Thecolourdawnedinherface，andshetimidlyandthoughtfullywithdrewherhand；stilllookingathimwithunabatedearnestness。
`Ihavenotabrother\'sright，\'saidWalter。`Ihavenotabrother\'sclaim。Ileftachild。Ifindawoman。\'
Thecolouroverspreadherface。Shemadeagestureasifofentreatythathewouldsaynomore，andherfacedroppeduponherhands。
Theywerebothsilentforatime；sheweeping。
`Ioweittoaheartsotrusting，pure，andgood，\'saidWalter，`eventotearmyselffromit，thoughIrendmyown。HowdareIsayitismysister\'s！\'
Shewasweepingstill。
`Ifyouhadbeenhappy；surroundedasyoushouldbebylovingandadmiringfriends，andbyallthatmakesthestationyouwereborntoenviable，\'saidWalter；`andifyouhadcalledmebrother，then，inyouraffectionateremembranceofthepast，Icouldhaveansweredtothenamefrommydistantplace，withnoinwardassurancethatIwrongedyourspotlesstruthbydoingso。Buthere——andnow！\'——
`Ohthankyou，thankyou，Walter！Forgivemyhavingwrongedyousomuch。Ihadnoonetoadviseme。Iamquitealone。\'
`Florence！\'saidWalter，passionately。`Iamhurriedontosay，whatIthought，butafewmomentsago，nothingcouldhaveforcedfrommylips。IfIhadbeenprosperous；ifIhadanymeansorhopeofbeingonedayabletorestoreyoutoastationnearyourown；Iwouldhavetoldyouthattherewasonenameyoumightbestowuponme——arightaboveallothers，toprotectandcherishyou——thatIwasworthyofinnothingbuttheloveandhonourthatIboreyou，andinmywholeheartbeingyours。Iwouldhavetoldyouthatitwastheonlyclaimthatyoucouldgivemetodefendandguardyou，whichIdareacceptanddareassert；butthatifIhadthatright，Iwouldregarditasatrustsopreciousandsopriceless，thattheundividedtruthandfervourofmylifewouldpoorlyacknowledgeitsworth。\'
Theheadwasstillbentdown，thetearsstillfalling，andthebosomswellingwithitssobs。
`DearFlorence！DearestFlorence！whomIcalledsoinmythoughtsbeforeIcouldconsiderhowpresumptuousandwilditwas。Onelasttimeletmecallyoubyyourowndearname，andtouchthisgentlehandintokenofyoursisterlyforgetfulnessofwhatIhavesaid。\'
Sheraisedherhead，andspoketohimwithsuchasolemnsweetnessinhereyes；withsuchacalm，bright，placidsmileshiningonhimthroughhertears；withsuchalow，softtrembleinherframeandvoice；thattheinnermostchordsofhisheartweretouched，andhissightwasdimashelistened。
`No，Walter，Icannotforgetit。Iwouldnotforgetit，fortheworld。Areyou——areyouverypoor？\'
`Iambutawanderer，\'saidWalter，`makingvoyagestoliveacrossthesea。Thatismycallingnow。\'
`Areyousoongoingawayagain，Walter？\'
`Verysoon。\'
Shesatlookingathimforamoment；thentimidlyputhertremblinghandinhis。
`Ifyouwilltakemeforyourwife，Walter，Iwillloveyoudearly。
Ifyouwillletmegowithyou，Walter，Iwillgototheworld\'sendwithoutfear。Icangiveupnothingforyou——Ihavenothingtoresign，andnoonetoforsake；butallmyloveandlifeshallbedevotedtoyou，andwithmylastbreathIwillbreatheyournametoGodifIhavesenseandmemoryleft。\'
Hecaughthertohisheart，andlaidhercheekagainsthisown，andnow，nomorerepulsed，nomoreforlorn，sheweptindeed，uponthebreastofherdearlover。
BlessedSundayBells，ringingsotranquillyintheirentrancedandhappyears！BlessedSundaypeaceandquiet，harmonisingwiththecalmnessintheirsouls，andmakingholyairaroundthem！Blessedtwilightstealingon，andshadinghersosoothinglyandgravely，asshefallsasleep，likeahushedchild，uponthebosomshehasclungto！
Ohloadofloveandtrustfulnessthatliessolightlythere！Aye，lookdownontheclosedeyes，Walter，withaproudlytendergaze；forinallthewidewideworldtheyseekbuttheenow——onlythee！
TheCaptainremainedinthelittleparlouruntilitwasquitedark。HetookthechaironwhichWalterhadbeensitting，andlookedupattheskylight，untiltheday，bylittleandlittle，fadedaway，andthestarspeepeddown。Helightedacandle，lightedapipe，smokeditout，andwonderedwhatonearthwasgoingonupstairs，andwhytheydidn\'tcallhimtotea。
Florencecametohissidewhilehewasintheheightofhiswonderment。
`Aye！ladylass！\'criedtheCaptain。`Why，youandWal\'rhavehadalongspello\'talk，mybeauty。\'
Florenceputherlittlehandroundoneofthegreatbuttonsofhiscoat，andsaid，lookingdownintohisface：
`DearCaptain，Iwanttotellyousomething，ifyouplease。\'
TheCaptainraisedhisheadprettysmartly，tohearwhatitwas。
CatchingbythismeansamoredistinctviewofFlorence，hepushedbackhischair，andhimselfwithitasfarastheycouldgo。
`What！Heart\'sDelight！\'criedtheCaptain，suddenlyelated。`Isitthat？\'
`Yes！\'saidFlorence，eagerly。
`Wal\'r！Husband！THAT？\'roaredtheCaptain，tossinguphisglazedhatintotheskylight。
`Yes！\'criedFlorence，laughingandcryingtogether。
TheCaptainimmediatelyhuggedher；andthen，pickinguptheglazedhatandputtingiton，drewherarmthroughhis，andconductedherupstairsagain；wherehefeltthatthegreatjokeofhislifewasnowtobemade。
`What，Wal\'rmylad！\'saidtheCaptain，lookinginatthedoor，withhisfacelikeanamiablewarming-pan。`Sothereain\'tNOothercharacter，ain\'tthere？\'
Hehadliketohavesuffocatedhimselfwiththispleasantry，whichherepeatedatleastfortytimesduringtea；polishinghisradiantfacewiththesleeveofhiscoat，anddabbinghisheadalloverwithhispocket-handkerchief，intheintervals。Buthewasnotwithoutagraversourceofenjoymenttofallbackupon，whensodisposed，forhewasrepeatedlyheardtosayinanundertone，ashelookedwithineffabledelightatWalterandFlorence：
`Ed\'ardCuttle，mylad，younevershapedabettercourseinyourlife，thanwhenyoumadethattherelittlepropertyover，jintly！\'
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter51[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIMr。DombeyandtheWorldWHATistheproudmandoing，whilethedaysgoby？Doesheeverthinkofhisdaughter，orwonderwheresheisgone？Doeshesupposeshehascomehome，andisleadingheroldlifeinthewearyhouse？Noonecananswerforhim。Hehasneverutterhername，since。Hishouseholddreadhimtoomuchtoapproachasubjectonwhichheisresolutelydumb；andtheonlypersonwhodaresquestionhim，hesilencesimmediately。
`MydearPaul！\'murmurshissister，sidlingintotheroom，onthedayofFlorence\'sdeparture，`yourwife！thatupstartwoman！IsitpossiblethatwhatIhearconfusedly，istrue，andthatthisisherreturnforyourunparalleleddevotiontoher；extending，Iamsure，eventothesacrificeofyourownrelations，tohercapricesandhaughtiness？Mypoorbrother！\'
Withthisspeech，feelinglyreminiscentofhernothavingbeenaskedtodinneronthedayofthefirstparty，Mrs。Chickmakesgreatuseofherpocket-handkerchief，andfallsonMr。Dombey\'sneck。ButMr。Dombeyfrigidlyliftsheroff，andhandshertoachair。
`Ithankyou，Louisa，\'hesays，`forthismarkofyouraffection；
butdesirethatourconversationmayrefertoanyothersubject。WhenI
bewailmyfate，Louisa，orexpressmyselfasbeinginwantofconsolation，youcanofferit，ifyouwillhavethegoodness。\'
