Shewouldlookatthebeautifulface，initsmarblestillnessandseverity，nowwithakindoffearfuladmiration；nowinagigglingfoolishefforttomoveittoasmile；nowwithcapricioustearsandjealousshakingsofherhead，asimaginingherselfneglectedbyit；alwayswithanattractiontowardsit，thatneverfluctuatedlikeherotherideas，buthadconstantpossessionofher。FromEdithshewouldsometimeslookatFlorence，andbackagainatEdith，inamannerthatwaswildenough；andsometimesshewouldtrytolookelsewhere，asiftoescapefromherdaughter\'sface；
butbacktoitsheseemedforcedtocome，althoughitneversoughthersunlesssought，ortroubledherwithonesingleglance。
Thebreakfastconcluded，Mrs。Skewton，affectingtoleangirlishlyupontheMajor\'sarm，butheavilysupportedontheothersidebyFlowersthemaid，andproppedupbehindbyWithersthepage，wasconductedtothecarriage，whichwastotakeher，Florence，andEdithtoBrighton。
`AndisJosephabsolutelybanished？\'saidtheMajor，thrustinginhispurplefaceoverthesteps。`Damme，Ma\'am，isCleopatrasohard-heartedastoforbidherfaithfulAntonyBagstocktoapproachthepresence？\'
`Goalong！\'saidCleopatra，`Ican\'tbearyou。YoushallseemewhenIcomeback，ifyouareverygood。\'
`TellJoseph，hemayliveinhope，Ma\'am，\'saidtheMajor；`orhe\'lldieindespair。\'
Cleopatrashuddered，andleanedback。`Edith，mydear，\'shesaid。`Tellhim——\'
`What？\'
`Suchdreadfulwords，\'saidCleopatra。`Heusessuchdreadfulwords！\'
Edithsignedtohimtoretire，gavethewordtogoon，andlefttheobjectionableMajortoMr。Dombey。Towhomhereturned，whistling。
`I\'lltellyouwhat，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，withhishandsbehindhim，andhislegsverywideasunder，`afairfriendofourshasremovedtoQueerStreet。\'
`Whatdoyoumean，Major？\'inquiredMr。Dombey。
`Imeantosay，Dombey，\'returnedtheMajor，`thatyou\'llsoonbeanorphan-in-law。\'
Mr。Dombeyappearedtorelishthiswaggishdescriptionofhimselfsoverylittle，thattheMajorwoundupwiththehorse\'scough，asanexpressionofgravity。
`Damme，Sir，\'saidtheMajor，`thereisnouseindisguisingafact。Joeisblunt，Sir。That\'shisnature。IfyoutakeoldJoshatall，youtakehimasyoufindhim；andade-vilishrusty，oldrasper，ofaclose-toothed，J。B。file，youdofindhim。Dombey，\'saidtheMajor，`yourwife\'smotherisonthemove，Sir。\'
`Ifear，\'returnedMr。Dombey，withmuchphilosophy，`thatMrs。Skewtonisshaken。\'
`Shaken，Dombey！\'saidtheMajor。`Smashed！\'
`Change，however，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，`andattentionmaydomuchyet。\'
`Don\'tbelieveit，Sir，\'returnedtheMajor。`Damme，Sir，sheneverwrappedupenough。Ifamandon\'twrapup，\'saidtheMajor，takinginanotherbuttonofhisbuffwaistcoat，`hehasnothingtofallbackupon。
Butsomepeoplewilldie。Theywilldoit。Damme，theywill。
They\'reobstinate。Itellyouwhat，Dombey，itmaynotbeornamental；itmaynotberefined；itmayberoughandtough；butalittleofthegenuineoldEnglishBagstockstamina，Sir，woulddoallthegoodintheworldtothehumanbreed。\'
Afterimpartingthispreciouspieceofinformation，theMajor，whowascertainlytrue-blue，whateverotherendowmentshemayhavepossessedorwanted，comingwithinthe`genuineoldEnglish\'classification，whichhasneverbeenexactlyascertained，tookhislobster-eyesandhisapoplexytotheclub，andchokedthereallday。
Cleopatra，atonetimefretful，atanotherself-complacent，sometimesawake，sometimesasleep，andatalltimesjuvenile，reachedBrightonthesamenight，felltopiecesasusual，andwasputawayinbed；whereagloomyfancymighthavepicturedamorepotentskeletonthanthemaid，whoshouldhavebeenone，watchingattherose-colouredcurtains，whichwerecarrieddowntoshedtheirbloomuponher。
Itwassettledinhighcouncilofmedicalauthoritythatsheshouldtakeacarriageairingeveryday，andthatitwasimportantsheshouldgetouteveryday，andwalkifshecould。Edithwasreadytoattendher——alwaysreadytoattendher，withthesamemechanicalattentionandimmoveablebeauty——andtheydroveoutalone；forEdithhadanuneasinessinthepresenceofFlorence，nowthathermotherwasworse，andtoldFlorence，withakiss，thatshewouldrathertheytwowentalone。
Mrs。Skewton，ononeparticularday，wasintheirresolute，exacting，jealoustemperthathaddevelopeditselfonherrecoveryfromherfirstattack。AftersittingsilentinthecarriagewatchingEdithforsometime，shetookherhandandkisseditpassionately。Thehandwasneithergivennorwithdrawn，butsimplyyieldedtoherraisingofit，andbeingreleased，droppeddownagain，almostasifitwereinsensible。Atthisshebegantowhimperandmoan，andsaywhatamothershehadbeen，andhowshewasforgotten！Thisshecontinuedtodoatcapriciousintervals，evenwhentheyhadalighted：whensheherselfwashaltingalongwiththejointsupportofWithersandastick，andEdithwaswalkingbyherside，andthecarriageslowlyfollowingatalittledistance。
Itwasableak，lowering，windyday，andtheywereoutupontheDownswithnothingbutabaresweepoflandbetweenthemandthesky。Themother，withaqueruloussatisfactioninthemonotonyofhercomplaint，wasstillrepeatingitinalowvoicefromtimetotime，andtheproudformofherdaughtermovedbesideherslowly，whentherecameadvancingoveradarkridgebeforethem，twootherfigures，whichinthedistance，weresolikeanexaggeratedimitationoftheirown，thatEdithstopped。
Almostasshestopped，thetwofiguresstopped；andthatonewhichtoEdith\'sthinkingwaslikeadistortedshadowofhermother，spoketotheother，earnestly，andwithapointinghandtowardsthem。Thatoneseemedinclinedtoturnback，buttheother，inwhichEdithrecognisedenoughthatwaslikeherselftostrikeherwithanunusualfeeling，notquitefreefromfear，cameon；andthentheycameontogether。
Thegreaterpartofthisobservation，shemadewhilewalkingtowardsthem，forherstoppagehadbeenmomentary。Nearerobservationsowedherthattheywerepoorlydressed，aswanderersaboutthecountry；thattheyoungerwomancarriedknittedworkorsomesuchgoodsforsale；andthattheoldonetoiledonempty-handed。
Andyet，howeverfarremovedshewasindress，indignity，inbeauty，Edithcouldnotbutcomparetheyoungerwomanwithherself，still。
Itmayhavebeenthatshesawuponherfacesometraceswhichsheknewwerelingeringinherownsoul，ifnotyetwrittenonthatindex；but，asthewomancameon，returninghergaze，fixinghershiningeyesuponher，undoubtedlypresentingsomethingofherownairandstature，andappearingtoreciprocateherownthoughts，shefeltachillcreepoverher，asifthedayweredarkening，andthewindwerecolder。
Theyhadnowcomeup。Theoldwomanholdingoutherhandimportunately，stoppedtobegofMrs。Skewton。Theyoungeronestoppedtoo，andsheandEdithlookedinoneanother\'seyes。
`Whatisitthatyouhavetosell？\'saidEdith。
`Onlythis，\'returnedthewoman，holdingoutherwares，withoutlookingatthem。`Isoldmyselflongago。\'
`Mylady，don\'tbelieveher，\'croakedtheoldwomantoMrs。Skewton；
`don\'tbelievewhatshesays。Shelovestotalklikethat。She\'smyhandsomeandundutifuldaughter。Shegivesmenothingbutreproaches，mylady，forallIhavedoneforher。Lookathernow，mylady，howsheturnsuponherpooroldmotherwithherlooks。\'
