Histeethgleamedthroughhismaliciousrelishofthisconceit，ashewentontalking：
`Mr。Dombeyisreallycapableofnomoretrueconsiderationforyou，Madam，thanforme。Thecomparisonisanextremeone；Iintendittobeso；butquitejust。Mr。Dombey，intheplenitudeofhispower，askedme——Ihaditfromhisownlipsyesterdaymorning——tobehisgobetweentoyou，becauseheknowsIamnotagreeabletoyou，andbecauseheintendsthatIshallbeapunishmentforyourcontumacy；andbesidesthat，becausehereallydoesconsider，thatI，hispaidservant，amanambassadorwhomitisderogatorytothedignity——notoftheladytowhomIhavethehappinessofspeaking；shehasnoexistenceinhismind——butofhiswife，apartofhimself，toreceive。Youmayimaginehowregardlessofme，howobtusetothepossibilityofmyhavinganyindividualsentimentoropinionheis，whenhetellsme，openly，thatIamsoemployed。Youknowhowperfectlyindifferenttoyourfeelingsheis，whenhethreatensyouwithsuchamessenger。
Asyou，ofcourse，havenotforgottenthathedid。\'
Shewatchedhimstillattentively。Buthewatchedhertoo；andhesawthatthisindicationofaknowledgeonhispart，ofsomethingthathadpassedbetweenherselfandherhusband，rankledandsmartedinherhaughtybreast，likeapoisonedarrow。
`IdonotrecallallthistowidenthebreachbetweenyourselfandMr。Dombey，Madam——Heavenforbid！whatwoulditprofitme？——butasanexampleofthehopelessnessofimpressingMr。Dombeywithasensethatanybodyistobeconsideredwhenheisinquestion。Wewhoareabouthim，have，inourvariouspositions，doneourpart，Idaresay，toconfirmhiminhiswayofthinking；butifwehadnotdoneso，otherswould——ortheywouldnothavebeenabouthim；andithasalwaysbeenfromthebeginning，theverystapleofhislife。Mr。Dombeyhashadtodeal，inshort，withnonebutsubmissiveanddependentpersons，whohavebowedtheknee，andbenttheneck，beforehim。Hehasneverknownwhatitistohaveangryprideandstrongresentmentopposedtohim。\'
`Buthewillknowitnow！\'sheseemedtosay；thoughherlipsdidnotpart，nothereyesfalter。Hesawthesoftdowntrembleonceagain，andhesawherlaytheplumageofthebeautifulbirdagainstherbosomforamoment；andheunfoldedonemoreringofthecoilintowhichhehadgatheredhimself。
`Mr。Dombey，thoughamosthonourablegentleman，\'hesaid，`issopronetopervertevenfactstohisownview，whenheisatallopposed，inconsequenceofthewarpinhismind，thathe——canIgiveabetterinstancethanthis！——hesincerelybelievesyouwillexcusethefollyofwhatI
amabouttosay；itnotbeingminethathissevereexpressionofopiniontohispresentwife，onacertainspecialoccasionshemayremember，beforethelamenteddeathofMrs。Skewton，producedawitheringeffect，andforthemomentquitesubduedher！\'
Edithlaughed。Howharshlyandunmusicallyneednotbedescribed。
Itisenoughthathewasgladtohearher。
`Madam，\'heresumed，`Ihavedonewiththis。Yourownopinionsaresostrong，and，Iampersuaded，sounalterable，\'herepeatedthosewordsslowlyandwithgreatemphasis，`thatIamalmostafraidtoincuryourdispleasureanew，whenIsaythatinspiteofthesedefectsandmyfullknowledgeofthem，IhavebecomehabituatedtoMr。Dombey，andesteemhim。ButwhenIsayso，itisnot，believeme，forthemeresakeofvauntingafeelingthatissoutterlyatvariancewithyourown，andforwhichyoucanhavesympathy\'——ohhowdistinctandplainandemphasizedthiswas！——`buttogiveyouanassuranceofthezealwithwhich，inthisunhappymatter，Iamyours，andtheindignationwithwhichIregardthepartIamrequiredtofill！\'
Shesatasifwereafraidtotakehereyesfromhisface。
Andnowtounwindthelastringofthecoil！
`Itisgrowinglate，\'saidCarker，afterapause，`andyouare，asyousaid，fatigued。Butthesecondobjectofthisinterview，Imustnotforget。Imustrecommendyou，Imustentreatyouinthemostearnestmanner，forsufficientreasonsthatIhave，tobecautiousinyourdemonstrationsofregardforMissDombey。\'
`Cautious！Whatdoyoumean？\'
`Tobecarefulhowyouexhibittoomuchaffectionforthatyounglady。\'
`Toomuchaffection，Sir！\'saidEdith，knittingherbroadbrowandrising。`Whojudgesmyaffection，ormeasuresitout？You？\'
`ItisnotIwhodoso。\'Hewas，orfeignedtobe，perplexed。
`Whothen？\'
`Canyounotguesswhothen？\'
`Idonotchoosetoguess，\'sheanswered。
`Madam，\'hesaidafteralittlehesitation；meantimetheyhadbeen，andstillwere，regardingeachotherasbefore；`Iaminadifficultyhere。Youhavetoldmeyouwillreceivenomessage，andyouhaveforbiddenmetoreturntothatsubject；butthetwosubjectsaresocloselyentwined，Ifind，thatunlessyouwillacceptthisvaguecautionfromonewhohasnowthehonourtopossessyourconfidence，thoughthewaytoithasbeenthroughyourdispleasure，Imustviolatetheinjunctionyouhavelaiduponme。\'
`Youknowthatyouarefreetodoso，Sir，\'saidEdith。`Doit。\'
Sopale，sotremblingsoimpassioned！Hehadnotmiscalculatedtheeffectthen！
`Hisinstructionswere，\'hesaid，inalowvoice，`thatIshouldinformyouthatyourdemeanourtowardsMissDombeyisnotagreeabletohim。Thatitsuggestscomparisonstohimwhicharenotfavourabletohimself。
Thathedesiresitmaybewhollychanged；andthatifyouareinearnest，heisconfidentitwillbe；foryourcontinuedshowofaffectionwillnotbenefititsobject。\'
`Thatisathreat，\'shesaid。
`Thatisathreat，\'heanswered，inhisvoicelessmannerofassent：
addingaloud，`butnotdirectedagainstyou。\'
Proud，erect，anddignified，asshestoodconfrontinghim；andlookingthroughhimasshedid，withherfullbrightflashingeye；andsmiling，asshewas，withscornandbitterness；shesunkasifthegroundhasdroppedbeneathher，andinaninstantwouldhavefallenonthefloor，butthathecaughtherinhisarms。Asinstantaneouslyshethrewhimoff，themomentthathetouchedher，and，drawingback，confrontedhimagain，immoveable，withherhandstretchedout。
`Pleasetoleaveme。Saynomoreto-night。\'
`Ifeeltheurgencyofthis，\'saidMr。Carker，`becauseitisimpossibletosaywhatunforeseenconsequencesmightarise，orhowsoon，fromyourbeingunacquaintedwithhisstateofmind。IunderstandMissDombeyisconcerned，now，atthedismissalofheroldservant，whichislikelytohavebeenaminorconsequenceinitself。Youdon\'tblamemeforrequestingthatMissDombeymightnotbepresent。MayIhopeso？\'
`Idonot。Pleasetoleaveme，Sir。\'
`Iknewthatyourregardfortheyounglady，whichisverysincereandstrong，Iamwellpersuaded，wouldrenderitagreatunhappinesstoyou，evertobeapreytothereflectionthatyouhadinjuredherpositionandruinedherfuturehopes，\'saidCarkerhurriedly，buteagerly。
`Nomoreto-night。Leaveme，ifyouplease。\'
`Ishallbehereconstantlyinmyattendanceuponhim，andinthetransactionofbusinessmatters。Youwillallowmetoseeyouagainandtoconsultwhatshouldbedone，andlearnyourwishes？\'
Shemotionedhimtowardsthedoor。
`IcannotevendecidewhethertotellhimIhavespokentoyouyet；ortoleadhimtosupposethatIhavedeferreddoingso，forwantofopportunity，orforanyotherreason。Itwillbenecessarythatyoushouldenablemetoconsultwithyouverysoon。\'
`Atanytimebutnow，\'sheanswered。
`Youwillunderstand，whenIwishtoseeyou，thatMissDombeyisnottobepresent；andthatIseekaninterviewasonewhohasthehappinesstopossessyourconfidence，andwhocomestorenderyoueveryassistanceinhispower，and，perhaps，onmanyoccasions，towardoffevilfromher？\'
