Mr。Carker，quickofeye，steadyofhand，andagoodhorseman，wasafoot，andhadthestrugglinganimaluponhislegsandbythebridle，inamoment。Otherwisethatmorning\'sconfidencewouldhavebeenMr。Dombey\'slast。Yetevenwiththeflushandhurryofthisactionreduponhim，hebentoverhisprostratechiefwitheverytoothdisclosed，andmutteredashestoopeddown，`IhavegivengoodcauseofoffencetoMrs。Dombeynow，ifsheknewit！\'
Mr。Dombeybeinginsensible，andbleedingfromtheheadandface，wascarriedbycertainmendersoftheroad，underCarker\'sdirection，tothenearestpublic-house，whichwasnotfaroff，andwherehewassoonattendedbydiverssurgeons，whoarrivedinquicksuccessionfromallparts，andwhoseemedtocomebysomemysteriousinstinct，asvulturesaresaidtogatheraboutacamelwhodiesinthedesert。Afterbeingatsomepainstorestorehimtoconsciousness，thesegentlemenexaminedintothenatureofhisinjuries。Onesurgeonwholivedhardbywasstrongforacompoundfractureoftheleg，whichwasthelandlord\'sopinionalso；buttwosurgeonswholivedatadistance，andwereonlyinthatneighbourhoodbyaccident，combatedthisopinionsodisinterestedly，thatitwasdecidedatlastthatthepatient，thoughseverelycutandbruised，hadbrokennobonesbutalesserriborso，andmightbecarefullytakenhomebeforenight。Hisinjuriesbeingdressedandbandaged，whichwasalongoperation，andheatlengthlefttorepose，Mr。Carkermountedhishorseagain，androdeawaytocarrytheintelligencehome。
Craftyandcruelashisfacewasatthebestoftimes，thoughitwasasufficientlyfairfaceastoformandregularityoffeature，itwasatitsworstwhenhesetforthonthiserrand；animatedbythecraftandcrueltyofthoughtswithinhim，suggestionsofremotepossibilityratherthanofdesignorplot，thatmadehimrideasifhehuntedmenandwomen。
Drawingreinatlength，andslackeninginhisspeed，ashecameintothemorepublicroads，hecheckedhiswhite-leggedhorseintopickinghiswayalongasusual，andhidhimselfbeneathhissleek，hushed，crouchedmanner，andhisivorysmile，ashebestcould。
HerodedirecttoMr。Dombey\'shouse，alightedatthedoor，andbeggedtoseeMrs。Dombeyonanaffairofimportance。TheservantwhoshowedhimtoMr。Dombey\'sownroom，soonreturnedtosaythatitwasnotMrs。
Dombey\'shourforreceivingvisitors，andthathebeggedpardonfornothavingmentioneditbefore。
Mr。Carker，whowasquitepreparedforacoldreception，wroteuponacardthathemusttakethelibertyofpressingforaninterview，andthathewouldnotbesoboldastodoso，forthesecondtimethisheunderlined，ifhewerenotequallysureoftheoccasionbeingsufficientforhisjustification。Afteratriflingdelay，Mrs。Dombey\'smaidappeared，andconductedhimtoamorningroomupstairs，whereEdithandFlorenceweretogether。
HehadneverthoughtEdithhalfsobeautifulbefore。Muchasheadmiredthegracesofherfaceandform，andfreshlyastheydweltwithinhissensualremembrance，hehadneverthoughtherhalfsobeautiful。
Herglancefellhaughtilyuponhiminthedoorway；buthelookedatFlorence——thoughonlyintheactofbendinghishead，ashecamein——withsomeirrepressibleexpressionofthenewpowerheheld；anditwashistriumphtoseetheglancedroopandfalter，andtoseethatEdithhalfroseuptoreceivehim。
Hewasverysorry，hewasdeeplygrieved；hecouldn\'tsaywithwhatunwillingnesshecametoprepareherfortheintelligenceofaveryslightaccident。HeentreatedMrs。Dombeytocomposeherself。Uponhissacredwordofhonour，therewasnocauseofalarm。ButMr。DombeyFlorenceutteredasuddencry。Hedidnotlookather，butatEdith。Edithcomposedandreassuredher。Sheutterednocryofdistress。
No，no。
Mr。Dombeyhadmetwithanaccidentinriding。Hishorsehadslipped，andhehadbeenthrown。
Florencewildlyexclaimedthathewasbadlyhurt；thathewaskilled！
No。Uponhishonour，Mr。Dombey，thoughstunnedatfirst，wassoonrecovered，andthoughcertainlyhurtwasinnokindofdanger。Ifthiswerenotthetruth，he，thedistressedintruder，nevercouldhavehadthecouragetopresenthimselfbeforeMrs。Dombey。Itwasthetruthindeed，hesolemnlyassuredher。
AllthishesaidasifhewereansweringEdith，andnotFlorence，andwithhiseyesandhissmilefastenedonEdith。
HethenwentontotellherwhereMr。Dombeywaslying，andtorequestthatacarriagemightbeplacedathisdisposaltobringhimhome。
`Mama，\'falteredFlorenceintears，`ifImightventuretogo！\'
Mr。Carker，havinghiseyesonEdithwhenheheardthesewords，gaveherasecretlookandslightlyshookhishead。Hesawhowshebattledwithherselfbeforesheansweredhimwithherhandsomeeyes，buthewrestedtheanswerfromher——heshowedherthathewouldhaveit，orthathewouldspeakandcutFlorencetotheheart——andshegaveittohim。Ashehadlookedatthepictureinthemorning，sohelookedatherafterwards，whensheturnedhereyesaway。
`Iamdirectedtorequest，\'hesaid，`thatthenewhousekeeper——Mrs。
Pipchin，Ithink，isthename——\'
Nothingescapedhim。Hesawinaninstant，thatshewasanotherslightofMr。Dombey\'sonhiswife。
`——maybeinformedthatMr。Dombeywishestohavehisbedpreparedinhisownapartmentsdownstairs，asheprefersthoseroomstoanyother。
IshallreturntoMr。Dombeyalmostimmediately。Thateverypossibleattentionhasbeenpaidtohiscomfort，andthatheistheobjectofeverypossiblesolicitude，Ineednotassureyou，Madam。Letmeagainsay，thereisnocausefortheleastalarm。Evenyoumaybequiteatease，believeme。\'
Hebowedhimselfout，withhisextremestshowofdeferenceandconciliation；andhavingreturnedtoMr。Dombey\'sroom，andtherearrangedforacarriagebeingsentafterhimtotheCity，mountedhishorseagain，androdeslowlythither。Hewasverythoughtfulashewentalong，andverythoughtfulthere，andverythoughtfulinthecarriageonhiswaybacktotheplacewhereMr。Dombeyhadbeenleft。Itwasonlywhensittingbythatgentleman\'scouchthathewasquitehimselfagain，andconsciousofhisteeth。
Aboutthetimeoftwilight，Mr。Dombey，grievouslyafflictedwithachesandpains，washelpedintohiscarriage，andproppedwithcloaksandpillowsononesideofit，whilehisconfidentialagentborehimcompanyupontheother。Ashewasnottobeshaken，theymovedatlittlemorethanafootpace；andhenceitwasquitedarkwhenhewasbroughthome。Mrs。
Pipchin，bitterandgrim，andnotobliviousofthePeruvianmines，astheestablishmentingeneralhadgoodreasontoknow，receivedhimatthedoor，andfreshenedthedomesticswithseverallittlesprinklingsofwordyvinegar，whiletheyassistedinconveyinghimtohisroom。Mr。Carkerremainedinattendanceuntilhewassafeinbed，andthen，ashedeclinedtoreceiveanyfemalevisitor，buttheexcellentOgresswhopresidedoverhishousehold，waitedonMrs。Dombeyoncemore，withhisreportonherlord\'scondition。
HeagainfoundEdithalonewithFlorence，andheagainaddressedthewholeofhissoothingspeechtoEdith，asifshewereapreytotheliveliestandmostaffectionateanxieties。Soearnesthewasinhisrespectfulsympathy，thatontakingleave，heventured——withonemoreglancetowardsFlorenceatthemoment——totakeherhand，andbendingoverit，totouchitwithhislips。
Edithdidnotwithdrawthehand，nordidshestrikehisfairfacewithit，despitetheflushuponhercheek，thebrightlightinhereyes，andthedilationofherwholeform。Butwhenshewasaloneinherownroom，shestruckitonthemarblechimney-shelf，sothat，atoneblow，itwasbruised，andbled；andhelditfromher，neartheshiningfire，asifshecouldhavethrustitinandburnedit。
