TheCaptainspokewithallcomposureandattentiontothegame，butsuddenlyhiscardsdroppedoutofhishand，hismouthandeyesopenedwide，hislegsdrewthemselvesupandstuckoutinfrontofhischair，andhesatstaringatthedoorwithblankamazement。Lookingrounduponthecompany，andseeingthatnoneofthemobservedhimorthecauseofhisastonishment，theCaptainrecoveredhimselfwithagreatgasp，struckthetableatremendousblow，criedinastentorianroar，`SolGillsahoy！\'
andtumbledintothearmsofaweather-beatenpea-coatthathadcomewithPollyintotheroom。
Inanothermoment，Walterwasinthearmsoftheweather-beatenpea-coat。Inanothermoment，Florencewasinthearmsoftheweather-beatenpea-coat。Inanothermoment，CaptainCuttlehadembracedMrs。RichardsandMissNipper，andwasviolentlyshakinghandswithMr。Toots，exclaiming，ashewavedhishookabovehishead，`Hooroar，mylad，hooroar！\'TowhichMr。Toots，whollyatalosstoaccountfortheseproceedings，repliedwithgreatpoliteness，`Certainly，CaptainGills，whateveryouthinkproper！\'
Theweather-beatenpea-coat，andanolessweather-beatencapandcomforterbelongingtoit，turnedfromtheCaptainandfromFlorencebacktoWalter，andsoundscamefromtheweather-beatenpea-coat，cap，andcomforter，asofanoldmansobbingunderneaththem；whiletheshaggysleevesclaspedWaltertight。Duringthispause，therewasanuniversalsilence，andtheCaptainpolishedhisnosewithgreatdiligence。Butwhenthepea-coat，cap，andcomforterliftedthemselvesupagain，Florencegentlymovedtowardsthem；andsheandWaltertakingthemoff，disclosedtheoldInstrument-maker，alittlethinnerandmorecarewornthanofold，inhisoldWelshwigandhisoldcoffee-colouredcoatandbasketbuttons，withhisoldinfalliblechronometertickingawayinhispocket。
`Chockfullo\'science，\'saidtheradiantCaptain，`aseverhewas！SolGills，SolGills，whathaveyoubeenupto，forthismanyalongday，myouldboy？\'
`I\'mhalfblind，Ned，\'saidtheoldman，`andalmostdeafanddumbwithjoy。\'
`Hiswerywoice，\'saidtheCaptain，lookingroundwithanexultationtowhichevenhisfacecouldhardlyrenderjustice——`hiswerywoiceaschockfullo\'scienceaseveritwas！SolGills，layto，mylad，uponyourownwinesandfig-trees，likeatautouldpatriarkasyouare，andoverhaulthemthereadwentureso\'yourn，inyourownformiliorwoice。\'Tisthewoice，saidtheCaptain，impressively，andannouncingaquotationwithhishook，`ofthesluggard，Iheerdhimcomplain，youhavewokemetoosoon，Imustslumberagain。Scatterhisene-mies，andmake\'emfall！\'
TheCaptainsatdownwiththeairofamanwhohadhappilyexpressedthefeelingofeverybodypresent，andimmediatelyroseagaintopresentMr。Toots，whowasmuchdisconcertedbythearrivalofanybody，appearingtopreferaclaimtothenameofGills。
`Although，\'stammeredMr。Toots，`Ihadnotthepleasureofyouracquaintance，Sir，beforeyouwere——youwere——\'
`Losttosight，tomemorydear，\'suggestedtheCaptain，inalowvoice。
`Exactlyso，CaptainGills！\'assentedMr。Toots。`AlthoughIhadnotthepleasureofyouracquaintance，Mr——Mr。Sols，\'saidToots，hittingonthatnameintheinspirationofabrightidea，`beforethathappened，Ihavethegreatestpleasure，Iassureyou，in——youknow，inknowingyou。
Ihope，\'saidMr。Toots，`thatyou\'reaswellascanbeexpected。\'
Withthesecourteouswords，Mr。Tootssatdownblushingandchuckling。
TheoldInstrument-maker，seatedinacornerbetweenWalterandFlorence，andnoddingatPolly，whowaslookingon，allsmilesanddelight，answeredtheCaptainthus：
`NedCuttle，mydearboy，althoughIhaveheardsomethingofthechangesofeventshere，frommypleasantfriendthere——whatapleasantfaceshehastobesure，towelcomeawandererhome！\'saidtheoldman，breakingoff，andrubbinghishandsinhisolddreamyway。
`Hearhim！\'criedtheCaptaingravely。`\'Tiswomanasseducesallmankind。Forwhich，\'asidetoMr。Toots，`you\'lloverhaulyourAdamandEve，brother。\'
`Ishallmakeapointofdoingso，CaptainGills，\'saidMr。Toots。
`AlthoughIhaveheardsomethingofthechangesofevents，fromher，\'resumedtheInstrument-maker，takinghisoldspectaclesfromhispocket，andputtingthemonhisforeheadinhisoldmanner，`theyaresogreatandunexpected，andIamsooverpoweredbythesightofmydearboy，andbythe，\'——glancingatthedowncasteyesofFlorence，andnotattemptingtofinishthesentence——`thatI——Ican\'tsaymuchto-night。ButmydearNedCuttle，whydidn\'tyouwrite？\'
TheastonishmentdepictedintheCaptain\'sfeaturespositivelyfrightenedMr。Toots，whoseeyeswerequitefixedbyit，sothathecouldnotwithdrawthemfromhisface。
`Write！\'echoedtheCaptain。`Write，SolGills？\'
`Aye，\'saidtheoldman，`eithertoBarbados，orJamaica，orDemerara。
ThatwaswhatIasked。\'
`Whatyouasked，SolGills？\'repeatedtheCaptain。
`Aye，\'saidtheoldman。`Don\'tyouknow，Ned？Sureyouhavenotforgotten？EverytimeIwrotetoyou。\'
TheCaptaintookoffhisglazedhat，hungitonhishook，andsmoothinghishairfrombehindwithhishand，satgazingatthegrouparoundhim：aperfectimageofwonderingresignation。
`Youdon\'tappeartounderstandme，Ned！\'observedoldSol。
`SolGills，\'returnedtheCaptain，afterstaringathimandtherestforalongtime，withoutspeaking，`I\'mgoneaboutandadrift。Payoutawordortworespectingthemadwenturs，willyou！Can\'tIbringup，nohows？Nohows？\'saidtheCaptain，ruminating，andstaringallround。
`Youknow，Ned，\'saidSolGills，`whyIlefthere。Didyouopenmypacket，Ned？\'
`Why，aye，aye，\'saidtheCaptain。`Tobesure，Iopenedthepacket。\'
`Andreadit？\'saidtheoldman。
`Andreadit，\'answeredtheCaptain，eyeinghimattentively，andproceedingtoquoteitfrommemory。`“MydearNedCuttle，whenIlefthomefortheWestIndiesinforlornsearchofintelligenceofmydear——“Therehesits！There\'sWal\'r！\'saidtheCaptain，asifhewererelievedbygettingholdofanythingthatwasrealandindisputable。
`Well，Ned。Nowattendamoment！\'saidtheoldman。`WhenIwrotefirst——thatwasfromBarbados——Isaidthatthoughyouwouldreceivethatletterlongbeforetheyearwasout，Ishouldbegladifyouwouldopenthepacket，asitexplainedthereasonofmygoingaway。Verygood，Ned。
WhenIwrotethesecond，third，andperhapsthefourthtimes——thatwasfromJamaica——IsaidIwasinjustthesamestate，couldn\'trest，andcouldn\'tcomeawayfromthatpartoftheworld，withoutknowingthatmyboywaslostorsaved。WhenIwrotenext——that，Ithink，wasfromDemerara，wasn\'tit？\'
`ThathethinkswasfromDemerara，warn\'tit！\'saidtheCaptain，lookinghopelesslyround。
`——Isaid，\'proceededoldSol，`thatstilltherewasnocertaininformationgotyet。ThatIfoundmanycaptainsandothers，inthatpartoftheworld，whohadknownmeforyears，andwhoassistedmewithapassagehereandthere，andforwhomIwasable，nowandthen，todoalittleinreturn，inmyowncraft。Thateveryonewassorryforme，andseemedtotakeasortofinterestinmywanderings；andthatIbegantothinkitwouldbemyfatetocruiseaboutinsearchoftidingsofmyboyuntilI
died。\'
`BegantothinkashowhewasascientificflyingDutchman！\'saidtheCaptain，asbefore，andwithgreatseriousness。
`Butwhenthenewscomeoneday，Ned，——thatwastoBarbados，afterIgotbackthere，——thataChinatraderhome\'ardboundhadbeenspoke，thathadmyboyaboard，then，Ned，Itookpassageinthenextshipandcamehome；arrivedathometo-nighttofindittrue，thankGod！\'saidtheoldman，devoutly。
