TheprideCaptainCuttlehad，ingivinghisarmtoFlorence，andescortinghersometwoorthreehundredyards，keepingabrightlook-outallthetime，andattractingtheattentionofeveryonewhopassedthem，byhisgreatvigilanceandnumerousprecautions，wasextreme。Arrivedattheshop，theCaptainfeltitapointofdelicacytoretireduringthemakingofthepurchases，astheyweretoconsistofwearingapparel；buthepreviouslydepositedhistincanisteronthecounter，andinformingtheyoungladyoftheestablishmentthatitcontainedfourteenpoundtwo，requestedher，incasethatamountofpropertyshouldnotbesufficienttodefraytheexpensesofhisniece\'slittleoutfit——attheword`niece，\'
hebestowedamostsignificantlookonFlorence，accompaniedwithpantomime，expressiveofsagacityandmystery——tohavethegoodnessto`singout，\'
andhewouldmakeupthedifferencefromhispocket。Casuallyconsultinghisbigwatch，asadeepmeansofdazzlingtheestablishment，andimpressingitwithasenseofproperty，theCaptainthenkissedhishooktohisniece，andretiredoutsidethewindow，whereitwasachoicesighttoseehisgreatfacelookinginfromtimetotime，amongthesilksandribbons，withanobviousmisgivingthatFlorencehadbeenspiritedawaybyabackdoor。
`DearCaptainCuttle，\'saidFlorence，whenshecameoutwithaparcel，thesizeofwhichgreatlydisappointedtheCaptain，whohadexpectedtoseeaporterfollowingwithabaleofgoods，`Idon\'twantthismoney，indeed。Ihavenotspentanyofit。Ihavemoneyofmyown。\'
`Myladylass，\'returnedthebaffledCaptain，lookingstraightdownthestreetbeforethem，`takecareonitforme，willyoubesogood，tillsuchtimeasIaskyeforit？\'
`MayIputitbackinitsusualplace，\'saidFlorence，`andkeepitthere？\'
TheCaptainwasnotatallgratifiedbythisproposal，butheanswered，`Aye，aye，putitanywheres，myladylass，solongasyouknowwheretofinditagain。Itan\'to\'nousetome，\'saidtheCaptain。
`IwonderIhaven\'tchuckeditawayaforenow。\'
TheCaptainwasquitedisheartenedforthemoment，butherevivedatthefirsttouchofFlorence\'sarm，andtheyreturnedwiththesameprecautionsastheyhadcome；theCaptainopeningthedoorofthelittleMidshipman\'sberth，anddivingin，withasuddennesswhichhisgreatpracticeonlycouldhavetaughthim。DuringFlorence\'sslumberinthemorning，hehadengagedthedaughterofanelderlylady，whousuallysatunderablueumbrellainLeadenhallMarket，sellingpoultry，tocomeandputherroominorder，andrenderheranylittleservicessherequired；andthisdamselnowappearing，Florencefoundeverythingaboutherasconvenientandorderly，ifnotashandsome，asintheterribledreamshehadoncecalledHome。
Whentheywerealoneagain，theCaptaininsistedonhereatingasliceofdrytoast，anddrinkingaglassofspicedneguswhichhemadetoperfection；and，encouragingherwitheverykindwordandinconsequentialquotationhecouldpossiblythinkof，ledherupstairstoherbedroom。
Buthetoohadsomethingonhismind，andwasnoteasyinhismanner。
`Goodnight，dearheart，\'saidCaptainCuttletoheratherchamber-door。
Florenceraisedhislipstohisface，andkissedhim。
AtanyothertimetheCaptainwouldhavebeenoverbalancedbysuchatokenofheraffectionandgratitude；butnow，althoughhewasverysensibleofit，helookedinherfacewithevenmoreuneasinessthanhehadtestifiedbefore，andseemedunwillingtoleaveher。
`PoorWal\'r！\'saidtheCaptain。
`Poor，poorWalter！\'sighedFlorence。
`Drownded，an\'the？\'saidtheCaptain。
Florenceshookherhead，andsighed。
`Goodnight，myladylass！\'saidCaptainCuttle，puttingouthishand。
`Godblessyou，dear，kindfriend！\'
ButtheCaptainlingeredstill。
`Isanythingthematter，dearCaptainCuttle？\'saidFlorence，easilyalarmedinherthenstateofmind。`Haveyouanythingtotellme？\'
`Totellyou，ladylass！\'repliedtheCaptain，meetinghereyesinconfusion。`No，no；whatshouldIhavetotellyou，pretty！Youdon\'texpectasI\'vegotanythinggoodtotellyou，sure？\'
`No！\'saidFlorence，shakingherhead。
TheCaptainlookedatherwistfully，andrepeated`No，\'——stilllingering，andstillshowingembarrassment。
`PoorWal\'r！\'saidtheCaptain。`MyWal\'r，asIusedtocallyou！
OldSolGills\'snevy！Welcometoallasknowedyou，astheflowersinMay！
Whereareyougotto，braveboy？Drownded，an\'the？\'
ConcludinghisapostrophewiththisabruptappealtoFlorence，theCaptainbadehergoodnight，anddescendedthestairs，whileFlorenceremainedatthetop，holdingthecandleouttolighthimdown。Hewaslostintheobscurity，and，judgingfromthesoundofhisrecedingfootsteps，wasintheactofturningintothelittleparlour，whenhisheadandshouldersunexpectedlyemergedagain，asfromthedeep，apparentlyfornootherpurposethantorepeat，`Drownded，an\'the，pretty？\'Forwhenhehadsaidthatinatoneoftendercondolence，hedisappeared。
Florencewasverysorrythatsheshouldunwittingly，thoughnaturally，haveawakenedtheseassociationsinthemindofherprotector，bytakingrefugethere；andsittingdownbeforethelittletablewheretheCaptainhadarrangedthetelescopeandsong-book，andthoseotherrarities，thoughtofWalter，andofallthatwasconnectedwithhiminthepast，untilshecouldhavealmostwishedtoliedownonherbedandfadeaway。Butinherlonelyyearningtothedeadwhomshehadloved，nothoughtofhome——nopossibilityofgoingback——nopresentationofitasyetexisting，orasshelteringherfather——onceenteredherthoughts。Shehadseenthemurderdone。Inthelastlingeringnaturalaspectinwhichshehadcherishedhimthroughsomuch，hehadbeentornoutofherheart，defaced，andslain。
Thethoughtofitwassoappallingtoher，thatshecoveredhereyes，andshrunktremblingfromtheleastremembranceofthedeed，orofthecruelhandthatdidit。Ifherfondheartcouldhaveheldhisimageafterthat，itmusthavebroken；butitcouldnot；andthevoidwasfilledwithawilddreadthatfledfromallconfrontingwithitsshatteredfragments——withsuchadreadascouldhaverisenoutofnothingbutthedepthsofsuchalove，sowronged。
Shedarednotlookintotheglass；forthesightofthedarkeningmarkuponherbosommadeherafraidofherself，asifsheboreabouthersomethingwicked。Shecovereditup，withahasty，falteringhand，andinthedark；andlaidherwearyheaddown，weeping。
TheCaptaindidnotgotobedforalongtime。Hewalkedtoandfrointheshopandinthelittleparlour，forafullhour，and，appearingtohavecomposedhimselfbythatexercise，satdownwithagraveandthoughtfulface，andreadoutofaPrayer-booktheformsofprayerappointedtobeusedatsea。Thesewerenoteasilydisposedof；thegoodCaptainbeingamightyslow，gruffreader，andfrequentlystoppingatahardwordtogivehimselfsuchencouragementas`Now，mylad！Withawill！\'or，`Steady，Ed\'ardCuttle，steady！\'whichhadagreateffectinhelpinghimoutofanydifficulty。Moreover，hisspectaclesgreatlyinterferedwithhispowersofvision。Butnotwithstandingthesedrawbacks，theCaptain，beingheartilyinearnest，readtheservicetotheverylastline，andwithgenuinefeelingtoo；andapprovingofitverymuchwhenhehaddone，turnedinunderthecounterbutnotbeforehehadbeenupstairs，andlistenedatFlorence\'sdoor，withaserenebreast，andamostbenevolentvisage。
