Shedrewthehandupasshespike，andlaidherfaceagainstit。
`Iliehere，sometimes，thinkingIshouldliketoliveuntilI
hadhadalittletimetoshowyouhowgratefulIcouldbe！Itisaweakness，andsoonpasses。Betterforyouasitis。Betterforme！\'
Howdifferentherholduponthehand，fromwhatithadbeenwhenshetookitbythefiresideonthebleakwinterevening！Scorn，rage，defiance，recklessness，lookhere！Thisistheend。
Mrs。Wickamhavingclinkedsufficientlyamongthebottles，nowproducedthemixture。Mrs。Wickamlookedhardatherpatientintheactofdrinking，screwedhermouthuptight，hereyebrowsalso，andshookherhead，expressingthattorturesshouldn\'tmakehersayitwasahopelesscase。Mrs。Wickamthensprinkledalittlecooling-stuffabouttheroom，withtheairofafemalegrave-digger，whowasstrewingashesonashes，dustondust——forshewasaseriouscharacter——andwithdrewtopartakeofcertainfuneralbakedmeatsdownstairs。
`Howlongisit，\'askedAlice，`SinceIwenttoyouandtoldyouwhatIhaddone，andwhenyouwereadviseditwastoolateforanyonetofollow？\'
`Itisayearandmore，\'saidHarriet。
`Ayearandmore，\'saidAlice，thoughtfullyintentuponherface。
`Monthsuponmonthssinceyoubroughtmehere！\'
Harrietanswered`Yes。\'
`Broughtmehere，byforceofgentlenessandkindness。Me！\'saidAlice，shrinkingwithherfacebehindthehand，`andmademehumanbywoman\'slooksandwords，andangel\'sdeeds！\'
Harrietbendingoverher，composedandsoothedher。Byandbye，Alicelyingasbefore，withthehandagainstherface，askedtohavehermothercalled。
Harrietcalledtohermorethanonce，buttheoldwomanwassoabsorbedlookingoutattheopenwindowonthedarkness，thatshedidnothear。ItwasnotuntilHarrietwenttoherandtouchedher，thatsheroseup，andcame。
`Mother，\'saidAlice，takingthehandagain，andfixingherlustrouseyeslovinglyuponhervisitor，whileshemerelyaddressedamotionofherfingertotheoldwoman，`tellherwhatyouknow。\'
`To-night，mydeary？\'
`Aye，mother，\'answeredAlice，faintlyandsolemnly，`to-night！\'
Theoldwoman，whosewitsappeareddisorderedbyalarm，remorse，orgrief，camecreepingalongthesideofthebed，oppositetothatonwhichHarrietsat；andkneelingdown，soastobringherwitheredfaceuponalevelwiththecoverlet，andstretchingoutherhand，soastotouchherdaughter\'sarm，began：
`Myhandsomegal——\'
Heaven，whatacrywasthat，withwhichshestoppedthere，gazingatthepoorformlyingonthebed！\'
`Changed，longago，mother！Withered，longago，\'saidAlice，withoutlookingather。`Don\'tgrieveforthatnow。\'
`——Mydaughter，\'falteredtheoldwoman，`mygalwho\'llsoongetbetter，andshame\'emallwithhergoodlooks。\'
AlicesmiledmournfullyatHarriet，andfondledherhandalittlecloser，butsaidnothing。
`Who\'llsoongetbetter，Isay，\'repeatedtheoldwoman，menacingthevacantairwithhershrivelledfist，`andwho\'llshame\'emallwithhergoodlooks——shewill。Isayshewill！sheshall！\'——asifshewereinpassionatecontentionwithsomeunseenopponentatthebedside，whocontradictedher——`mydaughterhasbeenturnedawayfrom，andcastout，butshecouldboastrelationshiptoproudfolkstoo，ifshechose。Ah！Toproudfolks！
There\'srelationshipwithoutyourclergyandyourweddingrings——theymaymakeit，buttheycan\'tbreakit——andmydaughter\'swellrelated。ShowmeMrs。Dombey，andI\'llshowyoumyAlice\'sfirstcousin。\'
Harrietglancedfromtheoldwomantothelustrouseyesintentuponherface，andderivedcorroborationfromthem。
`What！\'criedtheoldwoman，hernoddingheadbridlingwithaghastlyvanity。`ThoughIamoldanuglynow，——mucholderbylifeandhabitthanyearsthough，——Iwasonceasyoungasany。Ah！asprettytoo，asmany！
Iwasafreshcountrywenchinmytime，darling，\'stretchingoutherarmtoHarriet，acrossthebed，`andlookedit，too。Downinmycountry，Mrs。
Dombey\'sfatherandhisbrotherwerethegayestgentlemenandthebest-likedthatcameavisitingfromLondon——theyhavelongbeendead，though！Lord，Lord，thislongwhile！Thebrother，whowasmyAlly\'sfather，longestofthetwo。\'
Sheraisedherheadalittle，andpeeredatherdaughter\'sface；
asiffromtheremembranceofherownyouth，shehadflowntotheremembranceofherchild\'s。Then，suddenly，shelaidherfacedownonthebed，andshutherheadupinherhandsandarms。
`Theywereaslike，\'saidtheoldwoman，withoutlookingup，`asyoucouldseetwobrothers，sonearanage——therewasn\'tmuchmorethanayearbetweenthem，asIrecollect——andifyoucouldhaveseenmygal，asIhaveseenheronce，sidebysidewiththeother\'sdaughter，you\'dhaveseen，forallthedifferenceofdressandlife，thattheywerelikeeachother。Oh！isthelikenessgone，andisitmygal——onlymygal——that\'stochangeso！\'
`Weshallallchange，mother，inourturn，\'saidAlice。
`Turn！\'criedtheoldwoman，`butwhynothersassoonasmygal\'s！
Themothermusthavechanged——shelookedasoldasme，andfullaswrinkledthroughherpaint——butshewashandsome。WhathaveIdone，I，whathaveIdoneworsethanher，thatonlymygalistolietherefading！\'
Withanotherofthosewildcries，shewentrunningoutintotheroomfromwhichshehadcome；butimmediately，inheruncertainmood，returned，andcreepinguptoHarriet，said：
`That\'swhatAlicebademetellyou，deary。That\'sall。IfounditoutwhenIbegantoaskwhoshewas，andallabouther，awayinWarwickshirethere，onesummer-time。Suchrelationswasnogoodtome，then。Theywouldn\'thaveownedme，andhadnothingtogiveme。Ishouldhaveasked\'em，maybe，foralittlemoney，afterwards，ifithadn\'tbeenformyAlice；she\'da\'mosthavekilledme，ifIhad，Ithink。Shewasasproudast\'otherinherway，\'
