisungratefulslightasheconsidersit；andthoughheabandonsheraltogetherinreturn，anoldideaofherisnotquiteforgottenevenbyhim。Letherflower-garden，inwhichheneversetshisfoot，butwhichisyetmaintained，amongallhiscostlyalterations，asifshehadquitteditbutyesterday，bearwitness！
HarrietCarkerhaschangedsincethen，andonherbeautytherehasfallenaheaviershadethanTimeofhisunassistedselfcancast，all-potentasheis——theshadowofanxietyandsorrow，andthedailystruggleofapoorexistence。Butitisbeautystill；andstillagentle，quiet，andretiringbeautythatmustbesoughtout，foritcannotvauntitself；ifitcould，itwouldbewhatitis，nomore。
Yes。Thisslight，small，patientfigure，neatlydressedinhomelystuffs，andindicatingnothingbutthedull，householdvirtues，thathavesolittleincommonwiththereceivedideaofheroismandgreatness，unless，indeed，anyrayofthemshouldshinethroughthelivesofthegreatonesoftheearth，whenitbecomesaconstellationandistrackedinHeavenstraightway——thisslight，small，patientfigure，leaningonthemanstillyoungbutwornandgrey，isshe，hissister，who，ofalltheworld，wentovertohiminhisshameandputherhandinhis，andwithasweetcomposureanddetermination，ledhimhopefullyuponhisbarrenway。
`Itisearly，John，\'shesaid。`Whydoyougosoearly？\'
`Notmanyminutesearlierthanusual，Harriet。IfIhavethetimetospare，Ishouldlike，Ithink——it\'safancy——towalkoncebythehousewhereItookleaveofhim。\'
`IwishIhadeverseenorknownhim，John。\'
`Itisbetterasitis，mydear，rememberinghisfate。\'
`ButIcouldnotregretitmore，thoughIhadknownhim。Isnotyoursorrowmine？AndifIhad，perhapsyouwouldfeelthatIwasabettercompaniontoyouinspeakingabouthim，thanImayseemnow。\'
`Mydearestsister！Isthereanythingwithintherangeofrejoicingorregret，inwhichIamnotsureofyourcompanionship？\'
`Ihopeyouthinknot，John，forsurelythereisnothing！\'
`Howcouldyoubebettertome，ornearertomethen，thanyouareinthis，oranything？\'saidherbrother。`Ifeelthatyoudidknowhim，Harriet，andthatyousharedmyfeelingstowardshim。\'
Shedrewthehandwhichhadbeenrestingonhisshoulder，roundhisneck，andanswered，withsomehesitation：
`No，notquite。\'
`True，true！\'hesaid；`youthinkImighthavedonehimnoharmifIhadallowedmyselftoknowhimbetter？\'
`Think！Iknowit。\'
`Designedly，HeavenknowsIwouldnot，\'hereplied，shakinghisheadmournfully；`buthisreputationwastooprecioustobeperilledbysuchassociation。Whetheryousharethatknowledge，ordonot，mydear——\'
`Idonot，\'shesaidquietly。
`Itisstillthetruth，Harriet，andmymindislighterwhenI
thinkofhimforthatwhichmadeitsomuchheavierthen。\'Hecheckedhimselfinhistoneofmelancholy，andsmileduponherashesaid`Good-bye！\'
`Good-bye，dearJohn！Intheevening，attheoldtimeandplace，Ishallmeetyouasusualonyourwayhome。Goodbye。\'
Thecordialfaceshelifteduptohistokisshim，washishome，hislife，hisuniverse，andyetitwasaportionofhispunishmentandgrief；forinthecloudhesawuponit——thoughsereneandcalmasanyradiantcloudatsunset——andintheconstancyanddevotionofherlife，andinthesacrificeshehadmadeofease，enjoyment，andhope，hesawthebitterfruitsofhisoldcrime，foreverripeandfresh。
Shestoodatthedoorlookingafterhim，withherhandslooselyclaspedineachother，ashemadehiswayoverthefrowzyandunevenpatchofgroundwhichlaybeforetheirhouse，whichhadonceandnotlongago
