Mr。Dombeymovedhishead，asifinasarcasticacknowledgmentoftheattention，andresumed。Butnotwithsomuchself-possessionasbefore；forEdith\'sindifferencetohimandhiscensure，chafedandgalledhimlikeastiffeningwound。
`Mrs。Dombey，\'saidhe，`itmaynotbeinconsistentwithmydaughter\'simprovementtoknowhowverymuchtobelamented，andhownecessarytobecorrected，astubborndispositionis，especiallywhenitisindulgedin——unthankfullyindulgedin，Iwilladd——afterthegratificationofambitionandinterest。Bothofwhich，Ibelieve，hadsomeshareininducingyoutooccupyyourpresentstationatthisboard。\'
`No！Iwouldnotrise，andgoaway，andsaveyoutheutteranceofoneword，\'sherepeated，exactlyasbefore，`iftheroomwereburning。\'
`Itmaybenaturalenough，Mrs。Dombey，\'hepursued，`thatyoushouldbeuneasyinthepresenceofanyauditorsofthesedisagreeabletruths；thoughwhy\'——hecouldnothidehisrealfeelingshere，orkeephiseyesfromglancinggloomilyatFlorence——`whyanyonecangivethemgreaterforceandpointthanmyself，whomtheysonearlyconcern，Idonotpretendtounderstand。Itmaybenaturalenoughthatyoushouldobjecttohear，inanybody\'spresence，thatthereisarebelliousprinciplewithinyouwhichyoucannotcurbtoosoon；whichyoumustcurb，Mrs。Dombey；andwhich，Iregrettosay，Iremembertohaveseenmanifested——withsomedoubtanddispleasure，onmorethanoneoccasionbeforeourmarriage-towardsyourdeceasedmother。Butyouhavetheremedyinyourownhands。Ibynomeansforgot，whenIbegan，thatmydaughterwaspresent，Mrs。Dombey。
Ibegyouwillnotforget，to-morrow，thatthereareseveralpersonspresent；andthat，withsomeregardtoappearances，youwillreceiveyourcompanyinabecomingmanner。\'
`Soitisnotenough，\'saidEdith，`thatyouknowwhathaspassedbetweenyourselfandme；itisnotenoughthatyoucanlookhere，\'pointingatCarker，whostilllistened，withhiseyescastdown，`andberemindedoftheaffrontsyouhaveputuponme；itisnotenoughthatyoucanlookhere，\'pointingtoFlorencewithahandthatslightlytrembledforthefirstandonlytime，`andthinkofwhatyouhavedone，andoftheingeniousagony，daily，hourly，constant，youhavemademefeelindoingit；itisnotenoughthatthisday，ofallothersintheyear，ismemorabletomeforastrugglewell-deserved，butnotconceivablebysuchasyouinwhichIwishIhaddied！Youaddtoallthis，doyou，thelastcrowningmeannessofmakingherawitnessofthedepthtowhichIhavefallen；whenyouknowthatyouhavemademesacrificetoherpeace，theonlygentlefeelingandinterestofmylife，whenyouknowthatforhersake，Iwouldnowifcould——butIcannot，mysoulrecoilsfromyoutoomuch——submitmyselfwhollytoyourwillandbethemeekestvassalthatyouhave！\'
ThiswasnotthewaytoministertoMr。Dombey\'sgreatness。Theoldfeelingwasrousedbywhatshesaid，intoastrongerandfiercerexistencethanithadeverhad。Again，hisneglectedchild，atthisroughpassageofhislife，putforthbyeventhisrebelliouswoman，aspowerfulwherehewaspowerless，andeverythingwherehewasnothing！
HeturnedonFlorence，asifitwereshewhohadspoken，andbadeherleavetheroom。Florencewithhercoveredfaceobeyed，tremblingandweepingasshewent。
`Iunderstand，Madam，\'saidMr。Dombey，withanangryflushoftriumph，`thespiritofoppositionthatturnedyouraffectionsinthatchannel，buttheyhavebeenmet，Mrs。Dombey；theyhavebeenmet，andturnedback！\'
`Theworseforyou！\'sheanswered，withhervoiceandmannerstillunchanged。`Aye！\'forheturnedsharplywhenshesaidso，`whatistheworseforme，istwentymilliontimestheworseforyou。Heedthat，ifyouheednothingelse。\'
Thearchofdiamondsspanningherdarkhair，flashedandglitteredlikeastarrybridge。Therewasnowarninginthem，ortheywouldhaveturnedasdullanddimastarnishedhonour。Carkerstillsatandlistened，withhiseyescastdown。
`Mrs。Dombey，\'saidMr。Dombey，resumingasmuchashecouldofhisarrogantcomposure，`youwillnotconciliateme，orturnmefromanypurpose，bythiscourseofconduct。\'
`Itistheonlytruealthoughitisafaintexpressionofwhatiswithinme，\'shereplied。`ButifIthoughtitwouldconciliateyou，Iwouldrepressit，ifitwererepressiblebyanyhumaneffort。Iwilldonothingthatyouask。\'
`Iamnotaccustomedtoask，Mrs。Dombey，\'heobserved；`Idirect。\'
`Iwillholdnoplaceinyourhouseto-morrow，oronanyrecurrenceofto-morrow。Iwillbeexhibitedtonoone，astherefractoryslaveyoupurchased，suchatime。IfIkeptmymarriage-day，Iwouldkeepitasadayofshame。Self-respect！appearancesbeforetheworld！whatarethesetome？Youhavedoneallyoucantomakethemnothingtome，andtheyarenothing。\'
`Carker，\'saidMr。Dombey，speakingwithknittedbrows，andafteramoment\'sconsideration，`Mrs。Dombeyissoforgetfulofherselfandmeinallthis，andplacesmeinapositionsounsuitedtomycharacter，thatImustbringthisstateofmatterstoaclose。\'
`Releaseme，then，\'saidEdith，immoveableinvoice，inlook，andbearing，asshehadbeenthroughout，`fromthechainbywhichIambound。Letmego。\'
`Madam？\'exclaimedMr。Dombey。
`Looseme。Setmefree！\'
`Madam？\'herepeated。`Mrs。Dombey？\'
`Tellhim，\'saidEdith，addressingherproudfacetoCarker，`thatIwishforaseparationbetweenus。Thattherehadbetterbeone。ThatIrecommendittohim。Tellhimitmaytakeplaceonhisownterms——hiswealthisnothingtome——butthatitcannotbetoosoon。\'
`GoodHeaven，Mrs。Dombey！\'saidherhusband，withsupremeamazement，`doyouimagineitpossiblethatIcouldeverlistentosuchaproposition？
DoyouknowwhoIam，Madam？DoyouknowwhatIrepresent？DidyoueverhearofDombeyandSon？PeopletosaythatMr。Dombey——Mr。Dombey！——wasseparatedfromhiswife！CommonpeopletotalkofMr。Dombeyandhisdomesticaffairs！Doyouseriouslythink，Mrs。Dombey，thatIwouldpermitmynametobehandedaboutinsuchconnexion？Pooh，pooh，Madam！Fieforshame！
You\'reabsurd。\'Mr。Dombeyabsolutelylaughed。
Butnotasshedid。Shehadbetterhavebeendeadthanlaughasshedid，inreply，withherintentlookfixeduponhim。Hehadbetterhavebeendead，thansittingthere，inhismagnificence，tohearher。
`No，Mrs。Dombey，\'heresumed。`No，Madam。Thereisnopossibilityofseparationbetweenyouandme，andthereforeIthemoreadviseyoutobeawakenedtoasenseofduty。And，Carker，asIwasabouttosaytoyou——\'
Mr。Carker，whohadsatandlistenedallthistime，nowraisedhiseyes，inwhichtherewasabrightunusuallight。
`——AsIwasabouttosaytoyou，\'resumedMr。Dombey，`Imustbegyou，nowthatmattershavecometothis，toinformMrs。Dombey，thatitisnottheruleofmylifetoallowmyselftobethwartedbyanybody——anybody，Carker——ortosufferanybodytobeparadedasastrongermotiveforobedienceinthosewhooweobediencetomethanIammyself。Thementionthathasbeenmadeofmydaughter，andtheusethatismadeofmydaughter，inoppositiontome，areunnatural。WhethermydaughterisinactualconcertwithMrs。
Dombey，Idonotknow，anddonotcare；butafterwhatMrs。Dombeyhassaidto-day，andmydaughterhasheardto-day，IbegyoutomakeknowntoMrs。Dombey，thatifshecontinuestomakethishousethesceneofcontentionithasbecome，Ishallconsidermydaughterresponsibleinsomedegree，onthatlady\'sownavowal，andshallvisitherwithmyseveredispleasure。
Mrs。Dombeyhasasked“whetheritisnotenough，“thatshehaddonethisandthat。Youwillpleasetoanswerno，itisnotenough。\'
`Amoment！\'criedCarker，interposing，`permitme！painfulasmypositionis，atthebest，andunusuallypainfulinseemingtoentertainadifferentopinionfromyou，\'addressingMr。Dombey，`Imustask，hadyounotbetterreconsiderthequestionofaseparation？Iknowhowincompatibleitappearswithyourhighpublicposition，andIknowhowdeterminedyouarewhenyougiveMrs。Dombeytounderstand\'——thelightinhiseyesfelluponherasheseparatedhiswordseachfromeach，withthedistinctnessofsomanybells——`thatnothingbutdeathcaneverpartyou。Nothingelse。