Lookingathimstillwiththesameapparentdreadofreleasinghimforamomentfromtheinfluenceofhersteadygaze，whateverthatmightbe，sheanswered，`Yes！\'andoncemorebadehimgo。
Hebowed，asifincompliance；butturningback，whenhehadnearlyreachedthedoor，said：
`Iamforgiven，andhaveexplainedmyfault。MayI——forMissDombey\'ssakeandformyown——takeyourhandbeforeIgo？\'
Shegavehimtheglovedhandshehadmaimedlastnight。Hetookitinoneofhis，andkissedit，andwithdrew。Andwhenhehadclosedthedoor，hewavedthehandwithwhichhehadtakenhers，andthrustitinhisbreast。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter46[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIRecognizantandReflectiveAMONGsundryminoralterationsinMr。Carker\'slifeandhabitsthatbegantotakeplaceatthistime，nonewasmoreremarkablethantheextraordinarydiligencewithwhichheappliedhimselftobusiness，andtheclosenesswithwhichheinvestigatedeverydetailthattheaffairsoftheHouselaidopentohim。Alwaysactiveandpenetratinginsuchmatters，hislynx-eyedvigilancenowincreasedtwenty-fold。Notonlydidhiswearywatchkeeppacewitheverypresentpointthateverydaypresentedtohiminsomenewform，butinthemidstoftheseengrossingoccupationshefoundleisure——thatis，hemadeit——toreviewthepasttransactionsoftheFirm，andhisshareinthem，duringalongseriesofyears。Frequentlywhentheclerkswereallgone，theofficesdarkandempty，andallsimilarplacesofbusinessshutup，Mr。Carker，withthewholeanatomyoftheironroomlaidbarebeforehim，wouldexplorethemysteriesofbooksandpapers，withthepatientprogressofamanwhowasdissectingtheminutestnervesandfibresofhissubject。Perch，themessenger，whousuallyremainedontheseoccasions，toentertainhimselfwiththeperusalofthePriceCurrentbythelightofonecandle，ortodozeoverthefireintheouteroffice，attheimminentriskeverymomentofdivingheadforemostintothecoal-box，couldnotwithholdthetributeofhisadmirationfromthiszealousconduct，althoughitmuchcontractedhisdomesticenjoyments；andagain，andagain，expatiatedtoMrs。PerchnownursingtwinsontheindustryandacutenessoftheirmanaginggentlemanintheCity。
ThesameincreasedandsharpattentionthatMr。CarkerbestowedonthebusinessoftheHouse，heappliedtohisownpersonalaffairs。Thoughnotapartnerintheconcern——adistinctionhithertoreservedsolelytoinheritorsofthegreatnameofDombey——hewasinthereceiptofsomepercentageonitsdealings；and，participatinginallitsfacilitiesfortheemploymentofmoneytoadvantage，wasconsidered，bytheminnowsamongthetritonsoftheEast，arichman。Itbegantobesaid，amongtheseshrewdobservers，thatJemCarker，ofDombey\'s，waslookingabouthimtoseewhathewasworth；andthathewascallinginhismoneyatagoodtime，likethelong-headedfellowhewas；andbetswereevenofferedontheStockExchangethatJemwasgoingtomarryarichwidow。
YetthesecaresdidnotintheleastinterferewithMr。Carker\'swatchingofhischief，orwithhiscleanness，neatness，sleekness，oranycat-likequalityhepossessed。Itwasnotsomuchthattherewasachangeinhim，inreferencetoanyofhishabits，asthatthewholemanwasintensified。
Everythingthathadbeenobservableinhimbefore，wasobservablenow，butwithagreateramountofconcentration。Hedideachsinglething，asifhedidnothingelse——aprettycertainindicationinamanofthatrangeofabilityandpurpose，thatheisdoingsomethingwhichsharpensandkeepsalivehiskeenestpowers。
Theonlydecidedalterationinhimwas，thatasherodetoandfroalongthestreets，hewouldfallintodeepfitsofmusing，likethatinwhichhehadcomeawayfromMr。Dombey\'shouse，onthemorningofthatgentleman\'sdisaster。Atsuchtimes，hewouldkeepclearoftheobstaclesinhisway，mechanically；andwouldappeartoseeandhearnothinguntilarrivalathisdestination，orsomesuddenchanceoreffortrousedhim。
Walkinghiswhite-leggedhorsethus，tothecounting-houseofDombeyandSononeday，hewasasunconsciousoftheobservationoftwopairsofwomen\'seyes，asofthefascinatedorbsofRobtheGrinder，who，inwaitingastreet\'slengthfromtheappointedplace，asademonstrationofpunctuality，vainlytouchedandretouchedhishattoattractattention，andtrottedalongonfoot，byhismaster\'sside，preparedtoholdhisstirrupwhenheshouldalight。
`Seewherehegoes！\'criedoneofthesetwowomen，anoldcreature，whostretchedouthershrivelledarmtopointhimouttohercompanion，ayoungwoman，whostoodclosebesideher，withdrawnlikeherselfintoagateway。
Mrs。Brown\'sdaughterlookedout，atthisbiddingonthepartofMrs。Brown；andtherewerewrathandvengeanceinherface。
`Ineverthoughttolookathimagain，\'shesaid，inalowvoice；
`butit\'swellIshould，perhaps。Isee。Isee！\'
`Notchanged！\'saidtheoldwoman，withalookofeagermalice。
`Hechanged！\'returnedtheother。`Whatfor？Whathashesuffered？Thereischangeenoughfortwentyinme。Isn\'tthatenough？\'
`Seewherehegoes！\'mutteredtheoldwoman，watchingherdaughterwithherredeyes；`soeasyandsotrim，a-horseback，whileweareinthemud——\'
`Andofit，\'saidherdaughterimpatiently。`Wearemud，underneathhishorse\'sfeet。Whatshouldwebe？\'
Intheintentnesswithwhichshelookedafterhimagain，shemadeahastygesturewithherhandwhentheoldwomanbegantoreply，asifherviewcouldbeobstructedbymeresound。Hermotherwatchingher，andnothim，remainedsilent；untilherkindlingglancesubsided，andshedrewalongbreath，asifinthereliefofhisbeinggone。
`Deary！\'saidtheoldwomanthen。`Alice！Handsomegal！Ally！\'
Shegentlyshookhersleevetoarouseherattention。`Willyoulethimgolikethat，whenyoucanwringmoneyfromhim？Why，it\'sawickedness，mydaughter。\'
`Haven\'tItoldyou，that，Iwillnothavemoneyfromhim？\'shereturned。`Anddon\'tyouyetbelieveme？DidItakehissister\'smoney？
WouldItouchapenny，ifIknewit，thathadgonethroughhiswhitehands——unlessitwas，indeed，thatIcouldpoisonit，andsenditbacktohim？Peace，mother，andcomeaway。\'
`Andhimsorich？\'murmuredtheoldwoman。`Andussopoor！\'
`Poorinnotbeingabletopayhimanyoftheharmweowehim，\'
returnedherdaughter。`Lethimgivemethatsortofriches，andI\'lltakethemfromhim，andusethem。Comeaway。It\'snogoodlookingathishorse。
Comeaway，mother！\'
Buttheoldwoman，forwhomthespectacleofRobtheGrinderreturningdownthestreet，leadingtheriderlesshorse，appearedtohavesomeextraneousinterestthatitdidnotpossessinitself，surveyedthatyoungmanwiththeutmostearnestness；andseemingtohavewhateverdoubtssheentertained，resolvedashedrewnearer，glancedatherdaughterwithbrightenedeyesandwithherfingeronherlip，andemergingfromthegatewayatthemomentofhispassing，touchedhimontheshoulder。
`Why，where\'smysprightlyRobbeen，allthistime！\'shesaid，asheturnedround。
ThesprightlyRob，whosesprightlinesswasverymuchdiminishedbythesalutation，lookedexceedinglydismayed，andsaid，withthewaterrisinginhiseyes：
