AftershakinghandswithMr。ToodleandPolly，andkissingallthechildren，MissToxleftthehouse，therefore，withunlimitedpopularity，andcarryingawaywithhersolightaheartthatitmighthavegivenMrs。
Chickoffenceifthatgoodladycouldhaveweighedit。
RobtheGrinder，inhismodesty，wouldhavewalkedbehind，butMissToxdesiredhimtokeepbesideher，forconversationalpurposes；and，assheafterwardsexpressedittohismother，`drewhimout\'upontheroad。
Hedrewoutsobright，andclear，andshining，thatMissToxwascharmedwithhim。ThemoreMissToxdrewhimout，thefinerhecame——likewire。Thereneverwasbetterormorepromisingyouth——amoreaffectionate，steady，prudent，sober，honest，meek，candidyoungman——thanRobdrewoutthatnight。
`Iamquiteglad，\'saidMissTox，arrivedatherowndoor，`toknowyou。Ihopeyou\'llconsidermeyourfriend，andthatyou\'llcomeandseemeasoftenasyoulike。Doyoukeepamoney-box？\'
`Yes，Ma\'am，\'returnedRob；`I\'msavingupagainstI\'vegotenoughtoputintheBank，ma\'am。\'
`Verylaudableindeed，\'saidMissTox。`I\'mgladtohearit。Putthishalf-crownintoit，ifyouplease。\'
`Ohthankyou，Ma\'am，\'repliedRob，`butreallyIcouldn\'tthinkofdeprivingyou。\'
`Icommendyourindependentspirit，\'saidMissTox，`butit\'snodeprivation，Iassureyou。Ishallbeoffendedifyoudon\'ttakeit，asamarkofmygood-will。Goodnight，Robin。\'
`Goodnight，Ma\'am，\'saidRob，`andthankyou！\'
Whoransniggeringofftogetchange，andtosseditwaywithapieman。
ButtheynevertaughthonourattheGrinders\'School，wherethesystemthatprevailedwasparticularlystrongintheengenderingofhypocrisy。Insomuch，thatmanyofthefriendsandmastersofpastGrinderssaid，ifthiswerewhatcameofeducationforthecommonpeople，lethavenone。
Somemorerationalsaid，letushaveabetterone。ButthegoverningpowersoftheGrinders\'Companywerealwaysreadyforthem，bypickingoutafewboyswhohadturnedoutwell，inspiteofthesystem，androundlyassertingthattheycouldhaveonlyturnedoutwellbecauseofit。Whichsettledthebusinessofthoseobjectorsoutofhand，andestablishedthegloryoftheGrinders\'Institution。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter39[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXXIXFurtherAdventuresofCaptainEdwardCuttle，MarinerTIME，sureoffootandstrongofwill，hadsopressedonward，thattheyearenjoinedbytheoldInstrument-maker，asthetermduringwhichhisfriendshouldrefrainfromopeningthesealedpacketaccompanyingtheletterhehadleftforhim，wasnownearlyexpired，andCaptainCuttlebegantolookatit，ofanevening，withfeelingsofmysteryanduneasiness。
TheCaptain，inhishonour，wouldassoonhavethoughtofopeningtheparcelonehourbeforetheexpirationoftheterm，ashewouldhavethoughtofopeninghimself，tostudyhisownanatomy。Hemerelybroughtitout，atacertainstageofhisfirsteveningpipe，laiditonthetable，andsatgazingattheoutsideofit，throughthesmoke，insilentgravity，fortwoorthreehoursataspell。Sometimes，whenhehadcontemplateditthusforaprettylongwhile，theCaptainwouldhitchhischair，bydegrees，fartherandfartheroff，asiftogetbeyondtherangeofitsfascination；butifthiswerehisdesign，heneversucceeded：forevenwhenhewasbroughtupbytheparlourwall，thepacketstillattractedhim；orifhiseyes，inthoughtfulwandering，rovedtotheceilingorthefire，itsimageimmediatelyfollowed，andposteditselfconspicuouslyamongthecoals，ortookupanadvantageouspositiononthewhitewash。
InrespectofHeart\'sDelight，theCaptain\'sparentalregardandadmirationknewnochange。ButsincehislastinterviewwithMr。Carker，CaptainCuttlehadcometoentertaindoubtswhetherhisformerinterventioninbehalfofthatyoungladyandhisdearboyWal\'r，hadprovedaltogethersofavourableashecouldhavewished，andasheatthetimebelieved。
TheCaptainwastroubledwithaseriousmisgivingthathehaddonemoreharmthangood，inshort；andinhisremorseandmodestyhemadethebestatonementhecouldthinkof，byputtinghimselfoutofthewaydoinganyharmtoanyone，and，asitwere，throwinghimselfoverboardforadangerousperson。
Self-buried，therefore，amongtheinstruments，theCaptainneverwentnearMr。Dombey\'shouse，orreportedhimselfinanywaytoFlorenceorMissNipper。HeevenseveredhimselffromMr。Perch，ontheoccasionofhisnextvisit，bydrylyinformingthatgentleman，thatthethankedhimforhiscompany，buthadcuthimselfadriftfromallsuchacquaintance，ashedidn\'tknowwhatmagazinehemightn\'tblowup，withoutmeaningofit。Inthisself-imposedretirement，theCaptainpassedwholedaysandweekswithoutinterchangingawordwithanyonebutRobtheGrinder，whomheesteemedasapatternofdisinterestedattachmentandfidelity。Inthisretirement，theCaptain，gazingatthepacketofanevening，wouldsitsmoking，andthinkingofFlorenceandpoorWalter，untiltheybothseemedtohishomelyfancytobedead，andtohavepassedawayintoeternalyouth，thebeautifulandinnocentchildrenofhisfirstremembrance。
TheCaptaindidnot，however，inhismusings，neglecthisownimprovement，orthementalcultureofRobtheGrinder。ThatyoungmanwasgenerallyrequiredtoreadoutofsomebooktotheCaptain，foronehour，everyevening；andastheCaptainimplicitlybelievedthatallbooksweretrue，heaccumulated，bythismeans，manyremarkablefacts。OnSundaynights，theCaptainalwaysreadforhimself，beforegoingtobed，acertainDivineSermononcedeliveredonaMount；andalthoughhewasaccustomedtoquotethetext，withoutbook，afterhisownmanner，heappearedtoreaditwithasreverentanunderstandingofitsheavenlyspirit，asifhehadgotitallbyheartinGreek，andhadbeenabletowriteanynumberoffiercetheologicaldisquisitionsonitseveryphrase。
RobtheGrinder，whosereverencefortheinspiredwritings，undertheadmirablesystemoftheGrinders\'School，hadbeendevelopedbyaperpetualbruisingofhisintellectualshinsagainstallthepropernamesofallthetribesofJudah，andbythemonotonousrepetitionofhardverses，especiallybywayofpunishment，andbytheparadingofhimatsixyearsoldinleatherbreeches，threetimesaSunday，veryhighup，inaveryhotchurch，withagreatorganbuzzingagainsthisdrowsyhead，likeanexceedinglybusybee——RobtheGrindermadeamightyshowofbeingedifiedwhentheCaptainceasedtoread，andgenerallyyawnedandnoddedwhilethereadingwasinprogress。ThelatterfactbeingneversomuchassuspectedbythegoodCaptain。
CaptainCuttle，also，asamanofbusiness，tooktokeepingbooks。
Intheseheenteredobservationsontheweather，andonthecurrentsofthewaggonsandothervehicles：whichheobserved，inthatquarter，tosetwestwardinthemorningandduringthegreaterpartoftheday，andeastwardtowardstheevening。Twoorthreestragglersappearinginoneweek，who`spokehim\'——sothecaptainenteredit——onthesubjectofspectacles，andwho，withoutpositivelypurchasing，saidtheywouldlookinagain，theCaptaindecidedthatthebusinesswasimproving，andmadeanentryintheday-booktothateffect：thewindthenblowingwhichhefirstrecorded
prettyfresh，westandbynorth；havingchangedinthenight。
OneoftheCaptain\'schiefdifficultieswasMr。Toots，whocalledfrequently，andwhowithoutsayingmuchseemedtohaveanideathatthelittlebackparlourwasaneligibleroomtochucklein，ashewouldsitandavailhimselfofitsaccommodationsinthatregardbythehalf-hourtogether，withoutatalladvancinginintimacywiththeCaptain。TheCaptain，renderedcautiousbyhislateexperience，wasunablequitetosatisfyhismindwhetherMr。Tootswasthemildsubjectheappearedtobe，orwasaprofoundlyartfulanddissimulatinghypocrite。HisfrequentreferencetoMissDombeywassuspicious；buttheCaptainhadasecretkindnessforMr。
Toots\'sapparentrelianceonhim，andforboretodecideagainsthimforthepresent；merelyeyeinghim，withasagacitynottobedescribed，wheneverheapproachedthesubjectthatwasnearesttohisheart。
`CaptainGills，\'blurtedoutMr。Toots，onedayallatonce，ashismannerwas，`doyouthinkyoucouldthinkfavourablyofthatpropositionofmine，andgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance？\'
`Why，Itellyouwhatitis，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain，whohadatlengthconcludedonacourseofaction；`I\'vebeenturningthatthereover。\'