AsMrs。Skewtondrewherpurseoutwithatremblinghand，andeagerlyfumbledforsomemoney，whichtheotheroldwomangreedilywatchedfor——theirheadsallbuttouching，intheirhurryanddecrepitude——Edithinterposed：
`Ihaveseenyou，\'addressingtheoldwoman，`before。\'
`Yes，mylady，\'withacurtsey。`DowninWarwickshire。Themorningamongthetrees。Whenyouwouldn\'tgivemenothing。Butthegentleman，hegivemesomething！Oh，blesshim，blesshim！\'mumbledtheoldwoman，holdingupherskinnyhand，andgrinningfrightfullyatherdaughter。
`It\'sofnouseattemptingtostayme，Edith！\'saidMrs。Skewton，angrilyanticipatinganobjectionfromher。`Youknownothingaboutit。
Iwon\'tbedissuaded。Iamsurethisisanexcellentwoman，andagoodmother。\'
`Yes，mylady，yes，\'chatteredtheoldwoman，holdingoutheravaricioushand。`Thankee，mylady。Lordblessyou，mylady。Sixpencemore，myprettylady，asagoodmotheryourself。\'
`Andtreatedundutifullyenough，too，mygoodoldcreature，sometimes，Iassureyou，\'saidMrs。Skewton，whimpering。`There！Shakehandswithme。You\'reaverygoodoldcreature——fullofwhat\'s-his-name——andallthat。
You\'reallaffectionandetcetera，an\'tyou？\'
`Oh，yes，mylady！\'
`Yes，I\'msureyouare；andso\'sthatgentlemanlycreatureGrangeby。
Imustreallyshakehandswithyouagain。Andnowyoucango，youknow；
andIhope，\'addressingthedaughter，`you\'llshowmoregratitude，andnaturalwhat\'sits-name，andalltherestofit——butIneverdid>remembernames——forthereneverwasabettermotherthanthegoodoldcreature\'sbeentoyou。Come，Edith！\'
AstheruinofCleopatratotteredoffwhimpering，andwipingitseyeswithagingerlyremembranceofrougeintheirneighbourhood，theoldwomanhobbledanotherway，mumblingandcountinghermoney。Notonewordmore，noroneothergesture，hadbeenexchangedbetweenEdithandtheyoungerwoman，butneitherhadremovedhereyesfromtheotherforamoment。Theyhadremainedconfronteduntilnow，whenEdith，asawakeningfromadream，passedslowlyon。
`You\'reahandsomewoman，\'mutteredhershadow，lookingafterher；`butgoodlookswon\'tsaveus。Andyou\'reaproudwoman；butpridewon\'tsaveus。Wehadneedtoknoweachotherwhenwemeetagain！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter41[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLINewVoicesintheWavesALLisgoingonasitwaswont。Thewavesarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery；thedustliespiledupontheshore；thesea-birdssoarandhover；thewindsandcloudsgoforthupontheirtracklessflight；thewhitearmsbeckon，inthemoonlighttotheinvisiblecountryfaraway。
Withatendermelancholypleasure，Florencefindsherselfagainontheoldgroundsosadlytrodden，yetsohappily，andthinksofhiminthequietplace，whereheandshehavemanyandmanyatimeconversedtogether，withthewaterwellingupabouthiscouch。Andnow，asshesitspensivethere，shehearsinthewildlowmurmurofthesea，hislittlestorytoldagain，hisverywordsrepeated；andfindsthatallherlifeandhopes，andgriefs，since——inthesolitaryhouse，andinthepageantithaschangedto——haveaportionintheburdenofthemarvelloussong。
AndgentleMr。Toots，whowandersatadistance，lookingwistfullytowardsthefigurethathedotesupon，andhasfollowedthere，butcannotinhisdelicacydisturbatsuchatime，likewisehearstherequiemoflittleDombeyonthewaters，risingandfallinginthelullsoftheireternalmadrigalinpraiseofFlorence。Yes！andhefaintlyunderstands，poorMr。
Toots，thattheyaresayingsomethingofatimewhenhewassensibleofbeingbrighterandnotaddle-brained；andthetearsrisinginhiseyeswhenhefearsthatheisdullandstupidnow，andgoodforlittlebuttobelaughedat，diminishhissatisfactionintheirsoothingreminderthatheisrelievedfrompresentresponsibilitytotheChicken，bytheabsenceofthatgameheadofpoultryinthecountry，trainingatToots\'scost
forhisgreatmillwiththeLarkeyBoy。
ButMr。Tootstakescourage，whentheywhisperakindthoughttohim；andbyslowdegreesandwithmanyindecisivestoppagesontheway，approachesFlorence。Stammeringandblushing，Mr。Tootsaffectsamazementwhenhecomesnearher，andsayshavingfollowedcloseonthecarriageinwhichshetravelled，everyinchofthewayfromLondon，lovingeventobechokedbythedustofitswheelsthatheneverwassosurprisedinallhislife。
`Andyou\'vebroughtDiogenes，too，MissDombey！\'saysMr。Toots，thrilledthroughandthroughbythetouchofthesmallhandsopleasantlyandfranklygivenhim。
NodoubtDiogenesisthere，andnodoubtMr。Tootshasreasontoobservehim，forhecomesstraightwayatMr。Toots\'slegs，andtumblesoverhimselfinthedesperationwithwhichhemakesathim，likeaverydogofMontargis。Butheischeckedbyhissweetmistress。
`Down，Di，down。Don\'tyourememberwhofirstmadeusfriends，Di？Forshame！\'
Oh！WellmayDilayhislovingcheekagainstherhand，andrunoff，andrunback，andrunroundher，barking，andrunheadlongatanybodycomingby，toshowhisdevotion。Mr。Tootswouldrunheadlongatanybody，too。Amilitarygentlemangoespast，andMr。Tootswouldlikenothingbetterthantorunathim，fulltilt。
`Diogenesisquiteinhisnativeair，isn\'the，MissDombey？\'
saysMr。Toots。
Florenceassents，withagratefulsmile。
`MissDombey，\'saysMr。Toots，`begyourpardon，butifyouwouldliketowalktoBlimber\'s，I——I\'mgoingthere。\'
FlorenceputsherarminthatofMr。Tootswithoutaword，andtheywalkawaytogether，withDiogenesgoingonbefore。Mr。Toots\'slegsshakeunderhim；andthoughheissplendidlydressed，hefeelsmisfits，andseeswrinkles，inthemasterpiecesofBurgessandCo。，andwisheshehadputonthatbrightestpairofboots。
DoctorBlimber\'shouse，outside，hasasscholasticandstudiousanairasever：andupthereisthewindowwheresheusedtolookforthepaleface，andwherethepalefacebrightenedwhenitsawher，andthewastedlittlehandwavedkissesasshepassed。Thedoorisopenedbythesameweakeyedyoungman，whoseimbecilityofgrinatsightofMr。Tootsisfeeblenessofcharacterpersonified。TheyareshownintotheDoctor\'sstudy，whereblindHomerandMinervagivethemaudienceasofyore，tothesobertickingofthegreatclockinthehall；andwheretheglobesstandstillintheiraccustomedplaces，asiftheworldwerestationarytoo，andnothinginiteverperishedinobediencetotheuniversallaw，that，whileitkeepsitontheroll，callseverythingtoearth。
AndhereisDoctorBlimber，withhislearnedlegs；andhereisMrs。Blimber，withhersky-bluecap；andhereisCornelia，withhersandylittlerowofcurls，andherbrightspectacles，stillworkinglikeasextoninthegravesoflanguages。Hereisthetableuponwhichhesatforlornandstrange，the`newboy\'oftheschool；andhithercomesthedistantcooingoftheoldboys，attheiroldlivesintheoldroomontheoldprinciple！
`Toots，\'saysDoctorBlimber，`Iamverygladtoseeyou，Toots。\'
Mr。Tootschucklesinreply。
`Alsotoseeyou，Toots，insuchgoodcompany，\'saysDoctorBlimber。
Mr。Toots，withascarletvisage，explainsthathehasmetMissDombeybyaccident，andthatMissDombeywishing，likehimself，toseetheoldplace，theyhavecometogether。
`Youwilllike，\'saysDoctorBlimber，`tostepamongouryoungfriends，MissDombey，nodoubt。Allfellow-studentsofyours，Toots，once。
Ithinkwehavenonewdisciplesinourlittleportico，mydear，\'saysDoctorBlimbertoCornelia，`sinceMr。Tootsleftus。\'
`ExceptBitherstone，\'returnsCornelia。
`Aye，truly，\'saystheDoctor。`BitherstoneisnewtoMr。Toots。\'