`MydearPaul，\'rejoinshissister，withherhandkerchieftoherface，andshakingherhead，`Iknowyourgreatspirit，andwillsaynomoreuponathemesopainfulandrevolting；\'ontheheadsofwhichtwoadjectives，Mrs。Chickvisitsscathingindignation；`butprayletmeaskyou——thoughIdreadtohearsomethingthatwillshockanddistressme——thatunfortunatechildFlorence——\'
`Louisa！\'saysherbrother，sternly，`silence。Notanotherwordofthis！\'
Mrs。Chickcanonlyshakeherhead，anduseherhandkerchief，andmoanoverdegenerateDombeys，whoarenoDombeys。ButwhetherFlorencehasbeeninculpatedintheflightofEdith，orhasfollowedher，orhasdonetoomuch，ortoolittle，oranything，ornothing，shehasnottheleastidea。
Hegoeson，withoutdeviation，keepinghisthoughtsandfeelingsclosewithinhisownbreast，andimpartingthemtonoone。Hemakesnosearchforhisdaughter。Hemaythinkthatsheiswithhissister，orthatsheisunderhisownroof。Hemaythinkofherconstantly，orhemayneverthinkabouther。Itisalloneforanysignhemakes。
Butthisissure；hedoesnotthinkthathehaslosther。
Hehasnosuspicionofthetruth。Hehaslivedtoolongshutupinhistoweringsupremacy，seeingher，apatientgentlecreature，inthepathbelowit，tohaveanyfearofthat。Shakenasheisbyhisdisgrace，heisnotyethumbledtothelevelearth。Therootisbroadanddeep，andinthecourseofyearsitsfibreshavespreadoutandgatherednourishmentfromeverythingaroundit。Thetreeisstruck，butnotdown。
Thoughhehidetheworldwithinhimfromtheworldwithout——whichhebelieveshasbutonepurposeforthetime，andthat，towatchhimeagerlywhereverhegoes——hecannothidethoserebeltracesofit，whichescapeinholloweyesandcheeks，ahaggardforehead，andamoody，broodingair。
Impenetrableasbefore，heisstillanalteredman：and，proudasever，heishumbled，orthosemarkswouldnotbethere。
Theworld。Whattheworldthinksofhim，howitlooksathim，whatitseesinhim，andwhatitsays——thisisthehauntingdemonofhismind。Itiseverywherewhereheis；and，worsethanthat，itiseverywherewhereheisnot。Itcomesoutwithhimamonghisservants，andyetheleavesitwhisperingbehind；heseesitpointingafterhiminthestreet；itiswaitingforhiminhiscounting-house；itleersovertheshouldersofrichmenamongthemerchants；itgoesbeckoningandbabblingamongthecrowd；
italwaysanticipateshim，ineveryplace；andisalwaysbusiest，heknows，whenhehasgoneaway。Whenheisshutupinhisroomatnight，itisinhishouse，outsideit，audibleinfootstepsonthepavement，visibleinprintuponthetable，steamingtoandfroonrailroadsandinships：restlessandbusyeverywhere，withnothingelsebuthim。
Itisnotaphantomofhisimagination。Itisasactiveinotherpeople\'smindsasinhis。WitnessCousinFeenix，whocomesfromBaden-Baden，purposelytotalktohim。WitnessMajorBagstock，whoaccompaniesCousinFeenixonthatfriendlymission。
Mr。Dombeyreceivesthemwithhisusualdignity，andstandserect，inhisoldattitude，beforethefire。Hefeelsthattheworldislookingathimoutoftheireyes。Thatitisinthestareofthepictures。ThatMr。Pitt，uponthebookcase，representsit。Thatthereareeyesinitsownmap，hangingonthewall。
`Anunusuallycoldspring，\'saysMr。Dombey——todeceivetheworld。
`Damme，Sir，\'saystheMajor，inthewarmthoffriendship，`JosephBagstockisabadhandatacounterfeit。Ifyouwanttoholdyourfriendsoff，Dombey，andtogivethemthecoldshoulder，J。B。isnotthemanforyourpurpose。Joeisroughandtough，Sir；blunt，Sir，blunt，isJoe。HisRoyalHighnessthelateDukeofYorkdidmethehonourtosay，deservedlyorundeservedly——nevermindthat——“IfthereisamanintheserviceonwhomIcandependforcomingtothepoint，thatmanisJoe——JoeBagstock。“\'
Mr。Dombeyintimateshisacquiescence。
`Now，Dombey，\'saystheMajor，`Iamamanoftheworld。OurfriendFeenix——ifImaypresumeto——\'
`Honoured，Iamsure，\'saysCousinFeenix。
`——is，\'proceedstheMajor，withawagofhishead，`alsoamanoftheworld，Dombey，youareamanoftheworld。Now，whenthreemenoftheworldmeettogether，andarefriends——asIbelieve\'——againappealingtoCousinFeenix。
`Iamsure，\'saysCousinFeenix，`mostfriendly。\'
`——andarefriends，\'resumestheMajor，`OldJoe\'sopinionisJ。
maybewrong，thattheopinionoftheworldonanyparticularsubject，isveryeasilygotat。\'
`Undoubtedly，\'saysCousinFeenix。`Inpointoffact，it\'squiteaself-evidentsortofthing。Iamextremelyanxious，Major，thatmyfriendDombeyshouldhearmeexpressmyverygreatastonishmentandregret，thatmylovelyandaccomplishedrelative，whowaspossessedofeveryqualificationtomakeamanhappy，shouldhavesofarforgottenwhatwasdueto——inpointoffact，totheworld——astocommitherselfinsuchaveryextraordinarymanner。Ihavebeeninadevilishstateofdepressioneversince；andsaidindeedtoLongSaxbylastnight——manofsixfootten，withwhommyfriendDombeyisprobablyacquainted——thatithadupsetmeinaconfoundedway，andmademebilious。Itinducesamantoreflect，thiskindoffatalcatastrophe，\'
saysCousinFeenix，`thateventsdooccurinquiteaprovidentialmanner；
forifmyAunthadbeenlivingatthetime，Ithinktheeffectuponadevilishlivelywomanlikeherself，wouldhavebeenprostration，andthatshewouldhavefallen，inpointoffact，avictim。\'
`Now，Dombey！——\'saystheMajor，resuminghisdiscoursewithgreatenergy。
`Ibegyourpardon，\'interposesCousinFeenix。`Allowmeanotherword。MyfriendDombeywillpermitmetosay，thatifanycircumstancecouldhaveaddedtothemostinfernalstateofpaininwhichIfindmyselfonthisoccasion，itwouldbethenaturalamazementoftheworldatmylovelyandaccomplishedrelativeasImuststillbegleavetocallher
beingsupposedtohavesocommittedherselfwithaperson——manwithwhiteteeth，inpointoffact——ofveryinferiorstationtoherhusband。ButwhileImust，ratherperemptorily，requestmyfriendDombeynottocriminatemylovelyandaccomplishedrelativeuntilhercriminalityisperfectlyestablished，IbegtoassuremyfriendDombeythatthefamilyIrepresent，andwhichisnowalmostextinctdevilishsadreflectionforaman，willinterposenoobstacleinhisway，andwillbehappytoassenttoanyhonourablecourseofproceeding，withaviewtothefuture，thathemaypointout。
ItrustmyfriendDombeywillgivemecreditfortheintentionsbywhichIamanimatedinthisverymelancholyaffair，and——a——inpointoffact，IamnotawarethatIneedtroublemyfriendDombeywithanyfurtherobservations。\'
Mr。Dombeybows，withoutraisinghiseyes，andissilent。
`Now，Dombey，\'saystheMajor`ourfriendFeenixhaving，withanamountofeloquencethatOldJoeB。Hasneverheardsurpassed——no，bytheLord，Sir！never！\'——saystheMajor，veryblue，indeed，andgraspinghiscaneinthemiddle——`statedthecaseasregardsthelady，Ishallpresumeuponourfriendship，Dombey，toofferawordonanotheraspectofit。Sir，\'
saystheMajor，withthehorse\'scough，`theworldinthesethingshasopinions，whichmustbesatisfied。\'
`Iknowit，\'rejoinsMr。Dombey。
`Ofcourseyouknowit，Dombey，\'saystheMajor。`Damme，Sir，Iknowyouknowit。Amanofyourcalibreisnotlikelytobeignorantofit。\'