`CaptainGills，it\'sverykindofyou，\'retortedMr。Toots。`I\'mmuchobligedtoyou。Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainGills，itwouldbeacharitytogivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。Itreallywould。\'
`Yousee，brother，\'arguedtheCaptainslowly，`Idon\'tknowyou。\'
`Butyounevercanknowme，CaptainGills，\'repliedMr。
Toots，steadfasttohispoint，`ifyoudon\'tgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。\'
TheCaptainseemedstruckbytheoriginalityandpowerofthisremark，andlookedatMr。Tootsasifhethoughttherewasagreatdealmoreinhimthanhehadexpected。
`Wellsaid，mylad，\'observedthecaptain，noddinghisheadthoughtfully；
`andtrue。Nowlook\'eehere：You\'vemadesomeobservationstome，whichgivesmetounderstandasyouadmireacertainsweetcreetur。Hey？\'
`CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，gesticulatingviolentlywiththehandinwhichheheldhishat，`Admirationisnottheword。Uponmyhonour，youhavenoconceptionwhatmyfeelingsare。IfIcouldbedyedblack，andmadeMissDombey\'sslave，Ishouldconsideritacompliment。
If，atthesacrificeofallmyproperty，IcouldgettransmigratedintoMissDombey\'sdog——I——IreallythinkIshouldneverleaveoffwaggingmytail。Ishouldbesoperfectlyhappy，CaptainGills！\'
Mr。Tootssaiditwithwateryeyes，andpressedhishatagainsthisbosomwithdeepemotion。
`Mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain，movedtocompassion，`ifyou\'reinarnest——\'
`CaptainGills，\'criedMr。Toots，`I\'minsuchastateofmind，andamsodreadfullyinearnest，thatifIcouldsweartoituponahotpieceofiron，oralivecoal，ormeltedlead，orburningsealing-wax，oranythingofthatsort，Ishouldbegladtohurtmyself，asarelieftomyfeelings。\'AndMr。Tootslookedhurriedlyabouttheroom，asifforsomesufficientlypainfulmeansofaccomplishinghisdreadpurpose。
TheCaptainpushedhisglazedhatbackuponhishead，strokedhisfacedownwithhisheavyhand——makinghisnosemoremottledintheprocess——andplantinghimselfbeforeMr。Toots，andhookinghimbythelapelofhiscoat，addressedhiminthesewords，whileMr。Tootslookedupintohisface，withmuchattentionandsomewonder。
`Ifyou\'reinarnest，yousee，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，`you\'reaobjectofclemency，andclemencyisthebrightestjewelinthecrownofaBriton\'shead，forwhichyou\'lloverhaultheconstitutionaslaiddowninRuleBritannia，and，whenfound，thatisthecharterasthemgardenangelswasasingingof，somanytimesover。Standby！Thishereproposalo\'you\'rntakesmealittleaback。Andwhy？BecauseIholdsmyownonly，youunderstand，intheseherewaters，andhaven\'tgotnoconsort，andmaybedon\'twishfornone。Steady！Youhailedmefirst，alongofacertainyounglady，asyouwascharteredby。Nowifyouandmeistokeeponeanother\'scompanyatall，thatthereyoungcreetur\'snamemustneverbenamednorreferredto。Idon\'tknowwhatharmmayn\'thavebeendonebynamingofittoofree，aforenow，andtherebyIbringsupshort。D\'yemakemeoutprettyclear，brother？\'
`Well，you\'llexcuseme，CaptainGills，\'repliedMr。Toots，`ifIdon\'tquitefollowyousometimes。ButuponmywordI——it\'sahardthing，CaptainGills，nottobeabletomentionMissDombey。Ireallyhavegotsuchadreadfulloadhere！\'——Mr。Tootspatheticallytouchedhisshirt-frontwithbothhands——`thatIfeelnightandday，exactlyasifsomebodywassittinguponme。\'
`Them，\'saidtheCaptain，`isthetermsIoffer。Ifthey\'reharduponyou，brother，asmayhaptheyare，give\'emawideberth，sheeroff，andpartcompanycheerily！\'
`CaptainGills，\'returnedMr。Toots，`Ihardlyknowhowitis，butafterwhatyoutoldmewhenIcamehere，forthefirsttime，I——IfeelthatI\'dratherthinkaboutMissDombeyinyoursocietythantalkaboutherinalmostanybodyelse\'s。Therefore，CaptainGills，ifyou\'llgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance，Ishallbeveryhappytoacceptitonyourownconditions。Iwishtobehonourable，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。
Toots，holdingbackhisextendedhandforamoment，`andthereforeIamobligedtosaythatIcannothelpthinkingaboutMissDombey。It\'simpossibleformetomakeapromisenottothinkabouther。\'
`Mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，whoseopinionofMr。Tootswasmuchimprovedbythiscandidavowal，`aman\'sthoughtsislikethewinds，andnobodycan\'tanswerfor\'emforcertain，anylengthoftimetogether。Isitatreatyastowords？\'
`Astowords，CaptainGills，\'returnedMr。Toots，`IthinkIcanbindmyself。\'
Mr。TootsgaveCaptainCuttlehishanduponit，thenandthere；
andtheCaptainwithapleasantandgraciousshowofcondescension，bestowedhisacquaintanceuponhimformally。Mr。Tootsseemedmuchrelievedandgladdenedbytheacquisition，andchuckledrapturouslyduringtheremainderofhisvisit。TheCaptain，forhispart，wasnotillpleasedtooccupythatpositionofpatronage，andwasexceedinglywellsatisfiedbyhisownprudenceandforesight。
ButrichasCaptainCuttlewasinthelatterquality，hereceivedasurprisethatsameeveningfromanolessingenuousandsimpleyouth，thanRobtheGrinder。Thatartlesslad，drinkingteaatthesametable，andbendingmeeklyoverhiscupandsaucer，havingtakensidelongobservationsofhismasterforsometime，whowasreadingthenewspaperwithgreatdifficulty，butmuchdignity，throughhisglasses，brokesilencebysaying——
`Oh！Ibegyourpardon，Captain，butyoumayn\'tbeinwantofanypigeons，mayyou，Sir？\'
`No，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain。
`BecauseIwaswishingtodisposeofmine，Captain，\'saidRob。
`Aye，aye？\'criedtheCaptain，liftinguphisbushyeyebrowsalittle。
`Yes；I\'mgoing，Captain，ifyouplease，\'saidRob。
`Going？Whereareyougoing？\'askedtheCaptain，lookingroundathimovertheglasses。
`What？didn\'tyouknowthatIwasgoingtoleaveyou，Captain？\'
askedRob，withasneakingsmile。
TheCaptainputdownthepaper，tookoffhisspectacles，andbroughthiseyestobearonthedeserter。
`Ohyes，Captain，Iamgoingtogiveyouwarning。Ithoughtyou\'dhaveknownthatbeforehand，perhaps，\'saidRob，rubbinghishands，andgettingup。`Ifyoucouldbesogoodasprovideyourselfsoon，Captain，itwouldbeagreatconveniencetome。Youcouldn\'tprovideyourselfbyto-morrowmorning，Iamafraid，Captain：couldyou，doyouthink？\'
`Andyou\'reagoingtodesertyourcolours，areyou，mylad？\'
saidtheCaptain，afteralongexaminationofhisface。
`Oh，it\'sveryharduponacove，Captain，\'criedthetenderRob，injuredandindignantinamoment，`thathecan\'tgivelawfulwarning，withoutbeingfrownedatinthatway，andcalledadeserter。Youhaven\'tanyrighttocallapoorcovenames，Captain。Itain\'tbecauseI\'maservantandyou\'reamaster，thatyou\'retogoandlibelme。WhatwronghaveI
done？Come，Captain，letmeknowwhatmycrimeis，willyou？\'
ThestrickenGrinderwept，andputhiscoat-cuffinhiseye。
`Come，Captain，\'criedtheinjuredyouth，`givemycrimeaname！
WhathaveIbeenanddone？HaveIstolenanyoftheproperty？haveIsetthehousea-fire？IfIhave，whydon\'tyougivemeincharge，andtryit？
Buttotakeawaythecharacterofaladthat\'sbeenagoodservanttoyou，becausehecan\'taffordtostandinhisownlightforyourgood，whatainjuryitis，andwhatabadreturnforfaithfulservice！Thisisthewayyoungcovesisspiledanddrovewrong。Iwonderatyou，Captain，Ido。\'
AllofwhichtheGrinderhowledforthinalachrymosewhine，andbackingcarefullytowardsthedoor。
`Andsoyou\'vegotanotherberth，haveyou，mylad？\'saidtheCaptain，eyeinghimintently。
`Yes，Captain，sinceyouputitinthatshape，Ihavegotanotherberth，\'criedRob，backingmoreandmore；`abetterberththanI\'vegothere，andonewhereIdon\'tsomuchaswantyourgoodword，Captain，whichisfort\'nateforme，afterallthedirtyou\'vethrow\'datme，becauseI\'mpoor，andcan\'taffordtostandinmyownlightforyourgood。Yes，Ihavegotanotherberth；andifitwasn\'tforleavingyouunprovided，Captain，I\'dgotoitnow，soonerthanI\'dtakethemnamesfromyou，becauseI\'mpoor，andcan\'taffordtostandinmyownlightforyourgood。Whydoyoureproachmeforbeingpoor，andnotstandinginmyownlightforyourgood，Captain？Howcanyousodemeanyourself？\'
`Lookyehere，myboy，\'repliedthepeacefulCaptain。`Don\'tyoupayoutnomoreofthemwords。\'