ButwhenyouconsiderthatMrs。Dombey，bylivinginthishouse，andmakingitasyouhavesaid，asceneofcontention，notonlyhasherpartinthatcontention，butcompromisesMissDombeyeverydayforIknowhowdeterminedyouare，willyounotrelieveherfromacontinualirritationofspirit，andacontinualsenseofbeingunjusttoanother，almostintolerable？Doesthisnotseemlike——Idonotsayitis——sacrificingMrs。Dombeytothepreservationofyourpre-eminentandunassailableposition？\'
Againthelightinhiseyesfelluponher，asshestoodlookingatherhusband：nowwithanextraordinaryandawfulsmileuponherface。
`Carker，\'returnedMr。Dombey，withasuperciliousfrown，andinatonethatwasintendedtobefinal，`youmistakeyourpositioninofferingadvicetomeonsuchapoint，andyoumistakemeIamsurprisedtofindinthecharacterofyouradvice。Ihavenomoretosay。\'
`Perhaps，\'saidCarker，withanunusualandindefinabletauntinhisair，`youmistookmyposition，whenyouhonouredmewiththenegotiationsinwhichIhavebeenengagedhere\'——withamotionofhishandtowardsMrs。Dombey。
`Notatall，Sir，notatall，\'returnedtheotherhaughtily。`Youwereemployed——\'
`Beinganinferiorperson，forthehumiliationofMrs。Dombey。
Iforgot。Oh，yes，itwasexpresslyunderstood！\'saidCarker。`Ibegyourpardon！\'
AshebenthisheadtoMr。Dombey，withanairofdeferencethataccordedillwithhiswords，thoughtheywerehumblyspoken，hemoveditroundtowardsher，andkepthiswatchingeyesthatway。
Shehadbetterhaveturnedhideousanddroppeddead，thanhavestoodupwithsuchasmileuponherface，insuchafallenspirit\'smajestyofscornandbeauty。Sheliftedherhandtothetiaraofbrightjewelsradiantonherhead，and，pluckingitoffwithaforcethatdraggedandstrainedherrichblackhairwithheedlesscruelty，andbroughtittumblingwildlyonhershoulders，castthegemsupontheground。Fromeacharm，sheunclaspedadiamondbracelet，flungitdown，andtrodupontheglitteringheap。Withoutaword，withoutashadowonthefireofherbrighteye，withoutabatementofherawfulsmile，shelookedonMr。Dombeytothelast，inmovingtothedoor；andlefthim。
Florencehadheardenoughbeforequittingtheroom，toknowthatEdithlovedheryet；thatshehadsufferedforhersake；andthatshehadkepthersacrificesquiet，lesttheyshouldtroubleherpeace。Shedidnotwanttospeaktoherofthis——shecouldnot，rememberingtowhomshewasopposed——butshewished，inonesilentandaffectionateembrace，toassureherthatshefeltitall，andthankedher。
Herfatherwentoutalone，thatevening，andFlorenceissuingfromherownchambersoonafterwards，wentaboutthehouseinsearchofEdith，butunavailingly。Shewasinherownrooms，whereFlorencehadlongceasedtogo，anddidnotdaretoventurenow，lestsheshouldunconsciouslyengendernewtrouble。StillFlorencehopingtomeetherbeforegoingtobed，changedfromroomtoroom，andwanderedthroughthehousesosplendidandsodreary，withoutremaininganywhere。
Shewascrossingagalleryofcommunicationthatopenedatsomelittledistanceonthestaircase，andwasonlylightedongreatoccasions，whenshesaw，throughtheopening，whichwasanarch，thefigureofamancomingdownsomefewstairsopposite。Instinctivelyapprehensiveofherfather，whomshesupposeditwas，shestopped，inthedark，gazingthroughthearchintothelight。ButitwasMr。Carkercomingdownalone，andlookingovertherailingintothehall。Nobellwasrungtoannouncehisdeparture，andnoservantwasinattendance。Hewentdownquietly，openedthedoorforhimself，glidedout，andshutitsoftlyafterhim。
Herinvinciblerepugnancetothisman，andperhapsthestealthyactofwatchinganyone，which，evenundersuchinnocentcircumstances，isinamannerguiltyandoppressive，madeFlorenceshakefromheadtofoot。Herbloodseemedtoruncold。Assoonasshecould——foratfirstshefeltaninsurmountabledreadofmoving——shewentquicklytoherownroomandlockedherdoor；buteventhen，shutinwithherdogbesideher，feltachillsensationofhorror，asifthereweredangerbroodingsomewherenearher。
Itinvadedherdreamsanddisturbedthewholenight。Risinginthemorning，unrefreshed，andwithaheavyrecollectionofthedomesticunhappinessoftheprecedingday，shesoughtEdithagaininalltherooms，anddidso，fromtimetotime，allthemorning。Butsheremainedinherownchamber，andFlorencesawnothingofher。Learning，however，thattheprojecteddinnerathomewasputoff，Florencethoughtitlikelythatshewouldgooutintheeveningtofulfiltheengagementshehadspokenof；
andresolvedtotryandmeether，then，uponthestaircase。
Whentheeveninghadsetin，sheheard，fromtheroominwhichshesatonpurpose，afootsteponthestairsthatshethoughttobeEdith\'s。
Hurryingout，anduptowardsherroom，Florencemetherimmediately，comingdownalone。
WhatwasFlorence\'saffrightandwonderwhen，atsightofher，withhertearfulface，andoutstretchedarms，Edithrecoiledandshrieked！
`Don\'tcomenearme！\'shecried。`Keepaway！Letmegoby！\'
`Mama！\'saidFlorence。
`Don\'tcallmebythatname！Don\'tspeaktome！Don\'tlookatme！Florence！\'shrinkingback，asFlorencemovedasteptowardsher，`don\'ttouchme！\'
AsFlorencestoodtransfixedbeforethehaggardfaceandstaringeyes，shenoted，asinadream，thatEdithspreadherhandsoverthem，andshudderingthroughallherform，andcrouchingdownagainstthewall，crawledbyherlikesomeloweranimal，sprangup，andfledaway。
Florencedroppeduponthestairsinaswoon；andwasfoundtherebyMrs。Pipchin，shesupposed。Sheknewnothingmore，untilshefoundherselflyingonherownbed，withMrs。Pipchinandsomeservantsstandingroundher。
`WhereisMama？\'washerfirstquestion。
`Goneouttodinner，\'saidMrs。Pipchin。
`AndPapa？\'
`Mr。Dombeyisinhisownroom，MissDombey，\'saidMrs。Pipchin，`andthebestthingyoucando，istotakeoffyourthingsandgotobedthisminute。\'Thiswasthesagaciouswoman\'sremedyforallcomplaints，particularlylownessofspirits，andinabilitytosleep；forwhichoffences，manyyoungvictimsinthedaysoftheBrightonCastlehadbeencommittedtobedatteno\'clockinthemorning。
Withoutpromisingobedience，butonthepleaofdesiringtobeveryquiet，Florencedisengagedherself，assoonasshecould，fromtheministrationofMrs。Pipchinandherattendants。Leftalone，shethoughtofwhathadhappenedonthestaircase，atfirstindoubtofitsreality；
thenwithtears；thenwithanindescribableandterriblealarm，likethatshehadfeltthenightbefore。
ShedeterminednottogobeduntilEdithreturned，andifshecouldnotspeaktoher，atleasttobesurethatshewassafeathome。
WhatindistinctandshadowydreadmovedFlorencetothisresolution，shedidnotknow，anddidnotdaretothink。SheonlyknewthatuntilEdithcameback，therewasnoreposeforherachingheadorthrobbingheart。
Theeveningdeepenedintonight：midnightcame；noEdith。
Florencecouldnotread，orrestamoment。Shepacedherownroom，openedthedoorandpacedthestaircase-galleryoutside，lookedoutofwindowonthenight，listenedtothewindblowingandtherainfalling，satdownandwatchedthefacesinthefire，gotupandwatchedthemoonflyinglikeastorm-drivenshipthroughtheseaofclouds。
Allthehousewasgonetobed，excepttwoservantswhowerewaitingthereturnoftheirmistress，downstairs。
Oneo\'clock。Thecarriagesthatrumbledinthedistance，turnedaway，orstoppedshort，orwentpast；thesilencegraduallydeepened，andwasmoreandmorerarelybroken，savebyarushofwindorsweepofrain。
Twoo\'clock。NoEdith！