TheCaptain，afterbowinghisheadwithgreatreverence，staredallroundthecircle，beginningwithMr。Toots，andendingwiththeInstrument-maker；
thengravelysaid：
`SolGills！TheobservationasI\'ma-goingtomakeiscalc\'latedtobloweverystitchofsailasyoucancarry，cleanoutofthebolt-ropes，andbringyouonyourbeamendswithalurch。NotoneofthemletterswaseverdeliveredtoEd\'ardCuttle。Notoneo\'themletters，\'repeatedtheCaptain，tomakehisdeclarationthemoresolemnandimpressive，`waseverdelivereduntoEd\'ardCuttle，Mariner，ofEngland，aslivesathomeatease，anddothimproveeachshininghour！\'
`Andpostedbymyownhand！Anddirectedbymyownhand，NumbernineBrigPlace！\'exclaimedoldSol。
ThecolourallwentoutoftheCaptain\'sface，andallcamebackagaininaglow。
`Whatdoyoumean，SolGills，myfriend，byNumbernineBrigPlace？\'
inquiredtheCaptain。
`Mean？Yourlodgings，Ned，\'returnedtheoldman。`Mrs。What\'s-her-name！
Ishallforgetmyownnamenext，butIambehindthepresenttime——Ialwayswas，yourecollect——andverymuchconfused。Mrs。\'
`SolGills！\'saidtheCaptain，asifhewereputtingthemostimprobablecaseintheworld，`itain\'tthenameofMacStingerasyou\'reatryingtoremember？\'
`Ofcourseitis！\'exclaimedtheInstrument-maker。`TobesureNed。Mrs。MacStinger！\'
CaptainCuttle，whoseeyeswerenowaswideopenastheycouldbe，andtheknobsuponwhosefacewereperfectlyluminous，gavealongshrillwhistleofamostmelancholysound，andstoodgazingateverybodyinastateofspeechlessness。
`Overhaulthatthereagain，SolGills，willyoubesokind？\'hesaidatlast。
`Alltheseletters，\'returnedUncleSol，beatingtimewiththeforefingerofhisrighthanduponthepalmofhisleft，withasteadinessanddistinctnessthatmighthavedonehonour，eventotheinfalliblechronometerinhispocket，`Ipostedwithmyownhand，anddirectedwithmyownhand，toCaptainCuttle，atMrs。MacStinger\'s，NumbernineBrigPlace。\'
TheCaptaintookhisglazedhatoffhishook，lookedintoit，putiton，andsatdown。
`Why，friendsall，\'saidtheCaptain，staringroundinthelaststateofdiscomfiture，`Icutandrunfromthere！\'
`Andnooneknewwhereyouweregone，CaptainCuttle？\'criedWalterhastily。
`Blessyourheart，Wal\'r，\'saidtheCaptain，shakinghishead，`she\'dneverhaveallowedo\'mycomingtotakechargeo\'thishereproperty。
Nothingcouldbedonebutcutandrun。Lordloveyou，Wal\'r！\'saidtheCaptain，`you\'veonlyseenherinacalm！Butseeherwhenherangrypassionsrise——andmakeanoteon！\'
`I\'dgiveither！\'remarkedtheNipper，softly。
`Wouldyou，doyouthink，mydear？\'returnedtheCaptainwithfeebleadmiration。`Well，mydear，itdoesyoucredit。Butthereain\'tnowildanimalIwouldsoonerfacemyself。Ionlygotmychestawaybymeansofafriendasnobody\'samatchfor。Itwasnogoodsendinganyletterthere。Shewouldn\'ttakeinanyletter，blessyou，\'saidtheCaptain，`underthemcircumstances！Why，youcouldhardlymakeitworthaman\'swhiletobethepostman！\'
`Thenit\'sprettyclear，CaptainCuttle，thatallofus，andyouandUncleSolespecially，\'saidWalter，`maythankMrs。MacStingerfornosmallanxiety。\'
ThegeneralobligationinthiswisetothedeterminedrelictofthelateMr。MacStinger，wassoapparent，thattheCaptaindidnotcontestthepoint；butbeinginsomemeasureashamedofhisposition，thoughnobodydweltuponthesubject，andWalterespeciallyavoidedit，rememberingthelastconversationheandtheCaptainhadheldtogetherrespectingit，heremainedunderacloudfornearlyfiveminutes——anextra-ordinaryperiodforhim——whenthatsun，hisface，brokeoutoncemore，shiningonallbeholderswithextraordinarybrilliancy；andhefellintoafitofshakinghandswitheverybodyoverandoveragain。
Atanearlyhour，butnotbeforeUncleSolandWalterhadquestionedeachotheratsomelengthabouttheirvoyagesanddangers，theyall，exceptWalter，vacatedFlorence\'sroom，andwentdowntotheparlour。HeretheyweresoonafterwardsjoinedbyWalter，whotoldthemFlorencewasalittlesorrowfulandheavy-hearted，andhadgonetobed。Thoughtheycouldnothavedisturbedherwiththeirvoicesdownthere，theyallspokeinawhisperafterthis：andeach，inhisdifferentway，feltverylovinglyandgentlytowardsWalter\'sfairyoungbride：andalongexplanationtherewasofeverythingrelatingtoher，forthesatisfactionofUncleSol；andverysensibleMr。TootswasofthedelicacywithwhichWaltermadehisnameandservicesimportant，andhispresencenecessarytotheirlittlecouncil。
`Mr。Toots，\'saidWalter，onpartingwithhimatthehousedoor，`weshallseeeachotherto-morrowmorning？\'
`LieutenantWalters，\'returnedMr。Toots，graspinghishandfervently，`Ishallcertainlybepresent。\'
`Thisisthelastnightweshallmeetforalongtime——thelastnightwemayevermeet，\'saidWalter。`Suchanobleheartasyours，mustfeel，Ithink，whenanotherheartisboundtoit。IhopeyouknowthatIamverygratefultoyou？\'
`Walters，\'repliedMr。Toots，quitetouched，`Ishouldbegladtofeelthatyouhadreasontobeso。\'\'
`Florence，\'saidWalter，`onthislastnightofherbearingherownname，hasmademepromise——itwasonlyjustnow，whenyouleftustogether——thatIwouldtellyou——withherdearlove——\'
Mr。Tootslaidhishanduponthedoorpost，andhiseyesuponhishand。
`——withherdearlove，\'saidWalter，`thatshecanneverhaveafriendwhomshewillvalueaboveyou。Thattherecollectionofyourtrueconsiderationforheralways，canneverbeforgottenbyher。Thatsheremembersyouinherprayersto-night，andhopesthatyouwillthinkofherwhensheisfaraway。ShallIsayanythingforyou？\'
`Say，Walter，\'repliedMr。Tootsindistinctly，`thatIshallthinkofhereveryday，butneverwithoutfeelinghappytoknowthatsheismarriedtothemansheloves，andwholovesher。Say，ifyouplease，thatIamsureherhusbanddeservesher——evenher！——andthatIamgladofherchoice。\'
Mr。Tootsgotmoredistinctashecametotheselastwords，andraisinghiseyesfromthedoorpost，saidthemstoutly。HethenshookWalter\'shandagainwithafervourthatWalterwasnotslowtoreturn，andstartedhomeward。
Mr。TootswasaccompaniedbytheChicken，whomhehadoflatebroughtwithhimeveryevening，andleftintheshop，withanideathatunforeseencircumstancesmightarisefromwithout，inwhichtheprowessofthatdistinguishedcharacterwouldbeofservicetotheMidshipman。
TheChickendidnotappeartobeinaparticularlygoodhumouronthisoccasion。Eitherthegas-lampsweretreacherous，orhecockedhiseyeinahideousmanner，andlikewisedistortedhisnose，whenMr。Toots，crossingtheroad，lookedbackoverhisshoulderattheroomwhereFlorenceslept。
Ontheroadhome，hewasmoredemonstrativeofaggressiveintentionsagainsttheotherfoot-passengers，thancomportedwithaprofessorofthepeacefulartofself-defence。Arrivedathome，insteadofleavingMr。Tootsinhisapartmentswhenhehadescortedhimthither，heremainedbeforehimweighinghiswhitehatinbothhandsbythebrim，andtwitchinghisheadandnosebothofwhichhadbeenmanytimesbroken，andbutindifferentlyrepaired，withanairofdecideddisrespect。
Hispatronbeingmuchengagedwithhisownthoughts，didnotobservethisforsometime，norindeeduntiltheChicken，determinednottobeoverlooked，hadmadediversclickingsoundswithhistongueandteeth，toattractattention。
`Now，Master，\'saidtheChicken，doggedly，whenhe，atlength，caughtMr。Toot\'seye，`Iwanttoknowwhetherthisheregammonistofinishit，orwhetheryou\'reagoingintowin？\'