`Well，then，don\'tyoupayinnomoreofyourwords，Captain，\'
retortedtherousedinnocent，gettinglouderinhiswhine，andbackingintotheshop。`I\'dsooneryoutookmybloodthanmycharacter。\'
`Because，\'pursuedtheCaptaincalmly，`youhaveheerd，maybe，ofsuchathingasarope\'send。\'
`Oh，haveIthough，Captain？\'criedthetauntingGrinder。`NoIhaven\'t。Ineverheerdofanysuchaarticle！\'
`Well，\'saidtheCaptain，`it\'smybeliefasyou\'llknowmoreaboutitprettysoon，ifyoudon\'tkeepabrightlook-out。Icanreadyoursignals，mylad。Youmaygo。\'
`Oh！Imaygoatonce，mayI，Captain？\'criedRob，exultinginhissuccess。
`Butmind！Ineveraskedtogoatonce，Captain。Youarenottotakeawaymycharacteragain，becauseyousendmeoffofyourownaccord。
Andyou\'renottostopanyofmywages，Captain！\'
HisemployersettledthelastpointbyproducingthetincanisterandtellingtheGrinder\'smoneyoutinfulluponthetable。Rob，snivellingandsobbing，andgrievouslywoundedinhisfeelings，tookupthepiecesonebyone，withasobandasnivelforeach，andtiedthemupseparatelyinknotsinhispocket-handkerchief；thenheascendedtotheroofofthehouseandfilledhishatandpocketswithpigeons；then，camedowntohisbedunderthecounterandmadeuphisbundle，snivellingandsobbinglouderasifhewerecuttotheheartbyoldassociations；thenhewhined，`Goodnight，Captain。Ileaveyouwithoutmalice！\'andthen，goingoutuponthedoor-step，pulledthelittleMidshipman\'snoseasapartingindignity，andwentawaydownthestreetgrinningtriumph。
TheCaptain，lefttohimself，resumedhisperusalofthenewsasifnothingunusualorunexpectedhadtakenplace，andwentreadingonwiththegreatestassiduity。ButneveraworddidCaptainCuttleunderstand，thoughhereadavastnumber，forRobtheGrinderwasscamperinguponecolumnanddownanotherallthroughthenewspaper。
ItisdoubtfulwhethertheworthyCaptainhadeverfelthimselfquiteabandoneduntilnow；butnow，oldSolGills，Walter，andHeart\'sDelightwerelosttohimindeed，andnowMr。Carkerdeceivedandjeeredhimcruelly。TheywereallrepresentedinthefalseRob，towhomhehadheldforthmanyatimeontherecollectionsthatwerewarmwithinhim；
hehadbelievedinthefalseRob，andhadbeengladtobelieveinhim；
hehadmadeacompanionofhimasthelastoftheoldship\'scompany；hehadtakenthecommandofthelittleMidshipmanwithhimathisrighthand；
hehadmeanttodohisdutybyhim，andhadfeltalmostaskindlytowardstheboyasiftheyhadbeenshipwreckedandcastuponadesertplacetogether。
Andnow，thatthefalseRobhadbroughtdistrust，treachery，andmeannessintotheveryparlour，whichwasakindofsacredplace，CaptainCuttlefeltasiftheparlourmighthavegonedownnext，andnotsurprisedhimmuchbyitssinking，orgivenhimanyverygreatconcern。
ThereforeCaptainCuttlereadthenewspaperwithprofoundattentionandnocomprehension，andthereforeCaptainCuttlesaidnothingwhateveraboutRobtohimself，oradmittedtohimselfthathewasthinkingabouthim，orwouldrecogniseinthemostdistantmannerthatRobhadanythingtodowithhisfeelingaslonelyasRobinsonCrusoe。
Inthesamecomposed，business-likeway，theCaptainsteppedovertoLeadenhallMarketinthedusk，andeffectedanarrangementwithaprivatewatchmanondutythere，tocomeandputupandtakedowntheshuttersoftheWoodenMidshipmaneverynightandmorning。Hethencalledinattheeating-housetodiminishbyonehalfthedailyrationstheretoforesuppliedtotheMidshipman，andatthepublichousetostopthetraitor\'sbeer。`Myyoungman，\'saidtheCaptain，inexplanationtotheyoungladyatthebar，`myyoungmanhavingbetteredhimself，Miss。\'Lastly，theCaptainresolvedtotakepossessionofthebedunderthecounter，andtoturninthereo\'
nightsinsteadofupstairs，assoleguardianoftheproperty。
Fromthis，bedCaptainCuttledailyrosethenceforth，andclappedonhisglazedhatatsixo\'clockinthemorning，withthesolitaryairofCrusoefinishinghistoiletwithhisgoat-skincap；andalthoughhisfearsofavisitationfromthesavagetribe，MacStinger，weresomewhatcooled，assimilarapprehensionsonthepartofthatlonemarinerusedtobebythelapseofalongintervalwithoutanysymptomsofthecannibals，hestillobservedaregularroutineofdefensiveoperations，andneverencounteredabonnetwithoutprevioussurveyfromhiscastleofretreat。
InthemeantimeduringwhichhereceivednocallfromMr。Toots，whowrotetosayhewasoutoftownhisownvoicebegantohaveastrangesoundinhisears；andheacquiredsuchhabitsofprofoundmeditationfrommuchpolishingandstowingawayofthestock，andfrommuchsittingbehindthecounterreading，orlookingoutofwindow，thattheredrimmadeonhisforeheadbythehardglazedhat，sometimesachedagainwithexcessofreflection。
Theyearbeingnowexpired，CaptainCuttledeemeditexpedienttoopenthepacket；butashehadalwaysdesigneddoingthisinthepresenceofRobtheGrinder，whohadbroughtittohim，andashehadanideathatitwouldberegularandship-shapetoopenitinthepresenceofsomebody，hewassadlyputtoitforwantofawitness。Inthisdifficulty，hehailedonedaywithunusualdelighttheannouncementintheShippingIntelligenceofthearrivaloftheCautiousClara，CaptainJohnBunsby，fromacoastingvoyage；andtothatphilosopherimmediatelydispatchedaletterbypost，enjoininginviolablesecrecyastohisplaceofresidence，andrequestingtobefavouredwithanearlyvisit，intheeveningseason。
Bunsby，whowasoneofthosesageswhoactuponconviction，tooksomedaystogettheconvictionthoroughlyintohismind，thathehadreceivedalettertothiseffect。Butwhenhehadgrappledwiththefact，andmasteredit，hepromptlysenthisboywiththemessage，`He\'sacomingto-night。\'
Whobeinginstructedtodeliverthosewordsanddisappear，fulfilledhismissionlikeatarryspirit，chargedwithamysteriouswarning。
TheCaptain，wellpleasedtoreceiveit，madepreparationofpipesandrumandwater，andawaitedhisvisitorinthebackparlour。Atthehourofeight，adeeplowing，asofanauticalBull，outsidetheshop-door，succeededbytheknockingofastickonthepanel，announcedtothelisteningearofCaptainCuttle，thatBunsbywasalongside：whomheinstantlyadmitted，shaggyandloose，andwithhisstolidmahoganyvisage，asusual，appearingtohavenoconsciousnessofanythingbeforeit，buttobeattentivelyobservingsomethingthatwastakingplaceinquiteanotherpartoftheworld。
`Bunsby，\'saidtheCaptain，graspinghimbythehand，`whatcheer，mylad，whatcheer？\'
`Shipmet，\'repliedthevoicewithinBunsby，unaccompaniedbyanysignonthepartoftheCommanderhimself，`hearty，hearty。\'
`Bunsby！\'saidtheCaptain，renderingirrepressiblehomagetohisgenius，`hereyouare！amanascangiveanopinionasisbrighterthandi\'monds——andgivemetheladwiththetarrytrousersasshinestomelikedi\'mondsbright，forwhichyou\'lloverhaultheStanfell\'sBudget，andwhenfoundmakeanote。Hereyouare，amanasgaveanopinioninthishereveryplace，thathascometrue，everyletteronit，\'whichtheCaptainsincerelybelieved。
`Aye，aye？\'growledBunsby。
`Everyletter，\'saidtheCaptain。
`Forwhy？\'growledBunsby，lookingathisfriendforthefirsttime。`Whichway？Ifso，whynot？Therefore。\'Withtheseoracularwords——theyseemedalmosttomaketheCaptaingiddy；theylaunchedhimuponsuchaseaofspeculationandconjecture——thesagesubmittedtobehelpedoffwithhispilotcoat，andaccompaniedhisfriendintothebackparlour，wherehishandpresentlyalightedontherum-bottle，fromwhichhebrewedastiffglassofgrog；andpresentlyafterwardsonapipe，whichhefilled，lighted，andbegantosmoke。
CaptainCuttle，imitatinghisvisitorinthematteroftheseparticulars，thoughtheraptandimperturbablemannerofthegreatCommanderwasfarabovehispowers，satintheoppositecornerofthefireside，observinghimrespectfully，andasifhewaitedforsomeencouragementorexpressionofcuriosityonBunsby\'spartwhichshouldleadhimtohisownaffairs。
Butasthemahoganyphilosophergavenoevidenceofbeingsentientofanythingbutwarmthandtobacco，exceptonce，whentakinghispipefromhislipstomakeroomforhisglass，heincidentallyremarkedwithexceedinggruffness，thathisnamewasJackBunsby——adeclarationthatpresentedbutsmallopeningforconversation——theCaptainbespeakinghisattentioninashortcomplimentaryexordium，narratedthewholehistoryofUncleSol\'sdeparture，withthechangeithadproducedinhisownlifeandfortunes；andconcludedbyplacingthepacketonthetable。
