Whendinnerwasannounced，Mr。Dombeytookdownanoldladylikeacrimsonvelvetpincushionstuffedwithbanknotes，whomighthavebeentheidenticaloldladyofThreadneedleStreet，shewassorich，andlookedsounaccommodating；CousinFeenixtookdownMrs。Dombey；MajorBagstocktookdownMrs。Skewton；theyoungthingwiththeshoulderswasbestowed，asanextinguisher，upontheEastIndiaDirector；andtheremainingladieswereleftonviewinthedrawing-roombyremaininggentlemen，untilaforlornhopevolunteeredtoconductthemdownstairs，andthosebravespiritswiththeircaptivesblockedupthedining-roomdoor，shuttingoutsevenmildmeninthestony-heartedhall。Whenalltherestweregotinandwereseated，oneofthesemildmenstillappeared，insmilingconfusion，totallydestituteandunprovidedfor，andescortedbythebutler，madethecompletecircuitofthetabletwicebeforehischaircouldbefound，whichitfinallywas，onMrs。Dombey\'slefthand；afterwhichthemildmanneverhelduphisheadagain。
Now，thespaciousdining-room，withthecompanyseatedroundtheglitteringtable，busywiththeirglitteringspoons，andknivesandforks，andplates，mighthavebeentakenforagrown-upexpositionofTomTiddler\'sground，wherechildrenpickupgoldandsilver。Mr。Dombey，asTiddler，lookedhischaractertoadmiration；andthelongplateauofpreciousmetalfrosted，separatinghimfromMrs。Dombey，whereonfrostedCupidsofferedscentlessflowerstoeachofthem，wasallegoricaltosee。
CousinFeenixwasingreatforce，andlookedastonishinglyyoung。
Buthewassometimesthoughtlessinhisgoodhumour——hismemoryoccasionallywanderinglikehislegs——andonthisoccasioncausedthecompanytoshudder。
Ithappenedthus。Theyoungladywiththeback，whoregardedCousinFeenixwithsentimentsoftenderness，hadentrappedtheEastIndiaDirectorintoleadinghertotheChairnexthim；inreturnforwhichgoodoffice，sheimmediatelyabandonedtheDirector，who，beingshadedontheothersidebyagloomyblackvelvethatsurmountingabonyandspeechlessfemalewithafan，yieldedtoadepressionofspiritsandwithdrewintohimself。CousinFeenixandtheyoungladywereverylivelyandhumorous，andtheyoungladylaughedsomuchatsomethingCousinFeenixrelatedtoher，thatMajorBagstockbeggedleavetoinquireonbehalfofMrs。Skewtontheyweresittingopposite，alittlelowerdown，whetherthatmightnotbeconsideredpublicproperty。
`Why，uponmylife，\'saidCousinFeenix，`there\'snothinginit；
itreallyisnotworthrepeating；inpointoffact，it\'smerelyananecdoteofJackAdams。IdaresaymyfriendDombey；\'forthegeneralattentionwasconcentratedonCousinFeenix；`mayrememberJackAdams，JackAdams，notJoe；thatwashisbrother。Jack——littleJack——manwithacastinhiseye，andslightimpedimentinhisspeech——manwhosatforsomebody\'sborough。
WeusedtocallhiminmyparliamentarytimeW。P。Adams，inconsequenceofhisbeingWarmingPanforayoungfellowwhowasinhisminority。PerhapsmyfriendDombeymayhaveknowntheman？\'
Mr。Dombey，whowasaslikelytohaveknownGuyFawkes，repliedinthenegative。Butoneofthesevenmildmenunexpectedlyleapedintodistinction，bysayinghehadknownhim，andadding——`alwaysworeHessianboots！\'
`Exactly，\'saidCousinFeenix，bendingforwardtoseethemildman，andsmileencouragementathisdownthetable。`ThatwasJack。Joewore——\'
`Tops！\'criedthemildman，risinginpublicestimationeveryinstant。
`Ofcourse，\'saidCousinFeenix，`youwereintimatewith\'em？\'
`Iknewthemboth，\'saidthemildman。WithwhomMr。Dombeyimmediatelytookwine。
`Devilishgoodfellow，Jack！\'saidCousinFeenix，againbendingforward，andsmiling。
`Excellent，\'returnedthemildman，becomingboldonhissuccess。
`OneofthebestfellowsIeverknew。\'
`Nodoubtyouhaveheardthestory？\'saidCousinFeenix。
`Ishallknow，\'repliedtheboldmildman，`whenIhaveheardyourLudshiptellit。\'Withthat，heleanedbackinhischairandsmiledattheceiling，asknowingitbyheart，andbeingalreadytickled。
`Inpointoffact，it\'snothingofastoryinitself，\'saidCousinFeenix，addressingthetablewithasmile，andagayshakeofhishead，`andnotworthawordofpreface。Butit\'sillustrativeoftheneatnessofJack\'shumour。Thefactis，thatJackwasinviteddowntoamarriage——whichIthinktookplaceinBarkshire？\'
`Shropshire，\'saidtheboldmildman，findinghimselfappealedto。
`Wasit？Well！Inpointoffactitmighthavebeeninanyshire，\'
saidCousinFeenix。`SomyfriendbeinginviteddowntothismarriageinAnyshire，\'withapleasantsenseofthereadinessofthisjoke，`goes。
Justassomeofus，havinghadthehonourofbeinginvitedtothemarriageofmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativewithmyfriendDombey，didn\'trequiretobeaskedtwice，andweredevilishgladtobepresentonsointerestinganoccasion——Goes——Jackgoes。Now，thismarriagewas，inpointoffact，themarriageofanuncommonlyfinegirlwithamanforwhomshedidn\'tcareabutton，butwhomsheacceptedonaccountofhisproperty，whichwasimmense。WhenJackreturnedtotown，afterthenuptials，amanheknew，meetinghiminthelobbyoftheHouseofCommons，says，\'“Well，Jack，howaretheill-matchedcouple？”“Illmatched，“saysJack。“Notatall。It\'saperfectlyfairandequaltransaction。Sheisregularlybought，andyoumaytakeyouroathheisasregularlysold！”\'
Inhisfullenjoymentofthisculminatingpointofhisstory，theshudder，whichhadgoneallroundthetablelikeanelectricspark，struckCousinFeenix，andhestopped。Notasmileoccasionedbytheonlygeneraltopicofconversationbroachedthatday，appearedonanyface。
Aprofoundsilenceensued；andthewretchedmildman，whohadbeenasinnocentofanyrealforeknowledgeofthestoryasthechildunborn，hadtheexquisitemiseryofreadingineveryeyethathewasregardedastheprimemoverofthemischief。
Mr。Dombey\'sfacewasachangefulone，andbeingcastinitsmouldofstatethatday，showedlitterotherapprehensionofthestory，ifany，thanthatwhichheexpressedwhenhesaidsolemnly，amidstthesilence，thatitwas`Verygood。\'TherewasarapidglancefromEdithtowardsFlorence，butotherwisesheremained，externally，impassiveandunconscious。
Throughthevariousstagesofrichmeatsandwines，continualgoldandsilver，daintiesofearth，air，fire，andwater，heaped-upfruits，andthatunnecessaryarticleinMr。Dombey\'sbanquets——ice——thedinnerslowlymadeitsway：thelaterstagesbeingachievedtothesonorousmusicofincessantdoubleknocks，announcingthearrivalofvisitors，whoseportionofthefeastwaslimitedtothesmellthereof。WhenMrs。Dombeyrose，itwasasighttoseeherlord，withstiffthroatanderecthead，holdthedooropenforthewithdrawaloftheladies；andtoseehowshesweptpasthimwithhisdaughteronherarm。
Mr。Dombeywasagravesight，beingthedecanters，inastateofdignity；andtheEastIndiaDirectorwasaforlornsightneartheunoccupiedendofthetable，inastateofsolitude；andtheMajorwasamilitarysight，relatingstoriesoftheDukeofYorktosixofthesevenmildmentheambitiousonewasutterlyquenched；andtheBankDirectorwasalowlysight，makingaplanofhislittleattemptatapinery，withdessertknives，foragroupofadmirers；andCousinFeenixwasathoughtfulsight，ashesmoothedhislongwristbandsandstealthilyadjustedhiswig。Butallthesesightswereofshortduration，beingspeedilybrokenupbycoffee，andthedesertionoftheroom。
Therewasathronginthestate-roomsupstairs，increasingeveryminute；butstillMr。Dombey\'slistofvisitorsappearedtohavesomenativeimpossibilityofamalgamationwithMrs。Dombey\'slist，andnoonecouldhavedoubtedwhichwaswhich。ThesingleexceptiontothisruleperhapswasMr。Carker，whonowsmiledamongthecompany，andwho，ashestoodinthecirclethatwasgatheredaboutMrs。Dombey——watchfulofher，ofthem，hischief，CleopatraandtheMajor，Florence，andeverythingaround——appearedateasewithbothdivisionsofguests，andnotmarkedasexclusivelybelongingtoeither。