TheCaptainturnedoutseveraltimesinthecourseofthenight，toassurehimselfthathischargewasrestingquietly；andonce，atdaybreak，foundthatshewasawake：forshecalledtoknowifitwerehe，onhearingfootstepsnearherdoor。
`Yes，myladylass，\'repliedtheCaptain，inagrowlingwhisper。
`Areyouallright，di\'mond？\'
Florencethankedhim，andsaid`Yes。\'
TheCaptaincouldnotlosesofavourableanopportunityofapplyinghismouthtothekeyhole，andcallingthroughit，likeahoarsebreeze，`PoorWal\'r！Drownded，an\'the？\'Afterwhichhewithdrew，andturninginagain，slepttillseveno\'clock。
Norwashefreefromhisuneasyandembarrassedmannerallthatday；thoughFlorence，beingbusywithherneedleinthelittleparlour，wasmorecalmandtranquilthanshehadbeenonthedaypreceding。Almostalwayswhensheraisedhereyesfromherwork，sheobservedtheCaptainlookingather，andthoughtfullystrokinghischin；andhesooftenhitchedhisarm-chairclosetoher，asifheweregoingtosaysomethingveryconfidential，andhitcheditawayagain，asnotbeingabletomakeuphismindhowtobegin，thatinthecourseofthedayhecruisedcompletelyroundtheparlourinthatfrailbark，andmorethanoncewentashoreagainstthewainscotortheclosetdoor，inaverydistressedcondition。
ItwasnotuntilthetwilightthatCaptainCuttle，fairlydroppinganchor，atlast，bythesideofFlorence，begantotalkatallconnectedly。
Butwhenthelightofthefirewasshiningonthewallsandceilingofthelittleroom，andontheteaboardandthecupsandsaucersthatwererangeduponthetable，andonhercalmfaceturnedtowardstheflame，andreflectingitinthetearsthatfilledhereyes，theCaptainbrokealongsilencethus：
`Youneverwasatsea，myown？\'
`No，\'repliedFlorence。
`Aye，\'saidtheCaptain，reverentially；`it\'saalmightyelement。
There\'swondersinthedeep，mypretty。Thinkonitwhenthewindsisroaringandthewavesisrowling。Thinkonitwhenthestormynightsissopitchdark，\'saidtheCaptain，solemnlyholdinguphishook，`asyoucan\'tseeyourhandaforeyou，exceptingwhenthewiwidlightningrewealsthesame；
andwhenyoudrive，drive，drivethroughthestormanddark，asifyouwasadriving，headon，totheworldwithoutend，evermore，amen，andwhenfoundmakinganoteof。Them\'sthetimes，mybeauty，whenamanmaysaytohismessmatepreviouslyaoverhaulingofthewollume，“Astiffnor\'wester\'sblowing，Bill；harkdon\'tyouhearitroarnow！Lordhelp\'em，howIpitysallunhappyfolksashorenow！”\'Whichquotation，asparticularlyapplicabletotheterrorsoftheocean，theCaptaindeliveredinamostimpressivemanner，concludingwithasonorous`Standby！\'
`Wereyoueverinadreadfulstorm？\'askedFlorence。
`Whyaye，myladylass，I\'veseenmyshareofbadweather，\'saidtheCaptain，tremulouslywipinghishead，`andI\'vehadmyshareofknockingabout；but——butitan\'tmyselfasIwasameaningtospeak。Ourdearboy，\'
drawingclosertoher，`Wal\'r，darling，aswasdrownded。\'
TheCaptainspokeinsuchatremblingvoice，andlookedatFlorencewithafacesopaleandagitated，thatsheclungtohishandinaffright。
`Yourfaceischanged，\'criedFlorence。`Youarealteredinamoment。Whatisit？DearCaptainCuttle，itturnsmecoldtoseeyou！\'
`What！Ladylass，\'returnedtheCaptain，supportingherwithhishand，`don\'tbetookaback。No，no！All\'swell，all\'swell，mydear。AsIwasasaying——Wal\'r——he\'s——he\'sdrownded。An\'the？\'
Florencelookedathimintently；hercolourcameandwent；andshelaidherhanduponherbreast。
`There\'sperilsanddangersonthedeep，mybeauty，\'saidtheCaptain；`andovermanyabraveship，andmanyandmanyabouldheart，thesecretwatershasclosedup，andnevertoldnotales。Butthere\'sescapesuponthedeep，too，andsometimesonemanoutofascore，——ah！maybeoutofahundred，pretty，——hasbeensavedbythemercyofGod，andcomehomeafterbeinggivenoverfordead，andtoldofallhandslost。I——Iknowastory，Heart\'sDelight，\'stammeredtheCaptain，`o\'thisnatur，aswastoldtomeonce；andbeingonthisheretack，andyouandmesittingalonebythefire，maybeyou\'dliketohearmetellit。Wouldyou，deary？\'
Florence，tremblingwithanagitationwhichshecouldnotcontrolorunderstand，involuntarilyfollowedhisglance，whichwentbehindherintotheshop，wherealampwasburning。Theinstantthatsheturnedherhead，theCaptainsprungoutofhischair，andinterposedhishand。
`There\'snothingthere，mybeauty，\'saidtheCaptain。`Don\'tlookthere。\'
`Whynot？\'askedFlorence。
TheCaptainmurmuredsomethingaboutitsbeingdullthatway，andaboutthefirebeingcheerful。Hedrewthedoorajar，whichhadbeenstandingopenuntilnow，andresumedhisseat。Florencefollowedhimwithhereyes，andlookedintentlyinhisface。
`Thestorywasaboutaship，myladylass，\'begantheCaptain，`assailedoutofthePortofLondon，withafairwindandinfairweather，boundfor——don\'tbetookaback，myladylass，shewasonlyout\'ardbound，pretty，onlyout\'ardbound！\'
TheexpressiononFlorence\'sfacealarmedtheCaptain，whowashimselfveryhotandflurried，andshowedscarcelylessagitationthanshedid。
`ShallIgoon，Beauty？\'saidtheCaptain。
`Yes，yes，pray！\'criedFlorence。
TheCaptainmadeagulpasiftogetdownsomethingthatwasstickinginhisthroat，andnervouslyproceeded：
`Thatthereunfort\'nateshipmetwithsuchfoulweather，outatsea，asdon\'tblowonceintwentyyear，mydarling。Therewashurricanesashoreastoreupforestsandbloweddowntowns，andtherewasgalesatseainthemlatitudes，asnotthestoutestwesseleverlaunchedcouldlivein。Dayarterdaythatthereunfort\'nateshipbehavednoble，I\'mtold，anddidherdutybrave，mypretty，butatoneblowa\'mostherbulwarkswasstovein，hermastsandruddercarriedaway，herbestmensweptoverboard，andshelefttothemercyofthestormashadnomercybutblowedharderandharderyet，whilethewavesdashedoverher，andbeatherin，andeverytimetheycomeathunderingather，brokeherlikeashell。Everyblackspotineverymountainofwaterthatrolledawaywasabito\'theship\'slifeoralivingman，andsoshewenttopieces，Beauty，andnograsswillnevergrowuponthegravesofthemasmannedthatship。\'
`Theywerenotalllost！\'criedFlorence。`Someweresaved！——Wasone？\'
`Aboardo\'thatthereunfort\'natewessel，\'saidtheCaptain，risingfromhischair，andclenchinghishandwithprodigiousenergyandexultation，`wasalad，agallantlad——asI\'veheerdtell——thathadloved，whenhewasaboy，toreadandtalkaboutbraveactionsinshipwrecks——I\'veheerdhim！I\'veheerdhim！——andherememberedof\'eminhishourofneed；forwhenthestoutestheartsandoldesthandswashovedown，hewasfirmandcheery。Itwarn\'tthewantofobjectstolikeandloveashorethatgavehimcourage，itwashisnat\'ralmind。I\'veseenitinhisface，whenhewasnomorethanachild——aye，manyatime！——andwhenIthoughtitnothingbuthisgoodlooks，blesshim！\'
`Andwashesaved！\'criedFlorence。`Washesaved！\'
`Thatbravelad，\'saidtheCaptain，——`lookatme，pretty！Don\'tlookround——\'
Florencehadhardlypowertorepeat，`Whynot？\'