NewtoFlorence，too，almost；for，intheschoolroom，Bitherstone——nolongerMasterBitherstoneofMrs。Pipchin\'s——showsincollarsandaneckcloth，andwearsawatch。ButBitherstone，bornbeneathsomeBengalstarofill-omen，isextremelyinky；andhisLexiconhasgotsodropsicalfromconstantreference，thatitwon\'tshut，andyawnsasifitreallycouldnotbeartobesobothered。
SodoesBitherstoneitsmaster，forcedatDoctorBlimber\'shighestpressure；
butintheyawnofBitherstonethereismaliceandsnarl，andhehasbeenheardtosaythathewisheshecouldcatch`oldBlimber\'inIndia。He\'dprecioussoonfindhimselfcarriedupthecountrybyafewofhisBitherstone\'s
Coolies，andhandedovertotheThugs；hecantellhimthat。
Briggsisstillgrindinginthemillofknowledge；andTozer，too；andJohnson，too；andalltherest；theolderpupilsbeingprincipallyengagedinforgetting，withprodigiouslabour，everythingtheyknewwhentheywereyounger。Allareaspoliteandaspaleasever；andamongthem，Mr。Feeder，B。A。，withhisbonyhandandbristlyhead，isstillhardatit：withhisHerodotusstoponjustatpresent，andhisotherbarrelsonashelfbehindhim。
Amightysensationiscreated，evenamongthesegraveyounggentlemen，byavisitfromtheemancipatedToots；whoisregardedwithakindofawe，asonewhohaspassedtheRubicon，andispledgednevertocomeback，andconcerningthecutofwhoseclothes，andfashionofwhosejewellery，whispersgoabout，behindhands；thebiliousBitherstone，whoisnotofMr。Toots\'stime，affectingtodespisethelattertothesmallerboys，andsayingheknowsbetter，andthatheshouldliketoseehimcomingthatsortofthinginBengal，wherehismotherhasgotanemeraldbelongingtohimthatwastakenoutofthefootstoolofaRajah。Comenow！
BewilderingemotionsareawakenedalsobythesightofFlorence，withwhomeveryyounggentlemanimmediatelyfallsinlove，again：except，asaforesaid，thebiliousBitherstone，whodeclinestodoso，outofcontradiction。
BlackjealousiesofMr。Tootsarise，andBriggsisofopinionthathean\'tsoveryoldafterall。ButthisdisparaginginsinuationisspeedilymadenoughtbyMr。TootssayingaloudtoMr。Feeder，B。A。，`Howareyou，Feeder？\'
andaskinghimtocomeanddinewithhimto-dayattheBedford；inrightofwhichfeatshemightsetupasOldParr，ifhechose，unquestioned。
Thereismuchshakingofhands，andmuchbowing，andagreatdesireonthepartofeachyounggentlemantotakeTootsdowninMissDombey\'sgoodgraces；andthen，Mr。Tootshavingbestowedachuckleonhisolddesk，FlorenceandhewithdrawwithMrs。BlimberandCornelia；andDoctorBlimberisheardtoobservebehindthemashecomesoutlast，andshutsthedoor，`Gentlemen，wewillnowresumeourstudies。\'ForthatandlittleelseiswhattheDoctorhearstheseasay，orhashearditsayingallhislife。
FlorencethenstealsawayandgoesupstairstotheoldbedroomwithMrs。BlimberandCornelia；Mr。Toots，whofeelsthatneitherhenoranybodyelseiswantedthere，standstalkingtotheDoctoratthestudy-door，orratherhearingtheDoctortalktohim，andwonderinghowheeverthoughtthestudyagreatsanctuary，andtheDoctor，withhisroundturnedlegs，likeaclericalpianoforte，anawfulman。Florencesooncomesdownandtakesleave；Mr。Tootstakesleave；andDiogenes，whohasbeenworryingtheweak-eyedyoungmanpitilesslyallthetime，shootsoutatthedoor，andbarksagladdefiancedownthecliff；while\'Melia，andanotheroftheDoctor\'sfemaledomestics，lookoutofanupperwindow，laughing`atthatthereToots，\'andsayingofMissDombey，`Butreallythough，now——ain\'tshelikeherbrother，onlyprettier？\'
Mr。Toots，whosawwhenFlorencecamedownthatthereweretearsuponherface，isdesperatelyanxiousanduneasy，andatfirstfearsthathedidwronginproposingthevisit。Butheissoonrelievedbyhersayingsheisverygladtohavebeenthereagain，andbyhertalkingquitecheerfullyaboutitall，astheywalkedonbythesea。Whatwiththevoicesthere，andhersweetvoice，whentheycomenearMr。Dombey\'shouse，andMr。Tootsmustleaveher，heissoenslavedthathehasnotascarpoffree-willleft；whenshegiveshimherhandatparting，hecannotletitgo。
`MissDombey，Ibegyourpardon，\'saysMr。Toots，inasadfluster，`butifyouwouldallowmeto——to——\'
ThesmilingandunconsciouslookofFlorencebringshimtoadeadstop。
`Ifyouwouldallowmeto——ifyouwouldnotconsideritaliberty，MissDombey，ifIwasto——withoutanyencouragementatall，ifIwastohope，youknow，\'saysMr。Toots。
Florencelooksathiminquiringly。
`MissDombey，\'saysMr。Toots，whofeelsthatheisinforitnow，`IreallyaminthatstateofadorationofyouthatIdon\'tknowwhattodowithmyself。Iamthemostdeplorablewretch。Ifitwasn\'tatthecorneroftheSquareatpresent，Ishouldgodownonmyknees，andbegandentreatofyou，withoutanyencouragementatall，justtoletmehopethatImay——maythinkitpossiblethatyou——\'
`Oh，ifyouplease，don\'t！\'criesFlorence，forthemomentquitealarmedanddistressed。`Oh，praydon\'t，Mr。Toots。Stop，ifyouplease。
Don\'tsayanymore。Asakindnessandafavourtome，don\'t。\'
Mr。Tootsisdreadfullyabashed，andhismouthopens。
`Youhavebeensogoodtome，\'sayFlorence，`Iamsogratefultoyou，Ihavesuchreasontolikeyouforbeingakindfriendtome，andIdolikeyousomuch：\'andheretheingenuousfacesmilesuponhimwiththepleasantestlookofhonestyintheworld；`thatIamsureyouareonlygoingtosaygood-bye。！\'
`Certainly，MissDombey，\'saysMr。Toots，`I——I——that\'sexactlywhatImean。It\'sofnoconsequence。\'
`Good-bye！\'criesFlorence。
`Good-bye，MissDombey！\'stammersMr。Toots。`Ihopeyouwon\'tthinkanythingaboutit。It\'s——it\'sofnoconsequence，thankyou。It\'snotoftheleastconsequenceintheworld。\'
PoorMr。TootsgoeshometohisHotelinastateofdesperation，lockshimselfintohisbedroom，flingshimselfuponhisbed，andliesthereforalongtime；asifitwereofthegreatestconsequence，nevertheless。
ButMr。Feeder，B。A。，iscomingtodinner，whichhappenswellforMr。Toots，orthereisnoknowingwhenhemightgetupagain。Mr。Tootsisobligedtogetuptoreceivehim，andtogivehimhospitableentertainment。
Andthegenerousinfluenceofthatsocialvirtue，hospitalitytomakenomentionofwineandgoodcheer，opensMr。Toots\'sheart，andwarmshimtoconversation。HedoesnottellMr。Feeder，B。A。，whatpassedatthecorneroftheSquare；butwhenMr。Feederaskshim`Whenitistocomeoff？\'Mr。Tootsreplies，`thattherearecertainsubjects\'——whichbringsMr。Feederdownapegortwoimmediately。Mr。Tootsadds，thathedon\'tknowwhatrightBlimberhadtonoticehisbeinginMissDombey\'scompany，andthatifhethoughthemeantimpudencebyit，he\'dhavehimout，DoctorornoDoctor；buthesupposesit\'sonlyhisignorance。Mr。
Feedersayshehasnodoubtofit。
Mr。Feeder，however，asanintimatefriend，isnotexcludedfromthesubject。Mr。Tootsmerelyrequiresthatitshouldbementionedmysteriously，andwithfeeling。Afterafewglassesofwine，hegivesMissDombey\'shealth，observing，`Feeder，youhavenoideaofthesentimentswithwhichIproposethattoast。\'Mr。Feederreplies，`Oh，yes，Ihave，mydearToots；andgreatlytheyredoundtoyourhonour，oldboy。\'Mr。Feederisthenagitatedbyfriendship，andshakeshands；andsays，ifeverTootswantsabrother，heknowswheretofindhim，eitherbypostorparcel。Mr。Feederlikewisesays，thatifhemayadvise，hewouldrecommendMr。Tootstolearntheguitar，or，atleasttheflute；forwomenlikemusic，whenyouarepayingyouraddressesto\'em，andhehasfoundtheadvantageofithimself。