`Ihopenot，\'repliesMr。Dombey。
`Dombey！\'saystheMajor，`youwillguesstherest。Ispeakout——prematurely，perhaps——becausetheBagstockbreedhavealwaysspokenout。Little，Sir，havetheyevergotbydoingit；butit\'sintheBagstockblood。Ashotistobetakenatthisman。YouhaveJ。B。atyourelbow。Heclaimsthenameoffriend。Godblessyou！\'
`Major，\'returnsMr。Dombey，`Iamobliged。Ishallputmyselfinyourhandswhenthetimecomes。Thetimenotbeingcome，Ihaveforbornetospeaktoyou。\'
`Whereisthefellow，Dombey？\'inquirestheMajor，aftergaspingandlookingathim，foraminute。
`Idon\'tknow。\'
`Anyintelligenceofhim？\'askstheMajor。
`Yes。\'
`Dombey，Iamrejoicedtohearit，\'saystheMajor。`Icongratulateyou。\'
`Youwillexcuse——evenyou，Major，\'repliesMr。Dombey，`myenteringintoanyfurtherdetailatpresent。Theintelligenceisofasingularkind，andsingularlyobtained。Itmayturnouttobevalueless；itmayturnouttobetrue；Icannotsayatpresent。Myexplanationmuststophere。\'
AlthoughthisisbutadryreplytotheMajor\'spurpleenthusiasm，theMajorreceivesitgraciously，andisdelightedtothinkthattheworldhassuchafairprospectofsoonreceivingitsdue。CousinFeenixisthenpresentedwithhismeedofacknowledgmentbythehusbandofhislovelyandaccomplishedrelative，andCousinFeenixandMajorBagstockretire，leavingthathusbandtotheworldagain，andtoponderatleisureontheirrepresentationofitsstateofmindconcerninghisaffairs，andonitsjustandreasonableexpectations。
Butwhositsinthehousekeeper\'sroom，sheddingtears，andtalkingtoMrs。Pipchininalowtone，withupliftedhands？Itisaladywithherfaceconcealedinaverycloseblackbonnet，whichappearsnottobelongtoher。ItisMissTox，whohasborrowedthisdisguisefromherservant，andcomesfromPrincess\'sPlace，thussecretly，toreviveheroldacquaintancewithMrs。Pipchin，inordertogetcertaininformationofthestateofMr。Dombey。
`Howdoeshebearit，mydearcreature？\'asksMissTox。
`Well，\'saysMrs。Pipchin，inhersnappishway，`he\'sprettymuchasusual。\'
`Externally，\'suggestsMissTox。`Butwhathefeelswithin！\'
Mrs。Pipchin\'shardgreyeyelooksdoubtfulassheanswers，inthreedistinctjerks，`Ah！Perhaps。Isupposeso。\'
`Totellyoumymind，Lucretia，\'saysMrs。Pipchin；shestillcallsMissToxLucretia，onaccountofhavingmadeherfirstexperimentsinthechild-quellinglineofbusinessonthatlady，whenanunfortunateandweazenlittlegirloftenderyears；`totellyoumymind，Lucretia，Ithinkit\'sagoodriddance。Idon\'twantanyofyourbrazenfaceshere，myself！\'
`Brazenindeed！Wellmayyousaybrazen，Mrs。Pipchin！\'returnsMissTox。`Toleavehim！Suchanoblefigureofaman！\'AndhereMissToxisovercome。
`Idon\'tknowaboutnoble，I\'msure，\'observesMrs。Pipchin，irasciblyrubbinghernose。`ButIknowthis——thatwhenpeoplemeetwithtrails，theymustbear\'em。Hoity，toity！Ihavehadenoughtobearmyself，inmytime！Whatafussthereis！She\'sgoneandwellgotridof。Nobodywantsherback，Ishouldthink！\'
ThishintofthePeruvianMines，causesMissToxtorisetogoaway；whenMrs。PipchinringsthebellforTowlinsontoshowherout。Mr。
Towlinson，nothavingseenMissToxforages，grins，andhopesshe\'swell；
observingthathedidn\'tknowheratfirst，inthatbonnet。
`Prettywell，Towlinson，Ithankyou，\'saysMissTox。`Ibegyou\'llhavethegoodness，whenyouhappentoseemehere，nottomentionit。MyvisitsaremerelytoMrs。Pipchin。\'
`Verygood，Miss，\'saysTowlinson。
`Shockingcircumstancesoccur，Towlinson，\'saysMissTox。
`Verymuchsoindeed，Miss，\'rejoinsTowlinson。
`Ihope，Towlinson，\'saysMissTox，who，inherinstructionoftheToodlefamily，hasacquiredanadmonitorialtone，andahabitofimprovingpassingoccasions，`thatwhathashappenedhere，willbeawarningtoyou，Towlinson。\'
`Thankyou，Miss，I\'msure，\'saysTowlinson。
Heappearstobefallingintoaconsiderationofthemannerinwhichthiswarningoughttooperateinhisparticularcase，whenthevinegaryMrs。Pipchin，suddenlystirringhimupwitha`Whatareyoudoing？Whydon\'tyoushowtheladytothedoor？\'heushersMissToxforth。AsshepassesMr。Dombey\'sroom，sheshrinksintotheinmostdepthsoftheblackbonnet，andwalksontip-toe；andthereisnotanotheratomintheworldwhichhauntshimso，thatfeelssuchsorrowandsolicitudeabouthim，asMissToxtakesoutundertheblackbonnetintothestreet，andtriestocarryhomeshadowedfromthenewly-lightedlamps。
ButMissToxisnotapartofMr。Dombey\'sworld。Shecomesbackeveryeveningatdusk；addingclogsandanumbrellatothebonnetonwetnights；andbearsthegrinsofTowlinson，andthehuffsandrebuffsofMrs。Pipchin，andalltoaskhowhedoes，andhowhebearshismisfortune：
butshehasnothingtodowithMr。Dombey\'sworld。Exactingandharassingasever，itgoesonwithouther；andshe，abynomeansbrightorparticularstar，movesinherlittleorbitinthecornerofanothersystem，andknowsitquitewell，andcomes，andcries，andgoesaway，andissatisfied。VerilyMissToxiseasierofsatisfactionthantheworldthattroublesMr。Dombeysomuch！
AttheCountingHouse，theclerksdiscussthegreatdisasterinallitslightsandshades，butchieflywonderwhowillgetMr。Carker\'splace。Theyaregenerallyofopinionthatitwillbeshornofsomeofitsemoluments，andmadeuncomfortablebynewly-devisedchecksandrestriction；
andthosewhoarebeyondallhopeofit，arequitesuretheywouldrathernothaveit，anddon\'tatallenvythepersonforwhomitmayprovetobereserved。NothingliketheprevailingsensationhasexistedintheCountingHousesinceMr。Dombey\'slittlesondied；butallsuchexcitementstheretakeasocial，nottosayajovialturn，andleadtothecultivationofgoodfellowship。AreconciliationisestablishedonthispropitiousoccasionbetweentheacknowledgedwitoftheCountingHouseandanaspiringrival，withwhomhehasbeenatdeadlyfeudformonths；andalittledinnerbeingproposed，incommemorationoftheirhappilyrestoredamity，takesplaceataneighbouringtavern；thewitinthechair；therivalactingasVice-President。
TheorationsfollowingtheremovaloftheclothareopenedbytheChair，whosays，Gentlemen，hecan\'tdisguisefromhimselfthatthisisnotatimeforprivatedissensions。Recentoccurrencestowhichheneednotmoreparticularlyallude，butwhichhavenotbeenaltogetherwithoutnoticeinsomeSundayPapers，andinadailypaperwhichheneednotnamehereeveryothermemberofthecompanynamesitinanaudiblemurmur，havecausedhimtoreflect；andhefeelsthatforhimandRobinsontohaveanypersonaldifferencesatsuchamoment，wouldbeforevertodenythatgoodfeelinginthegeneralcause，forwhichhehasreasontothinkandhopethatthegentlemeninDombey\'sHousehavealwaysbeendistinguished。Robinsonrepliestothislikeamanandabrother；andonegentlemanwhohasbeenintheofficethreeyears，undercontinualnoticetoquitonaccountoflapsesinhisarithmetic，appearsinaperfectlynewlight，suddenlyburstingoutwithathrillingspeech，inwhichhesays，Maytheirrespectedchiefneveragainknowthedesolationwhichhasfallenonhishearth！andsaysagreatvarietyofthings，beginningwith`Mayheneveragain，\'whicharereceivedwiththundersofapplause。Inshort，amostdelightfuleveningispassed，onlyinterruptedbyadifferencebetweentwojuniors，who，quarrellingabouttheprobableamountofMr。Carker\'slatereceiptsperannum，defyeachotherwithdecanters，andaretakenoutgreatlyexcited。Sodawaterisingeneralrequestattheofficenextday，andmostofthepartydeemthebillanimposition。
