IfFlorencecouldhavestoodwithintheroomandlookedupontheoriginaloftheshadowthrownuponthewallandroof，asitcoweredthusoverthefire，aglancemighthavesufficedtorecallthefigureofGoodMrs。Brown；notwithstandingthatherchildishrecollectionofthatterribleoldwomanwasasgrotesqueandexaggeratedapresentmentofthetruth，perhaps，astheshadowonthewall。ButFlorencewasnottheretolookon；andGoodMrs。Brownremainedunrecognised，andsatstaringatherfire，unobserved。
Attractedbyaloudersputteringthanusual，astheraincamehissingdownthechimneyinalittlestream，theoldwomanraisedherhead，impatiently，tolistenafresh。Andthistimeshedidnotdropitagain；
fortherewasahanduponthedoor，andafootstepintheroom。
`Who\'sthat？\'shesaid，lookingoverhershoulder。
`Onewhobringsyounews，\'wastheanswer，inawoman\'svoice。
`News？Wherefrom？\'
`Fromabroad。\'
`Frombeyondseas？\'criedtheoldwoman，startingup。
`Aye，frombeyondseas。\'
Theoldwomanrakedthefiretogether，hurriedly，andgoingclosetohervisitorwhohadentered，andshutthedoor，andwhonowstoodinthemiddleoftheroom，putherhanduponthedrenchedcloak，andturnedtheunresistingfigure，soastohaveitinthefulllightofthefire。
Shedidnotfindwhatshehadexpected，whateverthatmightbe；forsheletthecloakgoagain，andutteredaquerulouscryofdisappointmentandmisery。
`Whatisthematter？\'askedhervisitor。
`Oho！Oho！\'criedoldwoman，turningherfaceupward，withaterriblehowl。
`Whatisthematter？\'askedthevisitoragain。
`It\'snotmygal！\'criedtheoldwoman，tossingupherarms，andclaspingherhandsaboveherhead。`Where\'smyAlice？Where\'smyhandsomedaughter？They\'vebeenthedeathofher！\'
`They\'venotbeenthedeathofheryet，ifyourname\'sMarwood，\'saidthevisitor。
`Haveyouseenmygal，then？\'criedtheoldwoman。`Hasshewrotetome？\'
`Shesaidyoucouldn\'tread，\'returnedtheother。
`NomoreIcan！\'exclaimedtheoldwoman，wringingherhands。
`Haveyounolighthere？\'saidtheother，lookingroundtheroom。
Theoldwoman，mumblingandshakingherhead，andmutteringtoherselfaboutherhandsomedaughter，broughtacandlefromacupboardinthecorner，andthrustingitintothefirewithatremblinghand，lighteditwithsomedifficultyandsetitonthetable。Itsdirtywickburntdimlyatfirst，beingchokedinitsowngrease；andwhentheblearedeyesandfailingsightoftheoldwomancoulddistinguishanythingbyitslight，hervisitorwassittingwithherarmsfolded，hereyesturneddownwards，andahandkerchiefshehadwornuponherheadlyingonthetablebyherside。
`Shesenttomebywordofmouththen，mygal，Alice？\'mumbledtheoldwoman，afterwaitingforsomemoments。`Whatdidshesay？\'
`Look，\'returnedthevisitor。
Theoldwomanrepeatedthewordinascareduncertainway；and，shadinghereyes，lookedatthespeaker，roundtheroom，andatthespeakeronceagain。
`Alicesaidlookagain，mother；\'andthespeakerfixedhereyesuponher。
Againtheoldwomanlookedroundtheroom，andathervisitor，androundtheroomoncemore。Hastilyseizingthecandle，andrisingfromherseat，sheheldittothevisitor\'sface，utteredaloudcry，setdownthelight，andfelluponherneck！
`It\'smygal！It\'smyAlice！It\'smyhandsomedaughter，livingancomeback！\'screamedtheoldwoman，rockingherselftoandfrouponthebreastthatcoldlysufferedherembrace。`It\'smygal！It\'smyAlice！
It\'smyhandsomedaughter，livingandcomeback！\'shescreamedagain，droppingonthefloorbeforeher，claspingherknees，layingherheadagainstthem，andstillrockingherselftoandfrowitheveryfranticdemonstrationofwhichhervitalitywascapable。
`Yes，mother，\'returnedAlice，stoopingforwardforamomentandkissingher，butendeavouring，evenintheact，todisengageherselffromherembrace。`Iamhere，atlast。Letgo，mother；letgo。Getup，andsitinyourchair。Whatgooddoesthisdo？\'
`She\'scomebackharderthanshewent！\'criedthemother，lookingupinherface，andstillholdingtoherknees。`Shedon\'tcareforme！
afteralltheseyears，andallthewretchedlifeI\'veled！\'
`Why，mother！\'saidAlice，shakingherraggedskirtstodetachtheoldwomanfromthem：`therearetwosidestothat。Therehavebeenyearsformeaswellasyou，andtherehasbeenwretchednessformeaswellasyou。Getup，getup！\'
Hermotherrose，andcried，andwrungherhands，andstoodatalittledistancegazingonher。Thenshetookthecandleagain，andgoingroundher，surveyedherfromheadtofoot，makingalowmoaningallthetime。Thensheputthecandledown，resumedherchair，andbeatingherhandstogethertoakindofwearytune，androllingherselffromsidetoside，continuedmoaningandwailingtoherself。
Alicegotup，tookoffherwetcloak，andlaiditaside。Thatdone，shesatdownasbefore，andwithherarmsfolded，andhereyesgazingatthefire，remainedsilentlylisteningwithacontemptuousfacetoheroldmother\'sinarticulatecomplainings。
`DidyouexpecttoseemereturnasyouthfulasIwentaway，mother？\'
shesaidatlength，turninghereyesupontheoldwoman。`Didyouthinkaforeignlife，likemine，wasgoodforgoodlooks？Onewouldbelieveso，tohearyou！\'
`Itan\'tthat！\'criedthemother。`Sheknowsit！\'
`Whatisitthen？\'returnedthedaughter。`Ithadbestbesomethingthatdon\'tlast，mother，ormywayoutiseasierthanmywayin。\'
`Hearthat！\'exclaimedthemother。`Afteralltheseyearsshethreatenstodesertmeinthemomentofhercomingbackagain！\'
`Itellyou，mother，forthesecondtime，therehavebeenyearsformeaswellasyou，\'saidAlice。`Comebackharder？OfcourseIhavecomebackharder。Whatelsedidyouexpect？\'
`Hardertome！Toherowndearmother！\'criedtheoldwoman。
`Idon\'tknowwhobegantohardenme，ifmyowndearmotherdidn\'t，\'
shereturned，sittingwithherfoldedarms，andknittedbrows，andcompressedlipsasifshewerebentonexcluding，byforce，everysofterfeelingfromherbreast。`Listen，mother，toawordortwo。Ifweunderstandeachothernow，weshallnotfalloutanymore，perhaps。Iwentawayagirl，andhavecomebackawoman。Iwentawayundutifulenough，andhavecomebacknotbetter，youmayswear。Buthaveyoubeenverydutifultome？\'
`I！\'criedoldwoman。`Tomygal！Amotherdutifultoherownchild！\'
`Itsoundsunnatural，don\'tit？\'returnedthedaughter，lookingcoldlyonherwithherstern，regardless，hardy，beautifulface；`butI
havethoughtofitsometimes，inthecourseofmyloneyears，tillIhavegotusedtoit。Ihaveheardsometalkaboutdutyfirstandlast；
butithasalwaysbeenofmydutytootherpeople。Ihavewonderednowandthen——topassawaythetime——whethernooneeverowedanydutytome。\'
Hermothersatmowing，andmumbling，andshakingherhead，butwhetherangrilyorremorsefully，orindenial，oronlyinherphysicalinfirmity，didnotappear。
`TherewasachildcalledAliceMarwood，\'saidthedaughter，withalaugh，andlookingdownatherselfinterriblederisionofherself，`born，amongpovertyandneglect，andnursedinit。Nobodytaughther，nobodysteppedforwardtohelpher，nobodycaredforher。\'
`Nobody！\'echoedthemother，pointingtoherself，andstrikingherbreast。