Florencehadadreadofhim，whichmadehispresenceintheroomanightmaretoher。Shecouldnotavoidtherecollectionofit，forhereyesweredrawntowardshimeverynowandthen，byanattractionofdislikeanddistrustthatshecouldnotresist。Yetherthoughtswerebusywithotherthings；forasshesatapart——notunadmiredorunsought，butinthegentlenessofherquietspirit——shefelthowlittlepartherfatherhadinwhatwasgoingon，andsaw，withpain，howillateaseheseemedtobe，andhowlittleregardedhewasashelingeredaboutnearthedoor，forthosevisitorswhomhewishedtodistinguishwithparticularattention，andtookthemuptointroducethemtohiswife，whoreceivedthemwithproudcoldness，butshowednointerestorwishtoplease，andnever，afterthebareceremonyofreception，inconsultationofhiswishes，orinwelcomeofhisfriends，openedherlips。ItwasnotthelessperplexingorpainfultoFlorence，thatshewhoactedthus，treatedhersokindlyandwithsuchlovingconsideration，thatitalmostseemedanungratefulreturnonherparteventoknowofwhatwaspassingbeforehereyes。
HappyFlorencewouldhavebeen，mightshehaveventuredtobearherfathercompany，bysomuchasalook：andhappyFlorencewas，inlittlesuspectingthemaincauseofhisuneasiness。Butafraidofseemingtoknowthathewasplacedatanydisadvantage，lestheshouldberesentfulofthatknowledge；anddividedbetweenherimpulsetowardshim，andhergratefulaffectionforEdith；shescarcelydaredtoraisehereyestowardseither。
Anxiousandunhappyforthemboth，thethoughtstoleonherthroughthecrowd，thatitmighthavebeenbetterforthemifthisnoiseoftonguesandtreadoffeethadnevercomethere，——iftheolddulnessanddecayhadneverbeenreplacedbynoveltyandsplendour，——iftheneglectedchildhadfoundnofriendinEdith，buthadlivedhersolitarylife，unpitiedandforgotten。
Mrs。Chickhadsomesuchthoughtstoo，buttheywerenotsoquietlydevelopedinhermind。Thisgoodmatronhadbeenoutragedinthefirstinstancebynotreceivinganinvitationtodinner。Thatblowpartiallyrecovered，shehadgonetoavastexpensetomakesuchafigurebeforeMrs。Dombeyathome，asshoulddazzlethesensesofthatlady，andheapmortification，mountainshigh，ontheheadofMrs。Skewton。
`ButIammade，\'saidMrs。ChicktoMr。Chick，`ofnomoreaccountthanFlorence！Whotakesthesmallestnoticeofme？Noone！\'
`Noone，mydear，\'assentedMr。Chick，whowasseatedbythesideofMrs。Chickagainstthewall，andcouldconsolehimself，eventhere，bysoftlywhistling。
`DoesitatallappearasifIwaswantedhere？\'exclaimedMrs。
Chick，withflashingeyes。
`No，mydear，Idon\'tthinkitdoes，\'saidMr。Chick。
`Paul\'smad！\'saidMrs。Chick。
Mr。Chickwhistled。
`Unlessyouareamonster，whichIsometimesthinkyouare，\'saidMrs。Chickwithcandour，`don\'tsittherehummingtunes。Howanyonewiththemostdistantfeelingsofaman，canseethatmother-in-lawofPaul\'s，dressedassheis，goingonlikethat，withMajorBagstock，forwhom，amongotherpreciousthings，weareindebtedtoyourLucretiaTox——\'
`MyLucretiaTox，mydear！\'saidMr。Chick，astounded。
`Yes，\'retortedMrs。Chick，withgreatseverity，`yourLucretiaTox——Isayhowanybodycanseethatmother-in-lawofPaul\'s，andthathaughtywifeofPaul\'s，andtheseindecentoldfrightswiththeirbacksandshoulders，andinshortthisathomegenerally，andhum——，\'onwhichwordMrs。ChicklaidascornfulemphasisthatmadeMr。Chickstart，`is，IthankHeaven，amysterytome！\'
Mr。Chickscrewedhismouthintoaformirreconcilablewithhummingorwhistling，andlookedverycontemplative。
`ButIhopeIknowwhatisduetomyself，\'saidMrs。Chick，swellingwithindignation，`thoughPaulhasforgottenwhatisduetome。Iamnotgoingtosithere，amemberofthisfamily，tobetakennonoticeof。I
amnotthedirtunderMrs。Dombey\'sfeet，yet——notquiteyet，\'saidMrs。
Chick，asifsheexpectedtobecomeso，aboutthedayafterto-morrow。
`AndIshallgo。IwillnotsaywhateverImaythinkthatthisaffairhasbeengotupsolelytodegradeandinsultme。Ishallmerelygo。Ishallnotbemissed！\'
Mrs。Chickroseerectwiththesewords，andtookthearmofMr。
Chick，whoescortedherfromtheroom，afterhalfanhour\'sshadysojournthere。Anditisduetoherpenetrationtoobservethatshecertainlywasnotmissedatall。
Butshewasnottheonlyindignantguest；forMr。Dombey\'sliststillconstantlyindifficultieswere，asabody，indignantwithMrs。
Dombey\'slistforlookingatthemthrougheyeglasses，andaudiblywonderingwhoallthosepeoplewere；whileMrs。Dombey\'slistcomplainedofweariness，andtheyoungthingwiththeshoulders，deprivedoftheattentionsofthatgayyouthCousinFeenixwhowentawayfromthedinnertable，confidentiallyallegedtothirtyorfortyfriendsthatshewasboredtodeath。Alltheoldladieswiththeburdensontheirheads，hadgreaterorlesscauseofcomplaintagainstMrs。Dombey；andtheDirectorsandChairmencoincidedinthinkingthatifDombeymustmarry，hehadbetterhavemarriedsomebodynearerhisownage，notquitesohandsome，andalittlebetteroff。Thegeneralopinionamongthisclassofgentlemenwas，thatitwasaweakthinginDombey，andhe\'dlivetorepentit。Hardlyanybodythere，exceptthemildmen，stayed，orwentaway，withoutconsideringhimselforherselfneglectedandaggrievedbyMr。DombeyorMrs。Dombey；andthespeechlessfemaleintheblackvelvethatwasfoundtohavebeenstrickenmute，becausetheladyinthecrimsonvelvethadbeenhandeddownbeforeher。Thenatureevenofthemildmengotcorrupted，eitherfromtheircurdlingitwithtoomuchlemonade，orfromthegeneralinoculationthatprevailed；andtheymadesarcasticjokestooneanother，andwhispereddisparagementonstairsandinbye-places。Thegeneraldissatisfactionanddiscomfortsodiffuseditself，thattheassembledfootmeninthehallwereaswellacquaintedwithitasthecompanyabove。Nay，theverylinkmenoutsidegotholdofit，andcomparedthepartytoafuneraloutofmourning，withnoneofthecompanyrememberedinthewill。
Atlast，theguestswereallgone，andthelinkmentoo；andthestreet，crowdedsolongwithcarriages，wasclear；andthedyinglightsshowednooneintherooms，butMr。DombeyandMr。Carker，whoweretalkingtogetherapart，andMrs。Dombeyandhermother：theformerseatedonanottoman；thelatterrecliningintheCleopatraattitude，awaitingthearrivalofhermaid。Mr。DombeyhavingfinishedhiscommunicationtoCarker，thelatteradvancedobsequiouslytotakeleave。
`Itrust，\'hesaid，`thatthefatiguesofthisdelightfuleveningwillnotinconvenienceMrs。Dombeyto-morrow。\'
`Mrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，advancing，`hassufficientlysparedherselffatigue，torelieveyoufromanyanxietyofthatkind。Iregrettosay，Mrs。Dombey，thatIcouldhavewishedyouhadfatiguedyourselfalittlemoreonthisoccasion。\'
Shelookedathimwithasuperciliousglance，thatitseemednotworthherwhiletoprotract，andturnedawayhereyeswithoutspeaking。
`Iamsorry，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，`thatyoushouldnothavethoughtityourduty——\'
Shelookedathimagain。
`Yourduty，Madam，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，`tohavereceivedmyfriendswithalittlemoredeference。Someofthosewhomyouhavebeenpleasedtoslightto-nightinaverymarkedmanner，Mrs。Dombey，conferadistinctionuponyou，Imusttellyou，inanyvisittheypayyou。\'
`Doyouknowthatthereissomeonehere？\'shereturned，nowlookingathimsteadily。