Florence，moreagitated，pacedherroom，andpacedthegalleryoutside；andlookedoutatthenight，blurredandwavywiththeraindropsontheglass，andthetearsinherowneyes；andlookedupatthehurryinthesky，sodifferentfromthereposebelow，andyetsotranquilandsolitary。Threeo\'clock！Therewasaterrorineveryashthatdroppedoutofthefire。NoEdithyet。
MoreandMoreagitated，Florencepacedherroom，andpacedthegallery，andlookedoutatthemoonwithanewfancyofherlikenesstoapalefugitivehurryingawayandhidingherguiltyface。Fourstruck！
Five！NoEdithyet。
Butnowtheresomecautiousstirinthehouse；andFlorencefoundthatMrs。Pipchinhadbeenawakenedbyoneofthosewhosatup，hadrisenandhadgonedowntoherfather\'sdoor。Stealinglowerdownthestairs，andobservingwhatpassed，shesawherfathercomeoutinhismorninggown，andstartwhenhewastoldhiswifehadnotcomehome。Hedispatchedamessengertothestablestoinquirewhetherthecoachmanwasthere；andwhilethemanwasgone，dressedhimselfveryhurriedly。
Themancameback，ingreathaste，bringingthecoachmanwithhim，whosaidhehadbeenathomeandinbedsinceteno\'clock。HehaddrivenhismistresstoheroldhouseinBrookStreet，whereshehadbeenmetbyMr。Carker——
Florencestoodupontheveryspotwhereshehadseenhimcomingdown。Againsheshiveredwiththenamelessterrorofthatsight，andhadhardlysteadinessenoughtohearandunderstandwhatfollowed——
Whohadtoldhim，themanwentontosay，thathismistresswouldnotwantthecarriagetogohomein；andhaddismissedhim。
Shesawherfatherturnwhiteintheface，andheardhimaskinaquick，tremblingvoiceforMrs。Dombey\'smaid。Thewholehousewasroused；
forshewasthere，inamoment，verypaletoo，andspeakingincoherently。
Shesaidshehaddressedhermistressearly——fulltwohoursbeforeshewentout——andhadbeentold，assheoftenwas，thatshewouldnotbewantedatnight。Shehadjustcomefromhermistress\'srooms，but——
`Butwhat！whatwasit？\'Florenceheardherfatherdemandlikeamadman。
`Buttheinnerdressing-roomwaslocked，andthekeygone。\'
Herfatherseizedacandlethatwasflamingontheground——someonehadputitdownthere，andforgottenit——andcamerunningupstairswithsuchfury，thatFlorence，inherfear，hadhardlytimetoflybeforehim。Sheheardhimstrikinginthedoorassheranon，withherhandswidelyspread，andherhairstreaming，andherfacelikeadistractedperson\'s，backtoherownroom。
Whenthedooryielded，andherushedin，whatdidheseethere？
Nooneknew。Butthrowndowninacostlymassupontheground，waseveryornamentshehadhad，sinceshehadbeenhiswife：everydressshehadworn；andeverythingshehadpossessed。Thiswastheroominwhichhehadseen，inyondermirror，theproudfacediscardhim。Thiswastheroominwhichhehadwondered，idly，howthesethingswouldlookwhenheshouldseethemnext！
Heapingthembackintothedrawers，andlockingthemupinarageofhaste，hesawsomepapersonthetable。Thedeedofsettlementhehadexecutedontheirmarriage，andaletter。Hereadthatshewasgone。Hereadthathewasdishonoured。Hereadthatshehadfled，uponhershamefulwedding-day，withthemanwhomhehadchosenforherhumiliation；andhetoreoutoftheroom，andoutofthehouse，withafranticideaoffindingheryet，attheplacetowhichshehadbeentaken，andbeatingalltraceofbeautyoutofthetriumphantfacewithhisbarehand。
Florence，notknowingwhatshedid，putonashawlandbonnet，inadreamofrunningthroughthestreetsuntilshefoundEdith，andthenclaspingherinherarms，tosaveandbringherback。Butwhenshehurriedoutuponthestaircase，andsawthefrightenedservantsgoingupanddownwithlights，andwhisperingtogether，andfallingawayfromherfatherashepasseddown，sheawoketoasenseofherownpowerlessness；andhidinginoneofthegreatroomsthathadbeenmadegorgeousforthis，feltasifherheartwouldburstwithgrief。
Compassionforherfatherwasthefirstdistinctemotionthatmadeheadagainstthefloodofsorrowwhichoverwhelmedher。Herconstantnatureturnedtohiminhisdistress，asferventlyandfaithfully，asif，inhisprosperity，hehadbeentheembodimentofthatideawhichhadgraduallybecomesofaintanddim。Althoughshedidnotknow，otherwisethanthroughthesuggestionsofashapelessfear，thefullextentofhiscalamity，hestoodbeforeherwrongedanddeserted；andagainheryearningloveimpelledhertohisside。
Hewasnotlongaway：forFlorencewasyetweepinginthegreatroomandnourishingthesethoughts，whensheheardhimcomeback。Heorderedtheservantstosetabouttheirordinaryoccupations，andwentintohisownapartment，wherehetrodsoheavilythatshecouldhearhimwalkingupanddownfromendtoend。
Yieldingatoncetotheimpulseofheraffection，timidatallothertimes，butboldinitstruthtohiminhisadversity，andundauntedbypastrepulse，Florence，dressedasshewas，hurrieddownstairs。Asshesetherlightfootinthehall，hecameoutofhisroom。Shehastenedtowardshimunchecked，withherarmsstretchedout，andcrying`Ohdear，dearPapa！\'
asifshewouldhaveclaspedhimroundtheneck。
Andsoshewouldhavedone。Butinhisfrenzy，helifteduphiscruelarm，andstruckher，crosswise，withthatheaviness，thatshetotteredonthemarblefloor；andashedealttheblow，hetoldherwhatEdithwas，andbadeherfollowher，sincetheyhadalwaysbeeninleague。
Shedidnotsinkdownathisfeet；shedidnotshutoutthesightofhimwithhertremblinghands；shedidnotweep；shedidnotutteronewordofreproach。Butshelookedathim，andacryofdesolationissuedfromherheart。Forasshelooked，shesawhimmurderingthatfondideatowhichshehadheldinspiteofhim。Shesawhiscruelty，neglect，andhatreddominantaboveit，andstampingitdown。Shesawshehadnofatheruponearth，andranout，orphaned，fromhishouse。
Ranoutofhishouse。Amoment，andherhandwasonthelock，thecrywasonherlips，hisfacewasthere，madepalerbytheyellowcandleshastilyputdownandgutteringaway，andbythedaylightcominginabovethedoor。Anothermoment，andtheclosedarknessoftheshut-uphouseforgottentobeopened，thoughitwaslongsincedayyieldedtotheunexpectedglareandfreedomofthemorning；andFlorence，withherheadbentdowntohideheragonyoftears，wasinthestreets。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter48[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLVIIITheFlightofFlorenceINthewildnessofhersorrow，shame，andterror，theforlorngirlhurriedthroughthesunshineofabrightmorning，asifitwerethedarknessofawinternight。Wringingherhandsandweepingbitterly，insensibletoeverythingbutthedeepwoundinherbreast，stunnedbythelossofallsheloved，leftlikethesolesurvivoronalonelyshorefromthewreckofagreatvessel，shefledwithoutathought，withoutahope，withoutapurpose，buttoflysomewhere——anywhere。
Thecheerfulvistaofthelongstreet，burnishedbythemorninglight，thesightoftheblueskyandairyclouds，thevigorousfreshnessoftheday，soflushedandrosyinitsconquestofthenight，awakenednoresponsivefeelingsinhersohurtbosom。Somewhere，anywhere，tohideherhead！somewhere，anywhere，forrefuge，nevermoretolookupontheplacefromwhichshefled！
Buttherewerepeoplegoingtoandfro；therewereopeningshops，andservantsatthedoorsofhouses；therewastherisingclashandroaroftheday\'sstruggle。Florencesawsurpriseandcuriosityinthefacesflittingpasther；sawlongshadowscomingbackuponthepavement；andheardvoicesthatwerestrangetoheraskingherwhereshewent，andwhatthematterwas；andthoughthesefrightenedherthemoreatfirst，andmadeherhurryonthefaster，theydidherthegoodserviceofrecallingherinsomedegreetoherself，andremindingherofthenecessityofgreatercomposure。
Wheretogo？Stillsomewhere，anywhere！stillgoingon；butwhere！