ThisbringsMr。Feeder，B。A。，totheconfessionthathehashiseyeuponCorneliaBlimber。HeinformsMr。Tootsthathedon\'tobjecttospectacles，andthatiftheDoctorweretodothehandsomethingandgiveupthebusiness，why，theretheyare——providedfor。Hesaysit\'shisopinionthatwhenamanhasmadeahandsomesumbyhisbusiness，heisboundtogiveitup；andthatCorneliawouldbeanassistanceinitwhichanymanmightbeproudof。Mr。TootsrepliesbylaunchingwildlyoutintoMissDombey\'spraises，andbyinsinuationsthatsometimeshethinksheshouldliketoblowhisbrainsout。Mr。Feederstronglyurgesthatitwouldbearashattempt，andshowshim，asareconcilementtoexistence，Cornelia\'sportrait，spectaclesandall。
Thusthesequietspiritspasstheevening；andwhenithasyieldedplacetonight，Mr。TootswalkshomewithMr。Feeder，andpartswithhimatDoctorBlimber\'sdoor。ButMr。Feederonlygoesupthesteps，andwhenMr。Tootsisgone，comesdownagain，tostrolluponthebeachalone，andthinkabouthisprospects。Mr。Feederplainlyhearsthewavesinforminghim，asheloitersalong，thatDoctorBlimberwillgiveupthebusiness；
andhefeelsasoftromanticpleasureinlookingattheoutsideofthehouse，andthinkingthattheDoctorwillfirstpaintit，andputitintothoroughrepair。
Mr。Tootsislikewiseroamingupanddown，outsidethecasketthatcontainshisjewel；andinadeplorableconditionofmind，andnotunsuspectedbythepolice，gazesatawindowwhereheseesalight，andwhichhehasnodoubtisFlorence\'s。Butitisnot，forthatisMrs。Skewton\'sroom；andwhileFlorence，sleepinginanotherchamber，dreamslovingly，inthemidstoftheoldscenes，andtheiroldassociationsliveagain，thefigurewhichingrimrealityissubstitutedforthepatientboy\'sonthesametheatre，oncemoretoconnectit——buthowdifferently！——withdecayanddeath，isstretchedthere，wakefulandcomplaining。Uglyandhaggarditliesuponitsbedofunrest；andbyit，intheterrorofherunimpassionedloveliness——forithasterrorinthesufferer\'sfailingeyes——sitsEdith。Whatdothewavessay，inthestillnessofthenight，tothem？
`Edith，whatisthatstonearmraisedtostrikeme？Don\'tyouseeit？\'
`Thereisnothing，mother，butyourfancy。\'
`Butmyfancy！Everythingismyfancy。Look！Isitpossiblethatyoudon\'tseeit？\'
`Indeed，mother，thereisnothing。ShouldIsitunmoved，iftherewereanysuchthingthere？\'
`Unmoved？\'lookingwildlyather——`it\'sgonenow——andwhyareyousounmoved？Thatisnotmyfancy，Edith。Itturnsmecoldtoseeyousittingatmyside。\'
`Iamsorry，mother。\'
`Sorry！Youseemalwayssorry。Butitisnotforme！\'
Withthat，shecries；andtossingherrestlessheadfromsidetosideuponherpillow，runsonaboutneglect，andthemothershehasbeen，andthemotherthegoodoldcreaturewas，whomtheymet，andthecoldreturnthedaughtersofsuchmothersmake。Inthemidstofherincoherence，shestops，looksatherdaughter，criesoutthatherwitsaregoing，andhidesherfaceuponthebed。
Edith，incompassion，bendsoverherandspeakstoher。Thesickoldwomanclutchesherroundtheneck，andsays，withalookofhorror，`Edith！wearegoinghomesoon；goingback。YoumeanthatIshallgohomeagain？\'
`Yes，mother，yes。\'
`Andwhathesaid——what\'s-his-name，Inevercouldremembernames——Major——thatdreadfulword，whenwecameaway——it\'snottrue？Edith！\'withashriekandastare，`it\'snotthatthatisthematterwithme。\'
Nightafternight，thelightsburninthewindow，andthefigureliesuponthebed，andEdithsitsbesideit，andtherestlesswavesarecallingtothemboththewholenightlong。Nightafternight，thewavesarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery；thedustliespiledupontheshore；thesea-birdssoarandhover；thewindsandcloudsareontheirtracklessflight；thewhitearmsbeckon，inthemoonlight，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway。
Andstillthesickoldwomanlooksintothecorner，wherethestonearm——partofafigureofsometomb，shesays——israisedtostrikeher。Atlastitfalls；andthenadumboldwomanliesuponthebed，andsheiscrookedandshrunkup，andhalfofherisdead。
Suchisthefigure，paintedandpatchedforthesuntomock，thatisdrawnslowlythroughthecrowdfromdaytoday；looking，asitgoes，forthegoodoldcreaturewhowassuchamother，andmakingmouthsasitpeersamongthecrowdinvain。Suchisthefigurethatisoftenwheeleddowntothemarginofthesea，andstationedthere；butonwhichnowindcanblowfreshness，andforwhichthemurmuroftheoceanhasnosoothingword。Sheliesandlistenstoitbythehour；butitsspeechisdarkandgloomytoher，andadreadisonherface，andwhenhereyeswanderovertheexpanse，theyseebutabroadstretchofdesolationbetweenearthandheaven。
Florencesheseldomsees，andwhenshedoes，isangrywithandmowsat。Edithisbesideheralways，andkeepsFlorenceaway；andFlorence，inherbedatnight，tremblesatthethoughtofdeathinsuchashape，andoftenwakesandlistens，thinkingithascome。NooneattendsonherbutEdith。Itisbetterthatfeweyesshouldseeher；andherdaughterwatchesalonebythebedside。
Ashadowevenonthatshadowedface，asharpeningevenofthesharpenedfeatures，andathickeningoftheveilbeforetheeyesintoapallthatshutsoutthedimworld，iscome。Herwanderinghandsuponthecoverletjoinfeeblypalmtopalm，andmovetowardsherdaughter；andavoicenotlikehers，notlikeanyvoicethatspeaksourmortallanguage——says，`ForInursedyou！\'
Edith，withoutatear，kneelsdowntobringhervoiceclosertothesinkinghead，andanswers：
`Mother，canyouhearme？\'
Staringwide，shetriestonodinanswer。
`CanyourecollectthenightbeforeImarried？\'
Theheadismotionless，butitexpressessomehowthatshedoes。
`ItoldyouthenIforgaveyourpartinit，andprayedGodtoforgivemyown。Itoldyouthatthepastwasatanendbetweenus。Isaysonow，again。Kissme，mother。\'
Edithtouchesthewhitelips，andforamomentallisstill。A
momentafterwards，hermother，withhergirlishlaugh，andtheskeletonoftheCleopatramanner，risesinherbed。
Drawtherose-colouredcurtains。Thereissomethingelseuponitsflightbesidesthewindandclouds。Drawtherosecolouredcurtainsclose！
IntelligenceoftheeventissenttoMr。Dombeyintown，whowaitsuponCousinFeenixnotyetabletomakeuphismindforBaden-Baden，whohasjustreceivedittoo。AgoodnaturedcreaturelikeCousinFeenixistheverymanforamarriageorafuneral，andhispositioninthefamilyrendersitrightthatheshouldbeconsulted。
`Dombey，\'saidCousinFeenix，`uponmysoul，Iamverymuchshockedtoseeyouonsuchamelancholyoccasion。Mypooraunt！Shewasadevilishlivelywoman。\'
Mr。Dombeyreplies，`Verymuchso。\'
`Andmadeup，\'saysCousinFeenix，`reallyyoung，youknow，considering。
Iamsure，onthedayofyourmarriage，Ithoughtshewasgoodforanothertwentyyears。Inpointoffact，IsaidsotoamanatBrook\'s——littleBillyJoper——youknowhim，nodoubt——manwithaglassinhiseye？\'
Mr。Dombeybowsanegative。`Inreferencetotheobsequies，\'hehints，`whetherthereisanysuggestion\'
`Well，uponmylife，\'saysCousinFeenix，strokinghischin，whichhehasjustenoughofhandbelowhiswristbandstodo；`Ireallydon\'tknow。There\'saMausoleumdownatmyplace，inthepark，butI\'mafraidit\'sinbadrepair，and，inpointoffact，inadevilofastate。Butforbeingalittleoutatelbows，Ishouldhavehaditputtorights；butI