`No！Carker！Ibegthatyoudonot。Iinsistthatyoudonot，\'
criedMr。Dombey，stoppingthatnoiselessgentlemaninhiswithdrawal。
`Mr。Carker，Madam，asyouknow，possessesmyconfidence。HeisaswellacquaintedasmyselfwiththesubjectonwhichIspeak。Ibegtotellyou，foryourinformation，Mrs。Dombey，thatIconsiderthesewealthyandimportantpersonsconferadistinctionuponme：\'andMr。Dombeydrewhimselfup，ashavingnowrenderedthemofthehighestpossibleimportance。
`Iaskyou，\'sherepeated，bendingherdisdainful，steadygazeuponhim，`doyouknowthatthereissomeonehere，Sir？\'
`Imustentreat，\'saidMr。Carker，steppingforward，`Imustbeg，Imustdemand，tobereleased。Slightandunimportantasthisdifferenceis——\'
Mrs。Skewton，whohadbeenintentuponherdaughter\'sface，tookhimuphere。
`MysweetestEdith，\'shesaid，`andmydearestDombey；ourexcellentfriendMr。Carker，forsoIamsureIoughttomentionhim——\'
Mr。Carkermurmured，`Toomuchhonour。\'
`——hasusedtheverywordsthatwereinmymind，andthatIhavebeendying，theseages，foranopportunityofintroducing。Slightandunimportant！
MysweetestEdith，andmydearestDombey，dowenotknowthatanydifferencebetweenyoutwo——No，Flowers；notnow。\'
Flowerswasthemaid，who，findinggentlemenpresent，retreatedwithprecipitation。
`Thatanydifferencebetweenyoutwo，\'resumedMrs。Skewton，`withtheHeartyoupossessincommon，andtheexcessivelycharmingbondoffeelingthatthereisbetweenyou，mustbeslightandunimportant？Whatwordscouldbetterdefinethefact？None。ThereforeIamgladtotakethisslightoccasion——thistriflingoccasion，thatissorepletewithNature，andyourindividualcharacters，andallthat——sotrulycalculatedtobringthetearsintoaparent\'seyes——tosaythatIattachnoimportancetothemintheleast，exceptasdevelopingtheseminorelementsofSoul；andthat，unlikemostmamas-inlawthatodiousphrase，dearDombey！astheyhavebeenrepresentedtometoexistinthisIfeartooartificialworld，I
nevershallattempttointerposebetweenyou，atsuchatime，andnevercanmuchregret，afterall，suchlittleflashesofthetorchofWhat\'s-his-name——notCupid，buttheotherdelightfulcreature。\'
Therewasasharpnessinthegoodmother\'sglanceatbothherchildrenasshespoke，thatmayhavebeenexpressiveofadirectandwell-consideredpurposehiddenbetweentheseramblingwords。Thatpurpose，providentlytodetachherselfinthebeginningfromalltheclankingsoftheirchainthatweretocome，andtoshelterherselfwiththefictionofherinnocentbeliefintheirmutualaffection，andtheiradaptationtoeachother。
`IhavepointedouttoMrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，inhismoststatelymanner，`thatinherconductthusearlyinourmarriedlife，towhichIobject，andwhich，Irequest，maybecorrected。Carker，\'withanodofdismissal，`goodnighttoyou！\'
Mr。CarkerbowedtotheimperiousformoftheBride，whosesparklingeyewasfixeduponherhusband；andstoppingatCleopatra\'scouchonhiswayout，raisedtohislipsthehandshegraciouslyextendedtohim，inlowlyandadmiringhomage。
Ifhishandsomewifehadreproachedhim，orevenchangedcountenance，orbrokenthesilenceinwhichsheremained，byoneword，nowthattheywerealoneforCleopatramadeoffwithallspeed，Mr。Dombeywouldhavebeenequaltosomeassertionofhiscaseagainsther。Buttheintense，unutterable，witheringscorn，withwhich，afterlookinguponhim，shedroppedhereyes，asifheweretooworthlessandindifferenttohertobechallengedwithasyllable——theineffabledisdainandhaughtinessinwhichshesatbeforehim——thecoldinflexibleresolvewithwhichhereveryfeatureseemedtobearhimdown，andputhimby——these，hehadnoresourceagainst；andhelefther，withherwholeoverbearingbeautyconcentratedondespisinghim。
Washecowardenoughtowatchher，anhourafterwards，ontheoldwellstaircase，wherehehadonceseenFlorenceinthemoonlight，toilingupwithPaul？Orwasheinthedarkbyaccident，when，lookingup，hesawhercoming，withalight，fromtheroomwhereFlorencelay，andmarkedagainthefacesochanged，whichhecouldnotsubdue？
Butitcouldneveralterashisowndid。Itnever，initsutmostprideandpassion，knewtheshadowthathadfallenonhis，inthedarkcorner，onthenightofthereturn；andoftensince；andwhichdeepenedonitnowashelookedup。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter37[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIIMoreWarningsthanOneFLORENCE，Edith，andMrs。Skewtonweretogethernextday，andthecarriagewaswaitingatthedoortotakethemout。ForCleopatrahadhergalleyagainnow，andWithers，nolongerthewan，stooduprightinapigeon-breastedjacketandmilitarytrousers，behindherwheel-lesschairatdinner-time，andbuttednomore。ThehairofWitherswasradiantwithpomatum，inthesedaysofdown，andheworekidglovesandsmeltofthewaterofCologne。
TheywereassembledinCleopatra\'sroom。TheSerpentofoldNilenottomentionherdisrespectfullywasreposingonhersofa，sippinghermorningchocolateatthreeo\'clockintheafternoon，andFlowerstheMaidwasfasteningonheryouthfulcuffsandfrills，andperformingakindofprivatecoronationceremonyonher，withapeach-colouredvelvetbonnet；
theartificialrosesinwhichnoddedtouncommonadvantage，asthepalsytrifledwiththem，likeabreeze。
`IthinkIamalittlenervousthismorning，Flowers，\'saidMrs。
Skewton。`Myhandquiteshakes。\'
`Youwerethelifeofthepartylastnight，Ma\'am，youknow，\'
returnedFlowers，`andyousufferforit，to-day，yousee。\'
Edith，whohadbeckonedFlorencetothewindow，andwaslookingout，withherbackturnedonthetoiletofheresteemedmother，suddenlywithdrewfromit，asifithadlightened。
`Mydarlingchild，\'criedCleopatra，languidly，`youarenotnervous？Don\'ttellme，mydearEdith，thatyou，soenviablyself-possessed，arebeginningtobeamartyrtoo，likeyourunfortunatelyconstitutedmother！
Withers，someoneatthedoor。\'
`Card，Ma\'am，\'saidWithers，takingittowardsMrs。Dombey。
`Iamgoingout，\'shesaidwithoutlookingatit。
`Mydearlove，\'drawledMrs。Skewton，`howveryoddtosendthatmessagewithoutseeingthename！Bringithere，Withers。Dearme，mylove；
Mr。Carker，too！Thatverysensibleperson！\'
`Iamgoingout，\'repeatedEdith，insoimperiousatonethatWithers，goingtothedoor，imperiouslyinformedtheservantwhowaswaiting，`Mrs。
Dombeyisgoingout。Getalongwithyou，\'andshutitonhim。
Buttheservantcamebackafterashortabsence，andwhisperedtoWithersagain，whooncemore，andnotverywillingly，presentedhimselfbeforeMrs。Dombey。
`Ifyouplease，Ma\'am，Mr。Carkersendshisrespectfulcompliments，andbegsyouwouldsparehimoneminute，ifyoucould——forbusiness，Ma\'am，ifyouplease。\'
`Really，mylove，\'saidMrs。Skewtoninhermildestmanner；forherdaughter\'sfacewasthreatening；`ifyouwouldallowmetoofferaword，Ishouldrecommend——\'
`Showhimthisway，\'saidEdith。AsWithersdisappearedtoexecutethecommand，sheadded，frowningonhermother，`Ashecomesatyourrecommendation，lethimcometoyourroom。\'
`MayI——shallIgoaway？\'askedFlorence，hurriedly。
Edithnoddedyes，butonherwaytothedoorFlorencemetthevisitorcomingin。Withthesamedisagreeablemixtureoffamiliarityandforbearancewithwhichhehadfirstaddressedher，headdressedhernowinhissoftestmanner——hopedshewasquitewell——needednottoask，withsuchlookstoanticipatetheanswer——hadscarcelyhadthehonourtoknowher，lastnight，shewassogreatlychanged——andheldthedooropenforhertopassout；withasecretsenseofpowerinhershrinkingfromhim，thatallthedeferenceandpolitenessofhismannercouldnotquiteconceal。