ShethoughtoftheonlyothertimeshehadbeenlostinthewildwildernessofLondon——thoughnotlostasnow——andwentthatway。TothehomeofWalter\'suncle。
Checkinghersobs，anddryingherswolleneyes，andendeavouringtocalmtheagitationofhermanner，soastoavoidattractingnotice，Florence，resolvingtokeeptothemorequietstreetsaslongasshecould，wasgoingonmorequietlyherself，whenafamiliarlittleshadowdartedpastuponthesunnypavement，stoppedshort，wheeledabout，cameclosetoher，madeoffagain，boundedroundandroundher，andDiogenes，pantingforbreath，andyetmakingthestreetringwithhisgladbark，wasatherfeet。
`Oh，Di！oh，dear，true，faithfulDi，howdidyoucomehere？HowcouldIeverleaveyou，Di，whowouldneverleaveme？\'
Florencebentdownonthepavement，andlaidhisrough，old，loving，foolishheadagainstherbreast，andtheygotuptogether，andwentontogether；Dimoreoffthegroundthanonit，endeavouringtokisshismistressflying，tumblingoverandgettingupagainwithouttheleastconcern，dashingatbigdogsinajocosedefianceofhisspecies，terrifyingwithtouchesofhisnoseyounghousemaidswhowerecleaningdoorsteps，andcontinuallystopping，inthemidstofathousandextravagances，tolookbackatFlorence，andbarkuntilallthedogswithinhearinganswered，andallthedogswhocouldcomeout，cameouttostareathim。
Withthislastadherent，Florencehurriedawayintheadvancingmorning，andthestrengtheningsunshine，totheCity。Theroarsoongrewmoreloud，thepassengersmorenumerous，theshopsmorebusy，untilshewascarriedonwardinastreamoflifesettingthatway，andflowing，indifferently，pastmartsandmansions，prisons，churches，market-places，wealth，poverty，good，andevil，likethebroadriversidebysidewithit，awakenedfromitsdreamsofrushes，willows，andgreenmoss，androllingon，turbidandtroubled，amongtheworksandcaresofmen，tothedeepsea。
AtlengththequartersofthelittleMidshipmanaroseinview。
Neareryet，andthelittleMidshipmanhimselfwasseenuponhispost，intentaseveronhisobservations。Neareryet，andthedoorstoodopen，invitinghertoenter。Florence，whohadagainquickenedherpace，assheapproachedtheendofherjourney，ranacrosstheroadcloselyfollowedbyDiogenes，whomthebustlehadsomewhatconfused，ranin，andsankuponthethresholdofthewell-rememberedlittleparlour。
TheCaptain，inhisglazedhat，wasstandingoverthefire，makinghismorning\'scocoa，withthateleganttrifle，hiswatch，uponthechimney-piece，foreasyreferenceduringtheprogressofthecookery。Hearingafootstepandtherustleofadress，theCaptainturnedwithapalpitatingremembranceofthedreadfulMrs。MacStinger，attheinstantwhenFlorencemadeamotionwithherhandtowardshim，reeled，andfelluponthefloor。
TheCaptain，paleasFlorence，paleintheveryknobsuponhisface，raisedherlikeababy，andlaidheronthesameoldsofauponwhichshehadslumberedlongago。
`It\'sHeart\'sDelight！\'saidtheCaptain，lookingintentlyinherface。`It\'sthesweetcreeturgrow\'dawoman！\'
CaptainCuttlewassorespectfulofher，andhadsuchareverenceforher，inthisnewcharacter，thathewouldnothaveheldherinhisarms，whileshewasunconscious，forathousandpounds。
`MyHeart\'sDelight！\'saidtheCaptain，withdrawingtoalittledistance，withthegreatestalarmandsympathydepictedonhiscountenance。
`IfyoucanhailNedCuttlewithafinger，doit！\'
ButFlorencedidnotstir。
`MyHeart\'sDelight！\'saidthetremblingCaptain。`ForthesakeofWal\'rdrowndedinthebrinydeep，turnto，andhisteupsomethingoranother，ifable。\'
Findingherinsensibletothisimpressiveadjurationalso，CaptainCuttlesnatchedfromhisbreakfast-tableabasinofcoldwater，andsprinkledsomeuponherface。Yieldingtotheurgencyofthecase，theCaptainthen，usinghisimmensehandwithextraordinarygentleness，relievedherofherbonnet，moistenedherlipsandforehead，putbackherhair，coveredherfeetwithhisowncoatwhichhepulledoffforthepurpose，pattedherhand——sosmallinhis，thathewasstruckwithwonderwhenhetouchedit——andseeingthathereyelidsquivered，andthatherlipsbegantomove，continuedtheserestorativeapplicationswithabetterheart。
`Cheerily，\'saidtheCaptain。`Cheerily！Standby，myprettyone，standby！There！You\'rebetternow。Steady\'stheword，andsteadyitis。
Keepherso！Drinkalittledropo\'thishere，\'saidtheCaptain。`Thereyouare！Whatcheernow，mypretty，whatcheernow？\'
Atthisstageofherrecovery，CaptainCuttle，withanimperfectassociationofaWatchwithaPhysician\'streatmentofapatient，tookhisowndownfromthemantel-shelf，andholdingitoutonhishook，andtakingFlorence\'shandinhis，lookedsteadilyfromonetotheother，asexpectingthedialtodosomething。
`Whatcheer，mypretty？\'saidtheCaptain。`Whatcheernow？You\'vedonehersomegood，mylad，Ibelieve，\'saidtheCaptain，underhisbreath，andthrowinganapprovingglanceuponhiswatch。`Putyoubackhalf-an-houreverymorning，andaboutanotherquartertowardstheafternoon，andyou\'reawatchascanbeekalledbyfewandexcelledbynone。Whatcheer，myladylass？\'
`CaptainCuttle！Isityou？\'exclaimedFlorence，raisingherselfalittle。
`Yes，yes，myladylass，\'saidtheCaptain，hastilydecidinginhisownminduponthesuperioreleganceofthatformofaddress，asthemostcourtlyhecouldthinkof。
`IsWalter\'sunclehere？\'askedFlorence。
`Here，pretty？\'returnedtheCaptain。`Hean\'tbeenherethismanyalongday。Hean\'tbeenheerdon，sincehesheeredoffarterpoorWal\'r。But，\'saidtheCaptain，asaquotation，`Thoughlosttosight，tomemorydear，andEngland，Home，andBeauty！\'
`Doyoulivehere？\'askedFlorence。
`Yes，myladylass，\'returnedtheCaptain。
`Oh，CaptainCuttle！\'criedFlorence，puttingherhandstogether，andspeakingwildly。`Saveme！keepmehere！LetnooneknowwhereIam！
I\'lltellyouwhathashappenedby-and-by，whenIcan。Ihavenooneintheworldtogoto。Donotsendmeaway！\'
`Sendyouaway，myladylass！\'exclaimedtheCaptain。`You，myHeart\'sDelight！Stayabit！We\'llputupthisheredeadlight，andtakeadoubleturnonthekey！\'
Withthesewords，theCaptain，usinghisonehandandhishookwiththegreatestdexterity，gotouttheshutterofthedoor，putitup，madeitallfast，andlockedthedooritself。
WhenhecamebacktothesideofFlorence，shetookhishand，andkissedit。Thehelplessnessoftheaction，theappealitmadetohim，theconfidenceitexpressed，theunspeakablesorrowinherface，thepainofmindshehadtooplainlysuffered，andwassufferingthen，hisknowledgeofherpasthistory，herpresentlonely，worn，andunprotectedappearance，allsorusheduponthegoodCaptaintogether，thathefairlyoverflowedwithcompassionandgentleness。
`Myladylass，\'saidtheCaptain，polishingthebridgeofhisnosewithhisarmuntilitshonelikeburnishedcopper，`don\'tyousayawordtoEd\'ardCuttle，untilsuchtimesasyoufindsyourselfaridingsmoothandeasy；whichwon\'tbeto-day，noryetto-morrow。Andastogivingofyouup，orreportingwhereyouare，yesverily，andbyGod\'shelp，soIwon\'t，Churchcatechism，makeanoteon！\'
ThistheCaptainsaid，referenceandall，inonebreath，andwithmuchsolemnity；takingoffhishatat`yesverily，\'andputtingitonagain，whenhehadquiteconcluded。
Florencecoulddobutonethingmoretothankhim，andtoshowhimhowshetrustedinhim；andshedidit。Clingingtothisroughcreatureasthelastasylumofherbleedingheart，shelaidherheaduponhishonestshoulder，andclaspedhimroundhisneck，andwouldhavekneeleddowntoblesshim，butthathedivinedherpurpose，andheldheruplikeatrueman。