AstoPerch，themessenger，heisinafairwayofbeingruinedforlife。Hefindshimselfagainconstantlyinbarsofpublic-houses，beingtreatedandlyingdreadfully。Itappearsthathemeteverybodyconcernedinthelatetransaction，everywhere，andsaidtothem，`Sir，\'or`Madam，\'
asthecasewas`whydoyoulooksopale？\'atwhicheachshudderedfromheadtofoot，andsaid，`Oh，Perch！\'andranaway。Eithertheconsciousnessoftheseenormities，orthereactionconsequentonliquor，reducesMr。
PerchtoanextremestateoflowspiritsatthathouroftheeveningwhenheusuallyseeksconsolationinthesocietyofMrs。PerchatBallsPond；
andMrs。Perchfretsagooddeal，forshefearshisconfidenceinwomanisshakennow，andthathehalfexpectsoncominghomeatnighttofindhergoneoffwithsomeViscount。
Mr。Dombey\'sservantsarebecoming，atthesametime，quitedissipated，andunfitforotherservice。Theyhavehotsupperseverynight，and`talkitover\'withsmokingdrinksupontheboard。Mr。Towlinsonisalwaysmaudlinafterhalfpastten，andfrequentlybegstoknowwhetherhedidn\'tsaythatnogoodwouldevercomeoflivinginacornerhouse？TheywhisperaboutMissFlorence，andwonderwheresheis；butagreethatifMr。Dombeydon\'tknow，Mrs。Dombeydoes。Thisbringsthemtothelatter，ofwhomCooksays，Shehadastatelywaythough，hadn\'tshe？Butshewastoohigh！Theyallagreethatshewastoohigh，andMr。Towlinson\'soldflame，thehousemaidwhoisveryvirtuous，entreatsthatyouwillnevertalktoheranymoreaboutpeoplewhoholdtheirheadsup，asifthegroundwasn\'tgoodenoughfor\'em。
Everythingthatissaidanddoneaboutit，exceptbyMr。Dombey，isdoneinchorus。Mr。Dombeyandtheworldarealonetogether。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter52[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIISecretIntelligenceGOODMrs。BrownandherdaughterAlicekeptsilentcompanytogether，intheirowndwelling。Itwasearlyintheevening，andlateinthespring。
ButafewdayshadelapsedsinceMr。DombeyhadtoldmajorBagstockofhissingularintelligence，singularlyobtained，whichmightturnouttobevalueless，andmightturnouttobetrue；andtheworldwasnotsatisfiedyet。
Themotheranddaughtersatforalongtimewithoutinter-changingaword：almostwithoutmotion。Theoldwoman\'sfacewasshrewdlyanxiousandexpectant；thatofherdaughterwasexpectanttoo，butinalesssharpdegree，andsometimesitdarkened，asifwithgatheringdisappointmentandincredulity。Theoldwoman，withoutheedingthesechangesinitsexpression，thoughhereyeswereoftenturnedtowardsit，satmumblingandmunching，andlisteningconfidently。
Theirabode，thoughpoorandmiserable，wasnotsoutterlywretchedasinthedayswhenonlyGoodMrs。Browninhabitedit。Somefewattemptsatcleanlinessandorderweremanifest，thoughmadeinareckless，gipsyway，thatmighthaveconnectedthem，ataglance，withtheyoungerwoman。
Theshadesofeveningthickenedanddeepenedasthetwokeptsilence，untiltheblackenedwallswerenearlylostintheprevailinggloom。
ThenAlicebrokethesilencewhichhadlastedsolong，andsaid：
`Youmaygivehimup，mother。He\'llnotcomehere。\'
`Deathgivehimup！\'returnedtheoldwoman，impatiently。`Hewillcomehere。\'
`Weshallsee，\'saidAlice。
`Weshallseehim，\'returnedhermother。
`Anddoomsday，\'saidthedaughter。
`YouthinkI\'minmysecondchildhood，Iknow！\'croakedtheoldwoman。`That\'stherespectanddutythatIgetfrommyowngal，butI\'mwiserthanyoutakemefor。He\'llcome。T\'otherdaywhenItouchedhiscoatinthestreet，helookedroundasifIwasatoad。ButLord，toseehimwhenIsaidtheirnames，andaskedhimifhe\'dliketofindoutwheretheywas！\'
`Wasitsoangry？\'askedherdaughter，rousedtointerestinamoment。
`Angry？askifitwasbloody。That\'smoreliketheword。Angry？
Ha，ha！Tocallthatonlyangry！\'saidtheoldwoman，hobblingtothecupboard，andlightingacandle，whichdisplayedtheworkingsofhermouthtouglyadvantage，asshebroughtittothetable。`Imightaswellcallyourfaceonlyangry，whenyouthinkortalkabout\'em。\'
Itwassomethingdifferentfromthat，truly，asshesatasstillasacrouchedtigress，withherkindlingeyes。
`Hark！\'saidtheoldwoman，triumphantly。`Ihearastepcoming。
It\'snotthetreadofanyonethatlivesabouthere，orcomesthiswayoften。Wedon\'twalklikethat。Weshouldgrowproudonsuchneighbours！
Doyouhearhim？\'
`Ibelieveyouareright，mother，\'repliedAlice，inalowvoice。
`Peace！openthedoor。\'
Asshedrewherselfwithinhershawl，andgathereditabouther，theoldwomancomplied；andpeeringout，andbeckoning，gaveadmissiontoMr。Dombey，whostoppedwhenhehadsethisfootwithinthedoor，andlookeddistrustfullyaround。
`It\'sapoorplaceforagreatgentlemanlikeyourworship，\'saidtheoldwoman，curtseyingandchattering。`Itoldyouso，butthere\'snoharminit。\'
`Whoisthat？\'askedMr。Dombey，lookingathercompanion。
`That\'smyhandsomedaughter，\'saidtheoldwoman。
`Yourworshipwon\'tmindher。Sheknowsallaboutit。\'
Ashadowfelluponhisfacenotlessexpressivethanifhehadgroanedaloud，`Whodoesnotknowallaboutit！\'buthelookedathersteadily，andshe，withoutanyacknowledgmentofhispresence，lookedathim。Theshadowonhisfacewasdarkerwhenheturnedhisglanceawayfromher；
andeventhenitwanderedbackagain，furtively，asifhewerehauntedbyherboldeyes，andsomeremembrancetheyinspired。
`Woman，\'saidMr。Dombeytotheoldwitchwhowaschucklingandleeringcloseathiselbow，andwho，whenheturnedtoaddressher，pointedstealthilyatherdaughter，andrubbedherhands，andpointedagain，`Woman！
IbelievethatIamweakandforgetfulofmystationincominghere，butyouknowwhyIcome，andwhatyouofferedwhenyoustoppedmeinthestreettheotherday。WhatisitthatyouhavetotellmeconcerningwhatIwanttoknow；andhowdoesithappenthatIcanfindvoluntaryintelligenceinahovellikethis，\'withadisdainfulglanceabouthim，`whenIhaveexertedmypowerandmeanstoobtainitinvain？Idonotthink，\'hesaid，afteramoment\'spause，duringwhichhehadobservedher，sternly，`thatyouaresoaudaciousastomeantotriflewithme，orendeavourtoimposeuponme。Butifyouhavethatpurpose，youhadbetterstoponthethresholdofyourscheme。Myhumourisnotatriflingone，andmyacknowledgmentwillbesevere。\'
`Ohaproud，hardgentleman！\'chuckledtheoldwoman，shakingherhead，andrubbinghershrivelledhands，`ohhard，hard，hard！Butyouworshipshallseewithyourowneyesandhearwithyourownears；notwithours——andifyourworship\'sputupontheirtrack，youwon\'tmindpayingsomethingforit，willyou，honourabledeary？\'