`Oh！whycan\'tyouleaveapoorcovealone，MissesBrown，whenhe\'sgettinganhonestlivelihoodandconductinghimselfrespectable？Whatdoyoucomeanddepriveacoveofhischaracterfor，bytalkingtohiminthestreets，whenhe\'stakinghismaster\'shorsetoahoneststable——ahorseyou\'dgoandsellforcats\'anddogs\'meatifyouhadyourway！Why，Ithought，\'saidtheGrinder，producinghisconcludingremarkasifitweretheclimaxofallhisinjuries，`thatyouwasdeadlongago！\'
`Thisistheway，\'criedtheoldwoman，appealingtoherdaughter，`thathetalkstome，whoknewhimweeksandmonthstogether，mydeary，andhavestoodhisfriendmanyandmanyatimeamongthepigeon-fancyingtrampsandbirdcatchers。\'
`Letthebirdsbe，willyou，MissesBrown？\'retortedRob，inatoneoftheacutestanguish。`Ithinkacovehadbetterhavetodowithlionsthanthemlittlecreeturs，forthey\'realwaysflyingbackinyourfacewhenyouleastexceptit。Well，howd\'yedoandwhatdoyouwant？\'
ThesepoliteinquiriestheGrinderuttered，asitwereunderprotest，andwithgreatexasperationandvindictiveness。
`Harkhowhespeakstoanoldfriend，mydeary！\'saidMrs。Brown，againappealingtoherdaughter。`Butthere\'ssomeofhisoldfriendsnosopatientasme。IfIwastotellsomethatheknows，andhassportedandcheatedwith，wheretofindhim——\'
`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？\'interruptedthemiserableGrinder，glancingquicklyround，asthoughheexceptedtoseehismaster\'steethshiningathiselbow。`Whatdoyoutakeapleasureinruiningacovefor？Atyourtimeoflifetoo！whenyououghttobethinkingofavarietyofthings！\'
`Whatagallanthours！\'saidtheoldwoman，pattingtheanimal\'sneck。
`Lethimalone，willyou，MissesBrown？\'criedRob，pushingawayherhand。`You\'reenoughtodriveapenitentcovemad！\'
`Why，whathurtdoIdohim，child？\'returnedtheoldwoman。
`Hurt？\'saidRob。`He\'sgotamasterthatwouldfinditoutifhewastouchedwithastraw。\'Andheblewupontheplacewheretheoldwoman\'shandhadrestedforamoment，andsmootheditgentlywithhisfinger，asifheseriouslybelievedwhathesaid。
Theoldwomanlookingbacktomumbleandmouthatherdaughter，whofollowed，keptclosetoRob\'sheelsashewalkedonwiththebridleinhishand；andpursuedtheconversation。
`Agoodplace，Rob，eh？\'saidshe。`You\'reluck，mychild。\'
`Ohdon\'ttalkaboutluck，MissesBrown，\'returnedthewretchedGrinder，facingroundandstopping。`Ifyou\'dnevercome，orifyou\'dgoaway，thenindeedacovemightbeconsideredtolerablylucky。Can\'tyougoalong，MissesBrown，andnotfollerme！\'blubberedRob，withsuddendefiance。`Iftheyoungwoman\'safriendofyours，whydon\'tshetakeyouaway，insteadoflettingyoumakeyourselfsodisgraceful！\'
`What！\'croakedtheoldwoman，puttingherfaceclosetohis，withamalevolentgrinuponitthatpuckeredupthelooseskindowninherverythroat。`Doyoudenyyouroldchum！Haveyoulurkedtomyhousefiftytimes，andsleptsoundinacornerwhenyouhadnootherbedbutthepaving-stones，anddoyoutalktomelikethis！HaveIboughtandsoldwithyou，andhelpedyouinmywayofbusiness，schoolboy，sneak，andwhatnot，anddoyoutellmetogoalong！CouldIraiseacrowdofoldcompanyaboutyouto-morrowmorning，thatwouldfollowyoutoruinlikecopiesofyourownshadow，anddoyouturnonmewithyourboldlooks！I\'llgo。Come，Alice。\'
`Stop，MissesBrown！\'criedthedistractedGrinder。`Whatareyoudoingof？Don\'tputyourselfinapassion！Don\'tlethergo，ifyouplease。Ihaven\'tmeantanyoffence。Isaid“howd\'yedo，“atfirst，didn\'tI？Butyouwouldn\'tanswer。Howdoyoudo？Besides，\'saidRobpiteously，`lookhere！Howcanacovestandtalkinginthestreetwithhismaster\'spradawantingtobetooktoberubbeddown，andhismasteruptoeveryindividglethingthathappens！\'
Theoldwomanmadeashowofbeingpartiallyappeased，butshookherhead，andmouthedandmutteredstill。
`Comealongtothestables，andhaveaglassofsomethingthat\'sgoodforyou，MissesBrown，can\'tyou？\'saidRob，`insteadofgoingon，likethat，whichisnogoodtoyou，noranybodyelse。Comealongwithher，willyoubesokind？\'saidRob。`I\'mdelightedtoseeher，ifitwasn\'tforthehorse！\'
Withthisapology，Robturnedaway，aruefulpictureofdespair，andwalkedhischargedownabyestreet。Theoldwoman，mouthingatherdaughter，followedcloseuponhim。Thedaughterfollowed。
Turningintoasilentlittlesquareofcourt-yardthathadagreatchurchtowerrisingaboveit，andapacker\'swarehouse，andabottle-maker\'swarehouse，foritsplaceofbusiness，RobtheGrinderdeliveredthewhite-leggedhorsetothehostlerofaquaintstableatthecorner；andinvitingMrs。
Brownandherdaughtertoseatthemselvesuponastonebenchatthegateofthatestablishment，soonreappearedfromaneighbouringpublic-housewithapewtermeasureandaglass。
`Here\'smaster——Mr。Carker，child！\'saidtheoldwoman，slowly，ashersentimentbeforedrinking。`Lordblesshim！\'
`Why，Ididn\'ttellyouwhohewas？\'observedRob，withstaringeyes。
`Weknowhimbyslight，\'saidMrs。Brown，whoseworkingmouthandnoddingheadstoppedforthemoment，inthefixednessofherattention。
`Wesawhimpassthismorning，aforehegotoffhishorse；whenyouwerereadytotakeit。\'
`Aye，aye，\'returnedRob，appearingtowishthathisreadinesshadcarriedhimtoanyotherplace——`What\'sthematterwithher？Won\'tshedrink？\'
ThisinquiryhadreferencetoAlice，who，foldedinhercloak，satalittleapartprofoundlyinattentivetohisofferofthereplenishedglass。
Theoldwomanshookherhead。`Don\'tmindher，\'shesaid；`she\'sastrangecreetur，ifyouknow\'dher，Rob。ButMr。Carker——\'
`Hush！\'saidRob，glancingcautiouslyupatthepacker\'s，andatthebottle-maker\'s，asif，fromanyoneofthetiersofwarehouses，Mr。Carkermightbelookingdown。`Softly。\'
`Why，heain\'there！\'criedMrs。Brown。
`Idon\'tknowthat，\'mutteredRob，whoseglanceevenwanderedtothechurchtower，asifhemightbethere，withasupernaturalpowerofhearing。
`Goodmaster？\'inquiredMrs。Brown。
Rodnodded；andadded，inalowvoice，`precioussharp。\'
`Livesoutoftown，don\'the，lovey？\'saidtheoldwoman。
`Whenhe\'sathome，\'returnedRob；`butwedon\'tliveathomejustnow。\'
`Wherethen？\'askedtheoldwoman。
`Lodgings；upnearMr。Dombey\'s\'returnedRob。
Theyoungerwomanfixedhereyessosearchinglyuponhim，andsosuddenly，thatRobwasquiteconfounded，andofferedtheglassagain，butwithnomoreeffectuponherthanbefore。
`Mr。Dombey——youandIusedtotalkabouthim，sometimes，youknow，\'saidRobtoMrs。Brown。`Youusedtogetmetotalkabouthim。\'
Theoldwomannodded。
`Well，Mr。Dombey，he\'shadafallfromhishorse，\'saidRob，unwillingly；`andmymasterhastobeupthere，morethanusual，eitherwithhim，orMrs。Dombey，orsomeof\'em；andsowe\'vecometotown。\'
`Aretheygoodfriends，lovey？\'askedtheoldwoman。
`Who？\'retortedRob。
`Heandshe？\'
`What，Mr。andMrs。Dombey？\'saidRob。`HowshouldIknow！\'
`Notthem——MasterandMrs。Dombey，chick，\'repliedtheoldwoman，coaxingly。
`Idon\'tknow，\'saidRob，lookingroundhimagain。`Isupposeso。Howcuriousyouare，MissesBrown！Leastsaid，soonestmended。\'
`Whythere\'snoharminit！\'exclaimedtheoldwoman，withalaugh，andaclapofherhands。`SprightlyRobhasgrowntamesincehehasbeenwelloff！There\'snoharminit。\'
`No，there\'snoharminit，Iknow，\'returnedRob，withthesamedistrustfulglanceatthepacker\'sandthebottle-maker\'s，andthechurch；