saidtheoldwoman，touchingthefaceofherdaughterfearfully，andwithdrawingherhand，`forallshe\'ssoquietnow；butshe\'llshame\'emwithhergoodlooksyet。Ha，ha！she\'llshame\'em，willmyhandsomedaughter！\'
Herlaugh，assheretreated，wasworsethanhercry；worsethantheburstofimbecilelamentationinwhichitended；worsethanthedotingairwithwhichshesatdowninheroldseat，andstaredoutatthedarkness。
TheeyesofAlicehadallthistimebeenfixedonHarriet，whosehandshehadneverreleased。Shesaidnow：
`Ihavefelt，lyinghere，thatIshouldlikeyoutoknowthis。
Itmightexplain，Ihavethought，somethingthatusedtohelptohardenme。Ihadheardsomuch，inmywrongdoing，ofmyneglectedduty，thatI
tookupwiththebeliefthatdutyhadnotbeendonetome，andthatastheseedwassown，theharvestgrew。Isomehowmadeitoutthatwhenladieshadbadhomesandmothers，theywentwrongintheirway，too；butthattheirwaywasnotsofoulaoneasmine，andtheyhadneedtoblessGodforit。Thatisallpast。Itislikeadream，now，whichIcannotquiterememberorunderstand。Ithasbeenmoreandmorelikeadream，everyday，sinceyoubegantosithere，andtoreadtome。Ionlytellityou，asIcanrecollectit。Willyoureadtomealittlemore？\'
Harrietwaswithdrawingherhandtoopenthebook，whenAlicedetaineditforamoment。
`Youwillnotforgetmymother？Iforgiveher，ifIhaveanycause。
Iknowthatsheforgivesme，andissorryinherheart。Youwillnotforgether？\'
`Never，Alice！\'
`Amomentyet。Laymyheadso，dear，thatasyoureadImayseethewordsinyourkindface。\'
Harrietcompliedandread——readtheeternalbookforallthewearyandtheheavy-laden；forallthewretched，fallen，andneglectedofthisearth——readtheblessedhistory，inwhichtheblindlamepalsiedbeggar，thecriminal，thewomanstainedwithshame，theshunnedofallourdaintyclay，haseachaportion，thatnohumanpride，indifference，orsophistry，throughalltheagesthatthisworldshalllast，cantakeaway，orbythethousandthatomofagrainreduce——readtheministryofHimwho，throughtheroundofhumanlife，andallitshopesandgriefs，frombirthtodeath，frominfancytoage，hadsweetcompassionfor，andinterestin，itseverysceneandstage，itseverysufferingandsorrow。
`Ishallcome，\'saidHarriet，whensheshutthebook，`veryearlyinthemorning。\'
Thelustrouseyes，yetfixeduponherface，closedforamoment，thenopened；andAlicekissedandblesther。
Thesameeyesfollowedhertothedoor；andintheirlight，andonthetranquilface，therewasasmilewhenitwasclosed。
Theyneverturnedaway。Shelaidherhanduponherbreast，murmuringthesacrednamethathadbeenreadtoher；andlifepassedfromherface，likelightremoved。
Nothinglaythere，anylonger，buttheruinofthemortalhouseonwhichtherainhadbeaten，andtheblackhairthathadflutteredinthewintrywind。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter59[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIXRetributionCHANGEShavecomeagainuponthegreathouseinthelongdullstreet，oncethesceneofFlorence\'schildhoodandloneliness。Itisagreathousestill，proofagainstwindandweather，withoutbreachesintheroof，orshatteredwindows，ordilapidatedwalls；butitisaruinnonetheless，andtheratsflyfromit。
Mr。Towlinsonandcompanyare，atfirst，incredulousinrespectoftheshapelessrumoursthattheyhear。Cooksaysourpeople\'screditain\'tsoeasyshookasthatcomesto，thankGod；andMr。TowlinsonexpectstohearitreportedthattheBankofEngland\'sa-goingtobreak，orthejewelsintheTowertobesoldup。But，nextcometheGazette，andMr。
Perch：andMr。PerchbringsMrs。Perchtotalkitoverinthekitchen，andtospendapleasantevening。
Assoonasthereisnodoubtaboutit，Mr。Towlinson\'smainanxietyisthatthefailureshouldbeagoodroundone——notlessthanahundredthousandpound。Mr。Perchdon\'tthinkhimselfthatahundredthousandpoundwillnearlycoverit。Thewomen，ledbyMrs。PerchandCook，oftenrepeat`ahun-dredthous-sandpound！\'withawfulsatisfaction——asifhandlingthewordwerelikehandlingthemoney；andthehousemaid，whohashereyeonMr。Towlinson，wishesshehadonlyahundredthpartofthesumtobestowonthemanofherchoice。Mr。Towlinson，stillmindfulofhisoldwrong，opinesthataforeignerwouldhardlyknowwhattodowithsomuchmoney，unlesshespentitonhiswhiskers；whichbittersarcasmcausesthehousemaidtowithdrawintears。
Butnottoremainlongabsent；forCook，whohasthereputationofbeingextremelygood-hearted，says，whatevertheydo，let\'emstandbyoneanothernow，Towlinson，forthere\'snotellinghowsoontheymaybedivided。TheyhavebeeninthathousesaysCookthroughafuneral，awedding，andarunning-away；andletitnotbesaidthattheycouldn\'tagreeamongthemselvesatsuchatimeasthepresent。Mrs。Perchisimmenselyaffectedbythismovingaddress，andopenlyremarksthatCookisanangel。
Mr。TowlinsonrepliestoCook，farbeitfromhimtostandinthewayofthatgoodfeelingwhichhecouldwishtosee；andadjourninginquestofthehousemaid，andpresentlyreturningwiththatyoungladyonhisarm，informsthekitchenthatforeignersisonlyhisfun，andthathimandAnnehavenowresolvedtotakeoneanotherforbetterforworse，andtosettleinOxfordMarketinthegeneralgreengroceryandherbandleechline，whereyourkindfavoursisparticularrequested。Thisannouncementisreceivedwithacclamation；andMrs。Perch，projectinghersoulintofuturity，says，`girls，\'inCook\'sear，inasolemnwhisper。
Misfortuneinthefamilywithoutfeasting，intheselowerregions，Couldn\'tbe。ThereforeCooktossesupahotdishortwoforsupper，andMr。Towlinsoncompoundsalobstersaladtobedevotedtothesamehospitablepurpose。EvenMrs。Pipchin，agitatedbytheoccasion，ringsherbell，andsendsdownwordthatsherequeststohavethatlittlebitofsweet-breadthatwasleft，warmedupforhersupper，andsenttoheronatraywithaboutaquarterofatumbler-fullofmulledsherry；forshefeelspoorly。