`Money，\'returnedMr。Dombey，apparentlyrelieved，andreassuredbythisinquiry，`willbringaboutunlikelythings，Iknow。Itmayturnevenmeansasunexpectedandunpromisingasthese，toaccount。Yes。ForandreliableinformationIreceive，Iwillpay。ButImusthavetheinformationfirst，andjudgeformyselfofitsvalue。\'
`Doyouknownothingmorepowerfulthanmoney？\'askedtheyoungerwoman，withoutrising，oralteringherattitude。
`Nothere，Ishouldimagine，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Youshouldknowofsomethingthatismorepowerfulelsewhere，asIjudge，\'shereturned。`Doyouknownothingofawoman\'sanger？\'
`Youhaveasaucytongue，Jade，\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Notusually，\'sheanswered，withoutanyshowofemotion：`Ispeaktoyounow，thatyoumayunderstandusbetter，andrelymoreonus。Awoman\'sangerisprettymuchthesamehere，asinyourfinehouse。Iamangry。Ihavebeenso，manyyears。Ihaveasgoodcauseformyangerasyouhaveforyours，anditsobjectisthesameman。\'
Hestarted，inspiteofhimself，andlookedatherwithastonishment。
`Yes，\'shesaid，withakindoflaugh。`Wideasthedistancemayseembetweenus，itisso。Howitisso，isnomatter；thatismystory，andIkeepmystorytomyself。Iwouldbringyouandhimtogether，becauseIhavearageagainsthim。Mymotherthere，isavariciousandpoor；andshewouldsellanytidingsshecouldglean，oranything，oranybody，formoney。Itisfairenough，perhaps，thatyoushouldpayhersome，ifshecanhelpyoutowhatyouwanttoknow。Butthatisnotmymotive。Ihavetoldyouwhatmineis，anditwouldbeasstrongandall-sufficientwithmeifyouhaggledandbargainedwithherforasixpence。Ihavedone。Mysaucytonguesaysnomore，ifyouwaitheretillsunriseto-morrow。\'
Theoldwoman，whohadshowngreatuneasinessduringthisspeech，whichhadatendencytodepreciateherexpectedgains，pulledMr。Dombeysoftlybythesleeve，andwhisperedtohimnottomindher。Heglancedatthemboth，byturns，withahaggardlook，andsaid，inadeepervoicethanwasusualwithhim：
`Goon——whatdoyouknow？\'
`Oh，notsofast，yourworship！wemustwaitforsomeone，\'answeredtheoldwoman。`It\'stobegotfromsomeoneelse——wormedout——screwedandtwistedfromhim。\'
`Whatdoyoumean？\'saidMr。Dombey。
`Patience，\'shecroaked，layingherhand，likeaclaw，uponhisarm。`Patience。I\'llgetatit。IknowIcan！Ifhewastoholditbackfromme，\'saidGoodMrs。Brown，crookinghertenfingers，`I\'dtearitoutofhim！\'
Mr。Dombeyfollowedherwithhiseyesasshehobbledtothedoor，andlookedoutagain：andthenhisglancesoughtherdaughter；butsheremainedimpassive，silent，andregardlessofhim。
`Doyoutellme，woman，\'hesaid，whenthebentfigureofMrs。
Browncameback，shakingitsheadandchatteringtoitself，`thatthereisanotherpersonexpectedhere？\'
`Yes！\'saidtheoldwoman，lookingupintohisface，andnodding。
`Fromwhomyouaretoexacttheintelligencethatistobeusefultome？\'
`Yes，\'saidtheoldwoman，noddingagain。
`Astranger？\'
`Chut！\'saidtheoldwoman，withashrilllaugh。`Whatsignifies！
Well，well；no。Nostrangertoyourworship。Buthewon\'tseeyou。He\'dbeafraidofyou，andwouldn\'ttalk。You\'llstandbehindthatdoor，andjudgehimforyourself。Wedon\'tasktobebelievedontrust。What！Yourworshipdoubtstheroombehindthedoor？Ohthesuspicionofyourichgentlefolks！
Lookatit，then。\'
Hersharpeyehaddetectedaninvoluntaryexpressionofthisfeelingonhispart，whichwasnotunreasonableunderthecircumstances。Insatisfactionofitshenowtookthecandletothedoorshespokeof。Mr。Dombeylookedin；assuredhimselfthatitwasanempty，crazyroom；andsignedtohertoputthelightbackinitsplace。
`Howlong，\'heasked，`beforethispersoncomes？\'
`Notlong，\'sheanswered。`Wouldyourworshipsitdownforafewoddminutes？\'
Hemadenoanswer；butbeganpacingtheroomwithanirresoluteair，asifhewereundecidedwhethertoremainordepart，andasifhehadsomequarrelwithhimselfforbeingthereatall。Butsoonhistreadgrewslowerandheavier，andhisfacemoresternlythoughtful：astheobjectwithwhichhehadcome，fixeditselfinhismind，anddilatedthereagain。
Whilehethuswalkedupanddownwithhiseyesontheground，Mrs。Brown，inthechairfromwhichshehadrisentoreceivehim，satlisteninganew。Themonotonyofhisstep，ortheuncertaintyofage，madehersoslowofhearing，thatafootfallwithouthadsoundedinherdaughter\'searsforsomemoments，andshehadlookeduphastilytowarnhermotherofitsapproach，beforetheoldwomanwasrousedbyit。Butthenshestartedfromherseat，andwhispering`Hereheis！\'hurriedhervisitortohisplaceofobservation，andputabottleandglassuponthetable，withsuchalacrityastobereadytoflingherarmsroundtheneckofRobtheGrinderonhisappearanceatthedoor。
`Andhere\'smybonnyboy，\'criedMrs。Brown，`atlast！——oho，oho！
You\'relikemyownson，Robby！\'
`Oh！MissesBrown！\'remonstratedtheGrinder。`Don\'t！Can\'tyoubefondofacovewithoutsqueedgingandthrottlingofhim？Takecareofthebirdcageinmyhand，willyou？\'
`Thinksofabirdcage，aforeme！\'criedtheoldwoman，apostrophizingtheceiling。`Methatfeelsmorethanamotherforhim！\'
`Well，I\'msureI\'mverymuchobligedtoyou，MissesBrown，\'saidtheunfortunateyouth，greatlyaggravated；`butyou\'resojealousofacove。I\'mveryfondofyoumyself，andallthat，ofcourse；butIdon\'tsmotheryou，doI，MissesBrown？\'
Helookedandspokeasifhewouldhavebeenfarfromobjectingtodoso，however，onafavourableoccasion。
`Andtotalkaboutbirdcages，too！\'whimperedtheGrinder。`Asifthatwasacrime！Why，look\'eehere！Doyouknowwhothisbelongsto？\'
`ToMaster，dear？\'saidtheoldwomanwithagrin。
`Ah！\'repliedtheGrinder，liftingalargecagetiedupinawrapper，onthetable，anduntyingitwithhisteethandhands。`It\'sourparrot，thisis。\'
`Mr。Carker\'sparrot，Rob？\'
`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？\'returnedthegoadedGrinder。`Whatdoyougonamingnamesfor？I\'mblest，\'saidRob，pullinghishairwithbothhandsintheexasperationofhisfeelings，`ifshean\'tenoughtomakeacoverunwild！\'
`What！Doyousnubme，thanklessboy！\'criedtheoldwoman，withreadyvehemence。
`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，no！\'returnedtheGrinder，withtearsinhiseyes。`Wasthereeversucha！Don\'tIdoteuponyou，MissesBrown？\'
`Doyou，sweetRob？Doyoutruly，chickabiddy？\'Withthat，Mrs。
Brownheldhiminherfondembraceoncemore；anddidnotreleasehimuntilhehadmadeseveralviolentandineffectualstruggleswithhislegs，andhishairwasstandingonendalloverhishead。
`Oh！\'returnedtheGrinder，`whatathingitistobeperfectlypitchedintowithaffectionlikethishere。IwishshewasHowhaveyoubeen，MissesBrown？\'
`Ah！Notheresincethisnightweek！\'saidtheoldwoman，contemplatinghimwithalookofreproach。