`Becausethere\'snothingthere，mydeary，\'saidtheCaptain。`Don\'tbetookaback，prettycreetur！Don\'t，forthesakeofWal\'r，aswasdeartoallonus！Thattherelad，\'saidtheCaptain，`arterworkingwiththebest，andstandingbythefaint-hearted，andnevermakingnocomplaintnorsignoffear，andkeepingupaspiritinallhandsthatmade\'emhonourhimasifhe\'dbeenaadmiral——thatlad，alongwiththesecondmateandoneseaman，wasleft，ofallthebeatin\'heartsthatwentaboardthatship，theonlylivingcreeturs——lashedtoafragmentofthewreck，anddriftin\'
onthestormysea。\'
`Weretheysaved？\'criedFlorence。
`Daysandnightstheydriftedonthemendlesswaters，\'saidtheCaptain，`untilatlast——No！Don\'tlookthatway，pretty！——asailboredownupon\'em，andtheywas，bytheLord\'smercy，tookaboard：twolivingandonedead。\'
`Whichofthemwasdead？\'criedFlorence。
`NottheladIspeakon，\'saidtheCaptain。
`ThankGod！ohthankGod！\'
`Amen！\'returnedtheCaptainhurriedly。`Don\'tbetookaback！
Aminutemore，myladylass！withagoodheart！——aboardthatship，theywentalongvoyage，rightawayacrossthechartfortherewarn\'tnotouchingnowhere，andonthatvoyagetheseamanaswaspickedupwithdimdied。
Buthewasspared，and\'
TheCaptain，withoutknowingwhathedid，hadcutasliceofbreadfromtheloaf，andputitonhishookwhichwashisusualtoasting-fork，onwhichhenowheldittothefire；lookingbehindFlorencewithgreatemotioninhisface，andsufferingthebreadtoblazeandburnlikefuel。
`Wasspared，\'repeatedFlorence，`and？\'
`Andcomehomeinthatship，\'saidtheCaptain，stilllookinginthesamedirection，`and——don\'tbefrightened，pretty——andlanded；andonemorningcomecautiouslytohisowndoortotakeaobserwation，knowingthathisfriendswouldthinkhimdrownded，whenhesheeredoffattheunexpected\'
`Attheunexpectedbarkingofadog？\'criedFlorencequickly。
`Yes，\'roaredtheCaptain。`Steady，darling！courage！Don\'tlookroundyet。Seethere！uponthewall！\'
Therewastheshadowofamanuponthewallclosetoher。Shestartedup，lookedround，andwithapiercingcry，sawWalterGaybehindher！
Shehadnothoughtofhimbutasabrother，abrotherrescuedfromthegrave；ashipwreckedbrothersavedandatherside；andrushedintohisarms。Inalltheworld，heseemedtobeherhope，hercomfort，refuge，naturalprotector。`TakecareofWalter，IwasfondofWalter！\'
Thedearremembranceoftheplaintivevoicethatsaidso，rusheduponhersoul，likemusicinthenight。`Ohwelcomehome，dearWalter！Welcometothisstrickenbreast！\'Shefeltthewords，althoughshecouldnotutterthem，andheldhiminherpureembrace。
CaptainCuttle，inafitofdelirium，attemptedtowipehisheadwiththeblackenedtoastuponhishook：andfindingitanuncongenialsubstanceforthepurpose，putitintothecrownofhisglazedhat，puttheglazedhatonwithsomedifficulty，essayedtosingaverseofLovelyPeg，brokedownatthefirstword，andretiredintotheshop，whencehepresentlycameback，express，withafaceallflushedandbesmeared，andthestarchcompletelytakenoutofhisshirt-collar，tosaythesewords：
`Wal\'r，mylad，hereisalittlebitofpropertyasIshouldwishtomakeover，jintly！\'
TheCaptainhastilyproducedthebigwatch，theteaspoons，thesugar-tongs，andthecanister，andlayingthemonthetable，sweptthemwithhisgreathandintoWalter\'shat；butinhandingthatsingularstrongboxtoWalter，hewassoovercomeagain，thathewasfaintomakeanotherretreatintotheshop，andabsenthimselfforalongerspaceoftimethanonhisfirstretirement。
ButWaltersoughthimout，andbroughthimback；andthentheCaptain\'sgreatapprehensionwas，thatFlorencewouldsufferfromthisnewshock。Hefeltitsoearnestly，thatheturnedquiterational，andpositivelyinterdictedanyfurtherallusiontoWalter\'sadventuresforsomedaystocome。CaptainCuttlethenbecamesufficientlycomposedtorelievehimselfofthetoastinhishat，andtotakehisplaceattheteaboard；
butfindingWalter\'sgraspuponhisshoulder，ononeside，andFlorencewhisperinghertearfulcongratulationsontheother，theCaptainsuddenlyboltedagain，andwasmissingforagoodtenminutes。
ButneverinallhislifehadtheCaptain\'sfacesoshoneandglistened，aswhen，atlast，hesatstationaryatthetea-board，lookingfromFlorencetoWalter，andfromWaltertoFlorence。Norwasthiseffectproducedoratallheightenedbytheimmensequantityofpolishinghehadadministeredtohisfacewithhiscoat-sleeveduringthelasthalf-hour。
Itwassolelytheeffectofhisinternalemotions。TherewasagloryanddelightwithintheCaptainthatspreaditselfoverhiswholevisage，andmadeaperfectilluminationthere。
ThePridewithwhichtheCaptainlookeduponthebronzedcheekandthecourageouseyesofhisrecoveredboy；withwhichhesawthegenerousfervourofhisyouth，andallitsfrankandhopefulqualities，shiningoncemore，inthefresh，wholesomemanner，andtheardentface，wouldhavekindledsomethingofthislightinhiscountenance。TheadmirationandsympathywithwhichheturnedhiseyesonFlorence，whosebeauty，grace，andinnocencecouldhavewonnotruerormorezealouschampionthanhimself，wouldhavehadanequalinfluenceuponhim。Butthefulnessoftheglowheshedaroundhimcouldonlyhavebeenengenderedinhiscontemplationofthetwotogether，andinallthefanciesspringingoutofthatassociation，thatcamesparklingandbeamingintohishead，anddancedaboutit。
HowtheytalkedofpooroldUncleSol，anddweltoneverylittlecircumstancerelatingtohisdisappearance；howtheirjoywasmoderatedbytheoldman\'sabsenceandbythemisfortunesofFlorence；howtheyreleasedDiogenes，whomtheCaptainhaddecoyedupstairssometimebefore，lestheshouldbarkagain；theCaptain，thoughhewasinonecontinualflutter，andmademanymoreshortplungesintotheshop，fullycomprehended。ButhenomoredreamedthatWalterlookedonFlorence，asitwere，fromanewandfar-offplace；thatwhilehiseyesoftensoughtthelovelyface，theyseldommetitsopenglanceofsisterlyaffection，butwithdrewthemselveswhenherswereraisedtowardshim；thanbebelievedthatitwasWalter\'sghostwhosatbesidehim。Hesawthemtheretogetherintheiryouthandbeauty，andheknewthestoryoftheiryoungerdays，andhehadnoinchofroombeneathhisgreatbluewaistcoatforanythingsaveadmirationofsuchapair，andgratitudefortheirbeingreunited。
Theysatthus，untilitgrewlate。TheCaptainwouldhavebeencontenttositsoforaweek。ButWalterrose，totakeleaveforthenight。
`Going，Walter！\'saidFlorence。`Where？\'
`Heslingshishammockforthepresent，ladylass，\'saidCaptainCuttle，`roundatBrogley\'s。Withinhail，Heart\'sDelight。\'
`Iamthecauseofyourgoingaway，Walter，\'saidFlorence。`Thereisahouselesssisterinyourplace。\'
`DearMissDombey，\'repliedWalter，hesitating——`ifitisnottooboldtocallyouso！——\'
`——Walter！\'sheexclaimed，surprised。
`Ifanythingcouldmakemehappierinbeingallowedtoseeandspeaktoyou，woulditnotbethediscoverythatIhadanymeansonearthofdoingyouamoment\'sservice！WherewouldInotgo，whatwouldInotdoforyoursake？\'
Shesmiled，andcalledhimbrother。
`Youaresochanged，\'saidWalter——
`Ichanged！\'sheinterrupted。