`Theonlycaresheknew，\'returnedthedaughter，`wastobebeaten，andstinted，andabusedsometimes；andshemighthavedonebetterwithoutthat。Shelivedinhomeslikethis，andinthestreets，withacrowdoflittlewretcheslikeherself；andyetshebroughtgoodlooksoutofthischildhood。Somuchtheworseforher。Shehadbetterhavebeenhuntedandworriedtodeathforugliness。\'
`Goon！goon！\'exclaimedthemother。
`Iamgoingon，\'returnedthedaughter。`TherewasagirlcalledAliceMarwood。Shewashandsome。Shewastaughttoolate，andtaughtallwrong。Shewastoowellcaredfor，toowelltrained，toowellhelpedon，toomuchlookedafter。Youwereveryfondofher——youwerebetteroffthen。
Whatcametothatgirlcomestothousandseveryyear。Itwasonlyruin，andshewasborntoit。\'
`Afteralltheseyears！\'whinedtheoldwoman。`Mygalbeginswiththis。\'
`She\'llsoonhaveended，\'saidthedaughter。`TherewasacriminalcalledAliceMarwood——agirlstill，butdesertedandanoutcast。Andshewastried，andshewassentenced。Andlord，howthegentlemenintheCourttalkedaboutit！andhowgravethejudgewasonherduty，andonherhavingpervertedthegiftsofnature——asifhedidn\'tknowbetterthananybodythere，thattheyhadbeenmadecursestoher！——andhowhepreachedaboutthestrongarmoftheLaw——soverystrongtosaveher，whenshewasaninnocentandhelplesslittlewretch；andhowsolemnandreligiousitallwas。Ihavethoughtofthat，manytimessince，tobesure！\'
Shefoldedherarmstightlyonherbreast，andlaughedinatonethatmadethehowloftheoldwomanmusical。
`SoAliceMarwoodwastransported，mother，\'shepursued，`andwassenttolearnherduty，wheretherewastwentytimeslessduty，andmorewickedness，andwrong，andinfamy，thanhere。AndAliceMarwoodiscomebackawoman。Suchawomanassheoughttobe，afterallthis。Ingoodtime，therewillbemoresolemnity，andmorefinetalk，andmorestrongarm，mostlikely，andtherewillbeanendofher；butthegentlemenneedn\'tbeafraidofbeingthrownoutofwork。There\'scrowdsoflittlewretches，boyandgirl，growingupinanyofthestreetstheylivein，that\'llkeepthemtotillthey\'vemadetheirfortunes。\'
Theoldwomanleanedherelbowsonthetable，andrestingherfaceuponhertwohands，madeashowofbeingingreatdistress——orreallywas，perhaps。
`There！Ihavedone，mother，\'saidthedaughter，withamotionofherhead，asifindismissalofthesubject。`Ihavesaidenough。Don\'tletyouandItalkofbeingdutiful，whateverwedo。Yourchildhoodwaslikemine，Isuppose。Somuchtheworseforbothofus。Idon\'twanttoblameyou，ortodefendmyself；whyshouldI？That\'salloverlongago。
ButIamawoman——notagirl，now——andyouandIneedn\'tmakeashowofourhistory，likethegentlemenintheCourt。Weknowallaboutitwellenough。\'
Lostanddegradedasshewas，therewasabeautyinher，bothoffaceandform，which，eveninitsworstexpression，couldnotbutberecognisedassuchbyanyoneregardingherwiththeleastattention。Asshesubsidedintosilence，andherfacewhichhadbeenharshlyagitated，quieteddown；whileherdarkeyes，fixeduponthefire，exchangedtherecklesslightthathadanimatedthem，foronethatwassoftenedbysomethinglikesorrow；thereshonethroughallherwaywornmiseryandfatigue，arayofthedepartedradianceofthefallenangel。
Hermother，afterwatchingherforsometimewithoutspeaking，venturedtostealherwitheredhandalittlenearertoheracrossthetable；
andfindingthatshepermittedthis，totouchherfaceandsmoothherhair。
Withthefeelingasitseemed，thattheoldwomanwasatleastsincereinthisshowofinterest，Alicemadenomovementtocheckher；so，advancingbydegrees，sheboundupherdaughter\'shairafresh，tookoffherwetshoes，iftheydeservedthename，spreadsomethingdryuponhershoulders，andhoveredhumblyabouther，mutteringtoherself，assherecognisedheroldfeaturesandexpressionmoreandmore。
`Youareverypoor，mother，Isee，\'saidAlice，lookinground，whenshehadsatthusforsometime。
`Bitterpoor，mydeary，\'repliedtheoldwoman。
Sheadmiredherdaughter，andwasafraidofher。Perhapsheradmiration，suchasitwas，hadoriginatedlongago，whenshefirstfoundanythingthatwasbeautifulappearinginthemidstofthesqualidfightofherexistence。
Perhapsherfearwasreferable，insomesort，totheretrospectshehadsolatelyheard。Bethisasitmight，shestood，submissivelyanddeferentially，beforeherchild，andinclinedherhead，asifinapitifulentreatytobesparedanyfurtherreproach。
`Howhaveyoulived？\'
`Bybegging，mydeary。\'
`Andpilfering，mother？\'
`Sometimes，Ally——inaverysmallway。Iamoldandtimid。Ihavetakentriflesfromchildrennowandthen，mydeary，butnotoften。Ihavetrampedaboutthecountry，pet，andIknowwhatIknow。Ihavewatched。\'
`Watched？\'returnedthedaughter，lookingather。
`Ihavehungaboutafamily，mydeary，\'saidthemother，evenmorehumblyandsubmissivelythanbefore。
`Whatfamily？\'
`Hush，darling，Don\'tbeangrywithme，Ididitfortheloveofyou。Inmemoryofmypoorgalbeyondseas。\'Sheputoutherhanddeprecatingly，anddrawingitbackagain，laiditonherlips。
`Yearsago，mydeary，\'shepursued，glancingtimidlyattheattentiveandsternfaceopposedtoher。`Icameacrosshislittlechild，bychance。\'
`Whosechild？\'
`Nothis，Alicedeary；don\'tlookatmelikethat；nothis。Howcoulditbehis？Youknowhehasnone。\'
`Whosethen？\'returnedthedaughter。`Yousaidhis。\'
`Hush，Ally；youfrightenme，deary。Mr。Dombey\'s——onlyMr。Dombey\'s。
Sincethen，darling，Ihaveseenthemoften。Ihaveseenhim。\'
Inutteringhislastword，theoldwomanshrunkandrecoiled，asifwithasuddenfearthatherdaughterwouldstrikeher。Butthoughthedaughter\'sfacewasfixeduponher，andexpressedthemostvehementpassion，sheremainedstill：exceptthatsheclenchedherarmstighterandtighterwithineachother，onherbosom，asiftorestrainthembythatmeansfromdoinganinjurytoherself，orsomeoneelse，intheblindfuryofthewraththatsuddenlypossessedher。
`LittlehethoughtwhoIwas！\'saidtheoldwoman，shakingherclenchedhand。
`Andlittlehecared！\'mutteredherdaughter，betweenherteeth。
`Buttherewewere，\'saidtheoldwoman，`facetoface。Ispoketohim，andhespoketome。Isatandwatchedhimashewentawaydownalonggroveoftrees：andateverystephetook，Icursedhimsoulandbody。\'
`Hewillthriveinspiteofthat，\'returnedthedaughterdisdainfully。
`Aye，heisthriving，\'saidthemother。
Sheheldherpeace；forthefaceandformbeforeherwereunshapedbyrange。Itseemedasifthebosomwouldburstwiththeemotionsthatstrovewithinit。Theeffortthatconstrainedandhelditpentup，wasnolessformidablethantherageitself：nolessbespeakingtheviolentanddangerouscharacterofthewomanwhomadeit。Butitsucceeded，andsheasked，afterasilence：
`Ishemarried？\'
`No，deary，\'saidthemother。
`Goingtobe？\'
`NotthatIknowof，deary。Buthismasterandfriendismarried。
Oh，wemaygivehimjoy！Wemaygive\'emalljoy！\'criedtheoldwoman，huggingherselfwithherleanarmsinherexultation。`Nothingbutjoytouswillcomeofthatmarriage。Mindme！\'
Thedaughterlookedatherforanexplanation。
`Butyouarewetandtired：hungryandthirsty，\'saidtheoldwoman，hobblingtothecupboard；`andthere\'slittlehere，andlittle\'——divingdownintoherpocket，andjinglingafewhalf-penceonthetable——`littlehere。Haveyouanymoney，Alice，deary？\'