ThereisalittletalkaboutMr。Dombey，butverylittle。Itischieflyspeculationastohowlonghehasknownthatthiswasgoingtohappen。Cooksaysshrewdly，`Ohalongtime，blessyou！Takeyouroathofthat。\'AndreferencebeingmadetoMr。Perch，heconfirmsherviewofthecase。Somebodywonderswhathe\'lldo，andwhetherhe\'llgooutinanysituation。Mr。Towlinsonthinksnot，andhintsatarefugeinoneofthemgen-teelalmshousesofthebetterkind。`Ah，wherehe\'llhavehislittlegarden，youknow，\'saysCookplaintively，`andbringupsweetpeasinthespring。\'`Exactlyso，\'saysMr。Towlinson，`andbeoneoftheBrethrenofsomethingoranother。\'`Weareallbrethren，saysMrs。Perch，inapauseofherdrink。`Exceptthesisters，\'saysMr。Perch。`Howarethemightyfallen！\'remarksCook。`Prideshallhaveafall，anditalwayswasandwillbeso！\'observesthehousemaid。
Itiswonderfulhowgoodtheyfeel，inmakingthesereflections；
andwhataChristianunanimitytheyaresensibleof，inbearingthecommonshockwithresignation。Thereisonlyoneinterruptiontothisexcellentstateofmind，whichisoccasionedbyayoungkitchen-maidofinferiorrank——inblackstockings——who，havingsatwithhermouthopenforalongtime，unexpectedlydischargesfromitwordstothiseffect，`Supposethewagesshouldn\'tbepaid！\'Thecompanysitforamomentspeechless；butCookrecoveringfirst，turnsupontheyoungwoman，andrequeststoknowhowshedaresinsultthefamily，whosebreadsheeats，bysuchadishonestsupposition，andwhethershethinksthatanybody，withascrapofhonourleft，coulddeprivepoorservantsoftheirpittance？`Becauseifthatisyourreligiousfeelings，MaryDaws，\'saysCookwarmly，`Idon\'tknowwhereyoumeantogoto。\'
Mr。Towlinsondon\'tknoweither；noranybody；andtheyoungkitchen-maid，appearingnottoknowexactly，herself，andscoutedbythegeneralvoice，iscoveredwithconfusion，aswithagarment。
Afterafewdays，strangepeoplebegintocallatthehouse，andtomakeappointmentswithoneanotherinthedining-room，asiftheylivedthere。Especially，thereisagentleman，ofaMosaicAbrabiancastofcountenance，withaverymassivewatch-guard，whowhistlesinthedrawing-room，and，whileheiswaitingfortheothergentleman，whoalwayshaspenandinkinhispocket，asksMr。Towlinsonbytheeasynameof`OldCock，\'ifhehappenstoknowwhatthefigureofthemcrimsonandgoldhangingsmighthavebeen，whennewbought。Thecallersandappointmentsinthedining-roombecomemorenumerouseveryday，andeverygentlemenseemstohavepenandinkinhispocket，andtohavesomeoccasiontouseit。AtlastitissaidthatthereisgoingtobeaSale；andthenmorepeoplearrive，withpenandinkintheirpockets，commandingadetachmentofmenwithcarpetcaps，whoimmediatelybegintopullupthecarpets，andknockthefurnitureabout，andtoprintoffthousandsofimpressionsoftheirshoesuponthehallandstaircase。
Thecouncildownstairsareinfullconclaveallthistime，and，havingnothingtodo，performperfectfeatsofeating。Atlength，theyareonedaysummonedinabodytoMrs。Pipchin\'sroom，andthusaddressedbythefairPeruvian：
`Yourmaster\'sindifficulties，\'saysMrs。Pipchin，tartly。`Youknowthat，Isuppose？\'
Mr。Towlinson，asspokesman，admitsageneralknowledgeofthefact。
`Andyou\'reallonthelook-outforyourselves，Iwarrantyou，\'
saysMrs。Pipchin，shakingherheadatthem。
Ashrillvoicefromtherearexclaims，`Nomorethanyourself！\'
`That\'syouropinion，Mrs。Impudence，isit？\'saystheirefulPipchin，lookingwithafieryeyeovertheintermediateheads。
`Yes，Mrs。Pipchin，itis，\'repliesCook，advancing。`Andwhatthen，pray？\'
`Why，thenyoumaygoassoonasyoulike，\'saysMrs。Pipchin，`Thesoonerthebetter；andIhopeIshallneverseeyourfaceagain。\'
WiththisthedoughtyPipchinproducesacanvasbag；andtellsherwagesouttothatday，andamonthbeyondit：andclutchesthemoneytightuntilareceiptforthesameisdulysigned，tothelastup-stroke；
whenshegrudginglyletsitgo。ThisformofproceedingMrs。Pipchinrepeatswitheverymemberofthehousehold，untilarepaid。
`Nowthosethatchoosecangoabouttheirbusiness，\'saysMrs。
Pipchin，`andthosethatchoosecanstayhereonboardwagesforaweekorso，andmakethemselvesuseful。Except，\'saystheinflammablePipchin，`thatslutofacook，who\'llgoimmediately。\'
`That，\'saysCook，`shecertainlywill！Iwishyougoodday，Mrs。
Pipchin，andsincerelywishIcouldcomplimentyouonthesweetnessofyourappearance！\'
`Getalongwithyou，\'saysMrs。Pipchin，stampingherfoot。
Cooksailsoffwithanairofbeneficentdignity，highlyexasperatingtoMrs。Pipchin，andisshortlyjoinedbelowstairsbytherestoftheconfederation。
Mr。Towlinsonthensaysthat，inthefirstplace，hewouldbegtoproposealittlesnackofsomethingtoeat；andoverthatsnackwoulddesiretoofferasuggestionwhichhethinkswillmeetthepositioninwhichtheyfindthemselves。Therefreshmentbeingproduced，andveryheartilypartakenof，Mr。Towlinson\'ssuggestionis，ineffect，thatCookisgoing，andthatifwearenottruetoourselves，nobodywillbetruetous。Thattheyhavelivedinthathousealongtime，andexertedthemselvesverymuchtobesociabletogether。Atthis，Cooksays，withemotion，`Hear，hear！\'andMrs。Perch，whoisthereagain，andfulltothethroat，shedstears。Andthathethinks，atthepresenttime，thefeelingoughttobe`Goone，goall！\'Thehousemaidismuchaffectedbythisgeneroussentiment，andwarmlysecondsit。Cooksaysshefeelsit\'sright，andonlyhopesit\'snotdoneasacomplimenttoher，butfromasenseofduty。Mr。Towlinsonreplies，fromasenseofduty；andthatnowheisdriventoexpresshisopinions，hewillopenlysay，thathedoesnotthinkitover-respectabletoremaininahousewhereSalesandsuch-likearecarryingforwards。Thehousemaidissureofit；andrelates，inconfirmation，thatastrangeman，inacarpetcap，offeredthisverymorningtokissheronthestairs。Hereupon，Mr。Towlinsonisstartingfromhischair，toseekand`smash\'theoffender；