`Tome，\'saidWalter，softly，asifhewerethinkingaloud，`changedtome。Ileftyousuchachild，andfindyou——oh！somethingsodifferent——\'
`Butyoursister，Walter。Youhavenotforgottenwhatwepromisedtoeachother，whenweparted？\'
`Forgotten！\'Buthesaidnomore。
`Andifyouhad——ifsufferinganddangerhaddrivenitfromyourthoughts——whichithasnot——youwouldrememberitnow，Walter，whenyoufindmepoorandabandoned，withnohomebutthis，andnofriendsbutthetwowhohearmespeak！\'
`Iwould！HeavenknowsIwould！\'saidWalter。
`Oh，Walter，\'exclaimedFlorence，throughhersobsandtears。
`Dearbrother！Showmesomewaythroughtheworld——somehumblepaththatImaytakealone，andlabourin，andsometimesthinkofyouasonewhowillprotectandcareformeasforasister！Oh，helpme，Walter，forIneedhelpsomuch！\'
`MissDombey！Florence！Iwoulddietohelpyou。Butyourfriendsareproudandrich。Yourfather\'
`No，no！Walter！\'Sheshrieked，andputherhandsuptoherhead，inanattitudeofterrorthattransfixedhimwherehestood。`Don\'tsaythatword！\'
Henever，fromthathour，forgotthevoiceandlookwithwhichshestoppedhimatthename。Hefeltthatifheweretoliveahundredyears，henevercouldforgetit。
Somewhere——anywhere——butneverhome！Allpast，allgone，alllost，andbrokenup！Thewholehistoryofheruntoldslightandsufferingwasinthecryandlook；andhefelthenevercouldforgetit，andheneverdid。
ShelaidhergentlefaceupontheCaptain\'sshoulder，andrelatedhowandwhyshehadfled。Ifeverysorrowingtearsheshedindoingso，hadbeenacurseupontheheadofhimshenevernamedorblamed，itwouldhavebeenbetterforhim，Walterthought，withawe，thantoberenouncedoutofsuchastrengthandmightoflove。
`There，precious！\'saidtheCaptain，whensheceased；anddeepattentiontheCaptainhadpaidtoherwhileshespoke；listening，withhisglazedhatallawryandhismouthwideopen。`Awast，awast，myeyes！
Wal\'r，dearlad，sheeroffforto-night，andleavetheprettyonetome！\'
Waltertookherhandinbothofhis，andputittohislips，andkissedit。Heknewnowthatshewas，indeed，ahomelesswanderingfugitive；
but，richertohimso，thaninallthewealthandprideofherrightstation，sheseemedfartheroffthanevenontheheightthathadmadehimgiddyinhisboyishdreams。
CaptainCuttle，perplexedbynosuchmeditations，guardedFlorencetoherroom，andwatchedatintervalsuponthecharmedgroundoutsideherdoor——forsuchittrulywastohim——untilhefeltsufficientlyeasyinhismindabouther，toturninunderthecounter。Onabandoninghiswatchforthatpurpose，hecouldnothelpcallingonce，rapturously，throughthekeyhole，`Drownded。An\'the，pretty？\'——or，whenhegotdownstairs，makinganothertrialatthatverseofLovelyPeg。Butitstuckinhisthroatsomehow，andhecouldmakenothingofit；sohewenttobed，anddreamedthatoldSolGillswasmarriedtoMrs。MacStinger，andkeptprisonerbythatladyinasecretchamberonashortallowanceofvictuals。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter50[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLMr。Toots\'sComplaintTHEREwasanemptyroomabove-stairsattheWoodenMidshipman\'s，which，indaysofyore，hadbeenWalter\'sbedroom。Walter，rousinguptheCaptainbetimesinthemorning，proposedthattheyshouldcarrythithersuchfurnitureoutofthelittleparlouraswouldgraceitbest，sothatFlorencemighttakepossessionofitwhensherose。AsnothingcouldbemoreagreeabletoCaptainCuttlethanmakinghimselfveryredandshortofbreathinsuchacause，heturnedtoashehimselfsaidwithawill；and，inacoupleofhours，thisgarretwastransformedintoaspeciesofland-cabin，adornedwithallthechoicestmoveablesoutoftheparlour，inclusiveevenoftheTartarfrigate，whichtheCaptainhungupoverthechimneypiecewithsuchextremedelight，thathecoulddonothingforhalf-an-hourafterwardsbutwalkbackwardfromit，lostinadmiration。
TheCaptaincouldbeinducedbynopersuasionofWalter\'stowindupthebigwatch，ortotakebackthecanister，ortotouchthesugar-tongsandteaspoons。`No，no，mylad，\'wastheCaptain\'sinvariablereplytoanysolicitationofthekind，`I\'vemadethattherelittlepropertyover，jintly。\'Thesewordsherepeatedwithgreatunctionandgravity，evidentlybelievingthattheyhadthevirtueofanActofParliament，andthatunlesshecommittedhimselfbysomenewadmissionofownership，noflawcouldbefoundinsuchaformofconveyance。
Itwasanadvantageofthenewarrangement，thatbesidesthegreaterseclusionitaffordedFlorence，itadmittedoftheMidshipmanbeingrestoredtohisusualpostofobservation，andalsooftheshopshuttersbeingtakendown。Thelatterceremony，howeverlittleimportancetheunconsciousCaptainattachedtoit，wasnotwhollysuperfluous；for，onthepreviousday，somuchexcitementhadbeenoccasionedintheneighbourhood，bytheshuttersremainingunopened，thattheInstrument-maker\'shousehadbeenhonouredwithanunusualshareofpublicobservation，andhadbeenintentlystaredatfromtheoppositesideoftheway，bygroupsofhungrygazers，atanytimebetweensunriseandsunset。TheidlersandvagabondshadbeenparticularlyinterestedintheCaptain\'sfate；constantlygrovellinginthemudtoapplytheireyestothecellar-grating，undertheshop-window，anddelightingtheirimaginationswiththefancythattheycouldseeapieceofhiscoatashehunginacorner；thoughthissettlementofhimwasstoutlydisputedbyanoppositefaction，whowereofopinionthathelaymurderedwithahammer，onthestairs。Itwasnotwithoutexcitingsomediscontent，therefore，thatthesubjectoftheserumourswasseenearlyinthemorningstandingathisshop-doorashaleandheartyasifnothinghadhappened；andthebeadleofthatquarter，amanofanambitiouscharacter，whohadexpectedtohavethedistinctionofbeingpresentatthebreakingopenofthedoor，andofgivingevidenceinfulluniformbeforethecorner，wentsofarastosaytoanoppositeneighbour，thatthechapintheglazedhathadbetternottryitonthere——withoutmoreparticularlymentioningwhat——andfurther，thathe，theBeadle，wouldkeephiseyeuponhim。
`CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter，musing，whentheystoodrestingfromtheirlaboursattheshop-door，lookingdowntheoldfamiliarstreet；
itbeingstillearlyinthemorning；`nothingatallofUncleSol，inallthattime！\'
`Nothingatall，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain，shakinghishead。
`Goneinsearchofme，dear，kindoldman，\'saidWalter：`yetneverwritetoyou！Butwhynot？Hesays，ineffect，inthispacketthatyougaveme，\'takingthepaperfromhispocket，whichhadbeenopenedinthepresenceoftheenlightenedBunsby，`thatifyouneverhearfromhimbeforeopeningit，youmaybelievehimdead。Heavenforbid！Butyouwouldhaveheardofhim，evenifheweredead！Someonewouldhavewritten，surely，byhisdesire，ifhecouldnot；andhavesaid，“onsuchaday，therediedinmyhouse，“or“undermycare，“orsoforth，“Mr。SolomonGillsofLondon，wholeftthislastremembranceandthislastrequesttoyou。“\'