beenapleasantmeadow，andwasnowaverywaste，withadisorderlycropofbeginningsofmeanhouses，risingoutoftherubbish，asiftheyhadbeenunskilfullysownthere。Wheneverhelookedback——asonceortwicehedid——hercordialfaceshonelikealightuponhisheart；butwhenheploddedonhisway，andsawhernot，thetearswereinhereyesasshestoodwatchinghim。
Herpensiveformwasnotlongidleatthedoor。Therewasdailydutytodischarge，anddailyworktodo——forsuchcommonplacespiritsthatarenotheroic，oftenworkhardwiththeirhands——andHarrietwassoonbusywithherhouseholdtasks。Thesedischarged，andthepoorhousemadequiteneatandorderly，shecountedherlittlestockofmoney，withananxiousface，andwentoutthoughtfullytobuysomenecessariesfortheirtable，planningandcontriving，asshewent，howtosave。Sosordidarethelivesofsuchlownatures，whoarenotonlynotheroictotheirvaletsandwaiting-women，buthaveneithervaletsnorwaiting-womentobeheroictowithal！
Whileshewasabsent，andtherewasnooneinthehouse，thereapproacheditbyadifferentwayfromthatthebrotherhadtaken，agentleman，averylittlepasthisprimeoflifeperhaps，butofahealthyfloridhue，anuprightpresence，andabrightclearaspect，thatwasgraciousandgood-humoured。
Hiseyebrowswerestillblack，andsowasmuchofhishair；thesprinklingofgreyobservableamongthelatter，gracedtheformerverymuch，andshowedhisbroadfrankbrowandhonesteyestogreatadvantage。
Afterknockingonceatthedoor，andobtainingnoresponse，thisgentlemansatdownonabenchinthelittleporchtowait。Acertainskilfulactionofhisfingersashehummedsomebars，andbeattimeontheseatbesidehim，seemedtodenotethemusician；andtheextraordinarysatisfactionhederivedfromhummingsomethingveryslowandlong，whichhadnorecognisabletune，seemedtodenotethathewasascientificone。
Thegentlemanwasstilltwirlingatheme，whichseemedtogoroundandroundandround，andinandinandin，andtoinvolveitselflikeacorkscrewtwirleduponatable，withoutgettinganynearertoanything，whenHarrietappearedreturning。Heroseupassheadvanced，andstoodwithhisheaduncovered。
`Youarecomeagain，Sir！\'shesaid，faltering。
`Itakethatliberty，\'heanswered。`MayIaskforfiveminutesofyourleisure？\'
Afteramoment\'shesitation，sheopenedthedoor，andgavehimadmissiontothelittleparlour。Thegentlemansatdownthere，drewhischairtothetableoveragainsther，andsaid，inavoicethatperfectlycorrespondedtohisappearance，andwithasimplicitythatwasveryengaging：
`MissHarriet，youcannotbeproud。Yousignifiedtome，whenIcalledt\'othermorning，thatyouwere。PardonmeifIsaythatIlookedintoyourfacewhileyouspoke，andthatitcontradictedyou。Ilookintoitagain，\'headded，layinghishandgentlyonherarm，foraninstant，`anditcontradictsyoumoreandmore。\'
Shewassomewhatconfusedandagitated，andcouldmakenoreadyanswer。
`Itisthemirroroftruth，\'saidhervisitor，`andgentleness。
Excusemytrustingtoit，andreturning。\'
Hismannerofsayingthesewords，divestedthementirelyofthecharacterofcompliments。Itwassoplain，grave，unaffected，andsincere，thatshebentherhead，asifatoncetothankhim，andacknowledgehissincerity。
`Thedisparitybetweenourages，\'saidthegentleman，`andtheplainnessofmypurpose，empowerme，Iamgladtothink，tospeakmymind。
Thatismymind；andsoyouseemeforthesecondtime。\'
`Thereisakindofpride，Sir，\'Shereturned，afteramoment\'ssilence，`orwhatmaybesupposedtobepride，whichismereduty。IhopeIcherishnoother。\'