Thecovetous，sharp，eagerfacewithwhichsheaskedthequestionandlookedon，asherdaughtertookoutofherbosomthelittlegiftshehadsolatelyreceived，toldalmostasmuchofthehistoryofthisparentandchildasthechildherselfhadtoldinwords。
`Isthatall？\'saidthemother。
`Ihavenomore。Ishouldnothavethis，butforcharity。\'
`Butforcharity，eh，deary？\'saidtheoldwoman，bendinggreedilyoverthetabletolookatthemoney，whichsheappeareddistrustfulofherdaughter\'sstillretaininginherhand，andgazingon。`Humph！sixandsixistwelve，andsixeighteen——so——wemusttakethemostofit。I\'llgobuysomethingtoeatanddrink。\'
Withgreateralacritythanmighthavebeenexpectedinoneofherappearance——forageandmiseryseemedtohavemadeherasdecrepitasugly——shebegantooccupyhertremblinghandsintyinganoldbonnetonherhead，andfoldingatornshawlaboutherself：stilleyeingthemoneyinherdaughter\'shand，withthesamesharpdesire。
`Whatjoyistocometousofthismarriage，mother？\'askedthedaughter。`Youhavenottoldmethat。\'
`Thejoy，\'shereplied，attiringherself，withfumblingfingers，`ofnoloveatall，andmuchprideandhate，mydeary。Thejoyofconfusionandstrifeamong\'em，proudastheyare，andofdaughter-danger，Alice！\'
`Whatdanger？\'
`IhaveseenwhatIhaveseen。IknowwhatIknow！\'
chuckledthemother。`Letsomelooktoit。Letsomebeupontheirguard。
Mygalmaykeepgoodcompanyyet！\'
Then，seeingthatinthewonderingearnestnesswithwhichherdaughterregardedher，herhandinvoluntarilycloseduponthemoney，theoldwomanmademorespeedtosecureit，andhurriedlyadded，`butI\'llgobuysomething；I\'llgobuysomething。\'
Asshestoodwithherhandstretchedoutbeforeherdaughter，herdaughter，glancingagainatthemoney，putittoherlipsbeforepartingwithit。
`What，Ally！Doyoukissit？\'chuckledtheoldwoman。`That\'slikeme——I
oftendo，Oh，it\'ssogoodtous！\'squeezingherowntarnishedhalfpenceuptoherbagofathroat，`sogoodtousineverythingbutnotcominginheaps！\'
`Ikissit，mother，\'saidthedaughter，`orIdidthen——Idon\'tknowthatIeverdidbefore——forthegiver\'ssake。\'
`Thegiver，eh，deary？\'retortedtheoldwoman，whosedimmedeyesglistenedasshetookit。`Aye！I\'llkissitforthegiver\'ssake，too，whenthegivercanmakeitgofarther。ButI\'llgospendit，deary。I\'llbebackdirectly。\'
`Youseemtosayyouknowagreatdeal，mother，\'saidthedaughter，followinghertothedoorwithhereyes。`Youhavegrownverywisesinceweparted。\'
`Know！\'croakedtheoldwoman，comingbackasteportwo，`Iknowmorethanyouthink。Iknowmorethanhethinks，deary，asI\'lltellyoubyandbye。Iknowallabouthim。\'
Thedaughtersmiledincredulously。
`Iknowofhisbrother，Alice，\'saidtheoldwoman，stretchingoutherneckwithaleerofmaliceabsolutelyfrightful，`whomighthavebeenwhereyouhavebeen——forstealingmoney——andwholiveswithhissister，overyonder，bythenorthroadoutofLondon。\'
`Where？\'
`BythenorthroadoutofLondon，deary。Youshallseethehouseifyoulike。Itan\'tmuchtoboastof，genteelashisownis。No，no，no，\'
criedtheoldwoman，shakingherheadandlaughing；forherdaughterhadstartedup，`notnow；it\'stoofaroff；it\'sbythemilestone，wherethestonesareheaped；——to-morrow，deary，ifit\'sfine，andyouareinthehumour。ButI\'llgospend——\'
`Stop！\'andthedaughterflungherselfuponher，withherformerpassionraginglikeafire。`Thesisterisafair-facedDevil，withbrownhair？\'
Theoldwoman，amazedandterrified，noddedherhead。
`Iseetheshadowofhiminherface！It\'saredhousestandingbyitself。Beforethedoorthereisasmallgreenporch。\'
Againtheoldwomannodded。
`InwhichIsatto-day！Givemebackthemoney。\'
`Alice！Deary！\'
`Givemebackthemoney，oryou\'llbehurt。\'
Sheforceditfromtheoldwoman\'shandasshespoke，andutterlyindifferenttohercomplainingsandentreaties，threwonthegarmentsshehadtakenof，andhurriedout，withheadlongspeed。
Themotherfollowed，limpingafterherasshecould，andexpostulatingwithnomoreeffectuponherthanuponthewindandrainanddarknessthatencompassedthem。Obdurateandfierceinherownpurpose，andindifferenttoallbesides，thedaughterdefiedtheweatherandthedistance，asifshehadknownnotravelorfatigue，andmadeforthehousewhereshehadbeenrelieved。Aftersomequarterofanhour\'swalking，theoldwoman，spentandoutofbreath，venturedtoholdbyherskirts；butsheventurednomore，andtheytravelledoninsilencethroughthewetandgloom。Ifthemothernowandthenutteredawordofcomplaint，shestifleditlestherdaughtershouldbreakawayfromherandleaveherbehind；andthedaughterwasdumb。
Itwaswithinanhourorsoofmidnight，whentheylefttheregularstreetsbehindthem，andenteredonthedeepergloomofthatneutralgroundwherethehousewassituated。Thetownlayinthedistance，luridandlowering；
thebleakwindhowledovertheopenspace；allaroundwasblack，wild，desolate。
`Thisisafitplaceforme！\'saidthedaughter，stoppingtolookback。`Ithoughtso，whenIwasherebefore，to-day。\'
`Alice，mydeary，\'criedthemother，pullinghergentlybytheskirt。`Alice！\'
`Whatnow，mother？\'
`Don\'tgivethemoneyback，mydarling；pleasedon\'t。Wecan\'taffordit。Wewantsupper，deary。Moneyismoney，whoevergivesit。Saywhatyouwill，butkeepthemoney。\'
`Seethere！\'wasallthedaughter\'sanswer。`ThatisthehouseImean。Isthatit？\'
Theoldwomannoddedintheaffirmative；andafewmorepacesbroughtthemtothethreshold。TherewasthelightoffireandcandleintheroomwhereAlicehadsattodryherclothes；andonherknockingatthedoor，JohnCarkerappearedfromthatroom。
Hewassurprisedtoseesuchvisitorsatsuchanhour，andaskedAlicewhatshewanted。
`Iwantyoursister，\'shesaid。`Thewomanwhogavememoneyto-day。\'
Atthesoundofherraisedvoice，Harrietcameout。
`Oh！\'saidAlice。`Youarehere！Doyourememberme？\'
`Yes，\'sheanswered，wondering。
Thefacethathadhumbleditselfbeforeher，lookedonhernowwithsuchinvinciblehatredanddefiance；andthehandthathadgentlytouchedherarm，wasclenchedwithsuchashowofevilpurpose，asifitwouldgladlystrangleher；thatshedrewclosetoherbrotherforprotection。
`ThatIcouldspeakwithyou，andnotknowyou！ThatIcouldcomenearyou，andnotfeelwhatbloodwasrunninginyourveins，bythetinglingofmyown！\'saidAlice，withamenacinggesture。
`Whatdoyoumean？WhathaveIdone？\'
`Done！\'returnedtheother。`Youhavesatmebyyourfire；youhavegivenmefoodandmoney；youhavebestowedyourcompassiononme！
You！whosenameIspitupon！\'
Theoldwoman，withamalevolencethatmadeheruglinessquiteawful，shookherwitheredhandatthebrotherandsisterinconfirmationofherdaughter，butpluckedherbytheskirtsagain，nevertheless，imploringhertokeepthemoney。
`IfIdroppedatearuponyourhand，mayitwitheritup！IfIspokeagentlewordinyourhearing，mayitdeafenyou！IfItouchedyouwithmylips，maythetouchbepoisontoyou！Acurseuponthisroofthatgavemeshelter！Sorrowandshameuponyourhead！Ruinuponallbelongingtoyou！\'
Asshesaidthewords，shethrewthemoneydownupontheground，andspurneditwithherfoot。