`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder，`Isaidto-night\'saweek，thatI\'dcometo-night，didn\'tI？AndhereIam。Howyoudogoon！Iwishyou\'dbealittlerational，MissesBrown。I\'mhoarsewithsayingthingsinmydefence，andmyveryfaceisshinywithbeinghugged。\'Herubbedithardwithhissleeve，asiftoremovethetenderpolishinquestion。
`Drinkalittledroptocomfortyou，myRobin，\'saidtheoldwoman，fillingtheglassfromthebottleandgivingittohim。
`Thank\'ee，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder。`Here\'syourhealth。
Andlongmayyou——etceterer。\'Whichtojudgefromtheexpressionofhisface，didnotincludeanyverychoiceblessing。`Andhere\'sherhealth，\'saidtheGrinder，glancingatAlice，whosatwithhereyesfixed，asitseemedtohim，onthewallbehindhim，butinrealityonMr。Dombey\'sfaceatthedoor，`andwishingherthesameandmanyof\'em！\'
Hedrainedtheglasstothesetwosentiments，andsetitdown。
`Well，Isay，MissesBrown！\'heproceeded。`Togoonalittlerationalnow。You\'reajudgeofbirds，anduptotheirways，asIknowtomycost。\'
`Cost！\'repeatedMrs。Brown。
`Satisfaction，Imean，\'returnedtheGrinder。`Howyoudotakeupacove，MissesBrown！You\'veputitalloutofmyheadagain。\'
`Judgeofbirds，Robby，\'suggestedtheoldwoman。
`Ah！\'saidtheGrinder。`Well，I\'vegottotakecareofthisparrot——certainthingsbeingsold，andacertainestablishmentbrokeup——andasIdon\'twantnonoticetookatpresent，Iwishyou\'dattendtoherforaweekorso，andgiveherboardandlodging，willyou？IfImustcomebackwardsandforwards，\'musedtheGrinderwithadejectedface，`Imayaswellhavesomethingtocomefor。\'
`Somethingtocomefor？\'screamedtheoldwoman。
`Besidesyou，Imean，MissesBrown，\'returnedthecravenRob。
`NotthatIwantanyinducementbutyourself，MissesBrown，I\'msure。Don\'tbeginagain，forgoodness\'sake。\'
`Hedon\'tcareforme！Hedon\'tcareforme，asIcareforhim！\'
criedMrs。Brown，liftingupherskinnyhands。`ButI\'lltakecareofhisbird。\'
`Takegoodcareofittoo，youknow，Mrs。Brown，\'saidRob，shakinghishead。`Ifyouwassomuchastostrokeitsfeathersoncethewrongway，Ibelieveitwouldbefoundout。\'
`Ah，sosharpasthat，Rob？\'saidMrs。Brown，quickly。
`Sharp，MissesBrown！\'repeatedRob。`Butthisisnottobetalkedabout。\'
Checkinghimselfabruptly，andnotwithoutafearfulglanceacrosstheroom，robfilledtheglassagain，andhavingslowlyemptiedit，shookhishead，andbegantodrawhisfingersacrossandacrossthewiresoftheparrot\'scagebywayofadiversionfromthedangerousthemethathadjustbeenbroached。
Theoldwomaneyedhimslily，andhitchingherchairnearerhis，andlookinginattheparrot，whocamedownfromthegildeddomeathercall，said：
`Outofplacenow，Robby？\'
`Neveryoumind，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder，shortly。
`Boardwages，perhaps，Rob？\'saidMrs。Brown。
`PrettyPolly！\'saidtheGrinder。
Theoldwomandartedaglanceathimthatmighthavewarnedhimtoconsiderhisearsindanger，butitwashisturntolookinattheparrotnow，andhoweverexpressivehisimaginationmayhavemadeherangryscowl，itwasunseenbyhisbodilyeyes。
`IwonderMasterdidn\'ttakeyouwithhim，Rob，\'saidtheoldwoman，inawheedlingvoice，butwithincreasedmalignityofaspect。
Robwassoabsorbedincontemplationoftheparrot，andintrollinghisforefingeronthewires，thathemadenoanswer。
Theoldwomanhadherclutchwithinahair\'sbreadthofhisshockofhairasitstoopedoverthetable；butsherestrainedherfingers，andsaid，inavoicethatchokedwithitseffortstobecoaxing：
`Robby，mychild。\'
`Well，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder。
`IsayIwonderMasterdidn\'ttakeyouwithhim，dear。\'
`Neveryou，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder。
Mrs。Browninstantlydirectedtheclutchofherrighthandathishair，andtheclutchofherlefthandathisthroat，andheldontotheobjectofherfondaffectionwithsuchextraordinaryfury，thathisfacebegantoblackeninamoment。
`MissesBrown！\'exclaimedtheGrinder，`letgo，willyou？Whatareyoudoingof？Help，youngwoman！MissesBrow——Brow——！\'
Theyoungwoman，however，equallyunmovedbyhisdirectappealtoher，andbyhisinarticulateutterance，remainedquiteneutral，until，afterstrugglingwithhisassailantintoacorner，Robdisengagedhimself，andstoodtherepantingandfencedinbyhisownelbows，whiletheoldwoman，pantingtoo，andstampingwithrageandeagerness，appearedtobecollectingherenergiesforanotherswoopuponhim。AtthiscrisisAliceinterposedhervoice，butnotintheGrinder\'sfavour，bysaying，`Welldone，mother。Tearhimtopieces！\'
`What，youngwoman！\'blubberedRob；`areyouagainstmetoo？WhathaveIbeenanddone？WhatamItobetoretopiecesfor，Ishouldliketoknow？
Whydoyoutakeandchokeacovewhohasneverdoneyouanyharm，neitherofyou？Callyourselvesfemales，too！\'saidthefrightenedandafflictedGrinder，withhiscoat-cuffathiseye。`I\'msurprisedatyou！Where\'syourfemininetenderness？\'
`Youthanklessdog！\'gaspedMrs。Brown。`Youimpudentinsultingdog！\'
`WhathaveIbeenanddonetogoandgiveyouoffence，MissesBrown？\'retortedthefearfulRob。`Youwasverymuchattachedtomeaminuteago。\'
`Tocutmeoffwithhisshortanswersandhissulkywords，\'saidtheoldwoman。`Me！BecauseIhappentobecurioustohavealittlebitofgossipaboutMasterandthelady，todaretoplayatfastandloosewithme！ButI\'lltalktoyounomore，mylad。Nowgo！\'
`I\'msure，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheabjectGrinder，`IneverinsiniwatedthatIwishedtogo。Don\'ttalklikethat，MissesBrown，ifyouplease。\'
`Iwon\'ttalkatall，\'saidMrs。Brown，withanactionofhercrookedfingersthatmadehimshrinkintohalfhisnaturalcompassinthecorner。`Notanotherwordwithhimshallpassmylips。He\'sanungratefulhound。Icasthimoff。Nowlethimgo！AndI\'llslipthoseafterhimthatshalltalktoomuch；thatwon\'tbeshookaway；that\'llhangtohimlikeleeches，andslinkarterhimlikefoxes。What！Heknows\'em。Heknowshisoldgamesandhisoldways。Ifhe\'sforgotten\'em，they\'llsoonremindhim。Nowlethimgo，andseehowhe\'lldoMaster\'sbusiness，andkeepMaster\'ssecrets，withsuchcompanyalwaysfollowinghimupanddown。Ha，ha，ha！He\'llfind\'emadifferentsortfromyouandme，Ally；closeasheiswithyouandme。Nowlethimgo，nowlethimgo！\'
Theoldwoman，totheunspeakabledismayoftheGrinder，walkedhertwistedfigureroundandround，inaringofsomefourfeetindiameter，constantlyrepeatingthesewords，andshakingherfistaboveherhead，andworkinghermouthabout。
`MissesBrown，\'pleadedRob，comingalittleoutofhiscorner，`I\'msureyouwouldn\'tinjureacove，onsecondthoughts，andincoldblood，wouldyou？\'
`Don\'ttalktome，\'saidMrs。Brown，stillwrathfullypursuinghercircle。`Nowlethimgo，nowlethimgo！\'
`MissesBrown，\'urgedthetormentedGrinder，`Ididn\'tmeanto——Oh，whatathingitisforacovetogetintosuchalineasthis！——Iwasonlycarefuloftalking，MissesBrown，becauseIalwaysam，onaccountofhisbeinguptoeverything；butImighthaveknownitwouldn\'thavegoneanyfurther。I\'msureI\'mquiteagreeable，\'withawretchedface，`foranylittlebitofgossip，MissesBrown。Don\'tgoonlikethis，ifyouplease。