`butblabbing，ifit\'sonlyaboutthenumberofbuttonsonmymaster\'scoat，won\'tdo。Itellyouitwon\'tdowithhim。Acovehadbetterdrownhimself。Hesaysso。Ishouldn\'thavesomuchastoldyouwhathisnamewas，ifyouhadn\'tknownit。Talkaboutsomebodyelse。\'
AsRobtookanothercautioussurveyoftheyard，theoldwomanmadeasecretmotiontoherdaughter。Itwasmomentary，butthedaughter，withaslightlookofintelligence，withdrewhereyesfromtheboy\'sface，andsatfoldedinhercloakasbefore。
`Rob，lovey！\'saidtheoldwoman，beckoninghimtotheotherendofthebench。`Youwerealwaysapetandfavouriteofmine。Now，weren\'tyou？Don\'tyouknowyouwere？\'
`Yes，MissesBrown，\'repliedtheGrinder，withaverybadgrace。
`Andyoucouldleaveme！\'saidtheoldwoman，flingingherarmsabouthisneck。`Youcouldgoaway，andgrowalmostoutofknowledge，andnevercometotellyourpooroldfriendhowfortunateyouwere，proudlad！
Oho，Oho！\'
`Ohhere\'sadreadfulgoforacovethat\'sgotamasterwideawakeintheneighbourhood！\'exclaimedthewretchedGrinder。`Tobehowledoverlikethishere！\'
`Won\'tyoucomeandseeme，Robby？\'criedMrs。Brown。`Oho，won\'tyouevercomeandseeme？\'
`Yes，Itellyou！Yes，Iwill！\'returnedtheGrinder。
`That\'smyownRob！That\'smylovey！\'saidMrs。Brown，dryingthetearsuponhershrivelledface，andgivinghimatendersqueeze。`Attheoldplace，Rob？\'
`Yes，\'repliedtheGrinder。
`Soon，Robbydear？\'criedMrs。Brown；`andoften？\'
`Yes。Yes。Yes，\'repliedRob。`Iwillindeed，uponmysoulandbody。\'
`Andthen，\'saidMrs。Brown，withherarmsupliftedtowardsthesky，andherheadthrownbackandshaking，`ifhe\'struetohisword，I\'llnevercomea-nearhim，thoughIknowwhereheis，andneverbreatheasyllableabouthim！Never！\'
ThisejaculationseemedadropofcomforttothemiserableGrinder，whoshookMrs。Brownbythehanduponit，andimploredherwithtearsinhiseyestoleaveacoveandnotdestroyhisprospects。Mrs。Brown，withanotherfondembrace，assented；butintheactoffollowingherdaughter，turnedback，withherfingerstealthilyraised，andaskedinahoarsewhisperforsomemoney。
`Ashilling，dear！\'shesaid，withhereageravariciousface，`orsixpence！\'Foroldacquaintancesake。I\'msopoor。Andmyhandsomegal\'——lookingoverhershoulder——`she\'smygal，Rob——halfstarvesme。\'
ButasthereluctantGrinderputitinherhand，herdaughter，comingquietlyback，caughtthehandinhers，andtwistedoutthecoin。
`What，\'shesaid，`mother！alwaysmoney！moneyfromthefirst，andtothelast。DoyoumindsolittlewhatIsaidbutnow？Here。Takeit！\'
Theoldwomanutteredamoanasthemoneywasrestored，butwithoutinanyotherwayopposingitsrestoration，hobbledatherdaughter\'ssideoutoftheyard，andalongthebyestreetuponwhichitopened。TheastonishedanddismayedRobstaringafterthem，sawthattheystopped，andfelltoearnestconversationverysoon；andmorethanonceobservedadarklythreateningactionoftheyoungerwoman\'shandobviouslyhavingreferencetosomeoneofwhomtheyspoke，andacrooningfeebleimitationofitonthepartofMrs。Brown，thatmadehimearnestlyhopehemightnotbethesubjectoftheirdiscourse。
Withthepresentconsolationthattheyweregone，andwiththeprospectivecomfortthatMrs。Browncouldnotliveforever，andwasnotlikelytolivelongtotroublehim，theGrinder，nototherwiseregrettinghismisdeedsthanastheywereattendedwithsuchdisagreeableincidentalconsequences，composedhisruffledfeaturestoamoresereneexpressionbythinkingoftheadmirablemannerinwhichhehaddisposedofCaptainCuttleareflectionthatseldomfailedtoputhiminaflowofspirits，andwenttotheDombeyCountingHousetoreceivehismaster\'sorders。
Therehismaster，sosubtleandvigilantofeye，thatRobquakedbeforehim，morethanhalfexpectingtobetaxedwithMrs。Brown，gavehimtheusualmorning\'sboxofpapersforMr。Dombey，andanoteforMrs。
Dombey：merelynoddinghisheadasanenjoindertobecareful，andtousedispatch——amysteriousadmonition，fraughtintheGrinder\'simaginationwithdismalwarningsandthreats；andmorepowerfulwithhimthananywords。
Aloneagain，inhisownroom，Mr。Carkerappliedhimselftowork，andworkedallday。Hesawmanyvisitors；overlookedanumberofdocuments；
wentinandout，toandfrom，sundryplacesofmercantileresort；andindulgedinnomoreabstractionuntiltheday\'sbusinesswasdone。But，whentheusualclearanceofpapersfromhistablewasmadeatlast，hefellintohisthoughtfulmoodoncemore。
Hewasstandinginhisaccustomedplaceandattitude，withhiseyesintentlyfixedupontheground，whenhisbrotherenteredtobringbacksomelettersthathadbeentakenoutinthecourseoftheday。Heputthemquietlyonthetable，andwasgoingimmediately，whenMr。CarkertheManager，whoseeyeshadrestedonhim，onhisentrance，asiftheyhasallthistimehadhimforthesubjectoftheircontemplation，insteadoftheoffice-floor，said：
`Well，JohnCarker，andwhatbringsyouhere？\'
Hisbrotherpointedtotheletters，andwasagainwithdrawing。
`Iwonder，\'saidtheManager，`thatyoucancomeandgo，withoutinquiringhowourmasteris。\'
`Wehadwordthismorninginthecounting-house，thatMr。Dombeywasdoingwell，\'repliedhisbrother。
`Youaresuchameekfellow，\'saidtheManager，withasmile，——`butyouhavegrownso，inthecourseofyears——thatifanyharmcametohim，you\'dbemiserable，Idareswearnow。\'
`Ishouldbetrulysorry，James，\'returnedtheother。
`Hewouldbesorry！\'saidtheManager，pointingathim，asifthereweresomeotherpersonpresenttowhomhewasappealing。`Hewouldbetrulysorry！Thisbrotherofmine！Thisjunioroftheplace，thisslightedpieceoflumber，pushedasidewithhisfacetothewall，likearottenpicture，andleftso，forHeavenknowshowmanyyears：he\'sallgratitudeandrespect，anddevotiontoo，hewouldhavemebelieve！\'
`Iwouldhaveyoubelievenothing，James，\'returnedtheother。
`Beasjusttomeasyouwouldtoanyothermanbelowyou。Youaskaquestion，andIanswerit。\'
`Andhaveyounothing，Spaniel，\'saidtheManager，withunusualirascibility，`tocomplainofinhim？Noproudtreatmenttoresent，noinsolence，nofooleryofstate，noexactionofanysort！Whatthedevil！
areyoumanormouse？\'
`Itwouldbestrangeifanytwopersonscouldbetogetherforsomanyyears，especiallyassuperiorandinferior，withouteachhavingsomethingtocomplainofintheother——ashethought，atallevents，\'repliedJohnCarker。`Butapartfrommyhistoryhere\'
`Hishistoryhere！\'exclaimedtheManager。`Why，thereitis。
Theveryfactthatmakeshimanextremecase，putshimoutofthewholechapter！Well？\'
`Apartfromthat，which，asyouhint，givesmeareasontobethankfulthatIalonehappilyforalltherestpossess，surelythereisnooneintheHousewhowouldnotsayandfeelatleastasmuch。YoudonotthinkthatanybodyherewouldbeindifferenttoamischanceormisfortunehappeningtotheheadoftheHouse，oranythingthantrulysorryforit？\'
`Youhavegoodreasontobeboundtohimtoo！\'saidtheManager，contemptuously。`Why，don\'tyoubelievethatyouarekepthere，asacheapexample，andafamousinstanceoftheclemencyofDombeyandSon，redoundingtothecreditoftheillustriousHouse？\'
`No，\'repliedhisbrother，mildly，`IhavelongbelievedthatIamkepthereformorekindanddisinterestedreasons。\'
`Butyouweregoing，\'saidtheManager，withthesnarlofatiger-cat，`torecitesomeChristianprecept，Iobserved。\'