`Itreaditinthedust：Iwouldn\'ttakeitifitpavedmywaytoHeaven！Iwouldthebleedingfootthatbroughtmehereto-day，hadrottedoff，beforeitledmetoyourhouse！\'
Harriet，paleandtrembling，restrainedherbrother，andsufferedhertogoonuninterrupted。
`ItwaswellthatIshouldbepitiedandforgivenbyyou，oranyoneofyourname，inthefirsthourofmyreturn！Itwaswellthatyoushouldactthekindgoodladytome！I\'llthankyouwhenIdie；I\'llprayforyou，andallyourrace，youmaybesure！\'
Withafierceactionofherhand，asifshesprinkledhatredontheground，andwithitdevotedthosewhowerestandingtheretodestruction，shelookeduponceattheblacksky，andstrodeoutintothewildnight。
Themother，whohadpluckedatherskirtsagainandagaininvain，andhadeyedthemoneylyingonthethresholdwithanabsorbinggreedthatseemedtoconcentrateherfacultiesuponit，wouldhaveprowledabout，untilthehousewasdark，andthengropedinthemireonthechanceofrepossessingherselfofit。Butthedaughterdrewheraway，andtheysetforth，straight，ontheirreturntotheirdwelling；theoldwomanwhimperingandbemoaningtheirlossupontheroad，arefretfullybewailing，asopenlyasshedared，theundutifulconductofherhandsomegirlindeprivingherofasupper，ontheveryfirstnightoftheirreunion。
Supperlesstobedshewent，savingforafewcoarsefragments；
andthoseshesatmumblingandmunchingoverascrapoffire，longafterherundutifuldaughterlayasleep。
Werethismiserablemother，andthismiserabledaughter，onlythereductiontotheirlowestgrade，ofcertainsocialvicessometimesprevailinghigherup？Inthisroundworldofmanycircleswithincircles，dowemakeawearyjourneyfromthehighgradetothelow，tofindatlastthattheylieclosetogether，thatthetwoextremestouch，andthatourjourney\'sendisbutourstarting-place？Allowingforgreatdifferenceofstuffandtexture，wasthepatternofthiswoofrepeatedamonggentlebloodatall？
Say，EdithDombey！AndCleopatra，bestofmothers，letushaveyourtestimony！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter35[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVTheHappyPairTHEdarkblotonthestreetisgone。Mr。Dombey\'smansion，ifitbeagapamongtheotherhousesanylonger，isonlysobecauseitisnottobeviedwithinitsbrightness，andhaughtilycaststhemoff。Thesayingis，thathomeishome，beitneversohomely。Ifitholdgoodintheoppositecontingency，andhomeishomebeitneversostately，whatanaltartotheHouseholdGodsisraiseduphere！
Lightsaresparklinginthewindowsthisevening，andtheruddyglowoffiresiswarmandbrightuponthehangingsandsoftcarpets，andthedinnerwaitstobeserved，andthedinnertableishandsomelysetforth，thoughonlyforfourpersons，andthesideboardiscumbrouswithplate。
Itisthefirsttimethatthehousehasbeenarrangedforoccupationsinceitslatechanges，andthehappypairarelookedforeveryminute。
Onlysecondtotheweddingmorning，intheinterestandexpectationitengendersamongthehousehold，isthiseveningofthecominghome。Mrs。
Perchisinthekitchentakingtea；andhasmadethetouroftheestablishment，andpricedthesilksanddamasksbytheyard，andexhaustedeveryinterjectioninthedictionaryandoutofitexpressiveofadmirationandwonder。Theupholsterer\'sforeman，whohaslefthishat，withapocket-handkerchiefinit，bothsmellingstronglyofvarnish，underachairinthehall，lurksaboutthehouse，gazingupwardsatthecornices，anddownwardatthecarpets，andoccasionally，inasilenttransportofenjoyment，takingaruleoutofhispocket，andskirmishinglymeasuringexpensiveobjects，withunutterablefeelings。Cookisinhighspirits，andsaysgiveheraplacewherethere\'splentyofcompanyasshe\'llbetyousixpencetherewillbenow，forsheisofalivelydisposition，andshealwayswasfromachild，andshedon\'tmindwhoknowsit；whichsentimentelicitsfromthebreastofMrs。Percharesponsivemurmurofsupportandapprobation。Allthehousemaidhopesis，happinessfor\'em——butmarriageisalottery，andthemoreshethinksaboutit，themoreshefeelstheindependenceandthesafetyofasinglelife。Mr。Towlinsonissaturnineandgrim，andsaysthat\'shisopiniontoo，andgivehimWarbesides，anddownwiththeFrench——forthisyoungmanhasageneralimpressionthateveryforeignerisaFrenchmanandmustbebythelawsofnature。
Ateachnewsoundofwheels，theyallstop，whatevertheyaresaying，andlisten；andmorethanoncethereisageneralstartingupandacryof`Heretheyare！\'Butheretheyarenotyet；andCookbeginstomournoverthedinner，whichhasbeenputbacktwice，andtheupholsterer\'sforemanstillgoeslurkingabouttherooms，undisturbedinhisblissfulreverie！
Florenceisreadytoreceiveherfatherandhernewmama。Whethertheemotionsthatarethrobbinginherbreastoriginateinpleasureorinpain，shehardlyknows。Buttheflutteringheartsendsaddedcolourtohercheeks，andbrightnesstohereyes；andtheysaydownstairs，drawingtheirheadstogether——fortheyalwaysspeaksoftlywhentheyspeakofher——howbeautifulMissFlorencelooksto-night，andwhatasweetyoungladyshehasgrown，poordear！Apausesucceeds；andthenCook，feeling，aspresident，thathersentimentsarewaitedfor，wonderswhether——andtherestops。Thehousemaidwonderstoo，andsodoesMrs。Perch，whohasthehappysocialfacultyofalwayswonderingwhenotherpeoplewonder，withoutbeingatallparticularwhatshewondersat。Mr。Towlinson，whonowdescriesanopportunityofbringingdownthespiritsoftheladiestohisownlevel，sayswaitandsee；hewishessomepeoplewerewelloutofthis。Cookleadsasighthen，andamurmurof`Ah，it\'sastrangeworld，itisindeed！\'
andwhenithasgoneroundthetable，addspersuasively，`butMissFlorencecan\'twellbetheworseforanychange，Tom。\'Mr。Towlinson\'srejoinder，pregnantwithfrightfulmeaning，is`Oh，can\'tshethough！\'andsensiblethatameremancanscarcelybemoreprophetic，orimproveuponthat，heholdshispeace。
Mrs。Skewton，preparedtogreetherdarlingdaughteranddearson-in-lawwithopenarms，isappropriatelyattiredforthatpurposeinaveryyouthfulcostume，withshortsleeves。Atpresent，however，herripecharmsarebloomingintheshadeofherownapartments，whenceshehasnotemergedsinceshetookpossessionofthemafewhoursago，andwheresheisfastgrowingfretful，onaccountofthepostponementofdinner。
Themaidwhooughttobeaskeleton，butisintruthabuxomdamsel，is，ontheotherhand，inamostamiablestate：consideringherquarterlystipendmuchsaferthanheretofore，andforeseeingagreatimprovementinherboardandlodging。
Wherearethehappypair，forwhomthisbravehomeiswaiting？
Dosteam，tide，wind，andhorses，allabatetheirspeed，tolingeronsuchhappiness？Doestheswarmoflovesandgraceshoveringaboutthemretardtheirprogressbyitsnumbers？Aretheresomanyflowersintheirhappypath，thattheycanscarcelymovealong，withoutentanglementinthornlessroses，andsweetestbriar？
Theyarehereatlast！Thenoiseofwheelsisheard，growslouder，andacarriagedrivesuptothedoor！AthunderingknockfromtheobnoxiousforeigneranticipatestherushofMr。Towlinsonandpartytoopenit；andMr。Dombeyandhisbridealight，andwalkinarminarm。