Farintothenightshesatalone，bythesinkingblaze，indarkandthreateningbeauty，watchingthemurkyshadowsloomingonthewall，asifherthoughtsweretangible，andcastthemthere。Whatevershapesofoutrageandaffront，andblackforeshadowingsofthingsthatmighthappen，flickered，indistinctandgiant-like，beforeher，oneresentedfiguremarshalledthemagainsther。Andthatfigurewasherhusband。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter43[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIIITheWatchesoftheNightFLORENCE，longsinceawakenedfromherdream，mournfullyobservedtheestrangementbetweenherfatherandEdith，andsawitwidenmoreandmore，andknewthattherewasgreaterbitternessbetweenthemeveryday。Eachday\'saddedknowledgedeepenedtheshadeuponherloveandhope，rouseduptheoldsorrowthathadslumberedforalittletime，andmadeitevenheaviertobearthanithadbeenbefore。
Ithadbeenhard——howhardmaynonebutFlorenceeverknow！——tohavethenaturalaffectionofatrueandearnestnatureturnedtoagony；
andslight，orsternrepulse，substitutedforthetenderestprotectionandthedearestcare。Ithadbeenhardtofeelinherdeepheartwhatshehadfelt，andneverknowthehappinessofonetouchofresponse。ButitwasmuchmorehardtobecompelledtodoubteitherherfatherorEdith，soaffectionateanddeartoher，andtothinkofherloveforeachofthem，byturns，withfear，distrust，andwonder。
YetFlorencenowbegantodoso；andthedoingofitwasataskimposeduponherbytheverypurityofhersoul，asoneshecouldnotflyfrom。ShesawherfathercoldandobduratetoEdith，astoher；hard，inflexible，unyielding。Coulditbe，sheaskedherselfwithstartingtears，thatherowndearmotherhadbeenmadeunhappybysuchtreatment，andhadpinedawayanddied？ThenshewouldthinkhowproudandstatelyEdithwastoeveryonebuther，withwhatdisdainshetreatedhim，howdistantlyshekeptapartfromhim，andwhatshehadsaidonthenightwhenshecamehome；
andquicklyitwouldcomeonFlorence，almostasacrime，thatshelovedonewhowassetinoppositiontoherfather，andthatherfatherknowingofit，mustthinkofherinhissolitaryroomastheunnaturalchildwhoaddedthiswrongtotheoldfault，somuchweptfor，ofneverhavingwonhisfatherlyaffectionfromherbirth。ThenextkindwordfromEdith，thenextkindglance，wouldshakethesethoughtsagain，andmakethemseemlikeblackingratitude；forwhobutshehadcheeredthedroopingheartofFlorence，solonelyandsohurt，andbeenitsbestofcomforters！Thus，withhergentlenatureyearningtothemboth，feelingthemiseryofboth，andwhisperingdoubtsofherowndutytoboth，Florenceinherwiderandexpandedlove，andbythesideofEdith，enduredmorethanwhenshehadhoardedupherundividedsecretinthemournfulhouse，andherbeautifulMamahadneverdawneduponit。
Oneexquisiteunhappinessthatwouldhavefaroutweighedthis，Florencewasspared。SheneverhadtheleastsuspicionthatEdithbyhertendernessforherwidenedtheseparationfromherfather，orgavehimnewcauseofdislike。IfFlorencehadconceivedthepossibilityofsuchaneffectbeingwroughtbysuchacause，whatgriefshewouldhavefelt，whatsacrificeshewouldhavetriedtomake，poorlovinggirl，howfastandsureherquietpassagemighthavebeenbeneathittothepresenceofthathigherFatherwhodoesnotrejecthischildren\'slove，orspurntheirtriedandbrokenhearts，Heavenknows！Butitwasotherwise，andthatwaswell。
NowordwaseverspokenbetweenFlorenceandEdithnow，onthesesubjects。Edithhadsaidthereoughttobebetweenthem，inthatwise，adivisionandasilencelikethegraveitself：andFlorencefeltthatshewasright。
Inthisstateofaffairsherfatherwasbroughthomesufferinganddisabled：andgloomilyretiredtohisownrooms，wherehewastendedbyservants，notapproachedbyEdith，andhadnofriendorcompanionbutMr。Carker，whowithdrewnearmidnight。
`Andnicecompanyheis，MissFloy，\'saidSusanNipper。
`Oh，he\'sapreciouspieceofgoods！Ifeverhewantsacharacterdon\'tlethimcometomewhateverhedoes，that\'sallItellhim。\'
`DearSusan，\'urgedFlorence，`don\'t！\'
`Oh，it\'sverywelltosay“don\'t“MissFloy，\'returnedtheNipper，muchexasperated；`butralybeggingyourpardonwe\'recomingtosuchpassesthatitturnsallthebloodinaperson\'sbodyintopinsandneedles，withtheirpintsallways。Don\'tmistakeme，MissFloy，Idon\'tmeannothingagainyourma-in-lawwhohasalwaystreatedmeasaladyshouldthoughsheisratherhighImustsaynotthatIhaveanyrighttoobjecttothatparticular，butwhenwecometoMrs。Pipchinsesandhavingthemputoverusandkeepingguardatyourpa\'sdoorlikecrocodilesonlymakeusthankfulthattheylaynoeggs！weareagrowingtoooutrageous！\'
`PapathinkswellofMrs。Pipchin，Susan，\'returnedFlorence，`andhasarighttochoosehishousekeeper，youknow。Praydon\'t！\'
`WellMissFloy，\'returnedtheNipper，`whenyousaydon\'t，I
neverdoIhopebutMrs。PipchinactslikeearlygooseberriesuponmeMiss，andnothingless。\'
Susanwasunusuallyemphaticanddestituteofpunctuationinherdiscourseonthisnight，whichwasthenightofMr。Dombey\'sbeingbroughthome，because，havingbeensentdownstairsbyFlorencetoinquireafterhim，shehadbeenobligedtodeliverhermessagetohermortalenemyMrs。
Pipchin；who，withoutcarryingitintoMr。Dombey，hadtakenuponherselftoreturnwhatMissNippercalledahuffishanswer，onherownresponsibility。
This，SusanNipperconstruedintopresumptiononthepartofthatexemplarysuffererbythePeruvianmines，andadeedofdisparagementuponheryounglady，thatwasnottobeforgiven；andsofarheremphaticstatewasspecial。
Butshehadbeeninaconditionofgreatlyincreasedsuspicionanddistrust，eversincethemarriage；for，likemostpersonsofherqualityofmind，whoformastrongandsincereattachmenttooneinthedifferentstationwhichFlorenceoccupied，Susanwasveryjealous，andherjealousynaturallyattachedtoEdith，whodividedheroldempire，andcamebetweenthem。ProudandgladasSusanNippertrulywas，thatheryoungmistressshouldbeadvancedtowardsherproperplaceinthesceneofheroldneglect，andthatsheshouldhaveherfather\'shandsomewifeforhercompanionandprotectress，shecouldnotrelinquishanypartofherowndominiontothehandsomewife，withoutagrudgeandavaguefeelingofill-will，forwhichshedidnotfailtofindadisinterestedjustificationinhersharpperceptionoftheprideandpassionofthelady\'scharacter。Fromthebackgroundtowhichshehadnecessarilyretiredsomewhat，sincethemarriage，MissNipperlookedon，therefore，atdomesticaffairsingeneral，witharesoluteconvictionthatnogoodwouldcomeofMrs。Dombey：alwaysbeingverycarefultopublishonallpossibleoccasions，thatshehadnothingtosayagainsther。
`Susan，\'saidFlorence，whowassittingthoughtfullyathertable，`itisverylate。Ishallwantnothingmoreto-night。\'
`Ah，MissFloy！\'returnedtheNipper，`I\'msureIoftenwishforthemoldtimeswhenIsatupwithyouhourslaterthanthisandfellasleepthroughbeingtiredoutwhenyouwasasbroadawakeasspectacles，butyou\'vema\'s-in-lawtocomeandsitwithyounowMissFloyandI\'mthankfulforitI\'msure。I\'venotawordtosayagainst\'em。\'