`Foryourself，\'hesaid。
`Formyself。\'
`But——pardonme——\'suggestedthegentleman。`ForyourbrotherJohn？\'
`Proudofhislove，Iam，\'saidHarriet，lookingfulluponhervisitor，andchanginghermannerontheinstant——notthatitwaslesscomposedandquiet，butthattherewasadeepimpassionedearnestnessinitthatmadetheverytrembleinhervoiceapartofherfirmness，`andproudofhim。Sir，youwhostrangelyknowthestoryofhislife，andrepeatedittomewhenyouwereherelast——\'
`Merelytomakemywayintoyourconfidence，\'interposedthegentleman。
`Forheaven\'ssake，don\'tsuppose——\'
`Iamsure，\'shesaid，`yourevivedit，inmyhearing，withakindandgoodpurpose。Iamquitesureofit。\'
`Ithankyou，\'returnedhervisitor，pressingherhandhastily。
`Iammuchobligedtoyou。Youdomejustice，Iassureyou。Youweregoingtosay，thatI，whoknowthestoryofJohnCarker\'slife——\'
`Maythinkitprideinme，\'shecontinued，`whenIsaythatI
amproudofhim！Iam。Youknowthetimewas，whenIwasnot——whenIcouldnotbe——butthatispast。Thehumilityofmanyyears，theuncomplainingexpiation，thetruerepentance，theterribleregret，thepainIknowhehaseveninmyaffection，whichhethinkhascostmedear，thoughHeavenknowsIamhappy，butforhissorrow！——oh，Sir，afterwhatIhaveseen，letmeconjureyou，ifyouareinanyplaceofpower，andareeverwronged，never，foranywrong，inflictapunishmentthatcannotberecalled；whilethereisaGODaboveustoworkchangesintheheartsHemade。\'
`Yourbrotherisanalteredman，\'returnedthegentleman，compassionately。
`IassureyouIdon\'tdoubtit。\'
`Hewasanalteredmanwhenhedidwrong，\'saidHarriet。`Heisanalteredmanagain，andishistrueselfnow，believeme，Sir。\'
`Butwegoon，\'saidhervisitor，rubbinghisforehead，inanabsentmanner，withhishand，andthendrummingthoughtfullyonthetable，`wegooninourclockworkroutine，fromdaytoday，andcan\'tmakeout，orfollow，thesechanges。They——they\'reametaphysicalsortofthing。We——wehaven\'tleisureforit。We——wehaven\'tcourage。They\'renottaughtatschoolsorcolleges，andwedon\'tknowhowtosetaboutit。Inshort，wearesoddbusiness-like，\'saidthegentleman，walkingtothewindow，andback，andsittingdownagain，inastateofextremedissatisfactionandvexation。
`Iamsure，\'saidthegentleman，rubbinghisforeheadagain；anddrummingonthetableasbefore，`Ihavegoodreasontobelievethatajog-trotlife，thesamefromdaytoday，wouldreconcileonetoanything。
Onedon\'tseeanything，onedon\'thearanything，onedon\'tknowanything；
that\'sthefact。Wegoontakingeverythingforgranted，andsowegoon，untilwhateverwedo，good，bad，orindifferent，wedofromhabit。HabitisallIshallhavetoreport，whenIamcalledupontopleadtomyconscience，onmydeath-bed。“Habit，“saysI；“Iwasdeaf，dumb，blind，andparalytic，toamillionthings，fromhabit。““Verybusiness-likeindeed，Mr。What\'s-your-name，“
saysConscience，“butitwon\'tdohere！”\'
Thegentlemangotupandwalkedtothewindowagainandback：
seriouslyuneasy，thoughgivinghisuneasinessthispeculiarexpression。
`MissHarriet，\'hesaid，resuminghischair，`Iwishyouwouldletmeserveyou。Lookatme；Ioughttolookhonest，forIknowIamso，atpresent。DoI？\'
`Yes，\'sheansweredwithasmile。
`Ibelieveeverywordyouhavesaid，\'hereturned。`Iamfullofself-reproachthatImighthaveknownthisandseenthis，andknownyouandseenyou，anytimethesedozenyears，andthatIneverhave。I