Afteralongpause，Mr。Bunsbynoddedhishead。
`Open？\'saidtheCaptain。
Bunsbynoddedagain。
TheCaptainaccordinglybroketheseal，anddisclosedtoviewtwofoldedpapers，ofwhichheseverallyreadtheendorsements，thus：`LastWillandTestamentofSolomonGills。\'`LetterforNedCuttle。\'
Bunsby，withhiseyeonthecoastofGreenland，seemedtolistenforthecontents。TheCaptainthereforehemmedtoclearhisthroat，andreadtheletteraloud。
`“MydearNedCuttle。WhenIlefthomefortheWestIndies“\'
HeretheCaptainstopped，andlookedhardatBunsby，wholookedfixedlyatthecoastofGreenland——
`“inforlornsearchofintelligenceofmydearboy，Iknewthatifyouwereacquaintedwithmydesign，youwouldthwartit，oraccompanyme；andthereforeIkeptitsecret。Ifyoueverreadthisletter，Ned，Iamlikelytobedead。Youwilleasilyforgiveanoldfriend\'sfollythen，andwillfeelfortherestlessnessanduncertaintyinwhichhewanderedawayonsuchawildvoyage。Sonomoreofthat。Ihavelittlehopethatmypoorboywilleverreadthesewords，orgladdenyoureyeswiththesightofhisfrankfaceanymore。“No，no；nomore，\'saidCaptainCuttle，sorrowfullymeditating；`nomore。Therehelays，allhisdays——\'
Mr。Bunsby，whohadamusicalear，suddenlybellowed，`IntheBaysofBiscay，O！\'whichsoaffectedthegoodCaptain，asanappropriatetributetodepartedworth，thatheshookhimbythehandinacknowledgment，andwasfaintowipehiseyes。
`Well，well！\'saidtheCaptainwithasigh，astheLamentofBunsbyceasedtoringandvibrateintheskylight。`Afflictionsore，longtimehebore，andletusoverhaulthewollume，andtherefindit。\'
`Physicians，\'observedBunsby，`wasinvain。\'
`Aye，aye，tobesure，\'saidtheCaptain，`what\'sthegoodo\'themintwoorthreehundredfathomso\'water！\'Thenreturningtotheletter，hereadon：——`“Butifheshouldbeby，whenitisopened；“\'
theCaptaininvoluntarilylookedround，andshookhishead；`“orshouldknowofitatanyothertime；“\'theCaptainshookhisheadagain；`“myblessingonhim！Incasetheaccompanyingpaperisnotlegallywritten，itmattersverylittle，forthereisnooneinterestedbutyouandhe，andmyplainwishis，thatifheislivingheshouldhavewhatlittletheremaybe，andifasIfearotherwise，thatyoushouldhaveit，Ned。Youwillrespectmywish，Iknow。Godblessyouforit，andforallyourfriendlinessbesides，toSOLOMONGILLS。“Bunsby！\'saidtheCaptain，appealingtohimsolemnly，`whatdoyoumakeofthis？Thereyousit，amanashashadhisheadbrokefrominfancyup\'ards，andhasgotanewopinionintoitateveryseamashasbeenopened。Now，whatdoyoumakeo\'this？\'
`Ifsobe，\'returnedBunsby，withunusualpromptitude，`ashe\'sdead，myopinionishewon\'tcomebacknomore。Ifsobeashe\'salive，myopinionishewill。DoIsayhewill？No。Whynot？Becausethebearingsofthisobserwationlaysintheapplicationonit。\'
`Bunsby！\'saidCaptainCuttle，whowouldseemtohaveestimatedthevalueofhisdistinguishedfriend\'sopinionsinproportiontotheimmensityofthedifficultyheexperiencedinmakinganythingoutofthem；`Bunsby，\'
saidtheCaptain，quiteconfoundedbyadmiration，`youcarryaweightofmindeasy，aswouldswamponeofmytonnagesoon。Butinregardo\'thisherewill，Idon\'tmeantotakenostepstowardstheproperty——Lordforbid！——excepttokeepitforamorerightfulowner；andIhopeyetastherightfulowner，SolGills，islivingand\'llcomeback，strangeasitisthatheain\'tforwardednodispatches。Now，whatisyouropinion，Bunsby，astostowingoftheseherepapersawayagain，andmarkingoutsideastheywasopened，suchaday，inthepresenceofJohnBunsbyandEd\'ardCuttle？\'
Bunsby，descryingnoobjection，onthecoastofGreenlandorelsewhere，tothisproposal，itwascarriedintoexecution；andthatgreatman，bringinghiseyeintothepresentforamoment，affixedhissign-manualtothecover，totallyabstaining，withcharacteristicmodesty，fromtheuseofcapitalletters。CaptainCuttle，havingattachedhisownleft-handedsignature，andlockedupthepacketintheironsafe，entreatedhisguesttomixanotherglassandsmokeanotherpipe；anddoingthelikehimself，fellamusingoverthefireonthepossiblefortunesofthepooroldInstrument-maker。
Andnowasurpriseoccurred，sooverwhelmingandterrificthatCaptainCuttle，unsupportedbythepresenceofBunsby，musthavesunkbeneathit，andbeenalostmanfromthatfatalhour。
HowtheCaptain，eveninthesatisfactionofadmittingsuchaguest，couldhaveonlyshutthedoor，andnotlockedit，ofwhichnegligencehewasundoubtedlyguilty，isoneofthosequestionsthatmustforeverremainmerepointsofspeculation，orvaguechargesagainstdestiny。Butbythatunlockeddoor，atthisquietmoment，didthefellMacStingerdashintotheparlour，bringingAlexanderMacStingerinherparentalarms，andconfusionandvengeancenottomentionJulianaMacStinger，andthesweetchild\'sbrother，CharlesMacStinger，popularlyknownaboutthescenesofhisyouthfulsports，asChowleyinhertrain。Shecamesoswiftlyandsosilently，likearushingairfromtheneighbourhoodoftheEastIndiaDocks，thatCaptainCuttlefoundhimselfintheveryactofsittinglookingather，beforethecalmfacewithwhichhehadbeenmeditating，changedtooneofhorroranddismay。
ButthemomentCaptainCuttleunderstoodthefullextentofhismisfortune，self-preservationdictatedanattemptatflight。Dartingatlittledoorwhichopenedfromtheparlouronthesteeplittlerangeofcellar-steps，theCaptainmadearush，head-foremost，atthelatter，likeamanindifferenttobruisesandcontusions，whoonlysoughttohidehimselfinthebowelsoftheearth。Inthisgallantefforthewouldprobablyhavesucceeded，butfortheaffectionatedispositionsofJulianaandChowley，whopinninghimbythelegs——oneofthosedearchildrenholdingontoeach——claimedhimastheirfriend，withlamentablecries。Inthemeantime，Mrs。MacStinger，whoneverentereduponanyactionofimportancewithoutpreviouslyinvertingAlexanderMacStinger，tobringhimwithintherangeofabriskbatteryofslaps，andthensittinghimdowntocoolasthereaderfirstbeheldhim，performedthatsolemnrite，asifonthisoccasionitwereasacrificetotheFuries；andhavingdepositedthevictimonthefloor，madeattheCaptainwithastrengthofpurposethatappearedtothreatenscratchestotheinterposingBunsby。
ThecriesofthetwoelderMacStingers，andthewailingofyoungAlexander，whomaybesaidtohavepassedapiebaldchildhood，forasmuchashewasblackinthefaceduringonehalfofthatfairyperiodofexistence，combinedtomakethisvisitationthemoreawful。Butwhensilencereignedagain，andtheCaptain，inaviolentperspiration，stoodmeeklylookingatMrs。MacStinger，itsterrorswereattheirheight。
`Oh，Cap\'enCuttle，Cap\'enCuttle！\'saidMrs。MacStinger，makingherchinrigid，andshakingitinunisonwithwhat，butfortheweaknessofhersex，mightbedescribedasherfist。`Oh，Cap\'enCuttle，Cap\'enCuttle，doyoudaretolookmeintheface，andnotbestruckdownintheherth！\'
TheCaptain，wholookedanythingbutdaring，feeblymuttered`Standby！\'
`OhIwasaweakoftrustingFoolwhenItookyouundermyroof，Cap\'enCuttle，Iwas！\'criedMrs。MacStinger。`TothinkofthebenefitsI\'veshoweredonthatman，andthewayinwhichIbroughtmychildrenuptoloveandhonourhimasifhewasafatherto\'em，whentherean\'ta\'ousekeeper，nonoralodgerinourstreet，don\'tknowthatIlostmoneybythatman，andbyhisguzzlingsandhismuzzlings\'——Mrs。MacStingerusedthelastwordforthejointsakeofalliterationandaggravation，ratherthanfortheexpressionofanyidea——`andwhentheycriedoutoneandall，shameuponhimforputtinguponanindustriouswoman，upearlyandlateforthegoodofheryoungfamily，andkeepingherpoorplacesocleanthataindividualmighthaveatehisdinner，yes，andhisteatoo，ifhewassodisposed，offanyoneofthefloorsorstairs，inspiteofallhisguzzlingsandhismuzzlings，suchwasthecareandpainsbestoweduponhim！\'
Mrs。MacStingerstoppedtofetchherbreath；andherfaceflushedwithtriumphinthissecondhappyintroductionofofCaptainCuttle\'smuzzlings。