`IshallnotforgetwhowasmyoldcompanionwhenIhadnone，Susan，\'returnedFlorence，gently，`never。\'Andlookingup，sheputherarmroundtheneckofherhumblefriend，drewherfacedowntohers，andbiddinghergoodnight，kissedit；whichsomollifiedMissNipper，thatshefellasobbing。
`NowmydearMissFloy，\'saidSusan，`letmegodownstairsagainandseehowyourpais，Iknowyou\'rewretchedabouthim，doletmegodownstairsagainandknockathisdoormyownself。\'
`No，\'saidFlorence，`gotobed。Weshallhearmoreinthemorning。
Iwillinquiremyselfinthemorning。Mamahasbeendown，Idaresay；\'
Florenceblushed，forshehadnosuchhope；`oristherenow，perhaps，Goodnight！\'
SusanwastoomuchsoftenedtoexpressherprivateopinionontheprobabilityofMrs。Dombey\'sbeinginattendanceonherhusband；andsilentlywithdrew。Florenceleftalone，soonhidherheaduponherhandsasshehadoftendoneinotherdays，anddidnotrestrainthetearsfromcoursingdownherface。Themiseryofthisdomesticdiscordandunhappiness；
thewitheredhopeshecherishednow，ifhopeitcouldbecalled，ofeverbeingtakentoherfather\'sheart；herdoubtsandfearsbetweenthetwo；
theyearningofherinnocentbreasttoboth；theheavydisappointmentandregretofsuchanendasthis，towhathadbeenavisionofbrighthopeandpromisetoher；allcrowdedonhermindandmadehertearsflowfast。
Hermotherandherbrotherdead，herfatherunmovedtowardsher，Edithopposedtohimandcastinghimaway，butlovingher，andlovedbyher，itseemedasifheraffectioncouldneverprosper，restwhereitwould。
Thatweakthoughtwassoonhushed，butthethoughtsinwhichithadarisenweretootrueandstrongtobedismissedwithit；andtheymadethenightdesolate。
Amongsuchreflectionsthereroseup，astherehadrisenupallday，theimageofherfather，woundedandinpain，aloneinhisownroom，untendedbythosewhoshouldbenearesttohim，andpassingthetardyhoursinlonelysuffering。Afrightenedthoughtwhichmadeherstartandclaspherhands——thoughitwasnotanewoneinhermind——thatthemightdie，andneverseeherorpronouncehername，thrilledherwholeframe。Inheragitationshethought，andtrembledwhileshethought，ofoncemorestealingdownstairs，andventuringtohisdoor。
Shelistenedatherown。Thehousewasquiet，andallthelightswereout。Itwasalong，longtime，shethought，sincesheusedtomakehernightlypilgrimagestohisdoor！Itwasalong，longtime，shetriedtothink，sinceshehadenteredhisroomatmidnight，andhehadledherbacktothestair-foot！
Withthesamechild\'sheartwithinher，asofold：evenwiththechild\'ssweettimideyesandclusteringhair：Florence，asstrangetoherfatherinherearlymaidenbloom，asinhernurserytime，creptdownthestaircaselisteningasshewent，anddrewneartohisroom。Noonewasstirringinthehouse。Thedoorwaspartyopentoadmitair；andallwassostillwithin，thatshecouldheartheburningofthefire，andcountthetickingoftheclockthatstooduponthechimney-piece。
Shelookedin。Inthatroom，thehousekeeperwrappedinablanketwasfastasleepinaneasychairbeforethefire。Thedoorsbetweenitandthenextwerepartlyclosed，andascreenwasdrawnbeforethem；buttherewasalightthere，anditshoneuponthecorniceofhisbed。Allwassoverystillthatshecouldhearfromhisbreathingthathewasasleep。
Thisgavehercouragetopassroundthescreen，andlookintohischamber。
Itwasasgreatastarttocomeuponhissleepingfaceasifshehadnotexpectedtoseeit。Florencestoodarrestedonthespot，andifhehadawakenedthen，musthaveremainedthere。
Therewasacutuponhisforehead，andtheyhadbeenwettinghishair，whichlaybedabbledandentangledonthepillow。Oneofhisarms，restingoutsidethebed，wasbandagedup，andhewasverywhite。Butitwasnotthis，thatafterthefirstquickglance，andfirstassuranceofhissleepingquietly，heldFlorencerootedtotheground。Itwassomethingverydifferentfromthis，andmorethanthis，thatmadehimlooksosolemninhereyes。
Shehadneverseenhisfaceinallherlife，buttherehadbeenuponit——orshefanciedso——somedisturbingconsciousnessofher。Shehadneverseenhisfaceinallherlife，buthopehadsunkwithinher，andhertimidglancehaddroopedbeforeitsstern，unloving，andrepellingharshness。Asshelookeduponitnow，shesawit，forthefirsttime，freefromthecloudthathaddarkenedherchildhood。Calm，tranquilnightwasreigninginitsstead。Hermighthavegonetosleep，foranythingshesawthere，blessingher。
Awake，unkindfather！Awake，now，sullenman！Thetimeisflittingby；thehouriscomingwithanangrytread。Awake！
Therewasnochangeuponhisface；andasshewatchedit，awfully，itsmotionlessreposerecalledthefacesthatweregone。Sotheylooked，sowouldhe；soshe，hisweepingchild，whoshouldsaywhen！soalltheworldofloveandhatredandindifferencearoundthem！Whenthattimeshouldcome，itwouldnotbetheheaviertohim，forthisthatshewasgoingtodo；anditmightfallsomethinglighteruponher。
Shestoleclosetothebed，anddrawinginherbreathbentdown，andsoftlykissedhimontheface，andlaidherownforonebriefmomentbyitsside，andputthearm，withwhichshedarednottouchhim，roundabouthimonthepillow。
Awake，doomedman，whilesheisnear。Thetimeisflittingby；
thehouriscomingwithanangrytread；itsfoodisinthehouse。Awake！
Inhermind，sheprayedtoGodtoblessherfather，andtosoftenhimtowardsher，ifitmightbeso；andifnot，toforgivehimifhewaswrong，andpardonhertheprayerwhichalmostseemedimpiety。Anddoingso，andlookingbackathimwithblindedeyes，andstealingtimidlyaway，passedoutofhisroom，andcrossedtheother，andwasgone。
Hemaysleeponnow。Hemaysleeponwhilehemay。Butlethimlookforthatslightfigurewhenhewakes，andfinditnearhimwhenthehouriscome！
SadandgrievingwastheheartofFlorence，asshecreptupstairs。
Thequiethousehadgrownmoredismalsinceshecamedown。Thesleepshehadbeenlookingon，inthedeadonnight，hadthesolemnitytoherofdeathandlifeinone。Thesecrecyandsilenceofherownproceedingmadethenightsecret，silent，andoppressive。Shefeltunwilling，almostunable，togoontoherownchamber；andturningintothedrawing-rooms，wherethecloudedmoonwasshiningthroughtheblinds，lookedoutintotheemptystreets。
Thewindwasblowingdrearily。Thelampslookedpale，andshookasiftheywerecold。Therewasadistantglimmerofsomethingthatwasnotquitedarkness，ratherthanoflight，inthesky；andforebodingnightwasshiveringandrestless，asthedyingarewhomakeatroubledend。Florencerememberedhow，asawatcher，byasick-bed，shehadnotedthisbleaktime，andfeltitsinfluence，asifinsomehiddennaturalantipathytoit；andnowitwasvery，verygloomy。
HerMamahadnotcometoherroomthatnight，whichwasonecauseofherhavingsatlateoutofherbed。Inhergeneraluneasiness，nolessthaninherardentlongingtohavesomebodytospeakto，andtobreakthespellofgloomandsilence，Florencedirectedherstepstowardsthechamberwheresheslept。
Thedoorwasnotfastenedwithin，andyieldedsmoothlytoherhesitatinghand。Shewassurprisedtofindabrightlightburning；stillmoresurprised，onlookingin，toseethatherMama，butpartiallyundressed，wassittingneartheashesofthefire，whichhadcrumbledanddroppedaway。Hereyeswereintentlybentupontheair；andintheirlight，andinherface，andinherform，andinthegraspwithwhichsheheldtheelbowsofherchairasifabouttostartup，Florencesawsuchfierceemotionthatitterrifiedher。