hardlyknowhowIevergothere——creaturethatIam，notonlyofmyownhabit，butofotherpeople\'s！Buthavingdoneso，letmedosomething。I
askitinallhonourandrespect。Youinspiremewithboth，inthehighestdegree。Letmedosomething。\'
`Wearecontented，Sir。\'
`No，no，notquite，\'returnedthegentleman。`Ithinknotquite。
Therearesomelittlecomfortsthatmightsmoothyourlife，andhis。Andhis！\'herepeated，fancyingthathadmadesomeimpressiononher。`Ihavebeeninthehabitofthinkingthattherewasnothingwantingtobedoneforhim；thatitwasallsettledandover；inshort，ofnotthinkingatallaboutit。Iamdifferentnow。Letmedosomethingforhim。Youtoo，\'
saidthevisitor，withcarefuldelicacy，`haveneedtowatchyourhealthclosely，forhissake，andIfearitfails。\'
`Whoeveryoumaybe，Sir，\'answeredHarriet，raisinghereyestohisface，`Iamdeeplygratefultoyou。Ifeelcertainthatinallyousay，youhavenoobjectintheworldbutkindnesstous。Butyearshavepassedsincewebeganthislife；andtotakefrommybrotheranypartofwhathassoendearedhimtome，andsoprovedhisbetterresolution——anyfragmentofthemeritofhisunassisted，obscure，andforgottenreparation——wouldbetodiminishthecomfortitwillbetohimandme，whenthattimecomestoeachofus，ofwhichyouspokejustnow。Ithankyoubetterwiththesetearsthananywords。Believeit，pray。\'
Thegentlemanwasmoved，andputthehandsheheldout，tohislips，muchasatenderfathermightkissthehandofadutifulchild。Butmorereverently。
`Ifthedayshouldevercome，\'saidHarriet，`whenheisrestored，inpart，tothepositionhelost\'
`Restored！\'criedthegentleman，quickly。`Howcanthatbehopedfor？Inwhosehandsdoesthepowerofanyrestorationlie？Itisnomistakeofmine，surely，tosupposethathishavinggainedthepricelessblessingofhislife，isonecauseoftheanimosityshowntohimbyhisbrother。\'
`Youtouchuponasubjectthatisneverbreathedbetweenus；notevenbetweenus，\'saidHarriet。
`Ibegyourforgiveness，\'saidthevisitor。`Ishouldhaveknownit。IentreattoyoutoforgetthatIhavedoneso，inadvertently。Andnow，asIdareurgenomore——asIamnosurethatIhavearighttodoso——thoughHeavenknows，eventhatdoubtmaybehabit，\'saidthegentleman，rubbinghishead，asdespondentlyasbefore，`letme；thoughastranger，yetnostranger；asktwofavours。\'
`Whatarethey？\'sheinquired。
`Thefirst，thatifyoushouldseecausetochangeyourresolution，youwillsuffermetobeasyourrighthand。Mynameshallthenbeatyourservice：itisuselessnow，andalwaysinsignificant。\'
`Ourchoiceoffriends，\'sheanswered，smilingfaintly，`isnotsogreat，thatIneedanytimeforconsideration。Icanpromisethat。\'
`Thesecond，thatyouwillallowmesometimes，sayeveryMondaymorning，atnineo\'clock——habitagain——Imustbebusiness-like，\'saidthegentleman，withawhimsicalinclinationtoquarrelwithhimselfonthathead，`inwalkingpast，toseeyouatthedoororwindow。Idon\'tasktocomein，asyourbrotherwillbegoneoutatthathour。Idon\'tasktospeaktoyou。Imerelyasktosee，forthesatisfactionofmyownmind，thatyouarewell，andwithoutintrusiontoremindyou，bythesightofme，thatyouhaveafriend——anelderlyfriend，grey-hairedalready，andfastgrowinggreyer——whomyoumayevercommand。\'
Thecordialfacelookedupinhis；confidedinit；andpromised。
`Iunderstand，asbefore，\'saidthegentleman，rising，`thatyoupurposenottomentionmyvisittoJohnCarker，lestheshouldbeatalldistressedbymyacquaintancewithhishistory。Iamgladofit，foritisoutoftheordinarycourseofthings，and——habitagain！\'saidthegentleman，checkinghimselfimpatiently，`asiftherewerenobettercoursethantheordinarycourse！\'