TheCaptain，whohadneverclimbedtosuchaclearheightofprobabilitybefore，wasgreatlyimpressedbythewideprospectitopened，andanswered，withathoughtfulshakeofhishead，`Wellsaid，mylad；werywellsaid。\'
`Ihavebeenthinkingofthis，or，atleast，\'saidWalter，colouring，`Ihavebeenthinkingofonethingandanother，allthroughasleeplessnight，andIcannotbelieve，CaptainCuttle，butthatmyUncleSolLordblesshim！isalive，andwillreturn。Idon\'tsomuchwonderathisgoingaway，because，leavingoutofconsiderationthatspiceofthemarvellouswhichwasalwaysinhischaracter，andhisgreataffectionforme，beforewhicheveryotherconsiderationofhislifebecamenothing，asnooneoughttoknowsowellasIwhohadthebestoffathersinhim，\'——Walter\'svoicewasindistinctandhuskyhere，andhelookedaway，alongthestreet，——`leavingthatoutofconsideration，Isay，Ihaveoftenreadandheardofpeoplewho，havingsomenearanddearrelative，whowassupposedtobeshipwreckedatsea，havegonedowntoliveonthatpartofthesea-shorewhereanytidingsofthemissingshipmightbeexpectedtoarrive，thoughonlyanhourortwosoonerthanelsewhere，orhaveevengoneuponhertracktotheplacewhithershewasbound，asiftheirgoingwouldcreateintelligence。
IthinkIshoulddosuchathingmyself，assoonasanother，orsoonerthanmany，perhaps。Butwhymyuncleshouldn\'twritetoyou，whenhesoclearlyintendedtodoso，orhowheshoulddieabroad，andyounotknowitthroughsomeotherhand，Icannotmakeout。\'
CaptainCuttleobserved，withashakeofhishead，thatJackBunsbyhimselfhadn\'tmadeitout，andthathewasamanascouldgiveaprettytautopiniontoo。
`Ifmyunclehadbeenaheedlessyoungman，likelytobeentrappedbyjovialcompanytosomedrinking-place，wherehewastobegotridofforthesakeofwhatmoneyhemighthaveabouthim，\'saidWalter；`orifhehadbeenarecklesssailor，goingashorewithtwoorthreemonths\'payinhispocket，Icouldunderstandhisdisappearing，andleavingnotracebehind。But，beingwhathewas——andis，Ihope——Ican\'tbelieveit。\'
`Wal\'r，mylad，\'inquiredtheCaptainwistfullyeyeinghimasheponderedandpondered，`Whatdoyoumakeofit，then？\'
`CaptainCuttle，\'returnedWalter，`Idon\'tknowwhattomakeofit。Isupposeheneverhaswritten！Thereisnodoubtaboutthat？\'
`IfsobeasSolGillswrote，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain，argumentatively，`where\'shisdispatch？\'
`Saythatheintrustedittosomeprivatehand，\'suggestedWalter，`andthatithasbeenforgotten，orcarelesslythrownaside，orlost。Eventhatismoreprobabletome，thantheotherevent。Inshort，Inotonlycannotbeartocontemplatethatotherevent，CaptainCuttle，butIcan\'t，andwon\'t。\'
`Hope，yousee，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，sagely，`Hope。It\'sthatasanimatesyou。Hopeisabuoy，forwhichyouoverhaulyourLittleWarbler，sentimentaldiwision，butLord，mylad，likeanyotherbuoy，itonlyfloats；itcan\'tbesteerednowhere。Alongwiththefigure-headofHope，\'saidtheCaptain，`there\'saanchor；butwhat\'sthegoodofmyhavingaanchor，ifIcan\'tfindnobottomtoletitgoin？\'
CaptainCuttlesaidthisratherinhischaracterofasagaciouscitizenandhouseholder，boundtoimpartamorselfromhisstoresofwisdom，toaninexperiencedyouth，thaninhisownproperperson。Indeed，hisfacewasquiteluminousashespoke，withnewhope，caughtfromWalter；andheappropriatelyconcludedbyslappinghimontheback；andsaying，withenthusiasm，`Hooroar，mylad！Indiwidually，I\'mo\'youropinion。\'
Walter，withhischeerfullaugh，returnedthesalutation，andsaid：
`Onlyonewordmoreaboutmyuncleatpresent，CaptainCuttle。
Isupposeitisimpossiblethathecanhavewrittenintheordinarycourse——bymailpacket，orshipletter，youunderstand——\'
`Aye，aye，mylad，\'saidtheCaptainapprovingly。
`——Andthatyouhavemissedtheletteranyhow？\'
`Why，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，turninghiseyesuponhimwithafaintapproachtoasevereexpression，`an\'tIbeenonthelookoutforanytidingsofthatmano\'science，oldSolGills，youruncle，dayandnight，eversinceIlosthim？\'An\'tmyheartbeenheavyandwatchfulalways，alongofhimandyou？Sleepingandwaking，an\'tIbeenuponmypost，andwouldn\'tIscorntoquititwhilethishereMidshipmanheldtogether！\'
`Yes，CaptainCuttle，\'repliedWalter，graspinghishand，`Iknowyouwould，andIknowhowfaithfulandearnestallyousayandfeelis。
Iamsureofit。Youdon\'tdoubtthatIamassureofitasIamthatmyfootisagainuponthisdoor-steporthatIagainhaveholdofthistruehand。Doyou？\'
`No，no，Wal\'r，\'returnedtheCaptain，withhisbeamingface。
`I\'llhazardnomoreconjectures，\'saidWalter，ferventlyshakingthehardhandoftheCaptain，whoshookhiswithnolessgood-will。`AllIwilladdis，HeavenforbidthatIshouldtouchmyuncle\'spossessions，CaptainCuttle！Everythingthathelefthere，shallremaininthecareofthetruestofstewardsandkindestofmen——andifhisnameisnotCuttle，hehasnoname！Now，bestoffriends，about——MissDombey。\'
TherewasachangeinWalter\'smanner，ashecametothesetwowords；andwhenheutteredthem，allhisconfidenceandcheerfulnessappearedtohavedesertedhim。
`Ithought，beforeMissDombeystoppedmewhenIspokeofherfatherlastnight，\'saidWalter，`——yourememberhow？\'
TheCaptainwellremembered，andshookhishead。
`Ithought，\'saidWalter，`beforethat，thatwehadbutoneharddutytoperform，andthatitwas，toprevailuponhertocommunicatewithherfriends，andtoreturnhome。\'
TheCaptainmutteredafeeble`Awast！\'ora`Standby！\'orsomethingorother，equallypertinenttotheoccasion；butitwasrenderedsoextremelyfeeblebythetotaldiscomfiturewithwhichhereceivedthisannouncement，thatwhatitwas，ismerematterofconjecture。
`But，\'saidWalter，`thatisover。Ithinksonolonger。Iwouldsoonerbeputbackagainuponthatpieceofwreck，onwhichIhavesooftenfloated，sincemypreservation，inmydreams，andtherelefttodrift，anddrive，anddie！\'
`Hooroar，mylad！\'exclaimedtheCaptain，inaburstofuncontrollablesatisfaction。`Hooroar！hooroar！hooroar！\'
`Tothinkthatshe，soyoung，sogood，andbeautiful，\'saidWalter，`sodelicatelybroughtup，andborntosuchadifferentfortune，shouldstrivewiththeroughworld！Butwehaveseenthegulfthatcutsoffallbehindher，thoughnoonebutherselfcanknowhowdeepitis；andthereisnoreturn。\'
CaptainCuttle，withoutquiteunderstandingthis，greatlyapprovedofit，andobservedinatoneofstrongcorroboration，thatthewindwasquiteabaft。
`Sheoughtnottobealonehere；oughtshe，CaptainCuttle？\'saidWalter，anxiously。
`Well，mylad，\'repliedtheCaptain，afteralittlesagaciousconsideration。`Idon\'tknow。Youbeingheretokeephercompany，yousee，andyoutwobeingjintly\'
`DearCaptainCuttle！\'remonstratedWalter。`Ibeinghere！MissDombey，inherguilelessinnocentheart，regardsmeasheradoptedbrother；
butwhatwouldtheguileandguiltofmyheartbe，ifIpretendedtobelievethatIhadanyrighttoapproachher，familiarly，inthatcharacter——ifIpretendedtoforgetthatIambound，inhonour，nottodoit？\'
`Wal\'r，mylad，\'hintedtheCaptain，withsomerevivalofhisdiscomfiture，`an\'ttherenoothercharacteras\'