believethepeoplecomeandmakepic-nicpartiesthereinsidetheironrailings。\'
Mr。Dombeyisclearthatthiswon\'tdo。
`There\'sanuncommongoodchurchinthevillage，\'saysCousinFeenix，thoughtfully；`purespecimenoftheAngloNormanstyle，andadmirablywellsketchedtoobyLadyJaneFinchbury——womanwithtightstays——butthey\'vespoiltitwithwhitewash，Iunderstand，andit\'salongjourney。\'
`PerhapsBrightonitself，\'Mr。Dombeysuggests。
`Uponmyhonour，Dombey，Idon\'tthinkwecoulddobetter，\'saysCousinFeenix。`It\'sonthespot，yousee，andaverycheerfulplace。\'
`Andwhen，\'hintsMr。Dombey，`woulditbeconvenient？\'
`Ishallmakeapoint，\'saysCousinFeenix，`ofpledgingmyselfforanydayyouthinkbest。Ishallhavegreatpleasuremelancholypleasure，ofcourseinfollowingmypooraunttotheconfinesoftheinpointoffact，tothegrave，\'saysCousinFeenix，failingintheotherturnofspeech。
`WouldMondaydoforleavingtown？\'saysMr。Dombey。
`Mondaywouldsuitmetoperfection，\'repliesCousinFeenix。ThereforeMr。DombeyarrangestotakeCousinFeenixdownonthatday，andpresentlytakeshisleave，attendedtothestairsbyCousinFeenix，whosays，atparting，`I\'mreallyexcessivelysorry，Dombey，thatyoushouldhavesomuchtroubleaboutit；\'towhichMr。Dombeyanswers，`Notatall。\'
Attheappointedtime，CousinFeenixandMr。Dombeymeet，andgodowntoBrighton，andrepresenting，intheirtwoselves，alltheothermournersforthedeceasedlady\'sloss，attendherremainstotheirplaceofrest。CousinFeenix，sittinginthemourning-coach，recognisesinnumerableacquaintancesontheroad，buttakesnoothernoticeofthem，indecorum，thancheckingthemoffaloud，astheygoby，forMr。Dombey\'sinformation，as`TomJohnson。ManwithcorklegfromWhite\'s。What，areyouhere，Tommy？Foleyonabloodmare。TheSmaldergirls\'——andsoforth。AttheceremonyCousinFeenixisdepressed，observing，thatthesearetheoccasionstomakeamanthink，inpointoffact，thatheisgettingshaky；andhiseyesarereallymoistened，whenitisover。Buthesoonrecovers；andsodotherestofMrs。Skewton\'srelativesandfriends，ofwhomtheMajorcontinuallytellstheclubthatsheneverdidwrapupenough；whiletheyoungladywiththeback，whohassomuchtroublewithhereyelids，says，withalittlescream，thatshemusthavebeenenormouslyold，andthatshediedofallkindsofhorrors，andyoumustn\'tmentionit。
SoEdith\'smotherliesunmentionedofherdearfriends，whoaredeaftothewavesthatarehoarsewithrepetitionoftheirmystery，andblindtothedustthatispiledupontheshore，andtothewhitearmsthatarebeckoning，inthemoonlight，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway。Butallgoeson，asitwaswont，uponthemarginoftheunknownsea；andedithstandingtherealone，andlisteningtoitswaves，hasdankweedcastupatherfeet，tostrewherpathinlifewithal。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter42[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIIConfidentialandAccidentalATTIREDonmoreinCaptainCuttle\'ssableandslopssou\'westerhat，butdressedinasubstantialsuitofbrownlivery，which，whileitaffectedtobeaverysoberanddemureliveryindeed，wasreallyasself-satisfiedandconfidentaoneastailorneeddesiretomake，RobtheGrinder，thustransformedastohisouterman，andallregardlesswithinoftheCaptainandtheMidshipman，exceptwhenhedevotedafewminutesofhisleisuretimetocrowingoverthoseinseparableworthies，andrecalling，withmuchapplaudingmusicfromthatbrazeninstrument，hisconscience，thetriumphantmannerinwhichhehaddisembarrassedhimselfoftheircompany，nowservedhispatron，Mr。Carker。InmateofMr。Carker\'shouse，andservingabouthisperson，Robkepthisroundeyesonthewhiteteethwithfearandtrembling，andfeltthathehadneedtoopenthemwiderthanever。
Hecouldnothavequakedmore，throughhiswholebeing，beforetheteeth，thoughhehadcomeintotheserviceofsomepowerfulenchanter，andtheyhadbeenhisstrongestspell。Theboyhadasenseofpowerandauthorityinthispatronofhisthatengrossedhiswholeattentionandexactedhismostimplicitsubmissionandobedience。Hehardlyconsideredhimselfsafeinthinkingabouthimwhenhewasabsent，lestheshouldfeelhimselfimmediatelytakenbythethroatagain，asonthemorningwhenhefirstbecameboundtohim，andshouldseeeveryoneoftheteethfindinghimout，andtakinghimwitheveryfancyofhismind。Facetofacewithhim，RobhadnomoredoubtthatMr。Carkerreadhissecretthoughts，orthathecouldreadthembytheleastexertionofhiswillifheweresoinclined，thanhehadthatMr。Carkersawhimwhenhelookedathim。Theascendancywassocomplete，andheldhiminsuchenthralment，that，hardlydaringtothinkatall，butwithhismindfilledwithaconstantlydilatingimpressionofhispatron\'sirresistiblecommandoverhim，andpowerofdoinganythingwithhim，hewouldstandwatchinghispleasure，andtryingtoanticipatehisorders，inastateofmentalsuspension，astoallotherthings。
Robhadnotinformedhimselfperhaps——inhisthenstateofminditwouldhavebeenanactofnocommontemeritytoinquire——whetherheyieldedsocompletelytothisinfluenceinanypart，becausehehadfloatingsuspicionsofhispatron\'sbeingamasterofcertaintreacherousartsinwhichhehadhimselfbeenapoorscholarattheGrinders\'School。ButcertainlyRobadmiredhim，aswellasfearedhim。Mr。Carker，perhaps，wasbetteracquaintedwiththesourcesofhispower，whichlostnothingbyhismanagementofit。
OntheverynightwhenhelefttheCaptain\'sservice，Rob，afterdisposingofhispigeons，andevenmakingabadbargaininhishurry，hadgonestraightdowntoMr。Carker\'shouse，andhotlypresentedhimselfbeforehisnewmasterwithaglowingfacethatseemedtoexpectcommendation。
`What，scapegrace！\'saidMr。Carker，glancingathisbundle。`Haveyouleftyoursituationandcometome？\'
`Ohifyouplease，Sir，\'falteredRob，`yousaid，youknow，whenIcomeherelast——\'
`Isaid，\'returnedMr。Carker，`whatdidIsay？\'
`Ifyouplease，Sir，youdidn\'tsaynothingatall，Sir，\'returnedRob，warnedbythemannerofthisinquiry，andverymuchdisconcerted。
Hispatronlookedathimwithawidedisplayofgums，andshakinghisforefinger，observed：
`You\'llcometoanevilend，myvagabondfriend，Iforesee。There\'sruininstoreforyou。\'
`Ohifyouplease，don\'t，Sir！\'criedRob，withhislegstremblingunderhim。`I\'msure，Sir，Ionlywanttoworkforyou，Sir，andtowaituponyou，Sir，andtodofaithfulwhateverI\'mbidSir。\'
`Youhadbetterdofaithfullywhateveryouarebid，\'returnedhispatron，`ifyouhaveanythingtodowithme。\'
`Yes，Iknowthat，Sir，\'pleadedthesubmissiveRob；`I\'msureofthat，Sir。Ifyou\'llonlybesogoodastryme，Sir！Andifeveryoufindmeout，Sir，doinganythingagainstyourwishes，Igiveyouleavetokillme。\'
`Youdog！\'saidMr。Carker，leaningbackinhischair，andsmilingathimserenely。`That\'snothingtowhatI\'ddotoyouifyoutriedtodeceiveme。\'
`Yes，Sir，\'repliedtheabjectGrinder，`I\'msureyouwouldbedownuponmedreadful，Sir。Iwouldn\'tattemptfortogoanddoit，Sir，notifIwasbribedwithgoldenguineas。\'
Thoroughlycheckedinhisexpectationsofcommendation，thecrestfallenGrinderstoodlookingathispatron，andvainlyendeavouringnottolookathim，withtheuneasinesswhichacurwilloftenmanifestinasimilarsituation。