`Mama！\'shecried，`whatisthematter？\'
Edithstarted；lookingatherwithsuchastrangedreadinherface，thatFlorencewasmorefrightenedthanbefore。
`Mama！\'saidFlorence，hurriedlyadvancing。`DearMama！whatisthematter？\'
`Ihavenotbeenwell，\'saidEdith，shaking，andstilllookingatherinthesamestrangeway。`Ihavehadbaddreams，mylove。\'
`Andnotyetbeentobed，Mama？\'
`No，\'shereturned。`Half-wakingdreams。\'
Herfeaturesgraduallysoftened；andsufferingFlorencetocomeclosertoher，withinherembrace，shesaidinatendermanner，`Butwhatdoesmybirddohere？Whatdoesmybirddohere？\'
`Ihavebeenuneasy，Mama，innotseeingyouto-night，andinnotknowinghowPapawas；andI\'
Florencestoppedthere，andsaidnomore。
`Isitlate？\'askedEdith，fondlyputtingbackthecurlsthatmingledwithherowndarkhair，andstrayeduponherface。
`Verylate。Nearday。\'
`Nearday！\'sherepeatedinsurprise。
`DearMama，whathaveyoudonetoyourhand？\'saidFlorence。
Edithdrewitsuddenlyaway，and，foramoment，lookedatherwiththesamestrangedreadtherewasasortofwildavoidanceinit
asbefore；butshepresentlysaid，`Nothing，nothing。Ablow。\'Andthenshesaid，`MyFlorence！\'andthenherbosomheaved，andshewasweepingpassionately。
`Mama！\'saidFlorence。`OhMama，whatcanIdo，whatshouldI
do，tomakeushappier？Isthereanything？\'
`Nothing，\'shereplied。
`Areyousureofthat？Canitneverbe？IfIspeaknowofwhatisinmythoughts，inspiteofwhatwehaveagreed，\'saidFlorence，`youwillnotblameme，willyou？\'
`Itisuseless，\'shereplied，`useless。Ihavetoldyou，dear，thatIhavehadbaddreams。Nothingcanchangethem，orpreventtheircomingback。\'
`Idonotunderstand，\'saidFlorence，gazingonheragitatedface，whichseemedtodarkenasshelooked。
`Ihavedreamed，\'saidEdithinalowvoice，`ofapridethatisallpowerlessforgood，allpowerfulforevil；ofapridethathasbeengalledandgoaded，throughmanyshamefulyears，andhasneverrecoiledexceptuponitself；apridethathasdebaseditsownerwiththeconsciousnessofdeephumiliation，andneverhelpeditsownerboldlytoresentitoravoidit，ortosay，“Thisshallnotbe！”apridethat，rightlyguided，mighthaveledperhapstobetterthings，butwhich，misdirectedandperverted，likeallelsebelongingtothesamepossessor，hasbeenself-contempt，merehardihood，andruin。\'
SheneitherlookednorspoketoFlorencenow，butwentonasifshewerealone。
`Ihavedreamed，\'shesaid，`ofsuchindifferenceandcallousness，arisingfromthisself-contempt；thiswretched，inefficient，miserablepride；thatithasgoneonwithlistlessstepseventothealtar，yieldingtotheold，familiar，beckoningfinger，——ohmother，ohmother！——whileitspurnedit；andwillingtobehatefultoitselfforonceandforall，ratherthantobestungdailyinsomenewform。Mean，poorthing！\'
Andnowwithgatheringanddarkeningemotion，shelookedasshehadlookedwhenFlorenceentered。
`AndIhavedreamed，\'shesaid，`thatinafirstlateefforttoachieveapurpose，ithasbeentroddenon，andtroddendownbyabasefoot，butturnsandlooksuponhim。Ihavedreamedthatitiswounded，hunted，setuponbydogs，butthatitstandsatbay，andwillnotyield；no，thatitcannotifitwould；butthatitisurgedontohatehim，riseagainsthim，anddefyhim！\'
Herclenchedhandtightenedonthetremblingarmshehadinhers，andasshelookeddownonthealarmedandwonderingface，herownsubsided。
`OhFlorence！\'shesaid，`IthinkIhavebeennearlymadto-night！\'andhumbledherproudheaduponherneck，andweptagain。
`Don\'tleaveme！benearme！Ihavenohopebutinyou！\'Thesewordsshesaidascoreoftimes。
Soonshegrewcalmer，andwasfullofpityforthetearsofFlorence，andforherwakingatsuchuntimelyhours。Andthedaynowdrawing，Edithfoldedherinherarmsandlaidherdownuponherbed，and，notlyingdownherself，satbyher，andbadehertrytosleep。
`Foryouareweary，dearest，andunhappy，andshouldrest。\'
`Iamindeedunhappy，dearMama，to-night，\'saidFlorence。`Butyouarewearyandunhappy，too。\'
`Notwhenyoulieasleepsonearme，sweet。\'
Theykissedeachother，andFlorence，wornout，graduallyfellintoagentleslumber；butashereyesclosedonthefacebesideher，itwassosadtothinkuponthefacedownstairs，thatherhanddrewclosertoEdithforsomecomfort；yet，evenintheact，itfaltered，lestitshouldhedesertinghim。So，inhersleep，shetriedtoreconcilethetwotogether，andtoshowthemthatshelovedthemboth，butcouldnotdoit，andherwakinggriefwaspartofherdreams。
Edith，sittingby，lookeddownatthedarkeyelasheslyingwetontheflushedcheeks，andlookedwithgentlenessandpity，forsheknewthetruth。
Butnosleephunguponherowneyes。Asthedaycameonshestillsatwatchingandwaking，withtheplacidhandinhers，andsometimeswhispered，asshelookedatthehushedface，`Benearme，Florence，Ihavenohopebutinyou！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter44[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIVASeparationWITHtheday，thoughnotsoearlyasthesun，uproseMissSusanNipper。
Therewasaheavinessinthisyoungmaiden\'sexceedinglysharpblackeyes，thatabatedsomewhatoftheirsparkling，andsuggested——whichwasnottheirusualcharacter——thepossibilityoftheirbeingsometimesshut。Therewaslikewiseaswollenlookaboutthem，asiftheyhadbeencryingover-night。
ButtheNipper，sofarfrombeingcastdown，wassingularlybriskandbold，andallherenergiesappearedtobebracedupforsomegreatfeat。Thiswasnoticeableeveninherdress，whichwasmuchmoretightandtrimthanusual；andinoccasionaltwitchesofherheadasshewentaboutthehouse，whichweremightilyexpressiveofdetermination。
Inaword，shehadformedadetermination，andanaspiringone：
itbeingnothinglessthanthis——topenetratetoMr。Dombey\'spresence，andhavespeechofthatgentlemanalone。`IhaveoftensaidIwould，\'sheremarked，inathreateningmanner，toherself，thatmorning，withmanytwitchesofherhead，`andnowIwill！\'
Spurringherselfontotheaccomplishmentofthisdesperatedesign，withasharpnessthatwaspeculiartoherself，SusanNipperhauntedthehallandstaircaseduringthewholeforenoon，withoutfindingafavourableopportunityfortheassault。Notatallbaffledbythisdiscomfiture，whichindeedhadastimulatingeffect，andputheronhermettle，shediminishednothingofhervigilance；andatlastdiscovered，towardsevening，thatherswornfoeMrs。Pipchin，underpretenceofhavingsatupallnight，wasdozinginherownroom，andthatMr。Dombeywaslyingonhissofa，unattended。
Withatwitch——notofherheadmerely，thistime，butofherwholeself——theNipperwentontiptoetoMr。Dombey\'sdoor，andknocked。`Comein！\'saidMr。Dombey。Susanencouragedherselfwithafinaltwitch，andwentin。
Mr。Dombey，whowaseyeingthefire，gaveanamazedlookathisvisitor，andraisedhimselfalittleonhisarm。TheNipperdroppedacurtsey。
`Whatdoyouwant？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Ifyouplease，Sir，Iwishtospeaktoyou。\'saidSusan。
Mr。Dombeymovedhislipsasifhewererepeatingthewords，butheseemedsolostinastonishmentatthepresumptionoftheyoungwomanastobeincapableofgivingthemutterance。