`Oh！\'returnedWalter，`wouldyouhavemedieinheresteem——insuchesteemashers——andputaveilbetweenmyselfandherangel\'sfaceforever，bytakingadvantageofherbeinghereforrefuge，sotrustingandsounprotected，toendeavourtoexaltmyselfintoherlover？WhatdoIsay？ThereisnooneintheworldwhowouldbemoreopposedtomeifIcoulddoso，thanyou。\'
`Wal\'r，mylad，\'saidtheCaptain，droopingmoreandmore，`prowidingasthereisanyjustcauseorimpedimentwhytwopersonsshouldnotbejinedtogetherinthehouseofbondage，forwhichyou\'lloverhaultheplaceandmakeanote，IhopeIshoulddeclareitaspromisedandwowedinthebanns。Sotherean\'tnoothercharacter；an\'tthere，mylad？\'
Walterbrisklywavedhishandinthenegative。
`Well，mylad，\'growledtheCaptainslowly，`Iwon\'tdenybutwhatIfindmyselfwerymuchdownbythehead，alongo\'thishere，orbutwhatI\'vegonecleanabout。ButastoLady-lass，Wal\'r，mindyou，wot\'srespectanddutytoherisrespectanddutyinmyarticles，howsumiverdisapinting；andthereforeIfollowsinyourwake，mylad，andfeelasyouare，nodoubt，actinguptoyourself。Andtherean\'tnoothercharacter，an\'tthere？\'saidtheCaptain，musingovertheruinsofhisfallencastlewithaverydespondentface。
`Now，CaptainCuttle，\'saidWalter，startingafreshpointwithagayerair，tocheertheCaptainup——butnothingcoulddothat；hewastoomuchconcerned——`IthinkweshouldexertourselvestofindsomeonewhowouldbeaproperattendantforMissDombeywhilesheremainshere，andwhomaybetrusted。Noneofherrelationsmay。It\'sclearMissDombeyfeelsthattheyareallsubservienttoherfather。WhathasbecomeofSusan？\'
`Theyoungwoman？\'returnedtheCaptain。`It\'smybeliefasshewassentawayagainthewillofHeart\'sDelight。ImadeasignalforherwhenLady-lassfirstcome，andsheratedofherweryhigh，andsaidshehadbeengonealongtime。\'
`Then，\'saidWalter，`doyouaskMissDombeywhereshe\'sgone，andwe\'lltrytofindher。Themorning\'sgettingon，andMissDombeywillsoonberising。Youareherbestfriend。Waitforherupstairs，andleavemetotakecareofalldownhere。\'
TheCaptain，verycrest-fallenindeed，echoedthesighwithwhichWaltersaidthis，andcomplied。Florencewasdelightedwithhernewroom，anxioustoseeWalter，andoverjoyedattheprospectofgreetingheroldfriendSusan。ButFlorencecouldnotsaywhereSusanwasgone，exceptthatitwasinEssex，andnoonecouldsay，sheremembered，unlessitwereMr。
Toots。
WiththisinformationthemelancholyCaptainreturnedtoWalter，andgavehimtounderstandthatMr。Tootswastheyounggentlemanwhomhehadencounteredonthedoor-step，andthathewasafriendofhis，andthathewasayounggentlemanofproperty，andthathehopelesslyadoredMissDombey。TheCaptainalsorelatedhowtheintelligenceofWalter\'ssupposedfatehadfirstmadehimacquaintedwithMr。Toots，andhowtherewassolemntreatyandcompactbetweenthem，thatMr。Tootsshouldbemuteuponthesubjectofhislove。
Thequestionthenwas，whetherFlorencecouldtrustMr。Toots；
andFlorencesaying，withasmile，`Oh，yes，withherwholeheart！\'itbecameimportanttofindoutwhereMr。Tootslived。ThisFlorencedidn\'tknow，andtheCaptainhadforgotten；andtheCaptainwastellingWalter，inthelittleparlour，thatMr。Tootswassuretobetheresoon，whenincameMr。Tootshimself。
`CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，rushingintotheparlourwithoutanyceremony，`I\'minastateofmindborderingondistraction！\'
Mr。Tootshaddischargedthosewords，asfromamortar，beforeheobservedWalter，whomherecognisedwithwhatmaybedescribedasachuckleofmisery。
`You\'llexcuseme，Sir，\'saidMr。Toots，holdinghisforehead，`butI\'matpresentinthatstatethatmybrainisgoing，ifnotgone，andanythingapproachingtopolitenessinanindividualsosituatedwouldbeahollowmockery。CaptainGills，Ibegtorequestthefavourofaprivateinterview。\'
`Why，Brother，\'returnedtheCaptain，takinghimbythehand，`youarethemanaswewasonthelook-outfor。\'
`Oh，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`whatalook-outthatmustbe，ofwhichIamtheobject！Ihaven\'tdaredtoshave，I\'minthatrashstate。Ihaven\'thadmyclothesbrushed。Myhairismatteredtogether。
ItoldtheChickenthatifheofferedtocleanmyboots，I\'dstretchhimacorpsebeforeme！\'
AlltheseindicationsofadisorderedmindwereverifiedinMr。
Toots\'sappearance，whichwaswildandsavage。
`Seehere，Brother，\'saidtheCaptain。`Thishere\'soldSolGills\'snevyWal\'r。Himaswassupposedtohaveperishedatsea。\'
Mr。Tootstookhishandfromhisforehead，andstaredatWalter。
`Goodgraciousme！\'stammeredMr。Toots。`Whatacomplicationofmisery！How-de-do？I——I——I\'mafraidyoumusthavegotverywet。CaptainGills，willyouallowmeawordintheshop？\'
HetooktheCaptainbythecoat，andgoingoutwithhimwhispered：
`Thatthen，CaptainGills，isthepartyyouspokeof，whenyousaidthatheandMissDombeyweremadeforoneanother？\'
`Why，aye，mylad，\'repliedthedisconsolateCaptain；`Iwasofthatmindonce。\'
`Andatthistime！\'exclaimedMr。Toots，withhishandtohisforeheadagain。`Ofallothers！——ahatedrival！Atleast，hean\'tahatedrival，\'saidMr。Toots，stoppingshort，onsecondthoughts，andtakingawayhishand；`whatshouldIhatehimfor？No。Ifmyaffectionhasbeentrulydisinterested，CaptainGills，letmeproveitnow！\'
Mr。Tootsshotbackabruptlyintotheparlour，andsaid，wringingWalterbythehand：
`How-de-do？Ihopeyoudidn\'ttakeanycold。I——Ishallbeverygladifyou\'llgivemethepleasureofyouracquaintance。Iwishyoumanyhappyreturnsoftheday。Uponmywordandhonour，\'saidMr。Toots，warmingashebecamebetteracquaintedwithWalter\'sfaceandfigure，`I\'mverygladtoseeyou！\'
`Thankyou，heartily，\'saidWalter。`Icouldn\'tdesireamoregenuineandgenialwelcome。\'
`Couldn\'tyou，though？\'saidMr。Toots，stillshakinghishand。
`It\'sverykindofyou。I\'mmuchobligedtoyou。How-de-do？Ihopeyoulefteverybodyquitewelloverthe——thatis，uponthe——Imeanwhereveryoucamefromlast，youknow。\'
Allthesegoodwishes，andbetterintentions，Walterrespondedtomanfully。
`CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`Ishouldwishtobestrictlyhonourable；butItrustImaybeallowednow，toalludetoacertainsubjectthat\'
`Aye，aye，mylad，\'returnedtheCaptain。`Freely，freely。\'
`Then，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`andLieutenantWalters，areyouawarethatthemostdreadfulcircumstanceshavebeenhappeningatMr。Dombey\'shouse，andthatMissDombeyherselfhasleftherfather，who，inmyopinion，\'saidMr。Toots，withgreatexcitement，`itaBrute，thatitwouldbeaflatterytocalla——amarblemonument，orabirdofprey，——andthatsheisnottobefound，andhasgonenooneknowswhere？\'
`MayIaskhowyouheardthis？\'inquiredWalter。