`Chicken，\'returnedMr。Toots，`explainyourself。\'
`Whythen，here\'sallaboutit，Master，\'saidtheChicken。`I
ain\'tacovetochuckawordaway。Here\'swotitis。Areanyon\'emtobedoubledup？\'
WhentheChickenputthisquestionhedroppedhishat，madeadodgeandafeintwithhislefthand，hitasupposedenemyaviolentblowwithhisright，shookhisheadsmartly，andrecoveredhimself。
`Come，Master，\'saidtheChicken。`Isittobegammonorpluck？
Which？\'
`Chicken，\'returnedMr。Toots，`yourexpressionsarecoarse，andyourmeaningisobscure。\'
`Why，then，Itellyouwhat，Master，\'saidtheChicken。`Thisiswhereitis。It\'smean。\'
`Whatismean，Chicken？\'askedMr。Toots。
`Itis，\'saidtheChicken，withafrightfulcorrugationofhisbrokennose。`There！Now，Master！Wot！Whenyoucouldgoandblowonthisherematchtothestiff\'un；\'bywhichdepreciatoryappellationithasbeensincesupposedthattheGameOneintendedtosignifyMr。Dombey；
`andwhenyoucouldknockthewinnerandallthekitof\'emdeadouto\'
windandtime，areyougoingtogivein？Togivein？\'saidtheChicken，withcontemptuousemphasis。`Wy，it\'smean！\'
`Chicken，\'saidMr。Toots，severely，`you\'reaperfectVulture！
Yoursentimentsareatrocious。\'
`MysentimentsisGameandFancy，Master，\'returnedtheChicken。
`That\'swotmysentimentsis。Ican\'tabearameanness。I\'maforethepublic，I\'mtobeheerdonatthebaroftheLittleHelephant，andnoGov\'nero\'
minemustn\'tgoanddowhat\'smean。Wy，it\'smean，\'saidtheChicken，withincreasedexpression。`That\'swhereitis。It\'smean。\'
`Chicken，\'saidMr。Toots，`Youdisgustme。\'
`Master，\'returnedtheChicken，puttingonhishat，`there\'sapaironus，then。Come！Here\'saoffer！You\'vespoketomemorethanonce\'tortwice\'taboutthepublicline。Nevermind！Givemeafi\'typunnoteto-morrow，andletmego。\'
`Chicken，\'returnedMr。Toots，`aftertheodioussentimentsyouhaveexpressed，Ishallbegladtopartonsuchterms。\'
`Donethen，\'saidtheChicken。`It\'sabargain。Thishereconductofyournwon\'tsuitmybook，Master。Wy，it\'smean，\'saidtheChicken；
whoseemedequallyunabletogetbeyondthatpoint，andtostopshortofit。`That\'swhereitis；it\'smean！\'
SoMr。TootsandtheChickenagreedtopartonthisincompatibilityofmoralperception；andMr。Tootslyingdowntosleep，dreamedhappilyofFlorence，whohadthoughtofhimasherfrienduponthelastnightofhermaidenlife，andwhohadsenthimherdearlove。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter57[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIIAnotherWeddingMR。SOWNDSthebeadle，andMrs。Miffthepew-opener，areearlyattheirpostsinthefinechurchwhereMr。Dombeywasmarried。Ayellow-facedoldgentlemanfromIndia，isgoingtotakeuntohimselfayoungwifethismorning，andsixcarriagesfullofcompanyareexpected，andMrs。Miffhasbeeninformedthattheyellow-facedoldgentlemancouldpavetheroadtochurchwithdiamondsandhardlymissthem。Thenuptialbenedictionistobeasuperiorone，proceedingfromaveryreverend，adean，andtheladyistobegivenaway，asanextraordinarypresent，bysomebodywhocomesexpressfromtheHorseGuards。
Mrs。Miffismoreintolerantofcommonpeoplethismorning，thanshegenerallyis；andshehasalwaysstrongopinionsonthatsubject，foritisassociatedwithfreesittings。Mrs。Miffisnotastudentofpoliticaleconomyshethinksthescienceisconnectedwithdissenters；`BaptistsorWesleyans，orsomeo\'them，\'shesays，butshecanneverunderstandwhatbusinessyourcommonfolkshavetobemarried。`Drat\'em，\'saysMrs。
Miff，`youreadthesamethingsover\'em，andinsteadofsovereignsgetsixpences！\'
Mr。SowndsthebeadleismoreliberalthanMrs。Miff——butthenheisnorapew-opener。`Itmustbedone，ma\'am，\'hesays。`Wemustmarry\'em。Wemusthaveournationalschoolstowalkattheheadof，andwemusthaveourstandingarmies。Wemustmarry\'em，ma\'am，\'saysMr。Sownds，`andkeepthecountrygoing。\'
Mr。SowndsissittingonthestepsandMrs。Miffisdustinginthechurch，whenayoungcouple，plainlydressed，comein。ThemortifiedbonnetofMrs。Miffissharplyturnedtowardsthem，forsheespiesinthisearlyvisitindicationsofarunawaymatch。Buttheydon\'twanttobemarried——`Only，\'
saysthegentleman，`towalkroundthechurch。\'AndasheslipsagenteelcomplimentintothepalmofMrs。Miff，hervinegaryfacerelaxes，andhermortifiedbonnetandhersparedryfiguredipandcrackle。
Mrs。Miffresumesherdustingandplumpsuphercushions——fortheyellow-facedoldgentlemanisreportedtohavetenderknees——butkeepsherglazed，pew-openingeyeontheyoungcouplewhoarewalkingroundthechurch。`Ahem，\'coughsMrs。Miff，whosecoughisdrierthanthehayinanyhassockinhercharge，`you\'llcometousoneofthesemornings，mydears，unlessI\'mmuchmistaken！\'
Theyarelookingatatabletonthewall，erectedtothememoryofsomeonedead。TheyarealongwayofffromMrs。Miff，butMrs。Miffcanseewithhalfaneyehowsheisleaningonhisarm，andhowhisheadisbentdownoverher。`Well，well，\'saysMrs。Miff，`youmightdoworse。
Foryou\'reatidypair！\'
ThereisnothingpersonalinMrs。Miff\'sremark。Shemerelyspeaksofstock-in-trade。Sheishardlymorecuriousincouplesthanincoffins。
Sheissuchaspare，straight，dryoldlady——suchapewofawoman——thatyoushouldfindasmanyindividualsympathiesinaship。Mr。Sownds，now，whoisfleshy，andhasscarletinhiscoat，isofadifferenttemperament。
Hesays，astheystanduponthestepswatchingtheyoungcoupleaway，thatshehasaprettyfigure，hasn\'tshe，andaswellashecouldseforsheheldherheaddowncomingout，anuncommonprettyface。`Altogether，Mrs。
Miff，\'saysMr。Sowndswitharelish，`sheiswhatyoumaycallarose-bud。\'
Mrs。Miffassentswithasparenodofhermortifiedbonnet；butapprovesofthissolittle，thatsheinwardlyresolvesshewouldn\'tbethewifeofMr。Sowndsforanymoneyhecouldgiveher，Beadleasheis。
Andwhataretheyoungcouplesayingastheyleavethechurch，andgooutatthegate？
`DearWalter，thankyou！Icangoaway，now，happy。\'
`Andwhenwecomeback，Florence，wewillcomeandseehisgraveagain。\'
Florenceliftshereyes，sobrightwithtears，tohiskindface；
andclaspsherdisengagedhandonthatothermodestlittlehandwhichclaspshisarm。
`Itisveryearly，Walter，andthestreetsarealmostemptyyet。
Letuswalk。\'
`Butyouwillbesotired，mylove。\'
`Ohno！Iwasverytiredthefirsttimethatweeverwalkedtogether，butIshallnotbesoto-day。\'
Andthus——notmuchchanged——she，asinnocentandearnest-hearted——he，asfrank，ashopeful，andmoreproudofher——FlorenceandWalter，ontheirbridalmorning，walkthroughthestreetstogether。
Noteveninthatchildishwalkoflongago，weretheysofarremovedfromalltheworldaboutthemasto-day。Thechildishfeetoflongago，didnottreadsuchenchantedgroundastheirsdonow。Theconfidenceandloveofchildrenmaybegivenmanytimes，andwillspringupinmanyplaces；
butthewoman\'sheartofFlorence，withitsundividedtreasure，canbeyieldedonlyonce，andunderslightorchange，canonlydroopanddie。
Theytakethestreetsthatarethequietest，anddonotgonearthatinwhichheroldhomestands。Itisafair，warmsummermorning，andthesunshinesonthem，astheywalktowardsthedarkeningmistthatoverspreadstheCity。Richesareuncoveringinshops；jewels，gold，andsilverflashinthegoldsmith\'ssunnywindows；andgreathousescastastatelyshadeuponthemastheypass。Butthroughthelight，andthroughtheshade，theygoonlovinglytogether，losttoeverythingaround；thinkingofnootherriches，andnoprouderhome，thantheyhavenowinoneanother。