`MysweetestEdith！\'criesanagitatedvoiceuponthestairs。
`MydearestDombey！\'andtheshortsleeveswreaththemselvesaboutthehappycoupleinturn，andembracethem。
Florencehadcomedowntothehalltoo，butdidnotadvance：reservinghertimidwelcomeuntiltheseneareranddearertransportsshouldsubside。
ButtheeyesofEdithsoughtherout，uponthethreshold；anddismissinghersensitiveparentwithaslightkissonthecheek，shehurriedontoFlorenceandembracedher。
`Howdoyoudo，Florence？\'saidMr。Dombey，puttingouthishand。
AsFlorence，trembling，raisedittoherlips，shemethisglance。
Thelookwascoldanddistantenough，butitstirredherhearttothinkthatsheobservedinitsomethingmoreofinterestthanhehadevershownbefore。Itevenexpressedakindoffaintsurprise，andnotadisagreeablesurprise，atsightofher。Shedarednotraisehereyestohisanymore；
butshefeltthathelookedatheronceagain，andhotlessfavourably。
Ohwhatathrillofjoyshotthroughher，awakenedbyeventhisintangibleandbaselessconfirmationofherhopethatshewouldlearntowinhim，throughhernewandbeautifulmama！
`Youwillnotbelongdressing，Mrs。Dombey，Ipresume？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Ishallbereadyimmediately。\'
`Letthemsendupdinnerinaquarterofanhour。\'
WiththatMr。Dombeystalkedawaytohisowndressingroom，andMrs。Dombeywentupstairstohers。Mrs。SkewtonandFlorencerepairedtothedrawing-room，wherethatexcellentmotherconsidereditincumbentonhertoshedafewirrepressibletears，supposedtobeforcedfromherbyherdaughter\'sfelicity；andwhichshewasstilldrying，verygingerly，withalacedcornerofherpocket-handkerchief，whenherson-in-lawappeared。
`Andhow，mydearestDombey，didyoufindthatdelightfullestofcities，Paris？\'sheasked，subduingheremotion。
`Itwascold，\'returnedMr。Dombey。
`Gayasever，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`ofcourse。\'
`Notparticularly。Ithoughtitdull，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Fie，mydearestDombey！\'archly；`dull！\'
`Itmadethatimpressionuponme，madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，withgravepoliteness。`IbelieveMrs。Dombeyfounditdulltoo。Shementionedonceortwicethatshethoughtitso。\'
`Why，younaughtygirl！\'criedMrs。Skewton，rallyingherdearchild，whonowentered，`whatdreadfullyhereticalthingshaveyoubeensayingaboutParis？\'
Edithraisedhereyebrowswithanairofweariness；andpassingthefolding-doorswhichwerethrownopentodisplaythesuiteofroomsintheirnewandhandsomegarniture，andbarelyglancingatthemasshepassed，satdownbyFlorence。
`MydearDombey，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`howcharminglythesepeoplehavecarriedouteveryideathatwehinted。Theyhavemadeaperfectpalaceofthehouse，positively。\'
`Itishandsome，\'saidMr。Dombey，lookinground。`Idirectedthatnoexpenseshouldbespared；andallthatmoneycoulddo，hasbeendone，Ibelieve。\'
`Andwhatcanitnotdo，dearDombey？\'observedCleopatra。
`Itispowerful，madam，\'saidMr。Dombey。
Helookedinhissolemnwaytowardshiswife，butnotawordsaidshe。
`Ihope，Mrs。Dombey，\'addressingherafteramoment\'ssilence，withespecialdistinctness；`thatthesealterationsmeetwithyourapproval？\'
`Theyareashandsomeastheycanbe，\'shereturned，withhaughtycarelessness。`Theyshouldbeso，ofcourse。AndIsupposetheyare。\'
Anexpressionofscornwashabitualtotheproudface，andseemedinseparablefromit；butthecontemptwithwhichitreceivedanyappealtoadmiration，respect，orconsiderationonthegroundofhisriches，nomatterhowslightorordinaryinitself，wasanewanddifferentexpression，unequalledinintensitybyanyotherofwhichitwascapable。WhetherMr。
Dombey，wrappedinhisowngreatness，wasatallawareofthis，orno，therehadnotbeenwantingopportunitiesalreadyforhiscompleteenlightenment；
andatthatmomentitmighthavebeeneffectedbytheoneglanceofthedarkeyethatlightedonhim，afterithadrapidlyandscornfullysurveyedthethemeofhisself-glorification。Hemighthavereadinthatoneglancethatnothingthathiswealthcoulddo，thoughitwereincreasedtenthousandfold，couldwinhimforitsownsake，onelookofsoftenedrecognitionfromthedefiantwoman，linkedtohim，butarrayedwithherwholesoulagainsthim。Hemighthavereadinthatoneglancethatevenforitssordidandmercenaryinfluenceuponherself，shespurnedit，whilesheclaimeditsutmostpowerasherright，herbargain——asthebaseandworthlessrecompenseforwhichshehadbecomehiswife。Hemighthavereadinitthat，everbaringherownheadforthelightningofherowncontemptandpridetostrike，themostinnocentallusiontothepowerofhisrichesdegradedheranew，sunkherdeeperinherownrespect，andmadetheblightandwastewithinhermorecomplete。
Butdinnerwasannounced，andMr。DombeyleddownCleopatra；Edithandhisdaughterfollowing。Sweepingpastthegoldandsilverdemonstrationonthesideboardasifitwereheaped-updirt，anddeigningtobestownolookupontheeleganciesaroundher，shetookherplaceathisboardforthefirsttime，andsat，likeastatue，atthefeast。
Mr。Dombey，beingagooddealinthestatuewayhimself，waswellenoughpleasedtoseehishandsomewifeimmovableandproudandcold。Herdeportmentbeingalwayselegantandgraceful，thisasageneralbehaviorwasagreeableandcongenialtohim。Presiding，therefore，withhisaccustomeddignity，andnotatallreflectingonhiswifebyanywarmthorhilarityofhisown，heperformedhisshareofthehonoursofthetablewithacoolsatisfaction；andtheinstallationdinner，thoughnotregardeddownstairsasagreatsuccess，orverypromisingbeginning，passedoff，above，inasufficientlypolite，genteel，andfrostymanner。
Soonaftertea，Mrs。Skewton，whoaffectedtobequiteovercomeandwornoutbyheremotionsofhappiness，arisinginthecontemplationofherdearchildunitedtothemanofherheart，butwho，thereisreasontosuppose，foundthisfamilypartysomewhatdull，assheyawnedforonehourcontinuallybehindherfan，retiredtobed。Edith，also，silentlywithdrewandcamebacknomore。Thus，ithappenedthatFlorence，whohadbeenupstairstohavesomeconversationwithDiogenes，returningtothedrawing-roomwithherlittlework-basket，foundnoonetherebutherfather，whowaswalkingtoandfro，indrearymagnificence。
`Ibegyourpardon。ShallIgoaway，papa？\'saidFlorencefaintly，hesitatingatthedoor。
`No，\'returnedMr。Dombey，lookingroundoverhisshoulder；`youcancomeandgohere，Florence，asyouplease。Thisisnotmyprivateroom。\'
Florenceentered，andsatdownatadistantlittletablewithherwork：findingherselfforthefirsttimeinherlife——fortheveryfirsttimewithinhermemoryfromherinfancytothathour——alonewithherfather，ashiscompanion。She，hisnaturalcompanion，hisonlychild，whoinherlonelylifeandgriefhadknownthesufferingofabreakingheart；who，inherrejectedlove，hadneverbreathedhisnametoGodatnight，butwithatearfulblessing，heavieronhimthanacurse；whohadprayedtodieyoung，soshemightonlydieinhisarms；whohad，allthrough，repaidtheagonyofslightandcoldness，anddislike，withpatientunexactinglove，excusinghim，andpleadingforhim，likehisbetterangel！