`Andherunsawa-a-a-y！\'criedMrs。MacStinger，withalengtheningoutofthelastsyllablethatmadetheunfortunateCaptainregardhimselfasthemeanestofmen；`andkeepsawayatwelvemonth！Fromawoman！Sitchishisconscience！Hehasn\'tthecouragetomeetherhi-i-i-igh；\'longsyllableagain；`butstealsaway，likeafelion。Why，ifthatbabyofmine，\'saidMrs。MacStinger，withsuddenrapidity，`wastooffertogoandstealaway，I\'ddomydutyasamotherbyhim，tillhewascoveredwithwales！\'
TheyoungAlexander，interpretingthisintoapositivepromise，tobeshortlyredeemed，tumbledoverwithfearandgrief，andlayuponthefloor，exhibitingthesolesofhisshoesandmakingsuchadeafeningoutcry，thatMrs。MacStingerfounditnecessarytotakehimupinherarms，whereshequietedhim，everandanon，ashebrokeoutagain，byashakethatseemedenoughtoloosenhisteeth。
`AprettysortofmanisCap\'enCuttle，\'saidMrs。MacStinger，withasharpstressonthefirstsyllableoftheCaptain\'sname，`totakeonfor——andtolosesleepfor——andtofaintalongof——andtothinkdeadforsooth——andtogoupanddowntheblessedtownlikeamadwoman，askingquestionsafter！Oh，aprettysortofman！Hahahaha！He\'sworthallthattroubleanddistressofmind，andmuchmore。That\'snothing，blessyou！Hahahaha！Cap\'enCuttle，\'saidMrs。MacStinger，withseverereactioninhervoiceandmanner，`Iwishtoknowifyou\'rea-cominghome？\'
ThefrightenedCaptainlookedintohishat，asifhesawnothingforitbuttoputiton，andgivehimselfup。
`Cap\'enCuttle，\'repeatedMrs。MacStinger，inthesamedeterminedmanner，`Iwishtoknowifyou\'rea-cominghome，Sir？\'
TheCaptainseemedquitereadytogo，butfaintlysuggestedsomethingtotheeffectof`notmakingsomuchnoiseaboutit。\'
`Aye，aye，aye，\'saidBunsby，inasoothingtone。`Awast，mylass，awast！\'
`AndwhomayYOUbe，ifyouplease！\'retortedMrs。
MacStinger，withchasteloftiness。`DidyoueverlodgeatNumberNine，BrigPlace，Sir？Mymemorymaybebad，butnotwithme，Ithink。TherewasaMrs。JollsonlivedatNumberNinebeforeme，andperhapsyou\'remistakingmeforher。Thatismyonlywaysofaccountingforyourfamiliarity，Sir。\'
`Come，come，mylass，awast，awast！\'saidBunsby。
CaptainCuttlecouldhardlybelieveit，evenofthisgreatman，thoughhesawitdonewithhiswakingeyes；butBunsby，advancingboldly，puthisshaggybluearmroundMrs。MacStinger，andsosoftenedherbyhismagicwayofdoingit，andbythesefewwords——hesaidnomore——thatshemeltedintotears，afterlookinguponhimforafewmoments，andobservedthatachildmightconquerhernow，shewassolowinhercourage。
Speechlessandutterlyamazed，theCaptainsawhimgraduallypersuadethisinexorablewomanintotheshop，returnforrumandwaterandacandle，takethemtoher，andpacifyherwithoutappearingtoutteroneword。Presentlyhelookedinwithhispilot-coaton，andsaid，`Cuttle，I\'ma-goingtoactasconvoyhome；\'andCaptainCuttle，moretohisconfusionthanifhehadbeenputinironshimself，forsafetransporttoBrigPlace，sawthefamilypacificallyfilingoff，withMrs。MacStingerattheirhead。
Hehadscarcelytimetotakedownhiscanister，andstealthilyconveysomemoneyintothehandsofJulianaMacStinger，hisformerfavourite，andChowley，whohadtheclaimuponhimthathewasnaturallyofamaritimebuild，beforetheMidshipmanwasabandonedbythemall；andBunsbywhisperingthathe\'dcarryonsmart，andhailNedCuttleagainbeforehewentaboard，shutthedooruponhimself，asthelastmemberoftheparty。
Someuneasyideasthathemustbewalkinginhissleep，orthathehadbeentroubledwithphantoms，andnotafamilyoffleshandblood，besettheCaptainatfirst，whenhewentbacktothelittleparlour，andfoundhimselfalone。Illimitablefaithin，andimmeasurableadmirationof，theCommanderoftheCautiousClara，succeeded，andthrewtheCaptainintoawonderingtrance。
Still，astimeworeon，andBunsbyfailedtoreappear，theCaptainbegantoentertainuncomfortabledoubtsofanotherkind。WhetherBunsbyhadbeenartfullydecoyedtoBrigPlace，andwastheredetainedinsafecustodyashostageforhisfriend；inwhichcaseitwouldbecometheCaptain，asamanofhonour，toreleasehim，bythesacrificeofhisownliberty。
WhetherhehadbeenattackedanddefeatedbyMrs。MacStinger，andwasashamedtoshowhimselfafterhisdiscomfiture。WhetherMrs。MacStinger，thinkingbetterofit，intheuncertaintyofhertemper，hadturnedbacktoboardtheMidshipmanagain，andBunsby，pretendingtoconductherbyashortcut，wasendeavouringtolosethefamilyamidthewildsandsavageplacesoftheCity。Aboveall，whatitwouldbehovehim，CaptainCuttle，todo，incaseofhishearingnomore，eitheroftheMacStingersorofBunsby，which，inthesewonderfulandunforeseenconjunctionsofevents，mightpossiblyhappen。
Hedebatedallthisuntilhewastired；andstillnoBunsby。Hemadeuphisbedunderthecounter，allreadyforturningin；andstillnoBunsby。Atlength，whentheCaptainhadgivenhimup，forthatnightatleast，andhadbeguntoundress，thesoundofapproachingwheelswasheard，and，stoppingatthedoor，wassucceededbyBunsby\'shail。
TheCaptaintrembledtothinkthatMrs。MacStingerwasnottobegotridof，andhadbeenbroughtbackinacoach。
Butno。Bunsbywasaccompaniedbynothingbutalargebox，whichhehauledintotheshopwithhisownhands，andassoonashehadhauledin，satupon。CaptainCuttleknewitforthechesthehadleftatMrs。
MacStinger\'shouse，andlooking，candleinhand，atBunsbymoreattentively，believedthathewasthreesheetsinthewind，or，itplainwords，drunk。
Itwasdifficult，however，tobesureofthis；theCommanderhavingnotraceofexpressioninhisfacewhensober。
`Cuttle，\'saidtheCommander，gettingoffthechest，andopeningthelid，`arethesehereyourtraps？\'
CaptainCuttlelookedinandidentifiedhisproperty。
`Doneprettytautandtrim，hey，shipmet？\'saidBunsby。
ThegratefulandbewilderedCaptaingraspedhimbythehand，andwaslaunchingintoareplyexpressiveofhisastonishedfeelings，whenBunsbydisengagedhimselfbyajerkofhiswrist，andseemedtomakeanefforttowinkwithhisrevolvingeye，theonlyeffectofwhichattempt，inhiscondition，wasnearlytooverbalancehim。Hethenabruptlyopenedthedoor，andshotawaytorejointheCautiousClarawithallspeed——supposedtobehisinvariablecustom，wheneverheconsideredhehadmadeapoint。
Asitwasnothishumourtobeoftensought，CaptainCuttledecidednottogoorsendtohimnextday，oruntilheshouldmakehisgraciouspleasureknowninsuchwise，orfailingthat，untilsomelittletimeshouldhaveelapsed。TheCaptain，therefore，renewedhissolitarylifenextmorning，andthoughtprofoundly，manymornings，noons，andnights，ofoldSolGills，andBunsby\'ssentimentsconcerninghim，andthehopestherewereofhisreturn。MuchofsuchthinkingstrengthenedCaptainCuttle\'shopes；andhehumouredthemandhimselfbywatchingfortheInstrument-makeratthedoorasheventuredtodonow，inhisstrangeliberty——andsettinghischairinitsplace，andarrangingthelittleparlourasitusedtobe，incaseheshouldcomehomeunexpectedly。Helikewise，inhisthoughtfulness，tookdownacertainlittleminiatureofWalterasaschoolboy，fromitsaccustomednail，lestitshouldshocktheoldmanonhisreturn。TheCaptainhadhispresentiments，too，sometimes，thathewouldcomeonsuchaday；
andoneparticularSunday，evenorderedadoubleallowanceofdinner，hewassosanguine。Butcome，oldSolomondidnot；andstilltheneighboursnoticedhowtheseafaringmanintheglazedhat，stoodattheshop-doorofanevening，lookingupanddownthestreet。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter40[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLDomesticRelationsITwasnotinthenatureofthingsthatamanofMr。Dombey\'smood，opposedtosuchaspiritashehadraisedagainsthimself，shouldbesoftenedintheimperiousasperityofhistemper；orthatthecoldhardarmourofprideinwhichhelivedencased，shouldbemademoreflexiblebyconstantcollisionwithhaughtyscornanddefiance。Itisthecurseofsuchanature——itisamainpartoftheheavyretributiononitselfitbearswithinitself——thatwhiledeferenceandconcessionswellitsevilqualities，andarethefooditgrowsupon，resistanceandaquestioningofitsexactingclaims，fosterittoo，noless。Theevilthatisinitfindsequallyitsmeansofgrowthandpropagationinopposites。Itdrawssupportandlifefromsweetsandbitters；boweddownbefore，orunacknowledged，itstillenslavesthebreastinwhichithasitsthrone；and，worshippedorrejected，isashardamasterastheDevilindarkfables。