Graduallytheycomeintothedarker，narrowerstreets，wherethesun，nowyellow，andnowred，isseenthroughthemist，onlyatstreetcorners，andinsmallopenspaceswherethereisatree，oroneoftheinnumerablechurches，orapavedwayandaflightofsteps，oracuriouslittlepatchofgarden，oraburying-ground，wherethefewtombsandtombstonesarealmostblack。Lovinglyandtrustfully，throughallthenarrowyardsandalleysandtheshadystreets，Florencegoes，clingingtohisarm，tobehiswife。
Herheartbeatsquickernow，forWaltertellsherthattheirchurchisverynear。Theypassafewgreatstacksofware-houses，withwaggonsatthedoors，andbusycarmenstoppinguptheway——butFlorencedoesnotseeorhearthem——andthentheairisquiet，andthedayisdarkened，andsheistremblinginachurchwhichhasastrangesmelllikeacellar。
TheShabbylittleoldman，ringerofthedisappointedbell，isstandingintheporch，andhasputhishatinthefont——forheisquiteathomethere，beingsexton。Heushersthemintoanoldbrown，panelled，dustyvestry，likeacorner-cupboardwiththeshelvestakenout；wherethewormyregistersdiffuseasmelllikefadedsnuff，whichhassetthetearfulNippersneezing。
Youthful，andhowbeautiful，theyoungbridelooks，inthisolddustyplace，withnokindredobjectnearherbutherhusband。Thereisadustyoldclerk，whokeepsasortofevaporatednewsshopunderneathanarchwayopposite，behindaperfectfortificationofposts。Thereisadustyoldpew-openerwhoonlykeepsherself，andfindsthatquiteenoughtodo。ThereisadustyoldbeadletheseareMr。Toots\'sbeadleandpew-openeroflastSunday，whohassomethingtodowithaWorshipfulCompanywhohavegotaHallintheNextyard，withastained-glasswindowinitthatnomortaleversaw。Therearedustywoodenledgesandcornicespokedinandoutoverthealtar，andoverthescreenandroundthegallery，andovertheinscriptionaboutwhattheMasterandWardensoftheWorshipfulCompanydidinonethousandsixhundredandninety-four。Therearedustyoldsounding-boardsoverthepulpitandreading-desk，lookinglikelidstobeletdownontheofficiatingministers，incaseoftheirgivingoffence。
Thereiseverypossibleprovisionfortheaccommodationofdust，exceptinthechurchyard，wherethefacilitiesinthatrespectareverylimited。
TheCaptain，UncleSol，andMr。Tootsarecome；theclergymanisputtingonhissurpliceinthevestry，whiletheclerkwalksroundhim，blowingthedustoffit；andthebrideandbridegroomstandbeforethealtar。Thereisnobrides-maid，unlessSusanNipperisone；andnobetterfatherthanCaptainCuttle。Amanwithawoodenleg，chewingafaintappleandcarryingabluebaginhishand，looksintoseewhatisgoingon；
butfindingitnothingentertaining，stumpsoffagain，andpegshiswayamongtheechoesoutofdoors。
NograciousrayoflightisseentofallonFlorence，kneelingatthealtarwithhertimidheadboweddown。TheMorningluminaryisbuiltout，anddon\'tshinethere。Thereisameagretreeoutside，wherethesparrowsarechirpingalittle；andthereisablackbirdinaneyelet-holeofsuninadyer\'sgarret，overagainstthewindow，whowhistlesloudlywhilsttheserviceisperforming；andthereisthemanwiththewoodenlegstumpingaway。Theamensofthedustyclerkappear，likeMacBeth\'s，tostickinhisthroatalittle；butCaptainCuttlehelpshimout，anddoesitwithsomuchgoodwillthatheinterpolatesthreeentirelynewresponsesofthatword，neverintroducedintotheservicebefore。
Theyaremarried，andhavesignedtheirnamesinoneoftheoldsneezyregisters，andtheclergyman\'ssurpliceisrestoredtothedust，andtheclergymanisgonehome。Inadarkcornerofthedarkchurch，FlorencehasturnedtoSusanNipper，andisweepinginherarms。Mr。Toots\'seyesarered。TheCaptainlubricateshisnose。UncleSolhaspulleddownhisspectaclesfromhisforehead，andwalkedouttothedoor。
`Godblessyou，Susan；dearestSusan！IfyouevercanbearwitnesstotheloveIhaveforWalter，andthereasonthatIhavetolovehim，doitforhissake。Good-bye！Good-bye！\'
TheyhavethoughtitbetternottogobacktotheMidshipman，buttopartso；acoachiswaitingforthem，nearathand。
MissNippercannotspeak；sheonlysobsandchokes，andhugshermistress。Mr。Tootsadvances，urgeshertocheerup，andtakeschargeofher。Florencegiveshimherhand——giveshim，inthefulnessofherheart，herlips——kissesUncleSol，andCaptainCuttle，andisborneawaybyheryounghusband。
ButSusancannotbearthatFlorenceshouldgoawaywithamournfulrecollectionofher。Shehadmeanttobesodifferent，thatshereproachesherselfbitterly。Intentonmakingonelastefforttoredeemhercharacter，shebreaksfromMr。Tootsandrunsawaytofindthecoach，andshowapartingsmile。TheCaptain，diviningherobject，setsoffafterher；forhefeelsithisdutyalsotodismissthemwithacheer，ifpossible。UncleSolandMr。Tootsareleftbehindtogether，outsidethechurch，towaitforthem。
Thecoachisgone，butthestreetissteep，andnarrow，andblockedup，andSusancanseeitatastand-stillinthedistance，sheissure。
CaptainCuttlefollowsherasshefliesdownthehill，andwaveshisglazedhatasageneralsignal，whichmayattracttherightcoachandwhichmaynot。
SusanoutstripstheCaptain，andcomesupwithit。Shelooksinatthewindow，seesWalter，withthegentlefacebesidehim，andclapsherhandsandscreams：
`MissFloy，mydarling！lookatme！Weareallsohappynow，dear！
Onemoregood-bye，myprecious，onemore！\'
HowSusandoesit，shedon\'tknow，butshereachestothewindow，kissesher，andhasherarmsaboutherneck，inamoment。
`Weareallso——sohappynow，mydearMissFloy！\'saysSusan，withasuspiciouscatchinginherbreath。`You，youwon\'tbeangrywithmenow。Nowwillyou？\'`Angry，Susan！\'
`No，no；Iamsureyouwon\'t。Isayyouwon\'t，mypet，mydearest！\'
exclaimsSusan；`andhere\'stheCaptaintoo——yourfriendtheCaptain，youknow——tosaygood-byeoncemore！\'
`Hooroar，myHeart\'sDelight！\'vociferatestheCaptain，withacountenanceofstrongemotion。`Hooroar，Wal\'rmylad。Hooroar！Hooroar！\'
Whatwiththeyounghusbandatonewindow，andtheyoungwifeattheother；theCaptainhangingonatthisdoor，andSusanNipperholdingfastbythat；thecoachobligedtogoonwhetheritwillorno，andalltheothercartsandcoachesturbulentbecauseithesitates；thereneverwassomuchconfusiononfourwheels。ButSusanNippergallantlymaintainsherpoint。Shekeepsasmilingfaceuponhermistress，smilingthroughhertears，untilthelast。Evenwhensheisleftbehind，theCaptaincontinuestoappearanddisappearatthedoor，crying`Hooroar，mylad！Hooroar，myHeart\'sDelight！\'withhisshirt-collarinaviolentstateofagitation，untilitishopelesstoattempttokeepupwiththecoachanylonger。Finally，whenthecoachisgone，SusanNipper，beingrejoinedbytheCaptain，fallsintoastateofinsensibility，andistakenintoabaker\'sshoptorecover。
UncleSolandMr。Tootswaitpatientlyinthechurchyard，sittingonthecoping-stoneoftherailings，untilCaptainCuttleandSusancomeback。Neitherbeingatalldesiroustospeak，ortobespokento，theyareexcellentcompany，andquitesatisfied。WhentheyallarriveagainatthelittleMidshipman，andsitdowntobreakfast，nobodycantouchamorsel。CaptainCuttlemakesafeintofbeingvoraciousabouttoast，butgivesitupasaswindle。Mr。Tootssays，afterbreakfast，hewillcomebackintheevening；andgoeswanderingaboutthetownallday，withavaguesensationuponhimasifhehadn\'tbeentobedforafortnight。