`Nay，James，\'returnedtheother，`thoughthetieofbrotherhoodbetweenushasbeenlongbrokenandthrownaway\'
`Whobrokeit，goodSir？\'saidtheManager。
`I，bymymisconduct。Idonotchargeituponyou。\'
TheManagerreplied，withthatmuteactionofhisbristlingmouth，`Oh，youdon\'tchargeituponme！\'andbadehimgoon。
`Isay，thoughthereisnotthattiebetweenus，donot，Ientreat，assailmewithunnecessarytaunts，ormisinterpretwhatIsay，orwouldsay。Iwasonlygoingtosuggesttoyouthatitwouldbeamistaketosupposethatitisonlyyou，whohavebeenselectedhere，aboveallothers，foradvancement，confidenceanddistinctionselected，inthebeginning，I
know，foryourgreatabilityandtrustfulness，andwhocommunicatemorefreelywithMr。Dombeythananyone，andstand，itmaybesaid，onequaltermswithhim，andhavebeenfavouredandenrichedbyhim——thatitwouldbeamistaketosupposethatitisonlyyouwhoaretenderofhiswelfareandreputation。ThereisnooneintheHouse，fromyourselfdowntothelowest，Isincerelybelieve，whodoesnotparticipateinthatfeeling。\'
`Youlie！\'saidtheManager，redwithsuddenanger。`You\'reahypocrite，JohnCarker，andyoulie。\'
`James！\'criedtheother，flushinginhisturn。`Whatdoyoumeanbytheseinsultingwords？Whydoyousobaselyusethemtome，unprovoked？\'
`Itellyou，\'saidtheManager，`thatyourhypocrisyandmeekness——thatallthehypocrisyandmeeknessofthisplace——isnotworththattome，\'snappinghisthumbandfinger，`andthatIseethroughitasifitwereair！Thereisnotamanemployedhere，standingbetweenmyselfandthelowestinplaceofwhomyouareveryconsiderate，andwithreason，forheisnotfaroff，whowouldn\'tbegladathearttoseehismasterhumbled：whodoesnothatehim，secretly：whodoesnotwishhimevilratherthangood：andwhowouldnotturnuponhim，ifhehadthepowerandboldness。
Thenearertohisfavour，thenearertohisinsolence；theclosertohim，thefartherfromhim。That\'sthecreedhere！\'
`Idon\'tknow，\'saidhisbrother，whoserousedfeelingshadsoonyieldedtosurprise，`whomayhaveabusedyourearwithsuchrepresentations；
orwhyhavechosentotryme，ratherthananother。Butthatyouhavebeentryingme，andtamperingwithme，Iamnowsure。YouhaveadifferentmannerandadifferentaspectfromanythatIeversawinyou。Iwillonlysaytoyou，oncemore，youaredeceived。\'
`IknowIam，\'saidtheManager。`Ihavetoldyouso。\'
`Notbyme，\'returnedhisbrother。`Byyourinformant，ifyouhaveone。Ifnot，byyourownthoughtsandsuspicious。\'
`Ihavenosuspicions，\'saidtheManager。`Minearecertainties。
Youpusillanimous，abject，cringingdogs！Allmakingthesameshow，allcantingthesamestory，allwhiningthesameprofessions，allharbouringthesametransparentsecret。\'
Hisbrotherwithdrew，withoutsayingmore，andshutthedoorasheconcluded。
Mr。CarkertheManagerdrewachairclosebeforethefire，andfelltobeatingthecoalssoftlywiththepoker。
`Thefaint-hearted，fawningknaves，\'hemuttered，withhistwoshiningrowsofteethlaidbare。`There\'snotoneamongthem，whowouldn\'tfeigntobesoshockedandoutraged——！Bah！There\'snotoneamongthem，butifhehadatoncethepower，andthewitanddaringtouseit，wouldscatterDombey\'sprideandlayitlow，asruthlesslyasIrakeouttheseashes。\'
Ashebrokethemupandstewedtheminthegrate，helookedonwithathoughtfulsmileatwhathewasdoing。`Withoutthesamequeenbeckonertoo！\'headdedpresently；`andthereispridethere，nottobeforgotten——witnessourownacquaintance！\'Withthathefellintoadeeperreverie，andsatponderingovertheblackeninggrate，untilheroseuplikeamanwhohadbeenabsorbedinabook，andlookingroundhimtookhishatandgloves，wenttowherehishorsewaswaiting，mounted，androdeawaythroughthelightedstreets，foritwasevening。
HerodenearMr。Dombey\'shouse；andfallingintoawalkasheapproachedit，lookedupatthewindows。ThewindowwherehehadonceseenFlorencesittingwithherdog，attractedhisattentionfirst，thoughtherewasnolightinit；buthesmiledashecarriedhiseyesupthetallfrontofthehouse，andseemedtoleavethatobjectsuperciliouslybehind。
`Timewas，\'hesaid，`whenitwaswelltowatchevenyourrisinglittlestar，andknowinwhatquartertherewereclouds，toshadowyouifneedful。Butaplanethasarisen，andyouarelostinitslight。\'
HeturnedtheWhite-leggedhorseroundthestreetcorner，andsoughtoneshiningwindowfromamongthoseatthebackofthehouse。Associatedwithitwasacertainstatelypresence，aglovedhand，theremembrancehowthefeathersofabeautifulbird\'swinghadbeenshowereddownuponthefloor，andhowthelightwhitedownuponarobehadstirredandrustled，asintherisingofadistantstorm。Thesewerethethingshecarriedwithhimasheturnedawayagain，androdethroughthedarkeninganddesertedParksataquickrate。
Infataltruth，thesewereassociatedwithawoman，aproudwoman，whohatedhim，butwhobyslowandsuredegreeshadbeenledonbyhiscraft，andherprideandresentment，toendurehiscompany，andlittlebylittletoreceivehimasonewhohadtheprivilegetotalktoherofherowndefiantdisregardofherownhusband，andherabandonmentofhighconsiderationforherself。Theywereassociatedwithawomanwhohatedhimdeeply，andwhoknewhim，andwhomistrustedhimbecausesheknewhim，andbecauseheknewher；butwhofedherfierceresentmentbysufferinghimtodrawnearerandyetnearertohereveryday，inspiteofthehateshecherishedforhim。Inspiteofit！Forthatveryreason；sinceinitsdepths，toofardownforherthreateningeyetopierce，thoughshecouldseeintothemdimly，laythedarkretaliation，whosefaintestshadowseenonceandshudderedat，andneverseenagain，wouldhavebeensufficientstainuponhersoul。
Didthephantomofsuchawomanflitabouthimonhisride；truetothereality，andobvioustohim？
Yes。Hewasherinhismind，exactlyasshewas。Sheborehimcompanywithherpride，resentment，hatred，allasplaintohimasherbeauty；withnothingplainertohimthanherhatredofhim。Hesawhersometimeshaughtyandrepellentathisside，andsometimesdownamonghishorse\'sfeet，fallenandinthedust。Buthealwayssawherasshewas，withoutdisguise，andwatchedheronthedangerouswaythatshewasgoing。
Andwhenhisridewasover，andhewasnewlydressed，andcameintothelightofherbrightroomwithhisbenthead，softvoice，andsoothingsmile，hesawheryetasplainly。Heevensuspectedthemysteryoftheglovedhand，andhelditallthelongerinhisownforthatsuspicion。
Uponthedangerouswaythatshewasgoing，hewasstill；andnotafootprintdidshemarkuponit，buthesethisownthere，straight。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter47[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIITheThunderboltTHEbarrierbetweenMr。Dombeyandhiswifewasnotweakenedbytime。Ill-assortedcouple，unhappyinthemselvesandineachother，boundtogetherbynotiebutthemanaclethatjoinedtheirfetteredhands，andstrainingthatsoharshly，intheirshrinkingasunder，thatitworeandchafedtothebone，Time，consolerofafflictionandsoftenerofanger，coulddonothingtohelpthem。Theirpride，howeverdifferentinkindandobject，wasequalindegree；and，intheirflintyopposition，struckoutfirebetweenthemwhichmightsmoulderormightblaze，ascircumstanceswere，butburnedupeverythingwithintheirmutualreach，andmadetheirmarriagewayaroadofashes。