HethenbowedhimselfforamomentoverMrs。Skewton\'scondescendinghand，andlastlybowedtoEdith。Coldlyreturninghissalutewithoutlookingathim，andneitherseatingherselfnorinvitinghimtobeseated，shewaitedforhimtospeak。
Entrenchedinherprideandpower，andwithalltheobduracyofherspiritsummonedabouther，stillheroldconvictionthatsheandhermotherhadbeenknownbythismanintheirworstcolours，fromtheirfirstacquaintance；thateverydegradationshehadsufferedinherowneyeswasplaintohimastoherself；thathereadherlifeasthoughitwereavilebook，andflutteredtheleavesbeforeherinslightlooksandtonesofvoicewhichnooneelsecoulddetect；weakenedandunderminedher。Proudlyassheopposedherselftohim，withhercommandingfaceexactinghishumility，herdisdainfulliprepulsinghim，herbosomangryathisintrusion，andthedarklashesofhereyessullenlyveilingtheirlight，thatnorayofitmightshineuponhim——andsubmissivelyashestoodbeforeher，withanentreatinginjuredmanner，butwithcompletesubmissiontoherwill——sheknew，inherownsoul，thatthecaseswerereversed，andthatthetriumphandsuperioritywerehis，andthatheknewitfullwell。
`Ihavepresumed，\'saidMr。Carker，`tosolicitaninterview，andIhaveventuredtodescribeitasbeingoneofbusiness，because——\'
`PerhapsyouarechargedbyMr。Dombeywithsomemessageofreproof，\'
saidEdith。`YoupossessMr。Dombey\'sconfidenceinsuchanunusualdegree，Sir，thatyouwouldscarcelysurprisemeifthatwereyourbusiness。\'
`Ihavenomessagetotheladywhoshedsalustreuponhisname，\'
saidMr。Carker。`ButIentreatthatlady，onmyownbehalf，tobejusttoaveryhumbleclaimantforjusticeatherhands——ameredependantofMr。Dombey\'s——whichisapositionofhumility；andtoreflectuponmyperfecthelplessnesslastnight，andtheimpossibilityofmyavoidingthesharethatwasforceduponmeinaverypainfuloccasion。\'
`MydearestEdith，\'hintedCleopatrainalowvoice，assheheldhereye-glassaside，`reallyverycharmingofMr。What\'shis-name。Andfullofheart！\'
`ForIdo，\'saidMr。Carker，appealingtoMrs。Skewtonwithalookofgratefuldeference，——`Idoventuretocallitapainfuloccasion，thoughmerelybecauseitwassotome，whohadthemisfortunetobepresent。
Solightadifference，asbetweentheprincipals——betweenthosewholoveeachotherwithdisinteresteddevotion，andwouldmakeanysacrificeofself，insuchacause——isnothing。AsMrs。Skewtonherselfexpressed，withsomuchtruthandfeelinglastnight，itisnothing。\'
Edithcouldnotlookathim，butshesaidafterafewmoments，`Andyourbusiness，Sir——\'
`Edith，mypet，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`allthistimeMr。Carkerisstanding！MydearMr。Carker，takeaseat，Ibeg。\'
Heofferednoreplytothemother，butfixedhiseyesontheprouddaughter，asthoughhewouldonlybebiddenbyher，andwasresolvedtobebiddenbyher。Edith，inspiteofherself，satdown，andslightlymotionedwithherhandtohimtobeseatedtoo。Noactioncouldbecolder，haughtier，moreinsolentinitsairofsupremacyanddisrespect，butshehadstruggledagainsteventhatconcessionineffectually，anditwaswrestedfromher。
Thatwasenough！Mr。Carkersatdown。
`MayIbeallowed，Madam，\'saidCarker，turninghiswhiteteethonMrs。Skewtonlikealight——`aladyofyourexcellentsenseandquickfeelingwillgivemecredit，forgoodreason，Iamsure——toaddresswhatIhavetosay，toMrs。Dombey，andtoleavehertoimpartittoyouwhoareherbestanddearestfriend——nexttoMr。Dombey？\'
Mrs。Skewtonwouldhaveretired，butEdithstoppedher。Edithwouldhavestoppedhimtoo，andindignantlyorderedhimtospeakopenlyornotatall，butthathesaid，inalowvoice——`MissFlorence——theyoungladywhohasjustlefttheroom——\'
Edithsufferedhimtoproceed。Shelookedathimnow。Ashebentforward，tobenearer，withtheutmostshowofdelicacyandrespect，andwithhisteethpersuasivelyarrayed，inaselfdepreciatingsmile，shefeltasifshecouldhavestruckhimdead。
`MissFlorence\'sposition，\'hebegan，`hasbeenanunfortunateone。Ihaveadifficultyinalludingtoittoyou，whoseattachmenttoherfatherisnaturallywatchfulandjealousofeverywordthatappliestohim。\'Alwaysdistinctandsoftinspeech，nolanguagecoulddescribetheextentofhisdistinctnessandsoftness，whenhesaidthesewords，orcametoanyothersofasimilarimport。`But，asonewhoisdevotedtoMr。Dombeyinhisdifferentway，andwhoselifeispassedinadmirationofMr。Dombey\'scharacter，mayIsay，withoutoffencetoyourtendernessasawife，thatMissFlorencehasunhappilybeenneglected——byherfather？
MayIsaybyherfather？\'
Edithreplied，`Iknowit。\'
`Youknowit！\'saidMr。Carker，withagreatappearanceofrelief。
`Itremovesamountainfrommybreast。MayIhopeyouknowhowtheneglectoriginated；inwhatanamiablephaseofMr。Dombey\'spride——characterI
mean？\'
`Youmaypassthatby，Sir，\'shereturned，`andcomethesoonertotheendofwhatyouhavetosay。\'
`Indeed，Iamsensible，Madam，\'repliedCarker，——`trustme，I
amdeeplysensible，thatMr。Dombeycanrequirenojustificationinanythingtoyou。But，kindlyjudgeofmybreastbyyourown，andyouwillforgivemyinterestinhim，ifinitsexcess，itgoesatallastray。\'
Whatastabtoherproudheart，tositthere，facetofacewithhim，andhavehimtenderingherfalseoathatthealtaragainandagainforheracceptance，andpressingituponherlikethedregsofasickeningcupshecouldnotownherloathingof，orturnawayfrom！Howshame，remorse，andpassionragedwithinher，when，uprightandmajesticinherbeautybeforehim，sheknewthatinherspiritshewasdownathisfeet！
`MissFlorence，\'saidCarker，`lefttothecare——ifonemaycallitcare——ofservantsandmercenarypeople，ineverywayherinferiors，necessarilywantedsomeguideandcompassinheryoungerdays，and，naturally，forwantofthem，hasbeenindiscreet，andhasinsomedegreeforgottenherstation。TherewassomefollyaboutoneWalter，acommonlad，whoisfortunatelydeadnow：andsomeveryundesirableassociation，Iregrettosay，withcertaincoastingsailors，ofanythingbutgoodrepute，andarunawayoldbankrupt。\'
`Ihaveheardthecircumstances，Sir，\'saidEdith，flashingherdisdainfulglanceuponhim，`andIknowthatyoupervertthem。Youmaynotknowit，Ihopeso。\'
`Pardonme，\'saidMr。Carker，`IbelievethatnobodyknowsthemsowellasI。Yourgenerousandardentnature，Madam——thesamenaturewhichissonoblyimperativeinvindicationofyourbelovedandhonouredhusband，andwhichhasblessedhimasevenhismeritsdeserve——Imustrespect，deferto，bowbefore。But，asregardsthecircumstances，whichisindeedthebusinessIpresumedtosolicityourattentionto，Icanhavenodoubt，since，intheexecutionofmytrustasMr。Dombey\'sconfidential——Ipresumetosay——friend，Ihavefullyascertainedthem。Inmyexecutionofthattrust；inmydeepconcern，whichyoucansowellunderstand，foreverythingrelatingtohim，intensified，ifyouwillforIfearIlabourunderyourdispleasure，bythelowermotiveofdesiretoprovemydiligence，andmakemyselfthemoreacceptable；Ihavelongpursuedthesecircumstancesbymyselfandtrustworthyinstruments，andhaveinnumerableandmostminuteproofs。\'
Sheraisedhereyesnohigherthanhismouth，butshesawthemeansofmischiefvauntedineverytoothitcontained。
`Pardonme，Madam，\'hecontinued，`ifinmyperplexity，Ipresumetotakecounselwithyou，andtoconsultyourpleasure。IthinkIhaveobservedthatyouaregreatlyinterestedinMissFlorence？\'
Whatwasthereinherhehadnotobserved，anddidnotknow？Humbledandyetmaddenedbythethought，ineverynewpresentmentofit，howeverfaint，shepressedherteethuponherquiveringliptoforcecomposureonit，anddistantlyinclinedherheadinreply。