`Ihavebeeninyourservice，Sir，\'saidSusanNipper，withherusualrapidity，`nowtwelveyearawaitingonMissFloymyownyoungladywhocouldn\'tspeakplainwhenIfirstcomehereandIwasoldinthishousewhenMrs。Richardswasnew，ImaynotbeMeethosalem，butIamnotachildinarms。\'
Mr。Dombey，raiseduponhisarmandlookingather，offerednocommentonthispreparatorystatementoffacts。
`Thereneverwasadearerorablessederyoungladythanismyyounglady，Sir，\'saidSusan，`andIoughttoknowagreatdealbetterthansomeforIhaveseenherinhergriefandIhaveseenherinherjoythere\'snotbeenmuchofitandIhaveseenherwithherbrotherandIhaveseenherinherlonelinessandsomehaveneverseenher，andIsaytosomeandall——Ido！\'andheretheblack-eyedshookherhead，andslightlystampedherfoot；`thatshe\'sblessedestanddearestangelisMissFloythateverdrewthebreathoflife，themorethatIwastorntopiecesSirthemoreI\'dsayitthoughImaynotbeaFox\'sMartyr。\'
Mr。Dombeyturnedyetpalerthanhisfallhadmadehim，withindignationandastonishment；andkepthiseyesuponthespeakerasifheaccusedthem，andhisearstoo，ofplayinghimfalse。
`NoonecouldbeanythingbuttrueandfaithfultoMissFloy，Sir，\'pursuedSusan，`andItakenomeritformyserviceoftwelveyear，forIloveher——yes，IsaytosomeandallIdo！\'——andheretheblack-eyedshookherheadagain，andslightlystampedherfootagain，andcheckedasob；`buttrueandfaithfulservicegivesmerighttospeakIhope，andspeakImustandwillnow，rightorwrong。\'
`Whatdoyoumean，woman？\'saidMr。Dombey，glaringather。`Howdoyoudare？\'
`WhatImean，Sir，istospeakrespectfulandwithoutoffence，butout，andhowIdareIknownotbutIdo！\'saidSusan。`Oh！youdon\'tknowmyyoungladySiryoudon\'tindeed，you\'dneverknowsolittleofher，ifyoudid。\'
Mr。Dombey，inafury，puthishandoutforthebell-rope；buttherewasnobell-ropeonthatsideofthefire，andhecouldnotriseandcrosstotheotherwithoutassistance。ThequickeyeoftheNipperdetectedhishelplessnessimmediately，andnow，assheafterwardsobserved，shefeltshehadgothim。
`MissFloy，\'saidSusanNipper，`isthemostdevotedandmostpatientandmostdutifulandbeautifulofdaughters，therean\'tnogentleman，noSir，thoughasgreatandrichasallthegreatestandrichestofEnglandputtogether，butmightbeproudofherandwouldandought。Ifheknewhervalueright，he\'dratherlosehisgreatnessandhisfortunepiecebypieceandbeghiswayinragsfromdoortodoor，Isaytosomeandall，hewould！\'criedSusanNipper，burstingintotears，`thanbringthesorrowonhertenderheartthatIhaveseenitsufferinthishouse！\'
`Woman，\'criedMr。Dombey，`leavetheroom。\'
`Beggingyourpardon，notevenifIamtoleavethesituation，Sir，\'repliedthesteadfastNipper，`inwhichIhavebeensomanyyearsandseensomuch——althoughIhopeyou\'dneverhavethehearttosendmefromMissFloyforsuchacause——willIgonowtillIhavesaidtherest，ImaynotbeaIndianwidowSirandIamnotandIwouldnotsobecomebutifIoncemadeupmymindtoburnmyselfalive，I\'ddoit！AndI\'vemademyminduptogoon。\'
WhichwasrenderednolessclearbytheexpressionofSusanNipper\'scountenance，thanbyherwords。
`Therean\'tapersoninyourservice，Sir，\'pursuedtheblackeyed，`thathasalwaysstoodmoreinaweofyouthanmeandyoumaythinkhowtrueitiswhenImakesoboldassaythatIhavehundredsandhundredsoftimesthoughtofspeakingtoyouandneverbeenabletomakemyminduptoittilllastnight，butlastnightdecidedofme。\'
Mr。Dombey，inaparoxysmofrage，madeanothergraspatthebell-ropethatwasnotthere，and，initsabsence，pulledhishairratherthannothing。
`Ihaveseen，\'saidSusanNipper，`MissFloystriveandstrivewhennothingbutachildsosweetandpatientthatthebestofwomenmighthavecopiedfromher，I\'veseenhersittingnightstogetherhalfthenightthroughtohelpherdelicatebrotherwithhislearning，I\'veseenherhelpinghimandwatchinghimatothertimes——somewellknowwhen——I\'veseenher，withnoencouragementandnohelp，growuptobealady，thankGod！thatisthegraceandprideofeverycompanyshegoesin，andI\'vealwaysseenhercruellyneglectedandkeenlyfeelingofit——Isaytosomeandall，Ihave！——andneversaidoneword，butorderingone\'sselflowlyandreverentlytowardsone\'sbetters，isnottobeaworshipperofgravenimages，andIwillandmustspeak！\'
`Isthereanybodythere？\'criedMr。Dombey，callingout。`Wherearethemen？wherearethewomen？Istherenoonethere？\'
`Ileftmydearyoungladyoutofbedlatelastnight，\'saidSusan，nothingchecked，`andIknewwhy，foryouwasillSirandshedidn\'tknowhowillandthatwasenoughtomakeherwretchedasIsawitdid。ImaynotbeaPeacock；butIhavemyeyes——andIsatupalittleinmyownroomthinkingshemightbelonesomeandmightwantme，andIsawherstealdownstairsandcometothisdoorasifitwasaguiltythingtolookatherownPa，andthenstealbackagainandgointothemlonelydrawing-rooms，acryingso，thatIcouldhardlybeartohearit。Icannotbeartohearit，\'saidSusanNipper，wipingherblackeyes，andfixingthemundauntinglyonMr。Dombey\'sinfuriatedface。`It\'snotthefirsttimeIhaveheardit，notbymanyandmanyatimeyoudon\'tknowyourowndaughter，Sir，youdon\'tknowwhatyou\'redoing，Sir，Isaytosomeandall，\'criedSusanNipper，inafinalburst，`thatit\'sasinfulshame！\'
`Why，hoitytoity！\'criedthevoiceofMrs。Pipchin，astheblackbombazeengarmentsofthatfairPeruvianMinersweptintotheroom。`What\'sthis，indeed？\'
SusanfavouredMrs。Pipchinwithalookshehadinventedexpresslyforherwhentheyfirstbecameacquainted，andresignedthereplytoMr。
Dombey。
`What\'sthis？\'repeatedMr。Dombey，almostfoaming。`What\'sthis，Madam？Youwhoareattheheadofthishousehold，andboundtokeepitinorder，havereasontoinquire。Doyouknowthiswoman？\'
`Iknowverylittlegoodofher，Sir，\'croakedMrs。Pipchin。`Howdareyoucomehere，youhussy？Goalongwithyou！\'
ButtheinflexibleNipper，merelyhonouringMrs。Pipchinwithanotherlook，remained。
`Doyoucallitmanagingthisestablishment，Madam，\'saidMr。
Dombey，`toleaveapersonlikethisatlibertytocomeandtalktome！
Agentleman——inhisownhouse——inhisownroom——assailedwiththeimpertinencesofwomen-servants！\'
`Well，Sir，\'returnedMrs。Pipchin，withvengeanceinherhardgreyeye，`Iexceedinglydeploreit；nothingcanbemoreirregular；nothingcanbemoreoutofallboundsandreason；butIregrettosay，Sir，thatthisyoungwomanisquitebeyondcontrol。ShehasbeenspoiledbyMissDombey，andisamenabletonobody。Youknowyou\'renot，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，sharply，andshakingherheadatSusanNipper。`Forshame，youhussy！Goalongwithyou！\'
`Ifyoufindpeopleinmyservicewhoarenottobecontrolled，Mrs。Pipchin，\'saidMr。Dombey，turningbacktowardsthefire，`youknowwhattodowiththem，Ipresume。Youknowwhatyouareherefor？Takeheraway！\'
`Sir，Iknowwhattodo，\'retortedMrs。Pipchin，`andofcourseshalldoit。SusanNipper，\'snappingherupparticularlyshort，`amonth\'swarningfromthishour。\'
`Ohindeed！\'criedSusan，loftily。
`Yes，\'returnedMrs。Pipchin，`anddon\'tsmileatme，youminx，orI\'llknowthereasonwhy！Goalongwithyouthisminute！\'