Withthatheturnedtogo，andwalking，bareheaded，totheoutsideofthelittleporch，tookleaveofherwithsuchahappymixtureofunconstrainedrespectandunaffectedinterest，asnobreedingcouldhavetaught，notruthmistrusted，andnothingbutapureandsingleheartexpressed。
Manyhalf-forgottenemotionswereawakenedinthesister\'smindbythisvisit。Itwassoverylongsinceanyothervisitorhadcrossedtheirthreshold；itwassoverylongsinceanyvoiceofsympathyhadmadesadmusicinherears；thatthestranger\'sfigureremainedpresenttoher，hoursafterwards，whenshesatatthewindow，plyingherneedle；andhiswordsseemednewlyspoken，againandagain。Hehadtouchedthespringthatopenedherwholelife；andifshelosthimforashortspace，itwasonlyamongthemanyshapesoftheonegreatrecollectionofwhichthatlifewasmade。
Musingandworkingbyturns；nowconstrainingherselftobesteadyatherneedleforalongtimetogether，andnowlettingherworkfall，unregarded，onherlap，andstrayingwheresoeverherbusierthoughtsled，HarrietCarkerfoundthehoursglidebyher，andthedaystealon。Themorning，whichhadbeenbrightandclear，graduallybecameovercast；asharpwindsetin；therainfellheavily；andadarkmistdroopingoverthedistanttown，hiditfromtheview。
Sheoftenlookedwithcompassion，atsuchatime，uponthestragglerswhocamewanderingintoLondon，bythegreathighwayhardby，andwho，footsoreandweary，andgazingfearfullyatthehugetownbeforethem，asifforebodingthattheirmiserytherewouldbebutasadropofwaterinthesea，orasagrainofsea-sandontheshore，wentshrinkingon，coweringbeforetheangryweather，andlookingasiftheveryelementsrejectedthem。Dayafterday，suchtravellerscreptpast，butalways，asshethought，inonedirection——alwaystowardsthetown。Swallowedupinonephaseorotherofitsimmensity，towardswhichtheyseemedimpelledbyadesperatefascination，theyneverreturned。Foodforthehospitals，thechurchyards，theprisons，theriver，fever，madness，vice，anddeath，——theypassedontothemonster，roaringinthedistance，andwerelost。
Thechillwindwashowling，andtherainwasfalling，andthedaywasdarkeningmoodily，whenHarriet，raisinghereyesfromtheworkonwhichshehadlongsincebeenengagedwithunremittingconstancy，sawoneofthesetravellersapproaching。
Awoman。Asolitarywomanofsomethirtyyearsofage；tall；wellformed；handsome；miserablydressed；thesoilofmanycountryroadsinvariedweather——dust，chalk，clay，gravel——clottedonhergreycloakbythestreamingwet；nobonnetonherhead，nothingtodefendherrichblackhairfromtherain，butatornhandkerchief；withtheflutteringendsofwhich，andwithherhair，thewindblindedhersothatsheoftenstoppedtopushthemback，andlookuponthewayshewasgoing。
Shewasintheactofdoingso，whenHarrietobservedher。Asherhands，partingonhersunburntforehead，sweptacrossherface，andthrewasidethehindrancesthatencroacheduponit，therewasarecklessandregardlessbeautyinit：adauntlessanddepravedindifferencetomorethanweather：acarelessnessofwhatwascastuponherbareheadfromHeavenorearth：thatcoupledwithhermiseryandloneliness，touchedtheheartofherfellow-woman。Shethoughtofallthatwaspervertedanddebasedwithinher，nolessthanwithout：ofmodestgracesofthemind，hardenedandsteeled，liketheseattractionsoftheperson：ofthemanygiftsoftheCreatorflungtothewindslikethewildhair；ofallthebeautifulruinuponwhichthestormwasbeatingandthenightwascoming。