Oh，couldn\'tyouhavethegoodnesstoputinawordforamiserablecove，here？\'saidtheGrinder，appealingindesperationtothedaughter。
`Come，mother，youhearwhathesays，\'sheinterposed，inhersternvoice，andwithanimpatientactionofherhead；`tryhimoncemore，andifyoufalloutwithhimagain，ruinhim，ifyoulike，andhavedonewithhim。\'
Mrs。Brown，movedasitseemedbythisverytenderexhortation，presentlybegantohowl；andsofteningbydegrees，tooktheapologeticGrindertoherarms，whoembracedherwithafaceofunutterablewoe，andlikeavictimashewas，resumedhisformerseat，closebythesideofhisvenerablefriend，whomhesuffered，notwithoutmuchconstrainedsweetnessofcountenance，combatingveryexpressivephysiognomicalrevelationsofanoppositecharacter，todrawhisarmthroughhers，andkeepitthere。
`Andhow\'sMaster，dearydear？\'saidMrs。Brown，when，sittinginthisamicableposture，theyhadpledgedeachother。
`Hush！Ifyou\'dbesogood，MissesBrown，astospeakalittlelower，\'Robimplored。`Why，he\'sprettywell，thank\'ee，Isuppose。\'
`You\'renotoutofplace，Robby？\'saidMrs。Browninawheedlingtone。
`Why，I\'mnotexactlyoutofplace，norin，\'falteredRob。`I——I\'mstillinpay，MissesBrown。\'
`Andnothingtodo，Rob？\'
`Nothingparticulartodojustnow，MissesBrown，butto——keepmyeyesopen，\'saidtheGrinder，rollingtheminaforlornway。
`Mastersabroad，Rob？\'
`Oh，forgoodness\'sake，MissesBrown，couldn\'tyougossipwithacoveaboutanythingelse？\'criedtheGrinder，inaburstofdespair。
TheimpetuousMrs。Brownrisingdirectly，thetorturedGrinderdetainedher，stammering`Ye-es，MissesBrown，Ibelievehe\'sabroad。What\'sshestaringat？\'headded，inallusiontothedaughter，whoseeyeswerefixeduponthefacethatnowagainlookedoutbehindhim。
`Don\'tmindher，lad，\'saidtheoldwoman，holdinghimclosertopreventhisturninground。`It\'sherway——herway。Tellme，Rob。Didyoueverseethelady，deary？\'
`Oh，MissesBrown，whatlady？\'criedtheGrinderinatoneofpiteoussupplication。
`Whatlady？\'sheretorted。`Thelady；Mrs。Dombey。\'
`Yes，IbelieveIseeheronce，\'repliedRob。
`Thenightshewentaway，Robby，eh？\'saidtheoldwomaninhisear，andtakingnoteofeverychangeinhisface。`Aha！Iknowitwasthatnight。\'
`Well，ifyouknowitwasthatnight，youknow，MissesBrown，\'
repliedRob，`it\'snouseputtingpinchersintoacovetomakehimsayso。\'
`Wheredidtheygothatnight，Rob？Straightaway？Howdidtheygo？Wheredidyouseeher？Didshelaugh？Didshecry？Tellmeallaboutit，\'criedtheoldhag，holdinghimcloseryet，pattingthehandthatwasdrawnthroughhisarmagainstherotherhand，andsearchingeverylineinhisfacewithherblearedeyes。`Come！Begin！Iwanttobetoldallaboutit。What，Rob，boy！Youandmecankeepasecrettogether，eh？We\'vedonesobeforenow。Wheredidtheygofirst，Rob？\'
ThewretchedGrindermadeagasp，andapause。
`Areyoudumb？\'saidtheoldwoman，angrily。
`Lord，MissesBrown，no！Youexpectacovetobeaflashoflightning。
IwishIwastheelectricfluency，\'mutteredthebewilderedGrinder。
`I\'dhaveashockatsomebody，thatwouldsettletheirbusiness。\'
`Whatdoyousay？\'askedtheoldwoman，withagrin。
`I\'mwishingmylovetoyou，MissesBrown，\'returnedthefalseRob，seekingconsolationintheglass。`Wheredidtheygotofirst，wasit？Himandher，doyoumean？\'
`Ah！\'saidtheoldwoman，eagerly。`Themtwo。\'
`Why，theydidn\'tgonowhere——nottogether，Imean，\'answeredRob。
Theoldwomanlookedathim，asthoughshehadastrongimpulseuponhertomakeanotherclutchathisheadandthroat，butwasrestrainedbyacertaindoggedmysteryinhisface。
`Thatwastheartofit，\'saidthereluctantGrinder；`that\'sthewaynobodysaw\'emgo，orhasbeenabletosayhowtheydidgo。Theywentdifferentways，Itellyou，MissesBrown。\'
`Ay，ay，ay！Tomeetatanappointedplace，\'chuckledtheoldwoman，afteramoment\'ssilentandkeenscrutinyofhisface。
`Why，iftheyweren\'tagoingtomeetsomewhere，Isupposetheymightaswellhavestayedathome，mightn\'tthey，MissesBrown？\'returnedtheunwillingGrinder。
`Well，Rob？Well？\'saidtheoldwoman，drawinghisarmyettighterthroughherown，asif，inhereagerness，shewereafraidofhisslippingaway。
`What，haven\'twetalkedenoughyet，MissesBrown？\'returnedtheGrinder，who，betweenhissenseofinjury，hissenseofliquor，andhissenseofbeingontherack，hadbecomesolachrymose，thatatalmosteveryanswerhescoopedhiscoat-cuffintooneorotherofhiseyes，andutteredanunavailingwhineofremonstrance。`Didshelaughthatnight，wasit？
Didn\'tyouaskifshelaughed，MissesBrown？\'
`Orcried？\'addedtheoldwoman，noddingassent。
`Neither，\'saidtheGrinder。`Shekeptassteadywhensheandme——oh，Iseeyouwillhaveitoutofme，MissesBrown！Buttakeyoursolemnoathnow，thatyou\'llnevertellanybody。\'
ThisMrs。Brownveryreadilydid：beingnaturallyJesuitical；
andhavingnootherintentioninthematterthanthatherconcealedvisitorshouldhearforhimself。
`Shekeptassteady，then，whensheandmewentdowntoSouthampton，\'
saidtheGrinder，`asaimage。Inthemorningshewasjustthesame，MissesBrown。Andwhenshewentawayinthepacketbeforedaylight，byherself——mepretendingtobeherservant，andseeinghersafeaboard——shewasjustthesame。Now，areyoucontented，MissesBrown？\'
`No，Rob。Notyet，\'answeredMrs。Brown，decisively。
`Oh，here\'sawomanforyou！\'criedtheunfortunateRob，inanoutburstoffeeblelamentationoverhisownhelplessness。`Whatdidyouwishtoknownext，MissesBrown？\'
`WhatbecameofMaster？Wheredidhego？\'sheinquired，stillholdinghimtight，andlookingcloseintohisface，withhersharpeyes。
`Uponmysoul，Idon\'tknow，MissesBrown，\'answeredRob。`UponmysoulIdon\'tknowwhathedid，norwherehewent，noranythingabouthim。I
onlyknowwhathesaidtomeasacautiontoholdmytongue，whenweparted；
andItellyouthis，MissesBrown，asafriend，thatsoonerthaneverrepeatawordofwhatwe\'resayingnow，youhadbettertakeandshootyourself，orshutyourselfupinthishouse，andsetita-fire，forthere\'snothinghewouldn\'tdo，toberevengeduponyou。Youdon\'tknowhimhalfaswellasIdo，MissesBrown。You\'reneversafefromhim，Itellyou。\'
`Haven\'tItakenanoath，\'retortedtheoldwoman，`andwon\'tIkeepit？\'
`Well，I\'msureIhopeyouwill，MissesBrown。\'returnedRob，somewhatdoubtfully，andnotwithoutalatentthreateninginhismanner。
`Foryourownsakequiteasmuchasmine。\'
Helookedatherashegaveherthisfriendlycaution，andemphasizeditwithanoddingofhishead；butfindingituncomfortabletoencountertheyellowfacewithitsgrotesqueaction，andtheferreteyeswiththeirkeenoldwintrygaze，soclosetohisown，helookeddownuneasilyandsatshufflinginhischair，asifheweretryingtobringhimselftoasullendeclarationthathewouldanswernomorequestions。Theoldwoman，stillholdinghimasbefore，tookthisopportunityofraisingtheforefingerofherrighthand，intheair，asastealthysignaltotheconcealedobservertogiveparticularattentiontowhatwasabouttofollow。