`Iintendtogothisminute，youmayrelyuponit，\'saidthevolubleNipper。`IhavebeeninthishousewaitingonmyyoungladyadozenyearandIwon\'tstopinitonehourundernoticefromapersonowningtothenameofPipchin，trustme，Mrs。P。\'
`Agoodriddanceofbadrubbish！\'saidthatwrathfuloldlady。
`Getalongwithyou，orI\'llhaveyoucarriedout！\'
`Mycomfortis，\'saidSusan，lookingbackatMr。Dombey，`thatIhavetoldapieceoftruththisdaywhichoughttohavebeentoldlongbeforeandcan\'tbetoldtoooftenortooplainandthatnoamountofPipchinses——I
hopethenumberof\'emmayn\'tbegreat\'hereMrs。Pipchinutteredaverysharp`Goalongwithyou！\'andMissNipperrepeatedthelook`canunsaywhatIhavesaid，thoughtheygaveawholeyearfullofwarningsbeginningatteno\'clockintheforenoonandneverleavingofftilltwelveatnightanddiedoftheexhaustionwhichwouldbeaJubilee！\'
Withthesewords，MissNipperprecededherfoeoutoftheroom；
andwalkingupstairstoherownapartmentsingreatstate，tothechokingexasperationoftheirefulPipchin，satdownamongherboxesandbegantocry。
Fromthissoftmoodshewassoonaroused，withaverywholesomeandrefreshingeffect，bythevoiceofMrs。Pipchinoutsidethedoor。
`Doesthatbold-facedslut，\'saidthefellPipchin，`intendtotakeherwarning，ordoesshenot？\'
MissNipperrepliedfromwithinthatthepersondescribeddidnotinhabitthatpartofthehouse，butthathernamewasPipchin，andshewastobefoundinthehousekeeper\'sroom。
`Yousaucybaggage！\'retortedMrs。Pipchin，rattlingatthehandleofthedoor。`Goalongwithyouthisminute。Packupyourthingsdirectly！
Howdareyoutalkinthiswaytoagentlewomanwhohasseenbetterdays？\'
TowhichMissNipperrejoinedfromhercastle，thatshepitiedthebetterdaysthathadseenMrs。Pipchin；andthatforherpartsheconsideredtheworstdaysintheyeartobeaboutthatlady\'smark，exceptthattheyweremuchtoogoodforher。
`Butyouneedn\'ttroubleyourselftomakeanoiseatmydoor，\'
saidSusanNipper，`nortocontaminatethekey-holewithyoureye，I\'mpackingupandgoingyoumaytakeyouraffidavit。\'
TheDowagerexpressedherlivelysatisfactionatthisintelligence，andwithsomegeneralopinionsuponyounghussiesasarace，andespeciallyupontheirdemeritsafterbeingspoiledbyMissDombey，withdrewtopreparetheNipper\'swages。Susanthenbestirredherselftogethertrunksinorder，thatshemighttakeanimmediateanddignifieddeparture；sobbingheartilyallthetime，asshethoughtofFlorence。
Theobjectofherregretwasnotlongincomingtoher，forthenewssoonspreadoverthehousethatSusanNipperhadhadadisturbancewithMrs。Pipchin，andthattheyhadbothappealedtoMr。Dombey，andthattherehadbeenanunprecedentedpieceofworkinMr。Dombey\'sroom，andthatSusanwasgoing。Thelatterpartofthisconfusedrumour，Florencefoundtobesocorrect，thatSusanhadlockedthelasttrunkandwassittinguponitwithherbonneton，whenshecameintoherroom。
`Susan！\'criedFlorence。`Goingtoleaveme！You！\'
`Ohforgoodnessgracioussake，MissFloy，\'saidSusan，sobbing，`don\'tspeakawordtomeorIshalldemeanmyselfbeforethemPi-i-ipchinses，andIwouldn\'thave\'emseemecryMissFloyforworlds！\'
`Susan！\'saidFlorence。`Mydeargirl，myoldfriend！WhatshallIdowithoutyou！Canyoubeartogoawayso？\'
`No-n-o-o，mydarlingdearMissFloy，Ican\'tindeed，\'sobbedSusan。`Butitcan\'tbehelped，I\'vedonemydutyMiss，Ihaveindeed。
It\'snofaultofmine。Iamquiteresi-igned。Icouldn\'tstaymymonthorIcouldneverleaveyouthenmydarlingandImustatlastaswellasatfirst，don\'tspeaktomeMissFloy，forthoughI\'mprettyfirmI\'mnotamarbledoorpost，myowndear。\'
`Whatisit？Whyisit？\'saidFlorence。`Won\'tyoutellme？\'ForSusanwasshakingherhead。
`No-n-no，mydarling，\'returnedSusan。`Don\'taskme，forImustn\'t，andwhateveryoudodon\'tputinawordformetostop，foritcouldn\'tbeandyou\'donlywrongyourself，andsoGodblessyoumyownpreciousandforgivemeanyharmIhavedone，oranytemperIhaveshowedinallthesemanyyears！\'
Withwhichentreaty，veryheartilydelivered，Susanhuggedhermistressinherarms。
`Mydarlingthere\'samanythatmaycometoserveyouandbegladtoserveyouandwho\'llserveyouwellandtrue，\'saidSusan，`buttherecan\'tbeonewho\'llserveyousoaffectionateasmeorloveyouhalfasdearly，that\'smycomfort。Go-oodbye，sweetMissFloy！\'
`Wherewillyougo，Susan？\'askedherweepingmistress。
`I\'vegotabrotherdowninthecountryMiss——afarmerinEssex，\'
saidtheheart-brokenNipper，`thatkeepseversomanyco-o-owsandpigsandIshallgodowntherebythecoachandsto-opwithhim，anddon\'tmindme，forI\'vegotmoneyintheSavings\'Banksmydear，andneedn\'ttakeanotherservicejustyet，whichIcouldn\'t，couldn\'t，couldn\'tdo，myheart\'sownmistress！\'Susanfinishedwithaburstofsorrow，whichwasopportunelybrokenbythevoiceofMrs。Pipchintalkingdownstairs；onhearingwhich，shedriedherredandswolleneyes，andmadeamelancholyfeintofcallingjauntilytoMr。Towlinsontofetchacabandcarrydownherboxes。
Florence，paleandhurriedanddistressed，butwithheldfromuselessinterferenceevenhere，byherdreadofcausinganynewdivisionbetweenherfatherandhiswifewhosestern，indignantfacehadbeenawarningtoherafewmomentssince，andbyherapprehensionofbeinginsomewayunconsciouslyconnectedalreadywiththedismissalofheroldservantandfriend，followed，weeping，downstairstoEdith\'sdressingroom，whitherSusanbetookherselftomakeherpartingcurtsey。
`Now，here\'sthecab，andhere\'stheboxes，getalongwithyou，do！\'saidMrs。Pipchin，presentingherselfatthesamemoment。`Ibegyourpardon，ma\'am，butMr。Dombey\'sordersareimperative。\'
Edith，sittingunderthehandsofhermaid——shewasgoingouttodinner——preservedherhaughtyface，andtooknottheleastnotice。
`There\'syourmoney，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，whoinpursuanceofhersystem，andinrecollectionofthemines，wasaccustomedtorouttheservantsabout，asshehadroutedheryoungBrightonboarders；totheeverlastingacidulationofMasterBitherstone，`andthesoonerthishouseseesyourbackthebetter。\'
SusanhadnospiritsevenforthelookthatbelongedtoMrs。Pipchinbyright；soshedroppedhercurtseytoMrs。Dombeywhoinclinedherheadwithoutoneword，andwhoseeyeavoidedeveryonebutFlorence，andgaveonelastpartinghugtoheryoungmistress，andreceivedherpartingembraceinreturn。PoorSusan\'sfaceatthiscrisis，intheintensityofherfeelingsandthedeterminedsuffocationofhersobs，lestoneshouldbecomeaudibleandbeatriumphtoMrs。Pipchin，presentedaseriesofthemostextraordinaryphysiognomicalphenomenaeverwitnessed。
`Ibegyourpardon，Miss，I\'msure，\'saidTowlinson，outsidethedoorwiththeboxes，addressingFlorence，`butMr。Tootsisinthedrawing-room，andsendshiscompliments，andbegstoknowhowDiogenesandMasteris。\'
Quickasthought，Florenceglidedoutandhasteneddownstairs，whereMr。Toots，inthemostsplendidvestments，wasbreathingveryhardwithdoubtandagitationonthesubjectofhercoming。
`Oh，howdedo，MissDombey，\'saidMr。Toots，`Godblessmysoul！\'
ThislastejaculationwasoccasionedbyMr。Toots\'sdeepconcernatthedistresshesawinFlorence\'sface；whichcausedhimtostopshortinafitofchuckles，andbecomeanimageofdespair。