`Steady！\'saidtheCaptain。`Steady！You\'retooweaktostand，yousee，mypretty，andmustliedownhereagain。There，there！\'ToseetheCaptainliftheronthesofa，andcoverherwithhiscoat，wouldhavebeenworthahundredstatesights。`Andnow，\'saidtheCaptain，`youmusttakesomebreakfast，ladylass，andthedogshallhavesometoo。AndarterthatyoushallgoalofttooldSolGills\'sroom，andfallasleepthere，likeaangel。\'
CaptainCuttlepattedDiogeneswhenhemadeallusiontohim，andDiogenesmetthatoverturegraciously，half-way。DuringtheadministrationoftherestorativeshehadclearlybeenintwomindswhethertoflyattheCaptainortoofferhimhisfriendship；andhehadexpressedthatconflictoffeelingbyalternatewaggingsofhistail，anddisplaysofhisteeth，withnowandthenagrowlorso。Butbythistimehisdoubtswereallremoved。ItwasplainthatheconsideredtheCaptainoneofthemostamiableofmen，andamanwhomitwasanhonourtoadogtoknow。
Inevidenceoftheseconvictions，DiogenesattendedontheCaptainwhilehemadesometeaandtoast，andshowedalivelyinterestinhishousekeeping。
ButitwasinvainforthekindCaptaintomakesuchpreparationsforFlorence，whosorelytriedtodosomehonourtothem，butcouldtouchnothing，andcouldonlyweepandweepagain。
`Well，well！\'saidthecompassionateCaptain，`arterturningin，myHeart\'sDelight，you\'llgetmorewayuponyou。Now，I\'llserveoutyourallowance，mylad。\'ToDiogenes。`Andyoushallkeepguardonyourmistressaloft。\'
Diogenes，however，althoughhehadbeeneyeinghisintendedbreakfastwithawateringmouthandglisteningeyes，insteadoffallingto，ravenously，whenitwasputbeforehim，prickeduphisears，dartedtotheshop-door，andbarkedtherefuriously：burrowingwithhisheadatthebottom，asifhewerebentonmininghiswayout。
`Cantherebeanybodythere！\'askedFlorence，inalarm。
`No，myladylass，\'returnedtheCaptain。`Who\'dstaythere，withoutmakinganynoise！Keepupagoodheart，pretty。It\'sonlypeoplegoingby。\'
Butforallthat，Diogenesbarkedandbarked，andburrowedandburrowed，withpertinaciousfury；andwheneverhestoppedtolisten，appearedtoreceivesomenewconvictionintohismind，forhesetto，barkingandburrowingagain，adozentimes。Evenwhenhewaspersuadedtoreturntohisbreakfast，hecamejoggingbacktoit，withaverydoubtfulair；andwasoffagain，inanotherparoxysm，beforetouchingamorsel。
`Ifthereshouldbesomeonelisteningandwatching，\'whisperedFlorence。`Someonewhosawmecome——whofollowedme，perhaps。\'
`Itan\'ttheyoungwoman，ladylass，isit？\'saidtheCaptain，takenwithabrightidea。
`Susan？\'saidFlorence，shakingherhead。`Ahno！Susanhasbeengonefrommealongtime。\'
`Notdeserted，Ihope？\'saidtheCaptain。`Don\'tsaythatthatthereyoungwoman\'srun，mypretty！\'
`Oh，no，no！\'criedFlorence。`Sheisoneofthetruestheartsintheworld！\'
TheCaptainwasgreatlyrelievedbythisreply，andexpressedhissatisfactionbytakingoffhishardglazedhat，anddabbinghisheadalloverwithhishandkerchief，rolleduplikeaball，observingseveraltimes，withinfinitecomplacency，andwithabeamingcountenance，thatheknow\'dit。
`Soyou\'requietnow，areyou，brother？\'saidtheCaptaintoDiogenes。
`Therewarn\'tnobodythere，myladylass，blessyou！\'
Diogeneswasnotsosureofthat。Thedoorstillhadanattractionforhimatintervals；andhewentsnuffingaboutit，andgrowlingtohimself，unabletoforgetthesubject。Thisincident，coupledwiththeCaptain\'sobservationofFlorence\'sfatigueandfaintness，decidedhimtoprepareSolGills\'schamberasaplaceofretirementforherimmediately。Hethereforehastilybetookhimselftothetopofthehouse，andmadethebestarrangementofitthathisimaginationandhismeanssuggested。
Itwasverycleanalready；andtheCaptainbeinganorderlyman，andaccustomedtomakethingsship-shape，convertedthebedintoacouch，bycoveringitalloverwithacleanwhitedrapery。Byasimilarcontrivance，theCaptainconvertedthelittledressing-tableintoaspeciesofalter，onwhichhesetforthtwosilverteaspoons，aflower-pot，atelescope，hiscelebratedwatch，apocket-comb，andasong-book，asasmallcollectionofrarities，thatmadeachoiceappearance。Havingdarkenedthewindow，andstraightenedthepiecesofcarpetonthefloor，theCaptainsurveyedthesepreparationswithgreatdelight，anddescendedtothelittleparlouragain，tobringFlorencetoherbower。
NothingwouldinducetheCaptaintobelievethatitwaspossibleforFlorencetowalkupstairs。Ifhecouldhavegottheideaintohishead，hewouldhaveconsidereditanoutrageousbreachofhospitalitytoallowhertodoso。Florencewastooweaktodisputethepoint，andtheCaptaincarriedherupoutofhand，laidherdown，andcoveredherwithagreatwatch-coat。
`Myladylass！\'saidtheCaptain，`you\'reassafehereasifyouwasatthetopofSt。Paul\'sCathedral，withtheladdercastoff。Sleepiswhatyouwant，aforeallotherthings，andmayyoubeabletoshowyourselfsmartwiththattherebalsamforthestillsmallwoiceofawowndedmind！
Whenthere\'sanythingyouwant，myHeart\'sDelight，asthisherehumblehouseortowncanoffer，passthewordtoEd\'ardCuttle，as\'llstandoffandonoutsidethatdoor，andthattheremanwillwibratewithjoy。\'TheCaptainconcludedbykissingthehandthatFlorencestretchedouttohim，withthechivalryofanyoldknight-errant，andwalkingontip-toeoutoftheroom。
Descendingtothelittleparlour，CaptainCuttle，afterholdingahastycouncilwithhimself，decidedtoopentheshopdoorforafewminutes，andsatisfyhimselfthatnow，atallevents，therewasnooneloiteringaboutit。Accordinglyhesetitopen，andstooduponthethreshold，keepingabrightlook-out，andsweepingthewholestreetwithhisspectacles。
`Howdedo，CaptainGills？\'saidavoicebesidehim。TheCaptain，lookingdown，foundthathehadbeenboardedbyMr。Tootswhilesweepingthehorizon。
`Howareyou，mylad？\'repliedtheCaptain。
`Well，I\'mprettywell，thank\'ee，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots。
`YouknowI\'mneverquitewhatIcouldwishtobe，now。Idon\'texpectthatIevershallbeanymore。\'
Mr。Tootsneverapproachedanynearerthanthistothegreatthemeofhislife，wheninconversationwithCaptainCuttle，onaccountoftheagreementbetweenthem。
`CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`ifIcouldhavethepleasureofawordwithyou，it\'s——it\'sratherparticular。\'
`Why，yousee，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain，leadingthewayintotheparlour，`Ian\'twhatyoumaycallexactlyfreethismorning；andthereforeifyoucanclaponabit，Ishouldtakeitkindly。\'
`Certainly，CaptainGills，\'repliedMr。Toots，whoseldomhadanynotionoftheCaptain\'smeaning。`Toclapon，isexactlywhatIcouldwishtodo。Naturally。\'
`Ifsobe，mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain，`doit！\'
TheCaptainwassoimpressedbythepossessionofhistremendoussecret——bythefactofMissDombeybeingatthatmomentunderhisroof，whiletheinnocentandunconsciousTootssatoppositetohim——thataperspirationbrokeoutonhisforehead，andhefounditimpossiblewhileslowlydryingthesame，glazedhatinhand，tokeephiseyesoffMr。Toots\'sface。Mr。
Toots，whohimselfappearedtohavesomesecretreasonsforbeinginanervousstate，wassounspeakablydisconcertedbytheCaptain\'sstare，thatafterlookingathimvacantlyforsometimeinsilence，andshiftinguneasilyonhischair，hesaid：
`Ibegyourpardon，CaptainGills，butyoudon\'thappentoseeanythingparticularinme，doyou？\'
`No，mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain。`No。\'