Towardshisfirstwife，Mr。Dombey，inhiscoldandloftyarrogance，hadbornehimselfliketheremovedBeinghealmostconceivedhimselftobe。Hehadbeen`Mr。Dombey\'withherwhenshefirstsawhim，andhewas`Mr。Dombey\'whenshedied。Hehadassertedhisgreatnessduringtheirwholemarriedlife，andshehadmeeklyrecognisedit。Hehadkepthisdistantseatofstateonthetopofhisthrone，andsheherhumblestationonitsloweststep；andmuchgoodithaddonehim，sotoliveinsolitarybondagetohisoneidea！Hehadimaginedthattheproudcharacterofhissecondwifewouldhavebeenaddedtohisown——wouldhavemergedintoit，andexaltedhisgreatness。Hehadpicturedhimselfhaughtierthanever，withEdith\'shaughtinesssubservienttohis。Hehadneverentertainedthepossibilityofitsarrayingitselfagainsthim。Andnow，whenhefounditrisinginhispathateverystepandturnofhisdailylife，fixingitscold，defiant，andcontemptuousfaceuponhim，thisprideofhis，insteadofwithering，orhangingdownitsheadbeneaththeshock，putforthnewshoots，becamemoreconcentratedandintense，moregloomy，sullen，irksome，andunyielding，thanithadeverbeenbefore。
Whowearssucharmour，too，bearswithhimeveranotherheavyretribution。Itisofproofagainstconciliation，love，andconfidence！
againstallgentlesympathyfromwithout，alltrust，alltenderness，allsoftemotion；buttodeepstabsintheselflove，itisasvulnerableasthebarebreasttosteel；andsuchtormentingfestersranklethere，asfollowonnootherwounds，no，thoughdealtwiththemailedhandofPrideitself，onweakerpride，disarmedandthrowndown。
Suchwoundswerehis。Hefeltthemsharply，inthesolitudeofhisoldrooms；whitherhenowbeganoftentoretireagain，andpasslongsolitaryhours。Itseemedhisfatetobeeverproudandpowerful；everhumbledandpowerlesswherehewouldbemoststrong。Whoseemedfatedtoworkoutthatdoom？
Who？Whowasitwhocouldwinhiswifeasshehadwonhisboy？
Whowasitwhohadshownhimthatnewvictory，ashesatinthedarkcorner？
Whowasitwhoseleastworddidwhathisutmostmeanscouldnot？Whowasitwho，unaidedbyhislove，regardornotice，thrivedandgrewbeautifulwhenthosesoaideddied？Whocoulditbe，butthesamechildatwhomhehadoftenglanceduneasilyinhermotherlessinfancy，withakindofdread，lesthemightcometohateher；andofwhomhisforebodingwasfulfilled，forheDIDhateherinhisheart？
Yes，andhewouldhaveithatred，andhemadeithatred，thoughsomesparklesofthelightinwhichshehadappearedbeforehimonthememorablenightofhisreturnhomewithhisBride，occasionallyhungaboutherstill。Heknewnowthatshewasbeautiful；hedidnotdisputethatshewasgracefulandwinning，andthatinthebrightdawnofherwomanhoodshehadcomeuponhim，asurprise。Butheturnedeventhisagainsther。
Inhissullenandunwholesomebrooding，theunhappyman，withadullperceptionofhisalienationfromallhearts，andavagueyearningforwhathehadallhisliferepelled，madeadistortedpictureofhisrightsandwrongs，andjustifiedhimselfwithitagainsther。Theworthiershepromisedtobeofhim，thegreaterclaimhewasdisposedtoante-dateuponherdutyandsubmission？Whenhadsheevershownhimdutyandsubmission？Didshegracehislife——orEdith\'s？Hadherattractionsbeenmanifestedfirsttohim——orEdith？Why，heandshehadneverbeen，fromherbirth，likefatherandchild！Theyhadalwaysbeenestranged。Shehadcrossedhimeverywayandeverywhere。Shewasleaguedagainsthimnow。Herverybeautysoftenednaturesthatwereobduratetohim，andinsultedhimwithanunnaturaltriumph。
Itmayhavebeenthatinallthisthereweremutteringsofanawakenedfeelinginhisbreast，howeverselfishlyarousedbyhispositionofdisadvantage，incomparisonwithwhatshemighthavemadehislife。
Buthesilencedthedistantthunderwiththerollingofhisseaofpride。
Hewouldbearnothingbuthispride。Andinhispride，aheapofinconsistency，andmisery，andself-inflictedtorment，hehatedher。
Tothemoody，stubborn，sullendemon，thatpossessedhim，hiswifeopposedherdifferentprideinitsfullforce。Theynevercouldhaveledahappylifetogether；butnothingcouldhavemadeitmoreunhappy，thanthewilfulanddeterminedwarfareofsuchelements。Hispridewassetuponmaintaininghismagnificentsupremacy，andforcingrecognitionofitfromher。Shewouldhavebeenrackedtodeath，andturnedbutherhaughtyglanceofcalminflexibledisdainuponhim，tothelast。SuchrecognitionfromEdith！Helittleknewthroughwhatastormandstruggleshehadbeendrivenonwardtothecrowninghonourofhishand。Helittleknewhowmuchshethoughtshehadconceded，whenshesufferedhimtocallherwife。
Mr。Dombeywasresolvedtoshowherthathewassupreme。Theremustbenowillbuthis。Proudhedesiredthatsheshouldbe，butshemustbeproudfor，notagainsthim。Ashesatalone，hardening，hewouldoftenhearhergooutandcomehome，treadingtheroundofLondonlifewithnomoreheedofhislikingordisliking，pleasureordispleasure，thanifhehadbeenhergroom。Hercoldsupremeindifference——hisownunquestionedattributeusurped——stunghimmorethananyotherkindoftreatmentcouldhavedone；andhedeterminedtobendhertohismagnificentandstatelywill。
Hehadbeenlongcommuningwiththesethoughts，whenonenighthesoughtherinherownapartment，afterhehadheardherreturnhomelate。Shewasalone，inherbrilliantdress，andhadbutthatmomentcomefromhermother\'sroom。Herfacewasmelancholyandpensive，whenhecameuponher；butitmarkedhimatthedoor；for，glancingatthemirrorbeforeit，hesawimmediately，asinapicture-frame，theknittedbrow，anddarkenedbeautythatheknewsowell。
`Mrs。Dombey，\'hesaid，entering，`Imustbegleavetohaveafewwordswithyou。\'
`To-morrow，\'shereplied。
`Thereisnotimelikethepresent，Madam，\'hereturned。`Youmistakeyourposition。Iamusedtochoosemyowntimes；nottohavethemchosenforme。IthinkyouscarcelyunderstandwhoandwhatIam，Mrs。
Dombey。\'
`Ithink，\'sheanswered，`thatIunderstandyouverywell。\'
Shelookeduponhimasshesaidso，andfoldingherwhitearms，sparklingwithgoldandgems，uponherswellingbreast，turnedawayhereyes。
Ifshehadbeenlesshandsome，andlessstatelyinhercoldcomposure，shemightnothavehadthepowerofimpressinghimwiththesenseofdisadvantagethatpenetratedthroughhisutmostpride。Butshehadthepower，andhefeltitkeenly。Heglancedroundtheroom：sawhowthesplendidmeansofpersonaladornment，andtheluxuriesofdress，werescatteredhereandthere，anddisregarded；notinmerecapriceandcarelessnessorsohethought，butinasteadfasthaughtydisregardofcostlythings：andfeltitmoreandmore。Chapletsofflowers，plumesoffeathers，jewels，laces，silksandsatins；lookwherehewould，hesawriches，despised，pouredout，andmadeofnoaccount。Theverydiamonds——amarriagegift——thatroseandfellimpatientlyuponherbosom，seemedtopanttobreakthechainthatclaspedthemroundherneck，androlldownonthefloorwhereshemighttreaduponthem。
Hefelthisdisadvantage，andheshowedit。Solemnandstrangeamonghiswealthofcolourandvoluptuousglitter，strangeandconstrainedtowardsitshaughtymistress，whoserepellentbeautyitrepeated，andpresentedallaroundhim，asinsomanyfragmentsofamirror，hewasconsciousofembarrassmentandawkwardness。Nothingthatministeredtoherdisdainfulself-possessioncouldfailtogallhim。Galledandirritatedwithhimself，hesatdown，andwentoninnoimprovedhumour：
`Mrs。Dombey，itisverynecessarythatthereshouldbesomeunderstandingarrivedatbetweenus。YourconductdoesnotpleaseMe，madam。\'
Shemerelyglancedathimagain，andagainavertedhereyes；butshemighthavespokenforanhour，andexpressedless。
`Irepeat，Mrs。Dombey，doesnotpleaseme。Ihavealreadytakenoccasiontorequestthatitmaybecorrected。Inowinsistuponit。\'
`Youchoseafittingoccasionforyourfirstremonstrance，Sir，andyouadoptafittingmanner，andafittingwordforyoursecond。Youinsist！Tome！\'
`Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，withhismostoffensiveairofstate，`Ihavemadeyoumywife。Youbearmyname。Youareassociatedwithmypositionandmyreputation。Iwillnotsaythattheworldingeneralmaybedisposedtothinkyouhonouredbythatassociation；butIwillsaythatIamaccustomedto“insist，“tomyconnectionsanddependents。\'
`Whichmayyoubepleasedtoconsiderme？\'sheasked。
`PossiblyImaythinkthatmywifeshouldpartake——ordoespartake，andcannothelpherself——ofbothcharacters，Mrs。Dombey。\'