`Rob，\'shesaid，inhermostcoaxingtone。
`Goodgracious，MissesBrown，what\'sthematternow？\'returnedtheexasperatedGrinder。
`Rob！wheredidtheladyandMasterappointtomeet？\'
Robshuffledmoreandmore，andlookedupandlookeddown，andbithisthumb，anddrieditonhiswaistcoat，andfinallysaid，eyeinghistormentoraskant，`HowshouldIknow，MissesBrown？\'
Theoldwomanheldupherfingeragain，asbefore，andreplying，`Come，lad！It\'snouseleadingmetothat，andthereleavingme。Iwanttoknow\'——waitedforhisanswer。
Rob，afteradiscomfitedpause，suddenlybrokeoutwith，`HowcanIpronouncethenamesofforeignplaces，Mrs。Brown？Whatanunreasonablewomanyouare！\'
`Butyouhavehearditsaid，Robby，\'sheretortedfirmly，`andyouknowwhatitsoundedlike。Come！\'
`Ineverhearditsaid，MissesBrown，\'returnedtheGrinder。
`Then，\'retortedtheoldwomanquickly，`youhaveseenitwritten，andyoucanspellit。\'
Rob，withapetulantexclamationbetweenlaughingandcrying——forhewaspenetratedwithsomeadmirationofMrs。Brown\'scunning，eventhroughthispersecution——aftersomereluctantfumblinginhiswaistcoatpocket，producedfromitalittlepieceofchalk。Theoldwoman\'seyessparkledwhenshesawitbetweenhisthumbandfinger，andhastilyclearingaspaceonthedealtable，thathemightwritethewordthere，sheoncemoremadehersignalwithashakinghand。
`NowItellyoubeforehandwhatitis，MissesBrown，\'saidRob，`it\'snouseaskingmeanythingelse。Iwon\'tansweranythingelse；Ican\'t。
Howlongitwastobebeforetheymet，orwhoseplanitwasthattheywastogoawayalone，Idon\'tknownomorethanyoudo。Idon\'tknowanymoreaboutit。IfIwastotellyouhowIfoundoutthisword，you\'dbelievethat。ShallItellyou，MissesBrown？\'
`Yes，Rob。\'
`Wellthen，MissesBrown。Theway——nowyouwon\'taskanymore，youknow？\'saidrob，turninghiseyes，whichwerenowfastgettingdrowsyandstupid，uponher。
`Notanotherword，\'saidMrs。Brown。
`Wellthen，thewaywasthis。Whenacertainpersonlefttheladywithme，heputapieceofpaperwithadirectionwrittenonitinthelady\'shand，sayingitwasincasesheshouldforget。Shewasn\'tafraidofforgetting，forshetoreitupassoonashisbackwasturned，andwhenIputupthecarriagesteps，Ishookoutoneofthepieces——shesprinkledtherestoutofthewindow，Isuppose，fortherewasnonethereafterwards，thoughIlookedfor\'em。Therewasonlyonewordonit，andthatwasthis，ifyoumustandwillknow。Butremember！You\'reuponyouroath，MissesBrown！\'
Mrs。Brownknewthat，shesaid。Rob，havingnothingmoretosay，begantochalk，slowlyandlaboriously，onthetable。
`“D，“\'theoldwomanreadaloud，whenhehadformedtheletter。
`Willyouholdyourtongue，MissesBrown？\'heexclaimed，coveringitwithhishand，andturningimpatientlyuponher。`Iwon\'thaveitreadout。Bequiet，willyou！\'
`Thenwritelarge，Rob，\'shereturned，repeatinghersecretsignal；
`formyeyesarenotgood，evenatprint。\'
Mutteringtohimself，andreturningtohisworkwithanillwill，Robwentonwiththeword。Ashebenthisheaddown，thepersonforwhoseinformationhesounconsciouslylaboured，movedfromthedoorbehindhimtowithinashortstrideofhisshoulder，andlookedeagerlytowardsthecreepingtrackofhishanduponthetable。Atthesametime，Alice，fromheroppositechair，watcheditnarrowlyasitshapedtheletters，andrepeatedeachoneonherlipsashemadeit，withoutarticulatingitaloud。AttheendofeveryletterhereyesandMr。Dombey\'smet，asifeachofthemsoughttobeconfirmedbytheother；andthustheybothspeltD。I。J。O。N。
`There！\'saidtheGrinder，moisteningthepalmofhishandhastily，toobliteratetheword；andnotcontentwithsmearingitout，rubbingandplaningalltraceofitawaywithhiscoat-sleeve，untiltheverycolourofthechalkwasgonefromthetable。`Now，Ihopeyou\'recontented，MissesBrown！\'
Theoldwoman，intokenofherbeingso，releasedhisarmandpattedhisback；andtheGrinder，overcomewithmortification，cross-examination，andliquor，foldedhisarmsonthetable，laidhisheaduponthem，andfellasleep。
Notuntilhehadbeenheavilyasleepsometime，andwassnoringroundly，didtheoldwomanturntowardsthedoor，whereMr。Dombeystoodconcealed，andbeckonhimtocomethroughtheroom，andpassout。Eventhen，shehoveredoverRob，readytoblindhimwithherhands，orstrikehisheaddown，ifheshouldraiseitwhilethesecretstepwascrossingtothedoor。Butthoughherglancetooksharpcognizanceofthesleeper，itwassharptooforthewakingman；andwhenhetouchedherhandwithhis，andinspiteofallhiscaution，madeachinking，goldensound，itwasasbrightandgreedyasaraven\'s。
Thedaughter\'sdarkgazefollowedhimtothedoor，andnotedwellhowpalehewas，andhowhishurriedtreadindicatedthattheleastdelaywasaninsupportablerestraintuponhim，andhowhewasburningtobeactiveandaway。Asheclosedthedoorbehindhim，shelookedroundathermother。
Theoldwomantrottedtoher；openedherhandtoshowwhatwaswithin；
and，tightlyclosingitagaininherjealousyandavarice，whispered：
`Whatwillhedo，Ally？\'
`Mischief，\'saidthedaughter。
`Murder？\'askedtheoldwoman。
`He\'samadman，inhiswoundedpride，andmaydothat，foranythingwecansay，orheeither。\'
Herglancewasbrighterthanhermother\'s，andthefirethatshoneinitwasfiercer；butherfacewascolourless，eventoherlips。
Theysaidnomore，butsatapart；themothercommuningwithhermoney；thedaughterwithherthoughts；theglanceofeach，shininginthegloomofthefeeblylightedroom。Robsleptandsnored。Thedisregardedparrotonlywasinaction。Ittwistedandpulledatthewiresofitscage，withitscrookedbeak，andcrawleduptothedome，andalongitsrooflikeafly，anddownagainheadforemost，andshook，andbit，andrattledateveryslenderbar，asifitknewitsmaster\'sdanger，andwaswildtoforceapassageout，andflyawaytowarnhimofit。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter53[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIIIMoreIntelligenceTHEREweretwoofthetraitor\'sownblood——hisrenouncedbrotherandsister——onwhomtheweightofhisguiltrestedalmostmoreheavily，atthistime，thanonthemanwhomhehadsodeeplyinjured。Pryingandtormentingastheworldwas，itdidMr。Dombeytheserviceofnervinghimtopursuitandrevenge。Itrousedhispassion，stunghispride，twistedtheoneideaofhislifeintoanewshape，andmadesomegratificationofhiswrath，theobjectintowhichhiswholeintellectualexistenceresolveditself。
Allthestubbornnessandimplacabilityofhisnature，allitshardimpenetrablequality，allitsgloomandmoroseness，allitsexaggeratedsenseofpersonalimportance，allitsjealousdispositiontoresenttheleastflawintheamplerecognitionofhisimportancebyothers，setthiswaylikemanystreamsunitedintoone，andborehimonupontheirtide。ThemostimpetuouslypassionateandviolentlyimpulsiveofmankindwouldhavebeenamilderenemytoencounterthanthesullenMr。Dombeywroughttothis。Awildbeastwouldhavebeeneasierturnedorsoothedthanthegravegentlemanwithoutawrinkleinhisstarchedcravat。