`Becauseyouknow，\'saidMr。Tootswithachuckle，`IKNOWI\'mwastingaway。Youneedn\'tatallmindalludingtothat。I——Ishouldlikeit。BurgessandCo。havealteredmymeasure，I\'minthatstateofthinness。It\'sagratificationtome。I——I\'mgladofit。I——I\'dagreatdealrathergointoadecline，ifIcould。I\'mamerebruteyouknow，grazinguponthesurfaceoftheearth，CaptainGills。\'
ThemoreMr。Tootswentoninthisway，themoretheCaptainwasweigheddownbyhissecret，andstaredathim。Whatwiththiscauseofuneasiness，andhisdesiretogetridofMr。Toots，theCaptainwasinsuchascaredandstrangecondition，indeed，thatifhehadbeeninconversationwithaghost，hecouldhardlyhaveevincedgreaterdiscomposure。
`ButIwasgoingtosay，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots。`Happeningtobethiswayearlythismorning——totellyouthetruth，Iwascomingtobreakfastwithyou。Astosleep，youknow，Ineversleepnow。ImightbeaWatchman，exceptthatIdon\'tgetanypay，andhe\'sgotnothingonhismind。\'
`Carryon，mylad！\'saidtheCaptain，inanadmonitoryvoice。
`Certainly，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots。`Perfectlytrue！Happeningtobethiswayearlythismorninganhourorsoago，andfindingthedoorshut——\'
`What！wereyouwaitingthere，brother？\'demandedtheCaptain。
`Notatall，CaptainGills，\'returnedMr。Toots。`Ididn\'tstopamoment。Ithoughtyouwereout。Butthepersonsaid——bythebyeyoudon\'tkeepadog，doyou，CaptainGills？\'
TheCaptainshookhishead。
`Tobesure，\'saidMr。Toots，`that\'sexactlywhatIsaid。Iknewyoudidn\'t。Thereisadog，CaptainGills，connectedwith——butexcuseme。That\'sforbiddenground。\'
TheCaptainstaredatMr。Tootsuntilheseemedtoswelltotwicehisnaturalsize；andagaintheperspirationbrokeoutontheCaptain\'sforehead，whenhethoughtofDiogenestakingitintohisheadtocomedownandmakeathirdintheparlour。
`Thepersonsaid，\'continuedMr。Toots，`thathehadheardadogbarkingintheshop：whichIknewcouldn\'tbe，andItoldhimso。Buthewasaspositiveasifhehadseenthedog。\'
`Whatperson，mylad？\'inquiredtheCaptain。
`Why，youseethereitis，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，withaperceptibleincreaseinthenervousnessofhismanner。`It\'snotformetosaywhatmayhavetakenplace，orwhatmaynothavetakenplace。
Indeed，Idon\'tknow。IgetmixedupwithallsortsofthingsthatIdon\'tquiteunderstand，andIthinkthere\'ssomethingratherweakinmy——inmyhead，inshort。\'
TheCaptainnoddedhisown，asamarkofassent。
`Butthepersonsaid，aswewerewalkingaway，\'continuedMr。
Toots，`thatyouknewwhat，underexistingcircumstances，mightoccur——hesaid“Might，“verystrongly——andthatifyouwererequestedtoprepareyourself，youwould，nodoubt，comeprepared。\'
`Person，mylad！\'theCaptainrepeated。
`Idon\'tknowwhatperson，I\'msure，CaptainGills，\'repliedMr。
Toots，`Ihaven\'ttheleastidea。Butcomingtothedoor，Ifoundhimwaitingthere；andhesaidwasIcomingbackagain，andIsaidyes；andhesaiddidIknowyou，andIsaidyes，Ihadthepleasureofyouracquaintance——youhadgivenmethepleasureofyouracquaintance，aftersomepersuasion；
andhesaid，ifthatwasthecase，wouldIsaytoyouwhatIhavesaid，aboutexistingcircumstancesandcomingprepared，andassoonaseverIsawyou，wouldIaskyoutosteproundthecorner，ifitwasonlyforoneminute，onmostimportantbusiness，toMr。Brogley\'stheBroker\'s。
Now，Itellyouwhat，CaptainGills——whateveritis，Iamconvincedit\'sveryimportant；andifyouliketostepround，now，I\'llwaitheretillyoucomeback。\'
TheCaptain，dividedbetweenhisfearofcompromisingFlorenceinsomewaybynotgoing，andhishorrorofleavingMr。Tootsinpossessionofthehousewithachanceoffindingoutthesecret，wasaspectacleofmentaldisturbancethatevenMr。Tootscouldnotbeblindto。Butthatyounggentleman，consideringhisnauticalfriendasmerelyinastateofpreparationfortheinterviewhewasgoingtohave，wasquitesatisfied，anddidnotreviewhisowndiscreetconductwithoutchuckles。
AtlengththeCaptaindecided，asthelesseroftwoevils，torunroundtoBrogley\'stheBroker\'s：previouslylockingthedoorthatcommunicatedwiththeupperpartofthehouse，andputtingthekeyinhispocket。`Ifsobe，\'saidtheCaptaintoMr。Toots，withnotalittleshameandhesitation，`asyou\'llexcusemydoingofit，brother。\'
`CaptainGills，\'returnedMr。Toots，`whateveryoudo，issatisfactorytome。\'
TheCaptainthankedhimheartily，andpromisingtocomebackinlessthatfiveminutes，wentoutinquestofthepersonwhohadintrustedMr。Tootswiththismysteriousmessage。PoorMr。Toots，lefttohimself，laydownuponthesofa，littlethinkingwhohadreclinedtherelast，andgazingupattheskylightandresigninghimselftovisionsofMissDombey，lostallheedoftimeandplace。
Itwasaswellthathedidso；foralthoughtheCaptainwasnotgonelong，hewasgonemuchlongerthanhehadproposed。Whenhecameback，hewasverypaleindeed，andgreatlyagitated，andevenlookedasifhehadbeensheddingtears。Heseemedtohavelostthefacultyofspeech，untilhehadbeentothecupboardandtakenadramofrumfromthecase-bottle，whenhefetchedadeepbreath，andsatdowninachairwithhishandbeforehisface。
`CaptainGills，\'saidToots，kindly，`Ihopeandtrustthere\'snothingwrong？\'
`Thank\'ee，mylad，notabit，\'saidtheCaptain。`Quitecontrary。\'
`Youhavetheappearanceofbeingovercome，CaptainGills，\'observedMr。Toots。
`Why，mylad，Iamtookaback，\'theCaptainadmitted。`I
am。\'
`IsthereanythingIcando，CaptainGills？\'inquiredMr。Toots。
`Ifthereis，makeuseofme。\'
TheCaptainremovedhishandfromhisface，lookedathimwitharemarkableexpressionofpityandtenderness，andtookhimbythehandandshookithard。
`No，thank\'ee，\'saidtheCaptain。`Nothing。OnlyI\'lltakeitasafavourifyou\'llpartcompanyforthepresent。Ibelieve，brother，\'
wringinghishandagain，`that，afterWal\'r，andonadifferentmodel，you\'reasgoodaladaseverstepped。\'
`Uponmywordandhonour，CaptainGills，\'returnedMr。Toots，givingtheCaptain\'shandapreliminaryslapbeforeshakingitagain，`it\'sdelightfultometopossessyourgoodopinion。Thank\'ee。\'
`Andbearhandandcheerup，\'saidtheCaptain，pattinghimontheback。`What！There\'smorethanonesweetcreeturintheworld！\'
`Nottome，CaptainGills，\'repliedMr。Tootsgravely。`Nottome，Iassureyou。ThestateofmyfeelingstowardsMissDombeyisofthatunspeakabledescription，thatmyheartisadesertisland，andshelivesinitalone。I\'mgettingmoreusedupeveryday，andI\'mproudtobeso。
IfyoucouldseemylegswhenItakemybootsoff，you\'dformsomeideaofwhatunrequitedaffectionis。Ihavebeenprescribedbark，butIdon\'ttakeit，forIdon\'twishtohaveanytonewhatevergiventomyconstitution。
I\'drathernot。This，however，isforbiddenground。CaptainGills，good-bye！\'
CaptainCuttlecordiallyreciprocatingthewarmthofMr。Toots\'sfarewell，lockedthedoorbehindhim，andshakinghisheadwiththesameremarkableexpressionofpityandtendernessashehadregardedhimwithbefore，wentuptoseeifFlorencewantedhim。
TherewasanentirechangeintheCaptain\'sfaceashewentupstairs。
Hewipedhiseyeswithhishandkerchief，andhepolishedthebridgeofhisnosewithhissleeveashehaddonealreadythatmorning，buthisfacewasabsolutelychanged。Now，hemighthavebeenthoughtsupremelyhappy；
now，hemighthavebeenthoughtsad；butthekindofgravitythatsatuponhisfeatureswasquitenewtothem，andwasasgreatanimprovementtothemasiftheyhadundergonesomesublimatingprocess。
Heknockedsoftly，withhishook，atFlorence\'sdoor，twiceorthrice；but，receivingnoanswer，venturedfirsttopeepin，andthentoenter：emboldenedtotakethelatterstep，perhaps，bythefamiliarrecognitionofDiogenes，who，stretcheduponthegroundbythesideofhercouch，waggedhistail，andwinkedhiseyesattheCaptain，withoutbeingatthetroubleofgettingup。