Shetrembled，andhereyesweredim。Hisfigureseemedtogrowinheightandbulkbeforeherashepacedtheroom：nowitwasallblurredandindistinct；nowclearagain，andplain；andnowsheseemedtothinkthatthishadhappened，justthesame，amultitudeofyearsago。Sheyearnedtowardshim，andyetshrunkfromhisapproach。Unnaturalemotioninachild，innocentofwrong！Unnaturalthehandthathaddirectedthesharpplough，whichfurroweduphergentlenatureforthesowingofitsseeds！
Bentuponnotdistressingoroffendinghimbyherdistress，Florencecontrolledherself，andsatquietlyatherwork。Afterafewmoreturnsacrossandacrosstheroom，heleftoffpacingit；andwithdrawingintoashadowycorneratsomedistance，wheretherewasaneasychair，coveredhisheadwithahandkerchief，andcomposedhimselftosleep。
ItwasenoughforFlorencetosittherewatchinghim；turninghereyestowardshischairfromtimetotime；watchinghimwithherthoughts，whenherfacewasintentuponherwork；andsorrowfullygladtothinkthathecouldsleep，whileshewasthere，andthathewasnotmaderestlessbyherstrangeandlong-forbiddenpresence。
Whatwouldhavebeenherthoughtsifshehadknownthathewassteadilyregardingher；thattheveiluponhisface，byaccidentorbydesign，wassoadjustedthathissightwasfree，andthatitneverwanderedfromherfaceaninstant！Thatwhenshelookedtowardshim，intheobscuredarkcorner，herspeakingeyes，moreearnestandpatheticintheirvoicelessspeechthanalltheoratorsofalltheworld，andimpeachinghimmorenearlyintheirmuteaddress，methis，anddidnotknowit！Thatwhenshebentherheadagainoverherwork，hedrewhisbreathmoreeasily，butwiththesameattentionlookeduponherstill——uponherwhitebrowandherfallinghair，andbusyhands；andonceattracted，seemedtohavenopowertoturnhiseyesaway！
Andwhatwerehisthoughtsmeanwhile？Withwhatemotionsdidheprolongtheattentivegazecovertlydirectedonhisunknowndaughter？Wastherereproachtohiminthequietfigureandthemildeyes？Hadhebeguntofeelherdisregardedclaims，anddidtheytouchhimhomeatlast，andwakenhimtosomesenseofhiscruelinjustice？
Thereareyieldingmomentsinthelivesofthesternestandharshestmen，thoughsuchmenoftenkeeptheirsecretwell。Thesightofherinherbeauty，almostchangedintoawomanwithouthisknowledge，mayhavestruckoutsomesuchmomentseveninhislifeofpride。Somepassingthoughtthathehadhadahappyhomewithinhisreach——hadhadahouseholdspiritbendingathisfeet——hadoverlookeditinhisstiffneckedsullenarrogance，andwanderedawayandlosthimself，mayhaveengenderedthem。Somesimpleeloquencedistinctlyheard，thoughonlyutteredinhereyes，unconsciousthathereadthem，as`Bythedeath-bedsIhavetended，bythechildhoodIhavesuffered，byourmeetinginthisdrearyhouseatmidnight，bythecrywrungfrommeintheanguishofmyheart，oh，father，turntomeandseekarefugeinmylovebeforeitistoolate！\'mayhavearrestedthem。
Meanerandlowerthoughts，asthathisdeadboywasnowsupersededbynewties，andhecouldforgivethehavingbeensupplantedinhisaffection，mayhaveoccasionedthem。Themereassociationofherasanornament，withalltheornamentandpompabouthim，mayhavebeensufficient。Butashelooked，hesoftenedtoher，moreandmore。Ashelooked，shebecameblendedwiththechildhehadloved，andhecouldhardlyseparatethetwo。Ashelooked，hesawherforaninstantbyaclearerandabrighterlight，notbendingoverthatchild\'spillowashisrival——monstrousthought——butasthespiritofhishome，andintheactiontendinghimselfnoless，ashesatoncemorewithhisbowed-downheaduponhishandatthefootofthelittlebed。Hefeltinclinedtospeaktoher，andcallhertohim。Thewords`Florence，comehere！\'wererisingtohislips——butslowlyandwithdifficulty，theyweresoverystrange——whentheywerecheckedandstifledbyafootsteponthestair。
Itwashiswife\'s。Shehadexchangedherdinnerdressforalooserobe，andunboundherhair，whichfellfreelyaboutherneck。Butthiswasnotthechangeinherthatstartledhim。
`Florence，dear，\'shesaid，`Ihavebeenlookingforyoueverywhere。\'
AsshesatdownbythesideofFlorence，shestoopedandkissedherhand。Hehardlyknewhiswife。Shewassochanged。Itwasnotmerelythathersmilewasnewtohim——thoughthathehadneverseen：buthermanner，thetoneofhervoice，thelightofhereyes，theinterest，andconfidence，andwinningwishtoplease，expressedinall——thiswasnotEdith。
`Softly，dearMama。Papaisasleep。\'
ItwasEdithnow。Shelookedtowardsthecornerwherehewas，andheknewthatfaceandmannerverywell。
`Iscarcelythoughtyoucouldbehere，Florence。\'
Again，howalteredandhowsoftened，inaninstant！
`Ilefthereearly，\'pursuedEdith，`purposelytositupstairsandtalkwithyou。But，goingtoyourroom，Ifoundmybirdwasflown，andIhavebeenwaitingthereeversince，expectingitsreturn。\'
Ifithadbeenabird，indeed，shecouldnothavetakenitmoretenderlyandgentlytoherbreast，thanshedidFlorence。
`Come，dear！\'
`Papawillnotexpecttofindme，Isuppose，whenhewakes，\'hesitatedFlorence。
`Doyouthinkhewill，Florence？\'saidEdith，lookingfulluponher。
Florencedroopedherhead，androse，andputupherworkbasket。
Edithdrewherhandthroughherarm，andtheywentoutoftheroomlikesisters。Herverystepwasdifferentandnewtohim，Mr。Dombeythought，ashiseyesfollowedhertothedoor。
Hesatinhisshadowycornersolong，thatthechurchclocksstruckthehourthreetimesbeforehemovedthatnight。AllthatwhilehisfacewasstillintentuponthespotwhereFlorencehadbeenseated。Theroomgrewdarker，asthecandleswanedandwentout；butadarknessgatheredonhisface，exceedinganythatthenightcouldcast，andrestedthere。
FlorenceandEdith，seatedbeforethefireintheremoteroomwherelittlePaulhaddied，talkedtogetherforalongtime。Diogenes，whowasoftheparty，hadatfirstobjectedtotheadmissionofEdith，and，evenindeferencetohismistress\'swish，hadonlypermitteditundergrowlingprotest。But，emergingbylittleandlittlefromtheante-room，whitherhehadretiredindudgeon，hesoonappearedtocomprehend，thatwiththemostamiableintensionshehadmadeoneofthosemistakeswhichwilloccasionallyariseinthebest-regulateddogs\'minds；asafriendlyapologyforwhichhestuckhimselfuponendbetweenthetwo，inaveryhotplaceinfrontofthefire，andsatpantingatit，withhistongueout，andamostimbecileexpressionofcountenance，listeningtotheconversation。
Itturned，atfirst，onFlorence\'sbooksandfavouritepursuits，andonthemannerinwhichshehadbeguiledtheintervalsincethemarriage。
Thelastthemeopeneduptoherasubjectwhichlayverynearherheart，andshesaid，withthetearsstartingtohereyes：
`Oh，Mama！Ihavehadagreatsorrowsincethatday。\'
`Youagreatsorrow，Florence！\'
`Yes。PoorWalterisdrowned。\'
Florencespreadherhandsbeforeherface，andweptwithallherheart。ManyaswerethesecrettearswhichWalter\'sfatehadcosther，theyflowedyet，whenshethoughtorspokeofhim。
`Buttellme，dear，\'saidEdith，soothingher。`WhowasWalter？