Thinkingofthis，shedidnotturnawaywithadelicateindignation——toomanyofherowncompassionateandtendersextoooftendo——butpitiedher。
Herfallensistercameon，lookingfarbeforeher，tryingwithhereagereyestopiercethemistinwhichthecitywasenshrouded，andglancing，nowandthen，fromsidetoside，withthebewilderedanduncertainaspectofastranger。Thoughhertreadwasboldandcourageous，shewasfatigued，andafteramomentofirresolution，satdownuponaheapofstones；
seekingnoshelterfromtherain，butlettingitrainonherasitwould。
Shewasnowoppositethehouse；raisingherheadafterrestingitforamomentonbothhands，hereyesmetthoseofHarriet。
Inamoment，Harrietwasatthedoor：andtheother，risingfromherseatatherbeck，cameslowly，andwithnoconciliatorylook，towardsher。
`Whydoyourestintherain？\'saidHarriet，gently。
`BecauseIhavenootherresting-place，\'wasthereply。
`Buttherearemanyplacesofshelternearhere。This，\'referringtothelittleporch，`isbetterthanwhereyouwere。Youareverywelcometoresthere。\'
Thewandererlookedather，indoubtandsurprise，butwithoutanyexpressionofthankfulness；andsittingdown，andtakingoffoneofherwornshoestobeatoutthefragmentsofstoneanddustthatwereinside，showedthatherfootwascutandbleeding。
Harrietutteringanexpressionofpity，thetravellerlookedupwithacontemptuousandincreduloussmile。
`Why，what\'satornfoottosuchasme？\'shesaid。`Andwhat\'satornfootinsuchasme，tosuchasyou？\'
`Comeinandwashit，\'answeredHarriet，mildly，`andletmegiveyousomethingtobinditup。\'
Thewomancaughtherarm，anddrawingitbeforeherowneyes，hidthemagainstit，andwept。Notlikeawoman，butlikeasternmansurprisedintothatweakness；withaviolentheavingofherbreast，andstruggleforrecovery，thatshowedhowunusualtheemotionwaswithher。
Shesubmittedtobeledintothehouse，and，evidentlymoreingratitudethaninanycareforherself，washedandboundtheinjuredplace。
Harrietthenputbeforeherfragmentsofherownfrugaldinner，andwhenshehadeatenofthem，thoughsparingly，besoughther，beforeresumingherroadwhichsheshowedheranxietytodo，todryherclothesbeforethefire。Again，moreingratitudethanwithanyevidenceofconcerninherownbehalf，shesatdowninfrontofit，andunbindingthehandkerchiefaboutherhead，andlettingherthickwethairfalldownbelowherwaist，satdryingitwiththepalmsofherhands，andlookingattheblaze。
`Idaresayyouarethinking\'shesaid，liftingherheadsuddenly，`thatIusedtobehandsome，once。IbelieveIwas——IknowIwas。Lookhere！\'
Sheheldupherhairroughlywithbothhands；seizingitasifshewouldhavetornitout；then，threwitdownagain，andflungitbackasthoughitwereaheapofserpents。
`Areyouastrangerinthisplace？\'askedHarriet。
`Astranger！\'shereturned，stoppingbetweeneachshortreply，andlookingatthefire。`Yes。Tenoradozenyearsastranger。IhavehadnoalmanackwhereIhavebeen。Tenoradozenyears。Idon\'tknowthispart。It\'smuchalteredsinceIwentaway。\'
`Haveyoubeenfar？\'
`Veryfar。Monthsuponmonthsoverthesea，andfarawayeventhen。Ihavebeenwhereconvictsgo，\'sheaddedlookingfulluponherentertainer。
`Ihavebeenonemyself。\'
`Heavenhelpyouandforgiveyou！\'wasthegentleanswer。