Shewassleepingheavily，andmoaninginhersleep；andCaptainCuttle，withaperfectaweofheryouthandbeauty，andhersorrow，raisedherhead，andadjustedthecoatthatcoveredher，whereithadfallenoff，anddarkenedthewindowalittlemorethatshemightsleepon，andcreptoutagain，andtookhispostofwatchuponthestairs。Allthis，withatouchandtreadaslightasFlorence\'sown。
Longmayitremaininthismixedworldapointnoteasyofdecision，whichisthemorebeautifulevidenceoftheAlmighty\'sgoodness——thedelicatefingersthatareformedforsensitivenessandsympathyoftouch，andmadetoministertopainandgrief，ortheroughhardCaptainCuttlehand，thattheheartteaches，guides，andsoftensinamoment！
Florencesleptuponhercouch，forgetfulofherhomelessnessandorphanage，andCaptainCuttlewatcheduponthestairs。Aloudersobormoanthanusual，broughthimsometimestoherdoor；butbydegreesshesleptmorepeacefully，andtheCaptain\'swatchwasundisturbed。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter49[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXLIXTheMidshipmanmakesaDiscoveryITwaslongbeforeFlorenceawoke。Thedaywasinitsprime，thedaywasinitswane，andstill，uneasyinmindandbody，sheslepton；unconsciousofherstrangebed，ofthenoiseandturmoilinthestreet，andofthelightthatshoneoutsidetheshadedwindow。Perfectunconsciousnessofwhathadhappenedinthehomethatexistednomore，eventhedeepslumberofexhaustioncouldnotproduce。Someundefinedandmournfulrecollectionofit，dozinguneasilybutneversleeping，pervadedallherrest。Adullsorrow，likeahalf-lulledsenseofpain，wasalwayspresenttoher；andherpalecheekwasoftenerwetwithtearsthanthehonestCaptain，softlyputtinginhisheadfromtimetotimeatthehalf-closeddoor，couldhavedesiredtoseeit。
Thesunwasgettinglowinthewest，andglancingoutofaredmist，piercedwithitsraysoppositeloop-holesandpiecesoffret-workinthespiresofcitychurches，asifwithgoldenarrowsthatstruckthroughandthroughthem——andfarawayathwarttheriveranditsflatblanks，itwasgleaminglikeapathoffire——andoutatseaitwasirradiatingsailsofships——and，lookedtowards，fromquietchurchyards，uponhill-topsinthecountry，itwassteepingdistantprospectsinaflushandglowthatseemedtomingleearthandskytogetherinoneglorioussuffusion——whenFlorence，openingherheavyeyes，layatfirst，lookingwithoutinterestorrecognitionattheunfamiliarwallsaroundher，andlisteninginthesameregardlessmannertothenoisesinthestreet。Butpresentlyshestartedupuponhercouch，gazedroundwithasurprisedandvacantlook，andrecollectedall。
`Mypretty，\'saidtheCaptain，knockingatthedoor，`whatcheer？\'
`Dearfriend，\'criedFlorence，hurryingtohim，`isityou？\'
TheCaptainfeltsomuchprideinthename，andwassopleasedbythegleamofpleasureinherface，whenshesawhim，thathekissedhishook，bywayofreply，inspeechlessgratification。
`Whatcheer，brightdi\'mond？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Ihavesurelysleptverylong，\'returnedFlorence。`WhendidIcomehere？Yesterday？\'
`Thishereblessedday，myladylass，\'repliedtheCaptain。
`Hastherebeennonight？Isitstillday？\'askedFlorence。
`Gettingonforeveningnow，mypretty，\'saidtheCaptain，drawingbackthecurtainofthewindow。`See！\'
Florence，withherhandupontheCaptain\'sarm，sosorrowfulandtimid，andtheCaptainwithhisroughfaceandburlyfigure，soquietlyprotectiveofher，stoodintherosylightofthebrighteveningsky，withoutsayingaword。Howeverstrangetheformofspeechintowhichhemighthavefashionedthefeeling，ifhehadhadtogiveitutterance，theCaptainfelt，assensiblyasthemosteloquentofmencouldhavedone，thattherewassomethinginthetranquiltimeandinitssoftenedbeautythatwouldmakethewoundedheartofFlorenceoverflow；andthatitwasbetterthatsuchtearsshouldhavetheirway。SonotawordspakeCaptainCuttle。Butwhenhefelthisarmclaspedcloser，andwhenhefeltthelonelyheadcomenearertoit，andlayitselfagainsthishomelycoarsebluesleeve，hepresseditgentlywithhisruggedhand，andunderstoodit，andwasunderstood。
`Betternow，mypretty！\'saidtheCaptain。`Cheerily，cheerily；
I\'llgodownbelow，andgetsomedinnerready。Willyoucomedownofyourownself，arterwards，pretty，orshallEd\'ardCuttlecomeandfetchyou？\'
AsFlorenceassuredhimthatshewasquiteabletowalkdownstairs，theCaptain，thoughevidentlydoubtfulofhisownhospitalityinpermittingit，lefthertodoso，andimmediatelysetaboutroastingafowlatthefireinthelittleparlour。Toachievehiscookerywiththegreaterskill，hepulledoffhiscoat，tuckeduphiswristbands，andputonhisglazedhat，withoutwhichassistantheneverappliedhimselftoanyniceordifficultundertaking。
AftercoolingherachingheadandburningfaceinthefreshwaterwhichtheCaptain\'scarehadprovidedforherwhilesheslept，Florencewenttothelittlemirrortobindupherdisorderedhair。Thensheknew——inamoment，forsheshunneditinstantly——thatonherbreasttherewasthedarkeningmarkofanyangryhand。
Hertearsburstforthafreshatthesight；shewasashamedandafraidofit；butitmovedhertonoangeragainsthim。Homelessandfatherless，sheforgavehimeverything；hardlythoughtthatshehadneedtoforgivehim，orthatshedid；butshefledfromtheideaofhimasshehadfledfromthereality，andhewasutterlygoneandlost。TherewasnosuchBeingintheworld。
Whattodo，orwheretolive，Florence——poor，inexperiencedgirl！——couldnotyetconsider。Shehadindistinctdreamsoffinding，alongwayoff，somelittlesisterstoinstruct，whowouldbegentlewithher，andtowhom，undersomefeignedname，shemightattachherself，andwhowouldgrowupintheirhappyhome，andmarry，andbegoodtotheiroldgoverness，andperhapsintrusther，intime，withtheeducationoftheirowndaughters。
Andshethoughthowstrangeandsorrowfulitwouldbe，thustobecomeagrey-hairedwoman，carryinghersecrettothegrave，whenFlorenceDombeywasforgotten。Butitwasalldimandcloudedtohernow。SheonlyknewthatshehadnoFatheruponearth，andshesaidso，manytimes，withhersuppliantheadhiddenfromall，butherFatherwhowasinHeaven。
Herlittlestockofmoneyamountedtobutafewguineas。Withapartofthis，itwouldbenecessarytobuysomeclothes，forshehadnonebutthoseshewore。Shewastoodesolatetothinkhowsoonhermoneywouldbegone——toomuchachildinworldlymatterstobegreatlytroubledonthatscoreyet，evenifherothertroublehadbeenless。Shetriedtocalmherthoughtsandstayhertears；toquietthehurryinherthrobbinghead，andbringherselftobelievethatwhathadhappenedwerebuttheeventsofafewhoursago，insteadofweeksormonths，astheyappeared；
andwentdowntoherkindprotector。
TheCaptainhadspreadtheclothwithgreatcare，andwasmakingsomeegg-sauceinalittlesaucepan：bastingthefowlfromtimetotimeduringtheprocesswithastronginterest，asitturnedandbrownedonastringbeforethefire。HavingproppedFlorenceupwithcushionsonthesofa，whichwasalreadywheeledintoawarmcornerforhergreatercomfort，theCaptainpursuedhiscookingwithextraordinaryskill，makinghotgravyinasecondlittlesaucepan，boilingahandfulofpotatoesinathird，neverforgettingtheegg-sauceinthefirst，andmakinganimpartialroundofbastingandstirringwiththemostusefulofspoonseveryminute。Besidesthesecares，theCaptainhadtokeephiseyeonadiminutivefryingpan，inwhichsomesausageswerehissingandbubblinginamostmusicalmanner；
andtherewasneversucharadiantcookastheCaptainlooked，intheheightandheatofthesefunctions：itbeingimpossibletosaywhetherhisfaceorhisglazedhatshonethebrighter。