Whatwashetoyou？\'
`Hewasmybrother，Mama。AfterdearPauldied，wesaidwewouldbebrotherandsister。Ihadknownhimalongtime——fromalittlechild。
HeknewPaul，wholikedhimverymuch；Paulsaid，almostatthelast，`TakecareofWalter，dearpapa！Iwasfondofhim！\'Walterhadbeenbroughtintoseehim，andwastherethen——inthisroom。\'
`AnddidhetakecareofWalter？\'inquiredEdith，sternly。
`Papa？Heappointedhimtogoabroad。Hewasdrownedinshipwreckonhisvoyage，\'saidFlorence，sobbing。
`Doesheknowthatheisdead？\'askedEdith。
`Icannottell，Mama。Ihavenomeansofknowing。DearMama！\'
criedFlorence，clingingtoherasforhelp，andhidingherfaceuponherbosom，`Iknowthatyouhaveseen——\'
`Stay！Stop，Florence。\'Edithturnedsopale，andspokesoearnestly，thatFlorencedidnotneedherrestraininghanduponherlips。`TellmeallaboutWalterfirst；letmeunderstandthishistoryallthrough。\'
Florencerelatedit，andeverythingbelongingtoit，evendowntothefriendshipofMr。Toots，ofwhomshecouldhardlyspeakinherdistresswithoutatearfulsmile，althoughshewasdeeplygratefultohim。Whenshehadconcludedheraccount，tothewholeofwhichEdith，holdingherhand，listenedwithcloseattention，andwhenasilencehadsucceeded，Edithsaid：
`WhatisitthatyouknowIhaveseen，Florence？\'
`ThatIamnot，\'saidFlorence，withthesamemuteappeal，andthesamequickconcealmentofherfaceasbefore，`thatIamnotafavouritechild，Mama。Ineverhavebeen。Ihaveneverknownhowtobe。Ihavemissedtheway，andhadnoonetoshowittome。Oh，letmelearnfromyouhowtobecomedearertoPapa。Teachme！you，whocansowell！\'andclingingclosetoher，withsomebrokenferventwordsofgratitudeandendearment，Florence，relivedofhersadsecret，weptlong，butnotaspainfullyasofyore，withintheencirclingarmsofhernewmother。
Paleeventoherlips，andwithafacethatstroveforcomposureuntilitsproudbeautywasasfixedasdeath，Edithlookeddownupontheweepinggirl，andoncekissedher。Thengraduallydisengagingherself，andputtingFlorenceaway，shesaid，stately，andquietasamarbleimage，andinavoicethatdeepenedasshespoke，buthadnoothertokenofemotioninit：
`Florence，youdonotknowme！Heavenforbidthatyoushouldlearnfromme！\'
`Notlearnfromyou？\'repeatedFlorence，insurprise。
`ThatIshouldteachyouhowtolove，orbeloved，Heavenforbid！\'
saidEdith。`Ifyoucouldteachme，thatwerebetter；butitistoolate。
Youaredeartome，Florence。Ididnotthinkthatanythingcouldeverbesodeartome，asyouareinthislittletime。\'
ShesawthatFlorencewouldhavespokenhere，socheckedherwithherhand，andwenton。
`Iwillbeyourtruefriendalways。Iwillcherishyou，asmuch，ifnotaswellasanyoneinthisworldcould。Youmaytrustinme——IknowitandIsayit，dear，——withthewholeconfidenceevenofyourpureheart。
Therearehostsofwomenwhomhemighthavemarried，betterandtruerinallotherrespectsthanIam，Florence；butthereisnotonewhocouldcomehere，hiswife，whoseheartcouldbeatwithgreatertruthtoyouthanminedoes。\'
`Iknowit，dearMama！\'criedFlorence。`FromthatfirstmosthappydayIhaveknownit。\'
`Mosthappyday！\'Edithseemedtorepeatthewordsinvoluntarily，andwenton。`Thoughthemeritisnotmine，forIthoughtlittleofyouuntilIsawyou，lettheundeservedrewardbemineinyourtrustandlove。
Andinthis——inthis，Florence；onthefirstnightofmytakingupmyabodehere；IamledonasitisbestIshouldbe，tosayitforthefirstandlasttime。\'
Florence，withoutknowingwhy，feltalmostafraidtohearherproceed，butkepthereyesrivetedonthebeautifulfacesofixeduponherown。
`Neverseektofindinme，\'saidEdith，layingherhanduponherbreast，`whatisnothere。Neverifyoucanhelpit，Florence，fallofffrommebecauseitisnothere。Littlebylittleyouwillknowmebetter，andthetimewillcomewhenyouwillknowme，asIknowmyself。Then，beaslenienttomeasyoucan，anddonotturntobitternesstheonlysweetremembranceIshallhave。\'
ThetearsthatwerevisibleinhereyesasshekeptthemfixedonFlorence，showedthatthecomposedfacewasbutasahandsomemask；
butshepreservedit，andcontinued：
`Ihaveseenwhatyousay，andknowhowtrueitis。Butbelieveme——youwillsoon，ifyoucannotnow——thereisnooneonthisearthlessqualifiedtosetitrightorhelpyou，Florence，thanI。Neveraskmewhy，orspeaktomeaboutitorofmyhusband，more。Thereshouldbe，sofar，asdivision，andasilencebetweenustwo，likethegraveitself。\'
Shesatforsometimesilent；Florencescarcelyventuringtobreathemeanwhile，asdimandimperfectshadowsofthetruth，andallitsdailyconsequences，chasedeachotherthroughherterrified，yetincredulousimagination。Almostassoonasshehadceasedtospeak，Edith\'sfacebegantosubsidefromitssetcomposuretothatquieterandmorerelentingaspect，whichitusuallyworewhensheandFlorencewerealonetogether。Sheshadedit，afterthischange，withherhands；andwhenshearose，andwithanaffectionateembracebadeFlorencegoodnight，wentquickly，andwithoutlookinground。
ButwhenFlorencewasinbed，andtheroomwasdarkexceptfortheglowofthefire，Edithreturned，andsayingthatshecouldnotsleep，andthatherdressing-roomwaslonely，drewachairuponthehearth，andwatchedtheembersastheydiedaway。Florencewatchedthemtoofromherbed，untilthey，andthenoblefigurebeforethem，crownedwithitsflowinghair，andinitsthoughtfuleyesreflectingbacktheirlight，becameconfusedandindistinct，andfinallywerelostinslumber。
Inhersleep，however，Florencecouldnotloseanundefinedimpressionofwhathadsorecentlypassed。Itformedthesubjectofherdreams，andhauntedher；nowinoneshape，nowinanother；butalwaysoppressively；
andwithasenseoffear。Shedreamedofseekingherfatherinwildernesses，offollowinghistrackupfearfulheights，anddownintodeepminesandcaverns；ofbeingchargedwithsomethingthatwouldreleasehimfromextraordinarysuffering——sheknewnotwhat，orwhy——yetneverbeingabletoattainthegoalandsethimfree。Thenshesawhimdead，uponthatverybed，andinthatveryroom，andknewthathehadneverlovedhertothelast，andfelluponhiscoldbreast，passionatelyweeping。Thenaprospectopened，andariverflowed，andaplaintivevoicesheknew，cried，`Itisrunningon，Floy！Ithasneverstopped！Youaremovingwithit！\'Andshesawhimatadistancestretchingouthisarmstowardsher，whileafiguresuchasWalter\'susedtobe，stoodnearhim，awfullysereneandstill。Ineveryvision，Edithcameandwent，sometimestoherjoy，sometimestohersorrow，untiltheywerealonguponthebrinkofadarkgrave，andEdithpointingdown，shelookedandsaw——what！——anotherEdithlyingatthebottom。
Intheterrorofthisdream，shecriedoutandawoke，shethought。
Asoftvoiceseemedtowhisperinherear，`Florence，dearFlorence，itisnothingbutadream！\'andstretchingoutherarms，shereturnedthecaressofhernewmama，whothenwentoutatthedoorinthelightofthegreymorning。Inamoment，Florencesatupwonderingwhetherthishadreallytakenplaceornot；butshewasonlycertainthatitwasgreymorningindeed，andthattheblackenedashesofthefirewereonthehearth，andthatshewasalone。