whenheislaidholdonbytheladies，whobeseechhimtocalmhimself，andtoreflectthatitiseasierandwisertoleavethesceneofsuchindecenciesatonce。Mrs。Perch，presentingthecaseinanewlight，evenshowsthatdelicacytowardsMr。Dombey，shutupinhisownrooms，imperativelydemandsprecipitateretreat。`Forwhat，\'saysthegoodwoman，`musthisfeelingsbe，ifhewastocomeuponanyofthepoorservantsthatheoncedeceivedintothinkinghimimmenselyrich！\'CookissostruckbythismoralconsiderationthatMrs。Perchimprovesitwithseveralpiousaxioms，originalandselected。
Itbecomesaclearcasethattheymustallgo。Boxesarepacked，cabsfetched，andatduskthateveningthereisnotonememberofthepartyleft。
Thehousestands，largeandweather-proof，inthelongdullstreet；
butitisaruin，andtheratsflyfromit。
Themeninthecarpetcapsgoontumblingthefurnitureabout；
andthegentlemenwiththepensandinkmakeoutinventoriesofit，andsituponpiecesoffurniturenevermadetobesatupon，andeatbreadandcheesefromthepublic-houseonotherpiecesoffurniturenevermadetobeeatenon，andseemtohaveadelightinappropriatingpreciousarticlestostrangeuses。Chaoticcombinationsoffurniturealsotakeplace。Mattressesandbeddingappearinthedining-room；theglassandchinagetintotheconservatory；thegreatdinnerserviceissetoutinheapsonthelongdivaninthelargedrawing-room；andthestair-wires，madeintofasces，decoratethemarblechimneypieces。Finally，arug，withaprintedbilluponit，ishungoutfromthebalcony；andasimilarappendagegraceseithersideofthehalldoor。
Then，alldaylong，thereisaretinueofmouldygigsandchaise-cartsinthestreet；andherdsofshabbyvampires，JewandChristian，over-runthehouse，soundingtheplate-glassmirrorswiththeirknuckles，strikingdiscordantoctavesontheGrandPiano，drawingwetforefingersoverthepictures，breathingonthebladesofthebestdinner-knives，punchingthesquabsofchairsandsofaswiththeirdirtyfists，touzlingthefeatherbeds，openingandshuttingallthedrawers，balancingthesilverspoonsandforks，lookingintotheverythreadsofthedraperyandlinen，anddisparagingeverything。Thereisnotasecretplaceinthewholehouse。
Fluffyandsnuffystrangersstareintothekitchen-rangeascuriouslyasintotheatticclothes-press。Stoutmenwithnaplesshatson，lookoutofthebedroomwindows，andcutjokeswithfriendsinthestreet。Quiet，calculatingspiritswithdrawintothedressing-roomswithcatalogues，andmakemarginalnotesthereon，withstumpsofpencils。Twobrokersinvadetheveryfire-escape，andtakeapanoramicsurveyoftheneighbourhoodfromthetopofthehouse。Theswarmandbuzz，andgoingupanddown，endurefordays。TheCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isonview。
Thenthereisapalisadeoftablesmadeinthebestdrawing-room；
andonthecapital，french-polished，extending，telescopicrangeofSpanishmahoganydining-tableswithturnedlegs，thepulpitoftheAuctioneeriserected；andtheherdsofshabbyvampires，JewandChristian，thestrangersfluffyandsnuffy，andthestoutmenwiththenaplesshats，congregateaboutitandsituponeverythingwithinreach，mantel-piecesincluded，andbegintobid。Hot，humming，anddustyaretheroomsallday；and——highabovetheheat，hum，anddust——theheadandshoulders，voiceandhammer，oftheAuctioneer，areeveratwork。ThemeninthecarpetcapsgetflusteredandviciouswithtumblingtheLotsabout，andstilltheLotsaregoing，going，gone；stillcomingon。Sometimesthereisjokingandageneralroar。
Thislastsalldayandthreedaysfollowing。TheCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isonsale。
Thenthemouldygigsandchaise-cartsreappear；andwiththemcomespring-vansandwaggons，andanarmyofporterswithknots。Alldaylong，themenwithcarpetcapsarescrewingatscrew-driversandbed-winches，orstaggeringbythedozentogetheronthestaircaseunderheavyburdens，orupheavingperfectrocksofSpanishmahogany，bestrose-wood，orplate-glass，intothegigsandchaise-carts，vansandwaggons。Allsortsofvehiclesofburdenareinattendance，fromatiltedwaggontoawheelbarrow。PoorPaul\'slittlebedsteadiscarriedoffinadonkey-tandem。Fornearlyawholeweek，theCapitalModernHouseholdFurniture，&；c。，isincourseofremoval。
Atlastitisallgone。Nothingisleftaboutthehousebutscatteredleavesofcatalogues，litteredscrapsofstrawandhay，andabatteryofpewterpotsbehindthehall-door。Themenwiththecarpetcapsgatheruptheirscrew-driversandbed-winchesintobags，shoulderthem，andwalkoff。Oneofthepen-and-inkgentlemengoesoverthehouseasalastattention；
stickingupbillsinthewindowsrespectingtheleaseofthisdesirablefamilymansion，andshuttingtheshutters。Atlengthhefollowsthemenwiththecarpetcaps。Noneoftheinvadersremain。Thehouseisaruin，andtheratsflyfromit。
Mrs。Pipchin\'sapartments，togetherwiththoselockedroomsontheground-floorwherethewindow-blindsaredrawndownclose，havebeensparedthegeneraldevastation。Mrs。Pipchinhasremainedaustereandstonyduringtheproceedingsinherownroom；orhasoccasionallylookedinatthesaletoseewhatthegoodsarefetching，andtobidforoneparticulareasychair。Mrs。Pipchinhasbeenthehighestbidderfortheeasychair，andsitsuponherpropertywhenMrs。Chickcomestoseeher。