`Thisinterest，Madam——sotouchinganevidenceofeverythingassociatedwithMr。Dombeybeingdeartoyou——inducesmetopausebeforeImakehimacquaintedwiththesecircumstances，which，asyet，hedoesnotknow。Itsofarshakesme，ifImaymaketheconfession，inmyallegiance，thatontheintimationoftheleastdesiretothateffectfromyou，Iwouldsuppressthem。\'
Edithraisedherheadquickly，andstartingback，bentherdarkglanceuponhim。Hemetitwithhisblandestandmostdeferentialsmile，andwenton。
`YousaythatasIdescribethem，theyareperverted。Ifearnot——I
fearnot：butletusassumethattheyare。TheuneasinessIhaveforsometimefeltonthesubject，arisesinthis：thatthemerecircumstanceofsuchassociationoftenrepeated，onthepartofMissFlorence，howeverinnocentlyandconfidingly，wouldbeconclusivewithMr。Dombey，alreadypredisposedagainsther，andwouldleadhimtotakesomestepIknowhehasoccasionallycontemplateditofseparationandalienationofherfromhishome。Madam，bearwithme，andremembermyintercoursewithMr。Dombey，andmyknowledgeofhim，andmyreverenceforhim，almostfromchildhood，whenIsaythatifhehasafault，itisaloftystubbornness，rootedinthatnobleprideandsenseofpowerwhichbelongtohim，andwhichwemustalldeferto；whichisnotassailableliketheobstinacyofothercharacters；
andwhichgrowsuponitselffromdaytoday，andyeartoyear。\'
Shebentherglanceuponhimstill；but，lookassteadfastasshewould，herhaughtynostrilsdilated，andherbreathcamesomewhatdeeper，andherlipwouldslightlycurl，ashedescribedthatinhispatrontowhichtheymustallbowdown。Hesawit；andthoughhisexpressiondidnotchange，sheknewhesawit。
`Evensoslightanincidentaslastnight\'s，\'hesaid，`ifImightrefertoitoncemore，wouldservetoillustratemymeaning，betterthanagreaterone。DombeyandSonknowneithertime，norplace，norseason，butbearthemalldown。ButIrejoiceinitsoccurrence，forithasopenedthewayformetoapproachMrs。Dombeywiththissubjectto-day，evenifithasentaileduponmethepenaltyofhertemporarydispleasure。Madam，inthemidstofmyuneasinessandapprehensiononthissubject，IwassummonedbyMr。DombeytoLeamington。ThereIsawyou。ThereIcouldnothelpknowingwhatrelationyouwouldshortlyoccupytowardshim——tohisenduringhappinessandyours。ThereIresolvedtoawaitthetimeofyourestablishmentathomehere，andtodoasIhavenowdone。Ihave，atheart，nofearthatIshallbewantinginmydutytoMr。Dombey，ifIburywhatIknowinyourbreast；forwherethereisbutoneheartandmindbetweentwopersons——asinsuchamarriage——onealmostrepresentstheother。Icanacquitmyconsciencetherefore，almostequally，byconfidence，onsuchatheme，inyouorhim。
ForthereasonsIhavementionedIwouldselectyou。MayIaspiretothedistinctionofbelievingthatmyconfidenceisaccepted，andthatIamrelievedfrommyresponsibility？\'
Helongrememberedthelookshegavehim——whocouldseeit，andforgetit？——andthestrugglethatensuedwithinher。Atlastshesaid：
`Iacceptit，Sir。Youwillpleasetoconsiderthismatteratanend，andthatitgoesnofarther。\'
Hebowedlow，androse。Sherosetoo，andhetookleavewithallhumility。ButWithers，meetinghimonthestairs，stoodamazedatthebeautyofhisteeth，andathisbrilliantsmile；andasherodeawayuponhiswhite-leggedhorse，thepeopletookhimforadentist，suchwasthedazzlingshowhemade。Thepeopletookher，whensherodeoutinhercarriagepresently，foragreatlady，ashappyasshewasrichandfine。Buttheyhadnotseenher，justbefore，inherownroomwithnooneby；andtheyhadnotheardherutteranceofthethreewords，`OhFlorence，Florence！\'
Mrs。Skewton，reposingonhersofa，andsippingherchocolate，hadheardnothingbutthelowwordbusiness，forwhichshehadamortalaversion，insomuchthatshehadlongbanisheditfromhervocabulary，andhadgonenigh，inacharmingmannerandwithanimmenseamountofheart，tosaynothingofsoul，toruindiversmillinersandothersinconsequence。
ThereforeMrs。Skewtonaskednoquestions，andshowednocuriosity。Indeed，thepeach-velvetbonnetgavehersufficientoccupationoutofdoors；forbeingperchedonthebackofherhead，andthedaybeingratherwindy，itwasfrantictoescapefromMrs。Skewton\'scompany，andwouldbecoaxedintonosortofcompromise。Whenthecarriagewasclosed，andthewindshutout，thepalsyplayedamongtheartificialrosesagainlikeanalmshouse-fullofsuperannuatedzephyrs；andaltogetherMrs。Skewtonhadenoughtodo，andgotonbutindifferently。
Shegotonnobettertowardsnight；forwhenMrs。Dombey，inherdressing-room，hadbeendressedandwaitingforherhalfanhour，andMr。
Dombey，inthedrawing-room，hadparadedhimselfintoastateofsolemnfretfulnesstheywereallthreegoingouttodinner，FlowerstheMaidappearedwithapalefacetoMrs。Dombey，saying：
`Ifyouplease，Ma\'am，Ibegyourpardon，butIcan\'tdonothingwithmissis！\'
`Whatdoyoumean？\'askedEdith。
`Well，Ma\'am，\'repliedthefrightenedmaid，`Ihardlyknow。She\'smakingfaces！\'
Edithhurriedwithhertohermother\'sroom。Cleopatrawasarrayedinfulldress，withthediamonds，shortsleeves，rouge，curls，teeth，andotherjuvenilityallcomplete；butParalysiswasnottobedeceived，hadknownherfortheobjectofitserrand，andhadstruckheratherglass，whereshelaylikeahorribledollthathadtumbleddown。
Theytookhertopiecesinveryshame，andputthelittleofherthatwasrealonabed。Doctorsweresentfor，andsooncame。Powerfulremedieswereresortedto；opinionsgiventhatshewouldrallyfromthisshock，butwouldnotsurviveanother；andthereshelayspeechless，andstaringattheceilingfordays；sometimesmakinginarticulatesoundsinanswertosuchquestionsasdidsheknowwhowerepresent，andthelike：
sometimesgivingnoreplyeitherbysignorgesture，orinherunwinkingeyes。
Atlengthshebegantorecoverconsciousness，andinsomedegreethepowerofmotion，thoughnotyetofspeech。Onedaytheuseofherrighthandreturned；andshowingittohermaidwhowasinattendanceonher，andappearingveryuneasyinhermind，shemadesignsforapencilandsomepaper。Thisthemaidimmediatelyprovided，thinkingshewasgoingtomakeawill，orwritesomelastrequest；andMrs。Dombeybeingfromhome，themaidawaitedtheresultwithsolemnfeelings。
Aftermuchpainfulscrawlinganderasing，andputtinginofwrongcharacters，whichseemedtotumbleoutofthepenciloftheirownaccord，theoldwomanproducedthisdocument：
`Rose-colouredcurtains。\'
Themaidbeingperfectlytransfixed，andwithtolerablereason，Cleopatraamendedthemanuscriptbyaddingtwowordsmore，whenitstoodthus：
`Rose-colouredcurtainsfordoctors。\'
Themaidnowperceivedremotelythatshewishedthesearticlestobeprovidedforthebetterpresentationofhercomplexiontothefaculty；
andasthoseinthehousewhoknewherbest，hadnodoubtofthecorrectnessofthisopinion，whichshewassoonabletoestablishforherself，therose-colouredcurtainswereaddedtoherbed，andshemendedwithincreasedrapidityfromthathour。Shewassoonabletositup，incurlsandalacedcapandnight-gown，andtohavealittleartificialbloomdroppedintothehollowcavernsofhercheeks。
ItwasatremendoussighttoseethisoldwomaninherfineryleeringandmincingatDeath，andplayingoffheryouthfultricksuponhimasifhehadbeentheMajor；butanalterationinhermindthatensuedontheparalyticstrokewasfraughtwithasmuchmatterforreflection，andwasquiteasghastly。