`LieutenantWalters，\'saidMr。Toots，whohadarrivedatthatappellationbyaprocesspeculiartohimself；probablybyjumblinguphisChristiannamewiththeseafaringprofession，andsupposingsomerelationshipbetweenhimandtheCaptain，whichwouldextend，asamatterofcourse，totheirtitles；`LieutenantWalters，Icanhaveonobjectiontomakeastraightforwardreply。Thefactis，thatfeelingextremelyinterestedineverythingthatrelatestoMissDombey——notforanyselfishreason，LieutenantWalters，forIamwellawarethatthemostagreeablethingIcoulddoforallpartieswouldbetoputanendtomyexistence，whichcanonlyberegardedasaninconvenience——Ihavebeeninthehabitofbestowingatriflenowandthenuponafootman；amostrespectableyoungman，ofthenameofTowlinson，whohaslivedinthefamilysometime；andTowlinsoninformedme，yesterdayevening，thatthiswasthestateofthings。Sincewhich，CaptainGills——andLieutenantWalters——Ihavebeenperfectlyfrantic，andhavebeenlyingdownonthesofaallnight，theRuinyoubehold。\'
`Mr。Toots，\'saidWalter，`Iamhappytobeabletorelieveyourmind。Praycalmyourself。MissDombeyissafeandwell。\'
`Sir！\'criedMr。Toots，startingfromhischairandshakinghandswithhimanew，`thereliefissoexcessive，andunspeakable，thatifyouweretotellmenowthatMissDombeywasmarriedeven，Icouldsmile。Yes，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，appealingtohim，`uponmysoulandbody，Ireallythink，whateverImightdotomyselfimmediatelyafterwards，thatIcouldsmile，Iamsorelieved。\'
`Itwillbeagreaterreliefanddelightstill，tosuchagenerousmindasyours，\'saidWalter，notatallslowinreturninghisgreeting，`tofindthatyoucanrenderservicetoMissDombey。CaptainCuttle，willyouhavethekindnesstotakeMr。Tootsupstairs？\'
TheCaptainbeckonedtoMr。Toots，whofollowedhimwithabewilderedcountenance，and，ascendingtothetopofthehouse，wasintroduced，withoutawordofpreparationfromhisconductor，intoFlorence\'snewretreat。
PoorMr。Toots\'samazementandpleasureatsightofherweresuch，thattheycouldfindaventinnothingbutextravagance。Heranuptoher，seizedherhand，kissedit，droppedit，seizeditagain，fellupononeknee，shedtears，chuckled，andwasquiteregardlessofhisdangerofbeingpinnedbyDiogenes，who，inspiredbythebeliefthattherewassomethinghostiletohismistressinthesedemonstrations，workedroundandroundhim，asifonlyundecidedatwhatparticularpointtogoinfortheassault，butquiteresolvedtodohimafearfulmischief。
`OhDi，youbad，forgetfuldog！DearMr。Toots，Iamsorejoicedtoseeyou！\'
`Thankee，\'saidMr。Toots，`Iamprettywell，I\'mmuchobligedtoyou，MissDombey。Ihopeallthefamilyarethesame。\'
Mr。Tootssaidthiswithouttheleastnotionofwhathewastalkingabout，andsatdownonachair，staringatFlorencewiththeliveliestcontentionofdelightanddespairgoingoninhisfacethatanyfacecouldexhibit。
`CaptainGillsandLieutenantWaltershavementioned，MissDombey，\'
gaspedMr。Toots，`thatIcandoyousomeservice。IfIcouldbyanymeanswashouttheremembranceofthatdayatBrighton，whenIconductedmyself——muchmorelikeaParricidethanapersonofindependentproperty，\'saidMr。
Toots，withsevereself-accusation，`Ishouldsinkintothesilenttombwithagleamofjoy。\'
`Pray，Mr。Toots，\'saidFlorence，`donotwishmetoforgetanythinginouracquaintance。Inevercan，believeme。Youhavebeenfartookindandgoodtomealways。\'
`MissDombey，\'returnedMr。Toots，`yourconsiderationformyfeelingsisapartofyourangeliccharacter。Thankyouathousandtimes。
It\'sofnoconsequenceatall。\'
`Whatwethoughtofaskingyou，\'saidFlorence，`is，whetheryourememberwhereSusan，whomyouweresokindastoaccompanytothecoach-officewhensheleftme，istobefound。\'
`WhyIdonotcertainly，MissDombey，\'saidMr。Toots，afteralittleconsideration，`remembertheexactnameoftheplacethatwasonthecoach；andIdorecollectthatshesaidshewasnotgoingtostopthere，butwasgoingfartheron。But，MissDombey，ifyourobjectistofindher，andtohaveherhere，myselfandtheChickenwillproduceherwitheverydispatchthatdevotiononmypart，andgreatintelligenceontheChicken\'s，caninsure。\'
Mr。Tootswassomanifestlydelightedandrevivedbytheprospectofbeinguseful，andthedisinterestedsincerityofhisdevotionwassounquestionable，thatitwouldhavebeencrueltorefusehim。Florence，withaninstinctivedelicacy，forboretourgetheleastobstacle，thoughshedidnotforbeartoover-powerhimwiththanks；andMr。Tootsproudlytookthecommissionuponhimselfforimmediateexecution。
`MissDombey，\'saidMr。Toots，touchingherprofferedhand，withapangofhopelesslovevisiblyshootingthroughhim，andflashingoutinhisface，`Good-bye！Allowmetotakethelibertyofsaying，thatyourmisfortunesmakemeperfectlywretched，andthatyoumaytrustme，nexttoCaptainGillshimself。Iamquiteaware，MissDombey，ofmyowndeficiencies——they\'renotoftheleastconsequence，thankyou——butIamentirelytobereliedupon，Idoassureyou，MissDombey。\'
WiththatMr。Tootscameoutoftheroom，againaccompaniedbytheCaptain，who，standingatalittledistance，holdinghishatunderhisarmandarranginghisscatteredlockswithhishook，hadbeenanotuninterestedwitnessofwhatpassed。Andwhenthedoorclosedbehindthem，thelightofMr。Toots\'slifewasdarklycloudedagain。
`CaptainGills，\'saidthatgentleman，stoppingnearthebottomofthestairs，andturninground，`totellyouthetruth，Iamnotinaframeofmindatthepresentmoment，inwhichIcouldseeLieutenantWalterswiththatentirelyfriendlyfeelingtowardshimthatIshouldwishtoharbourinmybreast。Wecannotalwayscommandourfeelings，CaptainGills，andIshouldtakeitasaparticularfavourifyou\'dletmeoutattheprivatedoor。\'
`Brother，\'returnedtheCaptain，`youshallshapeyourowncourse。
Wotevercourseyoutake，isplainandseamanlike，I\'mwerysure。\'
`CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots，`you\'reextremelykind。Yourgoodopinionisaconsolationtome。Thereisonething，\'saidMr。Toots，standinginthepassage，behindthehalf-openeddoor，`thatIhopeyou\'llbearinmind，CaptainGills，andthatIshouldwishLieutenantWalterstobemadeacquaintedwith。Ihavequitecomeintomypropertynow，youknow，and——andIdon\'tknowwhattodowithit。IfIcouldbeatallusefulinapecuniarypointofview，Ishouldglideintothesilenttombwitheaseandsmoothness。\'
Mr。Tootssaidnomore，butslippedoutquietlyandshutthedooruponhimself，tocuttheCaptainofffromanyreply。
Florencethoughtofthisgoodcreature，longafterhehadlefther，withmingledemotionsofpainandpleasure。Hewassohonestandwarm-hearted，thattoseehimagainandbeassuredofhistruthtoherinherdistress，wasajoyandcomfortbeyondallprice；butforthatveryreason，itwassoaffectingtothinkthatshecausedhimamoment\'sunhappiness，orruffled，byabreath，theharmlesscurrentofhislife，thathereyesfilledwithtears，andherbosomoverflowedwithpity。CaptainCuttle，inhisdifferentway，thoughtmuchofMr。Tootstoo；andsodidWalter；andwhentheeveningcame，andtheywereallsittingtogetherinFlorence\'snewroom，Walterpraisedhiminamostimpassionedmanner，andtoldFlorencewhathehadsaidonleavingthehouse，witheverygracefulsetting-offinthewayofcommentandappreciationthathisownhonestyandsympathycouldsurrounditwith。