`Howismybrother，Mrs。Pipchin？\'saysMrs。Chick。
`Idon\'tknowanymorethanthedeuce，\'saysMrs。Pipchin。`Heneverdoesmethehonourtospeaktome。Hehashismeatanddrinkputinthenextroomtohisown；andwhathetakes，hecomesoutandtakeswhenthere\'snobodythere。It\'snouseaskingme。Iknownomoreabouthimthanthemaninthesouthwhoburnthismouthbyeatingcoldplumporridge。\'
ThistheacrimoniousPipchinsayswithaflounce。
`Butgoodgraciousme！\'criesMrs。Chickblandly。`Howlongisthistolast！Ifmybrotherwillnotmakeaneffort，Mrs。Pipchin，whatistobecomeofhim？IamsureIshouldhavethoughthehadseenenoughoftheconsequencesofnotmakinganeffort，bythistime，tobewarnedagainstthatfatalerror。\'
`Hoitytoity！\'saysMrs。Pipchin，rubbinghernose。`There\'sagreatfuss，Ithink，aboutit。Itan\'tsowonderfulacase。Peoplehavehadmisfortunesbeforenow，andbeenobligedtopartwiththeirfurniture。
I\'msureIhave！\'
`Mybrother，\'pursuesMrs。Chickprofoundly，`issopeculiar——sostrangeaman。HeisthemostpeculiarmanIeversaw。Wouldanyonebelievethatwhenhereceivednewsofthemarriageandemigrationofthatunnaturalchild——it\'sacomforttome，now，torememberthatIalwayssaidtherewassomethingextraordinaryaboutthatchild：butnobodymindsme——wouldanybodybelieve，Isay，thatheshouldthenturnrounduponmeandsayhehadsupposed，frommymanner，thatshehadcometomyhouse？
Why，mygracious！AndwouldanybodybelievethatwhenImerelysaytohim，“Paul，Imaybeveryfoolish，andIhavenodoubtIam，butIcannotunderstandhowyouraffairscanhavegotintothisstate，“heshouldactuallyflyatme，andrequestthatIwillcometoseehimnomoreuntilheasksme！
Why，mygoodness！\'
`Ah！\'saysMrs。Pipchin，`It\'sapityhehadn\'talittlemoretodowithmines。They\'dhavetriedhistemperforhim。\'
`Andwhat，\'resumesMrs。Chick，quiteregardlessofMrs。Pipchin\'sobservations，`isittoendin？That\'swhatIwanttoknow。Whatdoesmybrothermeantodo？Hemustdosomething。It\'sofnouseremainingshutupinhisownrooms。Businesswon\'tcometohim。No。Hemustgotoit。
Thenwhydon\'thego！Heknowswheretogo，Isuppose，havingbeenamanofbusinessallhislife。Verygood。Thenwhynotgothere？\'
Mrs。Chick，afterforgingthispowerfulchainofreasoning，remainssilentforaminutetoadmireit。
`Besides，\'saysthediscreetlady，withanargumentativeair，`whoeverheardofsuchobstinacyashisstayingshutupherethroughallthesedreadfuldisagreeables？It\'snotasiftherewasnoplaceforhimtogoto。Ofcoursehecouldhavecometoourhouse。Heknowsheisathomethere，Isuppose？Mr。Chickhasperfectlyboredaboutit，andIsaidwithmyownlips，“Whysurely，Paul，youdon\'timaginethatbecauseyouraffairshavegotintothisstate，youarethelessathometosuchnearrelativesasourselves？Youdon\'timaginethatweareliketherestoftheworld？”Butno；herehestaysallthrough，andhereheis。Why，goodgraciousme，supposethehousewastobelet！Whatwouldhedothen？Hecouldn\'tremainherethen。Ifheattemptedtodoso，therewouldbeanejectment，anactionforDoe，andallsortsofthings；andthenhemustgo。Thenwhynotgoatfirstinsteadofatlast？AndthatbringsmebacktowhatIsaidjustnow，andInaturallyaskwhatistobetheendofit？\'
`Iknowwhat\'stobetheendofit，asfarasIamconcerned，\'
repliesMrs。Pipchin，`andthat\'senoughforme。I\'mgoingtotakemyselfoffinajiffy。\'
`Inawhich，Mrs。Pipchin，\'saysMrs。Chick。
`Inajiffy，\'retortsMrs。Pipchinsharply。
`Ah，well！reallyIcan\'tblameyou，Mrs。Pipchin，\'saysMrs。
Chick，withfrankness。
`Itwouldbeprettymuchthesametome，ifyoucould，\'repliesthesardonicPipchin。`AtanyrateI\'mgoing。Ican\'tstophere。Ishouldbedeadinaweek。Ihadtocookmyownporkchopyesterday，andI\'mnotusedtoit。Myconstitutionwillbegivingwaynext。Besides，IhadaveryfairconnexionatBrightonwhenIcamehere——littlePankey\'sfolksalonewereworthagoodeightypoundsa-yeartome——andIcan\'taffordtothrowitaway。I\'vewrittentomyniece，andsheexpectsmebythistime。\'
`Haveyouspokentomybrother？\'inquiresMrs。Chick。
`Oh，yes，it\'sveryeasytosayspeaktohim，\'retortsMrs。Pipchin。
`Howisitdone？Icalledouttohimyesterday，thatIwasnousehere，andthathehadbetterletmesendforMrs。Richards。Hegruntedsomethingorotherthatmeantyes，andIsent！Gruntindeed！IfhehadbeenMr。Pipchin，he\'dhavehadsomereasontogrunt。Yah！I\'venopatiencewithit！\'
Herethisexemplaryfemale，whohaspumpedupsomuchfortitudeandvirtuefromthedepthsofthePeruvianmines，risesfromhercushionedpropertytoseeMrs。Chicktothedoor。Mrs。Chick，deploringtothelastthepeculiarcharacterofherbrother，noiselesslyretires，muchoccupiedwithherownsagacityandclearnessofhead。
IntheduskoftheeveningMr。Toodle，beingoffduty，arriveswithPollyandabox，andleavesthem，withasoundingkiss，inthehalloftheemptyhouse，theretiredcharacterofwhichaffectsMr。Toodle\'sspiritsstrongly。
`Itellyouwhat，Polly，mydear。\'saysMr。Toodle，`beingnowaningein-driver，andwelltodointheworld，Ishouldn\'tallowofyourcominghere，tobemadedull-like，ifitwarn\'tforfavourspast。Butfavourspast，Polly，isnevertobeforgot。Tothemwhichisinadversity，besides，yourfaceisacord\'l。Solet\'shaveanotherkissonit，mydear。Youwishnobetterthantodoarightact，Iknow；andmyviewsis，thatit\'srightanddutifultodothis。Goodnight，Polly！\'
Mrs。Pipchinbythistimeloomsdarkinherblackbombazeenskirts，blackbonnet，andshawl；andhasherpersonalpropertypackedup；andhasherchairlateafavouritechairofMr。Dombey\'sandthedeadbargainofthesalereadynearthestreetdoor；andisonlywaitingforafly-van，goingto-nighttoBrightononprivateservice，whichistocallforher，byprivatecontract，andconveyherhome。