Letusbejusttohim：Inthemonstrousdelusionofhislife，swellingwitheverygrainofsandthatshiftedinitsglass，heurgedheron，helittlethoughttowhat，orconsideredhow；butstillhisfeelingtowardsher，suchasitwas，remainedasatfirst。Shehadthegranddemeritofunaccountablyputtingherselfinoppositiontotherecognitionofhisvastimportance，andtotheacknowledgmentofhercompletesubmissiontoit，andsofaritwasnecessarytocorrectandreduceher；butotherwisehestillconsideredher，inhiscoldway，aladycapableofdoinghonour，ifshewould，tohischoiceandname，andofreflectingcreditonhisproprietorship。
Now，she，withallhermightofpassionateandproudresentment，bentherdarkglancefromdaytoday，andhourtohour——fromthatnightinherownchamber，whenshehadsatgazingattheshadowsonthewall，tothedeepernightfastcoming——upononefiguredirectingacrowdofhumiliationsandexasperationsagainsther；andthatfigure，stillherhusband\'s。
WasMr。Dombey\'smaster-vice，thatruledhimsoinexorably，anunnaturalcharacteristic？Itmightbeworthwhile，sometimes，toinquirewhatNatureis，andhowmenworktochangeher，andwhether，intheenforceddistortionssoproduced，itisnotnaturaltobeunnatural。Coopanysonordaughterofourmightymotherwithinnarrowrange，andbindtheprisonertooneidea，andfosteritbyservileworshipofitonthepartofthefewtimidordesigningpeoplestandinground，andwhatisNaturetothewillingcaptivewhohasneverrisenupuponthewingsofafreemind——droopinganduselesssoon——toseeherinhercomprehensivetruth！
Alas！aretheresofewthingsintheworld，aboutus，mostunnatural，andyetmostnaturalinbeingso？Hearthemagistrateorjudgeadmonishtheunnaturaloutcastsofsociety；unnaturalinbrutalhabits，unnaturalinwantofdecency，unnaturalinlosingandconfoundingalldistinctionsbetweengoodandevil；unnaturalinignorance，invice，inrecklessness，incontumacy，inmind，inlooks，ineverything。Butfollowthegoodclergymanordoctor，who，withhislifeimperilledateverybreathhedraws，goesdownintotheirdens，lyingwithintheechoesofourcarriagewheelsanddailytreaduponthepavementstones。Lookroundupontheworldofodioussights——millionsofimmortalcreatureshavenootherworldonearth——atthelightestmentionofwhichhumanityrevolts，anddaintydelicacylivinginthenextstreet，stopsherears，andlisps`Idon\'tbelieveit！\'Breathethepollutedair，foulwitheveryimpuritythatispoisonoustohealthandlife；andhaveeverysense，conferreduponourraceforitsdelightandhappiness，offended，sickenedanddisgusted，andmadeachannelbywhichmiseryanddeathalonecanenter。Vainlyattempttothinkofanysimpleplant，orflower，orwholesomeweed，that，setinthisfoetidbed，couldhaveitsnaturalgrowth，orputitslittleleavesofftothesunasGODdesignedit。Andthen，callingupsomeghastlychild，withstuntedformandwickedface，holdforthonitsunnaturalsinfulness，andlamentitsbeing，soearly，farawayfromHeaven——butthinkalittleofitshavingbeenconceived，andbornandbred，inHell！
Thosewhostudythephysicalsciences，andbringthemtobearuponthehealthofMan，tellusthatifthenoxiousparticlesthatrisefromvitiatedairwerepalpabletothesight，weshouldseethemloweringinadenseblackcloudabovesuchhaunts，androllingslowlyontocorruptthebetterportionsofatown。ButifthemoralpestilencethatriseswiththemandintheeternallawsofoutragedNature，isinseparablefromthem，couldbemadediscernibletoo，howterribletherevelation！Thenshouldweseedepravity，impiety，drunkenness，theft，murder，andalongtrainofnamelesssinsagainstthenaturalaffectionsandrepulsionsofmankind，overhangingthedevotedspots，andcreepingon，toblighttheinnocentandspreadcontagionamongthepure。Thenshouldweseehowthesamepoisonedfountainsthatflowintoourhospitalsandlazarhouses，inundatethejails，andmaketheconvict-shipsswimdeep，androllacrosstheseas，andover-runvastcontinentswithcrime。Thenshouldwestandappalledtoknow，thatwherewegeneratediseasetostrikeourchildrendownandentailitselfonunborngenerations，therealsowebreed，bythesamecertainprocess，infancythatknowsnoinnocence，youthwithoutmodestyorshame，maturitythatismatureinnothingbutinsufferingandguilt，blastedoldagethatisascandalontheformwebear。Unnaturalhumanity！Whenweshallgathergrapesfromthorns，andfigsfromthistles；whenfieldsofgrainshallspringupfromtheoffalinthebye-waysofourwickedcities，androsesbloominthefactchurchyardsthattheycherish；thenwemaylookfornaturalhumanityandfinditgrowingfromsuchseed。
Ohforagoodspiritwhowouldtakethehouse-topsoff，withamorepotentandbenignanthandthanthelamedemoninthetale，andshowaChristianpeoplewhatdarkshapesissuefromamidsttheirhomes，toswelltheretinueoftheDestroyingAngelashemovesforthamongthem！Foronlyonenight\'sviewofthepalephantomsrisingfromthescenesofourtoolongneglect；andfromthethickandsullenairwhereViceandFeverpropagatetogether，rainingthetremendoussocialretributionswhichareeverpouringdown，andevercomingthicker！Brightandblestthemorningthatshouldriseonsuchanight：formen，delayedtonomorebystumbling-blocksoftheirownmaking，whicharebutspecksofdustuponthepathbetweenthemandeternity，wouldthenapplythemselves，likecreaturesofonecommonorigin，owingonedutytotheFatherofonefamily，andtendingtoonecommonend，tomaketheworldabetterplace！
Notthelessbrightandblestwouldthatdaybeforrousingsomewhoneverhavelookedoutupontheworldofhumanlifearoundthem，toaknowledgeoftheirownrelationtoit，andformakingthemacquaintedwithaperversionofnatureintheirowncontractedsympathiesandestimates；
asgreat，andyetasnaturalinitsdevelopmentwhenoncebegun，asthelowestdegradationknown。
ButnosuchdayhadeverdawnedonMr。Dombey，orhiswife；andthecourseofeachwastaken。
Throughsixmonthsthatensueduponhisaccident，theyheldthesamerelationsonetowardstheother。Amarblerockcouldnothavestoodmoreobduratelyinhiswaythanshe；andnochilledspring，lyinguncheeredbyanyrayoflightinthedepthsofadeepcave，couldbemoresullenormorecoldthanhe。
Thehopethathadflutteredwithinherwhenthepromiseofhernewhomedawned，wasquitegonefromtheheartofFlorencenow。Thathomewasnearlytwoyearsold；andeventhepatienttrustthatwasinher，couldnotsurvivethedailyblightofsuchexperience。Ifshehadanylingeringfancyinthenatureofhopeleft，thatEdithandherfathermightbehappiertogether，insomedistanttime，shehadnone，now，thatherfatherwouldeverloveher。Thelittleintervalinwhichshehadimaginedthatshesawsomesmallrelentinginhim，wasforgotteninthelongremembranceofhiscoldnesssinceandbefore，oronlyrememberedasasorrowfuldelusion。
Florencelovedhimstill，but，bydegrees，hadcometolovehimratherassomedearonewhohadbeen，orwhomighthavebeen，thanasthehardrealitybeforehereyes。SomethingofthesoftenedsadnesswithwhichshelovedthememoryoflittlePaul，orofhermother，seemedtoenternowintoherthoughtsofhim，andtomakethem，asitwere，adearremembrance。