Shebenthereyesuponhimsteadily，andsethertremblinglips。
Hesawherbosomthrob，andsawherfaceflushandturnwhite。Allthishecouldknow，anddid：buthecouldnotknowthatonewordwaswhisperinginthedeeprecessesofherheart，tokeepherquiet；andthatthewordwasFlorence。
Blindidiot，rushingtoaprecipice！Hethoughtshestoodinaweofhim！
`Youaretooexpensive，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Youareextravagant。
Youwasteagreatdealofmoney——orwhatwouldbeagreatdealinthepocketsofmostgentlemen——incultivatingakindofsocietythatisuselesstome，and，indeed，thatuponthewholeisdisagreeabletome。Ihavetoinsistuponatotalchangeinalltheserespects。IknowthatinthenoveltyofpossessingatitheofsuchmeansasFortunehasplacedatyourdisposal，ladiesareapttorunintoasuddenextreme。Therehasbeenmorethanenoughofthatextreme。IbegthatMrs。Granger\'sverydifferentexperiencesmaynowcometotheinstructionofMrs。Dombey。\'
Stillthefixedlook，thetremblinglips，thethrobbingbreast，thefacenowcrimsonandnowwhite；andstillthedeepwhisperFlorence，Florence，speakingtoherinthebeatingofherheart。
Hisinsolenceofself-importancedilatedashesawthisalterationinher。Swollennolessbyherpastscornofhim，andhissorecentfeelingofdisadvantage，thanbyherpresentsubmissionashetookittobe，itbecametoomightyforhisbreast，andburstallbounds。Why，whocouldlongresisthisloftywillandpleasure！Hehadresolvedtoconquerher，andlookhere！
`Youwillfurtherplease，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，inatoneofsovereigncommand，`tounderstanddistinctly，thatIamtobedeferredtoandobeyed。ThatImusthaveapositiveshowandconfessionofdeferencebeforetheworld，Madam。Iamusedtothis。Irequireitasmyright。InshortIwillhaveit。Iconsideritnounreasonablereturnfortheworldlyadvancementthathasbefallenyou；andIbelievenobodywillbesurprised，eitheratitsbeingrequiredfromyou，oratyourmakingit——ToMe——ToMe！\'headded，withemphasis。
Nowordfromher。Nochangeinher。Hereyesuponhim。
`Ihavelearntfromyourmother，Mrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，withmagisterialimportance，`whatnodoubtyouknow，namely，thatBrightonisrecommendedforherhealth。Mr。Carkerhasbeensogood\'
Shechangedsuddenly。Herfaceandbosomglowedasiftheredlightofanangrysunsethadbeenflunguponthem。Notunobservantofthechange，andputtinghisowninterpretationuponit，Mr。Dombeyresumed：
`Mr。Carkerhasbeensogoodastogodownandsecureahousethere，foratime。OnthereturnoftheestablishmenttoLondon，IshalltakesuchstepsforitsbettermanagementasIconsidernecessary。Oneofthese，willbetheengagementatBrightonifitistobeeffected，ofaveryrespectablereducedpersonthere，aMrs。Pipchin，formerlyemployedinasituationoftrustinmyfamily，toactashousekeeper。Anestablishmentlikethis，presidedoverbutnominally，Mrs。Dombey，requiresacompetenthead。\'
Shehadchangedherattitudebeforehearrivedatthesewords，andnowsat——stilllookingathimfixedly——turningabraceletroundandrounduponherarm；notwindingitaboutwithalight，womanlytouch，butpressinganddraggingitoverthesmoothskin，untilthewhitelimbshowedabarofred。
`Iobserved，\'saidMr。Dombey——`andthisconcludeswhatIdeemitnecessarytosaytoyouatpresent，Mrs。Dombey——Iobservedamomentago，Madam，thatmyallusiontoMr。Carkerwasreceivedinapeculiarmanner。
Ontheoccasionofmyhappeningtopointouttoyou，beforethatconfidentialagent，theobjectionIhadtoyourmodeofreceivingmyvisitors，youwerepleasedtoobjecttohispresence。Youwillhavetogetthebetterofthatobjection，Madam，andtoaccustomyourselftoitveryprobablyonmanysimilaroccasions；unlessyouadopttheremedywhichisinyourownhands，ofgivingmenocauseofcomplaint。Mr。Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，who，aftertheemotionhehadjustseen，setgreatstorebythismeansofreducinghisproudwife，andwhowasperhapssufficientlywillingtoexhibithispowertothatgentlemaninanewandtriumphantaspect，`Mr。Carkerbeinginmyconfidence，Mrs。Dombey，mayverywellbeinyourstosuchanextent。
Ihope，Mrs。Dombey，\'hecontinued，afterafewmoments，duringwhich，inhisincreasinghaughtiness，hehadimprovedonhisidea，`ImaynotfinditnecessaryevertointrustMr。Carkerwithanymessageofobjectionorremonstrancetoyou；butasitwouldbederogatorytomypositionandreputationtobefrequentlyholdingtrivialdisputeswithaladyuponwhomIhaveconferredthehighestdistinctionthatitisinmypowertobestow，IshallnotscrupletoavailmyselfofhisservicesifIseeoccasion。\'
`Andnow，\'hethought，risinginhismoralmagnificence，andrisingastifferandmoreimpenetrablemanthanever，`sheknowsmeandmyresolution。\'
Thehandthathadsopressedthebraceletwaslaidheavilyuponherbreast，butshelookedathimstill，withanunalteredface，andsaidinalowvoice：
`Wait！ForGod\'ssake！Imustspeaktoyou。\'
Whydidshenot，andwhatwastheinwardstrugglethatrenderedherincapableofdoingso，forminutes，while，inthestrongconstraintsheputuponherface，itwasasfixedasanystatue\'s——lookinguponhimwithneitheryieldingnorunyielding，likingnorhatred，pridenorhumility：
nothingbutasearchinggaze？
`DidIevertemptyoutoseekmyhand？DidIeveruseanyarttowinyou？WasIevermoreconciliatingtoyouwhenyoupursuedme，thanIhavebeensinceourmarriage？WasIeverothertoyouthanIam？\'
`Itiswhollyunnecessary，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，`toenteruponsuchdiscussions。\'
`DidyouthinkIlovedyou？DidyouknowIdidnot？Didyouevercare，Man！formyheart，orproposetoyourselftowintheworthlessthing？
Wasthereanypoorpretenceofanyinourbargain？Uponyourside，oronmine？\'
`Thesequestions，\'saidMr。Dombey，`areallwideofthepurpose，Madam。\'
Shemovedbetweenhimandthedoortopreventhisgoingaway，anddrawinghermajesticfiguretoitsheight，lookedsteadilyuponhimstill。
`Youanswereachofthem。YouanswermebeforeIspeak，Isee。
Howcanyouhelpit；youwhoknowthemiserabletruthaswellasI？Now，tellme。IfIlovedyoutodevotion，couldIdomorethanrenderupmywholewillandbeingtoyou，asyouhavejustdemanded？Ifmyheartwerepureandalluntried，andyouitsidol，couldyouaskmore；couldyouhavemore？\'
`Possiblynot，Madam，\'hereturnedcoolly。
`YouknowhowdifferentIam。Youseemelookingonyounow，andyoucanreadthewarmthofpassionforyouthatisbreathinginmyface。\'
Notacurloftheproudlip，notaflashofthedarkeye，nothingbutthesameintentandsearchinglook，accompaniedthesewords。`Youknowmygeneralhistory。Youhavespokenofmymother。Doyouthinkyoucandegrade，orbendorbreak，metosubmissionandobedience？\'
Mr。Dombeysmiled，ashemighthavesmiledataninquirywhetherhethoughthecouldraisetenthousandpounds。
`Ifthereisanythingunusualhere，\'shesaid，withaslightmotionofherhandbeforeherbrow，whichdidnotforamomentflinchfromitsimmovableandotherwiseexpressionlessgaze，`asIknowthereareunusualfeelingshere，\'raisingthehandshepresseduponherbosom，andheavilyreturningit，`considerthatthereisnocommonmeaningintheappealI
amgoingtomakeyou。Yes，forIamgoing；\'shesaiditasinpromptreplytosomethinginhisface；`toappealtoyou。\'
Mr。Dombey，withaslightlycondescendingbendofhischinthatrustledandcrackledhisstiffcravat，satdownonasofathatwasnearhim，toheartheappeal。
`IfyoucanbelievethatIamofsuchanaturenow，\'——hefanciedhesawtearsglisteninginhereyes，andhethought，complacently，thathehadforcedthemfromher，thoughnonefellonhercheek，andsheregardedhimassteadilyasever，——`aswouldmakewhatInowsayalmostincredibletomyself，saidtoanymanwhohadbecomemyhusband，but，aboveall，saidtoyou，youmay，perhaps，attachthegreaterweighttoit。Inthedarkendtowhichwearetending，andmaycome，weshallnotinvolveourselvesalonethatmightnotbemuchbutothers。\'
Others！Heknewatwhomthatwordpointed，andfrownedheavily。
`Ispeaktoyouforthesakeofothers。Alsoyourownsake；andformine。Sinceourmarriage，youhavebeenarroganttome；andIhaverepaidyouinkind。Youhaveshowntomeandeveryonearoundus，everydayandhour，thatyouthinkIamgracedanddistinguishedbyyouralliance。