Whethertheweakeningofherintellectmadehermorecunningandfalsethanbefore，orwhetheritconfusedherbetweenwhatshehadassumedtobeandwhatshereallyhadbeen，orwhetherithadawakenedanyglimmeringofremorse，whichcouldneitherstruggleintolightnorgetbackintototaldarkness，orwhether，inthejumbleofherfaculties，acombinationoftheseeffectshadbeenshakenup，whichisperhapsthemorelikelysupposition，theresultwasthis：——ThatshebecamehugelyexactinginrespectofEdith\'saffectionandgratitudeandattentiontoher；highlylaudatoryofherselfasamostinestimableparent；andveryjealousofhavinganyrivalinEdith\'sregard。Further，inplaceofrememberingthatcompactmadebetweenthemforanavoidanceofthesubject，sheconstantlyalludedtoherdaughter\'smarriageasaproofofherbeinganincomparablemother；andallthis，withtheweaknessandpeevishnessofsuchastate，alwaysservingforasarcasticcommentaryonherlevityandyouthfulness。
`WhereisMrs。Dombey？\'shewouldsaytohermaid。
`Goneout，Ma\'am。\'
`Goneout！Doesshegoouttoshunhermama，Flowers？\'
`Lablessyou，no，Ma\'am。Mrs。DombeyhasonlygoneoutforaridewithMissFlorence。\'
`MissFlorence。Who\'sMissFlorence？Don\'ttellmeaboutMissFlorence。What\'sMissFlorencetoher，comparedtome？\'
Theappositedisplayofthediamonds，orthepeach-velvetbonnetshesatinthebonnettoreceivevisitors，weeksbeforeshecouldstiroutofdoors，orthedressingofherupinsomegaudorother，usuallystoppedthetearsthatbegantoflowhereabouts；andshewouldremaininacomplacentstateuntilEdithcametoseeher；when，ataglanceoftheproudface，shewouldrelapseagain。
`Well，Iamsure，Edith！\'shewouldcry，shakingherhead。
`Whatisthematter，mother？\'
`Matter！Ireallydon\'tknowwhatisthematter。Theworldiscomingtosuchanartificialandungratefulstate，thatIbegintothinkthere\'snoHeart——oranythingofthatsort——leftinit，positively。Withersismoreachildtomethanyouare。Heattendstomemuchmorethanmyowndaughter。IalmostwishIdidn\'tlooksoyoung——andallthatkindofthing——andthenperhapsIshouldbemoreconsidered。\'
`whatwouldyouhave，mother？\'
`Oh，agreatdeal，Edith，\'impatiently。
`Isthereanythingyouwantthatyouhavenot？Itisyourownfaultiftherebe。\'
`Myownfault！\'beginningtowhimper。`TheparentIhavebeentoyou，Edith：makingyouacompanionfromyourcradle！Andwhenyouneglectme，andhavenomorenaturalaffectionformethanifIwasastranger——notatwentiethpartoftheaffectionthatyouhaveforFlorence——butIamonlyyourmother，andshouldcorruptherinaday！——youreproachmewithitsbeingmyownfault。\'
`Mother，mother，Ireproachyouwithnothing。Whywillyoualwaysdwellonthis？\'
`Isn\'titnaturalthatIshoulddwellonthis，whenIamallaffectionandsensitiveness，andamwoundedinthecruelestway，wheneveryoulookatme？\'
`Idonotmeantowoundyou，mother。Haveyounoremembranceofwhathasbeensaidbetweenus？LetthePastrest。\'
`Yes，rest！Andletgratitudetomerest；andletaffectionformerest；andletmerestinmyout-of-the-wayroom，withnosocietyandnoattention，whileyoufindnewrelationstomakemuchof，whohavenoearthlyclaimuponyou！Goodgracious，Edith，doyouknowwhatanelegantestablishmentyouareattheheadof？\'
`Yes，Hush！\'
`Andthatgentlemanlycreature，Dombey？Doyouknowthatyouaremarriedtohim，Edith，andthatyouhaveasettlement，andaposition，andacarriage，andIdon\'tknowwhat？\'
`Indeed，Iknowit，mother；well。\'？？？`Asyouwouldhavehadwiththatdelightfulgoodsoul——whatdidtheycallhim？——Granger——ifhehadn\'tdied。Andwhohaveyoutothankforallthis，Edith？\'
`You，mother；you。\'
`Thenputyourarmsroundmyneck，andkissme；andshowme，Edith，thatyouknowthereneverwasabettermamathanIhavebeentoyou。Anddon\'tletmebecomeaperfectfrightwithteasingandwearingmyselfatyouringratitude，orwhenI\'moutagaininsocietynosoulwillknowme，noteventhathatefulanimal，theMajor。\'
But，sometimes，whenEdithwentnearertoher，andbendingdownherstatelyhead，puthercoldcheektohers，themotherwoulddrawbackasifshewereafraidofher，andwouldfallintoafitoftrembling，andcryoutthattherewasawanderinginherwits。Andsometimesshewouldentreather，withhumility，tositdownonthechairbesideherbed，andwouldlookatherasshesattherebroodingwithafacethateventherosecolouredcurtainscouldnotmakeotherwisethansearedandwild。
Therose-colouredcurtainsblushed，incourseoftime，onCleopatra\'sbodilyrecovery，andonherdress——morejuvenilethanevertorepairtheravagesofillness——andontherouge，andontheteeth，andonthecurls，andonthediamonds，andtheshortsleeves，andthewholewardrobeofthedollthathadtumbleddownbeforethemirror。Theyblushed，too，nowandthen，uponanindistinctnessinherspeechwhichsheturnedoffwithagirlishgiggle，andonanoccasionalfailinginhermemory，thathadnoruleinit，butcameandwentfantastically，asifinmockeryofherfantasticself。
Buttheyneverblusheduponachangeinthenewmannerofherthoughtandspeechtowardsherdaughter。Andthoughthatdaughteroftencamewithintheirinfluence，theyneverblusheduponherlovelinessirradiatedbyasmile，orsoftenedbythelightoffiliallove，initssternbeauty。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter38[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXVIIIMissToximprovesanOldAcquaintanceTHEforlornMissTox，abandonedbyherfriendLouisaChick，andbereftofMr。Dombey\'scountenance——forondelicatepairofweddingcards，unitedbyasilverthread，gracedthechimney-glassinPrincess\'sPlace，ortheharpsichord，oranyofthoselittlepostsofdisplaywhichLucretiareservedforholidayoccupation——becamedepressedinherspirits，andsufferedmuchfrommelancholy。ForatimetheBirdWaltzwasunheardinPrincess\'sPlace，theplantswereneglected，anddustcollectedontheminiatureofMissTox\'sancestorwiththepowderedheadandpigtail。
MissTox，however，wasnotofanageorofadispositionlongtoabandonherselftounavailingregrets。OnlytwonotesoftheharpsichordweredumbfromdisusewhentheBirdWaltzagainwarbledandtrilledinthecrookeddrawing-room：onlyoneslipofgeraniumfellavictimtoimperfectnursing，beforeshewasgardeningathergreenbasketsagain，regularlyeverymorning；thepowdered-headedancestorhadnotbeenunderacloudformorethansixweeks，whenMissToxbreathedonhisbenignantvisage，andpolishedhimupwithapieceofwash-leather。
Still，MissToxwaslonely，andataloss。Herattachments，howeverludicrouslyshown，wererealandstrong；andshewas，assheexpressedit，`deeplyhurtbytheunmeritedcontumelyshehadmetwithfromLouisa。\'
ButtherewasnosuchthingasangerinMissTox\'scomposition。Ifshehadambledonthroughlife，inhersoft-spokenway，withoutanyopinions，shehad，atleast，gotsofarwithoutanyharshpassions。ThemeresightofLouisaChickinthestreetoneday，ataconsiderabledistance，sooverpoweredhermilkynature，thatshewasfaintoseekimmediaterefugeinapastrycook\'s，andthere，inamustylittlebackroomusuallydevotedtotheconsumptionofsoups，andpervadedbyanox-tailatmosphere，relieveherfeelingsbyweepingplentifully。
AgainstMr。DombeyMissToxhardlyfeltthatshehadanyreasonofcomplaint。Hersenseofthatgentleman\'smagnificencewassuch，thatonceremovedfromhim，shefeltasifherdistancealwayshadbeenimmeasurable，andasifhehadgreatlycondescendedintoleratingheratall。Nowifecouldbetoohandsomeortoostatelyforhim，accordingtoMissTox\'ssincereopinion。Itwasperfectlynaturalthatinlookingforone，heshouldlookhigh。MissToxwithtearslaiddownthisproposition，andfullyadmittedit，twentytimesaday。SheneverrecalledtheloftymannerinwhichMr。