Thereisastrangecharminthehouse，andintheroom，inwhichtheyhavebeenusedtobetogether，andoutofwhichsomuchisgone。Itaggravates，andyetitsoothes，thesorrowoftheseparation。Mr。TootstellsSusanNipperwhenhecomesatnight，thathehasn\'tbeensowretchedalldaylong，andyethelikesit。HeconfidesinSusanNipper，beingalonewithher，andtellsherwhathisfeelingswerewhenshegavehimthatcandidopinionastotheprobabilityofMissDombey\'severlovinghim。Intheveinofconfidenceengenderedbythesecommonrecollections，andtheirtears，Mr。Tootsproposesthattheyshallgoouttogether，andbuysomethingforsupper。MissNipperassenting，theybuyagoodmanylittlethings；
and，withtheaidofMrs。Richards，setthesupperoutquiteshowilybeforetheCaptainandoldSolcamehome。
TheCaptainandoldSolhavebeenonboardtheship，andhaveestablishedDithere，andhaveseenthechestsputaboard。TheyhavemuchtotellaboutthepopularityofWalter，andthecomfortshewillhaveabouthim，andthequietwayinwhichitseemshehasbeenworkingearlyandlate，tomakehiscabinwhattheCaptaincalls`apicter，\'tosurprisehislittlewife。`Aadmiral\'scabin，mindyou，\'saystheCaptain，`ain\'tmoretrim。\'
ButoneoftheCaptain\'schiefdelightsis，thatheknowsthebigwatch，andthesugar-tongs，andtea-spoons，areonboard：andagainandagainhemurmurstohimself，`Ed\'ardCuttle，mylad，younevershapedabettercourseinyourlifethanwhenyoumadethattherelittlepropertyoverjintly。Youseehowthelandbore，Ed\'ard，\'saystheCaptain，`anditdoesyoucredit，mylad。\'
TheoldInstrument-makerismoredistraughtandmistythanheusedtobe，andtakesthemarriageandthepartingverymuchtoheart。
Butheisgreatlycomfortedbyhavinghisoldally，NedCuttle，athisside；andhesitsdowntosupperwithagratefulandcontentedface。
`Myboyhasbeenpreservedandthrives，\'saysoldSolGills，rubbinghishands。`WhatrighthaveItobeotherwisethanthankfulandhappy！\'
TheCaptain，whohasnotyettakenhisseatatthetable，butwhohasbeenfidgetingaboutforsometime，andnowstandshesitatinginhisplace，looksdoubtfullyatMr。Gills，andsays：
`Sol！There\'sthelastbottleoftheoldMadeiradownbelow。Wouldyouwishtohaveitupto-night，myboy，anddrinktoWal\'randhiswife？\'
TheInstrument-maker，lookingwistfullyattheCaptain，putshishandintothebreast-pocketofhiscoffee-colouredcoat，bringsforthhispocket-book，andtakesaletterout。
`ToMr。Dombey，\'saystheoldman。`FromWalter。Tobesentinthreeweeks\'time。I\'llreadit。\'
`“Sir。Iammarriedtoyourdaughter。Sheisgonewithmeuponadistantvoyage。Tobedevotedtoheristohavenoclaimonheroryou，butGodknowsthatIam。
`“Why，lovingherbeyondallearthlythings，Ihaveyet，withoutremorse，unitedhertotheuncertaintiesanddangersofmylife，Iwillnotsaytoyou。Youknowwhy，andyouareherfather。
`“Donotreproachher。Shehasneverreproachedyou。
`“Idonotthinkorhopethatyouwilleverforgiveme。ThereisnothingIexpectless。ButifanhourshouldcomewhenitwillcomfortyoutobelievethatFlorencehassomeoneevernearher，thegreatchargeofwhoselifeistocancelherremembranceofpastsorrow，Isolemnlyassureyou，youmay，inthathour，restinthatbelief。“\'
Solomonputsbackthelettercarefullyinhispocket-book，andputsbackhispocket-bookinhiscoat。
`Wewon\'tdrinkthelastbottleoftheoldMadeirayet，Ned，\'
saystheoldmanthoughtfully。`Notyet。\'
`Notyet，\'assentstheCaptain。`No。Notyet。\'
SusanandMr。Tootsareofthesameopinion。Afterasilencetheyallsitdowntosupper，anddrinktotheyounghusbandandwifeinsomethingelse；andthelastbottleoftheoldMadeirastillremainsamongitsdustandcobwebs，undisturbed。
Afewdayshaveelapsed，andastatelyshipisoutatsea，spreadingitswhitewingstothefavouringwind。
Uponthedeck，imagetotheroughestmanonboardofsomethingthatisgraceful，beautiful，andharmless——somethingthatitisgoodandpleasanttohavethere，andthatshouldmakethevoyageprosperous——isFlorence。Itisnight，andsheandWaltersitalone，watchingthesolemnpathoflightupontheseabetweenthemandthemoon。
Atlengthshecannotseeitplainly，forthetearsthatfillhereyes；andthenshelaysherheaddownonhisbreast，andputsherarmsaroundhisneck，saying，`OhWalter，dearestlove，Iamsohappy！\'
Herhusbandholdshertohisheart，andtheyareveryquiet，andthestatelyshipgoesonserenely。
`AsIhearthesea，\'saysFlorence，`andsitwatchingit，itbringssomanydaysintomymind。Itmakesmethinksomuch\'
`OfPaul，mylove。Iknowitdoes。\'
OfPaulandWalter。AndthevoicesinthewavesarealwayswhisperingtoFlorence，intheirceaselessmurmuring，oflove——oflove，eternalandillimitable，notboundedbytheconfinesofthisworld，orbytheendoftime，butrangingstill，beyondthesea，beyondthesky，totheinvisiblecountryfaraway！
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter58[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLVIIIAfteraLapseTHEseahadebbedandflowed，throughawholeyear。Throughawholeyear，thewindsandcloudshadcomeandgone；theceaselessworkofTimehadbeenperformed，instormandsunshine。Throughawholeyear，thetidesofhumanchanceandchangehadsetintheirallottedcourses。Throughawholeyear，thefamousHouseofDombeyandSonhadfoughtafightforlife，againstcrossaccidents，doubtfulrumours，unsuccessfulventures，unpropitioustimes，andmostofall，againsttheinfatuationofitshead，whowouldnotcontractitsenterprisesbyahair\'sbreadth，andwouldnotlistentoawordofwarningthattheshiphestrainedsohardagainstthestorm，wasweak，andcouldnotbearit。
Theyearwasout，andthegreatHousewasdown。
Onesummerafternoon；ayear，wantingsomeodddays，afterthemarriageintheCitychurch；therewasabuzzandwhisperupon\'Changeofagreatfailure。Acertaincoldproudman，wellknownthere，wasnotthere，norwasherepresentedthere。NextdayitwasnoisedabroadthatDombeyandSonhadstopped，andnextnighttherewasaListofBankruptspublished，headedbythatname。
Theworldwasverybusynow，insooth，andhadadealtosay。
Itwasaninnocentlycredulousandamuchill-usedworld。Itwasaworldinwhichtherewasnoothersortofbankruptcywhatever。Therewerenoconspicuouspeopleinit，tradingfarandwideonrottenbanksofreligion，patriotism，virtue，honour。Therewasnoamountworthmentioningofmerepaperincirculation，onwhichanybodylivedprettyhandsomely，promisingtopaygreatsumsofgoodnesswithnoeffects。Therewasnoshortcomingsanywhere，inanythingbutmoney。Theworldwasveryangryindeed；andthepeopleespecially，who，inaworseworld，mighthavebeensupposedtobebankrupttradersthemselvesinshowsandpretences，wereobservedtobemightilyindignant。
Herewasanewinducementtodissipation，presentedtothatsportofcircumstances，Mr。PerchtheMessenger！ItwasapparentlythefateofMr。Perchtobealwayswakingup，andfindinghimselffamous。Hehadbutyesterday，asonemightsay，subsidedintoprivatelifefromthecelebrityoftheelopementandtheeventsthatfollowedit；andnowhewasmadeamoreimportantmanthanever，bythebankruptcy。Glidingfromhisbracketintheouterofficewherehenowsat，watchingthestrangefacesofaccountantsandothers，whoquicklysupersedednearlyalltheoldclerks，Mr。Perchhadbuttoshowhimselfinthecourtoutside，or，atfarthest，inthebaroftheKing\'sArms，tobeaskedamultitudeofquestions，almostcertaintoincludethatinterestingquestion，whatwouldhetaketodrink？ThenwouldMr。PerchdescantuponthehoursofacuteuneasinessheandMrs。