Presentlyitcomes。Mrs。Pipchin\'swardrobebeinghandedinandstowedaway，Mrs。Pipchin\'schairisnexthandedin，andplacedinaconvenientcorneramongcertaintrussesofhay；itbeingtheintentionoftheamiablewomantooccupythechairduringherjourney。Mrs。Pipchinherselfisnexthandedin，andgrimlytakesherseat。Thereisasnakygleaminherhardgreyeye，asofanticipatedroundsofbutteredtoast，relaysofhotchops，worryingsandquellingsofyoungchildren，sharpsnappingsatpoorBerry，andalltheotherdelightsofherOgress\'scastle。Mrs。Pipchinalmostlaughsasthefly-vandrivesoff，andshecomposesherblackbombazeenskirts，andsettlesherselfamongthecushionsofhereasychair。
Thehouseissucharuinthattheratshavefled，andthereisnotoneleft。
ButPolly，thoughaloneinthedesertedmansion——forthereisnocompanionshipintheshut-uproomsinwhichitslatemasterhideshishead——isnotalonelong。Itisnight；andsheissittingatworkinthehousekeeper\'sroom，tryingtoforgetwhatalonelyhouseitis，andwhatahistorybelongstoit；whenthereisaknockatthehalldoor，asloudsoundingasanyknockcanbe，strikingintosuchanemptyplace。Openingit，shereturnsacrosstheechoinghall，accompaniedbyafemalefigureinacloseblackbonnet。ItisMissTox，andMissTox\'seyesarered。
`Oh，Polly，\'saysMissTox，`whenIlookedintohavealittlelessonwiththechildrenjustnow，Igotthemessagethatyouleftforme；andassoonasIcouldrecovermyspiritsatall，Icameonafteryou。
Istherenooneherebutyou？\'
`Ah！notasoul。\'saysPolly。
`Haveyouseenhim？\'whispersMissTox。
`Blessyou，\'returnsPolly，`no；hehasnotbeenseenthismanyaday。Theytellmeheneverleaveshisroom。\'
`Ishesaidtobeill？\'inquiresMissTox。
`No，ma\'am，notthatIknowof，\'returnsPolly，`exceptinhismind。Hemustbeverybadtherepoorgentleman！\'
MissTox\'ssympathyissuchthatshecanscarcelyspeak。Sheisnochicken，butshehasnotgrowntoughwithageandcelibacy。Herheartisverytender，hercompassionverygenuine，herhomageveryreal。Beneaththelocketwiththefishyeyeinit，MissToxbearsbetterqualitiesthanmanyalesswhimsicaloutside；suchqualitiesaswilloutlive，bymanycoursesofthesun，thebestoutsidesandbrightesthusksthatfallintheharvestofthegreatreaper。
ItislongbeforeMissToxgoesaway，andbeforePolly，withacandleflaringontheblankstairs，looksafterher，forcompany，downthestreet，andfeelsunwillingtogobackintothedrearyhouse，andjaritsemptinesswiththeheavyfasteningsofthedoor，andglideawaytobed。ButallthisPollydoes；andinthemorningsetsinoneofthosedarkenedroomssuchmattersasshehasbeenadvisedtoprepare，andthenretiresandentersthemnomoreuntilnextmorningatthesamehour。Therearebellsthere，buttheyneverring；andthoughshecansometimeshearafootfallgoingtoandfro，itnevercomesout。
MissToxreturnsearlyintheday。ItthenbeginstobeMissTox\'soccupationtopreparelittledainties——orwhataresuchtoher——tobecarriedintotheseroomsnextmorning。Shederivessomuchsatisfactionfromthepursuit，thatsheentersonitregularlyfromthattime；andbringsdailyinherlittlebasket，variouschoicecondimentsselectedfromthescantystoresofthedeceasedownerofthepoweredheadandpigtail。Shelikewisebrings，insheetsofcurl-paper，morselsofcoldmeats，tonguesofsheep，halvesoffowls，forherowndinner；andsharingthesecollationswithPolly，passesthegreaterpartofhertimeintheruinedhousethattheratshavefledfrom：hiding，inafrightateverysound，stealinginandoutlikeacriminal；onlydesiringtobetruetothefallenobjectofheradmiration，unknowntohim，unknowntoalltheworldbutonepoorsimplewoman。
TheMajorknowsit；butnooneisthewiserforthat，thoughtheMajorismuchthemerrier。TheMajor，inafitofcuriosity，haschargedtheNativetowatchthehousesometimes，andfindoutwhatbecomesofDombey。
TheNativehasreportedMissTox\'sfidelity，andtheMajorhasnearlychokedhimselfdeadwithlaughter。Heispermanentlybluerfromthathour，andconstantlywheezestohimself，hislobstereyesstartingoutofhishead，`Damme，Sir，thewoman\'sabornidiot！\'
Andtheruinedman。Howdoeshepassthehours，alone？
`Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！\'Hedidrememberit。Itwasheavyonhismindnow；heavierthanalltherest。
`Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！Therainthatfallsupontheroof，thewindthatmournsoutsidethedoor，mayhaveforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Lethimrememberitinthatroom，yearstocome！\'
Hedidrememberit。Inthemiserablenighthethoughtofit；inthedrearyday，thewretcheddawn，theghostly，memory-hauntedtwilight。
Hedidrememberit。Inagony，insorrow，inremorse，indespair！`Papa！
papa！Speaktome，dearpapa！\'Heheardthewordsagain，andsawtheface。
Hesawitfalluponthetremblinghands，andheardtheoneprolongedlowcrygoupward。
Hewasfallen，nevertoberaisedupanymore。Forthenightofhisworldlyruintherewasnoto-morrow\'ssun；forthestainofhisdomesticshametherewasnopurification；nothing，thankHeaven，couldbringhisdeadchildbacktolife。ButthatwhichhemighthavemadesodifferentinallthePast——whichmighthavemadethePastitselfsodifferent，thoughthishehardlythoughtofnow——thatwhichwashisownwork，thatwhichhecouldsoeasilyhavewroughtintoablessing，andhadsethimselfsosteadilyforyearstoformintoacurse：thatwasthesharpgriefofhissoul。