Mr。Tootsdidnotreturnuponthenextday，orthenext，orforseveraldays；andinthemeanwhileFlorence，withoutanynewalarm，livelikeaquietbirdinacage，atthetopoftheoldInstrument-maker\'shouse。
ButFlorencedroopedandhungherheadmoreandmoreplainly，asthedayswenton；andtheexpressionthathadbeenseeninthefaceofthedeadchild，wasoftenturnedtotheskyfromherhighwindow，asifitsoughthisangelout，onthebrightshoreofwhichhehadspoken：lyingonhislittlebed。
Florencehadbeenweakanddelicateoflate，andtheagitationshehadundergonewasnotwithoutitsinfluencesonherhealth。Butitwasnobodilyillnessthataffectedhernow。Shewasdistressedinmind；
andthecauseofherdistresswasWalter。
Interestedinher，anxiousforher，proudandgladtoserveher，andshowingallthiswiththeenthusiasmandardourofhischaracter，Florencesawthatheavoidedher。Allthelongdaythrough，heseldomapproachedherroom。Ifsheaskedforhim，hecame，againforthemomentasearnestandasbrightassherememberedhimwhenshewasalostchildinthestaringstreets；buthesoonbecameconstrained——herquickaffectionwastoowatchfulnottoknowit——anduneasy，andsoonlefther。Unsought，henevercame，allday，betweenthemorningandthenight。Whentheeveningclosedin，hewasalwaysthere，andthatwasherhappiesttime，forthenshehalfbelievedthattheoldWalterofherchildhoodwasnotchanged。But，eventhen，sometrivialword，look，orcircumstancewouldshowherthattherewasanindefinabledivisionbetweenthemwhichcouldnotbepassed。
AndshecouldnotbutseethattheserevealingsofagreatalterationinWaltermanifestedthemselvesindespiteofhisutmosteffortstohidethem。Inhisconsiderationforher，shethought，andintheearnestnessofhisdesiretospareheranywoundfromhiskindhand，heresortedtoinnumerablelittleartificesanddisguises。SomuchthemoredidFlorencefeelthegreatnessofthealterationinhim；somuchtheoftenerdidsheweepatthisestrangementofherbrother。
ThegoodCaptain——heruntiring，tender，everzealousfriend——sawit，too，Florencethought，anditpainedhim。Hewaslesscheerfulandhopefulthanhehadbeenatfirst，andwouldsteallooksatherandWalter，byturns，whentheywereallthreetogetherofanevening，withquiteasadface。
Florenceresolved，atlast，tospeaktoWalter。Shebelievedsheknewnowwhatthecauseofhisestrangementwas，andshethoughtitwouldbearelieftoherfullheart，andwouldsethimmoreatease，ifshetoldhimshehadfounditout，andquitesubmittedtoit，anddidnotreproachhim。
ItwasonacertainSundayafternoon，thatFlorencetookthisresolution。ThefaithfulCaptain，inanamazingshirt-collar，wassittingbyher，readingwithhisspectacleson，andsheaskedhimwhereWalterwas。
`Ithinkhe\'sdownbelow，myladylass，\'returnedtheCaptain。
`Ishouldliketospeaktohim，\'saidFlorence，risinghurriedlyasiftogodownstairs。
`I\'llrousehimuphere，Beauty，\'saidtheCaptain，`inatrice。\'
ThereupontheCaptain，withmuchalacrity，shoulderedhisbook——forhemadeitapointofdutytoreadnonebutverylargebooksonaSunday，ashavingamorestaidappearance：andhadbargained，yearsago，foraprodigiousvolumeatabook-stall，fivelinesofwhichutterlyconfoundedhimatanytime，insomuchthathehadnotyetascertainedofwhatsubjectittreated——andwithdrew。Waltersoonappeared。
`CaptainCuttletellsme，MissDombey，\'heeagerlybeganoncomingin——butstoppedwhenhesawherface。
`Youarenotsowellto-day。Youlookdistressed。Youhavebeenweeping。\'
Hespokesokindly，andwithsuchaferventtremorinhisvoice，thatthetearsgushedintohereyesatthesoundofhiswords。
`Walter，\'saidFlorence，gently，`Iamnotquitewell，andIhavebeenweeping。Iwanttospeaktoyou。\'
Hesatdownoppositetoher，lookingatherbeautifulandinnocentface：andhisownturnedpale，andhislipstrembled。
`Yousaid，uponthenightwhenIknewthatyouweresaved——andoh！dearWalter，whatIfeltthatnight，andwhatIhoped！\'——
Heputhistremblinghanduponthetablebetweenthem，andsatlookingather——
`thatIwaschanged。Iwassurprisedtohearyousayso，butIunderstand，now，thatIam。Don\'tbeangrywithme，Walter。Iwastoomuchoverjoyedtothinkofit，then。\'
Sheseemedachildtohimagain。Itwastheingenuous，confiding，lovingchildhesawandheard。Notthedearwoman，atwhosefeethewouldhavelaidtherichesoftheearth。
`YourememberthelasttimeIsawyou，Walter，beforeyouwentaway？\'
Heputhishandintohisbreast，andtookoutalittlepurse。
`Ihavealwayswornitroundmyneck！IfIhadgonedowninthedeep，itwouldhavebeenwithmeatthebottomofthesea。\'
`Andyouwillwearitstill，Walter，formyoldsake？\'
`UntilIdie！\'
Shelaidherhandonhis，asfearlesslyandsimply，asifnotadayhadintervenedsinceshegavehimthelittletokenofremembrance。
`Iamgladofthat。Ishallbealwaysgladtothinkso，Walter。
Doyourecollectthatathoughtofthischangeseemedtocomeintoourmindsatthesametimethatevening，whenweweretalkingtogether？\'
`No！\'heanswered，inawonderingtone。
`Yes，Walter。Ihadbeenthemeansofinjuringyourhopesandprospectseventhen。Ifearedtothinkso，then，butIknowitnow。Ifyouwereable，then，inyourgenerosity，tohidefrommethatyouknewittoo，youcannotdosonow，althoughyoutryasgenerouslyasbefore。
Youdo。Ithankyouforit，Walter，deeply，truly；butyoucannotsucceed。Youhavesufferedtoomuchinyourownhardships，andinthoseofyourdearestrelation，quitetooverlooktheinnocentcauseofalltheperilandafflictionthathasbefallenyou。Youcannotquiteforgetmeinthatcharacter，andwecanbebrotherandsisternolonger。But，dearWalter，donotthinkthatIcomplainofyouinthis。Imighthaveknownit——oughttohaveknownit——butforgotitinmyjoy。AllIhopeisthatyoumaythinkofmelessirksomelywhenthisfeelingisnomoreasecretone；andallIaskis，Walter，inthenameofthepoorchildwhowasyoursisteronce，thatyouwillnotstrugglewithyourself，andpainyourself，formysake，nowthatIknowall！\'
Walterhadlookeduponherwhileshesaidthis，withafacesofullofwonderandamazement，thatithadroomfornothingelse。Nowhecaughtupthehandthattouchedhis，soentreatingly，andhelditbetweenhisown。
`Oh，MissDombey，\'hesaid，`isitpossiblethatwhileIhavebeensufferingsomuch，instrivingwithmysenseofwhatisduetoyou，andmustberenderedtoyou，Ihavemadeyousufferwhatyourwordsdisclosetome？Never，never，beforeHeaven，haveIthoughtofyoubutasthesingle，bright，pure，blessedrecollectionofmyboyhoodandmyyouth。NeverhaveIfromthefirst，andnevershallItothelast，regardyourpartinmylife，butassomethingsacred，nevertobelightlythoughtof，nevertobeesteemedenough，never，untildeath，tobeforgotten。Againtoseeyoulook，andhearyouspeak，asyoudidonthatnightwhenweparted，ishappinesstomethattherearenowordstoutter；andtobelovedandtrustedasyourbrother，isthenextgreatgiftIcouldreceiveandprize！\'
`Walter，\'saidFlorence，lookingathimearnestly，butwithachangingface，`whatisthatwhichisduetome，andmustberenderedtome，atthesacrificeofallthis？\'
`Respect，\'saidWalter，inalowtone。`Reverence。\'