`Soyouhaveleftyouroldservice，andcomeheretoaskmetotakeyouintomine，eh？\'saidMr。Carker。
`Yes，ifyouplease，Sir，\'returnedRob，who，indoingso，hadactedonhispatron\'sowninstructions，butdarednotjustifyhimselfbytheleastinsinuationtothateffect。
`Well！\'saidMr。Carker，`Youknowme，boy？\'
`Please，Sir，yes，Sir，\'returnedRob，fumblingwithhishat，andstillfixedbyMr。Carker\'seye，andfruitlesslyendeavouringtounfixhimself。
Mr。Carkernodded。`Takecare，then！\'
Robexpressedinanumberofshortbowshislivelyunderstandingofthiscaution，andwasbowinghimselfbacktothedoor，greatlyrelievedbytheprospectofgettingontheoutsideofit，whenhispatronstoppedhim。
`Halloa！\'hecried，callinghimroughlyback。`Youhavebeen——shutthatdoor。\'
Robobeyedasifhislifehaddependedonhisalacrity。
`Youhavebeenusedtoeaves-dropping。Doyouknowwhatthatmeans？\'
`Listening，Sir？\'Robhazarded，aftersomeembarrassedreflection。
Hispatronnodded。`Andwatching，andsoforth。\'
`Iwouldn\'tdosuchathinghere，Sir，\'answeredRob；`uponmywordandhonour，Iwouldn\'t，Sir，IwishImaydieifIwould，Sir，foranythingthatcouldbepromisedtome。Ishouldconsideritisasmuchasalltheworldwasworth，tooffertodosuchathing，unlessIwasordered，Sir。\'
`Youhadbetternot。Youhavebeenused，too，tobabblingandtattling，\'saidhispatronwithperfectcoolness。`Bewareofthathere，oryou\'realostrascal，\'andhesmiledagain，andagaincautionedhimwithhisforefinger。
TheGrinder\'sbreathcameshortandthickwithconsternation。
Hetriedtoprotestthepurityofhisintentions，butcouldonlystareatthesmilinggentlemaninastuporofsubmission，withwhichthesmilinggentlemanseemedwellenoughsatisfied，forheorderedhimdownstairs，afterobservinghimforsomemomentsinsilence，andgavehimtounderstandthathewasretainedinhisemployment。
ThiswasthemannerofRobtheGrinder\'sengagementbyMr。Carker，andhisawe-strickendevotiontothatgentlemanhadstrengthenedandincreased，ifpossible，witheveryminuteofhisservice。
Itwasaserviceofsomemonths\'duration，whenearlyonemorning，RobopenedthegardengatetoMr。Dombey，whowascometobreakfastwithhismaster，byappointment。Atthesamemomenthismasterhimselfcame，hurryingforthtoreceivethedistinguishedguest，andgivehimwelcomewithallhisteeth。
`Ineverthought，\'saidCarker，whenhehadassistedhimtoalightfromhishorse，`toseeyouhere，I\'msure。Thisisanextraordinarydayinmycalendar。Nooccasionisveryspecialtoamanlikeyou，whomaydoanything；buttoamanlikeme，thecaseiswidelydifferent。\'
`Youhaveatastefulplacehere，Carker\'ssaidMr。Dombey，condescendingtostopuponthelawn，tolookabouthim。
`Youcanaffordtosayso，\'returnedCarker。`Thankyou。\'
`Indeed，\'saidMr。Dombey，inhisloftypatronage，`anyonemightsayso。Asfarasitgoes，itisaverycommodiousandwell-arrangedplace——quiteelegant。\'
`Asfarasitgoes，truly，\'returnedCarker，withanairofdisparagement。
`Itwantsthatqualification。Well！wehavesaidenoughaboutit；andthoughyoucanaffordtopraiseit，Ithankyounonetheless。Willyouwalkin？\'
Mr。Dombey，enteringthehouse，noticed，ashehadreasontodo，thecompletearrangementoftherooms，andthenumerouscontrivancesforcomfortandeffectthataboundedthere。Mr。Carker，inhisostentationofhumility，receivedthisnoticewithadeferentialsmile，andsaidheunderstooditsdelicatemeaning，andappreciatedit，butintruththecottagewasgoodenoughforoneinhisposition——better，perhaps，thansuchamanshouldoccupy，poorasitwas。
`Butperhapstoyou，whoaresofarremoved，itreallydoeslookbetterthanitis，\'hesaid，withhisfalsemouthdistendedtoitsfulleststretch。`Justasmonarchsimagineattractionsinthelivesofbeggars。\'
HedirectedasharpglanceandasharpsmileatMr。Dombeyashespoke，andasharperglance，andasharpersmileyet，whenMr。Dombey，drawinghimselfupbeforethefire，intheattitudesooftencopiedbyhissecondincommand，lookedroundatthepicturesonthewalls。Cursorilyashiscoldeyewanderedoverthem，Carker\'skeenglanceaccompaniedhis，andkeptpacewithhis，markingexactlywhereitwent，andwhatitsaw。
Asitrestedononepictureinparticular，Carkerhardlyseemedtobreathe，hissidelongscrutinywassocatlikeandvigilant，buttheeyeofhisgreatchiefpassedfromthat，asfromtheothers，andappearednomoreimpressedbyitthanbytherest。
Carkerlookedatit——itwasthepicturethatresembledEdith——asifitwerealivingthing；andwithawicked，silentlaughuponhisface，thatseemedinpartaddressedtoit，thoughitwasallderisiveofthegreatmanstandingsounconsciousbesidehim。Breakfastwassoonsetuponthetable：and，invitingMr。Dombeytoachairwhichhaditsbacktowardsthispicture，hetookhisownseatoppositetoitasusual。
Mr。Dombeywasevengraverthanitwashiscustomtobe，andquitesilent。Theparrot，swinginginthegildedhoopwithinhergaudycage，attemptedinvaintoattractnotice，forCarkerwastooobservantofhisvisitortoheedher；andthevisitor，abstractedinmeditation，lookedfixedly，nottosaysullenly，overhisstiffneckcloth，withoutraisinghiseyesfromthetable-cloth。AstoRob，whowasinattendance，allhisfacultiesandenergiesweresolockedupinobservationofhismaster，thathescarcelyventuredtogivesheltertothethoughtthatthevisitorwasthegreatgentlemanbeforewhomhehadbeencarriedasacertificateofthefamilyhealth，inhischildhood，andtowhomhehadbeenindebtedforhisleathersmalls。
`Allowme，\'saidCarkersuddenly，`toaskhowMrs。Dombeyis？\'
Heleanedforwardobsequiously，ashemadetheinquiry，withhischinrestingonhishand；andatthesametimehiseyeswentuptothepicture，asifhesaidtoit，`Now，see，howIwillleadhimon！\'
Mr。Dombeyreddenedasheanswered：
`Mrs。Dombeyisquitewell。Youremindme，Carker，ofsomeconversationthatIwishtohavewithyou。\'
`Robin，youcanleaveus，\'saidhismaster，atwhosemildtonesRobinstartedanddisappeared，withhiseyesfixedonhispatrontothelast。`Youdon\'trememberthatboy，ofcourse？\'headded，whentheimmeshedGrinderwasgone。
`No，\'saidMr。Dombey，withmagnificentindifference。
`Notlikelythatamanlikeyouwould。Hardlypossible，\'murmuredCarker。`Butheisoneofthatfamilyfromwhomyoutookanurse。Perhapsyoumayrememberhavinggenerouslychargedyourselfwithhiseducation？\'
`Isitthatboy？\'saidMr。Dombey，withafrown。`Hedoeslittlecredittohiseducation，Ibelieve。\'
`Why，heisayoungrip，Iamafraid，\'returnedCarker，withashrug。`Hebearsthatcharacter。Butthetruthis，Itookhimintomyservicebecause，beingabletogetnootheremployment，heconceivedhadbeentaughtathome，Idaresaythathehadsomesortofclaimuponyou，andwasconstantlytryingtodogyourheelswithhispetition。Andalthoughmydefinedandrecognisedconnexionwithyouraffairsismerelyofabusinesscharacter，stillIhavethatspontaneousinterestineverythingbelongingtoyou，that——\'
Hestoppedagain，asiftodiscoverwhetherhehadledMr。Dombeyfarenoughyet。Andagain，withhischinrestingonhishand，heleeredatthepicture。
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，`Iamsensiblethatyoudonotlimityour——\'
`Service，\'suggestedhissmilingentertainer。
`No；Iprefertosayyourregard，\'observedMr。Dombey；verysensible，ashesaidso，thathewaspayinghimahandsomeandflatteringcompliment，`toourmerebusinessrelations。Yourconsiderationformyfeelings，hopesanddisappointments，inthelittleinstanceyouhavejustnowmentioned，isanexampleinpoint。Iamobligedtoyou，Carker。\'