Oh！Hedidrememberit！Therainthatfellupontheroof，thewindthatmournedoutsidethedoorthatnight，hadhadforeknowledgeintheirmelancholysound。Heknew，now，whathehaddone。Heknew，now，thathehadcalleddownthatuponhishead，whichboweditlowerthattheheavieststrokeoffortune。Heknew，now，whatitwastoberejectedanddeserted；
now，wheneverylovingblossomhehadwitheredinhisinnocentdaughter\'sheartwassnowingdowninashesonhim。
Hethoughtofher，asshehadbeenthatnightwhenheandhisbridecamehome。Hethoughtofherasshehadbeen，inallthehome-events，oftheabandonedHouse。Hethought，now，thatofallaroundhim，shealonehadneverchanged。Hisboyhadfadedintodust，hisproudwifehadsunkintoapollutedcreature，hisflattererandfriendhadbeentransformedintotheworstofvillains，hisricheshadmeltedaway，theverywallsthatshelteredhimlookedonhimasastranger；shealonehadturnedthesamemildgentlelookuponhimalways。Yes，tothelatestandthelast。
Shehadneverchangedtohim——norhadheeverchangedtoher——andshewaslost。
As，onebyone，theyfellawaybeforehismind——hisbaby-hope，hiswife，hisfriend，hisfortune——ohhowthemist，throughwhichhehadseenher，cleared，andshowedhimhertrueself！Oh，howmuchbetterthanthisthathehadlovedherashadhidboy，andlostherashehadhisboy，andlaidthemintheirearlygravetogether！
Inhispride——forhewasproudyet——helettheworldgofromhimfreely。Asitfellaway，heshookitoff。Whetherheimagineditsfaceasexpressingpityforhim，orindifferencetohim，heshunneditalike。
Itwasinthesamedegreetobeavoided，ineitheraspect。Hehadnoideaofanyonecompanioninhismisery，buttheonehehaddrivenaway。Whathewouldhavesaidtoher，orwhatconsolationsubmittedtoreceivefromher，heneverpicturedtohimself。Buthealwaysknewshewouldhavebeentruetohim，ifhehadsufferedher。Healwaysknewshewouldhavelovedhimbetternow，thanatanyothertime：hewasascertainthatitwasinhernature，ashewasthattherewasaskyabovehim；andhesatthinkingso，inhisloneliness，fromhourtohour。Dayafterdayutteredthisspeech；
nightafternightshowedhimthisknowledge。
Itbegan，beyondalldoubthoweverslowitadvancedforsometime，inthereceiptofheryounghusband\'sletter，andthecertaintythatshewasgone。Andyet——soproudhewasinhisruin，orsoreminiscentofher，onlyassomethingthatmighthavebeenhis，butwaslostbeyondredemption——thatifhecouldhaveheardhervoiceinanadjoiningroom，hewouldnothavegonetoher。Ifhecouldhaveseenherinthestreet，andshehaddonenomorethanlookathimasshehadbeenusedtolook，hewouldhavepassedonwithhisoldcoldunforgivingface，andnotaddressedher，orrelaxedit，thoughhisheartshouldhavebrokensoonafterwards。
Howeverturbulenthisthoughts，orharshisangerhadbeen，atfirst，concerninghermarriage，orherhusband，thatwasallpastnow。Hechieflythoughtofwhatmighthavebeen，andwhatwasnot。Whatwas，wasallsummedupinthis：thatshewaslost，andheboweddownwithsorrowandremorse。
Andnowhefeltthathehadhadtwochildrenborntohiminthathouse，andthatbetweenhimandthebarewideemptywallstherewasatie，mournful，buthardtorendasunder，connectedwithadoublechildhood，andadoubleloss。Hehadthoughttoleavethehouse——knowinghemustgo，notknowingwhither——upontheeveningofthedayonwhichthisfeelingfirststruckrootinhisbreast；butheresolvedtostayanothernight，andinthenighttoramblethroughtheroomsoncemore。
Hecameoutofhissolitudewhenitwasthedeadofnight，andwithacandleinhishandwentsoftlyupthestairs。Ofallthefootmarksthere，makingthemascommonasthecommonstreet，therewasnotone，hethought，buthadseemedatthetimetosetitselfuponhisbrainwhilehehadkeptclose，listening。Helookedattheirnumber，andtheirhurry，andcontention——foottreadingfootout，andupwardtrackanddownwardjostlingoneanother——andthought，withabsolutedreadandwonder，howmuchhemusthavesufferedduringthattrial，andwhatachangedmanhehadcausetobe。Hethought，besides，ohwasthere，somewhereintheworld，alightfootstepthatmighthavewornoutinamomenthalfthosemarks！——andbenthishead，andweptashewentup。
Healmostsawit，goingonbefore。Hestopped，lookinguptowardstheskylight；andafigure，childishitself，butcarryingachild，andsingingasitwent，seemedtobethereagain。Anon，itwasthesamefigure，alone，stoppingforaninstant，withsuspendedbreath；thebrighthairclusteringlooselyrounditstearfulface；andlookingbackathim。
Hewanderedthroughtherooms：latelysoluxurious；nowsobareanddismalandsochanged，apparently，evenintheirshapeandsize。Thepressoffootstepswasasthickhere；andthesameconsiderationofthesufferinghehadhad，perplexedandterrifiedhim。Hebegantofearthatallthisintricacyinhisbrainwoulddrivehimmad；andthathisthoughtsalreadylostcoherenceasthefootprintsdid，andwerepiecedontooneanother，withthesametracklessinvolutions，andvarietiesofindistinctshapes。
Hedidnotsomuchasknowinwhichoftheseroomsshehadlived，whenshewasalone。Hewasgladtoleavethem，andgowanderinghigherup。Abundanceofassociationswerehere，connectedwithhisfalsewife，hisfalsefriendandservant，hisfalsegroundsofpride；butheputthemallbynow，andonlyrecalledmiserably，weakly，fondly，histwochildren。
Everywhere，thefootsteps！Theyhadhadnorespectfortheoldroomhighup，wherethelittlebedhadbeen；hecouldhardlyfindaclearspacethere，tothrowhimselfdown，onthefloor，againstthewall，poorbrokenman，andlethistearsflowastheywould。Hehadshedsomanytearshere，longago，thathewaslessashamedofhisweaknessinthisplacethaninanyother——perhaps，withthatconsciousness，hadmadeexcusestohimselfforcominghere。Here，withstoopingshoulders，andhischindroppedonhisbreast，hehadcome。Here，thrownuponthebareboards，inthedeadofnight，hewept，alone——aproudman，eventhen；who，ifakindhandcouldhavebeenstretchedout，orakindfacecouldhavelookedinwouldhaverisenup，andturnedaway，andgonedowntohiscell。