`DearMr。Toots，\'saidFlorence，`youaresofriendlytome，andsohonest，thatIamsureImayaskafavourofyou。\'
`MissDombey，\'returnedMr。Toots，`ifyou\'llonlynameone，you\'ll——you\'llgivemeanappetite。Towhich，\'saidMr。Toots，withsomesentiment，`I
havelongbeenastranger。\'
`Susan，whoisanoldfriendofmine，theoldestfriendIhave，\'
saidFlorence，`isabouttoleaveheresuddenly，andquitealone，poorgirl。Sheisgoinghome，alittlewayintothecountry。MightIaskyoutotakecareofheruntilsheisinthecoach？\'
`MissDombey，\'returnedMr。Toots，`youreallydomeanhonourandakindness。Thisproofofyourconfidence，afterthemannerinwhichIwasBeastenoughtoconductmyselfatBrighton——\'
`Yes，\'saidFlorence，hurriedly——`no——don\'tthinkofthat。Thenwouldyouhavethekindnessto——togo？andtobereadytomeetherwhenshecomesout？Thankyouathousandtimes！Youeasemymindsomuch。Shedoesn\'tseemsodesolate。YoucannotthinkhowgratefulIfeeltoyou，orwhatagoodfriendIamsureyouare！\'AndFlorenceinherearnestnessthankedhimagainandagain；andMr。Toots，inhisearnestness，hurriedaway——butbackwards，thathemightlosenoglimpseofher。
Florencehadnotthecouragetogoout，whenshesawpoorSusaninthehall，withMrs。Pipchindrivingherforth，andDiogenesjumpingabouther，andterrifyingMrs。Pipchintothelastdegreebymakingsnapsatherbombazeenskirts，andhowlingwithanguishatthesoundofhervoice——forthegoodduennawasthedearestandmostcherishedaversionofhisbreast。
ButshesawSusanshakehandswiththeservantsallround，andturnoncetolookatheroldhome；andshesawDiogenesboundoutafterthecab，andwanttofollowit，andtestifyanimpossibilityofconvictionthathehadnolongeranypropertyinthefare；andthedoorwasshut，andthehurryover，andhertearsflowedfastforthelossofanoldfriend，whomnoonecouldreplace。Noone。Noone。
Mr。Toots，likethelealandtrustysoulhewas，stoppedthecabrioletinatwinkling，andtoldSusanNipperofhiscommission，atwhichshecriedmorethanbefore。
`Uponmysoulandbody！\'saidMr。Toots，takinghisseatbesideher，`Ifeelforyou。UponmywordandhonourIthinkyoucanhardlyknowyourownfeelingsbetterthanIimaginethem。IcanconceivenothingmoredreadfulthantohavetoleaveMissDombey。\'
Susanabandonedherselftohergriefnow，anditreallywastouchingtoseeher。
`Isay，\'saidMr。Toots，`now，don\'t！atleastImeannowdo，youknow！\'
`Dowhat，Mr。Toots？\'criedSusan。
`Why，comehometomyplace，andhavesomedinnerbeforeyoustart，\'
saidMr。Toots。`Mycook\'samostrespectablewoman——oneofthemostmotherlypeopleIeversaw——andshe\'llbedelightedtomakeyoucomfortable。Herson，\'saidMr。Toots，asanadditionalrecommendation，`waseducatedintheBlue-coatSchool，andblownupinapowder-mill。\'
Susanacceptingthiskindoffer，Mr。Tootsconductedhertohisdwelling，wheretheywerereceivedbytheMatroninquestionwhofullyjustifiedhischaracterofher，andbytheChicken，whoatfirstsupposed，onseeingaladyinthevehicle，thatMr。Dombeyhadbeendoubledup，agreeablytohisoldrecommendation，andMissDombeyabducted。ThisgentlemanawakenedinMissNippersomeconsiderableastonishment；for，havingbeendefeatedbytheLarkeyBoy，hisvisagewasinastateofsuchgreatdilapidation，astobehardlypresentableinsocietywithcomforttothebeholders。TheChickenhimselfattributedthispunishmenttohishavinghadthemisfortunetogetintoChanceryearlyintheproceedings，whenhewasseverelyfibbedbytheLarkeyone，andheavilygrassed。ButitappearedfromthepublishedrecordsofthatgreatcontestthattheLarkeyBoyhadhaditallhisownwayfromthebeginning，andthattheChickenhadbeentapped，andbunged，andhadreceivedpepper，andhadbeenmadegroggy，andhadcomeuppiping，andhadenduredacomplicationofsimilarstrangeinconveniences，untilhehadbeengoneintoandfinished。
Afteragoodrepast，andmuchhospitality，Susansetoutforthecoach-officeinanothercabriolet，withMr。Tootsinside，asbefore，andtheChickenonthebox，who，whateverdistinctionheconferredonthelittlepartybythemoralweightandheroismofhischaracter，wasscarcelyornamentaltoit，physicallyspeaking，onaccountofhisplasters；whichwerenumerous。
ButtheChickenhadregisteredavow，insecret，thathewouldneverleaveMr。Tootswhowassecretlypiningtogetridofhim，foranylessconsiderationthanthegood-willandfixturesofapublic-house；andbeingambitioustogointothatline，anddrinkhimselftodeathassoonaspossible，hefeltithiscuetomakehiscompanyunacceptable。
Thenight-coachbywhichSusanwastogo，wasonthepointofdeparture。
Mr。Tootshavingputperinside，lingeredbythewindow，irresolutely，untilthedriverwasabouttomount；when，standingonthestep，andputtinginafacethatbythelightofthelampwasanxiousandconfused，hesaidabruptly：
`Isay，Susan！MissDombey，youknow——\'
`Yes，Sir。\'
`Doyouthinkshecould——youknow——eh？\'
`Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Toots，\'saidSusan，`butIdon\'thearyou。\'
`Doyouthinkshecouldbebrought，youknow——notexactlyatonce，butintime——inalongtime——to——toloveme，youknow？There！\'saidpoorMr。Toots。
`Ohdearno！\'returnedSusan，shakingherhead。`Ishouldsay，never。Ne——ver！\'
`Thank\'ee！\'saidMr。Toots。`It\'sofnoconsequence。Goodnight。
It\'sofnoconsequence，thank\'ee！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter45[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVTheTrustyAgentEDITHwentoutalonethatday，andreturnedhomeearly。Itwasbutafewminutesafterteno\'clock，whenhercarriagerolledalongthestreetinwhichshelived。
Therewasthesameenforcedcomposureonherface，thattherehadbeenwhenshewasdressing；andthewreathuponherheadencircledthesamecoldandsteadybrow。Butitwouldhavebeenbettertohaveseenitsleavesandflowersreftintofragmentsbyherpassionatehand，orrenderedshapelessbythefitfulsearchesofathrobbingandbewilderedbrainforanyresting-place，thanadorningsuchtranquillity。Soobdurate，sounapproachable，sounrelenting，onewouldhavethoughtthatnothingcouldsoftensuchawoman\'snature，andthateverythinginlifehadhardenedit。
Arrivedatherowndoor，shewasalighting，whensomeonecomingquietlyfromthehall，andstandingbareheaded，offeredherhisarm。Theservantbeingthrustaside，shehadnochoicebuttotouchit；andshethenknewwhosearmitwas。
`Howisyourpatient，Sir？\'shesaid，withacurledlip。
`Heisbetter，\'returnedCarker。`Heisdoingverywell。Ihavelefthimforthenight。\'
Shebentherhead，andwaspassingupthestaircase，whenhefollowedandsaid，speakingatthebottom：
`Madam！MayIbegthefavourofaminute\'saudience？\'
Shestoppedandturnedhereyesback。`Itisanunreasonabletime，Sir，andIamfatigued。Isyourbusinessurgent？\'
`Itisveryurgent，\'returnedCarker。`AsIamsofortunateastohavemetyou，letmepressmypetition。\'
Shelookeddownforamomentathisglisteningmouth；andhelookedupather，standingabovehiminherstatelydress，andthought，again，howbeautifulshewas。
`WhereisMissDombey？\'sheaskedtheservant，aloud。
`Inthemorningroom，Ma\'am。\'
`Showthewaythere！\'Turninghereyesagainontheattentivegentlemanatthebottomofthestairs，andinforminghimwithaslightmotionofherhead，thathewasatlibertytofollow，shepassedon。