`Ah！Heavenhelpmeandforgiveme！\'shereturned，noddingherheadatthefire。`Ifmanwouldhelpsomeofusalittlemore，Godwouldforgiveusallthesoonerperhaps。\'
Butshewassoftenedbytheearnestmanner，andthecordialfacesofullofmildnessandsofreefromjudgment，ofher，andsaid，lesshardily：
`Wemaybeaboutthesameage，youandme。IfIamolder，itisnotaboveayearortwo。Ohthinkofthat！\'
Sheopenedherarms，asthoughtheexhibitionofheroutwardformwouldshowthemoralwretchshewas；andlettingthemdropathersides，hungdownherhead。
`Thereisnothingwemaynothopetorepair；itisnevertoolatetoamend，\'saidHarriet。`Youarepenitent——\'
`No，\'sheanswered。`Iamnot！Ican\'tbe。Iamnosuchthing。
WhyshouldIbepenitent，andalltheworldgofree？Theytalktomeofmypenitence。Who\'spenitentforthewrongsthathavebeendonetome？\'
Sheroseup，boundherhandkerchiefaboutherhead，andturnedtomoveaway。
`Whereareyougoing？\'saidHarriet。
`Yonder，\'sheanswered，pointingwithherhand。`ToLondon。\'
`Haveyouanyhometogoto？\'
`IthinkIhaveamother。She\'sasmuchamother，asherdwellingisahome，\'sheansweredwithabitterlaugh。
`Takethis，\'criedHarriet，puttingmoneyinherhand。`Trytodowell。Itisverylittle，butforonedayitmaykeepyoufromharm。\'
`Areyoumarried？\'saidtheother，faintly，asshetookit。
`No。Iliveherewithmybrother。Wehavenotmuchtospare，orIwouldgiveyoumore。\'
`Willyouletmekissyou？\'
Seeingnoscornorrepugnanceinherface，theobjectofhercharitybentoverherassheaskedthequestion，andpressedherlipsagainsthercheek。Oncemoreshecaughtherarm，andcoveredhereyeswithit；andthenwasgone。
Goneintothedeepeningnight，andhowlingwind，andpeltingrain；
urgingherwayontowardsthemist-enshroudedcitywheretheblurredlightsgleamed；andwithherblackhair，anddisorderedhead-gear，flutteringroundherrecklessface。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter34[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]]CHAPTERXXXIVAnotherMotherandDaughterINanuglyanddarkroom，anoldwoman，uglyanddarktoo，satlisteningtothewindandrain，andcrouchingoverameagrefire。Moreconstanttothelast-namedoccupationthanthefirst，sheneverchangedherattitude，unless，whenanystraydropsofrainfellhissingonthesmoulderingembers，toraiseherheadwithanawakenedattentiontothewhistlingandpatteringoutside，andgraduallytoletitfallagainlowerandlowerandlowerasshesunkintoabroodingstateofthought，inwhichthenoisesofthenightwereasindistinctlyregardedasisthemonotonousrollingofaseabyonewhositsincontemplationonitsshore。
Therewasnolightintheroomsavethatwhichthefireafforded。
Glaringsullenlyfromtimetotimeliketheeyeofafiercebeasthalfasleep，itrevealednoobjectsthatneededtobejealousofabetterdisplay。
Aheapofrags，aheapofbones，awretchedbed，twoorthreemutilatedchairsorstools，theblackwallsandblackerceiling，wereallitswinkingbrightnessshoneupon。Astheoldwoman，withagiganticanddistortedimageofherselfthrownhalfuponthewallbehindher，halfupontheroofabove，satbendingoverthefewloosebrickswithinwhichitwaspent，onthedamphearthofthechimney——fortherewasnostove——shelookedasifshewerewatchingatsomewitch\'saltarforafavourabletoken；andbutthatthemovementofherchatteringjawsandtremblingchinwastoofrequentandtoofastfortheslowflickeringofthefire，itwouldhaveseemedanillusionwroughtbythelight，asitcameandwent，uponafaceasmotionlessastheformtowhichitbelonged。