Dombeyhadmadehersubservienttohisconvenienceandcaprices，andhadgraciouslypermittedhertobeoneofthenursesofhislittleson。Sheonlythought，inherownwords，`thatshehadpassedagreatmanyhappyhoursinthathouse，whichshemusteverrememberwithgratification，andthatshecouldneverceasetoregardMr。Dombeyasoneofthemostimpressiveanddignifiedtomen。\'
Cutoff，however，fromtheimplacableLouisa，andbeingshyoftheMajorwhomsheviewedwithsomedistrustnow，MissToxfounditveryirksometoknownothingofwhatwasgoingoninMr。Dombey\'sestablishment。
AndasshereallyhadgotintothehabitofconsideringDombeyandSonasthepivotonwhichtheworldingeneralturned，sheresolved，ratherthanbeignorantofintelligencewhichsostronglyinterestedher，tocultivateheroldacquaintance，Mrs。Richards，whosheknew，sinceherlastmemorableappearancebeforeMr。Dombey，wasinthehabitofsometimesholdingcommunicationwithhisservants。PerhapsMissTox，inseekingouttheToodlefamily，hadthetendermotivehiddeninherbreastofhavingsomebodytowhomshecouldtalkaboutMr。Dombey，nomatterhowhumblethatsomebodymightbe。
Atallevents，towardstheToodlehabitationMissToxdirectedherstepsoneevening，whattimeMr。Toodle，cinderyandswart，wasrefreshinghimselfwithtea，inthebosomofhisfamily。Mr。Toodlehadonlythreestagesofexistence。Hewaseithertakingrefreshmentinthebosomjustmentioned，orhewastearingthroughthecountryatfromtwenty-fivetofiftymilesanhour，orhewassleepingafterhisfatigues。Hewasalwaysinawhirlwindoracalm，andapeaceable，contented，easy-goingmanMr。
Toodlewasineitherstate，whoseemedtohavemadeoverallhisowninheritanceoffumingandfrettingtotheengineswithwhichhewasconnected，whichpanted，andgasped，andchafed，andworethemselvesout，inamostunsparingmanner，whileMr。Toodleledamildandequablelife。
`Polly，mygal，\'saidMr。Toodle，withayoungToodleoneachknee，andtwomoremakingteaforhim，andplentymorescatteredabout——Mr。
Toodlewasneveroutofchildren，butalwayskeptagoodsupplyonhand——`youan\'tseenourBilerlately，haveyou？\'
`No，\'repliedPolly，`buthe\'salmostcertaintolookintonight。
It\'shisrightevening，andhe\'sveryregular。\'
`Isuppose，\'saidMr。Toodle，relishinghismealinfinitely，`asourBilerisadoin\'nowaboutaswellasaboycando，eh，Polly？\'
`Oh！he\'sadoingbeautiful！\'respondedPolly。
`Hean\'tgottobeatallsecret-like——hashe，Polly？\'inquiredMr。Toodle。
`No！\'saidMrs。Toodle，plumply。
`I\'mgladhean\'tgottobeatallsecret-like，Polly，\'observedMr。Toodleinhisslowandmeasuredway，andshovellinginhisbreadandbutterwithaclaspknife，asifhewerestokinghimself，`becausethatdon\'tlookwell；doit，Polly？\'
`Why，ofcourseitdon\'t，father。Howcanyouask！\'
`Yousee，myboysandgals，\'saidMr。Toodle，lookingrounduponhisfamily，`woteveryou\'reuptoinahonestway，it\'smyopinionasyoucan\'tdobetterthanbeopen。Ifyoufindyourselvesincuttingsorintunnels，don\'tyouplaynosecretgames。Keepyourwhistlesgoing，andlet\'sknowwhereyouare。\'
TherisingToodlessetupashrillmurmur，expressiveoftheirresolutiontoprofitbythepaternaladvice。
`ButwhatmakesyousaythisalongofRob，father？\'askedhiswife，anxiously。
`Polly，old\'ooman，\'saidMr。Toodle，`Idon\'tknowasIsaiditpartickleralongo\'Rob，I\'msure。IstartslightwithRobonly；Icomestoabranch；ItakesonwhatIfindsthere；andawholetrainofideasgetscoupledontohim，aforeIknowswhereIam，orwheretheycomesfrom。
WhataJunctionaman\'sthoughtsis，\'saidMr。Toodle，`to-be-sure！\'
ThisprofoundreflectionMr。Toodlewasheddownwithapintmugoftea，andproceededtosolidifywithagreatweightofbreadandbutter；
charginghisyoungdaughtersmeanwhile，tokeepplentyofhotwaterinthepot，ashewasuncommondry，andshouldtaketheindefinitequantityof`asightofmugs，\'beforehisthirstwasappeased。
Insatisfyinghimself，however，Mr。Toodlewasnotregardlessoftheyoungerbranchesabouthim，who，althoughtheyhadmadetheirowneveningrepast，wereonthelook-outforirregularmorsels，aspossessingarelish。Thesehedistributednowandthentotheexpectantcircle，byholdingoutgreatwedgesofbreadandbutter，tobebittenatbythefamilyinlawfulsuccession，andbyservingoutsmalldosesofteainlikemannerwithaspoon；whichsnackshadsucharelishinthemouthsoftheseyoungToodles，that，afterpartakingofthesame，theyperformedprivatedancesofecstasyamongthemselves，andstoodononelegapiece，andhopped，andindulgedinothersaltatorytokensofgladness。Theseventsfortheirexcitementfound，theygraduallyclosedaboutMr。Toodleagain，andeyedhimhardashegotthroughmorebreadandbutterandtea；affecting，however，tohavenofurtherexpectationsoftheirowninreferencetothoseviands，buttobeconversingonforeignsubjects，andwhisperingconfidently。
Mr。Toodle，inthemidstofthisfamilygroup，andsettinganawfulexampletohischildreninthewayofappetite，wasconveyingthetwoyoungToodlesonhiskneestoBirminghambyspecialengine，andwascontemplatingtherestoverabarrierofbreadandbutter，whenRobtheGrinder，inhissou\'westerhatandmourningslops，presentedhimself，andwasreceivedwithageneralrushofbrothersandsisters。
`Well，mother！\'saidRob，dutifullykissingher；`howareyou，mother？\'
`There\'smyboy！\'criedPolly，givinghimahugandapatontheback。`Secret！Blessyou，father，nothe！\'
ThiswasintendedforMr。Toodle\'sprivateedification，butRobtheGrinder，whosewitherswerenotunwrung，caughtthewordsastheywerespoken。
`What！father\'sbeenasayingsomethingmoreagainme，hashe？\'
criedtheinjuredinnocent。`Oh，whatahardthingitisthatwhenacovehasoncegonealittlewrong，acove\'sownfathershouldbealwaysathrowingitinhisfacebehindhisback！It\'senough，\'criedRob，resortingtohiscoat-cuffinanguishofspirit，`tomakeacovegoanddosomethingoutofspite！\'
`Mypoorboy！\'criedPolly，`fatherdidn\'tmeananything。\'
`Iffatherdidn\'tmeananything，\'blubberedtheinjuredGrinder，`whydidhegoandsayanything，mother？Nobodythinkshalfsobadofmeasmyownfatherdoes。Whataunnaturalthing！Iwishsomebody\'dtakeandchopmyheadoff。Fatherwouldn\'tminddoingit，Ibelieve，andI\'dmuchratherhedidthatthant\'other。\'
AtthesedesperatewordsalltheyoungToodlesshrieked；apatheticeffect，whichtheGrinderimprovedbyironicallyadjuringthemnottocryforhim，fortheyoughttohatehim，theyought，iftheywasgoodboysandgirls；andthissotouchedtheyoungestToodlebutone，whowaseasilymoved，thatittouchedhimnotonlyinhisspiritbutinhiswindtoo；
makinghimsopurplethatMr。Toodleinconsternationcarriedhimouttothewater-butt，andwouldhaveputhimunderthetap，butforhisbeingrecoveredbythesightofthatinstrument。
Mattershavingreachedthispoint，Mr。Toodleexplained，andthevirtuousfeelingsofhissonbeingtherebycalmed，theyshookhands，andharmonyreignedagain。
`WillyoudoasIdo，Biler，myboy？\'inquiredhisfather，returningtohisteawithnewstrength。
`No，thank\'ee，father。MasterandIhadteatogether。\'
`Andhowismaster，Rob？saidPolly。
`Well，Idon\'tknow，mother；notmuchtoboaston。Thereain\'tnobis\'nessdone，yousee。Hedon\'tknowanythingaboutit，theCap\'endon\'t。Therewasamancomeintotheshopthisveryday，andsays，“Iwantaso-and-so，“hesays——somehardnameoranother。“Awhich？”saystheCap\'en。
“Aso-and-so，“saystheman。“Brother，“saystheCap\'en，“willyoutakeaobservationroundtheshop？”“Well，“saystheman，“I\'vedoneit。““Doyouseewotyouwant？”saystheCap\'en。“No，Idon\'t，“saystheman。“Doyouknowitwenyoudoseeit？”saystheCap\'en。“No，Idon\'t，“
saystheman。“Why，thenItellyouwot，mylad，“saystheCap\'en，“you\'dbettergobackandaskwotit\'slike，outside，fornomoredon\'tI！”\'