Whetheritwasthathewasdeadtoher，andthatpartlyforthisreason，partlyforhisshareinthoseoldobjectsofheraffection，andpartlyforthelongassociationofhimwithhopesthatwerewitheredandtendernesseshehadfrozen，shecouldnothavetold；butthefatherwhomshelovedbegantobeavagueanddreamyideatoher：hardlymoresubstantiallyconnectedwithherreallife，thantheimageshewouldsometimesconjureup，ofherdearbrotheryetalive，andgrowingtobeaman，whowouldprotectandcherishher。
Thechange，ifitmaybecalledone，hadstolenonherlikethechangefromchildhoodtowomanhood，andhadcomewithit。Florencewasalmostseventeen，when，inherlonelymusings，shewasconsciousofthesethoughts。
Shewasoftenalonenow，fortheoldassociationbetweenherandhermamawasgreatlychanged。Atthetimeofherfather\'saccident，andwhenhewaslyinginhisroomdownstairs，FlorencehadfirstobservedthatEdithavoidedher。Woundedandshocked，andyetunabletoreconcilethiswithheraffectionwhentheydidmeet，shesoughtherinherownroomatnight，oncemore。
`Mama，\'saidFlorence，stealingsoftlytoherside，`haveIoffendedyou？\'
Edithanswered`No。\'
`Imusthavedonesomething，\'saidFlorence。`Tellmewhatitis。Youhavechangedyourmannertome，dearMama。IcannotsayhowinstantlyIfeeltheleastchange；forIloveyouwithmywholeheart。\'
`AsIdoyou，\'saidEdith。`Ah，Florence，believemenevermorethannow！\'
`Whydoyougoawayfrommesooften，andkeepaway？\'askedFlorence。
`Andwhydoyousometimeslooksostrangelyonme，dearMama？Youdoso，doyounot？\'
Edithsignifiedassentwithherdarkeyes。
`Why？\'returnedFlorenceimploringly。`Tellmewhy，thatImayknowhowtopleaseyoubetter；andtellmethisshallnotbesoanymore。\'
`MyFlorence，\'answeredEdith，takingthehandthatembracedherneck，andlookingintotheeyesthatlookedintoherssolovingly，asFlorencekneltuponthegroundbeforeher；`whyitis，Icannottellyou。Itisneitherformetosay，noryoutohear；butthatitis，andthatitmustbe，Iknow。ShouldIdoitifIdidnot？\'
`Arewetobeestranged，Mama？askedFlorence，gazingatherlikeonefrightened。
Edith\'ssilentlipsformed`Yes。\'
Florencelookedatherwithincreasingfearandwonder，untilshecouldseehernomorethroughtheblindingtearsthatrandownherface。
`Florence！mylife！\'saidEdith，hurriedly，`listentome。Icannotbeartoseethisgrief。Becalmer。YouseethatIamcomposed，andisitnothingtome？\'
Sheresumedhersteadyvoiceandmannerasshesaidthelatterwords，andaddedpresently：
`Notwhollyestranged。Partially：andonlythat，inappearance，Florence，forinmyownbreastIamstillthesametoyou，andeverwillbe。ButwhatIdoisnotdoneformyself。\'
`Isitforme，Mama？\'askedFlorence。
`Itisenough，\'saidEdith，afterapause，`toknowwhatitis；
why，matterslittle。DearFlorence，itisbetter——itisnecessary——itmustbe——thatourassociationshouldbelessfrequent。Theconfidencetherehasbeenbetweenusmustbebrokenoff。\'
`When？\'criedFlorence。`Oh，Mama，when？\'
`Now，\'saidEdith。
`Foralltimetocome？\'askedFlorence。
`Idonotsaythat，\'answeredEdith。`Idonotknowthat。NorwillI
saythatcompanionshipbetweenusis，atthebest，anill-assortedandunholyunion，ofwhichImighthaveknownnogoodcouldcome。Mywayherehasbeenthroughpathsthatyouwillnevertread，andmywayhenceforthmaylie——Godknows——Idonotseeit——\'
Hervoicediedawayintosilence；andshesat，lookingatFlorence，andalmostshrinkingfromher，withthesamestrangedreadandwildavoidancethatFlorencehadnoticedoncebefore。Thesamedarkprideandragesucceeded，sweepingoverherformandfeatureslikeanangrychordacrossthestringsofawildharp。Butnosoftnessorhumilityensuedonthat。Shedidnotlayherheaddownnow，andweep，andsaythatshehadnohopebutinFlorence。
ShehelditupasifshewereabeautifulMedusa，lookingonhim，facetoface，tostrikehimdead。Yes，andshewouldhavedoneit，ifshehadhadthecharm。
`Mama，\'saidFlorence，anxiously，`thereisachangeinyou，inmorethanwhatyousaytome，whichalarmsme。Letmestaywithyoualittle。\'
`No，\'saidEdith，`no，dearest。Iambestleftalonenow，andIdobesttokeepapartfromyou，ofallelse。Askmenoquestions，butbelievethatwhatIamwhenIseemfickleorcapricioustoyou，Iamnotofmyownwill，orformyself。Believe，thoughwearestrangertoeachotherthanwehavebeen，thatIamunchangedtoyouwithin。Forgivemeforhavingeverdarkenedyourdarkhome——Iamashadowonit，Iknowwell——andletusneverspeakofthisagain。\'
`Mama，\'sobbedFlorence，`wearenottopart？\'
`Wedothisthatwemaynotpart，\'saidEdith。`Asknomore。Go，Florence！Myloveandmyremorsegowithyou！\'
Sheembracedher，anddismissedher；andasFlorencepassedoutofherroom，Edithlookedontheretiringfigure，asifhergoodangelwentoutinthatform，andlefthertothehaughtyandindignantpassionsthatnowclaimedherfortheirown，andsettheirsealuponherbrow。
Fromthathour，Florenceandshewere，astheyhadbeen，nomore。
Fordaystogether，theywouldseldommeet，exceptattable，andwhenMr。
Dombeywaspresent。ThenEdith，imperious，inflexible，andsilent，neverlookedather。WheneverMr。Carkerwasoftheparty，asheoftenwas，duringtheprogressofMr。Dombey\'srecovery，andafterwards，Edithheldherselfmoreremovedfromher，andwasmoredistanttowardsher，thanatothertimes。YetsheandFlorenceneverencountered，whentherewasnooneby，butshewouldembraceherasaffectionatelyasofold，thoughnotwiththesamerelentingofherproudaspect；andoften，whenshehadbeenoutlate，shewouldstealuptoFlorence\'sroom，asshehadbeenusedtodo，inthedark，andwhisper`GoodNight，\'onherpillow。Whenunconscious，inherslumber，ofsuchvisits，Florencewouldsometimesawake，asfromadreamofthosewords，softlyspoken，andwouldseemtofeelthetouchoflipsuponherface。Butlessandlessoftenasthemonthswenton。
AndnowthevoidFlorence\'sownheartbeganagain，indeed，tomakeasolitudearoundher。Astheimageofthefatherwhomshelovedhadinsensiblybecomeamereabstraction，soEdith，followingthefateofalltherestaboutwhomheraffectionshadentwinedthemselves，wasfleeting，fading，growingpalerinthedistance，everyday。Littlebylittle，sherecededfromFlorence，liketheretiringghostofwhatshehadbeen；littlebylittle，thechasmbetweenthemwidenedandseemeddeeper；littlebylittle，allthepowerofearnestnessandtendernessshehadshown，wasfrozenupinthebold，angryhardihoodwithwhichshestood，uponthebrinkofadeepprecipiceunseenbyFlorence，daringtolookdown。
TherewasbutoneconsiderationtosetagainsttheheavylossofEdith，andthoughitwasslightcomforttoherburdenedheart，shetriedtothinkitsomerelief。Nolongerdividedbetweenheraffectionanddutytothetwo，Florencecouldlovebothanddonoinjusticetoeither。Asshadowsofherfondimagination，shecouldgivethemequalplaceinherownbosom，andwrongthemwithnodoubts。
Soshetriedtodo。Attimes，andoftentoo，wonderingspeculationsonthecauseofthischangeinEdithwouldobtrudethemselvesuponhermindandfrightenher；butinthecalmofitsabandonmentoncemoretosilentgriefandloneliness，itwasnotacuriousmind。Florencehadonlytorememberthatherstarofpromisewascloudedinthegeneralgloomthathunguponthehouse，andtoweepandberesigned。
Thusliving，inadreamwhereintheoverflowingloveofheryoungheartexpendeditselfonairyforms，andinarealworldwhereshehadexperiencedlittlebuttherollingbackofthatstrongtideuponitself，Florencegrewtobeseventeen。Timidandretiringashersolitarylifehadmadeher，ithadnotembitteredhersweettemper，orherearnestnature。