Thedinnerbeingatlengthquiteready，CaptainCuttledishedandserveditup，withnolessdexteritythanhehadcookedit。Hethendressedfordinner，bytakingoffhisglazedhatandputtingonhiscoat。
Thatdone，hewheeledthetablecloseagainstFlorenceonthesofa，saidgrace，unscrewedhishook，screwedhisforkintoitsplace，anddidthehonoursofthetable。
`Myladylass，\'saidtheCaptain，`cheerup，andtrytoeatadeal。Standby，mydeary！Liverwingitis。Sarseitis。Sassageitis。
Andpotato！\'allwhichtheCaptainrangedsymmetricallyonaplate，andpouringhotgravyonthewholewiththeusefulspoon，setbeforehischerishedguest。
`Thewholerowo\'deadlightsisup，for\'ard，ladylass，\'observedtheCaptain，encouragingly，`andeverythingismadesnug。Tryandpickabit，mypretty。IfWal\'rwashere——\'
`Ah！IfIhadhimformybrothernow！\'criedFlorence。
`Don\'t！don\'ttakeon，mypretty！\'saidtheCaptain，`awasttoobleegeme！Hewasyournat\'ralbornfriendlike，warn\'the，Pet？\'
Florencehadnowordstoanswerwith。Sheonlysaid，`Oh，dear，dearPaul！oh，Walter！\'
`Theweryplanksshewalkedon，\'murmuredtheCaptain，lookingatherdroopingface，`wasashighesteemedbyWal\'r，asthewaterbrooksisbythehartwhichneverrejices！Iseehimnow，thewerydayashewasratedonthemDombeybooks，aspeakingofherwithhisfaceaglisteningwithdoo——leastwayswithhismodestsentiments——likeanewblowedrose，atdinner。Well，well！IfourpoorWal\'rwashere，myladylass——orifhecouldbe——forhe\'sdrownded，an\'the？\'
Florenceshookherhead。
`Yes，yes；drownded，\'saidtheCaptain，soothingly；`asIwassaying，ifhecouldbeherehe\'dbegandprayofyou，myprecious，topickaleetlebit，withalook-outforyourownsweethealth。Whereby，holdyourown，myladylass，asifitwasforWal\'r\'ssake，andlayyourprettyheadtothewind。\'
Florenceessayedtoeatamorsel，fortheCaptain\'spleasure。
TheCaptain，meanwhile，whoseemedtohavequiteforgottenhisowndinner，laiddownhisknifeandfork，anddrewhischairtothesofa。
`Wal\'rwasatrimlad，warn\'the，precious？\'saidtheCaptain，aftersittingforsometimesilentlyrubbinghischin，withhiseyesfixeduponher，`andabravelad，andagoodlad？\'
Florencetearfullyassented。
`Andhe\'sdrownded，Beauty，an\'the？\'saidtheCaptain，inasoothingvoice。
Florencecouldnotbutassentagain。
`Hewasolderthanyou，myladylass，\'pursuedtheCaptain，`butyouwasliketwochildrentogether，atfirst；warn\'tyou？\'
Florenceanswered`Yes。\'
`AndWal\'r\'sdrownded，\'saidtheCaptain。`An\'the？\'
Therepetitionofthisinquirywasacurioussourceofconsolation，butitseemedtobeonetoCaptainCuttle，forhecamebacktoitagainandagain。Florence，faintopushfromherheruntasteddinner，andtoliebackonhersofa，gavehimherhand，feelingthatshehaddisappointedhim，thoughtrulywishingtohavepleasedhimafterallhistrouble，buthehelditinhisownwhichshookasheheldit，andappearingtohavequiteforgottenallaboutthedinnerandherwantofappetite，wentongrowlingatintervals，inaruminatingtoneofsympathy，`PoorWal\'r。Aye，aye！Drownded。An\'the？\'Andalwayswaitedforheranswer，inwhichthegreatpointofthesesingularreflectionsappearedtoconsist。
Thefowlandsausageswerecold，andthegravyandtheegg-saucestagnant，beforetheCaptainrememberedthattheywereontheboard，andfelltowiththeassistanceofDiogenes，whoseunitedeffortsquicklydispatchedthebanquet。TheCaptain\'sdelightandwonderatthequiethousewiferyofFlorenceinassistingtoclearthetable，arrangetheparlour，andsweepupthehearth——onlytobeequalledbythefervencyofhisprotestwhenshebegantoassisthim——weregraduallyraisedtothatdegree，thatatlasthecouldnotchoosebutdonothinghimself，andstandlookingatherasifsheweresomeFairy，daintilyperformingtheseofficesforhim；theredrimonhisforeheadglowingagain，inhisunspeakableadmiration。
ButwhenFlorence，takingdownhispipefromthemantelshelfgaveitintohishand，andentreatedhimtosmokeit，thegoodCaptainwassobewilderedbyherattentionthathehelditasifhehadneverheldapipeinallhislife。Likewise，whenFlorence，lookingintothelittlecupboard，tookoutthecasebottleandmixedaperfectglassofgrogforhim，unasked，andsetitathiselbow，hisruddynoseturnedpale，hefelthimselfsogracedandhonoured。Whenhehadfilledhispipeinanabsolutereverieofsatisfaction，Florencelighteditforhim——theCaptainhavingnopowertoobject，ortopreventher——andresumingherplaceontheoldsofa，lookedathimwithasmilesolovingandsograteful，asmilethatshowedhimsoplainlyhowherforlornheartturnedtohim，asherfacedid，throughgrief，thatthesmokeofthepipegotintotheCaptain\'sthroatandmadehimcough，andgotintotheCaptain\'seyes，andmadethemblinkandwater。
ThemannerinwhichtheCaptaintriedtomakebelievethatthecauseoftheseeffectslayhiddeninthepipeitself，andthewayinwhichhelookedintothebowlforit，andnotfindingitthere，pretendedtoblowitoutofthestem，waswonderfullypleasant。Thepipesoongettingintobettercondition，hefellintothatstateofreposebecomingagoodsmoker；butsatwithhiseyesfixedonFlorence，and，withabeamingplaciditynottobedescribed，andstoppingeverynowandthentodischargealittlecloudfromhislips，slowlypuffeditforth，asifitwereascrollcomingoutofhismouth，bearingthelegend`PoorWal\'r，aye，aye。Drownded，an\'the？\'afterwhichhewouldresumehissmokingwithinfinitegentleness。
Unlikeastheywereexternally——andtherecouldscarcelybeamoredecidedcontrastthanbetweenFlorenceinherdelicateyouthandbeauty，andCaptainCuttlewithhisknobbyface，hisgreatbroadweather-beatenperson，andhisgruffvoice——insimpleinnocenceoftheworld\'swaysandtheworld\'sperplexitiesanddangers，theywerenearlyonalevel。NochildcouldhavesurpassedCaptainCuttleininexperienceofeverythingbutwindandweather；insimplicity，credulity，andgeneroustrustfulness。Faith，hope，andcharity，sharedhiswholenatureamongthem。Anoddsortofromance，perfectlyunimaginative，yetperfectlyunreal，andsubjecttonoconsiderationsofworldlyprudenceorpracticability，wastheonlypartnertheyhadinhischaracter。AstheCaptainsat，andsmoked，andlookedatFlorence，Godknowswhatimpossiblepictures，inwhichshewastheprincipalfigure，presentedthemselvestohismind。Equallyvagueanduncertain，thoughnotsosanguine，wereherownthoughtsofthelifebeforeher；andevenashertearsmadeprismaticcoloursinthelightshegazedatso，throughhernewandheavygrief，shealreadysawarainbowfaintlyshininginthefar-offsky。Awanderingprincessandagoodmonsterinastory-bookmighthavesatbythefireside，andtalkedasCaptainCuttleandpoorFlorencethought——andnothavelookedverymuchunlikethem。
TheCaptainwasnottroubledwiththefaintestideaofanydifficultyinretainingFlorence，orofanyresponsibilitytherebyincurred。Havingputuptheshuttersandlockedthedoor，hewasquitesatisfiedonthishead。IfshehadbeenaWardinChancery，itwouldhavemadenodifferenceatalltoCaptainCuttle。Hewasthelastmanintheworldtobetroubledbyanysuchconsiderations。
SotheCaptainsmokedhispipeverycomfortably，andFlorenceandhemeditatedaftertheirownmanner。Whenthepipewasout，theyhadsometea；andthenFlorenceentreatedhimtotakehertosomeneighbouringshop，whereshecouldbuythefewnecessariessheimmediatelywanted。Itbeingquitedark，theCaptainconsented；peepingcarefullyoutfirst，ashehadbeenwonttodoinhistimeofhidingfromMrs。MacStinger；andarminghimselfwithhislargestick，incaseofanappealtoarmsbeingrenderednecessarybyanyunforeseencircumstance。