Mr。Carkerbenthisheadslowly，andverysoftlyrubbedhishands，asifhewereafraidbyanyactiontodisturbthecurrentofMr。Dombey\'sconfidence。
`Yourallusiontoitisopportune，\'saidMr。Dombey，afteralittlehesitation；`foritpreparesthewaytowhatIwasbeginningtosaytoyou，andremindsmethatthatinvolvesnoabsolutelynewrelationsbetweenus，althoughitmayinvolvemorepersonalconfidenceonmypartthanI
havehitherto——\'
`Distinguishedmewith，\'suggestedCarker，bendinghisheadagain：
`IwillnotsaytoyouhowhonouredIam；foramanlikeyouwellknowshowmuchhonourhehasinhispowertobestowatpleasure。\'
`Mrs。Dombeyandmyself，\'saidMr。Dombey，passingthiscomplimentwithaugustself-denial，`arenotquiteagreeduponsomepoints。Wedonotappeartounderstandeachotheryet。Mrs。Dombeyhassomethingtolearn。\'
`Mrs。Dombeyisdistinguishedbymanyrareattractions；andhasbeenaccustomed，nodoubt，toreceivemuchadulation，\'saidthesmooth，sleekwatcherofhisslightestlookandtone。`Butwherethereisaffection，duty，andrespect，anylittlemistakesengenderedbysuchcausesaresoonsetright。\'
Mr。Dombey\'sthoughtsinstinctivelyflewbacktothefacethathadlookedathiminhiswife\'sdressing-room，whenanimperioushandwasstretchedtowardsthedoor；andrememberingtheaffection，duty，andrespect，expressedinit，hefeltthebloodrushtohisownfacequiteasplainlyasthewatchfuleyesuponhimsawitthere。
`Mrs。Dombeyandmyself，\'hewentontosay，`hadsomediscussion，beforeMrs。Skewton\'sdeath，uponthecauseofmydissatisfaction；ofwhichyouwillhaveformedageneralunderstandingfromhavingbeenawitnessofwhatpassedbetweenMrs。Dombeyandmyselfontheeveningwhenyouwereatour——atmyhouse。\'
`WhenIsomuchregrettedbeingpresent，\'saidthesmilingCarker。
`Proudasamaninmypositionnecessarilymustbeofyourfamiliarnotice——thoughIgiveyounocreditforit；youmaydoanythingyoupleasewithoutlosingcaste-andhonouredasIwasbyanearlypresentationtoMrs。Dombey，beforeshewasmadeeminentbybearingyourname，Ialmostregrettedthatnight，Iassureyou，thatIhadbeentheobjectofsuchespecialgoodfortune。\'
Thatanymancould，underanypossiblecircumstances，regretthebeingdistinguishedbyhiscondescensionandpatronage，wasamoralphenomenonwhichMr。Dombeycouldnotcomprehend。Hethereforeresponded，withaconsiderableaccessionofdignity。`Indeed！Andwhy，Carker？\'
`Ifear，\'returnedtheconfidentialagent，`thatMrs。Dombey，neververymuchdisposedtoregardmewithfavourableinterest——oneinmypositioncouldnotexpectthat，fromaladynaturallyproud，andwhosepridebecomeshersowell——maynoteasilyforgivemyinnocentpartinthatconversation。Yourdispleasureisnolightmatter，youmustremember；andtobevisitedwithitbeforeathirdparty——\'
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，arrogantly；`IpresumethatIamthefirstconsideration？\'
`Oh！Cantherebeadoubtaboutit？\'repliedtheother，withtheimpatienceofamanadmittinganotoriousandincontrovertiblefact。
`Mrs。Dombeybecomesasecondaryconsideration，whenwearebothinquestion，Iimagine，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Isthatso？\'
`Isitso？\'returnedCarker。`Doyouknowbetterthananyone，thatyouhavenoneedtoask？\'
`ThenIhope，Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，`thatyourregretintheacquisitionofMrs。Dombey\'sdispleasure，maybealmostcounterbalancedbyyoursatisfactioninretainingmyconfidenceandgoodopinion。\'
`Ihavethemisfortune，Ifind，\'returnedCarker，`tohaveincurredthatdispleasure。Mrs。Dombeyhasexpressedittoyou？\'
`Mrs。Dombeyhasexpressedvariousopinions，\'saidMr。Dombey，withmajesticcoldnessandindifference，`inwhichIdonotparticipate，andwhichIamnotinclinedtodiscuss，ortorecall。ImadeMrs。Dombeyacquainted，sometimesince，asIhavealreadytoldyou，withcertainpointsofdomesticdeferenceandsubmissiononwhichIfeltitnecessarytoinsist。
IfailedtoconvinceMrs。Dombeyoftheexpediencyofherimmediatelyalteringherconductinthoserespects，withaviewtoherownpeaceandwelfare，andmydignity；andIinformedMrs。DombeythatifIshouldfinditnecessarytoobjectorremonstrateagain，Ishouldexpressmyopiniontoherthroughyourself，myconfidentialagent。\'
Blendedwiththelook，thatCarkerbentuponhim，wasadevilishlookatthepictureoverhishead，thatstruckuponitlikeaflashoflightning。
`Now，Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，`IdonothesitatetosaytoyouthatIwillcarrymypoint。Iamnottobetrifledwith。Mrs。Dombeymustunderstandthatmywillislaw，andthatIcannotallowofoneexceptiontothewholeruleofmylife。Youwillhavethegoodnesstoundertakethischarge，which，comingfromme，isnotunacceptabletoyou，Ihope，whateverregretyoumaypolitelyprofess——forwhichIamobligedtoyouonbehalfofMrs。Dombey；andyouwillhavethegoodness，Iampersuaded，todischargeitasexactlyasanyothercommission。\'
`Youknow，\'saidMr。Carker，`thatyouhaveonlytocommandme。\'
`Iknow，\'saidMr。Dombey，withamajesticindicationofassent，`thatIhaveonlytocommandyou。ItisnecessarythatIshouldproceedinthis。Mrs。Dombeyisaladyundoubtedlyhighlyqualified，inmanyrespects，to——\'
`Todocrediteventoyourchoice，\'suggestedCarker，withafawningshowofteeth。
`Yes；ifyoupleasetoadoptthatformofwords，\'saidMr。Dombey，inhistoneofstate；`andatpresentIdonotconceivethatMrs。Dombeydoesthatcredittoit，towhichitisentitled。ThereisaprincipleofoppositioninMrs。Dombeythatmustbeeradicated；thatmustbeovercome：
Mrs。Dombeydoesnotappeartounderstand，\'saidMr。Dombey，forcibly，`thattheideaofoppositiontoMeismonstrousandabsurd。\'
`We，intheCity，knowyoubetter，\'repliedCarker，withasmilefromeartoear。
`Youknowmebetter，\'saidMr。Dombey。`Ihopeso。Though，indeed，IamboundtodoMrs。Dombeythejusticeofsaying，howeverinconsistentitmayseemwithhersubsequentconductwhichremainsunchanged，thatonmyexpressingmydisapprobationanddeterminationtoher，withsomeseverity，ontheoccasiontowhichIhavereferred，myadmonitionappearedtoproduceaverypowerfuleffect。\'Mr。Dombeydeliveredhimselfofthosewordswithmostportentousstateliness。`Iwishyoutohavethegoodness，then，toinformMrs。Dombey，Carker，fromme，thatImustrecallourformerconversationtoherremembrance，insomesurprisethatithasnotyethaditseffect。ThatImustinsistuponherregulatingherconductbytheinjunctionslaiduponherinthatconversation。ThatIamnotsatisfiedwithherconduct。
ThatIamgreatlydissatisfiedwithit。AndthatIshallbeundertheverydisagreeablenecessityofmakingyouthebearerofyetmoreunwelcomeandexplicitcommunications，ifshehasnotthegoodsenseandtheproperfeelingtoadaptherselftomywishes，asthefirstMrs。Dombeydid，and，IbelieveImayadd，asanyotherladyinherplacewould。\'
`ThefirstMrs。Dombeylivedveryhappily，\'saidCarker。
`ThefirstMrs。Dombeyhadgreatgoodsense，\'saidMr。Dombey，inagentlemanlytolerationofthedead，`andverycorrectfeeling。\'
`IsMissDombeylikehermother，doyouthink？\'saidCarker。
Swiftlyanddarkly，Mr。Dombey\'sfacechanged。Hisconfidentialagenteyeditkeenly。