PerchhadsufferedoutatBallsPond，whentheyfirstsuspected`thingswasgoingwrong。\'ThenwouldMr。Perchrelatetogapinglisteners，inalowvoice，asifthecorpseofthedeceasedHousewerelyingunburiedinthenextroom，howMrs。PerchhadfirstcometosurmisethatthingswasgoingwrongbyhearinghimPerchmoaninginhissleep，`twelveandninepenceinthepound，twelveandninepenceinthepound！\'WhichactofsomnambulismhesupposedtohaveoriginatedintheimpressionmadeuponhimbythechangeinMr。Dombey\'sface。Thenwouldheinformthemhowhehadoncesaid，`MightImakesoboldasask，Sir，areyouunhappyinyourmind？\'andhowMr。
Dombeyhadreplied，`MyfaithfulPerch——butno，itcannotbe！\'andwiththathadstruckhishanduponhisforehead，andsaid，`Leaveme，Perch！\'
Then，inshort，wouldMr。Perch，avictimtohisposition，tellallmanneroflies；affectinghimselftotearsbythosethatwereofamovingnature，andreallybelievingthattheinventionsofyesterdayhad，onrepetition，asortoftruthaboutthemto-day。
Mr。Perchalwaysclosedtheseconferencesbymeeklyremarking，That，ofcourse，whateverhissuspicionsmighthavebeenasifhehadeverhadany！itwasn\'tforhimtobetrayhistrust，wasit？Whichsentimentthereneverbeinganycreditorspresentwasreceivedasdoingasdoinggreathonourtohisfeelings。Thus，hegenerallybroughtawayasoothedconscienceandleftanagreeableimpressionbehindhim，whenhereturnedtohisbracket：againtositwatchingthestrangefacesoftheaccountantsandothers，makingsofreewiththegreatmysteries，theBooks；ornowandthentogoontiptoeintoMr。Dombey\'semptyroom，andstirthefire；ortotakeanairingatthedoor，andhavealittlemoredolefulchatwithanystragglerwhomheknew；ortopropitiate，withvarioussmallattentions，theheadaccountant：fromwhomMr。PerchhadexpectationsofamessengershipinaFireOffice，whentheaffairsoftheHouseshouldbewoundup。
ToMajorBagstock，thebankruptcywasquiteacalamity。TheMajorwasnotasympatheticcharacter——hisattentionbeingwhollyconcentratedonJ。B——norwasheamansubjecttolivelyemotions，exceptinthephysicalregardsofgaspingandchoking。ButhehadsoparadedhisfriendDombeyattheclub；hadsoflourishedhimattheheadsofthemembersingeneral，andsoputthemdownbycontinualassertionofhisriches；thattheclub，beingbuthuman，wasdelightedtoretortupontheMajor，byaskinghim，withashowofgreatconcern，whetherthistremendoussmashhadbeenatallexpected，andhowhisfriendDombeyboreit。Tosuchquestions，theMajor，waxingverypurple，wouldreplythatitwasabadworld，Sir，altogether；
thatJoeyknewathingortwo，buthadbeendone，Sir，donelikeaninfant；
thatifyouhadforetoldthis，Sir，toJ。Bagstock，whenhewentabroadwithDombeyandwaschasingthatvagabondupanddownFrance，J。Bagstockwouldhavepooh-pooh\'dyou——wouldhavepooh-pooh\'dyou，Sir，bytheLord！
ThatJoehadbeendeceived，Sir，takenin，hoodwinked，blindfolded，butwasbroadawakeagainandstaring；insomuch，Sir，thatifJoe\'sfatherweretoriseupfromthegraveto-morrow，hewouldn\'ttrusttheoldbladewithapennypiece，butwouldtellhimthathissonJoshwastoooldasoldiertobedoneagain，Sir。Thathewasasuspicious，crabbed，cranky，used-up，J。B。infidel，Sir；andthatifitwereconsistentwiththedignityofaroughandtougholdMajor，oftheoldschool，whohadhadthehonourofbeingpersonallyknownto，andcommendedby，theirlateRoyalHighnessestheDukesofKentandYork，toretiretoatubandliveinit，byGad！
Sir，he\'dhaveatubinPallMallto-morrow，toshowhiscontemptformankind！
Ofallthis，andmanyvariationsofthesametune，theMajorwoulddeliverhimselfwithsomanyapoplecticsymptoms，suchrollingsofhishead，andsuchviolentgrowlsofillusageandresentment，thattheyoungermembersoftheclubsurmisedhehadinvestedmoneyinhisfriendDombey\'sHouse，andlostit；thoughtheoldersoldiersanddeeperdogs，whoknewJoebetter，wouldn\'thearofsuchathing。TheunfortunateNative，expressingnoopinion，suffereddreadfully；notmerelyinhismoralfeelings，whichwereregularlyfusilladedbytheMajoreverynourintheday，andriddledthroughandthrough，butinhissensitivenesstobodilyknocksandbumps，whichwaskeptcontinuallyonthestretch。Forsixentireweeksafterthebankruptcy，thismiserableforeignerlivedinarainyseasonofboot-jacksandbrushes。
Mrs。Chickhadthreeideasuponthesubjectoftheterriblereverse。
Thefirstwasthatshecouldnotunderstandit。Thesecond，thatherbrotherhadnotmadeaneffort。Thethird，thatifshehadbeeninvitedtodinneronthedayofthatfirstparty，itneverwouldhavehappened；andthatshehadsaidso，atthetime。
Nobody\'sopinionstayedthemisfortune，lightenedit，ormadeitheavier。ItwasunderstoodthattheaffairsoftheHouseweretobewoundupastheybestcouldbe；thatMr。Dombeyfreelyresignedeverythinghehad，andaskedfornofavourfromanyone。Thatanyresumptionofthebusinesswasoutofthequestion，ashewouldlistentonofriendlynegotiationhavingthatcompromiseinview；thathehadrelinquishedeverypostoftrustordistinctionhehadheld，asamanrespectedamongmerchants；thathewasdying，accordingtosome；thathewasgoingmelancholymad，accordingtoothers；thathewasabrokenman，accordingtoall。
Theclerksdispersedafterholdingalittledinnerofcondolenceamongthemselves，whichwasenlivenedbycomicsinging，andwentoffadmirably。
Sometookplacesabroad，andsomeengagedinotherHousesathome；somelookeduprelationsinthecountry，forwhomtheysuddenlyrememberedtheyhadaparticularaffection；andsomeadvertisedforemploymentinthenewspapers。
Mr。Perchaloneremainedofallthelateestablishment，sittingonhisbracketlookingattheaccountants，orstartingoffit，topropitiatetheheadaccountant，whowastogethimintotheFireOffice。TheCountingHousesoongottobedirtyandneglected。Theprincipalslipperanddogs\'
collarseller，atthecornerofthecourt，wouldhavedoubtedtheproprietyofthrowinguphisforefingertothebrimofhishat，anymore，ifMr。
Dombeyhadappearedtherenow；andtheticketporter，withhishandsunderhiswhiteapron，moralisedgoodsoundmoralityaboutambition，whichheobservedwasnot，inhisopinion，madetorhymetoperdition，fornothing。
Mr。Morfin，thehazel-eyedbachelor，withthehairandwhiskerssprinkledwithgrey，wasperhapstheonlypersonwithintheatmosphereoftheHouse——itshead，ofcourse，excepted——whowasheartilyanddeeplyaffectedbythedisasterthathadbefallenit。HehadtreatedMr。Dombeywithduerespectanddeferencethroughmanyyears，buthehadneverdisguisedhisnaturalcharacter，ormeanlytruckledtohim，orpamperedhismasterpassionfortheadvancementofhisownpurposes。Hehad，therefore，noself-disrespecttoavenge；nolong-tightenedspringstoreleasewithaquickrecoil。HeworkedearlyandlatetounravelwhateverwascomplicatedordifficultintherecordsofthetransactionsoftheHouse；wasalwaysinattendancetoexplainwhateverrequiredexplanation；satinhisoldroomsometimesverylateatnight，studyingpointsbyhismasteryofwhichhecouldspareMr。Dombeythepainofbeingpersonallyreferredto；andthenwouldgohometoIslington，andcalmhismindbyproducingthemostdismalandforlornsoundsoutofhisvioloncellobeforegoingtobed。