Idonotthinkso，andhaveshownthattoo。Itseemsyoudonotunderstand，orsofarasyourpowercangointendthateachofusshalltakeaseparatecourse；andyouexpectfrommeinstead，ahomageyouwillneverhave。\'
Althoughherfacewasstillthesame，therewasemphaticconfirmationofthis`Never\'intheverybreathshedrew。
`Ifeelnotendernesstowardsyou；thatyouknow。Youwouldcarenothingforit，ifIdidorcould。Iknowaswellthatyoufeelnonetowardsme。Butwearelinkedtogether；andintheknotthattiesus，asIhavesaid，othersareboundup。Wemustbothdie；wearebothconnectedwiththedeadalready，eachbyalittlechild。Letusforbear。\'
Mr。Dombeytookalongrespiration，asifhewouldhavesaid，Oh！wasthisall！
`Thereisnowealth，\'shewenton，turningpalerasshewatchedhim，whilehereyesgrewyetmorelustrousintheirearnestness，`thatcouldbuythesewordsofme，andthemeaningthatbelongstothem。Oncecastawayasidlebreath，nowealthorpowercanbringthemback。Imeanthem；Ihaveweighedthem；andIwillbetruetowhatIundertake。Ifyouwillpromisetoforbearonyourpart，Iwillpromisetoforbearonmine。
Weareamostunhappypair，inwhom，fromdifferentcauses，everysentimentthatblessesmarriage，orjustifiesit，isrootedout；butinthecourseoftime，somefriendship，orsomefitnessforeachother，mayarisebetweenus。Iwilltrytohopeso，ifyouwillmaketheendeavourtoo；andIwilllookforwardtoabetterandahappieruseofagethanIhavemadeofyouthorprime。\'
Throughoutshehadspokeninalowplainvoice，thatneitherrosenorfell；ceasing，shedroppedthehandwithwhichshehadenforcedherselftobesopassionlessanddistinct，butnottheeyeswithwhichshehadsosteadilyobservedhim。
`Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，withhisutmostdignity，`Icannotentertainanyproposalofthisextraordinarynature。\'
Shelookedathimyet，withouttheleastchange。
`Icannot，\'saidMr。Dombey，risingashespoke，`consenttotemporiseortreatwithyou，Mrs。Dombey，uponasubjectastowhichyouareinpossessionofmyopinionsandexpectations。Ihavestatedmyultimatum，Madam，andhaveonlytorequestyourveryseriousattentiontoit。\'
Toseethefacechangetoitsoldexpression，deepenedinintensity！
Toseetheeyesdroopasfromsomemeanandodiousobject！Toseethelightingofthehaughtybrow！Toseescorn，anger，indignation，andabhorrencestartingintosight，andthepaleblankearnestnessvanishlikeamist！Hecouldnotchoosebutlook，althoughhelookedtohisdismay。
`Go，Sir！\'shesaid，pointingwithanimperioushandtowardsthedoor。`Ourfirstandlastconfidenceisatanend。Nothingcanmakeusstrangertoeachotherthanwearehenceforth。\'
`Ishalltakemyrightfulcourse，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，`undeterred，youmaybesure，byanygeneraldeclamation。\'
Sheturnedherbackuponhim，and，withoutreply，satdownbeforeherglass。
`Iplacemyrelianceonyourimprovedsenseofduty，andmorecorrectfeeling，andbetterreflection，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey。
Sheanswerednotoneword。Hesawnomoreexpressionofanyheedofhim，inthemirror，thanifhehadbeenanunseenspideronthewall，orbeetleonthefloor，orrather，thanifhehadbeentheoneorother，seenandcrushedwhenshelastturnedfromhim，andforgottenamongtheignominiousanddeadverminoftheground。
Helookedback，ashewentoutatthedoor，uponthewelllightedandluxuriousroom，thebeautifulandglitteringobjectseverywheredisplayed，theshapeofEdithinitsrichdressseatedbeforeherglass，andthefaceofEdithastheglasspresentedittohim；andbetookhimselftohisoldchamberofcogitation，carryingawaywithhimavividpictureinhismindofallthesethings，andaramblingandunaccountablespeculationsuchassometimescomesintoaman\'sheadhowtheywouldalllookwhenhesawthemnext。
Fortherest，Mr。Dombeywasverytaciturn，andverydignified，andveryconfidentofcarryingouthispurpose；andremainedso。
HedidnotdesignaccompanyingthefamilytoBrighton；buthegraciouslyinformedCleopatraatbreakfast，onthemorningofdeparture，whicharrivedadayortwoafterwards，thathemightbeexpecteddown，soon。TherewasnotimetobelostingettingCleopatratoanyplacerecommendedasbeingsalutary；for，indeed，sheseemeduponthewane，andturningoftheearth，earthy。
Withouthavingundergoneanydecidedsecondattackofhermalady，theoldwomanseemedtohavecrawledbackwardinherrecoveryfromthefirst。Shewasmoreleanandshrunken，moreuncertaininherimbecility，andmadestrangerconfusionsinhermindandmemory。Amongothersymptomsofthislastaffliction，shefellintothehabitofconfoundingthenamesofhertwosons-in-law，thelivingandthedeceased；andingeneralcalledMr。Dombey，either`Grangeby，\'or`Domber，\'orindifferently，both。
Butshewasyouthful，veryyouthfulstill；andinheryouthfulnessappearedatbreakfast，beforegoingaway，inanewbonnetmadeexpress，andatravellingrobethatwasembroideredandbraidedlikeanoldbaby\'s。
Itwasnoteasytoputherintoafly-awaybonnetnow，ortokeepthebonnetinitsplaceonthebackofherpoornoddinghead，whenitwasgoton。
Inthisinstance，ithadnotonlytheextraneouseffectofbeingalwaysononeside，butofbeingperpetuallytappedonthecrownbyFlowersthemaid，whoattendedinthebackgroundduringbreakfasttoperformthatduty。
`Now，mydearestGrangeby，\'saidMrs。Skewton，`youmustposivelyprom，\'shecutsomeofherwordsshort，andcutoutothersaltogether，`comedownverysoon。\'
`Isaidjustnow，Madam，\'returnedMr。Dombey，loudlyandlaboriously，`thatIamcominginadayortwo。\'
`Blessyou，Domber！\'
HeretheMajor，whowascometotakeleaveoftheladies，andwhowasstaringthroughhisapoplecticeyesatMrs。Skewton\'sface，withthedisinterestedcomposureofanimmortalbeing，said：
`Begad，Ma\'am，youdon\'taskoldJoetocome！\'
`Steriouswretch，who\'she？\'lispedCleopatra。ButataponthebonnetfromFlowersseemingtojoghermemory，sheadded，`Oh！Youmeanyourself，younaughtycreature！\'
`Devilishqueer，Sir，\'whisperedtheMajortoMr。Dombey。`Badcase。Neverdidwrapupenough；\'theMajorbeingbuttonedtothechin。`WhywhoshouldJ。B。meanbyJoe，butoldJoeBagstock——Joseph——yourslave——Joe，Ma\'am？Here！Here\'stheman！HerearetheBagstockbellows，Ma\'am！\'criedtheMajor，strikinghimselfasoundingblowonthechest。
`MydearestEdith——Grangeby——it\'smosttrordinrything，\'saidCleopatra，pettishly，`thatMajor——\'
`Bagstock！J。B。！\'criedtheMajor，seeingthatshefalteredforhisname。
`Well，itdon\'tmatter，\'saidCleopatra。`Edith，mylove，youknowInevercouldremembernames——whatwasit？oh！——mosttrordinrythingthatsomanypeoplewanttocomedowntoseeme。I\'mnotgoingforlong。
I\'mcomingback。Surelytheycanwait，tillIcomeback！\'
Cleopatralookedallroundthetableasshesaidit，andappearedveryuneasy。
`Iwon\'thavevisitors——reallydon\'twantvisitors，\'shesaid；
`littlerepose——andallthatsortofthing——iswhatIquire。NoodiousbrutesmustproachmetillI\'veshakenoffthisnumbness；\'andinagrislyresumptionofhercoquettishways，shemadeadabattheMajorwithherfan，butoversetMr。Dombey\'sbreakfastcupinstead，whichwasinquiteadifferentdirection。
ThenshecalledforWithers，andchargedhimtoseeparticularlythatwordwasleftaboutsometrivialalterationsinherroom，whichmustbeallmadebeforeshecameback，andwhichmustbesetaboutimmediately，astherewasnosayinghowsoonshemightcomeback；forshehadagreatmanyengagements，andallsortsofpeopletocallupon。Withersreceivedthesedirectionswithbecomingdeference，andgavehisguaranteefortheirexecution；butwhenhewithdrewapaceortwobehindher，itappearedasifhecouldn\'thelplookingstrangelyattheMajor，whocouldn\'thelplookingstrangelyatMr。Dombey，whocouldn\'thelplookingstrangelyatCleopatra，whocouldn\'thelpnoddingherbonnetoveroneeye，andrattlingherknifeandforkuponherplateinusingthem，asifshewereplayingcastanets。
Edithaloneneverliftedhereyestoanyfaceatthetable，andneverseemeddismayedbyanythinghermothersaidordid。Shelistenedtoherdisjointedtalk，oratleast，turnedherheadtowardsherwhenaddressed；
repliedinafewlowwordswhennecessary；andsometimesstoppedherwhenshewasrambling，orbroughtherthoughtsbackwithamonosyllable，tothepointfromwhichtheyhadstrayed。Themother，howeverunsteadyinotherthings，wasconstantinthis——thatshewasalwaysobservantofher。