Sopassedthenightonwhichthehappypaircamehome。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter36[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIHousewarmingMANYsucceedingdayspassedinlikemanner；exceptthattherewerenumerousvisitsreceivedandpaid，andthatMrs。Skewtonheldlittleleveesinherownapartments，atwhichMajorBagstockwasafrequentattendant，andthatFlorenceencounterednosecondlookfromherfather，althoughshesawhimeveryday。Norhadshemuchcommunicationinwordswithhernewmama，whowasimperiousandproudtoallthehousebuther——Florencecouldnotbutobservethat——andwho，althoughshealwayssentforherorwenttoherwhenshecamehomefromvisiting，andwouldalwaysgointoherroomatnight，beforeretiringtorest，howeverlatethehour，andneverlostanopportunityofbeingwithher，wasoftenhersilentandthoughtfulcompanionforalongtimetogether。
Florence，whohadhopedforsomuchfromthismarriage，couldnothelpsometimescomparingthebrighthousewiththefadeddrearyplaceoutofwhichithadarisen，andwonderingwhen，inanyshape，itwouldbegintobeahome；forthatitwasnohomethen，foranyone，thougheverythingwentonluxuriouslyandregularly，shehadalwaysasecretmisgiving。Manyanhourofsorrowfulreflectionbydayandnight，andmanyatearofblightedhope，Florencebestowedupontheassurancehernewmamahadgivenhersostrongly，thattherewasnooneontheearthmorepowerlessthanherselftoteachherhowtowinherfather\'sheart。AndsoonFlorencebegantothink——resolvedtothinkwouldbethetruerphrase——thatasnooneknewsowell，howhopelessofbeingsubduedorchangedherfather\'scoldnesstoherwas，soshehadgivenherthiswarning，andforbiddenthesubjectinverycompassion。Unselfishhere，asinhereveryactandfancy，Florencepreferredtobearthepainofthisnewwound，ratherthanencourageanyfaintforeshadowingsofthetruthasitconcernedherfather；tenderofhim，eveninherwanderingthoughts。Asforhishome，shehopeditwouldbecomeabetterone，whenitsstateofnoveltyandtransitionshouldbeover；andforherself，thoughtlittleandlamentedless。
Ifnoneofthenewfamilywereparticularlyathomeinprivate，itwasresolvedthatMrs。Dombeyatleastshouldbeathomeinpublic，withoutdelay。Aseriesofentertainmentsincelebrationofthelatenuptials，andincultivationofsociety，werearranged，chieflybyMr。DombeyandMrs。Skewton；anditwassettledthatthefestiveproceedingsshouldcommencebyMrs。Dombey\'sbeingathomeuponacertainevening，andbyMr。andMrs。
Dombey\'srequestingthehonourofthecompanyofagreatmanyincongruouspeopletodinneronthesameday。
Accordingly，Mr。Dombeyproducedalistofsundryeasternmagnateswhoweretobebiddentothisfeastonhisbehalf；towhichMrs。Skewton，actingforherdearestchild，whowashaughtilycarelessonthesubject，subjoinedawesternlist，comprisingCousinFeenix，notyetreturnedtoBaden-Baden，greatlytothedetrimentofhispersonalestate；andavarietyofmothsofvariousdegreesandages，whohad，atvarioustimes，flutteredroundthelightofherfairdaughter，orherself，withoutanylastinginjurytotheirwings。Florencewasenrolledasamemberofthedinner-party，byEdith\'scommand——elicitedbyamoment\'sdoubtandhesitationonthepartofMrs。Skewton；andFlorence，withawonderingheart，andwithaquickinstinctivesenseofeverythingthatgratedonherfatherintheleast，tookhersilentshareintheproceedingsoftheday。
TheproceedingscommencedbyMr。Dombey，inacravatofextraordinaryheightandstiffness，walkingrestlesslyaboutthedrawing-roomuntilthehourappointedfordinner；punctualtowhich，anEastIndiaDirector，ofimmensewealth，inawaistcoatapparentlyconstructedinserviceabledealbysomeplaincarpenter，butreallyengenderedinthetailor\'sart，andcomposedofthematerialcallednankeen，arrivedandwasreceivedbyMr。
Dombeyalone。ThenextstageoftheproceedingswasMr。Dombey\'ssendinghiscomplimentstoMrs。Dombey，withacorrectstatementofthetime；andthenext，theEastIndiaDirector\'sfallingprostrate，inaconversationalpointofview，andasMr。Dombeywasnotthemantopickhimup，staringatthefireuntilrescueappearedinthepersonofMrs。Skewton；whomthedirector，asapleasantstartinlifefortheevening，mistookforMrs。
Dombey，andgreetedwithenthusiasm。
ThenextarrivalwasaBankDirector，reputedtobeabletobuyupanything——humanNaturegenerally，ifheshouldtakeitinhisheadtoinfluencethemoneymarketinthatdirection——butwhowasawonderfullymodest-spokenman，almostboastfullyso，andmentionedhis`littleplace\'
atKingston-uponThames，anditsjustbeingbarelyequaltogivingDombeyabedandachop，ifhewouldcomeandvisitit。Ladies，hesaid，itwasnotforamanwholivedinhisquietwaytotakeuponhimselftoinvite——butifMrs。Skewtonandherdaughter，Mrs。Dombey，shouldeverfindthemselvesinthatdirection，andwoulddohimthehonourtolookatalittlebitofashrubberytheywouldfindthere，andapoorlittleflower-bedorso，andahumbleapologyforapinery，andtwoorthreelittleattemptsofthatsortwithoutanypretension，theywoulddistinguishhimverymuch。
Carryingouthischaracter，thisgentlemanwasveryplainlydressed，inawispofcambricforaneckcloth，bigshoes，acoatthatwastoolooseforhim，andapairoftrousersthatweretoospare；andmentionbeingmadeoftheOperabyMrs。Skewton，hesaidheveryseldomwentthere，forhecouldn\'taffordit。Itseemedgreatlytodelightandexhilaratehimtosayso：andhebeamedonhisaudienceafterwards，withhishandsinhispockets，andexcessivesatisfactiontwinklinginhiseyes。
NowMrs。Dombeyappeared，beautifulandproud，andasdisdainfulanddefianttothemallasifthebridalwreathuponherheadhadbeenagarlandofsteelspikesputontoforceconcessionfromherwhichshewoulddiesoonerthanyield。WithherwasFlorence。Whentheyenteredtogether，theshadowofthenightofthereturnagaindarkenedMr。Dombey\'sface。
Butunobserved：forFlorencedidnotventuretoraisehereyestohis，andEdith\'sindifferencewastoosupremetotaketheleastheedofhim。
Thearrivalsquicklybecamenumerous。Moredirectors，chairmenofpubliccompanies，elderlyladiescarryingburdensontheirheadsforfulldress，CousinFeenix，MajorBagstock，friendsofMrs。Skewton，withthesamebrightbloomontheircomplexion，andverypreciousnecklacesonverywitherednecks。Amongthese，ayoungladyofsixty-five，remarkablycoollydressedastoherbackandshoulders，whospokewithanengaginglisp，andwhoseeyelidswouldn\'tkeepupwell，withoutagreatdealoftroubleonherpart，andwhosemannershadthatindefinablecharmwhichsofrequentlyattachestothegiddinessofyouth。AsthegreaterpartofMr。Dombey\'slistweredisposedtobetaciturn，andthegreaterpartofMrs。Dombey\'slistweredisposedtobetalkative，andtherewasnosympathybetweenthem，Mrs。Dombey\'slist，bymagneticagreement，enteredintoabondofunionagainstMr。Dombey\'slist，who，wanderingabouttheroomsinadesolatemanner，orseekingrefugeincorners，entangledthemselveswithcompanycomingin，andbecamebarricadedbehindsofas，andhaddoorsopenedsmartlyfromwithoutagainsttheirheads，andunderwenteverysortofdiscomfiture。