Hewassolacinghimselfwiththismelodiousgrumbleroneevening，and，havingbeenmuchdispiritedbytheproceedingsoftheday，wasscrapingconsolationoutofitsdeepestnotes，whenhislandladywhowasfortunatelydeaf，andhadnootherconsciousnessoftheseperformancesthanasensationofsomethingrumblinginherbonesannouncedalady。
`Inmourning，\'shesaid。
Thevioloncellostoppedimmediately；andtheperformer，layingitonthesofawithgreattendernessandcare，madeasignthattheladywastocomein。Hefolloweddirectly，andmetHarrietCarkeronthestair。
`Alone！\'hesaid，`andJohnherethismorning！Isthereanythingthematter，mydear？Butno，\'headded，`yourfacetellsquiteanotherstory。\'
`Iamafraiditisaselfishrevelationthatyouseethere，then，\'
sheanswered。
`Itisaverypleasantone，\'saidhe；`and，ifselfish，anoveltytoo，worthseeinginyou。ButIdon\'tbelievethat。\'
Hehadplacedachairforherbythistime，andsatdownopposite；
thevioloncellolyingsnuglyonthesofabetweenthem。
`Youwillnotbesurprisedatmycomingalone，oratJohn\'snothavingtoldyouIwascoming，\'saidHarriet；`andyouwillbelievethat，whenItellyouwhyIhavecome。MayIdosonow？\'
`Youcandonothingbetter。\'
`Youwerenotbusy？\'
Hepointedtothevioloncellolyingonthesofa，andsaid，`I
havebeen，allday。Here\'smywitness。Ihavebeenconfidingallmycarestoit。IwishIhadnonebutmyowntotell。\'
`IstheHouseatanend？\'saidHarriet，earnestly。
`Completelyatanend。\'
`Willitneverberesumed？\'
`Never。\'
Thebrightexpressionofherfacewasnotovershadowedasherlipssilentlyrepeatedtheword。Heseemedtoobservethiswithsomelittleinvoluntarysurprise：andsaidagain：
`Never。YourememberwhatItoldyou。Ithasbeen，allalong，impossibletoconvincehim；impossibletoreasonwithhim；sometimes，impossibleeventoapproachhim。Theworsthashappened；andtheHousehasfallen，nevertobuiltupanymore。\'
`AndMr。Dombey，ishepersonallyruined？\'
`Ruined。\'`Willhehavenoprivatefortuneleft？Nothing？\'
Acertaineagernessinhervoice，andsomethingthatwasalmostjoyfulinherlook，seemedtosurprisehimmoreandmore；todisappointhimtoo，andjardiscordantlyagainsthisownemotions。Hedrummedwiththefingersofonehandonthetable，lookingwistfullyather，andshakinghishead，said，afterapause：
`TheextentofMr。Dombey\'sresourcesisnotaccuratelywithinmyknowledge；butthoughtheyaredoubtlessverylarge，hisobligationsareenormous。Heisagentlemanofhighhonourandintegrity。Anymaninhispositioncould，andmanyamaninhispositionwould，havesavedhimself，bymakingtermswhichwouldhaveveryslighty，almostinsensibly，increasedthelossesofthosewhohadhaddealingswithhim，andlefthimaremnanttoliveupon。Butheisresolvedonpaymenttothelastfarthingofhismeans。Hisownwordsare，thattheywillclear，ornearlyclear，theHouse，andthatnoonecanlosemuch。Ah，MissHarriet，itwoulddousnoharmtorememberoftenerthanwedo，thatvicesaresometimesonlyvirtuescarriedtoexcess！Hisprideshowswellinthis。\'
Sheheardhimwithlittleornochangeinherexpression，andwithadividedattentionthatshowedhertobebusywithsomethinginherownmind。Whenhewassilent，sheaskedhimhurriedly：
`Haveyouseenhimlately？\'
`Nooneseeshim。Whenthiscrisisofhisaffairsrendersitnecessaryforhimtocomeoutofhishouse，hecomesoutfortheoccasion，andagaingoeshome，andshutshimselfup，andwillseenoone。Hehaswrittenmealetter，acknowledgingourpastconnexioninhighertermsthanitdeserved，andpartingfromme。Iamdelicateofobtrudingmyselfuponhimnow，neverhavinghadmuchintercoursewithhiminbettertimes；butIhavetriedtodoso。Ihavewritten，gonethere，entreated。Quiteinvain。\'
Hewatchedher，asinthehopethatshewouldtestifysomegreaterconcernthanshehadyetshown；andspokegravelyandfeelingly，asiftoimpressherthemore；buttherewasnochangeinher。
`Well，well，MissHarriet，\'hesaid，withadisappointedair，`thisisnottothepurpose。Youhavenotcomeheretohearthis。Someotherandpleasanterthemeisinyourmind。Letitbeinmine，too，andweshalltalkuponmoreequalterms。Come！\'
`No，itisthesametheme，\'returnedHarriet，withfrankandquicksurprise。`Isitnotlikelythatitshouldbe？IsitnotnaturalthatJohnandIshouldhavebeenthinkingandspeakingverymuchoflateofthesegreatchanges？Mr。Dombey，whomheservedsomanyyears——youknowuponwhatterms——reduced，asyoudescribe；andwequiterich！\'
Good，trueface，asthatfaceofherswas，andpleasantasithadbeentohim，Mr。Morfin，thehazel-eyedbachelor，sincethefirsttimehehadeverlookeduponit，itpleasedhimlessatthatmoment，lightedwitharayofexultation，thanithadeverpleasedhimbefore。
`Ineednotremindyou，\'saidHarriet，castingdownhereyesuponherblackdress，`throughwhatmeansourcircumstanceschanged。YouhavenotforgottenthatourbrotherJames，uponthatdreadfulday，leftnowill，norelationsbutourselves。\'
Thefacewaspleasantertohimnow，thoughitwaspaleandmelancholy，thanithadbeenamomentsince。Heseemedtobreathemorecheerily。
`Youknow，\'shesaid，`ourhistory，thehistoryofbothmybrothers，inconnexionwiththeunfortunate，unhappygentleman，ofwhomyouhavespokensotruly。Youknowhowfewourwantsare——John\'sandmine——andwhatlittleusewehaveformoney，afterthelifewehaveledtogetherforsomanyyears；andnowthatheisearninganincomethatisampleforus，throughyourkindness。YouarenotunpreparedtohearwhatfavourIhavecometoaskofyou？\'
`Ihardlyknow。Iwas，aminuteago。Now，Ithink，Iamnot。\'
`OfmydeadbrotherIsaynothing。Ifthedeadknowwhatwedo——butyouunderstandme。OfmylivingbrotherIcouldsaymuch：butwhatneedIsaymore，thanthatthisactofduty，inwhichIhavecometoaskyourindispensableassistance，ishisown，andthathecannotrestuntilitisperformed！\'
Sheraisedhereyesagain；andthelightofexultationinherfacebegintoappearbeautiful，intheobservanteyesthatwatchedher。
`Dearsir，\'shewentontosay，`Itmustbedoneveryquietlyandsecretly。Yourexperienceandknowledgewillpointoutawayofdoingit。Mr。Dombeymay，perhaps，beledtobelievethatitissomethingsaved，unexpectedly，fromthewreckofhisfortunes；orthatitisavoluntarytributetohishonourableanduprightcharacter，fromsomeofthosewithwhomhehashadgreatdealings；orthatitissomeoldlostdebtrepaid。
Theremustbemanywaysofdoingit。Iknowyouwillchoosethebest。ThefavourIhavecometoaskis，thatyouwilldoitforusinyourownkind，generous，consideratemanner。ThatyouwillneverspeakofittoJohn，whosechiefhappinessinthisactofrestitutionistodoitsecretly，unknown，andunapprovedof：thatonlyaverysmallpartoftheinheritancemaybereservedtous，untilMr。Dombeyshallhavepossessedtheinterestoftherestfortheremainderofhislife；thatyouwillkeepoursecret，faithfully——butthatIamsureyouwill；andthat，fromthistime，itmayseldombewhispered，evenbetweenyouandme，butmayliveinanythoughtsonlyasanewreasonforthankfulnesstoHeaven，andjoyandprideinmybrother。\'
SuchalookofexultationtheremaybeonAngels\'faces，whentheonerepentantsinnerentersHeaven，amongninety-ninejustmen。Itwasnotdimmedortarnishedbythejoyfultearsthatfilledhereyes，butwasthebrighterforthem。