Achildininnocentsimplicity；awomaninhermodestself-reliance，andherdeepintensityoffeeling；bothchildandwomanseemedatonceexpressedinherfairfaceandfragiledelicacyofshape，andgracefullytominglethere；——asifthespringshouldbeunwillingtodepartwhensummercame，andsoughttoblendtheearlierbeautiesoftheflowerswiththeirbloom。
Butinherthrillingvoice，inhercalmeyes，sometimesinastrangeethereallightthatseemedtorestuponherhead，andalwaysinacertainpensiveairuponherbeauty，therewasanexpression，suchashadbeenseeninthedeadboy；andthecouncilintheServants\'Hallwhisperedsoamongthemselves，andshooktheirheads，andateanddrankthemore，inacloserbondofgoodfellowship。
ThisobservantbodyhadplentytosayofMr。andMrs。Dombey，andofMr。Carker，whoappearedtobeamediatorbetweenthem，andwhocameandwentasifheweretryingtomakepeace，butnevercould。Theyalldeploredtheuncomfortablestateofaffairs，andallagreedthatMrs。
Pipchinwhoseunpopularitywasnottobesurpassedhadsomehandinit；
but，uponthewhole，itwasagreeabletohavesogoodasubjectforarallyingpoint，andtheymadeagreatdealofit，andenjoyedthemselvesverymuch。
Thegeneralvisitorswhocametothehouse，andthoseamongwhomMr。andMrs。Dombeyvisited，thoughtitaprettyequalmatch，astohaughtiness，atallevents，andthoughtnothingmoreaboutit。TheyoungladywiththebackdidnotappearforsometimeafterMrs。Skewton\'sdeath；observingtosomeparticularfriends，withherusualengaginglittlescream，thatshecouldn\'tseparatethefamilyfromanotionoftombstones，andhorrorsofthatsort；butwhenshedidcome，shesawnothingwrong，exceptMr。
Dombey\'swearingabunchofgoldsealstohiswatch，whichshockedherverymuch，asanexplodedsuperstition。Thisyouthfulfascinatorconsideredadaughterin-lawobjectionableinprinciple；otherwise，shehadnothingtosayagainstFlorence，butthatshesadlywanted`style\'——whichmightmeanback，perhaps。Many，whoonlycametothehouseonstateoccasions，hardlyknewwhoFlorencewas，andsaid，goinghome，`Indeed，wasthatMissDombey，inthecorner？Verypretty，butalittledelicateandthoughtfulinappearance！\'
Nonethelessso，certainly，forherlifeofthelastsixmonths，Florencetookherseatatthedinner-table，onthedaybeforethesecondanniversaryofherfather\'smarriagetoEdithMrs。Skewtonhadbeenlyingstrickenwithparalysiswhenthefirstcameround，withanuneasiness，amountingtodread。Shehadnootherwarrantforit，thantheoccasion，theexpressionofherfather\'sface，inthehastyglanceshecaughtofit，andthepresenceofMr。Carker，which，alwaysunpleasanttoher，wasmoresoonthisday，thanshehadeverfeltitbefore。
Edithwasrichlydressed，forsheandMr。Dombeywereengagedintheeveningtosomelargeassembly，andthedinnerhourthatdaywaslate。Shedidnotappearuntiltheywereseatedattable，whenMr。Carkerroseandledhertoherchair。Beautifulandlustrousasshewas，therewasthatinherfaceandairwhichseemedtoseparateherhopelesslyfromFlorence，andfromeveryone，forevermore。Andyet，foraninstant，Florencesawabeamofkindnessinhereyes，whentheywereturnedonher，thatmadethedistancetowhichshehadwithdrawnherself，agreatercauseofsorrowandregretthanever。
Therewasverylittlesaidatdinner。FlorenceheardherfatherspeaktoMr。Carkersometimesonbusinessmatters，andheardhimsoftlyreply，butshepaidlittleattentiontowhattheysaid，andonlywishedthedinneratanend。Whenthedessertwasplaceduponthetable，andtheywereleftalone，withnoservantinattendance，Mr。Dombey，whohadbeenseveraltimesclearinghisthroatinamannerthataugurednogood，said：
`Mrs。Dombey，youknow，Isuppose，thatIhaveinstructedthehousekeeperthattherewillbesomecompanytodinnerhereto-morrow。\'
`Idonotdineathome，\'sheanswered。
`Notalargeparty，\'pursuedMr。Dombey，withanindifferentassumptionofnothavingheardher；`merelysometwelveorfourteen。Mysister，MajorBagstock，andsomeotherswhomyouknowbutslightly。\'
`Idonotdineathome，\'sherepeated。
`HoweverdoubtfulreasonImayhave，Mrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，stillgoingmajesticallyon，asifshehadnotspoken，`toholdtheoccasioninverypleasantremembrancejustnow，thereareappearancesinthesethingswhichmustbemaintainedbeforetheworld。Ifyouhavenorespectforyourself，Mrs。Dombey——\'
`Ihavenone，\'shesaid。
`Madam，\'criedMr。Dombey，strikinghishanduponthetable，`hearmeifyouplease。Isay，ifyouhavenorespectforyourself——\'
`AndIsayIhavenone，\'sheanswered。
Helookedather；butthefacesheshowedhiminreturnwouldnothavechanged，ifdeathitselfhadlooked。
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，turningmorequietlytothatgentleman，`asyouhavebeenmymediumofcommunicationwithMrs。Dombeyonformeroccasions，andasIchoosetopreservethedecenciesoflife，sofarasIamindividuallyconcerned，IwilltroubleyoutohavethegoodnesstoinformMrs。Dombeythatifshehasnorespectforherself，Ihavesomerespectformyself，andthereforeinsistonmyarrangementsforto-morrow。\'
`Tellyoursovereignmaster，Sir，\'saidEdith，`thatIwilltakeleavetospeaktohimonthissubjectby-and-bye，andthatIwillspeaktohimalone。\'
`Mr。Carker，Madam，\'saidherhusband，`beinginpossessionofthereasonwhichobligesmetorefuseyouthatprivilege，shallbeabsolvedfromthedeliveryofanysuchmessage。\'Hesawhereyesmove，whilehespoke，andfollowedthemwithhisown。
`Yourdaughterispresent，Sir，\'saidEdith。
`Mydaughterwillremainpresent，\'saidMr。Dombey。
Florence，whohadrisen，satdownagain，hidingherfaceinherhands，andtrembling。
`Mydaughter，Madam\'——beganMr。Dombey。
ButEdithstoppedhim，inavoicewhich，althoughnotraisedintheleast，wassoclear，emphatic，anddistinct，thatitmighthavebeenheardinawhirlwind。
`ItellyouIwillspeaktoyoualone，\'shesaid。`Ifyouarenotmad，heedwhatIsay。\'
`Ihaveauthoritytospeaktoyou，Madam，\'returnedherhusband，`whenandwhereIplease；anditismypleasuretospeakhereandnow。\'
Sheroseupasiftoleavetheroom；butsatdownagain，andlookingathimwithalloutwardcomposure，said，inthesamevoice：
`Youshall！\'
`Imusttellyoufirst，thatthereisathreateningappearanceinyourmanner，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，`whichdoesnotbecomeyou。\'
Shelaughed。Theshakendiamondsinherhairstartedandtrembled。
Therearefablesofpreciousstonesthatwouldturnpale，theirwearerbeingindanger。Hadthesebeensuch，theirimprisonedraysoflightwouldhavehavetakenflightthatmoment，andtheywouldhavebeenasdullaslead。
Carkerlistened，withhiseyescastdown。
`Astomydaughter，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，resumingthethreadofhisdiscourse，`itisbynomeansinconsistentwithherdutytome，thatsheshouldknowwhatconducttoavoid。Atpresentyouareaverystrongexampletoherofthiskind，andIhopeshemayprofitbyit。\'
`Iwouldnotstopyounow，\'returnedhiswife，immoveableineye，andvoice，andattitude；`Iwouldnotriseandgoaway，andsaveyoutheutteranceofoneword，iftheroomwereburning。\'