`Thatain\'tthewaytomakemoney，though，isit？\'saidPolly。
`Money，mother！He\'llnevermakemoney。HehassuchwaysasI
neversee。Heain\'tabadmasterthough，I\'llsaythatforhim。Butthatain\'tmuchtome，forIdon\'tthinkIshallstopwithhimlong。\'
`Notstopinyourplace，Rob！\'criedhismother；whileMr。Toodleopenedhiseyes。
`Notinthatplace，p\'raps，\'returnedtheGrinder，withawink。
`Ishouldn\'twonder——friendsatcourtyouknow——butneveryoumind，mother，justnow；I\'mallright，that\'sall。\'
Theindisputableproofaffordedinthesehints，andintheGrinder\'smysteriousmanner，ofhisnotbeingsubjecttothatfailingwhichMr。Toodlehad，byimplication，attributedtohim，mighthaveledtoarenewalofhiswrongs，andofthesensationinthefamily，butfortheopportunearrivalofanothervisitor，who，toPolly\'sgreatsurprise，appearedatthedoor，smilingpatronageandfriendshiponallthere。
`Howdoyoudo，Mrs。Richards？\'saidMissTox。`Ihavecometoseeyou。MayIcomein？\'
ThecheeryfaceofMrs。Richardsshonewithahospitablereply，andMissTox，acceptingtheprofferedchair，andgracefullyrecognisingMr。
Toodleonherwaytoit，unitedherbonnetstrings，andsaidthatinthefirstplaceshemustbegthedearchildren，oneandall，tocomeandkissher。
Theill-starredyoungestToodlebutone，whowouldappear，fromthefrequencyofhisdomestictroubles，tohavebeenbornunderanunluckyplanet，waspreventedfromperforminghispartinthisgeneralsalutationbyhavingfixedthesou\'westerhatwithwhichhehadbeenpreviouslytrifling
deeponhishead，hindsidebefore，andbeingunabletogetitoffagain；
whichaccidentpresentingtohisterrifiedimaginationadismalpictureofhispassingtherestofhisdaysindarkness，andinhopelessseclusionfromhisfriendsandfamily，causedhimtostrugglewithgreatviolence，andtouttersuffocatingcries。Beingreleased，hisfacewasdiscoveredtobeveryhot，andred，anddamp；andMissToxtookhimonherlap，muchexhausted。
`Youhavealmostforgottenme，Sir，Idaresay，\'saidMissToxtoMr。Toodle。
`No，Ma\'am，no，\'saidToodle。`Butwe\'veallonusgotalittleoldersincethen。\'
`Andhowdoyoufindyourself，Sir？\'inquiredMissTox，blandly。
`Hearty，Ma\'am，thank\'ee，\'repliedToodle。`Howdoyoufindyourself，Ma\'am？Dotherheumatickskeepoffprettywell，Ma\'am？
Wemustallexpecttogrowinto\'em，aswegetson。\'
`Thankyou，\'saidMissTox。`Ihavenotfeltanyinconveniencefromthatdisorderyet。\'
`You\'reweryfortunate，Ma\'am，\'returnedMr。Toodle。`Manypeopleatyourtimeoflife，Ma\'amismartyrstoit。Therewasmymother——\'Butcatchinghiswife\'seyehere，Mr。Toodlejudiciouslyburiedtherestinanothermugoftea。
`Younevermeantosay，Mrs。Richards，\'criedMissTox，lookingatRob，`thatthatisyour——\'
`Eldest，Ma\'am，\'saidPolly。`Yes，indeed，itis。That\'sthelittlefellow，ma\'am，thatwastheinnocentcauseofsomuch。\'
`Thishere，Ma\'am，\'saidToodle，`ishimwiththeshortlegs——andtheywas，\'saidMr。Toodle，withatouchofpoetryinhistone，`unusualshortforleathers——asMr。DombeymadeaGrinderon。\'
TherecollectionofalmostoverpoweredMissTox。Thesubjectofithadapeculiarinterestforherdirectly。Sheaskedhimtoshakehands，andcongratulatedhismotheronhisfrank，ingenuousface。Rob，overhearingher，calledupalook，tojustifytheeulogium，butitwashardlytherightlook。
`Andnow，Mrs。Richards，\'saidMissTox，——`andyoutoo，Sir，\'
addressingToodle——`I\'lltellyou，plainlyandtruly，whatIhavecomeherefor。Youmaybeaware，Mrs。Richards——and，possibly，youmaybeawaretoo，Sir——thatalittledistancehasinterposeditselfbetweenmeandsomeofmyfriends，andthatwhereIusedtovisitagooddeal，Idonotvisitnow。\'
Polly，who，withawoman\'stact，understoodthatatonce，expressedasmuchinalittlelook。Mr。Toodle，whohadnotthefaintestideaofwhatMissToxwastalkingabout，expressedthatalso，inastare。
`Ofcourse，\'saidMissTox，`howourlittlecoolnesshasarisenisofnomoment，anddoesnotrequiretobediscussed。Itissufficientformetosay，thatIhavethegreatestpossiblerespectfor，andinterestin，Mr。Dombey；\'MissTox\'svoicefaltered；`andeverythingthatrelatestohim。\'
Mr。Toodle，enlightened，shookhishead，andsaidhehadheerditsaid，and，forhisownpart，hedidthink，asMr。Dombeywasadifficultsubject。
`Praydon\'tsayso，Sir，ifyouplease，\'returnedMissTox。`Letmeentreatyounottosayso，Sir，eithernow，oratanyfuturetime。Suchobservationscannotbutbeverypainfultome；andtoagentleman，whosemindisconstitutedas，Iamquitesureyoursis，canaffordnopermanentsatisfaction。\'
Mr。Toodle，whohadnotentertainedtheleastdoubtofofferingaremarkthatwouldreceivedwithacquiescence，wasgreatlyconfounded。
`AllthatIwishtosay，Mrs。Richards，\'resumedMissTox，——`andIaddressmyselftoyoutoo，Sir，——isthis。Thatanyintelligenceoftheproceedingsofthefamily，ofthewelfareofthefamily，ofthehealthofthefamily，thatreachesyou，willbealwaysmostacceptabletome。
ThatIshallbealwaysverygladtochatwithMrs。Richardsaboutthefamily，andaboutoldtimes。AndasMrs。RichardsandIneverhadtheleastdifferencethoughIcouldwishnowthatwehadbeenbetteracquainted，butIhavenoonebutmyselftoblameforthat，Ihopeshewillnotobjecttoourbeingverygoodfriendsnow，andtomycomingbackwardsandforwardshere，whenIlike，withoutbeingastranger。Now，Ireallyhope，Mrs。Richards，\'
saidMissTox，earnestly，`thatyouwilltakethis，asImeanit，likeagood-humouredcreature，asyoualwayswere。\'
Pollywasgratified，andshowedit。Mr。Toodledidn\'tknowwhetherhewasgratifiedornot，andpreservedastolidcalmness。
`Yousee，Mrs。Richards，\'saidMissTox——`andIhopeyouseetoo，Sir——therearemanylittlewaysinwhichIcanbeslightlyusefultoyou，ifyouwillmakenostrangerofme；andinwhichIshallbedelightedtobeso。Forinstance，Icanteachyourchildrensomething。Ishallbringafewlittlebooks，ifyou\'llallowme，andsomework，andofaneveningnowandthen，they\'lllearn——dearme，they\'lllearnagreatdeal，Itrust，andbeacredittotheirteacher。\'
Mr。Toodle，whohadagreatrespectforlearning，jerkedhisheadapprovinglyathiswife，andmoistenedhishandswithdawningsatisfaction。
`Then，notbeingastranger，Ishallbeinnobody\'sway，\'saidMissTox，`andeverythingwillgoonjustasifIwerenothere。Mrs。Richardswilldohermending，orherironing，orhernursing，whateveritis，withoutmindingme：andyou\'llsmokeyourpipe，too，ifyou\'resodisposed，Sir，won\'tyou？\'
`Thank\'ee，Mum，\'saidMr。Toodle。`Yes；I\'lltakemybitofbacker。\'
`Verygoodofyoutosayso，Sir，\'rejoinedMissTox，`andIreallydoassureyounow，unfeignedly，thatitwillbeagreatcomforttome，andthatwhatevergoodImaybefortunateenoughtodothechildren，youwillmorethanpaybacktome，ifyou\'llenterintothislittlebargaincomfortably，andeasily，andgood-naturedly，withoutanotherwordaboutit。\'
Thebargainwasratifiedonthespot；andMissToxfoundherselfsomuchathomealready，thatwithoutdelaysheinstitutedapreliminaryexaminationofthechildrenallroundwhichMr。Toodlemuchadmired——andbookedtheirages，names，andacquirements，onapieceofpaper。Thisceremony，andalittleattendantgossipprolongedthetimeuntilaftertheirusualhourofgoingtobed，anddetainedMrs。ToxattheToodlefiresideuntilitwastoolateforhertowalkhomealone。ThegallantGrinder，however，beingstillthere，politelyofferedtoattendhertoherowndoor；andasitwassomethingtoMissToxtobeseenhomebyayouthwhomMr。Dombeyhadfirstinductedintothosemanlygarmentswhicharerarelymentionedbyname，sheveryreadilyacceptedtheproposal。