`MydearHarriet，\'saidMr。Morfin，afterasilence，`Iwasnotpreparedforthis。DoIunderstandyouthatyouwishtomakeyourownpartintheinheritanceavailableforyourgoodpurpose，aswellasJohn\'s？\'
`Oh，yes，\'shereturned。`Whenwehavesharedeverythingtogetherforsolongatime，andhavehadnocare，hope，orpurposeapart，couldIbeartobeexcludedfrommyshareinthis？MayInoturgeaclaimtobemybrother\'spartnerandcompaniontothelast？\'
`HeavenforbidthatIshoulddisputeit！\'hereplied。
`Wemayrelyonyourfriendlyhelp？\'shesaid。`Iknewwemight！\'
`Ishouldbeaworsemanthan，——thanIhopeIam，orwouldwillinglybelievemyself，ifIcouldnotgiveyouthatassurancefrommyheartandsoul。Youmay，implicitly。Uponmyhonour，Iwillkeepyoursecret。AndifitshouldbefoundthatMr。DombeyissoreducedasIfearhewillbe，actingonadeterminationthatthereseemtobenomeansofinfluencing，Iwillassistyoutoaccomplishthedesign，onwhichyouandJohnarejointlyresolved。\'
Shegavehimherhand，andthankedhimwithacordial，happyface。
`Harriet，\'hesaid，detainingitinhis。`Tospeaktoyouoftheworthofanysacrificethatyoucanmakenow——aboveall，ofanysacrificeofmeremoney——wouldbeidleandpresumptuous。Toputbeforeyouanyappealtoreconsideryourpurposeortosetnarrowlimitstoit，wouldbe，Ifeel，notlessso。Ihavenorighttomarthegreatendofagreathistory，byanyobtrusionofmyownweakself。Ihaveeveryrighttobendmyheadbeforewhatyouconfidetome，satisfiedthatitcomesfromahigherandbettersourceofinspirationthanmypoorworldlyknowledge。Iwillsayonlythis：
Iamyourfaithfulsteward；andIwouldratherbeso，andyourchosenfriend，thanIwouldbeanybodyintheworld，exceptyourself。\'
Shethankedhimagain，cordially，andwishedhimgoodnight。
`Areyougoinghome？\'hesaid。`Letmegowithyou。\'
`Notto-night。Iamnotgoinghomenow；Ihaveavisittomakealone。Willyoucometo-morrow？\'
`Well，well，\'saidhe，`I\'llcometo-morrow。Inthemeantime，I\'llthinkofthis，andhowwecanbestproceed。Andperhapsyou\'llthinkofit，dearHarriet，and——and——thinkofmealittleinconnexionwithit。\'
Hehandedherdowntoacoachshehadinwaitingatthedoor；andifhislandladyhadnotbeendeaf，shewouldhaveheardhimmutteringashewentbackupstairs，whenthecoachhaddrivenoff，thatwewerecreaturesofhabit，anditwasasorrowfulhabittobeanoldbachelor。
Thevioloncellolyingonthesofabetweenthetwochairs，hetookitup，withoutputtingawaythevacantchair，andsatdroningonit，andslowlyshakinghisheadatthevacantchair，foralong，longtime。Theexpressionhecommunicatedtotheinstrumentatfirst，thoughmonstrouslypatheticandbland，wasnothingtotheexpressionhecommunicatedtothisownface，andbestowedupontheemptychair：whichwassosincere，thathewasobligedtohaverecoursetoCaptainCuttle\'sremedymorethanonce，andtorubhisfacewithhissleeve。Bydegrees，however，thevioloncello，inunisonwithhisownframeofmind，glidedmelodiouslyintotheHarmoniousBlacksmith，whichheplayedoverandoveragain，untilhisruddyandserenefacegleamedliketruemetalontheanvilofaveritableblacksmith。Infine，thevioloncelloandtheemptychairwerethecompanionsofhisbachelorhooduntilnearlymidnight；andwhenhetookhissupper，thevioloncellosetuponendinthesofacorner，bigwiththelatentharmonyofawholefoundryfullofharmoniousblacksmiths，seemedtoogletheemptychairoutofitscrookedeyes，withunutterableintelligence。
WhenHarrietleftthehouse，thedriverofherhiredcoach，takingacoursethatwasevidentlynonewonetohim，wentinandoutbybye-ways，throughthatpartofthesuburbs，untilhearrivedatsomeopenground，wheretherewereafewquietlittleoldhousesstandingamonggardens。
Atthegarden-gateofoneofthesehestopped，andHarrietalighted。
Hergentleringingatthebellwasrespondedtobyadolorous-lookingwoman，oflightcomplexion，withraisedeyebrows，andheaddroopingononeside，whocurtseyedatsightofher，andconductedheracrossthegardentothehouse。
`Howisyourpatient，nurse，to-night？\'saidHarriet。
`Inapoorway，Miss，Iamafraid。Ohhowshedoremindme，sometimes，ofmyuncle\'sBetseyJane！\'returnedthewomanofthelightcomplexion，inasortofdolefulrapture。
`Inwhatrespect？\'askedHarriet。
`Miss，inallrespects，\'repliedtheother，`exceptthatshe\'sgrownup，andBetseyJane，whenatdeath\'sdoor，wasbutachild。\'
`Butyouhavetoldmesherecovered，\'observedHarrietmildly；
`sothereisthemorereasonforhope，Mrs。Wickam。\'
`Ah，Miss，hopeisanexcellentthingforsuchashasthespiritstobearit！\'saidMrs。Wickam，shakingherhead。`Myownspiritsisnotequaltoit，butIdon\'toweitanygrudge。Ienvysthemthatissoblest！\'
`Youshouldtrytobemorecheerful，\'remarkedHarriet。
`Thankyou，Miss，I\'msure，\'saidMrs。Wickamgrimly。`IfIwassoinclined，thelonelinessofthissituation——you\'llexcusemyspeakingsofree——wouldputitoutofmypowerinfourandtwentyhours；butIan\'tatall。I\'drathernot。ThelittlespiritsthatIeverhad，IwasbereavedofatBrightonsomefewyearsago，andIthinkIfeelmyselfthebetterforit。\'
Intruth，thiswastheveryMrs。Wickamwhohadsuper-sededMrs。
RichardsasthenurseoflittlePaul，andwhoconsideredherselftohavegainedthelossinquestion，undertheroofoftheamiablePipchin。Theexcellentandthoughtfuloldsystem，hallowedbylongprescription，whichhasusuallypickedoutfromtherestofmankindthemostdrearyanduncomfortablepeoplethatcouldpossiblybelaidholdof，toactasinstructorsofyouth，finger-poststothevirtues，matrons，monitors，attendantsonsickbeds，andthelike，hadestablishedMrs。Wickaminverygoodbusinessasanurse，andhadledtoherseriousqualitiesbeingparticularlycommendedbyanadmiringandnumerousconnexion。
Mrs。Wickam，withhereyebrowselevated，andherheadononeside，lightedthewayupstairstoaclean，neatchamber，openingonanotherchamberdimlylighted，wheretherewasabed。Inthefirstroom，anoldwomansatmechanicallystaringoutattheopenwindow，onthedarkness。
Inthesecond，stretcheduponthebed，laytheshadowofafigurethathadspurnedthewindandrain，onewintrynight；hardlytoberecognisednow，butbythelongblackhairthatshowedsoveryblackagainstthecolourlessface，andallthewhitethingsaboutit。
Oh，thestrongeyes，andtheweakframe！TheeyesthatturnedsoeagerlyandbrightlytothedoorwhenHarrietcamein；thefeebleheadthatcouldnotraiseitself，andmovedsoslowlyrounduponitspillow！
`Alice！\'saidthevisitor\'smildvoice，`amIlateto-night？\'
`Youalwaysseemlate，butarealwaysearly。\'
Harriethadsatdownbythebedsidenow，andputherhanduponthethinhandlyingthere。
`Youarebetter？\'
Mrs。Wickam，standingatthefootofthebed，likeadisconsolatespectre，mostdecidedlyandforciblyshookherheadtonegativethisposition。
`Itmattersverylittle！\'saidAlice，withafaintsmile。`Betterorworseto-day，isbutaday\'sdifference——perhapsnotsomuch。\'
Mrs。Wickam，asaseriouscharacter，expressedherapprovalwithagroan；andhavingmadesomecolddabsatthebottomofthebedclothes，asfeelingforthepatient\'sfeetandexpectingtofindthemstony，wentclinkingamongthemedicinebottlesonthetable，aswhoshouldsay，`whilewearehere，letusrepeatthemixtureasbefore。\'
`No，\'saidAlice，whisperingtohervisitor，`evilcourses，andremorse，travel，want，andweather，stormwithin，andstormwithout，havewornmylifeaway。Itwillnotlastmuchlonger。\'