`Ibegyourpardon！Madam！Mrs。Dombey！\'criedthesoftandnimbleCarkerathersideinamoment。`MayIbepermittedtoentreatthatMissDombeyisnotpresent？\'
Sheconfrontedhim，withaquicklook，butwiththesameself-possessionandsteadiness。
`IwouldspareMissDombey，\'saidCarker，inalowvoice，`theknowledgeofwhatIhavetosay。Atleast，Madam，Iwouldleaveittoyoutodecidewhethersheshallknowofitornot。Iowethattoyou。Itismyboundendutytoyou。Afterourformerinterview，itwouldbemonstrousinmeifIdidotherwise。\'
Sheslowlywithdrewhereyesfromhisface，andturningtotheservant，said，`Someotherroom。\'Heledthewaytoadrawing-room，whichhespeedilylightedupandthenleftthem。Whileheremained，notawordwasspoken。Edithenthronedherselfuponacouchbythefire；andMr。Carker，withhishatinhishandandhiseyesbentuponthecarpet，stoodbeforeher，atsomelittledistance。
`BeforeIhearyou，Sir，\'saidEdith，whenthedoorwasclosed，`Iwishyoutohearme。\'
`TobeaddressedbyMrs。Dombey，\'hereturned，`eveninaccentsofunmeritedreproach，isanhonourIsogreatlyesteem，thatalthoughIwerenotherservantinallthings，Ishoulddefertosuchawish，mostreadily。\'
`Ifyouarechargedbythemanwhomyouhavejustnowleft，Sir；\'
Mr。Carkerraisedhiseyes，asifheweregoingtocounterfeitsurprise，butshemetthem，andstoppedhim，ifsuchwerehisintention；`withanymessagetome，donotattempttodeliverit，forIwillnotreceiveit。
Ineedscarcelyaskyouifyouarecomeonsuchanerrand。Ihaveexpectedyousometime。\'
`Itismymisfortune，\'hereplied，`tobehere，whollyagainstmywill，forsuchapurpose。AllowmetosaythatIamherefortwopurposes。
Thatisone。\'
`Thatone，Sir，\'shereturned，`isended。Or，ifyoureturntoit\'
`CanMrs。Dombeybelieve，\'saidCarker，comingnearer，`thatI
wouldreturntoitinthefaceofherprohibition？IsitpossiblethatMrs。Dombey，havingnoregardtomyunfortunateposition，issodeterminedtoconsidermeinseparablefrommyinstructorastodomegreatandwilfulinjustice？\'
`Sir，\'returnedEdith，bendingherdarkgazefulluponhim，andspeakingwitharisingpassionthatinflatedherproudnostrilandherswellingneck，andstirredthedelicatewhitedownuponarobeshewore，thrownlooselyovershouldersthatcouldbearitssnowyneighbourhood。
`Whydoyoupresentyourselftome，asyouhavedone，andspeaktomeofloveanddutytomyhusband，andpretendtothinkthatIamhappilymarried，andthatIhonourhim？Howdareyouventuresotoaffrontme，whenyouknow——Idonotknowbetter，Sir：Ihaveseenitinyoureveryglance，andhearditinyoureveryword——thatinplaceofaffectionbetweenusthereisaversionandcontempt，andthatIdespisehimhardlylessthanIdespisemyselfforbeinghis！Injustice！IfIhaddonejusticetothetormentyouhavemademefeel，andtomysenseoftheinsultyouhaveputuponme，Ishouldhaveslainyou！\'
Shehadaskedhimwhyhedidthis。Hadshenotbeenblindedbyherprideandwrath，andself-humiliation，——whichshewas，fiercelyasshebenthergazeuponhim，——shewouldhavebeentheanswerinhisface。
Tobringhertothisdeclaration。
Shesawitnot，andcarednotwhetheritwasthereorno。Shesawonlytheindignitiesandstrugglesshehadundergone，andhadtoundergo，andwaswrithingunderthem。Asshesatlookingfixedlyatthem，ratherthanathim，shepluckedthefeathersfromapinionofsomerareandbeautifulbird，whichhungfromherwristbyagoldenthread，toserveherasafan，andrainedthemontheground。
Hedidnotshrinkbeneathhergaze，butstood，untilsuchoutwardsignsofherangerashadescapedhercontrolsubsided，withtheairofamanwhohadhissufficientreplyinreserveandwouldpresentlydeliverit。Andhethenspoke，lookingstraightintoherkindlingeyes。
`Madam，\'hesaid，`Iknow，andknewbeforeto-day，thatIhavefoundnofavourwithyou；andIknewwhy。Yes。Iknewwhy。Youhavespokensoopenlytome；Iamsorelievedbythepossessionofyourconfidence\'
`Confidence！\'sherepeated，withdisdain。
Hepasseditover。
`——thatIwillmakenopretenceofconcealment。Ididseefromthefirst，thattherewasnoaffectiononyourpartforMr。Dombey——howcoulditpossiblyexistbetweensuchdifferentsubjects？AndIhaveseen，since，thatstrongerfeelingsthanindifferencehavebeenengenderedinyourbreast——howcouldthatpossiblybeotherwise，either，circumstancedasyouhavebeen？Butwasitformetopresumetoavowthisknowledgetoyouinsomanywords？\'
`Wasitforyou，Sir，\'shereplied，`tofeignthatotherbelief，andaudaciouslytothrustitonemedaybyday？\'
`Madam，itwas，\'heeagerlyretorted。`IfIhaddoneless，ifIhaddoneanythingbutthat，Ishouldnotbespeakingtoyouthus；andIforesaw——whocouldbetterforesee，forwhohashadgreaterexperienceofMr。Dombeythanmyself？——thatunlessyourcharactershouldprovetobeasyieldingandobedientasthatofhisfirstsubmissivelady，whichIdidnotbelieve\'
Ahaughtysmilegavehimreasontoobservethathemightrepeatthis。
`Isay，whichIdidnotbelieve，——thetimewaslikelytocome，whensuchanunderstandingaswehavenowarrivedat，wouldbeserviceable。\'
`Serviceabletowhom，Sir？\'shedemandedscornfully。
`Toyou。Iwillnotaddtomyself，aswarningmetorefrainevenfromthatlimitedcommendationofMr。Dombey，inwhichIcanhonestlyindulge，inorderthatImaynothavethemisfortuneofsayinganythingdistastefultoonewhoseaversionandcontempt，\'withgreatexpression，`aresokeen。\'
`Isithonestinyou，Sir，\'saidEdith，`toconfesstoyour“limitedcommendation，“andtospeakinthattoneofdisparagement，evenofhim：
beinghischiefcounsellorandflatterer！\'
`Counsellor，——yes，\'saidCarker。Flatterer，——no。AlittlereservationIfearImustconfessto。Butourinterestandconveniencecommonlyobligemanyofustomakeprofessionsthatwecannotfeel。Wehavepartnershipsofinterestandconvenience，friendshipsofinterestandconvenience，dealingsofinterestandconvenience，marriagesofinterestandconvenience，everyday。\'
Shebitherblood-redlip；butwithoutwaveringinthedark，sternwatchshekeptuponhim。
`Madam，\'saidMr。Carker，sittingdowninachairthatwasnearher，withanairofthemostprofoundandmostconsideraterespect，`whyshouldIhesitatenow，beingaltogetherdevotedtoyourservice，tospeakplainly？Itwasnaturalthatalady，endowedasyouare，shouldthinkitfeasibletochangeherhusband\'scharacterinsomerespects，andmouldhimtoabetterform。\'
`Itwasnotnaturaltome，Sir，\'sherejoined。`Ihadneveranyexpectationorintentionofthatkind。\'
Theproudundauntedfaceshowedhimitwasresolutetowearnomaskheoffered，butwassetuponarecklessdisclosureofitself，indifferenttoanyaspectinwhichitmightpresentitselftosuchashe。
`Atleastitwasnatural，\'heresumed，`thatyoushoulddeemitquitepossibletolivewithMr。Dombeyashiswife，atoncewithoutsubmittingtohim，andwithoutcomingintosuchviolentcollisionwithhim。But，Madam，youdidnotknowMr。Dombeyasyouhavesinceascertained，whenyouthoughtthat。Youdidnotknowhowexactingandhowproudheis，orhowheis，ifImaysayso，theslaveofhisowngreatness，andgoesyokedtohisowntriumphalcarlikeabeastofburden，withnoideaonearthbutthatitisbehindhimandistobedrawnon，overeverythingandthrougheverything。\'