`Ihaveapproachedapainfulsubject，\'hesaid，inasoftregretfultoneofvoice，irreconcilablewithhiseagereye。`Prayforgiveme。IforgetthesechainsofassociationintheinterestIhave。Prayforgiveme。\'
Butforallhesaid，hiseagereyescannedMr。Dombey\'sdowncastfacenonethelessclosely；andthenitshotastrangetriumphantlookatthepicture，asappealingtoittobearwitnesshowheledhimonagain，andwhatwascoming。
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，lookinghereandthereuponthetable，andspeakinginasomewhatalteredandmorehurriedvoice，andwithapalerlip，`thereisnooccasionforapology。Youmistake。Theassociationiswiththematterinhand，andnotwithanyrecollection，asyousuppose。
IdonotapproveofMrs。Dombey\'sbehaviourtowardsmydaughter。\'
`Pardonme，\'saidMr。Carker，`Idon\'tquiteunderstand。\'
`Understandthen，\'returnedMr。Dombey，`thatyoumaymakethat——thatyouwillmakethat，ifyouplease——matterofdirectobjectionfrommetoMrs。Dombey。Youwillpleasetotellherthathershowofdevotionformydaughterisdisagreeabletome。Itislikelytobenoticed。ItislikelytoinducepeopletocontrastMrs。Dombeyinherrelationtowardsmydaughter，withMrs。Dombeyinherrelationtowardsmyself。YouwillhavethegoodnesstoletMrs。Dombeyknow，plainly，thatIobjecttoit；
andthatIexpecthertodefer，immediately，tomyobjection。Mrs。Dombeymaybeinearnest，orshemaybepursuingawhim，orshemaybeopposingme；butIobjecttoitinanycase，andineverycase。IfMrs。Dombeyisinearnest，somuchthelessreluctantshouldshebetodesist；forshewillnotservemydaughterbyanysuchdisplay。Ifmywifehasanysuperfluousgentlenessanddutyoverandaboveherpropersubmissiontome，shemaybestowthemwhereshepleases，perhaps；butIwillhavesubmissionfirst！——Carker，\'
saidMr。Dombey，checkingtheunusualemotionwithwhichhehadspoken，andfallingintoatonemorelikethatinwhichhewasaccustomedtoasserthisgreatness，`youwillhavethegoodnessnottoomitorslurthispoint，buttoconsideritaveryimportantpartofyourinstructions。\'
Mr。Carkerbowedhishead，andrisingfromthetable，andstandingthoughtfullybeforethefire，withhishandtohissmoothchin，lookeddownatMr。Dombeywiththeevilslynessofsomemonkishcarving，halfhumanandhalfbrute；orlikealeeringfaceonanoldwater-spout。Mr。
Dombey，recoveringhiscomposurebydegrees，orcoolinghisemotioninhissenseofhavingtakenahighposition，satgraduallystiffeningagain，andlookingattheparrotassheswungtoandfro，inhergreatweddingring。
`Ibegyourpardon，\'saidCarker，afterasilence，suddenlyresuminghischair，anddrawingitoppositetoMr。Dombey\'s，`butletmeunderstand。
Mrs。Dombeyisawareoftheprobabilityofyourmakingmetheorganofyourdispleasure？\'
`Yes，\'repliedMr。Dombey。`Ihavesaidso。\'
`Yes，\'rejoinedCarker，quickly；`butwhy？\'
`Why！\'Mr。Dombeyrepeated，notwithouthesitation。`BecauseI
toldher。\'
`Aye，\'repliedCarker。`Butwhydidyoutellher？Yousee，\'hecontinuedwithasmile，andsoftlylayinghisvelvethand，asacatmighthavelaiditssheathedclaws，onMr。Dombey\'sarm；`ifIperfectlyunderstandwhatisinyourmind，Iamsomuchmorelikelytobeuseful，andtohavethehappinessofbeingeffectuallyemployed。IthinkIdounderstand。
IhavenotthehonourofMrs。Dombey\'sgoodopinion。Inmyposition，I
havenoreasontoexpectit；butItakethefacttobe，thatIhavenotgotit？\'
`Possiblynot，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Consequently，\'pursuedCarker，`yourmakingthesecommunicationstoMrs。Dombeythroughme，issuretobeparticularlyunpalatabletothatlady？\'
`Itappearstome，\'saidMr。Dombey，withhaughtyreserve，andyetwithsomeembarrassment，`thatMrs。Dombey\'sviewsuponthesubjectformnopartofitasitpresentsitselftoyouandme，Carker。Butitmaybeso。\'
`And——pardonme——doImisconceiveyou，\'saidCarker，`whenIthinkyoudescryinthis，alikelymeansofhumblingMrs。Dombey\'spride——Iusethewordasexpressiveofaqualitywhich，keptwithinduebounds，adornsandgracesaladysodistinguishedforherbeautyandaccomplishments——and，nottosayofpunishingher，butofreducinghertothesubmissionyousonaturallyandjustlyrequire？\'
`Iamnotaccustomed，Carker，asyouknow，\'saidMr。Dombey，`togivesuchclosereasonsforanycourseofconductIthinkpropertoadopt，butIwillgainsaynothingofthis。Ifyouhaveanyobjectiontofounduponit，thatisindeedanotherthing，andthemerestatementthatyouhaveonewillbesufficient。ButIhavenotsupposed，Iconfess，thatanyconfidenceIcouldintrusttoyou，wouldbelikelytodegradeyou——\'
`Oh！Idegraded！\'exclaimedCarker。`Inyourservice！\'
`——ortoplaceyou，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，`inafalseposition。\'
`Iinafalseposition！\'exclaimedCarker。`Ishallbeproud——delighted——toexecuteyourtrust。Icouldhavewished，Iown，tohavegiventheladyatwhosefeetIwouldlaymyhumbledutyanddevotion——forisshenotyourwife！——nonewcauseofdislike；butawishfromyouis，ofcourse，paramounttoeveryotherconsiderationonearth。Besides，whenMrs。Dombeyisconvertedfromtheselittleerrorsofjudgment，incidental，Iwouldpresumetosay，tothenoveltyofhersituation，IshallhopethatshewillperceiveintheslightpartItake，onlyagrain——myremovedanddifferentspheregivesroomforlittlemore——oftherespectforyou，andsacrificeofallconsiderationstoyou，ofwhichitwillbeherpleasureandprivilegetogarnerupagreatstoreeveryday。\'
Mr。Dombeyseemed，atthemoment，againtoseeherwithherhandstretchedouttowardsthedoor，andagaintohearthroughthemildspeechofhisconfidentialagentanechoofthewords，`Nothingcanmakeusstrangertoeachotherthanwearehenceforth！\'Butheshookoffthefancy，anddidnotshakeinhisresolution，andsaid，`Certainly，nodoubt。\'
`Thereisnothingmore，\'quothCarker，drawinghischairbacktoitsoldplace——fortheyhadtakenlittlebreakfastasyet——andpausingforananswerbeforehesatdown。
`Nothing，\'saidMr。Dombey，`butthis。Youwillbegoodenoughtoobserve，Carker，thatnomessagetoMrs。Dombeywithwhichyouareormaybecharged，admitsofreply。Youwillbegoodenoughtobringmenoreply。Mrs。Dombeyisinformedthatitdoesnotbecomemetotemporiseortreatuponanymatterthatisatissuebetweenus，andthatwhatIsayisfinal。\'
Mr。Carkersignifiedhisunderstandingofthesecredentials，andtheyfelltobreakfastwithwhatappetitetheymight。TheGrinderalso，induetime，reappeared，keepinghiseyesuponhismasterwithoutamoment\'srespite，andpassingthetimeinareverieofworshipfulterror。Breakfastconcluded，Mr。Dombey\'shorsewasorderedoutagain，andMr。Carkermountinghisown，theyrodeofffortheCitytogether。
Mr。Carkerwasincapitalspirits，andtalkedmuch。Mr。Dombeyreceivedhisconversationwiththesovereignairofamanwhohadarighttobetalkedto，andoccasionallycondescendedtothrowinafewwordstocarryontheconversation。Sotheyrodeoncharacteristicallyenough。
ButMr。Dombey，inhisdignity，rodewithverylongstirrups，andaverylooserein，andveryrarelydeignedtolookdowntoseewherehishorsewent。InconsequenceofwhichithappenedthatMr。Dombey\'shorse，whilegoingataroundtrot，stumbledonsomeloosestones，threwhim，rolledoverhim，andlashingoutwithhisiron-shodfeet，inhisstrugglestogetup，kickedhim。