Whenthedaybrokehewasshutupinhisroomsagain。Hehadmeanttogoawayto-day，butclungtothistieinthehouseasthelastandonlythinglefttohim。Hewouldgoto-morrow。To-morrowcame。Hewouldgoto-morrow。
Everynight，withintheknowledgeofnohumancreature，hecameforth，andwanderedthroughthedespoiledhouselikeaghost。Manyamorningwhenthedaybroke，hisalteredface，droopingbehindtheclosedblindinhiswindow，imperfectlytransparenttothelightasyet，ponderedonthelossofhistwochildren。Itwasonechildnomore。Hereunitedtheminhisthoughts，andtheywereneverasunder。Oh，thathecouldhaveunitedtheminhispastlove，andindeath，andthatonehadnotbeensomuchworsethandead！
Strongmentalagitationanddisturbancewasnonoveltytohim，evenbeforehislatesuffering。Itneveris，toobstinateandsullennatures；
fortheystrugglehardtobesuch。Ground，longundermined，willoftenfalldowninamoment；whatwasunderminedhereinsomanyways，weakened，andcrumbled，littlebylittle，moreandmore，asthehandmovedonthedial。
Atlasthebegantothinkheneednotgoatall。Hemightyetgiveupwhathiscreditorshadsparedhimthattheyhadnotsparedhimmore，washisownact，andonlyseverthetiebetweenhimandtheruinedhouse，byseveringthatotherlinkItwasthenthathisfootfallwasaudibleinthelatehouse-keeper\'sroom，ashewalkedtoandfro；butnotaudibleinitstruemeaning，oritwouldhavehadanappallingsound。
Theworldwasverybusyandrestlessabouthim。Hebecameawareofthatagain。Itwaswhisperingandbabbling。Itwasneverquiet。This，andtheintricacyandcomplicationofthefootsteps，harassedhimtodeath。
Objectsbegantotakeablearedandrussetcolourinhiseyes。DombeyandSonwasnomore——hischildrennomore。Thismustbethoughtof，well，to-morrow。
Hethoughtofitto-morrow；andsittingthinkinginhischair，sawintheglass，fromtimetotime，thispicture：
Aspectral，haggard，wastedlikenessofhimself，broodedandbroodedovertheemptyfireplace。Nowitliftedupitshead，examiningthelinesandhollowsinitsface；nowhungitdownagain，andbroodedafresh。Nowitroseandwalkedabout；nowpassedintothenextroom，andcamebackwithsomethingfromthedressing-tableinitsbreast。Now，itwaslookingatthebottomofthedoor，andthinking——
Hush！what？
Itwasthinkingthatifbloodweretotricklethatway，andtoleakoutintothehall，itmustbealongtimegoingsofar。Itwouldmovesostealthilyandslowly，creepingon，withheralazylittlepool，andthereastart，andthenanotherlittlepool，thatadesperatelywoundedmancouldonlybediscoveredthroughitsmeans，eitherdeadordying。Whenithadthoughtofthisalongwhile，itgotupagain，andwalkedtoandfrowithitshandinitsbreast。Heglancedatitoccasionally，verycurioustowatchitsmotions，andhemarkedhowwickedandmurderousthathandlooked。
Nowitwasthinkingagain！Whatwasitthinking？
Whethertheywouldtreadinthebloodwhenitcreptsofar，andcarryitaboutthehouseamongthosemanyprintsoffeet，orevenoutintothestreet。
Itsatdown，withitseyesupontheemptyfireplace，andasitlostitselfinthoughtthereshoneintotheroomagleamoflight；arayofsun。Itwasquiteunmindful，andsatthinking。Suddenlyitrose，withaterribleface，andthatguiltyhandgraspingwhatwasinitsbreast。
Thenitwasarrestedbyacry——awild，loud，piercing，lovingrapturouscry——andheonlysawhisownreflectionintheglass，andathisknees，hisdaughter！
Yes。Hisdaughter！Lookather！Lookhere！Downupontheground，clingingtohim，callingtohim，foldingherhands，prayingtohim。
`Papa！Dearestpapa！Pardonme，forgiveme！Ihavecomebacktoaskforgivenessonmyknees。Inevercanbehappymore，withoutit！\'
Unchangedstill。Ofalltheworld，unchanged。Raisingthesamefacetohis，asonthatmiserablenight。Askinghisforgiveness！
`Dearpapa，ohdon\'tlookstrangelyonme！Inevermeanttoleaveyou。Ineverthoughtofit，beforeorafterwards。IwasfrightenedwhenIwentaway，andcouldnotthink。Papa，dear，Iamchanged。Iampenitent。
Iknowmyfault。Iknowmydutybetternow。Papa，don\'tcastmeoff，orIshalldie！\'
Hetotteredtohischair。Hefeltherdrawhisarmsaboutherneck；hefeltherputherownroundhis；hefeltherkissesonhisface；
hefeltherwetcheeklaidagainsthisown；hefelt——oh，howdeeply！——allthathehaddone。
Uponthebreastthathehadbruised，againsttheheartthathehadalmostbroken，shelaidhisface，nowcoveredwithhishands，andsaid，sobbing：
`Papa，love，Iamamother。IhaveachildwhowillsooncallWalterbythenamebywhichIcallyou。Whenitwasborn，andwhenIknewhowmuchIlovedit，IknewwhatIhaddoneinleavingyou。Forgiveme，dearPapa！ohsayGodblessme，andmylittlechild！\'
Hewouldhavesaidit，ifhecould。Hewouldhaveraisedhishandsandbesoughtherforpardon，butshecaughttheminherown，andputthemdown，hurriedly。
`Mylittlechildwasbornatsea，Papa。IprayedtoGodandsodidWalterformetospareme，thatImightcomehome。ThemomentIcouldland，Icamebacktoyou。Neverletusbepartedanymore，Papa！\'
Hishead，nowgrey，wasencircledbyherarm；andhegroanedtothinkthatnever，never，haditrestedsobefore。
`Youwillcomehomewithme，Papa，andseemybaby。Aboy，Papa。
HisnameisPaul。Ithink——Ihope——he\'slike——\'
Hertearsstoppedher。
`DearPapa，forthesakeofmychild，forthesakeofthenamewehavegivenhim，formysake，pardonWalter。Heissokindandtendertome。Iamsohappywithhim。Itwasnothisfaultthatweweremarried。
Itwasmine。Ilovedhimsomuch。\'